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Volume: 119 No.150, June 29, 2022
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‘MAKE THE DEAL’
Rolle sees plea bargains as way to clear backlogs and protect suspects out on bail By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle is a proponent of plea bargaining, pointing to challenges with the judicial system that have created criminal case backlogs, ultimately delaying justice in some cases. “Either we are going to have the cases disposed of through plea bargains or we are going to try to go for the jugular and get nothing,” he said. Mr Rolle who is in the waning days of his role as top cop, told The Tribune
that this delay has harvested a revenge culture, ultimately making targets of people granted bail. With the issue looming, Mr Rolle suggested that the force does not get enough credit for the work it does to build successful cases against offenders. In recent weeks, numerous alleged offenders who have been released on bail have been murdered, igniting discourse about what needs to be done to solve the problem on the issue. SEE PAGE THREE
TREASURE SEEKERS TOLD LEAVE IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Minister of National Security said the company exploring for sunken treasure is welcome to leave The Bahamas if they are not willing to accept the government’s new terms. Wayne Munroe, speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting, said that he stands by his earlier comments that any company wishing to do exploration in Bahamian waters should commit to a “process” that would allow for more transparency. Mr Munroe was responding to comments by Allen Exploration saying that if the government were to
flip the existing 75/25 split to one where The Bahamas received the majority share, the company would leave the country as it would not be feasible economically to explore for sunken treasure under that arrangement. Mr Munroe said: “As a matter of principle, if somebody says something isn’t economic to do, then they won’t do it. The treasure won’t go anywhere and when it becomes economic to be gotten, then somebody will go and get it.” “But this concept that you can dictate to a sovereign nation is just something that ought not to be countenanced. If you say, for instance, that a service SEE PAGE FIVE
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle speaking to The Tribune yesterday.
Photo: Moise Amisial
TEENAGER DENIES ‘RAPE’ GAS SUPPLIERS PREDICT IN HOSPITAL INCIDENT PRICE FALLING IN WEEKS By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said both a 14-year-old girl and 52-year-old patient have denied an alleged incident at the Princess Margaret Hospital. A janitor at PMH made a report with the allegation, the minister said, and police were involved.
However, while he gave these details, Mr Munroe said Deputy Commissioner Clayton Fernander would be addressing the matter, as he only received one briefing of what is alleged to have happened. “The précis I got was that the young girl, again I think she might have been 14. (The) mother took her to the hospital. Made SEE PAGE THREE
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE vice president of the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association says he expects gas prices to decrease slightly “within the next week or two” due to falling oil costs abroad. Vasco Bastian told The Tribune yesterday that while he could not predict how much local fuel cost
could drop by, he believes Bahamians will experience some gas relief very soon. He made the prediction based on declining oil prices in the US, which has seen a continued drop over the past two weeks His comments came just moments before Esso stations confirmed a price drop to $6.98 per gallon, significantly less than the SEE PAGE FOUR
THREE DEAD IN BLOODY 24 HOURS LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THREE men were killed in separate incidents less than 24 hours apart, pushing the country’s murder count to 69 for the year. The murder toll was yesterday confirmed by Police Commissioner Paul Rolle. This country’s latest murder took place shortly after midnight yesterday,
THE SCENE of the murder on Beatrice Avenue and Charles W Saunders highway yesterday. Photo: Moise Amisial hours after a man was stabbed to death and
another was fatally shot. Police said the shooting happened at the intersection of Beatrice Avenue and Charles W Saunders Highway when three men became involved in an argument at the traffic light on the highway. During the altercation, one of the men produced a firearm and fired shots in the direction of the two men.
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SEE PAGE TWO
ALICIA WALLACE: ABORTION MOVE TURNING BACK THE CLOCK
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
THE SCENE of the murder on Beatrice Avenue and Charles W Saunders Highway.
Photo: Moise Amisial
Three dead in bloody 24 hours from page one Both men ran north along Beatrice Avenue, however one later collapsed and was pronounced dead. The deceased victim is said to be in his mid 20s. Superintendent Audley Peters told reporters on the scene that police were following significant leads into the incident. However, he could not say what led to the shooting, adding that officers were still searching for second victim as well as the shooter.
Tuesday’s homicide came about two hours after police responded to a similar incident that occurred on Dean’s Street, where four men were shot. Police said a group of people were standing outside a business establishment in the area shortly after 10 pm on Monday when a car pulled up. “The occupants produced firearms and discharged the weapons at the group, hitting four males about their bodies,” police added. “The victims were transported to the hospital via private vehicles. One of
the males later succumbed to his injury, and the others are listed in serious condition.” Close family members and friends have identified the deceased as 26-year-old Chavez Jones, a father of two. His brother was also shot in the incident and has since been released from hospital. The close relative did not want to speak on the shooting when The Tribune visited area earlier yesterday. The shooting followed a stabbing incident that
occurred earlier that day. Police said that sometime after 2pm on Monday, they were called to a business establishment on Carmichael Road. “Initial investigations revealed that there was an altercation between two males. This resulted in one of the males producing a knife and stabbing the other male several times about his body,” police said. The victim was taken to hospital where he later died, police added. A man has since been arrested in connection to
Monday’s stabbing. Police said he is assisting officers with their investigations. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said he understands the suspect in this incident may be suffering from mental health issues. The minister made the remark as he commented on the recent spate of murders, saying everyone must do their part to help crack down on crime. “The overarching issue is that we are raising young men mainly and
infrequently women who see nothing absolutely wrong with shooting someone down and that should be what is troubling to us because we are raising them,” he said before going to yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. “They’re not raising themselves. We are raising them. They are our children. They are our sons. They live amongst us. They live amongst us with these weapons so when we take responsibility for what we do and what happens around us, we will be able to address it.”
PROTEST OUTSIDE OFFICE OF PM By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A SMALL group of contract workers demonstrated peacefully about compensation owed to them outside the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday. During the protest, the group demanded to speak with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, as they claimed the government allegedly breached their contracts. They also claim they are owed payments from July 2021. The group consisted of contract workers of Urban Renewal and Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority. The protestors gathered
shortly after 9am. OPM communications director Latrae Rahming said the government will find a solution to providing the aggrieved workers with the money that is owed to them. He said: “From the government’s perspective,we are going to endeavour to find a solution to this issue, to bring it some kind of resolution. I cannot say personally what some of the challenges might be, that are impacting it, but I do believe that we can deal with these things in a very civil way.” Mr Rahming said the government is confident the matter has been looked at and a resolution is nearing.
PROTESTORS outside the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.
‘HELP ELIMINATE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION’ By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
EXECUTIVES of The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities are urging the public to help eliminate discrimination on the basis of disabilities. The NCPD is actively ensuring that there are accessible public buildings throughout the country that are steadily moving forward, but remain a “work in progress”.
“It’s a work in progress, it’s not going to happen overnight because a lot of this stuff is rooted in our culture. Many persons don’t realise that many things they take for granted aren’t on the same level as person that need help or a person with a disability,” Townsley Roberts, deputy executive secretary of NCPD, told The Tribune. Roberts said there has been a noticeable improvement in terms of how people offer assistance to
those with disabilities in the last ten years. Desiree Clarke, executive secretary of NCPD, said: “The government has made progress, but there is always room for improvement for the entire country to be aware of persons with disabilities, because it’s not only for the government but it’s for all of us. “Be mindful that legislation isn’t the only challenge. Our greatest challenge is not the legislation, but the greatest challenge is
changing a mindset. Getting people to understand why legislation is needed and why it is important.” Clarke wants Bahamians to understand a disability is not just being a wheelchair user. “It’s being deaf or hard of hearing, it’s being totally blind or having a visual impairment, it’s being on the autism spectrum, it’s having Down’s Syndrome”, she told The Tribune. “What we are asking for is to be a part of everything
in this country. To be able to express our needs, our feelings and to contribute. Legislation just speaks to do just that and what we are just asking for is a level playing field - our disability doesn’t define us,” Roberts said. “Also, our various challenges don’t make us disabled, it’s the challenges in front of us what disables us.” NCPD urges disabled members of the public to register so that the government can plan and create policies as one of the
commissions major responsibilities is creating policies for persons with disabilities. NPCD partners with the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) to help the disabled during the hurricane season stay protected. “We are in the hurricane season so by registering with NPCD - we know where you live so we would know if you may need to relocate during a hurricane if you live in a flooding area or your dwelling is unsafe,” said Roberts.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, PAGE 3
CARBON MONOXIDE CONFIRMED AS CAUSE OF EXUMA DEATHS By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net ASPHYXIATION due to carbon monoxide poisoning was yesterday confirmed as the cause of death of three people who died at Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma nearly two months ago. “The Royal Bahamas Police Force initiated an investigation into the death of three visitors at the Sandals Emerald Bay
Resort, situated on the island of Exuma in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on Friday, May 6, 2022,” an RBPF press statement released yesterday said. “At this juncture of the investigation, we can officially confirm that all three of the victims died as a result of asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This matter remains under active investigation.” About two weeks after the
deaths of married couple Michael and Robbie Phillips, from Maryville, Tennessee, and Vincent Paul Chiarella, of Florida, The Tribune was told by a reliable source that carbon monoxide poisoning was to blame for the fatalities. Donnis Chiarella, wife of Paul Chiarella, was the lone survivor. The Chiarellas and the Phillips were found in separate villas in the hours after they sought medical attention for what was
thought to be a mysterious illness causing vomiting and nausea. Before the release of this update, Police Commissioner Paul Rolle yesterday said he received the death certificates on Monday. “This is the cause of death,” he told The Tribune. “The toxicological report that goes to the coroner and the coroner may determine from that and hold an inquest and at the end of that
inquest will determine who may be at fault or who is to take cause. “For me is cause of death because cause of death will determine whether its a homicide or not and then once you know the cause of death you are to then satisfy yourself that there was no malice that there was no one who did that. So, in this case we kind of know but from the facts and the evidence it does not appear that there was a person in that.”
‘Make the deal’ from page one
On Monday, the judiciary was told by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to step up efforts to create speedier trials and Bahamians were urged to stop looking for ways to avoid jury duty. However, Mr Rolle yesterday said a solution must be found to speed up cases because they are taking too long. He suggested cases be tried within two years, suggesting that to go beyond that timeframe presents implications. These include many factors that will ultimately affect the success of cases when they do come up for trial, he said. He was asked yesterday to state his position on the escalation of people on bail being murdered in recent weeks. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe
has said that around 30 of the men killed this year were out on bail for serious offences. “I was involved in the investigation for the people in Fox Hill in 2012,” Mr Rolle said. “I investigated that with the four persons in the park. That case hasn’t come up yet and I think one or two of the witnesses they already dead. Some of the parents have already died.” Apart from witnesses and victims potentially forgetting the details, Mr Rolle said victims and their families may be further traumatized by constantly seeing alleged perpetrators. “The other part of the equation is the fella is now on bail and the family is seeing him every day and sometimes he taunts them and they know that that’s who killed their loved one and they are angry because they can’t get justice and
so we have almost evolved into this phenomenon where people seem to have no interest in the criminal justice system. “‘You kill my boy well, I gonna kill you’ and we go to the extreme. “I looked at some of the ways cases are dealt with in the United States,” the outgoing commissioner said. “A lot of their cases are disposed of by plea agreement and plea bargaining. “Listen, we had a case here the other day with the young man who allegedly had sex with the young girl. You see all of the hell we gave the DPP? But I’ll tell you either we are going to have the cases disposed of through plea bargains or we are going to try to go for the jugular and get nothing.” Asked to further clarify his position, Mr Rolle said: “I am a proponent of
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle speaking to Tribune Chief Reporter Khrisna Russell.
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle yesterday. After he charges I have 14 plea-bargaining. “In 2014 when we days and I complete that amended the laws of The file along with a complete Bahamas I was a part of summary - the VBI files the committee and we everything and give it to increased the penalties so the attorney general so the you could get the maximum only thing he does then is then for armed robbery for prepare that for arraignexample would be 18 years. ment at the Supreme Court on whatever date and so we We put that to 40 years. “So, one time ago you are certainly feeding them. “We are doing our part. I had to fight for 18 years. Now a fella gets arrested am giving you your plate. I you say ‘Look you could am giving you your food on face 40 years in prison. If a silver platter and they still you do, I’ll cut a deal with spin around and blame me you. Plead guilty and I’ll for what? I give you everything you need. give you 18 years.’ “All you need to be able “You just got 18 what you to do is give me a date and had to fight for for free. “The numbers you could I’ll make sure that the officplay with, but it’s really to ers are in court so you do get these persons to account an arraignment today on a case and ten years later the for their actions.” Mr Rolle also said he is of officers either retired, died the view that police do not or left the force or doesn’t get enough credit for the remember because it’s work that they do to build taking too long. “We have to find a solusuccessful cases to put crimtion to speed up the cases inals behind bars. “From the police per- because they are just spective I prepare the file taking too long. If we can for the prosecutors and get the cases heard within so the magistrate charges. two years max that’s still
TEENAGER DENIES ‘RAPE’ IN HOSPITAL INCIDENT from page one a complaint to the police with a view to say that her daughter may have been engaging in sexual relations with her boyfriend,” he told reporters. “Whether it’s voluntarily or not, that’s a crime and so the police took her to the hospital for checking. She was tested positive for COVID. She was detained for COVID and during the course of that detention a janitor at the hospital made a report about her and a 52-year-old patient. The young child was discharged. “The report was made to police and they
investigated. The child denies what the janitor reports and the gentleman denies what the janitor reports and the police continue to investigate.” While the Public Hospitals Authority and the hospital have acknowledged an alleged incident involving the minor, which occurred on Friday, there was no mention made of what was alleged to have taken place. There were some reports on social media that claimed the assault was of a sexual nature. However, Mr Munroe previously told The Tribune yesterday that he was informed that what actually happened did not align with reports.
“The Deputy Commissioner (Clayton Fernander) was to speak to it,” the minister said on Sunday. “They are investigating it. I’ve seen reports. He indicated to me that it’s not necessarily inline with what is reported and you can get the actual details from him.” Meanwhile, the minister was asked about any reports of a shooting on Monday at PMH. The Freetown MP answered: “I have not. That has not come to my attention. They send them enroute. I haven’t read that. I read about somebody being shot while driving himself, being driven to PMH.”
PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL
Photos: Moise Amisial fresh because the longer you go, the memory fades and interest fades and let’s say you are a witness in a case you think you will be around five years later, six years later and they call you you won’t remember that. You don’t remember what colour shirt he had on. He got older. He had black hair now he’s gray. They ask if you can point him out and you say, ‘no’ and the case is thrown out. “So, my thing is the public prosecutor should meet with the attorney because they have status hearing and after the arraignment they have to go back for status hearing and case management and the magistrate may say this is your client that the evidence is strong and advise your client to plead guilty and you and the prosecutor y’all go talk and come back with a solution and come back to me. “Now because that does not happen these people get bail,” Mr Rolle said.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
UK ANNOUNCES NEW HIGH COMMISSIONER
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE United Kingdom has announced the change of the British high commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Sarah Dickson, OBE, will demit office and Tom Hartley will take up the appointment in August 2022. Mrs Dickson is expected to leave The Bahamas at the end of July. Before this appointment, Mr Hartley was posted in Ghana from 2018 in the capacity of Deputy High Commissioner. He also worked in the British Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon as head of the British government’s £100 million fund to support the local army, police, and local communities during the Syrian Refugee Crisis. According to the release, Mr Hartley is looking
forward to taking up this post and experiencing firsthand the warmth, beauty, hospitality, and energy for which the Bahamas is known. “It is my honour to be appointed as the next British high commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I pay tribute to my predecessor, Mrs Sarah Dickson who was rightly recognised in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours with an OBE for services to UK-The Bahamas relations,” Mr Hartley said. “I look forward to building on her excellent service to continue to strengthen the British-Bahamas partnership in security, climate change, education, and much more.” Mrs Dickson said she was sad to leave the country, but she is proud to have been able to reopen the High Commission in Nassau. “It has been a privilege
to serve in The Bahamas,” she said. “Setting up a new High Commission from scratch was always going to be a challenge. Doing so at the same time as the most extreme hurricane, followed by a global pandemic made the situation even more complex. I have been blessed by a terrific team at the High Commission who have found solutions at every turn,” she said. “I am grateful to all the allies and friends of the High Commission who have helped us out. I am fortunate that my family and I have managed to visit so many islands. Our travels from Crooked Island to Bimini; from Cat Island to Andros and so many other places; have allowed me to see the real beauty of The Bahamas and meet some terrific people. There are lots of things that bind our two countries together and we are always stronger when
TOM HARTLEY, who will become High Commissioner in August. we share our views and Mr Hartley every success experiences.” in his new posting and said Her Excellency wished she hoped to see those who
supported her and the High Commission before her departure.
Gas suppliers predict price falling in weeks from page one $7.39 cents per gallon in the weeks gone by. Meanwhile, Rubis stations remain at $6.98 per gallon and $6.97 is the price at both Shell and Autoserv. “We will see gas prices trending down, I believe, a little bit in another couple of weeks because the price of crude oil I see now is starting to go down and with America saying now that they’re going to produce more oil, then we can see the price of oil going down,” Mr Bastian told The Tribune. “I can’t tell you if it’s five cents or 10 cents but I could tell you that I know probably within the week or two, we would see some positive movement for Bahamian motorists. I believe that based on what I see and based on what I’m privy to, I think in a week or two, we could see some positive movements for Bahamian
motorists. “I think in the meantime, we just need to continue to try and see if those companies that represents the best interests of The Bahamas can make good buying decisions on the future market
when it comes to buying gas for this region.” Fuel prices have soared globally since Russia, the world’s third largest oil producer, invaded Ukraine in late February. The Davis administration
has repeatedly said they were looking at several initiatives to bring relief to both gas operators and consumers. However, nothing has been announced yet. On Monday, Prime
Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told reporters he believed the key to relief for Bahamians concerning escalating gas prices was linked to the removal of sanctions on Venezuela. He also said The Bahamas and other small island developing states were agitating for the US government “and the industrial world” to lift the sanctions on Venezuela. “As you would have heard me earlier speak about the energy crisis and what we’re doing as Small Island Developing States at these conferences is to have the United States and the industrialised world to remove sanctions in particular for Venezuela, which is now working, that we hope would be a step in relieving the cost of fuel to Bahamians,” Mr Davis said. “In respect to our meetings with the petroleum dealers we did make some movements during the budget exercise particularly to assist Family Island dealers and we are still working out what else we can do recognising that most of the cost related to fuel is not within our control.” “What is in our control and which I have been doing is letting our voice be heard about some of the initiatives and policies in some of the industrialised world that is causing the increase in oil. Quite apart from the invasion of Ukraine there
are also other issues like the sanctions on Venezuela that impacted the cost of fuel particularly for us. So, if those sanctions are lifted, it helps and so we have been agitating.” Yesterday, Mr Bastian said the move will benefit The Bahamas “tremendously”. “That oil in Venezuela, that’s better than getting our oil now from some of those major oil companies now in Africa or in the Middle East or whatever but you know we get our supplies from the United States but once you see we can get on board of that bandwagon, that can only mean one thing and the price of gas, the price of oil and everything will go down for The Bahamas and the Lesser Antilles and the whole Caribbean market,” he continued. “That will benefit The Bahamas tremendously - Bahamians, our driving motorist public as well as gas stations and our operators because something like that, once the logistics for that is fine-tuned, you can probably see a 25 per cent reduction in gas cost easily once all of the logistics have been set up and once all of the vessels are ready to go. It’s a smart move and it makes good business sense for The Bahamas. Even right now, the United States is negotiating with that and so I support that.”
COUNSELLING ORDER OVER DRUG POSSESSION By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was ordered to attend drug counselling classes after pleading guilty in the Magistrate’s court yesterday to possessing Indian Hemp. Kiny St Charles, 20, represented by Attorney Glenda Roker, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs. On July 26 in New Providence, the accused was arrested after being found with a small quantity of Indian Hemp. In court St. Charles pleaded guilty to the offence. During her plea of mitigation, Attorney Roker explained that her client smokes marijuana to cope with stress. She also said he is gainfully employed and is an expectant father.
After pointing out that the accused had already been in custody for 48 hours, his lawyer said he regretted his actions and does not want to be on the wrong side of the law again. His lawyer asked the court not to impose a custodial sentence on St Charles that would blemish his otherwise spotless record. In view of this, Magistrate Serville granted the accused a conditional discharge. St Charles was placed on six months probation during which time he is expected to attend drug counselling classes at CCAC. Should the court receive an unsatisfactory report at the end of these courses the accused will be convicted for the present offence and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. St Charles will return to court for mention on January 13, 2023.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, PAGE 5
Treasure seekers told leave if you don’t like it from page one station is unprofitable then you really shouldn’t be in the service station business. “So, if in fact the truth is then perhaps they need to go somewhere and to look for treasure somewhere where they can do it on their terms. “Currently they’re doing it in The Bahamas and not anywhere else. So, if that’s the rules the government put in place, you either do business on our terms about our natural resources or you go elsewhere.” David Concannon, spokesperson for Allen Exploration, responding to Mr Munroe’s comments in an email to the Tribune, said: “The Minister’s most recent comments are unfortunate. It seems like he is perpetually misinformed. We have, in fact, had conversations with the Government since the Minister’s last press briefing. I am not at liberty to discuss the particulars, but I can say they are not consistent with what the Minister of National Security said today.” Mr Munroe would be the first government official to ever suggest that Allen Exploration should leave the country. “In doing so, was he representing The Bahamas or simply himself?” Mr Concannon asked. Adding that these
EXPLORERS looking for treasure in this image from video by Allen Exploration. comments are not the way however, is stop searching Spanish Galleon, Nuestra to encourage private invest- for and recovering artifacts Señora de las Maravilment and philanthropy in from underwater. Maybe las, is heating up as there the country, Mr Concan- this is what the Minis- is an estimated $2bn in non added: “Mr Allen is ter of National Security sunken treasure in Bahanot going to leave The really wants. Enactment mian waters off Walker’s Bahamas. He has invested of a system that encourages Cay in Grand Bahama. too much of himself and looting of The Bahamas’ The treasure belongs to the his fortune in The Baha- cultural resources, some- Bahamian people and not mas to simply leave the thing that creates more Spain under whose flag the country because of imper- bandits to chase but does ship sailed. tinent remarks made by not serve the interests of Allen Exploration was an isolated Government the country or its citizens.” granted a licence to search official. What he will do, The exploration for the for this treasure under
the former Free National Movement administration headed by Dr Hubert Minnis, but the nature of the licence has changed since initially being granted sometime in 2018. The licence was renewed prior to the 2021 general election under the same legislatively mandated terms and the provisions of the Antiquities Monuments and Museums
Corporation (AMMC), but the territory governed by the permit has been significantly reduced. Allen Exploration still pays the same fees and costs for the licence, including the fees to acquire the licence and the cost of having two Royal Bahamas Defense Force officers on its vessels and one AMMC technician in its conservation facility.
MUNROE: TRIALS MORE EFFICIENT AFTER RULE CHANGES By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
WHILE admitting that an issue facing criminal court cases is generally the preparedness of the prosecution to proceed, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said a lot of rules have now been put in place to make trials more efficient. His comments came after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ on Monday asserted that courts have to “step up” in regards to hearing murder cases. Mr Davis also called on Bahamians to be ready when called upon to be jurors. Mr Davis, a QC, stated the backlog of cases was “astronomical”, adding in his view the system was almost nearing collapse. Before the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday, Mr Munroe, also a QC, said judges have an obligation through their sworn oath. He said: “Judges have an
obligation to do what they swore an oath to do. An example of how the judiciary works is there was recently reported that a gentleman was remanded for his own protection. Having read the story not knowing the facts but getting them directly from the story and the judgement that as an example if you prove to the court a fact the court will act on it. “The courts currently are recovering from the shutdown of everything. I acted as a judge... in the criminal division for three months. Jurors generally aren’t the issue. The issue generally is the preparedness of the prosecution to proceed, sometimes overindulgence of the defence counsel, which I didn’t do when I was on the bench and just marshalling things so they go along. We have a lot of rules that have been put in place that could make trials more efficient. “When I was in practice, a case that took four months to try, I tried as a
defence counsel in seven days and so if you permit people to waste time a case that could be disposed of in five to seven days will take three to four months and so there are a lot dynamics in it. Judges sometimes say they don’t want to stop a defence counsel because everyone is going to say my lawyer didn’t get to present my case. But at some point, we have to be more proactive.” Mr Munroe recalled that sometime before 2000 a report was produced with recommendations on how to address case backlogs. “I was on the Chief Justice’s delay reduction task force, it was before 2000, I believe that produced the report. I’ve asked them to look for it because a lot of the recommendations there can go quite a ways to addressing the backlogs. “So, for instance, there was a suggestion judges get five weeks vacation. If there’s ten judges in the criminal division, that’s 50
CHILD IS ABDUCTED AND RAPED IN GRAND BAHAMA By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday the abduction and rape of a young child in Grand Bahama is very disturbing. Grand Bahama Police found the missing child several hours after she had been taken from her home by an unknown male suspect. She told police the man had sexually assaulted her. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle said shortly after 7am on Monday police received a report of a burglary, sexual assault and child stealing that occurred in the area of Pioneers Way West. A team of officers was dispatched to the area to investigate. While conducting investigations, the victim’s father reported that shortly before 6am
he went to make checks of his daughter’s bedroom and discovered she was missing. ASP Rolle said the father immediately checked the interior and exterior of the residence and could not locate his daughter. He then checked his surveillance camera and observed an unknown slim dark male, clad in long jeans and bareback entering his residence and later leaving with his daughter. Mr Rolle said police searched the area and found the child walking in the vicinity of South Bahamia. ASP Rolle said an adult male was later arrested and taken into police custody and is assisting with the investigation and other matters. The suspect is expected to appear before in the Magistrate’s Court later in the week. When asked about the
incident and the call for more police presence in Grand Bahama following the abduction, Minister Wayne Munroe said there has been a cry for more police presence everywhere. “I had a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, the incoming Commissioner, and he was briefed on that. If they’ve now determined it was a young child, because to say a rape makes it sound as if it was an adult person who was abducted. The information coming to me was that it was a young child. So, that is disordered in many, many ways. “So, the issue of the cry for more police, more police, we hear that cry everywhere.” Mr Munroe said that incoming Commissioner Fernander has said they may be addressing the manpower issues in Grand Bahama.
weeks of vacation for the judges in a year. That’s a year of trial time, right. Well, when they are out of the chambers on vacation nobody sits in their court. “So, you lose about one year trial time to vacation where as you can seek to do what they do in England and have these people who want to be Queen Counsel sit and show that they are leaders of the bar by acting in criminal matters for the time that the judges are on vacation and you would immediately get 50 weeks of trial time. And so I’m seeking to get that report so that we can have a look at it to see what is still relevant and to see what we can look at executing.” Mr Munroe previously stated there is always concern when people on bail are victims of murder. Yesterday, he said the victims’ lifestyles may place them in danger, adding that up to the shooting death of a Royal Bahamas Defence marine last week, there had been about 30 people murdered who were on bail.
“The fact that you know where someone is 24 hours a day doesn’t stop someone from murdering them unless you have a standing guard on them 24 hours a day. That feature maybe an indication of retaliation as well as it maybe an indication that the person is involved in a lifestyle that puts them into conflict. So, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but if I’m a gangbanger and I get charged with murder and I get bail and I come out and continue that behaviour. My murder maybe related something I’ve done since I’ve come out,” he said. “The police do a very good job at investigating these things and getting intelligence at trying to show what is retaliation because that may then set up the fact that you’re gonna have a domino effect of murders in short period of time and so that’s a job they do very well and that’s what they always look at when they find a murder. But yes 30 out of 65 persons who were
murdered, well that was up to the point of the defence force marine’s murder was the 65….so we’ve added three since then. But the 30 of that number were persons on bail.” The murder count this year is 69 so far. Mr Munroe also said: “I have been in practice when the crown objects to you getting bail because your life will be in danger. Every applicant says that should be my problem I could look after my own safety and I don’t accept that and so they (are) then release on bail unless the crown can show as they were able to do in the recent case that there really is a theft to this person being killed. “Because what they will say is we have about maybe 300 people on bail for murder. Thirty have been murdered, that’s ten percent. That’s not a high enough percentage to indicate that I will be murdered. Persons for whatever reason fight very hard to get bail.”
PAGE 6, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
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Is this how government speaks to investors? THE tone of dialogue between the government and the company hunting for treasure from ships on the Bahamian seabed has taken a turn for the worse – and then some. First, Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe effectively told the company, Allen Exploration, that if they didn’t like the new terms the government was bringing in then they could take a hike. Allen Exploration had said that if the government was to change the existing 75/25 split to one where The Bahamas received the majority share, the company would leave the country as it would not be feasible to explore under those terms. Mr Munroe said: “The treasure won’t go anywhere and when it becomes economic to be gotten, then somebody will go and get it. “But this concept that you can dictate to a sovereign nation is just something that ought not to be countenanced. If you say, for instance, that a service station is unprofitable then you really shouldn’t be in the service station business.” That latter part might not have been so wise given that gas station operators have been petitioning government themselves of late for an increase in their operating margins or they may have to shut down. But aside from that, Allen Exploration has been operating under the terms introduced by the government. It’s the government wanting to change the deal, not Allen Exploration. They’re just saying that if the government makes it unprofitable, then they’re out of here. Although they’re not mincing words about it. A spokesperson for the company said that it seemed like the minister was “perpetually misinformed”. He went on to describe the comments as “impertinent remarks made by an isolated minister”. Interestingly, the spokesman, David Concannon, also said: “We have, in fact, had conversations with the government since the minister’s last press briefing. I am not at liberty to discuss the particulars, but I can say they are not consistent with what the Minister of National Security said today.” He added that Mr Munroe was the first government official to suggest Allen Exploration should leave the country and asked “in doing so, was he representing The Bahamas or simply himself?” It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Mr Munroe might be speaking out of turn – he’s done it already since moving into government office. Previously, he got into a tangle over the Prison Commissioner being placed on leave, with concerns raised that Mr Munroe had represented two deputy commissioners in a lawsuit seeking to quash that commissioner’s appointment. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was drawn into the matter when he said
that he did not know Mr Munroe had represented the deputy commissioners, and the probe was to be placed in independent hands. Then, in April, Mr Munroe managed to suggest that sex with a 14-year-old girl by a 40-year-old man was not rape, in a matter prompted by a court case, and that the sentence involved of four years was too harsh. Again, the Prime Minister had to step in, saying on Twitter: “Let’s be clear, grown men should stay away from children. The law is designed to protect children, who cannot meaningfully offer consent, and it should be enforced to the fullest extent.” He later said Mr Munroe had no need to resign, but noted that Mr Munroe’s “personal views may be best kept to himself”. So is this a personal view or is this a government policy? If it is not the government view that a long-term investor in The Bahamas such as Carl Allen, who as the spokesperson noted, “has invested too much of himself and his fortune in The Bahamas to simply leave,” will the Prime Minister have to intervene again? If so, that’s the third strike for Mr Munroe. He ought to be glad that politics is not baseball.
Plea bargains Outgoing Police Commissioner Paul Rolle is advocating plea bargains as a way to unclog the court system – and also stop the number of murders of suspects out on bail. There may be something to that in terms of speeding up the time it takes for cases to get to court, but when it comes to suspects being murdered, that’s just reducing the window of opportunity for revenge – not stopping the act itself. Instead, we may well get people getting a shortened sentence, then coming out of jail and getting murdered then instead. He’s right that something must be done, of course – he highlights himself the 2012 Fox Hill shooting in which he says that the case still hasn’t come up and some of the witnesses have since died. That’s no path to justice for anyone. Interestingly, one of the cases he highlights is the same rape case that Wayne Munroe commented on that landed him in political hot water. The length of that sentence – four years – is perhaps indicative of the flaws that go with plea bargaining sometimes. It should be used to get justice, by all means, but it should not be used to let someone get away with too light a sentence, leaving victims or their friends or family feeling aggrieved and that their interests have not been served. It should be a balance, not simply a tool to cut through the failings elsewhere in the court system.
A DEMONSTRATOR dons a flag emblazoned with the image of Brazil’s former president and current presidential candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, during an International LGBT + Pride Day, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Photo: Silvia Izquierdo/AP
Gas prices are rising too high EDITOR, The Tribune. REBUILDING a strong economy is the task of every government. But it is very important to realise that rebuilding a stronger economy begins with rebuilding the low and middle class families. An increase with the NIB contributions will hurt low income families and small businesses. Many are still recovering from a pandemic while juggling minimum wage, and an inevitable growing inflation. Any new taxes at this time will be a genocide. This country is faced with the worst hardship and economical unbalance it has ever seen. And no, it’s not due to this administration; but a global assault to world’s economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on lowincome families is gravely significant. Many of these families are struggling to pay for basic needs, including food, medicine, utility and rent bills. With overdue bills already hanging over their heads, gasoline price increase, the possibilities of NIB contribution and electricity surcharge increase, it will be extremely difficult for low-income families to get back on their feet. While there might be assistance from the government and different NGO’s to help families pay
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net their rent and utility bills, it’s not enough. And now these families will have to set aside even more of their income for gasoline, making it even more difficult for them to pay for back rent and overdue utilities. For numerous lowincome families, cutting back on car usage is not a choice. Gasoline is an essential good. People don’t utilise their cars to go on excursions or just parties, they utilise them to drive to work, purchase goods, go to the doctor and make other fundamental trips. The government must implement strong and workable policies to mitigate the impact of high gas prices. If we increased investment in infrastructure to reduce congestion on the roads it could possibly reduce commute times and therefore gas usage. Additionally, supplement the public transport with incentives to help provide an alternative for commuting to work. This would also help many families that are vulnerable to the changes in gas prices. Furthermore, it is time that we focus and transition our country to an electric society and team up with the global market.
Electric cars are now the new norm. With the few industries already here in the Bahamas that are supplying electric cars, it’s time to negotiate with them in making electric cars affordable to Bahamian families. This is also the perfect time to lobby with other car dealerships and partnering with them so that they too can transition from the sale of gas dependent vehicles to more electric vehicles. Not only would this reduce the entire country’s dependence on fossil fuel, but also the possibility of creating more jobs. Until we can get the gas prices back to some sense of normalcy, another option should be to provide qualifying families across the Bahamas with an additional benefit incentive of at least $150.00 a month to help provide groceries. This would free up funds that families would otherwise use for food to pay for gasoline. This is a global crisis, but many families are consuming this pain rather than absorbing it. Families should be protected so they do not have to choose between paying for essentials, such as food and medicine and paying for gasoline. We need fast action, and it’s needed right now! DR MATHEO SMITH Nassau, June 28, 2022.
Yachts and rising debt EDITOR, The Tribune. SO, GOVERNMENT wants to encourage private yacht registration to the Bahamas flag. Zeroing duty and VAT has zero connection to enticing a yacht owner to register their yacht under the Bahamas Registry. The lowering of duty to 10% is purely and solely being designed to suit a constituency that Government wishes to assist – yacht owners
are not the norm they have wealth, have money yachts are their toys, sorry guys unnecessary luxuries which under all normal conditions you will pay for – zero support to lowering duty. Same goes for EV vehicles - electric vehicles a luxury - unnecessary, a toy of those who are wealthy you got to contribute. It’s totally scary that no politician past or present understands the critical
issues facing our finances. Successive governments have racked up debt on debt 2022 we have to find $518m …2023 we have to find $251m… 2024 we have to find $509m… 2025 (next election) we have to find $184m for the coming seven years after every year minimum of $440m a year without deficit. STEPHEN MOSS Nassau, June 28, 2022.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, PAGE 7
Appeal application for bail denied for murder accused BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal application of murder accused Dentawn Grant, who was denied bail by a Supreme Court judge for his own safety after attempts were made on his life. Grant, who is charged with two counts of murder and attempted murder, had applied for bail in the Supreme Court, but the bail application was denied for his safety. Grant then filed an appeal on April 8. The appeal application was before Sir Michael Barnett, Justice Isaacs, and Madam Justice Crane-Scott. The appeal hearings were held on May 11 and 24, and June 23. Alex Dorsett represented the appellant, Dentawn Grant. Basil Cumberbatch appeared as counsel for the respondents, the Department of Public Prosecutions. Grant was charged with the three offences in March 2022. He applied for bail on March 14. The application was heard by Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns, and her ruling, dated April 6, denied the application bail.
The Supreme Court Judge denied Grant bail following an attack on him days earlier. It is alleged that before Grant’s arrest, his vehicle was shot at and he had plotted with others to retaliate for the attack. The persons who the appellant thought were responsible for his attack were murdered, leading to the attempted murder of the virtual complainant. It is alleged that Grant committed those offences. The judge considered Grant’s safety and was aware of the fact that “the incident occurred in a hotspot for crime and there is a strong possibility of retaliatory attacks.” Once there is a basis that an accused person may be attacked on bail, the court is obligated to deny bail to the applicant. However, a caveat can be applied if the applicant can demonstrate to the court that notwithstanding a finding that his life may be in danger, if released on bail, he is able to minimize that risk. The appeal judges noted that Grant submitted to the Court of Appeal that he is willing to relocate to another island. Unfortunately, that submission was not made in the court below (The Supreme Court) and the judge
could not be faulted for not applying her mind to the efficacy of such a condition in the circumstances. In the premises, it was found that the judge’s decision to deny bail to the appellant on the grounds that the appellant’s life may be in danger is explicable and not unreasonable. Accordingly, Justice Minns was entitled on that basis to deny bail. Grant had filed an appeal to the Court of Appeals on April 8 on three grounds that: the learned judge erred in law and/or acted unreasonably in granting the appellant bail; the judge erred in concluding that the evidence was cogent, and that the judge erred in law in and/or acted unreasonably in all the circumstances of the case. Grant, 22, of New Providence, has one previous conviction which has been spent, and no pending matters. He is employed with his father as a skilled labourer. The respondent’s opposition to the bail application was contained in an affidavit of Inspector Demetrious Taylor. The officer outlined why the judge should refuse bail due to the seriousness of the offences, the cogency of the evidence
linking Grant to the offence, and the danger posed to Grant as a person who was charged with murder, if granted bail, may be killed as others similarly charged, had been. In his submission before the Court of Appeals, Mr Dorsett advised that Mr Grant, his client, was willing to relocate to another island if that were possible to allay any fears that he may suffer the same fate as the alleged victims in his case. Mr Dorsett further complained that the judge characterized the respondents’ evidence of the appellant’s involvement in the offence charged as being “cogent.” Mr Cumberbatch argued that the evidence of two witnesses provided a sufficiently fulsome case against the appellant that the judge could not be faulted for her use of the word “cogent.” Appeal court judge Justice Isaacs found that although the judge may have erred in finding that the undue delay was not a live issue for her consideration and that the appellant may have posed a threat to the witnesses in his case, she did not err when she regarded the safety of the appellant as a pertinent factor for denial of bail.
The appeal judges dismissed the appeal and affirms the judge’s refusal of bail to Grant on the basis that the safety of the appellant if released on bail is an important factor for the judge’s consideration; and that the factor could not be minimised or negated by any condition of bail the court could impose. Justice Crane Scott Isaacs agreed. Justice Michael Barnett also agreed with the disposition by Justice Isaacs. He also stated that having regard to the material before the court, the murder appears to have been in retaliation to a previous attack on the appellant. He said there is not only risk of the appellant’s safety if granted bail, but also a risk to the public’s safety. “Any retaliation against the appellant puts members of the public at risk who may be in the area where any attack on the appellant may take place,” he said. ‘In the circumstances, I am satisfied that in addition to the safety of the appellant, it is also in the interest of the safety of the public that the appellant should be denied bail,” Justice Barnett said.
THREE ACCUSED OVER FIREARM, BLANKETS AMMUNITION AND DRUGS FOR DIALYSIS By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
THREE men and a woman appeared in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with firearm, ammunition and drug offences. Francisco Fraubert, 24, Leonardo Rolle, 31, Kenyatta Kinteth, 21, all represented by Attorney K Melvin Munroe, and Wildana Desinard, 29, represented by attorney Ian Cargill, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville. The four accused faced three charges for possession of a firearm, ammunition and drugs. On June 26 in New Providence the accused were reportedly found with a black 503 Columbia 9mm pistol with the serial number erased and six live rounds of ammunition. On the same day they were also accused of having 7/8 oz of Indian Hemp in their possession. While all four accused pleaded not guilty to almost all of the charges against them, Rolle was the sole
defendant who pleaded guilty to the drug charge. Although the prosecution moved to withdraw the drug charges for the remaining accused and provide ruling on Rolle’s drug charge, such action was deferred until their bail hearing today. The prosecution submitted that they needed time to review the accuseds’ criminal records and confirm if they had any pending matters before the court. Mr Cargill objected to this move on behalf of his client stating that Wildana Desinard is a mother who, he says, has no convictions. As such Cargill asked the court to immediately grant Desinard bail after she had already spent 48 hours in custody to which Magistrate Serville assented. Desinard’s bail was set at $6,000 with one or two sureties. After the intercession of Mr Munroe the court agreed to allow the male accused be remanded at Nassau Street or Central Police Station to fast track their return to court. The defendants trial date in this matter also will be set today.
BAIL GRANTED IN CAR DAMAGE CASE By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A WOMAN was granted bail in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for intentionally breaking another woman’s car. Samara Smith, 38, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on a charge of damage. At around 5pm on June 25 at Prince Court the accused reportedly intentionally caused
damage to the rear windshield of Tia Minus’s black 2013 Honda Accord. When asked where she wanted to have her matter heard, Smith elected to continue the case in the Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the offence. As there was no objection to bail, the accused was granted $1,000 bail with one or two sureties. Smith’s trial is set to begin on September 13.
PATIENTS
By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) brought smiles to the faces of dialysis patients with a donation of 250 pairs of socks and blankets. The association delivered packages with the items to the dialysis unit at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), RenalMed Associates Medical Centre, the Kidney Clinic at Oak Tree Medical, the Dialysis Centre Bahamas on Collins Avenue and the Kidney Centre at Renal House. The donations were funded by an anonymous sponsor in conjunction with donations from Martha’s Small Group at Bahamas Harvest Church and BKA’s personal fundraising efforts. BKA’s president Tamika Roberts said: “Since patients spend a lot of time in dialysis centres and it gets cold at times, this was just one way to give back to let them know we are here, and we care. We wanted patients to feel our
THE Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued an advisory warning the public of sea lice and jellyfish bites. In a statement, the Ministry of Health officials said sea lice are the larvae of jellyfish, which float on the sea surface but are barely visible to the human eye. Occurrences of these bites are commonly seen during the period of March to August. “Skin contact with sea lice often results in dermatitis or seabather’s eruption, which happens because the microscopic creatures become entrapped in swimwear,” the ministry said. “The eruptions produce a prickly sensation which
progresses into a bumpy red rash noticeable between four to 24 hours following exposure. Lesions from the skin rash can last up to two weeks. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, muscle spasms, joint pains and difficulty sleeping.” Treatments include antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or Benadryl and corticosteroid creams such as Hydrocortisone. “Bathing in colloidal oatmeal preparations and applying calamine lotion to the rash may provide comfort. Persons should avoid scratching or scraping the affected area as it may cause further skin damage. In severe cases, epinephrine
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
presence and know that we are working to help support them.” Ms Roberts is no stranger to the life altering effects of kidney disease. In 2018 she donated her kidney to her brother Antonio who was suffering from renal failure. The siblings were grateful for the success of their surgery and became inspired to help other chronic kidney patients. They connected with Nephrologist Dr Ada Thompson, president of the dormant Bahamas Kidney Foundation and began the new Bahamas Kidney Association in April 2021. PMH nurse Darnell Roker said the blankets were well received by the patients. “They are bringing them proudly with them, for their treatment and it was really uplifting for them to know they are not in
this alone. It was very well thought out and well-timed. It wasn’t just appreciated by the patients but also by the staff,” Nurse Roker said. Some of the dialysis patients expressed their gratitude for the donations. Marvin Deveaux, 56, said: “In these trying times things are tough and a lot of kidney patients are not employed. That being said, I’m appreciative of the blanket and the socks. I’m grateful.” Keishler Johnson and her mother are both dialysis patients. Ms Johnson said: “We have our rough days but for the most part we are happy, cheerful, laughing and going. We come together. We leave together. Thank God for that. The blanket was very much appreciated. It was a nice gesture to the persons in dialysis because it’s something to keep you a little warmer.”
THREE MONTHS IN JAIL FOR ASSAULT By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAGISTRATE’S court sentenced a man to three months in prison for assaulting a woman with a figurine. Ma’lek Sawyer, 20, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola
MINISTRY ISSUES WARNING OVER SEA LICE AND JELLYFISH By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net
JAILED AFTER SERIES OF THEFTS ON ANDROS
and other intramuscular steroids may be required.” The ministry advised residents to be cautious and safe. “Beachgoers should be aware of their individual risk, especially if they have strong allergic reactions; avoid wearing t-shirts and one-piece swimsuits while swimming; and immediately after swimming change out of swimwear. Swimwear should be washed in detergent and placed in a dryer as recurrence of symptoms may present when wearing a swimsuit that was air-dried. “Persons who suspect that they have been affected by sea lice and are noticing other symptoms along with the rash should seek medical attention.”
Swain on charges of assault with a dangerous instrument, threats of death and assault. On June 10 at Crepe Myrtle Avenue in Garden Hills, Sawyer threatened Rachel Ferguson with death and assaulted her with a figurine. He pleaded guilty to all three counts. The magistrate sentenced him to three months in
custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) for the assault charge. The accused was further fined $500 for the assault with a dangerous instrument and another fine of $300 or three months in prison for the threats of death. Sawyer has up to seven days to appeal the ruling.
AN ANDROS MAN was sentenced to two years and three months in prison yesterday after a series of thefts on the island and escaping the local police station. Liston Russell, 30, of Love Hill Andros, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on multiple charges. These include three counts of stealing, two counts of receiving, two counts of unlawful entry, trespassing and escape from lawful custody. Sometime between 11.45pm on June 17 and 12.45am on June 18 after trespassing onto Hope Bay Lodge in Andros the defendant stole Rafa Devito’s $500 iPhone 10 and Odin Sampson’s silver and white iPhone worth $1050. Then on June 23 after Russell’s arrest he escaped the Fresh Creek Police Station. After this incident the accused broke into the Conch Drop Villa at Brigadiers and stole $200 belonging to Barret McGuire on June 24. In court, Russell pleaded guilty to all nine charges against him. Magistrate Swain sentenced Russell to serve a total of two years and three months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Russell has within seven days to appeal the court’s sentencing.
PAGE 8, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
Turning back the clock for ears and minds that won’t open By Alicia Wallace
LAST Friday, in a 6-3 Sotomayor and Elena majority vote, the US Kagan wrote: “With sorrow Supreme Court overturned — for this Court, but more, Roe v Wade, the 1973 for the many millions of ruling that a woman’s lib- American women who have erty to choose to have an today lost a fundamental abortion was protected by constitutional protection — the constitution. The ruling we dissent.” This quote has struck down state-level laws been shared, over and over that made abortion illegal. again, to remind people This meant abortion was that three justices voted legal up to 28 weeks which against the overturning of was when a Roe v Wade, fetus was conas an echo of sidered viable ‘It should be sorrow and as a outside of the a given that clear reminder womb. This was women have the that a constilater changed to tutional right 23 to 24 weeks. right to choose, is now being Pregnancy is and no law denied in the calculated from should restrict US. the date of the The ruling last period, not women’s access has not shocked the time of fer- to healthcare. many people. tilisation of the Denying In fact, people egg. This means have been dispeople are often constitutional cussing and at least once protection organising for into pregnancy at least the past and legislating when they six months with find out they against access the knowledge are pregnant to healthcare that this would — after misslikely happen. ing a period. It is violence.’ Even with could be later that knowlif there is bleeding or the edge, there is sadness, person is not tracking their disappointment and rage. periods. There have been There are people wringmany challenges to the ing their hands, there are cut-off time for abortions people making donations since Roe v Wade. There to organisations dedicated have been threats to over- to providing healthcare turn it and it has been a and upholding the rights of voting issue, but never did women, there are people it have such a strong pos- announcing they will sibility as with the current help anyone who needs conservative majority in the an abortion by providing Supreme Court. rides, housing, meals and a The dissenting Justices, number of other resources Stephen Breyer, Sonia and services, and there are
ABORTION rights activists hold a rally outside the First Street US Courthouse, Central District of California, in downtown Los Angeles, on Monday. Photo: Damian Dovarganes/AP people working to inspire That change was grounded and encourage people to in the fundamental belief do more than cry, yell, that it’s a [woman’s] right to or angrily post on social choose.” She added: “People are media. Prime Minister of New absolutely entitled to have Zealand Jacinta Arden deeply held convictions on said: “Here in New Zea- this issue. But those perland we recently legislated sonal beliefs should never to decriminalise abortion rob another from making and treat it as a health their own decisions.” The latter part of Arden’s rather than criminal issue. statement is particularly important, especially as we discuss the issues of opinion, beliefs and legality. All over the world, people want laws to reflect their own beliefs. They do not want people to access resources or services they consider “wrong”, or even unnecessary. They are unconcerned about human rights. Their priority is their belief PRIME Minister of New Zealand Jacinta Arden said the nation had system. There are beliefs recently decriminalised abortion. and there are truths. That is a woman’s right to choose pledged $500,000 from her than three percent of and that women must have Special tour to those organ- women lived in countries bodily autonomy is a funda- isations. Lizzo has long where abortion was legal mental truth. That access to been a prominent voice on under all circumstances. healthcare is a fundamental women’s bodies and what From 2010 to 2014, aborright is a fundamental truth. we are and are not allowed tion rates were 33 per 1,000 It must also be understood to do with them, and her women in the Caribbean, donation is both a demon- and only 25 percent of aborabortion is healthcare. This discussion feels old, stration of her commitment tions in Latin America and repetitious and as though and a call to others in simi- the Caribbean were safe. There are six classificait should not be necessary lar positions to dig into at this point. It should be their wallets and help in a tions of countries and their abortion laws. These clasa given that women have tangible way. Former First Lady sifications are prohibited the right to choose, and no law should restrict women’s Michelle Obama said she altogether, to save the life access to healthcare. Deny- was heartbroken by the of woman, to save the life of ing constitutional protection ruling. She referred to woman or preserve physiand legislating against access deaths due to unsafe abor- cal health, to save life or the government woman or preserve physito healthcare is violence. It tions, increases unsafe abortions denying women control cal or mental health, to save and can result in death. We of their reproduction and life or woman or preserve should be beyond this point, women being forced to physical or mental health and the US at least on the give birth and then being or socio-economic reasons, and without restrictions. basis of Roe, was for almost abandoned. “The more we allow pes- The Bahamas is in the third half of a century. allowing California congressman simism to push us further classification, Eric Swalwell tweeted: into helplessness, the less abortions to preserve the “Don’t forget to turn we will be empowered to life or health of a woman. Some countries also your clocks back 50 years help create the kind of tonight.” It is the kind of country we want to live in,” allow abortion in cases of rape, incest, fetal anomaly, humour that is born out of said Mrs Obama. The lack of paid family and/or parental authorisarage or disappointment. Its suggestion is as true as the leave, little attention to tion. Guyana and Barbados the baby formula short- have the most progressive statement is absurd. At the Glastonbury Fes- age and stagnant minimum laws on abortion in the Cartival, Megan Thee Stallion wage make it obvious that ibbean, but access issues For example, used her performance to anti-abortion people are remain. send a message. She said not interested in anyone’s people in rural areas have Texas, her home state, was lives. They are interested difficulty getting to the few embarrassing her. She went in controlling women’s healthcare institutions that on to say: “I wanna have it and trans people’s bodies. provide this service. We still have a long way on record that the hot boys They are obsessed with the and hot girls do not support idea of “consequences” to go. We have countries this [expletive].” She calls for women’s sexuality and to study, laws to reform, her fans “hotties,” so she assigning blame for the lack minds to change and access was galvanising her base. of comprehensive sexuality to prioritise. We also have She then led the crowd in education, limited access to to recognise that changing chanting, “My body, my contraception and failure the minds of anti-abortion [expletive] choice!” Other to end sexual violence to people is not necessary. performers at the festival the people with the burden They can believe whatunwanted pregnan- ever they want. Those made similar statements of cies. They are not content beliefs must not control and engaged the crowd. Lizzo tweeted and posted to choose for themselves, other people. Their beliefs on Instagram that: “The instead seeking to dominate are theirs to have and to most important thing is and control people in situ- honour. For the rest of us, action and loud voices.” ations of vulnerability. We, there is the truth: Women She added that Planned unfortunately, are not at all are full human beings with human rights that include Parenthood and National better off in the Caribbean. According to the 2018 the right to life, liberty and Network of Abortion Funds need funding to continue report by the Guttmacher security of person. Women providing services to those Institute, in Latin America have the right to choose. harmed by the ban. She and the Caribbean, fewer The law needs to catch up.
PAGE 10, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
51 MIGRANTS DIE IN TRAILER SAN ANTONIO Associated Press
DESPERATE families of migrants from Mexico and Central America frantically sought word of their loved ones as authorities began the grim task yesterday of identifying 51 people who died after being abandoned in a tractor-trailer without air conditioning in the sweltering Texas heat. The driver of the truck and two other people were arrested, US Rep Henry Cuellar of Texas said. He said the truck had passed through a Border Patrol checkpoint northeast of Laredo, Texas, on Interstate 35. He did not know if migrants were inside the truck when it cleared the checkpoint. Investigators traced the truck’s registration to a residence in San Antonio and detained two men from Mexico.
POLICE and other first responders at the scene where officials say dozens of people have been found dead and multiple others were taken to hospitals with heat-related illnesses after a semitrailer containing suspected migrants was found on Monday in San Antonio. Photo: Eric Gay/AP
Aide testifies on Trump’s behaviour on January 6 WASHINGTON Associated Press
DONALD Trump rebuffed his own security’s warnings about armed protesters in the Jan 6 rally crowd and made desperate attempts to join his supporters as they marched to the Capitol, according to dramatic new testimony yesterday before the House committee investigating the 2021 insurrection. Cassidy Hutchinson, a little-known former White House aide, described an angry, defiant president that day who was trying to let armed protesters avoid security screenings at a rally that morning to protest his 2020 election defeat and who later grabbed at the steering wheel of the presidential SUV when the Secret Service refused to let him go to the Capitol. And when the events at the Capitol spiraled toward violence, with the
crowd chanting to “Hang Mike Pence”, she testified that Trump declined to intervene. Trump “doesn’t think they’re doing anything wrong”, Hutchinson recalled hearing from her boss, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Hutchinson’s explosive, moment-by-moment account of what was happening inside and outside the White House offered a vivid description of a president so unwilling to concede his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden that he acted out in rage and refused to stop the siege at the Capitol. It painted a damning portrait of the chaos at the White House as those around the defeated president splintered into one faction supporting his false claims of voter fraud and another trying unsuccessfully to put an end to the violent attack. Her testimony, at a surprise hearing announced
just 24 hours earlier, was the sole focus at the hearing, the sixth by the committee this month. The account was particularly powerful because of her proximity to power, with Hutchinson describing what she witnessed first-hand and was told by others in the White House. Hutchinson said that she was told Trump fought a security official for control of the presidential SUV on Jan 6 and demanded to be taken the Capitol as the insurrection began, despite being warned earlier that day that some of his supporters were armed. The former aide said she was told of the altercation in the SUV immediately afterward by a White House security official, and that Bobby Engel, the head of the detail, was in the room and didn’t dispute the account. Engel had grabbed Trump’s arm to prevent him from gaining control of the
armored vehicle, she was told, and Trump then used his free hand to lunge at Engel. That account was quickly disputed. Engel, the agent who was driving the presidential SUV, and Trump security official Tony Ornato are willing to testify under oath that no agent was assaulted and Trump never lunged for the steering wheel, a person familiar with the matter said. The person would not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. As the events of Jan 6 unfurled, Hutchinson, then a special assistant to Meadows, described chaos in White House offices and hallways. Trump’s staff — several of whom had been warned of violence beforehand — became increasingly alarmed as rioters at the Capitol overran police and interrupted
the certification of Biden’s victory. Trump was less concerned, she said, even as he heard there were cries in the crowd to “Hang Mike Pence!” Hutchinson recalled that Meadows told aides that Trump “thinks Mike deserves it”. The president tweeted during the attack that Pence didn’t have the courage to object to Biden’s win as he presided over the joint session of Congress. The young ex-aide was matter-of-fact in most of her answers. But she did say that she was “disgusted” at Trump’s tweet about Pence during the siege. “It was unpatriotic, it was un-American, and you were watching the Capitol building get defaced over a lie,” Hutchinson said, adding that, “I still struggle to work through the emotions of that.” Trump denied much of what Hutchinson said on his social media platform, Truth Social. He called her a “total phony” and “bad news”. Members of the panel praised Hutchinson’s bravery for testifying and said that other witnesses had been intimidated and did not cooperate. “I want all Americans to know that what Ms Hutchinson has done today is not easy,” said Wyoming Rep Liz Cheney, a Republican who led questioning. Some of Hutchinson’s former colleagues, too, dcfended her account. Mick Mulvaney, who preceded Meadows as Trump’s chief of staff, tweeted that he knows Hutchinson and “I don’t think she is lying.” Sarah Matthews, a former Trump press aide who has also cooperated with the committee, called the testimony “damning”. As she described the scene in the White House after the election,
Hutchinson depicted a president flailing in anger and prone to violent outbursts. Some aides sought to rein in his impulses. Some did not. At one point on Jan 6, Hutchinson said, White House counsel Pat Cipollone barreled down the hallway and confronted Meadows about rioters breaching the Capitol. Meadows, staring at his phone, told the White House lawyer that Trump didn’t want to do anything, she said. Earlier, Cipollone had worried out loud that “we’re going to get charged with every crime imaginable” if Trump went to the Capitol after his speech at the rally, Hutchinson recalled. Before the crowd left for the Capitol, Hutchinson said she also received an angry call from House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, who had just heard the president say he was coming. “Don’t come up here,” McCarthy told her, before hanging up. Hutchinson told the panel that Trump had been informed early in the day that some of the protesters outside the White House had weapons. But he responded that the protesters were “not here to hurt me,” Hutchinson said. She quoted Trump as directing his staff, in profane terms, to take away the metal-detecting magnetometers that he thought would slow down supporters who were gathering for his speech on the Ellipse, in back of the White House. In a clip of an earlier interview with the committee, she recalled the president saying words to the effect of: “I don’t f-in’ care that they have weapons.” As a White House insider, Hutchinson told stories of a raging president who was unable to acknowledge his defeat.
MAXWELL JAILED FOR 20 YEARS NEW YORK Associated Press
GHISLAINE Maxwell, the jet-setting socialite who once consorted with royals, presidents and billionaires, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for helping the financier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. The stiff sentence was a victory for a group of women who spent years fighting for justice after an earlier generation of prosecutors failed to pursue the predatory power couple. Epstein, who killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial, sexually abused children hundreds of times over more than a decade, exploiting vulnerable girls as young as 14. Prosecutors said he couldn’t have done so without the help of Maxwell, his longtime companion.
The sentence was shorter than the term sought by prosecutors, but Epstein’s accusers still expressed relief. “It’s been an incredibly long road to justice for myself and for many other survivors,” said Sarah Ransome, one of Epstein’s accusers. “This is for the girls that didn’t have their say, the ones that weren’t here.” A jury in December convicted Maxwell, 60, of sex trafficking, transporting a minor to participate in illegal sex acts and two conspiracy charges. Judge Alison J. Nathan noted as she imposed the prison term and a $750,000 fine that Maxwell never expressed remorse for her crimes. The judge said she wanted the sentence to send an “unmistakable message” that nobody was above the law.
SPORTS PAGE 11
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2022
Bahamas girls lose by 100 points to Mexico By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
D
espite losing their third straight game of the FIBA Under-15 Centrobasket Championships by 100 points, head coach Varel Davis said there is still hope of Team Bahamas turning things around for the playoffs. Davis, who was assisted by Shakira Farrington and Anton Francis, said it was disheartening for the team after its lopsided 119-19 rout to Mexico yesterday at the Coliseo Fernando ‘Rube’ Hernandez in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. “It was a tough loss. We knew that Mexico is the second best team in our region, but I told my girls to just go out there and score baskets,” Davis said. “I told them win, lose or draw, just score baskets. Do the things that we learned in practice. “That
was my hope. I never thought that they would have gotten beat this bad. But the fight is still in them because they are still young. We have players as young as 11 years old and the oldest is 14. Plus, we are the smallest team in the tournament, so we have to play much harder than everybody else.” Davis said this is definitely a learning experience for the team and while it’s hard to digest the loss, they have to go back to the drawing board and get ready for the playoffs. With just four teams in the tournament, the Bahamas will play the top ranked team today and then whether they win or lose, they will play on Thursday for their final position. “We just have to go back to the drawing board and do the simple things,” Davis said. “I think our biggest problem in the tournament is turnovers. We had a high percentage of turnovers. We can’t take
By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
DWAYNAE Knowles in action for Team Bahamas yesterday against Mexico in the FIBA Under-15 Centrobasket Championships in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. care of the ball. “But the girls are still in high spirits despite the loss,” Davis said. “As the tournament progresses, we hope that we would get better. This
was a setback, but we hope that we can rebound from this loss and get back into it. We just have to capitalise on our mistakes and take care of the ball.”
With all but one of their players scoring, Mexico got a game high 30 points from Sandra Acuna to lead
SEE PAGE 12
TEAM BAHAMAS GETS OFF TO SLOW START AT THE CARIBBEAN AMATEUR JR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
ALTHOUGH they got off to a slow start after the first day of competition at the 34th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships, manager Gina Gonzalez-Rolle is confident that Team Bahamas will get into the swing of things in Humacao, Puerto Rico. After yesterday’s opening round of competition, Aiden Gorospe produced the Bahamas’ best performance as he finished in a two-way tie for the lead in the boys’ 13-and-under division with Evan Pena of Puerto Rico, both at two-over-par 73. Kennington Rolle sits in fourth place with 78. SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 14
Swiss sprinter Alex Wilson banned 4 years for steroid use BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss sprinter Alex Wilson was banned for four years yesterday after an anti-doping tribunal judged he intentionally used an anabolic steroid. ALEX Wilson (AP) The case flared at the Tokyo Olympics last July when Court of Arbitration for Sport judges reinstated Wilson’s provisional suspension days before he was due to compete in the men’s 100 and 200 metres. Wilson, the 200 bronze medallist at the 2018 European Championships,
HORNETS’ KAI JONES TAKES PART IN ELITE SKILLS CAMP
tested positive for the steroid trenbolone in an out-of-competition sample taken in March 2021. He was allowed to continue competing ahead of the Tokyo Games after blaming contaminated meat he ate in Las Vegas, the Swiss Olympic committee said in announcing the latest ruling of its tribunal. Wilson’s provisional ban during a disciplinary investigation was reinstated in Tokyo after the World Anti-Doping Agency and World Athletics intervened with CAS. The Swiss Olympic tribunal now ruled the 31-year-old Wilson intended to use doping and imposed a ban that runs into April 2025. He can appeal against the verdict at CAS.
KAI Jones, the latest Bahamian to play in the National Basketball Association, took time out during a short break at home to participate in the 9th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp. Coming off his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets after he played with the Texas Longhorns, the 6-foot, 10-inch centre said he was happy to share his experience with the youngsters at the camp yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. “This is coach Bowles’ IBA Skills Camp and he asked me to come and help out, talk with the kids, get some drills with them and help them further their basketball career to get better,” Jones said. On what he’s seen at the camp, Jones said Bowles and his team have it well organised. “It’s really beautiful, really organised. I really like how they have the kids working out, working on their fundamentals, things that I work on every day, lay-ups, mid-range jumpers,” he stated. “It’s beautiful to see. The kids are enjoying the game. It’s awesome. I’m glad to see it.” Other than attending the camp, while here over the past few days, Jones said he spent a lot of time with his family and went to church, but also took the time to get in some workout sessions, getting into the salt water and lifting weights. Before he leaves for Charlotte today, Jones said he just wanted to advise the campers that “I’m living proof that you can do it too. With God on your side, he’s really proud of you and he wants you to do your best.” Bowles thanked God for allowing them to put on the camp, especially as they got a chance to share the day with Jones on his short visit home. “The kids are very excited to see him in person. He’s somebody just like them, so as long as we could, people such as Kai, such as Buddy (Hield) and (Deandre) Ayton, our homegrown athletes, these kids aspire to be just like these individuals. “So at the end of the day, we want to bring in as
SEE PAGE 14
Spit, ‘disrespect’ arrive at Wimbledon as tennis turns ugly By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — This is not what one thinks of when pondering the supposedly genteel roots of tennis, and the purportedly proper atmosphere at dates-to-the-1800s Wimbledon, a country club sport being contested at a place officially called the All England Lawn Tennis Club: a player, Nick Kyrgios, capping a first-round victory yesterday by spitting in the direction of a spectator he said was hassling him.
NICK Kyrgios (AP) “I’ve been dealing with hate and negativity for a long time, so I don’t feel like I owed that person
anything. Like, he literally came to the match to literally just not even support anyone, really. It was more just to stir up and disrespect. That’s fine,” Kyrgios said after beating Britain’s Paul Jubb 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-7 (3), 7-5. “But if I give it back to you, then that’s just how it is.” During the match, which filled the stands at 1,980seat Court No. 3 — and attracted lengthy lines of folks hoping to eventually be let in, likely owing to the popularity of the
SEE PAGE 12
PAGE 12, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
Wimbledon: Serena Williams loses in 1st match in a year WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Serena Williams began — and ended — her comeback at Wimbledon after 364 days out of singles competition looking very much like someone who hadn’t competed in just that long. She missed shots, shook her head, rolled her eyes. In between, there were moments where Williams played very much like someone whose strokes and will have carried her to 23 Grand Slam titles. She hit blistering serves and strokes, celebrated with arms aloft. Returning to the site of her last singles match, which she had to stop after less than a set because of an injury on June 29, 2021, and seven of her major championships, the 40-yearold Williams came within two points of victory. But she could not finish the job against an opponent making her Wimbledon debut and bowed out with a 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) loss to 115th-ranked Harmony Tan of France. “It’s definitely better than last year,” Williams said. “That’s a start.” Asked whether this might have been her last match, Williams replied: “That’s a question I can’t answer. I don’t know. ... Who knows? Who knows where I’ll pop up?” With her older sister, Venus, jumping out of a guest box seat at Centre Court to celebrate the best points, Serena Williams was oh-so-close to pulling out a topsy-turvy match that lasted 3 hours, 11 minutes and was contested with the retractable roof shut for the last two sets. “For my first Wimbledon, it’s: Wow. Just wow,” said
the 24-year-old Tan, who recalled watching Williams on TV as a youngster. “When I saw the draw, I was really scared,” Tan said with a laugh, “because it’s Serena Williams. She’s a legend. I was like, ‘Oh, my God, how can I play?’” This is one indication of how things were at the getgo: Of Tan’s first 11 points, only one came via a winner she produced. Others came via errors by Williams, either forced or unforced. While Williams — who wore two pieces of black tape on her right cheek; the reason was not immediately clear — recovered from dropping the opening two games to lead 4-2, she reversed course again and allowed Tan to quickly climb back into that set with her mix of spins and slices. When Tan pulled even at 4-all by striking a down-theline backhand winner, she celebrated with a yell; that shot was so good that even Williams felt compelled to applaud. Tan came into the day with a 2-6 career record at all Grand Slam tournaments. Clearly enjoying herself — and the setting, the moment, the way it all was going — she broke to lead 6-5 with the help of a cross-court forehand winner, looked at her guest box, raised a fist and waved her arms to ask for more noise from a crowd that was loudly backing Williams. Soon enough, a forehand passing winner gave Tan that set. At that point, it seemed reasonable to ask: Could Tan pull off by far the biggest victory of her career? Might Williams exit a major in the first round for only the third time in 80 appearances (the previous were a loss at the 2012
WIMBLEDON FROM PAGE 11
anything-can-happen Kyrgios, a 27-year-old from Australia, and the involvement of a local player — Kyrgios asked, without success, to have the fan removed for cursing and sending other verbal abuse his way. This comes less than three weeks after organisers at a tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, investigated when Kyrgios said he heard racist insults from the crowd during a match, and raises questions about when unruly behaviour is too unruly or whether more should, or even can, be done to shield athletes
SERENA WILLIAMS, of the US, celebrates after winning a point against France’s Harmony Tan in a first round women’s singles match on day two of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London yesterday. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) French Open and that mid-match retirement at Wimbledon last year)? The latter is what happened, of course, although Williams certainly played spectacularly in the second set. She won a monumental game to lead 2-0, breaking after 30 points and 12 deuces across almost 20 minutes when Tan shanked a forehand into the chair umpire’s stand. In a blink, then, it was 5-0 and sure seemed as if Williams was on her way. Her serves picked up pace and became more accurate, too: After winning just 57% of her first-serve points in the first set, she claimed 80% in the second. Her other strokes were better-calibrated: After making 22 unforced errors in the first set, she made 13 in the second.
from inappropriate comments that come from the stands. “I’ve grown up in Australia, so I definitely know what racism is. I feel like it’s a battle, constant battle, coming from that place and dealing with it. ... I don’t think it’s got anything to do with that. I just think spectators, in general, think there’s just no line there anymore. They can just say something and they film it and then they laugh about it,” Kyrgios said. “It’s like that could actually hurt someone’s feelings. Do you know what I mean?” Tennis players long have dealt with online abuse, particularly from gamblers angry about a particular match’s outcome. Negative interaction among athletes and
In the third set, Williams was two points from advancing while serving for the match at 5-4 but couldn’t get closer. Williams has spent more than 300 weeks ranked No. 1 but currently is 1,204th on account off all of that time off and thus needed a wildcard invitation from the All England Club to enter the bracket. “If you’re playing week in, week out, or even every three weeks, every four weeks, there’s a little bit more match toughness,” she said. “But with that being said, I felt like I played pretty OK on some of ‘em. Not all of ‘em. Maybe some key ones I definitely could have played better. You’ve got to think if I were playing matches, I wouldn’t miss some of those points.” Still, Tan was a point from victory at 6-5, and
the people paying to watch them is gaining more attention in real life, too. At a tournament in Indian Wells, California, in March, Naomi Osaka cried after a spectator shouted, “Osaka, you suck!” The four-time Grand Slam champion explained the episode dredged up thoughts of when Serena and Venus Williams were jeered at that event in 2001 after Venus withdrew, citing an injury, before the sisters were supposed to play each other. Their father, Richard, said racial slurs were sent his way; his daughters stayed away from that tournament for years. “Personally, I’ve never experienced any type of heckling on
Williams erased that with a forehand winner — beginning a seven-point run that not only sent the match to a tiebreaker but put her ahead 4-0 in it. Yet Tan would not go gently. She grabbed five points in a row for a 5-4 lead in the new final-set tiebreaker format adopted this year by all four tennis majors: first to 10 points, win by two. At crunch time, when Williams has excelled so often on so many big stages, she faltered. Tan came through. Next for Tan is a secondround match Thursday against No. 32 seed Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain. Sorribes Tormo advanced by defeating American qualifier Christina McHale 6-2, 6-1. Earlier Tuesday, No. 1 Iga Swiatek extended
the court (and) I’m very lucky, because I know other players have experienced it. “Definitely online, I have the experience a lot, but that’s different,” said Coco Gauff, an 18-year-old Floridian who was the runner-up at the French Open this month and won her Wimbledon match Tuesday. “I definitely think there is a line that you shouldn’t cross.” Gauff mentioned what she called the “obvious” examples of racial or sexual comments. “That’s definitely way past the line,” she said. “There are some things that you do have to deal with as an athlete. That’s just a part of the sport. Particularly in tennis, it’s
HIGGS, WEECH TO REPRESENT BAHAMAS AT YOUTH SAILING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS NEXT MONTH IN THE NETHERLANDS FOURTEEN-year-old Ellianne Higgs and 16-year-old Joshua Weech emerged as the nation’s top ranked boy and girl in the Laser (Radial) sailboat class They have both qualified to represent The Bahamas at the prestigious Youth Sailing World Championships which kicks off early next month in The Hague, Netherlands. Weech, who sails with The Bahamas National Sailing School/Nassau Yacht Club, has been sailing for seven years. Prolific in the Optimist class until last year, he won four national championships and also boasts additional national titles in the International 420, Sunfish, Snipe and, most recently, Laser classes. Weech has, in fact, only been sailing Laser competitively since February of this year since aging-out of the Optimist in 2021. But he has placed first or second in every event.
Higgs follows a family tradition of sailing. Coming from a long line of world-class sailors, her grandfather and great grandfather were both Olympians and her father also raced at World Championship level multiple times in the Star class. She has been sailing for four years with The Royal Nassau Sailing Club, beginning in the Optimist in 2018, progressing into the Sunfish and finally into Laser Radial in 2019. She has finished as the top girl in most of the events that she has participated in locally and also competed in the Laser Mid Winters in Tampa earlier this year, finishing just outside the top 10 in the silver fleet. Over 450 of the world’s very best youth sailors up to the age of 19 from 69 countries have confirmed their participation in this year’s Allianz Youth World Sailing Championships. Competition takes place in windsurfing, kiteboarding, multihull, skiff and one and two
her winning streak to 36 matches by beating Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0, 6-3, while others advancing in the women’s bracket included No. 11 Coco Gauff, 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova and 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu. In the men’s field, the most significant matter Tuesday was the withdrawal of Matteo Berrettini, last year’s runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the All England Club, because of a positive COVID-19 test. Another past finalist, Marin Cilic, pulled out Monday for the same reason. Both Berrettini, who went 9-0 on grass courts elsewhere this month, and Cilic, the 2014 U.S. Open champion, got themselves checked for COVID-19 after developing symptoms; players are not required to get tested in order to compete. Men’s winners included 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, No. 4 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, No. 11 Taylor Fritz and unseeded Nick Kyrgios. No. 6 Felix Auger-Aliassime bowed out against serveand-volleying American Maxime Cressy 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (9), 7-6 (5). The men’s bracket already is missing six of the top 11 in the ATP rankings: No. 1 Daniil Medvedev (ban on Russians), No. 2 Alexander Zverev (ankle surgery), Auger-Alissiame, No. 8 Andrey Rublev (ban on Russians), No. 10 Hubert Hurkacz (lost Monday) and No. 11 Berrettini. “I feel very sorry for him,” Nadal said about Berrettini, “because he was playing fantastic.”
not very common. It’s not in the tennis culture, especially let alone at Wimbledon. “I think the line definitely is a lot closer to being crossed than I would say than other sports because that’s just the culture of tennis. For me, personal attacks — that kind of crosses the line, really.” An All England Club spokesperson said no fans were removed from Kyrgios’ match, but that there could be a review of what went on, including what he said at his news conference. As for the sorts of things he is hearing from people during his matches, Kyrgios concluded: “I’m just starting to think that it’s normal, when it’s really not.”
FIBA GIRLS FROM PAGE 11
JOSHUA Weech sailing on the high seas. person dinghies in male, female and mixed gender fleets. This is a very prestigious event, seen as a stepping stone to the (adult) Sailing World Championship and a major indicator of future success in the sport. Almost all current Olympic champions have competed in this event. “We are looking forward to the event in The Hague,” said David Graham, CEO of World Sailing. “The combination of a natural beach and the North Sea winds will make for an exciting competition and a true test of sailing skills for the world’s brightest prospects. “This is much more than just a sailing competition. With a daily entertainment and social schedule, the event aims to create lifelong friendships across borders and opportunities to learn from each other”.
Weech and Higgs qualified for this event through ‘The Emerging Nations Programme,” which aims to narrow the performance gap and promote worldwide competition for countries who otherwise lack the infrastructure to be able to compete with developed nations on a global level. A two-day training session ahead of the event is provided, along with financial assistance with registration fees and equipment rental. Joshua Higgins from Harbour Island also competed at this event last year in Oman. He had a terrific experience and learned a lot. The Bahamian sailing duo head off to Europe in a couple of weeks time, with chaperone/ coach Andrew Higgs, Ellianne’s father. The Bahamas National Sailing School/Nassau Yacht Club wish them all safe travels, smooth sailing, fun times and the very best of Bahamian luck.
two other players in double figures. Team Bahamas got six points apiece from Terrell McCoy and Andica Curtis, both added nine and six rebounds respectively. Takeithra Hanna contributed three points and Savannah Turnquest and Dwaynae Knowles came through two points each for the team’s final margin. Three players didn’t score for the Bahamas and three more didn’t get to play. The telling story was the fact that the Bahamas trailed 31-6 at the end of the first quarter and only scored one in the second half as Mexico added 41 to extend their margin to 72-7 at the half. The second half was a little different as Mexico used a 22-6 spurt in the third and 25-6 in the fourth to seal the deal. Team Bahamas committed a total of 55 turnovers, compared to just 27 by Mexico. The Bahamas also got out-rebounded 51-32. Mexico went 55-for-88 from the field, while Team Bahamas went 7-for-48. The Bahamas also couldn’t score from behind the three-point arc, shooting 0-for-6. Mexico was 4-for-12. The tournament for girls started on Sunday with Team Bahamas losing 101-20 to Puerto Rico in their opener. They came back in the second game on Monday and suffered a 79-45 decision to the Dominican Republic. “We still have a chance to win a medal,” Davis said. “After our game tomorrow, we will know whether we will play for the gold or silver if we win or if we play for the bronze if we lose,” Davis said. “So we just have to regroup and get ready for the playoffs.” The girls tournament followed the boys championship a week ago when Team Bahamas, coached by Quinton Hall, went undefeated.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, PAGE 13
AP sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join Clippers By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer JOHN Wall and the Houston Rockets have agreed that his contract will be bought out, a move that will free him to sign with any team of his choosing, two people with knowledge of the situation said Monday night. Wall’s preference will be to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to one of the people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the five-time All-Star guard had not announced his intentions publicly. Wall will receive roughly $41 million from Houston, according to the other person who spoke with AP. Wall was scheduled to make $47.4 million this coming season, his last in what was a four-year contract. Yahoo first reported that Wall and the Rockets
came to the buyout decision. ESPN first reported that Wall intends to join the Clippers, presumably for the taxpayer mid-level exception of about $6.4 million — basically the same amount he’s giving back to the Rockets to become a free agent. No agreement can be struck between Wall and any team until he clears waivers and becomes a free agent. Wall has been working out in recent weeks, including some sessions at the University of Miami. Wall played in 40 games with Houston in the 202021 season, averaging 20.6 points and 6.9 assists. He played his first nine seasons in Washington and, for his career, has averaged 19.1 points and 9.1 assists in 613 regular season games. Wall did not appear in any games for Houston this past season. The Rockets are rebuilding around a young core, and Wall — who will turn 32 in
HOUSTON Rockets’ John Wall controls the ball during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in an NBA basketball game April 14, 2021, in Houston. Wall and the Rockets have agreed that his contract will be bought out, a move that will free him to sign with any team of his choosing, two people with knowledge of the situation said Monday. (AP) September — wasn’t going to be in their plans going forward. He was selected for the All-Star Game in five consecutive seasons from 2014 through 2018. Since
the last of those selections 4 1/2 seasons ago, he has played in exactly 82 games, including playoffs — the equivalent of one NBA season — while making $150 million in salary and
seeing his career derailed by injuries. Wall has a lengthy injury and surgical history. He underwent surgeries on both knees in 2016, had his 2018-19 season end prematurely because of surgery for bone spurs in his left heel, then a tear of his left Achilles tendon necessitated another operation in 2019 and a yearlong recovery plan. He has not appeared in an NBA game since April 23, 2021. The development of Wall and the Rockets striking a buyout deal comes on the same day that another high-profile point guard — Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving — announced that he is exercising his $36.9 million option for the final year of his deal with the Nets. NBA free agency officially opens with the start of negotiating windows on Thursday. In most cases, new contracts can be signed starting July 6.
CTE DIAGNOSED IN EX-MLS PLAYER VERMILLION, A 1ST FOR LEAGUE By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer BOSTON (AP) — Researchers have diagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy in a Major League Soccer player for the first time, saying yesterday that defender Scott Vermillion suffered from the degenerative brain disease. The Boston University CTE Center said Vermillion, who died of an accidental drug overdose in December 2020 at the age of 44, had the disease. Although it is not possible to connect any individual case to a cause, CTE has been linked to repeated blows to the head. CTE has been found in more than 100 former NFL players as well as semipro and high school soccer players. Vermillion, who played for the Kansas City Wizards, Colorado Rapids and D.C. United, is the first from MLS. “Mr Vermillion has shown us that soccer players are at risk for CTE,” said Dr Ann McKee, director of the BU CTE Center. “We need to make every effort to identify players who are suffering and provide them compassionate care and appropriate medical support.” Vermillion began playing soccer at the age of 5 and continued for 22 years, culminating in four MLS seasons. He also played for the United States at the 1993 Under-17 World Championship and made some appearances for the Under-20 team in 1996. After retiring in 2001 with an ankle injury, his family said, he became depressed and had
problems with impulse control and aggression. Eventually, he suffered from memory loss and developed a substance abuse problem. All have been associated with CTE, which has been linked to concussions or subconcussive blows in athletes, combat veterans and others who sustain repeated head trauma. “This disease destroys families, and not just football families,” said Vermillion’s father, Dave Vermillion. “We hope this will be a wake-up call to the soccer community to support former players and get them the help they need, so some good can come from this tragedy.” The MLS Players Association called upon the league to break with the sport’s international governing bodies and adopt a rule expanding substitutions to allow for players with concussions. “We must not sit by and wait for them to do the right thing. MLS should unilaterally adopt a full concussion substitution rule immediately,” the union said in a statement. “Current substitution rules do not give medical professionals sufficient time to properly diagnose potential concussions without putting a team at a substantial competitive disadvantage.” MLS Chief Medical Officer Margot Putukian said the league has “comprehensive policies to educate players, coaches, officials and medical staffs about the importance of head injury identification, early reporting and treatment.” “MLS is a leader in the sport, advocating for and
MIAMI Fusion’s Tyrone Marshall (15) assists Kansas City Wizards’ Scott Vermillion after the two collided while going up for a header in the first half of a soccer match on Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999, in Kansas City, Mo. Researchers have diagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy in a Major League Soccer player for the first time, saying yesterday that former Sporting Kansas City defender Scott Vermillion suffered from the degenerative brain disease. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) piloting the FIFA concussion substitute programme, implementing a medical spotter programme to identify potential head injuries and removing from play any player with a suspected head injury for assessment and, as necessary, treatment,” Putukian said. “There is always more progress to be made, and MLS
is staunchly committed to this important work.” The Concussion Legacy Foundation has called for rules that would limit tackle football and heading in soccer to children over 14. CLF co-founder Chris Nowinski said dementia has already been linked to repetitive heading by pro soccer players in Britain.
“It is time for the global soccer community to have a real conversation about heading, especially in the youth game,” Nowinski said. “We urgently need to investigate how far this crisis extends into amateur soccer and immediately put in place reforms to prevent CTE in the next generation.”
LAKERS guard Russell Westbrook. (AP)
AP SOURCE: WESTBROOK EXERCISES $47M OPTION WITH LAKERS By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
LOS Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is exercising his option to play for $47.1 million next season, a person with direct knowledge of the decision said yesterday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither Westbrook — a past NBA MVP and one of the league’s top 75 all-time players — nor the Lakers revealed the decision publicly. ESPN first reported Westbrook’s decision. It certainly was not a surprise, considering Westbrook would not have commanded anywhere near $47.1 million for this coming season had he chosen to become a free agent. He’ll turn 34 next season, his 15th in the NBA. Westbrook had until Wednesday to make up his mind on the option, which will make this the fifth and final season of a $207 million contract he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The nine-time All-Star has been well-traveled since — he was traded to Houston in 2019, traded to Washington in 2020 and was moved to the Lakers in 2021. That created what was supposed to be a great trio: Westbrook alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It didn’t work out anywhere near as planned. The Lakers were dogged by injuries all season, missed the playoffs, fired coach Frank Vogel after the season and Westbrook has taken much of the blame for what happened. He averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 78 games with the Lakers. Only four other players — two-time reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of Denver, James Harden of Philadelphia, Luka Doncic of Dallas and Dejounte Murray of San Antonio — finished the season with higher averages than Westbrook had in those three stat categories. But his scoring average was his lowest since 2009-10, and his 3-point percentage — 29.8% — ranked 251st out of 278 NBA players who attempted at least 100 shots from beyond the arc this season.
Trilogy: Canelo aims to finish Golovkin rivalry with a KO By ERIC NÚÑEZ AP Sports Writer NEW YORK (AP) — A split draw in the first fight and then a majority decision in favour of Canelo Álvarez in the second. So, how about a knockout in the third chapter to settle once and for all the fierce rivalry between the Mexican superstar and Gennady Golovkin? “From the first round I’m gonna go for the knockout. I know I’m gonna risk a lot,” Álvarez said yesterday in an interview with The Associated Press. “I have to. I aim at greatness.” Golovkin bets on Álvarez being vulnerable as they complete their trilogy on September 17 in Las Vegas. “Prefer not to think about knockdowns. That’s
not the right approach,” he told the AP. “Boxing is a dangerous sport. Defend yourself properly,” Álvarez (57-2-2, 39 KOs) is coming off his first loss in nearly nine years, a lopsided defeat when he moved up in weight to challenge light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in May. Golovkin, who will be fighting at 168 pounds for the first time, said he only watched the highlights from Bivol’s win, but believes Álvarez just wasn’t totally ready to fight at 175 pounds. “I saw Canelo didn’t show the best of him,” Golovkin said. “Probably he didn’t take that fight seriously, didn’t prepare mentally for that fight. This one would be different.”
BOXER Canelo Álvarez, of Mexico, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press yesterday in New York. Álvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin, of Kazakhstan, will meet for a third time on September 17 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) Álvarez acknowledges the loss “hurt me a lot.” He also he said his preparation was not ideal, but avoided getting into details of what tired him in the
later rounds. “I have to move forward. I’m more dangerous right now. “I’m more angry and I will use it in my favour,” he said.
And there’s all the animosity they keep since their first bout in September 2017. It was on display during intense staredowns in Los Angeles and New York the past week — including one in Yankee Stadium, where they threw out ceremonial first pitches. For Álvarez, this fight is “personal” for him because Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KOs) kept dismissing him while seeking a third matchup after their September 2018 bout. Golovkin also threw shade at Álvarez for his golf hobby, which some blamed for his defeat in May. “When you lose, everybody starts making excuses,” Álvarez said. “It’s because of this or if I am golfing too much. I was golfing when I won the
(super middleweight) title three years ago.” Now, he wants to knock out the 40-year-old from Kazakhstan for the first time and send him into retirement. “I’m gonna end his career,” he said. Golovkin has reacted dismissively, saying Álvarez postures too much. “It’s hard for me to say why he’s saying all that,” he said. “I don’t think about him, I forgot about him. He has lost track of reality.” What motivates him is completing the trilogy, joining other ones such as Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier or Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto Durán. “Even rematches are not happening all the time. It would be an historic event,” Golovkin said.
PAGE 14, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
JUNIOR GOLFERS IN THE MIX AT CARIBBEAN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH they got off to a slow start after the first day of competition at the 34th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships, manager Gina Gonzalez-Rolle is confident that Team Bahamas will get into the swing of things in Humacao, Puerto Rico. After yesterday’s opening round of competition, the Bahamas sits in fourth place out of a field of eight countries with 37.00 points. Puerto Rico tops the table with 52.00, followed by the Dominican Republic with 42.00 and Jamaica with 35.00. Aiden Gorospe produced the Bahamas’ best performance as he finished in a two-way tie for the lead in the boys 13-and-under division with Evan Pena of Puerto
Rico, both at two-over-par 73. Kennington Rolle sits in fourth place with 78. In the boys’ 15-and-under, Jackson Mactaggart is fifth overall with 79, followed by Camdyn Forbes in 13th with 90 and Rhan Miller in 17th with 101. Dominican Republic’s Rodrigo Hueta and Cayman Island’s Danny Lyne topped the division evened at 75. And in the boys 18-and-under, Bahamas Golf Federation’s national men’s champion Heathcliff Kane is sitting in third place with 74. National runner-up Alexander Dupuch is 14th with 84. Puerto Rico’s Gustavo Rangel shot a two-under-par 69 to take the early lead. Kane, the team captain, said the course is in pretty decent condition, but the greens are a little bumpy but, other than that, everything is okay.
“The first day results were alright,” he said. “I know I’m struggling with my swing, but I managed to keep it together and shot a benchmark round, but I hope to improve on that over the next two days.” As a team, sitting just five points behind the second place team, Kane said they are encouraged as they prepare for the final two days of competition and should be able to make up some ground to get into the hunt for the overall team title. On the girls’ side, Haley Hall also got off to a fantastic start and is currently in third place in the 13-and-under division with 86, two stokes behind Dominican Republic’s Maria Fernandez, who shot 84. Puerto Rico’s Ava Saavedra is out front with 79. In the 15-and-under division, Chemari Pratt had a rough day, shooting 101 to sit in the ninth and
final spot. Jamaica’s Samantha Azan has surged out front with 74. Tynesha Tynes is occupying the 10th and final spot in the under-18 division with 94. Cayman Island’s Holly Mclean and Barbados’ Emily Odwin are tied for the lead with 73. “We had some slow starts today and a lot of that could be attributed to the fact that we had a lot of heavy rain today,” GonzalezRolle said. “There was a lot of breeze on the back nine. “We had one of our boys, Aiden is in the lead and we had about three others in the top five. So we’re looking forward to a brighter day tomorrow (today). We’re still looking forward to pulling off second or third place.” Based on what she saw, Gonzalez-Rolle said the competition is stiff, but the Bahamian players have worked extremely hard to get prepared for the tournament.
KAI JONES FROM PAGE 11
much of people as we can to inspire and motivate these kids, I think it will definitely motivate them at the end of the day.” With the camp now into day two, Bowles said he’s been pleased with what he has seen so far and he tipped his hat off to his coaching staff, including Ricardo Pierre, who has really been a big help. “It’s pretty nice to have Kai come in and give back to the kids,” said Pierre, one of the country’s most prolific shooters. “It gives them a positive vibe where it’s not too late and the sky is the limit. “I remember him as one lanky kid, but he’s a specimen to prove to the young kids that hard work and determination can get them to where they want to actually go.” Pierre said a lot of the campers came in lacking the fundamental skills, but by the end of the camp on July 20, he’s confident that they will see an improvement in the games of both the boys and girls participating. Two of the male campers expressed their delight in being a part of this year’s event. Caleb Rolle, a 12-yearold student of Believers Faith Christian Academy, said he decided to join the camp this year because he wanted to improve his basketball skills. “I think that this is a good place for me to get better,” he said. Rolle said he’s been able to watch Jones play because he’s a teammate of his favourite player, point guard LaMelo Ball. “I was really surprised that I could see an NBA player practicing with us,” he said of Jones. “I think it’s a great experience to have him here.” And Jefferson Lightbourn II, a 16-year-old student of St Anne’s High School, said he started participating in the camp since 2019 and he decided to return because of his involvement in Bowleg’s IBA programme. “We’re all just like family,” he said. But he was more intrigued to be around Jones. “It’s pretty cool to have an NBA player here,” he quipped. “He’s someone who made it doing the
KAI JONES, the latest Bahamian to play in the National Basketball Association, took time out during a short break at home to participate in the 9th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp. Coming off his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets after he played with the Texas Longhorns, the 6-foot, 10-inch centre said he was happy to share his experience with the youngsters at the camp yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Above, Jones is flanked by coaches Ricardo Pierre and Denykco Bowles. Photos courtesy of Marcellus Hall passion that we all came here to do and love. “So I think it’s pretty cool that he came here to mentoring us and showing us some of the things that we need to do to become better basketball players.” When he returns for his second season in the NBA, Jones said his goal is to help to make the Hornets the best team in the NBA. “I believe in our group, I believe in our coaching staff and our organisation,” he stated. “We have a special team, so I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish. I believe in them and I believe in myself.” As for his improvement, Jones said although he spent some time in the D-League during the season, he felt he has grown tremendously and is eager to prove it when the season starts in October.
“It’s been amazing. I believe I got so much better than when I first got into the league,” he pointed out. “I feel like I’ve completely transformed. It’s amazing.” When he made his debut in the league, Jones said he has to admit that it was a mental adjustment that he had to make at first. But he said it’s awesome to be the latest of the three Bahamians to be playing in the NBA, joining Chavanno ”Buddy” Hield, now with the Indiana Pacers, and Deandre Ayton with the Pheonix Suns. “It’s awesome. I feel like we’re going to have more Bahamians entering the NBA draft in the years to come as well,” said Jones. “Our country has great athletes and once the guys continue to believe in themselves, the possibilities are right there.” In going to the NBA Summer League, Jones said
he just wants to prove that he belongs in the NBA and hopes to make an impact on the scouts in attendance. Jones, who played for Texas from 2019-2021, was selected with the 19th pick overall in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. He was immediately traded to Charlotte and on August 3, officially signed with the Hornets, playing in 21 games, although his time on the court was very limited. The Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp will concentrate on the campers’ basketball IQ, footwork, advanced ball handling, offence/defence critiquing and training and strength resistance training. Interested persons can contact Bowles at 466-0049 for more details or register at info.ibabahamas@gmailcom. The cost is $99 per week.
“All of the countries here came out pretty strong and once our players do what they are capable of doing, we should secure some good spots,” Gonzalez-Rolle projected. She noted that the camaraderie is very good and all of the players are really excited about competing in the tournament. “One of our players Camdyn Forbes was a bit nervous this morning competing in his first international competition, but I’m sure he will do even better tomorrow (today),” Gonzalez-Rolle said. “Our coaches have been working with the players, getting them the tips and motivation they need, so I’m still confident that we will end up in the top three in the tournament.” The Bahamas, coached by Lemon Gorospe, Georgette Rolle-Harris and Frederick Taylor, returns home on Friday.
PAGE 16, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
STOCKS SLIDE ON WALL STREET AS INFLATION WORRIES PERSIST By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers
Stocks closed broadly lower on Wall Street Tuesday, after a discouraging snapshot of U.S. consumer confidence stoked investors’ worries about the risk that sharply higher interest rates and pervasive inflation could trigger a recession. The S&P 500 ended 2% lower, reversing a 1.2% gain from earlier in the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.6% and the Nasdaq composite ended 3% lower. Roughly 85% of the stocks in the benchmark S&P 500 closed in the red.
Technology, communications and health care stocks accounted for a big share of the decline. Retailers and other companies that rely on direct consumer spending also helped pull the index lower. Energy stocks, the only sector in the index to notch gains this year, rose as crude oil prices headed higher. The indexes got off to a solid start, but the gains faded by midday after the Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index fell in June to its lowest level in more than a year. The decline was driven largely by concerns over inflation, including rising prices for gas and food. The results
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that CARLA STOLL-WILBURGH of Queens Highway, New Bight, Cat Island, 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 29th day of June, 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 CANDIDO SAMBOY MATOS of Anderson Street, New Providence, 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 22nd day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
were also much weaker than economists expected. “Confidence is going to continue to shrink as long as inflation remains high,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Independent Advisor Alliance. “It all comes back to inflation, it’s ultimately driving reaction from the Fed and impacting the market and consumer confidence.” The S&P 500 fell 78.56 points to 3,821.55, while the Dow dropped 491.27 points to 30,946.99. The techheavy Nasdaq slid 343.01 points to 11,181.54. Smaller company stocks also fell. The Russell 2000 gave up 32.90 points, or 1.9%, at 1,738.84. The indexes are all on pace to for losses of 6% or more in June. Investors face a pervasive list of concerns centering around rising inflation squeezing businesses and consumers. Supply chain problems that have been at the root of rising inflation were made worse over the last several months by increased restrictions in China related to COVID-19. Businesses have been raising prices on everything from food to clothing. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February put even more pressure on consumers by raising energy prices and pumping gasoline prices to
record highs. Consumers were already shifting spending from goods to services as the economy recovered from the pandemic’s impact, but the intensified pressure from inflation has prompted a sharper shift from discretionary items like electronics to necessities. Stubborn inflation pressures have driven a stark shift in policy from central banks, which are raising rates to try and temper inflation after years of holding rates down to help economic growth. Now, they are trying to slow economic growth, but investors are worried that they could go too far and actually push the economy into a recession as key economic indicators are already showing a slowdown in things like retail
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that TIMSON WILLIAMS of Pinehurst Bahemia Apt. 1, Freeport, Grand Bahama, 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 22nd day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com
TUESDAY, 28 JUNE 2022
BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 53.00 2.30 2.61 2.60 6.10 10.05 4.15 9.02 3.55 8.00 17.50 2.65 10.75 11.25 10.85 16.72 4.00 11.00 16.50
52WK LOW 5.30 33.80 1.54 2.20 1.30 5.75 6.96 2.82 4.50 2.27 5.95 9.80 1.99 7.05 10.02 9.55 13.10 3.50 8.20 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
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
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
CLOSE
CHANGE
%CHANGE
YTD
YTD%
2629.21
85.10
3.34
400.97
17.99
SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ BFHP CAB6 CAB9 CHLA FBBA FCLB SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB
BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.33 100.47 100.67 100.43 100.34 100.23 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00
104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.67 99.96 100.67 100.43 100.04 100.00 89.62 89.00 90.24 90.73
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
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 FX BGR112036 BGRS FL BGRS97033 BGRS FL BGRS71024 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 BSBGR1120363 BSBGRS970336 BSBGRS710245 BSBGRS750225 BSBGRS810375 BSBGRS880287 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504
LAST CLOSE 5.90 39.95 2.25 2.35 2.51 6.10 9.75 3.89 8.98 3.46 8.00 16.00 2.87 10.26 11.44 10.85 15.80 3.98 10.00 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.15 100.09 100.91 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00
CLOSE 5.90 39.95 2.25 2.35 2.51 6.10 9.75 3.95 8.98 3.55 8.00 17.17 2.82 10.26 11.52 10.85 16.58 3.98 10.00 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00
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
VOLUME 100
1,150 1,350 3,600
2,700
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
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 91.15 100.09 100.91 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (6.00) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
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
MARKET TERMS
CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.09 0.00 1.17 (0.05) 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.78 0.00 0.00 0.00
(242) 323‐2330 (242) 323‐2320 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 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
VOLUME
100
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
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 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25% 6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 5.40% 4.31% 4.56% 4.43% 4.87% 4.33% 5.55% 5.60% 5.65% 5.69% 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%
P/E 24.7 42.9 N/M 16.8 N/M N/M 26.4 -9.0 64.1 19.3 17.8 23.8 27.6 22.0 17.8 14.9 20.3 19.6 10.6 24.6 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
YIELD 2.88% 3.15% 0.89% 3.40% 0.00% 0.00% 2.67% 0.00% 0.00% 3.38% 2.75% 4.19% 15.39% 0.58% 2.85% 2.21% 3.26% 3.02% 2.00% 3.94% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%
MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025 20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 13-Oct-2036 17-Apr-2033 22-Oct-2024 7-Sep-2022 26-Jul-2037 26-Jul-2028 15-Apr-2049 15-Jul-2049 15-Oct-2049 21-Apr-2050
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
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
sales. “The market might be getting spooked by the speed with which consumers are losing confidence, and that it could possibly upend a soft landing” for the economy, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA. Investors are awaiting remarks expected for midweek by central bank leaders including Fed Chair Jerome Powell and European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde. They will also get another update on U.S. economic growth on Wednesday when the Commerce Department releases a report on firstquarter gross domestic product. Wall Street is also preparing for the latest round of corporate earnings in the next few weeks, which will help paint a clearer picture of how companies are dealing with the squeeze from rising costs and consumers curtailing some spending. Athletic footwear and
apparel giant Nike fell 7% after giving investors a cautious update on the potential hit to revenue because of lockdowns in China. The company relies on China for roughly 17% of its revenue, according to FactSet. Wynn Resorts rose 3.2% and Las Vegas Sands added 4%. The companies, which have major gambling businesses in China, got a boost after China eased a quarantine requirement for people arriving from abroad. Technology and communications companies were among the biggest losers Tuesday. Microsoft fell 3.2% and Apple dropped 3%. Google parent Alphabet slid 3.3%. Energy stocks made solid gains as U.S. crude oil prices rose 2%. Hess rose 5.6% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which helps set mortgage rates, held steady at 3.19%. Overseas markets rose.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that TAMIKA RENEE GALANIS of #15 Skyline Drive, P.O. Box CB11123, New Providence, 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 29th day of June, 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 JHONATAN KING of #2061 Pine Street, Pinewood Gardens, New Providence, 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 29th day of June, 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 LENISE IVOY GEORGES of P. O. Box N-3756, Cox Way off East Street South, 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 22nd day of June, 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 GIRLENE JONASSAINT of Joe Farrington Road, New Providence, 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 29th 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 29, 2022, PAGE 17
US CONSUMER CONFIDENCE SLUMPS TO LOWEST LEVEL IN 16 MONTHS
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence slipped to its lowest level in 16 months as persistent inflation and rising interest rates have Americans as pessimistic as they’ve been about the future in almost a decade. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index slipped to 98.7 in June from 103.2 in May and the second straight monthly decline and the lowest level since February 2021. The business research group’s expectations index, based on consumers’ six-month outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, tumbled in June to 66.4 — its lowest level since 2013.
AIRBNB PERMANENTLY BANS PARTIES AT ITS RENTAL LOCATIONS
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Airbnb says it’s making its party ban permanent. The short-term-rental company said Tuesday that the temporary ban it put into effect in 2020 is working, so it decided to make it permanent. The company says reports of parties at listed properties have dropped 44% from a year ago. Airbnb has been trying to crack down on parties since late 2019, after a fatal shooting at a rented house in California. While making the ban permanent, Airbnb is lifting a capacity limit on some rentals. Airbnb says some property owners want to eliminate the limit of 16 people at large properties.
EUROPE’S CENTRAL BANK READY TO ‘STAMP OUT’ SURGING INFLATION
SINTRA, Portugal (AP) — The head of the European Central Bank says it will move gradually to combat soaring consumer prices with interest rate hikes in July and September but will keep its options open to “stamp out” inflation if it surges faster than expected. In a speech Tuesday opening an ECB forum on central banking in Sintra, Portugal, bank President Christine Lagarde used strong terms as policymakers target inflation running at a record 8.1% in the 19 countries using the euro. Lagarde says the bank is using the dual approach to be able to respond to economic uncertainty partly. She says Europe is experiencing the shocks of rising energy and food prices tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine acutely.
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, Tezina Darville Forbes of Seabreeze Drive, New Providence, Bahamas, the parent of ZION ULRICK BLAIR GIBSON DARVILLE intend to change my child name to ZION ULRICK BLAIR GIBSON. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that CONRAD WILBURGH of Queens Highway, New Bight, Cat Island, 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 29th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. LEGAL NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 45 of 2000)
MRCH INVESTMENT LTD (the “Company”)
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of MRCH INVESTMENT LTD has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was the 21st day of June, 2022.
Luciane Ribeiro Moreno Liquidator Legal Notice NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000
Mykonos Investment Fund Ltd. (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, the winding up and dissolution of Mykonos Investment Fund Ltd. is complete. L. Michael Dean Sole Liquidator Address: Equity Trust House Caves Village West Bay Street P. O. Box N-10697 Nassau, Bahamas
FOCOL chief: Make ‘every possible effort’ on Venezuela relief FROM PAGE 22
trade. I don’t know by how much, and what would be reasonable to anticipate, but it would be a material and helpful act.” The Biden administration is thought to have already reached out to Venezuela as it seeks ways to counter, and replace, Russian oil, gas and other energy supplies due to that nation’s invasion of Ukraine. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but its output has been severely curtailed amid the imposition of US and other sanctions in a bid to topple the existing government. Mr Davis, upon his return from the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference, said The Bahamas has been pushing at recent conferences for sanctions on Venezuela to be lifted as a means to increase global oil supply flows and reduce market prices. Indicating that The Bahamas should engage other CARICOM nations to assist in this matter, Sir Franklyn said yesterday: “Whatever influence we have, now would be the time to use it. “I am satisfied the prospect [of lifting Venezuelan sanctions] would justify every possible effort on the
SIR FRANKLYN WILSON part of the Prime Minister and foreign minister.” Mr Davis said he had made the case for lifting the sanctions at the recent Summit of the Americas. “Once the valve is released for Venezuela to provide fuel we will see a very significant downward trend on the cost of fuel,” he argued “As you would have heard me earlier speak about the energy crisis, what we’re doing as small island developing states at these conferences is to
have the United States and the industrialised world remove sanctions, in particular for Venezuela, which is now working, that we hope would be a step in relieving the cost of fuel to Bahamians,” Mr Davis said. “What is in our control, and which I have been doing, is letting our voice be heard about some of the initiatives and policies in some of the industrialised world that is causing the increase in oil prices. Quite apart from the invasion of Ukraine there are also other issues like the sanctions on Venezuela that impacted the cost of fuel, particularly for us. “So, if those sanctions are lifted it helps, and so we have been agitating. We have had two major meetings in respect to that - one at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles a couple weeks ago and one at Commonwealth Heads of Government now where Canada and the UK were present, and where we made our voices known. “Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Justin (Trudeau) left our meeting to go to the G7 and they are now there and they are charged to carry our voices with them, and hopefully we should see some relief on that.”
In May, it was reported that the US would ease some sanctions on Venezuela in exchange for continued dialogue between President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition. The relief would allow Chevron Corporation to negotiate the terms of its licence and potential future activities with Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA. A senior Biden administration official stressed the measures are being taken at the “request of the Venezuelan interim government and the ‘Unity’ platform of opposition parties”. They added: “We are going to calibrate our sanctions policy accordingly, to increase pressure or alleviate pressure on the basis of ambitious, concrete and irreversible outcomes that empower the Venezuelan people to determine the future in their country through democratic elections.” This came after US officials had travelled to Venezuela in March to meet with Mr Maduro as it sought to isolate Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Russia is a close ally of Venezuela. It was the highest-level US visit to the country in years.
PAGE 18, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
Court: Race ‘sabotage’ worker’s firing justified FROM PAGE 22
received a second report of (strikingly similar) disparaging comments made by the plaintiff to Ms Daniels, the defendant confronted the plaintiff once again with the accusation.” This was again denied but, given the similarities between the evidence provided by Mr Lloyd and Ms Daniels, the Island School rejected Ms Carey’s version of events and terminated her. “In her appeal document, in addition to denying the statements made by Mr Lloyd and Ms Daniels, the plaintiff remarkably and repeatedly referred to herself as ‘the only token black Bahamian’,” the Island School, which is well-known for its education and scientific research, as well as education, said. “The defendant vehemently denies any racist practices, and asserts that such practices go against its vision, mission, core principles and everything that it represents and has built as an outstanding corporate citizen and community leader over the years.” Ms Carey, not surprisingly, gave a sharply different version of events that was ultimately rejected by Justice Winder. She alleged that Mr Lloyd, who was hired to manage the accounting department, was “mentally unstable” and started “cyber bullying staff” after he was removed, even posting the Island School’s financial statements on Facebook. “He also sent a complaint to the Prime Minister who, in turn, asked for the Department of Labour to come down and do an investigation,” Ms Carey alleged of Mr Lloyd. “The Department of Labour came down and, while they did their investigation, Ed [Brooks, the Island School’s then-chief executive] was slapped on the wrist and told by Dion Johnson, the Labour Department investigator, that he was the
one who did something wrong in this whole process.” As for he encounter with Ms Daniels, Ms Carey said that in responding to issues that the Island School’s human resources arm dealt with regularly, “I told her that the majority I deal with are due to racism, sexism, ageism and any other ‘ism’ that you can think of. “Because of this multi-cultural environment, racism comes up a lot in conflicts between expats and the Bahamian community especially when it came to benefits, salaries, titles and promotions etc,” Ms Carey alleged. Ms Daniels, though, in her recollection of their encounter, confirmed the “ism” comments and said that Ms Carey had “heavily criticised the school and its employees, alleging that some were racist and sexist and law breakers”. As a result, she decided against pursuing the chief financial officer post with the Island School. Mr Brooks, in his evidence, recalled how Mr Lloyd sent him and other executives an October 24, 2017, e-mail that described Ms Carey as “cutthroat” and how on the drive from the airport she “went into a verbal tirade about ‘how the white people at the Island School don’t like the blacks and think that the black are stupid’. Stating that he “listened in shock and silence”, Mr Lloyd also claimed that Ms Carey alleged that the Island School was “refusing to hire more black teachers” and wanted to replace her with a white Bahamian. While the Island School rejected Mr
Lloyd’s statements, it was moved to action when Ms Daniels explained why she did not take up the post of chief financial officer. “There was great concern that the school had an employee within its ranks who was fundamentally disloyal to the school and actively sabotaging its reputation as well as its employee recruitment efforts,” Mr Brooks alleged, asserting that Ms Carey gave “no satisfactory or credible explanation” for her conduct when challenged a second time. “The appeal [against termination] itself confirms the deeply jaundiced view that the plaintiff has of the school and her perception that the school is a racist organisation as she repeatedly refers to herself in the document as a ‘token black Bahamian’,” Mr Brooks said, alleging that it was subsequently discovered she had made similar remarks to others than Mr Lloyd and Ms Daniels. The latter also recalled how Ms Carey had alleged the Island School was “breaking the law by hiring people without proper work permits”, referring to a purported incident where Chris Maxey “stormed” into her office allegedly demanding that 35 expatriate hires be brought in as visitors to get around Immigration regulations. Mr Maxey, though, vehemently denied this version of events or that he asked Ms Carey to breach Bahamian Immigration law. “I was shocked and saddened to hear from Ms Daniels that Chenera Carey had described the Island School to her in disparaging terms as well,” Mr Maxey said in his evidence. “The suggestion that the Island School is a sexist, racist, and lawbreaking organisation is not only untrue but it goes against everything the Island School stands for and everything that the school has strived since inception to represent.”
FISHERMEN ‘RIDE OUT THE STORM’ OF HIGH FUEL COSTS FROM PAGE 22
only hope for the best. That’s all.” Mr Carroll said there was nothing The Bahamas, as a non-oil producing country and with relatively little scale, can do to combat high global prices which remained at $111.2 and $117 per barrel last night on the West Texas Intermediate and Brent Crude indices respectively. “One of my boats is out now on a fishing trip, and it cost me for diesel alone $13,000 to fill up,” he revealed. “That doesn’t include costs like food, water and motor oil, just diesel. I put that in, but don’t know if I will make it back. Last year, the per gallon price was $5 something. It was still high, and probably cost me $9,000-$10,000. Now it’s up to $13,000.” Diesel’s per gallon price in many Family Islands is now over $7. “We just put the fuel in and go fish,” Mr Carroll said. “Sometimes you make it, you make a profit, and sometimes you don’t. “If you worried about it, you would not even go out. “You put the fuel in, go and work hard and do what you have to do. If you sit down and think about it, you wouldn’t go.” He added that he was fortunate to just operate his fishing vessels with diesel, given his preference for lobster traps rather than diving for catches. Those in the latter category, which rely on dinghies and smaller craft, have to also carry regular gasoline as well as diesel to fuel those vessels. “You have guys that have dinghies who have to carry 3,000-4,000 gallons of gas at $7 a gallon. That’s at least $21,000 for gas, 2,000 gallons of diesel at $12,000-$13,000. Some of those boats have $50,000 in gas and diesel alone,” Mr Carroll said. “Some boats are going to carry more; they will probably carry more gas than that. “It may be more, it may be less. The bigger boats will carry 2,000-3,000 gallons of gas and 2,000-3,000 gallons of diesel, plus have to fill up. It ain’t cheap. We just have to hope that one day the world gets back to normal with how it used to be.” Paul Maillis, the National Fisheries Association’s (NFA) secretary, told Tribune Business told that the costs of a four-day trip had more than doubled since he began commercial fishing two years ago. What once cost $700-$1,000 is now in the $2,000 region, largely due to fuel for his 150 gallon twin diesel engine boat, and extracting “a significant chunk of change” from the gross value of a $5,000 to $7,000 catch. Pointing out that the price of diesel when he started was pegged at $3.60 per gallon, he added that it now stands at $7.31 with VAT - a 100 percent increase.
TO ADVERTISE IN
THE TRIBUNE CALL 502 2394 NOTICE SOVEREIGN LIQUIDITY FUND, COMPANY 3, LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the; International Business Companies Act, 2000, SOVEREIGN LIQUIDITY FUND, COMPANY 3, LTD. is in Dissolution. The date of commencement of dissolution is the 27th day of June, 2022. Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building Six, Caves Village West Bay Street, P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas Liquidator
NOTICE SOVEREIGN LIQUIDITY FUND, COMPANY 2, LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the; International Business Companies Act, 2000, SOVEREIGN LIQUIDITY FUND, COMPANY 2, LTD. is in Dissolution. The date of commencement of dissolution is the 27th day of June, 2022. Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building Six, Caves Village West Bay Street, P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas Liquidator
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, PAGE 19
STOCK SPLIT REVIVAL WITH FIDELITY ‘ON $25M TRACK’ FROM PAGE 22 each existing one held by current shareholders. Quick to point out that the planned stock split will not increase the value of shareholders’ existing investments, the Fidelity chief said: “Bear in mind a stick split does not create value. I know the sentiment is one of the perception that it makes the stock cheaper to acquire, meaning more affordable, but I try to stress that the value of the shares is based on cash flow, profitability and whatever the dividend is. “The share price appreciation is going to be what the company achieves afterwards. With respect to the share split, COVID19 interrupted the plan and we focused on creating stable operations so that shareholders could see the value, and now there is stability we will proceed to do what we committed to do. “I caution that it will not create value. It puts the price per share in a range that market sentiment-wise is deemed to be more affordable... What we are looking at, and I am comfortable sharing, is that we’re looking at a price split that puts us in a median price range for the shares. Our analysis has shown that between the $3-$6 range is where the majority of [BISX-listed share prices- are, and so from that perspective we’re looking to do something very similar.” Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) first revealed it was considering a stock split at its 2019 AGM, with Mr Bowe saying then it was eyeing a ‘three-to-one’ ratio meaning that shareholders would receive an additional two shares for each one they currently held. The timing, though, was delayed to early 2020 as the bank sought to complete the sale of its 50 percent interest in then-affiliate, Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust, resulting in the split running headlong into COVID-19. Stock splits are nothing new to the Bahamian capital markets, with Commonwealth Bank, Cable Bahamas and FOCOL Holdings all BISX-listed companies that previously implemented this strategy. They are typically done to make a stock in demand more affordable to investors, as well as broadening liquidity, boosting trading volumes and expanding the shareholder base by attracting new investors. Mr Bowe’s stock split confirmation follows Fidelity’s confirmation that it is paying out a 26 cents per share dividend, worth a collective $7.5m to shareholders, via the June or half-year declaration. The dividend announcement was made after the BISX-listed commercial bank enjoyed an almost-$1m profit increase for the three months to end-March 2022, with the bottom line expanding to $5.713m from $4.799m in the year-before period. “It’s one that is actually about 13 percent above what we did last year in June,” the Fidelity chief added of the latest capital return to shareholders. “It’s almost in line with what we did last November, when we did 28 cents. We are comfortable, based on the results to-date, that we will exceed last year’s $22m in profits and are on track to achieve $25m. “We know there are ups and downs. Our target this year was always $25m, with a stretch to $26m. We are progressing
towards $25m. The $26m might be a stretch, but that is why we call it that. We try to maintain a 70 percent dividend distribution ratio, so where we’re aiming at $25m in profit, we’re looking at a $17.5m dividend. We’re doing $7.5m now and will then hold back to make sure we achieve that target, so it allows for expansion and an equitable return to investors.” Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) improved 2022 first quarter profitability largely resulted from a reduction in non-performing loan provisions, which fell by 58.4 percent or more than $1.6m year-over-year, reducing to $1.157m compared to $2.779m in the prior year. This more than compensated for the fall in net interest income, which measures by how much loan repayment interest exceeds what the bank pays on deposits (interest expense). This decreased narrowly in the 2022 first quarter, falling by 5.2 percent year-over-year to $12.596m, further highlighting the continued struggle Bahamian commercial banks face in growing their top-line amid a tough economic climate. Mr Bowe, though, told Tribune Business that Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) is focused on growing loan book quality as opposed to simply expanding the size of its portfolio by extending credit to dubious borrowers. “We believe that last year’s provisioning numbers we will be able to clearly demonstrate are pandemic provisioning numbers,” he explained. “We were effectively shedding the non-performing portfolio as part of an expansion exercise last year. The quality of the book increased, but the size of the book decreased. We are not growing for the sake of growing. We are growing where it makes sense. If it means some curtailment, and the overall numbers do shrink, so be it.” This trend was highlighted in the 2022 first quarter, when Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) loan book size dropped to $395.479m from $401.585m. However, Mr Bowe said the commercial lender is focused on “very aggressively” growing its fee and commission income by targeting a segment of the market it has traditionally not concentrated on - the business community - via its ‘Click and Pay’ merchant services and card services. Fidelity’s heritage lies in mortgage lending, but the majority of its loan portfolio now comprises consumer loans following a strategic switch implemented more than a decade ago. “We are looking at very aggressively entering the business merchant terminal and e-commerce segment, providing solutions, and the card business,” Mr Bowe said. “We are looking at value-added fees and commissions, not for typical banking services that are the brunt of frustration in the country. We are not looking at traditional commissions and fees. “They are value-added services to a different clientele. Traditionally, we have been more retail focused. “We are looking at business customers and how to service them.” Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) saw fee and commission income jump by 63.7 percent year-over-year in the 2022 first quarter, hitting $1.303m compared to just $795,793 in the same period last year.
‘WE DON’T WANT TO BE STARBUCKS’ FROM PAGE 22 determined to avoid taking on the characteristics of a large law firm with 20-30 attorneys and lose its specialist, boutique feel. “Instead of being Starbucks, let’s be boutique coffee, let’s be gourmet,” he told Tribune Business of ParrisWhittaker’s philosophy and business model. “Let’s create these touch points throughout the world and build a network that way. Let’s keep it small and boutique with touch points for clients. It’s really to network stronger by having a presence where we can go into other jurisdictions and meet people. “Everyone is doing the same thing. We have to be different to survive. You have Lennox Paton in London already. Higgs & Johnson went to Cayman. We’re really nimble. Where should we go? Amsterdam was there and it’s the biggest hub in Europe. It’s really maritime-related. When you look at logistics, Amsterdam is like the gateway to Europe. “You have to do something different. Everyone is doing the same thing. Longterm, our strategy is not to grow too big, too quickly. We want to stay boutique in the truest sense. We don’t want to be Starbucks. The beauty of being boutique is that you can pivot really quickly, and in the pandemic a lot of firms had to pivot to stay relevant.” The Netherlands is home to major cargo shipping hubs and other port facilities, while Germany, the UK and Belgium are in close proximity and also have major maritime interests. “You connect through there or Paris to get to the rest of the world,” Mr Whittaker added of Amsterdam. “It was a really big pull to come here. It’s been really good. “It’s headed in the right direction. We’ve been able to network and make connections that we would not
have been able to make if we had sat still for the past two years. It was a big risk, but so far it’s working out. The main advantage is we’ve been able to grow out network more rapidly, I would say. We’ve been able to get into other countries. “Right now we’ve been talking to a few other law firms in Europe who are thinking about creating strategic partnerships with us. ParrisWhittaker, we’re creating a buzz. We’re talking to a law firm in Africa that is looking at a partnership. Everyone focuses on the local markets, and to be honest there’s not enough to go around. Are we going to stay in the same position and fight over everything in it, or take the risk and bring the world back to The Bahamas?” he said. “We’re in touch with law firms in southern Europe, we’re in touch with a firm from North Africa and we’re in touch with three other Caribbean jurisdictions on strategic partnerships. It’s working out really well so far. We’re meeting people
throughout Europe. In the past six months we’ve made a good effort to get into jurisdictions like Italy and Greece. “We’ve made some connections in Croatia.” Amsterdam’s location between the Asian and the US east coast timezones provides a further competitive advantage, Mr Whittaker added, as it gives his firm “a six-hour head start” on rivals in The Bahamas and enables it to serve clients and legal/financial intermediaries on virtually all continents. To-date the Amsterdam office has generated mainly maritime work and linkages, but he said there was clear potential to attract both private client and commercial litigation business. It is located in the Mahler 4 Office Tower in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district and financial district. Mr Whittaker and his fellow partner, A. Kenra Parris-Whittaker, will now operate in both the Amsterdam and Bahamas locations to be closer to European clients.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR WANTED! Must be proficient in QuickBooks for data entry, filing, must have organizational skills, able to work independently.
CASHIERS NEEDED To work in fast pace environment. Please send resumes to
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Chairman’s Annual Report - 2021 Financial Performance, The fiscal year 2021, with the opening of the Global economy and business activity returning to some level of normalcy during 2021 our consolidated financial performance for the period was strong for The Benchmark Group of Companies. All subsidiaries recorded improved revenue and earnings results against 2020 comparatives. Benchmark Advisors the investment arm of The Benchmark Group Registered Net Comprehensive Income of B$2,942,885, against a Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on its investment portfolio of B$(674,387). Our investment property company Benchmark Properties (Bahamas) Ltd. once again produced its consistent usual earnings performance. When the economy opened in 2021 the company began receiving payment for rental concessions given during the lockdown period to the Small Business Enterprises (SME’s) operating in the Commercial complex, Net Income for the year was B$104,516. Benchmark Ventures which had a loss of B$(59,431) in 2020 posted a profit of B$160,601 for the year. Alliance Investment Management Ltd., also recovered from the lockdowns locally and globally with strong new business growth and increased trading activity, for the year Net Income was B$1,179,107. The Net Consolidated Comprehensive Profit for the Benchmark Group of Companies for the year end 31st December, 2021 was B$3,932,401. Real Estate, Our investment in a single bedroom unit in the Wynn Developmental project on Cable Beach continues. The project is expected to be finished by first quarter of 2023. At yearend 2021, our investment in the development amounted to B$280,000. During 2021 we invested in another property, Villanova. This investment is in the western district on the island of Nassau near Sanders Beach. The investment is in a Two Bedroom unit, representing the second phase of a three-phase development, Income for Benchmark Properties was B$608,422. Broker Dealers, Our two Class 1 Broker Dealers, Benchmark Advisors the group’s global investment company and securities execution broker dealer. Alliance Investment Management our client administrative broker dealer charged with the responsibility of managing existing and new client relationships, order flows and placements, while applying best practice against regulatory requirements saw strong new business introductions for the year along with increase trading volumes. Both companies produced Net Income performance’s that was better than there 2020 results. Income for Advisors was B$4,179,989, Alliance income was B$16,294,622. Investment Portfolio, During the year we sat on the sideline of global markets as volatility made it extremely difficult for us to determine an investment entry point for the portfolio. In the domestic market, we were more active as the economy opened. We appreciate and accept that this area of our business performance while difficult to forecast and influences our consolidated earnings performance will remain as a significant part of our long-term growth strategy for The Benchmark Group.
PAGE 20, Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Ageing population works against NIB rescue plan By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE number of working Bahamians supporting one person’s National Insurance Board (NIB) benefit payouts through their contributions has been cut in half, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday. Myles Laroda, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for NIB, highlighted how changing demographics - with a growing elderly population that is living longer, and supported by proportionately fewer workers - will continue to undermine the social security system’s financial stability unless key reforms are enacted urgently. “The reality is years ago we had about 13, or almost 14, people that was paying towards the benefits of one person, and that number has been reduced to less than half of that. I think by 2040 it should be 3.9 persons to one pensioner,” Mr Laroda disclosed. “We are actually paying out much more money than we are taking in, and that is the reality. People are living longer, they are receiving more benefits. The ceiling has been
raised from $400 in income per week to over $700, and I think there’s only been one [rate] increase, and so we are where we are. “The Government has made a statement with regards to that. A charge has been given to the Board to find innovative ways, but I am just stating the fact as it is right now. I think it may have been exacerbated because a lot of money was paid out during the pandemic and so we are where we are with that reality.” NIB’s 2017 annual report, the last to be publicly disclosed, revealed that the year’s $277.5m contributions were exceeded by $286.5m in benefit payouts. The same occurred the previous year, when $275.2m in benefits overshadowed $261.2m in contributions. NIB’s income only remained positive as a result of earnings on its investment portfolio. Speaking to the latest actuarial report on NIB, which was based on its 2018 financials and solvency position, Mr Laroda said it only reaffirmed what has been known about the social security system for the past three decades in terms of its $1.6bn reserve fund being completely exhausted around 2030. The latest projections have brought that timeline forward slightly to 2028.
Mr Laroda said: “The report is actually a recommendation, and it is basically saying for the fund to remain solvent, we’re going to have to do different things. You’re going to have to increase contributions, you’re going to have to cut benefits and you’re going to have to increase the retirement age. “That’s the recommendation and the Government can choose what or any part it will implement, or what parts that it will not. But from the position of the report those were the recommendations that were made for the Government to consider.” The Prime Minister has said a contribution rate hike will not happen at this time despite the report indicating that a 2 percentage point increase should be implemented by next Friday, July 1.This, it added, should be supplemented by further increases every two years up to 2036 for NIB to maintain its financial sustainability. “If you read the 10th actuarial report, or the ninth or even the eighth, they were saying the same thing,” Mr Laroda said. “It’s just that the date for depletion has been expedited a little bit faster. The National Insurance Board, the executives, the Board of Directors, are
a group of skilled, talented people, and we’re going to have to find ways in which we’re going to ensure that the fund is saved.” No specific benefit cuts were recommended. The report did call for the retirement age be raised by two years to 67. NIB contributions, which take the form of a payroll tax, are currently split 3.9 percent/5.9 percent between employee and employer, respectively. They have seen only one increase this century, when the combined rate rose from 8.8 percent to the present 9.8 percent in 2010. Any new rate hikes, besides increasing business costs, will also cut into employee take-home pay and disposable income just when they are facing heightened inflation. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reported in 2018 that NIB contribution rates must more than double to over 20 percent to prevent a long-term Bahamian pension crisis. It projected that the Government’s total pension liabilities - including those owed to the civil service and public corporation workers - will ultimately grow to 160 percent of GDP.
THE TRIBUNE
MYLES Laroda Pointing out that all Government pension commitments are “underfunded”, the IDB’s 2018-2022 strategy said eliminating this deficit will require NIB contribution rates to rise from the present 9.8 percent to 20.3 percent. “Beyond the medium term, pension liabilities for which the Government is directly responsible - including social security commitments, pensions and public entity pensions - amount to 160 percent of GDP and are underfunded,” the IDB said. “Fully funding these pensions would require increasing the social security payroll tax from 9.8 percent to 20.3 per cent - a 107 per cent increase. “Pension liabilities are also projected to increase faster as a percentage of GDP in the Bahamas compared to the United States by 2060, reaching 41.6 retired Bahamians per 100 workers (from a current 1:10 ratio) compared to 36.8 per 100 workers in the United States,” the IDB country strategy said.
BAHAMAS LINKS WITH UN ON DIGITAL HUB FOR AGRICULTURE
THE Bahamas is partnering with a United Nations (UN) agency to establish an Eleuthera-based digital hub that will employ apps, e-commerce and other technologies to boost local farming. The Digital Territorial Village is a pilot initiative that is included in the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) 2022-2026 Country Programming Framework (CPF) for The Bahamas. That agreement was signed yesterday with the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs. The ministry said in a statement that the village is intended to create links between rural and urban communities using digital innovation, which will help to drive support for agribusiness in targeted Eleuthera areas. It is part of some $200,000 in agricultural assistance that the FAO is providing to The Bahamas. Clay Sweeting, minister of agriculture, marine resources and Family
MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting and Food Agriculture Organizaton Representative Dr Crispim Moreira. (Photo/Stephen Hanna) Island affairs, signed the framework with the FAO’s Bahamas country representative, Dr Crispim Moreira. “What is important about this is that we have a working document that can move with the times. The Digital Village is something that I am
very excited about because I believe that it is a way to bring the Family Islands closer to New Providence, and also help with emerging markets to connect not just nationally, but internationally as well,” Mr Sweeting said. “We are excited about what we are about to do together and want to
continue to foster this relationship.” Within the agreement there is a commitment to promote investments and funding that support young Bahamians and rural women entrepreneurs. Dr Moreira said: “Today, the signing of this instrument of collaboration and co-operation is symbolic. It solidifies a commitment between the Government of The Bahamas and FAO to strengthen and further our collaboration. It also represents FAO’s legitimate contribution to The Bahamas’ national development. “Furthermore, this new CPF is aligned with the FAO’s new regional initiatives, and the principles of the FAO’s strategic framework 2022-2031, which focuses on the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment – leaving no one behind.”
The CPF is a tool used by the FAO to define its short and medium-term response to the needs of member countries as they pursue their national development objectives. It seeks to ensure access to, and availability of, safe and nutritious food and healthy diets; sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems; agricultural value chain development to achieve prosperous and inclusive societies; and resilience to climate and economic shocks through the sustainable use and management of natural resources. In September 2020, the FAO launched the 1,000 Digital Villages Initiative that promotes the digitisation of services in rural areas. Over the next four years, the FAO is expected to increase its work in The Bahamas and strengthen its partnership with various ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UN agencies and other development partners.
VETERAN BANKER NAMED AS BDB’S DEPUTY CHIEF
FROM PAGE 21
has increased the institution’s recovery rate on its non-performing loans. In his new role, he will participate in the BDB ‘s effort to support national development through domestic and international frameworks, including the United Nations’ (UN) sustainable development goals and the National Development Plan (NDP).
Mr Munroe also previously enlisted in the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He has also represented The Bahamas as a member of the national baseball team, and has been trained in strategic management, human relations, anti-money laundering, operations development, terrorist financing, fraud, company law and administration.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, PAGE 21
INSURANCE BROKER UNVEILS ITS SECOND-EVER FREEPORT CHIEF A Bahamian insurance broker and agent, currently celebrating its 45th year in business, has named only its second-ever Freeport branch manager despite enjoying a 42-year presence in the city. Insurance Management confirmed in a statement that Melissa Sears has been named to the post. Her predecessor, James Carey, who she spent 23 years working under, has held the position for 41 years. “Melissa is experienced and qualified. She has truly earned this appointment
through hard work and a dedication to excellence,” said Byron Lowe, Insurance Management’s corporate human resources manager. “Many here in Grand Bahama will know the name, Melissa Sears. Throughout her 23 years at Insurance Management she has earned the trust of her clients and colleagues, and has developed a reputation of honesty and integrity in the community. Grand Bahama is in good hands.” Reflecting on her appointment, Ms Sears said: “I started out as a receptionist, but was so
VETERAN BANKER NAMED AS BDB’S DEPUTY CHIEF
intrigued by the complexities of the industry that I decided to stay in the business. It was my former managers who recognised that interest and really worked to get me involved in the process. That’s where it all began for me and I am pleased to stand on the shoulders of those who came before me. “This is an industry that requires commitment and continuous development. I vow to work to attract and train the next generation of professionals. To not only propel their own careers but to push the industry
A 28-YEAR banking veteran was yesterday said to have been named as the Bahamas Development Bank’s (BDB) deputy managing director. Dave Munroe will step into the post with effect from July 4, having been employed at financial institutions such as Lloyds TSB Bank and Trust, British American Bank (now Fidelity Bank Bahamas) and Citibank, where he held an executive level position. The BDB, in a statement, said he has expertise in administration, compliance, delinquency control, asset
MELISSA Sears forward as well. I am happy and proud to be part of a company that uplifts its own to positions of leadership, and I am most excited to do my part.”
THE WEATHER REPORT
5-Day Forecast
TODAY
ORLANDO
High: 93° F/34° C Low: 75° F/24° C
TAMPA
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Showers around in the a.m.; breezy
A t‑storm around early; clearing
A stray afternoon t‑storm; breezy
A stray t‑storm; winds subsiding
Breezy with a couple of showers
A few afternoon showers; breezy
High: 88°
Low: 79°
High: 89° Low: 78°
High: 87° Low: 79°
High: 88° Low: 77°
High: 89° Low: 79°
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
99° F
86° F
99°-84° F
96°-85° F
95°-83° F
97°-85° 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: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C
6‑12 knots
S
High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C
8‑16 knots
FT. LAUDERDALE
FREEPORT
High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C
E S
E
W
WEST PALM BEACH
W
uV inDex toDay
THURSDAY
N
N
| Go to AccuWeather.com
TONIGHT
High: 94° F/34° C Low: 79° F/26° C
High: 87° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C
MIAMI
High: 90° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C
6‑12 knots
KEY WEST
High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C
ELEUTHERA
NASSAU
High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° 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 Low
Ht.(ft.)
Today
8:47 a.m. 9:11 p.m.
High
Ht.(ft.) 2.2 3.0
3:04 a.m. 2:45 p.m.
0.3 0.2
Thursday
9:26 a.m. 9:49 p.m.
2.2 3.0
3:43 a.m. 3:24 p.m.
0.3 0.2
Friday
10:06 a.m. 10:27 p.m.
2.2 3.0
4:21 a.m. 4:03 p.m.
0.4 0.3
Saturday
10:46 a.m. 11:05 p.m.
2.3 2.9
4:59 a.m. 4:43 p.m.
0.4 0.4
Sunday
11:28 a.m. 11:43 p.m.
2.3 2.8
5:36 a.m. 5:26 p.m.
0.5 0.6
Monday
12:12 p.m. ‑‑‑‑‑
2.3 ‑‑‑‑‑
6:15 a.m. 6:12 p.m.
0.5 0.7
Tuesday
12:24 a.m. 12:59 p.m.
2.7 2.4
6:54 a.m. 7:03 p.m.
0.5 0.8
sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset
6:23 a.m. 8:04 p.m.
Moonrise Moonset
6:36 a.m. 8:52 p.m.
First
Full
Last
New
Jul. 6
Jul. 13
Jul. 20
Jul. 28
CAT ISLAND
E
W
High: 86° F/30° C Low: 79° F/26° C
N
S
E
W
6‑12 knots
S
8‑16 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 ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 74° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 87° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 90° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.12” Year to date ............................................... 27.58” Normal year to date ................................... 13.37”
High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C
DAVE Munroe management and recovery. It added that Mr Munroe also previously served as cost controller at Sandals Royal Bahamian. During his 15 years at BDB, Mr Munroe is said to have worked his way up the organisation from credit to executive management. Most recently, he SEE PAGE 20
ANDROS
SAN SALVADOR
GREAT EXUMA
High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C
High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C
N
High: 86° F/30° C Low: 78° F/26° C
E
W S
LONG ISLAND
tracking map
High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C
8‑16 knots
MAYAGUANA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C
Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.
CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C
High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C
GREAT INAGUA High: 89° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C
N
E
W
E
W
N
S
S
10‑20 knots
12‑25 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 SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots ENE at 12‑25 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots
WAVES 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑2 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet
VISIBILITY 5 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 9 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles
WATER TEMPS. 84° F 84° F 85° F 86° F 82° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 82° F 83° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 82° F 83° F
business@tribunemedia.net
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2022
$6.97
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Stock split revival with Fidelity ‘on $25m track’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
FIDELITY Bank (Bahamas) will unveil plans for its long-awaited stock split at next month’s shareholder meeting, its chief executive revealed yesterday, as it eyes a total $17.5m dividend payout to investors in 2022 Gowon Bowe told Tribune Business the BISXlisted commercial bank is “comfortable” it can hit that target after a 19 percent year-over-year increase in first quarter profits left it “on track” to strike its $25m net income goal for the full year.
* BISX-listed bank moves on preCOVID pledge * Targeting over $17m dividend for 2022 full year * Eyes ‘very aggressive’ merchant services move Speaking after Fidelity on Monday declared a 26 cents per share dividend, representing around $7.5m of the full year’s $17.5m target, Mr Bowe said the stock split - initially eyed for early
GOWON BOWE 2020 prior to the pandemic - is “on the agenda” for the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM). COVID-19’s arrival forced the institution to postpone its plans but, with
Fidelity having now “stabilised operations” and proven its value, it plans to deliver on this promise for a stock that, on Monday, was trading at $15.80 per share. While not confirming any details prior to their unveiling to minority shareholders, who collectively own a 25 percent equity stake in the bank, Mr Bowe indicated to this newspaper it was eyeing a split that would bring Fidelity’s share price down to the $3-$6 range - meaning it is looking at either a three-for-one or four-for-one split. This would involve issuing either two or three new shares for SEE PAGE 19
Court: Race ‘sabotage’ worker’s firing justified By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Island School’s former chief administrator, who was fired for badmouthing her employer as “a racist and sexist organisation that was willfully breaking” Immigration laws, has had her termination upheld by the Supreme Court. Chenara Carey sued the Eleutherabased education non-profit for wrongful or unfair dismissal after she was removed from her $63,700a-year post, but Justice Ian Winder rejected all her claims and awarded the Island School all its legal costs in a judgment released this Monday. His findings disclosed that Ms Carey had made the allegations, vehemently denied by the Island School and its
senior executives, to two potential hires for management jobs. Yet, in the first case, the education non-profit actually believed Ms Carey’s denial over the word of the informant, who was “actually terminated” from his post. However, it acted just months later when a second potential recruit made the same allegations against her. Justice Winder found the Island School had reason to “form an honest” belief that Ms Carey had made defamatory allegations against it, and the way it was operating, and had conducted a sufficiently thorough investigation - as required by the Employment Act - to reach the conclusion it did. The Island School, in its defence to the wrongful and/or unfair dismissal claim, asserted that Ms Carey had committed “misconduct which was
repugnant to its fundamental interests” through the comments made to two persons seeking jobs with it. It identified the first incident as occurring in October 2017 when she drove Rodney Lloyd from the airport to the school’s campus, with the second happening in July 2018 when she met with Fiona Daniels, who was applying for the chief financial officer’s post. “On the first occasion, the defendant [the Island School] accepted [Ms Carey’s] denial over the word of Mr Lloyd, and Mr Lloyd was actually terminated, and the defendant believed her when she said Mr Lloyd was being dishonest,” the school’s defence stated. “In 2018, when the defendant
FISHERMEN ‘RIDE OUT THE STORM’ OF HIGH FUEL COSTS By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN fishermen yesterday said they have no choice but “to ride out the storm” of high fuel prices amid hopes that crawfish prices for the fastapproaching season can provide some offset. Keith Carroll, the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance’s (BCFA) vicepresident, told Tribune Business that some fishermen - especially those that operate smaller dinghies as a well as a parent or ‘mother’ vessel - were likely incurring fuel costs of $50,000 and upwards
A CRAWFISH. with no sign of any significant global oil price easing ahead of the August 1 crawfish season start. “I don’t know what to say,” he said. “We’re just hoping the cost of fuel starts to go down. There’s nothing we can do. We hope the price of lobster stays up to help offset fuel costs. You never know what the price
of crawfish is going to be until the season opens up. We don’t know if it will be $1 or $20. It depends on what the market is. We ended up at $21 last year, and started at $18.50. We had a good season. “But if the price of lobster drops, and the lobsters are not as plentiful as last year, that will affect all the fishermen. We’re just like everybody else. We have to go out and make enough to keep us living. We have to do what we have to do. We have to ride out the storm like everyone else until the world gets back to normal. Whatever happens, we can SEE PAGE 18
FOCOL CHIEF: MAKE ‘EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT’ ON VENEZUELA RELIEF By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
FOCOL Holdings chairman yesterday urged the Prime Minister and his government to make “every possible effort” to have sanctions on Venezuela removed as the release of its oil will likely have “a material impact” on world markets. Sir Franklyn Wilson, who heads the BISX-listed petroleum products supplier, told Tribune Business that the negative fallout from high energy and transportation costs made it imperative that Philip Davis QC and his administration use whatever
influence they possess to get Venezuela’s supply moving again. Suggesting that the Biden administration could swiftly decide to lift financial sanctions and other measures imposed on Nicolas Maduro’s government, he said of such a measure: “It will certainly help. Once that decision is made and released, Venezuela is a significant enough player that it is possible that could affect markets far beyond The Bahamas. “That could affect the world. Venezuela is a big enough player that could impact way beyond direct Venezuela-Bahamas SEE PAGE 17
SEE PAGE 18
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Expanding law firm: ‘We don’t want to be Starbucks’ * ParrisWhittaker to stay ‘boutique’ despite Amsterdam office * Aims to ‘be different to survive’ by going to seek out clients * In ‘partnership’ talks with European and African law firms By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A Bahamian law firm says that while its Amsterdam expansion has paved the way for partnership discussions with European and African counterparts, it has no plans to become a “Starbucks” equivalent. Jacy Whittaker, partner at ParrisWhittaker, told Tribune Business that the Freeport-based firm is determined to retain its niche, boutique character despite establishing offices in Nassau, the Turks & Caicos and, now, the Netherlands. Describing its business model as “boutique or gourmet coffee”, as opposed to catering to the mass market, he explained that the company’s strategy is to use its offices as a series of “touch points” that can be used to establish partnerships with overseas law firms in strategic markets that can generate business for ParrisWhittaker and the wider Bahamas. Mr Whittaker, explaining that the firm’s maritime law focus was one factor that drove the Amsterdam office opening, added that it “needs to be different to survive”. This was why it had not set-up in London,
given that several rival Bahamian commercial law firms already have an established office and presence there. And he added that the Bahamian legal profession and other industries “need to go out and find the business” more, rather than seeking to bring investors and clients to The Bahamas, with law firms in particular too focused on a domestic market where there is insufficient work for all to survive. Revealing that ParrisWhittaker’s Amsterdam office has been operating quietly for two years, having opened during the pandemic’s peak, Mr Whittaker said: “We’ve actually been commuting between Amsterdam and The Bahamas for the past two years, right when COVID started. We kept it quiet while we sorted out a few kinks. It’s a satellite office with two employees. “Everyone focuses on bringing people to The Bahamas, but sometimes you need to go out and find them and bring them back. We have Freeport, we have Nassau, we have Turks & Caicos, we have Amsterdam now.” But, amid the international expansion, Mr Whittaker said the company was SEE PAGE 19