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$1BN BLACK HOLE OF UNPAID TAXES OVERFLIGHT FEES BRING IN UP TO $32M

Inland Revenue reveals scale of oustanding arrears by Bahamians

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE government’s top revenue agency yesterday revealed that “unacceptable non-compliance” by Bahamian taxpayers had resulted in the build-up of $1bn in outstanding tax arrears.

Shunda Strachan, the Department of Inland Revenue’s acting director, speaking as the Revenue Enhancement Unit’s new

Carmichael Road headquarters were formally unveiled, said: “Over the last several years, we have seen an unacceptable rate of non-compliance.

“In total, taxpayers have failed to file or to pay close to $1bn.”

“Worse yet, we have identified businesses that are intentionally underrecording [the value of transactions] to avoid what they are obligated to pay.”

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis estimates that The Bahamas stands to gain between $28m and $32m in revenue in overflight fees this fiscal year.

In the Senate yesterday, Mr Halkitis added that there are budding opportunities in expanding the country’s control of its air space, which should be capitalised upon.

SEE PAGE FOUR

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

CONVICT APPROVED BY FNM FOR WORK SCHEME

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

TIMOTHY Saunders, the convict killed at a gas station on Monday, was approved for the Bahamas Department of Corrections’ work scheme under the Minnis administration, National Security Minister Wayne Monroe said yesterday.

Mr Munroe said

Saunders was near the end of his 18-year prison sentence, having been set for release in 2024 following a manslaughter conviction.

Mr Munroe said Saunders was approved for the work scheme on September 13, 2021, and began the work in February. He was killed on Monday at a Rubis gas station at Mackey Street and Madeira Streets.

SEE PAGE THREE

FLYING THE FLAG FOR PEACE A PARTICIPANT in a prayer walk and rally at Centreville Urban Renewal Centre, in Deveaux Street, flying the Bahamian flag during the parade. See PAGE SEVEN for more photographs.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

‘ACT NOW TO PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

SENATOR Michela Barnett-Ellis renewed calls for stiffer penalties against people who commit sex crimes against women and children, noting an apparent “disgusting” uptick recently in violent acts against the group.

SEE PAGE TEN

‘EXTRA STAFF NEEDED’ TO MEET DISCLOSURE RULES

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PUBLIC Services State Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said the challenges public officials face meeting financial disclosure requirements highlight the need for investment in additional staff to help officials meet their obligations.

The Tribune asked numerous parliamentarians yesterday if they had filed their disclosures on

PIA GLOVER-ROLLE,Minister of State for the Public Service. time. Of those, some said they had done so, including Mrs Glover-Rolle, Dr Hubert Minnis, Dr Michael

Darville, Glenys Hanna Martin, Leon Lundy, Wayne Munroe, John Pinder, Shanendon Cartwright, Adrian White, Clay Sweeting and Keith Bell.

Bishop Victor Cooper, chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission, reportedly told The Nassau Guardian that some firsttime MPs were not aware that there was a legal requirement for them to file financial disclosures under

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE THREE

FRONT PORCH: REFLECTING ON INDEPENDENCE

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Thursday, May 5, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘Open clinic on Sweeting’s Cay’

KWASI THOMPSON MP

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net EAST Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson is urging Minister of Health Michael Darville to open the clinic and deploy fulltime medical personnel to Sweeting’s Cay. He said the absence of a full-time doctor and nurse in the clinic on the cay was a major concern raised by the residents during a town meeting he attended on April 30.

Mr Thompson indicated that residents raised several examples where urgent medical emergencies occurred on the cay and there was no nurse or doctor available.

He said that although Dr (Stacey) Bevans did her best to address the matter with residents, they were still not satisfied.

The MP wrote a letter on Tuesday to Dr Darville to

inform him of the residents’ concern about Sweeting’s Cay. “As the Member of Parliament, I hereby call upon yourself and the Ministry of Health to urgently address the situation and open the clinic with full-time medical staff,” he wrote.

In the meantime, Mr Thompson has personally requested Dr Bevans and Dr Freeman Lockhart to arrange for a doctor and nurse to visit the cay on a weekly basis.

He suggested that one day out of the week a nurse or doctor from the High Rock Clinic could take the short ride to Sweeting’s Cay to see patients who reside on the cay.

Sweeting’s Cay was devastated by Hurricane Dorian two years ago.

Many of the houses, government buildings and schools were damaged. The cay is still in the rebuilding phase.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 3

Convict approved by FNM for work scheme from page one Mr Munroe’s comments came after his predecessor, Marvin Dames, told The Nassau Guardian the incident must be examined to determine why Saunders was even selected for the programme.

“We ought not to play politics with this. If (Mr Dames) didn’t think people charged with homicide should be on the scheme then he shouldn’t have approved any,” Mr Munroe said.

On the advice of Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander, the prison has suspended the work scheme “for security checks and rationalisation” for people who have been convicted of murder or manslaughter, Mr Munroe said.

He said there were 17 people on the programme,

POLICE at the scene of the homicide at the Rubis gas station on Mackey Street.

11 of whom were serving sentences for murder

or manslaughter.

All were approved under the

previous administration.

“Others who aren’t

‘EXTRA STAFF NEEDED’ TO MEET DISCLOSURE RULES PARLIAMENTARIANS WHO TOLD THE TRIBUNE THEY HAVE FILED THEIR DISCLOSURES AS REQUIRED DR HUBERT MINNIS

PIA GLOVER-ROLLE

DR MICHAEL DARVILLE

GLENYS HANNA MARTIN

JOHN PINDER

LEON LUNDY

WAYNE MUNROE

SHANENDON CARTWRIGHT

ADRIAN WHITE

CLAY SWEETING

KEITH BELL

would’ve been the disclosure put in the newspaper.

When I disclosed for the second one I was told we also need to put in for the previous one, when we weren’t parliamentarians.

“I did mine on time. It’s pretty straightforward, but it’s not an easy process, you have to know what to do.

I’m a business owner so you know how to do your financials.”

In January, the House of Assembly passed a resolution establishing a standing committee to examine the management and budget of the House of Assembly and to consider matters related to salaries, allowances, infrastructural needs

and the relationship between the legislature and executive branches of government.

At the time, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell said he believed the House should have an accountant to assist MPs with their disclosures, noting members often scramble to complete their reports.

“Mr Mitchell has called for consideration for parliamentarians to have accountants on staff,” Mrs Glover-Rolle noted yesterday. “I definitely support that because what’s easy for one person may not be easy for another. Staff would help to manage the process and provide support that is needed.”

from page one the Public Disclosures Act. Mrs Glover-Rolle, a first time MP, said she found the process of disclosing her financial information challenging.

She said: “Like I see on social media people are saying we are parliamentarians so we should know the requirements, then there is the argument that some of us are new. I disclosed in December 2021 before the due date.

“I will say to you this: apparently we were supposed to disclose also for the previous year, which would’ve been up to December 31st 2020. That

convicted of these things we saw no reason for them not to continue in the programme but based on what happened I’ve had the conversation with the commissioner of police and the commissioner of the prison and it was decided to take this action,” Mr Munroe said.

“I don’t take any issue with these persons being approved for the work scheme because it’s supposed to be independently administrated. You must look at persons’ response, how close they are to release, whether they have been rehabilitated, how likely they are to commit a crime. The thinking is that with such little time left on their sentence, they are unlikely to break the rules and we need to get them ready to go back into society and so we don’t want to release them broke.

“The inmate on the scheme wasn’t the security issue, the person who shot and killed him was the security problem. Now if we said the inmate on the scheme had done something, then that would be a different story.

“If the argument is that having him outside the prison after being convicted of this offence, having served time makes him more vulnerable to an attack like this, then what do you make of the fact that he would be released in a short period of time?

That fact won’t change, that problem won’t change. The problem is with the person involved with his murder. If that person has a bad mind, he’s either going to act in a year or in two years time.”

Mr Munroe said nothing related to the work scheme has come for his approval so far in his tenure.

PAGE 4, Thursday, May 5, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Pinder: We will lead on climate change

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas will continue to play an active and powerful role in the fight against climate change, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said yesterday, adding the country’s voice is “being heard more frequently and with more impact than ever before.”

His comments came as senators debated and passed the Climate Change and Carbon Market

Initiatives Bill 2022 and a compendium of other bills yesterday.

“Our administration has not been content to sit on the global sidelines, leaving our fate in the hands of others,” Senator Pinder said yesterday. “Our New Day government will continue to make the case for urgent action. The world is noticing. The Bahamian people are more engaged around issues of climate change than ever before.

And the voice of The Bahamas is now being heard

more frequently and with more impact than ever before.

“As the world moves forward to address the causes of climate change, we intend to play an active and powerful role in charting the way forward. The Climate Change and Carbon Markets Initiatives Bill, 2022 is clear evidence of this distinct policy.”

The Bill seeks to give effect to the Paris Agreement to aid in the global response to the threat of climate change and to create

and implement initiatives to offset carbon emissions.

Through this framework, the government will be able to create incentives and implement initiatives to support the overall global target of greenhouse gas emissions reduction consistent with its nationally determined contributions.

It will also ensure compliance by The Bahamas of its obligations under the Paris Agreement taking into consideration the common, but differentiated responsibilities, respective capabilities and flexibility provisions acknowledged under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for small island developing states to address climate change; and to enable the establishment of a market in The Bahamas to trade in carbon credits.

Further to that, the Bill will create shared ministerial responsibility between the prime minister/minister of finance and the minister responsible for the environment and natural resources; the appointment of a management company, and the appointment and functions of an advisory council, which will have responsibility for serving as a technical advisory body to

a management company.

Yesterday, Mr Pinder said the bill is in keeping with the government’s commitment to better manage its natural resources for the benefit of the Bahamian people.

He also said Bahamians should be proud of the new piece of legislation, which he insisted was “trail blazing internationally.”

He continued: “The sale of carbon credits can aid the country in further protecting and benefiting from its seagrasses, mangroves, forests, and coral reefs.

Moreover, many businesses and multinational companies have been directed by their shareholders to engage in stronger environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Therefore, the provision of Bahamian carbon credits would prove of mutual benefit for the country and these private sector entities. The vision by the Prime Minister has come to fruition in the Climate Change and Carbon Markets Initiatives Bill, 2022.”

Other bills debated and passed yesterday included amendments to the Magistrates Act, Criminal Procedure Code Act and Evidence Act as well as the

Juries Act. The compendium of court bills is designed to modernise and refine the law to help advance and improve the administration of justice.

The new amendment to the Juries Bill removes the requirement for the jury list to be published in newspapers along with the chosen individual’s respective addresses.

Meanwhile, the Evidence Amendment Bill allows for a better framework for remote court hearing and the Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bill would also allow the accused and vulnerable witnesses to give evidence virtually.

As for the Magistrates Amendment Bill, this increases the financial thresholds of jurisdiction of the Magistrate’s Court in certain matters.

According to Mr Pinder, other initiatives underway include the implementation of an integrated court system and the establishment of a remote court system throughout the country, the latter of which will allow for remote hearings and eliminate the need for magistrates to travel to the islands to conduct circuit hearings.

OVERFLIGHT FEES BRING IN UP TO $32M from page one

“I want us to remember the situation with the over-flight fees,” Senator Halkitis said yesterday. “It took many, many years of negotiations across several administrations, but now I’m advised that this fiscal year we can expect to get between $28m and $32m in overflight fees. That’s the estimate.

“It’s important that we’re able to get that money but what’s even more important is now moving to that next level of expanding our control so that opportunities in terms of aviation management, accounting in that area, aviation regulation, aviation finance, the whole legal aspect of managing that space of operations so that we can have a transfer of knowledge and a

building of our local capacity because we are advised that there is a potential for many hundred perhaps even thousands of jobs in that particular sector of managing our space.”

“He continued: “So, yes, it’s good to have the dollars but it’s even more important to say to our young people here are some opportunities that you might wish to explore.

“These are opportunities that will be available and it’s a similar thing as we talk about carbon credits and building this type of regime because there will be opportunities to build capacity and opportunities to have that knowledge that those scientists who come from abroad come to share with us to transfer that to our local experts and students at the University of The Bahamas.”

In September 2021, then Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said beginning that month, the country would collect around $2m in overflight fees from aircraft passing through Bahamian air space.

The Government of The Bahamas signed an air navigation services agreement with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 2021, allowing the latter to continue managing The Bahamas’ air space for a period of ten years.

Mr D’Aguilar said then that The Bahamas could earn up to $350m in overflight fees over that decade, although several sources suggested that fees could rise to $50m a year when global air traffic returns to normal volumes post-COVID.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 5

Liveable wage report ‘by Monday’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net LABOUR and Immigration Minister Keith Bell says he’s expected to have a report on the proposed liveable wage by Monday.

The minister was asked yesterday to provide insight regarding when legislation for the new working wage would be brought to Parliament.

Mr Bell said: “Well, I cannot say that because obviously it is determined by Cabinet, but I can say that I should be in possession of the report from the Department of Labour on Monday, which will direct the National Tripartite Council, which will guide the Cabinet of The Bahamas in terms of where we ought to go.

“Then there will be widespread dialogue and consultation with both the private and the public sector.”

He said the report would indicate where the needle ought to go in terms of the liveable wage and the eradication of a minimum wage.

Last week, Mr Bell said he expects legislation to introduce a liveable wage in The Bahamas to be presented to the public this year.

On March 14, Mr Bell said his ministry expected to receive recommendations from the National Tripartite Council on an increase in the minimum wage within two weeks. That deadline has long since passed.

Last month, council chairman Robert Farquharson told The Tribune the report is in its final stages and will be presented to the government soon. Deputy chairman Peter Goudie, however, appeared to differ, saying in a separate interview that the council wants to do more research before presenting their recommendations.

Mr Bell said at the time: “In respect to the minimum wage, as you would know in our Blueprint for Change we indicated that we would have eliminated the minimum wage and introduced a liveable wage. I am pleased to report that the Department of Labour, the National Tripartite Council, they’re just about completed with their report and from all indications I could say

everything looks promising.

“As the matter has to go before the Cabinet, I am unable to say what it is, but I think that all of us in the Bahamian society will be very proud of what the council has been able to achieve.

“Of course, once it goes to Cabinet there will be widespread dialogue and consultation to make sure that we speak with our employers, certainly we’ll speak with the employers and the wider Bahamian community.

“The final stage will be for legislation to be introduced. I anticipate that we will be seeing it sometime during this year.

“We’re gonna run a very aggressive campaign and, of course, we want to make sure that we dot our I’s and cross our T’s, to make sure that we get it right. When I travelled recently to Barbados, a number of the ministers from the other areas of the region, they were very interested to see what we would do in The Bahamas so it is important that we get it right because the entire Caribbean is watching.”

Mr Bell does not believe the liveable wage will have to be phased in.

LABOUR and Immigration Minister Keith Bell speaking yesterday.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

STRONGER PENALTIES CONSIDERED FOR TRAFFICKERS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR and Immigration Minister Keith Bell said officials are considering changes to the law to ensure there are stiffer penalties for traffickers of illegal migrants.

He said the changes are in the embryonic stages of development.

This follows Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King’s comments to The Tribune earlier this week that the RBDF has seen a marked increase in illegal migration activity over the last three months with nearly 1,500 migrants

apprehended in Bahamian waters within that time frame.

The latest statistics show there have been 1,892 migrants apprehended by local authorities since the start of this year, with most of those interdictions taking place in March.

International media has reported gang violence in Haiti. According to a Reuters article this week Haitians in the capital of Haiti fled “their homes on Monday as gun battles broke out between rival gangs”.

The minister was asked yesterday if he was expecting a surge of Haitian migrants coming to The Bahamas due to this unrest.

He said yesterday: “Well you recall from last year when we took office in October that’s the largest surge we’ve had and even though it’s subsided to a certain extent we’re still seeing certain surges.

The information suggests that whenever we see one boat there’s one or two behind.

“So the Defence Force is on alert along with the Turks and Caicos along with the US Coast Guard and certainly the police force. So, certainly all the persons through the Family Islands we’re asking to be on alert and certainly our fishermen on these vessels.

Not only to protect The Bahamas, but also to ensure

levels of unemployment in the labour market and bring together job seekers with employers, the new features of the 2022 version will enable both jobseekers and employers to have access to additional services by the government and Department of Labour.”

Some of the new features include, but are not limited to the expansion beyond New Providence where at least one fair will be held on a Family Island.

He pointed to the utilisation of other government agencies, including BTVI, NTA and UB, and other private institutions at the job fair to enable job seekers to access services to better prepare them to obtain gainful employment.

There is also the use of the Department of Labour’s communication unit to live stream for each job fair making the event “interactive and attractive to

younger job seekers.”

On May 7, the department will hold two fairs in New Providence and Grand Bahama simultaneously and will be focused on a number of inner-city communities.

The job fair in the capital will be held at Columbus Primary School grounds from 8am-2pm. Surrounding areas being targeted are Englerston, Centerville, and St Barnabas. Mr Bell confirmed that more than 30 employers have confirmed their attendance and are expecting to hire persons at the event.

At the same time in Grand Bahama a job fair will be held at Jack Hayward High School gymnasium.

The department in Freeport has confirmed over 20 companies. Another feature at this fair is the attendance of The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to start recruitment.

we don’t have a tragedy at sea.”

He added: “There are several things which are being done under this adminstration - the first thing is amendments to the Immigration Act. We’re in the, I would say, the embryonic stages. There is a draft, however we’re looking at making certain amendments to ensure increased penalties for traffickers of irregular migrants.”

He also said: “You will notice there has been a significant increase in the number of irregular migrants coming from Haiti and the more difficult it gets over there the more you can anticipate that you will see these irregular

migrants. The Bahamas we know from time immemorial that we see these surges. Given what we see in Haiti, what we know is that we can anticipate that there will be a significant increase, surge again as you would’ve seen.”

Probed about what is being done to re-route individuals, the minister admitted that is not an easy question to answer. He said “obviously the source is Haiti”, highlighting the political and economic instability they have suffered.

Therefore, there is an “outpouring” of people seeking a better way of life, he said.

“The Bahamas with

these fixed assets in this jurisdiction, in this area, we are just there. You know we have good prosperity … you have them coming here and those who are not coming here want to get to the United States. Therefore you have this great influx and we anticipate that we’re going to continue to see it until we fix some of the issues and challenges with Haiti.

“It cannot be addressed

by Haiti alone. It certainly cannot be addressed by The Bahamas, but again while we want to help the Haitian people and the government we have to ensure that we protect the interest of The Bahamas and the Bahamians.”

LABOUR ON THE BLOCKS JOB INITIATIVE RETURNS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR Minister Keith Bell yesterday launched the Labour on the Blocks 2.0 job fair initiative.

Mr Bell said in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Department of Labour initiated a programme that was dubbed Labour on the Blocks. The programme was spearheaded by the Public Employment Services Unit (PESU) and designed to reduce the high levels of unemployment in New Providence by the utilisation of a number of public parks, throughout New Providence to hold job fairs on Saturdays.

Mr Bell said Labour on the Blocks 2.0 is similar to the 2015 programme, but has been expanded to include a number of “new and exciting features”.

He said: “While the ultimate goal is to reduce the

PAGE 6, Thursday, May 5, 2022

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NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

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Ignorance is no defence for lawmakers LAST month, an American tourist faced court in The Bahamas.

The tourist had been arrested at Lynden Pindling International Airport after marijuana-laced gummies were found in his luggage.

When facing the court, he said he didn’t know the gummies were illegal in The Bahamas.

“I would’ve never brought them if I knew they were illegal,” he told the court, before admitting “it’s a really tough lesson learned to be honest”.

The tourist pleaded guilty and the case was concluded.

A minor case to be talking about in our editorial column, you might think, but it demonstrates a very simple, straightforward point.

“I didn’t know” is no defence in the eyes of the law.

Which brings us to those who would be our lawmakers, the Members of Parliament.

It is a requirement for parliamentarians to file their financial disclosures on time. That deadline is March 1. March has come and gone this year, so the deadline has long passed.

Some parliamentarians, it has been reported elsewhere, did not know there was such a legal requirement, according to Public Disclosures Commission chairman Bishop Victor Cooper. Again, we should reiterate, “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable defence.

It also defies sense.

Year in, year out, The Tribune has pursued the question of whether parliamentarians have made their declarations as required by law. Many may see it as something of a nuisance, but it doesn’t matter, it is a legal obligation. It doesn’t matter what colour shirt you wear, red or yellow, it is a necessity.

To say as a lawmaker that you did not know means that you have less knowledge of what is required for your role than most Tribune readers.

Worse, it means you have not shown the merest interest in what the duties of your post require.

Even worse, it means there is no process to notify parliamentarians of the necessary processes and deadlines involved. It doesn’t take much – all it

takes is a memo, an email, an announcement in the parliamentary Whatsapp group.

After all, one of the current MPs is Myles Laroda, who is a Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister and formerly in charge of the Public Disclosures Commission. Need advice on what you need to do to comply with the law?

Your parliamentary colleague is sitting right there.

Some parliamentarians are saying that extra assistance is needed to help officials meet their obligations.

Never mind that many, many of their predecessors have met those obligations over the decades, apparently the current crop needs an accountant or perhaps a few to help them out.

That’s an idea suggested by Fred Mitchell MP in January when he noted that members often scramble to complete their reports. Those who have failed to do so were apparently not listening to the words of the PLP chairman either.

That said, assistance in meeting the requirements of the post is not an unreasonable position – but perhaps with a caveat.

This requirement has long been badly treated. It is a serious matter. The penalties involved can include fines or even prison time. But too often the public has been told little about who has disclosed and what has been disclosed.

There is a requirement to gazette the declarations, so the public can see who has declared and who has not – but that hasn’t been done in more than a decade.

So perhaps it is reasonable to offer assistance to get the job done – but only if the job is going to be done right.

Gazette the declarations as required – and for those parliamentarians who do not meet the deadline, proceed according to the law.

Because there is no fear of a penalty actually being imposed, it seems there is a lax attitude to the matter. Change that. This is in place to ensure transparency, to combat corruption and to ensure our lawmakers answer to the public. It is a very basic requirement – and “I didn’t know” isn’t a good enough answer.

Apparent conflict EDITOR, The Tribune.

APPOINTMENT of the Chairman of Town Planning Committee to Subdivision and Development Appeal Board – an apparent conflict of interest.

Please permit me to share a brief observation on the recently appointed Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

I note that the Chairman of the Town Planning Committee has been appointed a member of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

Under the Planning and Subdivision Act 2010, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board is the body to which an appeal shall lie from decisions made by the Town Planning Committee and the responsible Minister.

It would seem to be a conflict of interest and a breach of natural justice to have the Chairman of Town Planning Committee sitting in a position to hear appeals from a body to which he acts as Chairperson and in all likelihood participated

in decisions or matters being referred to the appeal board for review.

Even if the chairman of the town planning committee recuses himself from hearing matters emanating from the Town Planning Committee it provides me no comfort. The damage could be seen to be done simply by his presence on the appeal board.

And if he is to recuse himself on all matters relative to town planning decisions, how much time will he actually participate in hearings given that the vast majority of appeals, I suspect, will probably relate to matters connected with town planning decisions and land use and zoning decisions.

It is already discomforting that the Minister participates in the selection of members to the appeal board which hears appeals from decisions made by the very same minister.

Parties are entitled to expect that their dispute will be heard by a fair and independent appeal tribunal and by placing the Chairman of the town

planning on the subdivision appeals board this sacred and fundamental principle of justice could be taken to have been violated.

The Chairman of the Town Planning Committee should not be given the opportunity (apparent or otherwise) to adjudicate on the correctness and or fairness of his own decision or that of a committee which he chairs.

Furthermore, the chairman of the town planning committee membership on the appeals board is not necessary for the appeal board to render an informed and creditable decision.

All things considered, the interest and objectivity of the subdivision appeal board would be better served if the Chairman of the Town Planning Committee plays no part in hearing appeals brought before the Subdivision and Development Appeals Board.

CLAUDE B HANNA Nassau, May 3, 2022.

ROB MUNDAY, creator of the first officially commissioned 3D/holographic portrait of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, unveils a previously unseen portrait of the monarch to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, in London, yesterday. The new portrait, which shows Queen Elizabeth II off-guard and smiling is named ‘Platinum Queen: Felicity’ and is dedicated to the 20 years of friendship between The Queen and her personal assistant and close friend Miss Angela Kelly.

Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Minimalism EDITOR, The Tribune.

THESE past few years have put a strain upon our life styles, personal routines and outlook upon life in general. The Pandemic seems to have stolen all of the world’s energy, taking from us many who have helped build this world, from both family and neighbours alike. The many movements we have seen grow in importance such as Black Lives Matter and Climate Change Response have become less significant once one looks at the horrors of this pandemic.

We have changed. This is a fact. Somehow each of us has been forced by circumstance to respond to that which we have no control over, whether it be life threatening or simple ways of looking at our attitudes about life. This challenge has made us look within, scrutinising ourselves like never before, possibly realising we have a power within that can change ourselves and the world around us.

I have become aware of my relationship with “stuff” and this “stuff” impacts upon me and my world.

I looked around me and found that many of my possessions were there, and I simply did not use them.

Decorations, mementos, clothing never worn.

I thought about how I’d respond to this realisation.

What to do? Whatever I decided may not be so easy.

I remembered my trips to Europe, visiting many homes that appeared to be lacking in furniture, pictures on the wall. Where was their “stuff”? The concept of “Minimalism” came to mind. Living your life simply. Experiencing each day while not relying upon “stuff” to enhance it.

1) I became mindful of

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the way I used time, my money and my space..

Shopping was no longer a commonplace pastime for me. Since I have a lot of “stuff” already, why did I need more? I seemed to have an impulse to buy things I really did not need. If I declutter, I may find for myself more time, money and space. If I did not need any more furniture, made due with my operating appliances and vehicle, I found more room in my home. Since I stopped buying the newest brand or gadget, my money was invested in the mortgage and future (RRSP).

I substituted things with experiences. My family outings became more frequent and enjoyable. I found my funds lasted longer too. I was able to savour my time more and in different ways too. Spending more time with the family, or a hobby instead of walking the halls of some mall.

2) Became more mindful of how brainwashed we are by advertising and marketing firms. Our system of values is completely skewed by consumerism, often not realising what is truly important and necessary to us in the first place. We accept this system without question. Advertising leads our minds towards consumption, enslaving us all.

Things enslave us, demanding that we work longer, harder to acquire these prizes. Avoiding exposure to advertising seems to be virtually impossible, but if you look at your situation with new eyes, you may see the trap you are being placed into. Corporations and governments are telling you what you really want

and need, and it is costing you money, effort and time.

3) I became mindful of my true needs. Ever look about you and see the “stuff” you have not used for some time, things that are taking up space? Realising what your true wants are, and that which you truly need frees you. What is truly meaningful to you?

4) Mindful of my health, the planet and community too. I am over 60 years old, and have become quite active. Having more time has allowed me the opportunity to cycle with my neighbours, volunteer at a local charity, spend time cleaning up an area around my favourite park and pond. I could now buy better things that I truly need. I like beef, but the cost of all food stuffs has skyrocketed. Noticed? Stop buying “wants”, and substituting “needs, allowed me to buy things to eat, listen to and enjoy once restricted due to lack of funds. I have become much more mindful of nature, hiking, fishing, camping and restricting my travels to local adventures too. Gas prices are just crazy these days, so my family and I just walk, cycle or take the bus.

5) I have become very mindful of my relationships. My Family, spouse, new and old neighbours, fellow employees are all part of my social network, and I realised that with the time allotted me, I could develop and enrich my relationships. Instead of impressing others with the latest brand or thing, I can feel good about myself and others too, having fun experiencing my new life.

Sometimes less is better.

What do you think?

STEVEN KASZAB Bradford, Ontario, Canada.

May 1, 2022.

Children are hurting EDITOR, The Tribune.

YESTERDAY I had the most traumatic experience that I’ve had in many years.

I stopped at a little store off East Street near the COGOP Cathedral to purchase a case of canned gas that’s used in the camping stoves. Outside the store was a little girl who was probably about ten years old. She looked disheveled and very unhappy. When I got inside the store another little girl who was probably about eight-years-old and obviously related to the young girl on the outside was at the register purchasing four Ramen noodles (the little flat packs) and a gallon of water. As the cashier put the change into her tiny hands my eyes welled up with water.

At that point I asked the cashier how much was the case of noodles and requested one. I told the

little girl not to move while I went into the cooler of the store and added two packs of chicken hotdogs to the case of noodles for her and her sister to take to whomever was waiting for the four packs of noodles.

I then got into my car to go and collect my 18-year-old daughter from the airport who has just completed her 2nd year at Georgia State University.

My fellow citizens by the time I got to the traffic light at East Street and Wulff Road, my shirt was soaked from the tears running down my face. As the father of three young women who’ve never known lack of any necessity, my heart bled for those two children. As I type this note the tears are freely flowing!

As a society we should feel a collective sense of shame and disappointment for how we’ve allowed ourselves to become so

comfortable with the huge disparity in levels of prosperity in our country!

In this day I will return to that little store to see if the cashier or another employee can link me with that family. I feel so torn that I didn’t do more yesterday. I’m imploring all of you, who are able, to please assist some underprivileged person or family today. Yes, things are harder now than they ever were BUT the majority of us have not had to miss a meal or lower the quality of those meals!

This may be an unpleasant message but maybe we’re too comfortable with and immune to the plight of our fellow citizens in this Bahamas that we claim to love so much!

Let’s all commit to doing and being better!

AARON WOODSIDE Nassau, May 2, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 7

PRAYING FOR PEACE

PARTICIPANTS in a prayer walk and rally at Centreville Urban Renewal Centre, in Deveaux Street.

Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

Henfield: We must reduce fossil fuels

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Cabinet minister said yesterday the country must be more “deliberate” and take aggressive steps to harness renewable energy in an effort to reduce our need for fossil fuels.

Darren Henfield made his plea in the Senate yesterday as he raised concerns about the high cost of energy, which, he said, is “prohibitive” in doing good business in the country.

Senator Henfield said he believed the country was not making enough progress to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels despite its ambitious target in generating 30 percent of its energy needs by 2030.

His comments came as senators debated the Climate Change and Carbon Markets Initiative 2022 Bill.

The Bill was eventually passed yesterday.

“We have to look at it more deliberately how we invest in these types of things to cause us to become less dependent on fossil fuels because the cost of energy is prohibitive to doing good business in The Bahamas and I believe across this region it’s just too high,” Mr Henfield

said. “But, I am afraid that we are not moving aggressively as we ought to in this regard so I want to sound the alarm that we need to be more deliberate, honourable AG, as we move to reduce our need to rely on fossil fuels.

“I have heard discussions since this Bill was debated in the House of Assembly, I have heard discussions about the cruise ships that come to our ports and burn harmful fuels right downtown in our city where the cities they homeport in Florida and wherever else they homeport, they can’t burn down there so why would they come here and burn those bad fuels here and you can’t burn them where you’re from. I mean we love you (because) you provided a good living for us, but, you know, just practice here what you practice at home and be good corporate citizens.

“Just to say then though we will reduce our carbon emissions by 30 percent by… 2030, that’s about eight years from now, that’s extremely ambitious.

I know when we went to commonwealth heads we were determined to do away with single use plastics… so we have to be more aggressive.”

The senator also

contended that the time for action is now as he called for the government to provide a plan as to how it intends to achieve its renewable energy goals.

“We just can’t make statements,” he charged. “We have to provide a roadmap and give the people due notice that this is what we intend to do and this is the timeframe in which we intend to do it so when we come and say look, we ain’t gonna let you use those them single waste plastics anymore, they won’t cuss you to high heaven. Provide a roadmap that gets us there.”

He also echoed a similar call for rebuilding hurricane resilience, noting the devastating impacts of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the predictions of similar storms in the future.

“We must redouble our efforts towards rebuilding resilience and every aspect of our resistance because hurricanes are a part of our natural existence. Resilience must become to us far more than a cliché of convenience, but part of our lives.”

Earlier in his speech, Senator Henfield said the country was facing “extinction” due to the worsening threat of climate change.

He added: “We had a respectable showing at COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland, but we need far more than just a good showing if we are to survive the climate injustice being heaped upon us by the developing countries who are the principal offenders of climate change. As recognised by the prime minister and all others on the planet, we need world leaders to take concrete action on climate change.

“We are facing, and I hate to sound like an alarmist, but we are facing extinction and we just don’t have the luxury of the time for more talk and unfulfilled promises by these big countries.

We don’t have the luxury for that anymore.”

SENATOR Darren Henfield during yesterday’s Senate meeting.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

PAGE 8, Thursday, May 5, 2022

COUNTRIES, like individuals and institutions, often commemorate silver, golden and diamond jubilees, as well as seminal events, with outstanding and dynamic celebrations which capture and reflect the occasion and moment.

The Eiffel Tower, named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, bestrides the Champ de Mar in the French capital, Paris. The “wrought-iron lattice tower” was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as a centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair.

Though its design was criticised by some at the time, it is globally recognised as one of the great icons of France. Approximately 300 million have visited the Tower, with its spectacular views, restaurants, souvenir shops, museums and other amenities since its opening 133 years ago.

At midnight, this July 10, 2022, we celebrate our 49th year of independence and begin our 50th. When our 50th anniversary celebrations conclude, what physical, cultural, athletic, emotional, psychic and other memorials will we have on our built landscape and in our memory in commemoration of 50 years as a sovereign Bahamas?

We have an opportunity to do something wonderful, memorable and spectacular.

But it is only an opportunity. Given our history, we

THE TRIBUNE

CELEBRATION AND REFLECTION: 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE This cannot be done within about our history, system the typical bureaucratic of government, culture and mindset and restraints, environment. Bahamians often accompanied by a at every stratum of society paucity of imagination. need to be engaged in the A possible structure is an celebrations.

Independence Secretariat If the 50th anniversary is run out of the Office of mostly centred on a series the Prime Minister, headed of receptions and the usual by competent individuals, Fort Charlotte celebrations, including consultants, and etc, the commemoration not cronies simply looking may be a big yawn and for an assignment. an extraordinary missed The government should opportunity. How do we commit to identifying and make those usual events selecting passionate indi- more imaginative while viduals with proven track creating novel events and records in getting things activities? done. This must be beyond political partisanship and narrow silos. It must be and seen to be beyond certain The government and divides. private enterprise should A number of people collaborate, spending come to mind, such as cul- handsomely on the celebratural entrepreneurs and tions. There needs to be an creatives, including highly administrative budget and imaginative individuals like an events budget, which Ian Poitier, Arlene Nash may be in addiFerguson, John tion to what Cox, Philip ‘The government other minisBurrows and should commit tries may also others. need to spend.

The Secre- to identifying Yes, there tariat would and selecting are fiscal be the coor- passionate restraints given dinating body the state of the within gov- individuals with economy. But ernment and proven track this annivermay include a records in getting sary is golden number of core in so many things done. committees. ways.

This should be This must be It may be a public-pri- beyond political an economic vate grouping opportunity, partisanship and that also calls including inviton the talents narrow silos. It ingtheBahamian and skills of Diaspora and must be and seen the Bahamian friends of to be beyond Diaspora.

The Bahamas The mis- certain divides.’ to visit the takes made in country for how parts of our national various events, generating delegation were organised income and enjoyment and for the recent Dubai World reconnections.

Expo should be avoided.

Bahamian entrepreneurs The Secretariat might should be encouraged to review what other juris- produce all manner of dictions have done during goods and services, from similar celebrations. What- souvenirs to concerts to ever master theme is Airbnb-type specials for chosen, we might highlight Bahamians in the Diaspora the ecological beauty and and other visitors coming to diversity, as well as chal- the various Family Islands lenges to our environment, to join in 50th anniversary including climate change. special events.

The celebrations are an The celebrations may opportunity to use every bring Bahamians and resimedia, live events, class- dents together around room instruction and other the arts, culture, educaavenues to inform, educate tion, athletics, science and and entertain Bahamians

COLLABORATE

risk losing and wasting the moment if we think small and indulge our proclivity for and comfort in halfstepping and doing most things at the last minute.

STELLAR

A stellar celebration will not happen by magic. We need to have a deliberate well-designed and properly written plan that energizes and engages various stakeholders and communities, including all of the Family Islands. This should not be mostly a Nassau-centric celebration.

First, we the need the proper structure and capable individuals to populate the design and implementation functions of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

technology, and other areas of national life. There are many sporting and athletic opportunities and events that could be included in the celebrations.

In planning for the anniversary, various institutions need to be physically renovated, such as the drab National Centre for the Performing Arts on Shirley Street.

These and other locations, like the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, need greater funding, especially if they are to serve as venues for an exuberant variety of artistic and cultural events during and after anniversary celebrations.

Writing some months ago, Philip Burrows offered a plethora of ideas on how we might express and promote our culture in the visual, performance and literary arts. Burrows, an enormously talented individual, is also a director, producer and actor, whose creativity and insights should be utilised during the celebrations.

CULTURAL

Various private enterprises and foundations might provide funding to create cultural works, including in the visual arts, the theatre, literature and music, in conjunction with our 50th anniversary. These could serve as cultural landmarks and inspiration.

How might we promote other forms of cultural expression such as Rake ‘n’ Scrape, an extraordinary expression of Bahamian artistry, performance and culture? This cultural form might take centre stage with other Bahamian music during the golden jubilee.

So too, the written word, including poetry and shortstory and other writing.

What public art, ranging from sculptures to murals and other installations, might be produced and permanently installed during the 50th anniversary celebrations? What about a major outdoor mural tracing our history, including

over the past 50 years?

A Festival of Ideas might be a year-long event utilising online and in person platforms covering topics ranging from cultural identity to gender equality to debates about The Bahamas becoming a republic.

How might we explore ideas and dreams about a shared future for a renewed sense of national purpose?

The University of The Bahamas and its faculty, staff and students should play an essential role during anniversary celebrations, including in a Festival of Ideas, cultural programmes and other events uniquely suited to that national institution.

A series of community/ mini-fairs for families, children and youth, might take place throughout the archipelago. These fairs may help promote cultural forms, ecological awareness, games, sport, dances and activities for younger and not so young Bahamians. The now defunct Commonwealth Fair may serve as a partial template.

Such events may include Bahamian foods and agricultural products, cultural and environmental displays, Rake ‘n’ Scrape and other musical activities, Bahamians reading Bahamian poems and short stories, song contests of original Bahamian music, performance art, kite-flying, ring play, shooting marbles, playing hopscotch and other games Bahamians have played for years.

Commemorations, like golden jubilees, take years of careful planning and preparation. We are already somewhat behind.

But as a small country we can catch up to where we need to be, utilising the coming July 10th as a catalyst to engage in the broad scale consultations and planning to create a wonderful 50th anniversary.

It could be a jubilee replete with landmarks and events that will delight and inspire a nation in celebration and reflection on whence we came and where we hope to tread, and to tread further.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 9

Why is Kremlin reportedly planning a grand celebration of its military?

T

HIS Sunday is celebrated generally in the West and specifically in the US and UK as V-E (Victory in Europe) Day, commemorating the Allied triumph over the Axis powers in World War II. May 8 was the date in 1945 when the German army surrendered to the victorious allies led

by America and Great Britain. On the Eastern Front, it took a day longer before the Red Army of the Soviet Union could claim a similar triumph. And while the Western celebration may not be too rousing on Sunday, Vladimir Putin’s Russian army is expected to stage quite a spectacle on Red Square in Moscow on Monday, as has been its custom for decades.

According to reports, the Kremlin is planning to put on quite a show May 9. 11,000 servicemen and women are expected to participate, in addition to 62 fighter aircraft and 15 helicopters. Eight MiG-29s will form the letter Z in a special fly-by formation, referencing the symbol adopted by supporters of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The question many analysts are asking is exactly what the Russians will have to celebrate in their stuttering, brutal attempt to eradicate the independence of their neighbour Ukraine.

So far in this largest land war in Europe since the end of World War II, most observers think the Russians aren’t doing very well militarily against a Ukrainian army initially expected to resist for not much longer than a week. But the Ukrainians are proving quite redoubtable in defending their country, and they’re starting to pick up some solid material assistance from the US and its NATO allies. What Putin

calls a “special military operation” looks and feels much more like a war likely to last quite a while.

So why is the Kremlin reportedly planning a grand celebration of its “vaunted” military on the vastness of Red Square on Monday?

It’s because continuing to commemorate V-E Day in Russia fits Putin’s particular brand of nationalism, an essentially imperialistic vision of his nation on the path to restoring the greatness of its World War II triumph against the Nazis.

The end of the Second World War continues to serve Putin’s aims and ambitions very well indeed. The year 1945 can be venerated as the moment when Moscow’s global reach was at its greatest, while the handful of surviving WW II veterans can be celebrated for their patriotic self-sacrifice and discipline.

Writing in Forbes magazine, one of their regular columnists offered the view that “a last, desperate play at the dice makes sense.

Putin’s public speech on May 9 in Red Square offers the Russian president his best — and potentially final — chance for preserving his own survival. Always the showman, Putin, in the brief moment he holds the public stage, will do everything possible to build upon the myth that Russia and the West are locked in a mortal struggle.”

That seems like a good forecast, since the Russian president and his

top lieutenants have now been doing exactly that for weeks already. Putin’s belligerent bellicosity, initially dismissed by many in the West as simply fodder for his own version of the Big Lie that Russia’s motives in invading Ukraine are altruistic in their intent to “rescue” beleaguered Russians suffering Ukrainian oppression, has intensified to match the ramping up of Western material support for the Kyiv regime.

W

ashington and London are leading the charge in expediting deliveries of weapons, ammunition and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, so the most vitriolic, saberrattling exchanges have been with the US and UK governments.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the other day that “it is absolutely vital that Ukraine do whatever is necessary to defend against Russian aggression,” including offensive forays behind Russian lines to attack supply and logistics centres. “The tactics of this,” Blinken continued ominously, “are decisions for the Ukrainians.”

That sounds like a relatively free pass for Ukraine to pursue the war in ways it sees as best serving its tactical and strategic interests.

It also does not sound like evidence that Washington is playing the puppet master

SOUTH FLORIDA ASCENDENT IN THE PLAYOFFS

PHILADELPHIA 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives to the basket as Miami Heat centre Bam Adebayo (13) defends, during the first half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Wednesday, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

T

HE long grind of America’s pro basketball and hockey regular seasons has now wrapped up, and as we settle in to our sofas to watch the real season – the playoffs – unfold, South Florida is unusually ascendent.

On the basketball hardwood, the Miami Heat finished with the top seed in the highly competitive Eastern Conference of the NBA. After dispatching an Atlanta Hawks team too dependent on whiz kid guard Trey Young in the first round of the playoffs, the Heat caught a huge break before starting their conference semi-final series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Their big break was literally a break: An eye-bone fracture and concussion suffered by league MVP finalist and Philadelphia centre Joel Embiid in the 76ers’ previous series against Toronto.

That injury means Embiid will miss at least the first two playoff games in Miami, where the Heat cruised to an opening victory on Monday evening.

It’s not certain that he will play at all in this series, but the Heat should prevail in any case, and advance to face the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks in the conference finals, assuming the Bucks hold off Boston in what should be the most fiercely contested conference semi-final series.

Meanwhile, over on the ice in Sunrise, the Florida Panthers open their firstround playoff series as the NHL’s top seed against the dangerous underdog Washington Capitals.

The Panthers scored more goals this season than any team in the league for 25 years.

The Panthers, who haven’t won a single playoff series of any kind in an even longer period, smashed several team trends in futility this season in winning

the President’s Trophy for piling up the most points of any team in the NHL. Individually, the Panthers’ first line left wing Jonathan Huberdeau set a team record with 115 points, and the team was an uncharacteristic buyer at the league’s trade deadline, picking up dangerous scorer and fierce competitor Claude Giroux from the Philadelphia Flyers. Now let’s see how far our “local” teams can advance in this postseason.

in dictating which moves Ukraine may make. Nonetheless, Moscow is working hard to spread the notion that for the Western allies, the current conflict is a “proxy war,” using Ukraine as a device to attack Russia.

Putin spoke sharply about this. “If anyone intends to intervene from the outside and create a strategic threat to Russia that is unacceptable to us, they should know that our retaliatory strikes will be lightning-fast,” Putin boasted in a recent speech in St Petersburg. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the risk of nuclear war as “real” and “serious.” By sending weapons to help Ukraine to defend itself, Lavrov declared, the US and UK were engaging in a cynical proxy war.

As they very often do, the British are standing very closely beside the Americans in matters of armed conflict. The British joined the Biden administration in speaking and acting resolutely to stand up to the Russian bully. British Defense Minister Ben Wallace told the BBC last week that “it would be legitimate under international law for Ukraine to attack the logistics structure of the Russian army.” And the UK armed forces minister said London would not oppose Ukraine’s use of weaponry supplied

by Britain to attack military targets in Russia.

The Russians were outraged anew. Their view of the rules of engagement for this particular war seem

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin.

(Alexander Demyanchuk, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) to be that all kinds of inhuman brutality and attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals, are OK in the effort to break the Ukrainian will. Summary executions of civilian officials and military prisoners are similarly acceptable.

But for the Ukrainian military to actually launch a counterattack? No, that’s off-limits.

A Kremlin spokeswoman said “the West openly calls on Kyiv to attack Russia using, among other things, weapons received from NATO countries,” she

huffed. “We advise you not to further test our patience.”

Really? It’s fine for Russia, unprovoked, to launch a massive invasion aimed at obliterating its southeastern neighbour.

But it’s against the rules for Ukraine to try to actually counter-attack in an effort to defend itself and force a ceasefire?

Maybe this nonsense is acceptable in the sealed Russian information universe created by Putin. But it should be unbelievable anywhere outside that peculiar bubble.

PAGE 10, Thursday, May 5, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘Act now to protect women and children’ from page one Speaking in the Senate yesterday, Mrs Barnett-Ellis said now is the time for the country to act and strengthen legislation to better protect women and children, insisting that “we have talked about it long enough.”

She spoke after a man accused of pointing a gun at his 12-year-old daughter’s head and forcing her to pleasure herself was granted $7,500 bail this week. He has denied the allegations.

According to the senator, there have also been recent reports of a woman being attacked with a cutlass by her boyfriend. However, police could not confirm this when contacted yesterday.

Yesterday, Senator Barnett-Ellis reiterated that more needs to be done to curb the scourge of gender-based violence in the country.

She said: “We continue to call for legislation to amend the Sexual Offences Act and the gender violence bill and formal sentencing guidelines, particularly those that relate to offences against women and children.

Women and children remain the most vulnerable members of our community. We are seeing what appears to be a disgusting uptick in violence against women and children in our community. This weekend, there were reports about a woman who was allegedly attacked by her boyfriend with a cutlass, causing injuries to her head. We were repulsed yesterday by the story of a father that (allegedly) held a gun

SENATOR Michela Barnett-Ellis during the Senate meeting yesterday.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff to his daughter’s head.

Mrs Barnett-Ellis continued: “Let me repeat that – he (reportedly) held a gun to his twelve-year-old daughter’s head and forced her to masturbate while he took pictures. He was granted $7,500 bail. Interestingly, Omar Archer was granted $8,000 bail. Whether we want to admit it or

not, women and children in our community are frequently the victims of egregious acts, which can have long term, physical and emotional physical effects. These are uncomfortable topics.

“Nobody wants to address their mind to these cruel and often sexual acts against the most vulnerable. We have talked about it long enough. We have cried outrage long enough.”

The senator said that for far too long, legislation that addresses gender-based violence issues has been pushed to the “back burner” to deal with “sexier” laws.

“The (2007 administration) commenced the Child Protection Act and brought in place the Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act in early 2012. Successive administrations have failed to take any further steps to offer any protection to women or children or to assure that sentences for offences against women and children reflect our condemnation, we must not get distracted.”

This is not the first time that Senator Barnett-Ellis has publicly voiced her position in relation to domestic and gender-based violence.

In February, she urged the Davis administration to “do the right thing” and criminalise marital rape while speaking at the Free National Movement party’s convention.

Last month, Attorney General Ryan Pinder told reporters his office was working on proposed legislation that addresses marital rape and other gender-based matters.

$15K BAIL GRANTED IN ASSAULT RIFLE CASE

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN was granted a combined bail of $15,000 yesterday after being found in possession of a prohibited assault rifle and 33 lbs of drugs.

Orales Jerimere, 29, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans to answer for the charges related to drug possession and having

a prohibited weapon.

On April 25 in New Providence, Jerimere was arrested after he was found with a banned Del-Ton Inc 5.56mm calibre assault rifle, 14 live rounds of .223 ammunition and 33 lbs of Indian hemp.

With his attorney Ian Cargill present, Jerimere was informed that the prosecution had no objections to his bail.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans granted him bail at $8,000 for the weapons charge and an additional $7,000 for the drug charges, both with two sureties.

Upon being released from custody, the accused is expected to wear an ankle monitor and report into the South Beach Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday by 7pm. His next court appearance is for June 17 for trial on both matters.

WOMAN ADMITS SHE STOLE PHONE LEFT ON CASHIER COUNTER

By PAVEL BAILEY

A WOMAN guilty of stealing by finding was fined in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Cleotha Brown, 54, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans for taking Fritzner Sylvestere’s smartphone without turning it in to him or the proper authorities within 48 hours.

On February 26 at Island Luck on West Bay Street, Brown allegedly found Sylvestere’s $249.99 black Samsung S9+ phone on the cashier counter but failed to return it to its rightful owner.

After the complainant launched an official investigation into the matter, Brown was seen in security footage picking up the phone and placing it in her bag. Brown then denied the allegations against her in a subsequent police interview.

However, in court the accused pleaded guilty to

the charge against her.

Brown’s attorney Milton Cox asked that the court place his client on probation. As part of Cox’s plea of mitigation, he indicated that the accused was a mother employed at a primary school and that she was truly remorseful for her actions.

While Cox acknowledged that authorities were unable to recover the phone due to Brown discarding it at some point, he said his client is willing to compensate the complainant for his loss.

It was at this point that the magistrate remarked that if a 54-year-old mother who works at a school with children is tempted to steal then the country is truly in trouble. She further called Brown’s actions “disgraceful”.

In her ruling, Magistrate Vogt-Evans convicted Brown and ordered her to pay Sylvestere $249.99 for the phone. She also fined Brown $250 or risk two months in prison for the offence.

BAIL GRANTED IN DRUGS CASE

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN was granted bail in a Magistrate’s Court after allegedly being found with dangerous drugs.

Aracheo Poitier appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

On April 28, Poitier was arrested after he was found in possession of 3 and 7/8 ounces of Indian Hemp.

In court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and as there was no objection to bail it was granted to him in the amount of $1,000.

Poitier’s next court appearance will be on June 7.

THIEF RELEASED AFTER TIME SERVED IN CUSTODY

By PAVEL BAILEY A MAN was released from a custodial sentence yesterday, with a magistrate taking into account his time already served, for stealing.

Terrell McKinney stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans accused of breaking into Teresa Knowles’ car and stealing her handbag on February 18. A wallet from the bag was found on McKinney’s person without any cash inside.

It was during McKinney’s third court appearance yesterday, that he changed his plea to guilty. When asked why he reversed his plea, he explained he wanted to be released from prison so he could take care of his family and young child.

The magistrate released him from custody for the two months he had already served at the Bahamas Department of Corrections.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans told McKinney he had been given a second chance and he should not waste it.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 11

Home repairs scheme launched in Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE home repairs programme was officially launched in Grand Bahama on Wednesday by State Social Services and Urban Development Minister Lisa Rahming.

She said that the programme is a lot different from the roof repair programme that was implemented under the former administration.

This initiative, launched in New Providence on Tuesday, will include the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Bimini.

“We are operating under the former budget of $2.6m and we intend to use all of it on Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, New Providence, and the other Family Islands until it is exhausted, and the new budget has rolled over,” Minister Rahming said.

She said homeowners in the northern region, particularly Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Bimini, will be given “special attention”.

“We are going to pay special attention to those islands because these were hit the hardest; you need it the most, and so our eyes will be on you to get you the immediate relief you need,” Ms Rahming said.

According to the minister, there were 2,500 applications that were initially filed by homeowners on the three islands.

“Initially, it was called the small roof repairs under the former administration, and I just want to make it clear that the Davis-Cooper Administration is launching the small home repair. And we have revolutionised

this programme because in going around and doing the assessment, we realise that not everyone has a roof problem; we find that some don’t have bathrooms.”

Under the new two-tier process, applications will be reviewed first by a subcommittee, Ms Rahming said. It will then be passed on for final commitment to the Chairman and project manager.

The State Minister said this programme is not related to the Disaster Relief Authority small home projects. “Theirs is more extensive than ours.

So, it is not a crossover. We are doing small homes and ours is at a cap of $10,000 for now.”

She said that assessments that run to $18,000 may be considered a special project, and in some cases would be approved.

Stephen Dean, chairman of Urban Renewal, said it is critical that homeowners produce documents of ownership.

He also noted that they are looking to help the small contractors.

“We are talking about the small man who did not work for two years because of the Hurricane who wants a jumpstart,” he said. We are really trying to help the small man because a lot of people are hurting out there and we are cognizant of it.

He said the programme will provide a boost to the local economy as materials will be purchased from businesses in GB. “This is not a one week programme.

It will be for a long run,” he said.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey

said reconstruction and resiliency was one of the primary objectives in the Progressive Liberal Party’s Blueprint for Change.

She said: “We know what GB and Abaco experienced as a result of Dorian. Home repairs was one the objectives and we wanted to ensure we can assist residents with much needed repairs. We heard the cries for so long, and we are delighted that today we are able to begin the process of making it happen for our people,” she said.

Senator Kirkland Russell went on to thank Minister Rahming for the support to provide relief to affected homeowners.

“We want to say to residents we are here for you.

We intend to provide compassionate relief to those who qualify,” he said.

STATE Social Services and Urban Development Minister Lisa Rahming.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/ Tribune Staff

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PAGE 12, Thursday, May 5, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘CORRUPT TO CORE’ CARIBBEAN LEADER GETS BOND IN DRUG CASE THE premier of the British Virgin Islands, whom US prosecutors described as “corrupt to the core”, was given a $500,000 bond that could see him released from prison as he awaits trial on charges tied to a US narcotics sting.

In a surprise decision, federal court Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes rejected prosecutors’ argument that Andrew Fahie may flee the US and possibly engage in criminal activity if he is freed.

Instead, she said he could remain in Miami, confined to the rented apartment of his two college-age daughters, if he and his family surrender their passports and he wears an ankle bracelet monitor in addition to paying the sizable corporate surety bond.

Assistant US Attorney Frederic Shadley said the government would appeal the decision, meaning it’s unclear when and if Fahie would be released.

Fahie, 51, was arrested last week at a Miami airport during a US Drug Enforcement Administration sting after being given what looked like $700,000 in cash, but what was in reality fake bill notes, that were to be flown back on a private jet to the British Virgin Islands on Fahie’s behalf. Also arrested was his ports director, Oleanvine Maynard.

ABORTION BATTLES IN STATES FIRE UP AFTER SUPREME COURT LEAK THE Supreme Court’s apparent intention to abolish a nationwide right to abortion, spelled out in a draft opinion leaked this week, will expand the battlefield of the nation’s most highly charged culture war, taking it to states where abortion access has long been assured.

Democrats in blue states are bracing for a wave of legal attacks and other maneuvers seeking to undermine access, and some are even taking steps to enshrine the right to abortion in their constitutions, making it much more difficult to impose a ban in the future.

Republican states are expected to ban or restrict abortion, but tactics also could include an aggressive effort to go beyond their borders to sue abortion providers and find other ways to punish those who assist a woman in securing an abortion.

The potential to roll back established abortion rights already has emerged in states with divided political control, including Pennsylvania and Virginia. California and Colorado are pushing to protect abortion access in their constitutions, a stronger step than passing a law. Connecticut and Washington state have already taken steps to shield providers from possible lawsuits as they anticipate women seeking abortions would cross state lines.

“We will not allow the tentacles of Texas to get into Washington state,” said Democratic Gov Jay Inslee, who vowed to make Washington a sanctuary for those seeking abortion.

Oregon lawmakers included $15m in their state budget to help pay for people to travel to the state to get abortions and California has a similar bill.

The rhetoric on both sides points to a growing fight over access, with anti-abortion advocates hoping to shrink the number of states where the procedure remains legal if Roe is overturned. Roughly half of US states are expected to move quickly to ban or greatly restrict abortion if that happens.

A new law in Idaho, currently blocked by the state Supreme Court, would allow family members of all involved to sue abortion providers, an example of the tactics to come.

“The next chapter of the conflict is really going to be about essentially what happens with interstate conflicts,” said Mary Ziegler, a legal historian at Florida State University’s law school.

Many states with one-party control of government already have chosen their side. The handful of states with divided politics are up for grabs.

In Pennsylvania, abortion is legal under state law for the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. The law’s survival is on the line in this year’s race for governor.

Gov Tom Wolf, a Democrat who has vetoed recent legislation restricting abortion, is not running because of term limits. The race to replace him is between a similarly minded Democrat, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and a primary field of nine Republicans who all say they would sign restrictions passed by the Legislature, which is likely to remain under GOP control.

One Republican candidate, state Sen Doug Mastriano, supports a ban at six weeks of pregnancy without exceptions for rape, incest or saving the life of the mother.

A FISHERMAN pulls his net back onto his boat in the waters surrounding Cap-Haitien, Haiti, last month. A prize winning marine biologist is working to bring together fishermen from Haiti and the Dominican Republic and find a solution that will not only save their livelihoods but also vital marine resources in a region under extreme pressures from climate change.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

Haitian gangs make work dangerous for marine biologist PEPILLO SALCEDO, Dominican Republic Associated Press IN A BLUE bay that spans the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, fishermen from both countries recently aired grievances in a rare face-to-face meeting thanks to the efforts of marine biologist Jean Wiener.

The meeting, overseen by Dominican naval officers with rifles, was no small feat for Wiener, who has been forced to work on conserving this biologically sensitive region from afar — his house in Bethesda, Maryland — because of rampant violence in Haiti, his homeland. Now the prizewinning biologist stood in the Caribbean heat at the mouth of a spot called the Massacre River, trying to bring together the two sides and find a solution that will not only save their livelihoods but also vital marine resources in a region under extreme pressures from climate change.

“The constant fishing, or overfishing, in these areas has decimated an entire ecosystem,” said Rodolfo Jimenez, director of an agricultural border project in the Dominican Republic.

The Haitian fishermen, standing across from Jimenez on the beach, agreed. But they also said they were not to blame for the damage in the Monte Cristi National Park in northwestern Dominican Republic.

Wiener’s work has grown in significance over the years in large part because of charcoal vendors in Haiti who hack down trees for cooking fuel and, more recently, wade into the country’s mangroves, the tropical vegetation that is a natural barrier against the Caribbean’s destructive hurricanes.

It was the first trip for Wiener, leader of Foundation for the Protection of Marine Biodiversity, since November 2021, his absence largely attributed to the violent gangs that have engulfed the Haitian capital in recent years. Nominally present already and undermined further with the

2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, the government has done little to wrest control from the gangs.

For years, Wiener used to visit Haiti every month or so, but now restricts his trips to only a few times a year while being compelled to work remotely and delegate more responsibility to staff members dispersed throughout the country. Haiti is just too dangerous otherwise. So when he does come, as he did for three weeks in March, he hopscotches the country via puddle-jumper plane; travel by road is too perilous.

It’s a conundrum that bedevils Jean and others like him around the world.

As climate change plays a greater role in contributing to conflicts, that in turns makes it more difficult to carry out scientific research and work on environmental projects that seek to offset the effects of climate change. The environmental group Global Witness released a report last year noting that 2020 saw a record number of environmental activists killed around the world; the death toll of 227 was the highest number recorded for a second consecutive year, with Colombia having the highest number of recorded attacks, with 65, and Mexico second, with 30.

“The extent to which failed states make it difficult for scientists and the international scientific community to work on these issues simply means it will be more difficult to solve these problems,” said Peter Gleick, president emeritus and a senior fellow with the Pacific Institute, an Oakland-based research group that focuses on water issues.

In several reports released in October, the US signaled that climate change would occupy a central role in security strategy, a policy shift that underscores how climatic changes are exacerbating long-standing problems. One of the studies identified 11 countries that were of “greatest concern,” because they were especially vulnerable to climate change and unable to deal with the attendant problems. Haiti was among them.

The Caribbean nation has the highest travel advisory from the US State Department due to kidnapping, crime and civil unrest. Kidnapping, the State Department says, “is widespread and victims regularly include US citizens”.

The kidnappings have persisted for years, rising significantly after the 2017 departure of a UN peacekeeping mission.

In October, a group of missionaries was abducted by a powerful gang and held for ransom.

The March meeting took place at the mouth of a river with a name that harkens back to a bloody episode on the island of Hispaniola: The Massacre River, also the Dajabón River. Though named for an earlier massacre, it’s mostly known for when Dominican soldiers in 1937 executed thousands of Haitian families and Dominicans of Haitian descent.

The antipathy toward Haitians persists today, not least with Dominican President Luis Abinader’s newly launched plan to build a multimillion-dollar, 118-mile wall along the border.

In the end, the March trip to Haiti proved fortuitously uneventful — though danger wasn’t far away.

When Wiener visited the southwestern part of the country, his driver got wind of protesters’ plans to storm the local airport. The attack didn’t happen until after Wiener flew out, a few days later: People ran onto the tarmac and torched a small plane.

One day during his recent visit to northern Haiti, Wiener gave a snorkeling lesson. While wading in the surf, a pufferfish floated toward the group.

Wiener gently picked up the prickly fish with both hands, walked a few steps out and sent the pufferfish into the ocean.

“We really know that there’s a part, you know, where you can be in a classroom,” Wiener said later from the hotel, where a few security guards patrolled the grounds.

“But it is critically important that people actually get out and touch and see and feel the environment.”

SPORTS PAGE 14

Tennis Junior, Pg 19

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Tavario Miller and Zane Knowles in playoffs

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

T

wo Bahamian senior men’s national basketball team players got their postseasons off to successful starts.

Tavario Miller and Minas Belo Horizonte took a 2-1 series lead over Unifacisa in Brazil’s Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) quarterfinals.

In game one, he finished with six points and five rebounds of an 85-65 win.

He followed with 22 points and seven rebounds in a

D-BACKS EDGE ‘JAZZ’ CHISHOLM AND THE MARLINS 8-7 MIAMI (AP) — Pavin Smith hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning, and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Miami Marlins 8-7 yesterday after left-hander Madison Bumgarner was ejected.

Bumgarner gave up a leadoff homer to Jon Berti in the first, and then retired the next three batters. As he was walking to the dugout, the pitcher gestured with his arm before holding his hand out for a foreign-substance check by first base umpire Dan Bellino.

Bumgarner said something to Bellino as the check was ending, and the umpire threw him out. Bumgarner then started yelling at Bellino and had to be restrained by some coaches.

“You guys have seen the video,” Bumgarner said. “I don’t know if I could say anything that would make the situation better. What I am going to say is I’m extremely proud of our team, coming back. Obviously, I didn’t go into the game with the intention of throwing one inning. Everyone picked me up today.”

Bellino told a pool reporter that Bumgarner was ejected for directing

SEE PAGE 15

90-81 game two loss before 13 points and six rebounds in Tuesday night’s 88-85 win. They look to close out the series in game four Saturday night.

Minas finished the regular ranked third in the league at 25-7.

The team also finished third in the FIBA Basketball Champions League of the Americas with a win over Quisima in the bronze medal game last month.

In his first season with the club, Miller is averaging 11.5 points and seven rebounds per game on 65 percent shooting from the

TAVARIO Miller.

ZANE Knowles.

field. Prior to Brazil, the former Texas A and M Aggie played professionally

in Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, Norway and Mexico.

Zane Knowles continues

his successful return to the court this season in his brief stint thus far with Levski Sofia of Bulgaria’s NBL. Knowles finished with a dominant 28-point, eightrebound performance in a 116-74 win over Beroe in the first game of the quarterfinals.

His statline was highlighted by first three-point field goal of his career.

In seven games since he returned to play, Knowles has returned to form with averages of 16.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Last season while preparing for the season in

Hungary with Zalakerámia ZTE KK, Knowles sought treatment for what he described as a minor hamstring injury when doctors discovered a rare Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) that required surgery.

In a busy 2019-20 season, Knowles played in three leagues and two countries before the COVID-19 pandemic brought basketball to an end globally. He concluded the campaign in his first stint with Levaki.

In just two games with the club, he averaged 13 points, seven rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

Ayton and Suns take 2-0 lead

By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul scored 28 points, including 14 in another spectacular fourth quarter, to lead the Phoenix Suns over the Dallas Mavericks 129-109 last night for a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Paul — a 12-time AllStar who turns 37 years old on Friday — almost single-handedly turned a tight game into a comfortable victory, the Suns’ 11th win in a row against the Mavericks counting regular-season games.

The Mavs led 60-58 at halftime but the Suns quickly recaptured the lead after Devin Booker hit back-to-back 3-pointers early in the third.

The Suns took an 89-83 advantage going into the final quarter and it looked like a tough fight was coming.

But that’s about the time Paul decided the game was his to control, hitting six shots in a row on everything from 3-pointers to mid-range jumpers to layups. The feisty Mavericks finally didn’t have an answer. Booker hit a pair of 3-pointers midway through the fourth to give the Suns a 114-95 lead.

Booker led the Suns with 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range. The Suns shot 64.5 percent overall and made 52 percent of their 3-pointers.

Game 3 is on Friday in Dallas.

PHOENIX Suns centre Deandre Ayton (22) drives the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the first half of Game 2 in the second round of the NBA Western Conference playoff series last night in Phoenix. Ayton scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds in 18 minutes.

(AP Photo/Matt York) The Mavericks will go shooting two nights after straight game, but the to tie the game at 38. Davis home in a 2-0 hole, desper- a 45-point performance in Mavericks had a better Bertans followed with a ately needing contributions Game 1. Reggie Bullock response than in Game 1.

3-pointer with 7:56 left in from someone other than added 16 points.

Dallas slowly fought the second quarter to give Luka Doncic, who scored The Suns jumped out back and Spencer Dinwid35 points on 13-of-22 to a 9-0 lead for a second die hit a pair of free throws SEE PAGE 16

Trying to recover, Real Madrid rallies past Djokovic and Murray Manchester City to reach faceoff in Madrid Champions League final

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are set for a showdown at the Madrid Open today, with the winner securing a spot in the the quarterfinals and taking another step toward recovery.

Djokovic and Murray are far apart in the rankings, but both have been going through similar times, trying to regain their best form after lacklustre starts to the season.

The top-ranked Djokovic is playing in only his fourth tournament after not being allowed to participate in the Australian Open because of his vaccination status. The 78th-ranked Murray, trying to make a run back to the top, is looking to win three matches in a row for the first time since January.

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

ANDY MURRAY, of Britain, returns the ball against Denis Shapovalov, of Canada, during their match at the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday.

(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) They haven’t faced each other since Djokovic won at the Doha final of 2017.

“We’ve had so many great battles over the years

in some of the biggest tournaments in the world,” Murray said. “We played in

SEE PAGE 18

MADRID (AP) — The “Si se puede!

(Yes we can!)” chants gradually faded at the Santiago Bernabéu as the minutes passed and Real Madrid looked beaten.

As the end of regulation approached, many in the stands — and on the field — were close to giving up as Manchester City defended its 1-0 lead.

It seemed that there would be no magical night at the Bernabéu for the 13-time European champions this time.

But Madrid took its Champions League comebacks to another level yesterday, rallying late with two goals in two minutes by substitute Rodrygo to force extra time and defeat Manchester City 3-1 to reach the final — a showdown with Liverpool.

Karim Benzema, the hero of Madrid’s previous comebacks this season, converted a penalty kick in extra time for the decisive goal that allowed Madrid to advance 6-5 on aggregate after a 4-3 first-leg semifinal loss in which it escaped losing by a bigger margin. “I didn’t think we could do it again because

we were struggling,” Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said. “We had already eliminated some top teams that spent a lot of money to try to win a Champions, but today it was more impressive, happening in the final minutes.”

Madrid had already pulled off thrilling comebacks at the Bernabéu against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 and Chelsea in the quarterfinals.

“I cannot say we are used to living this kind of life, but what happened tonight happened against Chelsea and also against Paris,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “If you have to say why, it is the history of this club that helps us to keep going when it seems that we are gone.”

By doing it again against City, Madrid booked a spot in the May 28 final in Paris against Liverpool, which advanced after defeating Villarreal on Tuesday.

Madrid defeated Liverpool in the 2018 final, when the Spanish powerhouse clinched its record-extending 13th title. “We have a score to settle,” Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah said on

SEE PAGE 16

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 15

Infielder Lucius Fox rejoins the Rochester Red Wings

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net AFTER nearly a month highlighted by several historic milestones with the Washington Nationals, Lucius Fox was optioned to the franchise’s TripleA affiliate, but manager Davey Martinez said he expects the versatile infielder to be back in the big leagues soon.

Fox rejoined the Rochester Red Wings, but his debut was delayed after yesterday’s matchup against the Scranton WB Railriders was postponed due to rain.

Martinez addressed Fox’s situation in his media availability Tuesday as the Nationals opened their series against the Colorado Rockies.

“I told him [Fox], I said, ‘Hey, look, it’s just a matter of time before you get an opportunity to come up here and play every day, It’s part of your development, we want you to go down there and get as many atbats as possible, and work on your footwork,’” Martinez said.

Martinez said Fox spent much of his time in the majors refining his skills with third base coach Gary DiSarcina and first base coach Tim Bogar. He also compared his progression to current Red Wings infield prospect Luis Garcia.

“He’s learned a lot up here with DiSar and Bogie, and ... continue to work, but I loved having him, and you see — if we can cut down his swing a little bit, and he puts the ball in play, you see what he does when he’s on the bases.

He’s a very good baserunner. And he’s going to learn a lot, and he’s learned a lot, so we just want him to go down there and get consistent at-bats and play.”

Fox is currently ranked No.23 in the Nationals’ prospect list, according to MLB Pipeline. He appeared at both shortstop and third base in his time with the Nationals.

“When we deem he’s ready, he’s the same as Luis García, when we deem that they’re ready with all aspects of the game, they’re going to come up here, and they’re going to get a chance to play every day,” Martinez said.

JAZZ

FROM PAGE 14 profanity at an umpire.

Video of the foreignsubstance check showed Bellino staring at Bumgarner while he repeatedly patted his hand, but Bellino said he didn’t think that was a factor in the ejection.

“I wouldn’t say he took exception to it. It was just a hand check,” Bellino said.

It was Bumgarner’s second career ejection. He also was thrown out on June 11, 2018, for arguing balls and strikes.

The Marlins scored two runs in the seventh and eighth to take a 7-6 lead.

But the Diamondbacks rallied in the ninth, completing a three-game series sweep.

Daulton Varsho hit a one-out single against Anthony Bender (0-3) before Smith connected for his third homer of the season.

“Bender put one down the middle,” Smith said. “I made an adjustment when I saw the spin just trust myself and swing instead of waiting too long.”

Smith, of neighbouring West Palm Beach, homered twice in the series to the delight of family and friends in the stands.

“My family was on the third row, coming around third I saw them going crazy, phones out,” Smith said. “I just pointed to them. It’s always great to perform in front of your family because I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Ian Kennedy got three outs for his third save.

‘GOOD VIBES’ FOR MCILROY AS HE DEFENDS AT SOGGY WELLS FARGO

By BEN NUCKOLS AP Sports Writer

WASHINGTON Nationals’ Lucius Fox in action against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco on Sunday, May 1.

(AP Photos/Jeff Chiu) “I still want Foxy to play some short, as well, but he’ll play some second [base], so will Luis [García], but every now and then, maybe once a week, let him play some third base — because if something does happen up here, that we need him to be able to do that as well.”

In the offseason, Fox was claimed off waivers by the Nationals in December and joined the fifth franchise of his MLB career.

During the final week of Spring Training, he was recalled from the Red Wings to the big league club and had an immediate opportunity at the opening week roster after several injuries to veterans in the Washington middle infield.

He made his MLB debut on April 10 with a squeeze bunt and run scored in a win over the Mets.

On May 1, Fox ended his drought at the plate and recorded both his first hit and first stolen base of his MLB career. He got the start at shortstop and

finished 2-5 with one run scored, one RBI and one stolen base in an 11-5 win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California.

Last season, he rose as high

“I am so proud of these guys,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “I think we were very emotional there in the very beginning. It was a great team win.”

Jesús Aguilar had three hits for Miami, which dropped its fourth straight game. Berti and Bryan De La Cruz each drove in two runs.

De La Cruz’s RBI single tied it at 6 in the eighth.

The Marlins then went in front when Jazz Chisholm Jr scored on a wild pitch by Keynan Middleton (1-1).

“These hurt,” Miami manager Don Mattingly said. “Anytime you lose late like that it hurts you.

We finally get that big hit that we needed to break through and you feel like OK we have a chance to put a game away and we’re unable to do it.”

Varsho’s two-run homer capped a five-run fourth against Miami starter Elieser Hernández, erasing a 3-0 deficit. Sergio Alcántara hit a two-run triple and Geraldo Perdomo had an RBI single.

Hernández was lifted after four innings. The right-hander allowed five runs and five hits.

Arizona stretched its lead in the sixth. Ketel Marte raced home on Sergio Alcántara’s single and an error on De La Cruz in center.

DRIVERS MAKE THEIR PITCHES Formula 1 car racing drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez threw out ceremonial first pitches before the game. Verstappen and Pérez will

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr celebrates scoring the go-ahead run on a wild pitch during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday in Miami.

(AP Photos/Jim Rassol) participate in the inaugural surgery) increased his the opener of a three-game Miami F1 Grand Prix on throwing programme to 60 set against Colorado on Sunday at Hard Rock Sta- feet.

Friday. dium in Miami Gardens.

UP Marlins: LHP Jesús TRAINER’S NEXT Luzardo (2-1, 3.10 ERA) ROOM Diamondbacks: RHP will start the opener of a Marlins: RHP Sixto Merrill Kelly (2-1, 1.27 four-game series at San Sánchez (right shoulder ERA) is scheduled to start Diego today.

WASHINGTON Nationals’ Lucius Fox against the San Francisco Giants during a baseball game in San Francisco. as No.26 in the Kansas City Royals’ prospect pipeline.

Fox spent the bulk of his season at the AAA level with the Omaha Storm Chasers in the International League.

In 57 games with the Storm Chasers, Fox hit .245 with a .353 OBP, .729 OPS, 56 hits, five home-runs and 24 RBI. He also had 44 runs scored and 19 stolen bases.

POTOMAC, Md. (AP) — Wearing black rain pants on a soggy, foggy Wednesday morning, Rory McIlroy still had a bounce in his step and plenty of reasons to smile as he chatted with reporters, signed autographs and posed for selfies outside the clubhouse at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm.

He is coming off a careerbest runner-up finish at the Masters, thanks to a brilliant closing 64, and he has plenty of good memories from the Maryland suburbs of Washington. A mile to the east at Congressional, McIlroy played what he still describes as the best golf of his life, an eight-shot victory in the 2011 US Open.

“I was driving in here yesterday morning and going along whatever road that is and I looked left and I thought, ‘That looks like Congressional. Oh, that is Congressional,’” McIlroy said. “So, good vibes, obviously, from this area.”

McIlroy, who turned 33 yesterday, has a more recent title to defend this week at the Wells Fargo Championship, although he’ll have to do it on a course where he’s never competed. His victory last year was his third at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the tournament is making a one-year detour to TPC Potomac while its regular venue prepares to host the Presidents Cup in September.

McIlroy professes himself a fan of the tree-lined, trouble-heavy layout that’s had a mixed reputation during 35 years as an on-and-off PGA Tour venue.

“It’s just a solid golf course. You can’t really fake it around here,” McIlroy said. “You’ve got to hit the ball really well. Green complexes are tricky, pretty small targets. The rough maybe isn’t up as much as they usually have it here because of the time of year, but overall, really solid test.”

And a wet one, thanks to an inch of rain that fell in the early morning hours Wednesday. More rain is expected Friday and Saturday, along with cool temperatures and strong wind this weekend.

McIlroy won his four major championships in relatively soggy conditions, cementing a reputation as a mudder that he thinks is a bit unfair.

“I’ve won 30 times around the world. Not all those weeks were wet and rainy,” he said. “I think I’m pretty good in most conditions.”

He’s the chief attraction at TPC Potomac during a stretch of the PGA Tour schedule when top players are choosy about where they play, with three major championships looming in the next 10 weeks.

McIlroy at No. 7 is the highest-ranked player in the field, followed by Tony Finau (No. 18) and Abraham Ancer (No. 20).

And if McIlroy was a bit overlooked heading into the Masters, the roars that accompanied his final shot on Sunday — a hole-out from a greenside bunker — reminded everyone of his star quality and stillimmense potential. “It gives me comfort knowing that my game is there,” McIlroy said. “I got a lot of confidence from that round on Sunday. I did a lot of great things. It’s something to definitely build on over the next few weeks.”

He will be grouped today and Friday with veterans Webb Simpson and Francesco Molinari.

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PAGE 16, Thursday, May 5, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

CHRIS PAUL HAS ANOTHER STELLAR 4TH, SUNS BLOW PAST MAVS 129-109

PHOENIX Mercury’s Brittney Griner watches during WNBA basketball practice on May 10, 2018, in Phoenix. The WNBA will begin its 26th season this weekend with many fascinating storylines including the potential retirement of Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles, the return of Becky Hammon as a coach and the absence of Brittney Griner.

(AP Photo/Matt York)

Griner’s absence, Hammon’s return headline WNBA’s new season

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA will begin its 26th season this weekend with several intriguing storylines, including the potential retirement of Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles, the return of Becky Hammon as a coach and the absence of Brittney Griner.

There is no bigger headline engulfing the league than Griner.

The Mercury’s All-Star centre remains in Russia after being detained following her arrival at a Moscow airport on February 17. Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Griner’s status has been changed to “wrongfully detained” and she has a hearing scheduled for May 19.

But Griner’s presence will be felt even in her absence.

The league plans to honour Griner and keep her ongoing situation front

and centre with a floor decal that will feature her initials along with her number 42. It will appear on the home court of all 12 teams starting with Friday’s season openers.

The regular season ends August 14.

Teams will play a record 36 games this year.

“The 36-game schedule will provide fans greater opportunities to see the best players in the world compete at the highest level,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said when the schedule was announced in December.

Before Griner’s arrest the Mercury made many moves in the offseason to put the team in contention to win another championship after losing to Chicago last season in the Finals.

Phoenix added Tina Charles and Diamond DeShields to the roster to complement Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith.

DeShields joins the Mercury from the Sky, who will try and become the first team to repeat as champions since the Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2001-02.

Chicago added Emma

Meesseman — the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP — to its roster. Then there is the looming retirement of AllStars Bird and Fowles.

Bird, the league’s alltime assist leader, has said all signs are pointing toward this year being her last with the Seattle Storm, but she does not want the upcoming season to be a farewell tour.

Fowles has stated she will retire after this season.

The WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder said it was a tough decision whether to come back for a 15th season or not.

With Fowles and Bird having a foot out the door, the league welcomes back Hammon this season.

Hammon took over as coach of the Las Vegas Aces, replacing Bill Laimbeer, after serving as an NBA assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs since 2014. She’s one of six former players who are now head coaches in the league.

A few other storylines to follow this season: HEALTHY MYSTICS No team went through more injury problems the

last two seasons then the Washington Mystics. Coach Mike Thibault hopes his team has finally put all that bad luck in the rearview mirror and is looking forward to having Elena Delle Donne and Alysha Clark in the lineup.

Delle Donne has only played in three games the last two seasons because of COVID-19 concerns and back issues. The former league MVP last was on the court fulltime in 2019 when the Mystics won their first championship. Clark missed last season, which would have been her first in Washington, due to a Lisfranc injury in her right foot.

REBUILDING FEVER Indiana used four firstround picks in the draft to try and rebuild its roster, taking NaLyssa Smith (2nd), Emily Engster (4th), Lexie Hull (6th) and Queen Egbo (10th). The Fever also drafted Destanni Henderson (20th). Draft choices haven’t worked out so well for Indiana the last few years as the Fever selected Lauren Cox third in 2020 and she was cut last season.

Last year Indiana took Kysre Gondrezick fourth.

She is also no longer with the franchise.

RETURN OF THE COMMISSIONER’S CUP The league is bringing back the Commissioner’s Cup for the second year.

The in-season tournament was won by Seattle last year. The Storm beat the Connecticut Sun in the championship game, which was played in Phoenix.

There are 10 designated “Cup games” per team – the first home game and first road game each team plays against its five conference rivals.

FRESH STARTS Meesseeman, Charles and DeShields aren’t the only players in new places this season. Liz Cambage now calls Los Angeles home after leaving Las Vegas. The 6-foot-8 Australian center will try and get the Sparks back into being championship contenders. Courtney Williams returned to Connecticut after spending two seasons with the Atlanta Dream.

The Dream picked up former WNBA All-Star MVP Erica Wheeler.

the Mavs a 41-38 advantage and their first lead of the series. The Mavs took a two-point lead after a foul-filled first half. Doncic scored 24 before the break on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range. Crowder led the Suns with 15.

TIP-INS Mavericks: Bertans gave the Mavs good minutes in the first half, scoring nine points and going 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. ... Doncic briefly turned and stared down a Suns heckler late in the third quarter when he was walking off the playing floor into the tunnel.

Doncic was quickly ushered away from the fan by Dallas team personnel.

PHOENIX Suns guard Chris Paul (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball secondround playoff series, last night in Phoenix.

(AP Photo/Matt York) Suns: Shot 64.7% from the field in the first quarter. ... Jae Crowder picked up a technical foul in the second quarter.

Deandre Ayton was called for a flagrant 1 foul after being called for an offensive foul, catching Dwight Powell in the face with his elbow. Phoenix hosted a sellout crowd for a 31st straight game.

REAL MADRID RALLIES PAST MANCHESTER CITY TO REACH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL FROM PAGE 14 Twitter after Madrid’s win. The result ended City’s latest quest for its first Champions League trophy.

Pep Guardiola’s team lost in the final last year to Chelsea.

“We were close but at the end we could not reach (the final),” Guardiola said.

Madrid looked defeated near the end of regulation before Rodrygo scored his goals two minutes apart.

Riyad Mahrez had put City ahead in the 73rd but the Brazilian forward equalised in the 90th and got the goahead goal with a header a minute into stoppage time.

A few minutes before Rodrygo’s first goal, Ferland Mendy had saved Madrid from conceding a second goal that could have sealed City’s qualification by clearing the ball in front off the goal line while tumbling backward to keep an attempt by Jack Grealish from going in.

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois moments later saved a Grealish shot with the bottom of his cleat.

Madrid carried all the momentum into extra time and Benzema gave the hosts the 3-1 lead by converting a 95th-minute penalty kick after he was fouled inside the area.

It was the 15th Champions League goal this season for Benzema, the competition’s leading scorer.

REAL Madrid players celebrate at the end of the Champions League semi final, second leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, yesterday.

(AP Photos/Manu Fernandez) It was his 10th goal in the won the first match 3-1 but a pass by Bernardo Silva, knockout stage alone, tying was down 3-0 in the second who attracted the Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo’s record leg before rallying in extra defenders before feeding in a single season. time, when Benzema again the ball to his teammate.

Benzema had scored hat scored the deciding goal.

Mahrez had scored both tricks when Madrid ralYesterday’s game started of City’s goals in the second lied against both PSG and tighter than last week’s leg of last season’s semifinal Chelsea. back-and-forth first leg in against PSG. Madrid came back Manchester, but City evenThe Algerian became the against PSG after losing tually opened the scoring first City player to scored the first leg in Paris and when Mahrez found the seven times in a single conceding early in the top corner with a firm left- Champions League camsecond leg at the Bernabéu. footed one-timer from paign. Madrid had scored Against Chelsea, Madrid inside the area following 22 goals in its last eight

REAL Madrid’s Rodrygo celebrates his side’s second goal during the Champions League semi final, second leg, soccer match against Manchester City yesterday.

games in all competitions but struggled to get past the City defence.

Benzema set up Rodrygo’s first goal from inside the area, and Marco Asensio flicked Dani Carvajal’s cross for the Brazilian’s stunning header in stoppage time.

Rodrygo had scored twice when Madrid clinched the Spanish league title in advance at

the Bernabéu on Saturday, when celebrations went late into the evening with players and coach Carlo Ancelotti asking for the fans’ support against Man City.

Fans had already given players a spectacular welcome as the team’s bus arrived before the match on Wednesday, crowding the streets around the Bernabéu.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 17

Adebayo, Butler lead Heat past 76ers, take 2-0 series lead

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — Bam Adebayo scored 23 points, Jimmy Butler had 22 points and 12 assists, and the Miami Heat beat the Philadelphia 76ers 119-103 last night for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Victor Oladipo scored 19 points on his 30th birthday and Tyler Herro added 18 for the Heat, the East’s No. 1 seed. Oladipo had 10 of those points in the fourth quarter.

Tyrese Maxey scored 34 points for Philadelphia, which got 21 from Tobias Harris and 20 from James Harden.

A 10-0 run in the fourth turned an eight-point Miami lead into an 18-point edge, sealing the win and ensuring the Heat would hold home court before the series shifts north. Game 3 is Friday in Philadelphia.

And now, the Heat will hope history holds — and the 76ers will hope it doesn’t.

Miami has taken a 2-0 lead in 18 previous series, including the first round this season against Atlanta, and won the matchup every time. The 76ers’ franchise has dropped the first two games of a matchup on 19 other occasions, never recovering to win the series.

The question going into Friday will revolve around

whether Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid could be ready for Game 3. The league’s scoring champion and MVP finalist has, not surprisingly, been big-time missed by the 76ers.

“We don’t have a big man right now,” Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers lamented.

Adebayo surely isn’t complaining. He was 8 for 10 from the field and 8 for 8 from the line in Game 1; he followed that up with a 7-for-11 night from the floor on Wednesday.

It wasn’t just the absence of Embiid, though, that hurt Philadelphia. The 76ers were awful again from 3-point range, shooting 8 for 30.

Danny Green was 1 for 10 from the field — the second time in his playoff career that he had that many attempts and shot that poorly in a postseason game. The other? A 1-for12 effort for San Antonio in 2013, also in Miami, the night the Heat won their third and most recent NBA title.

The Heat aren’t close to that yet. But they are two wins from the East finals.

TIP-INS 76ers: Harden got fouled on a 3-point try with 0.1 seconds left in the half, making all three free throws to get Philadelphia within 60-52 at the break. ... Maxey got a cut on his right knee in the fourth quarter, the game stopping

PHILADELPHIA 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives to the basket as Miami Heat centre Bam Adebayo (13) defends, during the first half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series last night.

(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) temporarily while the 76ers tended to him. He stayed in the game. ... Georges Niang had another unusual stat line. He was 0 for 7 — all 3-pointers — in Game 1, then fouled out in 10 minutes of Game 2. It was the fourth-fewest minutes played all season by anyone who fouled out.

Heat: PJ Tucker turns 37 today. ... It was the 497th consecutive sellout announced by the Heat, tying Sacramento for the fifth-longest streak in NBA history. The record is held

by Dallas, which has 864

consecutive sellouts and counting. ... Miami held a 44-34 rebounding edge.

PASSING PAT With the win, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra’s postseason record improved to 91-59 (.607). Among coaches with at least 100 playoff games, he moved into fourth on the NBA’s win-percentage list behind only Steve Kerr (.732), Phil Jackson (.688) and Billy Cunningham (.629).

The coach Spoelstra passed in winning percentage Wednesday night?

That would be his boss,

Heat President Pat Riley, who went 171-111 (.606).

KENTUCKY SOUTH The Kentucky ties ran deep last night. Wildcats coach John Calipari was at Game 2 to see Herro formally receive the Sixth Man award. Other former Kentucky players on the Heat and 76ers: Adebayo, Maxey and Heat two-way player Mychal Mulder.

And Riley played at Kentucky.

UP NEXT Game 3 is Friday in Philadelphia.

Curry, Morant enjoying challenge of battling in the Western Conference semis

By TERESA M WALKER AP Sports Writer MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Stephen Curry had a message for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr after the Golden State Warriors took Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Prepare to have some fun in this series.

Morant countered in a big way in Game 2. He also made sure to get in Curry’s ear after tying the best-ofseven playoff at one apiece.

“I was able to return that message ... saying the same thing,” Morant said after equalling his postseason high with 47 points in Memphis’ 106-101 win Tuesday night.

“I always say, this is my favourite matchup playing against a guy like him, a great talent. Yeah, it’s going to be a battle.”

Curry and Morant have been dueling going back to last year’s play-in game.

Morant and Memphis won on Curry’s home court to clinch the eighth seed.

Starting with that game, only one of seven meetings have been decided by double digits.

And the two-time NBA scoring champion didn’t play in that 123-95 rout by Memphis on March 28 to take the season series 3-1.

In this semifinal, Morant has outscored Curry in each game.

The NBA’s Most Improved Player missed a layup at the end of Game 1 in a 117-116 loss that ate at Morant until he got back on the court Tuesday night.

Morant scored 14 points in the first quarter. But he was at his absolute best in

GOLDEN State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) slaps himself on the chest during the fourth quarter of Game 2 in the team’s NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis, on Tuesday.

(Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) the fourth despite taking a shot to his left eye going for a rebound late in the third period — it even took him a few minutes to see well enough to get back on the floor.

The Grizzlies trailed 89-86 when Morant got started. He converted a three-point play after being fouled by Draymond Green to tie it with 6:11 left. Brandon Clarke added two free throws and then Morant took over, scoring the last 15 points for the Grizzlies over the final 4:16.

The dynamic guard shot 6 of 11 in the fourth, including 1 of 3 outside the arc. He also made all five free throws, scoring 18 of Memphis’ 29 points.

Morant was the only Grizzlies starter on the floor during a personal 15-6 run he reeled off while surrounded by reserves, with Jackson fouled out, Dillon Brooks ejected and Desmond Bane dealing with a sore back.

Xavier Tillman Sr had one thought about how his teammate finished the game.

“Mama there goes that man,” Tillman said. “He’s a bucket. Yeah, he’s a bucket for sure. Especially in the clutch time, like he knows how to get to where he wants to be. As a defender, I don’t know what they think in their head, but it’s hard to stop him for sure.”

The Warriors lost Gary Payton II to a broken left elbow early in the game.

He started to help defend Morant, and Green said they just need to “guard him better.”

Golden State also needs to shoot better.

The Warriors were 7 of 38 from 3-point range, with Curry and Klay Thompson combining to go 5 for 23.

Curry said they’ll be ready for the next round of this prize fight after feeling they let one slip away.

Game 3 is all set for Saturday night in San Francisco.

“It’s going to be a long three days with that feeling, but we understand what we need to do and how we need to play and the things we need to focus on, and commit to that come Saturday,” Curry said.

CELTA PLAYER MINA SENTENCED TO 4 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ABUSE

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Spanish soccer player Santi Mina was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday after being found guilty of sexual abuse.

The 26-year-old Celta Vigo forward will have to serve time if his appeal is unsuccessful.

The Spanish court also handed Mina a restraining order prohibiting him from approaching the victim for the next 12 years. In addition, he was ordered to pay 50,000 euros ($52,600) in damages.

Mina won’t be allowed to get within 500 metres (yards) of the victim or her home, or to try to establish any type of contact with her.

Mina was cleared of the sexual assault charge he was also facing, which is associated to intimidation or violence against the victim.

Mina’s defence team said it would appeal the decision based on errors committed during the trial, according to the Spanish news agency EFE. Celta said it preventively removed the player from its squad until the appeal process is over. It also opened disciplinary proceedings do determine the options the club can take.

The state prosecutor was asking for eight years of prison for Mina, while the victim’s lawyers were seeking 9 1/2 years.

David Goldar, who played for lower-division club Ibiza, was found not guilty after being accused of being an accomplice.

The woman’s lawyer was asking for 4 1/2 years in prison for him.

Mina and Goldar said the woman consented to the sexual relations.

The woman accused Mina of raping her in a camper van in 2017, where she had gone with Goldar.

TAMPA BAY, SEATTLE TO MEET IN 1ST NFL GAME IN GERMANY LONDON (AP) — The first regular-season NFL game in Germany will be between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks at the home of soccer club Bayern Munich.

The game will take place at the Allianz Arena on November 13, the NFL said yesterday. Frankfurt will also be staging a regularseason game in Germany during the next four years.

Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady could become the first quarterback to start a game in three foreign countries.

He won two games with the New England Patriots in London and another in Mexico City.

The schedule for the three NFL games in London next season was also announced, with the Green Bay Packers becoming the final team to play in Europe.

The Packers will take on the New York Giants on October 9 at the home of Premier League soccer team Tottenham, a week after the Minnesota Vikings play the New Orleans Saints at the same stadium.

On October 30, Wembley Stadium will host the Denver Broncos against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who played games there for seven straight seasons until 2019 before playing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year.

The final international game will be between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals November 21 in Mexico City.

PAGE 18, Thursday, May 5, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Anfernee Seymour early offensive leader for the Dirty Birds

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net ANFERNEE Seymour has emerged as leader for the Charleston Dirty Birds in his debut season with the club and is among the team leaders in several offensive categories.

Through 10 games, the veteran outfielder leads the Dirty Birds with five stolen bases, hits (14), doubles (three) and is second on the team in runs scored (nine).

Seymour is also hitting .311 with a .367 OBP and slugging .489 with one home run, one triple and 22 total bases.

After a fast start at 4-0, Charleston is currently third in the Atlantic Professional Baseball League’s South Division at 7-5. The Gastonia Honey Hunters

lead the division and the league at 10-1 while the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs lead the North Division at 9-1.

Seymour opened his 2022 season on a high note with a solo home run in his Dirty Birds debut.

When he signed with the club last offseason, Dirty Birds manager Billy Horn touted the presence he expected the former Miami Marlins prospect to bring to the clubhouse.

“Seymour brings an explosive dynamic to our ball club,” he said. “I am looking forward to seeing him set the tone at the top of the lineup for us this year” The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is considered one of the most successful and highest levels of baseball among

independent leagues. It is an official MLB Partner League based in the MidAtlantic and Southeastern United States.

Seymour spent last season with the Kane County Cougars of the American Association of Professional Baseball.

He led the league in stolen bases with 37. On the season, he hit .231 with 71 hits, 10 doubles, four triples, 32 RBI, 50 runs scored, a .646 OPS, and 104.

At the Major League Baseball level, Seymour last appeared as a member of the Miami Marlins organisation with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the Double-A Southern League.

In 2019 Hurricane Dorian forced a premature end to the Southern League season. Seymour

FACEOFF FROM PAGE 14

the final I think of all four Grand Slams, we played here in the final, and I haven’t had that opportunity to play against him for a long time.”

Djokovic defeated Murray in three sets in the Madrid final in 2016. The Serb has 25 wins and 11 losses against the Briton.

“In theory I should have no chance,” the 34-year-old Murray said. “He’s obviously No. 1 in the world, I’m playing with a metal hip.

It’s a great opportunity for me to see where my game’s SERBIA’s Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Gael at and to play against him Monfils, of France, during their match at the Mutua Madrid again.”

Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday.

Murray, who was last (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) ranked No. 1 in 2017, had

ANTHONY BURROWS JR GETS SCHOLARSHIP TO PLAY FOR TRITONS

VETERAN outfielder Anfernee Seymour. finished the season just nine hits shy of 500 for his minor league career. Following the season, he opted for free agency. He was originally drafted by the

hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019 and dropped to No. 839. He only returned to the top 100 in February.

“Didn’t know if I ever would get that chance, so I’ll enjoy it,” said Murray, who hadn’t played on clay in nearly two years. “I’ll have a fantastic attitude in the match, give it my best and see where I’m at.”

Djokovic has praised Murray in his comeback attempt.

“He’s moving well, playing better and better. It’s really fantastic to see, because he’s an important player for our game,” Djokovic said. “To have him still compete is great, and to have him even play at a high level as the time goes by is impressive, considering the surgery and

Marlins in 2014 and spent two years in the organisation before he was traded to the Braves in 2016 and returned to the Marlins for a second stint in 2018.

what he has been through in the past few years. His resilience and fighting spirit is really inspiring.”

Murray, winner in Madrid in 2008 and 2015, is playing on a wild card after changing his mind about skipping the clay season. He opened his Madrid campaign with victories over former No. 3 Dominic Thiem and 14thseeded Denis Shapovalov.

He hadn’t won two consecutive matches since reaching the Sydney final in January, when he lost to Aslan Karatsev in straight sets.

The 34-year-old Djokovic, a three-time winner in the Spanish capital, looked sharp in his opener, a two-set victory over Gael Monfils in what he called his “best performance of the year.”

Nadal wins in straight sets at Madrid Open

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal got off to a good start in his return from injury, defeating Miomir Kecmanovic in two sets to reach the third round at the Madrid Open yesterday.

Nadal showed few signs of rustiness in his 6-1, 7-6 (4) opening win at home.

He cruised in the first set and recovered in the second after twice losing his serve following a rain interruption.

The victory lasted nearly two hours, but it was fast enough to allow Nadal to watch Real Madrid’s Champions League match later Wednesday night in the Spanish capital.

Tournament organisers said Nadal asked to play in the afternoon so his match would not coincide with Madrid’s semifinal game against Manchester City, which the hosts won 3-1 to advance to the final.

Nadal is a Madrid fan and on Saturday gave the ceremonial kickoff at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium before the team clinched the Spanish league title with a win against Espanyol.

The fourth-ranked Nadal had been out for nearly 45

days after a rib stress fracture halted his great start to the season, highlighted by winning his record 21st Grand Slam title with victory at the Australian Open.

“Coming from injury I always need to play many matches to regain my best form,” Nadal said. “Winning is very important to give me confidence.”

Nadal was cruising before getting injured in the semifinals in Indian Wells, where he lost the final to Taylor Fritz for his first defeat of the season.

Nadal missed tournaments in Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

The third-seeded Nadal had been downplaying expectations of winning his sixth Madrid Open title, and first since 2017.

The 35-year-old Nadal looked sharp in the first set, though, breaking serve twice against the 32ndranked Kecmanovic.

He struggled more after the match was interrupted for about half an hour with Kecmanovic leading 1-0 in the second set as the center-court roof had to be closed.

Nadal was broken twice, including while serving for the match at 6-5, but eventually prevailed in the tiebreaker by converting

RAFAEL NADAL, of Spain, celebrates a winning point against Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia during their match at the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament yesterday.

(AP Photo/Paul White) his first match point with an ace.

Nadal could face a quarterfinal against Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz, and a semifinal against either top-ranked Novak Djokovic or former No. 1 Andy Murray.

If he wins in Madrid, Nadal will move level with Djokovic on a record 37 titles in Masters 1000 tournaments.

Defending champion Alexander Zverev earlier rallied past Marin Cilic 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, setting up a third-round encounter with American Sebastian Korda.

The third-ranked Zverev is seeking his first title of the season. He lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Monte Carlo semifinals.

Zverev also won in Madrid in 2018.

“I thought I played very well. I just lost focus in the first set,” Zverev said. “Marin is a difficult

opponent, especially with the altitude here, so I am happy with this match.”

Tsitsipas won his opener 6-3, 6-4 against Lucas Pouille, while eighth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Cristian Garin 6-3, 6-0.

Qualifier Dusan Lajovic upset fifth-seeded Casper Ruud 7-6 (7), 2-6, 6-4, while ninth-seeded Cameron Norrie defeated American John Isner 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4.

Daniel Evans needed nearly three hours to defeat 17th-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (2).

Marc López retired after losing his doubles match with Alcaraz 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 to Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski. López, who won the Olympic doubles gold medal with Nadal in 2016, is joining the coaching staff of the Spanish great.

In the women’s draw, 12th-seeded American

Jessica Pegula defeated home-crowd favourite Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-4, 6-2 to set up a semifinal against with Jil Teichmann, who beat Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina 6-3, 6-4.

Eighth-seeded Ons Jabeur made her second WTA 1000 semifinal by defeating two-time Madrid champion Simona Halep 6-3, 6-2.

“It’s never easy to play Simona,” said Jabeur, who lost to Halep in Dubai earlier this year. “Really happy with the fact that I took my revenge. I can see that I’m progressing in my game and in other stuff. I hope I can continue with this level to play the other matches.”

The 21st-ranked Halep had 20 unforced errors and only eight winners.

Jabeur will next face Ekaterina Alexandrova, who defeated American Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-3.

ANTHONY Burrows Jr has decided to join the University of Missouri -St Louis (UMSL) for the fall of 2022. He has been awarded a scholarship to play for UMSL men’s tennis team.

The team is in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

This season UMSL was ranked third and reached the quarterfinals in BURROWS conference play. We know that the UMSL Tritons will benefit from AJ’s talent and experience.

AJ has represented The Bahamas well on numerous national teams as a top tennis junior. He has also been very gracious in giving back to upcoming tennis juniors and has dedicated many hours to The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA national development programmes.

The BLTA congratulates Anthony and his family on this achievement. We pray God’s blessings over him and extend well wishes to him on a fruitful college tennis experience. Go Tritons!

FRENCH OPEN PRIZES UP NEARLY 7% FROM 2019 PRE-PANDEMIC LEVEL PARIS (AP) — Total French Open prize money will be about seven percent higher this year than it was for the last pre-pandemic edition in 2019 — with an increase of 35 percent for players who lose in the first round of singles — but the singles champions will each receive slightly less than they did three years ago.

The French Tennis Federation announced Wednesday that it will hand out a total of 43.6 million euros (about $46 million) in 2022.

The clay-court Grand Slam tournament begins on May 22, with Novak Djokovic and Barbora Krejcikova as the reigning champions.

The winners of the two singles trophies this year will each earn 2.2 million euros (about $2.3 million), down from 2.3 million euros (about $2.4 million) apiece in 2019.

Compared to last year, when the coronavirus pandemic led to limits on attendance at Roland Garros, there is an increase from the 34.4 million euros (about $36.5 million) in total prizes and 1.4 million euros (just under $1.5 million) for the singles champions.

First-round losers in singles will receive 62,000 euros this time (about $65,750), a jump from 46,000 (about $48,750) in 2019.

In all, when compared to 2019, the singles purse goes up nearly 1.5 percent and the doubles prizes rise by about 6 percent.

Players in qualifying rounds will see an increase of about 65 percent in available money over 2019, and 30 percent over last year.

The federation said the increases for first-round singles matches and qualifying “is designed to help the players who have suffered the most” financially because of the pandemic.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, May 5, 2022, PAGE 19

TOP TENNIS JUNIOR PEYTON SIGNS WITH MUSTANGS

PEYTON Anderson has accepted the athletic tennis scholarship to play for the Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Mustangs.

This season SMSU women’s tennis team finished 3rd in their conference amongst 12 colleges. Peyton joins a strong team that reached the semifinals in the conference championships.

Peyton has represented The Bahamas on numerous national teams as a top tennis junior, including Jr Billy Jean King Cup. She is excited about this new chapter in her life.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates Peyton and her family on this achievement. We pray for God’s blessings over her as she embarks on her college tennis journey.