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Rape accuser Claudia died of COVID day after birth

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

CLAUDIA Edwards, the woman at the centre of a rape allegation against immigration officer Norman Bastian, was eulogised yesterday after dying of COVID-19.

Edwards died at the Princess Margaret Hospital last month, one day after giving birth to her fourth child. She was 35 years old.

A Jamaican national, Edwards accused Mr Bastian of raping her twice on December 15 and December 16, 2014, after she was arrested on suspicion of exotic dancing and breaching immigration laws.

She claimed that after being detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for a short while, she was released into Mr Bastian’s custody for continued investigation, but

instead he took her to his house, had sex with her against her will and also made her perform oral sex on him.

Mr Bastian has always maintained that he did not rape Bethel, but instead that the sex between them was consensual.

Years after the rape case was thrown out of the Magistrate’s Court, Edwards filed a civil suit against the government with attorney Fred Smith, QC, as her counsel.

Edwards will not get to witness the verdict on that case, however.

“The trial was over and we were supposed to appear before Justice Indra Charles to make closing submissions last week,” Mr Smith said.

“That had to be adjourned because she passed away so now her estate will continue the action.”

SEE PAGE THREE

CLAUDIA EDWARDS, who claimed she was raped by an immigration officer, and who has now died of COVID-19 a day after giving birth.

BODY FOUND IN LANDFILL WELL POLICE removed a man’s partially decomposed body from the New Providence Landfill yesterday in what Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters said appears to be a suspicious death.

ASP Peters said autopsy results will show whether foul play was involved or not.

He said a landfill

POLICE at the landfill yesterday where a body was found.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff employee found the body examine the hole which is in a well when he went to used by the landfill to help

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

battle fires when they need water.

“It’s a possibility that someone might have put the body there,” ASP Peters said, adding that there were visible signs of abrasions on the man’s body but that these “do not tell us exactly what happened.”

ASP Peters said it appeared the man’s body was decomposing for more SEE PAGE TWO

PAGE 2, Wednesday, June 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

THE BODY being driven from the scene yesterday and, left, ASP Audley Peters speaking to the press.

Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

BODY FOUND IN LANDFILL WELL from page one than 24 hours and the man appeared to be in his late 30s or early 40s. Officers were made aware of the matter shortly before 2pm Tuesday.

“We would like members of the public who have someone who

ASP Audley Peters

is missing to contact members of the police department to confirm for us that their family member, in this instance which is a male, has been missing,” ASP Peters said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

Lockdown did help reduce crime stats

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said fewer COVID-19 restrictions are likely a factor – but not a significant one – in the uptick in murders this year.

There have been multiple killings in just the past week, including two on Thursday and another on Friday night. Compared with last year, murders and armed robberies have increased by more than 50 and 40 percent.

In January, Police Commissioner Paul Rolle credited last year’s 16 percent reduction in murder to the efforts of law enforcement, not the significant lockdowns and restrictions on movement implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Our most notable highlight for 2020 was the overall reduction in crime,” Commissioner Rolle said.

“The men and women of the force performed at an exceptional level and were able to accomplish this feat in a number of ways. They are to be commended.”

Responding to critics who attributed the major crime reduction to COVID19 restrictions, he said: “I could answer that with one word: nonsense.”

Yesterday, Mr Dames said studies will have to be done to determine how big an impact COVID-19 restrictions had on crime.

“Around the world you’ve had points where you had tightening of the restrictions, but with shootings, global trends were up significantly last year,” he said.

“We witnessed a decrease when many countries were doing the same things.

“Curfew or not, whether the curfew had an impact, yeah I would say it did, but I don’t think the impact was such that you know it would have significantly impacted (murder rates).

Studies will come to point that out but we were kind of looking at trends around the world, especially the United States and you know, last year the trends were up, shootings were up, homicides were up in other countries while we saw an increase.

“Obviously the lockdown would’ve had some impact on it, I won’t dispute that, but I think too it was certainly as a result of the work of law enforcement.

That contributed to some of it too.”

Mr Dames declined to connect the current uptick in violent crime to a greater return to normalcy.

“I think it has to do with us as a people,” he said.

“Restrictions have an impact to some degree, but at the end of the day it’s all about our ability to communicate with one another and our ability to avoid conflicts and restrictions or not, you know they will have an impact, but how much we’ll have to see.”

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames speaking to the press yesterday.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021, PAGE 3

Rape accuser Claudia died of COVID day after birth from page one

tremendously respectful to she educated herself and others as well,” Mr Smith provided for her and her said of his client and friend. family. She got a bachelor’s “So the action will be fin- “She grew over the six degree in cosmetology and ished in front of the judge years I’ve known her into a was about to graduate with and then she will deliver very powera master’s judgement.” degree.

‘I am going to miss ful person Mr Smith, speaking virtu- who loved of this my daughter. We talk All ally at her memorial service, showed life and every night and every said Edwards, having taught me how was lookherself to read properly and a person day.

She was taken could really later achieving a bachelor’s ing forward away and by such a succeed and master’s degree, was an to it. At the age of 35 to horrible thing. I will despite inspiration to all. many He praised her as a shin- pass away miss talking to her. She so such challenges ing example of someone in was like a sister and having who persevered in pursuing unfortunate a friend. I still cannot been circumher rights. is believe she is gone.’ thrown at “Learning to read and stances her. a write, focusing on her legal really “So she case, rebuilding her sense tragedy.

“She had high hopes for has inspired me and her of dignity, her sense of self, her respect, she was herself. I understand that children. She has inspired lawyers in our office to see how strong she was and how she persevered in pursuing her rights. She stands as a shining example. She didn’t hide in the shadows.

She was brutally honest and was courageous.”

After teaching herself to read, Edwards earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State Institute of Cosmetology and she would have graduated with her master’s degree from the same institute this October.

In 2016 Edwards, along with her significant other, Dominic Major, started her own business, “Claudia’s Nails”. Her clientele grew and the business soon became successful.

Gathered at Sanctuary of Praise Ministries, Rocky Pine Road, Edwards’ family and loved ones paid tribute to her for the final time.

She was praised as being an extraordinary mother to her children.

Edwards died of COVID19 on May 24, just one day after giving birth to a son, Emmanuel.

“She remained committed to her family, to God and to her cause,” Mr Smith continued. “I had tremendous respect for Claudia in her perseverance over all of these years CLAUDIA’s mother, Valerie Thompson. in fighting to vindicate her

SOCIAL SERVICES STAFF CONCERNS ‘BEING ADDRESSED’ SAYS MINISTER

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell said the concerns of the staff of the Department of Social Services which prompted a demonstration on Monday are being addressed.

His comment came after numerous residents, including senior citizens, walked away empty-handed on Monday because employees were demonstrating over a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit and refused to serve the people.

Addressing the matter before a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Mr Campbell said: “Everything that the staff at the Department of Social Services are asking for, they deserve. Everything that the staff at the Department of Social Services is asking for, is being addressed.

“You would’ve heard in their complaints that they are complaining of discomfort relative to renovations.

Renovations is a form of fixing things that are not the way they ought to be. In addition to that, steps are being taken to move some persons to new locations.

“It’s unfortunate that it isn’t happening fast

SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell yesterday.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff enough. I regret that, but are being addressed.”

On Monday, Bahamas while they have a right to express their displeas- Public Services Union Presure and dissatisfaction it’s ident Kimsley Ferguson unfortunate that the timing complained that employees was such that our clients were expected to function were further inconven- in a dilapidated building ienced. My hope is that the without a functioning airwork that is being done will conditioning system.

“Again, these people happen soon enough, they the Bahamian will return to a sense of serve normalcy and our staff, our public,” he told Eyewitness clients, will get the service News.

“That’s important. And that they deserve.”

Mr Campbell could not so, if they’re going to get say when the renovations the job done, we would hope that they are able to will be complete.

“Renovations are ongo- do it comfortably and not ing,” he said. “I’m not there be uncomfortable while on site, I can’t say what they are doing their jobs.

“And so, every now and phases are happening now, but renovations are ongoing again persons have to come and we are trying our best. out and refresh themselves But the renovations are a and then go back in.

“The environment is not clear indication that the conditions of the workspace conducive to productivity.”

CLAUDIA EDWARDS, who died last month of COVID-19. reputation, to vindicate personally committed to her rights and to stand up her children. for not only herself, but “Claudia was full of for this traumatic experi- bubbly energy no matter ence that also happened what ups and downs were and continues to happen going on, she was hopeful, to many, many victims she had faith and she was of this kind of appalling positive. I really apprecibehaviour. ated knowing this beautiful “She was energetic. She person.” always had a glint in her Here in The Bahamas for eyes; committed, kind and her daughter’s memorial, patient. She was very dedi- Valerie Thompson said she cated to her children. She will miss Claudia as they embraced God and was were like sisters. helped by a number of “I spoke to her every people. Dominic and her day,” Ms Thompson said. “I children were very sup- am going to miss my daughportive of her. She was ter. We talk every night and

every day. She was taken away and by such a horrible thing. I will miss talking to her. She was like a sister and a friend. I still cannot believe she is gone. Even yesterday when I saw her.

I still cannot believe she is gone.

“We won’t take the children back to Jamaica.

Dominic is a very good father so he will continue with them here in The Bahamas and they will finish up school and college here. That is what Claudia would have wanted. This is very hard.”

PAGE 4, Wednesday, June 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Bimini residents told to be on alert after COVID spike

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

BIMINI officials are urging residents to keep their guard up as the island grapples with yet another spike in COVID-19 cases.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health reported 11 new cases of the virus on Bimini, saying the cases recorded “indicate evidence of clustering that is linked to a local resort”.

In a statement yesterday, Resorts World Bimini did not make clear whether the new cases originated at its property, but it said measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Resorts World takes the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously,” David Winslow, vice president of human resources at Resorts World Bimini, said in a brief statement to The Tribune.

“Although progress has been made in reducing the spread of the disease, it is far from over. Now is not the time to let our guard down.

“To ensure the safety of all team members, families, our community and our guests, Resorts World Bimini has implemented measures designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures have been reviewed by governmental officials.”

Speaking about the issue yesterday, State Minister for Disaster Preparedness Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said she was not aware of plans for another lockdown at this time. The island was placed under a two-week lockdown in May 2020. At the time, there were 13 new cases and officials labelled the island a COVID-19 hotspot.

As MP for the area, Mrs Parker-Edgecombe made an appeal for residents to intensify safety protocols in view of recent findings.

She said: “The 11 cases are indeed concerning, having had to deal with a similar situation at the onset of the COVID pandemic which put a halt to the business sector especially.

“As our doors are about to open even further for tourists’ arrivals, it is incumbent upon all, to ensure that what needs to be done, to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors alike, takes place.

“That means that safety protocols must be enforced strongly. I am also appealing for more COVID ambassadors, with the expectation that thousands of visitors are coming to our shores, beginning as soon as July 4, 2021.”

She continued: “I plan on reaching out to health officials as well as RWB personnel. This fight against the coronavirus demands a concerted effort and all

hands-on deck. I admonish residents to not let their guards down.”

For his part, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said there will from time to time be outbreaks of the virus around the country.

He insisted that The Bahamas has done well, despite some 300,000 visitors into the country as of the end of May. “There are going to be little, small outbreaks here and a little small outbreak there, but by and large up until the end of May there were 300,000 persons that came into the country. Look at the level of hospitalisations. Look at the level of positive cases.

“You will notice in the month of June the numbers have been trending down from April and May. So, I think we have done an excellent job of reopening our tourism economy, getting it back on track, getting Bahamians back to work. You would have seen the taxicab drivers very happy about the level of business.

“People are going back to work. They are starting to make tips. They are starting to make gratuities.

They are starting to get salaries back. So, I am very optimistic and as I look into the next month or so the numbers keep getting better,” the tourism minister said.

TOTAL CASES

TOTAL DEATHS

12,625 246 NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES SUNDAY

39 CASES

NEW PROVIDENCE 25 BIMINI & CAT CAY 6 GRAND BAHAMA 4 ABACO 4

TOTAL TESTS

106,793

HOSPITALISED

38

CASES IN ICU

5

RECOVERED

11,559

D’AGUILAR: HEALTH VISA HAS WORKED FOR NATION

MINISTER of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar speaking to the press yesterday.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has defended the government’s use of the travel health visa saying it has “worked well” for the country.

Speaking to reporters yesterday outside of the Churchill Building, the minister said the visa was an important tool in keeping the country’s COVID-19 numbers low.

In recent days, the Progressive Liberal Party has fiercely criticised the travel visa. Should it become the next government, the PLP has said the health visa protocol would be removed immediately.

In the meantime, the PLP has called for visa accounting to be made public, adding the country should only require negative COVID-19 tests for travel.

In response, Mr D’Aguilar said yesterday the country has done a good job in keeping virus numbers down.

He said: “The genesis of the health visa was to implement the protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health and it’s incredible to me that the opposition would think that somehow an airline could do this better than we have done.

“So, remember with the health visa, we check for four things: is it the right test with the right result, within the right time period, vetted by an accredited lab.

“Now if you expect someone at the check-in counter to be able to do that then you’re crazy.

“It has worked very well for us. As you can see the numbers are bouncing back. The numbers are very robust. Atlantis was at 90 percent, Baha Mar was at 75/80 percent and we’ve

been keeping the COVID numbers low. So, this has contributed to the successful rebound of tourism.

“It has helped us to keep our COVID numbers low while bringing large amounts of visitors into the country.”

He added: “I think it was the right decision to implement that visa.”

Asked how much longer the country would continue to use the health visa, the minister said this was dependent on the advice of health officials as they were the ones requiring either a PCR test or vaccination for visitors.

The visa, he said, was the “only” way to validate the COVID-19 status of visitors.

He suggested that use of the visa has set The Bahamas apart from other countries who still require a two-week quarantine or prohibit areas from visitors.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021, PAGE 5

Vendors ‘in limbo’ over return to Cabbage Beach

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE previously being informed that they could return to work next month, Cabbage Beach vendors say they are now in limbo as to whether they can begin operating their businesses again.

“They haven’t just said that we’re not allowed to operate, but they haven’t given us the go ahead,” vendor Moree Michael told The Tribune yesterday while on the beach.

“They hadn’t mentioned anything about it. They just told us we’re going to come back to work the 2nd of July before American independence and that’s what we’re holding on to.

“I guess all Bahamians right now are allowed to come on the beach, but as for businesses we’re not allowed to open up our businesses for we don’t know – no apparent reason... We have nothing yet from (Ministry of) Tourism or the government saying, well, we’ll be able to operate for the 2nd of next month.”

On June 16, vendors were irate and shocked to see one of the beach’s entrances locked and their items relocated when they showed up on site in preparation for their return to work next month. Persons were seen taking the moved possessions from across the street back onto the beach. Some claimed their items had been damaged by whoever moved them off the beach.

Mr Michael estimated about nine to ten of his

VENDORS returning their belongings to the beach yesterday after they were removed and the access closed.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff umbrellas were damaged set up, the police coming to do….we do all that thinking open up our own stall right at the time. He said each me and lock me up saying the beach was opening next now to make the money,” umbrella is worth around I’m breaking the prime week. Every week they say Mr Sweeting admitted. $140. minister’s amendment laws next week the beach open.

However, he needs an He expressed fears of (emergency orders) – what- Every week come, they say income to survive. police if he tried to resume ever they put in place,” he next week the beach will be He explained: “I got work at the beach. Current said. open. We still here waiting. two kids right now, unemrestrictions prohibit a craft Coconut vendor Rico We come out here every ployed, taking care of right or straw market vendor Sweeting noted the prepa- day.” now. National Insurance is and a jet-ski operator from rations he made to get Like Mr Michael, he also ‘where you put me,’ I got to operating. ready for the potential expressed concern about wait a whole two weeks for “Where it stands right opening in July. He is “suf- the police. the money when it come. now I’m afraid to even come fering” and just needs work “If we open our stalls, the “You then put yourself out and try to set up my right now. police will come and lock us in so much debt trying to little stall and try (to) make “I clean the beach and do up. So I’m afraid to open borrow to take care of your an honest living because if I all those things they say we up right now. I’m scared to kids. You don’t have no

money. This is ridiculous.

We just need the government to come and step their foot down and make sense for the Bahamian people.

“Atlantis is opened up.

People are down there and serving the guests. Why is our beach not opened up? They’re trying to say because the cruise ships coming in – that’s like foolishness. Every day people coming into the airport.

Everyday people coming and utilising Cabbage Beach, so I don’t know what’s the problem of us coming to work…”

Ownership of the Cabbage Beach property was transferred from Atlantis – owned by Brookfield Asset Management – to a subsidiary of Access Industries in 2014 as part of the Ocean Club’s sale to the latter.

Prior to the sale, Atlantis had allowed access to the beach via the easement through the private property. However, the company had petitioned the government on several occasions to address the vendor operation at the beach, due to concerns that standards were not consistent with the high-end tourism product the mega resort was offering.

Earlier this month, Access Industries released a statement on the controversy surrounding the locked gate blocking entry to Cabbage Beach, saying the fence was erected due to upcoming work on a $250m project.

The company said due to “safety” concerns during construction, the access point to the beach will be closed.

INVESTIGATOR ‘SHOCKED’ AT ARREST FOR DAVIS DEFAMATION

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE sergeant testified in Magistrate’s Court yesterday about his role in arresting private investigator Oswald Poitier for libel allegations made against him by Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis.

Poitier is accused of intentionally defaming Mr Davis after officers claimed he recorded and distributed voice notes of himself on social media, accusing Mr Davis of instructing people to “harm, take out and kill other people”.

It is alleged Poitier committed the act

sometime before November 16 last year.

During his first appearance before Magistrate Samuel McKinney last month, Poitier denied the offence.

His trial began yesterday, with testimony from Sgt Demaril Curtis, who was instrumental in the arrest of Poitier in late April.

Sgt Curtis, who is attached to the San Salvador North Police Station, told the court how he and another officer, acting on instructions, cautioned and arrested Poitier at his home on the island.

He told the court Poitier “looked shocked” when officers first arrived at his home in Cockburn Town

early that morning.

“I knocked on the door and he opened and he looked shocked,” Sgt Curtis said, adding that Poitier was only in his underwear at the time.

Sgt Curtis said he then tapped Poitier on the shoulders and explained that he was being arrested for libel.

The police officer said it was at that point the accused asked him if the matter was in reference to a text he had sent about “Brave” Davis.

However, Sgt Curtis told the court he was not fully briefed on the situation and didn’t know the particulars.

He also said Poitier didn’t give any further explanation

MARIJUANA CONVICTION QUASHED

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of Appeal yesterday quashed the conviction of a man who was previously fined $10,000 after he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession with the intent to supply.

In September 2019, police, armed with a search warrant, searched the residence of Charles Williams.

During their investigation, officers found one silver foil paper wrapping containing a grassy-like substance suspected to be marijuana. A further search led to the discovery of a clear plastic bag containing 20 more foil paper wrappings on a nearby table.

Charles was subsequently arrested and taken to a police station. When he was interviewed under caution there, he admitted having the single foil wrapping, but denied knowledge of the larger quantity of drugs.

The next day, Williams was formally charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to supply and one count of simple possession. He pleaded guilty to both offences and asked the magistrate to be “as lenient as possible” as he “smoked Indian hemp on a daily basis”, but did not sell the drug.

According to court

documents, “no further inquiry was made of the intended appellant” with regards to how his statement could have impacted his guilty plea with respect to the larger charge.

Instead, the magistrate accepted both of Williams’ guilty pleas and proceeded to convict and sentence him. Williams was subsequently fined $10,000 or two years imprisonment for dangerous drug possession with intent to supply and $500 or one year on remand for simple possession.

Seven months following his sentence, Williams appealed his conviction and yesterday, Justices Maureen Crane-Scott, Roy Jones and Carolita Bethell acceded to his application for an extension of time and quashed his conviction for the first charge.

In their judgement, delivered by Justice Crane-Scott, the panel noted that section 233 of the Criminal Procedure Code “did not operate to bar an appeal against conviction” where a guilty plea was equivocal.

“On the face of the record there was a material irregularity affecting the merits of the case in that the intended appellant’s statement to the magistrate, following the outline of facts by the prosecutor, cast considerable doubt on his guilty plea,” she said.

Justice Crane-Scott also said the magistrate “would have known” that Charles initially denied having the larger quantity of drugs as he stated the same in his record of interview that was outlined in the prosecution’s facts.

She said despite the fact that Charles pleaded guilty to both counts, the prosecution’s facts “accurately recorded his denial to police of his guilt on the first count”.

“His subsequent statement to the magistrate that he did not sell drugs ought to have put the magistrate on inquiry,” she stated.

“While consistent with what he told police before he was charged, what he said to the magistrate in his address following the outline of facts cast considerable doubt on what may, at the start of the proceedings, have seemed to be an unequivocal plea of guilt on count one.

“It was for all the foregoing reasons that we acceded to the application for an extension of time within which to appeal. In accordance with our powers under section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act, Chapter 52, we allowed the appeal and quashed the appellant’s conviction on count one for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.”

concerning what the matter involving Mr Davis was about.

“I told him ‘most likely’ and I would find out more information for him,” he told the court.

The sergeant said before officers took the accused to the police station, they allowed him to get dressed, after which point he was cautioned and subsequently arrested.

When asked by the Crown prosecutor if Poitier had said anything to him while in custody, Sgt Curtis said the accused told him he thought the matter had already been dealt with and further said he didn’t know why it was being brought back up.

“He said they didn’t have to come arrest him and all they had to do was call him and he would’ve gone...That was basically the same thing he kept on repeating,” the sergeant added.

When asked, Sgt Curtis told the court he had known Poitier since he moved to San Salvador, which was about a year earlier.

During cross-examination, Poitier’s attorney, Joel Seymour, asked the witness if it was regular police procedure to allow suspects to walk away and get dressed before being cautioned and arrested.

However, Sgt Curtis insisted that in this particular case, the accused was in

his “boxers” and was also known to him.

“I don’t think he would’ve run away or give us any (indication) that he would be aggressive, so I allowed him to put his clothes on,” the police sergeant explained to the court.

When pressed on the issue again, the witness replied: “Under the circumstances, no.”

Asked how long it took for Poitier to be taken from San Salvador to New Providence, Sgt Curtis replied “about 24 hours”.

Sgt Curtis was asked no further questions and he was subsequently excused.

The trial resumes on August 30.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, June 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

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A remarkable woman, gone too young TAKE a look at the woman on our front page today.

Claudia Edwards faced so much in her life, and her story is not yet over.

In 2014, Claudia accused an immigration officer of raping her twice.

She is a Jamaican woman, and had been detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for a short while.

While there, she said she was released into the officer’s custody for “continued investigation”. He took her to his house, and had sex with her.

She says it was against her will, while the officer, Norman Bastian, did not deny that the sex took place, but said it was consensual.

The rape case was thrown out at Magistrate’s Court, but Claudia filed a civil suit. Closing submissions for that case were to be made last week, but Claudia never heard those.

Last month, Claudia died at Princess Margaret Hospital. She had given birth to her fourth child just the day before, and she died of COVID-19. She was 35.

Claudia lifted herself up throughout her life. She taught herself to read properly, enough that she later earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

She launched her own business, Claudia’s Nails. Listen to those who knew her and the words they use to describe her: Energetic. Committed. Kind. Patient.

Dedicated. Bubbly.

Claudia was a woman who kept striving for better, and has gone from us far too early.

Her court case will not end. There will be a resolution to that as it is carried on by her estate. There are

certainly questions to answer, such as how even consensual sex could be possible between a detainee and an officer.

Whatever the outcome of that case, it was one of many hurdles Claudia overcame.

She couldn’t read properly, so she learned. She says she was raped, so she kept going through the legal system. She learned what she needed to do to start her own business and make it thrive.

Fred Smith, QC, her counsel in the civil case, said of her: “She grew over the six years I’ve known her into a very powerful person who loved life and was looking forward to it. At the age of 35 to pass away in such unfortunate circumstances is really a tragedy.”

Too many women have barriers put in their path in our country, and too many do not get the opportunity to confront those who bar their way.

The court case may have lessons of its own, if we are willing to learn them, but perhaps the biggest thing we should learn from Claudia is that we need to give women opportunities rather than barriers. Claudia achieved so much in her far too short life – imagine what so many others could achieve if we open the way.

Claudia should be a shining example of what can be done. It’s a tragedy that she had to do it despite the world around her rather than with the help of it.

As for the court case, you can be sure The Tribune will be monitoring it closely, and reporting the outcome.

Becoming hell on earth EDITOR, The Tribune.

Often at the Mercy of Thugs this is nowhere where I care to be.

Neighbourhood in which I live it is where my house is not easy therefore to just pick up and leave.

Is even this though an indication of the bitter taste of the quality of life in countries so many are desperate to leave– to vacate and head for places where there is law and order where structured society is guaranteed, is maintained is this what we allow to become of countries we are from fleeing them in desperation for places that are governed, kept safe from those who would create mayhem from those allowed here and elsewhere to make life unpleasant, uncomfortable, unbearable with loud music

that is tolerated and not shut off and not shut down just the beginning of what can and usually does get much, much worse so bad that, these places, allowed to be spoiled, are not fit for human habitation anymore nothing left but to risk life to get to Europe across the Mediterranean or to the USA, across Mexico, across the Rio Grand why are our home countries allowed to become so lawless to be ruled by mayhem why can we not make these places, spaces pleasant, prosperous why are they allowed to collapse like they do those within who are allowed to turn our home countries into hell on earth, OBEDIAH M SMITH Nassau, June 28, 2021.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Mandatory vaccination EDITOR,The Tribune.

WORLDWIDE persons are hesitant about taking a vaccination of any sort regardless of where it would have been developed due to what seems to be a number of reasons. These include: a stark lack of conversation amongst citizens and the so-called ‘experts’; a discussion on the pros and cons of taking a vaccine; mistrust of the relevant government and no guarantees that the “cure” will not be worse than the actual COVID-19. Many people are simply afraid to have a foreign serum injected into their bodily systems.

I may be one of the smartest person in The Bahamas, BUT I am no medical doctor or a health care specialist. Sometimes, however, I am able to conjure up what I consider to be realistic solutions and suggestions to deal with public policy initiatives.

Mind you the run of the mill “know it” all political and other societal leaders hardly ever listen to anything from anyone relative to possible solutions for what seems to be insurmountable issues.

The easing of the pandemic and the acceptance

by Bahamians by and large of whatever vaccines are available would progress, in my view, more rapidly if the suggested concerns listed above are considered by the Minnis government. As to what vaccine is currently available is the AstraZenica. There are others such as Pjizer; Mordena and J&J on the market but in many countries inclusive of the USA and the European Union governments have in some cases banned them either for expired dates; pricing; availability; refrigeration capacity and adverse reactions amongst some blood clotting and other medical issues resulting in death. Others are manufactured in Russia and China. A rock and a hard place again?

We all would wish to live a long and healthy life under the best circumstances possible. Death, however, will come to ALL of us except those who are yet living whenever The Rapture comes, as

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net promised. I suggest that it is also because of the anxiety and fear that one could die from taking an “emergency only approved” vaccination as are all the ones currently available.

Most of you all Bahamians want to get to heaven BUT few of you would wish what you’d call an “early” death even if you’d have: mansions not made by hand; streets of gold (cash for gold here you all come); unlimited milk and honey and options to sing in the celestial choir! May I suggest that The Bahamas Christian Council, et al, dialogue with the Minnis administration about setting up vaccination sites, fully sanitized and manned by qualified medical personnel, outside of the view of the general congregation, and get jabbed if they so wish.

I would also encourage the administration to ask the web industry/government joint foundation or the foundational funds that BTC/the government is supposed to have established way back then when Batelco was sold for chicken feed to place funds into the Ministry of Social Development so as to allow that ministry to motivate individuals to attend designated vaccination sites. Once they would have been vaccinated each person would receive a food voucher for not less than B$50.00 Yes, some cynics will suggest that this is “not right” and I agree BUT Bahamians love to be motivated.

The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association along with some of the larger independent car dealers could offer a raffle type drawing for persons who are able to verify that they would either have been fully vaccinated or had taken at least one shot. The said raffle would have to be approved by the Ministry of Finance, headed by The Competent Authority.

The raffled vehicle would be a big draw in persuading many Bahamians to be

vaccinated, especially those who may not now have a vehicle or would have had one repossessed due to inability to service the loan agreement.

A mandatory national vaccination must be devised. There could be exemptions on certain very restricted grounds, but by and large we MUST all be vaccinated and be certified accordingly. If I ran a retail business or a restaurant and bar facility all of my employees would have to be fully vaccinated in order to work there. No prudent business facility which caters to the public would dare run the very real risk of a customer or client contracting the virus while visiting the establishment.

To run that risk opens the door to massive insurance claims.

The administration, however, will have to up its game on the rapid return of the economy and rebuilding of our tourist plant.

The pity is that we are well into the anticipated general elections. As a result of this almost every public policy initiative, except the really stupid ones, will attract partisan politics.

What a tragedy of Greek proportions. Place more professional advice and information on the table PM - after all, according to you: “It’s about saving lives!” To God then in all things be the glory.

I would advise the PM and his kitchen cabinet to seriously consider ALL of the above and do not simply throw out the baby (not me, of course) with the bath water. At some point ALL Bahamians and legal residents will HAVE to be vaccinated once we come to realize that this would probably be the only and safest way to get back to some form of normalcy. It cannot be where an individual would expect to engage in regular societal intercourse with other Bahamians, on the job, in church, the malls and shopping areas or even the beaches. Some say that the mark of the beast is at hand.

ORTLAND H. BODIE, Jr. Nassau, June 27, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021, PAGE 7

FISHERMEN HELD FOR VIOLATIONS ELEVEN fishermen were apprehended for fisheries violations last week by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in the northern Bahamas.

While on routine patrol, RBDF patrol craft HMBS Lignum Vitae, under the command of Sub Lieutenant Miska Clarke, boarded and searched a Bahamian registered fishing vessel approximately 28 nautical

miles south of Bimini.

The crew members, consisting of Bahamian nationals, were taken into custody after allegedly being found in possession of illegal fishing apparatus – diving compressors, along with fisheries products.

The vessels and crew were escorted into Bimini on Sunday and turned over to the relevant authorities for further questioning.

ACCUSED WILL FACE CHILD SEX CHARGE

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who denied having sex with a threeyear-old boy was told by a Supreme Court judge that he does have a case to answer.

Colyn Algreen was arrested in November 2019, after a woman known to him discovered that her son’s anus was torn and bruised after the young boy had gone out with Algreen to get food.

He pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse with a minor of the same sex during his trial before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson.

Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Algreen’s attorney, Miranda Adderley, made an application for a no-case submission after contending that a prima facie case was not made out.

However, after some consideration, Justice Grant-Thompson overruled the no-case submission and said the matter would proceed to the jury for deliberation.

In response to the judge’s decision, the accused chose to remain silent. He also opted not to call any witnesses to testify on his behalf.

When the young boy’s mother first gave evidence, she said on the day

in question, she was sitting on the couch when Algreen decided to go out to get something to eat from a food truck in the Yamacraw area that was about two minutes away.

The woman said as the accused was about to go to the door, her then threeyear-old son cried to go with him, so she allowed him to go.

The woman said at the time, the accused asked her if she wanted to come as well, but she declined because she was not feeling well.

In her evidence, she said when she realised five minutes had gone by, she tried to call Algreen’s phone, but it kept going

‘PAY $300 OR GO TO JAIL’ OVER THREE GRAMS OF MARIJUANA

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 36-YEAR-OLD man was yesterday ordered to pay $300 or spend a month in prison after he was found with three grams of marijuana.

Kareem Lightbourne pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs before Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday after officers seized three grams of Indian hemp from him on June 24.

During yesterday’s hearing, the court was told that the 36-year-old was fined $200 for a similar offence last year.

Magistrate McKinney told Lightbourne the law allows him to toughen the penalties for people who reoffend on the same offence.

When asked by Magistrate McKinney why he shouldn’t double the penalties, Lightbourne told the court he was in his yard when officers found the drugs and explained he wouldn’t take issue with whatever the court decides.

Magistrate McKinney later ordered the accused to pay $300 or risk spending a month in prison.

Ramone Bromfield, 26, also appeared in court yesterday charged with a similar offence.

Police said they found four grams of Indian hemp on Bromfield on June 23.

He also admitted to the offence during a hearing before Magistrate McKinney.

When asked by Magistrate McKinney if he had any previous convictions, the accused said he did not.

This was confirmed by the prosecution.

Bromfield was subsequently placed on six months probation.

Magistrate McKinney told him if he had failed to comply with the conditions of his release, he would be fined $400 or sentenced to three months in prison.

Hubert Dwayne Thurston, 39, was also before Magistrate McKinney charged with possession of dangerous drugs. He was arraigned with a 17-yearold, who was accused of the same offence.

Police allege the two, being concerned together, were found with a marijuana plant on June 23.

Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bail was granted at $500 with one surety and the case was adjourned to July 29 for trial.

16-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED OF MURDER REMANDED

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A JUVENILE was remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys yesterday after being charged with murdering a man in the Garden Hills area earlier this month.

The 16-year-old stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney accused of murdering Kenton Adderley on June 17.

Officers also alleged the teenager tried to kill Rayshene Rahming the same day.

According to police reports, shortly after 10pm on the day in question, a silver coloured vehicle approached a residence on Alocassa Street, Garden

Hills, where a man and woman were sitting outside on a wall.

An armed man got out of the vehicle and opened fire, injuring both of them.

The gunman returned to the vehicle and, as the driver attempted to flee, he was blocked by a car travelling in the opposite direction. The armed man got out of the vehicle again and fired shots at the driver of this car, hitting him several times.

Emergency Medical Services took the three victims to hospital. However, one of the men died of his injuries.

During the hearing, the minor was not required to enter a plea due to the nature of the charges and the matter was adjourned

to August 9 for a voluntary bill of indictment.

He was remanded to the Simpson Penn facility in the interim.

Also appearing before Magistrate McKinney yesterday was Korey Stubbs, 21. Stubbs was charged with one count of attempted murder after being accused of trying to kill Rishawn Russell on June 24.

Police also allege that he used a handgun to endanger Russell’s life the same day.

Stubbs also was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to July 27 for a VBI. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the meantime.

MIGRANTS GUILTY OF ILLEGAL EMBARKATION

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL migrants were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court for illegal embarkation this week.

The group appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith.

They are Wisly Davin, 35, Theleme Joseph, 60, Walky Mervil, 35, Aurel Roberson, 31, Benjamin St Germain, 24, Jean James, 39, Jean-Marc Silionor, 33, Joachim Merline, 31, Islande Ciceron, 33, Guerline Monypleus,

MIGRANTS who were accused in court in Freeport.

23, Joseph Chenibiu, 40, Charles Michelet, 30, Arius

Jameson, 42 and Coles Charlimagne, 31.

It is alleged that on June 25, the accused were intercepted at sea

by United States Coast Guard officials in US waters off West Palm Beach, Florida.

They reportedly left Grand Bahama last Wednesday.

The migrants pleaded guilty to illegal embarkation.

They were convicted and each ordered to pay $300 or in default serve one month at the Bahamas Department Of Correctional Services.

to voicemail. She said she then became worried and continued to panic while calling his phone until he arrived home about an hour later.

The woman said when the accused pulled up, she grabbed her son, who was holding a bottle of Goombay soda in his hand and carried him inside. She said when she laid him on a bed and took off his underwear, she noticed a blood stain on it along with some residue of faeces. She said she also saw bruising on his buttocks.

She said she took photos of the boy’s buttocks and underwear, before leaving him on the bed to ask Algreen what had

happened.

The mother said the accused told her the child fell on a seatbelt when he pressed brakes suddenly.

She said when she asked Algreen why the trip took so long, he also claimed he went to the food place, but it was closed so he went to a tyre shop and gas station to put fuel in his car. She claimed Algreen also mentioned something about a bouncing castle in Fox Hill.

The woman also said her son looked like he had just finished crying when she retrieved him from the car that day. She said when she questioned the accused he was shaking and sweating and saying: “You think

I would do something to your child?... I wouldn’t do something.”

The woman said the incident was the first time that Algreen ever took her son out alone. She also said she had an opportunity to check the young boy before he went out because five minutes before they left, the child had to defecate, and when he was done, she came in to wipe his buttocks.

Both prosecution and defence counsel are expected to deliver their closing submissions before Justice Grant-Thompson sums up the case today.

The jury is also expected to deliberate their verdict shortly afterwards.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Whose rules to follow in the great dating game?

ON Bahamian social media, there are a few topics that come up over and over again, always without resolution. On an endless loop, people on opposite sides argue their positions or, more accurately, argue against other positions. In these pseudoconversations, some people actively participate by engaging others, some state their own opinions while others have side conversations on the topic at hand or one adjacent to it.

This kind of activity is a window, creating the opportunity to see how people think and understand why we are where we are today and what we need to do to move forward.

One of the recurring topics on Twitter is dating.

People under 30 seem to never tire of this topic, repeatedly making the same points. Most people seem to agree Bahamians do not know how to date.

They say it all moves too fast, not because the couple want it to, but because of the perceptions of people on the outside.

It is deemed inappropriate for a woman to go out with multiple people. If she is seen with one person on Friday and another person on Saturday, horrible names start to fly around.

She has made no commitment to either person, aside from meeting them at a particular time for a specific activity, but being seen with them means something if only because it is misconstrued and judged by other people.

We do not have the opportunity to get to know people and explore options when we are pressured to limit ourselves to one person we do not know very well. Women have two options — ignore the noise and accept people will make up their own stories about us and generously share them with others, or give in to the pressure and limit the options by only seeing one person until that is no longer desirable.

For men, of course, it

By Alicia Wallace goes quite differently. This is largely due to the social construction of gender as well as the general understanding of a date. The latter is an unending argument all on its own and the positions people take are indicative of serious societal issues.

What is a date? Who gets to decide the terms of a date? Who should spend money and how much of it?

What are the expectations of the people on the date?

The arguments about what is and is not a date usually come up in response to someone sharing an experience they enjoyed.

Somehow, someone always brings ice cream into the conversation, specifically to make the point that ice cream is not expensive enough to be considered an appropriate purchase to make central to a date. “Ice cream is not a date!” This passionate statement comes from people who expect a full meal at a restaurant at a minimum. There is nothing wrong with this preference.

The issue is that people with this preference assert that it is the standard. It is

popular, yes, but it does not need to be the standard or the minimum. Some people are more comfortable with dates that are more casual, less expensive, and take less time.

Those who expect more (in terms of cost) tend to attack others for “lowering” the bar and “making it harder” for them. The assumption is a person who successfully takes someone out for ice cream as a date will later scoff at another person who would like to go for dinner. This becomes the fault of the woman who went on the ice cream date. People have different preferences and, of course, different levels of comfort, especially with people they barely know. It seems the most vocal people in these conversations prioritize getting as much as possible out of a single date in order to make it worth their while. It does not seem as though the pleasure of another person’s company or getting to know someone else is the main objective.

One of the issues these arguments about dating have raised is the transac-

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Death Notice For Hal Jacobsen On Thursday, June 24th, 2021 Hal Jacobsen passed away peacefully at the Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, Ontario.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 67 years Thelma (née Walls), daughter Lynn, son Ron (Sheila), grandchildren David, Amy (Justin), Kirsten (Scott), Eric, Michelle and 5 great grandchildren and survived by his sister Linda (Tom).

He was born and raised in McCreary, Manitoba. In 1952 he began his career with RBC and was appointed many positions throughout Canada, Cayman Islands, Hong Kong and Nassau, Bahamas where he retired as Vice President Bahamas and Cayman Islands in 1992.

He then took on the position as Honorary Consul For Canada in the Bahamas until his return to Canada. He and Thelma took up residence in Cobourg where he enjoyed golfing at Dalewood.

Hal dedicated his life to service and was an active Rotarian, receiving the Paul Harris Award, past President of the Bahamas Club and actively participated with the Waterfront Festival and Ribfest.

In lieu of flowers donations in Hal’s memory may be made to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice.

Online condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com

tional seeing nature each other of our exclusively.

That activities. needs to be a conversation There are people of with a definitive agreed all genders who believe conclusion. they are owed something There is little conversafor going on dates. Some tion about going Dutch believe they are owed a or splitting the bill. There free meal. Some believe is still the expectation the they are owed sex. Some man or the masculinebelieve, even if they do not presenting person pay the articulate it this way for bill. In fact, this expectathemselves, that a date is an tion is central to the main exchange of food for sex. argument about what con“Yes, I will pay for the stitutes a date. surf and turf, but I expect It is perplexing to see something in return at people who claim to supthe end of the night,” and port women’s rights commit “Yes, we can have sex, but themselves and try to they better feed me first,” commit other people to are common positions. We patriarchal, heteronormamay have our own value tive beliefs and behaviours. judgments It is not and differshocking ing opinions ‘There are people that people on that of all genders who will lean on approach, the beliefs believe they are but it is not that benefit up to us owed something them in the to decide for going on dates. moment, like how or why Some believe letting the other people other person date, just as they are owed a pay. Women it is not up free meal. Some may say, “I’m to them to believe they are the prize. He decide that wants to go we should owed sex. Some out with me, all do it their believe, even if they so he needs way. to pay.” Men do not articulate Dating, may say, in a gen- it this way for “What about eral sense, themselves, that a feminism? is about getDon’t you ting to know date is an exchange want everysomeone (or of food for sex.’ thing to be people). It is equal? Let’s about spending time with split the bill.” These kinds them, having conversa- of comments actually come tions, engaging in different up in the “What is dating?” activities, and seeing them social media debates. It is in different settings and not that their desires are circumstances. It should be wrong, but that they use okay to date more than one twisted interpretations of person when there is no values and principles to commitment to exclusivity. validate them. We should No number of dates should be able to say what we lead to the assumption that want without commodifythe people involved are ing women or trivializing

THE TRIBUNE

feminism.

Dating in The Bahamas really does take on a different meaning than the one portrayed in the media.

Here, people typically go on a few dates with one person before making it exclusive, sometimes without a clear verbal agreement. The people who do not do it this way are often cast in a negative light. Dating here comes with far too much additional pressure. Who is watching, what people might think, how are you affecting the “standards” other people set, and what will the other person expect of you as a result of the date and its cost are all ever-present questions.

Somehow, the way we date reinforces the idea that women are objects; that men can buy our time and attention as well as access to our bodies. Some men truly believe that a meal is a pre-payment for sex. Some women truly believe the dollar value of a date is indicative of the level of interest and seriousness of a man. Money, rather than the interaction, is being used to measure the quality of the date. We need to make a distinction between quantity and quality. We also need to be honest about reasons for dating. If you are dating for entertainment and passing time, that is quite different from dating to get to know people and possibly find a partner. It would, of course, be best to be upfront about motives so that we can match with people thinking along the same lines.

Women are not objects.

Women are not to be bought. Everyone needs to understand this. It is not only important in the world of dating, but in the way the country regards women.

The discussion on dating has, at its core, gender ideology rooted in patriarchy and misogyny. It can easily be used to blame women who experience sexual violence, especially by people known to them. It can also be used to make false distinctions between women based on the preferences, conflating those preferences with their self-worth.

It seems to be quite difficult for people to accept that there are other points of view and other ways of being that do not threaten their own. One person’s ice cream date has nothing to do with another’s threecourse meal, just like one person’s exercise of their rights (such as using contraceptives) does not prevent another person from adhering to their beliefs (such as choosing not to use contraceptives).

The right to self-determination is good, and we can all date in different ways with different goals. It is a lot less about the money than most people think.

Pay attention to what is being exchanged and what the other person expects.

Even better, talk about expectations before the date. It need not be a mystery. You may save yourself a lot more than money by initiating this kind of open, direct communication.

OSBYDANTECARRER PHOT

PAGE 10, Wednesday, June 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Gone in a gulp

BOLSONARO UNDER FIRE OVER VACCINE DEAL CLAIMS BRASILIA, Brazil Associated Press

ACCUSATIONS that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro turned a blind eye to possible corruption in a deal to purchase coronavirus vaccines have heightened threats to his presidency, including a move to recommend slapping him with a criminal charge.

Bolsonaro, who has been targeted by nationwide street protests in recent weeks, has called the Senate committee investigating the government’s COVID19 response a “national shame” aimed at undermining his administration. For two months, the nationally televised hearings have largely focused on why his Health Ministry ignored opportunities to buy vaccines while Bolsonaro relentlessly pushed hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug that rigorous studies have shown to be ineffective in treating COVID-19.

Luis Ricardo Miranda, the chief of the Health Ministry’s import division, last week testified that he faced pressure to greenlight the import of Indian pharmaceutical Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine and that there were irregularities in the invoices — particularly a $45m upfront payment to a Singapore-based company.

JACOB ZUMA JAILED FOR CONTEMPT JOHANNESBURG Associated Press

SOUTH Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear before an inquiry probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption during his tenure from 2009 to 2018.

Zuma was not in court for the ruling on Tuesday and has been ordered to hand himself over within five days to a police station in his hometown of Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal province or in Johannesburg.

If Zuma fails to turn himself in within five days South Africa’s minister of police and the police commissioner have been ordered to take him into custody within three days.

BLACKOUTS HIT US AMID HEATWAVE

SPOKANE, Washington Associated Press THE unprecedented Northwest US heatwave that slammed Seattle and Portland, Oregon, moved inland Tuesday — prompting a electrical utility in Spokane, Washington, to warn that people will face more rolling blackouts amid heavy power demand.

The intense weather that gave Seattle and Portland consecutive days of record high temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit was expected to ease in those cities. But inland Spokane was likely to surpass Monday’s high temperature — a record-tying 105 F. About 8,200 utility customers in parts of Spokane lost power on Monday and Avista Utilities warned that there will be more rolling blackouts on Tuesday afternoon in the city of about 220,000 people, with the high temperature predicted at 110F, which would be an all-time record.

Avista had to implement deliberate blackouts on Monday because “the electric system experienced a new peak demand, and the strain of the high temperatures impacted the system in a way that required us to proactively turn off power for some customers,” said the company president.

TALK about a heavy snack. For the first time, astronomers have witnessed a black hole swallowing a neutron star, the most dense object in the universe — all in a splitsecond gulp.

Ten days later they saw the same thing, on the other side of the universe. In both cases, a neutron star — a teaspoon of which would weigh a billion tons — orbits ever closer to that ultimate point of no return, a black hole, until they finally crash together and the neutron star is gone in a gobble.

Astronomers witnessed the last 500 orbits before the neutron stars were swallowed, a process that took far less than a minute and briefly generated as much energy as all the visible light in the observable universe.

“It was just a big quick (gulp), gone,” said study co-author Patrick Brady, an astrophysicist at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. The black hole “gets a nice

dinner of a neutron star and makes itself just a little bit more massive.”

The bursts of energy from the collisions were discovered when detectors on Earth spotted the mergers’ gravitational waves, cosmic energetic ripples soaring through space and time as first theorized by Albert Einstein. They each came from more than one billion light-years away. The waves were detected in January of 2020, but the study analyzing and interpreting the data by more than 100 scientists was published Tuesday in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

While astronomers had seen gravitational waves from two black holes colliding with each other and two neutron stars colliding with each other, this is the first time they saw one of each crashing together.

Neutron stars are corpses of massive stars, what’s leftover after a big star dies in a supernova explosion. They are so dense that they

have about 1.5 to two times the mass of our sun, but condensed to about 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide, Brady said. Some black holes, known as stellar black holes, are created when an even bigger star collapses into itself creating something with such powerful gravity that not even light can escape.

Scientists think there should be many of these neutron star and black hole pairings, but they’ve yet to find one in our own galaxy.

“This is very cool,” said Johns Hopkins University astrophysicist Marc Kamionkowski, who wasn’t part of the research. He said this will help astronomers predict how abundant these pairings are.

ILLUSTRATION provided by Carl Knox depicting a black hole, centre, swallowing a neutron star, upper left.

Photo: Carl Knox/OzGrav/Swinburne University Australia via AP

Multiple probes planned into Florida condo fall SURFSIDE, Florida Associated Press ELECTED officials pledged yesterday to conduct multiple investigations into the collapse of an oceanfront Florida condo tower, vowing to convene a grand jury and to look closely “at every possible angle” to prevent any other building from experiencing such a catastrophic failure.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said she and her staff will meet with engineering, construction and geology experts, among others, to review building safety issues and develop recommendations “to ensure a tragedy like this will never, ever happen again”.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said she will pursue a grand jury investigation to examine factors and decisions that led to Thursday’s collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South in Surfside. The disaster killed at least 11 people and left 150 unaccounted for.

Even as officials looked to the future to determine the cause of the collapse, they were resolute in vowing to continue the effort to find survivors.

On the sixth day of a painstaking search, Gov Ron DeSantis evoked a well-known military commitment to leave no one behind on the battlefield and pledged to do the same for the people still missing in the rubble.

“The way I look at it, as an old Navy guy, is when somebody is missing in action, in the military, you’re missing until you’re found.

We don’t stop the search,” DeSantis said at a news conference.

“I think that’s what is happening.

Those first responders are breaking their backs trying to find anybody they can. I think they are going to continue to do that. They’ve been very selfless. They’ve put themselves at risk to do it.”

Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett cited the case of a woman who was found alive 17 days after a garment factory collapsed in 2013, killing more than 1,000 people in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

“No one is giving up hope here...

We are dedicated to getting everyone out of that pile of rubble,” Burkett said.

Also Tuesday, the White House announced that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden would travel to Surfside on Thursday.

Martin Langesfeld, whose sister,

SEARCH and rescue teams look for survivors at the Champlain Towers South residential condo, yesterday in Surfside, Florida.

Photo: Al Diaz /Miami Herald via AP 26-year-old Nicole Langesfeld, the 1996 crash of ValuJet Flight in “extreme detail” how they are is missing in the collapse, also 592, which killed 110 people in the searching the mound, the mayor expressed hope that there are still Everglades. said.

Work at the site has been delibsurvivors.

With that knowledge, Cava said, “We’re not alone in this. There’s erate and treacherous. Debris fell families are coming to their own hope. I really believe miracles do onto the search area overnight from conclusions. happen. Things like this have hap- the shattered edge of the part of “Some are feeling more hopepened around the world,” he said the building that still stands. That ful, some less hopeful, because we during a vigil Monday night on the forced rescuers to mark a “don’t go do not have definitive answers. We beyond here” line and focus their give them the facts. We take them beach near the collapsed building.

The collapse has drawn scru- efforts on parts of the debris pile to the site,” she said. “They have tiny of the safety of older high-rise that are farther from the structure, seen the operation. They underbuildings throughout South Flor- Burkett told Miami television sta- stand now how it works, and they ida. Cava ordered a 30-day audit on tion WSVN. are preparing themselves for news, Rescuers are using bucket bri- one way or the other.” whether buildings 40 years old or older are complying with a required gades and heavy machinery as they Rachel Spiegel, whose 66-yearrecertification of their structural work atop a precarious mound of old mother, Judy Spiegel, is missing, integrity, and that any issues raised pulverised concrete, twisted steel said Tuesday that she was hoping by inspections are being addressed. and the remnants of dozens of for a miracle, but she also wrote On Tuesday, the mayor said households. about looking beyond the tragedy.

Authorities said it’s still a searchbuilding inspections have found “Our mom Judy was the glue that four balconies in one building in and-rescue operation, but no one kept our family together. All of the Miami-Dade County that “must be has been found alive since hours family mementos, photos, clothimmediately closed due to safety after the collapse on Thursday. ing and heirlooms our father and The pancake collapse of the mother have collected over the past concerns.”

Previous grand juries in South building left layer upon layer of 65 years were lost in a matter of secFlorida have examined other large- intertwined debris, frustrating onds,” Spiegel wrote in a message scale disasters, such as the 2018 efforts to reach anyone who may about setting up a fund for charities collapse of a pedestrian bridge at have survived in a pocket of space. on behalf of her mother. “As we Authorities meet frequently continue to search for meaning in Florida International University, which killed six people. That inves- with families to explain what this catastrophe, we must also look they’re doing and to answer ques- to the future and rebuild.” tigation is ongoing.

Criminal charges in such mat- tions. They have discussed how In a text message exchange ters are possible, such as the DNA matches are made to help with The Associated Press, she third-degree felony murder and identify the dead, how next-of-kin added, “Please keep praying for a manslaughter charges brought in will be contacted and explained miracle.”