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Volume: 119 No.135, June 8, 2022

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SUSPECTED CASE OF MONKEYPOX Patient in isolation for tests after signs of virus detected

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A FOREIGN national who recently travelled to The Bahamas is being closely monitored by health officials for suspected monkeypox, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville revealed yesterday.

The man, believed to be in his mid 40s, has been placed in isolation after showing symptoms associated with the disease.

It is not clear when the man exactly arrived in The Bahamas. However, Dr Darville said he understands the suspected case has been in New Providence for a “few days”.

“I have been informed that there is a potential case and I want to make that clear, a potential case of monkeypox in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Dr Darville said before going to a Cabinet meeting.

SEE PAGE FOUR

CCTV ROLLOUT PLAN TO RAISE PARK SAFETY

By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of National Security will work to place CCTV cameras in public parks in the aftermath of the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy over the holiday weekend.

National Security Minister Wayne Monroe told

Members of the House of Assembly yesterday, that he had spoken to the Royal Bahamas Police Force about the placement of cameras in the parks.

Mr Munroe said that his ministry has allocated $1.93m to advance the CCTV programme in the country.

SEE PAGE FIVE

FIGHTING THROUGH THE FLOODS DRIVERS on a flooded Blake road yesterday. Nassau recorded a record 6.43 inches of rain from Monday to Tuesday - following a weekend when at least 140 homes in the northern Bahamas suffered flooding. See PAGE THREE for more.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Triubne Staff

SANDALS FOUNDER’S FAMILY EXPORTERS HIT BY AIRPORT IN COURT FIGHT OVER ESTATE PROBLEM ON CARGO SCANS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE family of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the late Sandals resort chain

founder, have become embroiled in an escalating Bahamian legal dispute over the multi-million dollar estate he has left behind.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net CARGO scanning woes at Lynden Pindling International Airport have

blocked frustrated Bahamian exporters from sending thousands of dollars in native products to Europe since last year, Tribune Business can reveal.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

COMMISSIONER LANDS IMO ROLE OUTGOING Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle is to take on the role ambassador to the International Maritime Organization.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe announced explained in parliament yesterday Mr Rolle had the credentials to take on the new post.

“Persons may not be aware and for those who aren’t aware Commissioner Rolle has much

POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle. qualification in this area.

The maritime area is one of great importance to this

country and he is assuming this role as somebody... we would call book learned but (because of his) massive experience in management... but from having managed the Royal Bahamas Police Force in very trying circumstances,” said Mr Munroe.

“He (will) bring this experience to the international maritime arena to enhance The Bahamas’ place as we SEE PAGE FOUR

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

ALICIA WALLACE: WE NEED TO GET REAL ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Marine seen in crocs had a heel injury THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has sought to clear the air on a photo circulating on social media which shows a female marine wearing a neon pair of crocs during an event to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

In a statement, RBDF’s Command and Executive Leadership said the woman Marine wearing the “improper shoes” had sustained an injury during the week while parade preparations were done but performed as required in display of the Country’s Colours.

The RBDF said: “However, the mitigating circumstances necessitated the use of an alternative footwear following the parade in an informal setting where token exchanges were made.

“Secondly, the rig worn by the Commanding Officer is a working rig which was worn during the rehearsals. As noted in an actual recording of the parade, both personnel were properly attired and well turned out.”

The RBDF added: “The dress, bearing, conduct and performance of organisational members is of utmost importance to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force where considerable pride is taken at all times.”

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe called the backlash “distressing”.

He said: “To see on social media, an

account where we didn’t spend a lot of money to send a lot of them to the Platinum Jubilee event, but to see a woman marine who walked a blister in the back of her heal during practice do what our soldiers do - they make it happen. And so she paraded, not withstanding the injury, not withstanding the pain.”

“And after the fact, after treatment was told to wear footwear and I saw some nonsense about she was getting an award when my information is they were exchanging challenge coins… This is a challenge coin from the HMS Medwayall it is is a little coin that soldiers give one another. It’s not an award, it’s just something they do. But having travelled for her country, done her part through pain to see the lack of gratitude is really and truly distressing.”

“We may think that our soldiers are not exposed to great risk to death but I remind all of us that on the approach of Hurricane Dorian we deployed members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to the strike zone of an incoming category five storm and they went. My son that was first deployment and he told me about it and it really is a matter where they do put their lives on the line for us. I do not have any time or patience for people who are ingrateful and show ingratitude to very men and women who we ask that of.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 3

Record rainfall as nearly a month’s rain falls in a day FLOODING on Blake Road yesterday.

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net CHIEF Meteorological Officer Patricia Weeks revealed a record 6.43 inches of rain was recorded in Nassau from Monday to Tuesday.

“Average monthly rainfall usually would be 8.66 for the month of June. So for 24 hours we actually almost surpassed our monthly total for the month,” she said.

The record rains were the remnants of Tropical Storm Alex which swept up into The Bahamas from the Gulf of Mexico.

“It was actually a trough that extended from Alex and that, along with moisture, is what kept a lot of the rainfall over our area as it lifted towards the north and the northeast,” Ms Weeks explained.

Ms Weeks also spoke about the weather impact on flying.

“Usually pilots would call to find out whether there is anything in between their destination to see if they need to stay or postpone or delay,” she explained.

“So, the rain doesn’t have anything to do with whether a plane travels or not. It’s whether or not you have severe weather conditions en route.

“So, between here and going to Inagua

may not have any thunder storms enroute (but) maybe you may want to go say in another hour or so. Travelling from Nassau to let’s say, maybe Exuma where there maybe severe, intense severe weather, that flight would have to be delayed based on that.”

A few local airlines reported some delays due to the weather.

Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) Vice President of Marketing and Communication, Jan Knowles said: “Operations at LPIA are fairly normal despite the inclement weather. There have been a few delays both inbound and outbound but nothing extraordinary, we are pleased to report.”

Anthony Hamilton, Southern Air’s director of administration, said generally speaking there have been delays because of weather.

“By all means, it’s still safe to fly,” he said.

“When it comes to the weather, it’s a decision made by the pilot in command to determine whether the conditions are favourable to execute the flight or not.”

Faron Sawyer of Cherokee Air said his aircraft were only marginally affected.

“We flew but we couldn’t do a flight into north Eleuthera this morning due to the weather,” he told The Tribune.

MORE flooding on Blake Road, above and below.

A TRUCK drives through flooding on the airport road yesterday.

140 HOMES FLOODED IN NORTHERN BAHAMAS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net AT LEAST 140 homes in the northern Bahamas suffered flood damage due to heavy rainfall over the weekend, Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey said yesterday.

One hundred of those homes have been identified on Grand Bahama while another 40 were reported to have suffered damage in Bimini.

Most of the storm affected homes had already been “compromised”

by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

“So, we’re still really calculating (the damages),” she said before going to a cabinet meeting yesterday.

“So far, we’ve identified about 100 homes (in Grand Bahama) I’m sure there’s more than that. Also in Bimini, there’s about 40 homes. And so, we’re looking to see how we can provide assistance there.

Like I said, I’m really pushing to have some immediate funds available, so that we can get some stuff done now.”

Tropical Cyclone Alex made landfall in several islands in the northern

Bahamas over the weekend, including Abaco, Grand Bahama and the Berry Islands, before it reached tropical storm status.

Weather officials said the system, which is now considered the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, dropped 10.69 inches of rainfall on Grand Bahama within a 48-hour period, causing serious flooding in some parts of the community.

The island’s airport was also closed on Saturday due to winds associated with the system.

Speaking on the storm’s impact yesterday, Ms Moxey highlighted flooding damage as the main issue of concern for residents there.

“Grand Bahama did experience localised flooding in areas and this was a potential tropical cyclone so it says a lot about really what is happening in the world really, with climate change,” she said.

“Of course, we are still recovering from Dorian and so there’s a lot of roof damage. Still, a lot of people needed help like that, but we have been working and were on the ground the next day really assessing the damage. We

visited families, and we are on it - the Minister of Social Services and Urban Development as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs who was always on Grand Bahama island. He was there as well.

“Really, flooding is a problem I would say throughout The Bahamas right now, in particular, Nassau and Grand Bahama Island and we are addressing it. We have our Grand Bahama Disaster Consultative Committee that would have met prior to this. They had been meeting virtually for since January and there was a special meeting that was called last Thursday, prior to the storm.

“There is all hands on deck. We’ve been coordinating with the private sector, that would be the regulatory agencies as well as the utility providers and we are really formulating the best plan and the best approach to dealing with these types of situations.

But, of course, you know what Grand Bahama has experienced and we are working really to address how we deal with it moving forward.”

Ms Moxey also said one way her ministry is seeking

FLOODING in Grand Bahama at the weekend.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn to address storm related issues on the island is by petitioning the government for more funding.

However, she could not say how much is needed to strengthen the island’s resilience and also further storm relief efforts there.

She said: “What I will say is that the funding that I need is really to get the shelters to a place where you have more shelters available. So that is one of the priority items and then you have those that have compromised roofs and all that from Dorian,” she said.” So, a lot of it is Dorian related and the homes that were affected

now were Dorian related, and it’s just that they hadn’t received the assistance before.”

Hurricane season began June 1 and ends November 30.

Weather experts have already predicted an active and “above average” 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, with 19 named storms and nine hurricanes expected this year.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

MATURE , oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, as seen under an electron microscope.

Suspected case of monkeypox from page one “It’s a foreign national who came into the country who presented with signs and symptoms associated with monkeypox.”

“That individual is being treated in isolation and we’re being updated on a regular basis of the improvements.

Samples were taken (and) those samples were forwarded to the Ministry of Health for further evaluation and that’s all I have at this particular time. There is a suspected case and the doctors who are dealing with the case are reporting to the Ministry of Health every

step of the way.”

Asked about the visitor’s nationality, he replied: “They are from abroad. I cannot say the nationality of the individual. But if I’m not mistaken, they came in via British Airways. I think it was the last British Airways flight, but I cannot be sure.”

Dr Darville said the case appeared to be an isolated one, adding that officials are keeping a close eye on the situation.

“The doctor, the infectious disease specialists, the surveillance unit is fully informed and, as far as we know, the case is isolated and any possible spread has now been under control completely and cases

are being monitored very closely,” he continued.

The news comes after health officials reported last month that the National Disease Surveillance Unit had to monitor an individual who arrived in The Bahamas in late May with a travel history of locations where outbreaks have occurred.

Symptoms of monkeypox includes skin rash, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion and can last up to two to four weeks.

The death rate associated with the disease is said to be low, ranging between three to six percent of people infected.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Health yesterday, Dr Darville said cases of monkeypox are expected to rise worldwide due to “human to human transmission”.

However, he also advised that the health event is a manageable one.

“The safety protocols which help to limit the spread of COVID-19 are also the preventative measures that can help to reduce the risk of infection from monkeypox,” the statement added.

“The public is advised to follow the protocols which include washing your hands properly and often with soap and water, using an

alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are not available, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly, and maintaining physical distance from others, particularly if you feel ill.”

Cases of monkeypox has been reported in more than 20 countries worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation.

Last week, Pan American Health Organisation officials said countries in the region must be on alert and prepared to take rapid action for an inevitable outbreak of monkeypox.

“What we know about this virus and the mode of transmission is this outbreak is

containable,” said Dr Ciro Ugarte, director of health emergencies at PAHO. “Rapid action must be taken before the virus can be allowed to establish itself in most endemic and non-endemic contexts.”

Anyone with suspected symptoms of monkeypox is asked to call their health care provider or the nearest public health community clinic.

“Additional information can be obtained by contacting the National Disease Surveillance Unit, Mondays – Fridays, 9:00am – 5:00p.m. at 604-9090 or 604-9091; or after hours at 376-4705, 376-3809, or 376-3970,” the ministry added.

DISCUSSIONS OVER REMOVING MASK MANDATES ON FAMILY ISLANDS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said officials are currently discussing

whether to remove the remaining mask mandates on certain Family Islands that have no active cases of COVID-19.

While a decision on the matter has not been made as yet, officials believe that

current mask protocols should remain in place until the country is considered to be out of the woods from COVID-19.

Currently, people are not required to wear a mask while in a lobby, corridor

or casino of a hotel or in an outdoor setting where there is at least three feet of space between people who are not of the same household.

But, mask wearing is still largely required indoors.

When asked whether the government was considering lifting mask mandates on islands with no active cases, Dr Darville replied: “It is something that we’re looking into and this Wednesday, the committee will look at it again.”

“One of the things we’re concerned about with the mask mandate is the fact that after you arrive in The Bahamas, there is no more testing until the foreigner or those who are travelling (get tested to go) back to the United States.

With the spikes that are ongoing and the peaks and troughs that we are seeing with COVID, we are on the verge of we’re going to function with caution. And the committee will discuss it this week and a decision will be made, but we feel that the mask mandate with what we’re seeing

should remain in place until we feel that we are at a clear.”

COVID-19 cases began steadily increasing in the country in late April, with double digit numbers being recorded most days since then.

As of June 6, there were 972 active virus cases in The Bahamas.

There have also been 811 virus related deaths confirmed since the start of the pandemic.

The latest deceased victim is a 62-year-old man from New Providence who died June 4 from the disease.

Yesterday, Dr Darville told reporters that officials have seen an overall reduction in infection rates in recent days.

However, he suggested there will be spikes in numbers from time to time and further appealed to Bahamians who have not yet been vaccinated to get their shots.

“We are still experiencing spikes with COVID-19,” he told reporters yesterday. “As you monitor the

numbers, you will see that some days we have higher numbers, some days is lower numbers. One of the good things is that the cases that are showing up at the hospital are not cases suffering directly from COVID. They are incidental findings with individuals with other issues.”

“So, we are pleased to say that we are fending quite well at the tertiary level with the COVID cases.

And even though we have been seeing spikes, I’m pleased to report that this week, we’ve seen a reduction in cases now. We’re watching that very closely and monitoring it. I cannot say exactly what it means at this point. But once again, we would like to encourage Bahamians everywhere to practice the safety protocols that we currently have in place. And for those who are not vaccinated to please come forward immediately and get your first and second job.”

At last report, over 167,000 people were said to be fully vaccinated in The Bahamas.

COMMISSIONER LANDS IMO ROLE from page one were just elected to the IMO council. We look forward to him bringing the same innovation as he did with the Royal Bahamas Police Force with the real time crime centre and all of

the other technologies that he oversaw.”

According to his biography, Mr Rolle was appointed International Maritime Liaison Officer for the RBDF and the Bahamas Maritime Authority in 2008, after completing training in the International

Ship and Port Security Code for Maritime Operations at The Poseidon Maritime Academy, in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was certified as a Port Security Officer The police chief previously confirmed he is demitting office on July 5.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 5

‘We want to give answers on Long Island crash soon’ TOURISM, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper says officials are hoping to expedite the investigation report into the Long Island plane crash so that they can provide survivors with answers as soon as possible.

“I know that there are some meetings today,” Mr Cooper said before going to a Cabinet meeting yesterday.

“The air accident investigation agency would have some meetings today with the director of aviation and I know they wish to speak with the passengers or anyone else who is aware of what may have happened or has any information so they have sent out a public call for that information. No doubt, they have the information of the passengers on the manifest and will speak with them in due course.”

On Sunday, a twin engine PA-31- 310 plane was flying from Long Island to Nassau carrying seven people when it crashed shortly after takeoff.

Aleitheia Newbold, 22, a mother-of-one, was the only passenger who died in the crash.

Injured survivors were later airlifted to New Providence for medical attention.

In a statement released yesterday, survivor Le’Annka Rigby, daughter of motivational speaker Spence Finlayson, said she was grateful to be alive.

She also thanked those who assisted with rescue efforts.

“I am immensely grateful for life after this traumatising ordeal and consider myself truly blessed to have walked away with only severe bruising and slight immobility. I am currently resting and look forward to full physical recovery in the near future,” she said.

She also offered condolences to Ms Newbold’s family.

“Both myself and the pilot administered CPR to Aleitheia in hopes of authorities getting to us in time to preserve her life.

Unfortunately, the outcome was not what I hoped

for, and I am shattered and heartbroken by her sudden departure. I extend my deepest condolences to you all and I pray for your peace,” she said.

Yesterday, Mr Cooper told reporters it will take some time before investigations into the incident are completed.

However, he said officials are trying to expedite the process “as best as possible”.

“This process takes some time,” he said.

“It’s a very extensive type of investigation that looks at weather conditions and maintenance records and the captain and pilot in command, etcetera, and so we ought to expect that this is going to take several weeks. I’ve heard of situations where these

CCTV ROLLOUT PLAN TO RAISE PARK SAFETY from page one “I have had a discussion with police and we will be working to place CCTV camera in public parks,” he said, while making his contribution to the 2022/2023 budget debate.

He explained that such measures are essential if these public spaces are to be safe for those who utilise them.

“Persons will know going forward that these places are being watched,” he said.

While he said it may not guarantee that people will not engage in criminal activity, it would at least provide police with more information as to what happened instead of having to rely solely on eyewitnesses.

Quinton McKenzie, 13, died on Friday morning after he was hit in the head by two bullets.

Mr Munroe paid a

touching tribute to the LW Young honour roll student at the start of his contribution saying that as the grandson of noted Bahamian musician, Smokey 007, the young man was a self-taught musician, who also dreamed of attending college and playing professional baseball.

In fact, Mr Munroe said he was employed as a packing boy trying to save money for college.

He said it was unfortunate that his life had been cut short by someone not brought up as well as he had been.

While investigations into the shooting are continuing, Superintendent Audley Peters confirmed that police have a juvenile male in custody who is assisting police in their investigation.

Mr Munroe also said that consideration is being given to placing cameras in various public schools as well.

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investigations have taken up to a year.”

“We are going to expedite this process as best as possible working along with our partners at air accident investigation authority, working with the civil aviation authority and the director of aviation is very engaged in this process and we hope to be able to give some answers to the Bahamian people and the passengers real soon.”

Utilities and Works Minister Alfred Sears also spoke about the incident yesterday and told reporters that his daughter – Nia Sears - was still being treated in hospital.

He said she had suffered several injuries, including a punctured lung, but was recovering quite well.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

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Don’t panic - but be prepared THE Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Michael Darville, sounded a cautious note as news broke yesterday of a suspected case of monkeypox in The Bahamas – but whether the case is confirmed or not, we should be prepared for the eventuality that the virus reaches our shores.

Dr Darville said yesterday: “I have been informed that there is a potential case and I want to make that clear, a potential case of monkeypox in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

The patient is a foreign national who may well have come into the country on a British Airways flight – exactly how you might think a country such as ours, with tourists arriving from all over the world, might encounter its first case of the virus.

Now we all might collectively sigh with frustration at a new medical problem to deal with after more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic – but it is important not to panic.

First of all, we are far better prepared to deal with a new problem nowadays, because of the precautions we have been used to with COVID-19 already.

More than that, we have seen the virus spread elsewhere – cases have been reported in more than 20 countries around the world now – and we have had specific warnings from health officials. Just last week, Pan-American Health Organisation officials warned that nations should be on alert and be ready to take swift action in the event of an outbreak of monkeypox – which was considered inevitable.

Then there’s the good news – one of those same officials, Dr Ciro Ugarte, of PAHO, said that “what we know about this virus and the mode of transmission is this outbreak is containable”.

Containable. That’s a reassuring word given how COVID has seemingly run free and been far from contained in its spread around the world and throughout communities.

The instructions on how to avoid infection sound familiar too – washing your hands properly and often, using sanitiser, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly, keeping distance from others… the same measures we have been following with COVID. With luck, this case may end up not being confirmed. But even if it is, with good planning we can minimise the risk of any further cases – either spreading from this incident or in the future.

This one can be beaten – so stay alert.

CCTV cameras The news that $1.93m is being allocated to place CCTV cameras in a number of locations, including public parks, as part of the fight against crime is a welcome one.

CCTV is proven to be effective in shifting crime away from areas, and in tracking down the perpetrators afterwards if caught on camera.

The country has invested previously in ShotSpotter technology, which even at its best is a reactive technology – it warns police if a shot has been fired so they can arrive at the scene to investigate. That doesn’t do anything to reduce the likelihood of a trigger being pulled.

The prospect of being filmed, however, may well drive criminals away from areas where cameras are located. The footage can also be used to help track down criminals, police can release images to the media to help find wanted suspects, and it can be used in court to help secure a conviction.

All told, it’s not a cure-all, but it certainly is a valuable asset.

The news comes after the murder of 13-year-old Quinton McKenzie last week. The cameras will not bring Quinton back. They will not ease the pain of those who mourn him. But perhaps they will stop more murders in future – and that has to be a goal to strive towards.

Biden’s war on oil EDITOR, The Tribune.

THERE was a Twitter post on Facebook alleging that a Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association official stated that a gallon of gasoline had surpassed $7 at one particular service station in Nassau. A June 6 New York Post article stated that a Chevron station in Mendocino is charging $9.60 per gallon. In the US, the national average price is $4.86. Diesel is now $5.64.

When President Joe Biden was officially sworn in on January 20, 2021, gas was $2.39. Days following his swearing-in ceremony, Biden issued an executive order which suspended all gas and oil leasing on federal waters and lands. He also put an end to the Keystone XL pipeline, which had the potential to supply the US with 830,000 barrels of oil from Canada.

In keeping with his campaign promise to hurt the fossil fuel industry, Biden has implemented onerous taxation policies aimed at crippling the domestic oil industry in the US in his Leftist initiative called Build Back Better. The New York Post wrote that US oil “firms have less incentive to increase output while facing heavy regulations and costs”.

The US is reported to have 38 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. However, instead of giving oil refineries the go-ahead to tap into these reserves, there have been reports of the Biden administration negotiating with the Venezuelan government to ease its ban

on oil imports from that South American country.

In a CNN poll conducted between April 28 and May 1, a staggering 66 percent of those polled disapproved of Biden’s handling of the economy, while 55 percent believe that his Marxist, climate change policies have worsened economic conditions. For 50 percent of those polled, the economy is the most important issue, while just nine percent said climate change. Biden’s overall approval rating has plummeted to 41 percent.

Interestingly, Donald Trump and Jimmy Carter -- both one-term presidents -- also had an identical approval rating with Biden at the exact juncture in their presidency.

Sixty-three percent of those polled are buying fewer groceries and 54 percent have cut back on driving. Again, this is a CNN poll, not Fox News. The Russian/Ukrainian War, which led to the US banning Russian oil, has had catastrophic consequences for average Americans and the Bahamian people, who are finding it increasingly difficult to buy gasoline, food, medicine and building supplies. The current oil inflation will also impact the transportation, airline, maritime and tourism industries. This is a Marxist nightmare I deeply feared would materialise under Biden. Bahamians who wanted Trump gone are probably now experiencing buyer’s remorse. But they have made their bed and must now lie in it. When I wrote about my support for Trump I was scoffed at. Yet who is laughing now?

Biden with a stroke of a pen could ameliorate the economic situation by loosening the stranglehold on the oil industry, which would offset the Russian sanctions.

But I think he will continue to pander to his Leftist base, many of whom are wealthy elitists. What we are currently experiencing in The Bahamas are the direct results of Biden playing Captain Planet against the “greedy” oil industry, despite his vain efforts to shift the blame to Russian President Vladimir Putin and COVID-19 for the inflationary crisis that threatens to cripple the US economy. Captain Planet is the animated character created by Gaia to fight against polluters such as Looten Plunder and the oil industry. Biden has been president for 16 months and counting. This is the outworking of his “green” economic agenda that Gaia and Captain Planet would’ve been proud of had they been real.

This agenda has brought tens of thousands of Bahamian fossil fuel consumers to their knees. From a practical standpoint, the average Bahamian simply cannot afford to live in the ideal “green” world Biden is attempting to bring about. In closing, I will leave you with the ominous words of Biden during a 2020 presidential debate: “No more subsidies for fossil fuel energy, no more drilling on federal lands, no more drilling, including offshore. No ability for the oil industry to continue to drill. Period.”

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, June 6, 2022.

ACTOR Matthew McConaughey holds an image of Alithia Ramirez, ten, who was killed in the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, as he speaks during a press briefing at the White House yesterday.

Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

Vaccinations still key to end pandemic EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE ARE enjoying a gradual reduction of COVID-restrictions in The Bahamas. That is a good thing to be celebrated.

We should remember that COVID-19 is still present and new variants are still developing and spreading around the globe. The impact of the COVID-19 virus lingers across our country. Some have lost loved ones. Many of us have friends or family who are still feeling long-term COVID effects.

Vaccination against COVID-19 remains an important tool. Around the world, 21.3 million vaccine doses are administered daily. Now that more than 11.7 billion doses have been given, we have data that confirms them to be safe and effective, The Bahamas’ vaccination rate hovers at approximately 50 percent despite their ease of availability.

Choosing not to take the COVID-19 vaccination is choosing to willingly gamble with your health,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net especially if you have a pre-existing condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Experience has shown that combating the impact of the coronavirus is predicated on action - particularly positive actions that promote getting vaccinated. Now Is The Time, a campaign recently launched by Templeton Religion Trust, prompts that action - encouraging Bahamians and residents to get vaccinated.

The campaign shares the stories of real people who talk about why they decided to take the vaccine. Everybody must find their own reason to be vaccinated, whether it is to protect their own health or that of their family or loved ones. Medical professionals have been sharing facts about the vaccines. People can choose to believe them or not. However, in a small society like ours, hearing

someone you know talk about their fears about getting the virus while they were unvaccinated - is very powerful.

For others, hearing the stories of the stress that it caused the families of COVID patients is even more meaningful. We can all relate to that!

Perhaps, we have been through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic; if true, that is indeed something we should celebrate.

Realistically, worldwide data suggests that we are not yet out of the woods. I believe that the Now is the Time campaign is necessary to remind us that we still need to take positive action to protect our health.

We all want to return to the freedoms that we enjoyed before the onset of this once-in-a-lifetime virus.

It is my hope that we will continue to encourage each other to obey the health protocols and get vaccinated.

DR DUANE SANDS Nassau, June 6, 2022.

No excuse for child abuse EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE this letter out of my frustration at the lack of an established national child sexual prevention programme in this country.

While l am not pointing any finger at any one individual, entity, government or organisation, the need for such programme is long overdue.

This fight is not only about today’s children, but the future generation.

It’s about protecting all children. It’s about safeguarding families. And building more healthier communities where all children can thrive.

We must continue the fight for justice for every Marco Archer and D’Onya “Bella” Walkers in The Bahamas. We can’t rest on our laurels.

The welfare of our children in this country is paramount. And the impact of unresolved childhood traumas, brokenness and despair is insurmountable.

We need everyone on board in this fight.

Today l stand with every advocate who came before me, and stand beside those who continue to fight. I know this is a difficult topic to discuss and extremely sensitive in nature. But, if not now when?

Think about it.

How many acts of violence are we willing to accept in this country? How much carnage must we allow in our streets?

How many times must we read about neglected, exploited or missing children?

How many innocent children’s lives must be ruined by these perpetrators?

How many more heinous

crimes against children must we witness before we are moved?

Or are we so hardened as a society that we can’t appreciate the cries of our children.

I am sick and tired of hearing the words “thoughts and prayers” and “rest in peace.” The temporary outcry then on to the next victim. No parent should have to bury their loved one. Similarly, no child should have to defend themselves against a sexual predator.

Child sexual abuse is preventable!

With nearly two million adults in 76 countries trained in child sexual abuse prevention and growing it is possible.

Bermuda has set the gold standard by being the first country in the world to have trained more than 20 percent of its adult population in child sexual abuse prevention. And l have experienced first-hand the impact this programme has on the local community.

Let’s face it, we are not alone in this fight against child abuse, neglect and exploitation. This is a global epidemic. However, there is absolutely no excuse to not do more to protect every child in this country. Not talking about it will not make it go away.

Not reporting child sexual abuse is not only reckless but dangerous, and a crime.

And I will not sit in stupor and embrace stupidity.

I for one will not remain silent or sit idly by and do nothing. l will continue to advocate for the rights of children and demand harsher punishment for predators.

In the past, we have always associated heinous crimes with that of other countries or cultures, and at times taken solace in the fact that such crime could never happen in The Bahamas.

Guess what? It has reached our shores, the dark secrets that we have long ignored has now taken root. And because of our failure as a society to address these social-ills, we are now faced with harsh consequences.

The boogey man that once lurked in the dark is now in plain view. The slogan “stranger danger” has now been replaced with “clever never goes”.

These predators are in our homes, schools, churches, organisations, neighbourhoods, babysitters, family members, friends and communities.

Sadly, the victims are of all ages, sexes, races, ethnicities, and socio-economic classes.

A progressive society ought, at the very least, call out its wrongs, however ugly, especially its crimes against the most vulnerable - children.

In the words of the late Rep John Lewis, “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have the moral obligation to do something about it.”

I won’t rest, how about you?

Get trained in child sexual abuse prevention!

Check out our Facebook page to learn more @Save Our Children Alliance.

SHERVONNE HOLLIS Save Our Children Alliance Nassau, June 7, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 7

MINISTER JOINS IN ENVIRONMENT EFFORTS MINISTER of the Environment & Natural Resources Vaughn Miller took part in a series of events to mark World Environment Day - which took place on Sunday.

He took part in a community clean-up campaign, planted mangroves; and gave thanks with the ministry’s staff.

He then traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, to attend the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the UN Stockholm +50 Conventions as the world seeks to protect human health and the environment.

The clean-up campaign was along the main road of Coral Harbour. Mr Miller then planted mangroves along with Ann-Marie Davis, of the Office of the Spouse, on World Wetlands Day. He also visited areas affected by Hurricane Dorian, along with Basil McIntosh during Forestry Week.

On May 29, ministry staff also held a church service.

Mr Miller said: “As we think about what is happening to our earth: pollution of our air, seas and lands, heat waves, loss of species, sea level rise, droughts, and hurricanes, we ask that you think about making smart actions and decisions which can heal our earth.”

The ministry is holding a number of events this month to mark World Environment Day. They include: a farming tour on June 9; a Fun Run/Walk on June 11; a landfill tour on June 13; a Family Island visit on June 15; and an Environmental Expo at Botanical Gardens on June 22.

For more information, visit the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources on Facebook.

MINISTER of the Environment and Natural Resources Vaughn Miller taking part in a clean-up campaign in Coral Harbour.

Three in court accused of multiple murders

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net THREE MEN were remanded in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on multiple murder charges.

Shanton Swain, 22, Cameron Marshal, 35, and Marvin Smith, 23, who were all represented by Attorney Donna Major, stood before

Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt.

All three defendants faced charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Swain solely faced a further three counts of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder.

On May 24 in New Providence, the three defendants

are alleged to have conspired together and caused the death of Robert Lee aka “Black Boy”.

Swain was also accused of causing the death of Michelot Merlin in New Providence on April 6 concerned with another who was not present in court.

And on March 17, Swain is further alleged

TWO FACING COURT OVER VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO MEN were granted $10,000 bail in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on two separate charges of vehicular manslaughter.

Jameson Virgile, 27, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt accused of causing a fatal accident on February 24 that left his two-month-old infant son dead.

According to a police report at around 9.12am, the accident occurred at the intersection of Prince Charles Drive and Soldier Road.

There, investigators discovered a three-car collision involving a silver Honda Civic, burgundy 2011 Suzuki Solio van and a white Suzuki Swift. The white Swift reportedly left the scene before officers arrived.

The accused was driving

the overturned Solio that had a woman and his infant son Jayceon Virgile inside.

All of that vehicle’s passengers were taken to the hospital after the accident.

However, the infant died of his injuries.

In court, due to the nature of the offence, Virgile was informed he was not required to enter a plea.

He was then informed that his case would proceed by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI) and that the matter would continue before the Supreme Court.

The chief magistrate then granted the accused $10,000 bail with one or two sureties. Under the conditions of his bail, Virgile is required to sign in by 6pm at the Carmichael Road Police Station on the 18th of every month.

He is to return to court for service of his VBI on November 30.

The second accused, Gerad Rolle, 45, also stood before the Chief Magistrate

on a vehicular manslaughter charge. Rolle also faced further charges of failing to remain stationary after an accident and failing to report an accident within 24 hours.

At 11.10pm on April 21, Rolle is accused of driving dangerously west on West Bay Street which led to the death of Charles Fox after he was struck by his vehicle.

Rolle is further alleged to have fled the scene immediately after the accident and then failing to report it within 24 hours.

In court, he was not required to enter a plea and was informed that the matter would proceed by way of a VBI. Rolle was also told his case would be heard in the Supreme Court. He was granted $12,000 bail with one or two sureties on condition he sign in at the Cable Beach Police Station on the 20th of every month by 6pm.

Rolle’s VBI will also be served on November 30.

MAN, 20, ACCUSED OF UNDERAGE SEX

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was charged in the Magistrate’s Court for having sex with an underaged girl.

Keith Rolle, 20, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on a charge of unlawful sexual

intercourse. On April 11 Rolle was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Because of the serious nature of the charge the accused was not required to enter a plea at this time.

Rolle was informed that his case would proceed by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI) and

that his trial would be heard in the Supreme Court. He was also denied bail.

Until bail is granted to him by the Supreme Court, Rolle will be returned to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

He is expected to return to court for service of his VBI on September 22.

MAN DENIES FAILING TO DECLARE CASH

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday for failing to declare money to a US border officer.

Gregory Miller, 48, who was represented by Ian

Cargill, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on a charge of failing to declare US dollars to an officer of the United States.

On June 3 at Lynden Pindling International Airport in New Providence, Miller is accused of failing

to declare that he was carrying over $10,000 in US currency.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge. With no objections to bail it was granted to Miller at $9,500 with one or two sureties.

Miller’s trial was adjourned to July 6.

to have conspired with another and committed the murders of Theodore Thompson and Leonardo Collie. Both Thompson and Collie died of gunshot wounds.

Due to the nature of the offences, none of the defendants were required to enter a plea to their respective charges. The Chief Magistrate then

informed them that their cases would proceed by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

The defendants were also told these matters would proceed before the Supreme Court.

While Swain was denied bail, the other defendants can apply for bail through the Supreme Court at a later date.

As such, all three defendants were remanded back to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Before being taking back into custody the defendants were allowed a brief moment of comfort from their mothers who were present at court.

All three defendants are expected to be served their VBIs on December 7.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, June 8, 2022 FLOODING in Blake Road yesterday.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

LIMA E AN E ISN’ US A URRI ANE I ’S E FLOODIN IN OUR S REE S AND E ALL NEED O E REAL

By Alicia Wallace

YEAR after year, the Adaptation refers to rainy seasons meets us efforts, both reactive and unprepared. There are anticipatory, to reduce the inches of rain, roads flood, negative impact of climate cars damaged and some change. It is preparation people have difficulty leav- and adjustment, recognizing their homes. School ing that, even with our drop-offs and the drive to interventions, there are work take much longer as effects of climate changes traffic seems to crawl. Driv- that require a response. ers move slowly through Mitigation and adaptation the water and try to control strategies are complemenfor the inevitable drops into tary and require legislation, holes that are only getting policies, programmes and wider, deeper and more services to implement, treacherous. encourage, People franenforce and ‘We have to protect tically switch put them into from one the environment practice. radio station that helps to In recent to another, weeks, there protect us.

We listening for have been school clo- have to secure and several new sure notices insure our homes, stories focused and refresh on enviemails hoping make repairs, ronmental for notifi- monitor changes degradation cation that in structures and and, more spetheir places cifically, the of work are infrastructure destruction of closed or, at around us, and think ecosystem-based the very least, about job security, adaptation, opening later including food security and in the day. mangroves It is like a evacuation plans.’ and pine fornew experiests. This has ence every time. Somehow, had a negative effect, increasthough, we are supposed to ing flooding in many areas. be preparing — or already We are not imagining the prepared — for hurricane increase in flooding, or the season. increase in damage caused by In studies and discussion rainfall. It is happening before on climate change, there is our eyes, and our response significant focus on two key needs to at least be commenstrategies — mitigation and surate with the impact. adaptation. Climate change Small island developing mitigation refers to efforts states (SIDS) are disproporthat reduce or prevent the tionately impacted by climate emission of greenhouse gases change. We get the brunt (GHG). These may include of it through climate events adoption of renewable energy such as hurricanes, and we such as solar and hydro, using are seeing now that our vulmore sustainable transporta- nerability is not even limited tion methods such as robust to hurricanes. While Minand affordable public trans- isters and advocates travel portation services and electric to large conferences to call vehicles, and better use of for climate reparations, land. We can think of mitiga- development assistance, comtion as risk reduction. mitments to lower emissions

FLOODING in Grand Bahama at the weekend.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn (and follow-through), there is work to be done at home.

We have to protect the environment that helps to protect us. We have to secure and insure our homes, make repairs, monitor changes in structures and infrastructure around us, and think about job security, food security and evacuation plans.

There is always talk about climate resilience.

The Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions, successor to the Pew Centre on Global Climate Change says: “Climate resilience is often associated with acute events — like heat waves, heavy downpours, hurricanes, or wildfires — that will become more frequent or intense as the climate changes.

However, good resilience planning also accounts for chronic events, like rising sea levels, worsening air quality, and population migration.”

Climate resilience requires mitigation and adaptation measures, and the most impacted sectors, including agriculture, and people, including women, people in rural areas, and people with disabilities, to be centred and engaged.

It often seems that we, as individuals, are expected to take responsibility for our own resilience. We have to

mitigate and adapt for ourselves and our households.

If we have to get to work, sunshine, rain, or severe flooding, public transportation and low-cost vehicles are less of an option. We all need a “high off the ground” vehicle which, in many cases, have larger tanks, requiring more gas. This personal decision comes at a financial and environmental cost. If homeowners want to protect their houses, they need to get insurance, and they had better read all of the fine print and figure out what they need to add to the basic plan to ensure they are covered should there

be damage by hurricane or flood. They have to be able to afford insurance and keep up with the payments to have this protection. Again, we are responsible for our own resilience - and resilience costs money.

Who can afford climate resilience? Picture that person. What is their salary? What is the difference between that salary and the salary of a person being paid minimum wage?

How is the minimum wage worker going to build (buy) resilience? The rising cost of living, minimum wage, and lack of government and institutional support, from legislation and policy to programmes and services, do not add up to climate resilience. The living wage needs to be implemented immediately. Communitylevel climate resilience initiatives and national mechanisms — to support people who do not receive enough money to pay for any level of personal climate resilience — are needed now.

We do not have to wait for a hurricane to see how many people are barely getting by. We do not need to be in the midst of disaster to understand the importance of mitigation and adaptation. We do not need to see long lines of people at distribution sites to know most of the people in The Bahamas cannot prepare, nor can they recover. We do not need an academic study

to prove there are some groups of people who have less, so they need more support.

The current administration increased its travel budget by $4.1m. The Prime Minister said the government does not know what travel will come up this year. He noted it is a budgeted amount that may not be used. We do know that climate change is here. We know there will be more hurricanes, there will be more devastation and there will be more cries for help.

We know that everyone will not be able to prepare in the same way for their health and wellbeing. If Ministers are travelling to talk about issues of national concern, at least the same amount of money should be spent addressing those issues here in The Bahamas, providing resources to researchers, experts and community organizations in addition to funding government initiatives that meet the needs of the people.

Climate change is not an individual problem and we will not be able to address it with neoliberal approaches.

Climate events are happening at various levels, and we cannot afford to simply hope everyone has the money they need to survive, and then recover. We need better, more responsive budgets, stronger systems, and people-centred approaches in climate action.

Recommendations 1. Actress Franchesca Ramsey’s Bold DIY Rental Boasts Nearly Every Colour of the Rainbow. In this Apartment Therapy feature by Marisa Vitale, there is a great slideshow highlighting the fun, bright choices Franschesca made to create a cheerful space for herself in a middies 898 square foot Los Angeles apartment which she jokingly calls a “selfie emporium.”

She describes her style as “colourful, eclectic, gold, patterned, glowing.” She said: “I think of myself as ‘budget bouge’ meaning I enjoy nice things, but I’m always looking for a bargain.” If you are interested

in her inspired wall designs, find Franchesca on social media to the video clips of her painting process.

2. Legendary. It is not perfect or comprehensive, by any means, but you can scratch the surface of ballroom culture when you tune in to this entertaining competition between houses bringing their best duckwalks, hand performances, faces, and drops with the hopes of winning $100,000. Each week, the houses perform at a themed function where they must tell a story while demonstrating their dance and athletic skills.

The two houses with the

lowest scores must battle to stay, and one gets sent home while the other can compete at the next function. Judges Law Roach, Leoimy Maldnado, and Jameela Jamil are joined by another judge, and sometimes an additional guest judge, each season.

Legendary is now in its third season, but starting at Season one is a good idea. It’s Pride month, so it’s a great time to learn more about a LGBTQI+ subculture and the way the members of the community choose, create, and nourishes families. If you enjoyed Pose or Paris is Burning, you’ll probably enjoy Legendary.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 9

APPLE OFFERS GLIMPSE AT UPCOMING CHANGES TO iPHONE SOFTWARE

TECHTALK

AUTONOMOUS MAYFLOWER REACHES AMERICAN SHORES – IN CANADA

By MATT O’BRIEN AP Technology Writer

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer APPLE on Monday provided a peek at upcoming tweaks to the software that powers more than 1 billion iPhones and rolled out two laptops that will be the first available with the next generation of a companydesigned microprocessor.

As usual, Apple spent most of the opening day of its annual developers conference touting the next versions of software for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac computers instead of the sleek devices that established it as a technology trendsetter and the world’s most valuable company.

The iPhone’s next operating system, called iOS 16, will revamp the look of the device’s lock screen and make make mostly minor improvements to the current software. The software updates have become increasingly important in recent years as iPhone owners have started to hold to their existing devices for longer periods of time than they once did.

One of iOS 16’se most noticeable differences will occur on the iPhone lock screen. The new software, which will be released this fall as a free download, will allow users to anchor their favourite apps as small widgets on the lock screen.

APPLE CEO Tim Cook speaks Monday, during the keynote presentation of Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference on the campus of Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) The new software also will enable the lock screen to display live notifications, such the status of a Uber ride on its way to pick up a passenger.

Other authorised notifications will come in from the bottom of the screen instead of the current distribution from the top in an effort to avoid clutter on the display.

The iPhone’s messaging system will be revamped so texts can be edited after they are sent or even rescinded in their entirety if the sender has a change

of heart. Those options will only be available when both users are using Apple’s messaging app for texting.

The Apple Pay service that’s part of the iPhone’s digital wallet is adding a new financing feature likely to be popular as soaring inflation rates squeeze more household budgets.

The option will allow consumers to stagger the cost of any purchase made through Apple Pay over four installments completed within a six-week period with no additional fees.

Similar financing is already

offered through digital services such as Affirm, whose stock price sank by more than 5% Monday after the news about Apple Pay came out.

Several of the new features for Apple’s Macs and iPads are designed to make it easier to sync with the iPhone for things like making video calls.

Other tools will enable more apps to run side by side to perform multiple tasks on the same screen.

Helping people toggle from one Apple device to another is one of the main

reasons that the company began making Macs that run on the same kind of chips that power the iPhone and iPad in late 2020.

Now Apple in putting the next generation of its Mac chip in it two most popular laptops, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which the company said will be available in stores at some point next month. The MacBook Air will sell for $1,200 and the MacBook Pro will sell for $1,300.

The event was held at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.

CALIFORNIA REGULATORS APPROVE STATE’S 1ST ROBOTIC TAXI FLEET

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer CALIFORNIA regulators last week gave a robotic taxi service the green light to begin charging passengers for driverless rides in San Francisco, a first in a state where dozens of companies have been trying to train vehicles to steer themselves on increasingly congested roads.

The California Public Utilities Commission unanimously granted Cruise, a company controlled by automaker General Motors, approval to launch its driverless ride-hailing service. The regulators issued the permit despite safety concerns arising from Cruise’s inability to pick up and drop off passengers at the curb in its autonomous taxis, requiring the vehicles to double park in traffic lanes.

The ride-hailing service initially will consist of just 30 electric vehicles confined to transporting passengers in less congested parts of San Francisco from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Those restrictions are designed to minimise chances of the robotic taxis causing property damage, injuries or death if something goes awry. It will also allow regulators to assess how the technology works before permitting the service to expand.

Cruise and another robotic car pioneer, Waymo, already have been charging passengers for rides in parts of San Francisco in autonomous vehicles with a back-up human driver present to take control if something goes wrong with

CRUISE AV, General Motor’s autonomous electric Bolt EV, is displayed in Detroit in 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) the technology.

But now Cruise has been cleared to charge for rides in vehicles that will have no other people in them besides the passengers — an ambition that a wide variety of technology companies and traditional automakers have been pursuing for more than a decade.

The driverless vehicles have been hailed as a way to make taxi rides less expensive while reducing the traffic accidents and deaths caused by reckless human drivers.

Gil West, Cruise’s chief operating officer, in a blog post hailed Thursday’s vote as “a giant leap for our mission here at Cruise to save lives, help save the planet, and save people time and money.” He said the company would begin rolling out its fared rides gradually.

Waymo, which began as a secret project within internet powerhouse Google in 2009, has been running a driverless ride-hailing service in the Phoenix area since October 2020, but navigating the density and difficulty of more congested cities such as San Francisco has posed more daunting challenges for robotic taxis to overcome.

That’s one of the reasons Cruise’s newly approved driverless service in San Francisco is being so tightly controlled. Besides being restricted to places and times where there is less traffic and fewer pedestrians on the streets, Cruise’s driverless service won’t be allowed to operate in heavy rain or fog either.

While Cruise’s application for a driverless taxi service in San

A CREWLESS robotic boat that had tried to retrace the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower has finally reached the shores of North America — this time in Canada instead of the Massachusetts coast where its namesake landed more than 400 years ago.

The sleek autonomous trimaran docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Sunday, after more than five weeks crossing the Atlantic Ocean from England, according to tech company IBM, which helped build it.

Piloted by artificial intelligence technology, the 50-foot (15-metre) Mayflower Autonomous Ship didn’t have a captain, navigator or any humans on board — though it might have helped to have a mechanic.

“The technology that makes up the autonomous system worked perfectly, flawlessly,” said Rob High, an IBM computing executive involved in the project.

“Mechanically, we did run into problems.”

Its first attempt at the trans-Atlantic crossing to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in June 2021 was beset by technical glitches, forcing the boat to return to its home port of Plymouth, England.

It set off again from England nearly a year later on April 27, bound for Virginia — but a generator problem diverted it to Portugal’s Azores islands, where a team member flew in to perform emergency repairs. More troubles on the open sea came in late May when the U.S.-bound boat developed a problem with the charging circuit for the generator’s starter batteries.

AI software is getting better at helping self-driving machines understand their surroundings and pilot themselves, but most robots can’t heal themselves when the hardware goes awry.

Francisco won widespread backing from supporters hoping the technology will become viable in other cities, some transportation experts urged the Public Utilities Commission to move cautiously.

“Many of the claimed benefits of (autonomous vehicles) have not been demonstrated, and some claims have little or no foundation,” Ryan Russo, the director of the transportation department in Oakland, California, told the commission last month.

Just reaching this point has taken far longer than many companies envisioned when they : began working on the autonoTOP FREE iPHONE APPS mous technology.

Ltd. Uber, the biggest ride-hailing 1. TikTok, TikTok ch, Listen, service, had been hoping to have 2. YouTube: Wat LLC e gl oo 75,000 self-driving cars on the G , Stream road by 2019 and operating driv, Sybo 3. Subway Surfers erless taxi fleet in at least 13 cities pS A Games in 2022, according to court docua 4. Facebook, Met ments filed in a high-profile case s, Inc. rm fo at Pl accusing the company of stealing gram, trade secrets from Waymo. Uber 5. Instagram, Insta wound up selling its autonomous Inc. Google driving division to Aurora in 2020 6. Google Maps, and still relies almost exclusively LLC on human drivers who have been 7. Messenger, more difficult to recruit since the Inc. Meta Platforms, pandemic. , Inc. 8. Snapchat, Snap And Tesla CEO Elon Musk senger, promised his electric car company 9. WhatsApp Mes c.

In would be running robotic taxi fleet WhatsApp by the end of 2020. l by 10. Gmail - Emai e LLC That didn’t happen, although Google, Googl Musk is still promising it eventually will.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Murals unveiled by clean-up campaign

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Keep Grand Bahama Clean (KGBC) Committee held the unveiling of four large concrete mosaic murals of sea horses at the roundabout at Settler’s Way and West Atlantic Drive on Thursday.

The initiative is part of a project to beautify Freeport while promoting environmental art, said Nakira Wilchcombe, chairperson of the KGBC Committee.

The KGBC is an initiative of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

The unveiling is the second of such environmental murals created

by Artist Jackie Boss, depicting marine life and environment. She designed the Coral Fan at the centre of the Coral Road roundabout.

Sarah St George, chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited; Philcher Grant, Public Affairs Director of Group Corporate at GBPA; Rashema Ingraham, Waterkeepers Bahamas Executive Director; Angel Percentie, student president of Bishop Michael Eldon High eco-school Committee; and representatives of

FOUR seahorse mosaic murals created by artist Jackie Boss were unveiled at the roundabout of West Atlantic Drive and Settler’s Way on June 2 as part of a project by the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee to beautify Freeport. Fourth from right is Sarah St George, chairman of Grand Bahama Port Authority, and fourth from left is artist Jackie Boss.

Photo: Denise Maycock/Tribune Staff businesses located at the “We want persons to sense of appreciation for roundabout, were invited to appreciate our natural our environment,” she said. witness the unveiling. resources. And the idea She explained that the Ms Wilchcombe said today is to continue to KGBC Committee is not the idea of these murals make sure we spread only about keeping the is to bring the marine and this environmental love island clean from litter land environment closer to throughout the city so per- and indiscriminate dumppeople. sons can have a greater ing, but it is also about

promoting environmental art throughout the city.

Ms Wilchcombe said the public could expect other pieces in the city in times to come.

She recognised all the businesses at the roundabout, such as Kelly’s Freeport Limited and its owner Chris and Lynn Lowe for their support of the KGBC initiative, the Worker’s House, Vanina Community School, and the GB Credit Union, KMW, Albuild, Bahamas Snacks, and Caribbean Electric.

Ms Wilchcombe also commended the GBPA City Management Team, including Gina Gray and Troy McIntosh, for their assistance.

Ms Jackie Boss is the artist who created the Golden Knights mural of Ramon Miller, Demetrius Pinder, Chris Brown, and Michael Mathieu at the roundabout at Coral Road and Settler’s Way. It took her about two years to do all the mosaics.

“I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity I’ve been given to inventing the collection of mosaic and concrete works on public display around Freeport,” she said.

Ms Boss - a full-time resident in Freeport for the

past 14 years now - is happy to be participating where she lives in this way.

She said that studies have shown that visible art in communities is beneficial.

She also believes that it could also contribute to the tourism industry.

“The displays depicting marine life are significant in rousing awareness for environmental protection.

Climate issues are a global concern, and the fragility of our surrounding ecosystems should remain at the forefront for locals and visitors alike,” Ms Boss said.

Rashema Ingraham, of Waterkeepers Bahamas, said the mural shows the beauty of Bahamian marine life. “I am proud to be here a part of the unveiling of this beautiful structure of seahorse,” she said.

Student Angel Percentie, president of Bishop Michael Eldon Eco-School Committee, said marine life is essential to Bahamian life.

“It brings me great joy that we are raising awareness for them, she said. It is little things like this putting a mural (of marine life) at roundabouts that people see every day – ultimately alter lifestyles and bring about the most significant change,” she said.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 11

RUSSIA CLAIMS ADVANCES IN UKRAINE AMID FIERCE FIGHTING KYIV, Ukraine Associated Press RUSSIA yesterday claimed to have taken control of 97 percent of one of the two provinces that make up Ukraine’s Donbas, bringing the Kremlin closer to its goal of fully capturing the eastern industrial heartland of coal mines and factories.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Moscow’s forces hold nearly all of Luhansk province. And it appears that Russia now occupies roughly half of Donetsk province, according to Ukrainian officials.

After abandoning its bungled

attempt to storm Kyiv two months ago, Russia declared that taking the entire Donbas is its main objective.

Moscow-backed separatists have been battling Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas since 2014, and the region has borne the brunt of the Russian onslaught in recent weeks.

Early in the war, Russian troops also took control of the entire Kherson region and a large part of the Zaporizhzhia region, both in the south. Russian officials and their local appointees have talked about plans for those regions to either declare their independence or be folded into Russia.

Son of shooting victim: ‘What are you doing?

GARNELL WHITFIELD, Jr, of Buffalo, New York, whose mother, Ruth Whitfield, was killed in the Buffalo Tops supermarket mass shooting, testifies at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on domestic terrorism yesterday.

Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP WASHINGTON Associated Press THE SON of Ruth Whitfield, an 86-year-old woman killed when a gunman opened fire in a racist attack on black shoppers in Buffalo, New York, challenged Congress Tuesday to act against the “cancer of white supremacy” and the nation’s epidemic of gun violence.

Garnell Whitfield Jr’s emotional testimony comes as lawmakers are working furiously to strike a bipartisan agreement on gun safety measures in the aftermath of back-to-back mass shootings. Ten days after the shooting death of his mother and nine others in New York, another 18-year-old gunman with a semi-automatic rifle opened fire in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 school children and two teachers.

“What are you doing?

You were elected to protect us,” Whitfield Jr told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Is there nothing that you personally are willing to do to stop the cancer of white supremacy and the domestic terrorism it inspires?” he asked. “If there is nothing then, respectfully, senators … you should yield your positions of authority and influence to others that are willing to lead on this issue.”

The hearing is the first of two this week as families of the victims and survivors of the mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde appear at public hearings and events on Capitol Hill to show the human toll of America’s gun violence and urge Congress to act.

Pressing for a deal, President Joe Biden met Tuesday with Sen Chris Murphy, a key Democratic negotiator, who has worked most of his career trying to curb the nation’s mass-shooting scourge after the heartbreaking slaughter of 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary in his home state of Connecticut a decade ago.

Murphy told reporters after the meeting that he was grateful to have an opportunity to update the president on the talks.

“Obviously we’ve still got work to do in the Senate,” he said.

Murphy said his goal is to try to get an agreement this week, but he added that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has been clear that “we need some extra time to dot the i’s and cross the t’s that will get it”.

Also yesterday, actor Matthew McConaughey, who is from Uvalde, made the rounds of Senate offices before heading to the White House to open the daily briefing. McConaughey, who earlier this year considered a run for governor of Texas, gave a speech on the importance of taking legislative action “to make the loss of these lives matter”.

“We want secure and safe schools and we want gun laws that won’t make it so easy for the bad guys to get the damn guns,” he said.

The 52-year-old actor and his wife drove to Uvalde on the day after the shooting and spent time with some of the victims’ families.

On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee is expected to hear from more victims’ families and from fourth-grader Miah Cerrillo, who captured Americans’ attention after she described covering herself in her dead classmate’s blood and playing dead to survive the shooting rampage in Uvalde.

The Senate hearing yesterday focused directly on the white supremacist ideology that authorities say led an 18-year-old gunman dressed in military gear to drive hours to a predominately Black neighborhood in Buffalo and live stream his violent rampage. The shooting left ten people dead and several others wounded.

“My mother’s life mattered,” Whitfield said.

“Your actions here will tell us if and how much it mattered to you.”

Shortly after the Buffalo massacre, a bill that would have bolstered federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism failed in the Senate at the hands of Republican opposition.

Even at yestrerday’s hearing, Republican senators took the time to focus on the racial injustice protests that took place in the summer of 2020, citing those incidents as acts of domestic extremism.

But in what may be the latest instance of anti-Russian sabotage inside Ukraine, Russian state media said yesterday an explosion at a cafe in the city of Kherson wounded four people in what Tass described as an act of terror.

Before the February 24 invasion, Ukrainian officials said Russia controlled some 7% of the country, including the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, and areas held by the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk.

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces hold 20% of the country.

PARAMEDICS treat a Ukrainian injured serviceman in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, yesterday.

Photo: Bernat Armangue/AP

SPORTS PAGE 12

page 14

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2022

Athletes await NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

ll attention this weekend will be on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One Outdoor Track and Field Championships when at least seven Bahamian athletes and four coaches are expected to compete for their respective schools at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

The championships will be staged starting today and is scheduled to wrap up on Saturday.

Heading the men’s list of entries is Texas Tech’s Terrence Jones Jr, who will be competing in the preliminaries of the men’s 100 metres with a season and lifetime best of 10.03 seconds.

The Grand Bahamian who has already qualified for the World Championships will compete in lane four in the first of three heats that starts today at 5:46pm. The top two finishers and the next three best times will advance to the final on Friday at 6:52pm.

The men’s 200m will have a competitor in Wanya McCoy, a freshman at Clemson, who will run out of lane five in the second of three heats that get underway at 6:44pm.

He has produced his season and personal best of 20.48 coming into the meet.

Again, the top two finishers and the next three best times will advance to the final on Friday at 7:37pm.

It’s not known if either or both Jones and McCoy will compete on their men’s 4 x 100m relay team, but junior Adrian Curry is listed on Ohio State’s team that will compete in lane nine of the third and final heat, which

Jazz,

LEEVAN Sands

ADRIAN Curry begins at 4:32pm on Friday.

The two winners of each heat and the next three best times will advance to the final on Friday at 6:02pm.

Two competitors will round out the men’s participation in the meet as they go head-to-head in the men’s high jump.

Shaun Miller, a junior at Ohio State, will be the first of 24 competitors with Kyle Alcine, a senior at Kansas State, will be the fifth competitor in action. They will compete on Friday, starting at 5:30pm.

They are both enjoying their best seasons ever, having recorded personal bests of 7-feet, 3 ¾-inches or 2.23m for Miller and 7½ (2.15m) for Alcine.

The lone competitor competing in an individual women’s track event will be University of Kentucky’s sophomore Megan Moss, who will run out of lane four in the first of three

ROLANDO Greene

DEBBIE Ferguson-McKenzie

NORBERT Elliott

CHARSIMA Taylor

KYLE Alcine

MEGAN Moss

SHAUN Miller Jr

TERRENCE Jones Jr

WANYA McCoy

heats in the 400m with her season and personal best of 52.07. The competition will start at 7pm on Thursday and the top two winners in each heat and the next three finishers will contest the final on Saturday at 3:32pm.

Moss is also listed on Kentucky’s 4 x 400m relay team that includes Karimah Davis, Dajour Miles and Alexis Homles. They are entered in lane six in the last of three heats, starting at 8:48pm.

The top two each of heat and the next three fastest finishers will advance to the final on Saturday at 4:51pm.

And Tennessee’s junior Charisma Taylor, who is nursing a slight injury, will round off the Bahamian participation in the women’s triple jump.

She is entered with a season’s best of 44-4 (13.51m) and a personal best of 44-8 ¾ (13.63) as the 12th and final competitor in the first of two flights. Their

competition will get underway on Saturday at 2:50pm.

At least four Bahamian coaches will also be participating in the championships with their athletes.

Head coach Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene and his assistant Debbie FergusonMcKenzie will represent the University of Kentucky, head coach Norbert Elliott will lead Purdue University and triple jumper Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands will be a part of the Florida State University delegation.

CONCACAF SOCCER: BAHAMAS MEN SUFFER 1-0 LOSS TO TRINIDAD

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net AFTER winning their opening game of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (Concacaf) Nations League 1-0 over St Vincent & the Grenadines at home on Friday, the Bahamas men’s national soccer team suffered the same fate to host Trinidad & Tobago Monday night in game two of their home-and-away series.

The “Junkanoo Boys,” coached by Nesly Jean, could not hold off the “Soca Warriors” in the muchanticipated matchup in the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. The team had to make the trip to Trinidad immediately after pulling off their win over St Vincent & The Grenadines.

Suiting up for Team Bahamas were Lesly St Fleur, Jean Francois, Julio Jemison, Troy Pinder, Evelt Julmis, Wood Julmis, Ian Lowe, Alexiou Cartwright, Roen Davis, Vance Wheaton, Kenaz Swain, Michael Massey, Derrick Ferguson, Jordin Wilson, Nathan Wells, Christopher Rahming, William Bayles, Omari Bain, Quinton Carey, Marcel Joseph, Logan Russell and Nicolas Lopez But despite falling short, head coach Nesly Jean indicated that the team performed to the best of their abilities.

He noted that although they had some players who never played at this level before, they showed that the Bahamas is capable of playing against any team in the region.

The team, which was managed by Larry Minns and had Kevin Davies and Avery Kemp, is placed in Group B with three other teams. They have two more games to play in March against St Vincent & The Grenadines on the road and Trinidad & Tobago here at home.

Team Bahamas would have to either win the group or finish in the top two in order to be able to advance to the next level.

Blatter and Platini Liberty battling finally going to court injuries, COVID-19, in FIFA fraud trial look to get on roll

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer GENEVA (AP) — Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini’s 11-day trial on charges of defrauding FIFA starts today — finally bringing the epic downfall of soccer’s former world leaders into criminal court.

The fallout from the case ousted Blatter ahead of schedule as president of FIFA and ended Platini’s campaign to succeed his former mentor.

It also removed Platini as president of UEFA, the governing body of European soccer.

In 2015, federal prosecutors in Switzerland revealed their investigation into a $2 million payment from FIFA to Platini from four years earlier. The pair will go on trial in Bellinzona. The subsidiary charges include

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is greeted by UEFA President Michel Platini, right, after Blatter’s re-election as president at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland, on May 29, 2015. Blatter and Platini enter a criminal court today charged with defrauding world soccer body FIFA. (AP) forgery of the invoice in 2011 that allowed Blatter to authorise FIFA to pay the 2 million Swiss francs (about $2 million) Platini

had asked for. The claim was for the former France soccer great to be paid

SEE PAGE 15

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Liberty are a work in progress. When coach Sandy Brondello took over the team this year she knew it would take time for the players to gel on the court.

With players showing up late for training camp because of overseas commitments and others dealing with injuries and the coronavirus, the process has gotten off to a slower start than expected.

“It’s getting healthy players back that will help,” Brondello said. “The players that are out are impact players that will make a change. We’ll have to find ways to deal with not having Betnijah.”

New York will be missing guard/forward Betnijah Laney for approximately the next two months after she had knee surgery last week.

The Liberty have won two of three games since it was announced that Laney would be out.

Stefanie Dolson, who came home to New York in the offseason, was on the

champion Chicago Sky last season. That team started out 2-7 before getting on a roll.

“We have a lot of people injured.

Training camp we had people in and out with COVID. A lot of people don’t know what’s happening behind closed doors,” Dolson said.

“We haven’t had an entire roster this whole time. I think it’s something we’re trying to fight through and figure out how to play with each other. I see similarities between last year and this year.

There’s still a lot of basketball to play through.”

The Liberty sit near the bottom of the AP WNBA power poll.

POWER POLL This week’s WNBA poll: 1. Las Vegas (10-2): Kelsey Plum stepped her game up with Jackie Young sidelined due to an ankle injury. Plum matched her career-high with 32 points in the team’s win over Dallas on Sunday.

2. Connecticut (9-3): Jonquel Jones had a strong week, averaging 19.3

SEE PAGE 14

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 13

Equestrian Awards rock Balmoral Club MEMBERS of the Equestrian sport community turned out in style at the Balmoral Club last weekend to celebrate the accomplishments of an eventful 2021-2022 competition season. Attendees enjoyed a raffle and silent auction as well as dinner and dancing.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards, with Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, on hand to congratulate the athletes who proudly stepped up to receive the trophies, prizes, and beautiful aqua, black and gold prize rosettes awarded to the high point scorers in each category of competition.

Also in attendance was Derron Donaldson, the secretary general of the Bahamas Olympic Committee.

The ceremony began with the recognition that this year marked The Bahamas’ first year participating as an affiliated region of the US-based Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA).

Twenty-one riders accrued enough points over the course of the year’s competitions to qualify for regional competition, receiving medals from the IEA for this accomplishment.

To date, The Bahamas remains the only international regional affiliate of the IEA. Riders who participated in the Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League Team competitions were the next to be recognised.

The Mariposa Monarchs were Champions in the Varsity Team Division while the Mariposa Gold Drops were the Futures Team Champions.

After the Champions and Reserve Champions in each competitive category were recognized, it was time for the Special Awards. The Junior High Point Rider of the Year was Adiza Albury of Mariposa Stables.

Albury, who was also Champion in the Long Stirrup Equitation Division, won the D’Aguilar

Equitation High Point Rider Trophy, awarded to the rider(s) amassing the most points in a single equitation division.

Below is a list of the winners of the excellent horsemanship 2021-2022 End of Year Awards:

Winners Perpetual Awards Jumper Horse of the Year - Laureanna CF Owned by Linda D’Aguilar Jumper Pony of the Year - Trade Secret Owned by CEC

Dr. Francis Adderley Perpetual Trophy Winner - Laureanna CF Owned by Linda D’Aguilar D’Aguilar High Point Equitation Rider Perpetual Trophy Winner - Adiza Albury

Equestrian Bahamas Junior Sportsmanship Award Winner - Hannah D’Aguilar Equestrian Bahamas Junior Sportsmanship Award Nominees · Nicholas Astwood · Henricia Beauchesne

· Lea Beauchesne · Katerina Coello · Hannah D’Aguilar · Sennen Fitzmaurice · Emma Johnston · Alexis Osazuwa · Kelsey Pyfrom · Ella Saidi · Sienna Tin

DERBY WINNER RICH STRIKE MORNING LINE 3RD CHOICE IN BELMONT NEW YORK (AP) — Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike is the third betting choice on the morning line for the Belmont Stakes, with Triple Crown newcomer We the People installed as the favourite.

Rich Strike opened at 7-2 odds and drew the fourth post position in a field of eight horses for the 1 1/2mile third leg of the Triple Crown. We the People drew the rail and opens at 2-1, with Todd Pletcher-trained No. 6 Mo Donegal set at 5-2.

A month after Rich Strike pulled off an 80-1 upset to win the Derby and bypassed the Preakness for extra rest, trainer Eric Reed thinks the colt is training just as well at Belmont Park as he was at Churchill Downs.

“He’s done real good since he’s been here,” Reed said yesterday at the post position draw. “I see the energy level a little higher now, and he seems a little more confident.”

We the People is coming off winning the Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park on May 15. With another wet track possible Saturday, France-born trainer Rodolphe Brisset said he “wouldn’t be upset” if rain is in the forecast.

As for We the People opening as the favourite, Brisset said: “Everybody knows we like the horse since this winter. I don’t look at the odds, but it makes sense.

Pletcher has two horses in the field: Mo Donegal, who finished fifth in the Derby, and filly Nest, who ran second in the Kentucky Oaks the day before. He already has won the Belmont once before with a filly — Rags to Riches in 2004 — and is willing to take this chance with Nest, who drew the third post and opens at 8-1.

“Everything’s gone perfectly since the Oaks,” Pletcher said. “She’s a filly that’s really well-bred for this race. I think she’s got

RICH Strike (21), with Sonny Leon aboard, wins the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Kentucky. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike is the third betting choice on the morning line for the Belmont Stakes, with Triple Crown newcomer We the People installed as the favourite.

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) the right kind of disposition doing really well.” Along the only other Derby horse for it, and she’s given us with Rich Strike and Mo set to race in the Belmont. every indication that she’s Donegal, Barber Road is Barber Road, who was

sixth in the Derby, drew the outside eighth post at odds of 10-1.

There are no horses this year that are set to take part in all three legs of the Triple Crown, after Derby and Preakness runner-up Epicenter was given time off to prepare for races this summer. Creative Minister, who finished third behind Early Voting and Epicenter three weeks ago in the Preakness, is the only horse to run on all three Triple Crown days after winning against lesser competition on May 7 at Churchill.

“This horse, he’s got a real chance,” trainer Kenny McPeek said of No. 5 Creative Minister, who opened at 6-1.

“He handled (the Preakness) really well, and he’s got to move a step forward again.”

Skippylongstocking, who finished fifth in the Preakness, drew the second post. He and No. 7 Golden Glider are the co-longest shots on the board at 20-1.

PAGE 14, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

MIAMI Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2) and centre fielder Bryan De La Cruz celebrate at the end of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Miami. The Marlins defeated the Nationals 12-2.

MIAMI Marlins’ Miguel Rojas (11) and Bryan De La Cruz (14) congratulate Jazz Chisholm Jr. after Chisholm hit a grand slam in the second inning against the Washington Nationals yesterday.

(AP Photos/Marta Lavandier)

JAZZ HAS GRAND SLAM AMONG TWO HOMERS, MARLINS WIN MIAMI (AP) — Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered twice, including a grand slam, and had a career-high six RBIs as the Miami Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 12-2 on Tuesday night.

Nick Fortes and Jorge Soler also went deep while Avisaíl García had three hits for the Marlins.

Rookie right-hander Edward Cabrera allowed one run in six innings. In his second start since being promoted from Triple-A last week, Cabrera (2-0) limited Washington to two hits, walked two, struck out four and hit a batter.

The Marlins have scored 26 times in Cabrera’s first two outings. They beat Colorado 14-1 on June 1.

Chisholm snapped a 2-for-29 skid with his second-inning grand slam. He drove a 3-0 pitch off Joan Adon (1-10) over the wall in center to make it 5-0.

Homers from Fortes and Soler keyed another

five-run inning in the fourth.

Fortes’ three-run blast ended Adon’s outing after three-plus innings. Andrés Machado relieved Adon and allowed Garrett Cooper’s one-out double and Soler’s two-run shot.

Chisholm hit his 10th homer of the season in the fifth, a two-run shot off Machado. It was the second multi-homer game of Chisholm’s career.

Cabrera’s string of 11 scoreless innings since being called up ended on Luis García’s solo homer in the sixth.

Adon allowed eight runs on seven hits and two walks. The right-hander became the first major league pitcher with doubledigit losses this season.

CAN WE TALK? Marlins players and coaches met for 90 minutes prior to the game. Miami started the season 12-8 but went 7-19 in May. The Marlins began Tuesday fourth

WASHINGTON Nationals left fielder Lane Thomas (28) can’t catch a home run hit by Miami Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr in the second inning yesterday in Miami.

(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) in the NL East, 13 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Mets.

ROSTER MOVES The Nationals reinstated utility player Ehire

Adrianza from the 60-day injured list and optioned infielder Lucius Fox to

Triple-A Rochester. ...

RHP Victor Arano (left knee strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list and utility player Dee StrangeGordon was reinstated from the paternity list.

TRAINER’S ROOM Nationals: RHP Stephen Strasburg will make his return on Thursday. He is recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and has not pitched since June 1, 2021.

Marlins: OF Jesús Sánchez exited in the second inning because of right upper back tightness. ... 3B/OF Brian Anderson (lower back spasms) underwent an MRI Monday and has a follow-up visit with a spine specialist Wednesday.

UP NEXT Nationals RHP Josiah Gray (6-4, 4.71 ERA) will start the second game of the series on Wednesday. Ace Sandy Alcantara (6-2, 1.81) starts for the Marlins.

Saunders hits his first home run for Cyclones, BJ Murray overcomes slow start

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net WARREN Saunders hit his first home run for the Brooklyn Cyclones while BJ Murray overcame a slow start to emerge as an offensive leader for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in Single A Baseball.

Saunders hit a solo shot in the Cyclones’ 8-4 win over the Jersey Shore Blue Claws Saturday night at ShoreTown BallPark in CLakewood, New Jersey.

Saunders extended his hit streak to three games

WNBA

FROM PAGE 12 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists as the Sun went 3-1. A return to her MVP form would be huge for the Sun, who are rolling after a strong trip out west. .

3. Chicago (7-3): The Sky had their best week of the season, winning all three games. They are one of the most balanced teams in the league on offense with eight players averaging more than seven points a game.

4. Washington (7-5): The Mystics should have Elena Delle Donne back in the lineup when they face Chicago on Wednesday. The 2019 MVP missed Sunday’s matchup due to load management. The team has been cautious with her playing time since she’s returned this year after two back surgeries.

5. Atlanta (7-4): The Dream are starting to get contributions from other players besides rookie Rhyne Howard and are probably the biggest surprise in the early part of the season. Nia Coffey had a double-double in the

and bring his batting average to .222. with the New York Mets affiliate High A affiliate.

The Cyclones are 22-26, fourth in the South Atlantic League North division.

After starting the season 3-28 through the first nine games, he had a strong conclusion to conclude April in the series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

In game two, he went 2-4 with a pair of doubles on April 28 and took that momentum into the series against Aberdeen when he had his multi-hit game.

That run continued in May

team’s last game and Erica Wheeler has been playing well also.

6. Dallas (6-5): The Wings will host Seattle for a pair of games a week after holding the Storm to just 51 points in a win. Dallas has only played three games at home this season — tied for the fewest in the league.

7. Seattle (5-5): The Storm are finally at full strength with Sue Bird and Ezi Magbegor back in the lineup following COVID19 protocols and Mercedes Russell returning from an undisclosed injury. The Storm play Atlanta next and then two games in Dallas.

8. Los Angeles (5-7): After finally having some time at home following a brutal start to the season on the road, the Sparks can focus on improving their defense. Los Angeles is giving up 87.2 points a game; only Indiana gives up more.

9. Minnesota (3-8): The Lynx have had success against New York with two of their three wins coming against the Liberty. They’ll need to figure out ways to

with his first three-hit game, when he went 3-4 and scored a triple with a run in a 3-2 loss to the Wilmington Blue Rooks.

The 23-year old 6’3” utility player has a .300 OBP with 16 hits and three RBI with seven runs thus far this season.

In the preseason, Saunders received the call up to join the New York Mets for Spring Training in the Grapefruit League with a sharp line drive to left field for his first hit with the big league club.

In 2021, he spent the season with the St Lucie

Mets in the Low-A Southwest League where he hit .249 with a .632 OPS, 44 RBI and three home runs.

Murray has had a stellar series for the Pelicans in their five-game set against the Delmarva Shorebirds.

He hit .529 (9-17) with four multi-hit games as the Pelicans took a 3-2 series advantage.

He opened 2-4 with an RBI and a run in a 7-5 win, 2-2 with three runs in an 11-5 win, 2-4 with a double and two runs in a 2-1 loss and finally 1-2 with two runs and an RBI in a 9-8 loss. Murray had an 0-8

WARREN Saunders

BJ Murray

start to his first season at the Low-A level but the Chicago Cubs prospect now leads the teams in doubles with 11 and is second with a .333 batting average.

He is also tied for fifth on the team with three home runs and third with 24 RBI. He previously earned Player of the Game honours when he finished 2-3 with a home run, double, an RBI and three runs scored in the Pelicans’ 9-1 win over the Columbia Fireflies,

April 30 at TicketReturn. com Field in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Murray was selected by the Cubs with the 22nd pick in the 15th round, no. 454 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft and spent his first season in the Arizona Complex League.

Through 16 ACL games, he hit .286, slugging .482 with a .826 OPS, 16 hits, including two home runs, three doubles, a triple, 12 runs scored an eight RBI.

CONNECTICUT Sun forward Jonquel Jones (35) is guarded by Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) and forward Dearica Hamby, right, during a WNBA basketball game in Las Vegas on Thursday, June 2, 2022.

(Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP) beat other teams to turn to find some consistency few games with a shoulder on offense. Phoenix hopes injury. around the rough start.

11. New York (3-8): Sab10. Phoenix (3-8): The to have Tina Charles back Mercury snapped a seven- this week when it faces rina Ionescu lately has been game losing streak on Atlanta and Washington. a bright spot, averaging Sunday, but now will try Charles has missed the last 26 points in the past three

games. The Liberty will need to find consistent scoring options to help her out on offense.

12. Indiana (3-10): It was a rough offensive week for the Fever, who averaged just 71.6 points in three losses. Coach Carloes Knox needs to find another consistent scorer to complement Kelsey Mitchell.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Kelsey Plum of Las Vegas was voted the AP Player of the Week after averaging 24.3 points 6.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds to help the Aces win two of three games last week. Ionescu of New York, Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones of Connecticut also received votes.

GAME OF THE WEEK: Aces at Sparks, Saturday.

Liz Cambage will face her former team for the second time this season. Cambage had just 10 points in the first meeting on May 23 that Las Vegas won by 28 points.

The Sparks survived a grueling start to their season when they played nine of their first 12 games away from home by going 5-7.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 15

Curry’s teammates admire his humility as a superstar

By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jordan Poole knocked down a buzzer-beater from almost midcourt when Stephen Curry made a point to catch his gaze, and that celebratory stare down told so much about the veteran guard’s pride for his young teammate.

Curry expressed as much joy for Poole hitting the jaw-dropping shot from deep as he would had it been him, the superstar who already has more than his share of 3-pointers from way, way back. That’s Selfless Steph — never one to let his ego get in the way of Golden State’s success.

Curry still did plenty while scoring 29 points to lead the Warriors to a 107-88 Game 2 NBA Finals victory against the Celtics on Sunday night, evening the best-of-seven series at one game apiece as it shifts to Boston for tonight’s Game 3.

He applauded Poole for maintaining momentum going into the final period.

“That was obviously a big shot to get the crowd into it,” Curry said. “Put kind of a dagger on that great third quarter that we had.”

The 34-year-old Curry embraces living in a constant state of reflection — not to mention balance as a father of three young children — while also somehow keeping his mind acutely focused on the

moment right in front of him.

Thinking back on how far he has come, from being selected as Golden State’s undersized first-round draft pick out of Davidson College in 2009 to all the losing early on in his career and a remarkable rise into one of the NBA’s greatest ever, Curry regularly acknowledges his gratitude.

“I’ve said it many times, Steph reminds me so much of Tim Duncan,” coach Steve Kerr said. “When I played with Timmy, there was the same vibe, this incredible, authentic humility and humour and joy behind the scenes. Then, frankly, a real arrogance on the floor, like ‘I’m the best player out here.’ It’s the perfect kind of leader, someone who you feel comfortable with in the locker room but somebody who you can count on to take you where you need to go on the floor.

“That’s what Steph possesses. It’s a very rare combination of qualities.

But it’s what makes him special.”

Curry exhibits that humility in how he goes about his daily business without worrying how many points he scores from night to night, assists he dishes out or arm flexes he gets to perform in the faces of adoring fans who chant “M-V-P!” at every chance.

He is relishing the process of helping the inexperienced Warriors players find

their path — for this postseason and well beyond.

Earlier this year, the newly crowned all-time 3-point leader took great delight in the spotlight shining on teammate Andrew Wiggins as he earned his first career All-Star Game selection and was named a Western Conference starter.

That unselfish nature goes back years. When Kevin Durant arrived with huge fanfare in 2016, Curry quietly took a back seat and allowed Durant to find his place with a new team.

It was an important gesture that ultimately ended with two championships together and consecutive finals MVP honours for KD. “It all starts with Steph. When KD was here, our offence still started with Steph,” Draymond Green said. “That’s the way it’s going to be.”

Back on the finals stage for a sixth time in eight years, it’s Curry’s time to carry the Warriors again.

But he will be thrilled to see Poole hit another 39-footer, for Kevon Looney to crash the boards to create second chances on the offensive glass, or for Wiggins to take on one of the toughest defensive assignments like guarding Jayson Tatum.

“I remember where I started and just the whole journey. You remind yourself of that every day. The fact that from high school to your first All-Star Game, it’s a journey, and everything that had to go right in

FANS and the Golden State Warriors’ bench react after Stephen Curry, 30, hit a three point shot during the third quarter of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in San Francisco, on Sunday, June 5.

(Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) your life and on the court for that to happen,” Curry said.

“Never let myself get too big-headed on that front.

That’s how I live my life.

So everything about it in terms of the appreciation and gratitude for everything that happens, all the experiences that you have, everything that you go through, you keep building on that, and usually good things happen because you appreciate everything no matter what happens.”

And if Curry and Co. can win it all once more, he will join a star-studded

list of players with two or more MVPs and four titles: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, LeBron James, Magic Johnson and Duncan.

Green has long admired how Curry never lets the attention surrounding his own stardom affect anything this group accomplishes, nor does he seek to be treated any differently.

And Curry accepted ownership when things didn’t go right during an NBA-worst 15-50 pandemic-shortened season two years ago.

“He sets a huge tone in that regard because he is

never going to approach you, ‘You are supposed to look at me this way,’ which in turn you end up looking at him more that way,” Green said of the respect level. “... I think when your leader and the face of your franchise is that way, you have no choice but to be that way. What’s your ego compared to his? Why would any of us care if you have an ego, and he doesn’t? So I think it definitely sets a tone, not only for players but for everyone in this organisation and how everyone operates.”

CELTICS HOPE PROTECTING BALL BETTER WILL PROTECT HOME COURT

By JOSH DUBOW AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — If the Boston Celtics want to do a better job of protecting home court than they did in the last two rounds, they will need to start doing a much better job of protecting the ball.

Sloppy ball handling once again proved costly to the Celtics, whose propensity for committing turnovers has been a recurring problem during this playoff run.

Boston gave it away 19 times in a 107-88 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night to tie the series at one game apiece.

“It’s just kind of as simple as we’ve just got to take care of the ball,” star Jayson Tatum said.

“We’ve done it, and we’re a really good team when we take care of the ball. But we have those lapses where we, snowball effect, we pile on turnovers and dig ourselves into a hole.”

The Celtics managed to shoot their way out of their turnover woes in the first half of Game 2 by making 10 of 19 3-pointers to stay

close to the Warriors. But when the shots stopped falling in the third quarter, the turnovers were too much to overcome, sending the Celtics home disappointed despite a Game 1 victory.

“For whatever reason, the previous series that happened to us. On our wins, we didn’t turn it over; on our losses, we turned it over excessively,” forward Al Horford said.

“It’s something that we’ll have to look at this game individually and just see how we can be better. I know we can prevent a lot of those, and in order for us to be in a better chance of winning, we have to cut those down.”

The Celtics have committed an average of nearly four more turnovers per game, leading to nine more points per game for the opponent in their losses compared to their wins.

Boston is 1-5 this postseason when committing at least 16 turnovers, compared to 12-2 when giving it up 15 times or fewer.

The problems started early Sunday night with Boston giving it away seven times in the first quarter,

FIFA

FROM PAGE 12 extra money for being an advisor — without having a contract for it — in Blatter’s first presidential term from 1998-2002. Both have long denied wrongdoing and claim they had a verbal deal in 1998. That defense first failed with judges at the FIFA ethics committee, which banned them from soccer, and later in separate appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Now the case comes to a criminal court which will sit only until lunchtime each day because of the 86-year-old Blatter’s health, 18 months after he was in a coma following heart surgery.

Blatter is due to be questioned today and Platini one day later.

Both are expected to give closing statements on June 22, when the trial ends.

The three federal judges hearing the case are scheduled to deliver their verdict on July 8.

Blatter and Platini each face of up to five years in prison, but suspended sentences are a likely option.

Blatter said in a statement everything was accounted for

BOSTON Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) and centre Al Horford walk off the court after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Celtics in Game 2 on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) leading to 13 points for Golden State to offset a fast shooting start by the Celtics.

properly and he is optimistic about his chances at the trial.

Platini denounced what he called “unfounded and unfair accusations.” He has claimed the allegations were fed to prosecutors in a plot to stop him from becoming FIFA president.

Arguments and evidence in court will revisit the widely discredited FIFA political culture during Blatter’s 17-year presidency, and around the time Qatar controversially won the hosting rights to this year’s World Cup. Platini sent his invoice to FIFA in January 2011, only weeks after the World Cup vote. It was quickly paid as Blatter’s next reelection campaign took shape.

Qatar’s top soccer official, Mohamed bin Hammam, used the momentum of his nation’s rising status in a failed challenge to Blatter.

Platini was seen as both Blatter’s presumed heir, likely in 2015, and a key ally Bin Hammam needed to win European votes.

In the published indictment, Swiss prosecutors do not cite FIFA politics as a motive for payment. They focus on the facts of Platini being enriched by an allegedly unlawful salary claim and a further 229,000 Swiss francs

There were four more turnovers in the second quarter and then five in the third that led to 11 more

($238,000) of social security taxes paid by FIFA in Zurich.

The Platini money was “accounted for accordingly and approved by all responsible FIFA authorities,” Blatter said in a statement. That view is disputed by a former employee, however.

The additional money was never accrued as it should have been in FIFA accounts from 1999, according to then-FIFA accountant Jeannine Erni, who was interviewed for different investigations. She said the payment was “odd” and looked related to the 2011 presidential election.

Another former staffer, thenFIFA head of compliance Ivo Bischofsberger, said in questioning cited by CAS that he “always had doubts about the whole story.

Did it smell? Yes.” Platini’s contract with FIFA, signed in August 1999, was for 300,000 Swiss francs ($312,000) annually.

Platini said he asked for “1 million” but Blatter would pay only the same as FIFA’s then-secretary general and promised the balance later.

Platini’s contract expired in 2002, when he was elected to the FIFA executive committee. A letter to him, signed by Blatter in

points as Golden State outscored Boston 35-14 in the period. The Celtics made one fewer basket than turnovers but coach Ime Udoka pointed to the firsthalf sloppiness as the major issue.

“We had our opportunities,” Udoka said. “Came out, jumped out up nine early.

Then turnovers started happening. Let them back in the game.

Then the offense wasn’t as crisp with the ball movement and passing. Like I said, 11 of our turnovers were live ball turnovers, nine of them out of steals.

So got to be better in that category.”

There were plenty of culprits, with Marcus Smart committing five turnovers, Tatum four and Derrick White three. Horford and Jaylen Brown added two apiece as Udoka said his players were too often looking for fouls instead of being strong with the ball.

“For us, that was a little disappointing, to give up 33 points off of 19 turnovers,” he said. “That’s kind of been a constant theme in the playoffs. When that happens, we’re in trouble.”

September 2002 and seen by The Associated Press, said their agreement was settled and terminated.

Platini testified at CAS he first asked for extra money early in 2010 after FIFA paid a sevenfigure severance to Jerome Champagne, a French former diplomat who was ousted as a Blatter aide.

The invoice eventually requested 500,000 Swiss francs ($520,000) extra for each year of advisory work.

Witnesses due in court include two former elected FIFA and UEFA officials, Ángel María Villar of Spain and Antonio Mattarese of Italy, and former federal prosecutor Olivier Thormann, who was cleared in 2018 of misconduct in the FIFA investigation.

Thormann will be questioned Thursday as Platini’s lawyers try to show the prosecution office colluded with soccer officials, and helped Gianni Infantino become FIFA president in 2016.

Attempts to summon Infantino to be questioned in court have failed. Platini has also filed a criminal complaint in France against Infantino, his former general secretary at UEFA. Platini and Blatter have both questioned how prosecutors

Turnovers haven’t been the only recurring problem for Boston during these playoffs as the Celtics also have struggled to protect home court.

They overcame losses in Games 1 and 5 in the second round against the Bucks by winning Game 6 in Milwaukee to stave off elimination before taking Game 7 back at home.

Then they lost twice at home to the Heat in the Eastern Conference finals, including a potential Game 6 clincher that forced them to win Game 7 at Miami to advance.

Now they face a Warriors team that has set an NBA record by winning at least one road game in all 26 playoff series during the Stephen Curry era.

“Just playing with a sense of urgency, I think,” Tatum said when asked about the key to being better at home.

“Human nature plays a part when you go on the road.

Obviously it’s a tough environment. I feel like recently we’ve kind of relaxed at home. Whether we thought because we had home-court advantage, we came out a little more relaxed.”

learned about the disputed payment.

Swiss prosecutors began investigating FIFA in November 2014 when the soccer body filed a criminal complaint about suspected money laundering in bid contests to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Russia and Qatar won those votes by the FIFA executive committee in December 2010.

Swiss authorities seized documents and data at FIFA headquarters on May 27, 2015 — the day soccer officials were arrested in Zurich hotels in a separate, sprawling American investigation of corruption.

Three weeks later, then-attorney general Michael Lauber said 53 suspect transactions possibly linked to World Cup bidding had been alerted by banks in Switzerland.

More than 11 years after Platini was paid, FIFA is trying to recover the money.

“FIFA has brought a civil action against both Blatter and Platini to have the money which was illegally misappropriated repaid to FIFA,” the soccer body’s lawyer, Catherine Hohl-Chirazi, said in a statement, “so it can be used for the sole purpose for which it was originally intended — football.”

PAGE 16, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

TIGER Woods has withdrawn from the US Open, saying that his damaged right leg needs more time to get stronger to contend in the majors. (AP)

Tiger Woods withdraws from the US Open SAYS HIS LEG IS NOT READY

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer TIGER Woods withdrew from the US Open yesterday, saying that his damaged right leg needs more time to get stronger to contend in the majors.

Woods made a surprise return at the Masters, just 14 months after he broke bones in his right leg and ankle in a February 2021 car crash outside Los Angeles. He made the cut at Augusta National, then played the PGA Championship at Southern Hills.

Even though he made another cut, Woods was limping badly on Saturday and withdrew after the third round, the first time he had withdrawn on the weekend at a major.

Woods posted yesterday on social media, “My body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf.”

He said he hopes to be ready to play in a charity pro-am event in Ireland ahead of the British Open at St Andrews, where he won two of his three claret jugs.

This will be the sixth time in the last 12 years Woods does not play the US Open, which he has won three times, most recently at Torrey Pines in 2008 when he had a double stress fracture in his left leg and shredded knee ligaments

that required reconstructive surgery when the event was over.

He last played in 2020 at Winged Foot and missed the cut.

Before the previous two majors, Woods sent the internet buzzing, with private plane tracking sites indicating he was at Augusta National and Southern Hills a week or so early for a scouting trip, a clear sign he was thinking about playing.

There was no such flight to Boston this time. Woods last competed at The Country Club at Brookline in 1999, when he won his singles match against Andrew Coltart as part of an amazing American rally to win the Ryder Cup. “We’re disappointed we won’t see him in Boston,” said Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA. “But personally, I’m happy for him that he’s looking after his health.

I’d rather see Tiger longterm than just in the 2022 US Open.”

Woods always had his sights on St Andrews, even after he played in the Masters.

He said after the Masters he wasn’t sure whether he could play in the PGA Championship or the US Open, but he would be at the British Open.

The Old Course is relatively flat, the easiest of the four majors to walk.

DUSTIN JOHNSON QUITS PGA MEMBERSHIP TO PLAY IN SAUDI LEAGUE

By ROB HARRIS AP Sports Writer ST. ALBANS, England (AP) — Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson has resigned his PGA Tour membership to participate in the new golf series backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

The first LIV Golf Invitational, which offers $25 million in prize money, is taking place outside London starting Thursday.

Johnson said yesterday he “had to think long and hard” about leaving the PGA Tour, seemingly ending his hopes of competing in the Ryder Cup for the

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

United States. “Ultimately, I decided to come and do this,” Johnson said at Centurion Club.

“I’m excited about this.

Obviously the Ryder Cup is unbelievable and something that has meant a lot to me. ... Hopefully I’ll get a chance to do that again, but I don’t make the rules.”

Johnson, whose last victory was the Saudi International in 2021, is No. 15 in the world, the highestranked player in the field.

He has held the No. 1 spot in the world longer than any player since Tiger Woods.

“I chose what is best for me and my family,” Johnson said, explaining his decision to join the Saudi venture fronted by Greg Norman.

Speaking alongside Johnson, former US Open champion Graeme McDowell said he had yet to give up his PGA membership.

“I don’t feel I need to,” he said. “I don’t want to get into a legal situation with the PGA Tour.”

PAGE 18, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

STOCKS RALLY AS UNCERTAINTIES KEEP WALL STREET WOBBLY

By DAMIAN J. TROISE AND STAN CHOE AP Business Writers U.S. stocks rallied Tuesday as Treasury yields eased, but Wall Street remains wobbly as investors wait for more clarity on where interest rates, inflation and the economy are heading.

The S&P 500 climbed 39.25 points, or 1%, to 4,160.68 after reversing a morning loss of 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 264.36 points, or 0.8%, to 33,180.14 after it also bounced between losses and gains throughout the day. The Nasdaq composite gained 113.86 points, or 0.9%, to 12,175.23.

Gains by Apple, Microsoft and other technology stocks were some of the biggest forces lifting the market. They benefited from a drop in Treasury yields, with the 10-year yield falling back below 3%. Lower yields in recent years have emboldened investors to pay higher prices for stocks, particularly companies that are growing quickly.

Stocks of energy producers also jumped as oil prices rose to roughly $120 per barrel, up more than 55% for the year so far. Exxon Mobil climbed 4.6%, and ConocoPhillips added 4.5%.

Kohl’s soared 9.5% after the department store chain said it’s in advanced talks

to sell itself for about $8 billion to Vitamin Shoppe owner Franchise Group.

Jam maker J.M. Smucker rose 5.7% after reporting stronger earnings than analysts expected.

Wall Street started the day pessimistic, and stocks initially fell after Target warned of lower profit margins as it slashes prices to clear out inventory. The retail giant sank 2.3% after it announced moves it said were needed to keep up with customers’ changing behaviors. Across the country, shoppers are spending more at restaurants and on travel than on sprucing up their homes as they did earlier in the pandemic.

Other retailers got caught in the downdraft, and Walmart fell 1.2%.

Worries were also stoked by the World Bank sharply cutting its forecast for economic growth this year.

It pointed to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the prospect of widespread food shortages, raising the potential return of “ stagflation,” a toxic mix of high inflation and sluggish growth unseen for more than four decades.

The economy’s fragility has been atop Wall Street’s mind this year amid worries about interest-rate hikes coming from the Federal Reserve. The central bank is moving aggressively to stamp out the worst inflation

in decades, but it risks choking off the economy if it moves too far or too quickly.

The Fed is widely expected to raise its key short-term interest rate by half a percentage point at its meeting next week. That would be the second straight increase of double the usual amount, and investors expect a third in July.

The Fed is not alone in reining in the massive support thrown at the economy and financial markets during the pandemic. Australia’s central bank surprised investors Tuesday by raising interest rates by half a percentage point.

Even if central banks pull off the delicate act of slowing

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 94° F/34° C Low: 75° F/24° C

TAMPA

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

An afternoon thunderstorm in spots

Some clouds, a t-storm around late

A t-storm in spots in the morning

A morning shower; partly sunny

A few a.m. showers, then a t-storm

Partly sunny and nice

High: 85°

Low: 77°

High: 86° Low: 77°

High: 87° Low: 77°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 87° Low: 79°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

98° F

87° F

99°-87° F

97°-85° F

98°-86° F

99°-87° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

ALMANAC

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

6-12 knots

S

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 75° F/24° C

6-12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

E S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

W

UV INDEX TODAY

THURSDAY

N

N

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

MIAMI

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

4-8 knots

KEY WEST

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

N

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

TIDES FOR NASSAU High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

2.5 2.4

9:09 a.m.

9:35 p.m.

0.3 0.6

3:35 a.m.

4:18 p.m.

2.4 2.7

9:58 a.m. 0.2 10:36 p.m. 0.4

Friday

4:30 a.m.

5:12 p.m.

2.4 2.9

10:47 a.m. 0.0 11:35 p.m. 0.2

Saturday

5:25 a.m.

6:04 p.m.

2.5 3.2

11:38 a.m. -0.3 ---------

Sunday

6:19 a.m.

6:57 p.m.

2.5 3.4

12:32 a.m. 0.0 12:29 p.m. -0.5

Monday

7:13 a.m.

7:49 p.m.

2.5 3.5

1:27 a.m. -0.2 1:21 p.m. -0.7

Tuesday

8:08 a.m.

8:42 p.m.

2.6 3.6

2:21 a.m. -0.4 2:13 p.m. -0.8

Today

2:41 a.m.

3:24 p.m.

Thursday

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset

6:19 a.m. Moonrise 7:59 p.m. Moonset

2:08 p.m.

2:03 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Jun. 14

Jun. 20

Jun. 28

Jul. 6

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

S

E

W

4-8 knots

S

6-12 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 79° F/26° C Low .................................................... 73° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 86° F/30° C Normal low ........................................ 73° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 89° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 75° F/24° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 6.94” Year to date ............................................... 24.06” Normal year to date ..................................... 9.79”

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

the economy enough to halt inflation but not so much as to cause a recession, markets face other challenges.

“Rising rates and slowing growth are not a supportive environment for investors, so it is unlikely that equity or fixed income returns will match the stimulus-fueled returns of the past two years,” Gargi Chaudhuri, head of iShares investment strategy, Americas, said in a report. She said she thinks the U.S. will avoid a recession.

Treasury yields have largely climbed through this year with expectations for a more aggressive Fed. They moderated a bit on Tuesday, though.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7-14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

H

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

6-12 knots

7-14 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS SW at 6-12 Knots SW at 7-14 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots W at 4-8 Knots SE at 7-14 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots SW at 6-12 Knots W at 6-12 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots SE at 7-14 Knots E at 7-14 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots SSE at 4-8 Knots S at 4-8 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots SE at 7-14 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots

WAVES 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 6 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 9 Miles 6 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 8 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 6 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 81° F 82° F 84° F 85° F 82° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 84° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 81° F 81° F 82° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 81° F 83° F

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 19

PAGE 20, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMIAN EXPORTERS HIT

BY LPIA CARGO SCAN WOE FROM PAGE 24 for financing and installing the new cargo scanner is shared between the Airport Authority and Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, and that meetings to finally resolve the situation are scheduled for this week.

However, Paul Bevans, the Airport Authority’s chairman, told this newspaper he “wasn’t aware of” the cargo scanning woes when contacted yesterday. He patched Peter Rutherford, the Airport Authority’s acting general manager, into the call and, although the line temporarily went faint, the latter promised to look into the matter and get back to Tribune Business - something that did not happen before press time.

This newspaper was not informed of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority’s involvement until late last night, and as a result was unable to reach that agency for comment. However, impacted exporters said they have been unable to obtain a clear explanation for why European air cargo inspections have been halted or gain a timeline for when the problems will be fixed.

Lynward Saunders, president of The Bahamas Commercial Spongers Association in Mangrove Cay, said: “I’ve been trying to find out for a couple of months. I spoke to the lady

at British Airways and she said because of operational reasons it has not taken any cargo going out of the country. They told me some people are supposed to come in in another two weeks.

“She said they were notified it was starting up in another two weeks or so. I spoke to the lady last week, and she just said not yet.

They never gave me a good reason; they said it’s operational reasons. That could be anything to me. And they never give you a clear date. Some of my clients called British Airways but couldn’t get an answer as to what is going on. They’re bringing cargo in but can’t carry it out.

“They say they will get back to me in a month, another two months. When I call back she says it was two weeks. Since they say operational reasons, I feel it has to really be there at the airport. From the beginning of the year I’ve not been able to get anything out; Europe and everywhere.

At one point I had to go through the US to get anything out of here to serve some of my clients.”

Mr Saunders said servicing European clients via the US, whether by air or boat, inevitably increased costs and time for his and other sponge exporters’ clients and made The Bahamas uncompetitive with global rivals. When asked what

difficulties had resulted, he replied: “Getting the product to your client in a reasonable time. That’s very important.

“When you have your client waiting, when you have to give them an additional cost on your product by routing it through a different avenue, they don’t like that too much. It affects us; it affects our costs.” Mr Saunders added that “really quite a bit of money” was being tied-up and lost due to the European air cargo halt.

“My clients, because they have a time period on their cargo getting to them, also have a time period for getting it to their customers,” he explained. “One of my clients lost a contract from a customer because of the delay. If you sign a contract with a company saying you will deliver in a particular time and amount, and you cannot live up to that, these guys have to search for other contracts because their business has to go on.

“It’s a chain link thing. If one link is broken, the rest starts to crumble. They’re reluctant to order from us because they are not sure they will get their product. They have to resort to another area. One of my clients had to go to another area to buy.

“They don’t want us to go through the US to source product. One time I had to put product on a boat to a client. It took almost two months to get out. It’s something that I hope they get to the bottom of, and very soon. I’m telling you, it’s frustrating to us and our clients and we never really get

a good answer. It’s not only the sponging industry; it’s other products.”

Besides potentially threatening the livelihoods of entrepreneurs and their employees, the export cargo scanning issue could also undermine efforts to revive the Bahamian sponging industry and develop new foreign exchange sources for The Bahamas.

Another exporter, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Tribune Business: “First they said it was British Airways, and now I’m learning it’s not British Airways. There’s some sort of inspection they [the airport] didn’t pass and they’re now waiting to get another inspection. BA wants to come back and do an inspection of their own.

“The bottom line is we haven’t been able to export for over six months now to Europe. To be honest with you, I have a lot of product. I don’t even know how much because of the lengthy waiting for this to clear up. It’s a cash flow issue. You’re buying and can’t sell. It slows down the buying. You cannot buy and not be able to ship. I haven’t been able to ship since last year. I stopped around early October or November.”

The exporter said they had been unable to obtain much information on the European export halt until recently, adding that the details provided so far had been “very sketchy”. They added that it was “very expensive” to ship via the US, and said: “Essentially it’s going to get to the point where we have to stop buying because we cannot

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CLARENS BAPTISTE of Sea Breeze Lane, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that ALEXANDER GEORGE DORSETT of P.O. Box N9426, Ethel Street, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 1st day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

keep stockpiling it all without cash coming in.

“I’m sure everyone else is in the same position I’m in because if we don’t get these products moved we’ve all invested money that we can’t get back until people have product in their hand or on the bill of lading.

Eight to ten months’ wait is ridiculous.”

One well-placed source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that ICAO’s audit uncovered deficiencies with LPIA’s cargo scanning processes but argued that these were remedied within a month.

“That’s not true. That’s not the case,” they said, when asked if this was causing the European export delay.

“That happened for a very short period of time.

The scanning procedures were not up to-date. They were not current with best practices. That was dealt with by the retraining of personnel and the acquisition of additional equipment, but the matter was resolved very quickly.”

However, Ricardo Rolle, Nassau Flight Services’ (NFS) general manager, yesterday confirmed that the wait for the new scanner combined with British Airways’ desire to do its own inspection of the interim solution was what had halted European air cargo exports.

Suggesting that the Government-owned ground handling provider, which serves BA, was often unfairly viewed as “the villain” when such problems occurred, he emphasised the situation has nothing to do with NFS. “There was an inspection and there was no scanner at the cargo facility,” Mr Rolle said of the ICAO audit.

“An alternative method was put in place to take the goods down the road to the eastern end of the airport [and use the smaller scanner there]. Unfortunately, BA has to come down and inspect. That has yet to take place. I communicated with them. Apparently the person they need to come down was travelling on another business trip.

“I’m supposed to be speaking to someone tomorrow to come down and look at the alternative mechanism we’re using. BA

is the only one that does the export to Europe, and it’s just BA that wants to come down and look at the alternative mechanism. The other airlines are already paying the extra dollar to take it [air cargo] down the street,” Mr Rolle continued.

“As soon as BA comes down and approves it, the sponges can start exporting. They can bring their sponges down and we’ll store them until they get approval to go on the plane.

I do apologise and feel for the local spongers, and understand their sponges need to get to Europe.

We’re here to serve and work with them.”

The Nassau Flight Services chief added that the “quick fix” was to purchase the necessary cargo scanner, and he voiced hope that meetings to finally resolve the situation will take place this week with the relevant government agencies - the Airport Authority and Civil Aviation - needing to be in agreement.

“The biggest problem is that we need a scanner, and we’ve offered to purchase one, but we all need to agree,” Mr Rolle said. He added that the ICAO audit also found other weaknesses such as security at the cargo area’s exit door, and said: “If there’s something that failed they give you a certain amount of time to fix it.

“The scanner is there to prevent contraband being shipped out of the country.

Before it was just going out, and then it was realised we had to bring it to standard.

We had to stop, fix it and get going. Civil Aviation had given us those 90 days to respond. That has since gone into 180 days and 360 days.”

Vernice Walkine, the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) president and chief executive, said that while the LPIA operator was not responsible for cargo scanning all stakeholders had been involved in the “planning meeting” that came up with the temporary solution until the permanent fix is put in place.

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

TUESDAY, 7 JUNE 2022

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX:

CLOSE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

2431.12

-0.18

-0.01

202.88

9.10

(242) 323 2330 (242) 323 2320

BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 53.00 2.05 2.61 2.60 6.10 10.05 3.56 9.02 3.10 8.00 16.60 2.65 10.28 11.25 10.85 15.20 4.00 11.00 16.50

52WK LOW 4.75 32.12 1.49 2.20 1.30 5.75 6.96 2.82 4.25 2.27 5.94 9.75 1.99 7.05 10.02 9.01 13.10 3.50 8.19 15.50

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Benchmark Bahamas First Holdings Limited Bank of Bahamas Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Cable Bahamas Commonwealth Brewery Commonwealth Bank Colina Holdings CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) Limited Focol Finco J. S. Johnson

SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ

LAST CLOSE 5.35 39.95 2.04 2.35 2.47 6.10 9.75 3.55 8.15 2.81 8.00 16.00 2.83 10.26 12.36 10.85 15.20 3.98 10.00 15.50

CLOSE 5.35 39.95 2.04 2.35 2.47 6.10 9.75 3.55 8.15 2.81 8.00 16.00 2.87 10.26 12.10 10.85 15.20 3.98 10.00 15.50

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 (0.26) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME

400

EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.140 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.080 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610

P/E 22.4 42.9 N/M 16.8 N/M N/M 26.4 -8.1 58.2 15.3 17.8 22.2 28.1 22.0 18.7 14.9 18.6 19.6 10.6 24.6

YIELD 3.18% 3.15% 0.98% 3.40% 0.00% 0.00% 2.67% 0.00% 0.00% 4.27% 2.75% 4.50% 15.12% 0.58% 2.71% 2.21% 3.55% 3.02% 2.00% 3.94%

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

Bahamas First Holdings Preference Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Bahamas Class A Focol Class B

BFHP CAB6 CAB9 CHLA FBBA FCLB

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

SECURITY Fidelity Bank (Note 22 Series B+) Bahamas First Holdings Limited

SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 99.98 100.26 100.53 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.66 100.71 100.53 100.43 100.34 100.23 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 99.98 100.26 100.28 100.43 100.04 100.00 89.62 89.00 90.24 90.73

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FL BGRS71023 BGRS FL BGRS68023 BGRS FL BGRS70022 BGRS FL BGRS75022 BGRS FL BGRS81037 BGRS FL BGRS88028 BGRS FX BGR129249 BGRS FX BGR131249 BGRS FX BGR132249 BGRS FX BGR136150

BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGRS710237 BSBGRS680232 BSBGRS700220 BSBGRS750225 BSBGRS810375 BSBGRS880287 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 99.98 100.26 100.53 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

14

6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 4.53% 4.62% 4.50% 4.43% 4.87% 4.33% 5.55% 5.60% 5.65% 5.69%

20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 22-Oct-2023 21-Jul-2023 29-Jul-2022 7-Sep-2022 26-Jul-2037 26-Jul-2028 15-Apr-2049 15-Jul-2049 15-Oct-2049 21-Apr-2050

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.52 4.69 2.22 207.86 212.41 1.73 1.83 1.82 1.05 9.37 11.83 7.54 16.64 12.84 10.77 10.00 10.43 14.89

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.68 1.73 1.75 0.99 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Financial Conservative Fund Leno Financial Aggressive Fund Leno Financial Balanced Fund Leno Financial Global Bond Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Equities Sub Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - High Yield Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

NAV 2.52 4.69 2.21 197.44 202.39 1.73 1.82 1.82 0.99 9.37 11.79 7.54 15.94 12.47 10.74 N/A 10.43 14.89

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.99% 4.22% 0.36% 5.78% 0.67% 2.74% -2.97% -2.35% -4.72% 6.04% 0.83% 2.82% -0.18% 3.72% 0.76% 3.55% -3.55% -3.85% -0.02% 10.36% -0.33% 18.23% 0.22% 3.05% -3.89% 14.76% -1.04% -2.57% 0.81% 4.20% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%

NAV Date 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 25-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021

MARKET TERMS BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Change - Change in closing price from day to day Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths NAV - Net Asset Value N/M - Not Meaningful

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | CORALISLE 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that JAMES RALPH VIL of Central Pines, Nassau, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 31st day of May, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that LOUBEN GUSTAVE of Minnie Street, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 1st day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 21

SANDALS FOUNDER’S FAMILY IN BAHAMIAN LEGAL BATTLE FROM PAGE 24 the Jamaica-headquartered business that describes itself as the “Caribbean’s largest” seafood processor and supplier.

The final three defendants are Sabrina Stewart, and the twins Kelly and Gordon Stewart, who are Mrs Hammersmith-Stewart’s three children with the late Mr Stewart. They have likely only been added to the legal action because they are also beneficiaries of the two trusts.

The Sandals name, and that of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, was carefully omitted by Justice Charles in her ruling but a simple Internet search confirms the identities of both Mrs Hammersmith-Stewart, as plaintiff, and all the named defendants and their family links to the resort chain founder.

There is nothing in the verdict, though, to suggest that the dispute over the late Mr Stewart’s estate will impact Sandals or other business interests he has left to his family. The wealth he amassed will almost certainly have been kept separate from the finances of the resort chain and other businesses.

In The Bahamas, these assets include Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau and Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma, plus Fowl Cay. Further afield, they include the Appliance Traders Ltd (ATL) Group in the late Mr Stewart’s home country and the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

While the dispute could prove a distraction, especially if it drags out over a long period of time, Adam Stewart has given no indication that it will as his most recent social media posts via Twitter deal with the opening of Sandals’ latest resort, the Royal Curacao.

Some sources, though, yesterday said there were early similarities between this dispute and those which embroiled the estates of the two late Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) cochairs, Edward St George and Sir Jack Hayward.

Justice Charles’ ruling dealt with Cromwell Trust Company’s bid to “seal” all documents related to the dispute that have been, or will be, filed with the Supreme Court. This would have ensured that all details, especially those that are financial-related and give specifics on the family’s wealth, as well as future court hearings are kept private and not disclosed publicly.

The legal battle has also created work for some of Nassau’s top commercial lawyers, including two former attorney generals.

John Wilson QC, senior partner and head of litigation at McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes, is representing Mrs Hammersmith-Stewart while Brian Simms QC, the Lennox Paton partner and head of its litigation practice, is acting for Cromwell Trust Company.

Sean McWeeney QC, the ex-attorney general now at Graham, Thompson & Company, has partnered with a London-based QC to represent Adam Stewart, Mr Jardim and Mrs McConnell, while John Delaney QC, another former attorney general now heading his own Delaney Partners law firm, acts for the children of Adam Stewart and Mrs McConnell. Terry North, of Alexiou, Knowles & Company, acts for Mrs Hammersmith-Stewart’s children.

Justice Charles’ ruling states that Adam Stewart, Mr Jardim and Mrs McConnell backed the trustee’s sealing application, which was opposed by Mrs Hammersmith-Stewart and her children on the basis “that the circumstances of this case do not warrant the grant of a sealing or privacy order”.

The heavily blacked-out verdict does not provide

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

GORDON ‘BUTCH’ STEWART the cause of the dispute, instead describing the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart as “a wealthy and well-known entrepreneur” who founded two Bahamas-domiciled trusts. “The deceased died leaving two surviving branches of his family. The first branch is the ‘first family’, comprising his adult children (and their respective families).

The second branch is the ‘second family’,” Justice Charles wrote.

“Most of the deceased’s wealth was settled into three trusts, two of which are Bahamian and the subject of these proceedings.

The trustee is a Bahamian private trust company that is the trustee of both trusts. The deceased left very detailed instructions expressing his wishes as to how the trusts are/ought to be administered after his death.

“In summary, he expressed that he wanted the trusts to be brought to an end promptly following his death and that the shares in the business holding companies.... be decanted into five new trusts.” Neither Cromwell Trust Company nor the “first family” - Adam Stewart, Jaime McConnell and Mr Jardim - have yet to file defences to Mrs Hammersmith-Stewart’s claim although they were granted “very generous” extensions of time in which to do so.

Mr Simms, acting for Cromwell Trust Company, argued that the case “falls within the exceptions to the rule” that all filed legal documents and court proceedings should be subject to “open justice” - meaning they are accessible to the public.

He based his arguments on the grounds that the dispute “involves confidential

matters and this [The Bahamas] is an offshore financial centre”. Mr Simms called on Justice Charles to seal proceedings using section 77 of the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act 2020, which allows for a person’s confidential financial information to remain private.

“By the enactment of the 2011 Trustee Amendment Act, which provides a means of resolving disputes through arbitration, Mr Simms argued that Parliament has reinforced the public policy of protecting trust matters from prying eyes and ensuring confidentiality,” Justice Charles noted.

“He emphasized that section 77(3) makes no distinction between administration and hostile trust matters. Further, he stated that the provision gives the court a far greater discretion than statutes in other jurisdictions to specifically hear matters in camera and to seal files. Mr Simms submitted that The Bahamas is a jurisdiction where trust

disputes can be arbitrated in private by virtue of the 2011 Trustee Amendment Act.” However, Justice Charles rejected this. She ruled: “In my judgment, the effects on the trusts asserted by the trustee are no more than inconveniences. If the risk was sufficiently compelling to justify derogation from open justice, many parties to litigation would be entitled to sealing orders, which would undermine the effectiveness of the principle of open justice itself.”

She added that the counter-arguments advanced by Mr Wilson and Mr North, on behalf of Mrs Hammersmith-Stewart and her children respectively, were “attractive”. They both said the disclosure of private information was the inevitable consequence of legal proceedings that “could always have detrimental effects” on the parties involved, but the mere fact trusts were involved in this case was not sufficient justification to seal the court file.

“The first family have failed to explain how the publicity of the proceedings would negatively affect the trusts,” Justice Charles found, adding that “notwithstanding public policy, however, in the circumstances it is not sufficient to justify the derogation from open justice......

“It is therefore difficult to see how the publicity of the litigation will have any material/substantial additional effect. The fact that the litigation may be inconvenient.. does not warrant the displacement of the open justice principle. The trustee and the first family have not demonstrated that the sealing order is necessary in the interests of justice. Rather, they have merely proved that it is more convenient.”

Justice Charles ordered that Cromwell Trust Company file its defence by June 12, 2022, having had the benefit of a four-month extension, while Mr Stewart’s adult children have been given until June 27, 2022.

PAGE 22, Wednesday, June 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

CORAL KILLER WILL ‘DECIMATE’ TOURISM, FISHERIES SECTORS FROM PAGE 24 “The implications I would say are very serious, and I would say that the scientists agree, that if this disease is not arrested and does not abate, it would be disastrous and potentially decimate any tourism related to any diving of recreational fishing etc,” Mr Carey told Tribune Business.

“It could potentially decimate Bahamian fishing, any species associated with coral reefs, our lobsters and so much of our reef fish could be devastated. From an ecological perspective, because coral reefs are key ecosystems and centres of fisheries, their loss would be catastrophic for the marine environment.

“This is a very serious disease, and the report produced most recently by the Perry Institute for Marine Science led by Dr Krista Sherman, the results are far worse than imagined and based on the preliminary analysis it has spread much faster than we would have anticipated.”

The Perry Institute for Marine Science, in a statement issued yesterday, said Stony Coral disease has spread across The Bahamas like “wildfire” over the past three years and has caused the environmental equivalent of 200m deaths.

Its latest research is said to show some 175 square miles of Bahamian coral reefs have been infected to-date and the disease has already driven local extinctions of key reef-building species.

The Institute added that Stony Coral disease has been detected in the northern Exumas, causing concern for the future of the world’s oldest land and sea park and flagship for the Bahamas National Protected Area System. San Salvador was also identified as being among the hardest hit islands, with every nearshore reef infected and three coral species that were once common are now locally extinct.

Mr Carey said the threat posed to Florida’s coral reefs by Stony Coral disease was so serious that the US state considered cutting out and removing large areas of coral to aquariums so that key species could be protected from extinction until either nature or scientists developed a cure.

“This is a pandemic,” the BNT chief told this newspaper. “The fear Bahamians assign to the COVID pandemic, they should assign as much concern to the impact of this wretched disease on our coral reefs and all industries associated with it.

It’s very serious.”

While on occasions in the past he has had to

ERIC CAREY advise that scientists are “exaggerating” or being “over-dramatic” with their advice and conclusions, Mr Carey said The Bahamas “does not have this issue here”. He added: “We need to get back to understanding this disease. We are not being issued research permits yet.”

Tribune Business previously reported how environmental and scientific research in The Bahamas had been brought to a near-standstill by the former Minnis administration’s passage of the Biological Resources and Traditional Knowledge Act into law on April 1 last year.

One of the existing Act’s “key deficiencies” was the failure to distinguish between commercial

DR. KRISTA SHERMAN research and that conducted by non-profits, conservation groups and students, subjecting them all to the same regulatory regime, which has resulted in lengthy delays that have made it almost impossible for non-commercial entities such as the Perry Institute for Marine Science to get approval to investigate issues such as Stony Coral disease.

The Institute, in its statement yesterday, said: “The Bahamas missed a critical window to contain the fatal coral disease after it was first identified over two years ago. Despite the existence of an antibioticbased treatment, a ‘permit crisis’ - a backlog of pending research permits issued by the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning (DEPP) - continues to sideline ocean scientists across the country for nearly two years.

“This earlier government work stoppage allowed the coral disease to spread to eight major islands: New Providence and Rose Island, Abaco, Grand Bahama, San Salvador, Long Island, Eleuthera, Exumas and the Berry Islands. After mounting pressure from an alliance of local conservation organisations and a widely-covered March 2022 news conference, however, DEPP finally issued a temporary yet highly restrictive

research permit mid-March 2022.

“This allowed PIMS a short window to survey and treat corals between March and May 2022. Paperwork was recently renewed for another 105 days because of Cabinet’s direct support, allowing scientists to keep fighting the disease but leaving them gravely concerned about the future of Bahamian coral reefs and other natural assets such as sustainably certified fisheries in the absence of basic research permits.”

Mr Carey yesterday said scientists and environmentalists are confident that both Senator Ryan Pinder, the attorney general, and DEPP director, Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, are “committed to resolving the deficiencies in the legislation”. However, he warned that the Stony Coral disease’s advance means “we do not have the time” to wait for Parliament to pass the necessary reforms into law.

“What we’re asking both of them to consider, along with their government colleagues, is the issuance of temporary research permits in the interim,” he added.

“Until we resolve the issue, let’s issue permits to research institutes like the Perry Institute for Marine Science who are in it for the science and not the ego. We as a country need to make a decision. It’s the right thing to do until we

have a solution in place that distinguishes between commercial and non-commercial research.”

The Perry Institute for Marine Science, which has surveyed more than 175 sites spread across 500 miles for Stony Coral disease, said one solution currently awaiting Bahamian Cabinet action is the creation of an on-land coral rescue facility - a “coral gene bank” or even a “coral ark” - which it added represents the “last best chance at saving particularly vulnerable species from extinction”.

The Institute added that it has raised $750,000 to establish such a facility at “one of Nassau’s most sophisticated scientific aquariums with operating agreements now in place.

The group has also secured strong donor interest and ongoing grants to scale up the fight against the coral pandemic both in-sea and on-land.

“In anticipation of ongoing permits on at least this matter, PIMS is eager to partner with the Government, the University of The Bahamas, the Cape Eleuthera Institute, BNT and many other groups to scale up the current ‘battle’ to a full-fledged ‘war’ against Stony Coral disease.”

“Preventing species extinction and total ecosystem collapse is our top priority,” said Dr Craig Dahlgren, PIMS’ executive director. “Part of our longterm strategy is to move rare and vulnerable wild coral colonies to a biosecure, land-based aquarium where we can grow and shelter them from the devastating impacts of Stony Coral disease....

“At this point, the future of The Bahamas’ coral reefs lie with the Government, and their willingness to issue life-saving environmental permits and the creation of the biosecure land-based ‘coral ark’. We hope they put the health of our oceans first.”

ENTREPRENEUR TARGETS $850K FOR RESTAURANT’S EXPANSION FROM PAGE 24 seem to be moving in the right direction and we seem to be outgrowing the location where we’re at,” Mr Culmer added.

“So I think it’s important, because we have been increasing our customer base, to have a location out either south-west on Carmichael Road or in the west for Cable Beach, to be able to give our customers an opportunity not to have to

travel into Palmdale. We’ll have longer hours because our Palmdale location shuts down at 5pm, so it gives people an opportunity to enjoy Tropical Gyros not just for lunch, but for dinner as well especially with our tropical bowls.”

“The moment that the raise is completed, and ArawakX gives me the go-ahead, I should be up and running within three months of that,” Mr Culmer said. The production and

distribution centre will be built simultaneously with the second location, and would take six months to complete.

Mr Culmer said the inspiration for Tropical Gyros came during the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, where he set up a stall to serve food. Gauging the reaction of customers, he added that he knew he had a hit and, shortly thereafter, started the company.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, PAGE 23

Compliance amid rapid business change is key I nternal and external stakeholders, particularly in the areas of data protection and environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility, are placing increasing emphasis upon compliance. This compels chief compliance officers, chief risk officers and other executives to create a more flexible and responsive compliance function, even as they manage rising costs and company-wide expense-cutting pressures.

Steve Culp, a Forbes contributor, wrote: “Compliance executives are facing big challenges, with multiple changes happening at high speed. In a phenomenon we call “compressed transformation”, we are seeing five-year plans become one-year plans as companies cope with change throughout the enterprise while trying to create value and grow.”

I submit that, as a consequence, compliance

BY

DEREK

SMITH resources have become overburdened.

Against such a backdrop, this writer suggests two shifts are required to weather the storm caused by the changing business environment.

Consideration One: Be proactive versus reactive It must become more common for compliance functions to take on a proactive role in

supporting business activities, rather than being a reactive advisor. By leveraging data-driven insights in the quest to find new trends, and anticipating future decisions, compliance can assist in building superior forwardlooking capabilities that can help companies stay ahead of the competition. When companies adopt this expansive perspective with the help of compliance, they can make decisions faster and with greater confidence, and address previously tricky challenges. This can also open new business opportunities - a complicated arena that most businesses find hard to master.

Consideration Two: Make the business case The compliance leader plays an essential role in how their companies manage and communicate risk. One such part involves demonstrating to internal and external stakeholders that

data protection, climate change and social responsibility should be core corporate values, as mismanagement could lead to financial and reputational losses.

Chief compliance officers and chief information security officers (CISOs) have become increasingly concerned with the security of their company’s data due to shifting external and internal user dynamics. This concern requires constant monitoring and updating, which ultimately carries a cost. It is not enough for compliance professionals to merely identify the risks associated with cyber security. Instead, they have to mitigate the impact when companies choose to underfund cyber security or downplay the effect on balance sheets when things go wrong. IBM’s 2021 Data Breach Report noted that, during that year, “data breach costs rose from $3.86m to $4.24m, the highest average total cost

in the 17-year history” of its report.

Companies must recognise that ESG (environmental, social and governance) metrics are directly related to performance.

Compliance professionals must assist their companies with understanding this. For example, studies have shown that “between 2013 and 2020, companies with consistently high ESG performance tended to score 2.6 times’ higher on total shareholder returns than medium ESG performers”. To directly tackle the risk associated with ESG, corporate leadership must determine what success looks like, agree on a clear strategy, and transparently embed accountability for sustainability analytics that is routinely monitored with reporting to leadership.

Conclusion It is vital to understand the impact of data protection and ESG on your company. A

PETROLEUM RETAILERS FEAR ‘IMPLOSION’ AS GAS HITS $7 supposed to be offloading their product. They should be changing shortly. So if Esso changed last Friday, the other brands should be changing by this week or early next week.

“This is not the time to be in the gas station business. During the pandemic, despite the less hours and all of the other stuff, because oil was so much cheaper than during the pandemic we weren’t as bad as we are now. But I don’t think that the Government thinks that we’re bad off. People who are not in the industry don’t understand the industry. I just don’t think the Government understands the crisis.”

Petroleum retailers and the Government have met on separate occasions in recent months in response to the former’s plea for some relief from the industry’s prevailing model. However, the only two factors that the Government can influence are the taxes it earns per

gallon of gas and diesel sold, which are understood to be around a flat $1.10 plus 10 percent VAT, plus the retailers’ fixed, price-controlled margins that have made the industry a volume-driven business.

The retailers currently earn a fixed $0.54 per gallon margin on gasoline, and $0.34 for diesel. These figures do not change when gas prices go up, meaning that gas stations face having to pay the wholesalers - Rubis, Esso (Sol Petroleum) and Shell (FOCOL Holdings) more to purchase their fuel inventory despite their own net per gallon revenue staying the same.

The increased turnover thus results in gas stations paying higher Business Licence fees while revenues remain the same, helping to push gross margins in some instances below 10 percent. Retailers still have to pay staff, rent and other expenses from that

Bahamas can enjoy $177m boost from near-home focus

“This meeting is a demonstration that leaders, from the public and private sectors, can put aside their differences to find ways to create jobs and improve the well-being of our citizens – and trade is one of the main avenues to accelerate our prosperity.”

The IDB said recent studies showed the participation of companies in global value chains (GVC) brings multiple benefits, in addition to traditional gains from extra trade and investment. It added that involvement in GVC increases productivity through transfers of technology and knowledge, with a 10 percent rise in participation growing a country’s per capita GDP by 11-14 percent.

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net PETROLEUM retailers yesterday warned the industry could “implode” unless the Government urgently adjusts the price-controlled, fixed margin business it has laboured under for decades as gas prices breach the $7 per gallon mark.

Vasco Bastian, the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association’s (BPDA) vicepresident, reiterated to Tribune Business that high global oil prices have left the sector in “crisis” mode while predicting that gasoline prices will exceed $7 per gallon by week’s end at all three distribution chains.

Esso is already at $7.39 per gallon.

“The other stations typically lag behind Esso,” he said. “Apparently, for Rubis and Shell, their freighter wasn’t in and they were

FROM PAGE 24 “The estimate was provided to senior government officials from Latin America and the Caribbean, including ministers of trade and foreign affairs, and senior executives from companies of the Western Hemisphere, who gathered to analyse options for taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the reconfiguration of global supply chains, trends in trade sustainability and climate change, and

the increasing digitisation of economies.”

“Increased environmental concerns, along with the health crisis and the recent invasion of Ukraine

by Russia, has presented an opportunity in which the region can contribute to the global economy and the fight against inflation by taking a more active role in global supply chains in a way that is sustainable and equitable,” said IDB president, Mauricio Claver-Carone.

depressed gross margin, with the increased cost of fuel straining cash flows and credit lines. Increased use of the latter also results in higher bank fees and such like.

Retailers have urged the Government to increase their margins by up to 50 percent to help compensate for the higher oil prices. This would raise their margins by 27 cents per gallon of gasoline sold, taking them from 54 cents to around 81 cents.

However, Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, has ruled out a margin increase - especially at this time - for fear of adding to the burden for already hard-pressed consumers who are grappling with surging inflation and rising living costs. Petroleum retailers had nevertheless hoped some relief for their

sector would be unveiled in the Budget, but none was forthcoming.

Mr Bastian likened the current predicament facing himself and other retailers to a “hand grenade” where “the pin is slipping out and they have no control over keeping the pin in because the price of fuel continues to rise. So one day, the pin will just slip out and the whole industry will implode”.

He added that this implosion would result in some retailers being unable to buy gasoline from their wholesaler suppliers because there is insufficient finance to afford the purchase. “I don’t think the Government is taking this serious,” Mr Bastian said.

“There won’t be a shortage in regards to the inventory on the island, but there will be a gas shortage

proactive programme of regulatory change management requires the involvement of compliance leaders at the highest executive level to ensure that such activities are aligned with the firm’s business strategy.

NB: About Derek Smith Jr Derek Smith Jr. has been a governance, risk and compliance professional for more than 20 years. He has held positions at a TerraLex member law firm, a Wolfsburg Group member bank and a ‘big four’ accounting firm. Mr Smith is a certified anti-money laundering specialist (CAMS), and the compliance officer and money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) for CG Atlantic’s family of companies (member of Coralisle Group) for The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos.

at the various different brands because what will happen is it will become more difficult to buy the fuel that the wholesalers have to sell.

“The wholesalers have the fuel but the dealers buying that fuel is becoming a challenge, and it will become a challenge if the Government doesn’t intervene and recognise that the economic model dealing with gas operations in The Bahamas is 30 years-old and it cannot be used any more.”

Mr Bastian added: “Simon Wilson (the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary) has been nothing but five-star in this whole ordeal.

Simon Wilson understands the plea, and he is a man who knows the economy.

He knows this down to a science. Simon Wilson has been sympathetic and empathetic to the dealers from day one, and Prime Minister Davis has been accommodating.”

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2022

$6.35

$7.39

$6.35

$6.13

Bahamian exporters hit

by LPIA cargo scan woe BAHAMAS SANDALS RESORTS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net CARGO scanning woes at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) have blocked frustrated Bahamian exporters from sending thousands of dollars in native products to Europe since last year, Tribune Business can reveal.

Natural sponges, sea shells and Madeira Bark are just some of the goods enduring a multimonth halt to their European market access due to the need for a new outbound cargo scanner at LPIA’s Customs building, with Bahamian-owned firms and entrepreneurs disclosing they are losing clients, cash flow and sales to the point where some may have to stop sourcing fresh product.

This newspaper’s investigation uncovered that the European outbound cargo blockage has its roots in deficiencies in the cargo scanning processes at The Bahamas’ major aviation gateway, which

Sandals founder’s family in Bahamian legal battle LYNDEN PINDLING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LPIA) were detected and flagged up in an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit understood to have been conducted in mid-August 2021 when the Minnis administration was still in office.

This exposed the need for a new cargo scanner, but one has still not been purchased or installed. Instead, LPIA is employing what was described as a costly and time-consuming

Entrepreneur targets $850k for restaurant’s expansion

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A RESTAURANT entrepreneur yesterday moved to raise $850,000 from Bahamian crowdfunding investors to finance construction of a production and distribution centre and his planned franchise expansion.

Kevin Culmer, chief executive Tropical Gyros, speaking at his company’s launch via the ArawakX platform, said he has ambitions to franchise the concept within 12 months of opening a second outlet provided he can first raise the necessary capital to start construction on his “production and distribution centre”.

“I think it’s important, before we start looking at the international exposure, to make sure that we get all the kinks worked out here to show logistical support for more than one location,” Mr Culmer said. “We are not just thinking expansion to North America, but this is international. I have a Bahamian who has a business in Jamaica. He’s a doctor, and he’s been after to me to open up in Jamaica, so we are looking at that.

“But like I said, the key for me is being able to support and be able to have an area where I can put the production and distribution centre, where I can make my sauces and dressings, and be able to then send them out because right now I do everything for the restaurant right there and that gets tedious at times, because sometimes you don’t have the space.”

Tropical Gyros presently has one location in New Providence after its second site at The Pointe closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, three new locations are targeted for next year on Carmichael Road, at Cable Beach and on Prince Charles Drive.

The company’s revenue increased by $250,000 last year compared to when it opened in 2017, and sales for 2002 are already $80,000 above last year’s. “We

SEE PAGE 22

temporary solution that involves transporting outbound cargo to the airport’s “eastern end” and ‘Terminal A’, where it is placed through a smaller scanner that normally screens goods bring brought on to the airport - not those about to depart by plane.

This interim, stop-gap measure is said to have proven satisfactory to all airlines servicing Nassau bar one. That is British Airways (BA), which

just happens to be the only airline previously providing direct access to the UK and Europe for Bahamian exporters. It wants to send its own inspection team to check LPIA’s temporary screening arrangements to satisfy itself that this meets its security and safety requirements.

Tribune Business was yesterday told that responsibility

SEE PAGE 20

Coral killer will ‘decimate’ tourism, fisheries sectors

consequences could be dire for both fisheries and tourism, especially the latter’s dive and recreational fishing segments.

THE family of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the late Sandals resort chain founder, have become embroiled in an escalating Bahamian legal dispute over the multi-million dollar estate he has left behind.

Senior Justice Indra Charles, in a May 30, 2022, verdict redacted - or blanked out - most of the details surrounding a battle that centres on two Bahamas-based trusts created by the Jamaican-born entrepreneur who established a business empire that stretches across this nation and the Caribbean.

The courtroom fight is pitting Cheryl Hammersmith-Stewart, his common-law widow, and who was his third wife, against Cromwell Trust Company, the Bahamian private trust company that is responsible for managing the two trusts and their assets in its role as trustee.

Cromwell Trust Company has been joined as defendants by Mr Stewart’s adult children from his earlier marriages, including his son, Adam, who succeeded his father as Sandals Resorts International’s executive chairman and is named as the “enforcer” and an advisory Board member for both trusts.

Adam Stewart’s sister, Jaime McConnell, also an advisory Board member, is named as another defendant as is Brian Jardim, another of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart’s adult children. Mr Jardim, like Adam Stewart, is a successful businessman and entrepreneur in his own right, holding the post of chief executive at Rainforest Caribbean (formerly Rainforest Seafoods),

SEE PAGE 22

SEE PAGE 21

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE BAHAMAS National Trust’s (BNT) top executive yesterday warned that tourism and other coral reef-reliant industries will be “decimated” unless this nation rapidly arrests the spread of a killer disease for these key marine ecosystems.

Eric Carey, its executive director, also made an impassioned call for the Government to break through the environmental and scientific permit logjam by issuing the interim and temporary permits that are critical for Bahamian and international researchers to obtain a better understanding of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD).

Speaking after the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), which has

A MARINE biologist at the Perry Institute delivers life-saving antibiotic treatment to a pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) colony off Rose Island. This coral species has already been wiped out in San Salvador because of its high susceptibility to SCTLD, which is ripping through the country’s reefs. been leading the scientific fight against the disease, warned that it has spread much more rapidly through the Bahamian archipelago than initially feared, he added that the economic

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Bahamas can enjoy $177m boost from near-home focus

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE BAHAMAS could increase goods exports by some $177m if it maximises its “nearshoring” potential, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) study disclosed yesterday.

Released to coincide with the Summit of the Americas, the IDB suggested that The Bahamas could generate $57m worth of “quick wins” - and increase

valuable foreign exchange earnings - via attracting US, Caribbean and Latin American businesses to either domicile in this nation or outsource work to third parties already here.

Such so-called “nearshoring” could give The Bahamas some $33.2m in “quick wins” via increased goods exports to the US, and $32.8m via trade with the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB added that The Bahamas also has the opportunity to exploit “medium term opportunities”

worth $119.9m, taking the total potential benefit to $177m.

The figures were not broken down by industry or goods category, and the multilateral lender provided no basis for how it had come up with these calculations. And, set against the likes of the US and Mexico, the potential benefits for The Bahamas pale by comparison.

“Nearshoring could add an annual $78bn in additional exports of goods and services in Latin America and the Caribbean in the near and medium

term, with opportunities for quick wins in the auto industry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, among others,” the IDB said.

“Mexico and Brazil would see the biggest gains, though all countries would benefit from nearshoring according to data contained in a forthcoming study. The $78bn includes $64bn in exported goods and $14bn in services.

SEE PAGE 23