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The Tribune

Volume:117 No.124, MAY 22ND, 2020

Established 1903

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‘PLEASE LET US GO BACK HOME’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net A FURTHER relaxation of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ emergency COVID-19 restrictions is expected to be announced today as officials revealed they have been surprised by the numbers seeking to travel back to the Family Islands.

COVID-19 response coordinator Dr Merceline

THE Grand Bahama Shipyard has terminated 27 workers, including several long-serving managerial staff, due to a further slump in business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Pinder, the director of labour, confirmed to Tribune Business that the move involved “separations” and

A COMIC’S VIEW TAX BENEFITS OF MARIJUANA COULD GIVE US ALL A LIFT

SEE PAGE EIGHT

EMERGENCY FOOD GIVEN TO 270,000

‘NO BREACH’ ON JAMAICA RETURN TRIP

SEE PAGE THREE

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

pg 28

BAHAMAS Feeding Network Executive Director Philip Smith estimated the organisation has served about 273,000 meals to Bahamians over a twomonth period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organisation gave 100 parcels last week to Biminites to prepare for the island’s 14-day lockdown and yesterday another 100 parcels were being arranged for an expected shipment for Tuesday.

SEE PAGE THREE

Dahl-Regis, asked during a press conference yesterday about phases two and three of the government’s reopening plan, said her team shared its recommendations with Dr Minnis and he is expected to announce some changes as early as today.

This comes as the emergency powers orders were amended yesterday so some businesses and people now have new permission to

not just temporary lay-offs.

He revealed that the positions impacted included electricians, waste managers, plant operators, senior brokerage officers, project co-ordinators, purchasing managers, and inventory and materials personnel.

“Everyone is using the COVID-19 as a reason for terminations, said Mr Pinder

to the forefront

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

CRISIS TAKES TOLL IN JOBS AT GB SHIPYARD

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Page 7

Adjust your focus

Photojournalist brings beaut y of nature

1,000 inquire about travel to Family Islands

FORMAL FACE MASKS

KING TAKES CHARGE RAYMOND KING, left, was officially sworn in as the newest commander of the RBDF yesterday, taking over from Tellis Bethel. Full report - Page 2 Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net PAUL Aranha, president of Trans-Island Airways, the aviation operator that returned seven people to The Bahamas from Jamaica before they had been tested for COVID-19, yesterday described it as “a storm in a tea cup” and added: “It was not given its proper context We have to get beyond the fear-mongering.”

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

LEAKED PHOTOS LAND BOYFRIEND IN JAIL

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 27-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting to defrauding his ex-girlfriend of over $1,000, hacking her social media accounts and damaging her cellphone.

Malik Wright appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with fraud by false pretences, unauthorised access to

computer material and damage. He pleaded guilty to all of the charges and was sentenced to nine months in prison for each count, which the magistrate ordered to run concurrently.

During the hearing, Wright admitted to unlawfully accessing the woman’s Whatsapp, SnapChat, Facebook, Instagram and iCloud accounts while using a mobile device to download her personal data sometime between May 9 and 11.

He also pleaded guilty to damaging his ex-girlfriend’s iPhone 7 by violently throwing it on the pavement and admitted to using her bank account on May 14 to purchase two pairs of Jordan sneakers, one Logitech speaker system, a mini-fridge, one set of tattoo needles, four sets of piercing needles and one coffee stand, which had a combined value of $1,160.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE SEVEN

DIANE PHILLIPS

HOW AT LEAST ONE ECONOMIC TIGER CAN BE UNLEASHED

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Friday, May 22, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis sets challenge as King takes command at RBDF

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames were on hand as Raymond King was sworn in as commander of the RBDF yesterday Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net RAYMOND King was officially sworn in as the newest commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force yesterday, becoming the eighth person in the country to have attained the prestigious rank.

The change of command ceremony, which was held at the RBDF Coral Harbour Base, was attended by Governor General Cornelius A Smith, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames.

Guests were limited at yesterday’s ceremony in view of the country’s social distancing policies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

While congratulating

Commodore King on his newest role, Dr Minnis noted that the new commander takes over at a pivotal time in the country’s history.

In view of this, the prime minister reminded the newly appointed commodore of his great responsibility to protect the Bahamian people.

“Your service as commander comes at a critical time for our nation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “You have assumed command as the nation is still in the reconstruction phase in Abaco, the Abaco cays and Grand Bahama, after one of the most powerful hurricanes ever in our region.

“The country will rely on your experience, commitment and leadership during

these extraordinary times.

You must continue to set the standard of excellence in leadership, integrity and innovation in guarding our heritage and protecting our borders.”

Commodore King was named to the post after serving for several months as the acting commodore of the RBDF in the absence of outgoing Commodore Tellis Bethel.

Mr Bethel was placed on vacation leave last October as a part of a move by the Minnis administration to prevent officers from accumulating so much vacation leave that they have to be paid substantial sums of money when they retire.

After months of speculation surrounding the return and the future of Mr Bethel, Mr Dames finally

confirmed to reporters on Tuesday that the senior officer will be transferred to the Ministry of National Security, adopting a new role there.

While he did not address what his duties will now entail at yesterday’s ceremony, Mr Bethel noted that it was a privilege for him to have served officially as commodore, working alongside such dedicated and hardworking officers.

He was confirmed as RBDF commander on May 3, 2017 after serving two years as acting commander.

“As this chapter in my life draws to a close, I can honestly say it has been a profound honour and a privilege to have served alongside the men and women of the best little navy in the world, for whom

I have highest regard,” he said. “Whether in the air or on land or on the high seas, it has been an utmost pleasure and rewarding experience. Your hard work and dedication and many sacrifices have been a never-ending source of inspiration for me.”

He also congratulated Commodore King on his new appointment.

After receiving his instruments of appointment yesterday, Commodore King pledged to protect the country’s territorial borders from outside threats and to also assist with disaster relief efforts and other additional duties outlined by the National Security Council.

He said: “Command priorities under my leadership will include: the

transformation of the organisation’s culture and command climate to one of inclusiveness, value congruent or the reinforcement of the institution’s ethos and military discipline, military tradition and military’s custom servicewide.”

Commodore King said he also plans to focus on “organisational restructuring” to achieve the RBDF’s ideal force design, mission readiness of its human capital, land and sea assets and fleet maintenance. “Therefore, the organisation’s strategic vision is to develop a professional and highperformance workforce focused on performance excellence,” he said.

Commodore King has served in the defence force for more than three decades.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 22, 2020, PAGE 3

EMERGENCY FOOD GIVEN TO 270,000 from page one

THE BAHAMAS Feeding Network team distributing food parcels yesterday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

According to Mr Smith, $273,000 in donations purchased about 7,800 parcels since March which provides food for approximately 39,000 people. He explained the parcels consist of around 14 dry items and feeds five people two meals for one week.

Individuals in Nassau crowded around the old Island Trading Building’s door on Claridge Road where these parcels were being distributed. People walked out with a bag full of food such as canned goods and cereal.

Emmanuel Gieveuille, 38, was one of those people who successfully walked out with items for his household. He and his spouse are both unemployed, but have had loved ones helping them as well as churches.

He said: “It’s been very difficult because I have been trying to get some kind of funds from NIB since March and now we are almost in June. So NIB has not been helpful at all so thank God for friends and family that have been providing funds for me and my family.”

He was grateful to BFN for aiding those affected by the crisis, but realises the amount of food given will run out soon considering the number of people in his family.

“To be honest, this will last me about five days. So that’s why I still gotta go out there and try to get other means for help because you know I have four kids to feed. So, whenever this run out I still gotta go back out there and try find food,” Mr Gieveuille said.

Natasha Adderley has also had trouble finding

steady work until recently.

She said the parcel she received, which had rice, sugar, grits, and canned mackerel along with other food, was timely.

“Where me and my sons weren’t working, my partner, he still had a job coming in,” she said of her situation. “So we. . .at least you could pay some light. We could pay something on the rent.

We were one of the lucky ones. We kinda still had something coming in. It wasn’t what we used to but we still had something coming in so we just thankful.”

Mr Smith is also a member of the newly formed government food security task force. The president is Susan Larson and the majority of the members are from charities specialising in feeding the population.

Hundreds ask about travel back to the Family Islands from page one operate, including law firms, real estate agencies and justices of the peace on weekdays between 9am and 1pm. Hardware, lumber, plumbing, home and hurricane awnings and protection businesses will be allowed to open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8am and 8pm. Construction is now permitted throughout the country between 7am and 7pm.

Health officials also revealed that they have been overwhelmed by a number of inquiries related to inter-island travel.

They said they received over 900 queries concerning this on Wednesday, the first day the process began, and got more than 1,000 queries overall. Officials said 17 people from the Disaster Management Authority were assessed at the South Beach Clinic

PM Hubert Minnis and allowed to go to Abaco yesterday.

During a national address on Sunday, Dr Minnis announced the introduction of a COVID-19 travel card to facilitate inter-island travel. He said each person will be required to be examined by a doctor and given a travel card if approved. The evaluation will include a risk assessment via a questionnaire to determine a person’s level of risk, plus a possible psychical exam to determine presence of

COVID-19 symptoms.

Amid furore over the failure to reopen Eleuthera, Exuma, San Salvador and the Berry Islands to normal commercial activity, Dr Dahl-Regis said officials have several considerations to make before recommending the reopening of commercial activity on an island.

“We have been monitoring implementation of public health measures on those islands,” she said.

“We are looking at the inter-ministerial surveillance of those islands, to look at the traffic flows to the islands and we’re getting particular guidance on that matter. The third is the response of the local team. Many on the local team are asking us to phase in (reopening) because of the traffic that is occurring on the island, particularly on pleasure vessels. We use that guidance and we’re planning

that if these measures remain or impact the no new cases for a particular period of time we will certainly recommend that they be considered for reopened for commercial activity.”

The number of COVID19 cases in the country remained at 97 yesterday.

Dr Dahl-Regis also revealed that the latest COVID-19 case in the country, a 50-year-old man, was a missing contact who had to be tracked down by law enforcement.

“This person was known to health (officials),” she said. “He is the contact of a family member, contract tracing was initially challenged admittedly because he went back to work and then disappeared. Surveillance was assisted by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Emergency Medical Services and I’m pleased to report to you that

TRIP FROM US WAS UNPLEASANT, COMPLAINS CHIPMAN

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman said his experience returning to the country from the United States yesterday was “unpleasant.”

The flight, part of the country’s second repatriation exercise since the borders were shut, left Fort Lauderdale International Airport behind schedule.

Mr Chipman, a former Free National Movement MP, said he initially went to New York to celebrate the birth of his grandchild and was slated to return to The Bahamas in late March but was among hundreds of residents stuck in the US after the borders were closed “without notice” .

The flight from Fort Lauderdale to New Providence yesterday was supposed to depart at 2pm but left around 4.30pm after passengers were told to arrive at the airport three hours before departure time.

The Tribune understands that though 92 passengers were booked on the flight, only 68 flew on the aircraft, and Bahamasair lost money running the exercise.

Mr Chipman said Bahamasair’s plane was at the terminal gate on time––he blamed the delay on Ministry of Health officials, particularly a doctor checking COVID-19 test results.

Mr Chipman said when he arrived at the airport at 11:30 am, he was surprised to be told that a doctor had to verify his lab test.

“I got my test on May 13th which was in the range of the ten days that the government asked for,” he said. “They had a doctor at the counter that held up the process.

Bahamasair had nothing to do with this. They were waiting for the doctor to approve the lab tests of everybody. He had a computer and he had his phone. He looked at my papers and he said ‘oh I recognise the hospital, I could find the hospital

but I’m trying to find out if the lab in the hospital is certified.’ This a major hospital in New York. So when I approached him after waiting 45 minutes he said ‘I’m not saying that you can’t go, I’m not saying that you could go, but I got to make sure I could verify this lab.’ This is what I was dealing with after sitting down for 45 minutes and all kinds of people were around him.”

Mr Chipman said though the Ministry of Health asked for lab results to be emailed ahead of time, he got the impression that the results were not analysed before people showed up at the airport.

He said when passengers arrived in Nassau, their process through immigration and customs was smooth and they were taken to the Breezes resort.

“We were in the parking lot at Breezes, the air condition was on in the bus, but we were sitting there for 45 minutes before anyone said anything to us,” he

said. “Then a lady came and asked who had applied to go to their houses and the majority of the bus said we all did. She had some papers in her hand and started calling names.

About four people on the whole bus said ‘that’s me.’

I said to her I sent an email to the ministry, though the ministry’s email asking who wanted to go home came to us late. She didn’t want to see my email. The majority of us was still on the bus and I say I got to get the hell out of here. We became agitated and started making noise. One man asked if he could smoke outside and the bus driver said ‘you can’t come outside, you sit right there.’

“I’m like hold on, we only come home you know, we didn’t thief anything, we didn’t rob anyone and we’re not children.”

Mr Chipman, who was eventually allowed to quarantine at his home, said better communication with residents throughout the experience was needed.

he is in a mandated government quarantine facility.”

She also stressed that though numbers are not growing rapidly, the

pandemic is not over and urged people to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

Editorial View - Page 6

PAGE 4, Friday, May 22, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party COVID-19 task force co-chair Senator Dr Michael Darville has criticised Free National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer for criticising Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen.

Dr Brennen, pictured, told The Tribune this week he did not know why some Family Islands have remained closed to normal commercial activity despite the absence of a single COVID-19 case, saying such decisions were made at a level above that of Ministry of Health officials.

Mr Culmer, in an interview with Our News on Wednesday, criticised Dr Brennen’s statement.

Dr Darville said in response: “I watched with amazement an interview in the media by the chairman for the FNM as he attacked the work and credibility of a public servant Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen. Dr Brennen and (Dr Nikkiah Forbes) responded honestly to questions put to them by the media regarding the reasons COVID-free Family Islands such as Exuma, Eleuthera and San Salvador remained closed to commercial activities while others were opened. It must be noted that these

Darville: Brennen treated unfairly questions from the media were posed to both doctors precisely because the prime minister/minister of health has refused to make himself available to the media to answer clarifying questions related to the issue when he made the announcement several days ago.

“The FNM chairman should have addressed this media concern with the prime minister/minister of health instead of engaging in open dialogue with the press. At a time when all Bahamians are dealing

with the implications of the pandemic and in search of answers, the prime minister has chosen to read prepared speeches to the public rather than engaging with Bahamians.

“The truth is that the revelation by Dr Brennen proved to be a political embarrassment to the FNM because the prime minister repeatedly told Bahamians that his executive decisions were driven by the advice of the health professionals. “...The problem or fault is not the doctor Mr Culmer – the problem is your boss who is not being forthright with the Bahamian people.”

CHINESE COMMUNITY HELPS OUT WITH 200 CARE PACKAGES

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Chinese Community Association of The Bahamas gave out 200 care packages yesterday at local churches as a part of the group’s humanitarian aid programme.

This effort is being coordinated with the association, the Bahamas National Food Security Task Force which and the

Bahamas Red Cross. One hundred parcels were delivered to Calvary Deliverance Church on East Street South and another at New Covenant Baptist Church.

Susie Chan, a committee member, explained that appeals were to members in the community to give donations — either money, goods, or volunteering.

“We, as a community, we see that there’s a need in

the community. People are hurting. People are worrying about the food and we got together as a community with donations from different business and we are bagging some care packages which consists of things like rice, grits, tuna, mackerel, corned beef, some noodles, some fresh milk, just basic things that we could give to families that are need,” she said.

In some parts of the

world, racism against Chinese people has been reported due to the COVID-19 virus originating from Wuhan, China last year. Yet, Mrs Chan revealed the members of the association have not experienced that in The Bahamas.

She said: “We’re aware of these situations happening across the world but fortunately in Nassau and The Bahamas you know we haven’t had any members of our society come and say ‘Hey, we’re being discriminated (against).’ We know

that maybe some people might have unrelated incidents or one or two incidents but in general as a whole we feel that there’s no discrimination going on here in The Bahamas.”

Also present were members of the Bahamas Red Cross helping on site with the association. The Red Cross’ Director General Sean Brennen called the act “an excellent example” of a community partner stepping forward in assisting those who are in despair, especially during this pandemic.

Calvary Deliverance

Church Senior Pastor Bishop James Newry expressed his gratitude for the contributions.

“With the amount (of people) laid off in our country, the amount of unemployment and our closure of businesses, Bahamians are hurting and so we’re commanded in scripture to show our love and these are one of the ways we show our love and I want to thank these wonderful group of people for presenting these packages and I know that their lives will be touch in very special way.”

A Private Funeral Service for STAFFORD DAVID COAKLEY, 79 of Rosalind Street, Polhemus Gardens, will be held on Tuesday May 26th, 2020, at St. Agnes Anglican Church, Baillou Hill Road. Officiating will be Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, assisted by other ministers of the Clergy.

In compliance with current Government regulations, attendance is limited to ten (10) family members.

He is predeceased by his Parents: Roderick and Mary Coakley; and his Siblings: Mary Sealy, Sybil L. Strachan, Lovely Coakley, Roderick B. Coakley, Agnes Burnside and Ronald Coakley, A. Bismark Coakley, and Judith Coakley-Chase.

Left to cherish his fond memories are his Wife: Joan Lilian Coakley (née Crawley); Daughters: Kimberly, Stephanie (Jeffery), Sammarra Coakley, and Stacci Curtis; Son: Rhawli (Liz) Coakley; Granddaughters: Tanya, Keisha, Danielle, Schae, Kasha, Samarra, and Gisella; Grandsons: Antione, David, Dominique, D’Andre, Saadiq; Great-grandchildren: Zanaya, Schyler, Sevyn, Mary, Luke, and Zoe; Siblings and their spouses: Flora M. Hanna, Arthur Chase, Ursula Coakley and Catherine Coakley; Nieces and Nephews: Kyron, Michaella, Courtney (Marilyn); Flora (Ricardo Moss); and Zandra Strachan; Phillip (Lathera) Coakley; Carolyn (Stanley) Bowe; Cheryl (Roger) Hurst; Steven Coakley; Julian (Elizabeth); Stuart (Thelia) Coakley and Shavon Ramsey; Rudolph, Jr. (deceased); Claude (Melony); Gary (Rochelle); Brian (Wende) and Dawn Hanna; Maria Ferguson; Denise (Steffano) Strachan; Deborah Pinder; Allison Burnside and Carla (Huel) Dames; Ronald Coakley Jr.; Leesa, Tiffany, Alexia and Chia (Damien); Perez (Gina), Gerrard (Adina), Carlos Coakley; Apryll (DuWaine) Edwards; Jillian (Deyvon) Jones and Athena (Kenwood) Pratt; Felix Coakley and Francis (Racquel) Bowe; Anthony Bostwick; Erma Thompson; Roosevelt (Joann); and Sidney Colebrooke (deceased); Rhonda (Charles Johnson) of Miami, Flordia; Charles & Charlene Sealy and Family; Sister/Brothers In-laws: Sharon, Laurell (Jim), Linda (Fred), Tanya, Beverley (Geno) Nairn, Deanne Crawley, Antonette (Anthony) Rutherford, Vanria Culmer, Janet (Frank) Dean, Patricia (deceased) Sandra Wilson, Brenda Lockhart, Lynda Gibson and Rozalia Bowe; John (deceased), Kenneth (deceased), Bradley (Stephanie), Vincent (deceased), and Leslie Crawley; Ruth Francis (née Crawley) and Family; Catherine Ellen Glinton (Bobby) and Family; Patricia Babb (Stanley and Family; Stephen Laroda and Family; Mildred Hinsey (deceased) and Family; Edward Jaecques and Family; Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors; Kiwanis Clubs of the Bahamas, Eastern Canada and the Caribbean; Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Pi Xi Chapter; Doctors and staff at Doctors Hospital; SAC Class of ’87; SRG Crew; Numerous grand, great grand and great-great grand nieces and nephews, God children; and many, many relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 22, 2020, PAGE 5

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

WOMAN FINED FOR BREAKING CURFEW

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

CHURCH GOES FOR AN OUTSIDE BROADCAST CHURCH members took their worship outside with some staying in their vehicles.

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net INSTEAD of celebrating the 20th anniversary of their business, Tiffany and Raymond Rolle had to face the harsh reality of closing their salon’s doors permanently, due to long arms of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Non-essential businesses were closed from midMarch, most of them up for re-opening during phase 4 of the Prime Minister’s plan for restarting the country’s economy.

“We were trying to hold off on it, but I told my husband to be in phase 4 this is going to be a long rope so we are going to decide to bail out of this now and just round it off to 20 years,” Mrs Rolle said.

“The day we had to shut down, we were really booked out as our salon usually is,” Mrs Rolle continued. “We had to call clients who had scheduled appointments for that Friday and Saturday and tell them we would have to get back to them based on when the country reopened.

At that time we were looking at April. As you can see that didn’t happen.”

The couple continued to watch time pass and their bills add up. They decided closure was the only way out.

“We are renting a shop space,” Mrs Rolle explained. “And, although closed, the overhead was continuing. I had a meeting with my booth renters and I told them if we go into June still closed we would have to shut our doors permanently because the store is me and

TIFFANY Rolle working in her salon my husband’s only source of income. So we said keeping ourselves afloat and trying to hold on to the store and hold on to our home expenditures we could push it until May, meeting the overhead expenses for the rent, the light, the phones and any additional bills for the store.”

Mrs Rolle said she and her husband listened to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ national address, and noted that salons are not yet given the greenlight to reopen. She then decided with her husband to close down the salon as they could not afford to go into another month with the bills.

“We could not go into June with overhead expenses from the shop and with a mortgage to pay for our home,” she continued. “So we wrote up letters and told everyone that we are permanently closing the store. We had to bail out now, because if we are listed to reopen in phase 4, that could be in July because he (prime minister) didn’t give a definite time. The good thing is that I have my talents in my hands and my husband has his talents in his hands so it’s not the end of the road for us.”

Mrs Rolle said it is better to close down early in the

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

Closure was only option, says salon owner

game than later and be in debt “up to our heads”.

The couple notified their landlord of the closure, told the booth renters to collect their equipment and then asked BPL to shut down the power to the store.

The average light bill per month for Styles Unisex Salon was $3,000, more than the couple’s mortgage.

She said, although grateful for the NIB unemployment benefit for business owners, it was still not enough to take care of their bills and keep the shop afloat until reopening.

Styles Unisex Salon opened its doors on May 4, 2000, and has since grown

to a staff of ten who are now considered family.

“After making the decision, we reached out to our customers,” Mrs Rolle said. “I was on our Styles Salon page on Facebook and I reached out. I also sent messages to them. It’s a sad thing that everybody is going to have to fight for themselves who worked in the salon. It’s sad because we became a family and some of us were working together for more than 20 years. We started out in the industry together.”

Mrs Rolle said she and her husband might attempt a smaller operation at a later date.

A WOMAN who claimed she broke the national curfew because she was on her way back home from picking up an important item from her friend’s house was fined $1,000 yesterday.

Bissau Miller, 22, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after officers found her on Carmichael Road around 9.20pm on May 7. She pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 or six months in prison.

Prosecutor Kendrick Bauld told the court on the night in question, officers on mobile patrol in the Carmichael Road area stopped a vehicle that was travelling east and questioned the driver, who told the officers she was going to her friend to pick up something.

When given an opportunity to speak, Miller told the magistrate she only violated the curfew because she was “heading home from picking up something from her friend in Coral Harbour”.

During the hearing, she also told the magistrate she felt the item was important enough for her to leave her house.

In response, Magistrate McKinney said her actions were a “wilful defiance of the law” and fined her $1,000 or six months in prison.

Meanwhile, Ian Farrington, 35, was charged after officers found him on Shahs Drive, Redland Acres around 10.20pm on May 18. He pleaded guilty and was fined $500 or six months in prison. He was also charged with damaging a man’s Samsung cellphone that same day. He pleaded guilty to that charge as well and was ordered to compensate Delvone Demeritte $350 for the broken phone.

Noel Lamm, 32, and Bashard Seymour, 27, were also charged for violating the national curfew after officers found them on May 15 around 4.20pm on Lady Slipper Avenue, Garden Hills. Both of the defendants denied the charge and the matter was adjourned to September 1 for trial.

PAGE 6, Friday, May 22, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Promising signs - but not an end to the lockdown yet MORE than a thousand people want to head for the Family Islands.

That’s how many people have inquired about inter-island travel. For some, it will be for business. For some, it will be a chance to return home. A chance to see familiar faces – from an appropriate social distance, of course – and, from a national viewpoint, the chance to lead the way in this first step towards normality.

It also comes at a time when more businesses are being given permission to operate – including the legal sector, with law firms and justices of the peace able to work between 9am and 1pm, and real estate agencies too. A raft of businesses to help homeowners prepare for hurricane season also had restrictions eased.

It must be remembered that each of these forward steps can be undone if we gat a spike in cases. To that end, it is concerning that the latest case in the country was a man who had to be tracked down by law enforcement – and equally concerning that up to 15 people supposed to be in quarantine have not been able to be contacted. Those who

have not been contacted in quarantine by health officials ought to get in touch – or perhaps they too will have police coming to find them.

That latest case was the only one in a week for The Bahamas – and Grand Bahama has not had a case in three weeks. These are promising signs – especially if the Bimini lockdown does its job and brings the spread of the virus there to a halt.

Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, at yesterday’s briefing, where Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was again noticeably missing, was clear however.

“The pandemic is not over,” she said.

As we begin to see movement again around our islands, it is important to remember that. It has been very hard for people to keep their distance from family members throughout this time – but we must not rush the return to normal. If we do that, we risk undoing all the effort that has been put in so far.

So be safe. Follow the rules, wash hands, keep your distance, wear a mask.

It’s working.

End violence against women A VIDEO circulated on social media this week, showing a disgusting attack on an 18-year-old woman in Grand Bahama.

Two men appeared in court yesterday and were sentenced to five months in prison and given a $3,000 fine each.

Remarkably, though, the victim herself and her friend were ordered to perform 50 hours of community service, and told off by the magistrate for not “walking away” from the altercation.

We welcome the fact that the

READERS have been posting responses to the stories making the news this week on tribune242. com.

Carlyle Bethel, the head of the Free National Movement’s Torchbearers youth association, wants judges to be more measured and compassionate when enforcing Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ emergency curfew orders.

That prompted this reaction from RealTalk: “In the words of the PM . . .

Are you humane? Where is your heart? Where is your compassion? Do you have a soul? They have been arresting and charging HOMELESS BAHAMIANS from the onset. They should have went to court and been placed in those hotels used for returning residents.

There are many Bahamians who would have donated clothes to those people to have clean clothes to wear.

I guarantee you that they would have been more than grateful. They are human beings too. SMH. With great power comes greater responsibility. Use your discretion in arresting and handing down sentences to individuals.”

Thps started with a quote from Mr Bethel: “‘The government cannot instruct them on what to do, cannot direct on what to do and what to say so it’s incumbent on them to deal with these cases with a measured approach.’

“Are these cases civil or criminal? If they’re criminal isn’t it the Crown who brings these cases?

Ministry of Social Services was quick to issue a statement condemning the attack. We welcome too the attention of groups such as Rights Bahamas on this case.

Whether the women walked away from the altercation or not, there is no excuse for violence against women or girls. The men involved should be ashamed of their actions, and there should be no room to cast blame on victims. The women should have walked away? So should the men.

Can’t the Crown decline to prosecute the case? If they don’t want to take that route, can’t the law provide judges with wide-ranging discretion on penalties?

Can’t the government use about two months worth of data on persons who break the rules and amend them to be more ‘compassionate’ based on these cases? Can’t guidance be given to the police?

“His answer is to blame the judges and say the state who implements, policies, and prosecutors the rule hands are tied. Seems like a cake and eat it too situation.”

TigerB said: “It is a simple solution . . . stay ya behind home this weekend and you wouldn’t end up paying those monies . . . bottom line.”

That prompted Thps to respond with this: “Or call 311 since emergencies do arise. It strikes me as strange that he (Bethel) disagrees with the punishment but puts it on the judges. The judges sure can be more lenient, but so can the police, the prosecutor, and the lawmaker.”

After Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said it is “absolutely necessary” that the Bahamas becomes fully digitised, The_Oracle posted this comment: “Digitising is all well and fine, but it is not an answer unto itself. It can be of great

help to PEOPLE. It can also hamper people. It is all in the implementation.

Simply a modern tool. It will not fix endemic failure.

It will not fix crumbling infrastructure. It will not fix graft, sloth and avarice.”

Clamshell said: “I think a good first step would be a reliable source of . . . uh . . . electricity. I read somewhere that digital stuff requires it. But whadda I know?”

And after the Prime Minister said normal commercial activity on islands like Exuma and Eleuthera has not been restarted because officials have to assume that people may have visited those islands and potentially brought COVID-19 to them, Moncurcool posted this: “The issue of people travelling to these islands by plane or boat as not being open is irrelevant, as the borders are closed. If the borders are closed, how are people then travelling to these islands? The decision to open Andros was financial, which should be the same reason to open the others with no cases.

“Every time I try to give the PM credit for something, he opens his mouth and speaks and causes me to wonder. This lockdown clearly jamming Minnis’ head. He needs to lift it if only for him to start to think straight. As bad as he is though, will take him over Davis at any moment.

And that tells you the predicament our country is in.”

Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

Coronavirus has taught us some vital lessons in finance EDITOR, The Tribune

BUSINESSES are closing, jobs are disappearing, and the global economy is shrinking. The coronavirus has had a negative effect on so many lives and so many wallets. Many of us have questions we need answered: · Is this the beginning of a global recession, similar to the one experienced in 2008? · How long will it take for the global economy to recover?

When it comes to surviving this financial crisis, the focus should be on situations that you can control rather than stressing over things that you can’t.

Throughout this unprecedented time, your health should be a top priority, nonetheless, maintaining your financial health during this tumultuous period is also critically important.

To deal with these difficult times, here are a few strategies that you and your family can implement to gain control of your money.

ACCESS YOUR CURRENT FINANCIAL STATUS When was the last time you visited your personal physician? I hope that the answer is within at least a year period. However, when you went to your physician, you were probably getting an annual physical and through this process of an annual physical, the physician assessed your health. Well, the next question that I will ask is “When was the last time you assess your financial health?” It is important to note that your financial health can make or break you, especially during a time of uncertainty in the global economy.

By doing a financial “check-up” we are then

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net

able to determine what adjustments we need to make in our lives, from the amount we should be saving to the amount of expenses that we should be cutting back. Being aware is key.

CREATE A BUDGET When it comes to your personal finances it’s best not to take much risk. You must be able to visualize and understand what are your expenses and how are you able to cover them while putting some income into savings. · Write it down. · Calculate your expenses. · Determine your income. · Set your savings and debt payoff goals.

Creating a budget will help you to keep your “eyes on the prize” as it assists you with figuring out your long-term goals and working towards them. Before creating a budget, identify your short and long term goals, write them down if you have to. Studies have shown that if you write down your goals you will have a greater chance of achieving them.

PREPARE TO CUTBACK ON NON-ESSENTIALS Did you really need to purchase those concert tickets? When it pertains to lifestyle essentials, vacation, movies, restaurant visits, and spa treatments all come to mind. Those expenses sure do add up over the course of a month and can put a massive dent into your budget. By limiting yourself to focus on essential spending, it is

possible to save a considerable amount of money each month. In order to do so, you must become mindful of your spending activity: 1. Write down your non-essentials with the associated cost.

2. Write down your essentials.

3. Remove the items that you cannot live without (essentials).

4. Whatever items are left, add them up.

You might be amazed of how frugal or non-frugal you are.

If you fall into the category of non-frugal, try using a “Value-Based Spending Method”. When you spend your money based on values, you feel better about what you purchase, after you have purchased it. Spending on your values will ensure that you use your money as a tool to achieve happiness. That being said, each of us are unique beings, and our values make up who we are and in turn, it dictates how we spend our time and our money.

In conclusion, the coronavirus has humbled and taught us some financial lessons that we preferred not to have learned, at least not now. But as we inch closer and closer to the “new” normal, perhaps the silver lining is, if we follow these simple steps during a time like this, we will be well-prepared to implement these strategies with a breeze in the new era of the new normal.

‘GET IN CONTROL OF YOUR MONEY TODAY!’ NIVAL MILLER Accounting Student at The University of the West Indies Progressive Young Liberal Member

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 22, 2020, PAGE 7

LEAKED PHOTOGRAPHS LAND BOYFRIEND IN JAIL from page one

Prosecutor Kendrick Bauld told the court the complainant came to the Central Detective Unit (CDU) on May 11 to report that she and her ex-boyfriend had gotten into a verbal argument around 3pm on May 9. Sgt Bauld said the woman told police that Wright took her $399 phone and smashed it. She also said her coworker had informed her that someone had published nude pictures of her online on May 11.

The complainant said at no point did she give anyone permission to access her phone and filed an official complaint.

Acting on this information, officers conducted an investigation which led to Wright’s arrest.

During an interview with police, he denied the allegations. Still, Sgt Bauld said officers checked Wright’s phone and saw that pictures of the complainant were sent from his phone via Whatsapp. He also said the complainant checked her Scotiabank account and noticed that someone had used her account to purchase items from Amazon. Sgt Bauld said the woman got a receipt from the bank that also linked the transactions to her ex-boyfriend.

As a result, Wright was cautioned and charged.

During the hearing, the

Pair jailed for assault as victim criticised for not walking away

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A GRAND Bahama magistrate sentenced two Eight Mile Rock men who assaulted an 18-yearold girl to five months in prison, but also strongly admonished the complainant and her female friend for not “walking away” from the altercation.

During an arraignment in Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Magistrate Gwendolyn Claude rebuked Ramell Clarke, 32, and Allen Robinson, 23, both of Seagrape, for causing harm to the 18-year-old high school student, who also appeared in court along with her witness Shannia Lauriston, a college student.

Clarke and Robinson pleaded guilty to the charge of causing harm. In addition to imposing a five-month custodial sentence, the judge also ordered the men to each pay a $3,000 fine.

According to initial police reports, shortly after 7pm on Monday officers

defendant was represented by attorney Samuel Brown. He told the magistrate his client was a promising young man who had made a regrettable mistake.

Still, he said he did not believe a custodial sentence was an appropriate punishment. Mr Brown said the incident was a result of a domestic dispute between Wright and his child’s mother. He also argued that in relationships, people can become overwhelmed with emotion and have a lapse of judgement.

Insisting that Wright was “no menace to society,” Mr Brown said his client is an entrepreneur, “one of the best tattoo artists in the country,” and a costume designer

for the Roots Junkanoo group.

He also said Wright is a father of a young son who needed him to be present to provide and nurture him. Claiming his client had already learned his lesson since he and his family were embarrassed by the police “wanted” posters that were circulating, he told the magistrate Wright would be willing to compensate his ex, as well as attend counselling and participate in community service for the offences.

In response, Magistrate McKinney told the defendant he took his immediate guilty plea and expression of remorse into consideration. Still, he noted that Wright took private property,

22-year-old accused of murder

RAMELL CLARKE, left, and Allen Robinson

were called to Seagrape, EMR as a result of an altercation between two men and a woman who was injured. She was taken to hospital, treated and later discharged.

A video of the incident posted on social media went viral and showed a young man hitting a woman with a piece of wood while she and another young man were fighting.

In the video, the complainant is reportedly seen running towards one of the men.

Magistrate Claude expressed her disappointment over the complainant’s conduct in the dispute and ultimately ordered both women to perform 50 hours of community service.

In a statement after yesterday’s proceedings the Ministry of Social Services issued a statement condemning the attack.

The statement read: “The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development express grave concern on the recent circulation of videos across social media platforms, of two young

women in a physical altercation with several men.

The filming and sharing of such videos are grossly inappropriate, and insensitive. We strongly condemn all forms of violence against another person.

“Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation with one in three women, globally, experiencing physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.

We all must speak out against violence as a form of resolving problems and conflicts. All parties must use wisdom and walk away from conflict, arguments, disagreements and fights and call the police as soon as possible. We must focus on appropriate, helpful and useful responses and services for survivors and not on victim blaming. Strict and swift justice for perpetrators and offenders of such violence is crucial because it ensures justice for victims and demonstrates zero tolerance against such acts by the government and society.

“Communities, civil

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn society and even private sector organizations, should work together with the police and justice system to ensure a coordinated response to ending all forms of violence in The Bahamas.

“The Bahamas currently serves as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) and has been a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) since 1993. The Bahamas is also a State Party to a number of multilateral human rights instruments and has signed more than seven International Agreements over the past 40 years, for the protection of all persons.

As a country, we uphold our mandate to protect the rights, dignity and lives of those most vulnerable, marginalized and susceptible to violence, attacks, abuse, and bullying and we embrace our simple, moral obligation to discourage all forms of violence.”

Editorial View - Page 6

TWO MEN CHARGED WITH STEALING GARBAGE BIN

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were yesterday charged in magistrates court with stealing by reason of employment.

Thomas Ingraham, 50, and Rashad McFall, 27, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with stealing a garbage bin valued at $2,000, belonging to Henry Dean, sometime between January 1 and April 20, while they worked as garbage men for United Sanitation. The defendants pleaded guilty and were placed on probation for two years.

Prosecutor Kendrick Bauld told the court Mr Dean came to the Carmichael

accessed personal information, downloaded it to his own device and sent it to others. He also said Wright had gone into his ex’s bank account and purchased items offline without her permission.

Stating the court did not consider community service or counselling appropriate for the offences, he sentenced Wright to nine months in prison for each charge and ordered him to compensate his ex the $1,160 he defrauded and the $399 for her broken cellphone. Magistrate McKinney also warned him if he failed to do so, he would spend an additional nine months in prison.

Road Police Station to report that one of his bins was discovered at the home of a woman named Tiffany Williams.

When questioned, she told officers that she had bought the bin from McFall for $200. Both men were subsequently arrested and admitted to the offence in an interview with police.

When given an opportunity to speak, McFall told the magistrate that the men knew a lady on Soldier Road who would pay them to pick up her garbage from time to time. He said at the time, they had placed the bin in her yard, but had plans to come back for it. Still, he claimed that they had trouble with the garbage truck so they were not able to go back for the bin.

When asked if they were using their employer’s equipment to make money for their own benefit, Ingraham told the magistrate that people usually stopped and asked them to do small side jobs from time to time. He claimed that after they left the bin in the woman’s yard on Soldier Road, they picked it up the next day. He also stated that they were just trying to help the woman out and make a little change for themselves.

As a result, Magistrate McKinney placed the men on two years’ probation. He warned them that if they appeared in court again they would be fined $1,500 or sentenced to nine months in prison.

PEREZ Cuffe yesterday

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 22-YEAR-OLD man was charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday with murdering a man and attempting to kill another man last week.

Perez Cuffe appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with the death of Richard Bain and the attempted murder of Thorio Ferguson on May 12. According to initial police reports, shortly after 7.30 that evening, police were called to the scene of a shooting at a Haitian community off Cowpen Road.

According to

initial reports from police, responding officers were told that two men were in the front of a home when they were approached by a gunman, who shot at them.

Both men were injured and one died at the scene. The other man was taken to hospital by EMS. Cuffe was not required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to August 14 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Bail was denied and the defendant was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

MOTORCYCLIST DIES AFTER ACCIDENT

AN Exuma man is dead after a traffic accident on Wednesday. Police said the accident took place shortly before 8pm on Queen’s Highway in the settlement of Steventon, Exuma involving a white Kawasaki motorcycle and a grey Chevrolet Equinox. The motorcycle rider received serious injuries and died on the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

FAMILIES BENEFIT FROM BEDS DONATED BY CHARITY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABOUT 100 families in Grand Bahama were recipients of new beds provided by a local private charitable foundation that has been providing relief aid since Hurricane Dorian.

The Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF) - the charitable arm of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) - has provided over 100 new beds for distribution across the island.

Beds have been provided to households in many communities,

VOLUNTEERS delivered beds to about 100 families including West End, Dead- Pioneer’s Loop, Pioneer’s man’s Reef, Holmes Way, Coral Road, Hudson Rock, Eight Mile Rock, Estates, Coral Reef Hepburn Town, Hawks- Estate, Heritage, Yeoman bill, North Bahamia, Wood, Midshipman Road, Frobisher Circle, Cabot Freetown, High Rock, and Drive, Carissa Street, Gambier Point.

Spreading the initiative was Pastor Eddie Victor, an active GBDRF volunteer who worked with teams to ensure that beds were delivered to families still challenged by hurricane recovery.

Hurricane Dorian devastated communities across Grand Bahama last September. The GBDRF was formed following the storm providing relief aid to those affected and displaced.

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, the GBDRF continues to lend assistance and support to challenged residents.

Pastor Victor said that people are very appreciative of the beds.

“The quality of an

individual’s sleep and rest is fundamental to health and wellness, especially during this time of COVID-19. And this generous donation of beds by the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation is helping to ensure the health of Grand Bahamians” he said. “To date, we have delivered beds to 90 families throughout Grand Bahama, and I can tell you that people are very grateful for the gesture.”

Karla McIntosh, General Counsel at the GBPA and GBDRF Managing Director, pledge to continue to assist individuals affected by the storm and the pandemic.

“We have received and delivered a total of 117

king, queen, and full-sized beds to families who need them most. We are committed to supporting our Grand Bahama community and we will continue to do everything we can to ease the burden on people who suffered and lost so much after Hurricane Dorian and now the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.

Rupert Hayward, director of GBDRF, said: “Grand Bahamians have come through a lot in the past several months. The Foundation is focused on supporting residents following the devastating effects of Dorian, and this donation of much-needed beds is helping families recover and rebuild.”

PAGE 8, Friday, May 22, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Why it would be worth taking another look at the money in marijuana AS YET another weekend ‘lockdown’ looms, Bahamian unemployment creeped toward a staggering 30%, disgruntled, unemployed and recently laid off Bahamians, continued to wait for relief from NIB. NIB payments are still moving at a snail’s pace, with news now surfacing of certain businesses allegedly deducting NIB contributions from their staff salaries, only to not pay NIB. (The plot thickens) All the while our boarders remain closed, and our tourism product (our number one industry) is dead in the water.

Maybe it’s time once again, to look at other options.

Might I suggest, like I’ve done several times already on this platform, the legalisation, decriminalisation and taxation of medicinal and recreational marijuana.

Let’s have a closer look at two countries, that have been trailblazers in the region, in regards to legalising and taxing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use and for exportation internationally.

Both models would work ideally in the Bahamas.

JAMAICA NICE: The exact amount of time, the country will have to wait, remains to be seen, due to the global COViD19 pandemic. However that could all change in the blink of an eye.

Regulations were initially due at the end of April, but now, Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce,

Agriculture, and Fisheries now claim they are unable to commit to a date, that all related information, will be published.

Minister Audley Shaw, explained that “The work is still being done on having the regulations complete.”

“While a lot of work has already been completed, it is still due to be submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for further review.”

The delay was expected in Jamaica, and experts believe, that COVID-19 will set things back by as much as a year when it comes to cannabis progress in the Caribbean.

Regionally, despite the delays, many are happy that progress is finally being made in Jamaica, in this regard.

Even if the logistics remain up in the air.

Felicia Bailey, the Director of Research Development and Communications at Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority offered these comments.

“We are a forward-thinking organisation, and we firmly believe that there is a scope for work to be undertaken within the global drug control framework, which encourages pioneering solutions aimed at ensuring the availability

of and access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion.”

“Even now, our licensees are able to export by coming to us with import permits from the country they wish to export to and we do what is required to facilitate that.”

In short order Jamaica, is set to become major players in the Carribean cannabis industry, and reap the rewards, once export regulations are finally approved and social distancing is no longer required.

Cannabis is a very strong and lucrative alternative to their Tourism model.

(PLEASE TAKE NOTE ‘DOC’) Now before all of you against legalising marijuana, especially those concerned with its affect on the youth of the nation get up in arms, please see Uruguay!

URUGAY - THE PROTOTYPE Some seven years after it became the first country in the world to fully legalise marijuana, Uruguay’s youth are no more likely to get high under the new law, according to a recent, indepth study, conducted by the International Journal of Drug Policy.

In a soon to be released report and article to be published in the International Journal of Drug Policy next month revealed and I quote “There is no evidence of an impact on cannabis use, or the perceived risk of use among adolescents in the country. Neither an increase in student perception of cannabis availability, following legalisation.”

In 2013 Uruguay passed the most far-reaching form of legalisation in the world to date.

By law in Uruguay • Cannabis sales are restricted to those age 18 or older who register with the state.

• Other products may only be produced by statelicensed producers and sold at specially licensed pharmacies.

• THC levels are capped by regulators and government price controls, of about $1.30 are imposed upon the flower.

Yet another revenue stream to Uruguay’s bottom line, from recreational users.

Added to the already existing, healthy revenue from medicinal marijuana, Uruguay has possibly created the blueprint for the region, in relation to the legalisation and decriminalisation of marijuana.

(PLEASE TAKE NOTE ‘DOC’) Until next week, be safe out there.

I’m off to catch my good friend, comedian Craig P Robinson in Pineapple Express, Netflix is gonna get ‘beat bad’ this weekend.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 22, 2020, PAGE 9

FROM Exuma to Eleuthera, Paradise Island to Albany, Old Fort Bay and Lyford Cay, it’s a heyday in a hot market that keeps heating up.

A bit of common sense and we can unleash at least one economic tiger THIS is one of those good news, bad news stories. The difference in this one is the bad news has an easy fix. Here’s how the story begins.

Late September 2019.

A good year economically. The world is tooling along without too many wars. In America, headlines are ramping up about the upcoming election as debates weed out the good speakers from the awful and the much-anticipated Mueller - who was to clarify Russian interference in the last election - is already drawing yawns from a bored public.

Then one day there is an inexplicable rise in deaths in Asia. A virus is detected in an outdoor market in Wuhan, China. In short order, it spreads. There’s never been a virus like it so there is no vaccine. No one was expecting it so there are not enough test kits. It’s so contagious that front line workers in hospitals and health facilities are told to wear personal protection gear but since the virus was sprung on the world without warning there aren’t enough PPE’s to go around.

The rest of the population was told to wear masks and gloves and wash their hands as if their life depended upon it - because it could.

The virus spreads worldwide. It’s as if there was one gigantic sneeze and everyone caught a cold. And the world’s wealthiest began a search for safety.

In the tiny island nation of The Bahamas where the sun shines year-round, the government closed ranks and borders, announced lockdown and there is what appears to be a protective netting with tight measures in place curbing the spread of germs threatening to rewrite world history.

Phones begin to ring, some of them are ringing in empty offices where real estate companies flourished days or weeks before.

The calls and inquiries are coming from everywhere around the world. The Bahamas real estate market is hot. Private islands that have been up for sale for years are attracting new attention.

High-end properties that languished on the market are being snatched up. It seems the more remote the residential premise is, the more promise it holds.

One agent who had just taken a $23 million listing for a residential estate on a Family Island had not even engaged the marketing plan when the offer came in.

From Exuma to Eleuthera, Paradise Island to Albany, Old Fort Bay and Lyford

Cay, it’s a heyday in a hot market that keeps heating up.

The Bahamas was seen as safe and for many with money, that’s good as gold.

Government coffers could use the Stamp Tax. The economy could use the boost. Even the sale of a modest house, NAR statistics tell us, generates the equivalent of 2.5 jobs.

Good news in a time when unemployment is reaching new highs as businesses remain closed.

The bad news is that nothing can move.

Among the closed doors – real estate offices. Except those, of course, that are violating the lockdown orders. Agents can’t show property. Appraisers can’t appraise. If an offer comes in, and a successful negotiation takes place even sight unseen, it stops there because title search offices are closed.

Bahamas Real Estate Association President Christine Wallace-Whitfield says she’s been lobbying on behalf of more than 700 licenced members to allow agents and brokers to operate. Her

JAYDEN Perez has his own foundation called From the Bottom of My heart

FROM THE BOTTOM OF HIS HEART TO THE VERY TIP OF THE BAHAMAS JAYDEN Perez is 10 years old. He’s been paying it forward ever since he turned eight. That was the year his mother’s boss gave them tickets to see a Giants game, Jayden’s favourite team, and he realised how giving something to someone who was not expecting anything can make the world a better place.

Jayden, who lives in New Jersey, has his own Facebook page, his own following, his own foundation, called From the Bottom

of My heart. He was on the Kelly Clarkson Show the other day discussing the work of his foundation that started with the giving away of Easter baskets two years ago in his community to raising funds for smart devices and providing masks during the COVID19 pandemic.

Sophisticated and articulate well beyond his years with a way that inspires anyone who hears him, Jayden earns money himself and respect from others

which means he is often the recipient of strangers’ largesse which he then distributes to where he believes the need is greatest.

A donor recently gave Jayden’s foundation $10,000 worth of toys.

Kelly Clarkson asked what he did with them and he said, “I shipped them to The Bahamas and Puerto Rico to bring smiles to the children who suffered through the hurricane.”

Thank you, Jayden, from the bottom of our hearts.

case makes plain common sense: When you show a property, it’s usually just you and one other person in a house, maybe a third if a spouse comes along.

Plenty of room for social distancing. Even more if it is undeveloped land. Go to a food store and even if there is a six-foot distance at the register, it’s hard to get down an aisle without coming a lot closer to other shoppers. She also points to pending sales, on hold because title searches can’t be completed and law firms can only operate in-house for urgent or court-related matters. Every pending contract is on hold while banks may be adjusting interest rates.

Here’s one suggestion for

an easy fix and another to make it even more attractive to a government asking for feedback on how to jumpstart the economy in a manner that is sustainable and nothing is more sustainable than home ownership.

Open the real estate industry with provisions for social distancing and sanitation of offices. Ninety percent of searches start online so office space is the least important component of what could be a welcome boost to get money flowing and keep it circulating. Real estate and development comprise the second or third pillar of the economy, depending on the quarter. If you really want to create a positive impact, provide incentives – stamp

tax deferral, property tax exemption for first or second time homeowners on purchases up to $750,000 or seek ideas on incentives that turn the key to unlock a frozen asset.

When Bahamians are eager to buy because interest rates are low and high net worth individuals are seeking a safe refuge and can qualify for the right to live in a coveted place, the next step is as easy a fix as a new welcome mat. This is not an invitation to open the floodgates but a reality check. It takes a mixture of ingredients to make a great soup (or culture). Why snuff out the gas and turn off the heat when we created the recipe everyone wants?

PAGE 10, Friday, May 22, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Reef can survive in warmer seas

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net NEW research has shown that a coral reef in Abaco can survive in extreme warming ocean temperatures caused by climate change.

The new study, conducted by US researchers, found that there were genetic differences between two adjacent reefs in Abaco, both dominated by the same coral species, “which may have allowed certain corals to survive through a coral bleaching event in 2015.”

In view of these findings, researchers say the new results may help develop strategies and add to existing knowledge on

coral conservation and reef restoration in the face of climate change.

“We know that warmer sea temperatures associated with climate change are dramatically impacting reefs globally, so with our research partners, we are working hard and working quickly to determine which corals could survive,” said research biologist at Shedd Aquarium, Dr Ross Cunning.

“Identifying thermally tolerant reefs like the one in Great Abaco in The Bahamas is a high research priority for coral scientists and will help us determine where we should focus our conservation and reef restoration efforts.”

This comes after previous research listed climate change as the primary reason why coral reefs are on the decline across the world. According to researchers, increased sea temperatures of even about one degree Celsius can cause coral bleaching.

“Bleaching can result in coral death and broader ecosystem degradation. For example, coral cover has decreased by over 80 percent on Caribbean reefs since 1970,” officials added.

But, with little known about how “genetics, symbiotic microorganisms and environmental factors” work together to influence coral bleaching, Katie Parker, a research assistant at Shedd

Aquarium, said scientists decided to investigate how some coral reefs are able to survive extreme temperatures, while others from the same species cannot.

In an effort to conduct this investigation, researchers said they looked to “corals that are thriving in an extreme, marginal environment,” which led them to Mermaid Reef in Abaco.

“The corals we studied in Mermaid Reef were presumably better suited to handle warmer water temperatures because this shallow, inshore reef regularly experiences high temperature and high light conditions, which may have selected for the hardiest corals and symbiotic algae,” noted Parker.

“Further study of reefs like these may help us better understand how corals acclimate and adapt to ongoing climate change.”

Meanwhile, executive director of the Perry Institute for Marine Science, Dr Craig Dahlgren added: “Coral reefs are part of the fabric of The Bahamas, harbouring important fishery resources that feed the nation and are vital to the economy, and protect the coastal zone where homes and tourism is concentrated.

“As our oceans warm from climate change, we must continue to study invaluable and fragile corals to help them persist. This new research is an essential piece of the coral conservation puzzle.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 22, 2020, PAGE 11

FORECASTERS PREDICT BUSY 2020 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON FORT LAUDERDALE Associated Press WITH forecasters predicting another intense Atlantic hurricane season with as many as 13 to 19 named storms, disaster preparedness experts say it’s critically important for people in evacuation zones to plan to stay with friends or family, rather than end up in shelters during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Shelters are meant to keep you safe, not make you comfortable,” said Carlos Castillo, acting deputy

administrator for resilience at FEMA. “Social distancing and other CDC guidance to keep you safe from COVID-19 may impact the disaster preparedness plan you had in place, including what is in your go-kit, evacuation routes, shelters, and more,” Castillo said.

“With tornado season at its peak, hurricane season around the corner, and flooding, earthquakes and wildfires a risk year-round, it is time to revise and adjust your emergency plan now.”

Six to 10 of these storms could develop into hurricanes, with

winds of 74 mph or more, and three to six could even become major hurricanes, capable of inflicting devastating damage.

“It is not possible to predict how many will hit land,” said Neil Jacobs, acting administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. The agency will update the forecast in August as the Atlantic region heads into its most active months.

The region has been a “high activity era” since 1995, with warmer ocean temperatures and

stronger West African monsoons causing above-average activity, NOAA forecaster Gerry Bell said.

An average Atlantic season has 12 named storms, but last year was the fourth consecutive season to have more, with 18 named storms, including three intense hurricanes — Dorian, Humberto and Lorenzo. The only other period on record that produced four consecutive above-normal seasons was 1998-2001.

The season officially extends from June through November, but Tropical Storm Arthur jumped

the gun last week off the eastern U.S. coastline.

“As Americans focus their attention on a safe and healthy reopening of our country, it remains critically important that we also remember to make the necessary preparations for the upcoming hurricane season,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Just as in years past, NOAA experts will stay ahead of developing hurricanes and tropical storms and provide the forecasts and warnings we depend on to stay safe.”

Maskless Trump visits Michigan Ford plant MICHIGAN Associated Press PANDEMIC politics shadowed President Donald Trump’s trip to Michigan yesterday to highlight lifesaving medical devices, with the president and officials from the electoral battleground state clashing over federal aid, mail-in ballots and face masks.

Trump visited Ypsilanti, outside Detroit, to tour a Ford Motor Co. factory that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators, the medical breathing machines governors begged for during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But his visit came amid a long-running feud with the state’s Democratic governor and a day after the president threatened to withhold federal funds over the state’s expanded voteby-mail effort. And, again, the president did not publicly wear a face covering despite a warning from the state’s top law enforcement officer that a refusal to do so might lead to a ban on Trump’s return.

All of the Ford executives giving Trump the tour were wearings masks, the president standing alone without one. At one point, he did take a White House-branded mask from his pocket and claim to reporters he had worn it elsewhere on the tour, out of public view.

“I did not want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it,” Trump said.

For a moment, he also teasingly held up a clear shield in front of his face.

A statement from Ford said that Bill Ford, the company’s executive chairman, “encouraged President Trump to wear a mask when he arrived” and said the president wore it during “a private viewing of three Ford GTs from over the years” before removing it.

Michigan Attorney

PRESIDENT Donald Trump on his tour of Ford’s Rawsonville Components Plant that has been converted to making personal protection and medical equipment General Dana Nessel said that mask wearing isn’t just Ford’s policy but it’s also the law in a state that’s among those hardest hit by the virus. Nessel said that if Trump refused to wear a mask “he’s going to be asked not to return to any enclosed facilities inside our state.”

“If we know that he’s coming to our state and we know he’s not going to follow the law, I think we’re going to have to take action against any company or any facility that allows him inside those facilities and puts our workers at risk,” Nessel told CNN. “We just simply can’t afford it here in our state.”

Trump has refused to wear a face mask in public, telling aides he believes it makes him look weak,

though it is a practice that federal health authorities say all Americans should adopt to help slow the spread of the virus.

Ford said everyone in its factories must wear personal protective equipment, including masks, and that its policy had been communicated to the White House.

At least two people who work in the White House and had been physically close to Trump recently tested positive for the virus.

Trump is tested daily; he said Thursday he tested negative that morning.

An executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requires factories to suspend all nonessential in-person visits, including tours, though Nessel said her office would not bar Trump.

LOCUSTS, COVID-19 AND FLOODING POSE ‘TRIPLE THREAT’ IN AFRICA KAMPALA, Uganda Associated Press

LOCUSTS, COVID-19 and deadly flooding pose a “triple threat” to millions of people across East Africa, officials warned yesterday, while the World Bank announced a $500 million program for countries affected by the historic desert locust swarms.

A new and larger generation of the voracious insects, numbering in the billions, is on the move in East Africa, where some countries haven’t seen such an outbreak in 70 years.

Climate change is in part to blame.

The added threat of COVID-19 imperils a region that already was home to about 20% of the world’s population of foodinsecure people, including millions in South Sudan and Somalia. Yemen in the nearby Arabian Peninsula is also threatened, and United Nations officials warn that if locusts are not brought under control there, the conflict-hit country will remain a reservoir for further infestations in the region.

Lockdowns imposed

A FARMER’S daughter waves her shawl to try to chase away swarms of desert locusts in Katitika, Kenya. for the COVID-19 pan- locusts could make their way demic have slowed efforts in the coming months into to combat the locusts, West Africa’s sprawling and especially imports of the arid Sahel region just south pesticides needed for aerial of the Sahara Desert, he spraying that is called the said. Chad, Niger and Mauonly effective control. ritania could be affected “We’re not in a plague, — another burden for a but if there are good rains in region under growing threat the summer and unsuccess- from extremist attacks. ful control operations, we The FAO is preparing could be in a plague by the to increase its appeal for end of this year,” said Keith aid to $310 million as the Cressman, senior locust livelihoods of millions of forecasting officer with the people across Ethiopia, United Nations Food and Kenya and elsewhere are Agriculture Organization. at stake, including farmers Now there’s a risk that the and herders.

US LAYOFFS HIT NEARLY 39 MILLION WASHINGTON Associated Press THE number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits in the two months since the coronavirus took hold has swelled to nearly 39 million, the government reported yesterday, even as states from coast to coast gradually reopen their economies and let people go back to work.

More than 2.4 million people filed for unemployment last week in the latest wave of layoffs from the business shutdowns that have brought the economy to its knees, the Labor Department said.

That brings the running total to a staggering 38.6 million, a job-market collapse unprecedented in its speed.

The number of weekly applications has slowed for seven straight weeks. Yet the figures remain breathtakingly high — 10 times higher than normal before the crisis struck. It shows that even though all states have begun reopening over the past three weeks, employment has yet to snap back and the outbreak is still damaging businesses and destroying jobs.

PAGE 12, Friday, May 22, 2020

NATHAN BAIN FROM PAGE 13

responsible for the incorrect certifications are no longer a part of SFA Athletics.” Earlier this month, it was announced that Bain’s heroics in the aforementioned win over the Blue Devils will be permanently enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bain’s No.23 jersey and sneakers he wore when his buzzerbeating layup capped one of the most improbable upsets in college basketball history will be on display when the Springfield, Massachusetts-based Hall of Fame reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is something you dream about as a kid,” Bain said to the KTRE - the ABC affiliate in Nacogdoches, Texas. “They say,

AZARO ROKER FROM PAGE 13

average a double double. He led the conference in rebounding at 13.2 per game and was second in scoring at 17.2 points per game.

His numbers increased across the board in every statistical category from year three, when he averaged 10 points and was a conference leader with 10 rebounds and two blocked shots per game.

Like all athletes, Roker is struggling with limited resources due to restrictions under the COVID19 pandemic but has lofty goals as his final year also coincides with the 45th and final season of

SAM HUNTER FROM PAGE 13

manage. This semester, I did pretty good in school. I got a 3.85 average in my classes. So I just had to learn how to manage my time and keep away from the distractions,” he said.

The 19-year-old sport and recreation administration major said once he can get better in practice, he should become a much better player on the court.

“Coach told me once I get better in practice and I can show my true potential, I will be alright,” Hunter said.

Hunter was hoping that he would continue to play alongside Grand Bahamian Franco Miller,

THE TRIBUNE

‘wherever you go try to leave your mark. Leave your legacy.’ I don’t think there is anything better than leaving your mark inside the Hall of Fame.”

On November 26, 2019, Bain raced up court to finish a layup just before time expired to lift his unranked Lumberjacks to an 85-83 overtime win over then No.1 Blue Devils, the biggest upset in NCAA Division I basketball of the last 20 years. The Blue Devils came into the game favoured by 27.5 points making it the largest betting spread for a No.1 seed to suffer a loss.

Duke had never lost to a midmajor team when ranked No. 1 until that loss at Cameron Indoor Stadium. SFA’s win ended Duke’s 150-game non conference home winning streak.

It was also the first time since 1983 that Duke has lost to an unranked mid-major team.

In the game, Bain finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three steals. He recently graduated from Stephen F Austin with a degree in kinesiology.

As a result of the shot, Bain was featured on a myriad of American media outlets and became a national story chronicled by ESPN Sportscenter, Good Morning America, and CNN. In the postgame interview reflecting on the moment, he recalled the moment he saw teammate Gavin Kensmil with an opportunity to get the ball and an opportunity to make history.

“On the last play, I saw my teammates battling for the rebound.

I knew he was going to get it, I was preparing myself to go into another overtime to go to battle against these dudes who I give credit to, Duke is the mecca of basketball so I give credit to them,” Bain said.

“But when I saw my teammate grab it, I looked up at the clock it was about 4.6 seconds so I thought to myself, I had to get on my horse, I know he saw me so I just had to go as fast as I can to get the layup, it was like a layup drill. I could feel dudes on my back so I just laid it up and prayed to God that it went in.”

The Lumberjacks had one timeout remaining but opted not to use it with Bain’s clear path to the basket, despite just over four seconds left on the game clock.

“I was confident, I just wasn’t sure if the dude was going to foul me or not at the end so I just wanted to get it on the rim to give us a chance,” Bain said.

“You do layup drills from the time you pick up a basketball and this is just another one, “but’s a different pressure when someone is chasing you down for the game,” he added.

Steve Konchalski as head coach of X-Men men’s basketball.

“Staying in shape this offseason has been a bit challenging, but I still have some goals that I have this season, I want to put on 10 pounds of pure muscle,” he said.

“Next season we have a whole lot happening. As you know, Coach K, the legendary coach is retiring and this year we get to host nationals so we are working hard just to make sure that we are ready to fight and compete against anybody.”

Roker was named All-Canadian during a ceremony at the U SPORTS Final 8 Basketball Championships in February. The X-Men were eliminated in the

AUS conference title game, one game shy of a national tournament berth.

“Being in Ottawa without my team it was kind of heartbreaking to know that you were so close to making it to nationals but it was a great experience to be amongst the top Canadians in the league and it was an honour to be mentioned among them.”

At the team level, he was named X-Men team MVP and was the recipient of the Llyod Knickle Leadership award, given by their Blue and White X-Press Booster Club, for outstanding leadership.

Roker and the X-Men scored the biggest upset of the U SPORTS season with a thrilling win over the

nationally ranked No. 2 ranked Dalhousie Tigers. The X-Men scored a 78-77 win and Roker finished with another double double - 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The X-Men concluded the season with a loss to Dalhousie in the AUS title game. Roker finished with 12 points and a game high 13 rebounds for the X-Men. Among his many standout performances on the season, Roker was named the “Subway Player of the Game” when he posted career highs of 30 points and 20 rebounds in the X-Men’s 117-116 overtime win over the Cape Breton Capers.

Roker shot 11-17 from the field and was a perfect 8-8 from the free-throw line in 41 minutes.

another freshman who played sparingly at Ole Miss. But Miller decided to exercise his NCAA transfer portal and will be moving on elsewhere to play.

“Anytime you can play with another Bahamian in college, it’s a great opportunity,” Hunter said.

“But things happen. He is doing what’s best for him. I wish him every success in whatever decision that he makes.”

Hunter, however, said he still has another Bahamian to rely on in coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who is in her third season as the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Ole Miss, which also features the return of Bahamian point guard Valerie Nesbitt. “She’s a Bahamian and she’s competitive, so it’s always good to watch her

coach her team, even though they didn’t have such a good season due to some injuries and Val coming off the team for a bit,” he said.

“But she’s a good coach and they should have a great team moving forward.”

As Bahamians, Hunter said McPhee-McCuin encourages him a lot to represent the country at the best of his ability.

During the summer, Hunter played on his first senior men’s national team at the age of 17 at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games. He also played for the team against a pair of AAC teams where he averaged 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, including an 18-point effort against North Carolina. Prior to that, Hunter made the Caribbean

Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament team by averaging 33 points per game, which included a single game high honours of 40 points.

He also played on the Bahamas junior men’s national team at the 2017 Centrobasket Under-27 Championships where he averaged 14.6 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Additionally, Hunter was a member of the Bahamas’ CBC U-16 championship team.

As soon as the Bahamian economy is opened up and things start to get back to normal, Hunter said the first thing he would like to do is get back in the gym and prepare for the upcoming season. “When I get back to school, all I have is work, work and more work to do so that I can show them what I am capable of doing,” he stated.

BUTTERS FROM PAGE 13

He shot 64 per cent from the free throw line and also finished with 32 total blocks, 28 steals and 35 assists.

His season was highlighted with 30 points, 21 rebounds and two blocks against Tennessee Prep last December at the Marshall County Hoopfest in Kentucky.

In the classroom, Butters has a 3.0 GPA and a score of 20 on his ACT. He became the second former St George’s Jaguar within the last three years to attend the Aspire programme following Ahmard Harvey who is currently in his freshman season with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

Aspire Academy is a residential, basketball-centred college preparatory programme and training institute on the campus of Holy Cross High School in Louisville.

The Wizards have produced 20 players who have matriculated to NCAA basketball over the past three years, including 14 at the Division I level.

Student athletes have earned over $975,000 in scholarship money from those DI universities and $150,000 amount of scholarship money earned from two-year colleges.

Aspire Academy offers an 11-month post graduate programme which gives participants an additional year of development, exposure and academic prep while maintaining four years of college eligibility.

The basketball schedule consists of approximately 45-40 games against junior colleges, prep schools and D1 JV teams.

According to its website, the vision of Aspire Academy is “to use the game of basketball as a vehicle to inspire, develop and cultivate future community leaders with the core academic and leadership skills to prepare them for life beyond Aspire.”

SPORTS SECTION E

Page 16

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020

Bain, Lumberjacks’ season marred by NCAA violations

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A

season of historic milestones for Nathan Bain and the Stephen F Austin Lumberjacks will be marred by NCAA violations centred around improprieties in the academic certification process for several student athletes.

The NCAA cited a lack of institutional control in the Lumberjacks’ Athletic Department and found that 82 student athletes across nine sports, including football, men’s basketball, baseball, men’s track and field, women’s track and field, softball, women’s volleyball, women’s golf and men’s cross country, competed while ineligible.

Lumberjacks athletic director, Ryan Ivey, brought the infractions to the attention of the NCAA in the Spring of 2019.

In a zoom virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon, Ivey pointed

out that the 2019 men’s basketball historic win over the Duke Blue Devils was not affected. He noted that the current team has a collective 3.21 spring semester GPA and logged over 3,000 hours of community service.

The infractions took place from 2013-2019 and over that time period, subsequently, the Lumberjacks will vacate 117 men’s basketball victories from 2014 to 2019.

Included in the vacation of wins are conference championships in men’s basketball in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18, as well as the programme’s First Round win in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.

The banners recognising those achievements will be removed from William R Johnson Coliseum.

The school’s programmes will also vacate 29 football wins from 20132019, 112 baseball victories from 2015-2019, 31 softball victories from the 2018 season, and adjusted conference championship

scholarships for football for the next two seasons, a five per cent reduction in baseball in either 2020-21 or 2021-2022 and the loss of one scholarship in men’s basketball in either 20202021 or 2021-22.

“The university was found to lack institutional control because it did not adequately monitor and control the athletics eligibility certification process, failed to properly apply academic certification rules and did not involve staff members from outside of athletics in the certification process,” according to a press release from the NCAA. “The agreement also noted the university did not withhold ineligible studentathletes from competition and did not promptly detect and report the certification violations to the NCAA.” Ivey issued a press release discussing negotiated resolution agreement between SFA and the NCAA. “In the Spring of 2019, a member of our athletics

scores from women’s golf, women’s track and field, men’s cross country and men’s track and field.

In addition to the vacated wins, the Lumberjacks received three years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 0.5 per cent of the total budgets for football and men’s basketball, the return of 50 per cent of the programme’s financial share earned from their participation in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.

Their ability to recruit will also be affected with a 2.5 per cent reduction in

AFTER his freshman year ended without a trip to the prestigious NCAA Basketball Tournament, Sammy Hunter is looking forward to returning to help the Ole Mississippi University Rebels regain its prominence during his sophomore year.

Home since March, Hunter said he’s taking advantage of spending some quality time with his family and friends before he returns to Mississippi in August, once everything clears up with the coronavirus, the borders are opened for travel and sports around the world resume.

“This coronavirus ain’t nothing to play with,” said Hunter as he enjoyed the company of his parents Andrew and Sophia Hunter.

“It’s been good being home and spending this time with my family.

I don’t get to see them as much as I did during this period. So I’m really glad that I am home, even though it could have been under better circumstances.”

Although he has been obeying the curfew laws initiated by the Bahamas government to contain the spread of the virus, Hunter said he was relieved that the professional athletes were allowed to resume their training.

He has taken advantage of the opportunity to work out in the AF Adderley Gymnasium with a few friends.

“Everything is going good,” Hunter said. “I needed that break

to get back in the flow of things before I go back to school.

“Although things didn’t work out in their favour, missing a chance to compete in the March Madness Basketball Tournament, I feel we will have a better team to get there this year,” he said.

The Rebels finished the year at 15-17, losing their final game at the season 81-63 to Georgia in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 11 in the SEC Tournament, which eliminated them from advancing to the March Madness.

Hunter, who started in just one of the 27 games he played for the Rebels, averaged 11.4 minutes per game. He shot 29-for-71 from the field for an average of .408, was 1-for-8 from the three-point line for a .125 average, canned 19 of his 27 free throws for a .704 average and scored a total of 78 points for a 2.9 average.

He also contributed a total of 37 rebounds, 23 on the defensive end, dished out 11 assists, stole six passes and blocked shots.

“We just need good chemistry because we have a very good team.

If we can just build on our chemistry, we will be fine.”

If there’s any consolation for Hunter and the Rebels, the tournament was cancelled, just like every other major sporting event around the world to help combat the spread of the virus. As a result, the NCAA was not able to crown a national champion this year.

“We have some good players coming in this year, so we should be pretty good,” Hunter said.

“Coach feels that we have a pretty

good team so we feel we should get to the NCAA Tournament this year.”

Hunter said Davis has challenged him to come back to Ole Miss “fit and ready” to improve his game.

“He continuously tells me to just develop all aspects of my game,” said Hunter of Davis, whom he remains in constant contact with through social media. “He wants me to be a better defender. I believe that as long as I rebound and defend more, coach will trust me more and put me on the court more.”

Looking back on his first season after he made the adjustment from British Columbia Christian Prep in Canada, Hunter said it could be considered a learning experience.

More importantly, he said he got to understand what it means to play at the division one level and

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

department discovered that the process by which our student-athletes were being certified as academically eligible was not properly accounting for all NCAA requirements.

“The primary issue was that former department personnel responsible for the certification process were incorrectly counting all semester credit hours to determine academic eligibility instead of counting only degree-applicable credits, as prescribed by NCAA rules,” he said .

“This error - and other similar errors - resulted in 82 student-athletes being improperly certified for competition over a period of six years, from 2013 to 2019, meaning 82 studentathletes competed while ineligible for SFA in the sports of football, men’s basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, women’s golf, men’s and women’s track and field and men’s cross country. The athletics department personnel

DESPITE the challenges of the offseason, Azaro Roker intends for his final season with the St Francis Xavier X-Men basketball programme to be the best of his collegiate career.

Roker’s transformation from lightly recruited role player to team leader was highlighted this year with a series of postseason accolades, including a U Sports All-Canadian Second Team selection, an Atlantic University Sport conference tournament All-Star and AUS First Team selection.

“Being a player that had no huge interest [from other schools] to becoming an All-Canadian and AUS All-Star, it has been a privilege and so great to see the hard work pay off,” he said to Undress The Jersey.

“I think that having the right mindset and a mentally ready attitude toward the game or anything you do will lead you to success.”

He was one of only three players in the league to

SEE PAGE 12

SEE PAGE 12

‘This coronavirus ain’t nothing to play with’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR AZAR0 ROKER

respecting the people who could support them. “There was a kid named Henry who came to all of our games,” Hunter said.

“He was always there to watch us and support us. It was so much fun making friends with him.”

And if there was anything that Hunter would prefer to discard from his initial college season, it would have been his first game as a Rebel.

“Air balls, left and right. That was what I showed in my first game,” he recalled.

“Two air balls. I didn’t even score in that game. My coach pulled me aside and said a lot of freshmen do that. I said yeah coach that won’t happen again. I like coach. He’s cool.”

Hunter said he has developed a great relationship with Davis and he’s confident that he would guide him in the right direction as he slowly makes the transition from being a top notch high school player, who averaged 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game at British Columbia Christian Prep.

The highlight of Hunter’s high school career came when he was named MVP of the Signature All-Canadian Showcase, which featured the top seniors in Canada.

In that game, Hunter scored 18 points with five rebounds and two block shots. “From high school to college, you basically get to do whatever you want,” Hunter said.

“You just have to learn how to

SEE PAGE 12

BUTTERS SETS THE STAGE FOR BREAKOUT SENIOR YEAR

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net SHAVAUL Butters’ junior season has set the stage for a breakout senior year and a busy recruitment period for his upcoming senior season.

Butters - a 6’8”, 210pound “stretch four” power forward - posted impressive numbers for the Aspire Basketball Academy Wizards in Louisville, Kentucky.

The only member of the roster to compete in all 33 contests last season, he led the team in several statistical categories in his first year with the programme.

Butters led the team in total points (386 points), field goal percentage (57 per cent, 173-303), three point percentage (40 per cent, 19-48), and total rebounds (323). He finished second on the team at 11.7 points per game and averaged a double double with 10 rebounds per game.

SEE PAGE 12

My Cowboys’ gamble pays off, and they ‘steal again’ THIS week saw the Dallas Cowboys see their gamble pay off and the team get away with larceny, yet again.

GAMBLE PAYS OFF Aldon Smith, the Cowboys talented but troubled defensive end, has been granted conditional reinstatement by the NFL from an indefinite suspension for violation of the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported on Wednesday.

Smith will be able to take part in team activities with the Dallas Cowboys after the NFL on Wednesday conditionally reinstated the pass rusher from an

indefinite suspension for off-field issues.

Smith, who hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2015, will be able to participate in the Cowboys’ virtual offseason programme starting next week. He can also meet with teammates and coaches.

Smith, who has been living and working out in Dallas for several weeks, met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell via a virtual call last Thursday, and o n Wednesday Smith’s reinstatement was made official by Goodell and the NFL league office.

Now that Smith has been reinstated, he will receive $90,000 from the Cowboys as part of the one-year,

THE

PRESS BOX ZELAYA

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICA

incentive ladened contract he signed in April. If Smith meets the all the incentive portions in his contract, his deal could end up being close to $4 million.

COWBOYS STEAL AGAIN Cowboys third round pick Neville Gallimore is another young stud that

gives the Cowboys a plug and play piece on the defensive line, which has been long overdue.

The former Oklahoma Sooner had this to say after being drafted “I’m a high-effort guy. A guy with the jack-of-all-trades.

“A guy that’s also disruptive and can rush the passer

or a guy that can stop the run.”

“Whatever you need, whatever you want from me, I will do just that and I’ll do it to the best of my abilities.

“And how I kind of describe myself, again, is an unfinished process. I feel like a lot of people understand that my ceiling is so high, and I know that.

Again, the best football hasn’t come out of me yet, but it’s coming. It’s coming soon.”

Gallimore has four sacks and 32 quarterback pressures last season for the Sooners along with forcing six fumbles.

Gallimore ran a 4.79 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL

combine which is unheard of for a defensive lineman, measuring 6’2 and 304 pounds.

He can use that speed combined with his power to get into the backfield, and wreak havoc on opposing QBs. The Cowboys defensive co-ordinator Mike Nolan and his staff have been salivating over Gallimore since the NFL Draft combine.

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1.

PAGE 14, Friday, May 22, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

AP Interview: Udinese and Watford owners wary of restart

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer ROME (AP) — After nearly 35 years of club ownership — more than anyone else in Serie A — Udinese’s Gianpaolo Pozzo is drawing on his decades of experience to confront the crisis brought on by the coronavirus.

Perhaps that’s why he prefers to be more cautious than most of his peers who are anxious to get the season — and the Italian league’s TV contract income — going again as soon as possible.

Pozzo, who turns 79 on Monday, has been adamant that the league needs a full month of training before restarting games.

That means he thinks the league’s aim of restarting the weekend of June 13-14 is “impossible” without producing a series of player injuries.

“At the minimum, we need a month to have a proper preparation like we do every year before starting the season,” Pozzo said in an interview with The Associated Press this week, when clubs were given the go-ahead from the government to resume full team training.

“Whereas we’re being super cautious about the virus, then we’re going to be totally careless about everything else?”

Last week, Pozzo angered Serie A officials when he wrote a letter to Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora asking the government to step in and slow the league’s restart.

He also asked Spadafora to lighten the responsibility of team physicians if players and club members get sick from the virus.

Udinese, Pozzo recalled, was quarantined after

learning that Fiorentina — the team it faced on March 8, a day before the league was suspended — had three players who tested positive for COVID-19.

Fiorentina’s team physician was hospitalised with the virus and the club’s sports director, Daniele Pradè, recently revealed that he infected nine members of his extended family, some of whom were hospitalised.

“Our physicians were frightened by that experience,” Pozzo said. “They said to themselves, ‘If something like that happens here, we would be responsible according to Italian law.’”

WARY WATFORD Pozzo’s family also owns English club Watford, which is opposing the Premier League’s restart plans.

“The conditions are not right yet,” Pozzo said.

“The virus is still advancing rapidly there, at least compared to here. They’re a few (weeks) behind us.”

Watford defender Adrian Mariappa said this week that he is one of the six people to test positive from the first round of coronavirus checks in the Premier League. Two members of Watford’s staff also tested positive.

Both Udinese and Watford are hovering just above their respective relegation zones.

SUCCESS STORY The Pozzos bought Watford in 2012 and quickly brought the club up from the second division to the Premier League.

At about the same time as the Pozzos were remodeling Udinese’s stadium to make it the first facility in Serie A without fan barriers, the family also updated

“Because when you have an excess player on one team you send him to the other squad. It helps.”

IN this photo taken on December 3, 2006, Udinese soccer club President Gianpaolo Pozzo is seen at a press conference held in the Friuli stadium in Udine, northern Italy. Pozzo has been adamant that the Serie A league needs a full month of training before restarting games.

(AP Photo/Paolo Giovannini) Watford’s home ground, Vicarage Road.

“So we’ve achieved all of our goals,” Pozzo said of Watford, control of which he has handed over to his son, Gino. “And we want to continue.”

Last season, Watford reached the FA Cup final for only the second time in its history. Despite the 6-0 rout by Manchester City, Pozzo said merely participating in the final

at Wembley Stadium was the highlight of his family’s association with the club.

He attributed last season’s success and five straight campaigns in the Premier League partly to the family’s strategy of sending players back and forth between Udinese and Watford, sometimes via loans.

“We work in synergy and it helps both clubs improve,” Pozzo said.

LONGEVITY Pozzo bought Udinese in 1986, a few months after Silvio Berlusconi purchased AC Milan.

When Berlusconi sold Milan in 2017, Pozzo became the “dean” of Serie A. “It’s not a great record,” Pozzo said. “It means that I’m old.”

But it does mean continuity, as evidenced by 25 consecutive seasons in the top division — trailing only Inter Milan, Roma, AC Milan and Lazio.

“Our strategy has always been to rely on young players and be fortunate enough to see them explode,” Pozzo said.

“There were years where that happened and we reached the Champions League.

“We’re a small, provincial club and we’ve got to get by like that. We can’t go after big-name players who cost 50, 80, 100 million euros.

“We’ve got to go and discover players with talent and hope they reach their full potential. That’s it.

That’s our secret.”

Udinese has “discovered” a long list of players who went on to greatness elsewhere. To name just a handful: Alexis Sánchez, Juan Cuadrado, Stephen Appiah, David Pizarro and Samir Handanovic.

Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul and Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana — both 25 — are the jewels of Udinese’s current squad.

“We’ve got scouts all over the place,” Pozzo said.

“But a lot of it is linked to good luck.”

HAMLIN SCORES SECOND WIN OF THE SEASON DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Denny Hamlin won NASCAR’s first Wednesday race since 1984 when rain stopped the event with 20 laps remaining at Darlington Raceway.

The Daytona 500 winner was out front but out of fresh tires and trying to hang on when he got unintended help from Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch. The reigning Cup champion caused Chase Elliott to crash eight laps earlier to bring out the caution.

A furious Elliott waited for Busch on the apron of the track and flipped Busch the middle finger as he passed. As NASCAR cleaned the track, it started to rain and the cars were called to pit road under red-flag.

It was an already active evening at “The Track Too Tough To Tame” as drivers were racing against the field and the weather. As the drivers sat in their cars waiting for NASCAR to pull the plug, a handful of Elliott’s crew members sat on the pit wall staring down Busch.

One of Busch’s crew members sat between them on the wall and NASCAR eventually ordered everyone back over the wall.

Eight minutes later, the race was called and Busch was greeted by Alan Gustafson, Elliott’s crew chief and Busch’s former crew chief when he drove for Hendrick Motorsports, for a conversation between two masked competitors.

Busch immediately copped to the error.

“There’s no question I made a mistake and just misjudged the gap,” Busch said. “They’re upset, they’re mad. I’m not just going to fix and we’re going to go have ice cream tomorrow.

They’re going to dwell on it and I’m sure there are repercussions of it I’m going to have down the road.”

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Friday, May 22, 2020, PAGE 15

COUNTERMEASURES NEEDED FOR OLYMPICS, BUT WHAT WILL THEY BE?

By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer TOKYO (AP) — Tokyo Olympic organising committee CEO Toshiro Muto spoke yesterday about the need to take “countermeasures” to combat the coronavirus at next year’s postponed games.

But what measures, exactly?

Muto acknowledged there is talk about holding next year’s Tokyo Olympics without fans, but he did not indicate this was going to happen.

The Tokyo official was responding to a BBC interview in which International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said an Olympics without fans “is not what we want.”

But Bach did not rule it out and said any such decision would take more time.

“Regarding president Bach’s remarks,” said Muto, speaking through an interpreter in an on-line

A STATION passageway is crowded with commuters wearing face masks in Tokyo on April 27. Tokyo Olympic CEO Toshiro Muto talked yesterday about the need to take “countermeasures” to combat COVID-19 at next year’s postponed games.

(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) news conference, “there are other people in Japan as well that (believe the Olympics) need to take place behind closed doors.

“However, our point of view is that we have more than one year until the games take place. And we think it’s too early at this

point in time to have that discussion.”

The Tokyo Olympics were postponed two months ago and are now

scheduled to open on July 23, 2021. With 14 months to go, neither the IOC nor local organisers have explained how the games

can be held amid a pandemic with world travel curtailed.

Will 11,000 Olympic athletes and 4,400 Paralympians face quarantines?

What about thousands of staff members, technical officials, broadcasters and other media?

Or fans from around the world that have bought millions of tickets?

There are hopeful signs about vaccines, but will one be ready in time?

And should young, healthy athletes be a priority?

“Obviously, we are aware that it will be inevitable to have some sort of countermeasures for COVID-19 when we hold the Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympic Games next year,” Muto said.

“This is all we can say at this point in time. For detailed questions about specific countermeasures for us to take, it may not be the right timing to answer.”

ANALYSIS: THE NBA SEEMS ON THE CUSP OF A COMEBACK PLAN

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer SOMETHING is finally clear in the uncertain NBA: Players believe they’re going to play games again this season.

The obvious questions — How? Where? When? — remain unanswered. Testing, part of the new normal of this coronavirus era, will be a major component to any return-to-play plan that the NBA comes up with. The Disney campus near Orlando, Florida makes so much sense, given its massive size, multiple courts and its ties to league broadcast partner ESPN. And the sooner games begin, the sooner the process of figuring out next season can start as well.

Several people familiar with the details of the conversations have told The Associated Press this week that players around the league are being urged to start getting mentally and physically

ready for training camps that could be just a few weeks away.

It might not be a unanimously approved notion, but 2-1/2 months into this pandemic-caused shutdown, the NBA finally seems on the cusp of being able to move forward.

“I have faith in Adam Silver and the NBA, and the NBA teams ... they’re not going to have us come back if it’s even a question of us getting hurt,” Jared Dudley of the Los Angeles Lakers said this week.

“And that’s where the testing, being clean, and doing everything that I feel that they’ll do to keep us safe.”

Pick a scenario for the returnto-play plan, and someone has surely heard it already. Bringing back all 30 teams and resuming the regular season is an option.

So is bringing back something like 20 teams and having an expanded playoff of sorts, a notion that essentially mirrors

what the NHL is talking about these days. A condensed playoff has also been discussed.

Silver, who has had to deal with a series of turbulent crisis from the strained China relationship in the preseason, to the deaths of David Stern and Kobe Bryant in January, and now a pandemic that will almost certainly affect the league’s financial health for the next several years — is listening to any and all ideas.

“The direction that the league office has received from our teams is, again, all rules are off at this point given the situation we find ourselves in, that the country is in,” Silver said last month.

“If there is an opportunity to resume play, even if it looks different than what we’ve done historically, we should be modelling it.”

The calendar dictates that those decisions are going to come soon, backed up by the fact that Silver told players two weeks ago that he

wants to be able to bring forward a return-to-play plan in “two to four weeks.” By that timeframe, the window is about to open.

“I’m really excited about the possibility of coming back,” Cleveland forward Kevin Love said in remarks broadcast on the NBA’s Twitter channel this week.

“I think there’s so much good that can come from it. ... People need that escape and as athletes too, we want to get back to what we love most.”

It’s going to be different. Fans won’t be at games, barring some seismic shift in thinking. Homecourt advantage won’t exist since games will almost certainly all be at neutral sites.

Even the Orlando Magic won’t have the home-court edge; they might be able to use their own homes if the NBA comes to Central Florida, but it’s not like the games will be in their arena.

And someone is probably going to test positive when play

resumes. If that happens, he’ll almost certainly have to sit out a minimum of two weeks. If a playoff series is held on an everyother-day basis, that means once someone is positive there’s no way he can return to that series. Imagine if LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo tests positive; the title chances for the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks would basically be gone in an instant.

But in a season where the NBA is certainly going to lose money, quite possibly $1 billion or more, there is an obvious appetite for getting back to work if safety can be assured.

“This has been like being an anxious kid that wants to do something but can’t, or an anxious dog where you tell him to sit and he looks at you like ‘C’mon bro’ and his tail starts wagging because he’s so excited,” All-Star Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat said.

“It’s been a whole spectrum of the unknown.”

PAGE 16, Friday, May 22, 2020

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Brady’s Super Bowl journeys to be part of 2021 ESPN series

By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

TOM Brady’s journey to each of his nine Super Bowls with the New England Patriots will be the subject of an ESPN series released next year.

Entitled “The Man in the Arena: Tom Brady,” the nine-episode series will include a look from Brady’s perspective at the six NFL titles and three Super Bowl defeats he was a part of. It should be a rare opportunity for up-close revelations from the usually private quarterback who left New England this year after 20 seasons and now is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The series will be produced by ESPN, 199 Productions (Brady’s production company) and Gotham Chopra of Religion of Sports. “Through the series, we’re defining the key moments and challenges that were seemingly

insurmountable, but through hard work and perseverance, became career-defining triumphs, in both victory and defeat,” Brady said.

Brady has won more Super Bowls than anyone and remains a bona fide NFL star at age 42. Unlike Peyton Manning, his contemporary for much of his career and the quarterback he is most often compared to, Brady normally has been reticent to provide behindthe-scenes information.

Connor Schell, ESPN’s executive vice president for content and one of the creators of the network’s 30 for 30 series, believes Brady has a fountain of memories worth the telling. “To have personal firsthand accounts and an athlete at Tom’s level who doesn’t often give firsthand accounts can add up to a remarkable series,” Schell said.

Schell points to Chopra’s storytelling skill as a key

factor in making Brady’s experiences compelling to fans — even the legions that have made the Patriots generally a despised franchise outside of the New England base.

“It is really a tribute to Gotham that he was able to earn that level of trust so Tom is willing to share his stories,” Schell said, noting that Chopra brought the project to ESPN. “We love these projects where these elements come together, and we’re able to give fans not just a good story but something they haven’t seen before.”

The episodes are expected to be grounded in Brady’s reflections and will include voices and outlooks other than his.

Schell added that ESPN is “thinking about how to evolve the genre and new ways to tell these stories and new hooks. And the access to Tom Brady is unique.”

PATRIOTS quarterback Tom Brady signals a thumbs-up on the sideline during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Foxborough, Mass. on August 16, 2018. Six-time Super Bowl champion Brady has signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, saying he is embarking on a “new football journey.” The 42-year-old quarterback who spent the first 20 years of his career with the New England Patriots announced his decision on March 20 in an Instagram post and thanked the Bucs for the opportunity.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

1918 lessons: Old pandemic is a murky guide for sports

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer THE image is striking: Fans watching a college football game in the midst of a pandemic, wearing masks with a smidge of social distance between them on row after row of bleacher seats.

The photo is 102 years old.

The Georgia Tech alumni Twitter feed posted a black-and-white photo of the scene at Grant Field in 1918.

Decades before tailgates, primetime kickoffs and billions in programme-supporting TV money, the ethos of the die-hard college football fan was not much different than today: Risks be damned, we’re going to the game.

And once fans are allowed back in stadiums, history has shown that football could come back strong.

“That’s really what started the big boom of college football in the 1920s,” said Jeremy Swick, historian at the College Football Hall of Fame.

“People were ready. They were back from war. They wanted to play football again. There weren’t as many restrictions about going out. You could enrol back in school pretty easily. You see a great level of talent come back into the atmosphere. There’s new money.

“It started to get to the roar of the Roaring ‘20s and that’s when you see the stadiums arm race.

Who can build the biggest and baddest stadium?”

A comeback seems a long away off even as some schools try to prepare for what many hope will be a full season this fall. For now, headlines are still dominated by discussions about what can be done safely.

“I think a lot of people will hesitate to attend sporting events as spectators until there is a proven vaccine,” Georgia Tech professor of sports history Johnny Smith said.

“I think there are parallels in what we can learn from 1918 in terms of how we respond to a pandemic,” Smith added. “The cities that were hesitant and didn’t impose closure orders as quickly

THIS undated photo provided by Georgia Tech alumnus Andy McNeil shows a Georgia Tech home game during the 1918 college football season. The photo was taken by Georgia Tech student Thomas Carter. The 102-year-old photo could provide a snapshot of sports once live games resume: Fans packed in a campus stadium in the midst of a pandemic wearing masks with a smidge of social distance between them on concrete seats.

(Thomas Carter via AP) had far more fatalities. I think the lesson we can draw in general from 1918 about how to respond to a pandemic is that closure orders and social distancing is effective.”

College football back then was already trying to field teams amid the lingering effects of World War I. There were restrictions on travel, practice and number of games played. The storied ArmyNavy game was cancelled in 1918 and the lone postseason game was the 1919 Tournament East-West game in Pasadena, California, a game better known today as the Rose Bowl.

The pandemic sickened players and coaches, shortened seasons and even forced some universities to scrap their seasons. On October 13, 1918, The Washington Post carried a story that declared the epidemic “sweeping the country has dealt the death blow to necessary preparations, and with the stage still undetermined, the outlook is anything but bright.”

Penn coach Bob Folwell, better known as the first coach of the New York Giants, was hospitalised with Spanish flu and missed six weeks during the 1918 season.

West Virginia failed to field a team and at least one player died when he ignored a cold that morphed into the virus. The Missouri Valley Conference, which included Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri, shut down for the season.

Pittsburgh and Michigan shared the national championship, though neither team played more than five games and all but one was held in November.

In September 1918, the second and by far deadliest wave hit in the US, the final blow for teams trying to schedule a full season. The headlines that followed included “Masks for Michigan Men” (Daily Pennsylvanian, October 23) and “Rough Year For Football, But Game Shows Its Mettle” (Chicago Daily Tribune, October 21).

“A lot of them closed up camp, especially once the second wave hit,” Swick said.

The pandemic killed more than 50 million people worldwide, including 675,000 in the United States. Even with lower numbers in 2020, Smith said, fans will still be cautious.

“I think generally people are going to be more hesitant to return

to stadiums today,” Smith said. “I think there will be a certain segment of the population that is more concerned about a second wave. That’s another lesson to keep in mind from 1918.”

And if fans are allowed, what rules will be in place? The bleak question looms large should campuses open to students in the fall: Is it safe to pack fans inside The Swamp or The ‘Shoe if the pandemic is still on?

“I think when we look back on this idea of people wearing masks to attend a football game and raise the question today, would people do that? I’m not sure that people would,” Smith said.

College football commissioners in mid-April insisted sports cannot be played this fall if campuses are not open, a stance echoed by NCAA President Mark Emmert.

Still, schools are working hard to find ways to play, and there are encouraging signs even if campuses are not fully open in the traditional sense.

Much more is at stake from a century ago: TV money, bowl games, conference championships, cross-country travel all need to be sorted out. In 1918, there were no more than 90 college football teams. There are 130 major college football teams alone in 2020, spread across 41 states and competing in 10 conferences, save for a handful of independents.

To play or not to play is still the essential dilemma a century later but football — and sports — will return at some point, as it did in 1919. The Ogden Standard noted after the sport’s yearlong break in the state it was “anxiously awaiting the rustle of the cleated shoes, the line plunges of victory and the return of the greatest of all college sports.”

“People really wanted to get back to their lives,” Smith said.

“Sports is all about the human experience, human connection.

We’re not meant to be isolated.

That’s a frustration a lot of people have in 1918 and today. I think people not being able to attend sporting events is symbolic of a larger sense of loss in America.”

AFTER A TOUGH ROAD, AUSTRALIA’S NRL CLOSE TO RESUMING SEASON

By DENNIS PASSA AP Sports Writer BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — If there’s such a thing as clarity in this uncertain pandemic world, National Rugby League players and their fans in Australia received a bit more of it yesterday.

The NRL announced a revised 16-round schedule for the competition, which has been suspended since March 23 because of coronovirus restrictions imposed after just two rounds of the season were played. There will be no paying spectators at matches.

The venues for the opening nine rounds were confirmed with all matches to take place at one of six grounds — two in suburban Sydney, one north of Sydney in Gosford, two in Queensland state at Brisbane and Townsville, and one in Melbourne.

If coronavirus restrictions are further eased after nine rounds, it’s possible teams may be able to play matches at their home grounds.

The season resumes May 28 with the Brisbane Broncos hosting Parramatta to start the third round, which also features a match between old rivals the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Roosters are seeking a third NRL premiership in a row.

“Everyone has fought so hard to get the game back on the field,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. “There are new fixtures and new venues, but when the players take the field, the desire to win will be that much higher given the sacrifices made to this point.”