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SO WHO DID KILL OFFICER PERPALL? By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour is now a free man after a Supreme Court jury yesterday found him not guilty of murdering his superior officer at Government House in 2019.
ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour leaving court yesterday. Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
Seymour was accused of fatally shooting Petty Officer Percival Perpall and attempting to kill Marine Seamen Calvin Hanna and Ellis Rahming while the three men were on duty in a guardroom on the property on April 28, 2019. SEE PAGE THREE
SYSTEM FAILURE HITS MONEY’S TIGHT - SO FREEPORT CUSTOMS MORE USING STAMPS By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
FREEPORT’S crossborder commerce was yesterday said to have been sent “back to prehistoric times” as a result of Customs’ electronic system for clearing goods being down
for ten successive days. Glennett Fowler, president of the National Import Export Association of The Bahamas, said the flow of goods had almost come to “a standstill” with companies, individuals and those involved in clearing incoming shipments forced to revert to manual processes.
Disclosing Customs hoped to restore its electronic system yesterday, but it had yet to happen, she said many businesses are no longer able to write cheques to cover payments because in the digital age they lack chequing accounts and/or bank guarantees. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net FALLOUT from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to tighten their purse strings, Super Value President Rupert Roberts has said, while noting “more and more”
shoppers have been relying on the store’s food stamps to shop. Mr Roberts said prices were increasing all around, including on building supplies with items like plywood seeing an exponential increase. This follows his prediction last month that
grocery and meat prices will increase by eight percent and 10-12 percent respectively by Christmas. Mr Roberts told Tribune Business that a combination of increased demand, as the Bahamian and global economies continue to reflate following SEE PAGE FIVE
NEWBORN INJURED IN PMH UNIT
THE FIRST serious warning of hurricane season has been raised for a potential storm. See PAGE TWO.
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
THE Public Hospitals Authority yesterday confirmed recent reports of an incident at the Princess Margaret Hospital that affected an infant who was injured during IV therapy. A statement from the PHA said at approximately 3am last Friday, a one-month-old male infant SEE PAGE FIVE
PAGE 2, Thursday, July 1, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
FUEL CHARGE TO STAY SAME AFTER REVIEW, SAYS BPL BAHAMAS Power and Light said yesterday that after a mandated 12-month review, the fuel charge for BPL customers will remain at about 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour through June 2022. BPL said this new low fuel charge was first secured in July 2020, when it
executed the first ever fuel hedge transaction in company history. “On July 9 2020 BPL executed its first ever fuel hedge, which set the fuel charge at about 10.5 c/kWh from July 2020 through June 2022, subject to review after 12 months. That review has just been
completed and the continuation of the rate was confirmed,” BPL said. “BPL reiterates that fuel is a pass-through cost, therefore there is no savings to the company due to the lower fuel charge: all savings go to the customers. And in fact, average residential customer bills are
down by 24 percent versus June 2018. “The average residential customer saved $42 on the fuel charge in June 2021 versus June 2018 (prior to the hedge). That extrapolates to an annual savings on the fuel charge of about $500. More broadly, the research
shows that from August of 2020 to June 2021, customers and the public treasury have saved $15 million as a result of the hedge programme.” BPL said that if the current trend continues, the company can project savings of about $40 million to customers and public
treasury from August 2020 to January 2022. “This is especially important given the recent spike in oil prices, which places upward pressure on the fuel charge: the BPL fuel hedging programme allowed BPL to hold the fuel charge to 10.5 cents for the next 12 months,” BPL said.
METEOROLOGISTS are warning to be on the alert for the possible formation of a tropical storm. The disturbance was last night located over the central Atlantic far to the east of the Windward Islands, but was expected to become better organised and become Tropical Storm Elsa overnight or today. The path of the storm has the potential to affect The Bahamas, although it’s central course takes it across Dominica and Cuba. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the US said: “The tropical depression is expected to become a tropical storm before reaching the Lesser Antilles and tropical storm conditions are expected beginning late Thursday
night in portions of the Windward and southern Leeward Islands. “Heavy rainfall will move quickly across the Windward and southern Leeward Islands, including Barbados, on Friday. Isolated flash flooding and mudslides are possible.” This would be the first named storm to affect the Caribbean region this season, and could affect the south-eastern Bahamas by early next week. The NHC said: “There is a risk of wind and rainfall impacts in portions of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba, the Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas through early next week. Interests in these areas should monitor the system’s progress and updates to the forecast.” The NHC also warned of possible impact to Florida, but said it was too soon to determine what that might be. For more updates, follow www.tribune242.com.
BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE TROPICAL STORM ELSA
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Graham John Beaman January 12, 1932 – June 24, 2021 Our parents moved to Freeport for twelve years up until their retirement. He worked at The Princess Casino and had very fond memories of his time there, and the friends he made. He also said that was the best job he had ever had - he enjoyed his work and the Freeport community.
It is with profound sadness that we advise that our Dad, Graham John Beaman passed away peacefully after a very short illness on Thursday, June 24th At his home on St Andrew’s Drive, Blair Estates. Predeceased by his loving wife Lillian (Lil) Formerly of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, he arrived in The Bahamas in August of 1955 to take up a position at The Balmoral Hotel. It was a three year contract. After being here less than eighteen months, he met Lillian Knowles at an RAF function and shortly after they were married. He worked out his contract and remained in The Bahamas up until his death. Our Dad loved The Bahamas, the weather - it was never too hot for him, the sea and the way of life. He especially loved Long Island where our Mother is from. He loved the people the remoteness, the climate, the hills; he couldn’t get enough of Long Island. He would take off early in the morning exploring in the bushes, finding wild orchids , digging up old bottles and broken crockery from the earlier settlers he would order books to try and identify what he found to establish a time frame, he just loved every visit there. He had an avid interest in photography, and on one particular visit took an amazing photo of sheet lightening and received a special mention from The National Geographic Magazine. He kept himself busy with many hobbies he collected Bahamas stamps and has a huge cataloged collection - wherever he travelled in the world he would try and seek out stamp fairs and go along to see if he could increase his collection and many times he did!
Of course his main love was his birth home. He loved Shrewsbury and would tell anyone who would listen all about his love of the hills and mountains and fields and about his up bringing. He enjoyed the countryside and could identify all wild shrubs and flowers all surrounding landmarks and villages - He was very patriotic and proud of his heritage. Dad enjoyed singing; he was in his church choir as a young boy, and also in the Royal Air Force choir during his National Service. As a boy, he was interviewed for a position with the St Paul’s Cathedral choir in London, passed the test, but was just a year too old to take up the position. We often talked about how different his life would have been should he had pursued that opportunity. He lived through the Second World War as a minor and had many stories to share of his experiences. He held a special love for his Mum as they spent so much time together during the war whilst his father and older brother were working around the clock; driving trains either full of passengers or ammunition.
find a music store so he could browse and pick up what music he didn’t have. He spent every minute with us as children - he helped to fill our lives with the understanding that families stay and make memories together. We enjoyed the beach every Sunday, or a soccer match on Ft Charlotte - he took us to visit English ships and submarines when docked, he taught us to love and respect all things, especially the wild and animals. A major influence in both our lives - he taught us so many things as he was always with us he was our security and along with our Mother we were his life. We knew as soon as Mum left us last year, it would not be long. He was lonely without her as they would talk for hours and hours about any topic. They were each other’s companions. Last Thursday, June 24th, 2021 at 4 pm he closed his eyes for the final time. He is survived by his son Peter, and his daughter Heather. Family and friends in England, Michael Beaman, Robert Beaman, Claire Beaman and Ruby and Max Beaman. Special friends Peter and Vida Cowlishaw, and Neil and Freda Gourlay.
He loved and enjoyed all things English especially a half pint of best lager, fish and chips and his favorite, Cadbury’s Dairy Milk.
Family in Nassau, brother-in-law Edward Knowles and many, many nephews and nieces and extended family.
We visited his home every year up until the pandemic hit and on each day leading up to a trip he was excited as if it was his first.
Also his companion and protector our pet Soho.
Dad loved his adopted Bahamian family immensely - he had so many brothers and sister in laws, plus nieces and nephews - he just enjoyed them all. Dad was full of humor, always finding the lighter side of life - joking about everything with a subtle English humor. Dad was a gentle, quiet, private person never loud or drawing attention to himself - he adored his children as well as his wife. He provided a stable loving home environment for us to enjoy. Every weekend when he was off work, our home was filled with beautiful music of the popular artist of the day. He loved his music and anywhere we travelled, we had to
Many thanks to Dr Agreta- Eneas Carey, Nurse Clarke, Nurse Chantelle Brown and Samuel Strachan. Special thanks to Nina Bent-Smith who loved and cared for our Dad like her own. It was his wish to be cremated and his ashes scattered over his beloved Shropshire, which will be done at a later date. They may own castles on the banks of the Rhine where you hire an orchestra each evening at nine – but richer than I they will never be…. I had a dad who spent time with me.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 1, 2021, PAGE 3
So who did kill Officer Perpall? from page one A week after Crown and defence counsel presented their closing arguments, a jury of eight women brought back unanimous not guilty verdicts on the count of murder, two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life brought against Mr Seymour. The hearing began with a summation of the case by Senior Justice Bernard Turner. The matter was then turned over to the jury shortly after 3pm for deliberation. Less than two hours later, the jurors returned with their not guilty verdict. As a result, Mr Seymour
PETTY Officer Percival Perpall. was discharged and told he was “free to go”. Before leaving the precincts of the court, he hugged his attorney Murrio Ducille. He then formed a prayer circle with his family outside of the courtroom. As he joined hands with his supporters, one of his relatives
ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour with supporters yesterday.
could be heard praying for the family of PO Perpall. The woman said while they were grateful that Mr Seymour was “vindicated”, they were still praying for justice for the petty officer and for the “true culprits to be brought to light”. Mr Seymour was initially accused of murdering PO Perpall, whose body was found “motionless” and slumped over on a couch with bullet wounds in a guardroom at Government House around 2.30am on April 28, 2019. The Crown’s case relied on the testimonies of over 20 witnesses, including the account of Marine Seaman Hanna who identified Seymour as the man he saw shoot at him and PO Perpall at the time of the incident. During the trial, Mr Hanna testified that a short time after he spoke with PO Perpall, he heard the “cocking of a gun” and when he looked through the guardroom’s door, he saw Seymour. He claimed he saw Seymour point a 9mm firearm at PO Perpall and shoot. He also said the acquitted man fired at him, which prompted him to throw himself behind an office desk in the guardroom to
ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour leaving court after being found not guilty yesterday. Court photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff Marine Seaman Percentie Breezes on the morning avoid being shot. The prosecution had led to head to a soca concert at in question. Retired Petty the argument that Seymour Breezes resort. He said he Officer Steve Brown also and PO Perpall had “bad ended up seeing two of his recalled when Seymour blood” due to a situation co-workers in a skybox at drove his car to his nightwhich allegedly occurred the event and joined them club around 3.20am, to ask him if he was closed. when the two were sta- for a “few more drinks.” After he left the conWhen Valley Boys event tioned on Ragged Island around 3.15am, coordinator Alexstine shortly before the murder. cert However, Seymour denied Seymour said he travelled Daxon gave evidence on east towards Goodman’s behalf of Seymour, she said this. When Seymour took the Bay, before riding down- she was the person at the stand in his defence, he town past Commonwealth gate distributing tickets and established his alibi. He Bank and a night club and wristbands at the Junkasaid around 11pm on April making his way towards the noo party on the eve of PO 27, 2019, he left his home to Wulff Road traffic light. He Perpall’s death. Mrs Daxon attend a Valley Boys Junka- said after he dropped his claimed she saw Seymour, noo party at the Farm. He co-worker home, he contin- a drummer for the group, said it was a “celebration ued onto Robinson Road at the party “sitting on a all night” and people were and made his way to his bench with a couple of fellows and smoking a cigar”. “drinking and smoking own residence. During the trial, Petty She also said he was one cigars.” Seymour said he left the Officer Atama Bowe also of the last persons to leave Junkanoo party around testified of seeing Seymour and stated she “wouldn’t lie 2.30am with his co-worker at the Carnival function at and go to hell for no one”.
MAN FOUND SHOT DEAD AT WHEEL OF CAR By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net POLICE are investigating the death of a man who was found slumped forward in the driver’s seat of a running car in the early hours yesterday morning. According to a Royal Bahamas Police Force crime report shortly after 1am police were alerted to gunshots being discharged on Lyon Road off Shirley Street. “A patrolling unit responded and on the officers’ arrival to the area, they met a white Nissan Cube at a stop in the middle of the street at the T-junction of St Margaret and Lyon Roads, with the engine still running,” according to police. “An inspection of the vehicle revealed a dark male slumped forward in the driver’s seat. He was unresponsive when checked by the officers. Emergency Medical Services were summoned and following their examination of the male he was pronounced lifeless.” The victim had gunshot injuries, police said. The deceased was
MARVIN ROLLE identified to The Tribune as Marvin Rolle by his aunt Karen Rolle. Ms Rolle said she learned about what happened to her nephew when her neighbour came and called her. Asked if she knew what Rolle was doing that morning, Ms Rolle answered: “Well, I know he came home, I can’t tell you exactly what time that he came home but I knew at the time I was still up before 1 o’clock… and I happened to walk from my daughter’s bedroom and I came out to my living room here and I stand to the window here and I saw his light on in his house. “I wondered where he was because I ain’t see the
KAREN ROLLE, aunt of Marvin Rolle, speaking to The Tribune. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff car, but I know the light was the person. Make sure it on... so I stood right to the (doesn’t) be a problem.” window and watched him... She admitted he had his and then I looked, I saw challenges in the past and when he walked out of his had problems with the law. house – it’s like 1 o’clock. The aunt identified mariHe walked out of his house, juana as his only problem, he closed his door and he but said he had cut it out for walked and went to the other years. side of the neighbourhood. I Ms Rolle said she had saw when he pulled out and seen changes in him. He got he gone. That was it.” into his own business with She is no stranger to trag- his own stall on the dock edy as four years ago her selling conch and fish, she brother was killed. said. Ms Rolle remembered Her nephew leaves her nephew as a person behind four children. with a “heart of gold”. Anyone with information “He is a person (who) on this killing or any other looks out for people and homicide is asked to call if he sees something going police at 502-9991/2, 328on he will try to stop the TIPS (8477) or the nearest conflict or try to talk to police station.
US EMBASSY LOWERS FLAG AT END OF PRIDE MONTH THE US Embassy in Nassau lowered its Pride flag yesterday at the end of Pride month, noting in a statement that it will continue to advance the United States’ commitment to human rights and equal treatment under the law. At the beginning of June, the US Embassy announced that the Pride flag would fly at its Marlborough Street compound and at its Chief of Mission residence off Sanford Drive for the entire month to honour “the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in the Bahamas and around the world.” The move elicited backlash from some religious groups, however, there was also support from the local LGBT+ community and allies. At the time, the Christian Council said while it supports an individual’s rights to determine their own sexual preference, it does not believe that foreign governments should “leverage their influence” to promote a lifestyle that contravenes with the “ideology of our country”. In its statement yesterday, the US Embassy acknowledged the discourse over the flag. “Throughout the month
of June, the United States Embassy in Nassau joined other US embassies around the world – from Kingston to Moscow – in raising the rainbow Pride flag over our buildings and residences,” the embassy said. “We were often joined by other western embassies in a combined effort to raise awareness of the human rights of LGTBQI+ individuals. The US Embassy in Nassau will lower the rainbow flag on June 30 as US Pride Month comes to a close, but our commitment to human rights and equal treatment under the law will continue. “Over the past month, local newspapers have published editorials both in favour of and against our decision to raise the flag. Bahamians from across the archipelago have also voiced their views on social media and on local radio programmes. Though sometimes contentious or uncomfortable, these conversations are what freedom of speech is all about, and we were proud to see them take place. “In addition to raising the Pride flag, embassy officials gave interviews to explain President Biden’s
determination to protect the right of all Americans to live freely and authentically. “The US Embassy also posted a variety of stories about LGBTQI+ rights to our social media platforms throughout the month, which also sparked lively conversations. “In the middle of Pride Month, Chargé Pitts invited members and allies of the LGBTQI+ community to attend a series of outdoor film screenings at her residence. We showcased a collection of powerful films that highlighted the stories of LGBTQI+ communities in the United Kingdom, United States, and The Bahamas. We hope this and future events create a space for honest and open conversation.” The US Embassy said it looks forward to “continuing the important conversations that started this month, and to finding meaningful ways to support the LGBTQI+ community” in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. “More broadly, we will continue to broadcast our enduring belief that all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity no matter who they are or whom they love.”
PAGE 4, Thursday, July 1, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
GOVT CAN APPEAL CITIZENSHIP - BUT NO RULING ON STAY By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal granted the government leave yesterday to appeal a landmark citizenship ruling to the Privy Council, but did not rule on whether to stay the judgement. Court of Appeal President Sir Michael Barnett said the court will adjourn the completion of the stay issue.
Attorney Wayne Munroe, who brought the case, did not oppose the government’s application for leave to the Privy Council. However, he argued that a stay of the ruling should be refused because the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Justice Ian Winder’s ruling, has issued no orders. “In my view they cannot get a stay,” Mr Munroe told The Tribune last week. “The court hasn’t ordered them to do anything. You go to
the court and get a stay when there is an order from the court to do something. The court hasn’t ordered them to do anything so there’s nothing to stay. For that matter, the case is about these five children. The court hasn’t told them to do anything with regard to these five children. The court hasn’t told them to do anything, but people can now make a demand based on the court’s ruling.” On June 21, the Court of
Appeal affirmed Justice Winder’s ruling that children born out of wedlock in The Bahamas to Bahamian men are citizens at birth, regardless of the nationality of their mother. The decision reversed the longstanding view about the relevant constitutional provisions. Since the ruling, people have visited the Parliamentary Registration Department demanding to be registered to vote, according to Attorney General Carl Bethel.
Mr Munroe has said the Court of Appeal’s ruling is the law of the land unless and until the Privy Council says otherwise. In its application on Friday for leave to appeal the ruling and to stay the ruling, the Office of the Attorney General listed numerous grounds for appeal. It is thought if the ruling stands, however, it will have major implications for access to citizenship in The Bahamas and could affect the status of thousands of people.
PAHO cautions DEPUTY COMMISSIONER SWORN IN over travel amid virus third wave By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net AS The Bahamas enjoys increasing tourist numbers, officials at the Pan American Health Organization have warned that now may not be the time for travel as most countries are experiencing a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. For over a year, the country’s tourism market has suffered terribly due to international travel coming to a halt. Although things appear to slowly be on a rebound, PAHO is still advising those who live in the region to be cautious. Addressing regional partners at PAHO’s weekly webinar on COVID-19, the organisation’s director, Dr Carissa Etienne said seasonal weather might be another challenge in terms of spread of infection. “As countries across the region work to contain the spread of COVID-19, they must also begin planning for another challenge: seasonal weather,” she said. “First, let’s talk about summer travel and its potential impact on transmission. With children on vacation, many parents face important choices of how to make the most of these summer months. “As more people are vaccinated in the Northern Hemisphere, movement restrictions are lifted and travel destinations reopen for tourists, many families may be considering booking summer vacations. We must remember, however, that while vaccines protect us from the worst of this virus, even those who are vaccinated can become sick and spread COVID. “Given the significant gaps in vaccine coverage and the still imminent risk of infection, now may not be the ideal time for travel – especially in places with active outbreaks or where hospital capacity may be limited.” PAHO reports that just last week, the Americas recorded 1.1 million new COVID infections and 30,000 COVID-related deaths. This brings the regional total case count to more than 72 million and deaths to nearly 1.9 million. Dr Etienne said these are staggering numbers when one considers that at this time last year the entire world reported 10 million COVID-19 cases and 500,000 deaths. “In the months since, this
74 NEW CASES IN ONE DAY
THE Ministry of Health recorded 74 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The country now has had 12,699 confirmed coronavirus infections. Fifty-nine of the new cases are in New Providence, four are in Grand Bahama, one is in Abaco, seven are in Bimini/Cat Cay, two are in Eleuthera, and there is one in Andros. The Ministry of Health also reported that 41 people are in hospital with the virus. There have been 246 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths. Health officials said 39 new COVID-19 infections were recorded on Monday. virus has touched every corner of the globe and changed the course of history,” she continued. “And while we are seeing some reprieve from the virus in countries in the Northern Hemisphere, for most countries in our region, the end remains a distant future. “In North America, cases are declining across the US, Canada and Mexico, although a few Mexican states continue to report a rise in new infections. Many Central American countries like Belize, Panama and Guatemala have registered an uptick in new infections in certain departments. “And in the Caribbean, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and St Kitts and Nevis are seeing cases increase. The situation in Haiti is also worsening as cases are climbing across the country and some hospitals are filling up.” The Delta variant of COVID, originally discovered in India last December, has now become one of the most dangerous strains of the coronavirus circulating globally. Research shows it may be the most transmissible variant yet. Delta has already spread to at least 92 countries, making up virtually all new cases in the United Kingdom and at least 10 percent of new infections in the US. The good news for The Bahamas is that a PAHO official said so far there is no sign of the deadly Delta variant in this country. “So far we do not have any evidence or information of the Delta variant in The Bahamas,” said Dr Jairo Mendez, PAHO’s advisor on emerging viral diseases. “The Bahamas is participating in (a) PAHO surveillance network and many samples have been sent off to our centres. We are going to have more information in the coming weeks.” In the past, the Minnis administration has come under heavy fire from the opposition party and members of the public
for reopening the country to travellers during the pandemic. The Bahamas’ borders are open and tourists are returning to our shores. To this PAHO’s Director of Health Emergencies Dr Ciro Ugarte said the government must have measures in place to minimise the spread of COVID. “It is understood that this (decision) has been made according to the risk analysis and risk assessment or also … as a conclusion …. the risk tolerance level of the country in the context of local transmission and spread cannot be eliminated,” Dr Ugarte said. “I would like to emphasise this. The importation of cases and further spread cannot be eliminated. It can be reduced. “So, in that regard, authorities must put in place measures to minimise the risk of local spread by early detection of spread, isolation of suspected cases, quarantine of contacts and also early treatment of patients and, of course, the use of personal protective equipment. The use of masks. Information to the public, information to the tourists, physical distancing.” With the hurricane season underway, Dr Etienne said storm preparations are especially vital in this era of COVID-19. “Mitigating risks starts with having effective alert systems, so people know when it’s safe to stay home and when it’s better to evacuate,” she said. “Countries should also consider outfitting hospitals and expanding shelters to reduce the potential for transmission, including among family members, since social distancing and proper ventilation will become difficult in the context of a storm.” She said now is the time to bolster coordination among the public health, civil protection and emergency teams that could be called on to act in the event of a storm.
LORETTA Mackey takes the oath of allegiance and oath of office yesterday as she is sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Office of the Governor General by Lonnie Rolle, deputy to the Governor General. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff
TWO FACE COURT ACCUSED OVER SEPARATE MURDERS By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN and a teenager were yesterday charged with murder in connection with two separate matters. Regarding the most recent incident, Lavardo Dean, 19, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt after he was accused of killing Reno Rankine on June 20. The prosecution alleged he also used a .40 calibre handgun to endanger the life of Vandolyn PyfromOldham that same day. According to initial police reports, shortly before 9pm, police were called to a shooting incident that occurred in the Chippenham area. When they arrived, they found a man lying on the ground in a pool of blood with apparent gunshot wounds.
When Emergency Medical Services visited the scene and conducted their examination, they pronounced the body lifeless. “Initial investigations revealed that the male had pulled up to his residence when a lone gunman approached him,” police reported. “A struggle ensued, the gunman was able to overpower the victim and shot him several times, fatally wounding him.” Yesterday, Dean was also charged with armed robbery and attempted murder. Police accused the defendant of using a handgun to rob a woman of a $5,000 Nissan car on June 21. They also accused him of attempting to murder Michaella Gibson that day. Due to the nature of the offences, Dean was not
required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to September 23 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The accused was denied bail and remanded into custody until that time. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail. In the second incident, Leonardo Collie, 28, was accused of causing the deaths of Akeem Davis and Lavonne Dawkins on May 14. He is further accused of attempting to murder Shakeem Campbell and Deshawn Rodgers that day. Collie also returns to court on September 23 for a presentation of his VBI. In the meantime, he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services; however, he has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
DRUGS AND GUNS FOUND IN FREEPORT By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama Police discovered illegal drugs, firearms and ammunition at an abandoned building in the Freeport area this week. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen
Rolle reported that police conducted Operation Full Throttle on Tuesday. He reported that a team of officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit, acting on information, went to Murchison Drive shortly after 5pm where they searched an abandon dilapidated building. He said officers found
one black .380 Bersa Pistol with a magazine and one live round of .380 ammunition. They also found three compressed wrapped packages of suspected marijuana, weighing 1.56lbs, with an estimated street valued at $1,500. No arrest was made, and investigations are continuing in the matter.
THE TRIBUNE
Cane toads are back - and on the move By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net CANE toad sightings have re-emerged in parts of New Providence, officials revealed yesterday. “Residents and business establishments in the northern and central areas of New Providence are advised that sightings of the invasive cane toad have been reported in nearby communities,” the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources said in a statement. The statement was issued in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning. Officials provided a few pointers in dealing with the animals. “It must be noted that the handling of cane toads with bare hands should be discouraged as the venom produced from these animals is an irritant to the skin. Ingestion of
A CANE toad caught recently in New Providence. the venom is also toxic to are the best times to spray humans and deadly to pets. the solution. “Assistance is needed by “Be advised that pets that the public to limit the spread have had direct contact with of these animals by remov- a cane toad should be taken ing sitting water sources immediately to your local and forming a chemical bar- veterinarian. Signs of direct rier around properties and contact include salivation, within landscapes. A chemi- frothing at the mouth, red cal barrier can be created by slimy gums, vomiting and using a spray solution com- tremors.” posed of two cups of Dettol/ If you see a cane toad Savlon to one cup of water. or have any questions or Please be advised that early concerns, the statement morning and late evenings advised persons to contact
the Department of Agriculture at (242) 325-1173 or the Department of Environmental Health at (242) 322-8037 or use the “BESTPROTECT242” app to notify the government of the presence of the toads. In August 2020, it was reported that the Bahamas National Trust in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Health and the BEST Commission had captured 392 toads as of July 21. Scott Johnson, science officer for avian and terrestrial Matters at Bahamas National Trust, previously told The Tribune the species was first discovered in Lyford Cay in 2013. “These cane toads are toxic,” he said in a previous interview. “They produce bufotoxin which is a potent toxin that affects the heart. It can be problematic to humans. And, the creatures that are most at risk are native wildlife and pets, especially dogs.”
PRISON OFFICER ISSUES ‘NOT ADDRESSED’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net MORE than three months after correctional officers demonstrated over long standing issues, they say their concerns have not been addressed, raising the possibility for further industrial action. Hervie Culmer, president of the Correctional Officers Staff Association, told The Tribune yesterday that since their grievances predate the COVID-19 pandemic, patience is wearing thin. With the new fiscal year set to begin today, they are prepared to wait for a few more days for the government to take action, he said. Back in March, the officers protested for nearly four hours outside the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) and the Ministry of National Security over
outstanding issues. “After the demonstration we would have met with the Minister for the Public Service Brensil Rolle,” Mr Culmer said. “He would have assured us that our issues would be resolved in the upcoming budget period and those promotions and confirmation letters would have been released by the end of June and monies would follow within the new budget. “So, we are expecting those confirmation letters and those owed funds.” Calls made to Mr Rolle were not answered up to press time yesterday. Mr Culmer continued: “The demonstration (in March) that was just a small show of the solidarity the officers have. When it boils down to it, if needs be, we are ready to go again with greater numbers. I have written and I have not heard back from anybody except
for the permanent secretary of the public service.” Asked about the sentiment of correctional officers, Mr Culmer said many are ready to stage another demonstration now because they are simply tired of waiting. “From last week I have been receiving calls and people were coming to my office highlighting that the end of the month was approaching. “The sentiment is we are ready to go again. We are ready to do it bigger. Like I said, if need be, we are ready to do it again.” As for when that action will be taken, Mr Culmer said while officers expect word soon, “they’ve waited too long.” In March, the officers described the inaction to address their concerns as a show of disrespect. The demonstration at times became heated.
At the time Mr Culmer said their displeasure was made worse after repeated attempts to speak to National Security Minister Marvin Dames at the ministry were unsuccessful because he reportedly evaded the scores of officers who had congregated at the compound. The officers began their protest at BDCS at around 8am but later moved to the Ministry of National Security at John F Kennedy Drive. Once congregated there, Mr Culmer did meet with Mr Dames, but said the meeting was unfavourable. He claimed the minister had nothing concrete to say in response to their concerns. Officers are upset over the failure of officials to ensure they have been confirmed as permanent workers and a lack of promotions, among other things.
CEREMONY FOR CRYSTAL CRUISES SAILING ON SATURDAY CRYSTAL Cruises, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, will host a homeporting inaugural ceremony in Nassau to celebrate the first sailing of the Crystal Serenity on Saturday. “This momentous event follows Crystal Cruises’ earlier announcement that several cruises in its fleet will sail throughout the islands of The Bahamas this summer with a series of 16 seven-night, round-trip cruises from Nassau,” the Ministry of Tourism said. On July 4, the award-winning ship will make its way to Bimini where there also will be grand homeporting festivities. Crystal Serenity’s Luxury Bahamas Escapes cruises will depart from the ports of Nassau and Bimini and
make calls on the Exumas, Cat Island, Long Island and San Salvador. President of Crystal Cruises Jack Anderson said the choice to create an itinerary in The Bahamas was an easy one. “When we started to think about the future of cruising, once the pandemic subsided enough that travellers were allowed back on ships, two of our top priorities were to offer guests an option that was close to home, while also driving economic growth in the various ports of call,” said Mr Anderson. “The islands of The Bahamas drew us in because of how close they are to the US and the fact that many of these stops aren’t offered on any other cruise line. The Bahamas
Ministry of Tourism has been an excellent partner in the development of our Luxury Bahamas Escapes itinerary. As the first time a Crystal ship homeports in The Bahamas, we can see how beneficial this will be for all of the islands. Workers, businesses and residents of the destinations we call on have echoed that sentiment. While we’re operating at a reduced capacity, we know every guest who comes on the ship is excited to get back to cruising, and we can’t wait to show them the beauty and culture the islands have to offer,” he added. Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar said the homeporting inaugural ceremonies signal a new era in
The Bahamas. “We have a lot to celebrate because we in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation have been working tirelessly to ensure that our country is safe for visitors and locals. Crystal Cruises has shown that it has a deep interest in The Bahamas and is assisting to reinvigorate our economy by making stops in numerous islands. Each stop will give visitors an unforgettable, authentic experience, while stimulating the national economy through more businesses reopening,” he said.
Thursday, July 1, 2021, PAGE 5
MONEY’S TIGHT - SO MORE USING STAMPS from page one
COVID-19, combined with soaring freight and trucking costs and other supply chain bottlenecks, were all feeding into increased food prices. Super Value has a programme that gives shoppers stamps after purchases, which can be redeemed in the future for a discount on your grocery bill. Asked yesterday if this meant there was increased use of food stamps, Mr Robert said: “Of course, they are using more and more of the stamps. I have seen some get the stamps from that day’s purchases and cash them right there and then. People have it tight and some families are finding it very difficult to budget.” He continued: “It’s like plywood. It’s gone from $17 to $71 or $81.” For 32-year-old single mother NaKesia Nairn, her Super Value food stamps have been a “life saver” as she lives from pay cheque to pay cheque. Ms Nairn, a motherof-two children, said the stamps have come in handy when money runs short. “A lot of times when we run short on milk or eggs or juice, I’ve had to scrape up stamps to be able to get the things we use on a daily basis,” she said. “Many times, I don’t have physical money, so they come in handy, a life saver really. “To tell you the truth I have had to use them more than I want to, but I am thankful that at least I have the stamps to fall back on.” Married mother-of-one Darlene Samuels said in years gone by, she’d wait until the holidays to use her stamps, which she saved for the entire year. But now, she’s had to use them several times this year already. Mrs Samuels said: “You know I used to be excited to use all my stamps (at) Christmas. By that time each year, I usually saved up between $100 to $300 stamps
from shopping all year. “The situation has changed a little. My husband is not working as much as he used to because of the pandemic and the same goes for me. So, sometimes I go to the store with $30 or $40 in stamps and it helps.” Mr Roberts told Tribune Business last month shoppers would feel the pinch by Christmas. “It looks like by Christmas it’s going to be at least eight percent, and possibly a 10 percent, increase,” he disclosed at the time. “It’s feeding in every day, and by the time we’re getting on to Christmas we’re going to have the full effect. Some grocery articles will be up in the vicinity of eight percent, and meat and poultry probably by 10-12 percent. That’s a big pill.... “Freight and trucking costs are really playing hell with all of it. By October/ November we’ll see things increasing up to 8-10 percent, which is beyond this country’s control. Just buy as you need and don’t over stock the pantry.” Mr Roberts instructed Super Value’s buyers to “lock in all you can, even at higher prices, if you suspect they’re going to go higher. I thought Christmas would catch us by 5-8 percent higher, but it now looks more like 10-12 percent higher as the country opens up and the US gets back to normal”. The Super Value chief further acknowledged that “prices continue to jump” as inflation continues to pick-up in many countries with the post-COVID reflation. Much of the increase has been attributed to the reopening of the Bahamian, and global, hospitality and tourism industries. Hotels and restaurants are ramping up supplies as guest numbers increase, while the return of the cruise ship industry and its Nassau home porting has also caused a local demand rise.
NEWBORN INJURED IN PMH UNIT
from page one
was admitted to the PMH Children’s Ward and was transferred on Monday to the Intensive Care Unit under the care of a neonatologist. The infant experienced an “intravenous infiltration” while in NICU. PHA said an intravenous infiltration is a common complication that can take place during IV therapy. This resulted in injuries to the child. PHA stated the hospital’s executive management and clinical teams have met with the infant’s immediate family and will continue to provide subsequent daily updates to the family as is hospital policy. The infant is still in PMH receiving specialised care
for his ailment. In its statement, PHA reminded the public that visitation to Princess Margaret Hospital remains restricted to ensure the safety of patients and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The statement said visitation for patients in ICU and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is determined on a case-bycase basis by the clinical team. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has 13 beds and 16 beds in a step-down Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). Both units are level one to three specialised units. PMH is the only hospital in the Bahamas that houses such units. PMH is said to care for more than 2,286 newborns in its NICU and SCBU.
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS VIRTUAL AGM The Board of Directors of Commonwealth Bank Limited (CBL) has approved to schedule the Annual General Meeting of the company virtually on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 5:00pm. The safety and well-being of our shareholders, directors, employees, clients and communities remains our top priority as we continue to navigate through the challenges of COVID-19. Shareholders will be advised of registration details via advertisement. A copy of the company’s 2020 Financial Statements is available on the Bank’s website at www.combankltd.com.
Charlene A. Bosfield Corporate Secretary “Leader in Personal Banking Services” www.combankltd.com
PAGE 6, Thursday, July 1, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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Unsolved murder at Government House WHO killed Petty Officer Percival Perpall and attempted to kill two more Marines at Government House in 2019? That is a question that remains unanswered after Able Seaman Jevon Seymour was found not guilty yesterday of murdering his superior officer. He was also cleared of trying to kill Marine Seamen Calvin Hanna and Ellis Rahming. So that leaves us with the reality that someone was able to enter the guard room protecting the highest office in the land, shoot an officer multiple times and leave him for dead, and escape the scene, never to be held accountable in the eyes of the law. At the time, Attorney General Carl Bethel said: “The fact that the apparent murder took place on the hallowed ground of Government House, the historical and perpetual centre of our nation state and the official residence of Her Excellency the Governor General, our head of state, and also allegedly amongst members of her security details – is also particularly disturbing. “We trust that all relevant agencies will in due course take necessary steps to ensure that the law is upheld and that all necessary steps are taken to improve the security of Government House, if it is found that there was in fact any lapses in security.” Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson at the time said that the perpetrator was “pursued by alert marines, however he made good his escape”. Able Seaman Seymour was later arrested, and charged, but he said he had been at a Valley Boys Junkanoo party before later attending a concert at Breezes resort. So who did it? A breach of security at one of the most important locations in the country has not gone unpunished for more than two years, and this acquittal puts us back to square one in trying to establish who is responsible. More than that, how weak was the security at the location? Why have we not been inundated with video footage and camera images showing the incident and of the perpetrator approaching and departing the scene? Businesses up and down the land have security cameras – are Downtown stores better equipped than our
highest offices? In the wake of the killing, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames talked of the formation of a special committee to look at procedures and practices. An update on that committee’s findings and the changes made as a result would be appropriate. As it stands, the killer who breached security to murder one officer and attempt to murder two more is no closer to being behind bars than two years ago. There are obvious questions for the current Police Commissioner, Paul Rolle, in the wake of the not guilty verdict, but the first one is simple: What next?
Stamps a lifesaver
The president of Super Value, Rupert Roberts, has long operated a scheme at his stores where you get stamps every time you buy something. You put the stamps on a card and after a while use them to pay for some of the products you buy instead of cash. It’s a little reward for loyal customers and, as Mr Roberts pointed out yesterday, it can be a vital resource when cash is tight. Mr Roberts has noted that he is seeing “more and more” shoppers relying on the food stamps to shop. That is now – and he has already warned that people are likely to see price increases by Christmas because of rising costs globally. The stories his customers tell also show the situation many are experiencing in the pandemic. One talks of previously saving up the stamps for the holidays but now needing to use them more often because she and her husband don’t have as much work. Another talks of having to scrape up stamps to get milk or eggs. There’s been a lot of talk lately about the rush of tourism bookings we are starting to experience – but not everyone is feeling the economic benefits yet. Our neighbours, our families, our friends – many of them are still a little short, some a lot short. Perhaps if you have some stamps of your own that you’re not using, you might want to pass them on to those who do need that little extra.
We have the right to refuse EDITOR, The Tribune. ANYONE who does not wish to receive the COVID vaccine has a right to refuse it. Government officials and all those who are writing articles and letters in the paper are confused. No one in this democratic country can or should force anyone to take a vaccine. The most High God, creator of heaven and earth does not force us to choose or accept Him. Who are these mortals made of dust just like the rest of us to suggest that people be forced to take a vaccine? This is ridiculous and wrong. Yes, we all want the economy to rebound and it will because God is faithful. He has kept this country and brought it through much. It is for this reason that we as a nation and a people must not forget Him or the values upon which our nation was
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net founded. I can tell you if God turns His face away from us Nothing can help or save us. It is wrong for government officials or anyone else to encourage employers to force employees to take a vaccine. Will the employers pay for the medical care of employees who have adverse reactions or pay a lump sum to the employee’s family in the case of death? No one can predict how an individual will react to receiving a vaccine that was produced in record time. Persons who do not want the vaccine may be exposed to COVID anyway and build up a resistance in some cases. In any event, the sky will not fall in because everyone
does not take the vaccine. How dare any individual presume to know and dictate what is best for another medically. Even doctors can only suggest what their patients should do. It is up to the patient to decide. Each individual can decide what he or she wants to do about his or her health. Also it is nobody’s business if a person was vaccinated or not. Next they will want to mark you like how the innocent Jews were marked in the holocaust. That is how atrocities start. Those in charge claim they are doing good for one group while another group suffers. The government or any other person or group cannot take away the right of the individual to decline this vaccine. FREE BAHAMIAN Nassau, June 30 2021.
Saving our way of life depends on vaccines EDITOR, The Tribune. YOUR columnist Simon hit the nail on the head in reference to people who do not get the vaccine. At the moment societies tolerate these people. I would argue governments most important function is to protect its citizens and in the long term people who refuse the vaccine will rightly become pariahs. Our lives/livelihoods/economies and our whole way of life is endangered by the dreadful blight of COVID-19. In the long term herd immunity is the only way back to normality. End of story. The idea that people should be allowed to jeopardize that return to normality will frankly not be tolerated in the immediate future. If people refuse to take the vaccine how
can they for example be allowed to work in the hospitality industry? How can hotel staff possibly infected be allowed to mingle with guests? Similarly taxi drivers, shop assistants and the likes. How can the non vaccinated be allowed on planes, cruise ships, trains, mass gatherings, concerts, sports arenas? It may take time, but society will be putting huge constraints on the non vaccinated. The new strains of COVID look like being far more contagious and deadly why should nonvaccinated people mingle freely possibly infecting and killing fellow humans? It could be considered criminal behaviour. If the people who are refusing the vaccine were basing their decision on research and intellectual
reasoning maybe it could be understood but there are 7,800,000,000 people on the planet and frankly many of those are incapable of intellectual reasoning. They believe anything that flashes onto their smart phone. Regardless as of today 2,800,000,000 people on the planet have received at least one dose of the vaccine. It’s sadly noticeable that the higher percent of persons vaccinated occur in first world countries with better educated citizenry. It’s an emotive issue for sure with one of your readers somehow drawing an analogy between the vaccine and Jim Crow? That one does baffle me. THE REALIST Nassau, June 24, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 1, 2021, PAGE 7
Jury to start deliberations in child sex case today By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A MAN accused of having sex with a threeyear-old boy will soon learn his fate after a Supreme Court judge gives a summation of the case today before turning it over to the jury for deliberation. Colyn Algreen was arrested in November 2019 and charged with sexual intercourse with a minor after a woman known to him discovered her son’s anus was injured and bruised after he had gone out with Algreen to buy food. Algreen pleaded not guilty to the offence during his trial before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson, who is presiding over the case. Fourteen witnesses called by the prosecution have since given evidence in relation to the matter, including the victim’s mother, grandmother and several police officers. 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 and also opted not to call any witnesses to testify on his behalf. During yesterday’s proceedings, both the Crown and defence lawyers delivered their closing arguments in the trial, reminding jurors of their task to be fair minded and impartial. Ms Adderley told the nine-member jury they must make their decision based on the facts and not speculation. She noted that due to the serious nature of the offence, it might be easy for them to become sympathetic towards the alleged victim. However, she said they must put their feelings aside and rely solely on the facts. “The defendant stands before you as an innocent man… suspicion is not enough. You must be sure the defendant has committed every element of the offence of which he is accused,” she said. Speaking directly about the evidence presented in court, Ms Adderley told jurors there were some inconsistencies in several witness testimonies,
claiming the case was filled with “gaps”. The attorney said an example of this was seen in both the victim’s mother and grandmother’s testimonies during trial. “When asked to the (mother) was Colyn ever left at home without you being present with your son, at first she said ‘no’ and then she said ‘oh, sometimes when she goes to work, Colyn would be there with him’. When we asked (the grandmother) if Colyn was ever left alone without the mother’s presence, she also said ‘no’ at first and then said ‘yes,’ other persons were home,’ she told the court. “It’s a big house, we submit that there were other opportunities available if this was the intention of the defendant. It was not.” She also reminded jurors that no DNA was found linking Algreen to the boy. “There were oral swabs collected, rectal swabs, blood samples… Over 30 pieces of evidence collected, no semen found.. If this sexual assault occurred, something should’ve been there,” she said. The defence attorney then turned her focus on the accused’s character, telling the court he was described by the alleged
victim’s relatives as a “family man”. Ms Adderley also explained that officers who testified on the stand confirmed that Algreen cooperated with police and voluntarily assisted with providing DNA samples, which she said showed the accused had nothing to hide. “We say to you the jury that the prosecution failed in their duty. There is no eyewitnesses, no CCTV, no evidence, no DNA to back up their allegations.” Crown attorney Eucal Bonamy told the jury they must use common sense when considering the facts of the case. He reminded them of the mother’s earlier testimony, where she spoke about the events leading up to the incident. In her evidence, the boy’s mother told the court she was sitting on the couch on the day in question 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. She said at the time, the accused asked her if she wanted to come as well, but
she declined because she was not feeling well. However, she said when she realised five minutes had gone by, she tried to call Algreen’s phone, but it kept going 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. Mr Bonamy asserted that Mr Algreen had a duty to ensure the then three-yearold boy returned safely to his mother, but noted he failed to do that. Mr Bonamy also spoke at length about the child’s injuries, noting that when the boy left with Algreen, he was unharmed and “ in good health.” “There was nothing wrong with the child when he left with him,” the attorney told the court. “The mother testified that the child (defecated) which means she had an opportunity to clean the child five minutes before
CUBANS DETAINED AND BROUGHT TO CAPITAL A GROUP of Cubans migrants were brought into the capital yesterday afternoon after they were apprehended in the southwest Bahamas by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. While on routine patrol, HMBS Rolly Gray under the command of Lieutenant Themo Berkley observed an eight-foot
makeshift vessel approximately four nautical miles south of Anguilla Cay on Tuesday. Further investigations uncovered five Cuban nationals onboard. They were subsequently transferred aboard the RBDF craft and brought to the capital, where they were handed over to the relevant authorities.
The Cuban Embassy has since been notified. This is the second group of Cuban nationals to be apprehended within the past week. Fifteen Cuban nationals were apprehended by the US Coast Guard after being sighted on Anguilla Cay on Tuesday June 22. They were subsequently brought to the capital.
RBDF personnel with a Cuban detainee.
he left with Mr Algreen,” he added. “You have the photographs. You see the injury… It is reasonable to infer that (the mother) would’ve seen the injury on that child when she cleaned him before he left with Mr Algreen.” He also referred to evidence given by a doctor, who examined the child’s injuries and gave testimony to that fact in court. “(The doctor) said she took swabs of the rectum which contained blood and the blood, like the doctors, said indicated some kind of trauma....the doctor dismissed any possibility that some stool may have caused that.. it had to be caused by an object,” he said. In closing, Mr Bonamy said just because no semen or bodily fluid was found, doesn’t mean that the boy was not sexually assaulted. “The evidence in this case is one of circumstantial evidence,” Mr Bonamy told the court. “It is not what the witnesses said or didn’t say. It has nothing to do with inconsistencies of witnesses...It is that the alleged victim left with the defendant and he was in good health at the time. No one else as we know had the opportunity to interfere with the child.” Justice Grant Thompson is expected to sum up the case at noon today.
PAGE 8, Thursday, July 1, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
FORMER DNA leader Branville McCartney. IT is remarkable how famously summarized by much long-term advantage the late British Prime Minpeople like us have gotten ister Harold Macmillan by trying to be consistently concerning the unexpected not stupid, instead of trying and sudden occurrence of: “Events, dear boy, events!” to be very intelligent. MacMillan’s instinct – Charlie Munger (Warren Buffet’s long- somewhat echoes the cauterm partner in Berkshire tion of the 13th century medieval poem, “O ForHathaway). tuna”, inspiring Carl Orff’s THERE is likely a very 20th century cantata “Cargood reason why former mina Burana”: “O Fortune, Democratic National like the moon Alliance (DNA) leader you are changeable, Branville McCartney is always waxing not today Prime Minister or waning; McCartney: he proved incahateful life pable of playing the long first oppresses game in politics. and then soothes If the DNA had not split as fancy takes it; the vote with the FNM at poverty the 2012 General Election, and power he would likely have handit melts them like ice…” somely won the Bamboo Town seat. He may have been a contender for FNM Leader after the party’s Fortune/luck plays a powblowout loss to the PLP. Were he elected FNM erful role in politics. But so Leader, Mr McCartney may does the “slow, incremental have been Prime Minister progress” of the long game: in a mere five years, when waiting, watching and prethe country overwhelm- paring to take advantage ingly returned the party to of fortune and the good, office after the disastrous bad and uncertain luck of five-year term of former oneself and other actors. Essential to this process is Prime Minister Christie. In an unprecedented good judgement. Mr McCartney is not event for a sitting Prime Minister and party leader in alone in failing to bide The Bahamas, Christie lost his time. Politicians with both popular favour and a variety of talents often his Centreville seat. Even if lack a particular temperaDr Hubert Minnis defeated ment: to out wait current McCartney for the leader- circumstances and to adopt ship, the latter may have a broader horizon beyond been in cabinet and a con- a given moment, including tender to lead the FNM in during the fog of battle. In “The Surprising Power the election after next. It is astonishing the of the Long Game”, Nisim number of Bahamian politi- Taleb offers: “The most cians who deem themselves successful people in any the bright morning star, with field all play the long game. the sun shining throughout The long game isn’t parevery part of their anatomy, ticularly notable. It doesn’t believing they are destined attract a lot of attention. In to be or should become fact, from the outside, the Prime Minister today, if long game looks boring. not the day after. Most of The tiny advantages that these combustible galactic accrue aren’t noticed until personalities end up being success becomes too obvishooting stars, not fixed ous to ignore. “The short game is interstars. Reversal of fortune is as mittent. It’s as if Sisyphus typical in elected politics pushes his huge boulder as in life. The long-term halfway up a steep hill, gets view appreciates how tired, lets it roll down the unpredictable is politics, hill, and says to himself
JUDGEMENT
So much to gain by playing the long game
‘I’ll come back and do this tomorrow.’…”
“EVENTS, DEAR BOY, EVENTS”
In 2017, just two years after the 2015 electoral contest, former UK Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May called an early snap general election to capitalise on strong polling numbers, including some showing her with a 21 percent margin over Labour. Though the Tories won the election, they dramatically underperformed. May won a reduced majority resulting in a minority government requiring a coalition and confidenceand-supply agreement with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, which extracted certain demands, further weakening her hand. With an unsteady coalition, post-Brexit divisions and turmoil – and a series of historic defeats on Brexit legislation in the House of Commons – May announced her departure from 10 Downing Street in mid-2019. The race to succeed her included then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who made it to the final four but eventually threw his support to Boris Johnson, who later named him Chancellor of
the Exchequer. Javid resigned after a scant six months because of a row over the appointment of special advisors. It was, according to the Institute of Government, one of the shortest-lived chancellorships in modern Britain. Johnson’s eccentric and often seemingly crazed chief special adviser Dominic Cummings, who was riding precariously high at the time, sneeringly delighted in engineering Javid’s exit as the second most powerful member of the Cabinet. One UK tabloid described the long game of the ambitious and steady Javid, the first British-Asian and Muslim to serve at Number 11 as Chancellor, after resigning one of the great offices of state: “He was widely credited with a dignified departure, and refrained from attacking Mr Cummings throughout. As a backbencher he has been loyal to Mr Johnson and the Government, and backed its approach to the pandemic.” There was much to criticize, including the initial shambolic and late response to the pandemic by Johnson and his Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock. The UK has the highest death toll in Europe. Javid could have attacked the government over a series of scandals, missteps and blunders. As reported in the UK Guardian: “Javid’s allies made it clear upon his departure as Chancellor that he was open to return to government and was not bitter.” Cummings, unlike Javid, left in a blaze of unbridled and explosive egomania, viciously turning on Johnson with numerous damaging revelations, none of which seem to have done permanent damage thus far – except to Cummings, who will likely never be trusted again to work at the highest levels of government.
LOYALTY
Javid understood the importance of party loyalty, not as a matter of altruism, but as a strategy for his long-term political goals, including, likely, the prime ministership. He did not go to the backbench and whine and complain. He did not leak certain information nor try to gain headlines to boost his standing. He did not sulk and appear petulant and peevish in the Commons. He did not throw tantrums or act in an erratic impulsive manner, seeking to make himself the centre of political and media attention. He worked his way back to the cabinet by proving himself a team player, not a stalking lone wolf seething and plotting attacks. How does one go to the backbench, continue to harshly criticize one’s former cabinet colleagues and expect to be a leadership contender at a future date? When a political ego is bruised it is best not to show it in public because it gives ammunition to opponents and it is off-putting to allies and supporters. Meanwhile, the wheel of fortune continued to grind then speed up in the precincts of Whitehall. Cummings, who was more powerful than most cabinet ministers, was making enemies, reportedly including the Prime Minister’s then-girlfriend Carrie Symonds, who is now his wife and who previously served as a special media advisor to Javid. Javid maintained his good relations with Johnson’s powerful partner. Cummings’ spectacular fall was in the offing. He was a difficult, disloyal personality who Johnson should never have brought into the heart of government. His ignominious departure last November was followed approximately seven months later by the messy exit of Johnson loyalist Hancock, who spectacularly breached social distancing rules he planned and instituted as Health Secretary. The initial stance of Johnson and Hancock to ride out the breach blew up as even Tory loyalists and constituency associations were enraged at the degree of hypocrisy. Sixteen months after his abrupt resignation from Johnson’s Cabinet, the well-liked Javid, who demonstrated discipline and good judgement, returned to centre stage as Health Secretary. Amid the ongoing pandemic, one British newspaper described the new appointment as “arguably the biggest and most challenging of all” for Javid,
who has also served as Home Secretary. Javid has a fresh opportunity to shine and to burnish his leadership credentials. He is currently enjoying the proverbial last laugh. Back in office, the 51-year-old can rekindle alliances and make a mark with the British public and his parliamentary colleagues as the UK battles to emerge from the emergency phase of the pandemic. Nisim Taleb further observed: “The long game allows you to compound results. The longer you play the better the rewards... The long game is the opposite of the short game. Playing the long game means paying a small price today to make tomorrow easier. From the outside, the long game looks pretty boring...”
LISTEN
Some politicians are narcissists with outsized egos. But some of the more successful know when to temper their egos, while trying to soothe and wrestle with their demons. Such successful leaders typically listen to their advisors and family members who can help them to discern the moment, to restrain themselves, to breathe deeply, to become calmer, to exercise self-control. For some, the unsteady flash of egotism, the giddiness of the moment, the lack of political maturity and stability often lead to erratic and wild-eyed actions and the rush to poor judgements including misreading the true intentions and motives of others. Sometimes the ego becomes maniacal, incapable of restraint, judgement and discipline. Impulse reigns over reason. In the worst examples, it is like an addiction or disorder, hence the terms egomaniac and pathological narcissist. Long-term vision includes post-frontline politics. Those who leave the frontline might find avenues such as new roles, foundations, mentoring and other means to bequeath wisdom and experience to others who can build on one’s legacy. Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama have done this successfully in the United States, creating models for postpresidencies. Some who leave parliament might serve in other capacities. Paradoxically, because life is short, the long game is critical. Because we typically only get certain opportunities, we should be as prepared and ready as possible for them by accruing advantages and a strong hand for when the moment ripens and is ready for the plucking and savouring – and sometimes winning the ultimate prize.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 1, 2021, PAGE 9
North and South Biden’s got problems on the border WE are all too familiar with the devastating effects of the worldwide COVID19 pandemic on families here and in every country. Statisticians and historians probably will need years if not decades to calculate the loss and damage. In The Bahamas we have also felt the economic burden of the pandemic, perhaps more so than in many nations given our reliance on tourism. It is natural to resent the travel restrictions between The Bahamas and the US. Hopefully as vaccination rates rise in both countries and some degree of normal two-way travel resumes, we can recover a normal economic and social life. International border and travel restriction issues are also plaguing America on its two major frontiers, for completely different reasons. On its southern border with Mexico, the US is experiencing a sharp increase in illegal immigration. In response, President Joe Biden has assigned Vice-President Kamala Harris to oversee border issues. These include the resurrection of an earlier
STATESIDE
with Charlie Harper
Democratic administration in policymakers. prescription of economic Naturally, people in those prosperity in Central countries want to find a America as the better life for best deterrent ‘It is natural to themselves and to northward families. resent the travel their migration Four years of toward the US. restrictions the Donald Maybe that between The Trump adminiswill work but tration seemed it hasn’t proven Bahamas and the to persuade to be very feasi- US. Hopefully many potenble in the past. as vaccination tial migrants to The nations wait for a better lying between rates rise in both opportunity. Costa Rica countries and Joe Biden’s and Mexico some degree of election prohave long vided one. been wracked normal two-way That this by poverty, travel resumes, development corruption, we can recover a caught the new violence and administraa seemingly normal economic tion unaware is irreducible sus- and social life.’ disappointing, ceptibility to but Biden and worldwide ecoHarris say they are resolved nomic vicissitudes that foster to pay attention and find a mentality of helplessness solutions.
CAN ENGLAND FINALLY LAND A BIG ONE? The world’s two biggest regional soccer tournaments are nearing their concluding rounds this weekend on both sides of the Atlantic. The two nations who fought each other for control of the remote Falkland Islands in 1982 are at the centre of attention. England, the home of soccer, has famously frustrated its fans by not winning a major international tournament since its 1966 team won the World Cup. Books have been written about this long streak of futility. Like coaches and managers everywhere who inherit a team haunted by long and nearly inexplicable losing streaks, current England manager Gareth Southgate brushes aside questions about the Three Lions’ 55-year skein. Southgate told reporters recently that “I tell my team that when you go out there, in this shirt, you have the opportunity to produce moments that people will remember forever. You are a part of an experience that lasts in the collective consciousness of our country.” On Tuesday the English squad gave its fans a real jolt of hope for this year’s COVID-delayed European Championship title. With clever second-half goals from Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Tottenham’s Harry Kane, the English defeated Germany 2-0. The result was unexpected almost to the point of being counterintuitive. Although Southgate is acknowledged to lead a deeper and more talented squad than in many recent years, the weight of the title-less streak and the burden of German prowess in world competitions weighed heavily on English shoulders prior to Tuesday’s match. But Everton goalie Jordan Pickford outplayed his much more celebrated
German counterpart Manuel Neuer and the English actually looked like possible champions in outrunning and outplaying the Germans. It was interesting to note recent Champions League winners Chelsea sent three likely starters to each of these teams. All three Germans played for their national team in this match; none of Chelsea’s three English qualified for any game time for Southgate’s loaded squad. After their defeat, the Germans joined defending champion France, clearly the world’s preeminent national team, on the sidelines. The French, who boast perhaps the best midfield pairing in the game’s history with Chelsea’s Ngolo Kante and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, a mighty front line and an experienced defence, were bounced by Switzerland in a tense penalty shootout. The Dutch, Portuguese and Croatian teams were also upset. Now the path to the title game is wide open for England. The teams remaining in their bracket that they will face are Ukraine and either the Czech Republic or Denmark, inspired by the survival and recovery from cardiac arrest in an earlier game of their star midfielder Christian Ericksen. With all due respect to those teams, England will be properly favoured to reach this year’s final to be played at London’s Wembley Stadium. In the other bracket, powerhouse Belgium, surprisingly resurgent Italy and regal Spain will contest with the upstart Swiss to reach the other half of the final match-up. Belgium is weakened by injuries to talismanic stars Eden Hazard and Kevin DeBruyne and Spain are no longer automatic favourites in any major international tourney.
It says here Italy will continue its startling hot streak and match up with England in the final next Sunday. July 11 might just be the occasion for quite a celebration in London and all over England. Double shifts for the police all over the country will be assured after the hosts prevail. Meantime, at various sites in Brazil despite its continuing struggles to contain the coronavirus, the Copa America is being contested among ten South American countries. The three predominant historical powers in the region and in this 2021 competition are Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. The spotlight is on the latter, because the Argentines have not hoisted the champions trophy since 1993 and never in the legendary career of their mega superstar Lionel Messi. The Argentine team has regularly disappointed in international competitions during Messi’s long and illustrious career, and never so much as in this paramount Western Hemisphere test. So far, Argentina, with a good if aging supporting cast for Messi, has performed largely as expected, though its ardent fans have nevertheless found grounds for criticism and disappointment. The team is seeded to face Brazil in next weekend’s finale, assuming it can overcome Ecuador this weekend and, likely, neighbour Uruguay in the mid-week semi-finals. Argentina has already beaten Uruguay in the early rounds of this year’s tourney. The big match-up this weekend features Brazil and pesky Chile, a recent Copa America winner but not currently in their best form. Hosts Brazil, with dazzling Neymar leading its front line, should prevail and face Argentina for the title July 10. Messi might just get his trophy at last.
Trump and his allies are pointing to the American southern border troubles as evidence of the incompetence and unpreparedness of the current administration. They might have a point. Much more surprisingly, the US-Canada border, by far the world’s longest nonmilitarized frontier, has become increasingly tense. This is because the Canadian government has for the past 16 months essentially closed its southern border with the US due to coronavirus health fears. Discretionary travel, including tourism, remains prohibited. Before the current pandemic, Americans accounted for about twothirds of the 22.1 million annual overnight visitors to Canada. In 2019, Americans contributed to the Canadian economy nearly half of the $23 billion from all international visitors. Most of these Americans travelled by land, many via crossing points near Montreal, Toronto and Windsor, Ontario. Travel statistics show border crossings from Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York fell by 90 percent from 2019 to 2020. Local economies on both sides of the border are reeling. Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada discussed the issue at the G7 summit in Cornwall, England last month. Trudeau told reporters that
PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks during an event on the American Jobs Plan yesterday. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP “each of us always will put have personal or comat the forefront the inter- mercial ties to Canada. “I ests and the safety of our explained to (Canadian) own citizens”. Ambassador Kirsten HillSome relaxations of man how mind-boggling it Canadian restrictions are is that many New Yorkers expected this month, but are free to travel to Europe the responsible Cana- now, but even those fully dian minister emphasized vaccinated can’t even drive recently that his govern- a few miles north to Canada ment’s hope is to reopen the to their homes, businesses, border only “in the coming stores, families, and properties,” he said. months”. Trudeau, eager to restore New York senator Chuck Shumer is pushing for a better US relations after swifter reopening for those a frosty relationship with who are vaccinated and Trump, might take heed.
PAGE 10, Thursday, July 1, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Revealing the truths in the US Declaration of Independence AMERICANS may think they know a lot about the Declaration of Independence, but many of those ideas are elitist and wrong, as historian Woody Holton explains. His forthcoming book “Liberty is Sweet: The Hidden History of the American Revolution” shows how independence and the Revolutionary War were influenced by women, indigenous and enslaved people, religious dissenters and other once-overlooked Americans. In celebration of the United States’ 245th birthday, Holton offers six surprising facts about the nation’s founding document – including that it failed to achieve its most immediate goal and that its meaning has changed from the founding to today. Ordinary Americans played a big role The Declaration of Independence was written by wealthy white men, but the impetus for independence came from ordinary Americans. Historian Pauline Maier discovered that by July 2, 1776, when the Continental Congress voted to separate from Britain, 90 provincial and local bodies – conventions, town meetings and even grand juries – had already issued
their own declarations or instructed Congress to. In Maryland, county conventions demanded that the provincial convention tell Maryland’s congressmen to support independence. Pennsylvania assemblymen required their congressional delegates to oppose independence – until Philadelphians gathered outside the State House, later named Independence Hall, and threatened to overthrow the legislature, which then dropped this instruction. American independence is due in part to African Americans Like the US Constitution, the final version of the Declaration never uses the word “slave”. But African Americans loomed large in the first draft, written by Thomas Jefferson. In that early draft, Jefferson’s single biggest grievance was that the mother country had first foisted enslaved Africans on white Americans and then attempted to incite them against their patriot owners. In an objection to which he gave 168 words three times as many as any other complaint – Jefferson said George III had encouraged enslaved Americans “to purchase that liberty of which he has deprived
them, by murdering the people upon whom he also obtruded them.” Numerous other white Southerners joined Jefferson in venting their rage at the mother country for, as one put it, “pointing a dagger to their Throats, thru the hands of their Slaves.” Britain really had forged an informal alliance with African Americans – but it was the slaves who initiated it. In November 1774, James Madison became the first white American to report that slaves were plotting to take advantage of divisions between the colonies and the mother country to rebel and obtain their own freedom. Initially the British turned down African Americans’ offer to fight for their king, but the slaves kept coming, and on November 15, 1775, Lord Dunmore, the last British governor of Virginia, finally published an emancipation proclamation. It freed all rebel- (patriot-) owned slaves who could reach his lines and would fight to suppress the patriot rebellion. The Second Continental Congress was talking about Dunmore and other British officials when it claimed, in the final draft of the Declaration, that George III had “excited domestic
insurrection amongst us.” That brief euphemism was all that remained of Jefferson’s 168-word diatribe against the British for sending Africans to America and then inciting them to kill their owners. But no one missed its meaning. The complaints weren’t actually about the king Britain’s king is the subject of 33 verbs in a declaration that never once says “Parliament”. But nine of Congress’ most pressing grievances actually were about parliamentary statutes. And even British officials like those who cracked down on Colonial smuggling worked not for George III but for his Cabinet, which was in effect a creature of Parliament. By targeting only the king – who played a purely symbolic role in the Declaration of Independence, akin to modern America’s Uncle Sam – Congress reinforced its novel argument that Americans did not need to cut ties to Parliament, since they had never had any. The Declaration of Independence does not actually denounce monarchy As Julian P. Boyd, the founding editor of “The Papers of Thomas Jefferson”, pointed out, the Declaration of
Independence “bore no necessary antagonism to the idea of kingship in general”. Indeed, several members of Congress, including John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, openly admired limited monarchy. Their beef was not with all kings and queens but with King George III – and him only as the front man for Parliament. The Declaration of Independence fell short of its most pressing purpose In June 1776, delegates who supported independence suggested that if Congress declared it soon, France might immediately accept its invitation to an alliance. Then the French Navy could start intercepting British supply ships bound for America that very summer. But in reality it took French King Louis XVI a long 18 months to agree to a formal alliance, and the first French ships and soldiers did not enter the war until June 1778. Abolitionists and feminists shifted the Declaration of Independence’s focus to human rights In keeping with the Declaration of Independence’s largely diplomatic purpose, hardly any of its white contemporaries quoted its now-famous phrases about
equality and rights. Instead, as the literary scholar Eric Slauter discovered, they spotlighted its clauses justifying one nation or state in breaking up with another. But before the year 1776 was out, as Slauter also notes, Lemuel Haynes, a free African American soldier serving in the Continental Army, had drafted an essay called “Liberty Further Extended”. He opened by quoting Jefferson’s truisms “that all men are created equal” and “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” By highlighting these claims, Haynes began the process of shifting the focus and meaning of the Declaration of Independence from Congress’ ordinance of secession to a universal declaration of human rights. That effort was later carried forward by other abolitionists, black and white, by women’s rights activists and by other seekers of social justice, including Abraham Lincoln. In time, abolitionists and feminists transformed Congress’ failed bid for an immediate French alliance into arguably the most consequential freedom document ever composed. • Originally published on theconversation.com
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 1, 2021, PAGE 11
WHEN A BLACK BOXING CHAMPION BEAT THE ‘GREAT WHITE HOPE,’ ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE By CHRIS LAMB, Professor of Journalism, Public University in Indianapolis AN audacious black heavyweight champion was slated to defend his title against a white boxer in Reno, Nevada, on July 4, 1910. It was billed as “the fight of the century”. The fight was seen as a referendum on racial superiority – and all hell was about to break loose in the racially divided United States. Jack Johnson, the black man, decisively beat James Jeffries, nicknamed “the Great White Hope”. Johnson’s triumph ignited bloody confrontations and violence between blacks and whites throughout the country, leaving perhaps two dozen dead, almost all of them black, and hundreds injured and arrested. “No event yielded such widespread racial violence until the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., 58 years later,” Geoffrey C. Ward wrote in his biography of Johnson, “Unforgivable Blackness”. Johnson’s victory, in the manliest of sports, contradicted claims of racial supremacy by whites and demonstrated that blacks were no longer willing to acquiesce to white dominance. Whites were not willing to give up their power. The story has a familiar ring today, as America remains a country deeply divided by race. I began my book, “From Jack Johnson to LeBron James: Sports, Media and the Colour Line” with Johnson because the consequences of the fight’s aftermath would affect race relations in sports, and America, for decades.
A BACKDROP OF RACIAL HOSTILITY
Born in 1878 in Galveston, Texas, Johnson grew up as the Jim Crow era in American history was getting started. The previous year, Rutherford B. Hayes became President after promising three former Confederate states – South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana – that he would withdraw federal troops, who had protected the measure of racial equality blacks were beginning to achieve. As federal forces left, whites disenfranchised black voters and passed segregation laws, which were enforced by legal and illegal means, including police brutality and lynching. Journalists, too, sought to maintain social order by preserving myths about white supremacy. Johnson’s boxing career challenged those myths. He dispatched one white fighter after another and taunted both the fighter and the crowd. He was brash and arrogant and made no attempt to show any deference to whites. He sped through towns in flashy cars, wore expensive
clothes, spent his time with gamblers and prostitutes, and dated white women, which black sociologist and commentator W.E.B. Du Bois considered “unnecessarily alienating acts”.
SETTING UP A RACIAL BATTLE
Johnson won the heavyweight title by easily defeating the defending champion Tommy Burns in 1908. Novelist Jack London, writing in the New York Herald, wrote about Johnson’s “hopeless slaughter” of Burns and, like other journalists, called on former champion James Jeffries to come out of retirement and “wipe that smile from Johnson’s face”. Jeffries announced to the world that he would “reclaim the heavyweight championship for the white race.” He became the “Great White Hope.” The Chicago Defender, a black newspaper, said Jeffries and Johnson would “settle the mooted question of supremacy”. The Daily News in Omaha, Nebraska, reported that a Jeffries’ victory would restore superiority to the white race. Before the fight, there were signs whites feared a Jeffries loss – and that this loss would not be restricted to the boxing ring but would have ramifications for all of society. The New York Times warned: “If the black man wins, thousands and thousands of his ignorant brothers will misinterpret his victory.” The message was clear: If Jeffries won, white superiority would be proved – but if he lost, whites would still be superior.
SEEKING TO RETAIN POWER
After Johnson easily defeated Jeffries, the Los Angeles Times reinforced white supremacy, telling blacks: “Do not point your nose too high. Do not swell your chest too much. Do not boast too loudly. Do not get puffed up… Your place in the world is just what it was. You are on no higher place, deserve no new consideration, and will get none.” Nearly a century later, the newspaper apologized for that 1910 editorial. In response to the violence, many cities forbade a film of the fight to be shown in theatres. In 1912, Congress, citing the same motion picture, passed the Sims Act, banning the transport of fight films over state lines. In doing so, it kept blacks and whites from seeing Johnson beat a white man. Historian Jeffrey Sammons says, “in many ways, Johnson represented the ‘bad n—–’ that whites were so willing to parade as an example of why blacks must be kept in their place”.
AN OUTPOURING OF VIOLENCE
No white boxer could
defeat Johnson in the ring, so white America worked to defeat him outside the ring. Johnson was arrested in 1912 and charged with violating the Mann Act which made it illegal to transport women across state lines “for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.” He served 10 months in federal prison. But he was much more than one man. “No longer the respectful darky asking, hat in hand, for massa’s permission, Johnson was seen as the prototype of the independent black who acted as he pleased and accepted no bar to his conduct,” Randy Roberts wrote in “Papa Jack,” his biography of Johnson. “As such, Johnson was transformed into a racial symbol that threatened America’s social order.” Whites responded to Johnson’s triumph by using violence to keep blacks in their place by any and all means. When black construction workers celebrated Johnson’s victory near the town of Uvalda, Georgia, whites began shooting. As the blacks tried to escape into the woods, the whites hunted them down, killing three and injuring five, Roberts wrote. Such scenes were repeated throughout the country, according to local media reports. When a black man in Houston expressed his joy over the fight’s outcome, a white man “slashed his throat from ear to ear”. Another black man in Wheeling, West Virginia, who was driving an expensive car, just like Johnson was known for, was dragged from his car by a mob and lynched. A white mob in New York City set fire to a black tenement and then blocked the doorway to keep the occupants from escaping.
THE SPORTS WORLD RESPONDS
Johnson’s punishment served as a cautionary tale for blacks during the Jim Crow era. Black athletes, however talented, whether it was sprinter Jesse Owens or boxer Joe Louis, were warned they had to be the “right type” of black person, one who knew his place and did not challenge the racial status quo. In those sports where blacks were not banned and instead begrudgingly allowed to compete with and against whites, there were violent attacks on Black athletes. Jack Trice, an Iowa State football player, died of injuries from the attack he suffered in a game against the University of Minnesota in 1923. The end of professional baseball’s colour line in 1946 was possible only because Jackie Robinson promised he would not respond to racist epithets and physical abuse so that he would be acceptable to white America.
In the 1960s, white America taught Muhammad Ali, whom many considered the “wrong type” of black athlete, the lesson it had once taught Jack Johnson. Ali, a brash Muslim who refused to defer to the demands of white supremacy, was convicted of draft evasion for refusing to be inducted into the armed services. He was stripped of his heavyweight title and sentenced to prison. Other black athletes, like sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, baseball player Curt Flood and football player Colin Kaepernick, all found themselves punished and ostracized for challenging white supremacy. • Originally published on theconversation.com
PAGE 12, Thursday, July 1, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Bill Cosby freed as sex conviction overturned PHILADELPHIA Associated Press PENNSYLVANIA’S highest court threw out Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction and released him from prison Wednesday in a stunning reversal of fortune for the comedian once known as “America’s Dad”, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor’s agreement not to charge Cosby. Cosby, 83, flashed the V-for-victory sign to a helicopter overhead as he trudged into his suburban Philadelphia home after serving nearly three years of a three- to ten-year sentence for drugging and violating Temple University sports administrator Andrea Constand in 2004. The former “Cosby Show” star — the first celebrity tried and convicted in the #MeToo era — had no immediate comment. Cosby was arrested in 2015, when a district attorney armed with newly unsealed evidence — the comic’s damaging deposition in a lawsuit brought by Constand — filed charges against him just days before the 12-year statute of limitations was about to run out. But the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said Wednesday that District Attorney Kevin Steele, who made the decision to arrest Cosby, was obligated to stand by his predecessor’s promise not to charge Cosby, though there was no evidence that agreement was ever put in writing. Justice David Wecht, writing for a split court, said Cosby had relied on the previous district attorney’s decision not to charge him when the comedian gave his potentially incriminating testimony in Constand’s civil case.
The court called Cosby’s subsequent arrest “an affront to fundamental fairness, particularly when it results in a criminal prosecution that was forgone for more than a decade.” It said justice and “fair play and decency” require that the district attorney’s office stand by the decision of the previous DA. The justices said that overturning the conviction and barring any further prosecution “is the only remedy that comports with society’s reasonable expectations of its elected prosecutors and our criminal justice system”. As Cosby was promptly set free from the state prison in suburban Montgomery County and driven home, his appeals lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, said he should never have been charged. “District attorneys can’t change it up simply because of their political motivation,” she said, adding that Cosby remains in excellent health, apart from being legally blind. In a statement, Steele said Cosby went free “on a procedural issue that is irrelevant to the facts of the crime”. He commended Constand for coming forward and added: “My hope is that this decision will not dampen the reporting of sexual assaults by victims.” Constand and her lawyer did not immediately return messages seeking comment. “FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted — a miscarriage of justice is corrected!” the actor’s “Cosby Show” co-star Phylicia Rashad tweeted. “I am furious to hear this news,” actor Amber Tamblyn, a founder of Time’s Up, an advocacy group for victims of sexual assault, said on Twitter. “I personally know women who this man drugged and raped while unconscious.
Shame on the court and this decision.” Four Supreme Court justices formed the majority that ruled in Cosby’s favor, while three others dissented in whole or in part. Peter Goldberger, a suburban Philadelphia lawyer with an expertise in criminal appeals, said prosecutors could ask the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for reargument or reconsideration, but it would be a very long shot. “I can’t imagine that with such a lengthy opinion, with a thoughtful concurring opinion and a thoughtful dissenting opinion, that you could honestly say they made a simple mistake that would change their minds if they point it out to them,” Goldberger said. Even though Cosby was charged only with the assault on Constand, the judge at his trial allowed five other accusers to testify that they, too, were similarly victimised by Cosby in the 1980s. Prosecutors called them as witnesses to establish what they said was a pattern of behavior on Cosby’s part. Cosby’s lawyers had argued on appeal that the use of the five additional accusers was improper. But the Pennsylvania high court did not weigh in on the question, saying it was moot, given the finding that Cosby should not have been prosecuted in the first place. In New York, the judge at last year’s trial of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose case helped sparked the #MeToo movement in 2017, let four other accusers testify. Weinstein was convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison. In sentencing Cosby, the trial judge had ruled him a sexually violent predator who could not be safely allowed out in public and needed to report to
BILL Cosby during a news conference outside his home yesterday after being released from prison. Photo: Matt Rourke/AP authorities for the rest of his life. In May, Cosby was denied parole after refusing to participate in sex offender programs behind bars. He said he would resist the treatment programmes and refuse to acknowledge wrongdoing even if it meant serving the full ten years. The groundbreaking Black actor grew up in public housing in Philadelphia and made a fortune estimated at $400m during his 50 years in the entertainment industry. The suburban Philadelphia prosecutor who originally looked into Constand’s allegations, Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce
Castor, considered the case flawed because Constand waited a year to come forward and stayed in contact with Cosby afterward. Castor declined to prosecute and instead encouraged Constand to sue for damages. Questioned under oath as part of that lawsuit, Cosby said he used to offer quaaludes to women he wanted to have sex with. He eventually settled with Constand for $3.4m. Portions of the deposition later became public at the request of The Associated Press and spelled Cosby’s downfall, opening the floodgates on accusations from other women and destroying the comic’s good-guy reputation and career.
More than 60 women came forward to say Cosby violated them. Cosby, in the deposition, acknowledged giving quaaludes to a 19-year-old woman before having sex with her at a Las Vegas hotel in 1976. Cosby called the encounter consensual. On Wednesday, the woman, Therese Serignese, now 64, said the court ruling “takes my breath away”. “I just think it’s a miscarriage of justice. This is about procedure. It’s not about the truth of the women,” she said. Serignese said she took solace in the fact Cosby served nearly three years behind bars: “That’s as good as it gets in America” for sex crime victims.
FORMER US DEFENCE SECRETARY RUMSFELD DIES ACTOR ALLISON MACK JAILED FOR ROLE IN CULT GROUP
WASHINGTON Associated Press
DONALD Rumsfeld, the two-time defense secretary and one-time presidential candidate whose reputation as a skilled bureaucrat and visionary of a modern US military was unraveled by the long and costly Iraq war, died Tuesday. He was 88. In a statement yesterday, Rumsfeld’s family said he “was surrounded by family in his beloved Taos, New Mexico”. President George W Bush, under whom Rumsfeld served as Pentagon chief, hailed his “steady service as a wartime secretary of defence — a duty he carried out with strength, skill, and honour”. Regarded by former colleagues as equally smart and combative, patriotic and politically cunning, Rumsfeld had a storied career in government under four presidents and nearly a quarter century in corporate America. After retiring in 2008 he headed the Rumsfeld Foundation to promote public service and to work with charities that provide services and support for military families and wounded veterans. “Rummy,” as he was often called, was ambitious, witty, energetic, engaging and capable of great personal warmth. But he irritated many with his confrontational style. An accomplished wrestler in college, Rumsfeld relished verbal sparring and elevated it to an art form; a biting humour was a favorite weapon. Still, he built a network of loyalists who admired his work ethic, intelligence and impatience with all who failed to share his sense of urgency. Rumsfeld is the only person to serve twice as Pentagon chief. The first time, in 1975-77, he was the youngest ever. The next time, in 2001-06, he was the oldest. He made a brief run for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination,
NEW YORK Associated Press
DEFENCE Secretary Donald Rumsfeld pictured in 2006. a spectacular flop that he once described as humbling for a man used to success at the highest levels of the government, including stints as White House chief of staff, US ambassador and member of Congress. For all Rumsfeld’s achievements, it was the setbacks in Iraq in the twilight of his career that will likely etch the most vivid features of his legacy. Nine months into his second tour as defence secretary, on September 11, 2001, suicide hijackers attacked the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, thrusting the nation into wars for which the military was illprepared. Rumsfeld oversaw the US invasion of Afghanistan and toppling of the Taliban regime. Frequently presiding at televised briefings on the war, Rumsfeld became something of a TV star, applauded for his blunt talk and uncompromising style. By 2002 the Bush administration’s attention shifted to Iraq, which played no role in the September 11 attacks. The war effort in Afghanistan took a back seat to Iraq, opening the way for
the Taliban to make a comeback and prevent the US from sealing the success of its initial invasion. The US-led invasion of Iraq was launched in March 2003. Baghdad fell quickly, but U.S. and allied forces soon became consumed with a violent insurgency. Critics faulted Rumsfeld for dismissing the pre-invasion assessment of the Army’s top general, Eric Shinseki, that several hundred thousand allied troops would be needed to stabilise Iraq. Rumsfeld twice offered his resignation to Bush in 2004 amid disclosures that US troops had abused detainees at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison — an episode he later referred to as his darkest hour as defence secretary. Not until November 2006, after Democrats gained control of Congress by riding a wave of antiwar sentiment, did Bush finally decide Rumsfeld had to go. He left office in December, replaced by Robert Gates. Rumsfeld is survived by his wife, Joyce, three children and seven grandchildren.
TV ACTOR Allison Mack, who played a key role in the scandal-ridden, cult-like group NXIVM, was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday on charges she manipulated women into becoming sex slaves for the group’s spiritual leader. Mack — best known for her role as a young Superman’s close friend on the series “Smallville” — had previously pleaded guilty to the charges and began cooperating against NXIVM leader Keith Raniere. Prosecutors credited her with helping them mount evidence showing how Raniere created a secret society of brainwashed women who were branded with his initials. At her sentencing in Brooklyn federal court, Mack renounced the selfimprovement guru. “I made choices I will forever regret,” she said, also telling the judge she was filled with “remorse and guilt.” “I am sorry to those of you that I brought into NXIVM,” she wrote in a letter filed with the court last week. “I am sorry I ever exposed you to the nefarious and emotionally abusive schemes of a twisted man.” She reiterated her apologies to the victims in court on Wednesday: “From the deepest part of my heart
ALLISON Mack leaving court after being sentenced. and soul, I am sorry.” Mack wept at times while reading her statement to the court. US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis told her he believed her apology was sincere, but said she deserved a serious sentence for using her celebrity to groom victims as “a willing and proactive ally” and “essential accomplice to Raniere’s monstrous crimes”. Under advisory sentencing guidelines, Mack had faced between 14 and 17 1/2 years behind bars, but her defence team argued that probation or a sentence to home confinement was more appropriate. Prosecutors had agreed that any prison term should be below the guidelines range because of her cooperation. “The NXIVM saga and the story of Ms Mack’s descent have been a tragedy for all involved. But that need not, and should not, be the end of the story for Allison Mack,” her lawyers wrote in court papers.