07132021 NEWS

WOMAN & HEALTH TUESDAY

THE

BTS MEAL HIGH 88ºF LOW 79ºF

i’m lovin’ it!

Monday,

February

CARS! CARS!

8, 2021

The Tribune Established

Being Bound To

Swear To The Dogmas

1903

Of No Master

The Tribune

Volume: 118 No.150, July 13, 2021

L A T E S T

N E W S

tise Call

To Adver

-2351

601-0007 or 502

Starting at

$33.60

CLASSIFIEDS TRADER

ed

VAT includ

Established 1903

O N

T R I B U N E 2 4 2 . C O M

Biggest And Best!

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

SUSPECT FACES 5 MURDER CHARGES

Accused due in court for killings as police detain other gunmen

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of five murders will face court today over a series of killings dating back to 2018.

The appearance comes as the country faces a fresh wave of homicides, with five men killed in separate incidents over the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Police suspect some of the crimes are linked and are the result of retaliation between “rival”

groups – with the first homicide taking place on Thursday.

The court appearances today will see six suspects in court today for several murders, including a 25-year-old man accused of five killings — two of which were double homicides.

The latest murder took place last night before 6pm, in the area of East Street opposite Coconut Grove Avenue.

Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters said SEE PAGE THREE

COVID-19 related deaths have climbed by two to 254, with officials reporting that the country’s youngest victim is a five-month-old girl who died from the virus on June 26.

A 78-year-old New Providence woman who died on July 2 has also added to the

nation’s COVID-19 death count.

With COVID-19 numbers and hospital related cases continuing to climb, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says it’s very likely the Delta variant could be present in the country and is “probably part of the reason” why local hospitalisations have increased.

SEE PAGE FOUR

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A PROMINENT realtor has revealed his firm is enjoying “the best year in our 99-year history” with the high-end Bahamian property market “going gangbusters” following its post-COVID lockdown emergence.

John Christie, HG Christie’s president and managing broker, told Tribune Business that the company had achieved “record sales” with the year only half-way through as transaction volumes surged to a 50 percent increase compared to 2019.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

TWO DEAD IN WEEKEND ACCIDENTS

TWO pedestrians are dead after separate traffic accidents in New Providence and Grand Bahama over the weekend.

The first pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle in New Providence on Saturday night.

Shortly after 9pm, police were called to a traffic collision on the Airport Industrial Park Drive.

SEE PAGE TWO

COVID CLAIMS LIFE OF FIVE-MONTH-OLD GIRL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PROPERTY MARKET IN SELLING BONANZA

STILL MISSING

RESCUE teams have been searching for Drew Rigby, pictured, who is missing at sea after a boat and a jet ski collided. Mr Rigby was reportedly a passenger on the jet ski and has yet to be found despite a search. See PAGE TWO for the full story.

ALGERNON ALLEN TOPS HONOURS LIST

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

SIXTEEN Bahamians have been chosen to receive a national honour this year, with former Cabinet minister Algernon Allen named as a special awardee.

In a press statement released over the weekend, the Office of the Governor General announced the recipients of 2021 National Honours Awards, which

ALGERNON ALLEN includes Order of the Bahamas; Order of Distinction and Order of Merit.

Topping this year’s list is Mr Allen, who was awarded

the Order of The Bahamas under the rank of companion.

The retired politician’s outstanding services to the Bahamian people during his time in government and in the areas of politics, civic office and philanthropy are what earned him the award.

Those chosen for Order of Distinction include Leon Livingstone Smith, Eugenia Cartwright, Mary Johnson and Robert Sands.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

BPL UNION SAYS SOME PROGRESS ON ‘ISSUES’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE union representing Bahamas Power and Light workers said it has been assured by BPL’s executive management that several of their longstanding issues will soon be resolved after meetings were held between the two parties on Friday.

The union is upset about alleged poor working conditions on the Family Islands, unfair promotions and hiring practices among other things.

SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, July 13, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

MEET INDEPENDENCE BABY MIKIAL

MEET one little fella who helped one local family celebrate Independence Day in the best way possible.

Mikial Kemp arrived in this world in the early hours of Independence Day at Doctor’s Hospital

weighing in at a healthy seven pounds and six ounces.

Congratulations from all of us at The Tribune to Mikial, his father Miguel, mother Crazika D’shique Culmer and all their family.

MAN STILL MISSING AFTER BOAT ACCIDENT

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A BOATING accident on Sunday has left a man missing at sea.

Police said sometime after 7pm officers received a report that an accident had occurred in the area off Rose Island involving a 26 ft boat and a jet ski. Initial investigations revealed that six people were in the boat while two people were on the jet ski when they collided.

The male driver of the jet ski received leg injuries while his male passenger was ejected into the ocean.

Police and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force searched the area for the passenger, however he is still missing.

Loved ones say the missing man is Drew Rigby.

Keith Simms, Mr Rigby’s god-brother, said the man’s family is in shock.

He explained the 28-yearold was enjoying the holiday weekend with some of his friends when the incident took place.

Mr Simms revealed that Mr Rigby was the only one who was not wearing a life vest.

“The other person was wearing a life vest and they were able to retrieve him from the water,” he added.

Mr Simms noted the family found out about the incident shortly after it happened, around 7.15pm.

He said the RBDF and other vessels were searching the area the night of the accident and again on Monday. Loved ones have asked anyone with a boat who can help in the search to come forward.

“The Defence Force came. We had some other vessels out there last night… because you know in the night the Defence Force does not search in the night and it happened late,” Mr Simms said. “So the search and rescue was very short. So we started again this morning and we’re looking for persons with boats and other water vessels to help us with a search and rescue efforts.

“We’ve had some persons who would’ve assisted us with boats in the rescue effort. I think we have about four boats out now. We’re looking for more boats more persons to assist… to make sure that we cover all grounds necessary to recover Drew.”

He said the “waiting game” has been hard on family and friends, but “we are continuing to pray”.

“I’m praying that things work out in our favour,” Mr Simms said.

POLICE at the scene of a traffic fatality at the Airport Industral Park.

TWO DEAD IN WEEKEND ACCIDENTS from page one Officers found the man lying in the street unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene.

According to reports, the driver of a black sports utility vehicle was travelling south when he struck the pedestrian. The Traffic Department will continue the investigation into this matter.

A day later, shortly after 10pm on Sunday, Grand Bahama police received a

report of a hit and run in the area of Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock.

Officers found a man lying in the street who appeared unresponsive.

Initial enquiries revealed that a man was walking on the side of the street when he was struck by a light coloured car headed in a western direction. The vehicle did not remain at the scene.

The victim was taken to the hospital by EMS where he was pronounced dead.

Investigations are ongoing.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021, PAGE 3

Suspect faces 5 murder charges from page one responding officers arrived at a car wash in the area and were directed to a man who was lying there with apparent gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

ASP Peters said police were told that a group of people were under a shelter at the car wash when a small dark car approached.

A man got out of the car and fired shots at the group, fatally wounding the victim.

Another man was killed after 10pm on Sunday, July 11, at Arawak Cay. Responding officers saw a male victim who was alert and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

An initial investigation revealed the victim was approached by a man who produced a handgun and shot the weapon in his direction. The victim was hit about the body several times.

Emergency Medical Services took him to the hospital, where he later died.

Two other killings took place on Independence Day. Shortly before 7am on July 10, police were alerted to a shooting incident that happened on Palmetto Road, Sunset Park.

A man was found lying in the street with apparent gunshot wounds. He was also taken to hospital and pronounced dead once there.

In the second incident on July 10, police were called to a shooting in Ridgeland Park west shortly after 9pm.

Officers found a man lying in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Berkley Street with wounds consistent with gunshots.

EMS pronounced the man

THE SCENE of last night’s shooting. dead at the scene.

Last week, police also said a man died in hospital after he was shot outside his home in Flamingo Gardens on Thursday night.

In a statement issued last night, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said officers have reason to believe that Thursday’s killing and the homicide that later occurred in Sunset Park are related. A 29-year-old male resident of Jubilee Gardens has been taken into custody as police continue their investigations into those incidents. He is expected to be charged later in the week.

“The third murder that occurred in Ridgeland Park west is related to the murder that occurred in First Street, Coconut Grove, last week between two rival groups,” police said. “In respect to the murder at Arawak Cay last night (Sunday), the quick response by the police on duty at the cay resulted in the arrest of a male suspect and the recovery of a 9mm pistol following a chase. He is expected to be charged later in the week.”

Police will also bring several suspects to court today to face murder charges.

One of them is a 26-yearold man who is expected to be charged for the murder of Dwayne Cargill, who was murdered on June 28 on Pine Barren Road.

Police will also charge a 25-year-old male resident of Pinewood Gardens for five killings: the murders of George Deveaux and Ashley Hilton, which occurred at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre compound on December 3, 2018; the murder of Ian Porter, aka “Irey”, and Raymond Adderley which occurred June 29, 2019 and the murder of Anniko Strachan, which occurred on October 20, 2019.

A 20-year-old Nassau Village man, a 22-year-old Pinewood Gardens man and a 34-year-old Springfield Street man will be charged for the murder of Anniko Strachan on October 20, 2019, police said.

The last suspect expected to face charges today is a 17-year-old boy charged with the murder of Alfred Bastian, aka “Half Man,” who was killed on December 3, 2020.

Last night, ASP Peters said the recent rash in homicides is concerning.

“We are concerned about all of these incidents that are occurring,” he said “However, we are also encouraged by the information we’re receiving from the members of the public, and we are making good headway with respect to the previous incidents that occurred, and we look forward to giving some

BPL UNION SAYS SOME PROGRESS ON ‘ISSUES’ from page one

Last month, dozens of BPL staff walked off the job in a show of solidarity against executive management, warning officials at the time that they had 14 days to address outstanding problems or face its wrath.

Speaking to The Tribune on Friday, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson said while some of their grievances have since been addressed, there are still a few outstanding matters.

He applauded the efforts of Works Minister Desmond Bannister – who has ministerial responsibility for BPL — for trying to resolve their problems but expressed disappointment in BPL’s chairman and other executives for not reaching out to respond to workers’ concerns.

He said: “Some of the issues (resolved) are mainly the increment issue that was an issue to be resolved and an issue concerning promotion of persons on the Family Islands so we were definitely able to sort one or two issues out.

“Going in, I know it was going to take more than 14 days to resolve all of the issues but we wanted to get a commitment. I felt as if the process was a bit, I wouldn’t say slow but a lot of wrangling back and forth and we weren’t able to get all the issues on the table and so we still have a lot of issues looming,” Mr Wilson added.

“Members are still somewhat frustrated, and I understand their frustrations because we have been dealing with these issues a long time but I do applaud the PS (Permanent Secretary) Colebrooke and the DPM (Deputy Prime Minister). I had a meeting today (Friday) with the CEO who made some further commitments and hopefully, they would live up to the commitments that he would’ve made.”

Mr Wilson warned that if officials do not live up to their promises, the union could resort to more industrial action in the days ahead.

“From I became president, I have been trying to get a resolve to the issues and so you know, we’re

responsible people and we don’t want the Bahamian public to suffer any because of the discourse between management and the union. It’s not fair to them that they have to be the victim of discourse,” the union president told this newspaper.

“We don’t want that, but you know unfortunately in every war, there’s casualties and we’re hoping that the company hears the union out and we’re also trying to get the contract resolved and so we’re hoping that the government is listening and the right persons are listening and would move swiftly to resolve these issues unless the union has to take further actions. We don’t want to go down that road.

We wish not to go down that road but we’re ready to go down that road.”

Asked what sort of action could the union take, he replied: “Everything is on the table. It’s the court, it’s conciliatory and what I’m saying is it’s all forms of action and it can may and possibly will include industrial action if the union does not feel it’s being heard.”

Mr Wilson called for the Minnis administration to meet with unions across the country to hear their concerns, noting there is growing unrest in the workplace.

He said: “I understand that the entire membership of the (Trade Union Congress) TUC would’ve been filing trade disputes because it’s not just our union but it seems to be all unions across the Bahamas are frustrated that we’ve been ignored over the past four years and so there may be a collaborative effort amongst unions and this is an issue that I’ve been preaching to the corporation, ‘hey, let’s get ahead of this things, let’s not wait until it’s too late’ and I’ve been preaching to deaf ears but I’m trying to conciliate and continue to knock at the door of the DPM.” On Friday, Mr Wilson also addressed social media reports that several BPL offices were ordered shut down due to COVID-19 exposure.

He said: “I visited the headquarters and I met some staff sitting on the outside building. I enquired and they said that the company

had brought in persons for deep sanitisation process and it’s been understood that someone may have come into contact with a person that maybe COVID positive and on the side of caution, they would’ve asked persons just to vacate the area. I understand it was someone who may have been between the mall (location) and headquarters so the mall is closed as well as the main office.”

On Friday, BPL issued a notice advising customers that its cashier services at the Blue Hill Road headquarters and Mall at Marathon location would be closed for the rest of the day. BPL said regular operations would resume as soon as possible, but did not provide a reason for the service interruption.

THE SCENE of a homicide in Ridgeland Park on Friday.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff information to the media in operation. from them,” he said.

“It’s common knowledge in due course.”

Anyone with information Asked if CCTV will be that some of them are not on these incidents or any helpful in assisting police operable due to whatever other crime is asked to call with the recent homicide incidents with outage and so the Criminal Investigations investigations, he said forth that maybe power may Department at 502-9991/2, police will look into this go down and so if they’re Crime Stoppers at 328avenue, but added that operable, we can look for- TIPS (8477) or the nearest some of the cameras are not ward to getting information police station.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

CARNIVAL GRAND BAHAMA INVESTMENTS LTD. The public is advised that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed Carnival “Grand Port” Project, to be located in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, are available for public review.

The EIA and EMP can be found at https://www.carnivalgrandport.com The EIA and EMP have been submitted to and reviewed by both the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited. The development includes a Finger Pier capable of docking 2 XL-Class Cruise Ships, recreational facilities including restaurants, shops, transportation waterway with swimming lagoons, swimming pools, a 100-acre wetland conservation area and 55-acre nature path.

A public meeting will be held on August 4, 2021 at 6:00 pm via Zoom with the Meeting ID: 840 6845 6873 Physical copies of the EIA and EMP are available to the public for review in New Providence at the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection office located in Charlotte House on Shirley and Charlotte Streets.

In Grand Bahama copies can be viewed at the Building and Development Services Department of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, located on West Mall Drive; and at Callenders & Co. located on East Mall Drive.

The public can send written comments to inquiries@depp.gov.bs or via the project’s website noted above, no later than 21 days after the public meeting or by August 25, 2021 by 5:00pm.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, July 13, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

PM: Only way to end pandemic is vaccine

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has again appealed for Bahamians to get vaccinated against COVID-19, saying it is the only way to end this pandemic.

Dr Minnis made the comments during the country’s virtual Independence Day celebration, which was broadcast on Friday.

To date, the Bahamas has administered 97,992 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Health officials said 60,303 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, while 37,689 have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

In a nationally televised address on Friday, Dr Minnis noted vaccinations are the key to defeating the

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. pandemic and again urged this terrible pandemic,” Dr Bahamians to do their part. Minnis said. “The virus that Dr Minnis also said causes COVID-19 spreads COVID-19 vaccinations easily. The new Delta have proven to be effective variant is becoming the against the new variants dominant strain. It may be and can also limit potential the most infectious version virus outbreaks. of the virus to date.

“We must continue to “Fortunately, the vacget vaccinated. The vac- cines available to us cines are the way to end have proven effective in

protecting against this variant and other strains, once individuals are fully vaccinated. Vaccines are the way to ensure we limit future outbreaks. They are the way to ensure more visitors come to our shores in order to help revive our economy, and boost jobs and opportunity.

“Tourists will increasingly want to visit places that have highly vaccinated populations, in order to ensure their safety. Let us end this pandemic in the Bahamas by coming forward in large numbers to take the lifesaving vaccines. Let us do this, so we can all get back to more normal times as quickly as possible.”

However, his plea comes amid concerns about low vaccine supply in the country. To date, The Bahamas has received 67,200 of vaccine doses from the World

Health Organization’s COVAX Facility, with the remaining 33, 600 doses expected to be delivered at the end of this month.

In March, 20,000 doses were donated by the Indian government.

Due to limited vaccine supply, the Minnis administration has had to seek help from neighbouring countries in recent weeks to acquire more vaccines until the next batch from the World Health Organization-led programme arrives.

Earlier this month, Dr Minnis told Bahamians his administration had collected 5,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Antigua and Barbuda.

Last week, Health Minister Renward Wells said similar discussions were being held with officials in St Vincent and Grenadines for the acquisition of 20,000

doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

He added that officials are also in negotiations to source different COVID19 vaccine brands into the country.

“We’re also on two different tracts to receiving Pfizer, one through CARPHA, the Caribbean region because the prime minister and his other Caribbean colleagues have been in direct negotiations with the United States and the US will be donating vaccines through the region to CARICOM and we’re looking forward to those being Pfizer,” Mr Wells told reporters at the time.

It is not clear how many vaccine doses will be donated by the US. However, sources told The Tribune the US donated vaccines are expected to be here by the end of the month.

from page one

hospital cases, Dr Sands called the numbers disappointing and said it further shows that the country is nowhere out of the woods yet.

He added the COVID19 situation remains a fluid one and again stressed that things can change, pointing to the emergence of new virus strains.

“It seemed like a few weeks ago that the numbers were coming down and now over the last probably week or so, the numbers seemed to be going back up again,” Dr Sands told The Tribune yesterday. “So, this is a little bit disappointing that we’re seeing these kinds of challenges with the COVID numbers as well as COVID deaths and hospitalisations and I think it speaks to the ever-changing dynamic of this virus with the emergence of these different variants.

“We now know that we have a Delta variant. We have a Lambda variant and who knows what else is going to pop up so there is so much that is unfolding as it relates to COVID-19.”

More than 90 countries have since detected the Delta strain, which is said to be quickly becoming the dominant strain in many nations.

Dr Sands said while there has been no confirmation that the strain is present in the Bahamas, it does not mean that the mutation is not already here.

In fact, Dr Sands said he believes the variant’s presence in the Bahamas is what’s partly contributing towards some of the nation’s problems, noting a worrisome uptick in hospital admissions among younger people.

Local health officials have already said the uptick in virus numbers has left Princess Margaret Hospital operating at full capacity.

Yesterday, Dr Sands said: “We know that the Delta variant is becoming the predominant variant in the United States. We know that it’s becoming the predominant variant in a number of countries and so even though we have no conclusive data that confirms the Delta variant is causing a problem in the Bahamas, I don’t think it’s a reckless or irresponsible speculation to suggest that the Delta variant is now in the Bahamas.

“I think as a matter of fact, it is probably part of the reason why we’ve seen an uptick in the number of cases presenting to the various emergency rooms and why we are seeing younger people with COVID-19 requiring hospitalisations.

You have people in their 20s, 30s being hospitalised and I think we need to recognise that what is going on worldwide might be happening here in the Bahamas.”

Asked about his recommendations to get cases under control in the country, the former health minister said more people need to be vaccinated and added there needs to be a national effort to educate Bahamians about both the vaccine and public health measures.

“We can’t get tired,” Dr Sands said. “We just have to keep it up and we need to redouble our efforts and repeat what we’ve said over and over and when we get tired, repeat it again trying to use the creative community to help us with ads and so forth.”

The Bahamas administered 97,992 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to date.

According to health officials, 60,303 have received their first shot, while 37,689 people have been fully vaccinated.

TESTS NEEDED FOR COVID CLAIMS LIFE OF BIMINI TRAVEL - BUT NO FIVE-MONTH-OLD GIRL TEST KITS AVAILABLE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

BIMINI residents have condemned the requirement for PCR tests for travel to and from their island because the tests were not available there until yesterday.

With COVID-19 cases rising on the island, the government on Thursday amended the Emergency Powers regulations to require people who are not fully vaccinated produce a RT-PCR test administered by an accredited lab to travel to and from North and South Bimini.

Bimini MP Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe confirmed last week that PCR tests were not administered on Bimini at the time.

“I am advised that residents will have to utilise the clinic for such tests, which will be sent to Nassau,” she said on Friday.

Asked if this means the government will send PCR tests to the clinic in Bimini, she said: “It is a must. And I am certain it will.”

Health Minister Renward Wells and other health officials did not respond to The Tribune’s messages and calls up to press time.

A notice circulated over the weekend advising that PCR tests would be available at the Bimini Clinic as of yesterday at a cost of $175 per test.

Obie Wilchcombe, the former MP for Bimini and the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate in that constituency for the next general election, said it’s perplexing to announce the required PCR tests for an island that does not administer them.

“Nobody does that in Bimini,” he said on Friday.

“Right now I think this is again a very negative development because the people of Bimini are being told to have a PCR test administered and there is no place to do it. What do you expect to happen? The government has to take another look at the decision or cause for the PCR test to take place at the clinic and ensure a mechanism is there to ensure that it can be done.”

To counter the recent surge in cases in Bimini, the competent authority implemented a 7pm to 5am curfew for the island on July 1 and restricted wedding, funeral and other activities.

The latest change, however, prompted Mr Wilchcombe to say: “Everything being done seems to be haphazard. People of Bimini are not being told what’s happening one day to the next. They’ve been asking questions and we don’t know the extent to which there is a problem in Bimini.

“I’ve been asking the

government to at least inform the people of Bimini. I do feel badly for the people of Bimini and there’s been so many families that have had to be quarantined and because the clinic is overwhelmed we understand there have been deaths and yet we are not putting the emphasis towards handling the matter with a sense of emergency.

“There is some spread of the virus but we seem to be taking it very nonchalantly and, of course, visitors continue to come to the island.

We want the economy to grow, but at the same time people are more important than things.”

However Mr Wilchcombe would not say if he believes Bimini should be placed on another lockdown.

“I’m not an official and I can’t speak to that with any kind of absolute knowledge,” he said. “I believe the officials of the Ministry of Health and I trust them.

We will take their advice, whatever they decide. But we are not being allowed to understand the severity of the problem in Bimini.

Once that is explained we could prepare ourselves for what comes next. We need to know what’s causing the spike. Is it because our borders are open? We have large numbers of people coming into Bimini and it’s imperative to understand that the protocol must be followed.”

Dr Sands spoke after the country recorded 100 new cases over the holiday weekend, pushing the nation’s overall tally to 13,165 as of Saturday.

According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health, 51 new infections were confirmed on Saturday, 49 on Friday, 41 on Thursday, 59 on Wednesday, 23 on Tuesday, 53 on Monday and eight on Sunday, July 4, for a total of 284 last week. The week prior saw 295 cases.

Fifty-eight people are currently said to be in hospital sick with the virus, with four in the intensive unit.

Thirty deaths are currently under investigation.

Health officials would not comment on or provide more details on the infant’s death when contacted yesterday.

However, Dr Sands said the baby’s death shows that COVID-19 does not discriminate and can affect anyone.

This, he added, is why it’s important that Bahamians must not become relaxed about the current public health measures despite feeling COVID-19 fatigue.

He said: “If we take nothing away from her death, we should take away the fact that COVID does not discriminate. It does not discriminate on the basis of social economic status. It doesn’t discriminate against the colour of your skin or whatever island you live on and so we all need to be taking this thing seriously.

Yes, we’re tired of COVID. Yes, we’re sick and tired of wearing masks or not being able to interact freely but we’re not out of the woods yet and no country is.”

Speaking generally about climbing case numbers and

THE TRIBUNE

The nation celebrates

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net INDEPENDENCE Day celebrations kicked off in Grand Bahama on Friday with flag-raising ceremonies throughout the island and a display of national colours and pride.

Residents, businesses, and cars were decorated in aquamarine, yellow and black to display patriotism and unity as Bahamians.

State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson called on Grand Bahamians to be thankful despite the challenges the island has experienced in the last two years.

He expressed a strong sense of hope and optimism for Grand Bahama. “Since last year’s independence season, we have seen a relaxation of the curfew; and there is also more economic activity on the island,” he said.

He spoke at a flag-raising ceremony, which was held at 10am on the front lawn of the Harold DeGregory Complex in Freeport, where government officials and residents had gathered under a tent where seating was arranged for social distancing.

Mr Thompson said there is hope and optimism, not just on Grand Bahama, but throughout the country.

“We give God thanks for giving us the opportunity to celebrate 48 years as an independent nation,” he said. “It is a time to celebrate who we are as a people; and whether you knew it or not, we are a strong people and a blessed nation. Everything we have gone through this year and in years past has made us stronger, wiser, better than we were before.

“I give God thanks for the challenges we face, for the mountains that we overcome because it has made us stronger than we were. And it has made us a better

RAISING THE FLAG AT CLIFFORD PARK

THE 48TH Anniversary of Independence flag-raising ceremony at Clifford Park.

nation and country,” Mr Thompson said.

Mr Thompson believes that it is important to display our culture and history and express a sense of Bahamian pride. “It is a privilege to serve this country and this island; I don’t want us to take it for granted that we have some of the best people in the world,” he said, adding that Bahamians have made significant achievements on the world stage.

He talked about the achievement of Roy Seligman, a

12-year-old, eighth-grade student of Lyford Cay International School, who placed 4th in the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in the US on July 8.

“He is a young man who comes from a country of 400,000 people, but he is (among) the top 10 spellers in the world.”

He also highlighted Bahamians’ achievements in sports. “We have so much to give God thanks.

We also have to remember Buddy Hield who is from Grand Bahama,

Photos: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS

Eight Mile Rock. But, the point I want us to remember is that we have so much to be proud of.”

Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard, MP for Marco City, said Grand Bahama is on the path of rebuilding. “Today, I am encouraging all of us not to listen to those that would say it is absolutely bad, but we should listen to the word of God that if we speak life over Grand Bahama things are going to start to be better,” he said.

POLICE REMINDER - DON’T GATHER IF YOU’RE NOT VACCINATED

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have issued a reminder that social gatherings for people who are not vaccinated are not allowed under current emergency order restrictions.

Throughout the summer, COVID-19 ambassadors will be patrolling areas to ensure that people are following the protocols and will be asking for proof of vaccination where warranted, police said.

“According to the Emergency Powers Orders, social gatherings are not permitted and so you are not allowed to have social gatherings of any number,” Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Zhivargo Dames, head of the COVID Enforcement Unit, said on Friday.

“You are not allowed to have persons come from a next family member’s house over to your house and to have a social gathering,” he said.

He added that police had a special operation planned

for the Independence Day holiday.

“Social gatherings, yes, for persons who are not vaccinated is not allowed. If you are fully vaccinated, according to the orders, that’s if all of the persons who are attending that social gathering must be fully vaccinated in order to attend that social gathering.

So I want to assure the COVID Enforcement Unit, we have put together a special operation just for this holiday.

“So if we find that persons are at social gatherings we will be stopping by to check if persons are fully vaccinated and if you are not, whether it be one person, two persons, or three persons that are not fully vaccinated you are in breach and you will be cited.”

He also said that people will have proof to show they are fully vaccinated if they are requested to do so by police.

“When you go and get your vaccination, they will give you a card to prove that you are fully vaccinated. I’m not sure if the digital card has been

disseminated fully to the populace as yet, but you must have your card with you. It’s a yellow card, to my mind, and some of you might have the digital card,” CSP Dames explained.

“Please carry that along with you. It should be on your person at all times that you can show and prove you are fully vaccinated.

It’s a requirement, the officers of the COVID Enforcement Unit, if they go to an event, whether it be a restaurant (that) we stop in, we will ask you if you are fully vaccinated and we will ask you to prove that you are fully vaccinated.”

CSP Dames also cautioned restaurant owners to ensure people coming to dine inside their establishments are fully vaccinated and stated the fines people will face if found in breach.

“I want to say to those restaurant owners, if you have persons that are coming in and dining in your restaurant, we ask please that you ensure the onus is upon you to ensure that the persons who are dining in your restaurant are fully vaccinated. I want to say

to you pointedly, if the COVID Enforcement Unit or any of officer comes to your restaurant or business places, and persons are enjoying your facilities and we ask if they are fully vaccinated and they cannot prove that they are fully vaccinated according to Emergency Power Orders, you are in breach and you will be fined….. The fine for that is $2,000 and every patron that’s in there will be $300. You will be fined $2,000 plus $300 for every patron and the patrons there will be fined $300.”

He said a few businesses have been cited for violations recently, but he said there appears to be a decrease in people visiting prohibited establishments.

“If I were to use the last three weeks as a measuring stick, we would have cited some four to five businesses for operating a prohibited business and so if I were to use that data alone for businesses, yes, we are seeing a decrease with persons who are patronising and being cited for operating (in violation) of the Emergency Power Orders.”

Tuesday, July 13, 2021, PAGE 5

ALGERNON ALLEN TOPS HONOURS LIST from page one

Mr Smith had been given the rank of companion under this order; Mrs Cartwright and Ms Johnson were named the rank of officer while Mr Sands has received the honour of member.

The honourees were recognised for their notable leadership and exemplary service in their respective fields.

“Mr Smith served as the first Bahamian commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and is being recognised for outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the the Bahamas in the area of law enforcement,” the press statement noted.

“Ms Mary Johnson is being recognised for dedication and exceptional leadership in the field of nursing. Mr Sands is being recognised for his outstanding leadership and exceptional management skills in the hotel and hospital industry.”

As for Mrs Cartwright, the Office of the Governor General said she served the Bahamian people with distinction, having been a remarkable public officer for over 40 years.

For the Order of Merit, four Bahamian men and women received the distinction. The special award is given to any citizen who has achieved national or international distinction in the field of religion, sports, arts, culture, etc.

Perceval Knowles, Patricia Meicholas and Patricia Bazzard were awarded the rank of officer under this order, the latter of which was given the award posthumously.

Mr Knowles was recognised for leadership in community service and development; Mrs Meicholas was recognised for her contribution in education, culture and literary works while Mrs Bazzard was recognised for her service in the field of culture, civics and the performing arts.

Meanwhile, Al Collie, Reverend Copeland Morley, Mother Bishop Vivian Cox, Celestine Eneas and Wilford Rutherford were honoured as members under the Order of Merit. Mr Collie was recognised for his dedication to the promotion of arts and culture; Rev Morley was awarded for his service to religion and community service; Bishop Cox was recognised for her contribution to the field of religion; Ms Eneas was recognised for her leadership in the straw industry and promotion of Bahamian art and culture.

Mr Rutherford, an avid sportsman, is being recognised for his long service to the development of youth through sports.

Other Bahamians named in the 2021 honoree list included Captain Patrick Livingstone Rolle, Agatha Archer and Douglas Hanna, who were awarded distinguished service medals for their leadership qualities and notable contributions to their fields.

The awards are expected to be presented to honourees later this year on October 11, which is National Heroes Day. No one was selected for the honour of National Hero or Order of the Nation this year.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, July 13, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jamaaltheartist@gmail.com

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

No end in the search for justice THERE are too many murders in our country. One would be too many, but our murder rate puts us among the highest in the world.

It would be too easy for a police force to always have to deal with the latest murders, while ones from last year slip past, with no one brought to justice.

Credit, then, to the police officers who keep doing the work, and who keep bringing suspects to face court to answer for their crimes.

Today, for example, six suspects are expected at court to face accusations over several murders – including one man who is accused of committing five homicides, two of them double killings.

That man’s case date back to 2018, and while it may have been a long road for officers following the trail of a yearsold murder, it will finally reach court today so the suspect’s guilt or innocence can be tested.

As one man is brought to court to answer accusations over five murders, however, the long holiday weekend has brought us another five murders for officers to investigate, the first on Thursday and the most recent last night.

It sometimes seems there is no end to the violence that affects our country. Police officers know the situation better than anyone, they face it every day on the front line against crime. They suspect some of these latest killings are linked and the result of retaliation between “rival” groups. They may not say the word gangs, but it hangs in the air the same way their presence hangs in the air of our communities, afflicting our young men most of all with a life of violence that all too often ends in prison or with a bullet.

How do we change that? That’s a discussion we’ve had many times, and the solution seems no nearer. Why do people end up in these gangs? Well, how many other places do we give them to go?

We have made progress in some ways – the rehabilitation of offenders has taken a step forward, with a committee giving those with black marks on their record the chance to leave those behind and live a crime-free life.

But the police officers on the street who keep doing their best to gather

the evidence and bring cases to court, no matter how old they are, deserve a salute. If criminals feel they can act without fear of being caught, of being held accountable, they would indeed overwhelm us. So while it may take years, every case helps to push back the tide.

While we must redouble our efforts to stop the killings happening in the first place, we thank the police for their determination that these crimes do not go forgotten, and to give the families of victims justice at last.

COVID risk

There is nothing but sadness in reporting that among the latest deaths from COVID-19 is that of a five-month-old baby girl.

The baby died on June 26, and we also report today that a 78-year-old woman has also died from the virus.

For all the talk of any progress we have made in vaccinating against COVID-19, there is one group that remains unprotected so far – our children.

The vaccines that have been developed around the world were first approved for use by adults, before further testing to see how they affected children and whether they were safe for use. Some have already been given approval for children aged as young as 12 in some countries, but not all countries and not all vaccines. The process goes on.

Children are considered a low-risk group, but low-risk is not zero-risk. How can we reduce that risk? Well, those of us who can get vaccinations should do so, to make it harder for the virus to spread. And we should keep wearing our masks, washing our hands and keeping our distance.

If we don’t do this for ourselves, we should do it for the ones we love, to protect them and to try to keep them safe. Too many families have mourned a loved one already – with the official count of COVID deaths in The Bahamas now standing at 254.

Let’s do all we can to stop there being more.

Health visa is a barrier EDITOR, The Tribune.

ALARM bells are ringing at the travel agencies which I operate in Columbus and the southern Ohio area. We are not getting bookings for The Bahamas. After years when your country was a major destination for our clients, even in July and August, there appears now to be little interest.

All the cumbersome entry requirements and the unworkable five-day entry from test combined with your Health Visa have all but killed off any interest during the past year. Even now with visitors having to be fully vaccinated to enter you are still persisting in having the Health

Visa. Clients do not want to be bothered with all the forms, the expense for the Visa and scanning the information to Nassau and the uncertainties involved.

There are so many other southern resorts we can send people with no hassles.

Following your Tourism Minister’s ongoing comments in The Tribune I wonder what research he and his staff have given to the promotion of tourism. It seems now that the Health Visa has essentially become a revenue producer for the government and private firms rather than a health necessity. His ongoing rosy forecasts of steady growth in tourist numbers will not be easily reached as long as

the Health Visa remains.

You should be immediately going back to easy entry by simply showing passports at the immigration desk on arrival like nearly all other countries in the region. Proof of vaccination can be shown at airport check in counters for authority to travel. I feel sorry for all the Bahamians who are without work as a result not only of COVID-19 but the poorly conceived entry policies. These are seriously damaging your tourist business which is essential for the economy and well being of The Bahamas.

HOWARD J THORPE Nassau, July10, 2021.

Media helps promote fake narratives EDITOR, The Tribune.

ONCE again, The Bahamas looks likely to be forced to do the right thing for its population only after being bullied into it by outsiders.

As powerful international lobbies agree on a 15 percent minimum global corporate tax, the excuses of Bahamian governments for running this country on a pitiful budget and making the poor pay for it are rapidly disappearing.

At under 18 percent, The Bahamas spends less of its wealth on its people than almost any other country in the world – a direct result of exempting rich people and corporations from paying their share. That is the root of almost every problem we have (including crime) and the primary cause of inequality in The Bahamas.

So when wealthy merchant “reformers” like Robert Myers can loudly advocate that the solution to our problems is to cut back even further on spending, rather than tax companies like his own, it takes an exceptionally worthless media not to call them out.

In fact, thanks to our media not doing its job, I would guess that many Bahamians unthinkingly accept the outrageously false narrative of groups like Mr Myers’ that we spend too much, rather than too little, on running our country.

As for taxation, little distinction is made by the media between taxes on the poor (like VAT and duties), of which we have too much, and taxes on the wealthy (such as on

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net luxury properties and high incomes) of which we have, respectively, too little and none whatsoever.

They just parrot the “too much tax” mantra, ignoring the obvious fact that it is not the size, but the imbalance of the tax burden that is the problem.

A media so lacking in intellectual curiosity that reporters do not even seek international comparisons when reporting the nonsense put out by regressive interest groups posing as “reformers” leaves the country at a severe disadvantage in terms of public policy – especially considering the low-quality politicians who now hold the reins.

A good example relates to Bahamasair, a favorite target of pro-austerity “reformers”.

The current custodians of the airline treat Bahamasair as if it were a drag on the country, constantly referring to it as a “burden” on taxpayers. But surely, the same could be said about the police force, clinics, government schools or any other public service that does not turn a profit.

Long before serving as Minister of Finance, my father was the founding Chairman of Bahamasair.

As such, he understood both what it cost the treasury and what it gained the nation. Like the government of the day that started it, he knew it was never intended to make a profit, or even to support itself.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Rather, it was a valuable national development tool in a tourist-dependent country spread out over 100,000 miles of sea, with far flung, lightly populated islands that couldn’t possibly support a financial case for scheduled air services, but were nonetheless home to citizens with a right to affordable travel to and from their capital.

Bahamasair has lived up to its mandate and then some. While the peoples of the southern Caribbean fret about having to transit through Miami to visit a neighbouring island 50 miles away, Bahamians take for granted having modern, affordable transport around their archipelago with an airline that in 48 years has maintained a globally-rare 100 percent safety record.

But today, its current chairman, Tommy Turnquest (a political appointee) has reacted to the fall-off in revenues due to the pandemic by hiking domestic fares, which in tandem with new fees for “health visas” and COVID-tests, has drastically increased the price of often-obligatory domestic travel.

So in this time of crisis, with massive job losses and strained medical services, our backward leaders decide that it is better to increase the financial burden on the intended beneficiaries of Bahamasair than shift some of that burden to those who can afford to pay more tax and, in any other country, would already be doing so.

What an utter disgrace.

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, July10, 2021.

THE TRIBUNE

Second man on murder charge

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A SECOND man was charged on Friday in connection with the murder and attempted murder of a man and woman last month.

Nathan Rolle, 23, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann FergusonPratt charged with the shooting death of Gladstone Francis on June 24.

Prosecutors also alleged the accused attempted to kill Savanna Francis that same day.

He was arraigned days after 19-year-old Mario Cuffe was charged with the same offences.

According to initial police reports, sometime after 9pm on the day in question a man and woman were at a residence located on First Street, Coconut Grove when a light coloured vehicle pulled up and an occupant discharged a firearm in their direction injuring them.

Both victims were taken to the hospital in a private vehicle, where the man later died. The woman was said to be listed in serious, but stable condition at last report.

Due to the nature of the charge, Rolle was not required to enter a plea and his case was adjourned to November 30 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Like Cuffe, he was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

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

A MAN was remanded to prison on Friday after he was charged with armed robbery.

Jefferey Toussaint was arrested after he was accused of using a handgun to rob a man of a $700 iPhone and $20 cash on April 30.

‘VIGILANTE’ ATTACK

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAGISTRATE is set to determine the fate of a 21-year-old man who claimed he assaulted another man because he believed his father was a sex offender.

Police arrested Kenneth Brennen after he attacked and threw a glass bottle at a man on June 20.

He pleaded guilty to assault and causing harm during his arraignment before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans.

The prosecution said the complainant told police he was at his father’s house around 6.50am when he was attacked by multiple men. The court was told the complainant was able to identify Brennen as one of the men who assaulted him and threw a beer bottle at him during the attack.

Officers arrested the accused a short time later. When questioned in custody, he admitted committing the offences with his brother and other individuals. In his interview, he said

they did it because the complainant and his father were “messing around” with little kids in the neighbourhood. Brennen also alleged the father had been locked up for “only two days” after forcing a little boy to perform oral sex on him.

Brennen told the magistrate he was sorry for his actions, but insisted the incident that happened in his area was “very bad at the time” and claimed the complainant “came outside being very provoking”.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans told the accused vigilante justice was illegal in The Bahamas. She said everyone had to follow the due process because allegations can turn out to be false.

She said while she understood people closely related to suspected victims may develop strong emotions, their feelings could not justify them taking matters in their own hands.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans said she would defer her sentence to July 16. Brennen was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

CHEQUE FRAUD ALERT

NATHAN Rolle outside court on Friday.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF ARMED ROBBERY

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

Tuesday, July 13, 2021, PAGE 7

Due to the nature of the offence, he was not required to enter a plea.

He returns to court on August 27 for a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) presentation.

In the interim, Toussaint was remanded into custody.

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

In a separate court matter, a 21-year-old man was remanded to prison

over allegations that he was found with housebreaking tools earlier this month.

Gredon Davis was arrested after officers alleged they found him walking around on a beach near the Atlantis resort with instruments of burglary around 8pm on July 7.

On Friday, Davis told the court he had a hammer, screwdriver, pliers and a pair of black gloves in his

backpack because he was a carpenter and used the tools for work.

As a result, Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain said she would record a not guilty plea on his behalf and adjourned the case to November 15 for trial.

POLICE are warning members of the business community to be on alert due to a recent spate of fraudulent cheques being circulated.

The Financial Crime Investigations Branch said the latest scheme involves people calling a business requesting price or quotes for merchandise while informing them that they represent a credit union or an insurance company.

The fraudster will also indicate that the merchandise would be paid for by cheque drawn from the mentioned credit union or insurance company.

“Within a day or two, the (fraudster) comes to the business and presents a cheque matching the amount of the quote,” police said. “The business is

usually informed after two to three business days that the cheque is fraudulent.

“Businesses that are being targeted range from building supply stores, furniture stores, and wholesale agencies. The value of the fraudulent cheques is usually in the $3,000 to $6,000 figure range,” police said.

In view of this, the business community is advised to take extra precautions when accepting cheques and to ensure that customer information is obtained when conducting transactions.

If your business has been targeted or a similar circumstance has occurred, please contact the Financial Crimes Investigations Branch at 356-601/3566025 or the nearest police station.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, July 13, 2021

ST AUGUSTINE’S College Alumni Association (SACAA) president Cherelle Cartwright rang me, all excited after seeing Brent Stubbs’ sports article announcing all five members of the 4x400 metre relay Olympic team for The Bahamas are St Augustine’s College (SAC) alumna.

Her excitement comes not only because they are representations of the greatness of their school and their country, but because they are women. Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Doneisha Anderson, Megan Moss and Anthonique Strachan were originally named for the team, and most recently, Lacarthea Cooper has been named alternate, to participate in the Olympics in Tokyo scheduled to begin in ten days time.

“For a long time, women have been overlooked for the role they have played in building up this country in every aspect of society,” she said.

“Here, we see five young ladies holding their own on an international stage. As women began to enter the fray in track and field, they upped the ante as they got out there and pursued their passion. As SAC students, I have watched these young ladies give their all on the track. They have opened the door for many behind them to show what these islands can produce. We are not even a million people in population and yet the calibre of athletes we produce is phenomenal!

“These five young women embody what SAC as an institution is all about – going out there, giving it your all, giving it your best.

These ladies go fierce in competition, and it speaks to the legacy of our alma mater. We are built SAC tough; you have to respect the Red!”

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

Cherelle’s enthusiasm led me to contact the father of Megan Moss and Assistant Coach at SAC, Tito Moss, to find out how he was feeling. He coached all five ladies at SAC, but he also has coaching experience with them in the private athletic arena. I learned that he saw something special in each of them early on. I also was touched by the relationship he nurtured with his daughter, who showed athletic prowess from an early age, and whom he has watched blossom into the athlete she is today.

In the track club circuit, Tito coached Shaunae and Anthonique at Club Monica, where he served as Assistant Coach for nine years. Megan also started at Club Monica, before moving to Red Line Athletics, a club Tito launched in 2018. Megan and Lacarthea are current members of Red Line. As a SAC coach for the past 15 years, Tito has had the opportunity to directly coach Doneisha as well.

He gave me a glimpse into his experience with each of them: Shaunae - “When I started coaching with Club Monica, Shaunae had already won her World Youth and was on her way to winning her World Juniors. At that point, she was already a gold medalist for Carifta. She was very focused, very poised, very humble, very quiet. She was already an elite athlete and you saw at that young age that she was going to be a

THE TRIBUNE

Tito’s tigers on the track chasing Tokyo Olympics glory

first Carifta gold, Doneisha got bronze. So, Doneisha and Megan kind of came up together, as did Shaunae and Anthonique.”

Lacarthia “Lacarthia came to SAC from Freeport as a result of Hurricane Dorian. She told the school’s administration that standout athlete. She was whoever trained Megan in grade ten at the time, Moss, that’s who she wanted I think. Sure enough, she to train with. She joined and has been working with lived up to that.”

Anthonique - “Antho- me ever since – about two nique came to SAC in the years now. She is just like ninth or tenth grade and a daughter to me. Some did not finish, but in the weekends, she stays with three years she was there, my family and I because she went from being just her mom is from Freeport. a great athlete to an out- She is focused and hard working and standing athlete always wants very quickly. to improve.

She qualiIn practice, fied for the she would Olympics want to work while she with the boys was still in because she school and feels the she did not girls are no finish SAC; push for her. she turned Lacarthia is pro as an 11th the younggrader.

She est member was poised of the relay TITO and and hard team and Megan Moss. working and the first athjust like Shaulete to make the nae, I knew she was Bahamas Olympic going to be uber talented, team having never been way out there and special... something you don’t see on a national team. She is presently in Costa Rica as a every day.”

Doneisha - “I was part of the NACAC under responsible for helping 18 team, and she qualified recruit Doneisha to SAC. for every junior team.

Megan - “Megan is hard I think she came from TA working, and she always Thompson Junior High.

She was running the 400, knew what she wanted 800 and 1200 metres. I was to do. She won gold in very instrumental in get- the under 17 category in ting her over to SAC. I Carifta. She broke Shaudid not coach her in the nae’s Carifta record in 400 private system, but as a metres – that record was SAC coach, I saw that she special to her knowing it was hard working, and I put her in the company got a sense from early on of one of her role models that she would be special. which was Shaunae.

“Each of these young I enjoyed working with her. ladies exhibited characShe was a year ahead of my daughter, Megan. In 2017 teristics of wanting to be when my daughter won her better and do what is necessary to get to the next level. All are humble, but they always knew within themselves that they were talented. But they are all beasts on the track!”

Tito’s pride for his daughter’s athletic achievements made him reflect on the very first signs of talent she exhibited. Megan is his eldest child. He and his wife Nekeva are also parents to a son, Morgan, who is heading into the tenth grade at SAC, and Madison, their youngest daughter, who is entering the ninth grade at SAC. “When Megan was three years-old, my wife and

FROM SAC to Tokyo - the 4x400 relay team is an all-St Augustine’s College line-up, with Lacarthea Cooper, top left, being named alternate to join the team of Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Anthonique Strachan, Doneisha Anderson and Megan Moss.

I were taking her to Blue Lagoon,” he recalls.

“We were sitting on the dock on Paradise Island waiting for the boat to come and take us to go over to Blue Lagoon. Megan was there on the dock playing by herself, saying, ‘Get mark, get set, go!’ And she would break off running the dock from end to end. I said to my wife, this girl is going to be an athlete. My wife was like, ‘Yeah, right’. Sure enough it turns out I was right. From a very young age, Megan exhibited the skills and talents of someone that we knew was going to be special. We also got that indication from her PE teacher in the fourth grade, Ms Demeritte at St Francis and Joseph. She said, ‘You need to get Megan into a programme. She beats all the girls and most of the boys save one or two.’ At that point we knew she was special.”

“Megan and I have always been close. She is my oldest and the first one to gravitate towards the sport of track and field. I would drop her to school and to practice, so we spent a lot of time together and we became very tight. We get along well. Whenever I coached with her and Club Monica and I saw things she needed to improve, I would ask Ms Woodside the Head Coach to communicate that to Megan, because I wanted to maintain the distance between father, daughter and coach.

I didn’t want the roles overlapping. It was not until she was in the 11th grade that I started directly coaching her myself. I didn’t want us to be butting heads.

“Training for track and field is hard and you have to go hard at your athletes to really get them to buy in. So I waited until she got older to directly coach her myself. To this day we have a close relationship. When she went off to college, I would hear from her every morning and every evening. She is studying Health Sciences with a minor in Hospital Administration at the University of Kentucky.

She wants to be a Paediatric Cardiologist. She still calls me the same way twice a day and this is her second year of college. When she competed in her first Carifta Games, we would go on Youtube and look up her competitors and watch

their races to prepare a great strategy.

Every race she did, I recorded it and as a family, we would sit and review it – whether she won it or not. The father, daughter relationship we share is special, and that is still true to this day.”

Megan and her teammates are about to compete in the Olympics with high hopes of bringing home the gold for The Bahamas.

For Tito, there’s a special place in his heart for all of them: “The Olympics is the pinnacle of our sport. To know that as a coach, I played a part in their development – albeit at varying degrees for these ladies, seeing them make the Bahamas Olympic team is overwhelming. For some of them, my involvement in them reaching the pinnacle spot was more involved than others, but it’s a great honour. It made me feel good as a coach to know I played a vital role. As a coach, I don’t believe I am responsible for their talent, but it is a calling of mine to be involved in coaching and to know I helped to shape, motivate and encourage all five of them at some point really is special for me.”

During my years at SAC, I remember watching Tito race and make us proud to be members of the Big Red Machine. He ran the 400 and 800 metres and was the best in his age group. He made the Bahamas Games national team, earning three golds and one bronze medal, making a record in the 800 metres. In addition to coaching at SAC, Club Monica and starting his own successful track club, Red Line Athletics with 75 athletes and counting, he was the Assistant Coach for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Games in 2015. Two years earlier, he was certified as USATF level 1 and 2 coach in Track and Field and Biomechanics. in 2019, he was the Assistant Coach for the Bahamas team for the North American, Central American and Caribbean Games (NACAC) which travelled to Mexico.

He believes SAC has been a breeding ground for athletic greatness because from its early days, sports was an integral part of its programme. Tito told me SAC had the first track on the island of New Providence, before the Queen Elizabeth Track and Field Stadium was built. Kids who showed athletic prowess – and could also handle the rigours of the academic programme – gravitated towards the school. He also pointed out that just as Megan has become a better athlete than he ever was, many SAC alumni who showed great athletic promise during their days, sent their children to be a part of the same institution, “decade after decade, creating a legacy where talent has begat talent”.

“As SACAA President, I could not pass this opportunity to celebrate what the school has produced,” Cherelle told me.

“This has never happened in the history of our country! SACAA supports these ladies and gives them all the love and honour they deserve as we cheer them on to the Olympics!”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021, PAGE 9

Desperate Haiti may have only one chance - US boots on the ground WITH the nation of Haiti gripped by terror and chaos and said to be on the verge of civil war following the assassination of its President last week, there has been wide international condemnation of this horrific act. But for many in The Bahamas the initial shock and sympathy for the longsuffering ordinary citizens of this populous country of some 11 million - the nearest neighbour to the south of the Bahamian archipelago may already be giving way to concern about the possible effects of the turmoil on their own country.

Inevitably at this early stage, the details are unclear beyond the fact that during the early hours of Thursday morning armed men entered the residence of President Jovenel Moise and shot him dead as well as seriously injuring his wife who is now recovering in a Miami hospital. Reportedly, a group of suspected foreign mercenaries was responsible, some of whom have been killed and others captured.

The motives of those who planned the assassination are unknown though they are thought to be linked to the President’s refusal to step down after his fiveyear term had expired. With the declaration of a state of emergency in the country, the public is now said to be in a state of fear as gunfire rages across the capital Portau-Prince amid lawlessness and disorder - and what has made the situation worse is controversy and uncertainty about who should take Mr Moise’s place.

The background to all this is important because Haiti has been a failed state for many years. Political and economic instability have led to poverty and deprivation and it has not functioned

properly as a member of the international community.

The lack of an established and reliable political infrastructure, combined with endemic corruption and inadequate management of its natural resources - particularly the agricultural sector which dominates the economy - have meant the country has been unable to govern itself properly. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. With sky-high unemployment, many people are living in what is termed absolute poverty that has become chronic.

There have also been serious social problems and natural disasters like hurricanes, as well as earthquakes, the most recent of which in 2010 was estimated to have killed up to 200,000. So, in order to survive, the country has depended increasingly on international aid - with the US its largest donor for many years - and remittances from the Haitian diaspora overseas.

Since securing its independence from France in 1804, Haiti has had a

A TYRE on fire outside the courthouse in Port-au-Prince yesterday. troubled history of foreign a second term but later fled intervention, authoritarian- the country as it descended ism, dictatorship, inequality into violence. Elections and and instability and has new Presidents followed experienced cycles of vio- and Jovenel Moise emerged as the leader of the nation lence and repression.

The US invaded the after winning the 2016 eleccountry in 1915 and tion. Meanwhile, the UN’s retained financial con- Stabilisation Mission was trol and political influence withdrawn in 2017.

For Bahamians worried after its withdrawal in 1934. The totalitarian and about the effects of the curdespotic regime of “Papa rent lawlessness on Haitian Doc” Duvalier, who served migration to this country, it as President from 1957 will be comforting to read until his death in 1971, was of the quick reaction to the marked by brutality and crisis by the Royal Bahamas human rights abuses car- Defence Force in deployried out by his infamous ing additional vessels and and feared secret police, the aircraft in the areas that are already patrolled - in coTontons Macoutes.

The excesses of the Duv- operation with the US Coast alier regime were vividly Guard - in order to intercept depicted by the renowned migrant vessels heading for English author Graham our shores. But it is surely Greene in his novel “The the case that the practical Comedians” which was later difficulty of covering the vast made into a film with famous expanse of ocean in the area movie stars of the time beyond our southern border Richard Burton and Eliza- around the Great Bahama beth Taylor. This repression Bank remains daunting.

As is well known, unconbecame worse under his son, Jean Claude, who succeeded trolled illegal immigration his father and became from Haiti has constituted a serious threat to The Bahaknown as “Baby Doc”.

More recently, Jean- mas for years as deprived and Bertrand Aristide, a former desperate people have sought Catholic priest who became sanctuary in what is seen as a a champion of the poor, was desirable destination that can elected President in 1990 but also be used as a springboard was overthrown a year later to the ultimate ‘El Dorado’ in a military coup. In 1994, of the US. Any significant US troops intervened to increase of such migration oust the military regime, and as a result of the current Aristide was re-elected for mayhem might quickly

ONE aspect of the celebrations at the beginning of this month to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party was the strong language used by President Xi Jinping in a speech which was seen by many as both defiant and threatening.

According to reports, what especially caught the eye of China-watchers was his warning that foreign powers will “get their heads bashed” if they attempt to “bully or influence” China and that Beijing would not allow “sanctimonious preaching”.

These remarks are widely seen as being directed at the US. He also said “no one should underestimate the resolve, the will and the ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity” while China maintains an “unshakeable commitment” to unification

with Taiwan. Xi Jinping also stressed the important role of the Party in creating modern China and bringing about its successful growth and development.

Since a democratic Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state, while Beijing regards it as a breakaway province -and the US is committed to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself if China uses force to take the island back - this issue will remain a major source of tension.

The Chinese President’s remarks should also be seen against the background of increasingly repressive treatment of the country’s Uyghur Muslim population, with re-education camps in Xinjiang province, and of mass arrests in Hong Kong.

What is more, the issue of the Uyghurs was highlighted in a recent report by Britain’s parliamentary Foreign

Affairs Committee which called for restrictions and fines to be imposed on UK firms doing business with Chinese companies connected with human rights abuses - and, according to reports, the US has gone so far as to describe China’s repression of its Muslim population as “genocide”.

All this suggests the West may be on more of a collision course with China than some people believe, and it is significant that Xi Jinping appears to have become the most powerful leader of the nation since Mao Tse-tung.

What I, for one, have found to be particularly interesting is developments in Hong Kong and his remarks that the territory retains a “high degree of autonomy” under the principle of “one country, two systems” which underpinned the 1984 deal with Britain as the outgoing colonial power in the 1997

END OF A DREAM The Peter Young column

FOR the last two weeks in this column, I have unashamedly chronicled the progress of the England team at the European football championships - Euro2020 - and tried to explain its wider significance beyond the game on the pitch in so far as football reflects society. As has been said so often, this sport is something special. During the course of the competition, across Europe millions have been sitting at bars, restaurants, clubs, parks and public places with beers in hand and glued to the action on big TV screens - or they have simply watched it all at home.

After victories at the knockout stage against Germany and Ukraine, England beat Denmark in the semi-final and moved on to a final for the first time in a major tournament since winning the World Cup in 1966.

Now, however, ecstasy has turned to agony after the team’s defeat in the final on Sunday at the hands of Italy, though only by the narrowest of margins in a nail-biting penalty shootout. So, after impressive progress through the earlier rounds, England

fell at the last hurdle and came up just short of being crowned footballing champions of Europe. For Italy, the ecstasy has been all theirs and the country is said already to be enjoying a surge of national pride and sense of wellbeing.

But it has been an exhilarating ride for the whole of Britain, too, when people needed a boost after the misery of the pandemic lockdown and there have been crowds singing, flags being waved and car horns being beeped while, in an outpouring of unabashed patriotism and national unity, people have rallied around England’s flag, the Cross of St George.

Sadly, there have now been a few ugly racist attacks on the three England players who missed their penalty attempts on Sunday. But such action has been immediately and strongly condemned by everybody concerned and all the players have been widely praised for their skill, courage, determination, team spirit and professionalism. As one UK newspaper vividly expressed the public feeling – ‘it hurts but we’re so proud of you’.

escalate into a major problem that could overwhelm The Bahamas. It seems the only hope of limiting this is for the international community to make a fresh attempt to bring some sort of stability to Haiti - and, in practice, this means the US grasping the nettle and intervening in the country once again in order to maintain order.

Many believe there is

now a pressing need to draw attention to the dangers of the mass movement of people from Haiti and to press for action at the diplomatic level. However, given the history of US intervention, encouragement may not be necessary, and, according to reports, a request from Haiti itself to send US troops to help secure key infrastructure has already been made.

judicial autonomy and made it easier to punish demonstrators and impose tougher sentencing.

However these issues may be viewed, it is the case China’s actions underscore the reality that essentially it can do what it pleases in Hong Kong even if other countries consider it is not adhering to its international treaty obligations.

In this context, it is perhaps worth repeating what I wrote two years ago at the time of serious civil unrest in the territory; namely, that the last Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, revealed in his book entitled ‘East and West’ that the basic advice given to him by the bluff

former Labour Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, James Callaghan, was simple.

It was to make sure British businessmen could do a lot of trade with the Chinese who, he said, would act in any way they wanted after the handover and, realistically, Britain could do little about it – an oversimplification perhaps, but uncomfortably near to the truth.

Be that as it may, the debate now is about how to react to President Xi Jinping’s latest statement of authoritarian values that are at the heart of the world’s second largest economy and to China’s growing military power and the flexing of its muscles in the South China Sea.

HARD TRUTHS TO LIVE WITH AS CHINA STANDS ITS GROUND handover. In accordance with this, Hong Kong was given more freedoms than the mainland and, under its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, these were guaranteed for 50 years. But it has been alleged that in recent years Beijing has gradually stepped up its influence in Hong Kong, eroded its democracy and undermined the one country, two systems principle. Examples have been sweeping changes to the territory’s electoral laws and its extradition rules; and these were followed in 2020, in response to violent and extended pro-democracy protests, by controversial new security laws that essentially reduced Hong Kong’s

PAGE 10, Tuesday, July 13, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

BILLIONAIRE BRANSON REACHES SPACE

VIRGIN Galactic founder Richard Branson, left, receives a Virgin Galactic-made astronaut wings pin from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield after his flight to space from Spaceport America near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, on Sunday.

Photo: Andres Leighton/AP

BILLIONAIRE Richard Branson hurtled into space aboard his own winged rocket ship on Sunday, bringing astro-tourism a step closer to reality and beating out rival Jeff Bezos.

The nearly 71-year-old Branson and five crewmates from his Virgin Galactic space-tourism company reached an altitude of 53.5 miles over the New Mexico desert — enough to experience three to four minutes of weightlessness and witness the curvature of the Earth — and then glided back home to a runway landing.

“The whole thing, it was just magical,” a jubilant Branson said.

The brief, up-and-down flight — the space plane’s portion took only about 15 minutes — was a promotion for Virgin Galactic, which plans to start taking paying customers on joyrides next year.

Florida resident held in Haiti assassination probe PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti Associated Press THE latest suspect detained amid the search for the masterminds and assassins in the killing of President Jovenel Moïse is a Haitian in his 60s living in Florida who identifies himself as a doctor and has accused the leaders of his homeland of corruption.

Police identified the man on Sunday night as Christian Emmanuel Sanon and said Moïse’s alleged killers

were protecting him.

The head of Haiti’s police, Léon Charles, accused Sanon of working with those who plotted and participated in Moïse’s killing, which stunned the nation of more than 11 million people. He gave no information on the purported masterminds.

Charles said that among the items found by officers at Sanon’s house in Haiti were a hat emblazoned with the logo of the US Drug Enforcement

Administration, 20 boxes of bullets, gun parts, four automobile license plates from the Dominican Republic, two cars and correspondence with unidentified people.

“We continue to make strides,” Charles said of police efforts to solve the brazen attack early Wednesday at Moïse’s private home that killed the president and seriously wounded his wife, Martine, who is hospitalised in Miami.

Funeral Service for JANET ELEANOR MAJOR, 67 of Wind Cool Avenue, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday July 15th, 2021, at Christ Community Church, Bellot Road. Officiating will be Bishop Deanza Cunningham, assisted by other members of the Clergy. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, JFK Drive and Gladstone Road.

Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, masks and social distancing are required.

Graveside attendance is limited to forty (40) persons.

Precious memories of Janet will live on in the hearts and minds of her beloved family and friends. She is survived

by Two Sons: Nicholo and Romeo Cartwright; One Daughter-in-law: Edris Cartwright; One Uncle: Bernard Davis of Freeport, Grand Bahama; Two Brothers: Mario Roker (Shiela) of North Carolina, and Miguel Roker; Two Sisters: Angelique McDowall (Timothy) and Rochelle Davis (Spencer) of North Carolina; Four Grand Daughters: Nicole Mitchell (Cordero), Robyn, Savannah, and Anaya Cartwright; One Great Grandson: Caelan Mtchell; One Niece: Mia Bowe (Noemi, Asher and Micah Bowe); Four Nephews: Jordan Pinder (Gabriel, Jase, and Elijah Pinder) Ashton McDowall, Michael Roker (Kaden, Matthias, and Ariah) and Alex Roker (Ayva and Daniel); Cousins: Bernard and Margaret Kemp, Elaine and George Kemp; Terry Culmer-Killens (Will, Theresa, and Joy) of Philadelphia, P.A., Lisa Davis of Freeport, Grand Bahama., Dr. Austin and Villana Davis, Shenique, Shannon, Vernell and Austin (A.J.) Davis, Katherine and Teshonn Lockhart, Josiah Lockhart, Carol and Anthony Davis, Pastor Joshua Sands Jr. and Family, Sheryl D’Arceuil, Mr. and Mrs. Ishmael and Sharlene Lightbourn and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Lynne Smith and family, Mr. and Mrs. Kennis and Jennifer McKinney and family, Janet, Jerry, Edward and Victor Hutchinson and families, Austin and Candice Culmer Smith of Delaware, Debbie Pyfrom and the entire Pyfrom family; Relatives and Friends including: Michelle McDonald, Tennielle Bodie, Shelley, Beverley, Terry, Perry, Donette, and Deandre Archer, and Donette Williamson, Renee and Joseph Hamilton, Ruth Fawkes and Deandra Hield, Family of the late Jacquline Turnquest, Mrs. Claretta Woodside and family, Junie (George), Mary and Nicholette Cartwright of Matthew Town, Inagua, Derek and Stephanie Cartwright, Mrs. Esther Burrows, Sherry, Michael, William, Sharon, and Williesha Burrows, Kay Adderley Rankine and Niel Adderley of North Carolina; Special thanks to: The Securities Commision of the Bahamas, Central Gospel Chapel, Christ Community Church, Dr. Raliegh Butler, Dr. Reginald Carey, Dr. Gloria Ageeb, Dr. Darron Halliday, Bishop Deanza Cunningham and Lady Edris Cunningham, The staff of J.S. Johnson, Collins Avenue, Ms. Tima Russel, Ms. Nelly Sands, Mrs. Shericka Penn and Mrs. Christine Lundy.

May Her Soul Rest in Peace!

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street, on Wednesday July 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at the Church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Charles said Sanon was in contact with a firm that provides security for politicians and recruited the suspects in the killing. He said Sanon flew into Haiti on a private jet accompanied by several of the alleged gunmen.

The gunmen’s initial mission was to protect Sanon, but they later received a new order: to arrest the president, Charles said.

“The operation started from there,” he said, adding that an additional 22 suspects joined the group and that contact was made with Haitian citizens.

A total of 26 Colombians are suspected in the killing of the president. Eighteen of them have been arrested, along with three Haitians.

Charles said five of the suspects are still at large and at least three have been killed.

“They are dangerous individuals,” Charles said.

“I’m talking commando, specialised commando.”

Charles said that after Moïse was killed, one of the suspects phoned Sanon, who then got in touch with two people believed to be the intellectual authors of

the plot. He did not identify the masterminds or say if police know who they are.

The police chief said Haitian authorities obtained the information from interrogations and other parts of the investigation. He added that police are working with high-ranking Colombian officials to identify details of the alleged plot, including when the suspects left Colombia and who paid for their tickets.

Sanon has lived in Broward County in Florida, as well as in Hillsborough County on the Gulf Coast.

Records show he has also lived in Kansas City, Missouri. He filed for bankruptcy in 2013 and identifies himself as a doctor in a video on YouTube titled “Leadership for Haiti”.

However, records show Sanon has never been licensed to practice medicine in Florida or any other occupation covered by the state’s Department of Health.

In the video, he denounces the leaders of Haiti as corrupt, accusing

them of stripping the country of its resources, saying that “they don’t care about the country, they don’t care about the people”.

He claims Haiti has uranium, oil and other resources that have been taken by government officials.

“This is a country with resources,” he says. “Nine million people can’t be in poverty when we have so much resources in the country. It’s impossible. ... The world has to stop doing what they are doing right now. We can’t take it anymore. We need new leadership that will change the way of life.”

Sanon’s arrest comes as a growing number of politicians challenge interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who is currently in charge of Haiti with help from police and the military.

Joseph said Moïse’s wife underwent surgery on Saturday but is doing well, adding that the investigation into the killing remains a priority for the government.