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SUPER SQUAD TO TARGET THE GUNS

New Commissioner plans special unit to lead killings offensive

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net NEWLY appointed Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander has announced several anticrime strategies to tackle gun violence in the country, including the establishment of a special anti-gang and firearms unit.

During the official handover ceremony at police headquarters yesterday, Commissioner Fernander also promised to review gun-related legislation to levy tougher penalties for

people found with illegal weapons.

His comments come as the country faces a rash of homicides in recent days, with 75 murders recorded so far for the year. Just last week, some eight people were killed.

About 41 of the victims were suspects out on bail for pending murder cases, according to police officials.

Noting the loss of one life as one too many, Mr Fernander vowed to take bold actions in the fight against crime, adding that officials

CLAYTON Fernander fought back tears yesterday as he recalled that both his father and brother died not knowing the future of his career with the police force while he sought recourse in a saga that involved him being forced into vacation by the former administration.

He said the two were

SEE PAGE THREE

TRADE GAP HIT $1.7BN AS RESULT OF COVID

TOURISM’S “collapse” at COVID-19’s peak “exposed the fragility” of The Bahamas’ current economic model by producing rare twin goods and services trade deficits worth a combined $1.7bn.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

IDB WARNS UKRAINE PUTS US AT HIGH RISK

SEE PAGE THREE

“negatively impacted the most” from what had taken place.

“My heart is heavy and full at the same time when I think of my two biggest supporters who I know are looking down from heaven in perfect peace - my brother Errol who died in 2020 and my father Wellington who we lost last year,” Commissioner Fernander said during yesterday’s handover ceremony.

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SADNESS BEHIND TOP COP’S APPOINTMENT

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ALICIA WALLACE: BODIES PILE UP BUT NO SOLUTIONS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A LIGHTER moment with the new Police Commissioner, Clayton Fernander, during his swearing-in ceremony yesterday. See PAGES TWO AND THREE for more.

Photo: Moise Amisial

LATEST VICTIM ANOTHER ‘ON BAIL’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was shot and killed in a shooting incident at Quarry Mission Road on Monday night.

At the scene of the incident Superintendent Audley Peters said police were dispatched to the area shortly after 10pm.

“Shortly after 10pm tonight (Monday) police were called to Quarry Mission Road as a result of a

THE MURDER scene on Quarry Mission Road on Monday.

Photo: Moise Amisial shooting incident,” he said.

“When our officers arrived on scene they found

an adult male laying on the northern side of the street with wounds that were consistent with gunshots.”

Emergency Medical Services pronounced the victim lifeless at the scene.

The identity of the victim has not yet been officially released; however, residents of the Quarry Mission community told The Tribune the victim frequented the area and was commonly referred to as “Mando”.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

THE Bahamas must brace for multiple economic “uncertainties” over the next 12-18 months, warned Hubert Edwards, of the Organisation for Responsible Governance, yesterday, after it was named among the eight Western Hemisphere states most vulnerable to the Ukraine war in a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

TECHNOLOGY OFFSIDE CALLS

BY TECHNOLOGY AT WORLD CUP SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander speaking yesterday.

THE OUTGOING COMMISSIONER, Paul Rolle, NEW Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander with Governor General CA Smith and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday. giving a salute yesterday.

Photos: Moise Amisial

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 3

Super squad to target the guns from page one are now reviewing its intelligence unit to restructure their approach to the issue.

For his part, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis acknowledged the crime problem, telling those gathered that tougher police measures could not alone bring resolution. He said a propoer

response is also conflict resolution, prevention, intervention, punishment, and rehabilitation.

“In recent times, the Bahamian public has become incensed by the loss of so many of our young men with the resurgence and proliferation of illegal firearms and gang related violence in our communities,” the new police chief said yesterday.

COMMISSIONER Clayton Fernander with his wife yesterday.

“To stem these criminal activities, we moved swiftly to establish Operation Ceasefire for immediate impact for immediate impact under the mantle of flooding our streets with strategic saturated patrols, particularly in hotspot areas, targeting and disrupting prolific gang members.”

He added: “Today, I can say to you that Operation Ceasefire is in full effect, and it has been yielding successful results by removing drugs, firearms and ammunition off of our streets.

“Effective today’s date, Operation Ceasefire shall function as a separate unit under the name Ceasefire Unit to stem the activities of prolific offenders. As the weeks and months unfold, our bold response to crime will become more evident and impactful.”

He also announced the establishment of a special anti-gang and firearms unit “with immediate effect” in response to recent spate of murders.

He said the specialised unit will be situated at the RBPF’s headquarters.

POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander speaking yesterday.

“It will operate as a are used in the commission standalone unit for a more of the most serious crimes focused approach to dis- recorded, and therefore we rupt criminal activities must act swiftly to seal all involving firearms and avenues of this moral decay ammunition,” the commis- in our society by removing these offenders. sioner noted.

“In that vein, we want “Simultaneously, a request will be made to to review the laws to add have a court dedicated to tougher penalties in cases fast tracking illegal firearms where persons are found and ammunition cases for in possession of an illegal swift justice. Our research, weapon and the use of a statistics and intelligence weapon in the commisis telling us that firearms sion of an offence. Tough times call for tough measures” He also spoke about a specific police task force that was created to focus on gun trafficking, saying the group had their first meeting last month.

Other initiatives, he added, includes planned monthly meetings with all law enforcement heads “with a view of exchanging ideas” and coming up with solutions to deal with the escalating crime rate and the implementation of a stand-alone domestic

CLAYTON Fernander is sworn in as Police Commissioner by Governor General CA Smith.

Photos: Moise Amisial violence unit.

The unit will include the department of social services, religious leaders and private entities, according to Commissioner Fernander.

He also pledged to improve policing relations with the community.

“We are in the process of reviewing our community relations initiative to merge the tasks and responsibilities of our National Neighborhood Watch Council Program and the Urban Renewal Program to operate under one umbrella. We will be focusing on crime prevention initiatives, and we want everyone involved to be effective, including community leaders, religious leaders, and private entities,” he said.

For his part, former commissioner Paul Rolle said he came into the post with his integrity intact, and he left the post with that integrity remaining.

SENIOR officers watching during the ceremony.

SADNESS BEHIND TOP COP’S APPOINTMENT from page one

“When I was sent on leave with my other colleagues, my father and brother were negatively impacted the most. They did not understand what transpired, but each day they would have encouraging words and long to see my reinstatements. They both died without knowing the fate of my career so today, I can proudly say to my father and brother that all is well.”

Commissioner Fernander is the ninth person to assume the post, succeeding Paul Rolle.

In a farewell speech yesterday, Mr Rolle said he was proud of his leadership given the challenges he faced upon coming to office in 2020.

He said: “I came into this

THE UNVEILING of a picture of Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander. organisation with my integrity intact and I am leaving with my integrity intact. I have fought a good fight.

I have finished my race.

I have kept the faith and God’s grace has brought me to this pinnacle today.

“My legacy as commissioner of police is written.”

The former commissioner also wished the new police chief success in his new role.

For his part, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis

described Commissioner Fernander as being “the right man for the job” and said the change in leadership demonstrated his administration’s commitment to strengthening “the rule of law.”

“He is a career law enforcement officer with almost four decades of policing, administrative and investigative experience,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“He has worked in the Traffic Division, the Criminal Investigations Department, and served as a Divisional Commander, on the Selective Enforcement Unit. He has been part of the Central Detective Unit, and as assistant commissioner was a member of the senior executive leadership team when, in 2017, he assumed responsibilities for the crime management

portfolio.

“Following his return to active duty in September 2021, Mr Fernander took on a new and more challenging role when he assumed the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Portfolio as deputy commissioner of police. In 2013 he was shot during an attempted armed robbery, an incident which has not weakened his resolve to serve in law enforcement.

We look forward to him bringing the same courage and tenacity to his role as commissioner.”

Mr Fernander was among several high-ranking officials who were directed to take vacation leave in 2019 under the former government.

Although the Minnis administration justified the vacation policy by citing

fiscal measures, the officers believe that the administration simply wanted to sideline them.

Mr Fernander and another senior officer later filed a lawsuit against the government in 2019 in response to the forced vacation leave.

They recently settled the matter under the Davis administration. However, the details of the lawsuit settlement, including the amounts awarded, are still not clear.

Asked to respond to critics who question the timing of the lawsuit settlement and his appointment as police commissioner, Mr Fernander replied: “I think justice was served and I moved on from that now.

It’s time to deal with the business at hand and that is crime.”

PAGE 4, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘I expect police to defend themselves’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe says that if police officers are confronted by criminals with weapons, he expects officers to defend themselves.

Likewise, he said, those officers will also defend the public.

He made the remark yesterday at Cabinet while putting into context earlier comments he had made telling Bahamians to brace for more police-involved shootings.

Mr Munroe said those comments were made as part of a wider conversation on how the government intends to address crime.

“As I’ve said, how we address crime is in vision 2040,” Mr Munroe told reporters.

“The first step is to seek to divert youth at risk from a life of crime. If you don’t succeed at that, some of them do make it to a life of crime and as I’ve said, the diversionary programmes haven’t been very robust over the last four-and-a-half years. We’re seeking to get them back up to speed in the same degree of energy that they were previously.

“You all document every day that people go

around thinking that it’s normal, ordinary to go up and shoot somebody. Last night it was 20 times with a handgun.

He added: “If that individual comes into a confrontation with the police, I don’t think any reasonable citizen should expect the police to permit themselves to be shot, killed, or injured. So, if in fact you have a larger number of people engaging in that behaviour, the police will be having resources to up saturation patrols.

“So, if probability tells you it’s more probable to come across a vehicle with armed police as it has happened with the gentleman in Golden Gates who fired on the police and was killed, the armed robber the other day who produced a gun and the police had fatally shot him. If you confront the police with firearms, I do not expect the officers to risk their life and limb. I expect them to protect themselves and to protect the public.”

A man suspected of robbing another man was shot and killed by police early Friday afternoon. Superintendent of Police Audley Peters told reporters at the scene that shortly after noon, officers received reports of an alleged robbery in the

Soldier Road area.

He noted the police control room received a report that a person on Soldier Road was being robbed by a “chap” and the control room sent out a description of that suspect and the officers responded.

“They came through Goggle Eye Road, which is off Soldier Road, and while on Goggle Eye Road, they saw a chap fitting the description.”

Supt Peters said after being stopped by police, the man “produced a firearm and engaged” officers. He added that police, “being aware of the threat to their lives”, discharged their weapons, ultimately hitting the suspect.

The minister argued the debate of whether police should be armed appears to have ceased, thus proof it is understood the need for officers to have weapons.

Mr Munroe said: “Unless the public believes the police should permit themselves to be fired on by people with firearms, shot and killed, then the public should understand that the reason that you arm the police is to meet the threats that they meet today. I have said in my lifetime, and I’m 54, in my lifetime there was a big debate about whether police should have guns

MINISTER of National Security Wayne Munroe speaking to the media yesterday.

Photo: Austin Fernander at all. (There) used to be questions the need for not something that they are a debate about the police police to be armed in order called on to do. having guns at all and then to discharge their duties. I “They are called on about police having guns on just don’t want the public, to risk their lives by putBay Street. We don’t debate in expecting a robust police ting themselves between a response, when they get it, gunman and us, but they are that anymore.

“It is clear that the devel- to then think that the police not called to risk their lives opment of this country has should somehow risk their not returning fire if they’re made it such that nobody lives unnecessarily. That is fired on,” Mr Munroe said.

count continues to rise.

There have been 75 murders to date according to The Tribune’s records.

Mr Munroe said there is a crime plan the former Minnis administration agreed to in 2016, which was a part of “Vision 2040”.

“The thing that is troubling about our opposite side, we as a country spent a lot of energy, a lot of resources, we went through all the studies,” he said.

“The crime plan said that you divert youth at risk from criminal behaviour; it specifically mentioned Urban Renewal. The opposite side came into power

and gutted it.

“If we understand that youth at risk, in other words troubled young men, boys from 12 to 13 (years old), if you don’t divert them by the time they reach 15 to 17 they may be shooters. So, if you then gut the programmes that are meant to divert them from criminal behaviour, why are you talking about a crime plan?

That was the plan, you didn’t follow it.”

Mr Munroe said he has not heard a proper explanation as to why the previous administration decided to depart from it in 2017.

“If we understand that

youth at risk, in other words troubled young men, boys from 12-13. If you don’t divert them by the time, they reach 15-17 they may be shooters. So, if you then gut the programmes that are meant to divert them from criminal behaviour.

Why are you talking about a crime plan? That was the plan, you didn’t follow it, “ he said.

“We said that you have this phenomenon of young men, some of them have already crossed the line, so you have to address them in a particular manner.

And you address them by apprehending them if

MUNROE SAYS IT’S TIME TO STOP POLITICISING CRIME

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe says it is time to stop politicising crime, as he accused the former administration of dismantling a long term plan to address the issue.

“You don’t politicise crime,” Mr Munroe said, adding that when you do so it then becomes a problem.

He was responding to deputy Free National Movement leader Shenendon Cartwright who on Monday called on the government to disclose a crime plan as the nation’s murder

they do that, put them in a correctional institution.

Then actually having a correctional institution that corrects their behaviour, so that’s when they come out of there different.”

The minister said the Davis administration intends to follow through with the crime plan of action despite the Minnis administration not doing so.

“Before they become involved in criminal behaviour the plan that we all agreed to in 2016 said that you identify them with civil society church groups. We put in place programmes to seek to divert them from

criminal conduct and criminal behaviour. We had a bunch of those that were gutted and then we are surprised that the level of young men, some of them as young as 15 years old are now stepping over the line because we didn’t divert them.”

He also said: “In my little church on Kemp Road I work with the altar servers, I work with young people whether the Minnis administration is in power, whether the Christie-Davis administration is in power.

Bullets don’t have political affiliation, so we need to stop politicising crime.”

MINISTER DISCUSSES ‘BETRAYAL’ CLAIM BY FORMER COMMISSIONER NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe has recalled his personal experiences with former commissioner Paul Rolle regarding the senior officers who were made to take accumulated vacation and later seconded to various ministries.

His comments came after Mr Rolle said last week that he felt “betrayed” and “deceived” by the Minnis administration in its handling of those officers, adding he never supported them being placed on leave.

“Remember now the former prime minister (Dr Hubert Minnis) said that he

was prepared to infringe the Constitution? He said that in Parliament and so it wouldn’t be surprising that they did,” Mr Munroe told reporters outside Cabinet yesterday.

The (former) commissioner of police was very frank in what he said. I’m able to say from personal knowledge because when it happened to assistant commissioner Strachan I represented him. When they started with the other ACPs I gave them advice in terms of the litigation beyond Ferguson presenting them, but I would have occasion to meet with the (former)commissioner of police.

“He would entertain me, and it was clear to me from what he said that what was happening was directed or not by his choice. And the clear test of that is you would recall that by the time the prime minister came to be sworn in, the ACPs had been reinstated.

So, he hadn’t been directed by anyone to reinstate them. So, I read that he had been directed to do to them what he did and when those people lost at the ballot then he wasn’t under that compulsion anymore. By the time I came to be sworn in they had been reinstated for days or a week at least.

My understanding right after the election.”

The minister assured Bahamians that the current administration will allow the new commissioner to carry out his job.

“Well, the starting point is he won’t be getting those from the Davis-Cooper administration.

Notwithstanding that people seek to push us to do the police’s job. We’ve been resolute in saying a policing plan is for the commissioner of police.

Our job is to provide him with resources. He is the law enforcement professional.

I don’t want to be the commissioner of police. Prime

Minister Davis doesn’t want to be the commissioner of police,” he said.

“We had a very competent one that wasn’t permitted to function fully.

We have a competent one incoming and as politicians we need to provide them with the resources they need to do the job, get their advice, and then support them when they’re doing what they should be doing, but it’s not our business to direct them how and why.”

He also said: “As I have said, the prime minister has also spoken about what is supposed to be the independence of the police

commissioner, which we will not interfere with.

“The only way that the government ought to be able to have any input is if the commissioner asks for $100m worth of resources and we say the budget can only bear 80 because then that will be something where he would be able to say this was my plan. This part of my plan was funded, this part of my plan wasn’t funded and then that will call politicians to answer a political question when the public says that the commissioner of police told you he needed this to do this. Why did you only give him this?”

Memorial Service for

LYNN DARNEL BURKE who died on June 19th, 2022,

will be held on

Thursday, July 7th, 2022 10:00 a.m. at

ST. PAUL’S BAPTIST CHURCH Bernard Road, Fox Hill

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 5

LATEST VICTIM ANOTHER ‘ON BAIL’

from page one

It is alleged that “Mando” was recently released on bail accused of attempted murder.

Police are asking any member of the public who has information to contact them at Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

The incident marked the country’s 75th murder for the year.

THE MURDER scene on Quarry Mission Road on Monday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

ORG looks to youth to tackle gender violence

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net THE Organisation for Responsible Governance is mobilising youth activists to bring awareness to Gender based Violence in its latest programme.

ORG’s latest explanation of its Me, You, Us Youth Saloon project included 23 young adults to be involved in helping the youth of The Bahamas gain awareness of Gender Based Violence and strategies to decrease the issues in the country.

The group includes both high school and university students who worked alongside Delsanea Thompson,

the project lead and ORG’s administrative manager, over a three-month span investigating the causes and solutions around GBV. The group was then designated to develop a public education campaign that would have an impact with other youth.

Ms Thompson, who travelled in June to the Dominican Republic for the Caribbean United Against GBV conference, emphasised that genderbased violence is a global community health problem that affects one out of every three women and girls at some point in their lives. It is any act that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or

psychological harm or suffering to women.

“While ORG itself is not positioned as a GBV expert in The Bahamas, we are very much invested in ensuring that Bahamian youth become active voices in our community. Through a social emotional learning approach, this group can be a catalyst for their peers,” said Ms Thompson.

“This is a gender-based programme, but for us it’s about social education and about activating youth activists. The format of our project was to get youth to develop tools that would speak to their peers about this topic. Programmes like this all speak to the power of youth creating ways to

discuss these issues with their peers.”

This year’s cohort decided to create a three-part video series titled, “Listen Up” as its main project to help spread awareness and knowledge on gender-based violence in the country. The series allowed participants to talk about their thoughts and opinions on the issue.

The series will be launched online on ORG’s social media platforms in July.

One of the participants, Talitha Pratt, a 21-year-old student at the University of The Bahamas said: “I saw the increase of domestic violence that has been happening throughout the pandemic and the various statistics. I wanted to find

MOTHER AND SON GRADUATE FROM BTVI WHEN Mark Fraser crossed the stage to receive his certificate, his mother, Kelcene Kelly, was not cheering for him from the audience like other parents and supporters.

Instead, she was adorned in graduation regalia and sitting nearby as a fellow member of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s class of 2022.

The mother and son duo are a part of the 226 graduates of the New Providence class of 2022, who earned a wide variety of certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Ms Kelly earned her office assistant certificate, while Mr Fraser earned his plumbing certificate.

Despite the difference in subject matter, the pair shared similar triumphs and challenges associated with college life.

“BTVI was a great experience, but there were some sleepless nights and huge challenges like turning in those homework assignments every week,” Ms Kelly said.

For Mark, “BTVI was a lot of things” because he transferred from another college and initially struggled.

“When I first got into BTVI, it was different from where I was before, and I failed a lot of classes. I eventually got tired of failing and wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve things like everybody else. I wanted to show them that I am a hardworking person,” said Mr Fraser.

Neither of them considered being enrolled in BTVI together a hindrance, but rather a source of motivation to make it to graduation.

“Being in school with my son was not a big deal.

I loved telling people that my son and I were attending BTVI at the same time.

However, we did not get to see one another on campus much because his classes were in the morning and mine were in the evening,” Ms Kelly said.

Mr Fraser emphasised that rather than any

apprehension related to going to college with his mom, his focus was on persevering.

As for next steps, the pair will use their academic achievements to do well in a competitive work world. Ms Kelly also plans to return to BTVI in the Fall semester as she and her son continue to “climb the ladder of success.”

As noted by BTVI’s Interim President, Dr Linda Davis, at the 2022 commencement ceremony, individuals can graduate from the institute as many times as they choose. Encouraging graduates to be lifelong learners, Dr Davis invited graduates back to BTVI to continue their educational journeys.

BTVI is the primary educational organisation which provides technical vocational education and training in The Bahamas.

Programmes range from media technology, electrical installation, information technology and electronics engineering to fashion design,

MARK Fraser and his mother, Kelcene Kelly. cosmetology, human resource management and auto mechanics, among others – some of which include international certifications.

The institution offers job-ready, professionally certified nano degree courses, National Centre for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications, professional development courses (PDCs) and specialised training for organisations as a part of its continuing education training. BTVI is also a City and Guilds Centre and a CISCO Academy.

JOB FAIR FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ROYAL Caribbean International will host a job fair on July 7 and 8, as it looks to fill vacancies for its private island experience Perfect Day at Coco Cay in the Berry Islands.

The fair will be held at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road from 9am to 4pm. Applicants should come prepared with their resumés.

The Perfect Day at Coco Cay openings span various departments, from finance to lifeguard positions.

Those interested in lifeguard positions can sign up by emailing PerfectDayCocoCay@rccl.com and be prepared to take a practical test, where they will be asked to swim 100 meters, retrieve a weight from the bottom of the pool and tread water without using their hands for one minute. Available positions include lead lifeguard, senior lifeguard and lifeguard.

Additional available positions

include: Junior customs operations specialist; Kitchen attendant; Bar island attendant; Restaurant attendant; Cook assistant; Chef de partie; Club server; Island attendant; Operations Driver; Island laundry attendant; Waterpark guest services; Island operations specialist; Restaurant attendants; Pool and park specialst; Upholsterer; Aquatics guide; Aquatics attendant and Site nurse.

a way to help in any way that I can, whether it’s a comforting word. I wanted to be part of a programme that wants justice and that would find ways to help victims.”

Another participant, 19-year-old Johnnecia Pinder added: “I joined this programme because I wanted to gain more knowledge on gender-based violence as well as bring awareness to it. I felt that this conversation is important so that persons would feel comfortable enough to speak out about it.”

This group’s GBV programme provided a platform for participants to speak with experts that are

a part of NGOs Equality Bahamas and The Bahamas Crisis Centre to get a better understanding of the issue.

ORG’s executive director, Matt Aubrey noted: “Unsurprisingly, one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is to eliminate GBV within the next nine years. We are proud of the 23 youth activists who have shown such great interest and commitment to raising awareness and adding to the momentum toward ending violence against women and girls.”

ORG hopes through efforts like this to develop a more empowered people who have the knowledge to advocate for important issues.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

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We must build on this new beginning to tackle crime WHEN The Tribune wrote on Monday of the silence among our political leaders in the face of the soaring murder statistics, we hoped it might prompt a response in our country.

It certainly has – since then, there have been comments from church leaders such as Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander, who called the number of murders a matter “of great concern” and said it was “time for us to take this by the horns”.

He said the church has joined forces with the crime commission and Urban Renewal to that end.

There were also comments from activist Khandi Gibson, of the group Families of All Murder Victims. Police are often among the first on a crime scene, but Ms Gibson is often still there after others have long gone, helping families deal with the trauma of losing a loved one.

She too said it was time for people to come together in hopes of finding some kind of resolution.

In this column, we also called on the FNM to speak up – and deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright did just that, calling on National Security Minister Wayne Munroe to say what the government planned to do about crime.

For his part, Mr Munroe complains today that it is time to stop politicising crime – which is discouraging considering he then set about politicising crime by blaming the FNM for “gutting” plans that were on the table when they came into office. He spent more time talking about what the FNM did than on what he plans to do, but he signalled a return to that plan from 2016, part of the Vision 2040 document, which seeks to divert young men from criminal conduct and criminal behaviour.

Let us not dwell too much on Mr Munroe’s complaints, however, and instead focus on the larger picture. We have church representatives, civil society representatives, members of the Opposition and members of the government all responding and focused on the runaway murder rate. All of them. Some might say at last, but let us welcome having reached that point.

The obvious question is, what next?

Well, part of that is answered by the new Police Commissioner, Clayton Fernander, who announced a number of strategies yesterday, including setting up an anti-gang and firearms unit.

He is new to the role, yesterday was day one, so we shall see the effects of Commissioner Fernander’s plan. He is

right when he says the loss of one life is too many.

He has also announced that Operation Ceasefire is in full effect, with saturation patrols in hotspot areas, and gang members being targeted by police.

That operation will now function as a separate unit, the Ceasefire Unit, to focus on prolific offenders.

There was more, such as a call for courts to fast track firearms cases, and a call for a review of the law to bring in tougher penalties for illegal weapons and the use of a weapon. As he said, “Tough times call for tough measures.”

There will also be a domestic violence unit, including representatives from social services, religious leaders and private entities.

It’s a start, definitely, and it’s a very different landscape today than it was at the start of the week when the nation seemed to be tamely accepting the soaring murder count.

But let’s not stop there. Let’s keep this ball rolling. All those who have spoken up this week, keep speaking up.

For a moment, let us go back to a night in April, 2013. That was a night when the new Commissioner was then a Superintendent – and was also a victim.

He was shot multiple times, suffering injuries to his hand and chest that then Commissioner Ellison Greenslade described as “life-changing”.

At a press conference that night, there were again condemnations, including by members of the religious community, of the “unprecedented” levels of crime and calls for the Bahamian public to unite against criminals.

Our reporter on the scene that night, after the press conference, spoke privately to religious leaders and urged them to get in touch over any initiative they were involved in to help tackle crime, and that The Tribune would be only too happy to spread the word.

Despite strong words on the night, none of those leaders reached out in the weeks and months that followed.

We must not let this be another such moment. This is a beginning – and we must continue building on it. The Tribune offers its hand again to organisations working to reduce crime, especially violent crime, to help where it can.

Commissioner Fernander has been a victim. He can now play his part in stopping there being more victims. We hope together there can be a real movement to deal with crime – but this time, the silence must not return.

A SOLDIER yells as he marches during the annual Independence Day parade in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday. Venezuela is marking 211 years of its declaration of independence from Spain.

Photo: Ariana Cubillos/AP

PLP, FNM, wash, rinse and repeat EDITOR, The Tribune.

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party supporters shouldn’t put too much stock in the current stand-off between the camp of Dr Hubert Minnis and the camp of Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard.

Whenever elections are called, the PLP will either stand or fall on its own merits, and not on the apparent division within the FNM. These people seem to have forgotten about the former Cabinet members within the Christie administration who expressed concerns about the state of the FNM when the Loretta Butler-Turner faction was wreaking havoc within the party.

At the time, the FNM was in a hopeless state, with Minnis and Butler-Turner

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net embroiled in a struggle for the leadership post.

Yet despite the FNM’s well publicised infighting, the party would go on to win in an historic landslide fashion in the 2017 general election.

On the basis of this fact alone, PLPs shouldn’t count on the current anti-Minnis wave that played a significant role in the September election to carry over into the next election cycle.

Bahamians will not be judging the FNM in 2026.

The next general election will be a referendum on the performance of the PLP. The wash, rinse and repeat trend in general elections, dating back to 2002, have seen incumbents

voted out of office.

No government has won re-election since 1997, which makes it easy to predict who will win the upcoming general election.

It’s a wash, rinse and repeat scenario that undoubtedly has the FNM winning the general election, barring some catastrophic fallout between the FNM and the Bahamian electorate, which is unlikely to happen.

In 2002, the PLP won; in 2007, it was the FNM; 2012, PLP; 2017, FNM; 2021, PLP. Conventional wisdom says that the Bahamian will return the FNM to power in 2026 or whenever Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis rings the bell.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama July 5, 2022.

Watson becoming a political spokesman EDITOR, The Tribune.

OPM PRESS Officer who daily is becoming a hybrid political spokesperson – isn’t his job to report with ZERO editorial the News from OPM and Government?

Watson and NIB – oh saw the spin -clever quote: Government recently put a “significant amount of funds into NIB... presume the millions of unpaid Government contributions...

Please confirm and assure us all contributions are up to date?

For ten plus years independent Actuaries have said – the contributions are too low – successive

governments have refused to accept and continued their constant financial denial. Coming to bite ya just like Minister Myles LaRoda has forecast and honestly stated – congrats to him.

Carbon Exchange – how has FTX somehow got the inside on this - this is Government isn’t it, isn’t there supposed to be an RFP/ Tender?

Nassau Port – gooliegoo the boss of Nassau Port lived here all his life been through so many BPL blackouts and don’t know BPL is squeaking past trying to make sure Nassau has power and wants and suggests the Port should

develop a facility for the mega cruise ships to tie up to and take electricity – boy what you have to do to be heard (daily) if possible talk about waste to energy perfect example....we wish as one of the bad polluting areas downtown are the cruise ships.

What’s this story no Ambulances available?

Surely all vehicles should be on one system – okay if you want to go to Doctors you pay for the ride, but forsake all surely, we have enough vehicles or did the roads broke dem all up?

K ALBURY Nassau, July 1, 2022.

To a better Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE MUST love those who love us, but should love those who hate us more because they need our love the most.

We are not to desire too much the things of this world; and though we need them to get by, we must not make them our god, but rather invest whatever we can in mankind, so that our profit is a better world for

everyone.

We need to have an enduring faith in humanity, to have its well deep, and strong, so that when we drink from it, as we will in the good times, and the bad times,it will never weaken, or run dry.

And though many of our friends, loved ones, and others, may lose their moral compass, we must not write them off, but instead bring them to us welcoming

well of hope, and baptise them in redemption.

We must have courage to stand unshakeable in those things that are true, and though many times, the tide running left is roaring stronger, we must always swim in the tide that is running right – always!

JEROME CARTWRIGHT Nassau, July 4, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

JUVENILE JAILED FOR STEALING CAR FROM WOMAN AT GUNPOINT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MALE juvenile was sent to prison yesterday after he was accused of robbing a woman at gun point and stealing a car.

The 17-year-old, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, faced Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux in the presence of his legal guardian and represented by Attorney Alex Morley.

In court, he faced charges of armed robbery, stealing and receiving.

On June 12 in New Providence, it is alleged that the youth stole Ashton Atkinson’s $5,000 silver coloured Honda Fit - L/P: AV6090.

He is further accused, armed with a hand gun, of robbing Madeline Copper on June 13 of her keys, bank cards and $165 in cash.

While the accused pleaded not guilty to the receiving and

stealing charges in relation to Atkinson’s vehicle, he was informed by the magistrate that the armed robbery charge would proceed by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

The juvenile’s case for that matter will be heard in the Supreme Court, where he can also make an official bail application for the armed robbery accusation.

However, as to the remaining two charges, Magistrate TurnquestDeveaux set his bail at $5,000 with one or two sureties to be held in conjunction with the Supreme Court bail.

Until such time that it is granted to the accused, he will be remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys.

The 17-year-old is expected to return to court on October 26 for service of his Voluntary Bill of Indictment and the continuation of his two lesser charges.

PAIR ACCUSED OF INDECENT EXPOSURE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO men were yesterday arraigned on separate charges of indecent exposure.

Phillip Jones, 34, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on charges of vagrancy and three counts of indecent exposure.

After reportedly being found in the area of Cowpen Road on July 2 without being able to give a satisfactory account of himself, Jones exposed himself to three people. At the same place the accused is said to have exposed himself to Shacoya Minnis, Corporal 1067 Bodie and WPC 4104 Smith.

While Jones initially pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, the Chief Magistrate called into question the accused’s competency due to the difficulty

he had responding to questions in court.

As aa result, Jones will be charged again on July 13 for the court to review his mental health history.

The other man, Clement Hepburn, 52, of 69 Finlayson Street, appeared before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on a single charge of indecent exposure before his sister Patricia Newbold at their shared residence on Finlayson Street.

Hepburn pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution objected to bail on the basis that the complainant and accused share the same home.

As such, the magistrate moved to fast track Hepburn’s trial so that he does not spend too long in custody.

Before being sent back to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services the accused was told that his trial would start on July 8.

FREEPORT MAN ON MURDER CHARGE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A FREEPORT man was charged with murder in the local magistrate’s court yesterday.

Rosceno Cox, 22, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith.

It is alleged that on June 29 at Freeport, the accused intentionally caused the death of Ted Cooper, Jr. According to reports, Cooper was at a bar on McKenzie Street.

Cox was not

represented by counsel.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charge of murder.

He was remanded to The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until August 22.

Cox was also charged with two counts of causing harm. It is alleged that on the same date and place, he caused harm to two other men.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted $4,000 bail with one surety. This matter was also adjourned to August 22.

BAIL GRANTED FOR CAR THEFT SUSPECT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of stealing a woman’s car was granted bail yesterday.

Gibson Gratia, 18, appeared before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on charges of stealing and receiving.

On June 2 in New Providence, Gratia is accused of stealing Latiqua Cash’s $2,700 grey 2010 Nissan Cube.

When asked where he would want his trial to be heard, Gratia elected the

Magistrate’s Court. The accused then pleaded not guilty to both charges.

As there was no objection, $3,000 bail with one or two sureties, was granted to Gratia. Under the conditions of his bail, he is to sign in at Carmichael Police Station every Wednesday by 6pm.

Magistrate Kelly further warned Gratia that he is not to have contact with any of the witnesses in this matter, as failure to do so will result in his bail being revoked.

Gratia’s trial will start on August 22.

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 7

Bail granted to pair accused of death threats

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO MEN were granted bail yesterday on separate charges of threats of death.

Omar Thompson, 26, represented

by Lennox Coleby, stood before Magistrate Shaka Serville accused of threatening to kill his former girlfriend, Shavette Bain, on June 19 in New Providence.

After electing to continue the case in the Magistrate’s Court, Thompson pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution indicated to the court that he had other matters before the courts and that he was currently on $20,000 bail. He is also being monitored and is expected to sign in at Central Police Station every Monday to Friday by 6pm.

During his official bail application, Mr Coleby indicated that the incident

in question was a relationship issue and that despite this his client was of good character.

The prosecution then asked that the court set conditions as part of Thompson’s bail to ensure that he has no contact with his ex-girlfriend as his court matter proceeds.

In view of this, the magistrate granted the accused $5,000 bail with one or two sureties on condition he signs in at Central Station every Monday and Friday before 7pm.

Magistrate Serville further warned the accused to stay away from Ms Bain and to have no contact between them physically or digitally. Failure to comply with these terms would result in his bail being revoked.

Thompson’s trial is set to begin October 5.

The other man, Edvardo Deveaux, 38, represented by Ian Cargill, also stood before Magistrate Serville accused of threatening to kill D’nero

Williams at 4.10pm on July 1 in New Providence.

Deveaux also elected to continue his matter in the Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

When asked about the relationship between himself and Williams, the accused said he did not know Williams.

With no objections to bail, it was granted to the accused at $3,500 with one or two sureties.

Deveaux’s trial will also start on October 5.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

PAGE 8, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Same old, same old - the bodies pile up with no solutions ever offered

By Alicia Wallace

IN RECENT days, there has been hand-wringing about the number of murders counted in just one week. This is not an unfamiliar place for us. As the number of murders steadily moves toward 100, people start talking. They decry the state of the nation and worry aloud about its direction and destination.

Something must be done!

Something is wrong with these people! The country is in a crisis! Fingers point at the people who need to do something. The problem is always external to the people complaining and never named. The national crisis is usually the fault of a government administration.

The blame is assigned and hands are flung up as someone else is expected to find the solutions.

For some, the murders are a non-issue. “Let them kill up each other!” they say.

“Who cares?” While they hunt and kill one another, the rest of us can carry on as though it is not happening.

As long as all of our own are safe from harm, let the killing continue, right? Well, that may satisfy the people who think they can separate themselves from the environment and protect their own with high walls, dogs and an expendable staff, it does not entirely work that way. People are connected, share physical space and form relationships. We go to grocery stores, banks, doctors offices,and restaurants.

We sit in traffic, wait outside of schools for the bell to ring, attend weddings,

funerals and birthday parties, cross paths with people known to us and strangers alike.

Sometimes we find ourselves in a place at the most inconvenient, even dangerous, time. There is no preparation for an unpredictable event like an altercation that leads to indiscriminate shooting.

None of us is safe when guns are on the streets and people use them in situations of conflict.

Many people say the problem is too far gone now.

Those who are involved in gun violence and who live “lives of crime” are lost forever, and we simply have to wait for them to all be called. The focus, they say, must be on young people.

Still, programming for young people is insufficient and they are not being prepared for the world we all live in now, much less the one that is being created with each passing day. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of what other people and entities ought to be doing, but little clarity on their own responsibilities and opportunities to engage young people in meaningful, productive, lifeshaping ways.

We are seeing, every day, the failure of families, but do not seem to recognise that individuals can only do so much in a system that demands we overwork, then figure out how to use limited pay to meet ever-increasing needs. Far too many children are left to fend for themselves and build families of their own because

THE SCENE of Friday’s murder.

Photo: Austin Fernander

their biological family members have little to offer.

Parents are absent for various reasons. People often assume this is a personal choice, refusing to acknowledge systemic issues that force parents out of homes, leaving children to their own devices. Some parents work shifts and cannot be at home whenever the children are home, leaving them unsupervised for long periods. Some work multiple jobs, and this has the same result. Some parents do not know how to be parents, are resentful of the job, and/or expect children to figure it out for themselves once they reach a certain age.

In our society, we have come to expect quite a lot from elders. Grandparents are expected to swoop in and parent yet another generation. In many cases, grandparents and greatgrandparents step up to the plate, doing school pick-up, preparing meals, ensuring homework is completed, enrolling children in summer programmes, and teaching basic life skills.

Some do it because they

want to, some do it because still left without appropriate they share the living space, intervention that would be and some do it because they useful to them in the future. fear what would happen if Political parties sling they did not step in. mud with ease, blaming This should not be the each other for the longway they have to live their standing issue with crime later years, but what was and, in particular, murder. once a blessing is now seen No matter who takes office, as an obligation. When they nothing changes from one die before five-year the children ‘Many people say period to become the next. No adults, there the problem is too one — not a is a void. far gone now. Those Prime MinSometimes ister nor who are involved aunts and Minister of uncles try to in gun violence National fill the gap. and who live “lives Security Family mem- of crime” are lost — has a bers often quick-fix. No do even forever, and we administramore than is simply have to wait tion can snap reasonable, fingers or for them to all be recognising wave wands there is no called. The focus, to make The system in they say, must be Bahamas place to sup- on young people. crime free. port those The soluwho are Still, programming tions take struggling, more than for young people but the blame is insufficient and five years to is quickly be proven. they are not being assigned.

They can be When a prepared for the designed and young person implemented world we all live lives a “life and there of crime”, in now, much less can be monithey are the the one that is toring and shame of a evaluation being created with family when during a fivethere are each passing day.’ year period, multiple sysbut it would tems that failed them. take consistent investment, Children spend most of far beyond a political term. their days, during the aca- This means the solution demic year, at school. They must be non-partisan. Politare expected to memorise ical parties must agree to and regurgitate informa- the measures, and to maintion, over and over again, tain them no matter which day after day. Their learn- one wins the next election. ing styles and interests do It requires them to put the not matter. They must all country and its people first, sit, listen and follow instruc- ahead of their own greedy tions. While we know this is ambition. where they learn social skills, Families — which almost there is no formal emphasis never have an adult who is on it. They learn to play, but not working or looking for they also learn to fight. They work — need support if learn to argue, to hurt peo- they are to function in the ple’s feelings and bully. They capacity of raising good, learn to leverage relation- involved citizens. They ships to get what they want must have time, in their and to build their own sup- waking hours, to spend port systems when they are together. They need to have outside of their homes. enough to eat. The utilities They may get caught have to stay on. They need and face punishment for toilets that flush, safe transphysical fights and par- portation to and from work ticularly troubling verbal and school, the ability to go altercations, but they are to the doctor and receive not taught to resolve con- medication, and protection flict in respectful, effective, from the elements. They non-violent ways. When need to work, to receive fair they resort to physical vio- wages, and to access assislence, as is modeled to them tance when there are gaps. through corporal punish- For families to function the ment, they are treated as way we demand, they need though they chose it from time and their households an array of options, and are

need to be safe and have all of the necessary resources to sustain healthy lives.

The health and wellbeing of people and the conditions of households are factors that must be considered if we are to truly address the issue of crime.

Food. Shelter. Water.

Human connection. Support systems. Emotional intelligence. Conflict resolution skills. These are at the foundation of safe, functioning communities.

When people’s basics needs are met, they are happier, healthier, and better able to perform necessary functions, including school and work. When people are taught to manage their emotions and deal with conflict in non-violent ways, they do not resort to violence.

When families function properly, providing the necessary support to young people, those young people are not as easily swayed to barter loyalty, committing themselves to “lives of crime.” People have to meet their needs somehow.

Make it possible for them to access what they need in their homes and at their schools, through government resources and services which must include financial assistance for people experiencing poverty and regular curriculum redesign to reflect our changing reality and community needs.

Police killing suspects is not a solution. Time in prison is not a solution.

In many cases, they spur even more acts of violence.

To solve the problem of crime, and murder more specifically, we have to understand the conditions that push people to “lives of crime” and address those conditions.

Yes, we need better law enforcement. Yes, we need a much better justice system, including faster trials, protection of witnesses and monitoring of people on bail. These, however, cannot be the only changes we make.

We have to start where the disconnect does. We have to strengthen families, improve home life and design schools to meet the needs of the children who depend on and are mandated to attend them. Properly resource the people and systems that produce members of society.

s n o i t a d n e m m o Re c 1. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin.

As the title suggests, this novel follows the lives of the four wives of Baba Segi who is not likable beyond his ability to financially take care of his household. Each of the wives have different reasons for marrying Baba Segi, and their relationships with each other are all unique.

It is the entrance of Bolanle, the fourth wife, that threatens to shift the dynamics. She is not welcomed by the other wives, and she is under tremendous pressure to have children. She has never fully recovered from an experience of sexual trauma and fears that this is the reason for her difficulty in conceiving. When she is taken to a hospital to have the medical issue assessed, things unravel quickly, and she questions her belonging in this kind of household.

2. Design Matters with Debbie Millman, episode: Ashley C Ford.

This podcast is about “how incredibly creative people design the arc of their lives” and has been running for over 15 years. Ashley C Ford is the author of Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir which is about Ford’s life as the daughter of a man who went to prison when she was a baby. She clung to him, and his absence, believing that he is the one person in the world who understands her.

In her memoir, Ford tells of her upbringing, the fraught relationship with her mother, going to live with her grandmother, experiencing poverty, struggling with her body and the aftermath of rape, and figuring out who she is, beyond what has happened to and around her. In the podcast, Millman asks questions that bring up the stories connected to these themes, and Ford answers with forthrightness and, at times, difficulty.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 9

FIFA TO USE NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR OFFSIDE CALLS AT WORLD CUP

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA will introduce new technology to improve offside calls at the World Cup in Qatar this year, using a limb-tracking camera system.

FIFA said Friday it is ready to launch semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) that uses multiple cameras to track player movements plus a sensor in the ball — and will quickly show 3D images on stadium screens at the tournament to help fans understand the referee’s call.

It’s the third World Cup in a row that sees FIFA introduce new technology to help referees.

Goal-line technology was ready for the 2014 tournament in Brazil after a notorious refereeing error in 2010. In 2018, video review to help referees judge gamechanging incidents was rolled out in Russia.

The new offside system promises faster and more accurate decisions than are currently made with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, even though the 2018 World Cup avoided major mistakes on offside calls.

Controversy has since flared in European leagues, especially where VAR officials draw on-screen lines over players for marginal calls. They have been

PLAYERS of Brazil’s Palmeiras complain to referee Wilmar Roldan, of Colombia, during a Copa Libertadores round of sixteen first leg soccer match against Paraguay’s Cerro Porteno in Asuncion, Paraguay, Wednesday, June 29. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz) mocked as “armpit offsides” because of the tiny margins.

“Although these tools are quite accurate, this accuracy may be improved,” said Pierluigi Collina, who leads FIFA’s refereeing programme and worked the 2002 World Cup final in the pre-technology era.

Each stadium in Qatar will have 12 cameras beneath the roof synchronised to track 29 data points on each player’s body 50 times per second.

Data is processed with artificial intelligence to create a 3D offside line that is alerted to the team of VAR officials.

A sensor in the match ball tracks its acceleration and gives a more precise “kick point” -- when the

decisive pass is played – to align with the offside line data, FIFA innovation director Johannes Holzmüller said in an online briefing.

Ensuring soccer’s biggest event is a showcase for technological progress — and avoids obvious errors that live on in World Cup lore — has been a long-time FIFA goal.

The shot by England’s Frank Lampard that crossed the Germany goal-line in 2010 but was not given as a goal almost immediately ended then-president Sepp Blatter’s opposition to giving referees technological aids.

Later that same day in South Africa, a clearly incorrect offside call let Carlos

Tevez score Argentina’s first goal in a 3-1 win over Mexico in the round of 16.

In 2014, Bosnia-Herzegovina failed to advance from the group in its first World Cup after Edin Dzeko’s early goal against Nigeria was wrongly judged offside.

Nigeria went on to win 1-0.

FIFA’s push to get the new offside technology ready for the World Cup was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live in-game trials were run at the Arab Cup in Qatar last December and FIFA’s Club World Cup played in February in the United Arab Emirates.

Within seconds of a possible offside, a specialist member of the VAR team

can manually check the datacreated line for attackers and defenders and the kick point of the pass, Holzmüller said.

It falls to the senior VAR official to alert the match referee of the right decision by their audio link. That should take from 20 to 25 seconds compared to an average of 70 seconds currently for a complex offside call.

“Sometimes the length of checks of reviews is definitely too long,” Collina said, acknowledging delays disrupt the flow of games.

“For (VAR officials) time flies, but for the rest — for coaches, for players, for spectators — it’s completely different.”

The same 3D animations of offside calls that VARs will use should then be available to broadcasters and shown on stadium screens, likely during the next stop in play.

Collina is enthusiastic about the technology, less so about the often-used description of “robot referees.”

“I understand that sometimes this is very good for headlines but this is not the case,” said the Italian official, defending the key human element of decisionmaking in soccer.

Collina also agreed that improved technology will not end soccer’s love of controversy and debating key incidents.

“There will be still room for discussion,” he said.

NASA SATELLITE BREAKS FROM ORBIT AROUND EARTH, HEADS TO MOON

By NICK PERRY Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A satellite the size of a microwave oven successfully broke free from its orbit around Earth on Monday and is headed toward the moon, the latest step in NASA’s plan to land astronauts on the lunar surface again.

It’s been an unusual journey already for the Capstone satellite. It was launched six days ago from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula by the company Rocket Lab in one of their small Electron rockets. It will take another four months for the satellite to reach the moon, as it cruises along using minimal energy.

Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck told The Associated Press it was hard to put his excitement into words.

“It’s probably going to take a while to sink in. It’s been a project that has taken us two, two-and-ahalf years and is just incredibly, incredibly difficult to execute,” he said. “So to see it all come together tonight and see that spacecraft on its way to the moon, it’s just absolutely epic.”

Beck said the relatively low cost of the mission — NASA put it at $32.7 million — marked the beginning of a new era for space exploration.

“For some tens of millions of dollars, there is now a rocket and a spacecraft that can take you to the moon, to asteroids, to Venus, to Mars,” Beck said. “It’s an insane capability that’s never existed before.”

ROCKET Lab’s Electron rocket is successfully launched on the Mahia peninsula in New Zealand, Tuesday, June 28. (Rocket Lab via AP)

If the rest of the mission is successful, the Capstone satellite will send back vital information for months as the first to take a new orbit around the moon called

a near-rectilinear halo orbit: a stretched-out egg shape with one end of the orbit passing close to the moon and the other far from it.

Eventually, NASA plans to put a space station called Gateway into the orbital path, from which astronauts can descend to the moon’s surface as part of its Artemis programme.

Beck said the advantage of the new orbit is that it minimises fuel use and allows the satellite — or a space station — to stay in constant contact with Earth.

The Electron rocket that launched June 28 from New Zealand was carrying a second spacecraft called Photon, which separated after nine minutes. The satellite was carried for six days in Photon, with the spacecraft’s engines firing periodically to raise its orbit farther and farther from Earth.

A final engine burst Monday allowed Photon to break from Earth’s gravitational pull and send the satellite on its way. The plan now is for the 25-kilogramme (55pound) satellite to far overshoot the moon before falling back into the new lunar orbit Nov. 13. The satellite will use tiny amounts of fuel to make a few planned trajectory course corrections along the way. Beck said they would decide over the coming days what to do with Photon, which had completed its tasks and still had a bit of fuel left in the tank.

“There’s a number of really cool missions that we can actually do with it,” Beck said.

For the mission, NASA teamed up with two commercial companies: California-based Rocket Lab and Colorado-based Advanced Space, which owns and operates the Capstone satellite.

TECHTALK

VOLVO TO BUILD $1.25 BILLION ELECTRIC CAR PLANT IN SLOVAKIA BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Swedish luxury vehicle maker Volvo Cars plans to build a new European plant in eastern Slovakia, the country’s economy minister said Friday.

Volvo’s third European plant will be located in Kosice, Slovakia’s secondlargest city, Economy Minister Richard Sulik said. Volvo will receive about 20% of the 1.2 billion euros ($1.25 billion) needed for the project as support from the Slovak government.

The plant is expected to produce some 250,000 electric cars a year and to create some 3.300 jobs.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year and production to start in 2026. Volvo has set a goal of only making electric cars by 2030.

Germany’s Volkswagen, France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen, South Korea’s Kia Motors Corp. and U.K.-based Jaguar Land Rover already have major plants in Slovakia, a Central European country of 5.5 million people.

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PAGE 10, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Mangrove Mania seeks to replenish forests

By RASHEMA INGRAHAM Executive director of Waterkeepers Bahamas THE organisers of ‘Mangrove Mania’ are extremely thankful to Ann Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, and Minister of Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey for participating in the official kick-off of the country’s first-ever competition aimed at restoring and replenishing the Bahamas’ vitally important, critically threatened mangrove forests.

Both distinguished ladies, along with Minister of the Environment Vaughn Miller, have voiced support for this crucial effort.

“We commend them for their environmental awareness and applaud the Davis administration as a whole for its focus on protecting Bahamians from the devastating effects of climate change, said a spokesman for the organisation.

As Mrs Davis noted in her remarks at the kickoff, our mangrove forests act as a crucial filter to maintain seawater purity, protect against storm surge and flooding, and prevent coastal erosion.

As such, they are key to safeguarding human populations from the ravishes of ever-stronger, climate change-fueled hurricanes.

Mrs Davis acknowledged that mangroves across the country have suffered serious damage in recent times, with those in Grand Bahama and Abaco having been absolutely devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

These unique and abundant coastal forests, which act as protective nurseries for a wide variety of juvenile fish and other important marine resources, have also come under increasing threat from development, especially unregulated development.

In calling for the community to unite behind Mangrove Mania, Ms Moxey pointed to the “looming existential threat” of climate change. Her appeal could not have been more timely. The evidence is now incontrovertible: the

ANN MARIE DAVIS, of the Office of the Spouse, and Minister of Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey with young mangrove restoration volunteers. consequences of humanity’s activities for the planet’s climate will hit hardest in low-lying, small island states. The Bahamas is literally first in the line of fire. Those in Grand Bahama and Abaco who survived Hurricane Dorian know what this means better than most.

Mangrove Mania was designed as a fun and engaging competition to get the community involved and working together to source a substantial number of mangrove propagules (cuttings) for planting in areas where new mangrove growth is needed most.

Some of the objectives are to: source at least 30,000 propagules from Grand Bahama; educate students, teachers, and the community about the importance of mangrove forests on infrastructure and ecosystem preservation and the wider economy; promote local stewardship of natural resources; ignite a conservation ethic among Bahamians; and increase awareness of the current dire state of mangroves

forests and the looming existential threats posed if mangroves restoration efforts fail.

Nearly 100 Bahamians have enthusiastically signed up to take part. Most of them are intimately aware of the impact that storm surge has on our coastal communities – having lost homes, property, livelihoods and loved ones in Hurricane Dorian. These Bahamians know the crucial role mangroves play for our fisheries, tourism and protection from storms. Together, they have sourced thousands of propagules and the participants are now eager to begin planting them and restoring mangrove forests.

Sadly, and despite the support of many in the community, policymakers and senior figures in the Davis Administration, the project has hit a serious stumbling block: the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) has refused our application for a permit to, among other things, complete a vital stage of this effort: sharing

the results of our mangrove health monitoring with the local public and the wider scientific community.

This stage is crucial. Bahamian scientists and conservationists absolutely must be part of the larger conversation around Climate Change if we are going to effectively communicate to the world that we are under severe and growing threat from catastrophic storm surges.

On the face of it, the decision seems baffling. We submitted extensive information about our support partners and paid the fee for the permit in full. Yet the refusal letter claimed that our proposal was “unclear or deficient”, “unacceptable to the Government”, that our application was “incomplete” and that we had “not paid the required permit fees”. No further details or additional information was communicated.

Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB) and our partners, Earthcare, Coral Vita, Save the Bays, and Blue Action Lab, want to work with the DEPP to resolve

this issue as soon as possible. We understand and appreciate their hard work in vetting all proposed initiatives that may impact the environment, and we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to satisfy them that our project is well researched, totally safe and critically important to the future of The Bahamas.

However, time is very much of the essence. Our participants rely on international grant money to continue their research and this will disappear if we are unable to be transparent and share our findings with the scientific community. And, of course, we are already in the midst of yet another hurricane season, when a devastating storm could develop at any time.

There is no time to lose in restoring the mangrove forests – our first and best line of defense. Even a temporary permit to allow us to fulfill the terms of our project while any outstanding issues are resolved would be welcome.

Hurricane Dorian was the single most devastating

event to happen to the modern Bahamas. Dozens or our people died and hundreds remain missing and unaccounted for. While we, a tiny developing nation, cannot mitigate Climate Change alone, we cannot simply stand by knowing that another national tragedy is only a matter of time.

We must defend ourselves and protect our homes and communities from flooding and devastation, our fishing grounds that supply livelihoods for so many families, as best we can. We must avoid as much loss of life as possible during the next catastrophic storm.

Luckily, nature and Providence have provided us with the tools to do so.

Mangrove forests are key to defending our coastlines and the cornerstone of any strategy to protect our communities, economies and lives from ruin. We do not need to reinvent the wheel, only give nature a helping hand to recover, after she has been injured in the process of defending our islands. That is what our project is about.

BLOW FOR BRITISH PM AS TWO MINISTERS QUIT GOVT LONDON Associated Press

BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson was clinging to power yesterday after two of his most senior Cabinet ministers quit, saying they had lost confidence in Johnson’s leadership amid shifting explanations about his handling of a sexual misconduct scandal.

Treasury chief Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned within minutes of each other, costing Johnson the support of the men responsible for tackling two of the biggest issues facing Britain — the cost-of-living crisis and surging COVID-19 infections.

Both cited Johnson’s credibility after a day in which the prime minister was forced to backtrack on

earlier statements about the scandal that has rattled his government for the past six days.

The debacle is only the latest to hit Johnson, who last month narrowly survived a vote of no confidence triggered by similarly shifting stories about lockdown-breaking parties in government offices.

In his letter of resignation, Javid said the confidence vote showed a large number of Conservative Party lawmakers had lost trust in Johnson.

“It was a moment for humility, grip and a new direction,” Javid said. “I regret to say, however, that it is clear this situation will not change under your leadership — and you have therefore lost my confidence too.”

A few minutes later,

Sunak echoed those sentiments.

“The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously,” Sunak said. “I realise that this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.”

Both Sunak and Javid are seen as possible contenders to replace Johnson if he is forced out.

While the resignations heaped pressure on the prime minister, Johnson has in the past proven to be an adept politician, fighting off criticism to prolong his career.

Johnson quickly named two loyalists to the positions: Steve Barclay got Javid’s old job, while Education Secretary Nadhim

Zahawi replaces Sunak as Treasury chief, Downing Street said.

At the same time, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss swiftly threw her support behind Johnson. Other Cabinet members, including Culture Secretary Nadine Dories, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel, were also in his corner.

The latest scandal began on Thursday, when Chris Pincher resigned as deputy chief whip amid complaints that he groped two men at a private club. That triggered a series of reports about past allegations leveled against Pincher and questions about why Johnson promoted him to a senior job enforcing party discipline.

Pincher denies the allegations.

Johnson’s office initially said he wasn’t aware of the previous accusations when he promoted Pincher in February. By Monday, a spokesman said Johnson knew of allegations that were “either resolved or did not progress to a formal complaint”.

That account didn’t sit well with Simon McDonald, the most senior civil servant at the UK Foreign Office from 2015 to 2020.

In a highly unusual move, McDonald went public with claims that the prime minister’s office wasn’t telling the truth.

McDonald said in a letter to the parliamentary commissioner for standards that he received complaints about Pincher’s behavior in the summer of 2019, shortly after Pincher became a Foreign Office minister.

An investigation upheld the complaint, and Pincher apologised for his actions, McDonald said.

“Mr Johnson was briefed in person about the initiation and outcome of the investigation,” McDonald wrote.

Hours after McDonald’s comments were published, Johnson’s office changed its story again, saying the prime minister had forgotten that Pincher was the subject of an official complaint.

Then minutes before Javid and Sunak announced their resignations, Johnson told reporters that Pincher should have been fired from the government after a previous 2019 incident.

Asked if it was an error to appoint Pincher to the government, Johnson said, “I think it was a mistake, and I apologise for it.”

PARADE SHOOTING SUSPECT BOUGHT FIVE WEAPONS HIGHLAND PARK, Illinois Associated Press

A MAN charged yesterday with seven counts of murder after firing off more than 70 rounds at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago legally bought five weapons, including the high-powered rifle used in the shooting, despite authorities being called to his home twice in 2019 for threats of violence and suicide, police said.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said

the suspect, if convicted of the first-degree murder charges, would receive a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. He promised that dozens more charges would be sought.

A spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force said the suspected shooter, who was arrested late Monday, used a rifle “similar to an AR-15” to spray more than 70 rounds from atop a commercial building into a crowd that had gathered for the parade in Highland

Park, an affluent community of about 30,000 on the Lake Michigan shore.

A seventh victim died of their injuries yesterday.

More than three dozen other people were wounded in the attack, which Task force spokesman Christopher Covelli said the suspect had planned for several weeks.

The assault happened less than three years after police went to the suspect’s home following a call from a family member who said he was threatening “to kill everyone” there. Covelli

said police confiscated 16 knives, a dagger and a sword, but said there was no sign he had any guns at the time, in September 2019.

Police in April 2019 also responded to a reported suicide attempt by the suspect, Covelli said.

The suspect legally purchased the rifle used in the attack in Illinois within the past year, Covelli said.

In all, police said, he purchased five firearms, which were recovered by officers at his father’s home.

The revelation about his

gun purchases is just the latest example of young men who were able to obtain guns and carry out massacres in recent months despite glaring warning signs about their mental health and inclination to violence.

Illinois state police, who issue gun owners’ licenses, said the gunman applied for a license in December 2019, when he was 19. His father sponsored his application.

At the time “there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger” and deny the application, state police said in a

statement.

Investigators who have interrogated the suspect and reviewed his social media posts have not determined a motive or found any indication that he targeted victims by race, religion or other protected status, Covelli said.

Earlier in the day, FBI agents peeked into trash cans and under picnic blankets as they searched for more evidence at the scene.

The shots were initially mistaken for fireworks before hundreds of revelers fled in terror.

SPORTS PAGE 11

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

Teams arriving for Babe Ruth Caribbean Championships

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

W

hile workmen are busy completing the final cosmetic work to the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, teams are starting to arrive for the Babe Ruth 12-and-under Caribbean Championships and the 16-and-under Invitational.

Scheduled for Thursday to Monday, the 12U will feature a tournament and a host team from the Bahamas in addition to teams representing Aruba, Cuba, the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico.

Aruba, the Netherlands, Saint Maarten, Puerto Rico, the United States and the Bahamas will make up the teams participating in the 16U Invitational.

On Monday night, the Cayman Islands arrived in town and Greg Burrows Sr, the commissioner of the Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Region, said everything is coming into place for the start of the tournament.

“We had a couple of hiccups, but we are getting things sorted out and we will be ready to go,” Burrows Sr said.

Although there are some concerns about the weather, Burrows Sr said that’s one thing they can’t control, but they have some contingency plans in place if it rains. “We will make adjustments to the tournament based on the weather,” he said. “That’s just the way it is. Every tournament, you have to adjust to the weather.”

The Cayman Islands, according to one of their

ENTRANCE to the refurbished Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. coaches, is eager to play in the tournament.

“This is the first time in a long time that we had a team that has left the Cayman Islands to compete in a tournament, so we really want to see how they will perform,” he said.

“Despite not being able to travel, we are here with high expectations. We feel that this team will perform very well. The players are all eager to perform and so we are looking forward to making our presence felt here.”

In addition to the players and coaching staff, there are at least nine parents who are travelling from the Cayman Islands.

With the Cayman Islands in town, Burrows Sr said they are just waiting on the other teams to come in today. He noted that Cuba was scheduled to arrive last night and the others will be in town just in time for the start of the tournament today.

The Bahamas 12U host team, coached by Javier Bowe, will comprise of the following: Nathan Fernander (JBLN), Antwon Bain (JBLN), Sean Forbes (JBLN), Nicholas Cox (JBLN), Alijah Butler (Freedom Farm), Crispin Rodgers (JBLN), Sherman Ferguson (Freedom Farm), Crishard Thompson

SEE PAGE 13

Buddy: ‘We didn’t match their physicality’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Basketball Association player Chavano “Buddy” Hield said he couldn’t ask for more support than they got from the Bahamian public for the men’s national team matchup against the Dominican Republic.

Although the Bahamas lost 88-80 to the Dominican Republic in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifier on Monday night, there was standing room only in the makeshift basketball arena in the ballroom of the Baha Mar resort.

Hield, now with the Indiana Pacers, led the Bahamas with a game high 29 points, including six three-pointers, with eight assists, five rebounds and three steals.

“Just seeing the crowd there and all of the buildup and the hype around the game, it was just beautiful,” Hield said. “When you scored a three point, it was like a dunk effect.

“We got off to a slow start, but we kind of weathered the storm. Some of the guys are not used to playing in this atmosphere and we didn’t match

their physicality, but this is a building process for us. From where we came from to now, hats off to coach Chris DeMarco and his staff for where we are today.”

DeMarco, an assistant of the Golden State Warriors, serves as the head coach of the Bahamas team. He said once the Bahamas team got into their groove, it was a little too late.

“I’m really proud of our group and the way we fought,” he said. “I think we came a long way as a national team and the progress we made.

“Overall, we would have liked to have won, but we can take some positive things from this game as we look ahead to the next game when we play again in August in the next window.”

With the support from Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Deputy Prime Minister I Chester Cooper and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, to Bahamian celebrities, including former NBA player turned actor Rick Fox, the team couldn’t ask for a better crowd of spectators.

“It was exciting to me.

I’m so glad to have been able to get this opportunity

Carter, Page 15

COACH MCPHEEMCCUIN MAKES HER PRESENCE FELT

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net SHE made history as the first Bahamian female to serve as a coach on the men’s national basketball team. But Grand Bahamian Yolett McPhee-McCuin has assured the females that she won’t abandon them as the team’s head coach.

McPhee-McCuin, the head coach of the Ole Miss women’s basketball team, was added to the men’s coaching staff headed

by Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach Chris DeMarco as an assistant for the past two windows of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers.

YOLETT McPhee-McCuin and Mikhael McLean, left.

of reasons, but I follow Buddy and Klay and Deandre, even though I am upset with what he’s going through with his contract,” Fox said. “So I was pleased to be home to watch these players who came out and represented the country.”

Now retired from basketball, but doing some filming gigs as an actor/

She was on the team on Friday, July 1 when the Bahamas defeated the US Virgin Islands 97-80 in the Virgin Islands to qualify for the next round of the World Cup, even though the team came home on Monday night and lost 88-80 to the Dominican Republic.

“It’s incredible, I hate that we didn’t make our shots in the beginning, but I was really proud of how I was able to sit down and take it all in, just taking it all in as this team fought back and the crowd really got behind us,” said McPhee-McCuin, who joined University of Houston men’s assistant director of player development Mikhael McLean as an assistant on the team.

Compared to the women’s programme, McPhee-McCuin said it is totally different and she’s just glad that she got the opportunity to gain the experience under coach DeMarco.

“I just wanted to embrace the guys and to just be a

SEE PAGE 14

SEE PAGE 16

CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield is flanked by Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

Photo by Patrick Hanna/BIS to see the next generation of basketball players do their thing,” Fox said.

“When it was my turn, it was passed on to me from Mychal Thompson and now I get to watch the future from guys like Buddy Hield.

“Buddy is now playing the frame work for so many young players who feel like they have the opportunity to be the next. So to watch

guys like Buddy and the rest of the team come and represent their country the way they did, I love it.”

Fox, who won three championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA after he spent some time with the Boston Celtics, said the fans really threw their support behind the team.

“I don’t watch a lot of basketball for a lot

Column: Biggest Griner sends letter disruption of Saudi to President Biden tour is words, not golf pleading for his help

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

THE theme of the Saudifunded LIV Golf series is, “Golf, But Louder.”

Money talks, loud enough for Dustin Johnson to get an offer he couldn’t ignore, for Brooks Koepka to do an about-face within a week, for Pat Perez to be smiling after shooting 80.

Inflated signing fees from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund were always going to attract criticism.

Now an additional layer of noise is starting to surface, mainly because some of these players decided to take the money and run their mouths.

Talor Gooch got more attention for his words than anything he ever did on the golf course. For those unfamiliar with Gooch, he won his first PGA Tour title

PHIL Mickelson. (AP) in the final tournament of 2021 against a field that had no one from the top 10 in the world on the weekend.

He has played seven majors in his eight years as a pro.

When asked during the inaugural LIV event outside London whether it was fair to be criticised for contributing to “sportswashing,” Gooch replied:

“I’m a golfer. I’m not that smart.”

And then he proved it last week at Pumpkin Ridge when his team (4 Aces) won by seven shots, each member paid $750,000.

Gooch was asked if he could feel the energy from the crowd.

“I haven’t played a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, but I can’t imagine there’s a whole hell of a lot of difference,” Gooch said. “This was as cool as it gets.”

As cool as it will ever get for him, no doubt.

The comment was absurd, even by Gooch’s standards. This was the player who posted a “You’re Welcome” gif when the PGA Tour reacted to LIV by announcing changes to its schedule geared around bigger purses for

SEE PAGE 15

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer BRITTNEY Griner has made an appeal to President Joe Biden in a letter passed to the White House through her representatives saying she feared she might never return home and asking that he not “ forget about me and the other American Detainees.”

Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas said the letter was delivered on Monday. Most of the letter’s contents to President Biden remain private, though Griner’s representatives shared a few lines from the hand-written note. “…As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medallist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, on July 1.

(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote.

“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom,

SEE PAGE 12

PAGE 12, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Hardy ready to rebuild Jazz as NBA’s youngest head coach

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Will Hardy knew some of the inner workings of the Utah Jazz before being named the league’s youngest current head coach.

Sure, it was in 2009, and he was just an intern.

Ahead of his final year at Williams College, he put in eight weeks in the business operations department, spending his mornings with the Jazz, afternoons helping the Salt Lake Bees — a Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels — and evenings at the gym rehabbing from hip surgery.

One of Hardy’s initial assignments was to give tours of Vivint Arena, a building he had never entered before his internship. That didn’t hold him back — and his ability to adapt on the fly could now

serve the Jazz well. “Those (tours) were adventurous for sure,” Hardy said. “I was kind of learning the building as I went.”

Utah introduced Hardy as its coach yesterday. The 34-year-old, who was an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, will steer the ship as the team sails into a rebuilding process with All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell as the cornerstone.

The change began when Quin Snyder stepped down in June after eight seasons, followed by trades that sent away three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Royce O’Neale and brought in Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Patrick Beverly.

The team also collected an assortment of first-round NBA draft picks to use as building blocks.

Hardy is ready to embrace whatever direction Jazz CEO Danny Ainge and GM Justin Zanik decide to take.

“I trust Danny and Justin,” Hardy said. “Their track record and their history speaks for itself. But they’ve been really open and communicative with me and collaborative throughout the process.”

Hardy’s coaching philosophy won Ainge and Zanik over during the interview process. Ainge said they put him through exercises to learn his approach to everything from scouting reports to player development plans.

“Yeah, he’s 34 years old, but he didn’t feel 34 to us and we didn’t really pay much attention to that,” said Ainge, whom Hardy impressed with his basketball acumen. “He just seemed very mature, very

FORMER San Antonio Spurs summer league head coach Will Hardy looks on during the second half of an NBA summer league basketball game against the Utah Jazz on July 7, 2015, in Salt Lake City.

Boston Celtics assistant Will Hardy has accepted an offer to become the new coach of the Utah Jazz, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said yesterday.

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) prepared … many times in his answers, he spoke my language.”

Hardy beat out veteran NBA coaches Frank Vogel and Terry Stotts for the job during an extensive process that included final interviews with team owner Ryan Smith and minority owner Dwyane Wade.

“It seemed like after the few stages we went through that Will was our guy and we couldn’t be more excited,” Ainge said.

Another thing that caught Ainge’s eye: Hardy’s commitment to frequent practices, because, to him, repetition is a core element.

But it doesn’t have to be the traditional 90 minutes, Hardy said. “We need to reframe that a little bit.

Practice can be 30 minutes.

The middle of the season can be hard. The schedule is gruelling. ... But I think in order to build habits and to know what doing it right feels like, you need to do it full speed,” Hardy said.

Hardy has some, if limited, coaching experience with a few players currently on the Jazz roster. He was an assistant on Gregg Popovich’s staff when Rudy Gay played with the Spurs from 2017 to 2021 and helped with Team USA — for

which Mitchell played — during the 2019 Basketball World Cup. Hardy knows he needs to get the team back on track after chemistry issues caused Utah to unravel late last season.

“Toughness, sacrifice, and passion are the three things that are most important to me,” Hardy said. “I want our group to be deeply competitive and able to deal with adversity. I would like everybody to recognize that this is bigger than them individually. Everybody is going to have to get out of their comfort zone a little bit as we move forward.”

SURGING SPARKS ON ROLL BEHIND PLAY OF OGWUMIKE, CAMBAGE

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer THE Los Angeles Sparks have been on roll lately, battling their way to just below .500 after a slow start to the season.

Los Angeles (10-11) has won four of its past five games and a big reason why is the play of All-Star Nneka Ogwumike and free agent signee Liz Cambage.

“I’m happy we’re on a little streak and hope to keep it rolling in July,” Cambage said.

The 6-foot-8 Australian struggled for most of June but is playing much better during the Sparks’ recent run. She has scored in double figures the past four games — something she hadn’t done once since May 31.

During their current winning stretch, the Sparks earned the 500th win in franchise history.

The most by any WNBA organisation.

The Sparks have also had time over the last few weeks to adjust to interim coach Fred Williams, who took over for Derek Fisher when he was let go on June 7.

“Each game is a step in the right direction,” Ogwumike said, adding that the coaching changes have helped the team and players find their identity individually and collectively. “The coaching staff lets us understand what we’re great at.”

It also has helped that the Sparks have been able to

play many of their games at home lately after starting the season with nine of 12 on the road.

“Looking at May, you just got to get to July,” Cambage said.

“I was like if we could survive May it would be cool. ...I’m proud for us staying together. That first month could have seen teams go the other way.”

Cambage is proving to be a solid complement to Ogwumike, who is having another stellar season. She’s averaging 18.8 points — tied for second most in her career.

The Sparks moved up three spots to No. 6 in the AP WNBA power poll this week.

POWER POLL This week’s WNBA poll: 1. Chicago (15-5): The Sky have won five straight and eight of nine and are the top team in the league right now with so many offensive options.

2. Las Vegas (15-6): The Aces have dropped four of six after starting the season 13-2. They need to get more consistent play off the bench to help give their starters some rest. Las Vegas’ reserves are averaging about 11 points a game.

3. Connecticut (14-7): The Sun are looking to get off to better starts after being outscored 58-35 in the first quarter in their last two games. .

4. Seattle (13-8): Newly signed post Tina Charles got off to a slow start averaging 5 points and 5

GRINER

FROM PAGE 11 including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” the Phoenix Mercury centre added.

“It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”

The two-time Olympic gold medallist is in the midst of a trial in Russia that began last week after she was arrested February 17 on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for her Russian team. The trial will resume Thursday.

Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.

Griner’s wife, Cherelle, said yesterday morning she has not had any direct communication with President Biden since the letter was delivered to the White House.

“I still have not heard from him and honestly, it’s very disheartening,” Cherelle Griner said on CBS Mornings.

The White House National Security Council confirmed the White House has received Griner’s letter.

rebounds in her first three games with the Storm.

5. Washington (13-10): The Mystics have gone 3-4 in their past seven games and are winless in the three games that Elena Delle Donne sat out to rest her back during that stretch.

6. Los Angeles (10-11): Lexie Brown has provided stability in the backcourt for the Sparks this season and is averaging a careerbest 7.6 points a game.

7. Atlanta (10-11): The Dream are getting healthy and had wins over New York and Seattle last week.

Tiffany Hayes played for the first time this season after recovering from a knee injury for the first two months of the season.

8. Minnesota (7-15): The Lynx have been playing better lately and their depth has been a reason why.

Five different players have led Minnesota in scoring in the Lynx’s past six games. The Lynx are 4-2 in that stretch.

9. Phoenix (9-14): Skylar Diggins-Smith has had an All-Star season averaging 19.1 points, but the Mercury have had little consistency on offense besides her.

10. New York (8-12): After a solid June, the Liberty have struggled dropping two in a row. New York has two more road games (at Las Vegas and at Phoenix) before the AllStar break.

11. Dallas (9-12): The Wings have struggled with four losses in their last five games; their lone

“We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner,” NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on Monday.

“President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively – using every available means – to bring her home.”

Cherelle Griner said for Brittney to reach out directly to Biden is an indication of just how afraid her wife is about what’s next.

“BG is probably the strongest person that I know. So she doesn’t say words like that lightly,” Cherelle said. “That means she truly is terrified that she may never see us again. And you know I share those same sentiments. ...

I’m sure she was like, ‘I’m gonna write him now because ... my family has tried and to no avail.

So I’m going do it myself.’”

Griner pleaded with Biden in the letter to use his powers to ensure her return.

“Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I

LOS Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, right, drives to the basket past Dallas Wings forward Kayla Thornton during the second half on July 1 in Arlington, Texas.

(Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News via AP) victory was against last- of Minnesota also received so, but never say never,” place Indiana. votes. she recently told The AP. 12. Indiana (5-17): The GRINER UPDATE “We’ll see. Chicago defiFever are getting valuable Brittney Griner’s trial in nitely makes you think a experience for their rook- Russia began last week and little bit more about it. I ies and Queen Egbo and on Monday she sent a letter haven’t been asked yet.”

NaLyssa Smith have shown to President Joe Biden Quigley said last year flashes of excellence. asking him not to “forget after she won in Las Vegas PLAYER OF about me and the other that she wasn’t going to THE WEEK American Detainees.” The compete in the contest Ogwumike of Los Ange- trial will resume Thursday. anymore. les was voted the AP Player MAKING A GAME OF THE WEEK: of the Week. She averaged COMEBACK Team Stewart vs Team 21.7 points, 6 rebounds Three-time All-Star Wilson, Sunday. It will be and 2.3 assists to help the 3-point champion Allie the last All-Star Game for Sparks go 3-0.

Quigley left the door open Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles Candace Parker of Chi- to potentially returning to when the league plays its cago, Diggins-Smith of defend her title in Chicago midseason showcase in Phoenix and Aerial Powers this weekend. “I don’t think Chicago.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medallist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, on July 1.

(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) believe in you. I still have so much much right now. I am grateful good to do with my freedom that for whatever you can do at this you can help restore,” Griner said moment to get me home.”

“I miss my wife! I miss my family!

Griner has been able to have I miss my teammates! It kills me sporadic communications with to know they are suffering so family, friends and WNBA

players through an email account her agent set up. The emails are printed out and delivered in bunches to Griner by her lawyer after they are vetted by Russian officials.

Once the lawyers get back to their office, they’ll scan any responses from Griner and pass them back to the U.S. to send along.

She was supposed to have a phone call with her wife on their anniversary but it failed because of an “unfortunate mistake,” Biden administration officials.

Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.

The State Department in May designated her as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

Griner isn’t the only American being wrongfully detained in Russia. Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director, is serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 13

WINNERS and finalists in the Four Walls Open Championship.

New squash champions crowned at Four Walls AFTER five days of competition, new champions in five divisions were crowed at the inaugural Four Walls Squash Open Championship tournament last week.

Sunday’s finals attracted old and new players, who were all excited to see the rebirth of the fun and competitive sport.

“The competition was a great success based on the level of participation on and off the court, and how much fun everyone had.

Squash at Four Walls is recreational, but everyone loves a good competition every once in a while,” said Mike Fields, tournament director, who was happy to see participation from members and non-members of Four Walls Squash & Social Club.

Winners in the amateur competition received over $2,000 in prizes.

They included Ryan Reid (Division A), Andrew Hanna (Division B), Shawn Knowles (Division C), Bianca Lee (Women’s Novice) and Lavelle Symonette (Men’s Novice).

Justin Knowles won the Sportsmanship Award.

He joined the club just one month prior to the tournament and had only participated in a few

OPEN TOURNAMENT EXPOSES NEWCOMERS TO COMPETITIVE PLAY lessons. “Just to get a feel for how other players play squash I said I might as well enter it and have a bit of fun. It was a very welcoming and enjoyable experience. At no point did I feel pressure to perform beyond my abilities. Everyone was very welcoming and understanding of my skill level and willing to give me tips and pointers while not taking it easy on me so I could get better.

I really fell in love with squash during the tournament,” said Knowles.

Looking ahead, Four Walls is hosting a kids summer camp in July, and plans to launch a Fall League and annual beginner’s tournament in October.

Fields said he looks forward to the continued growth of the club’s popular group coaching programme.

This affordable learn to play programme for adults is introducing many new players to the sport. Interested players can learn more and sign up for all of our sessions online at: www. fourwallsbahamas.com

CALVIN Lockhart and Andrew Hanna, winner, Division B

BABE RUTH FROM PAGE 11

(Grand Bahama Little League), Ralph Burrows (Freedom Farm), Leslie Sands (JBLN), Joel Pratt (Freedom Farm), Khayle Watkins (Freedom Farm) and Caleb Knowles (Freedom Farm).

The Bahamas 12U tournament team, coached by Lionel Ferguson Jr, Kristian Thompson and Marlon Bostwick, will comprise of Kaizen Dorsette, Jensen Albury, Javez Coleby, Ajay Knowles, Trae Neymour, Mario Dean, Marlon Bostwick, Jordan Archer, Javan Smith, Jordan Miller, Carlton Storr, Caivan Roberts, Merko Gervansini and Doyle Sears.

Named to the Bahamas’ under-16 team, coached by Gregory Burrows Jr and Albert Cartwright, are the following: Andru Arthur, Breyias Dean, Chad Delancy, Daniel Gaitor, Edwin Darville, Tavano Baker, Rashawn Pinder, Raivon Pinder, Brian Johnson, Jahni McPhee, Philando Williams, Dave Neely, Javardo Bain, Lamar Sealy, Tejahri Wilson and Jason Cooper.

ADRIAN BURROWS, tournament committee, runner-up David VanOnselen, Mike Fields and Ryan Reid, Division A winner.

LAVERNE Sturrup and Bianca Lee, winner, Women’s Novice

THE SCHEDULES

• Here’s a look at the schedule for the 12U division: Thursday 9am - Puerto Rico vs Cuba

11am - Cayman Islands vs Bahamas (Tournament) 1pm - Bahamas (Host) vs Cuba 3pm - Puerto Rico vs Bahamas (Tournament) 5pm - Bahamas (Host) vs Aruba

SHAWN KNOWLES, Division C winner and Luke Podlewski.

7pm - Opening Ceremony • Here’s a look at the schedule for the 16U division: Thursday 9am - Aruba vs Saint Maarten

ARUBA’s Under-16 team on their way to the Babe Ruth Tournament today.

11am - Netherlands vs USA 1pm - Aruba vs Puerto Rico 3pm - Netherlands vs Bahamas 5pm - USA vs Saint Maarten 7pm - Opening Ceremony

CAYMAN Islands Under-12 baseball team arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

PAGE 14, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Root and Bairstow rocket England to record test win BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow shredded India with unbeaten centuries as England rewrote history by winning their series-deciding test by seven wickets on the last day of the fifth test at Edgbaston yesterday.

Needing 119 more runs to register its highest successful run chase of 378 in test cricket, England cruised to 378-3 half an hour before lunch with yet another blockbuster chase of the summer.

“We are trying to rewrite how test cricket is being played, in England in particular,” captain Ben Stokes said of their new aggressive approach.

“We know that we want to give new life to test cricket, and the support that we’ve had has been incredible. We are bringing a new set of fans to test cricket. We want to leave a mark.”

Root crafted his fifth test hundred of the year to be 142 not out while Bairstow’s purple patch continued as he reached 114 not out – his second century of the test and fourth in his last five innings.

ENGLAND’S JOE ROOT, centre left, celebrates with batting partner Jonny Bairstow after their win on the fifth day of the fifth cricket test match.

(AP Photos/Rui Vieira)

ENGLAND’s captain Ben Stokes, left, and India’s captain Jasprit Bumrah shake hands after receiving the winners trophy after England won the fifth cricket test match at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, yesterday.

India went into the test rearranged from last year leading 2-1 and on course for its first series win in England in 15 years.

Instead, India conceded its most ever runs in the fourth innings of a loss, and the series was drawn.

England pulled off a fourth straight successful run chase after New Zealand was swept 3-0 last month under the new

management of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

Root and Bairstow came together soon after tea on Monday when England lost three wickets in the space of 16 deliveries. The Yorkshiremen commanded India’s pace threat of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj by combining in a majestic 269-run stand at more than 5 runs per over.

“Just two lads from Yorkshire, grown up playing together from academy to test matches, it’s pretty special,” Bairstow said of his association with Root.

They credited the platform they received from the opening century stand between Alex Lees and Zak Crawley.

Root and Bairstow resumed on Tuesday at 259-3, both of them in the 70s.

They negated the reverse swing of the India pacers with some authoritative drives on both sides of the pitch. Root raised his hundred with a boundary to third man off Siraj and Bairstow followed his 106 in the first innings with

another hundred after he went for a sharp single.

Bairstow then pounded Siraj for three consecutive boundaries as both batters cantered 34 fours and a six each.

Bairstow, dropped twice on Monday, hit 114 from 145 balls. Root was 142 from 173. Both had a staggering strike rate of around 80.

“The feeling in the dressing room is whatever you get, we’re going to take it on,” Root said.

“When you’re (batting) at 4.5 an over, it’s hard to put the pressure back on you.”

Siraj was smacked for 0-98 off his 15 overs while Shardul Thakur went

for 0-65 off his 11 overs.

Bumrah was the sole wicket-taker in the second innings.

India was on top after achieving a 132-run first innings lead. But England stormed back on the fourth morning when it claimed the last seven India wickets for 170 runs to limit the visitors to an overall lead of 377. The target of 378 — the ninth highest in test history if successful — looked unlikely until England started batting.

“England kept on fighting and played better than us in the second innings,” Bumrah said after leading India in the absence of virus-affected Rohit Sharma.

Warren Seymour Classic full of surprises and upsets THE 2022 Warren Seymour Classic was an exciting one full of surprises and upsets.

The annual event is an open tournament at which junior and senior players square off against each other.

The 2022 Warren Seymour Classic took place this past weekend at QCafe, kicking off on Saturday, June 25 and concluded on Sunday, June 26.

The Warren Seymour Classic is a 5-round Swiss format, a game in 60 minutes plus 5 seconds per move. The Warren Seymour Classic is FIDE rated and a qualifier for the prestigious Bahamas National Chess Championship.

This year The Bahamas National Chess Championship is scheduled for November 2022.

In the Open category Noah Albury pulled off an upset to seize the title of winner of the 2022 Warren Seymour Chess Classic.

Shawn Barker won second place and FM Cecil Moncur placed third in the Open Category.

Open category in chess refers to a competition in which anyone can participate regardless of age or experience.

In the Junior Section of the 2022 Warren Seymour Chess Classic Trevor Bridgewater won first place.

Theophilus Weir earned a second-place finish and Chika Pride third place.

FM CECIL MONCUR, left, 3rd place Open Section winner and Elton Joseph, treasurer of The Bahamas Chess Federation and Deputy Chief Arbiter, the 2022 Warren Seymour Classic.

As is traditional at this tournament, in addition to their medals, the Junior section winners also received books to help improve their skills.

The Warren Seymour Classic is named in honour of Bahamian hero Warren Seymour, who committed over 30 years of his life to grow the sport of chess in The Bahamas and contributing to the development of hundreds of young Bahamians.

During his prime, Seymour selflessly visited over 30 schools a month, training young men and women in critical thinking and helping them to develop good decision-making skills.

Without any financial gain, he also taught chess at correctional

TREVOR BRIDGEWATER, 1st place Junior Section winner and Elton Joseph. facilities and assisted in the rehabilitation of prisoners.

“The 2022 Warren Seymour Classic was an exciting tournament that had the most upsets I have ever seen,” said Elton Joseph, treasurer of the Bahamas Chess Federation and Deputy Chief Arbiter, the 2022 Warren Seymour Classic.

“The upsets prove that chess in The Bahamas is growing and the skills of our junior players and some of our senior players are improving and developing.

“The results of this tournament were exciting and encouraging.

Many of the games came down to the wire with many of the players winning the game with only seconds left on the clock.

NOAH ALBURY, 1st place Open Section winner and Elton Joseph.

SHAWN BARKER, left, 2nd place Open Section winner and Elton Joseph.

THEOPHILUS WEIR, left, 2nd place Open Section winner and Elton Joseph.

“Even with one hour playing time and fiveseconds added every move, many of the players still needed more time, this is a normal occurrence for chess as even with five-hour games the players still need more time.

“Players usually do not feel the length of time that they have played until the game is over.”

Joseph congratulated Noah Albury, the new 2022 Warren Seymour champion.

“It was great to see how the juniors have developed throughout the COVID-19 lockdown and how we are still getting new adult players who are putting in the effort to become some of the strongest in the nation,” Joseph said.

CHIKA PRIDE, left, 3rd place Open Section winner and Elton Joseph.

“I am excited to see what is going to come from this upcoming Olympiad and I know that the federation may soon have its first Junior FIDE Master and is on the way to having a Grandmaster.”

2022 Warren Seymour Chess Classic Results Open Section 1st Place - Noah Albury 2nd Place - Shawn Barker 3rd Place - FM Cecil Moncur 4th Place – CM Kendrick Knowles Junior Section 1st Place – Trevor Bridgewater 2nd Place – Theophilus Weir 3rd Place – Chika Pride

BUDDY

FROM PAGE 11

director/producer, Fox said as a Bahamian, he will spend as much time as possible at home assisting with the development of the country in any way possible.

Bowleg, a former coach and president of the federation, said while the team got off to a sluggish start, they picked up the momentum when young point guard Domnick Bridgewater came into the game.

“The team didn’t have enough to finish Dominican Republic off because of their size. They got punished on the inside,” Bowleg said.

“But despite all of that, the guys did their best. They were capable of shooting a better percentage than they did tonight.

“But what was most impressive was that the

TEAM Bahamas members share a moment with Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and other government officials.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Hanna/BIS Bahamian people came out and supported them. We advanced. So as long as we continue to improve and when we play Argentina here in our next window here in August, we hope

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that we can get the same type of support from the Bahamian fans.”

Hopefully in that window, Bowleg said the team will have the addition of Phoenix Suns’ centre Deandre Ayton, who is embroiled in contractual negotiations and Charlotte Hornets’ centre Kai Jones, who had to report to Summer League.

In their absence, Grand Bahamian Franco Miller

Jr emerged as one of the bright young stars to watch. He finished the game with nine points with three assists and a pair of rebounds.

“I feel it was a good experience for me, especially as I prepare to go to college this year,” said Miller Jr. “It was good to get on the floor with some NBA talent and pros who play overseas so that I can get ready for next year.”

As for his performance, Miller Jr said coming off an ankle injury he sustained a few months ago, he did extremely well.

After getting in a taste of the competition, he said he would love nothing better than to play again with the team in August.

Veteran pro player Jaraun ‘Kino’ Burrows, who is still in France playing, said if needed, he will make himself available to

play on the team in the next round.

“I still have one more year on my contract, so I’m contemplating on whether I will continue playing. Or I just concentrate on my development programme,” said Burrows, who is assisting a number of young players like Bridgewater in their transition to the pro ranks.

“The kids are doing well in Europe and I’m always looking at adding some more talent to the programme. But whatever I could do to help the national team, I am willing and ready to assist, even if it’s just some leadership.”

The team could certainly benefit from some more seasoned players as they prepare to continue the journey to the Americas Cup in 2023.

Prior to the game on Monday, the team had just returned from the US Virgin Islands where they were successful in winning 97-80 on Friday night to advance to the next round of the World Cup as Hield finished with a game high 26 points and Miller Jr added 17.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 15

Versatile sportsman Lorenzo Carter delighted to be back in action

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net HE could have easily given up any hopes of competing at a highly competitive level again, but after undergoing the first of two scheduled surgeries to remove his kidney stones, versatile multiple sportsman Lorenzo Carter is back in action.

The 53-year-old Carter completed his first surgery at the end of March at the Baptist Health International Center in Coral Gables, Florida and three months later, he is just delighted to be able to compete again.

“It set me back by about seven months. I didn’t do any training after I got back here in April,” said Carter, who is self-employed. “I did some slight training to get ready for this race. I’m pretty okay right now, but I have to go back and do another surgery at the end of the summer.”

Although he competed in a tune-up race a couple weeks ago, this was just Carter’s second race in his recovery. But because it was the nationals, he wanted to make sure that he was in tip-top shape to compete.

He did, coming in third in the time trials on Saturday and sixth in the open road race on Sunday at the Clifton Heritage Park.

“I felt good, but I can tell that I am not 100 percent from the races that I competed in,” Carter said.

“I could feel the cramps in the road race, which is not normal.

“The kidneys control the electrolytes in your body, so I suspect that is what is associated with what happened

to me today (Sunday). But I believe in time, it would all get back to normal.”

And once he’s back at full strength, Carter said he will definitely be making his presence felt competing once again in the various sporting disciplines like basketball and softball where he’s been able to hold his own among his peers.

“I have the Tour of Freeport to do in Grand Bahama this summer and once I’m done with that, I will be doing some basketball and softball and then continue the cycle with cycling,” he projected.

“Just the love for sports and the motivation to compete is one of the main factors that enables me to continue. By rights, I should be competing in the master’s category, but I prefer to be running with the young bucks because it’s more competition.”

Looking at his performances over the weekend, Carter said he was quite pleased with his efforts.

He noted that it’s a great accomplishment for him in his comeback after the surgery.

“Next year, I hope to get on the podium in both races in the time trials and the road race,” Cartwright said.

“I just have to work on my endurance and getting the other surgery done.

“Once I get that other surgery done, it would help me in getting my endurance done.”

Having established a GoFundMe for the initial surgery, Carter said he’s still appealing to the general public to lend their support.

“I am very pleased with the support that I’ve gotten.

I want to thank everybody who supported me through

LORENZO Carter placed third in the time trials on Saturday and sixth in the open road race at the Clifton Heritage Park on Sunday. their donations, prayers and physical support,” Carter said.

“Thanks to everybody who reached out and supported me, including my loved ones and my competitors in the various sports.

“It would not have been possible if it wasn’t for God and for all of the people who reached out and supported me with their

prayers, moral support and financial contributions.”

Bahamas Cycling Federation president Roy Colebrooke said it was such a relief to be able to watch Carter as he made his return, not just to compete in the nationals, but to emerge as one of the top competitors. “It was such a joy to watch Lorenzo compete in the Nationals,” he

said. “He’s been an inspiration to all of us to see how he was able to persevere from his surgery to be able to compete out here and compete at such a high level. We wish that he will get back to the level that he was before when he was one of the top cyclists to watch. This was just a start and I believe that in time, he will return to top form.”

WORLD HALFMARATHON’S BIG EVENT IS CANCELLED AS A RESULT OF COVID-19 MONACO (AP) — The world half-marathon championships have been cancelled because China wasn’t able to host the races due to the coronavirus pandemic, World Athletics said on Tuesday.

The president of the governing body, Sebastian Coe, said it was “no fault” of local organisers in China that the event can’t be held in Yangzhou in November.

The city will, instead, be given the rebranded world road running championships in 2027.

“The (World Athletics) council’s decision to award another event to Yangzhou in 2027 indicates its faith in the organising committee and willingness to return and stage a World Athletics Series road running event there at the first available opportunity,” Coe said.

This year’s event was due to be the last before the championships are renamed the world road running championships with the addition of 5-kilometre races and mass-participation events alongside the elite competitions.

The first of those is in Riga, Latvia, next year.

China has put tight restrictions on arrivals from foreign countries during the pandemic and imposes wide-ranging lockdowns for any COVID-19 positives within the country.

China hosted the Winter Olympics in February in a bubble which involved cordoning off whole sections of Beijing, but has routinely called off less prominent international sports events.

Van Aert wins Tour stage 4 in style, extends overall lead CALAIS, France (AP) — Belgian rider Wout van Aert won the hilly fourth stage of the Tour de France and extended his overall lead after attacking strongly on the day’s final climb yesterday.

The Belgian rider kept the leader’s yellow jersey for the Jumbo–Visma team after taking it for the first time on Saturday. He also extended his lead in the green jersey contest for best sprinter.

Van Aert shook up the peloton when he surged ahead up the last of the five climbs — a 900-metre ascent up Cote du Cap Blanc-Nez at a gradient of 7.5 % — about 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the end.

He said he felt an early attack was the best way to avoid a mass sprint at the line.

“I didn’t want to take the risk of losing anymore. It was quite obvious that we were trying something with the team,” he said. “I went full gas to see what would happen. I went all out.”

The 27-year-old Van Aert is considered one of the best multi-skilled riders in the world and is a former three-time cyclo-cross world champion and a oneday classics specialist.

The Jumbo-Visma rider flapped his hands like a bird’s wings as he sat up on his bike. He crossed the line eight seconds clear of countryman Jasper Philipsen of the Alpecin–Fenix team, with Jumbo-Visma teammate Christophe Laporte taking third place in a sprint finish.

“This jersey gives wings.

It was definitely a tough climb but this stage was very likely going to end up in bunch sprint,” Van Aert said. “It was difficult to finish alone, but thanks to the work of my teammates, I did it. It was up to me to finish it off.”

Van Aert picked up a 10-second time bonus and is now 25 seconds ahead of Yves Lampaert in the overall standings and 32 seconds clear of two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar.

GOLF

to invest in golf. But this disruption also has drawn a line between who wants to be rich and who wants to be a star, and they are not necessarily connected. There is growing animosity from the latter who would like the former to be a little more transparent.

“I understand that they’re being fed everything on what to say and all this stuff, but for them to say that it’s all for the betterment of the game ... to be perfectly honest, I just wish one of them would have the balls to say I’m doing this for the money,” PGA champion Justin Thomas said on the No Laying Up podcast.

“I personally would gain a lot more respect for that.

“But it’s just the more the players keep talking and

FROM PAGE 11 top players. No doubt, the new league is a disruption, and that’s not all bad.

Changes announced two weeks ago will make the PGA Tour leaner and better without losing the ideal that “play better” still rules the day.

Chief among them is getting back to a calendar year (January through August) with an offseason that offers something for everyone, or nothing at all if someone wants a clean break.

The money was always going to increase with a new media rights deal, now channeled more to the players who made media want

BELGIUM’s Wout Van Aert, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fourth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 171.5 kilometres (106.6 miles) with start in Dunkerque and finish in Calais, France, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Daniel Cole) Pogacar’s rival Primoz Roglic, the 2020 Tour runner-up and Van Aert’s teammate, stayed seventh

overall and remained nine seconds behind Pogacar, with both finishing in the main pack.

After a travel day, riders tackled a sunny 171.5-kilometre (106.3-mile) route from the coastal city of

saying that this is for the betterment of the game, the more agitated and irritated I get about it.”

This is not about 54 holes being more exciting than 72. It’s not about playing for a team. And it’s not about playing less. Otherwise, those who signed up wouldn’t need the tour they left.

Patrick Reed took a parting shot at the PGA Tour by saying it never listened to players. He talked about the appeal of LIV Golf being able to spend more time with his family by having fewer events to play.

And by the weekend, he was trying to figure out how to add the Scottish Open to his schedule.

Wasn’t the idea to play less?

Reed plays some 30 times a year and leaves out the part where it’s his choice.

Being an independent contractor doesn’t mean setting your own rules, it’s about setting your own schedule (which Reed can no longer do as a LIV employee).

He didn’t have to play five times after the Tour Championship last year. He didn’t have to be a European tour member.

The noise coming from some players is creating a mentality of “us versus them,” the kind of disruptive environment that serves no one.

Fred Couples was particularly blunt in an interview with golf.com last week when he referred to Perez as a “grain of sand” on the PGA Tour.

He got personal with Phil Mickelson, a longtime friend. At least he once was.

“These guys — you’ve seen their interviews, right?”

Couples said.

“Have you ever seen Phil look so stupid in his life?

They know it’s a joke.” He also said of Mickelson, “I don’t think I’ll ever talk to him again.”

Still to come is bringing lawyers into the mix.

Ian Poulter was among three European tour players who won a temporary stay from a British judge that allows them to play the Scottish Open, even though the tour suspended them for playing a LIV event without permission.

A lawsuit against the PGA Tour would seem to

Dunkirk to Calais, where riders could see the English coastline when they arrived into the much-used port location. Van Aert completed it in 4 hours, 1 minute, 36 seconds.

Danish rider Magnus Cort, who thrilled crowds with his breakaway rides during three intense days in Denmark, was again in the early breakaway — this time alongside Anthony Perez.

Perez pulled ahead some 45 kilometres (28 miles) out and Cort was caught by the peloton shortly after.

Cort picked up more points in the polka-dot jersey bid but much more difficult climbs in the Alps and Pyrenees are still to come.

Today’s fifth stage is a flat stage for sprinters over 157 kilometres (97 miles) starting at Lille Metropole and going over some of the feared cobblestones that feature on the Paris-Roubaix one-day classic.

The race ends on July 24 in Paris.

be just a matter of time.

That probably won’t sit well with the loyalists sharing space inside the ropes with players effectively suing them.

“I think it’s just one of those things where maybe if I walked past that person earlier and said, ‘Hey,’ or asked how they were doing, I maybe just won’t do it anymore,” Thomas said.

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PAGE 16, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

2 sets down, Djokovic wins 26th consecutive Wimbledon match

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — It says a lot about Novak Djokovic that a two-sets-to-none hole at Wimbledon on a day he was hardly at his best never seemed insurmountable.

Not to him. Not to anyone watching.

Says a lot about his history of overcoming that sort of deficit. A lot about his ability to adjust, to adapt and to right himself. A lot about his preeminence at the All England Club in recent years.

Djokovic spotted 10thseeded Jannik Sinner of Italy the huge lead yesterday, then worked his way back to win 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 at Centre Court, earning an 11th semifinal berth at Wimbledon with his 26th consecutive victory at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament.

“I always believed,” said Djokovic, who faces ninthseeded Cam Norrie of Britain next, “that I could turn the match around.”

Among men, only Roger Federer has made more semifinal appearances at Wimbledon with 13 and won more championships (eight) than the seven Djokovic could reach by lifting the trophy Sunday for what would be a fourth year in a row.

“He makes you play differently — well, not differently, but in a way that he likes,” Sinner said.

Djokovic was responsible for just one of Wednesday’s comebacks: In all four singles quarterfinals on a sunny day, the player who dropped the first set ended up victorious. Norrie edged

David Goffin of Belgium 3-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5; No. 3 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia beat Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic 3-6, 6-1, 6-1; Tatjana Maria defeated Jule Niemeier 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 in an all-German matchup.

Norrie, Jabeur and Maria all earned the right to make their debuts in a Grand Slam semifinal.

“Can’t enjoy it too much now,” said Norrie, 26, who was born in South Africa to British parents, grew up in New Zealand and played college tennis at Texas Christian University. “Just get ready for Novak in a couple days.”

The 103rd-ranked Maria is, at 34, the oldest first-time women’s semifinalist at a major and only the sixth woman at least that old to get this far at Wimbledon in the professional era, which began in 1968.

The others? Quite a list: Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Serena Williams and Venus Williams. “I always believed that I have something inside,” said Maria, who only once before reached as far as the third round. “That I can do this.”

Djokovic, a 35-year-old from Serbia, managed his seventh career comeback in a match in which he trailed by two sets — he last did it in the 2021 French Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas — and improved to 37-10 in five-setters. That includes a 10-1 mark in matches that go the distance at Wimbledon, including nine straight victories; the lone loss came in 2006.

“He’s been in this situation many times,” the 20-year-old Sinner said.

“That definitely helps.”

SERBIA’s Novak Djokovic reacts after making a passing shot to Italy’s Jannik Sinner in a men’s singles quarterfinal match on day nine of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London yesterday.

(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Tuesday’s match brought Sinner’s major quarterfinal appearance total to three, which is exactly 50 fewer than Djokovic’s.

Sinner has shown enormous potential, reaching the quarterfinals at the 2020 French Open before losing to Rafael Nadal and the 2022 Australian Open before losing to Tsitsipas.

As for grass?

Sinner was 0-4 until last week. But he got win No. 1 at Wimbledon by eliminating three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka and then beat a pair of seeded foes: No. 20 John Isner and No. 5 Carlos Alcaraz.

With his wide wingspan, and a Djokovic-style ability to slide into strokes, the 6-foot-2 (1.88-metre) Sinner

gets to balls that appear out of reach and is able to reply with considerable power.

That allows him to lengthen exchanges and make even a consummate baseliner like Djokovic put in extra work to earn a point.

On Tuesday, Sinner went up a set and a break when Djokovic sailed a backhand long, then bowed his head.

Sinner broke again for 5-2, and soon enough, 1 1/2 hours in, was a set from the biggest triumph of his nascent career.

Before the start of the third, Djokovic headed toward the locker room for a bathroom break, just like he did at Roland Garros against Tsitsipas 13 months ago.

“You approach these particular situations when

you’re two sets down a bit more calmly, a bit more confident,” Djokovic said, “with more self-belief.”

When play resumed, Djokovic was so much better than he had been.

“Two different matches,” he said.

After 19 unforced errors over the initial two sets, he made 14 over the final three. After getting broken four times over two sets, he won all 13 of his service games the rest of the way.

He became increasingly animated, too. Djokovic shook a fist and yelled after breaking twice to move out to a 3-0 edge after 20 minutes in the third set.

“He was dictating more,” Sinner said.

After landing on his stomach following a slide

that turned into the splits on a backhand in the fifth set, Djokovic spread his arms out wide like a child pretending to be an airplane — or a baseball umpire calling a runner safe.

Sinner’s play, meanwhile, dipped.

His form at the net, so good early, faltered: He was successful on 14 of 17 trips forward over the first two sets but 8 of 18 in the last three.

He caught a toe in the grass and turned his left ankle on one push forward, falling and immediately clutching his ankle; Djokovic climbed over the net to help Sinner get up. That did not seem to affect Sinner’s footwork, though.

Djokovic was simply a lot to deal with.

WIMBLEDON’S ALL-WHITE CLOTHING BOTHERS SOME, DELIGHTS OTHERS

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Before being interviewed on Centre Court about his return to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, Nick Kyrgios traded in his all-white grass-court shoes for a red-and-white pair of basketball sneakers, and swapped out his white hat for a red one.

Big deal? Not to Kyrgios. Not to many, probably.

Still, sure seemed to be to a reporter who peppered him with questions about it afterward.

That’s because the All England Club has a rather strict policy about all-white attire while players are on match courts during the tournament — which is clearly a nod to the earliest days of tennis, and some athletes think might have been better suited to the 1880s than the 2020s.

“I mean, I always want to wear all black, obviously,” Kyrgios, a 27-year-old

Australian who faces Cristian Garin of Chile today, responded when asked about the dress code during a pre-tournament news conference he attended in a black hoodie and matching cap.

“It would be cool to allow, like, a black headband or black sweatband. I think it would look cool,” Kyrgios said. “Obviously Wimbledon doesn’t really care what looks cool.”

Neither Kyrgios, nor anyone else, expects a change to the rules anytime soon. And there certainly are those who appreciate it as part of what they consider the charm of the oldest Grand Slam event in tennis.

“For me, what I love about Wimbledon is the tradition and that is what makes it so special, and having the all-white attire is one of the small traditions that I really embrace.

It looks crisp, especially against the grass court,” said Alison Riske-Amritraj,

YOLETT

FROM PAGE 11

part of them,” she said.

“I really felt so proud to be on the bench with them.”

DeMarco, welcoming McPhee-McCuin, said her addition to the team was all that he expected and more.

“She’s a fabulous coach.

She has helped me tremendously,” he said.

“She’s great with players.

She knows her stuff. She’s been beneficial to the team.”

And fellow Grand Bahamian Buddy Hield, who led the team as the captain and top performer, said it was a pleasure to play with McPhee-McCuin.

“When you have a coach with her personality, who gels with the players, it’s always a plus,” Hield said. “Her spirit has kept the guys up. She’s positive and to have a coach you like to be around is a lot of fun too. The guys love her. Even though she’s a female on the team, she

YOLETT McPhee-McCuin keeps everyone grounded.

She’s funny.”

McPhee-McCuin, however, said at some point, she will return to the women’s programme.

“I just feel like God has me in this place for this time with the men, but I want the ladies and the Bahamas to know that I am in no way abandoning the ladies.”

With the ladies’ team preparing to head off to Cuba for the Centrobasket on Monday, McPhee-McCuin said she took the opportunity to address the team, which will be coached by Donnie Culmer, during

who reached the third round as the 28th seed.

“You don’t have to do it at any other tournament during the year. It’s very professional. I would wear white for every match, everywhere, so I’m probably biased when it comes to that.”

The first of the All England Club’s 10-point list of clothing guidelines states: “Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround.”

The second stipulation: “White does not include off white or cream.” There are more details, too, such as that a colour trim “around the neckline and around the cuff of the sleeves is acceptable but must be no wider” than 1 centimetre (less than half an inch), that “Caps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks must be completely

one of their practice sessions at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

“We had a heartto-heart talk.

They understand how I feel. I want them to do well,” she said. “They know what they’re up against.

They’ve been at it for a long time, so I just want to wish them all the best.”

McPhee-McCuin, however, said it was just an honour for her to come back home and to coach the men’s team in front of the Bahamian people.

“As the game was going on I was taking it all in,” she said. “From the singing of the national anthem to the final whistle, it was just a lot of pride for me.”

McPhee-McCuin said she hopes to be back for the next round of the qualifier against Venezuela in Venezuela on Thursday, August 25 and against Argentina back here in the Bahamas on Monday, August 29, before she resumes her coaching chores at Ole Miss.

AUSTRALIA’s Nick Kyrgios puts on his white tennis shoes before his fourth round men’s singles match against Brandon Nakashima of the United States on day eight of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London on Monday. After winning his match, Kyrgios traded in his all-white grasscourt shoes for a red-and-white pair of sneakers, and replaced his white hat with a red one, before being interviewed on Centre Court. Big deal? Not to Kyrgios. To a reporter who peppered him with questions about it, though, sure seemed to be. That’s because the All England Club has a rather strict policy about all-white attire while on match courts during the tournament -- something that some players think was better suited to the 1880s than the 2020s, while others appreciate as part of the charm of the oldest Grand Slam event in tennis.

(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) white except for” that white outfit dirty while — then was, um, reminded same size allowance for eating. Some say they were of Wimbledon’s rules by trim, and this: “Shoes must annoyed at needing to find the club, so he switched to be almost entirely white. new clothes to be able to white soles before his secSoles and laces must be play at Wimbledon. Others ond-round match, which completely white. Large were excited about it. he lost, his earliest Grand manufacturers’ logos are “It’s very elegant. I really Slam exit in a decade. not encouraged.” hope they keep this traIn 2007, Tatiana Golovin That’s absolutely fine with dition forever, because played at Wimbledon with some of the “competitors.” it’s something different. red underwear beneath her Tommy Paul, who was You don’t always need to white dress, leading to this seeded 30th and got to the see colours on people’s opening exchange at a news fourth round, said that the clothes,” said Mihaela conference: Royal Palm Tennis Club in Buzarnescu, a Romanian Reporter: “Can I ask you Pinecrest, Florida — where who lost to French Open about your knickers?” the head pro is Eric Hech- runner-up Coco Gauff last Golovin: “Excuse me?” tman, who has coached week. “Every year, I think, “Could it be maybe a Serena Williams and Venus ‘Oh, white again. Let’s go!’” little bit more up to date?

Williams — requires all Over the years, players Of course. We are in 2022,” white when he trains there. have been chastised for vio- said Jessica Pegula, who “I don’t mind it at all. It’s lating the letter or spirit of was seeded No. 8 this year kind of cool,” Paul said. “If the written rules. and made it to the fourth I see guys doing it at home In 2013, for example, round at the All England during practice, then I have none other than now-eight- Club for the first time. no problem doing it for time champion Roger “Then again, it’s two Wimbledon.”

Federer showed up with weeks out of the calendar One player in this year’s neon orange soles on his where you have to do it. It’s tournament said she always shoes for his first-round part of what makes Wimworries about getting her match, which he won bledon, Wimbledon.”

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 17 wordSEarch

THE TRIBUNE

JUDGE PARKER

M M S R I L A N K A U F I Q R

CARPE DIEM

4

MARVIN BLONDIE

Daily Express Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Puzzles

S T D J S S J Q H Z A X T F D

P P O R W A B A R B A D O S B

K M F N P M A I Q L O O M Z D

E A M A G O U T A U N A V V P

R D N S L A A V L D U C L U A

O A I C U L T N I A S I X U I

P G R Q A S L D R Y M A X Y L

A A J Q Z I O K N K D M T F A

G S X Z Y M T V U A Z A I T DX1 R

ISL

Find all the terms listed belo Solution tomorr

CRUSADER PRIZE CROSSWORD across 1 Hide dog, say, around back of kennel (4) 3 Turn key if weeping outside – devastating (10) 9 Sudden movement doesn’t finish an organ (4) 10 Indicated autographed correspondence is included (10) 11 Frenchman troubling with table for advertising targets (7,4) 15 Mark concealing a bird inside vehicle (6,3) 17 Union act is a reversal (1-4) 18 Small space not available to plant (5) 19 Sharp item on single fish (5,4) 20 Joint musical is hard work (5,6) 24 Owner to support rioter, strangely (10) 25 Marksman is worn out (4) 26 Finish, annoyed and at risk (10) 27 Was obliged to ring and get married (4)

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

TIGER

CALVIN & HOBBES

AUSTRALIA ● BARBADOS ● D

1 2 3 4 Down 1 Friend firstGRENADA taking MEPs out ● ICELAND ● JAM for historical recordMADAGASCAR (10) ● MALTA 2 Back-to-front terrain is 9 10 ● SAMOA ● extensive in NewSAINT York (4,6) LUCIA 4 RegrettingSRI destruction to LANKA ● TAIWAN ● TON front of garage (5) 5 Tracing me out a little 11 12 bit (9) 6 Leader shows audacity with practical suggestion (5-6) 7 I return to a tiny amount (4) 15 16 8 Revered figures in the theatre (4) 12 Ache indoors, running to Quick wordSEarch acquire figure (11) 18 19 croSSword 13 Feign a pretence and J N S N O I T organise W E S U O H W across: 1 Mock; performance (3,2,1,4) 3 Abdicate; R H T 20 R A E H 14 Money accrued gets 8 Rung; 9 attentive Disprove;(10) 11 Bloodthirsty; J J H B C D C M journalist 13 wrapped Nimbus; around 14 Homely;22 23 S Q A H H W 16 Cables are H 17(9) Verification; vegetable X O R P O D P 20 Amicable; 21 Complete with opening21 (5)Pact; 24 Q O L L D U X 22around Entreaty; 22 Collapsed part 23 of Chic. down: 1 Moribund; L Q A I O V T church (4) 2 Conform; 23 Leave heartless boy 4 Bright; G S D J V F U 26 5 Impersonal; something valuable (4) 6 About; J R I Q F E L

YE

7 Even; 10 Adjudicate; 12 Hypnotic; 15 Epitaph; 16 Billet; 18 Exist; 19 Vase.

uD t r l E f E t

● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals.

Verb forms ending in s permitted.

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

TODAY’S TARGET Good 18; very good 27; excellent 36 (or more). Solution tomorrow

call 0907 181 2585 for today’s target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

BATTLESHIPS FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.

Solution tomorrow 2

1

CRYPTIC PUZZLE 1 Blood group (6) 4 It may pop out for an hour (6) 9 Wordy lines about personal problem (7) 10 Flowery piece (5) 11 It’s very much used as a prefix (5) 12 Listeners burning to get within hearing distance (7) 13 Friendly society in which one may profitably invest (4,7) 18 Do you need an exercise book to do so? (4,3) 20 Impressive though not entirely legal (5) 22 Western ceremony put down (5) 23 In Canada not, oddly, a port in Brazil (7) 24 Knock out some facts about an aircraft (6) 25 News about wine (6)

3

Down 1 Give support to a kind deed (6) 2 An unusual term I deserve (5)

5 Such a cut may be seen in a ring (5) 6 Place to thicken stew (7) 7 Shaped like an orange but able to change (6) 8 She loved Paris not only in the spring (5,2,4) 14 Needle without an eye? (7)

4

5

9

14

22

4 1

E

3

F

1

G

2

H

2

I

1

J

2 6

1

6

0

7

17 Completely exhausted but making maximum effort (3,3) 19 Ships made fast (5) 21 Give up pro game (5)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Cracker, 5 Libra, 8 Schoolfellows, 9 Derek, 10 Recital, 11 Viands, 12 Orange, 15 Nonplus, 17 Capes, 19 Spirited reply, 20 Nasty, 21 Deserve.

Across: 1 Vagrant, 5 Depth, 8 Close quarters, 9 Liszt, 10 Haywire, 11 Pumice, 12 Barley, 15 Surfeit, 17 Cacti, 19 Outside chance, 20 Tangy, 21 Salient.

Down: 1 Vocal, 2 Good Samaritan, 3 Aseptic, 4 Touchy, 5 Dirty, 6 Poetic licence, 7 Hosiery, 11 Pass out, 13 Alcohol, 14 Stress, 16 Edify, 18 Inept.

4

1

2

4 x submarine

21

Down

1 Magnificent (6)

1 To intrigue (6)

4 Feel embarrassment (6)

2 Factory (5)

9 Move towards (4,3)

5 Charlatan (5)

10 Colorado ski resort (5)

6 Beseech (7)

11 To travel by car (5)

8 Mental attitude (5,2,4)

12 Decipher (4,3)

1

2 x cruiser

25

Across

2

3 x Destroyer

15 A priest making money in Egypt (7) 16 New desk we shifted (6)

2

1 x Battleship

23

24

9 10

D

17 20

8

C

15

19

7

2

16 18

6

B

12

13

5

2

10

11

3 May be put behind bars when captured, but possibly paroled (7)

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Down: 1 Cased, 2 As hard as nails, 3 Knocked, 4 Reform, 5 Lilac, 6 Blotting paper, 7 Absolve, 11 Venison, 13 Records, 14 Ascend, 16 Laity, 18 Style.

2

4

A

8

EASY PUZZLE

Across

1

3

3 Sports official (7)

7 Very small (6)

13 Be unequivocal (4,2,5)

14 To be won or lost (2,5)

18 Favourite remedy (7)

15 As soon as seen (2,5)

20 Ropemaking fibre (5)

16 Historical records (6)

22 Give as prize (5)

17 Peremptorily (6)

23 Lack of caring (7) 24 A fortified wine (6)

19 Electronic navigation aid (5)

25 Solemnly dull (6)

21 Pay out (5)

H V B O G

E A Q P S

Y A L P A

A P T E M

F I X R T

R C Y F S

THE ALPHABEATER

TARGET

DENNIS THE MENACE

S Q B C J

1

cAn you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid targEt thE alph Extra number represents a letter – or black square.

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24 31 1 20 8 24 2 V W 9 36 19 7 2 19 28 12 4 32 1 X Yesterday’s Yesterday’s Y 3 32 26 10 29 16 33 20 39 3 2 ZSudoku Answer Kakuro Answer 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30 31

32

33

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36

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PAGE 18, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

US SEEKS FOCUS ON 'URGENT' NEEDS OF UKRAINE AT SWISS MEETING

By JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press LUGANO, Switzerland (AP) — A top U.S. diplomat on Tuesday urged allies of Ukraine to help the warbattered country meet its "immediate and urgent" needs — not only longerterm rebuilding — as scores of countries wrapped up a two-day conference aimed at helping Ukraine recover from Russia's war, when it ends one day.

Scott Miller, the U.S. ambassador to Switzerland, added a dose of urgency to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano, at which the Ukrainian prime

minister a day earlier presented a $750 billion plan to help his country both recover now — where possible — as well as in the immediate aftermath of the war and over the long term.

Many attendees pointed out that efforts were likely to take many years, and rebuilding would need to take place in several phases.

Some called for support for Ukraine along the lines of the U.S. Marshall Plan for Europe after World War II — hinting of a big longterm project.

"While we recognize the importance of preparing for Ukraine's future, all of us must also deliver on our

commitments to provide Ukraine its immediate and urgent needs," said Miller, one of many government envoys who decried Russia's war and detailed their support for Ukraine.

Some, however, cautioned that quick fixes were unlikely.

"I really understand that we want to be ready overnight — to start tomorrow," Swiss President Ignazio Cassis told reporters. "But we clearly declare: It is the first step of a long journey."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, flanked

by Cassis, cautioned that his government would carefully select immediate

projects for rebuilding places like schools, hospitals and other infrastructure as the war rages on because Russian forces could simply "destroy it again."

"It will be an unfinished process," Shmyhal said, alluding to a broader "fast recovery" in a second phase. "So we should wait for the finish of war actions, and then begin this fast recovery."

He voiced hopes to lock down and utilize an estimated $300 billion to $500 billion in Russian-owned assets that have been frozen in many Western banks to help pay for Ukraine's reconstruction. Such money

could complement cash from Ukraine's own — heavily strained —budget, as well as support from allies abroad.

"It's very important for the civilized world to give the signal to Russia, as aggressor — and to other potential aggressors in the future — to understand that unprovoked aggression should be paid by this aggressor," he said. "Russia should pay for this" recovery, he added.

Cassis, however, pointed to the legal complexities of such an undertaking to wrest such Russian funds, saying "the right of property is a fundamental

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 94° F/34° C Low: 76° F/24° C

TAMPA

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Breezy in the morn‑ ing; partly sunny

Clear

Partly sunny, a shower; breezy

A t‑storm in spots in the morning

A brief afternoon shower or two

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in the p.m.

High: 88°

Low: 78°

High: 88° Low: 79°

High: 87° Low: 79°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 87° Low: 79°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

98° F

83° F

96°-85° F

98°-85° F

99°-86° F

99°-87° F

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

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

S

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

E S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

W

uV inDex toDay

THURSDAY

N

N

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 94° F/34° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

MIAMI

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

KEY WEST

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

N

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

2.6 2.5

7:37 a.m.

8:00 p.m.

0.4 0.8

1:59 a.m.

2:45 p.m.

2.5 2.7

8:24 a.m.

9:02 p.m.

0.3 0.8

Friday

2:54 a.m.

3:43 p.m.

2.5 2.9

9:15 a.m. 0.2 10:07 p.m. 0.6

Saturday

3:54 a.m.

4:42 p.m.

2.4 3.1

10:10 a.m. 0.0 11:10 p.m. 0.4

Sunday

4:54 a.m.

5:40 p.m.

2.5 3.3

11:06 a.m. ‑0.1 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Monday

5:55 a.m.

6:37 p.m.

2.5 3.5

12:11 a.m. 0.2 12:04 p.m. ‑0.3

Tuesday

6:54 a.m.

7:33 p.m.

2.6 3.7

1:09 a.m. 0.0 1:02 p.m. ‑0.5

Today

1:09 a.m.

1:50 p.m.

Thursday

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:26 a.m. Moonrise 8:04 p.m. Moonset

12:54 p.m.

12:35 a.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Jul. 6

Jul. 13

Jul. 20

Jul. 28

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

S

E

W

7‑14 knots

S

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 88° F/31° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 91° F/33° C Last year’s low ................................... 72° F/22° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 2.25” Year to date ............................................... 30.48” Normal year to date ................................... 14.66”

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

right — is a human right."

Switzerland has frozen 6.3 billion Swiss francs (about $6.5 billion) in Russian assets, while the Swiss Bankers Association estimates 150-200 billion francs worth of total Russianowned assets are held in Swiss financial institutions.

The Swiss leader said fundamental rights can at times be violated — as was done in some cases during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — "but we have to create the legal base" for such moves first.

"You have to ensure the citizen that is protected against the power of the state," Cassis said.

ANDROS

N

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

H

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

H

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

8‑16 knots

10‑20 knots

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

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

WINDS SE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots NE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots

WAVES 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

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

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 19

GETTING TO THE ROOT CAUSE BY KILLING SEEDS OF CRIME FROM PAGE 22

the social and moral decay we are currently experiencing. Frankly, if you do not know who you are then nothing and no one really matters. What is worse is when an individual is left to discover what his/her purpose is on their own. This hit-and-miss approach to self-discovery is extremely dangerous and wasteful.

We must remember that we

are losing lives, not money or some other property. A strong cultural appreciation is key to fostering a strong national pride, where a greater sense of ownership is instilled. This approach to crime reduction makes the Bahamian more than a caretaker, but a stakeholder. This taps into the survival nature that we all have when it comes to protecting our own. It brings to life again the chorus “this

land is my land; this land is your land”.

This may be an unusual way to start crime reduction initiatives, but in my opinion it gets to the root causes with specific attempts to kill the seeds that grow into the chaotic and frightening lives we are living now. For this to be successful it requires that all of the aforementioned areas be addressed.

It cannot only be education, as we must approach the

crime reduction effort from all angles.

We are placing too much focus and emphasis on the end result. When we see past and present governments spending millions of dollars on new court buildings, prison facilities, police cars, technology and physical infrastructure, it becomes painfully clear that we are playing a game of wait and see or, as I say, ‘catch up. What makes

COVID COLLAPSE SPARKED RARE $1.7BN ‘DUAL DEFICIT’ FROM PAGE 24 “Such a trade policy has so far been lacking in the country, which may at least in part explain the longterm declining trend that trade has played for The Bahamas. Up to the mid1990s, trade in goods and services was equivalent to more than 100 percent of GDP, compared to the less than 80 percent in recent years.”

Underscoring the neartotal reliance on tourism, the National Trade Policy continued: “Up to 2019, travel services accounted for about 90 percent of the country’s total services exports – in 2019, $4.1bn out of $4.5bn. In 2020, the impact of COVID-19 changed the pattern: Travel services exports contracted by 67 percent, from $4.1bn to less than $1bn, and transport services export by 46 percent.

“Data for the first quarter 2021 showed no recovery: Travel services exports stood at $327m compared to $834m in the first quarter of 2020. Conversely, exports of business services remained stable and, as a result, the share of business services in total services exports increased to 16.7 percent, whereas that of travel services decreased to 77 percent.”

Travel exports plummeted to $967m in 2020 compared to the prior year’s $4.1bn, while transportation earnings fell from $82m to $44m. Other business services, though, remained relatively flat at $210m compared to $207m for the prior year, which the report said showed the value in The Bahamas developing a “diversified services export portfolio”.

The National Trade Policy concedes that The Bahamas faces multiple structural weaknesses due to its reliance on imports, as well as an “extremely limited”

capacity to export physical goods that are actually made in The Bahamas. “Overall exports of The Bahamas performed well until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said.

“They increased steadily from about $400m in 2016 to $537m in 2019, equivalent to an average annual increase of 10.1 percent, but then dropped by 37.7 percent in the COVID-19 year of 2020 to $335m. However, more than half of The Bahamas’ exports are re-exports of products that were previously imported.

“Also, the share of genuine ‘domestic exports’ exports of goods produced in The Bahamas - decreased from 50 percent in 2016 to 38 percent in 2019. The recovery to 48 percent in 2020 is not necessarily an indication of increased competitiveness but, rather, of the issues faced by the logistics industry and tourism sector in the pandemic year.”

However, the National Trade Policy said this was somewhat offset by the fact export data does not catch sales of Bahamian-made products to tourists while they are in the jurisdiction.

“These are registered as domestic sales although, in fact, they constitute (indirect) exports,” it added. “For example, about 75 percent to 80 percent of rum sales are estimated to be to tourists, but statistics show hardly any rum exports.”

A further vulnerability was identified as The Bahamas’ reliance on a narrow range of goods exports, such as polystyrene beads (Polymers International) and fisheries, plus its dependence on just a few overseas markets - chiefly the US, followed by Canada and the European Union (EU).

“The portfolio of goods and services exported by The Bahamas is not diversified. Among goods, in

Legal Notice

Liquidator’s Statement

Fortiori Advisors Ltd. (the “Company”) IBC 174258 B

Pursuant to Section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, we have the pleasure of informing you that the Completion of winding-up and dissolution of Fortiori Advisors Ltd. is completed.

We should be grateful if you would strike the Company off the Register and issue a Certificate of Dissolution duly sealed, certifying that the Company has been dissolved.

Dated this 28th October 2021.

Legal Notice of Dissolution International Business Companies Act 2000 No. 45 of 2000

DIAMSAR LTD. Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, No. 45 of 2000, the Dissolution of DIAMSAR LTD. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Registrar.

The date of completion of the dissolution was the 1st November 2021.

2019, the top four export products (at tariff line level) accounted for 90 percent of total domestic exports: Spiny lobster tails ($72.6m; 35.8 percent), polystyrene ($67.9m; 33.5 percent), organic chemical compounds containing a pyrimidine ring ($32.3m; 15.9 percent), and sea salt ($10m; 4.9 percent),” the draft National Trade Policy said.

“Provisional data for 2020 indicates that the pandemic has led to an even stronger export concentration than before. In addition, one of the dominant exports, polystyrene beads, has shown a

long-term decline in export value from a maximum of $182m in 2013 to $69m in 2019 and $55m in 2020 – in large part in response to increasing environmental concerns in many markets over the use of plastics packaging and corresponding bans.”

A similar narrow concentration also exists when it comes to The Bahamas’ overseas exports markets. “The Bahamas’ goods trade is concentrated on very few partners,” the National Trade Policy report said. “First and foremost, the US (88 percent of total exports, 74 percent of

NB: Gamal Newry is the president of Preventative Measures, a loss

prevention and asset protection training and consulting company, specialising in policy and procedure development, business security reviews and audits, and emergency and crisis management.

Comments can be sent to PO Box N-3154 Nassau, Bahamas, or, e-mail info@ preventativemeasures.org or visit us at www.preventativemeasures.org

domestic exports), followed by the EU (6 percent/16 percent). The UK, Canada and Caribbean countries play limited roles, and other countries insignificant ones.”

The National Trade Policy conceded that the “limited productive capacity” of many Bahamian industries was a key reason for the country’s restricted “trade competitiveness”.

The performance of manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining, was described as “weak” with their combined share of national economic output (GDP) falling from 5 percent in 2012 to less than 3 percent by 2020.

Suggesting that it will be impossible to reverse

services’ economic dominance, with these activities accounting for 97 percent of GDP, the National Trade Policy nevertheless said the competitiveness of other industries can be improved by tackling the ease and cost of doing business, efficiencies and managerial capacity.

“The country has few natural resources, which are already being used for exportation, as the examples of aragonite, sea salt and sands show and, because of the small size and dispersion across numerous islands, economies of scale cannot be reaped and the potential for agriculture and industry is limited,” the National Trade Policy said.

matters worst is boasting of a high detection rate, or that most crimes are being committed by repeat offenders.

We should not be excited about hanging offenders when we put so little effort into understanding and curbing the delinquent desires our people have to commit these crimes.

Legal Notice

Legal Notice

NOTICE

NOTICE

International Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000

International Business Companies Act (No.45 of 2000)

Launceston Enterprises

In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of Launceston Enterprises Ltd., has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 15th November 2021.

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, (No.45 of 2000), L’AMBASSADEUR ENTERPRISES LIMITED (the “Company”) is in dissolution. The date of commencement of the dissolution is 4th July, 2022.

Thomas Ford is the Liquidator and can be contacted at 17 Ave de la Costa, 98000 Monaco. All persons having claims against the above-named Company are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator before 3rd August, 2022.

(the “Company”)

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

TUESDAY, 05 JULY 2022

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 53.00 2.47 2.61 2.60 6.10 10.05 4.15 9.90 3.65 8.00 17.50 2.65 10.75 11.25 10.85 17.40 4.00 11.00 16.50

52WK LOW 5.30 33.80 1.60 2.20 1.30 5.75 6.96 2.82 5.00 2.27 5.95 9.80 1.99 7.05 10.02 10.00 13.10 3.50 8.20 15.50

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

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

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

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

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

CLOSE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

2593.59

4.95

0.19

365.35

16.40

SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ BFHP CAB6 CAB9 CHLA FBBA FCLB SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.33 100.00 100.67 100.43 100.34 100.23 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.71 94.12 100.67 100.43 100.04 100.00 89.62 89.00 90.24 90.73

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.52 4.69 2.22 207.86 212.41 1.74 1.84 1.83 1.03 9.37 11.83 7.54 16.64 12.84 10.77 10.00 10.43 14.89

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.69 1.75 1.76 0.97 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FX BGR109036 BGRS FX BGR118037 BGRS FL BGRS71024 BGRS FL BGRS75022 BGRS FL BGRS81037 BGRS FL BGRS88028 BGRS FX BGR129249 BGRS FX BGR131249 BGRS FX BGR132249 BGRS FX BGR136150

BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGR1090368 BSBGR1180375 BSBGRS710245 BSBGRS750225 BSBGRS810375 BSBGRS880287 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504

LAST CLOSE 5.90 39.95 2.44 2.35 2.51 6.10 9.75 3.95 9.33 3.60 8.00 16.00 2.98 10.26 11.50 10.85 17.26 3.98 10.10 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.15 100.00 100.91 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 5.90 39.95 2.44 2.35 2.51 6.10 9.75 3.95 9.33 3.64 8.00 16.00 2.89 10.26 11.23 10.85 17.26 3.98 10.10 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

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

VOLUME

29,450

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.15 100.00 100.91 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

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

MARKET TERMS

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 (0.09) 0.00 (0.27) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

(242) 323‐2330 (242) 323‐2320 EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.140 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

VOLUME

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

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25% 6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 5.40% 5.22% 4.56% 4.43% 4.87% 4.33% 5.55% 5.60% 5.65% 5.69%

NAV 2.52 4.69 2.21 197.44 202.39 1.74 1.84 1.83 0.97 9.37 11.79 7.54 15.94 12.47 10.74 N/A 10.43 14.89

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.99% 4.22% 0.36% 5.78% 0.67% 2.74% -2.97% -2.35% -4.72% 6.04% 1.37% 3.03% 1.19% 5.23% 1.62% 4.13% -5.25% -6.07% -0.02% 10.36% -0.33% 18.23% 0.22% 3.05% -3.89% 14.76% -1.04% -2.57% 0.81% 4.20% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%

P/E 24.7 42.9 N/M 16.8 N/M N/M 26.4 -9.0 66.6 19.8 17.8 22.2 28.3 22.0 17.4 14.9 21.2 19.6 10.8 24.6 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

YIELD 2.88% 3.15% 0.82% 3.40% 0.00% 0.00% 2.67% 0.00% 0.00% 3.30% 2.75% 4.50% 15.02% 0.58% 2.92% 2.21% 3.13% 3.02% 1.98% 3.94% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025 20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 3-Oct-2036 13-Oct-2037 22-Oct-2024 7-Sep-2022 26-Jul-2037 26-Jul-2028 15-Apr-2049 15-Jul-2049 15-Oct-2049 21-Apr-2050

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

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

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

PAGE 20, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Bahamas among most exposed to Ukraine war FROM PAGE 24 Mr Edwards, meanwhile, said The Bahamas was at no risk of suffering a balance of payment crisis in the short-term given its $3bn external reserves and the outlook in recent Central Bank reports. However, he asserted that policymakers need to “wrap their minds around” the issue from a long-term perspective and “come to grips with” how to make the economy more resilient so future difficulties are avoided.

Pointing out that the IDB’s focus on energy and food dependency merely “underlines” vulnerabilities that are well-known with regard to The Bahamas, the ORG economic chief said balance of payments

difficulties have to be avoided at all costs because it will result in the country struggling to pay for critical imports.

“Based on the reports from the Central Bank that the level of reserves we have is over $3bn right now, we are OK,” Mr Edwards told this newspaper. “If we are looking at this long-term, and the potential impact and how we approach this, we have to look that because a portion of the reserves is borrowed money and is possibly not usable.”

The Government boosted the Central Bank’s external reserves with its foreign currency borrowings at the height of the COVID19 pandemic, and these monies will eventually have

to be repaid. Reiterating his belief that The Bahamas faces no short-term balance of payments pressures, Mr Edwards nevertheless said much depends on how long the Ukraine conflict - and its impact on global oil and food prices - lasts.

The IDB report noted that wheat prices, a worldwide food staple that is used in many products, have increased by more than 80 percent since January 2022. Similarly, fertilizer costs have jumped by near80 percent, while maize prices have risen by 40 percent. Combined, Russia and Ukraine account for 30 percent of the world’s wheat supply and 15 percent of maize, with their share of the fertilizer market at around 23 percent.

Mr Edwards described the war’s fall-out for The Bahamas and other oil/ food dependent states as “a bad dream, a nightmare” as it had further worsened the inflationary pressures and supply chain bottlenecks stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When you look at the types of food concerned, around the world wheat, flour and cooking oil are ubiquitous to many other items, and fertilizer is critical to this whole discussion of food security,” he said.

“The extent to which we can access fertilizer has implications for agriculture.

Food security could be a challenge going down the road.

“They’re [Russia and Ukraine] big suppliers of

fertilizer exports, big suppliers of wheat. Russia is a major supplier of oil and gas. It’s almost a bad dream, a nightmare that these two major players have such a big impact on commodity exports and have evolved into hostilities. This has created a supply chain shock following a supply shock with the experience of COVID. “It’s a sad state of affairs that we are facing locally.

The policymakers have to wrap their minds around it and come to grips with how this is going to affect the country moving forward.

Short-term we are good, and long-term, by the time we get there, government will hopefully have developed a strategy to deal with that and the economic

situation will improve,” Mr Edwards continued.

“If we do not experience any recessionary developments coming out of the US or our other close trading partners, The Bahamas will be in a better position to see the consolidation of its economy. But if certain things play out in a negative way, the impact will be significant for the country.”

Warning that The Bahamas will face “a significant amount of uncertainties” over the next 12-18 months, Mr Edwards said the country must ready itself to confront such challenges on an annual basis rather than the previous frequency of one major shock every decade.

DevCO slams concrete maker over ‘gross underperformance’ FROM PAGE 24 than 20 persons, including the reason for the dismissals, the categories to be affected and the period of time over which dismissals are to be carried out.

Gold Rock last week blamed the decision to close its concrete block and ready mix concrete operations on the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and DevCO refusing to renew the nowexpiring five-year contract

that saw the latter supply it with the aggregate for its products.

However, in her latest riposte, Ms Brown said DevCO, for which Hutchison Whampoa has Board and management control, “takes seriously the fact that innocent people are purposefully being misinformed and that DevCO is being falsely accused of acting as a catalyst for something that has cost jobs and impacted livelihoods.

LEGAL NOTICE

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

AMC Investments Ltd. (the “Company”)

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of AMC Investments Ltd. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was the 13th day of June, 2022.

Luciane Ribeiro Moreno Liquidator

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CONRAD WILBURGH of Queens Highway, New Bight, Cat Island, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

“It is acutely disappointing that Gold Rock has chosen to use negotiating tactics that are intentionally misleading the public in an effort to preserve a contractual relationship that they were not able to fulfill.

Further, we find the cited reason for the downsizing deceptive since DevCO is not, and never has been, the sole available source of aggregate for Gold Rock’s operations,” Ms Brown added.

That echoes several Bahamian contractors, who last week said it was “bizarre” that Gold Rock could not find or secure another source of aggregate/fill with which to mix its concrete products even though multiple exist. Several contacts subsequently suggested there was something else happening at Gold Rock behind the row with DevCO, although this could not be verified yesterday.

“No doubt Gold Rock will tip the bucket over some more,” one source said of its likely response

to DevCO’s latest statement. Tribune Business was also told that DevCO is negotiating with other trucking and heavy equipment suppliers interested in purchasing the aggregate from its Devonshire subdivision, as Ms Brown’s statement alludes to without going into details.

“DevCO wishes to make emphatically clear that Gold Rock failed to satisfy the terms of the original 2017 five-year contract and never met the minimum tonnage requirement from the contract’s inception,” Ms Brown said.

“This underperformance existed prior to the impact of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. There were multiple communications with Gold Rock as it related to DevCO’s concerns about their contractual non-performance.”

The “minimum tonnage” amount was not specified, and exactly what this refers to was not detailed.

However, it appears that Gold Rock was required

CALL 502-2394 TO ADVERTISE TODAY! NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LEMOINE ALEXANDER of P. O. Box CR-45802, Faith Avenue North, Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 6th day of July, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

to purchase a minimum amount of aggregate from DevCO. Ms Brown said DevCO had engaged Gold Rock on January 17, 2021, over the contract’s renewal well over a year before its May 2022 expiration.

“Due to Gold Rock’s gross contractual underperformance, DevCO at the time advised that it intended ‘to revise the contract to reallocate/adjust the site size attached to this specific arrangement’,” she added. A meeting between DevCO, the Del Zottos and their attorneys was held on June 14, Ms Brown said, during which the potential terms for the sale of aggregate, site size and quantity of aggregate to be excavated were discussed.

A new aggregate site north of the Sir Jack Hayward Bridge was mentioned as an alternative. Referring to the Del Zottos’ allegation that they had been told to design and construct a marina, Ms Brown said DevCO had informed them it would consider another aggregate site provided that it could ultimately be developed into a marina and passed all environmental checks.

Suggesting that Gold Rock offered to propose such a site, Ms Brown said the concrete maker was advised that the new terms were to be based on its past

performance. She added that DevCO proposed reviewing the terms every two years so the company could make the case for expanding the aggregate site.

Hinting that the Del Zottos and Gold Rock simply wanted to maintain a monopoly, and lock all rivals out, Ms Brown said: “DevCO could not in good conscience extend what in essence would be single user access to its aggregate source by Gold Rock that could result in the exclusion of local Bahamian businesses and potential international investors from the market.

“DevCO’s position remains unchanged in that we must act in the best interests of all involved parties. We maintain that the proposed new contract terms do not unduly disadvantage Gold Rock but are reflective of their actual historical performance.

“DevCO remains open to finding a pragmatic resolution to the current state of play, but it must be a resolution that provides opportunities for local Bahamian businesses as well as international investors to participate in this market. DevCO is of the view that this will allow for the creation of new jobs and much-needed economic growth for our island.”

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CARLA STOLL-WILBURGH of Queens Highway, New Bight, Cat Island, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JOHN COMET of Hudson Estates, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 6th day of July, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JHONATAN KING of #2061 Pine Street, Pinewood Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that TAMIKA RENEE GALANIS of #15 Skyline Drive, P.O. Box CB11123, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LAWENS LUCIEN of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 6th day of July, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that ALLAN JURGENS of 15 Spanish Main Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 28th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that GIRLENE JONASSAINT of Joe Farrington Road, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of June, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 21

BNT FEARS MESSAGE SENT OVER POACHING-ACCUSED UNCERTAINTY FROM PAGE 24

violations and taken to Warderick Wells for further questioning and processing.

Given that it was almost dark, the BNT officials decided against transporting the poaching suspects to Nassau due to safety concerns. With no lock-up or detention facility available, the alleged poachers were allowed to return to their vessel and told the case would be further dealt with the following morning.

Mr Carey said they were given “a stern warning” that if they tired to flee The Bahamas they would be pursued under the US Lacey Act, which targets Americans who violate other countries’ wildlife laws, and imposes harsher fines and penalties than those found in The Bahamas. While BNT officials

thought this would be sufficient deterrent against the vessel fleeing, that was exactly what the poaching suspects sought to do by leaving the Exumas at 5am next morning.

The BNT, in response, contacted the newlyformed Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN), the multi-agency body formed to protect the country’s natural resources. The US Coast Guard and Bahamian authorities were informed, social media alerts seeking the alleged poaching vessel’s whereabouts were issued, and it was eventually located four miles off Grand Bahama where the suspects were advised by the BNT to hand themselves into the police.

“We’re hoping that the police are still considering and will arrest the people,”

Mr Carey told Tribune Business. “We only hope they didn’t tell them to leave the country or are free to go. We’re hoping.

We believe in the system.

“We’re hoping tomorrow [today] or the day after they will finish their investigation and pull them back in, charge them and give them their day in court. And, if convicted, they are given fines and penalties to demonstrate we are serious about protecting out natural resources.

“If that doesn’t happen, we send a very clear message to people interested in poaching in our national parks and protected areas that, if we catch you red handed with lobster outof-season in the national park, catch you bang to rights, you will probably be OK. That’s not the message we want to send out

internationally or to anyone using the parks.”

Mr Carey said such an outcome will also be contrary to the Prime Minister’s “passionate” international addresses on climate change, as it would suggest The Bahamas is “not serious about protecting its ecosystems”. It also undermines The Bahamas’ focus on developing the socalled ‘Blue Economy’ and carbon credits.

The BNT chief added that its Exuma team had put significant effort into documenting, securing and transporting the evidence against the alleged poachers, accompanying it when it was transported to Nassau and then Grand Bahama.

“It’s disappointing time and time again to see these park violations go undisciplined, and this is why

we must call on the police and the courts to see these instances through by imposing fines and repercussions as allowed for in the BNT Act. By not issuing fines to poachers and others who violate park regulations, we feel this sends the wrong message and will encourage poaching in the future,” Mr Carey added, acknowledging “missteps” over the suspects’ detention.

“The point must be made that we take these offences to our natural resources very seriously. We must also urge all visitors to do their part - not only to respect the park rules and regulations - but to also report any instances of illegal activity that they observe in parks.

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a very special place - the oldest land and sea park in the world and we owe it to ourselves

COMPETITION LAW COULD HELP CRUISE CHALLENGES FROM PAGE 24 not by Bahamian operators.

Generally, such behaviour appears to act in detriment of domestic (small) businesses.”

Calling on the Government to push ahead with bringing competition legislation to Parliament, and enacting it into law, the National Trade Policy added: “The adoption and implementation of a competition law, and the establishment of a competition authority, are needed not only because the establishment of a functioning competition regime is a commitment under the EPA, but in particular because it helps protect domestic businesses against unfair practices by larger companies, thereby promoting the competitiveness of domestic businesses, and is ultimately beneficial for the economy and Bahamian citizens alike.”

Elsewhere, the National Trade Policy said Bahamian exporters will have difficulty penetrating the Chinese market,

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in particular, because this nation remains outside the WTO. While it made no recommendation on whether The Bahamas should complete the longest-running accession process, now into its third decade, it pointed out that non-membership enables Beijing to impose higher tariffs on Bahamian products and therefore restrict market access.

“A more general issue related to foreign market access is that not being a member to the WTO means that exports from The Bahamas are not entitled to receive mostfavoured nation (MFN) treatment in destination countries,” the National Trade Policy said.

“Although most countries do not make a distinction in their tariff treatment (and other import regulations) between imports originating in WTO member countries and other countries (including The Bahamas), some important economies do make this distinction, in particular China.

“For example, China imposes a duty of 70 percent on crustaceans from The Bahamas compared to an MFN rate of 7 percent.

Accordingly, Bahamian exports to China are quite limited. Chinese tariffs on other Bahamian export products are also above the MFN rates,” it continued.

“For example, taking some others of the most important exports in 2019, the differences are as follows: Polystyrene 45 percent versus MFN 6.5 percent; and heterocyclic compounds 20 percent versus MFN 6.5 percent. These differences are very substantial and constitute an impediment to export to China.”

The National Trade Policy said the market access enjoyed by Bahamian exporters is thus entirely dependent on foreign government “goodwill” in such circumstances with the country remaining outside the WTO and no bilateral (country-tocountry) trade agreements in place.

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“WTO accession negotiations have been underway, with varying intensity since 2001. The National Development Plan mentions accession as one of the targets in its strategy related to trade policy. However, a

number of issues would still need further clarification,” the report said.

“For example, some WTO members have claimed that some of The Bahamas’ current tariff and tax provisions are not in

to protect this amazing resource and give it the respect that it deserves.”

Asserting that “a strong example” must be set to deter poaching and other illegal activities, the BNT added that it has been working with the Attorney General’s Office to finalise the Bylaws for all national parks. These will give its wardens more authority in national parks and allow them to immediately issue fixed penalties on the spot for violations.

BNT wardens can collect the fines for forwarding on to the Government, without having to go through other authorities for prosecution. On July 4, three days after the Exuma incident, the BNT was notified that the bylaws were officially gazetted into Bahamian law. line with WTO rules. Also, the implications of some commitments expected by WTO members will need to be carefully assessed.

A careful review of the costs and benefits of WTO accession, and the accession negotiation strategy, is therefore needed prior to progressing with the negotiations.”

PAGE 22, Wednesday, July 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

GETTING TO THE ROOT CAUSE BY KILLING SEEDS OF CRIME A

llianz Global Corporate and Specialty (AGCS), in a June 15, 2022, report has predicted an increase in strikes, riots, violent protest and general social disorder on a global scale. This continued upheaval has been associated with the postCOVID fall-out, and the increased cost of living that comes with scarce basic human necessities. The United Nations secretarygeneral, speaking of the war in Ukraine, which has impacted more than 30 percent of the world’s wheat production, said in March: “All of this is planting the seeds of political instability and unrest around the globe.”

There is nothing that can be done to change the past. Nevertheless, it is to the past that we must look for lessons learned in order to prevent a repeat of the same strategic and tactical errors. What are the lessons learned from our response to COVID and Hurricane Dorian? We must appreciate that we are living in a global village, which is not as big as we thought, especially with the advent of technology and improved media and transportation networks.

In a January 2022 article appearing in the New York Times, headlined Examining the spikes in murders, writer German Lopez suggests that COVID0-19, coupled with changes in policing and greater access to gun, lies behind the increase in homicides in US cities. The same can be applied to The Bahamas. Our policing model is not necessarily changing to adapt to the social and economic woes of society. How we prepare for the influence of global trends and turmoil must go beyond economics; the

GAMAL

NewrY By

focus should be given to how we can sustainably protect our nation in the long run.

A local perspective The first half of 2022 has seen a concerning upswing in violence here in New Providence, with around 70 murders to-date. And the rate of killing appears to have accelerated in the last 60 days alone. It seems we are helpless to do anything about it as we see scheme after social prevention scheme fail. But is murder a true indicator of crime trends? I think not. In my opinion, social decay and delinquency are real indicators for forecasting what is about to come. The illmannered seven year-old and poorly educated youth of today, if not rescued, will most likely become a statistic tomorrow.

The 2022 Crime Brief, provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, speaks to a 33 percent increase in armed robberies in 2021 compared to 2020. Some 415 occurred last year compared to 313 in 2020. This is a difference of just under 100 armed robbery incidents. The question is what

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caused this fall-off in 2020, when we saw 576 armed robberies in 2017, 477 in 2018, and 534 in 2019. It can be reasonably argued that the 2020 drop-off was due to COVID-19 lockdowns and associated restrictions, which had more than just an impact on our health but also our safety. A similar trend is noted with the murder count, where we saw a drop in 2020 to 73, and a subsequent uptick to 119 in 2021.

Firearms were used in the majority of armed robbery incidents. The report goes on to state that businesses are largely being targeted between the hours of 6pm and 10pm. Some 151 businesses were held up, placing staff and customers alike in harm’s way. With that type of information, business owners and security planners need to make better decisions on where to allocate resources. These mitigation strategies can range from cash reduction initiatives, such as increased cash drops at the bank, or moving to electronic payment platforms. It is a good idea to improve relations with the local police station responsible for your area and take some initiative in making your community safer.

What appears to be missing, or lacking, from our society is an aggressive approach to reducing juvenile delinquency, which when left to fester evolves into the adult criminal. It is bewildering that government ministries such as Education, Social Services and Sports, Youth and Culture are not receiving more funding, aid and restructuring as a part of a national crime prevention programme.

The current philosophy of an increased police and security presence, alarm systems, burglar bars,and

J O B

reduced cash on-premises are all responses to crime, not prevention. If one is to compare crime and social disorder to a disease then the aforementioned ministries can be said to be preventative and wellness programmes, whereas the surveillance systems, tracing anklets, law enforcement and the courts are likened to pills, emergency medicine and surgery. For example, in the past ten years we have seen more shifts, reassignments and restructuring in the police and judiciary than in all other agencies combined. It is painfully obvious that the problem is not the fruit that we are attempting to lock up and give a harsher sentence to, but the tree - our social and cultural infrastructure.

Education We may question if the education system is failing, and it becomes a national debate when the results of the BGCSE and BJC exams are released. This argument has far-reaching ramifications that go beyond our nation’s ability to compete in the global marketplace, as it strives to prove it has a qualified and deep pool of employable persons. It reflects our ability to communicate and relate to each other. Where there is a breakdown in communication, there is confusion, which leads to frustration, anger and violence.

Rational and problemsolving skills are greatly diminished because little Johnny cannot read. After several attempts to save money by purchasing an off-market product, only to find that the instructions are in every language but English, I have decided to stick with those products that have English as it is the primary form of communication. Of course, the

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issue here is not the savings but the frustration in not being able to understand what was required. A low level of education speaks to the inability of persons to receive instructions, but also their difficulty in understanding these directions. Out of unintended shame and embarrassment, too many times a violent response is given.

“Boys will be boys”, says the mother as her son is arrested for the third time for being in possession of marijuana. This is a truth that should not be laughed at, but used to our advantage by creating more boys and girls-only schools. It appears to me that many young men and women are distracted, and need assistance in prioritising what is necessary for the various stages of their life.

Studies have shown there are noticeable changes in behaviour, and better academic performance, when troubled young men are placed in a male-only environment. We must realise that the recurring need to bring in ‘skilled’ labourers shows not everyone is inclined to be a doctor, lawyer or scientist. We must find other alternatives such as masons, carpenters and mechanics that should be taught from junior high.

And not just taught, but seen to be respectable and admirable professions.

Social Services What exactly is the role of social services in reducing crime, and how can they help? Well, my experience with young men and women tells me they are receiving another type of education besides the formal lessons in school.

The ‘school of hard knocks’ regularly reminds these children that they will not always have food to eat, uniforms to wear or, worse, mum or dad to give them the love they need. It is easy for those of us who have the emotional, educational and financial backing to sit on the side and critique, and demand longer jail terms and hangings, but are we really addressing the problem? Let’s be real, Bahamas. We all need love, and desire to be loved to make it through the day.

With this ‘love’ to look forward to, then, really what is there to lose? Here I see the social worker as more than someone who hands out food stamps or is able to find shelter for the less fortunate, but someone who can tap into that inner being and facilitate via

church or some other civic group where help is needed.

Sports The social and interpersonal skills one learns from playing sports are terribly under-rated and need to be harnessed immediately. Team and individual sports, besides fostering healthy lifestyles, teach discipline, respect, patience, confidence and co-operation, to name a few behaviours, which are fundamental characteristics lacking in many of us today.

They also introduce participants to rules and fair play, as well as the penalties for breaking those rules. I am convinced that organised sports programmes are one of the most powerful weapons that we have to fight and reduce crime. Be it tennis, swimming, golf, any of the martial arts disciplines or track and field, we are missing the learning and molding opportunities that these physical and mental disciplines offer. Let us not get confused: The purpose here is not to create world champions but better Bahamians.

Youth If we sincerely believe in the statements that “children are the future” and “children are the wealth of a nation”, then this division of government must receive more attention, planning and investment.

The primary focus of which must be on the young men.

I am not a chauvinist, but I firmly believe that men are the fundamental backbone of a healthy society. Where we have seen the decline in good male leadership, we have seen a direct increase in moral decay and crime. No, I did not conduct research or hire some consultant; I just live here.

What amazes me is that there are already groups such as the Boy’s Brigade and Boys Scouts that can cater to this training of our young men, but they lack the funding. Boys need to be taught how to be men and lead. We cannot hope for it to happen without seriously placing effort into the process. Think about it... Who are the main perpetrators of social disorder and crimes? We all know the answer, yet we are not attempting to get to the source.

Culture The identity crisis being experienced in our country has, in my opinion, been a major catalyst to

SEE PAGE 19

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THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, PAGE 23

GB CHAMBER TARGETING SME BOOST FOR ISLAND’S WEST END

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said the group is aiming to stimulate small and medium-sized business growth in the island’s West End after the latest bid to acquire the former Ginn project foundered.

James Carey told Tribune Business that the Government’s rejection of the present Reunion Cay proposal by Kingwood International Resorts is not the end as it is not the “only game in town”.

He said: “There’s some small businesses developing out there. That’s a very nice area and we hope

some touristic things can happen. My Chamber in October is supposed to do some workshops in that area to see if we can stimulate and encourage the small businesses down that way.

“We want to offer some assistance for persons tiptoeing through the process of getting established. But there is nothing big on the horizon that I’m aware of for West End, Grand Bahama, that’s going to make an impact. I think there’s opportunities for a lot of touristic things to happen, and design and embrace opportunities for things that are touristrelated. There are a lot of very natural things out that way and, from my perspective, that is what we should be focused on.

“Naturally some things will develop, some residential complexes I hope, but again I’m not aware of any of these things on the drawing board at the present time.”

Investment activity in Grand Bahama is presently focused on Freeport via the Grand Lucayan’s potential sale, the Carnival Cruise Line port’s construction, Western Atlantic Medical University’s build-out and Doctor’s Hospital new hospital.

Mr Carey, referring to recent meetings involving the Government, Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Chamber, said: “I have no issues with the GBPA. We’re in communication with each other and, two Friday’s ago, the

RETAILERS ENJOYING REBOUND IN INDEPENDENCE DAY SALES

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

RETAILERS yesterday said Independence Day sales are much stronger than last year with one reporting a 10 percent yearover-year increase.

Pedro Neely, owner/ operator of PC Smart Tees, told Tribune Business that Family Island t-shirt sales for Independence Day celebrations are better than expected and “back to prepandemic levels”.

Mr Neely who co-owns PC Smart Tees with his wife, Candia, added that they have been “swamped” with bulk orders since June ended as retailers purchase to re-sell the t-shirts. Sales, he confirmed, are “10 percent above last year”.

Mr Neely said: “We’re offering bulk now and

increasing our work flow so we are able to knock these orders out all at one time. We didn’t have to hire new people. Right now it’s just me and my wife. We put a lot of work into it just to make it streamlined.

We used the pandemic to upgrade our technology and our workflow.”

Cayle Mortimer, owner/ operator of Mortimer Candies, said Independence Day sales are “picking up” and much better than 2021 as the economy continues to recover. Mortimer Candies produces the flagcoloured mints for July 10,

which will be celebrated in full for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Loretta Francis, marketing manager for Suntee Embroidme, said business started picking up just before National Pride Day on July 1. She added: “We have a dedicated customer base, and each year they love to shop at Suntee.” Family Island orders for Suntee are also increasing, with a “mixture” of both re-sellers and people buying shirts for their families.

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Chamber, the GBPA and the minister for Grand Bahama sat down together at the same table and had a chat about how we can work together for the common good.

“This meeting was only a preliminary meeting, and only to open the channel of communication between the partners. That is truly encouraging for me. So we’re seeing where that

gets us in the not too distant future, but it is nice to sit at the table and share your thoughts on how to get Grand Bahama moving more than it is.”

Acknowledging complaints about the GBPA’s role in the island’s development, or lack of it, Mr Carey said: “I hear a lot of complaints about the GBPA, and the Board had an event last week and

they sought to set out and explain exactly what they are doing for the island.

“But maybe they need to be more visible in what they intend. I’m not saying they are strictly driven by profit because, in my exchanges with them, they do understand the bigger picture where they have to spend money to drive things so bigger and better things can happen.”

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

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COVID collapse sparked rare $1.7bn ‘dual deficit’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net TOURISM’S “collapse” at COVID-19’s peak “exposed the fragility” of The Bahamas’ current economic model by producing rare twin goods and services trade deficits worth a combined $1.7bn.

The Bahamas’ draft National Trade Policy, which is due to be discussed at a public consultation tomorrow, discloses that the pandemicinduced economic lockdown and border closures virtually wiped out tourism earnings that had produced a $311m total trade surplus just one year before.

This nation’s economic model has traditionally relied on services exports, chiefly tourism and financial services, to generate foreign currency surpluses to cover the multi-billion dollar annual trade deficits incurred on physical goods. While this system worked reasonably well prior to COVID, the resulting $3.2bn plunge in 2020 services exports created

• Pandemic reversed 2019’s $311m total trade surplus • Tourism closure produced unheard of service shortfall • ‘Piecemeal’ strategy leaves trade below 80% of GDP huge shortfalls on both the goods and services sides that combined for an overall deficit “higher than in any recent years”.

Asserting that trade will play a pivotal role in repositioning the Bahamian economy for the post-pandemic “new normal”, the National Trade Policy report said: “In the preCOVID period, The Bahamas’ large services trade surplus was roughly sufficient, and increasingly so, to counterbalance the goods trade deficit.

“The strong performance of services, in particular the tourism sector, helped The Bahamas to achieve a combined goods

Competition law could help cruise challenges

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net FULFILLING The Bahamas’ long-standing commitment to enact competition laws could help prevent the cruise lines directing passengers to patronise select tours, attractions and retailers, it is being argued.

The draft National Trade Policy, which is to be discussed at a public consultation tomorrow, affirms that this nation has failed to meet its obligation under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) trade agreement with the European Union (EU) to implement antitrust legislation that would act as a safeguard against anti-competitive behaviour.

Given that The Bahamas signed on to the EPA in 2008-2009, such laws should have been enacted by 2013-2014, but this has yet to happen despite draft legislation being crafted in both 2007 and 2018. Several consultations were held on the latter version at a time when the Minnis administration was mulling whether to reignite The Bahamas’ bid for full membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“The Bahamas currently has no competition law in place,” the National Trade Policy confirmed. “A draft law was prepared in 2018, based on an earlier draft of 2007, which comprehensively addresses anti-competitive conduct, merger control, as well as some elements of consumer protection (unfair and misleading trading practices).

“The adoption of the Bill, however, remains outstanding to-date. Under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU, signatory states commit to have competition laws in place within five years of the entry into force of the agreement.”

The report continued: “Following from the absence of competition law, there are currently no instruments available to address cartels or the abuse of dominance by businesses. Based on research undertaken and information obtained from stakeholders, some indications into practices that might constitute abuse of market power by large players under competition laws could be identified.

“Examples include the purchasing practices of large hotels or the practices of cruise lines to nudge passengers into

SEE PAGE 21

and services trade surplus for the first time in 2019, at $311m. However, the COVID19 pandemic caused a collapse in services exports in 2020 to $1.3bn from $4.5bn a year earlier, less than the services imports of $1.4bn in that year.

“The impact of the pandemic was thus a dual goods and services trade deficit with a combined value of $1.7bn, higher than any deficit in recent years and exposing the fragility of the country’s current trade model, which is based on a very narrow export base.”

The $133m services trade deficit incurred in 2020 represented a major departure from prior

year outcomes, which almost always produced surpluses meaning The Bahamas earned more income than what it spent on importing services - ranging from $1.218bn to $2.637bn between 2016 and 2019.

As an import-dependent country, relying on the outside world for most of what it consumes, the National Trade Policy report said COVID-19 had revealed the vulnerability of a Bahamian economic model that has grown to increasingly rely on tourism - “one of the globally most affected sectors by the pandemic” - to finance these purchases via its annual foreign currency earnings.

“Trade has an important role to play in the new normal,” the report added. “But for this to happen, The Bahamas needs a coherent National Trade Policy which aligns with the broader development strategy, and to avoid a piecemeal approach of uncoordinated and sometimes conflicting measures affecting the country’s exports and imports of goods and services.

SEE PAGE 19

BNT fears message sent over poaching-accused uncertainty • Police will not confirm fate of suspects ‘caught red handed’ • Trust chief: May show Bahamas ‘not serious’ on resources • Admits ‘missteps’ after vessel attempted to flee Bahamas

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

However, in the same breath, he added: “My team is presently investigating. Once I obtain a report on the situation I will revert to you.” Mr Farquharson declined to comment further, but his comments indicate that the Department of Labour is investigating whether any terminations have taken place and, if so, the amount, having likely received similar reports to this newspaper.

Jamaal Gomez, Gold Rock Corporation’s general manager, did not return this newspaper’s calls and message seeking comment. However, the Employment Act reforms passed in 2017 require companies to give the minister of labour two weeks’ notice if they intend to terminate more

THE Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) executive director last night voiced fears that suspected fisheries poachers “caught red handed” in the Exumas may be allowed to leave this nation without being charged.

Eric Carey, its executive director, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas may signal it is “not serious about protecting our natural resources” after police in Grand Bahama refused to confirm the outcome of their investigation and if the alleged poachers are free to leave this nation’s waters.

Recalling events since the BNT’s Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park team intercepted the suspect vessel, which had spiny crawfish (lobster) on board despite the season’s start being almost a month away, he said its officials simply do not know how the Royal Bahamas Police Force plans to proceed.

“The police in Grand Bahama have not confirmed to our team if those people have been released pending further investigation, possibly charged or they have decided not to charge them,” Mr Carey told this newspaper. “This has been our question all day.

“They told us at midnight last night they were releasing them, and they were going to their boat at any time. We watched their boat, and they left the dock this [yesterday] morning in Grand Bahama. We did not engage them.” Mr Carey added that the BNT and its officers will be “very, very disappointed” if the alleged poachers have been clearance to leave The Bahamas “because these people were caught red handed”.

The BNT, in a statement, said its search of the suspect vessel found an egg-bearing female lobster caught before the crawfish season opens officially on August 1. Those on board were informed of their potential

SEE PAGE 20

SEE PAGE 21

DevCO slams concrete maker over ‘gross underperformance’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama Development Company (DevCO) has accused a concrete manufacturer or “gross contractual underperformance” and asserted that it cannot continue to grant it an aggregate monopoly that excludes local rivals.

Charisse Brown, DevCO’s chief executive and senior legal counsel, in a second statement that is likely to inflame the dispute with Gold Rock Corporation and its owners, the Florida-based Del Zotto family, alleged that the Freeport-based supplier “failed to satisfy the terms” of their recently-expired five-year deal by not meeting the “minimum tonnage requirement” for aggregate taken from the Devonshire subdivision.

In a release that sought to counter Gold Rock’s argument that DevCO was responsible for the closure of its concrete block and ready mix division, and subsequent termination of staff, Ms Brown accused the company’s owners of being “egregiously disingenuous” with their public statement on the matter.

DevCO’s statement also came as Robert Farquharson, the Government’s director of labour, confirmed to Tribune Business that his officials are “presently investigating” the situation at Gold Rock. This newspaper was told that Gold Rock may have terminated as many as 40 employees on Friday past, but Mr Farquharson branded this “incorrect”.

VESSEL in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park that was suspected of poaching.

CHARISSE BROWN

Bahamas among most exposed to Ukraine war

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

HUBERT EDWARDS.

THE BAHAMAS must brace for multiple economic “uncertainties” over the next 12-18 months, a governance reformer warned yesterday, after it was named among the eight Western Hemisphere states most vulnerable to the Ukraine war.

Hubert Edwards, head of the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) economic development committee, told Tribune Business that the country must “not throw our hands up in the air” over ongoing and yet-toemerge pressures stemming from Russia’s invasion and the persistent post-COVID supply chain shocks.

He spoke out after the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in an assessment of the Ukraine

conflict’s economic impact on Latin America and the Caribbean, listed The Bahamas among those most exposed to the conflict because of their dependence on imported oil (energy) and food.

Pegging The Bahamas’ dependence on net imports of oil, gas and food (OGA) as equivalent to 3.7 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), the IDB said: “Net imports of OGA represent large shares of GDP in countries such as Jamaica (13.7 percent), Barbados (12.5 percent), El Salvador (9 percent), Belize (8.5 percent), Dominican Republic (5.5 percent), Suriname (4.7 percent), The Bahamas (3.7 percent) and Honduras (2.3 percent).

“These countries are the most prone to short-term

balance of payments problems and food insecurity. Poorer households will be disproportionately affected by the rise in OGA prices as they devote a large share of income to the purchase of food and transport services.”

The 3.7 percent of GDP figure given for The Bahamas is roughly equivalent to $400m, a sum that some observers may feel is low, given that this nation imports 100 percent of its fossil fuel needs. Central Bank data shows The Bahamas spent $218.616m on oil-related imports in the 2022 first quarter alone, a 30 percent year-overyear increase compared to 2021, while the country’s annual food import bill has consistently been pegged at $1bn.

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