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VOLUME:117 No.149, JUNE 30TH, 2020

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WOMAN: LOOKING ONLINE FOR THAT MR RIGHT

BORROWERS HAVE $2BN PUT ON HOLD Crisis leaves debts deferred for third of banks’ total lending

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN banker yesterday warned against premature panic after it emerged borrowers sought repayment waivers for almost $2bn worth of loans at the peak of the lockdown.

Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief financial officer, said that such a figure - representing almost one-third of total outstanding credit issued

by Bahamian commercial banks - would only become a concern if it persists long after the post-pandemic re-opening.

He argued that the Central Bank, and the

commercial institutions it supervises, will only face “difficult decisions” on regulatory capital, liquidity and loan loss provisioning if the economy fails to rebound within the next 12 months.

Emphasising “we are nowhere near that juncture”, Mr Bowe said it was critical for Bahamasbased commercial banks to have “steady hands at the wheel”. He called for “all hands on deck” to re-open the economy in a safe and sustainable manner, warning that this nation must at all costs avoid the example set by multiple US states whose actions have facilitated a second wave of virus infections.

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net

SIX flights are due to arrive in the country from the United States when international commercial travel resumes tomorrow, according to officials at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Despite a serious spike in COVID-19 cases in the US, the country’s borders will

fully open this week. Many of the incoming flights originate from cities and states where COVID-19 cases are high. “Current flight projections show a total of six flights arriving from the United States on July 1 starting with Delta Airlines’ inbound service from Atlanta to Nassau at approximately 11.30am,” a statement from LPIA noted.

SEE PAGE THREE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE brother of a man fatally shot in Nassau Village on Sunday said he will never forget the moment his sibling took his last breath in his arms after being shot in front of their home.

Godfrey “Rob” Sawyer, 40, became the country’s 32nd murder victim of the year, according to this newspaper’s records, after he was shot late on Sunday night in the Nassau Village community.

Police said Sawyer was standing on the porch of his home on Jackson Street shortly after 11pm when he was approached by two men. “An argument ensued, one of the males produced a handgun and SEE PAGE FIVE

POLICE SIZE TO INCREASE BY 145 AFTER RETIREMENTS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

FIRST ARRIVALS DUE IN FROM US ‘SPIKE’ ZONES

‘MY BROTHER COUGHED, THEN DIED IN MY ARMS’

WE’RE BACK AND BEHAVING THE WILSON family were out enjoying some fun in the sun at Yamacraw yesterday after beaches reopened. Picture special - Page 4 Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THIRTY-FIVE senior police officers and 90 contracted officers are expected to retire from the Royal Bahamas Police Force this year.

This is according to the policing plan of Commissioner Paul Rolle, which was tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday.

“It is expected that we will recruit some 270 officers during the year to augment the existing strength and backfill those officers expected to retire,” the document says. “The targeted strength of the force by the end of the year will be 2,787 sworn officers.”

SEE PAGE FOUR

STRAW VENDORS - KEEP MARKET CLOSED

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

STRAW vendors are calling for the government to push back the Straw Market’s re-opening date until the cruise ship industry resumes in September.

A spokeswoman for the vendors said they do not feel they will have a strong customer base if operations resume this month given that the bulk

THE STRAW MARKET of their customers are cruise visitors. This comes after Prime Minister Dr

Hubert Minnis announced on Sunday that straw vendors and jet ski operators will be able to return to work on July 27.

However, the president of the Straw Business Persons Society, Reverend Esther Thompson, criticised the decision yesterday, saying vendors want the downtown facility’s re-opening dates to fall in line with the cruise industry’s re-opening.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FOUR

PETER YOUNG

THE WINDRUSH SCANDAL WAS EASY TO AVOID

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

SHOT TODDLER STILL HAS THE BULLET INSIDE HER

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE mother of the two-year-old girl shot in Eleuthera on Saturday night believes the gunmen were after a man who lived nearby and not her mother’s house.

The toddler, Da’Nyla Roberts, was sitting on the porch in her grandmother’s arms when she was shot in her abdomen shortly before 10pm. The incident took place on Baby Johnson Lane in Hatchet Bay. The child’s mother Dwainelle Guillaume, 23, said the ordeal has been

understandably tough for her family. Da’Nyla is in critical condition after being airlifted into New Providence and her family has appealed for O+ blood donations. Despite still having a bullet lodged in her, Ms Guilleume said Da’Nyla appeared in “high spirits” during her last hospital visit.

“The last time I saw her she was up,” Ms Guillaume said. “She was in and out of consciousness but she was talking. She was saying her colours. She wanted her phone to watch YouTube.

During all this, having the bullet still in her, she was still in high spirits.”

The two-year-old suffered internal organ damage to her lung, her spleen, her kidney, her liver and bowels.

“I didn’t know where to put myself,” Ms Guillaume said, recalling her emotions when she learned her young daughter had been shot.

To make matters worse, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Ms Guillaume and the child’s father are not allowed to spend as much time with Da’Nyla as they would like.

“Well, it’s really tough on me because I can’t see her,” her mother said. “I can’t

hold her. I can’t talk to her.

I can’t comfort her. I can’t tell it’s going to be alright and it’s really tough on the family.”

Police said on Sunday that two male suspects were arrested and are assisting with the investigation. Although there is no known motive behind the shooting or if the men knew the family, Ms Guillaume believes the gunmen were after a man who lives nearby and not her mother’s house.

She remembered: “The stories that I’m hearing is that they were targeting a guy who was through

VICTIM: Da’Nyla Roberts

the corner of the residence not my mother’s residence. So they had an altercation somewhere else and they saw the guys through the corner and they were targeting the guy.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up appealing for donations for the child’s medical care. To make a donation, visit https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ donations-for-danyla-roberts Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call police at 5029991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

FAMILY and friends at the memorial service for 16-year-old Zion Clarke. Below, his mother Edith, centre, holds a photo of her son.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FAMILY and friends gathered at the Fox Town Park in Abaco on Saturday for a memorial service for 16-year-old Zion Clarke, who was tragically killed in a traffic accident on that island about two weeks ago.

Edith Clarke, the boy’s mother, said the service was emotional for everyone who attended.

A memorial cross - sponsored by Abaco resident Bernardo Rolle - was also erected at the spot marking where Zion lost his life on June 7. The teen was walking home from the park after playing basketball shortly after 10pm on the S C Highway in Fox Town when he was struck by a motorist. His body was found in bushes some eight feet from the point of impact.

“I tried to hold it together, but these children were crowded around his cross, about 15 of them, and they were crying; that touched me, and I broke down,” said Ms Clarke.

She said that the priest, who only knew Zion for the short time he lived in Abaco, also became emotional during the memorial.

Family and friends remember Zion, 16

Members of the Urban Renewal Marching Band in Grand Bahama also travelled to Abaco to perform tributes to Zion, who was a member of the band when he lived on that island before relocating to Abaco a year ago.

“It was all very touching, but painful, and I am grateful to the Urban Renewal Marching Band and persons who traveled from Grand Bahama to be here for him and for us - it meant a lot to me,” Ms Clarke said.

However, she did express her disappointment with the area MP who has not yet reached out to her since the accident.

She noted that the only MP that has reached out to her is Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, the MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.

According to Ms Clarke,

Ms Parker-Edgecombe was able to assist her the night of accident, and more recently in getting her son’s body airlifted to New Providence prior to the memorial service.

“My son’s body was here in Abaco for two weeks after his death and I had to call her and ask her to push for his body to get off the island. So it is like no one is checking for Abaco.

“I told Ms Edgecombe that it’s been two weeks; she told me she would call somebody and right after that the following day his body was airlifted to New Providence on Friday – a day before the memorial on Saturday,” Ms Clarke said.

The boy’s funeral will be held on July 4 in Grand Bahama, where Zion will be laid to rest.

Ms Clarke also

complained about the ongoing neglect in Abaco, which was devastated by Hurricane Dorian last September. “I don’t understand what is going on, it’s like Abaco is off the map. (We) have no access to 911, no 919, and I see no reason why these calls cannot be transferred.”

She stressed that the conditions - including the lack of sufficient streetlights among other things - at the SC Bootle Highway are unacceptable.

“Every year we pay taxes, we pay for car license and insurance. When I got my license to drive I was given a book saying that certain

infrastructure should be on my street to protect the pedestrian and the driver, and none of that exists here.

“All of this is so upsetting to me; (there are) no speed bumps, no ripples, no slow down sign, no light, and no school zone sign in the school zone.

“In Freeport, there are so many speed dumps, and also in Nassau around the schools; why do they have this island so wide open?

Why are we paying these fees if we ain’t going to have protective measures put in place for protection and security we need on our streets?” Ms Clarke said.

She hopes that her son’s death can highlight the ongoing issues and bring some awareness and action from the powers that be to address them.

THE TRIBUNE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel apologised yesterday after his office failed to deliver a resolution extending Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ emergency orders in time for last week’s sitting of the House of Assembly, causing the Governor General’s original proclamation of emergency to end at midnight.

Governor General C A Smith nonetheless signed a new proclamation of emergency yesterday evening in time for the COVID19 curfew and restrictions to remain in place when the previous proclamation expired.

However, Wayne Munroe, QC, indicated yesterday that he will challenge the legality of the proclamation, saying the Constitution does not let the Governor General declare a state of emergency more than once on the same issue.

Parliamentary rules say a resolution can only be debated if 24 hours notice is given, unless the House agrees to waive the rule.

The Official Opposition did not agree to waive the rule yesterday, so although Dr Minnis tabled a resolution to extend his orders during yesterday’s morning sitting, the resolution could not be debated and passed prior to the expiration of the proclamation.

“As minister I must accept and freely do accept full ministerial responsibility for this oversight,” Mr Bethel said in the Senate yesterday.

“I reiterate that I take full ministerial responsibility. The government of the Bahamas has every right to expect and to rely upon timely, and in-time, advice from the Office of the Attorney General. This is not the Prime Mminister’s oversight. This is not the government’s oversight. It is the oversight by my office,

Tuesday, June 30, 2020, PAGE 3

Bethel says sorry for failing to renew emergency orders and my oversight. I apologise for this procedural oversight to His Excellency the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the government of the Bahamas, and the Bahamian people.

“I was informed that the opposition, prior to this morning’s sitting of the House of Assembly, had indicated an intention not to waive the 24 hours rule, which requires at least 24 hours’ notice between the tabling of any motion and any debate on that motion.

The opposition are fully entitled to rely upon the Rules of the House.”

Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis slammed the mistake as an example of incompetence and ineptitude.

“The Attorney General has a course of action to take,” Mr Davis said.

“The collapse of the legal regime regarding the extension of the proclamation of the state of public emergency only shows what we have said all along and it is that this government is shockingly inept and incompetent. This is an enormous embarrassment for and failure of this Minnis-led government. The question must then be asked, if they got this simple procedural issue wrong what else have they gotten wrong in the course of governance? This is just the latest in a series of missteps, misinformation

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel and, inset, Opposition leader Philip Davis and disinformation on the part of this government.

Clearly the public can have little confidence in this Minnis-led administration and the expectation is heads must roll.”

Mr Davis opposed the way in which the new proclamation was issued yesterday, questioning how a state of emergency can exist if Dr Minnis has been hailing the country’s success against the coronavirus.

“What is the state of emergency?” he said.

“When you listen to the PM, you hear that we have had no (new cases), he said we are so safe we could invite people by opening our borders so the question is could a proper proclamation now be made having regard to the fact that the Prime Minister said everything is alright?

“It is an abuse of process. Consideration has to be given to whether in light of what the Prime Minister said Sunday (during his national address) there still

exists a state of emergency.

That consideration has to be made In light of the selfcongratulatory remarks and declaration that everything is okay.”

For his part, Mr Munroe said Article 29 of the Constitution does not allow the government to table a new proclamation on this issue.

“It seems abundantly clear that you can only have one proclamation of emergency with regard to any one event,” he said. “If you can simply put another one

in place, you could exceed the six months limited by the Constitution, so clearly in my view you can’t do that. We are challenging this right away. They’ve had three to four months grace.

We filed an action in in relation to the previous regime and there’s no reason to let this one slide.”

He added: “By law, you could extend a proclamation on and on, but any particular proclamation can be limited to six months and six months only. States of emergency are supposed to be exceptional steps, not the first thing you do.

If you have a matter of public health, yes you can pass laws that impinge our rights, but it has to be done by Parliament, not by a summary process. Their only remedy is to introduce a bill to put in place their regime and that bill has to be debated by the House of Assembly and the Senate.”

Editorial View - Page 6

FIRST ARRIVALS DUE IN FROM US ‘SPIKE’ ZONES from page one

“Six flights are scheduled for departure on day one.

Airlines have scheduled direct service to Nassau from key US gateways such as Charlotte, NC; New York (JFK); Denver; Houston; Baltimore; Newark; Miami and Ft Lauderdale along with service from Toronto, Canada.

“On arrival at LPIA, passengers should expect to have their temperatures taken as we begin to welcome guests. Persons showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be referred to the local health officials at the airport for further testing and evaluation.”

Based on current dashboard statistics, Florida and Houston are seeing a raging spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations.

New York and New Jersey, although numbers are still high, have seen a downward turn after governors came together and made a plan to lower the stats. North Carolina is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases and Toronto’s numbers, after being low for a while, are starting to rise again. Colorado’s numbers seem stable.

“As we enter this final

reopening phase and welcome visitors to the destination and residents back home, our focus is on ensuring that all airport partners are ready on July 1 to support the additional safety protocols put in place by the government to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Vernice Walkine, president and CEO of Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).

“From an airport perspective, we anticipate a gradual uptick in arrivals and departures over the next two to three weeks.

The phased approached to restarting air service has allowed our team to successfully test new safety protocols in real time. As we move forward in this new normal of operating in a pandemic, we are using the best practices learned to date to guide our plan.”

According to the airport’s statement, passengers traveling to and from Lynden Pindling International Airport can expect new protocols on departure and arrival. All inbound travelers, as of July 1, will be required to complete an electronic health visa prior to travel. And, all visitors, Bahamian citizens and residents will be asked

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Confirmed cases - 63,484. Hospitalised - 843 NEW YORK Confirmed cases - 211,569 Hospitalised - 54,689 DENVER, COLORADO Confirmed cases - 32,307 Hospitalised - 5401 HOUSTON, TEXAS (HARRIS COUNTY) Confirmed cases - 29,276.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Confirmed cases - 67,254 Hospitalised - 447 NEWARK, NEW JERSEY Confirmed cases - 171,182 Hospitalised - 13,121 MIAMI/FT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA Confirmed cases - 146,341 Hospitalised -14,354 TORONTO, CANADA Confirmed cases - 14,280 * Hospitalised figures for Houston and Toronto were not available

to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test and confirmation of their approved health visa upon entry or return to The Bahamas.

The test, the statement said, should be taken no more than ten days prior to the date of travel.

Beginning July 7, PCR COVID-19 tests that have negative results must be taken no later than seven days prior to the date of arrival, scrapping the aforementioned policy requiring that tests be no later than ten days old, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Sunday. He

said ten day old tests will be accepted until July 7.

Dr Minnis also said Bahamians and residents returning to the country from countries where they cannot obtain a PCR test must show that the test is unavailable and will be subjected to mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. He added that Bahamians and residents returning to the country after 72 hours or less are not required to produce a negative test result but can be tested in the country at their own cost. Without a negative test, travellers in

this group will have to quarantine for two weeks upon their return home.

Last week, a top local infectious disease expert said The Bahamas can still manage reopening the country without an explosion of COVID-19 cases if protocols are executed properly.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes, the government’s infectious disease expert, said on Thursday: “When borders are opening and you’re allowing travel during an epidemic, there will be risk of persons traveling with COVID-19. There is no 100

percent way to eliminate risk completely so there has to be steps, including screening, testing, and quarantine if persons are not able to be tested.

“In allowing travellers to come, there will be some degree of risk associated and all you can do is minimise the risk. To be fair, I think these steps by (the Ministry of) Tourism and Aviation in conjunction with (Ministry of) Health, I think these safety measures will considerably reduce the risk.

For more information on testing requirements, visits https://travel.gov.bs/.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, June 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

POLICE SIZE TO INCREASE BY 145 AFTER RETIREMENTS from page one

“This figure does not consider officers who may resign, be dismissed or pass on. The financial cost for this growth will be $3,232,000, with an additional $4,777,000 which will be required for those officers who will retire.”

This is Commissioner Rolle’s first policing plan

since he became chief of police.

He said the RBPF has seven priority areas for the year, including prevention and reduction of crime; financial crime investigations capacity; public and road safety; protecting people at risk of harm; positive youth interaction and reduction of anti-social behaviour; internal service delivery

and public confidence; and technology and police operations.

“The priorities that I have identified will encapsulate the direction in which the Royal Bahamas Police Force is heading,” he wrote. “Property crimes and anti-social behaviour will receive the attention that is required to address those issues. Similarly, crimes against the person,

particularly those at-risk groups, will receive serious attention to minimise the attractiveness of human trafficking, forced labour and victimisation. Our streets have become a danger zone and as such, much attention will be given to restoring order and respect for other road users.

“I acknowledge that the public demands a police

POLICE chief Paul Rolle

force that is responsive to their needs, particularly where the quality of life issues exist. While the police must avail themselves to the public and be willing to address all issues to satisfy them, the public must also accept responsibility to support, partnership, and cooperate with the police to fulfill the policing mandate to keep all safe and reduce crime.”

Photos: Shawn Hanna & Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

LIFE’S A BEACH

BEACHLOVERS were out in force yesterday as the island beaches reopened

STRAW VENDORS - KEEP MARKET CLOSED from page one She said: “What we want is for (the market to reopen) at least a week before the boat return.

This is the proposal I put to them. A week before the boat returns, they could open the market. Because who are we going to sell to?

“If they open the market, who are we going to sell to?

We want it in line with the cruise ships. Our position is the cruise ship is our clientele, major clientele. At least about 95 percent of our business come from the cruise ships.

“So, if the cruise ships isn’t coming, our thing is who are we going to sell to when we re-open on the 27th?”

In March, the government closed the country’s borders to all incoming commercial travellers, including Bahamians, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Minnis administration has since begun a phased re-opening of the tourism industry, with commercial international travel set to resume on July 1.

THE STRAW Market in Bay Street However, with the cruise industry not expected to reopen until September, Rev Thompson said vendors do not feel confident they will able to attract a large customer base to fulfil their financial obligations.

“Even though the country opening, you know that doesn’t mean the tourists are gone be here. Most of our business come from cruise ships and no cruise ship is coming in until September,” she told The Tribune yesterday.

“And the vendors feel like once you go (to the Straw Market), they ready

for you to pay rent. You see the vendors, where are they going to get this money from to pay the rent? “…The vendors them are really in a bad, bad financial state. They don’t see their financial state bettering by going to work on the 27th because who they gone sell to?”

Claiming vendors were “blindsided’ by the prime minister’s recent announcements, Rev Thompson said they were hoping to meet with officials to discuss their concerns.

“We were blindsided and I was blindsided by the

prime minister’s announcements. We were looking to meet with them to iron out the differences,” she added.

“We were not consulted on that date. That is the prime minister’s date or the government’s date that they ordered for vendors, but I don’t think they take into consideration our condition. Ain’t nobody talk to us where we are in it. The government is just placing their demands on the people without getting in the trenches to understand.”

Editorial View - Page 6

LLOYD PROMISES SCHOOL STATEMENT BY WEEK’S END EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said a statement will be released at the end of the week advising the public on the way forward for children’s education amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parents have been speculating, on social media, that when the new school year begins there will be shortened classroom days or rotated days for learning in schools.

“At the end of this week we will let everyone know what is going to be happening,” Mr Lloyd said when contacted for comment. “A statement will be issued at the end of the week.”

Students across the country have been engaged in online studies since March when COVID-19 changed the lives of residents with curfews and lock downs, preventing them from attending schools and the workplace.

According to an affiliate of the Anglican Central Education Authority, the school system is looking at a number of options once the new school year begins

MINISTER Jeffrey Lloyd this fall, including children being taught in classrooms some days and online on other days. The affiliate said another option being discussed is rotation attendance between the high schools and the primary schools. These proposed measures are being discussed to maintain social distancing protocols, while still delivering the product that is needed.

The board of directors for the Anglican Central Education Authority is expected to meet sometime this week and the way forward will be released shortly after.

Attempts to reach the Catholic School Board of Education were unsuccessful up to press time.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 30, 2020, PAGE 5

THE SCENE in Nassau Village on Sunday after the shooting of Godfrey “Rob” Sawyer, below.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

‘My brother coughed, then died in my arms’ from page one shot the male. The suspects left the scene in a white bus in an unknown direction,” the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement yesterday.

Police said paramedics were then called to the scene, but pronounced him dead. “He coughed the last breath out of him in my arms,” his brother told The Tribune yesterday. “He couldn’t tell me who shoot him or who kill him.”

Shawn “Junior” Sawyer said he was sleeping when he heard gunshots on Sunday night, believing it to be somewhere in the area. Having spoken to his brother just hours before the incident, Mr Sawyer said he was shocked when his mother told him it was his relative who had been shot.

“When I hear the first shot, I thought it was the area. I never know it did hit my backdoor,” he said. “So, I hear the rambling on the porch and my mother say ‘smokey, my son’.

“I say ‘your son’? She say ‘Rob out there getting killed’ and I say ‘what’ so when I opened the door, the n**** shoot the shot. When he shoot the shot, I push the door and I push my mummy on the side.”

He added: “So, I say ‘mummy’ and my mummy say she rather die and save her son. I say ‘mom, I can’t lose two.’ I push my mummy in and when I opened the door, all I could see is a white shirt and a black pants. And so, when everything happened, I come and hold my brother

and that’s the last time I hold my brother.”

Recalling the ordeal as one that he will never forget, Mr Sawyer told The Tribune yesterday the family is completely distraught over his brother’s murder.

Describing his brother as a “family man” who loved to make people laugh, Mr Sawyer said while he was not perfect, he was trying to change his life for the better.

“He ain’t had no kids.

Our kids were he kids so he was like a family person.

He just got a job and he was working and he was

trying to stop drinking and things like that,” he said.

“He wasn’t a perfect child but he was a person who liked to crack jokes but some people does take it personally but he just like to make you laugh or entertain you.”

Mr Sawyer added the family wants justice for his brother, but nothing that would lead to more bloodshed.

“We just want the police to do their job and to do it the right way and do their job. Don’t say this is that and that is this. Do right where right is and wrong where wrong is.”

Police said officers, acting upon information, were able to locate the vehicle fitting the description from Sunday’s incident and arrested two 35-year-old males, who are currently assisting officers with the investigation.

“Acting on information officers from an operations unit while in the Pinewood Gardens area observed a bus fitting the description. A short chase ensued which ended in two 35-year old males being arrested; they are assisting the police with the investigation,” police said.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, June 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

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Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

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C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Warning signs for the economy HOW seriously is our economy being hurt by COVID-19? Our lead story today is a telling sign.

Borrowers have asked for delays or waivers on nearly a third of the outstanding credit issued by Bahamian banks. That’s a staggering amount – almost $2bn worth of loans.

Now, the worry isn’t in the delay – and here we must praise those institutions who have been accommodating with borrowers who may have had a difficult time making repayments with their businesses shut down or after being temporarily laid off because of COVID-19.

No, the worry – as Fidelity Bank’s Gowon Bowe rightly points out – is if that inability to pay persists after the reopening.

Right now, it’s a blinking warning sign showing the scale of the potential impact of the pandemic. If things pick up again and people make their repayments, all well and good.

Think of it as the light that comes on when your gas tank is empty. If you’re able to fill it up, on you go down the road safe and sound. If there’s no gas, you can only run on empty for so long.

So how soon will there be enough gas to go around? Well, look across at the straw vendors and you’ll find another warning sign.

The straw vendors are able to get back to work on July 27, the government has announced – but the vendors themselves are asking for that date to be pushed back.

Why push it back? You would think they would be wanting to get back to work and earning money, right?

Well, they’re worried that there isn’t going to be anyone to sell to – and reopening means paying rent again. So they’ll be stuck with a debt to pay and, they fear, no income to cover the debt.

They say 95 percent of their customers come from cruise ship passengers – and they aren’t back yet. September might be the earliest they return.

So that’s the dilemma – earning enough money to pay the bills. It’s a dilemma for the customers of the banks who are seeking waivers on their debts.

It’s a dilemma for the straw vendors trying to cover the cost of the rent and enough more on top to survive.

There are no easy solutions here – and a long way to go until things get better.

Not good enough HOW important is an emergency?

After all, the word is right there. Emergency. Something of huge importance that requires immediate action.

So one wonders how Attorney General Carl Bethel allowed his attention to wander from the fact that the emergency powers needed to be extended.

His office failed to deliver the resolution in time. In short, they dropped the ball, and he has apologised for doing so.

A new proclamation was signed in time for the curfew at the time of writing

– but that might be open to legal challenge now, with Wayne Munroe ready to go to court. How confident would you be in betting on Mr Bethel winning the case when his office can’t manage to put a Post-It note on the calendar as a reminder of when to file things?

This is not the first time that Mr Bethel has failed to deliver. This isn’t anyone else’s fault, this is simply slackness. The Attorney General needs to run a tighter ship – before someone else is made its captain.

A gift I can’t forget from Peter Graham EDITOR, The Tribune

I HAVE been fortunate to have known the late Hon. Peter Donald Graham, who passed into Eternity recently. As a lawyer by profession, I would have heard and read about Mr. Graham for countless years. He was highly regarded as a skilled commercial and asset management practitioner. He was the founding partner of Messrs. Graham, Thompson & Company, one of the premier multi-racial based law firms in the nation and, indeed, throughout the wider Caribbean.

Peter was elected to the House of Assembly to represent, ably, the great constituency of Long Island while in his late twenties.

He also served as a minister in the first cabinet of The Bahamas then headed by the late; great Sir Roland Theodore Symonette, our first Premier. Yes, he may have been a member of the United Bahamian Party (UBP) but so what?

In my teenage years, I too, under the persuasive influence of my late

paternal uncle, Urban Bernard Toote, was an active and very vocal supporter of that entity. I make no apologies. In the 1960s the emerging Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was viewed by many black Bahamians as too radical and, to be honest, it’s members were suspected, erroneously in retrospect, of being communists or worse.

Peter D. Graham was a man for all seasons. A husband, father and patron of all sorts of causes, he will be remembered, fondly, so long as there is The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I would hope that the history of people like Peter, et al, are taught in out local schools. I don’t want to hear and read any stupidity about UBP’s being racists because, no doubt, many of its members were. In fact, in some form or the other, we are ALL discriminatory or exhibit occasional racists traits viza-viz our Haitian brothers and sisters.

A few years after I was disbarred, I happened to be walking along Bay

Street when I encountered Peter who was approaching in the opposite direction. We were, of course, known to each other. He invited me to accompany him back to his chambers. I did so.

Once there he escorted me into his private lair where we chatted for a long time.

He and my late father, the Reverend Dr. Ortland H. Bode Sr., were great business partners and friends.

At the end of the conversation, he took out his cheque book, without any requests or promptings by me. He wrote out a cheque and slid it across his desk to me. He stated that he understood how difficult it could be for a disbarred lawyer in The Bahamas and that it was a gift. It was for almost five thousand dollars. Talk about the UBP and white Bahamians. May his soul rest in peace and remember, that in all things, even death, to God be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr. Nassau June 28, 2020

Columbus keeps the tourists happy EDITOR, The Tribune CHRISTOPHER Columbus statue is here to stay. Christopher Columbus is among the “been here” and will be here longer than Father Sebastian Campbell and all those other set of “just come here” opinions.

For a few minutes let me talk to the “just come here”.

Please get your records straight. If you don’t know, please ask, It’s important to know the history of this country.

Here we have a statue of one of the founding people of this country we now know as The Bahamas. In 1492, Christopher Columbus in search of the new world, set sail and landed on San Salvador island.

There he met up with the Arawaks who were already settled here.

To you “just come here”, what have the Arawaks done other than walk up and down naked and burning fire? That statue is a strong part of the story of our country’s history. Every time one or two of you all get a passport and the US Immigration let you in, the next thing you want to do is the things that they do in the US. Let me tell you something, the US build cars, boats and a multiplicity of things for export, they have factories of all kinds and goods to export in abundance to sustain that country financially.

My question to all of you “just come here”, what do we have to export to sustain our country? Tourism is our lifeline. If you went to school let me tell you, tourism paid the school fees.

Tourism put food on your table it also paid that rent mama had to pay.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net That statue is a tourism attraction for the tourist. Yes, we Bahamians are slowly raising our heads and exporting some fruit but can it sustain the country? I say no.

Father Campbell, you surprise me and not only me but a lot of people in this country with your statement in The Tribune. Let me say this to you and all of you who want to take down the statue of Christopher Columbus from Government House, that’s a tourism attraction. They come from all over the world and take pictures of the same statue. Father Campbell you all are looking back and complaining about Columbus’ past. Do you have evidence of anything you are accusing him of? He may have done some dirt but overall, he did some good here.

My brother and you “just come here” have any of you read the history of Apostle Paul? Yes, that same Paul in the Holy Bible, yes Father Campbell. The same Paul who killed people. The same Paul who did all kind of evil and wicked things to people until God had to knock him down. Father Campbell the same Paul you preach about and from his writing and teach people about in your church. Are you going to condemn a person after they have done wrong and this same person later do a multitude of good? This is the same thing about the Apostle Paul. If his statue was in front of the church would you pull it down?

Lets us go to Cat Island, sir. Are you going to dig up the grave of the historical Priest that has started the historical church in Cat Island, the church that was on the top of the hill and now only parts are standing and the Priest remains buried there?

It is alleged that this same Priest molested many young children, rape many young girls and young boys in Cat Island but yet when the tourist or historian goes to Cat Island, they take people to those places of history. My question, sir, should they dig up the Priest remains and cast it in the ocean of water and dig up the little history that is left standing?

To you “just come here”, don’t be distracted by the people in the US, their problem is there. We have our own problems and moving that statue don’t make no sense. Let us thank God for where He has brought us from and to where He is taking The Bahamas.

Don’t take the windows out of the house because Mr Brown took his out.

May I ask how many times do you pass that statue of Columbus per year? Should you stop people in Andros from catching crabs? Don’t follow America. See what they did to Martin Luther King and John F Kennedy.

I say goodbye to all of you, and Father Campbell let me remind you that we live on the grace of God and His mercy. Tourist visits to those historical sites have been our bread and butter from generations.

CONCERNED CITIZEN Nassau, June 26, 2020

Stop these attacks on children EDITOR, The Tribune IT IS absolutely pathetic and heart-breaking that in situations where armed conflict breaks out, children who are the most vulnerable members of societies are mostly affected by the consequences of war. The six most common violations are recruitment and use of children in war, killing,

sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals and denial of humanitarian access. Millions of children globally are caught up in conflicts in which they are not merely bystanders, but targets.

As every 4th of June is the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, we have to acknowledge the

pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. People should voice their concerns about the inadequate protection of the rights of children particularly in conflict environments.

HANDSEN CHIKOWORE June, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 30, 2020, PAGE 7

SAN SALVADOR PAIR ACCUSED OF HAVING SEX WITH MINORS IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net TWO San Salvador men appeared before Magistrate Sandradee Gardiner after they were accused of having sex with teenagers in two separate incidents.

Terreance Storr, 21, was charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse after he was accused of having sex with a 14-yearold sometime between December 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019. He was further accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old on May 29.

Carlson Newton, 25, was also charged with unlawful sexual intercourse after the prosecution alleged he had sex with a 15-year-old girl sometime between December 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019.

Yesterday, neither man was required to enter a

Alleged child abductor faces court date

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

arraignment, her attorney at the time, Howard Thompson Jr told Magistrate McKinney that the accused had a history of mental health issues. He also stated that Gibson had spent some time in the psychiatric ward of Brookdale University Hospital in New York in 2018.

At the time, Ms Gibson was remanded to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) for a psychiatric evaluation and was later granted $20,000 bail with two sureties by Justice Gregory Hilton.

Later that year, while out on bail, she was charged

ALLEGED child abductor De’Edra Gibson will appear before Justice Bernard Turner next week to receive the date she will stand trial for abducting four boys from various places in New Providence early last year.

Last April, Gibson was charged before Magistrate Samuel McKinney with abducting three eight-year-old boys and a three-year-old between February and March of 2019.

During her initial

with a single count of attempted child stealing.

Since child stealing is an indictable offence and one that can only be tried in the Supreme Court, she was ordered to be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Yesterday, Gibson’s attorney, Uel Johnson, told Justice Turner that he had an opportunity to speak with the accused woman “face-to-face” at BDCS and she was able to speak to him “directly.”

Mr Johnson said the last time he met with his client, they agreed that her “medication was working fine”

ORDERED TO PAY $3.5K FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

Bauld said during their search, officers found clear plastic bags containing a quantity of suspected marijuana in Erme’s pants and a rooom in the house. The officers also found four bags containing a number of foil paper wraps and $1,102.25 in cash they believed Erme received from selling the drugs.

Erme was subsequently arrested and taken to a nearby station. During an interview with police there, he told them he had found the drugs in bushes and had taken the contraband to his residence.

A 38-YEAR-OLD man was ordered to pay a $3,500 fine yesterday after he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession with the intent to supply .

Jerry Erme appeared in Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after officers seized two pounds of Indian hemp from him on June 25.

Prosecutor Kendrick Bauld said around 4pm that day, officers went to Erme’s residence armed with a search warrant. Sgt

During the hearing, Erme was represented by attorney Ian Cargill.

He told the magistrate his client had no previous convictions and had been gainfully employed for over eight years. He also noted that Erme was a father-ofthree and asked Magistrate McKinney not to impose a custodial sentence since this was Erme’s first offence.

As a result, Magistrate McKinney fined the defendant. He warned Erme if he failed to pay the fine, he would spend one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

DRUGS HAUL FOUND ON BOAT A MAN was arrested after police found suspected marijuana on a boat docked at Potter’s Cay. Police said officers armed with nae search riAndbBesut! after TheBigTgestshortly warrant boarded the vessel 9pm onTri Sunday.

Officers found drugs on but! ne TheBiggand board arrested a man who on the boat. est And Bes OBITS Two other men INSIDE were arrested for separate drug incidents.

Shortly before 9am Sunday, officers from the Airport Division, acting on

information, went to one of the terminals and searched a man travelling to a Family Island. The officers found suspected marijuana and arrested the suspect, police said.

Another man was arrested after 6pm after Mobile Unit officers patrolling Water Street saw a suspicious male. He was searched and police found a quantity of methamphetamine.

TheeeTrikbenudne W three suspects are expected to face All court charges soon.

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By AVA TURNQUES Reporter of According .net Tribune Chief matter, as tribunemedia close to the Wells has since aturnquest@ Mr Progres- Monday his accounts FOUR former Cabinet paid $9,000 on balParty an outstanding ARNOLD sive Liberal more than with $8,600.

FORBES ministers owedat Bahamas ance of some also said as $62,023 The source Forbes was one $20,000 each Mr Light, with Power and in arrears of Monday the company former minister as of July, in talks with balance over settle the Mr for some $60,000 a list obtained to three-month period. a according to PLP Mount

by The Tribune.and Collec- Forbes, former MP, was appointed The Credit 2015, listing of Moriah January in tions Department and board to Cabinet served as the MPs, senators the period and previouslythe Bahamas of for members 31, revealed chairman and Industrial ending July State Minister Agricultural . that former of Works Corporation the “do not Others on are: former in the Ministry owed BPL list Dr disconnect” Arnold Forbes of Health Tall $62,023.14.

by The Minister former obtained Gomez, list The delin- Perry Leslie Miller, Tribune contains of six Pines MP Youth Minister of former quent accounts Cabinet minis- former Johnson, Dion former PLP PLP MPs, Dr Danny Village MP ters, two former Tourism DR DANIEL entities, and Nassau , two private Cabinet min- Smith, former JOHNSON Obie Wilchcombe one sitting $24,413 Town MP Minister South Beach MP and former ister: Bamboo Hamilton State Renward Wells. who owed Cleola of Mr Wells, $3,703.96 at former Minister Damian Affairs $9,277.07 and locations - for Legal two separatetotal – did not Gomez.

SEE PAGE EIGHT $12,981.03 in yesterwant to comment other former day, and the

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By AVA TURNQUES Reporter t Tribune Chief ibunemedia.ne aturnquest@tr Sewerage WATER and Chairman Corporation yesterday Adrian Gibson existence the confirmed disconnect” of a “do not by scores list populatedthe governof elites at utility owned to ment he pledged provider as on initiate a crackdown accounts. delinquent The told Mr Gibson l “confidentia Tribune the 221accounts, list” held total of with a combined the period $175,000 for2017. ending June he plans He said that corporathe to direct all persons tion to notify arrears owing excessive or face debts to resolve n. disconnectio a list confiis “There the Long dential list,” Island MP said. would think “In fact, I s corporation that all the year or two, in over the last and more particularly year, there May of thisclose attenhas been that list by tion paid to t with the managemen changing the a view to lists usually way those operate. this con“As it stands, a number has fidential list on it, and of persons it’s being really and trulypersons by used to notify or letters. courtesy call that as the I can say toothe corporachairman of to direct tion I am going owing that all personswho are excessive arrears EIGHT SEE PAGE at the end of

DR PERRY GOMEZ $24,498

LESLIE MILLER $42,219

DION SMITH $9,275

RENWARD WELLS $12,980

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By NEIL HARTNELL Editor $25m, five-year maximum t contract et Tribune Business ibunemedia.n BPL managemen nhartnell@tr and Minnis if the board wish it to go. on Power & BAHAMAS board will administrati which will The meeting,PowerSecure Light’s (BPL) by meeting” hold a “crunch e today, be attendedand their attorneys key with PowerSecurlikely crit- executives is viewed as the from the US, with the outcome whether the to determining whethermake and ical in decidingas manager. sides will “kiss latter remainsTribune Busi- two separate. up” or Multiple - SEE BUSINESS yesterday US FULL STORY ness sources that the confirmed

HUMILIATION FORAFTER 4O YEARS LOSES HIS SEAT

seats: Encaptured four Island and Cat were spent under to South Aners’ dollars administration. glerston; 1,900 votes and San Salvador; the win with the Christie is evidence as well as Exuma A DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875. unofHe said if there”, the new dros VIRGIL Islands.

By SANCHESK Reporter to the

By KHRISNA Reporter seat, Fox According the the Ragged of “criminality et Tribune Staff from the Parwill allow SPEAK An additional being reDeputy Chief bunemedia.n ficial results Registration government course.

THE PEOPLE nemedia.net sdorsett@tri PAGE 4 was still its kvirgil@tribu his Hill, law to take to press time. and liamentary , Mr Chipman after ON’ decounted up his parMoments DNA ‘TO GO PAGE 5 IN a surprisingat the Departmentout of 12 pollas the na- This marked the worst in AFTER leadinglandslide defeat party won seven maiden speech MinLOSE humbling leader, Dr Prime Min- ing divisions in the former ty to a stunning feat for a governing Mr tion’s next PLP BIG NAMESPAGE 7 dealing a parapolls, outgoing that under recent history. victory and to the ProgresChristie lost PLP stronghold, while will nis promised victory came MPS ister Perry Bahamians The FNM’s won five. lysing blow Party last night, years the Centreville his watch, YOUR PROJECTED his seat in last night by Christie a rocky five PAGE 9 to fear from Mr Christie sive Liberal challengIn 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite conPrime Minister constituency representing FAR included two incoming the Centrevilleeighth said that Dr Minnis’ leadership, the government RESULTS SO PAGE 14 Minnis declared 25 votes aftermore than 40 won the n, which he Dr Hubert of a fracstituency for time with have abused victimisatio tional” “im- es to area for who reports the unofthose to that continued and ultimately consecutive He defeated is “unconstitu MORE COVERAGE of trust “have years, according party “wrong”.

PAGES 2-18 positions the post 2,950 votes. moral” and to unofficial tured to fear”. ficial results. candidate Ella removal from has held Opsomething to thousands of According able his at the Mr Christie 1977 and the FNM’s of the Official FNM was Speaking by 1,349 votes at the Q House today. results, the stunning defeat of leader in the House of won all the Lewis the seat since a pledged that jubilant supporterslast night, ment Mr Christie leader of Dr Minnis on will give to pull off securing a mas- position has been Liberal Party time. polling division in E Sports Centre but one administrati Terrance of the PLP, constituencies. Assembly. a long fought National MoveProgressive 39 “This was victory is not the Free also announced his General it sive 34 of ry Regsince 1997. released a but the Prime 2012. ment leader be sworn in as Auditor the resources former is yours,” Although he the loss, The Parliamenta did battle, The to seat about his that he will fourth prime Bastianto probe how taxpay- istration Department re- mine - the victory thousands Minister lost Movement statement did not speak full election last Dr Minnis told on the carThe Bahamas’ at Govern- needs Christie not release 5pm Free National packed with the and po- Mr minister at SEE PAGE SIX sults last night, in from the of FNMs (FNM) candidate Reece nival grounds. people’s time numbers coming litical newcomer agency around “This is the and I who secured government from the and I am your servant Chipman, 11pm. However it apSEE PAGE THREE unofficial numbers, the PLP only of the conpeared that “The outcome trust according to vention did not inspireBahalast Mark Humes in the results, said coming afor confidence that’s “obvious” mian electorate but think sweeping defeat residents unofficial that it is I ROLLE have stood behind us now and they night ter Fort Charlotte

By RASHAD Reporter told him party would winning the the party has a wonderful repeatedly lead- the Tribune Staff stand the any a better chance rebuild and emedia.net could not he been victori- opportunity to rrolle@tribun of the country per- election had itself,” he said. leadership for for- ership despite their ous in the PLP’sadding that reengineer longer, him.

AS HE called for January, Perry SEE PAGE SIX RASPBERRY in Minister sonal affectionwho was pro- race party made a mistake” mer Prime ICED TEA “the resign as leader Mr Sears, Mr Christie.

Free NaChristie to Liberal in choosing to lose to the Al- jected Movement’s (FNM) of the Progressive last night, the tional Party (PLP) saw he said fred Sears

2017 ELECTION

: KARA WAN

DAMIAN GOMEZ OBIE $3,413 WILCHCOMBE CLEOLA $4,911 HAMILTON they owed $6,118 list and the amount since that date. disconnect” BPL “do not made or further debt incurred named on the NINE individualsdo not include any payments July. The sums

PUT SOUTH ISLANDS T ON MARIA ALER

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AS PARTY CHRISTIE TO RESIGN

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By SANCHESKReporter in Fox Hill. et Tribune Staff walkabout bunemedia.n During a Acting prepared. live national sdorsett@tri er Fox Hill on Tuesday, ROLLE During a Ferguson Commission his office

By RASHAD Reporter ACTING Fergu- Commissioner and address from Dr Minnis Tribune Staff Anti-Gang of Police Anthony emedia.net yesterday said the Inveslast night, Maria is rrolle@tribun Tracing and announced dev- son establishment of two Firearms Unit will operate fore- said: “Hurricane the potentially Bahamas tigation WITH we the DetecMaria another hurricane that separate Royal anti-crime out of the Central the cast for Hurricane Force storm to pass astating monitor.”

(CDU) while projecting the Baha- must carefully Though most Police aimed at eliminating tive Unit SEE PAGE 11 units counHe added: near the Southeast was spared gang activity in the morning, Prime number of mas Friday Hubert Minnis of the Bahamas the try, reducing Minister Dr of those SEE PAGE TWO and is urging residents be vigilant islands to

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Dr Hubert MinPRIME Minister Kendera Woodside, nis meeting murdered Eugene the mother of

this Yes I feel for y our countries.than I can say.” more ensure has a responsibilit one mother said he will Each citizen information Dr Minnis provided to and whatever that forward. medical attention is is pregnant. the composure. said he felt the fam- has we must bring among us.” who after feel live Dr Minnis Mrs Woodside, the grieving and days makes me Three These criminals who emphasised country’s he “You can see of those pushed the ily’s pain. “What through,” Mrs Minnis, that her appearis that most during murder that violent crime into ROLLE she’s going someI, even worse

By RASHAD Reporter not a pain “I assured her that the family the yard, struggle with spotlight yet again, them was doctor, to will have we see in Tribune Staff ance before called on women said. today (Friday) we to look the national as a medical emedia.net acute. rrolle@tribun come my my years political move,one day this week time her pain remained live a life, medical personnel she’s pregand comforting cried.

“He ain’t even to wear blackfor murder victims.

Dr because THE hugs sure that after her Prime Minister wife God,” Mrs Woodsidegive my in mourning calling upon nant. I have to make words of and his infant are baby. I could for my a mother, I’m a really “As Minnis I unborn “He’s just Hubert because her and her we will also make couldn’t answer right now take all mothers can stop this,” Patricia Minnis that consumed breath be right here. They well and sure the to believe mothers who was tearful both ts to make the questions yesterday as babyheart out my body. who arrangemen medical personnel They said Mrs Minnis, eight- my Kendera Woodside have our sons on a only son. for her son, killed times. “We birth and as they necessary her and see her “This my my daughter too after she grieved of them at from the safety who was still with look almost shoot (the house) with would’ve delivered most knowing we cradle basis to ensure infant.” year-old Eugene, men we are to me with regular they inside four days ago. people ain’t tell- and What they do to my family? so they are closer patients,” Dr becomeWe have to speakshould of her and her unborn PAGE TWO SEE them. my former women “Why these bringing my son me. they do to us?

I they are a gynaecologist by pro- them. I think all week me? this What they we ain’ carry one day ing me Minnis, “The message she cried between “Why they wear black what’s happening in a baby.” tried to right now?” fession, said. the entire Bahamas 29 years, He’s Dr Minnis and mourn Eugene’s Rose- live must send to screams as this alone.

Tonio Woodside, family at theirEugene wife even is the police can’t fight console the consoled his home where on father, struggled to maintain bud Road a stray bullet as he was shot by did his homework. he Monday as

Islands’ Leading

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PLP CASUAL HIRES COST EXTRA $10M

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No.215, SEPTEMBER

he told Parto In June, cost the ROLLE such liament of

By RASHAD Bahamians $10,149,738. by the Carib- Tribune Staff Reporter so alarmed Action Task rrolle@tribunemedia.net increases was comes after draft bean Financial The revision more than

By NEIL HARTNELL Editor Rolle, minForce’s (CFATF) BRENSIL et Tribune Business services he included that were not The Bahamas ibunemedia.n report on his staff ister of public nhartnell@tr 1,700 workers Gen- that he instructedaddressing and National Insurance, in his original count.

December Progressive THE Attorneyslammed to begin work on June.

Amid the said between 2017, the criticism May flaws from early eral yesterday

by Liberal Party’sadministrablasted the 2016 and in the nation’s the ballooned Mr Bethel deficiencies adminis- public purse laundering of the of the Minnisof its firings anti-money former Christie to tackle $16,532,738 because on’s tion because “entirely unacfailing administrati regime as SEE PAGE SIX they had tration for with the Christie public service ceptable”, warning “in great known weaknesses hiring of new that period. put The Bahamas necessary urgency. workers during BUSINESS SEE danger”. told Trib- FULL STORY Carl Bethelhe had been une Business

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SIVE Liberal were obtaineda from a ther’s PROGRES The emails Bradley EMAILS leaked following of China Con- by The Tribune Party Chairmanout at his highdata breach (CCA) Roberts lashed story in December of CCA struction America’s colleague Vinthat from the breach former party night, accusservers show2013, Jerome lighting by a San Francisco cent Peet last North Anto servers China Construction as early as was seeking ing the former Islands MP hacker.

Fitzgerald of dollars eventually paid 24 bitcoins dros and Berry enemy” $24,000) secure millions trucking, and (the equivalent of of being a “political an independin brokerage, to their servat Baha who mounted because he to have access it aplimousine contracts showing a resat in Cabinet ers restored; however, ent campaigna nomination forwarded leaked emails Mar while he of Educathat emails ONE of the Education, Sciwas denied party.

Minister of as the Minister and Tech- pears relating to personnel quest from or d, Jerome Fitzgerald. from the governing to PLP suption, Science Tribune has to, compromise ence and Technology Speaking at CCA were in The nology, The a rally in North officials at Baha porters at night, Mr Robagent for Limolink despite top they were not encourhis are the learned.

You which contradict saying at from Andros last is war” as fa- Bahamas.

The emails this week de- Mar clientele with a reference by the hack if erts said “this writes, “I limousine company was vote aged to get of Viacom Minister, who his office to concerned the crowd toPerry Mr Fitzgerald matime. the president feel free he urged Dr nied ever using to himself the an email dated May 18, am aware that interior arrive miliar. with regard the you wish. Please In for incumbent that a vote “Also Izmirlian terials have began to really we direct contracts me personally adding business from the mul- 2013, sent to Mr the to contact with contact Gomez, hotel. I would or his family resort. is a vote for be limousine meet with or have your agents Mr Fitzgerald, Cur- for the for Mr Peet Movement. it if we couldbro- are ready to he ti-billion dollar - the Pro- by our Managing Porter, Shelly appreciate anytime,” Free National Mr Porter Mr Fitzgerald Party MP QuentinAlarice Fill copied, appointed your official your people SEE PAGE SIX his Director directly.” tis and 1st 2013.” writes.

June also really gressive Liberal indicates for we ker - appears a request Fitzgerald TWO & THREE “As indicated cusSEE PAGES for Marathon start brokerage $20,000 Mr He then makesfor limouto highend for readiness to only cater to be requesting official Baha Mar’s and trucking services and of Mr Izmirlian Baha Mar, tomers and are the project a month from Sarkis services at of Baha Mar of re- sinehe touted the level original developer the ex- the brokers as the citing Izmirlian, were necessary remain for the property. penses that cost of his fa- cord to cover the Healthcare Harbour hisMarsh a tortured ROLLE Centre has missed deadBy RASHAD Reporter tory, one of of shoddy Tribune Staff emedia.net lines and claimsall without rrolle@tribun ip, ity. of- workmansh ENT clear accountabil GOVERNM ed the anyThe facility’s original bankrupt. ficials commissionHealththe contractor went of Marsh Harbour n in Abaco yesConstructio care Centre centre began it as a longIngraham terday, touting to the island healthcare under the former awaited boost on. adminisin and the Christie Health administrati Christie adhealth centre When the e Staff tours the new tration’s National came to power, RASPBERRY Perry Christie the W. Carey/Tribun Insurance plans. and Ado- ministration renovating Photo: Terrel ICED TEA PRIME Minister it spent $1m Like the Child SEE PAGE SIX Abaco yesterday.

Robert Smith was lescent and omplex that

OPENS AT LAST HEALTH CENTRE MARSH HARBOUR

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Friday, June 30, 2017

BAHAMIAN PROJECT Pages 20&21

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WEEK

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Christie denies claims on spending

IN THE SPOTL END: SENIO RS

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FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE

WELLS

By RICARDO Reporter Tribune Staff nemedia.net rwells@tribu

TERS yesFIREFIGH a large blaze terday battled Providence at the New three weeks Landfill, nearly a massive that after tackling city dump fire at the nearly a month. burned for Charge of Fire Officer in Chief SuperinServices, Evans said tendent Walter is “not confire the the current any way to this nected” in and at previous blazedo not know time officials the fire. Howwhat caused t Minister ever Environmen told rehe Kenred Dorsett the site that porters at “sabotage” in said suspected the fire. He relation to the team he “instructed”to have the of firefighters “before and blaze extinguished day” today nomination Baha Mar’s certainly before Friday. opening on started shortly The blaze and Wednesday after 3am officEvans said Chief Supt battle the fire to ers expect day but another least for at wind is a “huge” he said the factor.

SEE PAGE SIX

ROBERTS: PEET A ‘POLITICAL ENEMY’ FOR ANDROS BID

W1WEEKEND

THE PEOPLE’S

entertainment puzzles film fashion gardening art books theatre

G concern ADMITTIN Bernard Notin over what Dr have battled last tage may his isolation during Prime Minisdays, former yesterday for ter Perry Christie admiration the expressed forth by the effort put security to former national the build-up minister in election. the May general from his Breaking away since being public silence office in hisof a voted out last month, toric fashion Mr Christroubled his visibly portions of his tie detailed with last conversation and longfriend on childhood colleague time political Thursday.

Centreville The former Nottage as Dr MP saw “fought tewho someone throughout his naciously” he loved and life for thosetrait he said he a supported, up to their display on saw . last conversation PAGE SIX SEE

IS • FORMER PM BY DAVIS TRIBUTE TO LEGACY OF ‘DISAPPOINTED’ FNM ALLEGATIONS COLLEAGUE • SAYS GOVT DID NOTHING WRONGT OVER $8M PAYOU

ROLLE

By RASHAD Reporter Tribune Staff emedia.net rrolle@tribun Nottage’s DR Bernard forever be will “footprints the Bahamian etched on tal landscape” developmen work as a forthrough his of the Bahamer president of Athletic mas Association s, the Bahamas Association , the Medical Association and as a afMinDoctors’ Union Prime consumer FORMER reminister for health and to accept the ister Perry Christie a defeat, was as I did when I fairs, education, Opposifor it arrears, into pictured yesterday. W. national security, who was in sponsibility response to Photo: Terrel Philip “Brave” airport tenant described recent resigned,” he said in levelled e Staff tion Leader as accusations criticism Christie the Carey/Tribun Wednesday.

Mr on from in recent Davis said questions on 71, died administrati e spending, misfea- moves made by the government pandering at his administration Dr Nottage, the Cleveby a party of irresponsibl WELLS at a “misstep” thought

By RICARDO Reporter Wednesday He will receive sance and cronyism. that weeks. never any he was “disap- to its base. acceptmaintained Tribune Staff “There was land Clinic.

He also said allegations being in arrangenemedia.net that I was degree relating Mr Christie by the rwells@tribu gova state funeral announced, documents s would on my part y for any Per- pointed”around by the new be a review of irrements to ing responsibilit Prime Minister tossed matters that to these two controversie the press secof criminality, on of any FORMER according to Office of the yesterday condemned ernment concerning last term as absolve his administratithat much whatsoeverspending and the notion ry Christie during his retary for the bare’ is just and prove as noth- sponsible Minnis administraAnthony is transpired the in by cupboard is Minister, wrongdoing efforts Prime that ‘the his government prime minister.at accusations from of the FNM’s rhetoric slogans.” tion to portray as he challenged Newbold. “political political slogans.”

Hitting back Minnis adminislight, SEE PAGE SIX ing more than challenges I have the SEE PAGE THREE a negative leader to carry out a members of the controvergovern“One of the the nation’s te examination of the who led the $8m to tration concerning of more thanclean up as the person led the government “dispassiona sial pay out and who record”. interview at one vendor for hurricane to an ment off of $1.2m During a lengthy home on Thursand the write his Cable Beach defended his day, Mr Christie

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energy. solar, to produce of agreeof Works The heads the governMINISTER said challenges, Desmond Bannister ment requires to “address concerns” pressed certain and BPL delayed today marks which he suggestedof docu- he has “serious Power and ment and consistent WHILE with Bahamas to “keep the reliable of electricity on the for both sitsubmission the deadlineformer parlia- the tell- supply Providence, Light’s ability are chal- lights on this summer,” of island of New ting and to file financial ments. the abiliAmong these the lack will include finans mentarians Public Discloing The Tribuneprevent the whichmeet the requirement with obtaining may ty to disclosures, Chair- lenges from spouses, cial records in situations reliability from fulfilling of the project.” sure Commission the instalLaroda told requireoper- government This involves supporting man Myles yesterday that particularly Mar all the necessary they may have all to lation “of The Tribunestill some that wherebank accounts prior ments in the Baha re necessary ated there were He said there heads of agreement.he is al- infrastructu g”. that SEE PAGE FIVE are “outstandin yesterday, to marriage. some unwillingalHe added ehension king at new, n an interview s- was also

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IT’S MAY 10

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CHAM PIONS HIP

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Prime Minister rings the bellrace for election

traditions. just a short ROLLE “Earlier today,present ParBy RASHAD Reporter the while ago, Tribune Staff officially disemedia.net liament was Christie said. rrolle@tribun Mr of Perry solved,”seat in the House “Every PRIME Minister the prover- Assembly is now vacant. the to you, Christie rang morning, “It is now left beloved bial bell yesterday that the 2017 citizenry of our who will announcing be held on nation, to decide in the next election willMay 10. fill those seats In doWednesday, address, givof Assembly.

His televisedOffice of the House you will also be dethe ing so, en live at the came mowho will form Prime Minister, Commis- ciding of the BahaPolice government ments after next five years.

Greenslade, the for that mosioner Ellison as provost mas “You will make in what ns in his capacity decision proclamatio pray marshal, readHouse of As- mentous hope and fair elecoutside the Governor Gen- I earnestly be free and a spirited will from Pinsembly Marguerite Let tions following eral Dame Parliament. peaceful campaign. dling dissolving said he is but the forthcoming Mr Christie election will us contestwith all the vigour confident the and will fol- elections fair at our command.” be free and and peaceful SEE PAGE TWO low a spirited is consistent campaign that political country’s this with

TERED 170,000 HAVE REGIS NG DAY AHEAD OF POLLI

with correctnow engaged the voter ROLLE ing and editing it of its

By RASHAD Reporter register, ridding Tribune Staff ised errors. emedia.net much-public enough staff to rrolle@tribun “We have “We 170,000 peo- do this,” Mr Hall said.certiJUST over sure it’s to vote have to make after tople have registered 10 general elec- fied some 14 daysdate.” for the May ry Com(Tuesday’s) tion, Parliamenta Hall said day’s accordance with the In Elections missioner Sherlyn ry pubParliamenta yesterday. what he de- Act, Mr Hall will give of This follows election in a “mad rush” notice of the week, statscribed as to vote lic this registering newspapers of people place in conthe last day ing the date, times when on Monday, and registration. 172,000 peo- stituencies papers must be There were to vote in the nomination delivered. registered ple election.

SEE PAGE THREE 2012 general ry Regis The Parliamenta Department istration

THE ELECTION

race is under

ARCHER PLP IS OMAR CONVICTED ARCHDEACON SAYS ITS LIFE’ OVER THREATS ‘FIGHTING FOR

way - as pictured

MINNIS CALLS FOR ON DECK ALL HANDS VIRGIL

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By LAMECH Reporter “The Real

By KHRISNA Reporter A BROWN Ortland Bodie, Archdeaet Tribune Staff Deputy Chief bunemedia.n

By SANCHESK said this elecnemedia.net Reporter con Palacious “difficult” for ljohnson@tri kvirgil@tribu et Tribune Staff Sr was tion will be and the FNM Move- sdorsett@tribunemedia.n of OMAR Archer both the PLP is no FREE National convicted Dr Hubert N Archdea- and at this point there how yesterday senment Leader to harm a ANGLICA gauge said said the threatening way to “properlygo.”

Minnis yesterday“all hands con James Palacious officer through need that the Progres- the results will came one ior police his social media FNM will vote the Pro- yesterday Party appears a post to two years ago.

His comments on deck” to Party gov- sive Liberal its life” Deputy Prime nearly he to be “fighting for neither day after Phillip “Brave” page 45-year-old Nassau gressive Liberal of office as that The ernment out Day, May and predicted party nor the Ministerpredicted that the Village resident appeared Davis heralded Election seats in the SEE PAGE SEVEN Movement that will bring the governing will win 30 10, as a day Free Nationalseats in next PLP SEE PAGE TWO 30 change. spoke dur- will wingeneral election. at month’s Dr Minnis on guest a conference as ing a press Appearing SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama

Islands’ Leading

Newspaper

and that she would be able to attend court so that a “proper trial date” could be set.

As a result, Justice Turner adjourned the matter to July 6 so that Gibson would be able to appear in court. He also said that while the “tentative trial date” is set for July 20, he will determine whether the trial will begin on that date or be scheduled for another time.

Still, he noted that due to the ages of the virtual complainants, the matter should be held during the summer so that they do not have to miss school to attend court.

plea and their cases were adjourned to August 4 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Both defendants were denied bail and remanded to prison until trial. They have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Another man, Romeko Williams, 23, also appeared before Magistrate McKinney charged with one count of rape, after the prosecution alleged that he had had sex on June 23 with a 21-year-old woman without her consent.

Williams was not required to enter a plea and the case was adjourned to September 4 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Bail was denied and he was remanded to BDCS in the interim. The defendant, who is represented by attorney Alex Morley, has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

39-YEAR-OLD MAN IS CHARGED WITH INCEST

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 39-YEAR-OLD man appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with incest and indecent assault.

The man, whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the complainant, was accused of indecently assaulting and engaging in sexual intercourse with a six-year-old girl, a blood relative.

The prosecution alleged

the acts occurred sometime between December 2019 and February.

During his hearing, the accused was not required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to September 4 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until trial.

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

PAGE 8, Tuesday, June 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

A remarkable life detailed in a folder telling the story of one of our nation’s builders THE “Father of Paediatrics” in The Bahamas was laid to rest this weekend, signalling the passing of yet another of our great nation builders. Time goes on, as it must, but it is right to take time to honour those who paved the way, paying tribute to their life and work.

Dr Patrick Roberts was one of the giants in medicine, but he was also a very humble, sweet man with a distinctively polite attitude and a constant smile. He was my doctor for a time, and I would always tell him that I wanted to feature him in “Face to Face”.

He would always say, ‘No, that’s ok! I am just here to

do the work!’ And work, he did. He retired this January at the age of 78, taking care of babies and anyone who came through the doors of his doctor’s office on Fort Charlotte right to the end.

One day, he finally obliged me. His lovely wife Jodell called me to say Dr

Roberts had something at the office for me. I went and picked up a large folder, filled with his collection of photos, newspaper clippings, letters and more.

Much of it was on his father, the late great Enoch Pedro Roberts, a pioneer in education, science and art. But

there was enough for me to also get a glimpse into his life. That folder was loaned to me with great trust and care, and I was able to garner some information; however, it is really deserving of a book.

“EP” Roberts left a stellar legacy of nationbuilding, and his children and grandchildren walked right in his path. Enoch and his wife Gladys Raine had Dorothy, Gerald, Sylvia, Anthony, Rosamund, Pedro and then Patrick, the baby, who was born on New Year’s Day in 1942. The couple raised their children at their homestead on Pigtail Alley, behind Graycliff Restaurant in Nassau. They took their children to their birthplace of Abaco during the summers. EP hailed from Green Turtle Cay and Gladys was from Marsh Harbour.

Patrick seemed to have an unquenchable thirst for learning. He attended Oakes Field Training College and then the Government High School.

He went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University in Canada. That was just the beginning. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Ibidan in Nigeria.

From there, it was on to Denmark for an Elective Posting in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Copenhagen.

In Scotland, he earned a Certificate in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Edinburgh. Then he attended the University of London, King’s College Hospital, for a Certificate in Family Planning Clinical Practice.

He also earned a Diploma in Child Health from the University of Ireland, and a Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases from the University of Wales. In the US, he received a Certificate in ‘Physicians as Managers’.

Armed with this solid background, Patrick returned home to make great inroads in medicine for his country. He served in many posts at the Princess Margaret Hospital, proving to be an asset to all the wards where he was called to work. Eventually, he served as the Paediatric Consultant and Chief of Paediatric Services at PMH, and he is the longest-serving doctor to hold these positions to date. His brother Pedro also worked at PMH. A pioneer in pharmaceuticals, Pedro served the hospital for over 30 years.

The brothers must have crossed paths often as they worked to serve the Bahamian public in the management and care of their health.

Patrick was instrumental

DR Patrick Roberts receiving his National Honour of Distinction from the-then Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling. Current GG CA Smith called him a true Bahamian patriot. in the formation of what is the official physician for now the Neonatal Inten- all local and international sive Care Unit of PMH. boxing athletes participatAll of this helped earn him ing in any Bahamas match. the title of “Father of Pae- Once his work was done diatrics” in The Bahamas, in clearing the boxers to according to Dr Percival fight, you could find him McNeil, who says his col- front and centre at ringside. league was “held apart for a He loved to have his two very special work”. During daughters Raine and Patrihis tenure at PMH, Dr Rob- cia right there with him. erts also served as Clinical In his civic life, Dr RobDirector of the Sickle Cell erts served as President of and Paediatric Asthma the Bahamas Sickle Cell Clinics. He was a member Association and the Bahaof the Medical Advisory mas National Asthma and Medical Management Society. He also played Committees; President and an active role in organisaRegent of The Bahamas tions such as The Bahamas Academy of Medical Sci- Association for the Physiences, and Vice President cally Challenged and The of the Medical Association Bahamas Special Olympics of The Bahamas. He was a Association. He also served Fellow of the Royal Society as a volunteer physician for of Health, Royal Society the Bahamas Red Cross of Tropical Medicine, the Society, the Children’s Royal Society of Paedi- Emergency Hostel, and the atrics and Child Health, Council of Women Child the American College of Day Care Centre. Because Chest Physicians, and the of his philanthropy, he Scientific Council of the was made a trustee EmeriInternational College of tus of Bethune-Cookman Angiology. He won many University. awards and received many He was likely inspired to commendations along the take learning to the heights way. He has presented on that he did by his father, various medical topics at who studied and received conferences all around the degrees in mathematics, world. physics, and woodwork You would think that from Tuskeegee Univerthis is enough to hold him sity in 1928, which was an in high esteem as a well- amazing feat in his time. learned man who has given Dr Roberts had finally back much to his society. agreed to sit with me and But Dr Roberts did not talk about his life, but rest on these laurels. He it was obvious from the was a devout Christian, folder he loaned to me as and his love for his faith a precursor, that he wanted led him to seek higher his father to receive much learning in spiritual mat- of the praise for mouldters as well. He received a ing him into the man he Master of Science in Edu- became. We did not get to cational Psychology from have to have a sit down to the University of Miami, delve deeper into his life, and a Master of Theol- and talk about his jourogy in Applied Theology ney from his perspective, from Westminster Col- because COVID-19 came, lege, Oxford University. and I was travelling prior to He also held a Doctor that. However, I know that of Divinity from Des- he wanted his testament tiny Christian College to be one of service – one and University, a Doctor where people could attest of Theology from New to his work as opposed to Covenant University, and him speaking of himself. a Doctor of Philosophy Upon his death, scores of from Trinity College and Bahamians, and colleagues Theological Seminary. from around the world, did It is intriguing to me that just that. a man with more college He was called “kind” degrees and certificates and “selfless”, and he and that most could be so very his wife Jodell opened humble and quiet in nature. their home to many. He His love came in the form of was a gentle disciplinaraction, as he served people ian to his daughters. He and sought to help to heal challenged them to be humanity rather than boast. their best, and provided In addition to his penchant them with a well-stocked for medicine and his spir- library and boundless supitual affinity, he was also port in their endeavours. an avid lover of sports. He He shared closed bonds enjoyed keeping up to date with his extended family with all the achievements of members as well. He and Bahamian athletes as they Rosie were the last remainrepresented their country ing siblings and he loved around the world. This love to spend time with her. of sports led him to serve His nieces and nephews all as the official Physician adored him, and recall fond for The Bahamas Olympic memories spent with him.

Team. He served for five He often expressed how Olympic Games: Seoul, proud he was of all of them, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, and he constantly shared Greece and Beijing. Dr with them, and with all he Roberts was also Chairman mentored, the importance of The Bahamas Boxing of love of God, family and Commission and served as country.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 30, 2020, PAGE 9

WE DID WELL BUT, FOR MANY, IT WAS FAR FROM BORIS’ FINEST HOUR BY common consent, the past few months of the coronavirus lockdown have been the worst prolonged period of discomfort, anxiety, misery and economic disaster in Britain’s recent history. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the whole country and the effects will surely be long lasting. The same can perhaps be said for us in The Bahamas, though I happen to believe that overall the situation here has been managed rather better by the leaders concerned.

As the lockdown has been gradually lifted in the UK, Boris Johnson says his country’s long hibernation is coming to an end. But, amid widespread relief, there are also warning signs of another wave of the virus - with a spike in the infection rate in certain areas

that has led policy-makers to consider a limited return to lockdown conditions.

This seems to be partly because members of the public have failed to respect the social distancing rules.

Here at home, I wonder how many people are now giving much deserved credit to the Prime Minister and his colleagues for what can now be judged to be their effective handling of the crisis. The strict lockdown and curfew arrangements not least closing the airport at an early stage - seem to have been justified because the figures for infections have been kept extremely low, even taking account of the country’s small population. In common with others, I have queried, along the way, some of the government’s decisions about the lockdown and

The

Peter Young column IN REACTION to recent claims that Britain is a racist and unfair society, I argued in this column last week that it was inaccurate to say that the nation was dominated by bigotry and race hatred, as has been maintained by some people. It cannot be plausibly denied, however, that discrimination against minorities exists in one form or another in parts of society, with ethnic minorities affected by economic and social inequality - though claims of systemic institutionalised racism are often unwarranted.

Against this background, celebration of National Windrush Day on June 22 was a reminder of a major political scandal in the UK in 2018 bearing that name.

This involved large numbers of immigrants from the West Indies who complained of unfair treatment by the British government.

The case was sufficiently serious to force the-then Home Secretary to resign and, in the current debate about racial discrimination, it might be interesting to look at it again.

After the Second World War, Britain invited people from the West Indies to come to help rebuild the nation. Seventy-two years ago - on June 22, 1948 - the ship the Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in London carrying some 500 people from Jamaica to settle in the country and to help fill local jobs. The British Nationality Act of 1948 had just been passed, giving citizenship of the ‘United Kingdom and Colonies’ to all British subjects connected to the UK or a British Colony- and Jamaica had been a British Colony for the last 300 hundred years. Reportedly, the effect of this legislation was that citizens of Commonwealth countries were more or less free to enter and stay in the country as they pleased, and because of this official records of the numbers were often not maintained.

Subsequently, the influx of migrants grew to such an extent that there were doubts about Britain’s

capacity to absorb them.

This resulted in passage of the Commonwealth Immigration Act of 1962 which ended the traditional right to Commonwealth citizens of free entry. Those who were born in the Caribbean and settled in Britain between 1948 and 1971 are known as the Windrush generation, an estimated 500,000 of whom are now living in the UK. The adults were granted indefinite leave to remain but children travelled on their parents’ passports and did not have their own documentation.

Fast forward to changes in UK immigration law in 2012 when many without adequate documents were asked to provide evidence to enable them to continue to work, access services or even to remain in the country. The result was that thousands of legal residents were misclassified as illegal immigrants and some were detained, denied legal rights and threatened with deportation. After living and working legally in the UK for decades and with children born there, the Windrush migrants and their families were suddenly told incorrectly that they did not have the right to be in Britain and were subjected to deportation orders as illegal immigrants - they also faced the injustice and humiliation of being deemed to be such after living somewhere they called home for 50 years.

After this issue came to a head in 2018, an independent Review was set up and published its report earlier this year. This criticised the Home Office for displaying ‘ignorance and institutional thoughtlessness’ on the subject of race and demanded that its policies should be based on ‘fairness, openness, diversity and inclusion’ and that its staff should be better versed about Britain’s colonial history.

For its part, the British government has accepted all 30 of the Review’s recommendations and has said it is determined to right the wrongs and injustices suffered by the Windrush generation and

have wondered about the methodology it employed which was never really explained to the public. But it is the outcome that counts – successful containment of the virus and proper treatment of those affected - and most will doubtless now be prepared to acknowledge that overall Dr Minnis and his advisers managed the crisis very well.

What has also been impressive, I believe, is the public’s self-discipline and compliance with the lockdown restrictions - including orderly lines outside, for example, supermarkets, banks and pharmacies - and with wearing masks as a matter of course, even now when most restrictions have been lifted and it would be all too easy to ease up and become carelessly complacent.

I am reluctant to compare all this with my own country. But, sadly, it has to be said the picture is rather different in Britain. Inevitably, there have been more varied and difficult problems in a much larger country with a population of some 66 million that has the third highest number of recorded coronavirus deaths in the world.

There has been widespread criticism of UK political leaders who are deemed to be mishandling the crisis for example, leaving it too late to order a lockdown and close airports; a shortage of equipment to protect medical staff; the scandal of returning hospitalised patients to care homes; the botched reopening of schools; dithering over the two-metre rule; failure of the tracking and tracing app

GIANT figure: Peter Graham leading lawyer and founder of the influential law firm, Graham Thompson.

and an idiotic travel quarantine scheme that now, with so many exceptions, is withering on the vine.

The Prime Minister himself has been under fire.

He has been accused of a lack of leadership that has induced a feeling among the public that there is no captain on the bridge steering the ship of state. In particular, there have been

For the Windrush families it was a scandal which so easily could and should - have been avoided

THE EMPIRE Windrush arriving at Tilbury Docks in London on June 22, 1948 arrange compensation for all concerned. Moreover, as a country Britain has now paid tribute to that generation’s outstanding contribution, with Prince Charles delivering a video message that ‘the nation owes a debt of gratitude’ to the Windrush generation for accepting an invitation to come to Britain and for making an immeasurable difference to so many aspects of public life.

All well and good at last, one might think. But for many it remains to be seen whether the fine words will be turned into reality, not least how the Windrush Compensation Scheme established in 2019 - will be operated. The government has set up a cross-party working group to ‘right

the wrongs’ suffered by the Windrush generation and to address the wider challenges that disproportionately affect the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) group. In addition, the Mayor of London has called for an end to the ‘hostile environment’ faced by immigrants.

For a commentator without access to all the facts, it is presumptuous to reach firm conclusions.

But, having worked over the years with other departments inside the British government - as a career diplomat while on a home posting - I do not doubt the integrity and competence of colleagues in dealing with issues. Nonetheless, the treatment of the Windrush generation looks at the very

I should also record that for many years he was legal adviser to successive British High Commissioners and I know how much his sound and wise counsel was always valued and appreciated by the British government - not only a legal opinion on a particular matter but also guidance on more general issues as well. His calm and unruffled demeanour, together with his obvious depth and range of knowledge, was reassuring and inspired confidence that one was receiving excellent advice.

On a personal level, it was always enjoyable to be in his company, whether on the tennis court where we played together for a number of years in a men’s four at the Nassau Lawn

Tennis Club or over dinner from time to time including, I recall, a notably pleasant evening at my club in London some years ago.

Peter Graham was a legendary individual who clearly made a tremendous contribution to so many aspects of life in The Bahamas over many years.

His passing is a huge loss not only for his family and friends but also for the country as a whole. He was a truly wonderful person of the highest integrity - distinguished, clever and decent, and kind and generous almost to a fault who was loved by so many.

Words are never adequate at such a time, but my wife and I would like to offer our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Irene and the family

REMEMBERING MY DEAR FRIEND, PETER GRAHAM I SHOULD like to take the opportunity of this column to add my voice to the many tributes to Peter Graham. The news of his sudden passing last week was deeply saddening for my wife and me and it felt like a hammer blow for we had been in regular touch with him - both officially and socially - for more than 20 years and we both treasure many warm and fond memories of times spent together.

He was, of course, a giant of a figure in The Bahamas - politically as the Member of Parliament for Long Island for many years and a government minister as well as being a member of the official delegation at the independence negotiations at Lancaster House in London, but also as a

BRITISH PM Boris Johnson

complaints that he and his ministers were afraid to question the scientific advice in the early days of the crisis. Mr Johnson’s supporters point out, however, that he has been recovering from his near-death experience with COVID-19 in April and that he is now in full control of the government again. There is little doubt that he needs to get back to his old, charismatic, confident and optimistic self and display real leadership in reenergising the economy and, indeed, the whole nation if it is to make a proper recovery.

So, all is not lost as the country faces at the same time the challenge and demands of Black Lives Matter which is already presenting him with what may turn out to be an even sterner test.

least to have been shoddy and uncaring and what happened could have been foreseen and avoided.

No doubt, some will seek to attribute such failings to institutional racism. Be that as it may, one good outcome of this unpleasant saga is that close scrutiny by the cross-party working group of the needs of BAME should help to identify racial discrimination - insofar as it exists within government - and to bring it to an end. To the extent that the group succeeds in doing this, all concerned will benefit accordingly.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, June 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

JUDGE WARNS OF POSSIBLE MOVE OF TRIAL IN GEORGE FLOYD DEATH MINNEAPOLIS Associated Press A MINNESOTA judge yesterday warned that he’s likely to move the trials of four police officers charged in George Floyd’s death out of Minneapolis if public officials and attorneys don’t stop talking about the case.

Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill stopped short of issuing a gag order on attorneys, but he said one is likely if public statements continue. Cahill added that such a situation would also make him likely to grant a change-of-venue

motion if one is filed. “The court is not going to be happy about hearing about the case in three areas: media, evidence and guilt or innocence,” Cahill said.

It was the second pretrial hearing for the officers, who were fired after Floyd’s May 25 death.

Derek Chauvin, 44, is charged with second-degree murder and other counts, while Thomas Lane, 37, J. Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34, are charged with aiding and abetting Chauvin. Floyd died after Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed his knee against the handcuffed 46-year-old

Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes. The officers were responding to a call about a man trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a nearby store.

Floyd’s death was universally condemned in Minnesota, with elected officials including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling for the officers to be charged.

Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said Floyd’s death was “murder.”

Cahill asked Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank to use his influence to keep public officials silent, warning that if they continued to discuss it publicly, he likely

would “have to pull (trials) out of Hennepin County and they need to be aware of that.”

Cahill set a March 8 trial date for the former officers if they are tried together, though he said he expects motions to be filed to separate their trials. The next court date is Sept. 11.

The defendants have not entered pleas. Chauvin’s attorney has not commented publicly on the charges, while Lane’s and Kueng’s attorneys have sought to minimize their clients’ roles and deflect blame to the more senior Chauvin in Floyd’s death, which

sparked protests around the world against police brutality.

Chauvin remains in custody on $1 million bail and Thao is being held on $750,000 bail. Lane and Kueng are free on bond.

Cahill also rejected a defence request to reconsider his earlier decision to allow cameras in the courtroom during pretrial proceedings. Defence attorneys asked to allow such coverage, but prosecutors objected. The judge has not ruled on whether to allow cameras for the trial itself, which in Minnesota usually requires the consent of all parties.

Worst could be yet to come, warns WHO LONDON Associated Press THE worst could be still to come in the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned, six months on from when the outbreak began.

WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the virus would infect many more people if governments did not start to implement the right policies. His message remained “Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine”, he said.

More than 10m cases have been recorded worldwide since coronavirus emerged in China late last year. The number of patients who died is now above 500,000. Half the world’s cases have been in the US and Europe but Covid-19 is rapidly growing in the Americas. The virus is also affecting South Asia and Africa, where it is not expected to peak until the end of July.

Dr Tedros told a virtual briefing yesterday: “We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives. But the hard reality is this is not even close to being over.

Although many countries have made some progress, globally the pandemic is actually speeding up.

“With 10 million cases now and half a million deaths, unless we address the problems we’ve already identified at WHO, the lack of national unity and lack of global solidarity and the divided world which is actually helping the virus to spread... the worst is yet to come,” he said.

“I’m sorry to say that, but with this kind of environment and conditions we fear the worst.”

He also urged more governments to follow the examples of Germany,

AN ELECTION clerk in Harris County, Houston yesterday when early voting for the Texas primary runoffs began South Korea and Japan, which kept their outbreak in check through policies that included rigorous testing and tracing.

The US has reported more than 2.5 million cases and about 126,000 deaths with Covid-19 so far - more than any other nation.

US states that emerged from lockdown in recent weeks - notably in the south - have been reporting sharp increases in new infections in recent weeks.

The spike has led officials in Texas, Florida and other states to tighten restrictions on business again.

The country with the

second-highest number of recorded cases is Brazil, with a total of 1.3 million, and deaths in excess of 57,000.

Yesterday, a state of emergency was declared in the capital Brasilia, following a surge there.

Like most Brazilian governors and mayors, the local authorities in Brasilia eased social distancing restrictions earlier this month and allowed shops to reopen.

• THE British government has reimposed lockdown restrictions in Leicester after a spike in coronavirus infections, including the closure of shops that don’t sell essential goods and schools. In a statement

in Parliament, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government won’t be recommending that the city joins in the easing of the lockdown in England that is due to take place on Saturday, which includes the reopening of pubs and restaurants.

He also said non-essential retailers, such as department stores and electronic retailers, will have to close again, two weeks after they reopened. In addition, he said that schools will have to close from Thursday, though they will stay open for vulnerable children. And he also travel to, from and within the city will have to be curtailed.

FLORIDA SITE OF GOP CONVENTION ORDERS PEOPLE TO WEAR MASKS Associated Press THE city of Jacksonville, Florida, where mask-averse President Donald Trump plans to accept the Republican nomination in August, ordered the wearing of face coverings yesterday, joining the list of state and local governments reversing course to try to beat back a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Less than a week after Mayor Lenny Curry said there would be no mask requirement, city officials announced that coverings must be worn in “situations where individuals cannot socially distance.”

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany responded by saying the president’s advice is to “do whatever your local jurisdiction requests of you.”

Trump has refused to wear a mask during visits to states and businesses that require them.

In recent weeks, the Republicans moved some of the convention pageantry to Jacksonville after Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina objected to the holding of a large gathering in Charlotte without social-distancing measures. The convention will be in late August.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has opposed a statewide mask requirement but said in response to Jacksonville’s action that he will support local authorities who are doing what they think is appropriate.

ABORTION OPPONENTS’ FURY AT SUPREME COURT NEW YORK Associated Press ABORTION opponents vented their disappointment and fury yesterday after the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision to strike down a Louisiana law that would have curbed abortion access.

The ruling delivered a defeat to anti-abortion activists, but President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign quickly invoked it as part of a new appeal to voters — signaling its power to motivate religious conservatives who are a key part of his base ahead of November’s election.

Vice President Mike Pence summed up that argument, tweeting that the Supreme Court’s decision made one thing clear: “We need more Conservative justices on the US Supreme Court.”

Underlining his case, Pence added “#FourMoreYears.”

Top pro-Trump religious conservatives noted pointedly that both justices he named to the high court dissented from yesterday’s

decision, aligning with Pence in making the case that Trump should get another term in office to potentially tap more conservative nominees.

The Rev. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life and a member of Trump’s Catholic voter outreach effort, said the president’s “two appointees voted the right way” in supporting Louisiana’s ability to require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

“Once again this ruling underscores the importance of elections,” Pavone said in a statement. “We need a solid pro-life majority on the Supreme Court to uphold the rights of women and the unborn.”

Johnnie Moore, an evangelical adviser to the Trump administration, said the decision could help motivate anti-abortion activists to vote to reelect the president.

“Conservatives know they are on the one-yardline,” Moore tweeted.

“Enthusiasm is already unprecedented, evangelical turnout will be too.”

PUERTO RICO STATE OF EMERGENCY SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico Associated Press PUERTO Rico’s governor yesterday declared a state of emergency as a worsening drought creeps across the US territory amid a coronavirus pandemic.

Starting July 2, nearly 140,000 clients, including some in the capital of San Juan, will be without water

for 24 hours every other day as part of strict rationing measures. Puerto Rico’s utilities company urged people to not excessively stockpile water because it would worsen the situation, and officials asked that everyone use masks and maintain social distancing if they seek water from one of 23 water trucks set up across the island.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, June 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

ROSTER SHUFFLE: PLANS CHANGE IN MLB BECAUSE OF HEALTH ISSUES

By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer PHOENIX (AP) — A small group of players, including Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman and Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond, have announced they plan to sit out this season.

The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches.

As the sport lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crisis, roster flexibility and organisational depth will be key.

Zimmerman, who told The Associated Press last week he still was deciding whether to play this year, ultimately said having three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at higher risk because of multiple sclerosis factored into his decision.

“Given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Zimmerman said.

The 35-year-old Zimmerman, who has been with the Nationals since 2005, said he still is deciding on his future beyond this season.

The two-time All-Star and 2009 Gold Glove winner has 270 career homers.

Desmond cited his family as one reason why he decided to stay home for the upcoming 60-game season.

But the biracial slugger also mentioned a myriad of issues within baseball, including racism, sexism, homophobia and socioeconomic concerns.

“With a pregnant wife and four young children who have lots of questions about what’s going on in the world, home is where I need to be right now,” the 34-year-old Desmond wrote in an Instagram post.

“Home for my wife, Chelsey. Home to help. Home to guide. Home to answer my older three boys’ questions about Coronavirus and Civil Rights and life. Home to be their Dad.” Desmond, who hit .255 with 20 homers in 140 games last season, had been due $5,555,556 for the prorated share of his $15 million salary, part of a $70 million, five-year contract.

He is owed $8 million next year, and his deal includes a $15 million team option for 2022 with a $2 million buyout.

The Twins confirmed yesterday that 68-yearold bullpen coach Bob McClure and 66-year-old major league coach Bill

Evers won’t be in the clubhouse at the start of this season because of health concerns. Both will stay with the organisation to help in altered roles.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, who was sitting in a Target Field dugout during a Zoom call, said he’s known both coaches for a long time and that the decisions were difficult. He added that both coaches were disappointed.

“I think we all know that we’re making the right decision, but that doesn’t mean it feels good,” Baldelli said.

“It’s very, very challenging to even think about these sorts of things and have these conversations.”

But they’re exactly the conversations that are being had at both the organisational and personal level across the MLB landscape.

The defending World Series champion Nationals will begin their title defence without Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross, who also declined to play because of health concerns.

“We are 100 per cent supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said in a statement. “We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”

IN this image provided by USA Football and taken June 29, 2009, a youth football team comes together at a practice in Dallas. USA Football has developed a phased approach for the return of youth football this year. The plan is based on phased reopening guidelines from the CDC. The governing body for the sport in this country advises youth leagues to consult their city or county health department to determine which CDC phase their community is in.

(USA Football via AP)

USA Football plans return to play for youths in 2020

By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer USA Football has developed a phased approach for the return of youth football this year.

The plan is based on phased reopening guidelines from the CDC. The governing body for the sport in this country advises youth leagues to consult their city or county health departments to determine which CDC phase their community is in. That step begins a youth programme’s local reopening procedure during the coronavirus pandemic.

From there, those youth leagues are advised to consult with local school systems to share information and resources.

Naturally, the leagues should be screening for virus symptoms and signs prior to any activities; practice 6-foot physical distancing in the first two phases of USA Football’s plan before adjusting to a separation of 3 to 6 feet in Phase 3; follow sanitising and cleaning steps; require separate, clearly labelled footballs, drink bottles, towels and other personal items; and have non-players wear face coverings.

Face coverings are advised for all coaches and optional for players.

“During this very uncertain time, it’s important that parents know that USA Football has a detailed plan for getting their children back to the activities they enjoy,” said Dr Michael Koester, chair of the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

“This document provides expert guidance in safely returning young athletes to football in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.”

The first phase concentrates on football workouts

and drills, limiting practices to 10 or fewer people (including coaches) who must stay within their groups and at least 6 feet apart. No equipment is shared.

USA Football’s guidelines offer examples to help youth programmes within each phase.

In the second phase, practices can include up to 10 people inside or 50 people outdoors, again within the same group of five to 10 teammates in station-based activities.

Individual drills conducted either unopposed without contact or against bags or soft surfaces are suggested, with coaches remaining at a minimum of 6 feet from players. All bags and sleds must be sanitised between each use.

Passing, kicking, punting and shotgun snaps will be allowed, but no handoffs or snaps under centre in deference to physical distancing.

The third phase includes modified flag football and 7-on-7 games, and modified tackle practices, with up to 50 people in small groups.

Player contact, including blocking, may be introduced with partners or within small groups, along with games and activities involving a limited number of players.

All such activities are consistent with its Football Development Model for progressive play.

USA Football has worked with the CDC and other medical experts, including those with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the National Federation of State High School Associations, in developing the phases introduced yesterday.

“We have spent a lot of time talking to governing bodies and, for the most part, they are taking

this conservative kind of approach,” says Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football’s executive director. “We’ve recognised the need to have direct conversations, ‘town halls’ as we call them, with a diverse set of constituents.

Commissioners from leagues from different socioeconomic levels, and basically a surveying of coaches, administrators and parents to help shape phases 1, 2, 3 and beyond.

“We took the approach that there are a lot of variables and this is an incredibly fluid situation.

How do we make sure we can consolidate the information and make this flow of information as digestible and simple to understand?

And how to take that critical information and turn it into user-friendly resources.

It’s been a multi-pronged effort.”

That effort also has included subject matter experts from the USOPC, the NCAA, Pop Warner Little Scholars, and the universities of Minnesota and North Carolina.

In its fourth and final phase, USA Football says that based on USOPC guidance, returns to regular practices and games — once an area has no restrictions on the size of group gatherings and local public health authorities allow public facilities to reopen — may be considered.

Participants must pass pre-activity screenings and live in the same community.

The return of tackle football on the youth or high school level will be a localised decision.

Hallenbeck notes that monitoring athletes’ health throughout is imperative.

“At any point if you start to get issues, you shouldn’t go forward,” he said.

The hope, of course, is that there is a path to a safe and healthy return to the field for youngsters.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 30, 2020, PAGE 13

11 O’CLOCK AND ALL’S SILENT ON WIMBLEDON’S WOULD-BE DAY 1

By CHRIS LEHOURITES AP Sports Writer WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — When the clock struck 11am at the All England Club, there was silence.

Not because a player dressed all in white was about to whack a serve on one of Wimbledon’s many perfectly kept grass courts, but because there is no tennis this year at the oldest Grand Slam event in the world.

Yesterday should have been the the first day of the two-week Wimbledon tournament, and matches usually start just before noon on the outside courts.

But because of the coronavirus pandemic, the tournament was cancelled for the first time since World War II. “Sad,” said Mary Robbins, a local resident who grew up in Wimbledon and relishes getting a glimpse of Roger Federer or Serena Williams walking through

the neighbourhood. “It’s been part of our lives forever.”

Every year, just in time for strawberry season in Britain, the world of tennis turns its focus to the All England Club. The traditional tennis whites worn by every player, the gleaming green grass at the start giving way to brown blotches along the baseline at the end, the majesty of Centre Court on the final weekend.

“It’s the highlight of the year for us,” said Robert McNicol, the librarian at the All England Club who has been working from home since March. “As somebody who loves tennis, it’s what I live for every year.”

But 2020 is not like any other year. The coronavirus has claimed more than 500,000 lives around the globe and caused havoc on much of the sports world.

And while many sports have gotten back into action or are about to, Wimbledon

MORTIER FROM PAGE 16

programme. “That’s why our team is built that way. The diversity of our team was deliberate because we didn’t want to leave anyone out. We want to ensure that all of the voices are heard.”

Mortier, who attended both Arkansas State University where she played NCAA Division One tennis and Barton College where she graduated magna cum laude (with great distinction), heads a group of candidates with the following credentials: Dyphany Mortier for president Mortier is currently the chief financial officer of Citibank Bahamas, responsible for various Citi Bahamas entities.

With a bachelor’s degree from Barton College, a master’s in business administration and international business from the University of Miami, a certified public accountant and trust and estate practitioner, Mortier is an experienced accountant and banker with over 25 years in the financial services industry.

As past vice president and treasurer of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association, Mortier served the association for over 10 years.

During her tenure, she crafted a comprehensive strategic business plan to progress the game of tennis in the Bahamas and was also head of junior development of the association. She coordinated numerous tournaments for the association, including the International Tennis Federation Junior Tennis tournament, the Nationals and numerous other local junior tennis events. Many of her students have participated in local and international tennis tournaments.

Dentry Mortimer for first vice president Mortimer, who has vast coaching experience internationally and locally, has coached players on the ATP and WTA Tour as well as top ranked ITF juniors.

He has a multitude of teaching experience allowing him to teach juniors and adults of all levels, especially elite players. Mortimer is both ITF (International Tennis Federation) and USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) certified, he also has been a seven-time Davis Cup member playing in Zone 1 for the Bahamas along with legends Mark Knowles and Roger Smith. He has

A GARDENER waters the plants alongside a statue of former Wimbledon Champion Fred Perry at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon in London yesterday.

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) decided in April to skip this year, in part because it had the foresight to buy insurance against a pandemic.

That insurance will certainly help the All England Club deal with the loss of income this year, but the local businesses in Wimbledon Village just up the hill from the grounds are going to take a big hit.

Normally, the shops, restaurants and bars fill their

been the Davis Cup captain for the Bahamas, and junior development officer for the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association. Along with this Dentry has worked at the major tennis academy’s and tennis clubs, developing young talent in the sport of tennis.

He is currently employed at Lyford Cay Club as the head junior tennis professional and is passionate about developing tennis players of all levels while keeping it fun and exciting with his charismatic demeanour.

As a player, Mortimer was the top ranked junior and men’s open player in the Bahamas for many years, and in the region. He has played professional tennis for five years playing in satellites, futures, and challengers. He has been professional hitting partners for Vince Spadea, Andy Roddick, Dmitry Tursunov, Sloane Stephens, Angela Haynes, Nicole Gibbs, and Kevin Kim. One of Mortimer’s greatest victories was defeating Andy Roddick to win a Mens Open title.

Kweku Symonette for second vice president Symonette has been a USPTR certified training professional for over 15 years. He began tennis at the age of five and assisted coaching under the tutelage of his aunt, and former Bahamian number 1 tennis player Kim Cartwright, since he was 14 years old.

Symonette is a college tennis champion having won the SEC Collegiate tennis championship for the Fort Valley State University Wildcats. During his collegiate years he was an All-American, All-Academic and team captain.

He has represented The Bahamas as a junior in international ITF events and was a top contender locally in singles and in doubles with his partner and brother Tshaka Symonette.

After graduating from FVSU, Symonette coached at numerous tennis facilities in Georgia. As assistant coach at Fulton County Tennis Academy, John Drew Tennis Academy and was the head coach at Marietta tennis centre for two years before moving back home. He is currently a part time coach at Atlantis, Paradise Island and continues to coach around New Providence at local facilities.

Jeff Moncur for treasurer Moncur is an assistant director, core services, claims and benefits at the National Insurance Board.

The former junior and senior tennis player has represented the Bahamas at several junior and

windows with tennis-related themes, hoping to draw in tennis-obsessed visitors. It’s like a little slice of tennis heaven for two weeks.

“The tennis quadruples my turnover, which allows me to pay my rent,” said Kelly Duffy, a restaurant owner whose patrons often include professional players and their families.

Duffy has been fortunate, though. Because she has a

senior international tennis tournaments. He attended university on a tennis scholarship at Northern Michigan University and Saint Leo University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics and a master of business degree.

Professionally he is a certified public accountant and has held several senior management level positions in various industries. He enjoys fishing, BBQ and sports.

Derron Donaldson for assistant treasurer Donaldson started tennis at the age of four and progressed to becoming one of the top junior players in the Bahamas, winning local junior tournaments as well as competing at an international level. At the age of 16, whilst coaching his younger sister, Donaldson realised how much he enjoyed teaching and got involved in running summer camps and clinics. This led him to being selected to coordinate and coach the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture summer camp, direct junior and senior national tournaments as well as being chosen to coach the under-13 development team which represented Bahamas in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. He captained the women’s team to their first ever gold medal in doubles and bronze in singles at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Donaldson also served as a livein pro for a family in Lyford Cay and travelled to tournaments with the kids. He joined the Lyford Cay tennis professional team in September 2010, originally as junior coordinator, and developed a faithful following in all age groups and levels who enjoy his fervor in helping everyone improve their games in a fun environment. He is a certified USPTA professional, and a licenced cardio instructor.

In October 2013, Donaldson was promoted to head professional.

In addition, Donaldson served two terms as the youngest elected president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association “governing body of tennis” or any sporting federation/association in the country, and chairman of the National Tennis Centre.

Kendria Ferguson for secretary Ferguson first picked up a tennis racket at the age of seven, where she joined the Winton Gym Tennis Club. She would continue playing the sport throughout her high school years with Dugall Small and Bradley Bain.

Her tennis days didn’t only consist of being on the court but

licence to sell alcohol for takeaway as well as food, she’s been able to open her business through most of the lockdown, bringing in more money than usual in recent months.

Others haven’t been so lucky, first with the shutdown and now with the lack of tourists coming for the tennis.

“Getting new customers is important, so during the tennis it’s essential,” said Maria Di Nuzzo, the deputy manager of a clothing store in the village. “It’s definitely not like last year.”

One Italian restaurant summed up the mood with some fitting artwork on its front windows. One side shows the women’s and men’s trophies covered in a purple cloak with the year 2020 written above it. The other side shows the two trophies in all their glory under the year 2021.

The lack of footfall up in the village, however, doesn’t even compare to deserted feeling down the hill.

helping prepare for local tennis tournaments and serving as a ball-girl and lines-woman for numerous Davis Cup tournaments. Leaving the sport to pursue her education full time, Ferguson obtained a bachelor’s in marine biology and a master’s in sustainable energy.

During her career, she has been in several key national projects, including managing the ban of select single-use plastics and developing strategies to increase renewable energy into the public sector and residential Government subdivisions.

Chanelle Sands for assistant secretary Sands joined the public affairs team in April 2015 after having worked seven years on the Bahamas National Youth Policy Team on the development and implementation of a national youth policy for the Bahamas. She is a graduate of Newberry College with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and commerce and minors in business administration and Spanish.

Sands also has a love for sports and in her high school career played tennis and was a member of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association having represented the Bahamas on several national teams, including the CAC Games and JITIC. Following high school, Sands attended Newberry College on an athletic scholarship and represented the institution for four years playing NCAA Division II. Robie Isaacs for Council Member A native Bahamian, Isaacs began playing tennis at the age of five years old at the Gym Tennis Club. He has been ranked No.1 and represented the country with the junior travelling team.

After attending Palmer Tennis Academy in Tampa, Florida, Isaacs played for Fort Valley State University where he was named MVP and athlete of the year.

PTR and Padel certified, Robie continues to gain experience from teaching abroad working in Macon and Atlanta, Ga at John Drew Tennis Center and Dunwoody Country Club.

Brezile Hamilton for Council Member Hamilton began playing tennis at the age of seven at the National Tennis Centre and was coached by the late Giorgio Baldacci. He was ranked No. 3 in the country during his junior career and represented the Bahamas in various team tournaments such as Junior Davis Cup

The club is open, and members can even play tennis. A group of whiteclad players could be seen Monday through one of the many closed gates, looking as prim and proper as one would expect for such a hallowed place.

But there is no line of fans camping out waiting for tickets, known in these parts as “The Queue.”

There is no hustle and bustle to get a seat on the outside courts when the gates burst open. There is no traffic jam with cars lined up to get onto the nearby golf course, which serves as a Wimbledon parking lot every year.

Instead, there are actual golfers on the golf course, adding to the overall eeriness of a world without Wimbledon.

“Strangely in the buildup, I’ve had the usual sense of anticipation, even though I knew it wasn’t going to happen,” McNicol said.

“It’s quite a melancholy feeling.”

and JITIC. After his junior career, Hamilton went on to play for Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa where he received an athletic and academic scholarship.

He was an integral part of winning their conference championship all four years, where they went on to play the national championship.

He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology.

Hamilton worked at QVS Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician for two years, while also coaching at the Gym Tennis Club. He is currently continuing studies in the medical field and works at Albany as an assistant coach.

Kevin Major Jr for Council Member KJ is a professional tennis player who has competed in ITF Futures, Davis Cup, CAC Games, and USTA Men’s Open circuit. He has aided in planning events for children, hitting partners for elite tennis players, and corrected technique and footwork. He is a leader and mentor to numerous tennis players in the community. He has been among the top ranked players in the Bahamas for over 10 years. He is a motivated tennis player with college and professional tennis experience.

Philip Major Jr for Council Member PJ began playing tennis at the age of six. “My passion for the sport and working tirelessly at perfecting my skill afforded me the opportunity to be one the youngest players to represent the country amongst the best players in our region in the Davis Cup.” PJ currently serves as one of the founders of the MK-TB (Mark Knowles - Tennis Bahamas) Academy, our goal seeks to provide rigorous physical and mental training for all ages and skill types.

The academy also specialises in training promising juniors to advance their tennis careers.

Shannon Francis for Council Member Francis started playing tennis at the age of nine. He was chosen to represent The Bahamas in World Juniors, JITIC, and Jr Davis Cup, all through the ages of 13-16.

He played many ITF and USTA tournaments during his junior years to gain exposure from players from all over the world.

Francis graduated from Queen’s College High School and went to Prairie State College in Chicago.

Prairie was a part of the National Junior Athletic Association Region IV as well as the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference.

What Would Have Been: World Series rematch at MLB midpoint

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer MAJOR League Baseball is set to resume “spring training” this week while moving toward the start of a shortened 60-game season in late July. If not for the coronavirus pandemic, the league would have reached the halfway point of its usual 162-game schedule.

Wimbledon would have also been getting started at the All England Club. The Associated Press looks at some of the sporting events that had been scheduled the week of June 29-July 5: WORLD SERIES REMATCH: The Houston Astros were scheduled to spend July 4 in the nation’s capital during a three-game

series against the defending World Series champion Washington Nationals.

Houston won all three games at Nationals Park last October. But the Nationals won every game at Minute Maid Park, with Howie Kendrick’s two-run homer in the seventh inning of Game 7 putting them ahead to stay. The two teams have played each other this year, in spring training games at the complex they share in West Palm Beach, Florida, before MLB shut down all camps in mid-March.

TRIVIA BREAK: When the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves played their marathon July 4 game in 1985, the one that ended with a postgame fireworks display at 4am on July 5,

how many innings and how many rain delays were there? (Answer at bottom).

WASH IN TEXAS: Ron Washington is the winningest manager for the Rangers, and led them to their only two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. Washington, Atlanta’s third base coach since 2017, would have been back in Texas for a three-game interleague series, though in a different ballpark than the one where he managed.

Washington was near the end of his eighth season with Texas in 2014 when he stepped down for personal reasons.

TENNIS: Wimbledon was scheduled to start yesterday, but it was cancelled for the first time since 1945

during World War II. Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep would have been the defending champions at the All England Club, while Roger Federer — who owns a men’s-record eight championships on Wimbledon’s grass courts and has appeared in the tournament 21 consecutive times — is sidelined until 2021 because of arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The tennis tours are scheduled to resume in August.

TOUR DE FRANCE: The three-week cycling race would have just been getting started. There are nine consecutive days of racing to open the Tour de France, and that would have gone through this week before the first of only two rest

ATLANTA Braves third base coach Ron Washington walks in the dugout during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington on July 31, 2019.

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) days during the race usually run in July.

The 21-stage race will now start August 29 and finish September 20.

TRIVIA ANSWER The Mets won 16-13 after scoring five runs in the top of the 19th inning.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, June 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

DINWIDDIE SAYS HE HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR VIRUS

Kings and Suns look to earn spot in playoffs, make debut on July 31

(AP) — Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie says he has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Dinwiddie told The Athletic he is experiencing symptoms and it is unclear if he can play when the NBA season resumes.

His absence would be a significant blow to the Nets.

He has played well this season with Kyrie Irving out of the lineup because of injuries.

Dinwiddie says he tested negative for the virus multiple times after returning to New York and took part in a couple practices. But he has since tested positive and says he has a fever and chest soreness.

He is at least the fifth Nets player to test positive.

The previous four were in March, with Kevin Durant saying he was among them.

Dinwiddie is averaging 20.6 points for the Nets, who have a half-game lead over Orlando for seventh place in the Eastern Conference. They are set to face the Magic on July 31 in their first game back.

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE NBA released its schedule for the resumption of the 2019-20 season which includes the path for both Deandre Ayton’s Phoenix Suns and Buddy Hield’s Sacramento Kings to earn a spot in the playoffs.

The league will resume play July 30 at the Disney Resort’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, but both the Suns and Kings will make their debut on July 31.

On July 31, The Kings are slated to face the San Antonio Spurs while the Suns are set to face the Washington Wizards.

The remainder of the Kings’ schedule includes matchups against the Orlando Magic (August 2), Dallas Mavericks (August 4), New Orleans Pelicans (August 6), Brooklyn Nets (August 7), Houston Rockets (August 9), Pelicans (August 11), and Los

SEASON RESTART: Buddy Hield’s Kings and Deandre Ayton’s Suns are looking to earn a spot in the NBA playoffs.

Angeles Lakers (August 13).

The Suns will go on to face the Mavericks (August 2), Los Angeles Clippers (August 4), Indiana Pacers (August 6), Miami Heat (August 8), Oklahoma City Thunder (August 10), Philadelphia 76ers (August 11) and the Mavericks for a second time (August 13).

The remainder of the season will feature the 16 teams currently in playoff position and six teams

currently within six games of eighth place in each conference.

Each team will play eight “seeding games” followed by the traditional playoff format.

In the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, The Kings are 28-36 at No.10 and 3.5 games behind the No.8 Memphis Grizzlies (32-33).

The Suns are 26-39, six games behind the Grizzlies.

If the No.9 seed is more

than four games behind the No.8 seed, No. 8 will make the playoffs. If they are fewer than games behind the teams will complete in a play-in tournament.

Hield was one of three Kings players to test positive for COVID-19 last week as the NBA began league-wide testing. Players will have ample time to self isolate before they join the Kings in Orlando for training camp on July 11.

During the first wave of mandatory tests, the NBA

and its Players’ Association revealed that 16 of 302 players tested positive.

“We are looking forward to this opportunity in Orlando, and getting back to playing the game we love,” said Kings head coach Luke Walton.

“We continue to work with the NBA to prioritise health and safety while recognising our responsibility to use our platform to bring attention and drive sustained action to issues of racial injustice.”

WIZARDS RULE OUT JOHN WALL RETURNING THIS NBA SEASON

By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer JOHN Wall will not join the Washington Wizards for the resumption of the NBA season this summer, ending the chances of the five-time All-Star guard playing his first game since 2018.

General manager Tommy Sheppard effectively ruled out Wall returning this season when he said yesterday the 29-year-old wouldn’t be part of the Wizards’ travelling party to Central Florida.

Among the factors in the decision was a cap of 35 people per team in the quarantined bubble at Walt Disney World. The COVID-19 pandemic also hindered Wall’s progress in his rehab from multiple surgeries.

“He definitely lost all the basketball gains that he had made,” Sheppard said on a video call with reporters.

“He’s got to focus on what he’s got to do, but having somebody go into that bubble that’s not going to play, that’s just more people going into the bubble.”

Wall hasn’t played an NBA game since December 2018. Surgery for bone spurs in his left heel ended that season; while he was working his way back from that, he tore his left Achilles tendon and needed another operation in 2019.

He declared himself “110 per cent” healthy in late May, saying, “I’m itching to get back out there.”

The Wizards put the brakes on that, meaning Wall will try to return for the 202021 season as originally planned.

“He’s been fantastic in keeping his weight and being active during all this period, and this will be a continuation of the work and the plan that we’ve done for him,” Wizards chief of athletic care and performance Daniel Medina said.

“We’re going to make sure that his body and his mind are at the highest level for a safe and successful return when he comes back.”

Sheppard said Wall will continue to work out under team supervision in Washington and Miami.

Coaches who are not part of the group of 35 quarantining at Disney World will be available to oversee his progress.

“The last thing I ever have to worry about is John Wall’s work ethic,” Sheppard said.

“He’s going to get after this. This is a very critical offseason to him, and I think he’s got a very, very big chip on his shoulder. I think he just really wants to get back to playing basketball.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 30, 2020, PAGE 15

Wembley empty for match for the first time, FA cuts 82 jobs

By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer

AS the 90,000-capacity Wembley held its first game without fans, the financial impact of the pandemic on English soccer was revealed by the national stadium’s owners.

The English Football Association announced plans to cut 82 jobs to cover an anticipated 300 million pound ($370 million) deficit due to the coronavirus pandemic restricting crowds at games and more events being cancelled.

Social distancing at stadiums meant Northampton players had to pick up the medals and trophy themselves — rather than from dignitaries — after beating Exeter in the League Two playoff final at Wembley to win promotion to the third tier.

It was the first time a game was played without fans since the rebuilt Wembley opened in 2007.

The loss of revenue will also be felt when the FA Cup semi-finals and final are staged at an empty

Wembley in the coming weeks.

Wembley was due to stage seven games at the European Championship including the semif-inals and finals next month but the tournament was postponed by a year.

Other events, including concerts and two NFL regular season games, have also been called off.

“We have already lost that money and there is no way we can recover it,” FA chairman Greg Clarke said yesterday.

“The pandemic will be followed by an economic recession, so there will be problems that last for years.”

According to the British government tally, there have been more than 43,500 coronavirus-related deaths since March. While sport has resumed this month, supporters are not allowed in stadiums as part of efforts to contain COVID-19.

“No one knows when a vaccine will be ready or when better medical treatments will be ready,”

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

A GENERAL view of the action during the English League Two Play-Off Final soccer match between Exeter and Northampton, at Wembley Stadium, in London, yesterday. (AP) Clarke said. “So we have to plan for extended periods of social distancing which could limit crowds ... and could limit the number of competitions to be played.”

Hospitality revenue, which can generate 35 million pounds a year at Wembley, has “completely fallen away and will probably take years to recover,” the FA said.

GETAFE BEAT REAL SOCIEDAD 2-1 MADRID (AP) — Jaime Mata scored in each half as Getafe defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 in the Spanish league yesterday to move closer to a Champions League spot.

Mata’s double moved Getafe within two points of Sevilla, which holds the fourth and final qualification berth for the European club competition next season. Sevilla lost ground after being held by Valladolid to 1-1 on Friday.

It was the first post-break win for Getafe, which had drawn three in a row after resuming with a loss at Granada.

It was the fifth straight game without a win for Sociedad since the pandemic

PATRIOTS HOPE WINNING STILL IN FASHION FOR NEW QB NEWTON

break. It stayed in seventh place, seven points from Sevilla.

A pair of mistakes by Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro led to Mata’s goals in the 20th and 83rd minutes.

Remiro’s bad pass to a teammate prompted the first-half penalty kick converted by Mata, and in the second goal the goalkeeper couldn’t close his legs fast enough to keep the ball from going through.

Adnan Januzaj scored for Sociedad in the 55th after the linesman initially disallowed the goal for offside.

Getafe next visits leader Real Madrid on Thursday, while Sociedad hosts last-placed Espanyol.

Compensation has also had to be paid for some of the canceled events, while the FA has been unable to fulfil some commitments to sponsors and broadcasters.

When Britain went into lockdown in March, the FA halted recruitment and 42 vacant positions will not be filled. Another 82 roles are being removed from the not-for-profit governing

body. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the focus will be spending on the key mission — helping the men’s and women’s national teams win major tournaments.

“That means we have set out in our proposals some difficult choices because we do not think we can afford to do all the things that we did before,” he said.

MEE’S HEADER GIVES BURNLEY 1-0 VICTORY AT CRYSTAL PALACE LONDON (AP) — Ben Mee marked his 300th league appearance for Burnley by clinching a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Monday and keeping his team in an unexpected push for European qualification.

A three-year wait for a goal ended for Mee with a header from Ashley Westwood’s free kick in the 62nd minute, moving Burnley up to eighth in the English Premier League — seven points from the Champions League places with six games to go.

Burnley was without Jay Rodriguez — the match-winner against Watford on Thursday — and due to a lack of options Sean Dyche could replace him with only defender Erik Pieters.

Palace remained 11th after losing at an empty Selhurst Park due to the coronavirus pandemic.

ONE is a man of a million fedoras.

The other is all about the hoodie.

But whether Cam Newton and Bill Belichick can take the New England Patriots back to the Super Bowl is going to be more about football than fashion.

The Patriots have turned to the former Panthers quarterback to replace Tom Brady, who defected to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 19 years, six Super Bowls and three NFL MVP awards. Newton gets his fresh start in New England after nine seasons in Carolina, where his own MVP-winning career had stalled because of injuries.

“Bill always says the goal for any good team is to have as many good players as possible,” Jason McCourty said on the podcast he hosts with his twin brother and fellow Patriots defensive back, Devin.

“Cam Newton is a former MVP of this league, played in the Super Bowl — that calibre of a player — so I think the better players we have in our locker room, the better we’re going to be able to perform as a team.”

Newton, 31, agreed to terms on Sunday on a deal that will pay him up to $7.5 million this season, a person with knowledge of the talks told The Associated Press, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal.

The Patriots declined to comment on the reports.

But Newton wrote on Instagram Sunday night, “I’m excited as I don’t know what right now,” ending the post with “LetsGoPats.”

SPORTS SECTION E

NBA, PAGE 14

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

Weir: ‘We will see what the new board decides’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WITH the election of officers scheduled for Saturday, outgoing president Darnett Weir said it will be up to the new executive board of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association to decide whether or not they will keep the current Davis and Fed Cup teams in place.

Weir and her executives had selected the men’s Davis Cup team and the ladies’ Fed Cup team following the Giorgio Baldacci Open Tennis Tournament in December and the final trials in February.

However, the International Tennis Federation joined all other sporting bodies in shutting down all activities in March due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last weekend, the ITF announced that both the Davis Cup and Fed Cup competitions for 2020 would be postponed until 2021. “They had several postponements, so I think it was inevitable for them to postpone the Davis Cup and Fed Cup,” Weir said. “It’s good that they are only postponing the two events and not cancelling them. It’s now a question of whether or not the new executive board will continue with the same team or if they will hold trials to select a new team to compete next year.”

The BLTA will select a new executive board on Saturday at the National Tennis Centre between the hours of 1-6 pm.

While Weir won’t be seeking another term, one of her council members, Perry Newton, and former veteran player Dyphany Mortier are contesting the top spot.

DARNETT WEIR “I’m one week out, so it would be best for the incoming executive officers to deal with the Davis

Cup and Fed Cup teams,” Weir said. “We have a rule where if you don’t play six months out, you may have a trial.

“With COVID-19 forcing us not to have any activities both locally and internationally, the new executive board will have to decide whether they will use the same team or if they will have a trial because a lot of events were cancelled.”

The BLTA selected the team of Justin Roberts, Baker Newman, Philip Major Jr and player/captain Marvin Rolle for Davis Cup and Kerrie Cartwright, Sydney Clarke, Simone Pratt and player/ captain Larikah Russell for Fed Cup. “We have a really good team selected for both tournaments,” Weir said. “So hopefully they will make the best decision on behalf of the BLTA to represent the Bahamas,” Weir said. “So we will see what the new board decides.”

With the NTC opening up on Wednesday after being away from the facility since March, Weir said they are eager to see what happens when the elections take place on Saturday.

As the immediate past president and the vice chairman of the NTC Board, Weir said she intends to continue to lend her support to the sport because she wants to see the sport grow, especially from the junior development aspect.

“There’s a lot of work to do.

The facility needs a lot of repairs, so I’m looking forward to helping out and maybe in the background with the BLTA board, if the new officers allow me,” she summed up.

“I will still be here active because I love tennis and I want to see tennis grow. So my interest will be basically in communitybased events, so I will see how it works out.”

Mortier: ‘All of us came from grass root tennis’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

s the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s election of officers draws near, former female national team player Dyphany Mortier is confident that she and her team will become the newly elected executive officers.

With outgoing president Darnett Weir not seeking another term in office, Mortier will go up against incumbent council member Perry Newton when the elections take place on Saturday between the hours of 1-6pm at the National Tennis Centre.

Mortier, calling her “Team Bahamas Love the Game” candidates the most dynamic and diversified, made up of Dentry Mortimer for first vice president, Kweku Symonette for second vice president, Jeff Moncur for treasurer, former president Derron Donaldson for assistant treasurer, Kendria Ferguson for secretary, Chanelle E Sands for assistant secretary and Robie Isaacs, Brezile Hamilton, Kevin Major Jr, Philip Major Jr and Shannon Francis, all for council members.

“All of us came from grass root tennis,” said Mortier, a product of the South Beach tennis

SEE PAGE 13

MORTIER

MORTIMER

DONALDSON

SYMONETTE

MONCUR

FERGUSON

SANDS

KEVIN MAJOR JR

HAMILTON

PHILIP MAJOR JR

ISAACS

FRANCIS

Munnings to join top-tier Portugese Basketball League

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net TRAVIS Munnings was the latest Bahamian senior men’s national team member to capitalise on his free agency when he signed with a new club in a new country.

Munnings will join Oliveirense Basquetebol of the Portugese Basketball League - the top tier league in the country.

Oliveirense is the two time defending champion. Munnings will join their quest for a third consecutive title after last season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The importance of this signing is to better position myself in this sport so that I will be able to continuously grow year after year. My goals are to give the team 100 per cent effort every day, be a prominent player, build

sustainable relationships with colleagues (teammates and coaches), entertain viewers, and of course win the 2021 championship,” Munnings said. “I expect to set the highest records in this league. My expectations are very simple, make everyone remember Travis Munnings as one of the hardest players.

I know and understand that Oliveirense Basquetebol has a great coaching staff as well, hungry players that are skilled on many levels.

I also know that the support from the community is a huge factor in the team’s success and you have to appreciate such gems like that.”

He spent the offseason training alongside Kings guard Buddy Hield and hopes to bring his unique playing style and personality to Portugal.

“I am a tough, versatile and physically adaptive person that is skilled in playing an open floor style, shooting three-pointers efficiently and aggressively getting to

TRAVIS MUNNINGS the basket. Additionally, I think my endurance is something that helps throughout the full lengths of practices and games. I am a Godfearing, selfless, optimistic person and player that enjoys guiding and challenging others to be the best. Last but not least, I am highly competitive so I play to win.”

Munnings concluded last season with La Rochelle Stade Rochelais of France’s NM1 League. He averaged 17.5 points, eight rebounds and 3.8 assists per game through six games. In his debut with the

team, he finished with 24 points on 10-15 shooting from the field, 4-6 from three-point range and added five rebounds in a 55-44 win over Stade De Vanves.

Munnings originally signed with ADA Blois Basket 41 of the France - ProB League - the 2nd tier division - in July, but was released at the end of the preseason in September before he played a single game.

Prior to the 2019 NBA Draft, he was invited to pre-draft workouts with the Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves before eventually going undrafted.

He concluded his four-year collegiate career with the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks and reached several milestones.

As a senior, he averaged 14 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game on 44 per cent shooting from the field and 36 per cent from three-point range.

DWIGHT COLEBY TO RETURN FOR 2ND STINT IN TURKEY

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net DWIGHT Coleby (above) will return for a second stint in Turkey once pro basketball resumes in the country’s Turkish Basketball League (TBL).

Coleby will join Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizli next season in the 2nd-tiered TBL. The league features 16 teams and the first place finisher is promoted to the top tier Turkish Basketball Super League. Teams ranked 2nd place to 9th place, compete in playoff format and the winner of the playoff also promotes. The last two teams are relegated to the third tier Turkish Basketball Second League.

He spent approximately a month of the previous season in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A with perennial league contender Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari.

Coleby’s last game with the club was on March 10, when he scored 11 points in a loss to San Pablo Inmobiliaria Miraflores Burgos in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Coleby signed with the reigning European Cup Champions in February.

He appeared in just three regular season games and five Champions League games where he averaged 4.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

In his first stint in Turkey in 2018, Coleby averaged 11.5 points and a team leading 8.5 rebounds for Sigortam.net ITU in Turkey’s BSL League.

Coleby spent a portion of last season alongside his brother Kadeem Coleby with the Akita Northern Happinets in the Japanese B-League following a short stint in Belgium with Liege Basket in Belgium’s Pro Basketball League (PBL).

He also spent time with Kalev/Cramo (KML) in the Estonian league.

He played collegiate basketball at Ole Miss, Kansas and finished at Western Kentucky.