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VOLUME:117 No.157, JULY 13TH, 2020

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INSIGHT: WE’VE NO CHOICE OVER OPENING BORDERS

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BPL BAILOUT HAS COST US MILLIONS FLYING THE FLAG

Bannister warns mountain of bills must be tackled

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE government was forced to pump “millions” into Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) during COVID-19’s peak due to customers’ inability to pay, it was revealed yesterday.

Minister of Works Desmond Bannister, justifying the state-owned utility’s decision to resume disconnections, said the monopoly power provider “cannot continue to exist” if households and businesses fail to pay their monthly bills.

He told Tribune Business that BPL’s “shaky”

financial position means it cannot continue the “across the board” COVID-19 bill deferral initiative that was in place for three months during the lockdown, but will instead treat customers on a “case by case basis” and assist where there is “real hardship”.

“The government has come to some agreements with BPL, and I think the first thing to understand is there’s a tremendous amount of empathy for people that genuinely cannot pay their bills,” Mr Bannister said. “The government appreciates that.”

FOLLOWING the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases on Grand Bahama, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest is urging residents to keep their “guard up”.

He said it is important that residents strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols to stop the spread of the virus. Six cases were recorded within one week on the island, while the

STAFF FACE PROBE AFTER VIDEO SHOWS COURT PARTY

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net TOP judiciary officials are investigating a video of people - some who appear to be court staff - staging a party in a courtroom.

In a 30-second clip that spread on social media last week, several women are seen on cell phone video gyrating to dancehall music and holding beverages in what appears to be a courtroom at the Magistrates Court complex on Nassau Street. Several men are also seen dancing in the clip.

A statement by Chief Justice Brian Moree and Chief Magistrate Joyanne Ferguson-Pratt on Friday said the behaviour does not reflect the standards and professionalism of court staff.

SEE PAGE THREE

FUNDING FOR STUDENTS TO STUDY ABROAD PUT ON HOLD

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

country recorded seven cases overall last week.

Health officials are conducting contact tracing.

Three new cases were recorded on Saturday. They are all females, including a 16-year-old girl and a 39-year-old woman, both with a history of travel; and a 47-year-old woman with no history of travel.

A 27-year-old Grand Bahama man also tested positive on Thursday, July 9; and on Wednesday, July 8,

THE Ministry of Education has announced that it will not give new scholarships for international studies for the 2020/2021 year due to funding constraints. This includes scholarships to the University of the West Indies, among other institutions.

In a statement on Saturday, the ministry said: “The public is also advised that other matters affecting the ministry’s decision included the free tuition initiatives at the University of the Bahamas and the Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute, the tuition commitment to

GB COVID CASES ARE HARD ‘WAKE UP CALL’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HOME

SEE PAGE THREE

THE Bahamas celebrated Independence Day - its 47th - last Friday more quietly than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

SIR RANDOL AWARDED TOP HONOUR

By TRIBUNE REPORTER

GOVERNMENT House has announced the recipients of National Honours this year, with former labour leader Sir Randol Fawkes given the posthumous top honour of the Order of National Hero.

Dubbed the “father of labour” Sir Randol pushed for the establishment of Labour Day in 1961, which is now named in his honour.

He also led the General

SIR RANDOL FAWKES Strike in January 1958, which resulted in major constitutional and labour

reforms. The Order of the Bahamas Companion has been given to attorney Paul Adderley, and former speaker of the House of Assembly Sir Alvin Braynen – both honoured posthumously – and Henry Bostwick.

Three justices have been given the honour of Order of the Bahamas Officers: Claire Hepburn, Jeanne Thompson and Rhonda Bain.

SEE PAGE FOUR

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PAGE 2, Monday, July 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

The quiet pride of Independence Day

THE Independence Celebrations Committee in conjunction with the Bahamas Christian Council marked the country’s 47th anniversary with an innovative made-for-television virtual programme, showing abundant young talent in a four-hour special. The virtual show was created to adhere to protocols to avoid spread of COVID-19. For the first time in

the nation’s independent history, Bahamians could not gather together on Clifford Park to celebrate and anticipate the flag raising at midnight and fireworks to bring in Independence Day. Two events, pillars of the traditional celebration, were held at Clifford Park: an ecumenical service to begin the programme on Thursday evening and

a flag raising and fireworks at midnight to mark the dawn of Independence Day on July 10. Most of the programme was anchored at studios of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas with occasional greetings from Bahamian nationals in other countries via ZOOM. From Clifford Park, president of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist

Church and Third Vice-President of the Bahamas Christian Council Reverend Carla Culmer called for continuance of the hopefulness, resilience, and community togetherness that has helped sustain Bahamians over the years. At the end of the night, uniformed branches at Clifford Park conducted the flag raising.

Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 13, 2020, PAGE 3

STAFF FACE PROBE AFTER VIDEO SHOWS COURT PARTY from page one

“The Office of the Judiciary is aware of the video circulating on social media showing persons dancing and socialising at an event which is said to have occurred in the Magistrates Court Complex on July 9, 2020,” the statement said.

“In response to this, we wish to advise that an internal enquiry into this incident has been launched to determine what actually occurred in the Magistrates Court building, and the facts and circumstances surrounding the events which are partially captured on the video.

Appropriate action will be taken in line with the conclusions of the enquiry.

“It is apparent that the individuals in the video are not wearing facial masks and are not complying with the physical distancing

requirements. Some of the persons who can be seen on the video appear to be members of the court staff while others do not appear to be employed by the judiciary. The scenes shown on the video do not reflect the standards and professionalism of the members of the court staff in discharging their duties to the public.

“We are cognizant of the importance of preserving the decorum of court buildings and the dignity and fairness of all court proceedings. For these reasons, we regard the incident shown as a serious matter which requires our urgent attention and action consistent with maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.

“Within the judiciary, our diligent efforts to reform and modernise the court system in the Bahamas will continue. We

trust that the results of our endeavours will become apparent to the Bahamian public over the next three to six months as we execute a series of new initiatives in the delivery of justice to all persons in the Bahamas.”

This is not the first time a video of people appearing to breach Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ COVID-19 regulations has gone viral.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force launched disciplinary hearings involving a marine after a video allegedly showed RBDF officers dancing at a pool party last month. However, attorney Wayne Munroe is trying to prevent the proceedings from taking place, telling The Tribune that even if his client was the person in the video, disciplinary proceedings infringe on her freedom of association.

A GRAB from the video circulating on social media showing people dancing

GB COVID cases are hard ‘wake up call’ from page one two people - a 33-year-old woman with no history of travel, and a 20-yearold undocumented male migrant tested positive for COVID-19. Officials announced on Friday, July 10, that a 40-year-old New Providence man with a history of travel had also tested positive.

All the cases are in isolation. This brings the Bahamas’ total cases to 111.

It is not clear how recently the cases with a history of travel went overseas. As fewer coronavirus cases have emerged, Ministry of Health press conferences have become less frequent and officials have become less responsive to questions from the press. The last press conference was 11 days ago. The Tribune understands one is expected sometime this week.

When contacted on Sunday, Mr Turnquest noted that the combination of cases with a history of travel as well as what appears to be community spread, is a particular concern. However, he is confident that health officials are on top of it.

“Fortunately, the Bahamas has one of the best contact tracing units in the region and the health professionals will no doubt get a handle on the situation in short order,” he said.

Mr Turnquest, the MP for East Grand Bahama, said residents must do their part to stop the spread.

“We must help them, however, by doing our part by reintroducing heightened vigilance and personal safety protocols. This spike in new cases should remind all of us that the virus is still present with us here as well as in foreign lands we may

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest be eager to visit for shopping or vacation. We must always keep our guard up,” he stated.

“I encourage residents to pay strict attention to the Ministry of Health protocols; wear masks at all times when outside your home, avoid public spaces where you may not be able to maintain the recommended 6ft distancing; avoid crowds and places where your inhibitions may be weakened and tempted to ignore the protocols, do not speak to or allow people to speak to

you without a mask, wash hands regularly, etc.

“Unfortunately, I see too many Bahamians congregating in places without masks and being undisciplined in their behaviour.

This is not helpful,” he said.

Mr Turnquest noted that “in order to return to a steady state of no new cases, we each have to do our part to be vigilant as we go about our business.”

He urged Bahamians to be safe.

Meanwhile, Minister of

THREE FEMALE US TOURISTS CLIMB LOCKED FENCE AT CABBAGE BEACH THREE female tourists from the United States jumped a locked fence at the entrance of Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island on Friday.

The women, who are from Boston, told a local news station they travelled to The Bahamas for the beach and were not deterred by beach closures in New Providence for the holiday weekend. Photos of the women scaling the fence were shown on the broadcast.

“We had to jump over the fence to get to the beach, so it kind of sucks a little bit,”

one of the women said in an interview which aired on Our News on Saturday, about their trip.

“We came here from the beach, we don’t have beaches where we come from like this,” her companion said.

However, on Saturday, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said it was continuing to monitor beaches on New Providence and Grand Bahama and “had no reports of people on the beaches” during Independence Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, police said they did arrest two men

for breaching COVID19 emergency orders on Friday.

Shortly before 10pm, police said they received reports of a large gathering at the Land Shark Hotel and Bar on West Bay Street. On the officers’ arrival, they found a large crowd of people in the area of the bar.

“The crowd was disbursed, two managers on duty were arrested and taken into custody for breach of the COVID-19 emergency order,” police said.

Investigations into this matter continue.

State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson also said Grand Bahama residents cannot afford to let their guards down.

“We should all be very concerned. This is six cases in the last few days. This is a wake up call to all those

who believed we could ease the social distancing restrictions. I make a plea to all Grand Bahama businesses to ensure they comply with the law. Everyone must wear masks. Those persons returning from international travel must abide

by quarantine rules,” Mr Thompson said.

According to the latest Ministry of Health dashboard, there are 11 active cases and 89 recovered cases. Eleven people have died from while 2,531 tests have been completed.

PAGE 4, Monday, July 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE Photos: Stephen Taylor

Operation Sovereign Bahamas takes to the streets

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net OPERATION Sovereign Bahamas held a march through the streets of New Providence on Independence Day over a myriad of issues.

The march, organised by a team including former radio talk show host Adrian Francis and attorney Maria Daxon, called for “no more

lies” and a “change to the system”.

Paul Rolle, the man who was arrested last week for protesting in front of the Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus statues, was also an organiser of the march. His attorney, Ms Daxon, feels that he was deliberately arrested on “bogus charges” to prevent him from attending the march.

“My client is still in custody and he is now charged

with threats of violence,” Ms Daxon said. “He was to be charged with trespassing (initially). They changed the charge. He is going to court tomorrow (Monday). This is yet another bogus charge.

My team of lawyers are laughing at this as we want to know who these threats of violence are against.

Who, Christopher Columbus’ statue?

“My client was to be involved with the march we had on Independence Day.

He was a part of our team.

They arrested him because they didn’t want him to be on the march,” she claimed.

“They knew he was a part of our team. They know he is very strong-willed. They don’t trust us. We are the problem as far as they are concerned. . .”

Her client, who has been detained since last Wednesday, remains in custody at the Wulff Road Police Station.

Ms Daxon thinks police

intentionally detained him, knowing a holiday weekend was coming up and the next sitting of court would be Monday.

Meanwhile, the small group of protesters is demanding, among other things, the resignation of the entire Cabinet for its “blatant deceit of the Bahamian people and the return to governing by the Constitution”; immigration reform; an investigation into Hurricane Dorian victims and the complete disclosure of all related expenditures in Abaco and Grand Bahama; and an investigation into the oil spill in East Grand Bahama. The group is also protesting ill treatment of ordinary Bahamians by the judiciary and police.

“The things that really have us concerned is that

the things really belong to us but no one is telling us that truth,” Mr Francis said.

“No one is transparent and candid enough about what is ours. So the people are tired of being lied to. We believe that there is a new order and a new day coming in the country. That new day starts now. The march represents a revolution. A period where people have decided that from 1967 until now we’ve gone backwards.

“So we are going to take back our economy, take back our people, take back our direction. The future (of) our country is right now at stake so we march to save the future of the country. So it’s about people deciding that because of all that they have gone through – that’s enough! Enough is enough! No more lies!”

TOP HONOUR FOR SIR RANDOL FAWKES from page one

The Order of Excellence has been conferred upon businessman Frank Crothers while noted psychiatrist Dr David Allen has been awarded the Order of Distinction for exemplary service.

The Order of Merit is given to any citizen who has achieved eminent national or international distinction

in the field of science, education, public service, the arts, literature or any other endeavour. This honour has been given to Roselda Woodside this year.

The awards will be presented later this year on National Heroes Day, October 13.

No one was selected for the honour of National Hero or Order of the Nation this year.

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 13, 2020, PAGE 5

24-YEAR-OLD DRIVER DIES AFER LOSING CONTROL

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

24-YEAR-OLD Philip “PJ” Rolle lost his life on Independence Day when he seemingly lost control of his car and crashed into a concrete wall in Exuma.

Although police did not release his identity, a Tribune source in Exuma identified Mr Rolle of Rolleville, Exuma, as the victim in the smash.

According to the source, Rolle was a heavy equipment operator with Red

Boy’s Backhoe and Trucking and was always “the life of the party” who everyone loved and wanted to be around.

An official police report said the accident occurred just before 9pm on Friday. An anonymous caller alerted police to the accident which took place on Queen’s Highway, in the vicinity of Tar Bay. When police arrived on the scene they met Rolle’s vehicle, a silver Honda Civic, with extensive damage having collided into a concrete wall.

The responding officers reported Rolle was

in the driver’s seat of the vehicle with severe head injuries.

Rolle was transported to the Exuma Health Clinic, a mini-hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead.

Meanwhile on Saturday night in New Providence, a serious wreck took place on Prince Charles Drive in the vicinity of Doris Johnson High School.

RBPF press liaison officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters did not have many details on that incident when contacted yesterday.

“There are no full details

on the accident as yet, but thankfully there was no death in that incident,” ASP Peters said. “It was someone who lost control and snapped a lamp pole and caused power outages in the area. There were no serious injuries.”

After the car collided with the utility pole, it burst into flames and the occupant, according to onlookers, had to be removed from the vehicle by a team. He was taken from the scene by ambulance but sustained no life-threatening injuries.

Investigations into these incidents continue.

SATURDAY’S accident on Prince Charles Drive

Still no plans to reopen schools, says union chief

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson said the union has yet to receive a plan or framework from the Ministry of Education for the reopening of schools.

According to Mrs Wilson, there was a meeting with the ministry last Monday and officials promised to provide a plan for the reopening. She said that the lack of direction has had some affects.

“Well the relationship… it deteriorated when it was evident that the ministry had no written plan and to date as we speak we do not have a plan or a framework from the Ministry of Education for short, medium, and/or long term during COVID and after COVID,” she said during a presentation to a Rotary meeting last Thursday.

Mrs Wilson said that BUT’s expectations

include details given to stakeholders regarding health measures and the curriculum.

She added: “We will insist that there is clear, concise information shared to all stakeholders prior to the opening of 172 public schools on 27 islands and cays and the schools must be clean, sanitised and proper social distancing measures put in place.

“And we need to know prior to school opening what are the policies for the use of technology, the student having cellphones, the way that teachers and students would operate in a technological school, the wearing of masks, how are we going to set the timetable, is the curriculum going to be amended, are we going to have the same school hours?”

Mrs Wilson, pictured, also said teachers have received naked pictures and voice notes with obscene language from students while utilising virtual learning platforms.

Speaking at a Rotary meeting, she expressed concern about the safety of the virtual platform and the challenges instructing students with the technology.

“I can say to you all that when our teachers were teaching some of them received naked pictures from students. Some of them received notes or voice notes with obscene language,” she said.

“Some of the teachers were teaching, the students were using maybe their parent’s laptop or their parent’s cellphone. The parent came, pulled the device out of the child’s hand and

cursed while other students were able to see and hear.

“There’s a lot more to visual learning and we want to have policies in place to govern how all of us should behave ….in a COVID environment while we’re using technology.”

She said there were many challenges faced while utilising online learning ranging from no electricity, data, or devices. Despite noting teachers, parents, and students doing their best, Mrs Wilson shared an instance of students possibly not participating in class.

She recalled: “A Family Island teacher shared with me how she had several students logged on to the virtual platform and she had to go outside and she said as she was outside she saw two of her students riding their bicycle but they were registered and logged in and she thought they were actually on the virtual platform and in class.”

Rain causes problems at PMH THE Public Hospitals Authority has “actioned immediate repairs to an area” in Princess Margaret Hospital after heavy rain “compromised a temporary construction measure,” health officials said.

PHA said the area – an “unoccupied room” adjacent to the Office of the Duty Sister – experienced flooding after last week’s heavy downpours. “The event occurred as the PHA is continuing necessary roof repairs in the area,” the entity said. “The area has been resealed and the permanent works to complete the repairs continue.”

FUNDING FOR STUDENTS TO STUDY ABROAD PUT ON HOLD from page one current awardees, and the need to support Bahamians who seek admission to independent local tertiary institutions.”

Massive deficit spending in light of the COVID-19 crisis has prompted the Minnis administration to impose budget cuts across the government.

“The public is further informed that the delayed receipt of required documentation from overseas universities, emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a severe backlog of incomplete applications, thus hindering the timely consideration of them by the Scholarships Committee,” the Ministry of Education said.

“One of the greatest impediments impacting the decision to institute a moratorium has been the delay in the sitting of the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations (BGCSE), due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These BGCSE results constitute the basis by which scholarship awards are determined.

“It is also recognised that the present economic circumstances being encountered by many families may minimise the opportunities for parents and guardians to secure the balance of the funding needed to support their children while overseas.

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Additionally, as expressed by the minister of education, there is a need for reform of the scholarship system. It is important that awards are made in accordance with national priorities, and that students return to the Bahamas to

repay the Bahamian taxpayers who have borne the cost of their education.

“With these matters for consideration, it was determined that a one year moratorium was the best course of action for the Ministry of Education.

Contractual obligations to existing students will be honoured.”

Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said last week that UB will enrol more than 6,000 people in the fall semester, the highest in the institution’s history.

Death Notice for Edouard Paul Chemaly, 82

passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6th, 2020.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of more than 55 years, Norma Marie Smith Chemaly; his children and children-in-law, Soraya Chemaly, Edward Chemaly, Koralyn Chemaly Sawyer, Omar Chemaly, Thomas Jones, Michelle Cartwright Chemaly, Richard Sawyer, Sarah Chemaly; grandchildren, Catarina Chemaly, Isabelle Jones, Nicolette Sawyer, Caroline Jones, Noel Jones, Alexander Chemaly, Omar Chemaly, and Layla Chemaly; his brother and sisters-in-law, Theresa Chemaly, Therese Chemaly, Gladys Smith, Joyce Smith, Fred Smith, and his many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Henri, Philippe, and Loris, and his parents Abdallah Chemaly and Sourailla Abouzeide. Edouard will be keenly missed as a remarkably kind, affectionate, and dedicated husband, father, and friend. His life-long joie de vivre, generosity of spirit, and, not to be minimized, dancing prowess, will always be fondly remembered by us all.

His family would like to express their sincerest and heartfelt gratitude to Ludovic Misador, Stephany Bowe, Sherlanda Joseph, Adrian Rodgers, Dr. Gloria Ageeb, Patrice Thompson all of whose work, care and kindness in supporting our family and Edouard through a difficult and sad time will always be appreciated. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and gentleness.

Funeral services will be held privately and a memorial service is being planned for a future date. Donations may be made in Edward’s name to Ranfurly Home for Children and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

PAGE 6, Monday, July 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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Power supply in peril — and it’s time for government to act FOR a number of hours over the weekend, residents in the Winton area experienced a power outage. It wasn’t load shedding this time, rather that the substation there had tripped offline – but for residents sitting with no lights and no air conditioning, there was little difference.

It is also not the only outage that residents have experienced recently – and will likely continue to experience. Power generation has not been Bahamas Power & Light’s only issue – with its distribution network creaking at the seams with age and the need for investment.

BPL’s chairman, Dr Donovan Moxey, has conceded as much – telling Tribune Business last week that “there are certain parts of the network not working optimally”. They are trying to fix the network “given the limits in funding”.

Now, more than ever, the question is – where will that investment come from?

The finances at BPL were looking perilous even before COVID-19 hit the economy. Now BPL has taken a look at the plummeting amounts of revenue, and announced that it is going to resume disconnections. Already voices have urged for disconnections to be the last resort – Chamber of Commerce director Debbie Deal among them last week, warning of the difficulties for business to get restarted if they are cut off, and for the large numbers of unemployed to be able to pay at all as they wait for the economy to restart and money to be put back in their pockets.

The effects of COVID-19, however, are not the root of the problem – the problem goes back further than that.

BPL had a plan to refinance – but it was a plan that didn’t win the backing of investors. A significant part of that was that the loan wasn’t going to be backed by the government. If you’re a lender and you see a utility looking for money backed by the government, that adds confidence that come what may, your loan will get paid back. If you see a utility – particularly one that has had

a rollercoaster history such as the power provider for The Bahamas – without that backing… well, it’s perhaps no surprise there were few takers for the deal.

Add a shortage of people paying their bills because of COVID-19 on top of that financial situation, and it’s bad news piled on top of bad news.

Where does this leave BPL? It’s obviously unsustainable commercially to continually have not enough money coming in to cover the costs of supply.

Hopefully, as the economy starts to move back up the gears, that situation will become easier. That won’t fix the underlying problem though – of finding the finance it needs to restructure and pay for the upgrades to the distribution network.

For that problem, the government may need to be the one to step in – either to give its backing, essentially using its support to underwrite the loan, or to be the lender themselves. That would have a cost to the public, of course, but part of the original plan would have seen a bond added to the BPL bill each month in order to repay the costs.

If that plan was deemed to be good enough to offer to investors, is it not good enough for the government to be the investor?

More to the point, as we report today, the government has already been pumping “millions” into BPL during COVID-19’s peak to make up for the shortfalls in payments from customers – so we’re already paying out money to keep the utility going.

There are two problems here – the short-term one of providing power to people who presently cannot pay for it, and the long-term one of an electric grid that doesn’t meet the needs of the nation. Both problems need money to solve them. One has already seen government intervention, so perhaps it’s time for the second to see the same.

One thing is for certain – the time to solve both problems is now, not kicking the can down the road again. That’s how we got here in the first place.

‘It’s another soak the tourist routine’ AFTER Association of Bahamas Marinas president Peter Maury said the new Customs “check-out” processes have created “another obstacle to encourage boaters not to visit”, readers posted their reactions on tribune242. com.

Proudloudandfnm said: “We really have to get rid of this FNM next election . . . Enough already . . .”

Birdiestrachan had this to say: “When the boats enter The Bahamas they should be checked for all of the above but, when they leave, whatever port they enter will be responsible to check them.”

Clamshell posted this: “I understand the need to obtain permission to enter a country; I do not understand the need to obtain permission to leave. This is yet another ‘soak the tourist’ routine — and a corrupt one at that. The amount of the fee ‘depends on the officer’? Really?”

There was this from Admin: “I can’t believe all the fuss. It’s also about securing the borders. You have no issue when you leave Nassau to go through US Customs. You have no issue when you leave the United States . . . you don’t

report or go through US Customs but the airlines collect YOUR LEAVING details which are shared with law enforcement.

Get over it . . . The USA implements new rules and regulations, which you obey. Bahamas has a big problem with drug and human smuggling. If you’re legitimate you should be complaining. Get over it or stay at home.”

Readers also reacted to comments by Labour Director John Pinder who said while he believes most companies have had to lay off workers due to decreased business from the COVID-19 pandemic, he thinks there are some who have been using the pandemic as an excuse to get rid of certain employees.

Moncurcool asked: “This is a joke right? the Director of Labour has the audacity to criticise Bahamian companies who are trying to right size their businesses to keep people employed, and yet he does not say a

word about a company in Abaco who brings in over 100 foreigners to do jobs that could go to Bahamians? If you can speak against all injustice, don’t speak against none. It is hypocritical.”

Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson has defended the government’s decision to grant over 100 work permits to Mexican construction workers.

Linlo posted this response: “It would be interesting to have an itemisation of the ‘skills’ that Bahamians do not have which could then be used to improve what technical training needs to be done at BTVI, etc. Additionally, in keeping with the requirements of a work permit being granted, the names of each Bahamian who is ‘understudying’ the technical skills of each Mexican granted a work permit.”

Which prompted this comment from Tell_it_ like_it_is: “Good points.

Somehow though, I won’t be convinced that all 130 are more skilled than Bahamians. I would wager that less than half of those who arrived had special skills and the rest are just assisting them.”

World is on fire and we are a disgrace EDITOR, The Tribune THE world is on fire, raging around us. Corona virus. Economic dystopia.

A dying biosphere. Threats of nuclear war. Global warming. Rising sea levels.

Here at home, there is “Confusion in the Senate” a “Clash in the House”, and an inability to come to grips with reality and pressing issues which Bahamians are paying for dearly. The clownish and despicable behaviour of the Speaker of the House but one example. Our lost and arrogant Prime Minister another.

Bahamians spend good money to pay our so-called representatives.

Who can honestly say they are attending to our business?

Worse, it seems those with some education are constricted by the childish, immature and untutored dialogue by the mass of our unthinking Facebook

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net and WhatsApp population. Held back for so long, even those who had so much potential have been stymied in their required moral evolution. It seems to me that those who revere money, and money alone, are the ones who get to speak in this country.

The church leaders seem to be fumbling fools, for the most part. Our national conversations seem to mirror the lies, the egotistical authoritarianism and lack of transparency by our neighbour to the north, and other hapless autocrats which seem to be in vogue.

Our national media editors seem lost, unable to rise to the urgently needed intellectual calling and moral duty so urgently needed

right now. They, having been dragged down for so long in this dishonest and corrupt economic morass and petty political divisiveness which has now taken its true toll for these many decades.

Yes, we as a nation have sunken into a wholesale childishness, unable it seems to reason, think as Christians, to merely be socially responsible. The whole nation. We cannot blame others more foolish around us. Many of these foolish countries can print money and fend for themselves. We cannot. Nor can we afford to. Our present situation in The Bahamas is a disgrace. A disgrace to ourselves, to our children, and to any decent peoples still left in this world. A disgrace.

PORCUPINE Nassau, July 8, 2020.

Vaccine unlikely to solve pandemic EDITOR, The Tribune A REPORT out of China - a herd man has caught the Bubonic Plague.

A 15-year-old girl from neighbouring Mongolia also has the Bubonic Plague. In May a Kazakhstan couple who visited Mongolia died. The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says every year in the US, seven people are infected with the Bubonic Plague.

The Bubonic Plague is a 14th century that killed 50 million people. Although thought to be eradicated the Bubonic Plague still kills people in the 21st century.

Both COVID-19 and the bubonic plague are believed to be zoonotic diseases.

They evolve.

According to Darwinian theory organism evolve

and if successful reproduce prolifically. There is the COVID-19 Wuhan strain that is more lethal and less transmittable than the European strain that is less lethal but easily transmittable.

Although many believe that a vaccine will solve the pandemic, I am highly sceptical. Vaccines are helpful but kill many worldwide. According to the International Journal of Environment, resource and Public Health, over 490,000 developed paralysis as a result of oral Pilio Vaccines between 2000 and 2017 in India. There is a risk with every vaccine. It can be harmful to a small percentage of every population. Is it ethical to force people to take vaccines given the inherent risk? I personally, think it

is very complex and a vaccine is not a silver bullet.

Promoting good health and hygiene is also a lethal weapon since patients with underlying conditions were 12 times as likely to die from COVID-19, CDC finds.

The number one bioethical dilemma I am concerned about is the quality of education of our youth. These new COVID rules seems to be cutting face to face contact of teacher with students. With the young online education is an enhancer not the most effective primary modality.

Let us be wise and make sagacious decision; asses and modify.

BRIAN ELLIS PLUMMER Nassau, July 8, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 13, 2020, PAGE 7

DELIGHT FOR MORE THAN 600 FAMILIES WHO ARE BACK IN THEIR NEWLY-REPAIRED HOMES

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WITH the support of the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation and its partners the Rotary Clubs of Grand Bahama, over 600 families are now back in their newly repaired homes since Dorian.

GBDRF, the charitable arm of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, provided funding for the repairs, and the Rotary Clubs facilitated by managing the building and repair project initiative.

“It has been the collaborative effort and successful partnership…that allowed the assistance given to residents to be so impactful,” said a spokesperson for the GBDRF. Rotarian Darren Cooper thanked a team of young men from Seagrape, Eight Mile Rock, who assisted in carrying out the home repairs.

“With financial

support from Rotary out of Orlando, Florida, we have been able to pay the Seagrape group to work full-time with the GBDRF and Rotary to carry out the home repairs,” he said.

Rotarian James Sarles said the Pioneers Loop area in Freeport was also inundated with seawater as a result of the hurricane. He noted that they, with the support of GBDRF, went in with a team to remove all of the mould infested material and brought in mould remediation to ensure a healthy home, and replaced damaged Sheetrock.

“Roof repairs were also made where needed and, with the help of the

RUPERT HAYWARD, executive director of GBPA, and Rotarian James Sarles with residents of Pioneer’s Loop whose homes were repaired through the GBDRF and Rotary home repair initiative.

GBDRF, homes have been refurnished. We are so grateful to the GBDRF for making it possible to rebuild for so many families in need,” said Mr Sarles.

Rupert Hayward, executive director of GBPA,

during a recent visit to the Pioneers Loop area where 40 homes were remediated, met and spoke with some of the residents there who benefitted from the initiative.

“Residents expressed

Woman awarded $33k for unfair dismissal from motor company

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

stole funds belonging to the respondent in a fraudulent scheme.”

Ms Hall argued her termination was wrong because “she knew nothing about the alleged incidents of fraud or stealing; her duties did not include the obligation to observe or oversee the cashiers in their daily cashing; the duty to oversee the cashiers in their daily cashing routines was held by the manager of accounts, Mrs McCartney, who had various other direct interactions with the cashiers and to whom they reported; and there was no reasonable investigation conducted by the respondent which lawfully could support an honest and reasonable belief that she was grossly negligent, and, as such, justifiably dismissed.”

Attorney Bjorn Ferguson represented Ms Hall.

Battery & Tyre Specialists argued that Ms Hall should have detected the alleged fraud on the grounds that “it was her duty as accounts supervisor

THE Industrial Tribunal has awarded a woman $33,020 after finding her employer, Battery & Tyre Specialists Limited, wrongly fired her.

Erica Hall, an accounts supervisor who worked with the company for 27 years, was fired after three cashiers allegedly stole money from the company.

The cashiers were arrested and charged with misappropriating funds, falsifying documents and money laundering.

Ms Hall, according to the tribunal’s judgement, was on vacation when the cashiers were terminated.

She was dismissed without notice on her second day back to work on the grounds that she was “grossly negligent in the performance of her duties as accounts supervisor in failing to detect the incidences in that three cashiers

inter alia to supervise the cashiers as her direct subordinates; she was at work and in her office when the misappropriation of funds occurred and could have seen the wrongdoing of the cashiers from her office.”

The company also argued that her behaviour “was suspicious in that she said nothing about the fact that the cashiers were missing when she came to work on April 2, 2018. Further, (she) remarked that she wondered what they did with all of the money; and (she) had a close relationship with the cashiers in that she worked closely, was close friends with, and travelled with the cashiers more than once on holiday weekends.”

Ultimately, the tribunal found that it could not substantiate the claim that Ms Hall had duties which would have led her to discover the alleged misappropriation of funds.

“There was no written job description, contract of employment or other document given by the

respondent to Ms Hall which clearly detailed that Ms HaIl had the responsibility of supervising the cashiers in their daily cashing duties. The 2015 performance appraisal produced by the respondent did not prove that Ms Hall had to supervise cashiers in their daily cashing either,” the tribunal wrote.

“The tribunal is not satisfied Ms Hall had a duty to oversee the cashiers in their daily cashing functions.

This factor affects the issue of whether the respondent held an honest and reasonable belief Ms Hall was grossly negligent in the performance of her duty. On a reasonable enquiry and due consideration of the circumstances of this matter, the employer would have realised it was not adequately clear the employee had such a duty.”

The tribunal said even if it was Ms Hall’s duty to oversee the cashiers, the location of her office would have prevented her detecting unlawful activity.

A MAN was arrested on Friday for allegA MAN is in stable condition in hospital edly forcing a boy to kiss him on the mouth after he was shot on Saturday, police said. bBesut!ne was Shortly TheBigTgestariAndwoman at a party. According to police, before 11am, a man was travelne at a Tparty after 9pm when her child told her ling east on Charles W Saunders Highway bu ri T he est And Best! held” him and kissed him on his motorcycle a man Bigg“forcibly when he heard the OBITS INSIDE on the mouth. “When the child attempted to sound of what appeared to be three gunribudne from a nearby bush. He then TheeeTcoming scream and break free, the adult covered its shots ken W mouth and fled the scene,” police reported. realised that he had been shot in the left “Officers went to a residence in central New thigh. He was taken to hospital by a private Providence where they arrested a male sus- Watvehicle. ch the ery investigation is ongoing. film - ev pect for indecent assault.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

DR PERRY GOMEZ $24,498

LESLIE MILLER $42,219

DION SMITH $9,275

RENWARD WELLS $12,980

BPL WHO RUNS is quite willCRUNCH DAY OVER utilityto operator from it “walk away”

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

HUMILIATION FORAFTER 4O YEARS LOSES HIS SEAT

seats: Encaptured four Island and Cat were spent under to South Aners’ dollars administration. glerston; 1,900 votes and San Salvador; the win with the Christie is evidence as well as Exuma DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875.

He said if there”, the new dros VIRGIL Islands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2017 ELECTION

: KARA WAN

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

PUT SOUTH ISLANDS T ON MARIA ALER

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Living the dream

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TO RESIGN AS URGES CHRISTIE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Islands’ Leading

Newspaper

PLP CASUAL HIRES COST EXTRA $10M

OMY AG WARNS ECON ER’ IN ‘GRAVE DANG

799 65 9

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29TH, 2017

e n u b i r T e h T

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No.215, SEPTEMBER

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

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

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

December Progressive THE Attorneyslammed to begin work on June.

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

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

BUSINESS workers SEE danger”.

Tribtold FULL STORY Carl Bethelhe had been une Business

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By SANCHESKReporter et Tribune Staff bunemedia.n sdorsett@tri

Seniors go big for

WEEK

ROBERTS: PEET A ‘POLITICAL ENEMY’ FOR ANDROS BID

OPENS AT LAST HEALTH CENTRE MARSH HARBOUR

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BAHAMIAN PROJECT Pages 20&21

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prom Fashion, pages 14&15

FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE

WELLS

By RICARDO Reporter Tribune Staff nemedia.net rwells@tribu

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

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

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

ROLLE

By RASHAD Reporter Tribune Staff emedia.net rrolle@tribun Nottage’s DR Bernard forever be will “footprints the Bahamian etched on tal landscape” developmen work as a forthrough his of the Bahamer president of Athletic mas Association s, the Bahamas Association , the Medical Association and as a afDoctors’ Union consumer for reminister health and to accept the a defeat, was as I did when I fairs, education, Opposifor it arrears, into national security, who was in sponsibility response to Philip “Brave” airport tenant described recent resigned,” he said in tion Leader as criticism levelled Christie the Wednesday. on Mr said on from accusations in recent Davis questions 71, died administrati e spending, misfea- moves made by the government pandering at his administration Dr Nottage, the Cleveby a party of irresponsibl WELLS at a “misstep” thought

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

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

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

• CALLS FOR REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS

MinFORMER Prime ister Perry Christie pictured yesterday. W. Photo: Terrel e Staff Carey/Tribun

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Prime Minister rings the bellrace for election

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

His televisedOffice of the House you will also be dethe ing so, en live at the came mowho will form Prime Minister, Commis- ciding of the BahaPolice government years. ments after Greenslade, mas for the next five Ellison that mosioner as provost “You will make in what ns in his capacity decision proclamatio pray marshal, readHouse of As- mentous hope and fair elecoutside the Governor Gen- I earnestly be free and a spirited will from Pinsembly Marguerite Let tions following eral Dame Parliament. peaceful campaign. dling dissolving said he is but the forthcoming Mr Christie election will us contestwith all the vigour confident the and will fol- elections fair at our command.” be free and and peaceful SEE PAGE TWO low a spirited is consistent campaign that political with this country’s

Project or property management experience required.

TERED 170,000 HAVE REGIS NG DAY AHEAD OF POLLI

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

SEE PAGE THREE 2012 general ry Regis The Parliamenta Department istration

ROLLE

By RASHAD Reporter Tribune Staff emedia.net rrolle@tribun

THE ELECTION

race is under

Qualified applicants are to email a current and complete resume to

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

way - as pictured

MINNIS CALLS FOR ON DECK ALL HANDS VIRGIL

in this cartoon

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propertymanagerpositionbahamas@gmail.com

host JOHNSON Deal” with

By LAMECH Reporter “The Real

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

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

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

ES OVER BPL BANNISTER WORRITHE LIGHTS ON ABILITY TO KEEP

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

Nassau & Bahama

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it must as HurriIsland is so devastated remained on the island home has with those whohomes last week. “Every The en Rag- discussion battered their has been destroyed. has been health facility WIPEOUT: Prime on storm-strick Min- cane Irma Prime teachers’ residence no water. destroyed. The and safety conditions to deteriorate, urged the 18 been has been destroyed. The is no light. There is HEALTH he smell the school will only continue destroyed. There about, you can yesterday as The in the afterged Island Minnis said to evacuate “As we walkcarcasses, dead animals. deister Dr Hubert on the island reduced will stench of dead of the individuals remaining residentsIrma, which has them REPORT that we get of rubble and SPECIAL health conditions Russell, math of Hurricane it’s essential there to piles Words: Khrisna W Carey teriorate and Dr Minnis said. only most structures Pictures: Terrel island unlivable. Dr Minnis to leave the for off this island,” rendered the bly reluctant stay here,” saw for the understanda home, expressing concern “They cannot as Many were and a delegation and days ever known through said after he damage left by Irma residences, place they’ve hurricane ripped belongings. about the safety of theirWe will have first time the Five monster personal Category behind. by the smell after the island.

“They are concerned may have lefthere and the Defence exacerbated of all esmaterials they the small southern a vessel the same physical condition, the destruction still whatever Force dispatch the cleanup and at The island’s carcasses and strongly urge those the Defence Minnis said. THREE of rotting animalled Dr Minnis to small community can Force will try to commence security,” Dr PAGE is SEE the there services, that until sential time ensure Island to leave has been on Ragged Ragged Island and be restored. to the residents; a walk through “I’ve spoken Minnis said following Dr devastated,”

Friday, June 30, 2017

Christie denies claims on spending

IN THE SPOTL END: SENIO RS

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

SEE PAGE SIX

A TRIBUN medical treatment.

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

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

Minister of as the Minister and Tech- pears relating to personnel quest from or d, Jerome Fitzgerald. from the governing tion, Science Tribune has to, to PLP supcompromise ence and Technology Speaking at CCA were in The in North nology, The officials at Baha for Limolink encour- porters at a rally Mr Robdespite top they were not his agent are the learned. night, You which last contradict saying at from Andros is war” as fa- Bahamas.

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

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

Robert Smith lescent and that was the (CARS) Complex ed last year, commission

Minnis Minister Dr Hubert

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searched the man and found marijuana, leading to his arrest. In a separate incident, a man was arrested at a residence at Golden Way Place off Mermaid Boulevard. Officers executed a search warrant and recovered a quantity of suspected marijuana.

Police on New Providence are also seeking the public’s assistance in locating several male suspects believed to be responsible for armed robberies that occurred last week.

Shortly after 3pm Thursday, a woman was driving in High Vista when she was accosted by three masked gunmen who robbed her of a blue Honda Fit, cash and other personal items.

The suspects escaped in an unknown direction.

Several hours later, shortly before 7pm, a man was walking along Fritz Lane when he was accosted by two men, one of whom was armed with a sharp object and robbed him of his wallet. The suspects fled the scene on foot.

On Saturday shortly before 2pm, two suspects robbed a business on Marathon Road.

Police said the two suspects, one armed with a handgun, entered the business and robbed the proprietor of cash, her silver Honda CRV and other personal property. The suspects left the scene heading north on Marathon Road.

Investigations into these incidents continue.

The following qualities are desirable for job selection:exceptional communication and organizational skills, details oriented, customer service experience, ability to work under pressure, self-motivated, self-directed, assertive, group problem solving and the ability to take direction and be an effective part of a property management team.

Newspaper

er as of no mast m g o d e th to to swear The Tribune Being bound The Tribune The Tribune

A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force officer was among several people arrested on Friday and accused of drug possession.

Shortly after 1pm on Friday, officers from the Operations Unit while patrolling Lewis Street, observed the occupants of a silver Honda Fit that aroused their suspicion.

The officers conducted a search of the vehicle, where they recovered a quantity of suspected marijuana. Two male suspects were arrested in connection with this incident.

In the second incident, shortly after 4pm, officers from the Operations Unit while on mobile patrol in the area of Simms Street and Maxwell Lane, observed a vehicle that aroused their suspicion. Officers stopped and searched the car and recovered a quantity of suspected marijuana.

Two male suspects were arrested, including a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer.

Then shortly after 7pm, officers patrolling Kemp Road in the vicinity of Uriah McPhee Primary School noticed the occupant of a vehicle that aroused suspicion. The driver was instructed to stop and he complied. After a search of the vehicle, the officers found a quantity of suspected amphetamines. One male suspect was arrested.

Police arrested another man shortly before 8pm in the area of Sanford Drive in Cable Beach. Police

Property Superintendent – to oversee day-to-day operations of a commercial property in Nassau. The Property Superintendent is responsible for overseeing all daily maintenance, repairs, security, janitorial services, landscaping, etc. and to handle tenant maintenance complaints. Responsible for performing periodic property inspections to ensure tenant compliance with leases, scheduling routine service and maintenance on equipment and proper upkeep of the property.

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MAN ARRESTED AFTER MOTORCYCLIST TAKEN ‘FORCING BOY TO KISS TO HOSPITAL AFTER HIM ON THE MOUTH’ BEING SHOT IN LEG i’m lovin’ it!

deep gratitude and relief for the help provided by the partners in returning residences to safe, healthy environments. The GBPA established the Disaster Relief Foundation to assist Grand Bahamians in

times of disaster, such as what we experienced with Hurricane Dorian. I am so pleased to see the combined efforts of the partnership making such a difference in the lives of so many,” he said.

He noted that in the face of recent challenges brought by COVID-19 and in the early weeks of a new hurricane season, partners continue to assist in remediating Dorianravaged homes.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net WHILE children who have suffered from abuse and trauma are more likely to become violent adults, studies prove that early intervention can decrease the likelihood of them spiralling into a life of crime and violence.

Last week, The Tribune reported that a significant portion of adolescents who are brought before the courts for minor infractions suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings came from a pilot study conducted by leading psychiatrist David F Allen and local colleagues, who sought to intervene in the lives of troubled adolescents.

In 2016, the authors recruited youth between the ages of 10-15 who were involved in misdemeanours such as bullying and gangs and turf wars. Since then, their group therapy programme: The Family: People Helping People Project, has produced noteworthy changes in the lives of the participants, who came from “non-existent or

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Putting the lives of broken children back together extremely chaotic” family lives.

A cohort of 23 courtordered adolescents took the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The results showed that 52 percent of the adolescents suffered from moderate to severe depression involving “deepseated anger and rage”. The test also showed that 17 percent of the participants suffered from borderline clinical depression, while nine percent showed signs

of a mild mood disturbance and 22 percent had normal ups and downs.

The study noted that all of these scores proved the adolescents involved in the programme had “significant levels of PTSD and depression”. It also highlighted five specific case studies that supported their findings. In the first case, a 13-year-old girl received the highest score for the PTSD Self-Test. Her BDI results also indicated that

she was severely depressed and showed signs of “strong suicidal ideation.” She was referred to the programme by her mother because of her history with self-harm.

A 16-year-old boy’s results for the PTSD questionnaire revealed he was suffering “severely” from the disorder. The young man, who was referred to the programme by the courts for fighting, also scored 40 on his BDI, which indicated he was suffering from severe depression.

The authors believed the boy’s Haitian ancestry might have been a “contributing factor” to his depression.

In the third case, a 14-year-old girl scored 12 on the PTSD questionnaire and 23 on her BDI. These results suggested she was suffering from moderate depression. The facilitators, who were trained in psychotherapy, also noted that the girl was “extremely impulsive and could easily self-destruct if not encouraged to change.”

A 15-year-old male scored 11 on the PTSD Self-Test. His score indicated that he was “severely traumatized.” During the programme, the boy also did not seem to understand the “danger and vulnerability of his behaviour’.

The authors noted the boy had “explosive anger and expressed no remorse” for harming others.

In the fifth case, a 14-yearold male scored nine on the PTSD Questionnaire and 20 on the BDI. These scores indicated he was suffering from borderline clinical depression. The young man also appeared to be very angry. The authors noted that his two brothers had been murdered and he was a gang leader who had a “cruel revenge streak”.

The results of the study proved that most of the adolescents in the courtordered programme were born into difficult circumstances and had estranged or non-existent relationships with their parents. The programme also confirmed many of the participants’ choices were influenced by friends or gang members.

Still, the authors note that since the People Helping People Project’s inception, 49 adolescents have fulfilled its requirements and have been released from their legal obligations.

“Thirty eight of the adolescents or their parents or guardians were contacted via telephone and asked a series of questions,” the authors reported in their follow-up study. “Eighty four percent of those contacted indicated that since their release from the programme, they had not had any trouble with the law and almost 50 percent of them were able to secure employment.

“Only 37-percent of them were still enrolled in

LEADING psychiatrist David F Allen secondary school, some had left and others had graduated. Of particular note is that one participant had a grade point average (GPA) of 1.70 when he first started the programme. Since successfully completing the programme, he has graduated from secondary school and according to his stepmother, he graduated with a 3.75.”

According to the authors, 76 percent of the adolescents involved in the programme said they no longer struggled with substance abuse. Still, they noted that one parent reported that her son was addicted to smoking cigarettes and another mother revealed that her son had to be “admitted to the state mental hospital for severe cocaine abuse.”

“Eight seven percent of the adolescents said since their release from the programme, they have had better decision making, anger management skills, and were better able to manage their emotions,” the authors revealed.

“Seventy six percent said they now made better choices in terms of friends and 76 percent also reported that they had not experienced any trauma since being released. However, one individual said there was a death in his family, another said he was almost ganged up by a group of men, and a third said there was a murder in his home.”

When questioned about their personal improvements, many of the adolescents reported that they noticed that they had more interest in setting goals and attending church. Others also said they noticed that they had become less angry, were more respectable and helped out more.

“According to Lewis there is a direct correlation between serious child hood abuse and murder in later teenage years,” the authors noted.

“Therefore by simulating a positive family, The Family: People Helping People Project is an effective resocialisation intervention based on empirical data. Research studies carried out on participants in The Family Project provided evidence that participants had a significant decrease in feelings of depression, suicidality, anger, and vengefulness.

Involvement in illegal activity and abusive relationships also decreased and there were significant increases in intimacy with others, self-esteem, benevolence, quality of family relationships, gratitude and forgiveness.”

Social Intervention for Court Ordered Adolescents - The Family: People Helping People Project David F. Allen, Keva Bethell, Denie Fountain and Marie Allen Carroll

PAGE 12, Monday, July 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

FIRST FEDERAL EXECUTION IN 17 YEARS SET TO GO AHEAD WASHINGTON Associated Press

A FEDERAL appeals court yesterday ruled that the first federal execution in nearly two decades can proceed as scheduled on Monday.

The ruling from the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a lower court order that had put the execution of 47-year-old Daniel Lewis Lee on hold.

Lee, of Yukon, Oklahoma, had been scheduled to die by lethal injection on Monday at a federal prison in Indiana. He was

convicted in Arkansas of the 1996 killings of gun dealer William Mueller, his wife, Nancy, and her 8-year-old daughter, Sarah Powell.

Chief District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson ruled on Friday in Indiana that the execution would be put on hold because of concerns from the family of the victims about the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 135,000 people and is ravaging prisons nationwide.

The Justice Department argued that the judge’s order misconstrued the law and asked the

appeals court to immediately overturn the ruling.

The appeals court found that the claim from the victims’ family “lacks any arguable legal basis and is therefore frivolous.”

The Justice Department also argued that while the Bureau of Prisons has taken measures to accommodate the family and implemented additional safety protocols because of the pandemic, the family’s concerns “do not outweigh the public interest in finally carrying out the lawfully imposed sentence in this case.”

But in a court filing yesterday,

Justice officials said a staff member involved in preparing for the execution had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Justice Department said the development would not mean an additional delay in the government’s timetable because the worker had not been in the execution chamber and had not come into contact with anyone on the specialised team sent to the prison to handle the execution.

The relatives would be traveling thousands of miles and witnessing the execution in a small room where the social

distancing recommended to prevent the virus’ spread is virtually impossible. There are currently four confirmed coronavirus cases among inmates at the Terre Haute prison, according to federal statistics, and one inmate there has died.

The victims’ family had argued they weren’t trying to overturn Lee’s death sentence but instead they “seek to exercise their lawful rights to attend the execution of Lee, so that they can be together at that moment in time as they grieve their losses,” according to the filing.

TRUMP, BIDEN TRY TO OUTDO EACH OTHER ON TOUGH CHINA TALK

21 INJURED IN FIRE ABOARD NAVAL SHIP SAN DIEGO Associated Press AT LEAST 21 people were injured yesterday after an explosion and fire on board a ship at Naval Base San Diego.

The blaze was reported shortly before 9am on USS Bonhomme Richard, said Krishna Jackson, the base’s public information officer.

The people were treated for “non-life threatening injuries,” Jackson said. She didn’t have additional details.

Previously Jackson said at least one person was treated for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Jackson didn’t know where on the 840-foot amphibious assault vessel the blast and the fire occurred.

WASHINGTON Associated Press

SMOKE pours out of the Bonhomme Richard yesterday

US struggles as Florida hit by record virus cases ST PETERSBURG, Florida Associated Press WITH the United States grappling with the worst coronavirus outbreak in the world, Florida hit a grim milestone yesterday, shattering the national record for a state’s largest single-day increase in positive cases.

Deaths from the virus have also been rising in the US, especially in the South and West, though still well below the heights hit in April, according to a recent Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

“I really do think we could control this, and it’s the human element that is so critical. It should be an effort of our country. We should be pulling together when we’re in a crisis, and we’re definitely not doing it,” said University of Florida epidemiologist Dr Cindy Prins.

In addition, top officials in Houston are calling for the city to lock back down as area hospitals strain to accommodate the onslaught of patients sick with the new coronavirus. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, both Democrats, said this weekend that a stay-athome order is needed for America’s fourth-largest city to cope with the surge of COVID-19 cases.

The call comes after a week in which Texas continued to break records for confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths linked to the disease. State health officials reported

PRESIDENT Donald Trump wore a mask in public for the first time on Saturday.

8,196 new cases Syesterday, another 80 deaths and a total of 10,410 people hospitalizsed due to the virus. Adm. Brett Giroir, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, called mask-wearing in public, which has been met with resistance in some US states, “absolutely essential”.

President Donald Trump wore a mask in public for the first time on Saturday, something Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said showed he has “crossed a bridge.”

Pelosi told CNN’s “State of the Union” that she hopes it means the

president “will change his attitude, which will be helpful in stopping the spread of the coronavirus.”

In Florida, 15,299 people tested positive, for a total of 269,811 cases, and 45 deaths were recorded, according to state Department of Health statistics.

California had the previous record of daily positive cases — 11,694, set on Wednesday.

The numbers come at the end of a record-breaking week as Florida reported 514 fatalities — an average of 73 per day. Three weeks ago, the state was averaging 30

deaths per day. Researchers expect deaths to rise in the US for at least some weeks, but some think the count probably will not go up as dramatically as it did in the spring because of several factors, including increased testing.

The World Health Organization, meanwhile, reported another record increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases over a 24-hour period, at over 230,000.

The UN health agency said the United States again topped the list among countries, with more than 66,000 cases. The figures don’t necessarily account for delays in reporting cases, and are believed to far underestimate actual totals.

Countries in Eastern Europe were among those facing rising waves of new infections, leading to riots in Serbia, mandatory face masks in Croatia and travel bans or quarantines imposed by Hungary.

“We see worrisome signs about an increase in the number of cases in the neighboring countries, Europe and the whole world,” said Gergely Gulyas, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff.

India, which has the most cases after the United States and Brazil, saw a record surge of 28,637 cases reported in the past 24 hours.

Authorities also announced a weeklong lockdown beginning Tuesday in the key southern technology hub of Bangalore, where the offices of top tech companies like Microsoft, Apple and Amazon are located.

CHINA has fast become a top election issue as President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden engage in a verbal brawl over who’s better at playing the tough guy against Beijing.

The Trump campaign put out ads showing Biden toasting China’s Xi Jinping, even though Trump did just that with Xi in Asia and hosted the Chinese leader at his Florida club. Spots from the Biden campaign feature Trump playing down the coronavirus and praising Xi for being transparent about the pandemic, even though it’s clear China hid details of the outbreak from the world.

“I think it’s going to be absolutely critical, but I don’t know who is going to have the advantage,” said Republican pollster Frank Luntz. He has been reviewing the ads and thinks China is one of the three leading issues along with the economy and the handling of the coronavirus.

China is not just a foreign policy issue in the November election. It’s an issue that runs deeply through the troubles with the virus, which tanked the US economy. Voters also will be asking themselves whether Trump or Biden can best defend the U.S. against China’s unfair trade practices, theft of intellectual property rights, rising aggression across the globe and human rights abuses.

“Which person looks more subservient to the Chinese leaders is the person who’s in more jeopardy,” Luntz said.

Trump’s advisers see China as an opportunity to portray Biden as deferential to Beijing when he was President Barack Obama’s vice president and point person on Asia, according to three campaign officials and Republicans close to the White House. The campaign made a push in May to link Biden with China, complete with an advertising blitz, but the effort did little to raise Trump’s poll numbers.

The Trump campaign credits the president with signing the first phase of a trade deal with China in January, which boosted stock markets and seemingly ended a bruising trade war.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 13, 2020, PAGE 13

GN 2412

IMMEDIATE past president Christine van der Linde, of Rotary Club of Grand Bahama (far left) and president Jackie Russell (second from right) turning over the television to Sheila SmithJohnson, executive director of GB Children Home, and Enzy Jones, Home Administrator.

Photo: Dave Mackey

FLAT SCREEN TV PRESENTED TO GB CHILDREN’S HOME

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama Children’s Home was the recipient of a 50-inch flat screen television – an outgoing gift by Christine van der Linde, one of four founding members of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama.

Mrs van der Linde donated the television which she won during the club’s raffle drawing at its installation of officers event on June 29.

She felt the prize would better serve the 32 children due to return to Grand Bahama the end of July when major hurricane renovations are completed at the facility, which sustained severe flood damage.

Reflecting on her tenure, Ms van der Linde noted that the new club was founded around her kitchen table with four persons – Rengin Johnson, Malvese Capron, Jacqueline Russell

(now president), and was later chartered on June 27.

On starting the new satellite club, the immediate past president never knew two major crises would occur during her tenure, testing her leadership as its first president and the organisation’s viability.

Not only did the new organisation survive with a growing membership of first-time Rotarians, but it has made a significant impact in its first year.

“This year has been a trying year with two crises in our Rotary year 2019/2020,” she said. “The storm threw us for a loop and that was something that was unheard of, and from day one we had to jump into action, all five clubs.”

The club’s new president, Ms Russell congratulated Ms van der Linde and her board members on an exceptional first year.

“I look forward…as we lead the way and continue to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 13, 2020, PAGE 15

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MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

Chisholm makes his debut in camp for Marlins

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net AS the Major League Baseball season nears the start to its 2020 season, Jazz Chisholm made his debut in camp for the Miami Marlins.

Chisholm missed the first week of summer camp workouts at the Marlins’ complex in Jupiter, Florida, but joined the team Saturday at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

“It’s good to have Jazz back.The good thing about Jupiter is there’s lots of reps, so there’s lots of atbats there,” said Marlins manager Don Mattingly. “The guys in Jupiter are real guys. These aren’t just guys you threw there so they could take BP.”

The Marlins begin Mattingly said. “That’s the regular season tough, especially for July 24 on the road an organisation like against the Philadelours, where you’re phia Phillies. starting to fill up your Without Minor system.”

League Baseball Chisholm made in 2020, Chisholm, nine spring training the Marlins’ No.3 appearances and hit prospect, like the .308 with three RBI, organisations’ other one home run, scored top prospects included four runs, with a 1.115 CHISHOLM in the player pool OPS and two stolen of up to 60 players bases. that can be used throughout the The 60 players in camp will season, will use the time to train be reduced to an active roster of with the franchise even if they are 30 players. After two weeks the not called up to the majors. roster will be reduced to 28 and “I think the real tragedy this after a period of two weeks, a final year, and we don’t get to talk cut of 26 players. about it that much is, the Minor The Marlins’ pool are currently League guys and development, participating in workouts both because there are no games,” at Marlins Park in Miami and

the alternate training site at the Miami Marlins Player Development Complex in Jupiter.

The 2020 MLB season will feature a shortened 60-game season played over 66 days. The regular season is expected to conclude by late September and the playoffs will begin in October.

Chisholm, the 22-year-old shortstop, was set to make his 2020 debut in AAA baseball with the Wichita Wind Surge of the Pacific Coast League. He was listed at No.66 overall among the top 100 Prospects by MLB Pipeline. Last season, Chisholm was named the top defensive shortstop in the Double-A Southwest League and his advancement to Double-A baseball produced a Southern League All-Star selection after he led all the league’s

Miller-Uibo 2nd in 150m

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

I

n what could become a norm for some future track and field meets, Shaunae Miller-Uibo lost out to Allyson Felix in their first rematch at the Weltklasse Zurich Virtual Inspirational Games on Thursday.

The dup hooked up in a 150 metre race that was held simultaneously in three different locations with Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji as a part of the new format that saw six other events contested.

Felix, the 34-year-old mother, competing against Miller-Uibo, 26, for the first time since they clashed at the 2017 World Championships in London, England, posted the fastest time of the trio in 16.81 seconds in Walnut, California.

Miller-Uibo, competing out of Bradenton, Florida, was second in 17.15 as she contested her second race for the year since her defeat at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, while Kambundji, the 28-year-old World Championships’ 200m bronze medallist, was third in 17.38 as she competed in Zurich.

“I’m very happy with it (results),” Miller-Uibo said. “I will give God thanks for me coming here and competing again.

“It was a fun race. The 150m is obviously not as taxing as the 400, but it was really fun.”

Miller-Uibo and Felix last competed head-to-head at the 2017 World Championships in London, England, where Miller-Uibo faded down the stretch for fourth place as her legs buckled in a bizarre finish.

Felix went on to secure the bronze medal behind American gold medallist Phyllis Francis and Bahrain’s silver medallist Salwa Eid Naser. In the meeting before that, Miller-Uibo won the gold at the 2018 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This year, Miller-Uibo and Felix were hoping for another clash at the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, but the games were postponed until July, 2021 because of the spread of the coronavirus.

SEE PAGE 17

shortstops with 21 home runs and 173 total bases.

Chisholm has continued to make strides for the organisation this season as he progresses toward the major leagues. He was among the top prospects from each organisation represented at the Rookie Career Development Program in Miami, Florida.

Each organisation sends their top prospects expected to reach the big leagues in the near future to sit through sessions aimed at easing their transition.

Sessions included ones on media training, clubhouse relationships, drugs in baseball, inclusion and financial planning, and others. He was also present at the Marlins’ annual Fanfest which gave fans their first opportunity to interact with the 2020 roster.

DEYTON, GARRETH MAKE THEIR PRESENCE FELT IN SOUTH CAROLINA

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO, of the Bahamas, competes in the 150 metres at the Weltklasse Zurich Inspiration Games on July 9 in Bradenton, USA. Ka Deem Wynn/Weltklasse Zurich

COACH Jamal Smith liked what he saw in the reunion of guard Deyton Albury and forward Garreth Edgecombe at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Tournament in South Carolina over the weekend.

The two 18-year-olds, who are heading to two different prep schools in South Carolina, made their presence felt in the three games they played in so far for the Defenders.

The Defenders won their opener 70-66 over the Dallas Seawolves on Thursday. Albury was the team’s second highest scorer with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Edgecombe added eight points.

On Independence Day on Friday, the Defenders lost 70-66 to the Big Shots Elite Tri-Cities 17 as Edgecombe turned out to be the second highest scorer with 10 points. Albury was held to just eight.

And in their third game on Saturday, the Defenders lost again (69-52) to the Flight 22 Elite UA Rise 17.

Once again, Albury finished with eight and Edgecombe added three.

Despite his numbers, Albury was named the Player of the Game in all three games.

Smith, who reunited with both Albury and Edgecombe since he last coached them at Temple Christian about two years ago, said they performed very well.

“Deyton had a couple of games where he matched up well against some

SEE PAGE 17

BALLIN’ BY DA BEACH BASKETBALL CAMP MAY BE POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BALLIN’ By Da Beach Basketball Camp may be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the organisation will ensure that its participants continue to benefit from its network of partners.

BBDB, in conjunction with Global College Access, is scheduled to host its seventh annual “Student Summer Success Series” - sponsored by the University of the Ozarks. The series will include nightly Zoom sessions July 14-17 from 6pm to 8pm, featuring university presidents, athletic directors, coaches and college admissions leaders.

Geared toward high school students, student-athletes, parents, coaches, guidance counsellors, and educational stakeholders, all sessions are free of charge.

Sessions will include: Leading the Change through A Global Crisis; Executing The Change; The College Athlete and Coaching Through the Crisis and Expanding Opportunities for Student Success.

“Under the theme, ‘Crucial Conversations in Higher Education: COVID-19 Threats and Opportunities,’ this year’s series will provide relevant insight into international college recruitment, admissions, enrolment and financing – but in an unprecedented way. From the comfort

of their homes, scholars, parents and educational stakeholders in The Bahamas and within the Caribbean region will have access to the faces behind college and university mascots who are pioneering, leading change, creating new pathways and making crucial decisions to address the way forward,” the organisation said in a press release.

“Hear from international college presidents as they speak about the process of navigating through a pandemic into a successful school year in the fall and beyond. Connect with international college vice-presidents and admissions directors as they discuss the evolving college admissions processes during a

world crisis. Watch as college athletic directors and coaches tackle topics such as the notable changes in the recruitment process, social distancing on respective college campuses, how the ‘new normal’ will impact student athletes and other topics involving the expanding opportunities that some students and parents have not even considered.”

Night three (The College Athlete and Coaching Through the Crisis) features several standout names in Bahamian coaching including Yolett McPhee-McCuin - Head Coach Ole Miss Women’s Basketball; Kimberley Rolle - Athletic Director of the University of the Bahamas Chris “Fireman” Brown - Olympic

Gold Medallist and Head Track & Field Coach at Clayton State University; Edric Poitier, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Florida State College at Jacksonville and Dr Stephany Coakley - Sports Psychologist and Associate Athletic Director/Mental Health at Temple University.

Interested persons can register for the 2020 Student Summer Success Virtual Series and can visit studentsummersuccess.com “Undoubtedly, the COVID19 pandemic has placed extreme demands on leaders in almost every sector of the world with a considerable amount of uncertainty and apprehension pushing

SEE PAGE 17

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 13, 2020, PAGE 17

F1 STAR HAMILTON RAISES RIGHT FIST IN FIGHT AGAINST RACISM SPIELBERG, Austria (AP) — Standing on the podium to celebrate his latest win, Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton raised a clenched right fist and then delivered a message to his fellow drivers not to slow down in the fight against racism.

It’s 52 years since American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos introduced that powerfully defiant gesture to a worldwide TV audience when standing on the podium during their medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

Yesterday Hamilton and the other 19 F1 drivers wore black T-shirts with “End Racism” on them, as they had done at last weekend’s season-opening Austrian GP. Most again took the knee on the grid before Sunday’s Styrian Grand Prix in Austria.

Others still did not and even questioned in the pre-race drivers’ briefing whether it should still be done.

“Some people were asking ‘How long do we have to continue to do this?’ Some felt like one was enough last week, and I just had to (tell) them that racism is going to be here for probably longer than our time here,” Hamilton said after winning his 85th F1 race.

“People of colour who are subject to racism don’t have time to (just) ‘take a moment’ to protest and that be it. We’ve got to continue to push for equality and raise awareness for it.”

Smith and Carlos were representing a country being torn apart, after the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr and Bobby Kennedy made ‘68 one of the most turbulent years in American history. Wearing black gloves, the sprinters raised their fists in solidarity while the Star-Spangled Banner played.

When Serena Williams won her seventh Wimbledon title in 2016, she proudly raised her fist in a Black Power salute at the

MERCEDES driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates on the podium after winning the Styrian Formula One Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria, yesterday.

(Joe Klamar/Pool via AP)

All-England Club in 2016.

That same year, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick started taking a knee to raise awareness for black athlete activism. Williams and Hamilton have both referenced the Black Lives Matter movement, which Hamilton wore on the front of his T-shirt on Sunday.

Hamilton has spoken out against racism since the death in May of George Floyd — a handcuffed and unarmed Black man — after a police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes in May. Hamilton attended a Black Lives Matter march in London and is setting up a commission to increase diversity in motorsport.

His Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas kneeled after winning last Sunday’s Austrian GP and the team has thrown its support behind Hamilton by racing in all-black cars for this season. “As a team we’re keeping the black all year long, so we’re going to be

MILLERUIBO from PAGE 16 Coming off her defeat to Naser at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Miller-Uibo said she just wanted to get a chance to compete before she prepares for next year.

“It’s good just to get some meets and get to compete, but the main focus is going to be next year,” she said. “I’m using (this year) as a building year.”

Felix, the most decorated American female athlete of all time, said the race was a strange one, considering that she didn’t have any teammates as she normally does in practice.

“It’s hard to challenge yourself, so I think the big thing was just running solo,” she said.

But Felix said she was just glad that she was able to inspire people through her performance. “It was really important (to inspire people through the Inspiration Games),” she said.

“I think we see the hardship everyone is going through and we just wanted to bring a little bit of joy, pause a moment and appreciate the support.”

Competing in her first race of the year, Kambundji said her start was okay, but at the end it got a little harder.

“Maybe later in the season, I could do better,” she stated.

The Virtual Inspiration Games were streamed live where 30 athletes competed simultaneously at seven different venues as the Diamond League International circuit took social distancing to another level.

With the 2020 Olympic Games postponed until 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus, World Athletics used the meet as a way of getting in some competition under the health restrictions imposed for sporting activities that are still trying to find a way to exist under the new measures.

Competition was held between athletes from Team North America, Team Europe and Team World

CAMP from PAGE 16

ALLYSON FELIX, of the US, competes at the Weltklasse Zurich Inspiration Games in Walnut USA. Kirby Lee/Weltklasse Zurich in the women’s 300m hurdles, women’s 3 x 100m, women’s pole vault and men’s 100 yards, men’s 200m, men’s triple jump and men’s pole vault.

“This is fun. I can’t wait to see when we do it in person,” Felix said.

Miller-Uibo, the reigning 400m champion from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, said she was looking forward to competing against her rivals in Japan. But after she found out that no one was going to the Olympics, she was devastated.

“It was something that is a lot bigger than sports and we understand why they had to postpone it,” she stated.

As she prepares for the delayed games, Miller-Uibo said she’s still not certain which event she will compete in, although, according to a report, she is leaning more toward the 200m so that she can add to her Olympic 400m title.

“It’s good to get some meets in and compete,” said Miller-Uibo, who had to settle for the bronze in the 200m in Brazil after her disappointment in the 400m where she led going down the home stretch, only to buckle her legs and slipped all the way to fourth.

“The main focus is going to be next year,” Miller-Uibo said. “I’m using this year as a building year.”

Last year, she requested that World Athletics modify the SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO, of the Bahamas, competes in the 150 meteres at the Weltklasse Zurich Virtual Inspiration Games on July 9 in Bradenton USA. Ka Deem Wynn/Weltklasse Zurich

MUJINGA Kambundji competes at the Weltklasse Zurich Inspiration Games on July 9 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Urs Jaudas/Weltklasse Zurich

Olympic track and field schedule to better accommodate a 200m400m double.

However, a World Athletics spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that it reviewed the request, could not change the schedule and that decision was final.

Olympic schedules have been changed in the past for 200m400m double attempts, including for Felix and Michael Johnson.

But the debut of the mixed-gender

4x400m relay to the Olympic programme in Tokyo “added to the complexities of developing the timetable,” World Athletics said in a statement it said it first released last September.

The revised Olympic schedule for 2021 has not been announced, but a change in the lineup of track and field events would be a surprise, especially given World Athletics’ statement on MillerUibo’s request.

DEYTON, GARRETH MAKE THEIR PRESENCE FELT IN SOUTH CAROLINA FROM PAGE 16 division one players and he performed very well,” said Smith of Albury. “He took care of the ball and he showed that he is capable of playing at this level.

“As for Garreth, he’s making the adjustment to the wing and he performed very well. All in all, I was very pleased with the way they both played. They came in and gelled well with the team that we had in place.”

The Defenders closed out play in the showcase on Sunday, but

fighting and pushing for it all year,” the 35-year-old Hamilton said. “Personally it’s going to be a lifelong thing for me.”

Hamilton called out teams last week for not doing enough to combat racism.

Although he also praised F1 chairman Chase Carey and governing body FIA for donating money to help promote more equality and diversity in F1, Hamilton clearly feels there is still a long way to go.

“Of course there are signs but action is needed. It’s great to see Chase being so kind as to donate a million dollars and the FIA to step up and also give a million dollars,” Hamilton said.

“But if you don’t know the problem then you can’t fix it, and a million dollars doesn’t really go that far.

A lot of work needs to go on with Formula One. The FIA really do need to be a part of it, and I think the drivers need to be a part of it also as we have a great voice and great platforms.”

results were unavailable up to press time last night.

Smith said the good thing is that both Albury and Edgecombe got to display their skills to over 200 coaches, who got to live stream the event.

This week, the Defenders will be participating in the National AAU Tournament that starts today at the same venue in Myrtle Beach.

The Defenders’ first game will be played on Tuesday. The tournament will run through Sunday.

Albury, a graduate of Sunrise Christian Academy, is looking to

enrol in a Prep school before he decides on which college he will participate for next year.

“We’re still trying to get the chemistry back, but individually the performances were good,” Albury said.

“Every time I get a chance to play against the high level competition, I try to make the most out of it.”

With an average of 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists, Albury said he was able to hold his own in the showcase. He noted that it was extra special doing

it alongside Edgecombe. “We haven’t done it in a long time,” said Albury of Edgecombe, who transferred from Temple Christian to finish his high school at Galilee Academy.

“Every time we get a chance to get on the court together, we play like we did before.

“We still had the chemistry and we got to get each other involved in the offence, which was good for our team. We hope that we can continue to gel together for the rest of the summer in the tournaments ahead of us.”

them into crisis mode.

However, the true test of leadership is based on the response to the chaos and disruption; a response that unites people to propel an articulated mission and university leaders are no exception. The uncertain times of social distancing, quarantine, sanitisations and feelings of loss control and emotional instability demand a leadership change in behaviour and mindset of calm and resilience to navigate its stakeholders throughout the epidemic,” they said.

“We have sought to embrace this time to educate and challenge our participants as we embrace the challenge and threat of COVID-19 - a way to create an even grander opportunity to connect students with higher education opportunities.”

BBDB was created by Jurelle Mullings in 2010 when she saw a need to place a greater focus on the development of women’s basketball at the youth level. She is also the coordinator of the StudentAthlete Resources and Support (STARS) Programme in the Ministry of Education.

Since 2010, the camp has featured hundreds of underserved, aspiring student athletes.

In addition to the camp, the organisation also hosts a Recruitment Exposure Showcase to aid aspiring players in their college recruitment process.

“Our mission is to take a personal interest in every basketball player and coach to help them become game changers on and off the court. Our vision is to build a movement of passionate basketball players by delivering excellence through the game. Our vision inspires us in our daily work. We create a diverse, collaborative, encouraging environment where teamwork and openness are the cornerstones.”

GCA was founded by Monique Hinsey, who specialises in college readiness and career consulting and also serves as the programme developer and coordinator, Public School Scholars Programme (PSSP).

PAGE 18, Monday, July 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

PALLBEARERS pose above during the graveside service for Leonard “Boston Blackie” Miller at Lakeview Cemetery.

Photo: Athama Bowe

Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller, 82, laid to rest

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IT’S a pity that after all Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller did for the Bahamas as a national and international sporting icon in boxing and cycling and as a respected mentor, coach and philanthropist, he didn’t get what he deserved.

Miller, 82, was laid to rest on Saturday in a Bahamian flag coloured casket and draped with a pair of boxing gloves as he was funeralised during a service at New Covenant Baptist Church before his remains were interned in Lakeview Memorial Gardens.

In his eulogy, Pastor Dwight Ferguson of the Church of God of Prophecy, Elizabeth Estates, said he remembered when he attended Government High

School, he was in Miller’s physical education class and he had a rather rough introduction.

When he informed Miller of his lineage, Ferguson said he got a different type of treatment. Notwithstanding that, Ferguson said Miller left a legacy behind.

“One thing I can say about Boston Blackie is that he cared,” Ferguson said. “While he was an ordinary man, he did some extraordinary things. It’s a pity that we have to wait until someone dies in order for us to celebrate them.

“It’s shameful that we have to wait until death for us to say that we are going to do something for someone who has made an invaluable contribution to this country.”

After 47 years as an independent nation, Ferguson called on the Bahamas to

do better for a man who also displayed his skills as one of the top cyclists in the country, riding a bike with the skinny wheels and the bent handle.

The sentiment was a mutual one as Members of Parliament Glenys HannaMartin and Marvin Dames, along with veteran journalist Fred Sturrup, all called for a more fitting tribute to be bestowed upon Miller posthumously.

Sturrup, the president of the Bahamas Boxing Commission, said through his weekly column in the Nassau Guardian earlier this week, he called for an edifice or a street in the capital to be named in honour of Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller.

As a close friend and confidant of Miller, Sturrup said he will constantly lobby for Miller’s name to

be attached to some monument so that it could be viewed by all and sundry going forward.

He said he hopes that the politicians will remember the pledge that they made to ensure that Miller is immortalised the way he should be.

Dames, the MP for Mt Moriah, of which Yellow Elder, where Miller resided, is a part of it, said Miller had such an impact on this nation, but there’s nothing behind his name.

“We in this country look up to politicians and when they move on, we just throw the accolades on them,” said Dames, who was a student of Government High when Miller was a member of the PE Department.

“But you have three politicians in here today who would have been impacted by this man. Yes, we are

in COVID period, but as I look through this room, there are men and women who have made significant contributions in this country and we forget them.”

While he said Bahamians should not forget national heroes like Miller, he has some thoughts about how the country can remember him posthumously, but he won’t reveal it just yet.

Hanna-Martin, the MP for Englerston and representative for the opposition Progressive Liberal Party, said she met Miller more than 40 years ago when they were both in the Ministry of Education.

Hanna-Martin said while she knew him as an outstanding individual who was very humourous, charismatic and well respected, she was surprised at the level of contribution that Miller would have made

to the country. “He’s been described as the greatest athlete of all time in this country,” she stated. “He grew up in the 1930s and became an iconic figure in this country. He helped to build this country with his own hands. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s not too late for us to raise up the legacy of this incredible Bahamian.

To you, his family, he was a good man, but to our country, he was a great man.”

It was an emotional time for Ellsworth Johnson, the MP for Yamacraw and Minister for Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration, as he recalled how Miller took him under his wings and groomed him to become a boxer when he came from Cat Island.

“I was introduced to this man by my father, Oscar

SEE PAGE 20

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 13, 2020, PAGE 19

LeBron James won’t wear social justice message on Lakers jersey

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

LEBRON James says his thoughts on social justice can’t be contained on the back of a basketball jersey.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar won’t wear one of the NBA-approved social justice messages on the back of his jersey when the NBA resumes competition later this month in the Orlando bubble.

“It was no disrespect to the list that was handed down to all the players,” James said Saturday in a confernece call from Florida.

“I commend anyone that decides to put something on the back of their jersey. It’s just something that didn’t seriously resonate with my mission, with my goal.”

As part of the NBA’s recognition of the nationwide invigoration of the social justice movement sparked by the death

of George Floyd, NBA players are allowed to choose from a lengthy list of possible messages for their jerseys during the league’s restart.

James is among just a few who declined to choose one of the messages, he said.

“I would have loved to have a say-so on what would have went on the back of my jersey,” James said. “I had a couple of things in mind, but I wasn’t part of that process, which is OK. ... Everything that I do has a purpose, has a meaning. I don’t need to have something on the back of my jersey for people to understand my mission or know what I’m about and what I’m here to do.”

The 35-year-old superstar has a long history of social involvement and advocacy for progressive causes. James speaks frequently of what he feels is a responsibility to campaign for positive social change from his powerful position

in sports and pop culture. “This is the mission I’ve been on for a long time now,” James said. “It’s great that a lot of people’s ears are opening. A lot of people are understanding, a lot of people are recognising. A lot of people still don’t get it, and a lot of people are still afraid to talk about the racism that goes on in America, especially for our people. ... But we have some ears, and we will continue to push the envelope and let everyone know that we are human as well. We don’t want to be just be used for our God-given abilities.”

JaVale McGee, the Lakers’ veteran centre, said he will wear “Respect Us” on his jersey in Orlando. “It’s a blessing to have this platform,” said McGee, whose asthma has him being particularly cautious during the pandemic. “We have way more of a voice playing basketball …

Our fans are basketball fans over

anything. This is the biggest platform we can speak about social injustices. That’s the best time to talk about it.”

James also said he didn’t consider not playing in the NBA’s restart, believing the league can be a positive force through its visibility and competition. He expressed no concerns for his health inside the bubble.

“I believe the NBA and (Commissioner) Adam Silver, they took all precautionary measures to make sure that we as a league are as safe as we can be,” James said.

“Obviously, in anything that you do, there can be things that can happen, so we will cross that line if it happens. But we’re doing everything to make sure everyone stays safe during this pandemic.

Adam Silver has given me no reason to not believe him since he took over. I have no concerns.

I’m here 100 per cent and in great health.”

THIS photo provided by Jacob Diamond shows the second bedroom inside Magic equipment manager Jacob Diamond’s suite at the team hotel on the Disney complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on July 9. All 22 teams in the NBA restart had to pack more than ever, for a road trip like none other. Every team is assured of spending at least five weeks at Disney, and some could be there for three months. The challenges for players and coaches are obvious, but the challenge for equipment managers — among the unsung heroes of this restart plan — aren’t anywhere near as visible to those watching games from afar. (AP)

AT NBA RESTART, TEAM EQUIPMENT A CHALLENGE TO MANAGE

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Rob Pimental spent a good amount of time thinking about everything the Miami Heat would need for what could be a three-month trip to Walt Disney World.

He is the Heat equipment manager. Every jersey, sock, sneaker, whatever the team needs, it’s his responsibility to have it ready.

So, when it came time to figure out what was getting packed for Disney, Pimental came to a realisation.

“Pretty much everything,” said Pimental, who confessed to having a few sleepless nights of worrying. “I’m the type of guy who wants everything on hand, so I literally packed up my entire equipment room and brought it with me.”

He’s not alone.

All 22 teams in the NBA restart had to pack more than ever, for a road trip like none other. Every team is assured of spending at least five weeks at Disney, and some could be there for three months.

The challenges for players and coaches are obvious, but the challenge for equipment managers — among the unsung heroes of this restart plan — aren’t anywhere near as visible to those watching games from afar.

“This is what equipment managers were built for, honestly,” Orlando Magic equipment manager Jacob Diamond said. “We have some of the smartest guys

around the league that do what I do and at the end of the day, for us, it’s really no job too big, no job too small. Our coaches are relying on us, our players, and this is history right here. So, it’s kind of cool to be a part of it — even though it’s extra work.”

For this trip, Diamond has a two-room suite in the hotel that the Magic are calling home.

It’s not a perk. He needed the space.

Luggage is lined up around all four walls, with more bags in the middle of the room, along with a clothes rack, a large trunk and a bunch of bright blue bags with the Magic logo stacked over by the sliding door that leads to the balcony. He knows the contents of each, where every item is, so if Nikola Vucevic needs a certain pair of socks or Aaron Gordon needs a certain type of compression gear, Diamond finds it in a flash.

“I made sure I overpacked for this rather than underpacked,” Diamond said. “It’s not so easy to have things sent here. I’d rather have things here, ready to go, so here we are.”

Toronto Raptors equipment manager Paul Elliott prides himself on typically taking only what he needs. He tends to take 45 bags on a standard road trip; by NBA standards, that is packing light.

Not this time. For this trip, Elliott’s count was 176 bags.

And while most teams only had to move their operation once — from their home facility to Disney — Elliott had to pack the Raptors up twice, first from Toronto to

their pre-camp workouts at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, and then again to get the stuff up to Disney.

“I looked at it as what they were going to take for a two-week Western road trip, took what I would usually pack for that, and kind of quadrupled it,” Elliott said. “I just had to make sure I had enough options for these guys to accommodate them when they need. I just want to be prepared.”

More gear is on the way.

By the time games start, the 22 teams will have more than 4,000 jerseys between them. Every team brought three sets of uniforms — typically, two jerseys each for each player. Then the decision was made to give players at Disney the opportunity to wear jerseys with a message raising awareness about social injustice and racial inequality, and those huge shipments are expected to arrive in the next few days.

When Elliott started unloading the Raptors’ 176 bags, several staff members who aren’t usually tasked with helping with equipment ran to his aid. More bags will be going back to Toronto when the season ends; Elliott had his assistant send him empty ones to accommodate the new jerseys.

“We’ve got the greatest staff for that sort of thing,” Elliott said.

“Nobody’s above anything. They just want to make sure it’s done properly.”

Washington coach Scott Brooks said the Wizards are using a similar everybody-musthelp approach, and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra insisted his team

do the same. “There’s an absolute understanding that this is an all-hands-on-deck situation,” Spoelstra said. “And that means bags, laundry, cleanup, everything — not just for equipment managers, but everybody. ... We’re all going to be involved in every aspect of it.”

Days will be long for equipment managers. Each team only sent one; it’s not unusual for two equipment personnel to travel, but that wasn’t possible on this trip because of the restrictions on the amount of people who can be in the NBA bubble.

Extra work will add up as well.

After practices or games, equipment managers will have to load up the sweaty gear, take it back to the hotel, then call a shuttle to pick them up and take them to the laundry facility built for the restart — 66 washers and 66 dryers, all lined up inside what once was a batting cage at the Atlanta Braves’ former spring training complex.

There’s also a code among the equipment managers. While the 22 teams will be trying to beat each other, the equipment staffs are working together and helping one another where possible. “We all understand each other’s daily battles,” Diamond said, “because we share the same ones.”

The real comforts of home are gone for the next several weeks. The trick, Pimental said, is making sure players don’t have to worry about getting what they need. “It’s something we’ve never done before,” Pimental said. “But we’ll make it work.”

WEST INDIES BEAT ENGLAND AS INTERNATIONAL CRICKET RETURNS SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — The West Indies won the first international cricket match since the sport’s return after the coronavirus outbreak, beating England late on Day 5 of a thrilling first test at an empty Rose Bowl yesterday.

Jermaine Blackwood topscored with 95 as West Indies overcame an early wobble to win by four wickets in the final session. John Campbell hit the winning run to finish his interrupted innings on 8 not out.

He was hugged by captain Jason Holder, who was 14 not out.

West Indies ended on 200-6 in its second innings to take an early lead in the threetest series. The tourists had resumed after tea on 143-4, still 57 runs from the victory target.

Blackwood and Roston Chase had revived West Indies with a 73-run partnership which ended when Chase was caught behind for 37 against hostile pace from Barbadosborn Jofra Archer. Before the pair came together, West Indies was 27-3.

Blackwood and Shane Dowrich shared a 68-run stand for the fifth wicket before stand-in England captain Ben Stokes had ‘keeper Dowrich caught behind for 20. Stokes also claimed Blackwood’s wicket with 11 runs needed with James Anderson providing the catch. “We got ourselves into some great positions at times with the bat and unfortunately we just weren’t ruthless enough to really go on and make our batting innings count,” Stokes told Sky Sports.

Archer ended with 3-45. His two early wickets gave West Indies problems in a seemingly straightforward chase after he removed Kraigg Brathwaite (4) and Shamarh Brooks (0), and Mark Wood bowled Shai Hope for 9.

West Indies had the added problem of opener Campbell retiring hurt after being hit on the toe with a yorker from Archer. The West Indies team said Campbell would come out to bat again if needed — and he was needed.

Archer made the breakthrough in the sixth over when Brathwaite played on. Archer had Brooks lbw in his next over and the victory target didn’t seem so easy anymore.

Hope played two cover drives for four to ease the early pressure but Wood came into the attack and knocked out Hope’s off stump as he tried to hit another and England had the upper hand.

Blackwood’s half-century settled the West Indies in the second session. He hit a total of 12 fours and was aided

by Chase. Chase was caught behind off a mean bouncer but the West Indies fightback was in full flow and that was the only wicket to fall in the second session.

Holder was delighted with the performance of his side.

“It is right up there as one of the best victories we have had as a group,” he said. “I think yesterday was a hard-fought day of test cricket, and we really reaped the rewards at the very end.”

Archer earlier made 23 with the bat as England was bowled out for 313 in its second innings after resuming the day on 284-8.

Pace bowler Shannon Gabriel finished with 5-75 for the West Indies after collecting the two wickets on Sunday morning that wrapped up the England innings. Gabriel claimed 4-62 in the first innings for a nine-wicket match haul.

England scored 204 in its first innings and West Indies replied with 318.

The second test starts Thursday in Manchester.

PAGE 20, Monday, July 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

CHARLES MILLER, one of Leonard Miller’s sons, grieves at his graveside.

FAMILY members of Leonard Miller mourn at Lakeview Cemetery.

Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller laid to rest FROM PAGE 18 Johnson,” he said. “He and my father had a relationship and so he protected me. He sacrificed so much to the detriment of his family.”

Like him, Johnson said Miller impacted so many lives and people trusted him with their children because they didn’t have to worry about him abusing anyone.

When I used to visit him, I used to cry because of what he meant to me as a person,” Johnson stated.

“He always checked for children. You knew when someone meant you well.

Mr Miller was that type of person.”

Moderator Vincent Strachan, the president of the Bahamas Boxing Federation, throughout the service touched on the contribution that Miller made, not only in his life as a boxer, but others like Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt and ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Smith, whom he groomed out of the Boys Industrial School, now known as the Simpson Penn (Centre for Boys), to become some of the top professional boxers of their time.

As a student, who grew up in the ghetto in Bain

Town, Floyd Armbrister referred to the time when Miller came to his home and sat on their porch and told his mother that he was going to be great.

Armbrister said while Miller had to go through the process of ensuring that he got all of his papers straight to become a physical education teacher after he was already in the public school system, he encouraged him to ensure that he did it the right way.

Sure enough, after he graduated from CC Sweeting as one of their top distance runners, he got an athletic scholarship in 1986, got his degree and certification and he returned home and became the head coach of one of the most successful sporting programmes at CR Walker where the Knights shone with 22 track and field championships, 21 volleyball championships and 25 cross country championships. And in a video presentation, Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson said Miller was a teacher extraordinaire, coach, athlete, champion, disciplinary and Bahamian legend.

In 1984 when she began her teaching career at

CC Sweeting Jr, now TA Thompson, Wilson said she met and worked with Miller in the athletic department where they coached the Cobras together with Jennifer Dotson-Isaacs, Rodney Farquharson, Julie Wilson and Rupert Gardiner to produce a family oriented programme that won numerous titles in so many sports.

She noted that because so many students came out of the ghetto areas of Bain Town and Rockcrusher, Miller used his own personal resources to help many of them to get through school and he didn’t ask for anything in return.

Recalling another humourous side of Miller, one of his sons, Charles, said he would have joked: “All these ugly people here to see me? Man, I must have done something great.”

Insisting that it was a beautiful audience in attendance to pay their last respects to their father, the younger Miller said ‘Boston Blackie’ was well loved and respected by most people that he came in contact with. He said the work ethic that was instilled in him by

PALLBEARERS, led by Marvin Smith and Quincy Pratt, take Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller’s remains to his resting place in Lakeview Cemetery.

Photos by Athama Bowe his parents, Marie Armbrister and Leonard Miller Sr and grandmother will certainly be carried over to the generation of Millers that he left behind to follow in his footsteps. One of those values is the love that was

exhibited not only through them, but in the affection that he showed to his wife, Minerva, before she passed away last year. Among those in attendance were Wellington Miller, Quincy Pratt, Marvin Smith, Stevie

‘The Heat’ Larramore, Andre Seymour, Reno and George Johnson, Arthur Buchanan, Nathaniel Knowles, Fernley Palmer, George Turner, Alvin Sargent, Cassius Moss, Peter Gilcud and Martin Lundy.