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CUTTING RED TAPE TO NEW INVESTORS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas must slash the time required to approve investment projects from “more than 60 days” to seven or less if it is to remain economically competitive and transform a “bureaucratic, onerous and antiquated” process.

A report prepared for the COVID Economic Recovery Committee, which has been obtained by Tribune Business, calls on the Government to completely overhaul an investment approvals mechanism that “is manually intensive and lacks transparency” by converting the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) into an online agency

whose processes are fully digitised.

Besides making the BIA more efficient, the Revamping the National Investment Policy of The Bahamas report also urges that politicians play a lesser role in the investment approvals process by reducing the National Economic Council’s (NEC) involvement with lower-value proposals that raise no “sensitive” concerns.

Suggesting that only projects worth $100m or more go before the NEC, which is really the Cabinet or a Cabinet committee/ sub-committee, the report said the political directorate’s role was viewed by investors and their advisers as “non-value added and overly bureaucratic”.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

‘TELL PUBLIC WHAT REALLY WENT ON WITH MINISTER’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net CONCERNED Citizens of The Bahamas have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to make a public statement about what allegedly transpired between a Cabinet minister and police officer in May, insisting “further pressure will be applied” if their demand is not met.

Ricardo Smith, speaking on behalf of the advocacy group, said this pressure

could mean rallying civil society and other groups to protest. He said it was also possible the group would seek international intervention should the matter continue to linger.

He was referring to allegations against Transport and Housing Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis that she allegedly assaulted a police officer with her vehicle during an exchange at the Carnival road march in May. SEE PAGE THREE

ALICIA WALLACE: YOUNGSTERS KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

BAHAMIAN DIAGNOSED WITH CASE OF MALARIA

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

STEPPING OUT IN STYLE FOR INDEPENDENCE PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and his wife, Ann-Marie, at the State Reception to mark the 49th anniversary of Independence, held under the theme “Proud to be Bahamian”. The event was held at Baha Mar Convention Centre on Monday.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

SACKED MANAGER FIGHTS FOR 74-MONTH PAYOFF

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) managerial union chief will today seek permission to appeal a verdict that slashed his “handsome windfall” of $621,000 in termination compensation by more than 75 percent.

Ervin Dean, who was senior manager of credit and collections at the stateowned electricity monopoly

THE BAHAMAS Power and Light head office. when dismissed on September 22, 2017, will appear at the Court of Appeal seeking leave to argue before the London-based Privy Council that the original award should stand rather

than be reduced from 74 months to just 18.

Legal documents, filed on June 8, 2022, reveal that Mr Dean’s appeal is based on his contention that the Court of Appeal “failed to give any weight” to evidence allegedly showing BPL “had established a practice whereby terminated managerial personnel were fully compensated for the length of their contract period”.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

A BAHAMIAN man who recently traveled to West Africa tested positive for malaria yesterday, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The ministry described the case as “imported” and affected a man in his mid-thirties.

Health Minister Dr Michael Darville told reporters last night that this is a “contained” situation.

SEE PAGE THREE

OFFICER HAD TEN STITCHES AFTER HALTING BRUTAL FIGHT

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A HIGH-ranking police officer had to receive several stitches after he intervened in a fight involving a group of men at the Independence Junkanoo parade, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday.

SEE PAGE THREE

TECHNOLOGY BABY STARS AND DANCING GALAXIES SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis speaking in the Meet The Policy Makers lecture series at the University of The Bahamas last night.

Photos: Austin Fernander

PM asked: ‘How are you going to take care of queer Bahamians?’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net TEMPERS flared after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was questioned during a lecture event last night about taking care of Bahamians who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

One man, Natino Thompson, who said he was a “gender queer theorist”, asked the question and claimed this administration is one of “the queerest administrations in Bahamian history”.

The question triggered others in the room to also voice their views about the community.

Mr Davis was giving a presentation on the National Development Plan at the University of The Bahamas. Afterwards, audience members were allowed to ask questions.

During this section, Mr Thompson said to Mr Davis: “One of the groups that were not mentioned in the blueprint for change is LGBTQ+ people and the question is like former administrations you often leave out this group of marginalised people, right?

We cannot talk about a National Development Plan without the inclusion of LGBTQ + people.

“Considering your administration is one of the queerest administrations in

Bahamian history - because there are a bunch of queer people that work within the administration - the question is how are you going to take care of queer Bahamians?”

Mr Davis replied: “I’ll say one thing. When I spoke, I did not speak on female or male - I spoke about Bahamians. I spoke about Bahamians and that is the way I view all. And if you notice, if you’re looking for a specific...”

He was interrupted by Mr Thompson saying: “I am looking for a specific because you named homelessness, you named disabled people. In the blueprint for change... you labeled the disabled community. So if you’re gonna talk about all Bahamians, you need to also name LGBTQ+ people.”

Mr Davis replied: “Point is taken and heard.”

Someone could be heard saying: “That ain’t God wants. God created man and woman.”

The question prompted a strong reaction as a woman came to the defence of Mr Davis while stating queer people are treated like everyone else.

She said: “Mr Prime Minister, I would just love to thank you, take this moment to thank you for the developing plans moving forward. I think it’s an awesome plan and it can work and it will work in

this Bahamas. Now like how you had said before in life, the government can only do some things. You cannot expect the government to do everything. In life there are choices we make.

“You may decide to be a man. You decide to be a woman... whatever the

situation is I think that’s your choice. Right now, I’m looking at it you’re talking about what we’re gonna do for the queer people - what we gonna do for the normal people? Because right now, the queer person as I see it have all the opportunity. They in Atlanta,

they in Georgia - all over the world. When are the normal people going to be taken care of?”

“We don’t have a problem with nobody because we are all one people. We treat everybody whether you queer, you normal whatever we treat all alike

in this Bahamas. As a matter of fact, we give them more opportunities than the normal. So my thing is when you decide to make your choice, know how you’re making your choice because the government is not responsible for your choice.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, PAGE 3

‘Tell public what really went on with minister’ from page one

The Elizabeth MP has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Still, Mr Smith said yesterday that “nobody is above the law”.

“It appears as if this minister who is involved is above the law,” he said.

“We, as citizens of The Bahamas, must adhere to one law - a law that governs us all. It doesn’t matter if we are the garbage collector or the chief minister of the country and no one can be above it.”

He urged the government to launch a full investigation as he claims it is a public matter.

“We now have on record persons who witnessed the incident, who have now taken the position to come forward,” Mr Smith continued.

“We believe that as citizens we must be fair to the government and allow them to do what they have to do, but also when we feel that

justice is denied we have a right to act.

“I believe that the day for action is soon. And so we want to put the government on notice and to give them 48 hours. Make a public announcement as it pertains to Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis and what happened with that officer on that day.

“If they fail to, we will begin to rally the civil society, the religious movement and all within the society and then we will have to decide whether a demonstration will have to take place and if there is a need to call for international intervention because this cannot go unchecked.”

This comes after Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis last week in the House of Assembly defended the Transport and Housing minister.

The Prime Minister said: “As far as I’m aware, my inquiries told me that whatever he (Dr Minnis) is now promoting to be an investigation was never an investigation. I understand

there was something what I call for my purpose what is the execution of my duties, nothing more than an interior inquiry to determine if there was any truth or otherwise before they move to investigate and that’s where it lies and if he wants to know, he just needs to go to the police to find out – nothing more or less.

“I’ve spoken with the minister and I’m satisfied of her explanation to me and to others. I’m not on social media like others, but I was privy to a social media photograph of what’s supposed to be the incident.

It appeared to me that a police (officer) was moving another police (officer) and was chastising him from what I saw on the video.”

However, earlier reports by the Police Staff Association (PSA) said the officer involved retained an attorney as he had to seek medical attention for his injuries and they are awaiting the conclusion of investigations into the matter.

OFFICER HAD TEN STITCHES AFTER HALTING BRUTAL FIGHT from page one

The officer was also given time off from work.

Mr Munroe updated the media on the officer’s condition after police reported the altercation in a statement released

Monday. Mr Munroe spoke to reporters before going into yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

“I was briefed by the Commissioner of Police,” Mr Munroe said. “I’m told that Chief Superintendent Hinds who is actually the officer assigned to the

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe speaking to the press ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday.

Photo: Austin Fernander

police tribunal was on duty (and) intervened to stop the young man from being murdered. He himself was injured.

“I think officers over the rank of ASP are routinely armed so the public can be aware that officers do put their lives at risk for them as this is a clear example of it and they do exercise judgment in the use and discharge of their firearms.”

“My report was that he received, I think it’s ten stitches, and he got days off work,” he added.

Police said the incident occurred after officers saw a group of men attacking a 29-year-old man in the area of Bay and Frederick Streets early Monday morning.

They intervened and one of the officers was injured.

He was taken to hospital and later discharged.

Meanwhile, the 29-yearold male who was stabbed multiple times during the attack remains in stable condition.

“No arrests have been made in connection with this incident. However, police are actively investigating and appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist police with their investigation, to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991/2,” police said.

BAHAMIAN DIAGNOSED WITH CASE OF MALARIA from page one

“It is fully contained,” Dr Darville said of the situation.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans.

People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness.

“The person was back and forth to the doctor for some time, not feeling well and with the travel history a decision was made and the test confirmed he was positive,” he also told reporters at the University of The Bahamas following the prime minster’s presentation on the National Development Plan.

“The case had a travel history to a country that was endemic. Initially they

presented not feeling well.

They came to the doctor back and forth and after examination of the travel history a test was done, which confirmed to be malaria positive.

“The reason why we reported it is because our surveillance crew has actually contacted those who have been in association with him and the necessary protocols are in place.

I reported it before the media got a hold of it and sensationalised it.

“I just wanted to make sure that the population knows that we have a positive case in the country.”

Dr Darville said he was unsure of how many people may have come into contact with the man. However he insisted that adequate protocols were in place.

“We are quite satisfied that the protocols that are necessary in order for us

to ensure that the case is covered.”

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the man travelled to West Africa.

“The patient affected is a Bahamian male in his mid-thirties who travelled to West Africa. The patient is receiving treatment in a private facility and a full recovery is expected,” the statement said.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness has activated its tracing and surveillance teams in light of this confirmation and will provide updates to the public should they become necessary.

“Persons are also advised to adhere to vector control protocols, which diminish catchment areas where mosquito larvae can grow.

“Malaria is not endemic to The Bahamas and the last reported case of local transmission was more than ten years ago.”

TRANSPORT and Housing Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis.

www.ub.edu.bs

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS VISIONING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING PURPOSE University of The Bahamas invites competitive proposals from suitably qualified vendors to lead in the comprehensive development of a strategic plan for the next five years which reflects a broad-based, collaborative process to shape the vision, mission, goals, and core values of the institution, building upon the accomplished goals and objectives of the University of The Bahamas 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. The work associated with this Request For Proposals (RFP) is expected to be performed between 1st September 2022 and 30th March 2023.

SCOPE OF WORK The successful vendor will work in collaboration with UB’s constituents and stakeholders to achieve the following: 1. The key component to creating a successful strategic plan is the development of a truly shared vision. UB seeks to develop a shared vision that is captured in a one-page graphic. This should be developed by: a) Engaging the various constituents and stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, the Board of Trustees, donors, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. b) Gathering and understanding the various stakeholder views through interviews, surveys, and group meetings (virtual and/or in-person). c) Conducting graphical facilitation of all meetings, yielding a graphical report to be developed within 10 days of each major stakeholder meeting. d) Delivering an inclusive vision map that will guide the strategic plan, and in which all major stakeholder views are clearly represented.

2. A strategic plan highlighting the strategic action areas, with major goals and timelines.

3. Building on the strengths of the university, propose a values-based culture that can be nurtured throughout the university.

SUBMISSIONS Proposals must be submitted by Tuesday 2nd August, 2022 at 4:00p.m. EST via email to rfp@ub.edu.bs entitled: “RFP for Visioning and Strategic Planning” or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope from Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to the: Office of University Relations Michael H. Eldon Complex, first floor University of The Bahamas Oakes Field Campus University Drive Nassau, The Bahamas Attention: Tameka Lundy, Assistant Vice President, University Relations Details regarding the purpose, background, deliverables and an itemized listing of requirements for submissions are outlined in the RFP document accessible via www.ub.edu.bs/get-to-know-us/rfps/.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Darville: We need to stick to protocols

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has made a strong appeal for better adherence to COVID-19 protocols, noting concern about the lack of compliance to health measures at Independence celebrations.

“From some of the social media sites that I’ve seen, there was quite a bit of people at events without the appropriate masks,” Dr Darville said ahead of yesterday’s Cabinet meeting yesterday.

“For me, we are once again pleading to the Bahamian people that COVID is still in our country. The cases are still of concern and it’s important for us to execute the proper protocols to ensure that we eliminate or minimize the potential of spread and prevent clusters of infection in the country.”

His plea came after thousands of Bahamians flocked to Bay Street to celebrate the return of the people’s

Junkanoo rush over the weekend after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

While mask wearing is not required in outdoor settings, people are still advised to socially distance at least three feet between those who are not of the same household.

However, little to no social distancing was seen in some instances at the celebratory parade.

Asked yesterday if the government was considering tightening restrictions on gatherings in view of what took place recently, the minister said health officials have not recommended additional restrictions at this time.

“We meet every Wednesday to discuss the challenges that we face,” he said. “We look at the numbers and, of course, COVID is very fluid. There’s always the possibility that you may have to tighten certain restrictions, but I can say as of today, that is not the intent of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, but with that being said, things can change.”

“We had a lot of independence celebrations over the holidays.

I believe that from the videos that I’m seeing, some of the mask mandates and rules and regulations were not completely adhered to.”

“That can create some potential spikes. The outcomes, we will make the final determination of what needs to be done, but our job is to protect Bahamians’ wellbeing and try to minimise the risk of spread and eliminate and reduce the possibility of clusters of COVID-19 infections.”

Dr Darville also explained that what was seen at the Independence junkanoo parade this year will not take place at the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, which will be more structured.

“Well, what’s different with this parade is this was the people’s junkanoo parade. There were no barriers. There was nothing really in place. It was really individuals just having fun,” he said. “With our parades that come in, Christmas and

Darville said yesterday.

“We have been working extremely hard,” Dr Darville told reporters. “Last week, I think we finalised all of the challenges that were hindering us to get the vaccine in the country and I’m pleased to report to the Bahamian people that as

of the week of July 25, we anticipate the vaccines will be in the country, the paediatric doses.”

Asked how many doses are expected to arrive in the country, he said: “The last count I had was some 24,000 doses of the paediatric vaccines.”

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville speaking to the press ahead of yesterday’s weekly Cabinet meeting.

Photo: Austin Fernander a bit more to the rules and matters are to be a matter New Year’s, it’s properly regulations that are laid for COVID enforcement. structured.”

“We have seating capacity, down by the ministry. But I I’ve seen personally only barricades and we’re look- want to make it clear that it’s the video of a stabbing and ing at it because if the cases not the Ministry of Health there was curiously, social in the country begin to rise, that’s responsible for enforc- distancing for that and that we would have to execute ing the rules. We make the should be because of what was happening. some additional protocols rules.”

When asked to respond “But the COVID and let’s hope and pray that we hold where we are to concerns about lack enforcement unit is still today and that we don’t see of COVID enforcement active. I received reports these heavy spikes of cases at this weekend’s parade, from assistant Commiscoming into the hospital National Security Minis- sioner of Police Dames at that require ICU care, but ter Wayne Munroe insisted least two or three times a in the event that our Jun- that the unit responsible for week about their activities.”

As of July 10, there were kanoo celebrations in the policing COVID rules was Christmas and New Year’s still active and carrying out 526 active COVID cases in the country with 48 people need additional protocols, their duties.

“The COVID enforce- in hospital with the disease. we will make those recomDr Darville said officials mendations and work very ment unit is still active,” he closely with the Ministry of said. “They’re still funded. I have planned “emergency National Security and our think that outdoor events, assistance for our facilities COVID police to make sure there is no mask man- in the event that things get that we’re able to adhere date. The social distancing even more out of control”.

VACCINES FOR CHILDREN ARE ON THEIR WAY

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas is expected to receive some 24,000 paediatric doses of COVID-19 vaccines at the end of this month, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael

PUBLIC HOSPITALS AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT VACANCY NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR II CORPORATE The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Network Administrator III in the Information Communication & Technology Unit (ICT), Corporate Office.

JOB SUMMARY The Network Administrator II is responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of the network equipment including operating system, configurations, and utilities; provides support for the daily functioning and ongoing management of all related components; directs involvement in analyzing the business requirements and design and implementation of an infrastructure for business solutions; assists with projects within the Unit.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THIS ROLE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Manages different network topologies and multiple platforms; Manages and supports all client access environments, including installation, maintenance, and upgrades; Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) equipment including CISCO routers, switches and wireless infrastructure; Employs security administration which includes planning, implementing, and enforcing security policy to ensure protection of data and shared network resources; configure, implement, and maintain host security (including passwords, file permissions and file security, maintaining firewalls, deploying authentication systems, or applying cryptography to network applications); Provides technical leadership and/or supervise other technical staff; Assists in designing and implementing local and wide area networks; Assists with policy development and implementation including disaster recovery plan and backups; Creates and maintains user group profiles and accounts; configures network file systems; Configures and maintains TCP/IP networks, routers, and terminal servers; Resolves and recovers crashed systems; ensures regular software updates and anti-virus protection; performs and monitors backup procedures and recovery of data; Monitors and controls resource usage; Provides helpdesk support to end users.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: • • •

Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, Information Technology or equivalent; Certification in Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) or Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) or CNE Five (5) years’ Experience in Information Technology and network environment

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS: • • •

Must be flexible to work off hours support and respond to ad-hoc support requests; Experience with Linux/Unix is a plus; Experience with troubleshooting Microsoft Windows and Active Directory is a plus;

The Network Administrator II, reports to the Senior Information Communication Technology (ICT) lead in Bahamas.

Letter of application and curriculum vitae should be submitted to the Director of Human Resources, Corporate Office, Public Hospitals Authority, Third and West Terraces, Centreville; or email to jobs@phabahamas.org no later than 20th July 2022.

The child doses of the Pfizer vaccine can be offered to children aged five through 11 years old.

Previously, only children between 12 and 17 were allowed to take the vaccine.

However, the age eligibility was expanded after a study conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration found that the vaccine was safe for children in the age group.

Yesterday, Dr Darville said the government is now looking to secure vaccines for children as young as six months.

This comes after the US Centres for Disease Control recently approved COVID19 vaccines for children between six months of age through four or five years old.

“We’re looking at doses for juvenile vaccines as well,” Dr Darville said.

“It’s important for us to follow what is going on in the world and to implement the same protocols in the country. So, with that news, we’re already starting the process to see if we can get the juvenile vaccines into the country as well.”

Calls for child doses of COVID vaccinations increased earlier this year after several schools saw an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Dr Darville had previously told reporters that there has been great interest in the child vaccines from parents. However, he also assured them that taking the Pfizer vaccines will not be mandatory for children.

“At no particular point,

do we want to create the impression that the Ministry of Education or Ministry of Health is going to force children to take the vaccine. This is a collaborative effort stemmed by the family and the parent,” the minister said at the time.

He added: “It’s important that we have the vaccine in the country because many families are asking for it for their children. Some don’t want it, but some are asking for it and it’s my job as minister of health to make sure it’s available in the country.

According to the government’s latest vaccine tracker, 168,994 people in The Bahamas have been fully vaccinated against the virus, while 158,631 have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, PAGE 5

CANNABIS LEGISLATION ‘DIRECTION’ REVEALED BY END OF THE YEAR PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said by the end of the year Bahamians will know the direction his administration intends to take when it comes to cannabis legalisation.

He said officials are also considering whether to go as far as decriminalising recreational marijuana.

“The issue of marijuana and the legalisation of marijuana, what aspect of it is going to be legalised, is

under active consideration by my administration,” Mr Davis said. “Would have noted in our blueprint for change that we did acknowledge that medicinal use of marijuana is acceptable to us. It’s a question of whether we’re going to move as far as recreational marijuana, but we’re in the process and you would’ve heard the Attorney General indicate that he will be coming to

Cabinet very shortly with legislation for Cabinet to have a view on where we go from there..

“But by the end of this year you’ll know exactly where we’re heading and so far as investors are concerned that’s our mantra of the Progressive Liberal Party is Bahamians first and I expect Bahamians to be involved in that business,” Mr Davis said.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said legislation for marijuana legalisation should be concluded by the end of the summer.

He made the remarks in an update to reporters at the time on the sidelines of a community legal aid project press conference.

He said: “Our external council who’s been working with us on the legislation is working

hand-in-hand with law reform. Now since the budget exercise is now concluding with respect to legislative events that’s back on stream and they have specific recommendations on how we should address it. Law reform is in the process of amending the legislation that was in place to address those concerns so that is back in process. There was a slight delay because

of a shift in priorities but we’re certain, again by the end of the summer, that legislation should be concluded.”

The government said it would introduce a “regulatory framework” for the cannabis industry and to expunge the records of young people convicted of minor offences related to use of the drug as part of its five-year legislative agenda.

‘Happy days’ are soon to come for GB, says Cooper

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper has assured Grand Bahamians that “happy days” are soon to come for the island’s economy.

“We want to ensure that when we get the economy of GB going that we will feel it from the economy at all levels. And that is our mission and that is what we will do,” he told those attending the 49th Independence Celebration at the Port Lucaya Marketplace on Sunday evening.

Mr Cooper, Minister

of Tourism, Aviation and Investment, expressed his happiness at seeing children running around outside again on Grand Bahama following the impact of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I see all the children running so free, it is hard to even consider how resilient and how strong of a people you are having experienced so much in the last few years,” he said.

“But it is good to be outdoors again. It is good to be free. It is good to have to not worry about lockdowns.

I can say happy days are here again.

“But I want you to know

for Grand Bahama we think it’s almost here again.

When you look around here you see many of the stores that used to be here, are still closed. But I am optimistic about this future for Grand Bahama. Never before have I been more optimistic about the economy and the future of GB than I am right now.”

On May 10, Mr Cooper had announced the $100m sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort to Electra America Hospitality Group. It is hoped that it would provide a major boost to the island.

He had also stated that an additional $300m in renovations would take place

MORE DEMONSTRATIONS OUTSIDE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

CONTRACT workers continued their demonstrations outside the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday for the third consecutive week to protest outstanding pay concerns.

The group said workers will not stop demanding to speak with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis until their issues are addressed.

“We are going to be here until we’re satisfied about where our monies are.

Whether we get a letter, whether we get a meeting, if we get a statement.

Whatever gone cause us to be satisfied as a group,” said protest organiser Richard Johnson.

The group, which largely consists of contract workers from the Bahamas Public

Parks and Public Beaches Authority, claim they are owed payments from July 2021.

The angry workers said they are also prepared to take legal action if needed, according to Mr Johnson.

“I spoke to a senior lawyer last night and we are prepared to meet with her this week on the way forward. She said that we have a strong case and that she is willing to entertain us with this whole ordeal,” Mr Johnson told reporters yesterday.

“We have thousands of dollars. I don’t think it’s as much as those persons who got settled in those lawsuits, but we have thousands of dollars owed to us. I don’t know the exact figure, but I know that thousands are owed to us.”

When asked yesterday if the group met with the authority’s executive

chairman to have their concerns resolved, he replied: “Absolutely not. That guy does not speak to anybody.

He’s very rude. He’s very condescending and so the reason why we’re here is because we’re finished with over there. We can’t get no resolve.”

OPM communications director Latrae Rahming told reporters last week that the government will find a solution to providing the aggrieved workers with the money that is owed to them.

He said: “From the government’s perspective, we are going to endeavour to find a solution to this issue, to bring it to some kind of resolution. I cannot say personally what some of the challenges might be, that are impacting it, but I do believe that we can deal with these things in a very civil way.”

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper at Port Lucaya Marketplace for the 49th Independence Celebration on Sunday evening.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn at the resort. The project is expected to also generate 2,000 construction jobs and another 1,000 permanent jobs on the island.

The groundbreaking of Carnival Cruise Port in Grand Bahama is also

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Network Engineer I in the Information, Communication & Technology Unit (ICT), Corporate Office.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Network Engineer I is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the PHA ICT network and security infrastructure including, but not limited to servers, routers, firewalls, switches, desktops, telecommunications facilities (VoIP), and other infrastructure components. Significant emphasis will be placed on designing, implementing, and overseeing cyber-security tools and their operations to protect the organization’s data assets.

The Network Engineer I is also responsible is for implementing, maintaining, and managing network security solutions in accordance with the PHA’s architectural designs, best practices, and regulatory or compliance requirements.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES FOR THIS ROLE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• •

Mr. Edmund Laughlin Knowles, 76

• • • • • •

of Ryswick Subdivision, Nassau, The Bahamas will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Fox Hill Road, Nassau, on Thursday, 14th July, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

Reverend Father Hugh Barlett Jr., will officiate and interment will follow in St. Anne’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Fox Hill Road, Nassau.

He is survived by his son, Cameron and his wife Gina; grandsons, Zachary and Connor; sister, Brenda, Elizabeth (Betty) and Barbara and many other relatives and close friends.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited, (TODAY) Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

The Bahamas. “He has been good to us. He has given us the most magnificent, beautiful country on planet Earth. And He has given us great opportunities and soon in GB we will see even more of them,” he said.

PUBLIC HOSPITALS AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT VACANCY NETWORK ENGINEER I CORPORATE

•

Funeral Service for

expected to inject $200m into the economy, and create 1,000 permanent jobs, and hundreds of construction jobs.

Mr Cooper told those attending the celebrations that God has been good to

• • • • •

Designing, configuring, implementing, and maintaining all security platforms and any other related software, such as anti-virus, routers, Anti-Spam, switches, intrusion detection or intrusion prevention, firewalls, cryptography systems, and geofencing; Planning and appraising ongoing assessment of antivirus, application control, firewall, SIEM, VPN, SSL, intrusion detection or intrusion prevention and other network component policies; Ensuring network security best practices are executed through auditing, switch, and router maintenance, change control, firewall configurations, and monitoring; Responding for periodic vulnerability testing, and lead remediation projects; Articulating systems and methodologies as well as reply to security-related events and support in remediation efforts; Coordinating and overseeing log analysis for PHA managed service offerings to ensure policy and security requirements are met; Maintaining network security devices to enable pro-active defense of networks within a managed service environment, providing protective monitoring for all PHA endpoints; Working under the direction of the Senior Network Engineer and ICT leadership to maintain security devices and show practical experience in managing SIEM environments, firewalls, content filters, NIDS, proxy servers, HIPS, and packet capture devices; Working with Network Administrators to form and fix appropriate policy and signature rules. This comprises tuning and development of the creation of intrusion detection and SIEM signatures and rules, including the efficient onboarding and understanding of varying log sources into SIEM environments; Working in collaboration with appropriate stakeholders to ensure customers have devices that are fully operational and secure; Acting under authorization from ICT leadership to maintain the configuration and have a comprehensive understanding and technical know-how in server administration, including GPO deployment, patching, and network device configuration, and hardware management (including cable management); Working under strict change control processes to ensure only authorized changes are made to devices; Collaborating with sales, product management, engineering, and other departments on security-related items; Assisting with hardening and monitoring Azure and Office 365 environment for brute force attacks, hijacking logins, risky connections, and remediation of issues.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or equivalent; • Cisco CCNA or CCNP required; • Network security focused certification i.e. CISA, CISM, CISSP, CCSP, CompTIA+ Security+ is desired • Five (5) years of experience in Information Technology and network security management COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:

• • •

Excellent knowledge of current principles, best practices, and trends applicable to the development of infrastructure related processes, technical architectures, policies, strategies, and plans; Demonstrated skills in solving IT infrastructure related problems; Excellent communication skills (verbally and in writing).

The Network Engineer I will report to the senior Information Communication Technology (ICT) lead.

Letter of application and curriculum vitae should be submitted to the Director of Human Resources, Corporate Office, Public Hospitals Authority, Third and West Terraces, Centreville; or email to jobs@phabahamas.org no later than 20th July 2022.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

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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

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Red tape and lack of transparency for investment IT will come as no surprise to anyone that bureaucracy in The Bahamas can be a hindrance to investment.

We have seen it many times – from investment by foreigners to projects launched by ourselves that get tangled up in government red tape, leaving people waiting and waiting for approval that seems as if it will never come, even when every box has been ticked.

So a new report, prepared for the COVID Economic Recovery Committee, is singing a familiar song when it says that the investment approvals mechanism “is manually intensive and lacks transparency.”

The report goes on to say that the Bahamas Investment Authority should be fully digitised so that processes are more efficient, and – crucially – that politicians should play a lesser role in the investment approvals process.

Currently, that refers to the National Economic Council (NEC), which is the Cabinet or a committee of Cabinet. It means that politicians get involved over which investment goes ahead or does not.

At best, that means the process can lengthen what is described as a haphazard process. At worst, it could be opening the door to the possibility of corruption. Too often over too many years, we have heard stories of backhanders – so why not eliminate layers that aren’t needed for smaller investments?

For investors, having cleared all the hurdles before reaching the NEC, they often find themselves having to clear the same hurdles all over again as the process is duplicated.

And let’s face it, if we ensure our civil service can handle the investments process, why do the politicians need to get involved? After all, some of them don’t know the process themselves, some have just been elected – some don’t even know the rules over financial declarations despite being told.

Smoothing the process should be the goal for easing investment – as long as

it follows the rules, including for the environment when it comes to any construction. Choosing not to smooth the process makes one wonder who stands to gain from making the process slower, less transparent and harder to navigate.

So we look forward to seeing how this administration responds to the suggestions put forward. The crucial point of this can be seen in the name of the committee that has created the report, the COVID Economic Recovery Committee. This comes at a time when we need to kickstart all the investment we can get, to get people back in jobs and to get the nation over the financial losses suffered in the pandemic.

Get the roadblocks to investment out of the way – and let everyone know how the process works from start to finish.

Crazy contracts A former Bahamas Power and Light managerial union chief is seeking to appeal a verdict that cut his award for termination compensation to 18 months – from 74 months.

74 months? That’s more than six years in compensation payments! If this is general policy at BPL, is it any wonder it’s having trouble finding money to pay for maintenance?

The man, Ervin Dean, who was senior manager of credit and collections, claims that BPL had an established practice of fully compensating terminated managerial personal for the entire length of their contract period.

So if you work, you get paid, and if you don’t work, you still get paid.

Mr Dean of course will have his opportunity to challenge the compensation ruling in court – but for any future such cases, we hope BPL is ensuring such nonsense can never happen again.

Don’t come talking to us about increasing bills when money is flowing out of the door like water.

BOYS sit in a city fountain before sunset in Bucharest, Romania, yesterday. Romania’s national weather institute forecast a heatwave will affect the country in the coming days.

Photo: Vadim Ghirda/AP

Aged targets of the drugs industry EDITOR, The Tribune.

SITTING in my family doctors lobby waiting to be seen, I happened to speak with an elderly lady nearby.

She was waiting to see the doctor, but had been there previously and told to go buy the medication she would need the doctor to inject her with. The small vial cost her over $800, and the doctor would charge her a further $125 to inject her. She looked downcast and said her husband was on particular medications not covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan, to the amount of $450 a month. Imagine senior citizens who at that stage in their life, were to rest and recreate, were having their nest egg diminished before their eyes.

I also have experienced this phenomenon, where the ailment you may suffer from, has medication that could at least alleviate the pain you are experiencing, but the Medical Insurance you have has disallowed it, making it payable in cash.

I have an immunity disease with no cure called Oral lichen Planus. If you, have it on your body, an application of medication will hopefully alleviate the pain.

But since it is in my mouth, I endure severe pain each time I eat, drink something cold or hot, consuming anything granular irritates my gums, cheeks and tongue.

Lots of pain. And every medication I have experienced, from laser therapy,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net to mouth washes full of steroids are not covered by OHIP. Mouth washes that cost hundreds of dollars, to laser therapy at $600 a pop.

The medical profession looks upon the elderly as a source of revenue, since they are traditionally savers, and go about issuing prescription after prescription of medication to mask the pain, hopefully eradicate the disease.

Hundreds of prescriptions have increased in cost in 2022 by 5-55%. We are told the reason for this is that many of the patients held by various pharmaceutical corporations will end, and their monopolistic control of manufacturing and distributing the drugs will end.

Therefore, these Corporations have seen fit to pick your pockets as quickly as possible, fearing that governmental action to protect consumers will happen.

Brand named drugs make up only 20% of total drugs made, but these also make up to 80% of total prescription drug costs. Also, the price of these brand named drugs have increased by 60% since 2014.

How do they get away with this you may ask?

There is a total lack of transparency regarding drug prices.

There is a less competitive market stemming from

mergers and acquisitions among manufacturers.

Limited ability of other parties (Medicare and OHIP) to negotiate better drug prices.

The Kaiser Family Foundation has found that 24% of medication users admitted that they were experiencing great difficulty affording their medication(2000). By 2021 that percentage has increased to 43% and rising still.

Medication and medical procedures are falling out of many people’s budgets.

Seniors have begun to not buy these expensive drugs, but look for alternatives or go cold turkey.

I have been invited to get involved in an experimental procedure to fight my condition. The medical professionals have admitted they are experiencing upon me to further their research and it will cost me $1500 with no guarantees provided. I don’t think so.

I have been suffering from this condition for years and have developed stamina regarding the pain. It is a shame that those who are suffering pain and diseases must grin and bear it, while the government holds off putting the pharmaceutical industry in the spot light demanding answers, transparency and accountability to their consumers.

STEVEN KASZAB Bradford, Ontario, Canada.

July 11, 2022.

Taxi plates EDITOR, The Tribune.

TAXI plates...did I hear right immediately some 50, but eventually some 200?

Hope Ministry of Transport in about six-nine months will entertain hardship claims for many of these drivers

who now have their own plates.

Go visit ranks at Baha Mar and Atlantis and check how many hirings a day the average plate gets?

To me, understand the very political action, but don’t understand the

economics and logic.

Can hear screams in a few weeks - no business we need economic support forget the fare increase and subsidy for fuel.

D K McPHEE Nassau, July 8, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, PAGE 7

28-year sentence reduced to 15 for manslaughter of Breanna

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN has had her 28-year sentence for her involvement in the murder of Breanna Mackey reduced to manslaughter with 15 years behind bars.

Court of Appeal judges Sir Michael Barnett, Justices Isaacs and Bethell decided the ruling on the appeals cases of Zaria Burrows and Dervinique Edwards after their previous conviction for the murder of 19-year-old Breanna Mackey.

Breanna died on January 25, 2018 on Key West Street when Burrows and Edwards were driving in a car with four other people.

Burrows was the driver and Edwards a passenger sitting in the back seat. The other passengers were Thea Williams (“Williams”),

ZARIA Burrows and Dervinique Edwards at a previous court appearance.

Matia Sylverian, Yolika Severance and Dwanya Lawes. While driving Williams saw Breanna walking on the road. Burrows drove her car quickly to catch up with Breanna and stopped it

DISCHARGE OVER CAUSING HARM

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was placed on 12 months conditional discharge by a Magistrate’s Court yesterday for threatening and causing harm to his former girlfriend.

Herman Kemp, 31, represented by Attorney Milton Cox, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on charges of threats of harm and causing harm to his ex-girlfriend, Fafon McKinney, on July 2.

He pleaded guilty to both charges.

As part of his plea of mitigation, Mr Cox pointed out that his client is gainfully employed as an electrician and is the father of four children aged 12, eight, five and three.

Mr Cox admitted his client had a previous conviction from 2019.

Kemp pleaded guilty to both current counts against him to spare the court’s time.

Mr Cox asked the court to be lenient in the sentencing, especially in view of his client’s relatively young age.

In view of this, Magistrate Swain placed Kemp on a 12-month conditional discharge. Should Kemp face any further legal matters in that time he will be ordered to serve three months in custody at the Bahamas Department of Corrections (BDCS) for both charges served concurrently.

Kemp was further ordered to compensate Ms McKinney $500 for the incident or risk a further 30-day jail sentence.

MAN ACCUSED OF ARMED ROBBERY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN, accused of the armed robbery of a woman, was yesterday remanded in custody.

Donnatello Anderson, 29, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on a charge of armed robbery.

On May 1 in New Providence, it is alleged that the accused, armed with a handgun, robbed Vanrea Davis of her iPhone 6, handbag and government ID. Because of the nature of

the offence, Anderson was not required to enter a plea in court. He was informed that his case would proceed by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

The accused was further told that his case would be heard in the Supreme Court where he can apply for bail, it having been denied in the magistrate’s court.

Until bail is granted to him, Anderson will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Anderson is to be served with his VBI on August 24.

SUSPECT ON MURDER ATTEMPT CHARGE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sent to prison by a Magistrate’s Court yesterday for attempting to kill a woman.

Tario Rahming, 19, faced Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged with attempted murder.

On June 29 in New Providence, Rahming is alleged to have attempted to kill Lisa Louis.

The accused was not required to enter a plea in

court and was informed that his case would proceed by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

The accused was further told that his case would be heard in the Supreme Court, where he can apply for bail after being denied it in court that day. Until he is granted bail Rahming will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The accused is expected to return to court for service of his VBI on September 30.

MAN ACCUSED OF DOUBLE ASSAULT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was denied bail yesterday after allegedly assaulting two women with a shotgun and a knife.

Juliano Dorsett, 33, faced Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis on six charges. These include two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a dangerous instrument, damage and

resisting arrest.

On July 7 in New Providence, it is alleged that Dorsett attacked Tiffany Johnson and Goldie Bain with a shotgun and a knife at Bain’s residence. On the same day, the accused is further alleged to have caused $956.99 worth of damage to Ms Bain’s residence in the process of the police trying to arrest him.

He pleaded not guilty.

Dorsett’s trial is expected to start on August 17.

in a manner that prevented Breanna from getting away.

A number of the occupants got out of the car and began attacking Breanna, some threw stones and a bottle at her. Thea Williams

took out a knife, which was in her bag, and stabbed Breanna a number of times.

They then got back into the car and fled the scene.

Breanna would later be pronounced dead by

Emergency Medical Services at the scene.

In their ruling on the two women’s appeal the judges wrote: “I accept that the trial judge put to them a manslaughter verdict as an alternative to murder if they were satisfied that Burrows only intended to injure and not to kill Breanna. However, in my judgment the directions of the judge did not in the clearest terms put to the jury that it was a critical factor in determining whether Burrows had an intent to kill, and Burrows’ knowledge that Williams had a knife at the time of the incident.

“It is for this reason that I am satisfied that the verdict of murder with respect to Burrows is unsafe. As the evidence is clear that Burrows knew that they had an intention to injure or harm Breanna, I would substitute a conviction for

manslaughter in place of the conviction for murder.”

In view of these assessments and taking into consideration Burrows’ young age, being only 20 at the time of the incident, the court of appeals ruled to reduce her charge to manslaughter.

The court also ruled that Burrows’ previous 28-year jail sentence be amended to 15 years to be served from the date of her conviction.

However, the appeals court confirmed that evidence presented to the jury found that Edwards participated in the attack on Breanna and knew that Williams had a knife and continued to attack Breanna after she was stabbed thus sharing the common intention of Williams to kill Breanna. As such they ruled to uphold Edwards’ murder conviction and had her appeal dismissed.

THREE AND A HALF YEARS IN JAIL FOR THIEF WHO BROKE INTO CONVENT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to three and a half years in prison yesterday after breaking into a convent and stealing $2,370 worth of gardening and landscaping equipment.

Deon Davis, 43, stood before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on charges of shopbreaking and stealing.

Between 8.30pm on July 5 and 8am on July 6 Davis unlawfully entered the grounds of Saint Martin’s Convent on Nassau Street where he stole a $650 Poulan Pro weed wacker, a $775 Stihl weed wacker, two cutlasses valued at $30, two rakes valued at $70, a $250 red Milwaukee trolley, a $185 porter cable grinder, a $185 Makita drill and a $225 Stihl leaf blower.

Davis admitted to the offences after his arrest for the break-in and indicated to police where he sold some of

the items. He also explained that he only received $50 for the $775 weed wacker.

In court, the accused pleaded guilty to both charges.

After Davis heard and accepted the facts of his case as stated by the prosecution, he explained to the court that he only stole from the convent because he was broke and knew where the valuables were kept.

The prosecution then revealed that the accused had antecedents of a similar nature, with prior stealing charges dating back to 2001.

Although Davis claimed he wouldn’t commit another crime like this, Magistrate Kelly pointed out that in addition to his extensive history of theft he had just been released from custody.

The accused was only let out of prison on June 9 after three years in custody for another theft.

The magistrate further admonished Davis’ action saying that he didn’t even make it a full month on release before returning to crime.

In view of this, the magistrate sentenced Davis to two years in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for the shopbreaking charge and three years and six months for the stealing charge.

These sentences are to be served concurrently and are based on the accused’s extensive criminal record.

During Davis’s prison sentence he is expected to attend drug counseling classes after he told the magistrate that he struggled with cocaine addiction.

Before being told of his right to appeal the Court’s decision within seven days, Magistrate Kelly expressed her hope that Davis is successful in therapy and becomes a productive citizen.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Don’t be fooled - youngsters know what’s going on and we need their help to change LAST week, the Regional Conference of Youth on Climate Change was held at University of The Bahamas, bringing young people from the region together to talk about the climate crisis and the climate action we all need to take.

I was on the last panel of the day, focused on human rights. Allicia Rolle, from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister opened the panel by providing context for the conversation. She gave important definitions and explanations related to human rights, and connected human rights to the issue the participants all care about - the environment and the intensifying climate crisis. She opened the discussion perfectly, by making a new topic (for many) immediately relevant by putting it in context and giving relatable examples. The participants were responsive and indicated they understood how people, and our rights, are affected by what is happening in our environments.

Steffon Evans, from Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) Bahamas, was up next, and he shared his career path with the young people in the room. He talked about the events that sparked his love for and interest in the environment. It all started with the opportunity to join a club while he was in high school, and this is evidence of the importance and impact of engaging young people in fun, productive activities and exposing them to opportunities beyond school and the go-to career options.

Further down the road, Evans worked at Bahamas National Trust where he spent a significant amount of time outdoors, enjoying nature and interacting with people. While this was work he truly enjoyed, he wanted

By Alicia Wallace

to be able to influence target these groups in spepolicy, so he moved on to cific ways. The threat of compromised ORG. In sharing his story, violence, he became visible evidence, and lost food sources, disto each of the students at placement, and death are that session, that there are heightened for women and many different ways to use girls, people with disabiliknowledge, experience, and ties, Indigenous people, and interest, and that it is okay other marginalized groups. to shift from one to another. Ali expertly connected this reality with Changing gears, British ‘There was no way international mechanisms High CommisThe Bahamas sion political I could, in good has ratified attaché Jerusa conscience, focus and adopted Ali told the on women’s and such as the participants about climate LGBTQI+ people’s Convention on the Elimirights without diplomacy. nation of She gave them acknowledging a glimpse of All Forms of COP 26, held that the same Discriminain November people’s lives were tion against 2021 in Glas- being changed Women gow where (CEDAW) the climate and threatened by and the SDGs. change policy the climate crisis.

One of the objectives most imporHousing, food included raistant parts ing partner supply, physical of confercountry com- health, mental ences like this mitments regional one health, income, (Nationally is the outcome education and Determined document.

CommitThere are safety were all ments).

Ali many presadded that being affected by entations COP 27 will climate events, and converbe held in and Hurricane sations, and Egypt later they are often this year, Dorian made it treated as and the goals impossible to side separate from include mobi- step or leave for the end goal lisation of - to produce funding for others to address.’ an outcome climate trandocument sition and accountability that everyone agrees on, is measures to track pledges. prepared to promote and She then explained that cli- work toward, and can affect mate change is not gender change. At the end of her neutral; it affects certain presentation, Ali reminded groups of people dispro- that we were not at a talk portionately. This means shop, and there was work to that our response has to be done. No one was there

THE CLOSING ceremony of the Regional Conference of Youth on Climate Change and, below, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis at the event.

to simply sit and listen.

She posed several questions to the young people and encouraged them to consider them as they got closer to drafting and finalising the document.

What does genderresponsive policy mean in your local community?

How will you include gender equality in your outcome document?

How can we build women’s and girls’ resilience to climate impacts and disasters?

Questions like these inspire deep thought, productive conversation, and proposals that centre people who are often forgotten, excluded, and left worse off.

My presentation was the last of the panel and the day which is not an enviable position. I started with the confession that I never intended to work on environmental issues, preferring to focus on women’s human rights and hoping to leave the former to the science-minded people. From one hurricane to another, however, I had to face the fact that the communities I centre in my work are disproportionately affected by climate disaster. There was no way I could, in good conscience, focus on women’s and LGBTQI+ people’s rights without acknowledging that the same people’s lives were being changed and threatened by the climate crisis. Housing, food supply, physical health, mental health, income, education and safety were all being affected by climate events, and Hurricane Dorian made it impossible to side step or leave for others to address.

The issues of climate and gender are connected, just as the issue of climate and human rights are connected.

At conferences, one of the most interesting parts is the feedback from participants. They often have impressive insights, chal-

lenging questions, and exciting ideas, so I engaged them as much as I could. Even as we moved toward the end of a very long day, they rose to the challenge of using their lived experiences and what they observe on a daily basis to answer the questions I posed.

I told them about my experience managing a hurricane relief centre, and I asked why they thought most of the people coming for assistance were women. Their responses made it clear they see the way gender ideology constrains men and women, dictating how we all must behave. One participant said men have too much pride, and another said it would not make sense for men to ask for help when they are supposed to provide for their families.

Another participant said two words no one was expecting - toxic masculinity. The response from the room said no explanation was needed, so he moved on to make his other points.

To be sure, I asked them if they knew what it meant, and they said yes. I asked them if it meant masculinity is bad, or that men are bad, and they said no. They were clear on the meaning and its relevance to the conversation. There are many terms they have heard before, that they understand, and that they probably do not get many opportunities to

discuss.

Young people are paying attention. They are observing interactions and drawing conclusions. They are encountering new language and ideas, and they are fully capable of applying them to real life. They are constantly learning, questioning, and changing their minds. It is always a pleasure to be in a room full of young people because of this. They are curious, they are interested, they are willing to learn, and they have more to share than many adults may guess.

We need more space for young people to be together, working on issues that interest them, developing solutions and testing their ideas. The regional conference was a great way to expand their networks, their thinking, and their horizons. Young people are often tasked with fixing the problems created or ignored by other generations, so the burden on them is heavy.

We need to do a better job of preparing them, encouraging them, listening to them, and making space for them now. Climate change will not wait, nor will any other issue.

We have to continue to do our part while resourcing youth-led initiatives and creating opportunities for them to grow, explore and innovate.

RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Visit an art gallery. We are fortunate to have several great art gallery featuring the work of Bahamian artists. The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) is a great place to start, and it is open Tuesday through Sunday. On Sunday, it is free for residents. While there, be sure to check out the sculpture garden. Just down the street from the NAGB is the D’Aguilar

Art Foundation, open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Whenever you’re in the downtown area, stop by Sixty 2 Sixty Art Gallery, owned by artist June Collie whose colorful, cheerful murals you have definitely seen around New Providence. Take your children to a few galleries this summer.

It’s a great way to spend a few hours out of the house, and you’ll be able to enjoy

some air conditioning too!

2. Visit a national park.

There is probably one you have not yet visited. The Primeval Forest National Park is on the southwestern part of New Providence.

Once you enter, you may think you have been transported to another time or place. Maybe both. Check the days and times it is open and make it a family and/or friend adventure.

MP HAILS CONSTITUENTS AT NTA GRADUATION

JOMO Campbell MP, pictured, attended the Community Health Patient Care Assistant Programme graduation ceremony at The National Training Agency.

He commended all who completed the training and said he was excited to see many familiar faces from his constituency who graduated from the programme.

He said: “Congratulations are extended to Darrelle Sherman, Lahendra Rolle and Jessica Hanna just to name a few from the Centreville Community.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, PAGE 9

BABY STARS, DANCING GALAXIES: NASA SHOWS NEW COSMIC VIEWS

By SETH BORENSTEIN AP Science Writer

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A sparkling landscape of baby stars. A foamy blue and orange view of a dying star. Five galaxies in a cosmic dance. The splendors of the universe glowed in a new batch of images released Tuesday from NASA’s powerful new telescope.

The unveiling from the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope began Monday at the White House with a sneak peek of the first shot — a jumble of distant galaxies that went deeper into the cosmos than humanity has ever seen.

Tuesday’s releases showed parts of the universe seen by other telescopes. But Webb’s sheer power, distant location from Earth and use of the infrared light spectrum showed them in a new light that scientists said was almost as much art as science.

“It’s the beauty but also the story,” NASA senior Webb scientist John Mather, a Nobel laureate, said after the reveal.

“It’s the story of where did we come from.”

And, he said, the more he looked at the images, the more he became convinced that life exists elsewhere in those thousands of stars and hundreds of galaxies.

With Webb, scientist hope to glimpse light from the first stars and galaxies that formed 13.7 billion years ago, just 100 million years from the universe-creating Big Bang. The telescope also will scan the atmospheres of alien worlds for possible signs of life.

“Every image is a new discovery and each will give humanity a view of the humanity that we’ve never seen before,’’ NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said Tuesday, rhapsodising over images showing “the formation of stars, devouring

TECHTALK

NEW MEXICO PLANS FOR MORE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press

THIS image combined the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope’s two cameras to create a never-before-seen view of a star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. Captured in infrared light by the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), this combined image reveals previously invisible areas of star birth. (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI via AP) black holes.” that landscape. It has that Webb’s use of the infrared contrast. We have the blue. light spectrum allows the We have golden. There’s telescope to see through the dark. There’s bright. There’s cosmic dust and see faraway just a sharp image.” light from the corners of the On tap for release Thursuniverse, scientists said. day: A close-up of Jupiter “We’ve really changed the that shows one of its faint understanding of our uni- rings and a few of its moons, verse,” said European Space he said.

Agency director general Also among the new shots: Josef Aschbacher.

— Southern Ring nebula, The European and Cana- which is sometimes called dian space agencies joined “eight-burst.” Images show a NASA in building the tel- dying star with a foamy edge escope, which was launched of escaping gas. It’s about in December after years of 2,500 light-years away. A delays and cost overruns. light-year is 5.8 trillion miles.

Webb is considered the “This is the end for this star, successor to the highly suc- but the beginning for other cessful, but aging Hubble stars,” Pontoppidan said.

Space Telescope.

As it dies, it throws off parts Some of Hubble’s most that seed the galaxy with elestunning images have been ments used for new stars, he shots of the Carina nebula, said. one of the bright stellar -- Stephan’s Quintet, five nurseries in the sky, about galaxies in a cosmic dance 7,600 light-years away. Webb that was first seen 225 years project scientist Klaus Pon- ago in the constellation toppidan decided to focus Pegasus. It includes a black one of Webb’s early gazes hole that scientists said on that location because he showed material “swallowed knew it would be the frame- by this sort of cosmic monable beauty shot. The result ster.” Webb “has just given was an image of a colorful us a new, unprecedented landscape of bubbles and 290 million-year-old view of cavities where stars were what this Quintet is up to,” being born.

Cornell University astrono“This is art,” Pontoppidan mer Lisa Kaltenegger, who said. “I really wanted to have wasn’t part of the Webb

THIS image released by NASA on Tuesday, shows the Southern Ring Nebula for the first time in mid-infrared light. It is a hot, dense white dwarf star, according to NASA. (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI via AP) team, said in an email.

— A giant planet called WASP-96b. It’s about the size of Saturn and is 1,150 light-years away. A gas planet, it’s not a candidate for life elsewhere but a key target for astronomers.

Instead of an image, the telescope used its infrared detectors to look at the chemical composition of the planet’s atmosphere. It showed water vapor in the super-hot planet’s atmosphere and even found the chemical spectrum of neon,

showing clouds where astronomers thought there were none.

The images were released one-by-one at an event at NASA’s Goddard Space Center that included cheerleaders with pompoms the color of the telescope’s golden mirrors.

“It moves you. This is so so beautiful,” Thomas Zurbuchen, chief of NASA’s science missions, said after the event.

“Nature is beautiful. To me this is about beauty.”

APPLE TO ADD ‘LOCKDOWN’ SAFEGUARD ON iPHONES, iPADS, MACS

Associated Press

CUPERTINO, Calif.

(AP) — Apple said it will roll out a “lockdown” option for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers intended to protect against spyware unleashed by state-sponsored hackers — although enabling that protection will also make these devices less useful.

The safeguard announced last week is a tacit acknowledgement that not even Apple — the world’s most valuable company — has been able to adequately shield the iPhone and its other products against intrusions from state-backed hackers and commercial spyware. Governments have used these tools to violate the privacy of journalists, political dissidents and human rights activists.

The new feature, called “lockdown mode,” will initially be offered as a test version so that security researchers can help Apple identify any bugs or weaknesses. Apple usually releases its major updates to its device operating systems in late September.

While only a handful of countries appear to have the resources to develop in-house mobile phone hacking tools, private companies like Israel’s NSO Group have been selling phone hacking software to

IPHONE 13 smartphones are introduced during a virtual event held to announce new Apple products in 2021. Apple plans to roll out a “lockdown” option for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers intended to protect against spyware unleashed by state-sponsored hackers — although enabling it will also make these devices less useful.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) government agencies around the world for years.

The growing hacker-for-hire problem prompted Apple to file a federal lawsuit late last year against NSO Group for breaking into iPhones and other Apple products. In its complaint, Apple accused NSO Group employees of being “amoral 21st century mercenaries who have created highly sophisticated cyber-surveillance machinery that invites routine

and flagrant abuse.”

NSO, which has been blacklisted by the U.S. Commerce Department, has denied any wrongdoing and said its products have been used to thwart child abusers and terrorists.

Unlike the security features that Apple builds into most of its software, the company’s lockdown feature is meant to serve as an emergency button that Apple expects will only be needed by a small number of its users.

The lockdown measure is considered a last resort for people targeted by spyware, since activating lockdown will disable many popular features. That includes sending attachments and links in texts, as well as the ability to receive FaceTime calls from new numbers. Web browsing will also be limited.

But Apple believes the extra layer of protection will be valuable to activists, journalists and other targets of hacking attacks launched by wellfunded groups. Users will be able to activate and deactivate lockdown mode at will.

The growing use of encrypted communications through phone apps like WhatsApp and Signal have prompted governments to turn to commercial spyware vendors to gather information on targets.

Such mobile phone spyware vacuums up text messages, emails and photos while secretly controlling a smartphone’s microphones and cameras. Some of the more advanced tools can infect a phone using socalled “zero click” exploits that don’t depend on the user inadvertently activating them, such as by clicking on a malicious link.

Google, whose Android mobile phone platform is used by iPhone competitors, has also been targeted by commercial spyware vendors. The company’s Threat Analysis Group says it’s tracking more than 30 such companies and routinely publishes reports on exploits used to hack into phones, making them far less effective.

Google also offers an “Advanced Protection Program” that uses a special security key hardware to make user accounts harder to hack. The company said it strongly recommends the program for “journalists, activists, business executives, and people involved in elections.”

Separately, Apple also provided more details about a $10 million grant it pledged last November to help counter large-scale hacking attacks. The money will go to the Dignity and Justice Fund, a philanthropic arm of the Ford Foundation.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The first in a series of electric vehicle charging stations that will be paid for with state and federal infrastructure money will be installed in Socorro, one of the few populated areas along a major interstate that spans New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said last week.

The first-term Democrat used her visit to the central New Mexico community to tout efforts to fund infrastructure projects as she seeks reelection. She also planned stops in Clovis and Roswell over the coming days.

She said $10 million secured through the legislative process will be spent to develop the charging network. Another $38 million in federal funding will bolster the work as state officials aim to have charging stations every 50 miles (80 kilometres) along New Mexico’s interstates.

“New Mexico has a oncein-a-generation opportunity to make truly transformative investments in communities large and small around our state,” the governor said.

The Biden administration earlier this year announced the availability of $5 billion for states over five years to help create seamless electric vehicle travel from coast to coast. The money was far less than the $15 billion that Biden had envisioned to fulfill a campaign promise of 500,000 charging stations by 2030.

New Mexico regulators in May adopted more stringent motor vehicle emissions standards that supporters say will boost the number of electric vehicles available for sale in the state. Lujan Grisham has called for more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to be sold as part of her push against climate change.

However, access to charging stations has been an issue for consumers and utility executives are still working on plans to ensure they have enough capacity to meet future electricity demands as more solar and battery storage facilities are brought online to replace coal-fired power plants.

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PAGE 10, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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IN this photo from surveillance video provided by the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District via the Austin American-Statesman, authorities stage in a hallway as they respond to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022.

Photo: Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District/Austin American-Statesman via AP

Uvalde video footage shows police waiting in school during shooting UVALDE, Texas Associated Press A NEW wave of anger swept through Uvalde yesterday over surveillance footage of police officers in body armour milling in the hallway of Robb Elementary School while a gunman carried out a massacre inside a fourth-grade classroom where 19 children and two teachers were killed.

The video published yesterday by the Austin American-Statesman is a disturbing 80-minute recording of what has been known for weeks now about one of the deadliest school shootings in US history: that heavily armed police officers, some armed with rifles and bulletproof

shields, massed in the hallway and waited more than an hour before going inside and stopping the May 24 slayings.

But the footage, which until now had not surfaced publicly, anguished Uvalde residents anew and redoubled calls in the small South Texas city for accountability and explanations that have been incomplete — and sometimes inaccurate — in the seven weeks since the shooting. Hours after the video was published, some residents at a Uvalde City Council meeting said they had not been able to bring themselves to watch it.

Jesus Rizo said officers who are paid taxpayer dollars to protect people should not have “sat there”

when children were in danger.

“You could’ve saved some lives. You could have held somebody’s hand as they were dying,” he said.

“The parents could have seen them one last time as they were dying.”

Others demanded consequences for police and more information in an investigation marked by confusing statements that have had to be retracted at times.

“Give these families some closure,” said Daniel Myers, a pastor in Uvalde and family friend to one of the victims.

An investigative committee led by Texas lawmakers had earlier announced plans to show the video to Uvalde

residents for the first time on Sunday, in addition to sharing their findings after weeks of closed-door testimony from more than 40 witnesses.

“This has been the most unprofessional investigation or handling of it that I’ve ever seen in my life,” Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said in an interview with The Associated Press. “These families get blindsided constantly.”

The footage from a hallway camera inside the school shows the gunman entering the building with an AR-15 style rifle and includes 911 tape of a teacher screaming, “Get down! Get in your rooms!

Get in your rooms!”

Two officers approach the

classrooms minutes after the gunman enters, then run back amid the sounds of gunfire.

As the gunman first approaches the classrooms a child whose image is blurred can be seen poking their head around a corner down the hallway and then running back while shots ring out. Later, about 20 minutes before police breach the room, the video shows a man wearing a vest that says “sheriff” use a hand sanitizer dispenser mounted on the wall.

Throughout the video, the screams of children are redacted.

Officials said the 77 minutes of footage they are preparing to release this

weekend does not contain images of children in the classroom. Rep Dustin Burrows, a Republican who is leading the investigation, said after the video was posted by the Statesman that “watching the entire segment of law enforcement’s response, or lack thereof, is also important.”

But the video alone does not answer all the questions that remain — nearly two months later — about the law enforcement response. Among them are how schools police Chief Pete Arredondo came to the forefront of the massive law enforcement response involving numerous local, state and federal agencies.

TRUMP SET RALLY AFTER ‘UNHINGED’ MEETING WASHINGTON Associated Press

PEOPLE throng President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence three days after it was stormed by anti-government protesters in Colombo in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Photo: Rafiq Maqbool/AP

SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT FLEES AMID ECONOMIC CRISIS COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Associated Press

THE president of Sri Lanka fled the country early on Wednesday, slipping away in the middle of the night only hours before he was to step down amid a devastating economic crisis that has triggered severe shortages of food and fuel.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards left aboard a Sri Lankan Air Force plane bound for the city of Male, the capital of the Maldives, according to an immigration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Rajapaksa had agreed to resign under pressure. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would leave once a new government was in place.

The president’s departure followed months of demonstrations that culminated on Saturday in protesters

storming his home and office and the official residence of his prime minister. The protests have all but dismantled his family’s political dynasty, which ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades.

On Wednesday morning, Sri Lankans continued to stream into the presidential palace. A growing line of people waited to enter the residence, many of whom had traveled from outside Colombo on public transport.

“What Rajapaksa did — flee the country — is a timid act,” said Bhasura Wickremesinghe, a 24-year-old student of maritime electrical engineering, who came with friends. “I’m not celebrating. There’s no point celebrating. We have nothing in this country at the moment.”

He complained that Sri Lankan politics have been dominated for years by “old politicians” who all need to go.

“Politics needs to be treated like a job — you need to have qualifications that

get you hired, not because of what your last name is,” he said, referring to the Rajapaksa family.

There was no end to the crisis in sight, and protesters vowed to occupy the official buildings until the top leaders are gone. For days, people have flocked to the presidential palace almost as if it were a tourist attraction — swimming in the pool, marveling at the paintings and lounging on the beds piled high with pillows. At one point, they also burned the prime minister’s private home.

At dawn, the protesters took a break from chanting as the Sri Lankan national anthem blared from speakers. A few waved the flag.

Malik D’ Silva, a 25-year-old demonstrator occupying the president’s office, said Rajapaksa “ruined this country and stole our money”.

The air force said in a statement it provided an aircraft for the president and his wife to travel to the Maldives.

IN A heated, “unhinged” dispute, Donald Trump fought objections from his White House lawyers to a plan, eventually discarded, to seize states’ voting machines and then, in a last ditch effort to salvage his presidency, summoned supporters to march on the US Capitol for what turned into the deadly riot, the House Jan 6 committee revealed yesterday.

In another disclosure, raising the question of witness tampering, the panel’s vice-chair said Trump himself had tried to contact a person who was talking to the committee about potential testimony. And still more new information revealed that Trump was so intent on making a showing at the Capitol that his aides secretly planned for a second rally stage there on the day of the attack.

Rep Liz Cheney, the panel’s vice chair, said it had notified the Justice Department that Trump had contacted the witness who has yet to appear in public.

“We will take any effort to influence witness testimony very seriously,” said Cheney, a Wyoming Republican.

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley declined to comment when asked if the department was investigating the call.

The hearing yesterday

was the seventh for the Jan 6 committee, which is portraying the defeated Trump as “detached from reality”, clinging to false claims of voter fraud and working feverishly to reverse his election defeat. It all led to his “be there, will be wild” tweet summoning supporters to Washington.

The panel delved into a critical three weeks of secret planning in the run-up to the Capitol attack and heard remorseful testimony from an Ohio father who believed Trump’s election lies and answered the defeated president’s tweet to come to Washington.

The panel also heard form a former spokesman for the extremist Oath Keepers who warned of the far-right group’s ability for violence.

“I think we need to quit mincing words about just talk. ... What it was going to be was an armed revolution,” said Jason Van Tatenhove. “I mean, people died that day.”

Yesterday’s session focused in part on December 2020, a time when many Republicans were moving on from the November election Trump lost to Joe Biden. Testimony brought out details of a late night Dec 18 meeting at the White House with Trump’s private lawyers suggesting he order the US military to seize state voting machines in an unprecedented effort to pursue his false claims of voter fraud.

The panel featured new video testimony from Pat Cipollone, Trump’s White House counsel at the time.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, PAGE 11

Magnus Cort Nielsen wins Tour de France Stage 10 in the Alps MEGEVE, France (AP) — Magnus Cort Nielsen won a two-man sprint in a photo-finish to claim the 10th stage of the Tour de France yesterday at the end of a hilly trek in the Alps that was interrupted by protesters.

It was Cort Nielsen’s second stage win at cycling’s biggest race after his maiden success in the medieval city of Carcassonne four years ago.

The Danish rider pipped Nick Schultz to the line by a few inches at the end of the long and exhausting climb to the Megeve ski resort after Luis Leon Sanchez, who ended third, launched the sprint.

Cort Nielsen fell on his back, exhausted, once he crossed the finish line.

“I can’t believe what just happened today, I was on the limit for so long on this climb,” he said. “I lost contact with the group a couple of times in the last kilometers. Luckily, it went all back together and I was there.”

Two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar rode among a group of general contenders that crossed less than nine minutes behind and kept the race lead.

It looked like that Pogacar would relinquish his yellow jersey since Lennard Kämna at some point gained enough time in the day’s breakaway to dream about the famed tunic.

But the chasing pack of favourites rode hard in the finale and the Slovenian champion kept hold of his lead.

Pogacar now leads Kämna by 11 seconds

AUSTRALIA’S NICHOLAS SCHULTZ, front, and Denmark’s Magnus Cort Nielsen sprint to cross the finish of the 10th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 148.5 kilometres (92.3 miles) with start in Morzine les Portes du Soleil and finish in Megeve, France, yesterday. Magnus Cort Nielsen won the stage.

(AP Photo/Thibault Camus) ahead of two daunting stages in the high mountains. Kämna is not expected to stay in contention in the thin air and Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark remains Pogacar’s most dangerous rival, 39 seconds off the pace.

Today’s Stage 11 features two legendary Tour passes — the Col du Télégraphe and the Col du Galibier, before a mountain-top finish at the Col du Granon on brutal slopes culminating at 2,400 metres (7,800 feet) above sea level.

Thursday’s stage ends at the Alpe d’Huez.

“In the end, it all worked out like it did and I’m still happy that I’m in the yellow jersey,” said Pogacar, who has been in a dominant form since the start of the race.

But with the coronavirus playing havoc within his UAE-Emirates team, the Slovenian rider has already lost two precious teammates who were expected to help him through the mountains. George Bennett was forced out before

Stage 10 following a positive coronavirus test, only days after Vegard Stake Laengen also tested positive and withdrew.

UAE-Emirates Team officials later announced that Rafal Majka also tested positive for the virus but was allowed to remain in the race by the International Cycling Union (UCI) medical team.

“When you get a positive (case) in your own bubble, it’s just worrying stress and I hope we’ll survive until the finish,” Pogacar said.

Yesterday’s stage was briefly neutralised with 35 kilometres left after a group of seven activists protesting climate change sat on the road and lit flares, forcing riders to stop for 12 minutes.

Alberto Bettiol was in the lead at that point but could not stay at the front for long once the race resumed.

On a very hot day, riders made the most of the break to refresh themselves, pouring water over their neck and heads.

UNITED States cricket players walk off the pitch after beating Singapore by 132 runs in a cricket World Cup qualifier match in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, yesterday. The U.S. has advanced to the semifinals in Zimbabwe of a qualifying tournament for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October. One more win, and the Americans are in.

(AP Photo/KB Mpofu)

US cricket team one win from reaching first World Cup

By ENOCK MUCHINJO Associated Press BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (AP) — It’s almost natural that Vatsal Vaghela’s first exposure to cricket in California was at a baseball field, where cricketers had to wait for the baseball players to finish and leave.

Cricket gave birth to baseball, though the offspring quickly eclipsed the parent as the summer pastime for Americans.

But step back for a minute there, baseball, because Vaghela and his teammates on the United States cricket team aim to reach their own kind of World Series this week.

They need one more win on Friday to qualify for a cricket World Cup for the first time.

The US has easily beaten Jersey and Singapore in its first two games at a qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe.

The prize is a place at the T20 World Cup in Australia in October, and another victory in the semifinals will clinch it for the Americans.

T20 stands for Twenty20, the shortest format in international cricket.

“It’s very exciting. We all know how important this tournament is,” Vaghela said.

The 20-year-old Vaghela was born in Milpitas, California, to Indian immigrants and a love of cricket, unsurprisingly, was passed down to him by his father.

Cricket is small fry in Milpitas, located in Silicon Valley, but it’s the only sport that matters in India, so down to a baseball park they went to play cricket.

“I picked it up just watching my dad play tennis-ball cricket with his friends at the local baseball field, and I think I was, like, 10 or 11 when I started playing cricket,” Vaghela told The Associated Press in an interview.

Dad must have been a good coach because Vatsal’s 16-year-old sister, Isani, plays for the US women’s team.

The connection to cricket-loving countries is strong throughout the US men’s team in Zimbabwe: Captain Monank Patel

was born in India. Batter Steven Taylor was born and raised in south Florida

by Jamaican parents.

Other players were born in or have connections to Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Batter and US vicecaptain Aaron Jones was born in Queens, New York.

That’s Mets country in baseball terms.

But Jones’ West Indian heritage dictated there was only one game for him, and it wasn’t at Shea Stadium.

The cricket World Cup was always the ultimate goal.

“For me, it’s everything,” Jones said. “The World Cup is the biggest thing in cricket. For me growing up as a little man, I always wanted to play in World Cups.

“This is a great opportunity right now. Definitely, it will be a big achievement, we’ve been talking about it over the past couple of years.

“It will be a big achievement not only for us, but for everyone back home in the USA.” Well, it’s unlikely that “everyone” back home will

care. Many will not even know. But this is the time for Americans to take just a little bit more notice of cricket, not just because the US team is close to reaching the World Cup. The next T20 World Cup after this one will be cohosted by the US in 2024.

Cricket has two World Cups. There’s the older 50-over version, the Cricket World Cup, and the shorter 20-over version called the T20 World Cup. The 2024 T20 World Cup will have games split between America and West Indies, the first major cricket tournament to be staged in the US. Another US player, fast bowler Rusty Theron, has a good cricket perspective.

He played for South Africa before moving to America and qualifying to play for the US in 2019.

He’s noticed cricket take off in the US “in a big way” in the last few years. “(There’s) more media coverage, obviously, and some financial incentives for players to take up the game,” Theron said. “It’s something that’s tangible

for people to buy into, beyond just the national team, but making a living out of cricket. I think the foundation is there.

“What a lot of people don’t really know is that cricket has been around in the US for a long time, it’s now just a matter of trying to professionalise the talent we do have.”

Theron is right about cricket’s history in the US because it was popular in the 1700s and 1800s and George Washington was allegedly a fan, and might even have played in a game once.

“When I talk about cricket with my friends, they have absolutely no clue about it,” said Vaghela, who is studying at University of California Santa Cruz.

“But once I get them introduced to it, they get so interested. My roommate back in college absolutely loves watching cricket now that I’ve talked to him about it.”

And he might even get to watch Vaghela and the US appearing in a World Cup soon.

POGACAR’S TOUR DE FRANCE DOMINANCE CHALLENGED

BY COVID-19 MEGEVE, France (AP) — The coronavirus could well be the biggest threat to Tadej Pogacar’s dominance at the Tour de France.

The two-time defending champion from Slovenia has been the dominant rider of the peloton since the start of the race, but the coronavirus is playing havoc within his team.

Pogacar lost another teammate yesterday when George Bennett was forced out before Stage 10 following a positive coronavirus test.

Bennett, a New Zealander who rode in support of Pogacar with the UAEEmirates team and was set to help him through the mountains, was tested on the rest day Monday after showing symptoms of the coronavirus, team doctor Adrian Rotunno said.

“He . . . returned a positive result,” Rotunno said.

“Therefore he will not start today.”

SLOVENIA’S TADEJ POGACAR, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey celebrates on the podium after the 10th stage of the Tour de France yesterday.

(AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

UAE-Emirates Team officials later announced that Rafal Majka also tested positive for the virus but remained in the race.

“Rafal Majka . . . returned a positive result this morning,” Rotunno said. “He is asymptomatic and analysing his PCR found he had a very low risk of infectivity.”

The UAE-Emirates team said it reported Majka’s case to the International Cycling Union (UCI) medical team, which authorised the rider to start the stage.

Majka is a strong climber and it will be a big loss for Pogacar if his domestique is eventually forced to abandon as the peloton prepares to tackle two daunting Alpine stages including a finish at L’Alpe d’Huez on Thursday.

Bennett was the second rider from the UAEEmirates to leave the race because of a positive test after Vegard Stake Laengen last week.

Bennett was 32nd in the general classification.

His withdrawal was announced a day after the UCI said no riders tested positive for the virus during mandatory testing of the entire peloton before Monday.

Team BikeExchangeJayco also announced the withdrawal of a rider yesterday after Australia’s Luke Durbridge tested positive before Stage 10.

“Durbridge has very mild symptoms,” the team said.

The peloton tackled a 148-kilometre route yesterday from Morzine to Megeve in the Alps.

Pogacar kept the yellow jersey with an 11-second overall lead over Lennard Kämna. Jonas Vingegaard was in third place, 39 seconds off the pace.

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PAGE 12, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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LEADING OFF: Ohtani vs Javier, Gonsolin undefeated (AP) — A look at what’s happening around the majors today: HELLO AGAIN Shohei Ohtani makes his final start before heading to the All-Star Game and hopes to lead Los Angeles to a better result against Houston’s Cristian Javier, who struck out 14 Angels on July 1.

One start after striking out 13 in seven innings to begin a combined no-hitter against the Yankees, Javier upped his career high again with the 14 punchouts during seven innings of one-run ball in the Astros’ 8-1 win at Houston. The one run was a homer by Ohtani.

Ohtani was named to his second straight AllStar Game as a hitter and a pitcher. It’s uncertain if he’ll start on the mound

again, like he did last year.

He’s been even better as a pitcher this season, entering Wednesday 8-4 with a 2.44 ERA. UNBEATEN Tony Gonsolin of the Los Angeles Dodgers is 11-0 with a major league-leading 1.62 ERA going into his start at St. Louis.

The 28-year-old righthander, a first-time All-Star, has allowed two runs or fewer in all 16 starts.

He is seeking to become the first big league pitcher to win his first 12 decisions in a season since Detroit’s Max Scherzer started 13-0 in 2013. Before Scherzer, the feat had not been accomplished since Boston’s Roger Clemens began 14-0 in 1986.

ALL-STAR SHUFFLE Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez, San

LOS Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the Miami Marlins on July 6 in Miami.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Francisco left-hander Carlos Rodón and Miami first baseman Garrett Cooper are the latest players added to the rosters for the All-Star Game next

week. They replaced Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper and Houston’s Yordan Álvarez, who are hurt, and Milwaukee closer Josh Hader, who is skipping the July 19 game

at Dodger Stadium because of family responsibilities.

Rodón made the AllStar team for the second straight season. Martinez is a five-time All-Star. Cooper becomes the 31st first-time All-Star this year.

BIG WHEEL Bypassed for the All-Star Game, Philadelphia righthander Zack Wheeler takes an 8-4 record and 2.46 ERA into the finale of a twogame series at Toronto.

Wheeler is 8-1 with a 1.53 ERA since April 28 after losing his first three starts this season.

Rob Thomson guides the Phillies — he’s the first Canadian to manage a major league game in his home country.

Thomson is from Sarnia, Ontario, a city on the Michigan border about 200 miles west of Toronto. He

was promoted from his role as bench coach to interim manager after Joe Girardi was fired on June 3.

That made Thomson the first Canadian-born manager in the big leagues since Pittsburgh’s George Gibson was fired in June 1934.

“It’s great to be home,” Thomson said before Tuesday night’s game. “I love coming back here. I love the ballpark, especially when the roof is open. I have a lot of family and friends here.

It means a lot.”

Among those friends were eight former teammates from the 1984 Canadian Olympic baseball team, for whom the 58-yearold Thomson was catcher.

“I guess they rented out a suite,” Thomson said. “I don’t know how they got the money. It’ll be nice to see them, too.”

ALONSO, PUJOLS, ACUÑA, SOTO IN FOR HOME RUN DERBY ATLANTA (AP) — Mets slugger Pete Alonso will try to become the first player to win the All-Star Home Run Derby three consecutive times against a field that will include the Cardinals’ Albert Pujols, Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr and Washington’s Juan Soto.

The New York first baseman said Monday he is one of nine participants in the July 18 competition at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

“It’s a really fun event, and it’s going to be super exciting,” Alonso said before the Mets played at Atlanta on Monday night. “I have a really good plan to go into it and, again, I have just so much fun. I don’t think anyone has more fun than I do, especially when it comes to this event.”

Dave Jauss, who was the Mets’ bench coach and is now

a Washington Nationals special assistant, will pitch to Alonso for the second straight Derby.

“Just need to give him about two pots of coffee for before and a case of Bud Lite for after, and he said he’s good to go,” Alonso said.

Alonso hit 74 total home runs in last year’s Derby at Denver’s Coors Field and beat Baltimore’s Trey Mancini 23-22 in the final round.

Alonso joined Ken Griffey Jr (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) in winning consecutive titles. Griffey also won in 1994 and is the only three-time champion.

Pujols will participate in his fifth Derby after coming up short in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2015. He and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera were added to the All-Star rosters as special selections by Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Pujols will make his 11th AllStar appearance and participate in the Derby at one of his former homes. He played 85 games with the Dodgers last season after being cut by the Los Angeles Angels, then signed with St Louis before this season, which he has said will be his last.

The 42-year-old Pujols has five homers this season and 684 in his career, fifth on the career list.

“It’s an honour to be back in the All-Star Game and to have a chance to be part of the Home Run Derby, that’s something I enjoy a lot and my kids will have a blast,” Pujols said Monday night.

“Hopefully, I can put on a good show for them, because at the end of the day, it’s not about us, it’s about putting a good show for the fans.”

Schwarber posted a home run highlight reel on his Instagram page yesterday and the Phillies

later confirmed their lone All-Star representative would participate in the Derby.

Schwarber has 28 home runs in his first season with the Phillies organisation.

Acuña, the Atlanta star who will be a starting outfielder for the National League, will compete in his second Home Run Derby.

Acuña was eliminated by Alonso in 2019, when he set a career high with 41 homers.

Acuña will compete in the Derby even though he is not one of seven Atlanta players with 10 or more homers.

Acuña is hitting .274 with eight homers.

He missed 19 games at the start of the season as he continued his recovery from reconstructive surgery on his right knee. Acuña was the NL’s leader in All-Star voting.

Soto will be in the Derby for the second straight year.

He hit the longest home run in last year’s competition at 520 feet — the longest Derby drive in the Statcast era.

He beat Shohei Ohtani 31-28 after two tiebreakers in the first round, then lost to Alonso 16-15 in the second round.

Soto is hitting .243 with 17 home runs this season.

Joey Gallo, Matt Olson, Salvador Pérez and Trevor Story also competed last year.

There was no Derby in 2020, when the All-Star Game scheduled for Dodger Stadium was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Alonso won the 2019 Derby at Cleveland as a rookie when he defeated Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round, also by 23-22.

Guerrero, whose father won the event in 2007, hit 91 total homers but tired in the final round of the competition.

WNBA teams set for sprint to end of regular season, playoffs

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer THE WNBA teams are ready for the sprint to the finish with a month left in the regular season.

With most teams having about a dozen games left and 11 of the 12 franchises in the playoff hunt it should be an exciting final five weeks.

Only three games separate the top five teams — Chicago, Las Vegas, Seattle, Connecticut and Washington. Unlike the previous five years where finishing first or second earned a bye to the semifinals of the playoffs, the WNBA changed its postseason format this season to a more traditional bracket.

Still, having a top four seed means hosting the first two games of the bestof-three opening round and potentially not having to play a road game to advance.

Chicago, which leads the AP WNBA power poll again this week, has been the hottest team in the league, winning eight of its last 10 games. That stretch helped the Sky secure homecourt in the Commissioner’s Cup championship game on July 26 against Las Vegas.

The Aces struggled heading into the All-Star break, dropping five of their last seven games. Las Vegas

MILLER

FROM PAGE 16 every day should be named after him,” Miller said.

“He is the first and still the only Bahamian to win a world boxing title. He deserves to get a lot more recognition than he has received.”

Miller, however, said he is appreciative of the fact that he and ‘Elisha Obed’ are being recognised at the same time and he is even

begins its stretch run with a three-game road trip starting in New York.

Seattle, Connecticut and Washington all loom on the heels of the top two teams.

POWER POLL This week’s WNBA poll: 1. Chicago (16-6): The Sky had a busy weekend hosting the All-Star Game with half of their players involved in the festivities.

They play three games this week, including two on the road.

2. Las Vegas (15-7): The Aces tip off the stretch run with three road games this week without much of a break after four of Las Vegas’ starters played in the All-Star Game.

3. Seattle (15-8): The Storm host Dallas and Indiana this week and look to maintain the momentum they had before the AllStar break. Seattle has won seven of its last 10 games.

4(tie). Connecticut (148): Consistency is what the Sun are looking for as they have struggled to put together a winning streak since winning four straight to start June.

4(tie). Washington (1410): The Mystics are 11-4 when Elena Delle Donne plays and 3-6 without her.

Washington will play on both sides of the country this week with games in Los Angeles, Phoenix and then at home against Minnesota on Sunday.

6(tie). Los Angeles (1012): The Sparks have been playing well lately behind the strong play of Nneka Ogwumike. For them to crack the upper half of the standings they’ll need their guards to get healthy as Brittney Sykes, Kristi Toliver and Jordin Canada have all missed time with injuries.

6(tie). Atlanta (10-12): The Dream have a big week ahead with games against Chicago, Connecticut and

Phoenix as Atlanta can help solidify a playoff berth.

8. New York (9-13): The Liberty will face Las Vegas twice this week after last week’s offensive showcase that saw the teams combine for 223 points in a New York victory.

9. Minnesota (8-15): A strong finish before the All-Star break has gotten the Lynx back into playoff contention.

Minnesota has been in the postseason ever year

since missing the playoffs in 2010.

10. Phoenix (10-14): This wasn’t the season the Mercury envisioned at the start of the year. With Brittney Griner’s absence looming over the team and Tina Charles now in Seattle, its been a challenging season for Phoenix.

11. Dallas (10-12): The All-Star break allowed Satou Sabally a few more days to get back to full strength and she’ll be key

for the Wings to make a playoff push. She was out most of June with a knee injury before returning in early July.

12. Indiana (5-19): Six consecutive losses have the Fever at the bottom of the standings, but the future is looking good with the strong play of rookies NaLyssa Smith and Queen Egbo.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Sabrina Ionescu of New York was voted the AP Player of the Week. She averaged 26.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists to help the Liberty split their games last week. Aerial Powers of Minnesota and Breanna Stewart of Seattle also received votes.

GRINER UPDATE Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession charges at her trial last week. She will be back in court on Thursday. The WNBA acknowledged Griner at the All-Star weekend announcing her as an honorary starter while all the players wore jerseys with her name and number on the back of them for the second half of the game.

Game MVP Kelsey Plum dedicated her award to the Mercury center.

GAME OF THE WEEK: Las Vegas at Connecticut, Sunday. The Aces close out their three-game road trip against the Sun.

more greatly to be included with so many other outstanding Bahamian athletes in their own rights.

Among the others receiving the Order of Merit are Cecil Thompson (basketball) and Gregory Burrows (baseball) as Companions and Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson (track and field), Denise Mortimer (tennis), Godfrey Eneas (baseball), Lawrence Burnside (cycling), Mark Knowles (tennis), Della Thomas (bodybuilding), Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson

(basketball), Norman Gay (bodybuilding), Winifred Russell (netball), Oswald Moore (volleyball), Churchill Tener-Knowles (softball), Leo Rolle (tennis), Ali Culmer (softball), Winston ‘Tappy’ Davis (volleyball), Andy Knowles (swimming), Rex Burnside (cycling/powerlifting), Allan Ingraham (football), Ed Smith (football), Florence ‘Flo’ Rolle (softball), Bobby ‘Baylor’ Fernander (softball), as officers.

Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles, the

legendary star class sailor, will receive an Order of the Bahamas posthumously, along with his two separate crewmen Sloan Farrington (bronze in 1964 Olympic Games) and Cecil Cooke (gold in 1964 Olympics), both posthumously as Merit of Order Officers.

Also being honoured posthumously for the Order of Merit as a Companion will be Andre Rodgers (baseball) and as Officers are Bertram ‘Cowboy’ Musgrove (cycling), William

‘Yama Bahama’ Brennan (boxing), Oswald ‘Elisha Obed’ Ferguson (boxing), Carl Minns (volleyball/basketball), Leon ‘Apache’ Knowles (softball), Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller (boxing/cycling), Natasha Newbold (powerlifting/bodybuilding), Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson (martial arts), Rollie ‘the Grandmaster’ Gray (sloop sailing) and Hezron Moxey (sloop sailing).

Grand Bahamian Neko Grant, an International Softball Federation Hall of

Famer and former Bahamas Softball Federation president, will be receiving the Order of Distinction.

“I’m so happy to see so many persons who were involved in sports being honoured this time,” Wellington Miller said.

“They have really showed their appreciation to the athletes.

“I think that they have done a very good selection of athletes.”

The awards are expected to be presented to each individual later this year.

TEAM Wilson’s Sylvia Fowles, second from left, celebrates with Sabrina Ionescu, left, Candace Parker, right, and A’ja Wilson after dunking against Team Stewart during the first half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game in Chicago on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Nam Y Huh)

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, PAGE 13

PARTICIPANTS enjoy the Mario Ford Baseball Camp with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

Photos courtesy of Tommy Stubbs

WENTIA HELPS TO KEEP HER FATHER WENTY FORD’S LEGACY ALIVE AT BASEBALL CAMP

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net SHE was too young to remember the exploits of Wenty Ford as a Major League Baseball pitcher with the Atlanta Braves, but Wentia Ford-Diagne said she’s so glad that there are so many memories of her father that she can still rely on to help keep his legacy alive.

On Friday as her family celebrated the 42nd year since his death in a car accident on July 8, 1980, Ford-Diagne said she was glad to join her uncle, Mario Ford, in honouring her father at the annual Mario Ford Baseball Camp on Windsor Park.

On hand for the event was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, who emphasized the importance of remembering those trail blazers and at the same time put in a plug to have the park renamed after the Ford family in the future.

Ford-Diagne, a former multiple sporting star for the Kingsway Academy Saints, left the Bahamas in 1995 to pursue her studies at Norfolk State University before she went on to Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, is now residing in Edinburg, Texas where she is a physician assistant partnering with her husband Dr Thiendella Diagne at Dr Diagne Premier Ob Gyn Practice with emphasis on women’s health and infertility.

The 45-year-old mother of one daughter, Mareme Evangeline Ford-Diagne, said after she consulted her uncle, Mario, they agreed that since this was the memorable day for her father’s passing, they would make it a special one at the camp.

“He’s been deceased for 42 years, but in our history, I feel a lot of people don’t really know about the pioneers that set the pavement for sports in the country,” she said. “A lot of people really don’t know the Andre Rodgers, Tony Curry and Ed Armbrister of that era.

“If they only made it to the minors, it was a great accomplishment because of all of the segregation and everything that they had to go through. These are the people who paved the way and we need to remember them.”

Ford-Diagne said in remembering dates and putting events on to commemorate the occasion, as a family, they get to keep the memories of their loved ones alive.

“I never really talk about my dad. When I hear the name Wenty, I know they are talking about him,” she said. “But because I never really had a relationship

PICTURED, from left to right, at the Mario Ford Baseball Camp are Nathaniel McKinney, Linda Ford, Keith Ford, Eddie Ford, Wentia Ford, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and Mario Ford. with him because I was so young when he died, I can only go back on what I hear people say about him.

“When Ma Flo, my grandmother died, everybody from the former prime ministers, were talking about him. So it just told me that how well respected and loved he was in this country and I’m so proud to be a part of the legacy he created.”

Mario Ford, putting on the camp for the past 36 years, said when he contacted Ford-Diagne, she was excited about coming on board and giving the assistance to the recognition of her father this year.

In thanking God for allowing him to do the camp for as long as he has, Ford also expressed his gratitude to Ford-Diagne for partnering with him this year.

Additionally, he thanked the parents for sending their children out to participate and to his siblings Eddie, Keith and Linda, his son, Nathaniel McKinney and the other instructors for their assistance.

This year, the campers, ranging from ages 7-15 years, will receive a complimentary shirt with Wenty Ford’s number 45 printed on the back and they will also get a hat with number 42 printed for the years since he died.

Ford, who also played cricket, signed with the Braves in 1966 as an undrafted free agent and was promoted to the Major Leagues in September 1973 after his eighth season in Atlanta’s farm system, having won 17 of

24 decisions with an earned run average of 2.46 with the Braves’ two top minor league affiliates.

In his Major League debut on September 10, 1973, Ford started against the San Francisco Giants at Atlanta-Fulton County against future baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Manchal.

Ford pitched a complete game in a 10–4 triumph, surrendering five hits (four of them singles) and six base on balls (walks), with three strikeouts.

“Wenty wore the number 45 when he was playing professional baseball,” Ford said. “He said Hank Aaron was the best on the team and he wore 44. And once Hank retires, he would be the next best player on the Braves’ team.

“He always joked about that, but he never got to live out that dream because when the Braves was thinking about trading him, he said he would prefer to retire before he got traded. After playing with the Braves for 10 seasons, he decided to come home rather than get traded.”

This is just the first week of the camp, which runs daily from 9:30pm to 12:30 pm, but by the time it finishes on July 29, Ford said the campers would have been impacted about their knowledge of the sport.

“If the kids are not enjoying it, they won’t get much out of it,” Ford said.

“So we are trying to let them have as much fun as they can. The hours might seem short, but our instructors take them through the

drills and they get to play some games, so it’s been a lot of fun for them so far.”

Bowleg said it’s important to give respect where respect is due. “Wenty was one of those set of Bahamians, who paved the way for guys coming up like Jazz Chisholm and this Mario Ford camp is showing the kind of respect that he deserves,” Bowleg said.

“This is 42 years since he passed, so I’m just happy to be here to support his family.”

If there’s anything that has been more gratifying for Bowleg is that the camp is situated in the inner-city.

“We need to get the inner-city baseball moving because it reaches those kids who are unable to move it out east (for the Freedom Farm and Junior Baseball League of Nassau),” Bowleg said.

“It’s of uttermost importance because we need to get these kids under the age of 15 actively involved in some wholesome activities and to move them from the life of crime.

“Our future rests on the kinds of imput that we make in these young people in youth, sports or culture so that they can have some alternative to crime.”

As for the Ford family, Bowleg said there’s been consideration to renaming Windsor Park to some connection to the Ford family.

“The Ford family has had a greater involvement in the past to so many youngsters who have participated in so many events on this park, which is located right across the road from their

home,” Bowleg said. “So the opportunity to rename the field the Ford Field or Park or whatever you want to call it, is something that we will be considering,” Bowleg said.

“It’s something that has to be taken up with my collegiate and stakeholders before a decision of that nature is made.”

From a personal perspective, Bowleg said with the work, consistent dedication and involvement that the

Ford family has contributed to the amount of youngsters they have touched, is one of the reasons why they still bear the Ford name.

Ford said it’s a public park but their family will be willing to entertain any debate on the renaming of the park in the Ford name.

He said whether or not they do it, he and his family will continue to nurture the young boys and girls as they have always done in the past.

PAGE 14, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BROGDON, GALLINARI WILLING TO SACRIFICE TO HELP CELTICS

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer BOSTON (AP) — Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari both grew up surrounded by Boston Celtics fandom.

As a kid in Italy, Gallinari was an admirer of Larry Bird. And when was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2008, he remembers being given a disc containing the Hall of Famer’s highlights by then-general manager Donnie Walsh.

He watched it daily, trying to pick up any element he could from Bird’s game.

“Of course, Larry Bird is a legend, so it’s not easy to do the stuff that he was doing,” Gallinari said yesterday. “But I would look at those tapes every day.”

Brogdon, too, remembers being inundated with tales of the green and white by his late grandfather, a diehard devotee of Bill Russell and Red Auerbach.

Now years later, and after multiple stops around the league, Gallinari and Brogdon — Boston’s top two offseason additions — are being called upon to help this latest incarnation of the Celtics return

to the championship status that eluded them this past season with their loss in the Finals to Golden State.

“When the Celtics came on the table it was almost like a no-brainer,” Gallinari said. “You look around and see what’s going on — the banners, the history and everything that the Celtics are about — it was an easy choice.”

The veterans also know what it’s like to be close to reaching the NBA’s championship summit.

Brogdon was drafted

by Milwaukee and spent his first three years there before being traded two years ahead of the Bucks ultimately winning the title in 2021.

Gallinari bounced around on five different teams before helping Atlanta make a surprise Eastern Conference finals run in 2021 before falling to Milwaukee.

Those outcomes were a reminder to both of just how precious seizing the moment is in the NBA. They don’t want to see that happen to this Celtics core they are joining.

Brogdon, who was traded from Indiana hours after the start of free agency,

called the move “perfect timing.”

“For me, I’m in my prime.

I’m 29 years old,” he said.

“I experienced winning at a high level in Milwaukee my first three years. I went to Indiana, had a solid season and then sort of two rough seasons. So this is everything I’ve wanted, to be able to get back to this level. To be able to compete with guys that want to win a championship and guys that want to sacrifice to win.”

That includes Brogdon himself, who led Indiana in scoring last season with 19.1 points, along with 5.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He said he is more than willing to accept an understudy role to Celtics starting point guard Marcus Smart.

As good as Smart — the reigning Defensive Player of Year — was this season, it was clear at times during Boston’s postseason run that it was missing a traditional playmaking point guard.

It was one of the things Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens pinpointed as being a target during free agency.

That and finding help for a bench that was missing consistent scoring without

INDIANA Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon plays against the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Detroit, on March 4. The Boston Celtics improved its backcourt depth by acquiring combo guard Malcolm Brogdon in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya) disrupting its core of Jayson skillset, my playmaking, my has helped him dive headTatum, Jaylen Brown and ability to play off the ball first into a phase in his Smart. when guys like Brown and career in which he isn’t the The Celtics had to give Tatum have the ball,” Brog- centrepiece. up reserve centre Daniel don said. “And my ability That’s just fine by him if Theis in the trade for Brog- to be able to read the game, it means competing for a don and Stevens said they to be able to close games, championship again. may look to add another make good decisions and “At that point in my big to replace him, though defend really one through career it was a move I it’s not a necessity with the four can be an asset to this decided to accept,” Gal6-10 Gallinari and 6-5 Brog- team.” linari said. “It’s something don able to play multiple Gallinari, who turns 34 that you’ve got to adjust positions. this upcoming season, said and you’ve got to be a pro.

“I want to come in here taking a reserve role the And whatever’s got to be and I want to add — my past two seasons in Atlanta done, you’ve got to do it.”

Grizzlies tie Summer League scoring record, beat Nets 120-84

NBA STIFFENS TAKE FOUL PENALTY, WILL KEEP PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Santi Aldama scored 31 points, David Roddy added 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies tied the Las Vegas Summer League record for points in a game in a 120-84 victory over the Brooklyn Nets yesterday.

The Grizzlies (2-1), who never trailed and led by double figures for more than 33 minutes, hit 12 3-pointers, shot 59% from the field and had 31 assists. Their 120 points matched the record set by the Denver Nuggets in 2007.

The 6-foot-11 Aldama, a firstround draft pick in 2021, made 12 of 14 from the field, hit 4 of 5 from 3-point range, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots. Ziaire Williams, the No. 10 pick in the 2021 draft, had 14 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.

Roddy, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound forward who was picked No. 23 overall in June’s draft, was 7-of11 shooting. Kenneth Lofton Jr. added 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Cam Thomas made 11 of 13 free throws and finished with 29

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA has completed the process of changing the transition take foul rule, ending years of discussion about what to do with the long-maligned tactic.

And, also as expected, the play-in tournament is going to be around for the foreseeable future.

The league’s board of governors finalised those two matters yesterday, approving a plan to award one free throw when teams are disadvantaged by the take foul — as well as removing the “experimental” designation from the play-in element to the postseason.

It wasn’t a surprise that the league changed the penalty on take fouls; Commissioner Adam Silver told The Associated Press in early June that it would change, though cautioned that the new rule might still be tweaked in future years.

The take foul — in which the defender does not make a play on the ball — is what the league classifies as one that occurs either “during a transition scoring

points for Brooklyn (1-2). The No. 27 pick overall in the 2021 draft, Thomas has scored at least 26 points in each of his three games in Las Vegas and is averaging 28.7 per game. Day’Ron Sharpe added 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, and David Duke Jr scored 12 points.

BULLS 93, RAPTORS 83 Carlik Jones scored 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting with five assists, and Dalen Terry scored all of his 14 points in the first half to help Chicago beat Toronto.

Malcolm Hill added 11 points for Chicago (2-1). Ethan Thompson and Makur Maker scored 10 points apiece.

Toronto scored 12 fourthquarter points, nine that came as Ryan Hawkins hit three 3-pointers in the final 64 seconds.

Dalano Banton scored 18 points for Toronto (1-1). Jeff Dowtin added 16 points and D.J. Wilson scored 10. Christian Koloko, a 7-foot centre out of Arizona, finished with five points, four rebounds and three blocks.

The Raptors’ only pick (No. 33 overall) in June’s draft, Koloko shot 2 of 8 from the field and 0 for 3 from the free throw line but made his lone 3-point attempt.

The Bulls, who trailed by as many as 10 points in the first quarter, shot 55% (33 of 60) from the field, had 20 assists and scored 36 points off 18 Toronto turnovers.

HAWKS 95, HEAT 88 Tyrese Martin scored 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, while Chaundee Brown Jr was 8 of 11 from the field and finished with 18 points to help Atlanta beat Miami.

Chris Clemons, who averaged 30.1 points as a senior at Campbell in 2018-19, scored 15 for the Hawks.

Atlanta (1-2) made 37 of 69 (53.6%) from the field and shot 44.4% (8 of 18) from 3-point range.

Javonte Smart led Miami with 19 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

Kyle Allman Jr scored 14 points and Bryson Williams 11.

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

opportunity or immediately following a change of possession and before the offensive team had the opportunity to advance the ball.”

The exception is in the final 2 minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime.

The new penalty for such a foul is one free throw, which may be attempted by any player on the offended team in the game at the time the foul was committed, and continued possession.

PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT The play-in tournament has generally been considered a success, so it was no surprise that the league is keeping it around.

The play-in tournament — in its current form — has been used in each of the last two seasons, where the teams that finish seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th in the East and West meet to determine the final two playoff spots in each conference. The No. 7 team plays the No. 8 team, with the winner clinching the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The No. 9 team plays the No. 10 team, with the loser eliminated and the winner moving on to face the team that lost the 7-8 game. The winner of that matchup is the No. 8 seed.

HOLMGREN, GIDDEY LEAD OKC THUNDER OVER ORLANDO MAGIC LAS VEGAS (AP) — Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the draft, had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to an 84-81 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Holmgren shot 7 of 10 in a game that was originally expected to be a matchup of the Nos. 1 and 2 picks.

But the Magic announced earlier Monday that Paolo Banchero would not play the remainder of the summer after averaging 20 points, five rebounds and six assists in his two games in Las Vegas.

Josh Giddey added 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists for the Thunder (1-1).

Holmgren, a 7-footer out of Gonzaga, did a little bit of everything, from bringing up the ball to anchoring the Oklahoma City defence.

He threw down dunks, was 2 of 4 from 3-point range, blocked two shots and changed multiple more, but committed four turnovers.

Justin James led Orlando (2-1) with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Tommy Kuhse scored 14 points, Devin Cannady added 12 and Zavier Simpson had 11 points, seven assists and five steals. Emanuel Terry scored 10 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

ROCKETS 97, SPURS 84 Tari Eason had 22 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, and Jabari Smith Jr had 19 points and nine rebounds as Houston rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat San Antonio.

Josh Christopher scored 13 of his 18 points in the final six minutes as Houston (2-1) pulled away. Daishen Nix added 18 points, six assists and two steals for the Rockets.

San Antonio led 54-36 with 2 minutes left in the first half. Houston used a 16-5 run midway through the third quarter to take a 62-61 lead after Smith hit a 3-pointer.

Malaki Branham led San Antonio (0-3) with 20 points. Blake Wesley made just 3 of 20 from the field — 0 of 7 from 3-point range — but finished with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Josh Primo (health and safety protocols) did not play for the Spurs.

CELTICS 111, BUCKS 109 Matt Ryan scored 23 points and hit six of Boston’s 18 3-pointers — including a tightly contested running 3 with 0.8 seconds to play — and Boston stunned Milwaukee.

After Lindell Wigginton made two free throws to give the Bucks a onepoint lead, Ryan took the inbounds pass, dribbled up the left sideline and went behind-the-back near midcourt and hit a straightaway 3 with the 6-foot-7 MarJon Beauchamp in his face.

Ryan appeared to hurt his left ankle on the play and writhed in pain on the court before Wigginton missed a heave from beyond half court as time expired.

Mfiondu Kabengele had 15 points, 11 rebounds — including seven offensive

OKLAHOMA City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren passes around Orlando Magic’s Justin James, left, and Orlando Magic’s Emanuel Terry, right, during the first half an NBA summer league basketball game on Monday in Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/John Locher) — four assists and two 15 rebounds and blocked points, 12 rebounds and two three shots, while Funder- blocks. Jaden Hardy was blocks.

Brodric Thomas made 4 burk added 10 points, 10 just 4-of-15 shooting but of 8 from 3-point range and rebounds and two steals. finished with 14 points, six finished with 14 points and The Jazz (2-0) outre- rebounds and five assists.

Dallas 65-46 Derrick Alston Jr. scored eight rebounds for Boston bounded overall and had a 22-7 13 points and Moses Wright (1-1).

Juhann Begarin scored 13 advantage on the offen- added 11. Utah shot just points, Sam Hauser 12 and sive glass. Fall pulled down 31% (26 of 84).

12 offensive rebounds as TRAIL Justin Jackson added 10.

BLAZERS 88, Milwaukee’s Sandro Utah outscored the MaverKNICKS 77 Mamukelashvili had 28 icks 21-0 in second-chance Trendon Watford scored points and nine rebounds. points.

Juzang, Justin Robinson 18 points and Jabari Walker Wigginton added 24 points and Xavier Sneed scored had 16 points on 6-of-8 and Beauchamp scored 15.

11 points apiece for the shooting and grabbed 13 JAZZ 83, Jazz. Jarod Butler finished rebounds to help Portland MAVERICKS 82 Tacko Fall and D.J. with nine points, 10 assists overcome a slow start to Funderburk each had a and three steals but made beat New York.

Craig Randall II hit 4 of 8 double-double and Johnny just 3 of 22 (16%) from the Juzang hit a step-back field and went 0 for 10 from from 3-point range and finished with 12 points, Keon 3-pointer in the closing behind the arc.

Jerrick Harding led Johnson scored 11 and seconds to help cold-shooting Utah beat Dallas. Fall Dallas (0-2) with 18 points Brandon Williams added 10 scored 12 points, grabbed and A.J. Lawson had 15 for the Trail Blazers (2-1).

Portland shot just 3 of 14 from the field in the first quarter and trailed 24-9.

The Trail Blazers were 27 of 48 (56.3%) the rest of the way.

Quentin Grimes scored 24 points for the Knicks (2-1), who led 13-0 for the second straight game. Miles McBride scored 16 and Feron Hunt added 12.

Jericho Sims had six points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

ESPN analyst and former NBA player Richard Jefferson, who won an NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, officiated the second quarter.

PELICANS 101, HAWKS 73 Trey Murphy III, the No. 17 selection in the 2021 draft, had 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting and Daequan Plowden scored 16 to help New Orleans beat Atlanta.

Dyson Daniels, the Pelicans’ first-round draft pick (No. 8 overall), did not play because of an ankle injury.

Jared Harper made 9 of 12 from the free throw line and finished with 14 points and seven assists for the Pelicans (1-1).

Tyrique Jones added 11 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

AJ Griffin, the Hawks’ No. 16 pick in the draft, did not play did not play due to discomfort in his right foot.

Chaundee Brown Jr and Justin Tillman scored 14 points apiece for Atlanta (0-2).

The Hawks shot 31.7% (26 of 82) from the field and made 3 of 24 (12.5%) from 3-point range.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, PAGE 15

Column: Tiger has big voice, just not as much visibility

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

ST ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — Tiger Woods has a voice that can be as a big as his golf game.

What he lacks is enough visibility.

Woods left little room for interpretation yesterday when the 15-time major champion hammered away at Greg Norman’s new Saudi-funded LIV Golf series as not being in golf’s best interests. He said players who couldn’t resist the money — some received more than Woods has earned in his entire PGA Tour career — had “turned their back” on the very tour that made them famous.

None is as famous as Woods. He is not just the engine that drives the train.

For the modern game, he’s the entire railroad.

“What these players are doing for guaranteed money, what is the incentive to practice? What is the incentive to go out there and earn it in the dirt?” Woods said. “You’re just getting paid a lot of money up front, and playing a few events and playing 54 holes.”

They were his strongest comments to date, one of the lengthiest and most passionate answers from Woods, who for so many years preferred that his clubs delivered the message.

What the PGA Tour wouldn’t give to have Woods at full strength, playing a full schedule,

in the midst of one of the most disruptive moments in golf.

The British Open is only the third tournament Woods has played his year — four including the two-day charity pro-am in Ireland last week — and probably will be his last until he gets to the Bahamas at the end of the year for a holiday event he hosts.

While Norman was laying the ground work last fall and figuring out how to spend all that money from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Woods was out of the public eye from February to the end of November recovering from his car crash outside Los Angeles.

He spoke for the first time in the Bahamas and said his allegiance was to the PGA Tour and “that’s where my legacy is.”

And then it was another four months before Woods played again at the Masters. And after that, six weeks until the PGA Championship at Southern Hills, where he distanced himself from Phil Mickelson — nothing new there — when it came to the LIV Golf.

Woods now is back in the public two months later. His words are getting stronger.

His most pointed comments were for players who seemingly had their careers in front of them, who had yet to even make it to the PGA Tour and chose to take money they otherwise

TIGER WOODS, left, and Jack Nicklaus, both from the United States, pose for a photo on the Swilken Bridge during a ‘Champions round’ as preparations continue for the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland, on Monday. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf July 14-17 to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport’s oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St Andrews in 1873.

(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

would have had to earn through performance.

Woods spoke at his Hall of Fame induction in March of his parents taking out a second mortgage on their home to pay for his junior development.

And when he turned pro and signed big endorsements deals with Nike and Titleist, the priority was to pay it off.

That was his road.

As he spoke yesterday, the Official World Golf Ranking board had its annual meeting at St Andrews. Still to be determined is whether LIV Golf gets world ranking points.

Even if it goes through a one-year waiting period, most — if not all — of the players will be out of the top 50 by then. That makes it a long road back, especially if the majors — which seem to like LIV Golf as much as Woods — change their criteria.

“That is a possibility, that some players will never, ever get a chance to play in a major championship, never get a chance to experience this right here, walk down the fairways at Augusta National,” Woods said.

“That to me, I just don’t understand it.”

LIV Golf still doesn’t have anyone from the top 15 in the world ranking, though it has some major champions with plenty of name recognition — Mickelson, a chief recruiter for Norman; Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

There was a time not along ago when DeChambeau couldn’t spend enough time with Woods on the golf course (they played the same brand of golf ball).

Whatever influence Woods has, DeChambeau sees him only a few times a year. That’s the extent of

how much Woods can play on a right leg he described as being full of hardware from surgeries.

One famous story over the years was how Mickelson would engage in banter with a room full of players, and Mickelson would end any debate by asking, “How many majors have you won?” But first, he would look over his shoulder to make sure Woods was not in the room.

Woods still owns the stage in golf. He always has. He just doesn’t get out as much.

Norman isn’t at St Andrews for the gathering of British Open champions. It’s not clear whether he ever planned to attend, having skipped the last two times it was held at the home of golf. The R&A figured he would be a distraction amid the celebration of the 150th edition and asked him not to come this year.

Woods thought it was the right call.

“Greg has done some things that I don’t think is in the best interest of our game,” he said.

He later referenced Norman trying to start a World Golf Tour in the early 1990s that was quashed.

The most powerful dissenting voice back then came from Arnold Palmer.

The King was 20 years beyond his last PGA Tour win but still a consistent presence in golf.

That’s what the tour could use from Woods.

WOODS UNSURE HOW MANY OPENS HE HAS LEFT AT ST ANDREWS

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — Whether it’s on Friday or Sunday, Tiger Woods will cross over the Swilcan Bridge for the final time in the British Open at St Andrews.

He just doesn’t know if that means this year or forever.

“Who knows?” Woods said yesterday, unwilling to contemplate a future in golf he knows so little about.

The Open isn’t likely to return to the Old Course for at least four years, probably a bit longer.

Woods is 46 and with what he described as “a lot of hardware” in his right leg that was pieced back together following his February 2021 car crash.

“I don’t know — if it is that long — whether I will be able to physically compete at this level by then,” Woods said.

“It’s also one of the reasons why I wanted to play in this championship. I don’t know what my career is going to be like. I’m not going to play a full schedule ever again. My body just won’t allow me to do that.

“I don’t know how many Open Championships I have left here at St Andrews, but I wanted this one,” he said.

“It started here for me in ‘95, and if it ends here in ‘22, it does. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. If I get the chance to play one more, it would be great. But there’s no guarantee.”

And he is leaving nothing to chance.

In the other two majors he played this year, at the Masters and PGA Championship, Woods played only 27 holes of practice ahead of the opening round.

He played Ballybunion in Ireland last week with Rory McIlroy. He walked 18 holes with a wedge and a putter on Saturday evening at St Andrews.

He played 18 holes on Sunday, and then nine holes each of the last two days. Throw in the fourhole exhibition and that’s more than his previous two majors combined.

Woods wasn’t kidding when he said he wasn’t

about to miss this Open at St Andrews, the 150th edition of golf’s oldest championship. He won two of his three Opens on the Old Course.

“Yesterday for those four holes, he was moving better than I’d seen him move in a while,” said McIlroy, who played the “Celebration of Champions” with Woods over the four-hole loop on Monday.

“That was really good to see. And his swing ... hitting the golf ball and swinging the club aren’t the issue. It’s the walking part of it that’s the struggle. But he seemed to be moving well.”

The conditions have been so dry that Woods says the fairways are running faster than the greens.

The wind was at its worst yesterday, maybe the strongest it will be all week, and the air can be heavier that it seems.

“So trying to get my mind right for that,” Woods said. “I’ve been trying to do that, but the only way you can truly do it actually is to get out here and experience it.”

This week is all about the experience, and no one does history quite like the R&A with a “150” logo imprinted everywhere, even on the blue seats in the grandstands.

Still, it’s the Old Course that is the star no matter what edition of The Open it might be.

“This is unlike any other tournament really, The Open at St Andrews,” Jordan Spieth said.

“It certainly hasn’t disappointed being on the grounds this week. The course is incredibly firm.

The greens are flawless, and the setting as you come in — these closing holes — is even more grand than it was seven years ago.

“If you’re not getting amped up to play in this Open, I’m not sure this is the right sport for you.”

Spieth had as much attention on him as anyone the last time at St Andrews in 2015 when he arrived having won the Masters and US Open — only Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Woods had ever done that — and had won the John Deere Classic the week before.

He missed the playoff, won by Zach Johnson, by one shot.

McIlroy wasn’t even around in 2015.

He was the defending champion who decided to play soccer during his break before the Open, injured his knee and had to sit out.

McIlroy now has gone eight years since last winning a major, and he is taking a measured approach.

His game is in good shape, having won the Canadian Open last month.

He also joins Will Zalatoris as the only players to have finished in the top 10 at every major this year.

And this is the last one.

McIlroy’s lone appearance at St Andrews for the Open was in 2010.

He missed a 3-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, birdied the last and tied the major championship record of 63 at the time.

And then the wind arrived the following day and he shot 80.

“My confidence in my game is as high as it’s been in quite a while,” McIlroy

said. “I can’t go in here thinking that this might be my time.

“I just have to go out and play a really good tournament.

“I’ve got to string four good rounds together, and hopefully at the end of the week, that’s good enough to win.”

As for Woods, it starts with walking. And it starts with being sharp.

He says his leg is stronger than it was when he made it through all four rounds at Augusta National with a pronounced limp.

Then again, Thursday afternoon will be only his eighth competitive round of the year.

But his spirits were high.

He’s at the Old Course.

Whether he returns to play at a high level is not on his mind at the moment.

“This whole year has been something that I’m very proud of that I’m able to have gotten to this point with my team to where I’ve been able to play in these tournaments when it looked like I would never have this opportunity ever again,” he said.

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Woods, Page 15

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

‘Speedy Stevie’ will be missed at Worlds

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

H

ead coach Rupert Gardiner said it was devastating when he got the news that Steven ‘Speedy Stevie’ Gardiner will not be able to travel this week to Eugene, Oregon with Team Bahamas for the World Athletics’ 2022 World Championships.

Not only was Gardiner - no direct relationship to Gardiner the team manager - to defend his title in the men’s 400 metres, but the Abaco native was also expected to play a pivotal role on the Bahamas’ mixed relay 4 x 400m relay team.

“It wasn’t the type of news that we expected when we heard that he wasn’t going to travel,” said Gardiner, who along with some members of Team Bahamas were on their way to Oregon yesterday. “We didn’t expect to hear that kind of news.”

Gardiner, the 26-year-old athlete, announced on his Instagram page on Monday that he will have to skip the World Championships, scheduled for July 15-24, because of UTE tendon inflammation to his right foot. He won the World Championship title in 2019 in Doha, Qatar and was coming off his gold medal

performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held last year in Japan.

More importantly, manager Gardiner said they were looking to reunite the athlete Gardiner with two-time Olympic gold medallist Shaunae MillerUibo as the centrepieces of the Bahamas team in the mixed relay.

“If he was there and he ran with Shaunae, we were looking for the team to go after the world record,” manager Gardiner said.

“We would have had the two best quarter-milers in the world on the men and women side and all we had to do was add two more competitors to go along with them.”

Grand Bahamian Alonzo Russell, Bradley Dormeus, Wayna McCoy, Anthonique Strachan, Megan Moss, Doneisha Anderson, Javonya Valcourt and Janae Ambrose are the others in the pool that manager Gardiner and the rest of the team personnel would have relied on to compete with the athlete Gardiner and Miller-Uibo.

“We will miss him because he would have brought so much to the team,” the manager Gardiner said. “But we’re confident that with the team we have, the Bahamas will still have a credible team to compete for a medal.

“We will have to put a lot of the focus on Shaunae, but we feel we have some athletes on the team who are capable of giving the Bahamas a legitimate shot at a medal. With Stevie, we would have been assured of the gold.”

The athlete Gardiner and Miller-Uibo teamed up with Strachan and Grand Bahamian Michael Mathieu to secure the mixed relay gold medal at the World Relays in 2017, the last time World Athletics staged the event in the Bahamas at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Miller-Uibo, who is listed to compete in the both the 200 and 400m at the championships, is also in the women’s 4 x 400m relay pool with Strachan, Moss, Anderson, Valcourt and Ambrose. “We’re on our way to Eugene and once we have assembled the team, we will take a look at what our situation will be for the championships,” manager Gardiner said.

“Obviously, we will have to make some adjustments to the team, but we won’t be able to deal with it until we have everybody in place. We just have to wait and see how everybody looks and feels when we get there, but we will definitely miss Stevie.”

The athlete Gardiner continued in his tweet that

NOT only was Steven Gardiner to defend his title in the 400 metres, but the Abaco native was also expected to play a pivotal role on the Bahamas’ mixed relay 4 x 400 metre relay team at the World Athletics’ World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, this week. (AP Photo) he will now focus on getting the necessary treatment so that he can be 100 percent.

“To the people of the Bahamas, my sponsors and my fans around the world, I’m sorry I won’t be able to compete,” Gardiner continued on social media. “I wish

my rivals good health and the very best. Thanks for the support.”

Manager Gardiner said they are wishing Gardiner a speedy recovery.

Gardiner will also skip the Commonwealth Games, which will follow in

Birmingham, England, July 29 to August 7.

He was named by the Bahamas Olympic Committee to a 28-member team, including 11 track and field athletes, that will have Roy Colebrooke as the chef de mission.

Miller elated to be on National Honours list

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IMMEDIATE past Bahamas Olympic Committee president Wellington Miller said he’s elated to be included with former world boxing champion Everette ‘Elisha Obed’ Ferguson in the list of honourees for the 2022 National Honours.

In making the announcement during the 49th celebrations of the Bahamas Independence on Sunday, Governor General Cornelius A Smith said the list of citizens, some of whom are being awarded posthumously, are being recognised for their outstanding service in various areas of national development.

When contacted on Saturday to inform him that he was one of the recipients, Miller said he had to call

WELLINGTON MILLER back to verify that the call was not a fluke.

“Whenever you are recognised by your country for the contribution that you make, you are really appreciative,” said Miller, who was a former boxer and president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Bahamas.

“A lot of times when you are involved in sports, you do what you have to do, but you never think that you are doing it to get any kind of national recognition like this. So, whenever you get it, you appreciate it so much more.”

While Miller was listed among a distinguished group of athletes receiving the Order of Merit, Obed, the first and only Bahamian to win a world boxing title, will be honoured posthumously as an officer.

But as he has been campaigning over the years, Miller is still calling for something more tangible for his long-time friend and idol, Elisha Obed.

“I still think that a person like Elisha Obed should have a street where so many people travel or a building that people go into

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