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VOLUME:117 No.178, AUGUST 12TH, 2020

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PM QUARANTINES EARLY MOVE ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

Turnquest also in isolation and staff urged to follow suit

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest voluntarily entered self-quarantine “out of an abundance of caution” yesterday after someone who works at the Cecil WallaceWhitfield Centre tested positive for COVID-19.

The news came as the country recorded fortyfour new cases of the virus, including 26 on New Providence, ten on Grand Bahama, two on Abaco and one on Inagua.

Inagua’s first case comes days after Dr Minnis announced that restrictions

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

there and on several other islands will be removed and that limited inter-island travel will resume given the absence of cases there.

In addition to Dr Minnis and Mr Turnquest, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd also entered self-quarantine this week despite a negative test result for the virus.

He was tested after being exposed to a positive case.

Cabinet Office’s statement yesterday said the Ministry of Health’s Surveillance Unit has initiated contact tracing “to determine the level of exposure to employees and visitors” to the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre.

THE Bahamas Marijuana Commission is resuming its work this week with its co-chair Quinn McCartney admitting it will be challenging to fully decriminalise the substance in two years even though “lowhanging fruits” like medical marijuana can be legalised in that time.

The commission held its first meeting since March yesterday. “I didn’t think any of us anticipated the pandemic effects would’ve been so long-lasting,” Mr McCartney said.

SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGE THREE

LOCKDOWN EXTENSION ‘CONCERNING’

EXPERTS CONFIRM BORDER MOVE TO BLAME FOR SURGE

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net A PAN American Health Organisation official has attributed the alarming number of COVID-19 cases in The Bahamas to the opening of borders allowing non-essential travel and citizens visiting destinations where the virus has skyrocketed.

Dr Sylvain Aldighieri, PAHO Deputy Director, answered media questions yesterday during PAHO’s virtual press briefing on COVID-19.

While he commended as vital in the fight against the

spread of the disease The Bahamas’ COVID-19 Contact Tracing Task Force, Dr Aldighieri highlighted this country’s heightened cases over the last several days.

The Bahamas recorded 371 cases of COVID-19 from August 1 to August 10. “… We cannot say that the increase in the number of cases is due to the increase of testing,” Dr Aldighieri said. “We would more favour as it relates with the resuming of non-essential travels and travel to countries that have very high rates of transmission of the virus at the moment.

SEE PAGE THREE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

RUMBLE ON THE REEF FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson got to grips with several sharks during Discovery Channel’s Shark Week in Grand Bahama. “I took on this challenge to overcome fears I still deal with in life,” Tyson said.

Full story - Page 2

KEY government agencies that form The Bahamas’ commercial hub were yesterday urged by exAttorney General John Delaney to “step up their game” in adapting to COVID-19’s digital business demands.

Mr Delaney said it would become “quite concerning” if the present shutdown lasted for more than a fortnight with the Registrar General’s Department only providing a limited online ability.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

POLICE SHOOTINGS ‘PART OF THE JOB’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday called the latest police-involved shooting that led to a man being killed and two officers injured “unfortunate” but noted such incidents are “the nature of the business”.

“As soon as it happened, I got a call from

MINISTER Marvin Dames the Commissioner who gave me a full update,” he told reporters ahead of a

Cabinet meeting yesterday. “He was out there on the front lines keeping the press up to date.

“Nobody likes to see shootings, police or otherwise. It’s an unfortunate situation but this is the nature of the business. We are in an era where it’s no longer bottles and rocks.

“And when someone aims a gun at you and pulls the trigger, their only intent

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FIVE

ALICIA WALLACE TOO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Tyson’s rumble on the reef

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama received major international exposure during the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week aired on Sunday starring boxer Mike Tyson at Tiger Beach.

This was a much-needed showcase for the island, where the tourism industry continues to struggle with the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

With nearly 27 million viewers

tuning in globally, Shark Week is one of the top watched cable television programmes. During the one-hour programme, Tyson was filmed scuba diving with lemon sharks, reef sharks and tiger sharks in the waters of Shark Junction and Tiger Beach.

Tourism officials on Grand Bahama said the island’s vast marine life and natural beauty were on full display on “one of television’s most anticipated summer events”.

In the Tyson programme the first part of the challenge saw him cage diving with lemon

sharks, while the second round upped the ante with an open ocean dive during which he had to gently push the sharks away if they came too close.

But the third round was where it really got scary for Tyson. The former boxer threw up before diving nearly 50 feet underwater without a cage, then had to grab a shark and try to immobilise it.

Tyson could be seen grabbing the shark by the nose as it swam past and turning it on its back, successfully inducing the hypnosis-like state.

“I took on this challenge to

overcome fears I still deal with in life,” Tyson said. “I equate this with overcoming my fear of getting back into the ring at 54-years old.

“Doing Shark Week taught me that whatever intimidates me, I am still able to step up to the challenge of overcoming anything that would prevent me from accomplishing my life’s mission of reaching my highest potential in life and bringing me closer to God. “I was scared all the way through and was just trying to get through it alive,” he said. “I’m a

scary guy but not when it comes to adventurous stuff.”

Sunday’s episode, Tyson vs.

Jaws: Rumble on the Reef special, with announcer Michael Buffer calling shots, took on the scenario of a match-up between the legendary heavyweight champion and the apex predator in Grand Bahamian waters.

Shark Week 2020 continues through August 16 with incredible shark stories, survivor tales, scientific expeditions, and celebrity appearances from Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, and Shaquille O’Neal.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, PAGE 3

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

BPL SWITCHES BILLING DATES TO HELP CUSTOMERS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net BPL has modified its billing dates to allow customers to receive bills by the 20th of each month.

The company hopes the switch will make it easier for consumers to budget on when to pay their power bill.

“This is significant

because past practice saw the last round of customer bills sent out on the 29th of each month,” the power provider said in a statement.

“This meant that many customers got their BPL bill after payday, which meant that those customers always found themselves outside of the 21-day payment period.

“Our new billing cycle ensures this is a thing of

the past, and prepares the way for BPL to reintroduce budget billing.”

BPL said budget billing is their method of averaging the bills a customer pays over a fixed period of time.

“Bahamians are used to spikes in their bills in the summer and dips in the winter: budget billing will take the total amount to be paid to BPL over a 12-month period

and average that cost so the customer is paying the same amount each month.

“Budget billing with BPL will provide predictable bills to our customers.

We’re taking the guesswork out of the monthly bill payment,” the company said.

On July 30 The Tribune reported that more than 1,300 customers had their supply shut off during the

utility company’s latest round of disconnections.

O 12,466 New Providence and Family Island customers in arrears, 1,361 were disconnected, while 646 were reconnected.

There were also some account holders that agreed to payment plans.

As of July 31, 1,048 plans were signed by customers in New Providence and 263 in the Family Islands.

Prior to announcing that it would commence disconnections, there were 11,399 customers in arrears by more than $500 for more than 90 days as of April 1.

Additionally 1,488 customers were in arrears by more than $500 for more than 90 days since April 1.

Customers on the COVID-19 BPL deferral plan were 559.

Cautious Minnis and Turnquest in isolation BORDER MOVE TO BLAME FOR SURGE from page one

PM Dr Hubert Minnis, left, and DPM Peter Turnquest voluntarily entered self-quarantine yesterday from page one “At this point there has been no confirmation that the prime minister or the deputy prime minister has been exposed,” the statement said. “Out of an abundance of caution, the prime minister and the deputy prime minister will voluntarily enter into selfquarantine until further instructions from the Ministry of Health.”

Other employees at the centre have been encouraged to quarantine as well.

In an interview with ZNS

yesterday, Dr Minnis said he is feeling well. “I was told that an individual in the office, not my immediate vicinity but in my complex, tested positive and staff members may have communication with that person and subsequently entered in my office and therefore out of an abundance of caution they asked me to quarantine until further notice,” he said. “But I feel 100 percent well and I follow doctor’s orders, came home and since I was unable to exercise, I just completed coming off of treadmill, ensuring that I stayed in

shape keeping to guide us through this COVID pandemic and be assured also that the deputy prime minister is likewise well.”

After one of his aides tested positive for COVID19 last month, Mr Turnquest self-quarantined despite his own negative test result.

Dr Minnis, meanwhile, has been tested at least once for the virus. He tested negative while planning a trip to Grand Bahama in mid-May. Both men plan to work and carry out their duties while under quarantine.

Editorial View - Page 6

“We are working very closely with The Bahamas regarding the strengthening and the expansion of the government surveillance network. I would like to flag the importance of the strengthening of contact tracing activities and to highlight the implementation in The Bahamas of the contract tracing strike force which is very important for controlling the amount of cases reported.”

Asked about the effectiveness of lockdowns in the second wave of COVID cases in The Bahamas, Dr Aldighieri said: “The lockdown which was already effective in Grand Bahama has been extended to all islands and the common sense thing is that we have to wait a bit before making conclusions regarding the outcome of this very strong measure.”

The Director of PAHO, Dr Carissa Etienne, the main speaker at the PAHO conference had a strong message for young people in the region saying they are at risk of all aspects of COVID-19 including death.

“Indeed it is important to know that young

people are not immune to COVID-19,” Dr Etienne said. “Young people, do not have special powers against COVID-19. They are also at risk for severe sickness, hospitalisation and even death. As of July we have recorded more than 200,000 confirmed and probably COVID-19 infections in adolescents in all regions. More than 10,000 hospitalisations and more than 200 deaths. So not only can young people contract the virus, but even when asymptomatic, they can spread COVID-19 to family members and friends who may be more vulnerable.

“We recognise that youths and adolescents throughout the region are disproportionately affected by a whole range of health issues like violence and suicides and road traffic accidents and substance abuse. Taking care of the mental health of young people during the pandemic is critical, particularly in a region where suicide is the third leading cause of death among adults and youth after homicides and traffic fatalities. So let’s be clear.

Suicide is preventable and COVID-19 is also preventable, too.”

Sympathetic towards the

regional youth, Dr Etienne said they are impacted differently by COVID-19 precautionary measures.

“We recognise that young people are affected by the pandemic in a unique way.

And, they struggle and are impacted differently by prevention measures such as physical distancing and school closures. But we are living in extraordinary circumstances and now more than ever, we need all hands on deck to get through this difficult time in our history.

We need the energy and innovation of young people to help us all through these challenging times.

“So to all young people, let me say that at PAHO, we want to encourage you to become engaged in your own health and that of those around you. Follow prevention measures like regular handwashing and physical distancing. Assist or aid a family member or neighbour and support community actions to help that those who are struggling around you have the support that they need.”

Dr. Etienne said young people are a tremendous force for change in the fight against the deadly COVID19 pandemic.

ACTIVISTS CONCERNED ABOUT LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A LOCAL activist group has expressed concerns about the level of assistance available to people to assist with paying rent.

Khandi Gibson, president of local advocacy group Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), told The Tribune yesterday the process for getting rental assistance from the Department of Social Services is too lengthy.

According to Ms Gibson the timeframe could be between three and six months for those in need to receive this kind of help.

She said within this timeframe, most times a tenant

would have already been evicted by a landlord before the department can actually help.

Back in April, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed the details of what a rental assistance programme would look like.

The Prime Minister announced that qualified renters would be able to defer 40 percent of their rent over a three-month period, effective April 1.

At the time he said the programme was limited to residential rentals and was only for those whose employment or income has been affected

by COVID-19.

Individuals would need to provide documentation to their landlord to qualify for this programme.

During the three-month period, landlords were not to evict tenants who were in good standing prior to April or disconnect utilities, Dr Minnis said. At the end of the three-month period, individuals will have 12 months to pay back the deferred amount.

But in Ms Gibson’s opinion the Prime Minister’s words were out of line.

She said: “How could you suggest what landlords and tenants should do when ain’t nobody trying to agree with you as the Prime Minister. When a tenant comes to Khandi Gibson, they sign an agreement between Khandi Gibson and them not Khandi Gibson and the Prime Minister.

‘When some landlords run their place, their place

comes with light and water.

So if the tenant isn’t working then light and water goes up. Who is gonna pay that?”

Ms Gibson said there were no governmental emergency shelters to house people when they fall on hard times, noting that at one point a housing programme that she facilitated was filled to capacity.

Twenty-eight people were housed in a three bedroom house at the programme’s peak, but now the home’s occupancy had decreased to 16.

Equality Bahamas Director Alicia Wallace weighed in on the situation saying the rental programme was insufficient as the tenant still has to come up with 60 percent and deferring

would only cause people to come up with more money later on. She highlighted the plight landlords also faced as a lot of them are not wealthy people.

She said: “I think we often think of landlords as wealthy people who can afford to just not get paid rent but here landlords are literally people who chose to you know build a duplex instead of a house so that they can have a little bit of income.

“They don’t have extra money. So its not sustainable to ask them to continually defer or to waive rent so it really takes having conversations between the tenant and landlord right now to try to get them to certain agreements.”

Ms Wallace said she had to be somewhat of an intermediary between tenants and landlords to assist with coming up with agreements that work with both sides.

“When the money just isn’t there it’s frustrating for the tenants but all the landlord knows is that they need their money so they can pay these bills,” she said.

“There’s so many issues that come up with rent money and the way that our rental agreements here are set up.

“We’re not really set up to be able to even evict people so it comes down to arguments between individuals and if you don’t have someone to help with that conversation it can get very heated,” Ms Wallace said.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

FINED $500 FOR GOING TO GET FOOD FOR HIS CHILDREN

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 28-YEAR-OLD man who said he violated national lockdown to get food for his children was fined $500 yesterday.

Tamicko Williams was arrested after officers found him on Colleton Street around 8.45am on August 9. He pleaded guilty during his hearing before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, but said he only left his house to get food for his children.

He was also charged with deceiving a police officer after he gave them

a false name when he was questioned. The defendant pleaded guilty to that charge as well, but said he only did it because he had been released from prison recently and had a warrant that “kept coming up”. Williams claimed he was “very scared” at the time, so he gave the officer his brother’s name instead.

The court heard officers were on mobile patrol near Ridgeland Park when they observed the defendant walking. According to the prosecution, Williams appeared to look in the direction of the officers before running into a nearby yard. One of the

officers then chased after him and caught him. When questioned, Williams told the officer his name was Kyle and said he only came outdoors to buy breakfast and get some money from a family member. The officers suspected the defendant gave them a false name and asked him whether his name was Kyle a second time. The prosecution said Williams eventually admitted his name was in fact Tamicko. He was subsequently arrested and taken to a nearby station where he admitted to the offences.

When given an opportunity to speak, Williams told the magistrate he had two

children and was the sole breadwinner of his household since his girlfriend had been laid off from her job during the pandemic. He insisted he only violated the lockdown because he was “trying to feed” his kids.

In response, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt told the defendant the country was “fighting a fierce public health battle” and it was important for people to “submit to the advice of medical experts” and adhere to the regulations put in place by the competent authority.

Still, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said she considered the fact that

HUNDREDS flocked to the Thomas A Robinson stadium on Monday to collect cheques from the NIB.

Williams was the sole breadwinner of his household with minor children and fined him $300 or one month in custody for violating the lockdown. After telling the defendant the court could not endorse him lying to an officer, she also fined him another $200 or three weeks in prison.

Williams was given two weeks to pay the fines.

Meanwhile, Phillip Curtis, 30, was also charged with violating the national lockdown after officers found him on Balfour Avenue around 8.15am on August 9. The court was told officers were on mobile patrol when they observed

Curtis walking. When they approached and questioned him, he told them he was heading to his mother’s house for some food. As a result, he was arrested and taken to the Grove Police Station. There, he admitted to the offence in an interview with police.

After listening to the prosecution’s facts, Curtis pleaded guilty. Still, he said he only left his house that day because he lived with his grandmother and they did not have any more food at home.

Magistrate FergusonPratt accepted his guilty plea and fined him $375 or one month in prison.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

Rolle defends NIB’s payment operations

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Insurance Board Minister Brensil Rolle has defended operations at NIB’s cheque distribution centre, saying while there were some challenges with the process, officials were still able to dole out a “significant number” of payments.

His comments came yesterday amid public outcry over long lines and lengthy wait times at the NIB site - Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Hundreds turned out Monday to receive overdue unemployment payments.

Last week, Mr Rolle told a local news station that thousands of NIB

benefit checks had not been collected.

When NIB opened on Monday amid the country’s two-week lockdown, hundreds of laid off workers flocked to the stadium in anticipation of collecting the long-awaited cheques.

However, after hours of waiting in the long lines, some people complained about not receiving the cheques despite their names being posted on a list

by NIB via social media.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Cabinet yesterday, Mr Rolle admitted that NIB had encountered several issues during Monday’s distribution. However he noted that officials were working to rectify all issues and improve the process moving forward.

He said: “I told the media a few weeks ago that we had thousands of cheques at NIB that was not collected. We published a list of names and in the transition from those persons who did not collect their checks and the new government rollover of program, that resulted in hundreds of persons coming to the stadium to collect a check.”

“Others just came to see whether there was a check for them to collect and so yes, it was a challenge yesterday. For the most part, we satisfied a significant number of Bahamians and they got the checks that we printed for them.”

“But you have to take into account that there are hundreds of Bahamans who one, do not have a bank

account so we cannot make a direct deposit to them,” the minister added. Secondly, they may not want us to make a direct deposit because the banks may deduct sums from them.”

“And thirdly, some individuals, particularly those who wanted to get on the new rollover program saw this an opportunity to come to NIB to get service. I understand what the frustration of persons are during this pandemic and we also understand that we have been going through more than thirteen weeks of this activity and many individuals just do not have the funds to do what they wish.”

“And so, what we determined for (today) is we will have a list of actual physical

checks that we have in our possession. We will go down through the line and form a triage so that individuals who are there to pick up a check can join the line and leave the speculation to others.”

To date, Mr Rolle said NIB has spent over $100 million dollars on unemployment assistance.

However, it is not clear how many people collected unemployment cheques on Monday, with Mr Rolle telling reporters he could not give a definite estimate.

Still, the minister assured yesterday that workers who have contributed to NIB will receive their benefits.

Addressing the issue as to why some people were not able to receive the payments on Monday, Mr Rolle said some individuals were not to able to collect the cheques either because they had been paid a week prior or had been re-employed.

“There were two employees who came to the window while I was there whose names were on the list, cheques were printed for them but we subsequently got from the employer an indication that these persons were back to work so we could not issue those cheques,” he told reporters.

“Secondly, there are individuals whose names were on the list but they picked up the cheque the Thursday before and came back on Monday and expected a new cheque and so these all of a growing pains and like I (today) we will have a physical list of every cheque that is in the sports centre and as we go down the line we will confirm the names and ID’S of these individuals and we will make sure that they have a cheque available.”

Meanwhile, as it relates to hotel workers who have not yet been paid by their

employers, Mr Rolle said he could not say what the issues were, but noted that NIB officials are monitoring the situation.

“I can’t say what is happening with the company,” he said. “We have an arrangement with the companies to disperse the monies to the client. This arrangement is based on the fact that the companies have given us a list of persons who worked for them and unemployed as a result of this.”

“In addition to that, there are hundreds of individuals who have gone back to work, and I discovered this yesterday when I went the sports centre. They have gone back to work, and the companies have advised us that they are back to work.”

Asked yesterday about the sustainability of the national insurance fund amid the pandemic, Mr Rolle replied: “I can’t predict what the future is going to hold but what I do know…I want to encourage employers to make contributions to NIB on behalf of the employees because they deduct funds from the employees for that purpose.”

“And for those who do not deduct funds, I urge you to begin to do that for your employees. Six months ago, we did not anticipate, and no one could’ve anticipated that we would spend over $100 million in unemployment assistance from March to now.”

“So, yes the question is how long we could go- I can’t tell you (but) what I do know is the funds has been sustainable up to this point but as Bahamians, we must also understand that we must now contribute back to this fund to make sure that it is sustainable so that you and I could get benefits from it. “

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, PAGE 5

from page one

Police shootings part of the job, says Dames

is to kill and we pray... for the officer and his family and we pray that God will continue to keep people safe.”

His comments to the press came after a man police shot a man on Monday in the Pinewood Gardens community, fatally wounding him. The victim allegedly opened fire on officers and his mother following a heated “domestic” dispute over prayers.

Two officers were injured during the ordeal, but officials say they are expected to recover.

Police did not release the victim’s identity to the press, but friends and close relatives at the scene identified him as Carlton Smith, a resident of Cowpen Road and father of two children.

This incident also follows police shooting and killing three men on Cowpen Road after an officer was “ambushed” by a gunman nearly two months ago.

Yesterday, Mr Dames noted that he was grateful for the services offered by the policemen and added that he was keeping them in his prayers.

“Two officers were injured,” he continued. “I believe one was shot and the other had a leg injury so we’re praying for them and their families. We’re grateful for the job they continue to do. They keep us safe in these dangerous times.

“It’s unfortunate that someone have to lose their lives and we pray for the

THE SCENE of the shooting at Pinewood Gardens on Monday and, inset, the victim, Carlton Smith. family of that individual as well. The matter is now in the hands of the coroner and we wait to see the outcome of that.”

Despite the challenges brought by the COVID19 pandemic, Mr Dames said law enforcement officers have continued to fulfil duties to protect Bahamians. Their commitment to serve their country, he

said, deserves to be commended. “You know, crimes are still occurring throughout our communities and so they have to continue their patrols and they have to continue their investigations not only in the capital but throughout this country and who can forget Dorian,” he said.

“We still have a tremendous amount of resources

on Abaco and Grand Bahama in support of that efforts. But, this what law enforcement agencies do and we’re grateful to them and we continue to pray for them and their families.”

Last month, Mr Dames told The Tribune that as many as ten police officers have been infected with COVID-19, with over 100 officers in quarantine.

Asked for an update on the matter yesterday, the Mount Moriah MP refrained from giving exact numbers to the media, only telling reporters he thought law enforcement agencies “did a great job” in containing the outbreak from within.

Instead, he replied: “I don’t really want to get into the specifics of it but…at

the beginning of this, we had ensured that our agencies had put in place plans to manage throughout this period and those plans have been working. In the defence force, I think the total number is just around ten thereabouts. That’s not bad for an agency that’s out there, that’s at sea and that’s on almost every island and that are out there on the front line.”

“The police force, those numbers I think they have been too in double digits but not high in comparison with the number of officers within the police force and the duties that they’re performing. “ Meanwhile, the Bahamas Department of Corrections, he added, remains COVID free.

Medical marijuana may be legal within two years from page one “When the pandemic came we thought it was prudent to pause to get over that first wave. We were sort of in abeyance waiting for the right opportunity to reconvene. We’ve done so now because of increased interest in our work and perhaps possible benefits of our recommendations.”

Before the COVID-19 crisis, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he wants to decriminalise medical and small amounts of recreational marijuana by the end of this term.

Asked about that timeline, Mr McCartney said: “We presented a report that can be implemented in phases and so I think there are some things that can be done. The medical marijuana, that’s a low hanging fruit that can certainly be dealt with.

I think the biggest challenge will be putting in the regulatory framework and making sure agencies are in place to ensure things are done properly. People will have to be hired, some will have to be trained, an office will have to be located and then there’s the whole licensing process. These things will take time but certainly if the will is there I think there are a sufficient templates out there to guide us and certainly some of the more low-hanging fruits can be done. It can be done in phases but there might be too much to do at one time.”

Mr McCartney said at the top of the commission’s agenda is discussing how to get to the finish line and complete a promised survey on the attitudes of Bahamians toward marijuana.

He said social distancing protocols have complicated efforts to complete the survey.

“One of the options was

CO-chair Quinn McCartney

an electronic survey but the preferred method would be door-to-door interaction with people we are surveying. That’s the method of choice but under the circumstances we will have to see how best we can adapt and use the means that are most effective taking into consideration the current times that we’re in. We want the information to be reliable and statistically sound. We will consult the experts to determine how best we can quickly achieve that without compromising anyone’s health,” he said.

Carlyle Bethel, head of the Free National Movement’s Torchbearers Association, wrote to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday, insisting a way to boost the ailing economy is marijuana reform.

“The governor of the Central Bank announced on August 4, 2020 that they are projecting our economy to contract by 15-20 percent, with our tourism industry not fully recovering until 2022,” he wrote.

“He also noted that the cause of such a large contraction in our economy is due to the fact that we are so reliant on tourism. The IDB also predicts that, economically, we will be one of the hardest-hit countries in the world because of this same fact. With the financial services industry in its current free-fall, tourism is currently the only true source for two critical economic factors. One is the inflow of USD to feed foreign currency reserve requirements and to project the BSD/USD peg; and the other, to provide larger amounts of jobs for our people.”

“That being said, I suggest we expeditiously pursue the full legalisation of cannabis in the Bahamas. In addition the proven medical and health benefits, I believe this new industry will provide significant economic alleviation fo the country by assisting the tourism industry in generating foreign currency reserves and jobs for the Bahamas.”

The marijuana commission has recommended that the cannabis industry have at least 51 percent Bahamian ownership.

Mr Bethel called for “even greater measures” to ensure ownership in the

industry “will not be concentrated in the hands of a select few.”

He said thousands of acres of crown land should be made available to Bahamians, particularly farmers,

to cultivate cannabis and manufacture cannabisbased products.

“We can provide training through the Ministry of Agriculture and BAMSI to teach interested Bahamians

how to farm and produce cannabis-based products.”

“The government should consider establishing an umbrella organisations similar to the Securities Commission of

the Bahamas, to provide the regulatory framework, technical support and development expertise to this new industry,” he said.

Editorial View - Page 6

PAGE 6, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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No one is immune WE have heard often during the COVID-19 pandemic that the virus can affect anyone, rich or poor, in any part of society – and the news that both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister are self-quarantining is as sure a sign of that as you could find.

They’re not the only senior members of government in quarantine, either – Education Minister Jeff Lloyd is in quarantine despite a negative test result.

Fortunately, it appears that neither Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis nor Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest have been affected by the virus – but rather than they are seeking quarantine out of an abundance of caution. That is a caution we should all share.

But the realisation should be this – if the Prime Minister, with all the safeguards and precautions that surround him, can be at such risk that he needs to enter quarantine, then the rest of us ought to take a bit more care when we’re out and about in the food stores, or standing too close to someone else in a line, or claiming there’s no need to wear a face mask when there really is a need.

The risk of exposure in Dr Minnis’

case comes from a positive test for someone who works at the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre, which houses the Prime Minister’s office and that of the Finance Minister, Mr Turnquest.

The building is being closed down and sanitised, while those who work there are being urged to quarantine as a precaution. That perhaps could be a firmer instruction rather than an encouragement – if nothing else to encourage those in the wider community to abide by the need to do so as well.

It also shows us that until the numbers are much more under control, it is a pipe dream to talk about schools opening with children in full attendance. If one case can shut down the whole Prime Minister’s office, one case in a school is going to have far more widespread impact for students, staff, teachers, parents and more. We might as well plan now for prolonged distance learning – rather than have the disruption forced upon us at short notice when a case is diagnosed.

We are glad that it appears the health of neither of our senior leaders is at risk – and we hope the best for the worker who has been diagnosed positive.

A waste of time IF you asked for an example of how slow moving change can be in this country, you need look no further than the debate on the legalisation of marijuana.

It feels like forever that we’ve been writing about the progress – or lack thereof – of the Bahamas Marijuana Commission.

As long ago as September 2018, Bishop Simeon Hall was complaining about the slow motion of the commission. In this column in March last year, we urged the government to lay out a timescale of when it envisaged bringing legislation, and what it intended that legislation to be.

That brings us to today – with the commission saying it will be a “challenge” to decriminalise marijuana in the next two years.

Let’s be plain – that means forget about it. Nothing’s going to happen this side of an election. The commission co-chair makes some noise about the “low-hanging fruit” of medical

marijuana that something could be done about – but that just shows up this nonsense for what it is. If you can legalise one, you can legalise the other – the passage of the bill will take the same length of time. So it’s not a time factor, it’s a choice. Choosing not to legalise marijuana is a perfectly valid choice – one that many will agree with, and that many others will disagree with – but don’t flim flam us with talk of it being difficult to legalise in that time period.

Meanwhile, the supposed work of the commission will go on, at a pace that a snail could comfortably outdo. And day by day, people will appear in the courts charged with a crime that might not be on the books in a couple of years or whenever the next government gets round to it.

The time has long past when a choice on legalisation should be made, so we suggest they get on with it, or stop wasting everyone’s time with idle talk.

Life can’t go on like this past September EDITOR, The Tribune SO, we are on lockdown until September 30, 2020.

Let’s pray that everything works out by then. We are really a lockdown-weary people right now. Life cannot continue on this road beyond September – in my opinion.

One of the dirty secrets about COVID-19 in our country, is an ill-prepared and Ill-equipped healthcare infrastructure. We did not reach here in 2017. We know that our healthcare system is in critical condition, and we knew it for decades now.

It looks like many of us will die, or become wounded from COVID-19 for life. Thanks to a half century of inept, incompetent and plain old visionless black governance.

So, if things do not improve on the Corona Virus front by September

30, 2020 – we will have lots more weeping and wailing to do for our loved ones and country, as life must go on – for all that it’s worth.

The first order of business should be to: Break the culture of the pervasive government dependency in The Bahamas, and move full steam ahead with the implementation of local government on New Providence Island.

There is an unacceptable and unsustainable level of dependency on the national government – by the people; even in the good times.

Next, lets move to build a healthcare system that’s wholly wholesome for our people and nation; but progressive vision will be required.

That’s where 2022 comes in folks. Let’s get to know every Tom, Dick, and Harry; and Mary, Sue and Jane – and all the others

who will come our way to seek the majority support.

Let’s ask them about their plans to fix our healthcare system. Let’s ask them about their vision for local government on New Providence Island. Let’s ask them about their plans to correct the unproductive culture of government dependency.

Yes, let’s ask them about their national vision for the country. It cannot be just tax, borrow and spend – as usual. It cannot be a broken centralized bureaucracy for five more years. It simply cannot be the same old-same old political jive and madness, like lockingdown the country in hopes that the Corona Virus disappears by the end of the lockdown period.

God knows it.

DENNIS DAMES Nassau, August 8, 2020.

We need to care for those who have hit rock bottom EDITOR, The Tribune THE Tribune broke the story that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will be going into self-quarantine due to possible exposure to COVID-19 at the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre.

With the availability of modern technology, such as Zoom, Skype, Facebook and WhatsApp, Minnis would have no problem continuing in his roles as prime minister and competent authority, while in isolation at home. Ministry of Health officials are following recommendations by the World Health Organisation by urging COVID-19 patients to undergo quarantine for 14 days, in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

For many Bahamians, such as the hundreds of jobless Nassauvians that towed long lines in the scorching heat at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium in order to collect National Insurance Board (NIB) payouts on August 10, being subjected to quarantine isn’t financially practical. Herein lies the importance of NIB getting its act together by being more efficient. As with so many government agencies, red tape bureaucracy is an all too common issue. Too often frustrated Bahamians are leaving NIB with empty hands, only to go home with nothing to give their children. Growing up with a single parent,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net I am all too familiar with receiving disappointing news from Social Services. Back then we used to get a $30 food voucher every three months or so.

I can vividly remember my mother giving me crackers and soda around midnight for dinner. We had virtually nothing to eat the day before. Consequently, I can empathise with struggling Bahamians.

The financial disparity between the haves and the have-nots in The Bahamas has been accentuated by COVID-19. Going without an income since March has plunged thousands of Bahamian families into abject poverty, to the extent that the current economic crisis is as disastrous as the Great Depression in the United States during the 1930s. Minnis’ revelation to the nation in a recent national address of 27,705 households, which represents more than 110,000 individuals, receiving food assistance from the National Food Distribution Task Force, underscores the dire situation over onefourth of the Bahamian population is currently facing.

Bahamians, those who have fallen through the cracks, are faced with two

difficult choices: they can either self-quarantine, in the event they’ve been exposed to COVID-19; and face near starvation and the disruption of their utilities, due to the lack of payment of bills; or they can go out and tow long lines with the hopes of getting an elusive NIB handout.

Minnis, thankfully, doesn’t have to face such difficult options, owing to his well-deserved status as prime minister and being a highly accomplished gynaecologist and obstetrician.

Bahamian multimillionaires are not feeling the effects of the coronavirus driven economic downturn, like the average Bahamian who typically lives from hand to mouth. This is not to precipitate a conflict between the economic classes, mind you. I am a free market capitalist in the tradition of Adam Smith and John Calvin. Nor am I attempting to lay a guilt trip on wealthy and successful Bahamians.

Whatever they have achieved in life is theirs, due to the Lord’s common grace. What I am attempting to do is garner empathy for the thousands of Bahamians who have hit financial rock bottom.

The Bahamas needs more Bahamian philanthropists.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama August 11, 2020.

Some fast food for thought EDITOR, The Tribune YESTERDAY morning while shopping at the Golden Gates shopping centre I noticed that Super Value wasn’t the only hub of activity.

A couple of doors away there is an establishment named The Getaway Restaurant & Lounge which was doing a roaring breakfast trade, most of it seemingly from police

personnel. How is it that with all other restaurants in the country, including those with fast food drive throughs such as Wendys, KFC & McDonalds, remain closed by law yet this place is not only brazenly open but heavily patronised by the police no less?

Do they have special exemption, is The Getaway Restaurant & Lounge considered an essential

service or is the owner a high-ranking police officer or politician?

Two things for sure, they are definitely openly operating it would appear in contravention of the law and, if so – as their name implies – are sure as hell getting away with it!

JONESING for some KFC Nassau, August 11, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, PAGE 7

BAR ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR ‘OPEN’ PROCESS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Bar Association said the process that led to the country’s latest judicial appointment was a missed chance for the government to show its commitment to the rule of law.

Former Supreme Court Justice Carolita Bethel was confirmed to the Court of Appeal last week Thursday.

Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis came out against

the appointment over the weekend and called for a fairer and more transparent process for judicial appointments.

Judicial appointments should be based on clearly defined criteria and a public process that ensures equal opportunity for all eligible people and merit, the association said, adding: “The Bahamas Bar Association continues its call for an open, fair, transparent, and meritocratic system of judicial appointment.”

The statement continued:

“The independence of the judiciary cannot be secured solely by security of tenure and protection of remuneration, but is equally to be ensured, and preserved, by transparency and fairness in the appointment process.

We are all entitled to fully understand the process by which one secures appointment to the judiciary and it is incumbent upon the government to demonstrate, and the bar and bench to insist, that this process is open, fair, transparent and meritocratic. Failure to ensure such a process

leaves the entire justice system vulnerable.”

“We lament the failure to embrace another opportunity to demonstrate our national commitment to the rule of law. It costs the government nothing to ensure that judicial appointments are made following an open, fair, transparent and meritocratic process, whereas the continued failure to do so serves only to undermine the very constitutional arrangements by which such critical decisions are taken. Judicial appointments ought to be

GREAT START TO THE DAY

made transparently and fairly to ensure that the independence of the Judiciary, the third co-equal branch of our Government, is not undermined by arbitrary political considerations.”

The statement said: “It is constitutionally anticipated, and reasonably expected, that empowered persons or bodies would seek and secure sound advice regarding judicial appointments.

Modern liberal democratic principles require that the advice taken in these circumstances will be sought

THEY say a good day always starts with a good breakfast. Thanks to a recent giveback sponsored by Apex Management Services Ltd. (Apex), essential workers at Bahamas Waste were treated to the ultimate pop-up breakfast experience courtesy of the local debt collection agency.

In late July, Apex arranged for the Sprinkles food truck to set up shop on the Bahamas Waste grounds on Gladstone Road and provide meals to the more than 152 staff, who have been working throughout the COVID lockdowns. “This was a great way for the Apex team to support a local business while also saying thank you to the essential workers who’ve been at the forefront of this

and secured as part of an open, fair, transparent and meritocratic process.”

“A candidate for judicial office is not diminished by open, fair, and transparent competition. Whereas insistence upon an appointment process that does not demonstrate these values represents a continued betrayal of public trust. It is no answer to calls for an improved process to recite the relevant constitutional provisions, for the Constitution stands as no impediment to the implementation thereof.”

national and global health pandemic” explained Denae Duncombe, human resources manager at Apex. “We have seen doctors, nurses, police officers, store clerks, and other essential workers being highlighted but we believe that the work being done by the team at Bahamas Waste is equally important and worthy of recognition,” she said.

Over the past several months, the team at Bahamas Waste has continued to provide the essential service of waste management and disposal across the country. “We’ve always tried to do our best to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said operations manager at Bahamas Waste, Ethelyn Davis.

MAN FINED $6,000 FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 55-YEAR-OLD man who was found with over three pounds of marijuana was fined $6,000 in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Craig Bullard appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with two counts of dangerous drug possession with the intent to supply. The charges came after officers seized three pounds and 1.8 ounces of Indian Hemp from him on August 9.

The court heard officers and a K-9 unit proceeded to Bullard’s Pinewood residence around 6.25pm on the day in question. Upon their arrival, the officers identified themselves and showed the defendant a

warrant, before informing him his home would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms.

During their investigation, officers found a clear plastic bag containing a quantity of suspected marijuana on the floor. Outside of the home, the K-9 unit also led officers to a banana tree in the backyard. Under it, the officers found one clear jar which contained three more plastic bags containing suspected marijuana. A further search of the backyard led to the discovery of six more bags near a fence in a bushy area.

Bullard was subsequently arrested and transported to the Drug Enforcement Unit. In an interview with police there, he admitted to the offences.

During the hearing yesterday, Bullard was represented by attorney Jomo Campbell. He told the magistrate his client had zero pending matters and was not desirous of wasting the court’s time or resources. He also noted Bullard did the “honourable” thing by accepting responsibility for the contraband during his interview with police and insisted the defendant realised his current lifestyle was not “working for him”.

As a result, Magistrate Mckinney accepted Bullard’s guilty plea and fined him $6,000. He also warned the defendant if he failed to pay the fine, he would spend one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

27-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED FIREARM OF INDECENT ASSAULT CHARGES

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded to prison over an allegation he indecently assaulted a woman earlier this week.

The prosecution alleged Deon Campbell committed the act on a 25-year-old woman on August 9.

He denied the allegation during the hearing before Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday and the matter was adjourned to October 19 for trial.

Bail was denied and the defendant was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional

Services in the meantime.

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

Another man, who appeared before Magistrate McKinney yesterday in a separate arraignment, was also denied bail before his trial. Anthon Glinton, 27, was accused of assaulting Julian James Jr and Tydon Culmer with a handgun on August 3. During his hearing, Glinton denied the allegation and the matter was also adjourned to October 19 for trial.

Bail was denied and the defendant was remanded to BDCS until then He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 33-YEAR-OLD man was charged with illegal firearm and ammunition possession in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Delano Smith was accused of being in possession of a silver and black 9mm pistol and four live rounds of 9mm on August 7. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt adjourned the matter to December 2 for trial. Smith was denied bail and remanded into custody.

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

Private Funeral Service For Thomas Edward Moss Jr., 88 of #84 Romer Street will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens J. F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road.

Officiating will be Fr. Alfred Culmer.

Thomas was pre-deceased by children: Lloyd, Sylvia, Edward & Eric.

Cherished and loving memories would forever be held by his loving and faithful Wife of 24 years: Clarice Brennen Moss; Sons: Marco, Jeffery, Roy, Terrance, Steven, Minister Roger, Rex, Edwardo, Michael, Antoine and Dwight Moss of Miami Fla.; Daughters: Rev. Sabrina Moss, Freda, Nakia and Monique Moss; Adopted daughters: Simonye, Stephanie Rolle and Patrice Nabbie; Grandchildren: Marco Jr., Macari, Alcindor Jr., Terniqua, Shanell, Tessie, Randell, Hanna, Royann, Royanna, Nakishea, Sue, Michaela, Stacy, Terrance Jr., Edwardo Jr., Erico, Rex Jr., Lawerence, Shabrian, Dukisha, Roanna, Lashea, Woman Marine Lakeyera Moss, Glyneka, Latari, Ryiesha, Randy, Corneilus, Jermaine, Theodore, Taran, Tacon, Javando, Jeff, Prince; 25 Great-grand; 14 Great-great-grands; Brother: Basil Moss; Sisters: Sylvia Arnette & Maria Moss; Sons-in-law: Melvin & Corneilus Brennen, Russell Davis Sr. & Hilliot Moss; Daughters-in-law: Arnette, Nadine, Betty Thompson Moss, Dianne, Melrose & Shantell Moss; Brothers-in-law: Elder Phillip, Micheal, Alton, & Gary Brennen,William Nabbie; Sisters-in-law: Minister Yvonne Armbrister, Dale Farrington, Melverne Wallace, Beverley Matthews, Marilyn & Daphne Brennen.

Other relatives & Friends: Dr., Phyllis Armbrister, Dr. Darrell Brennen, Dr. Myles Brennen, Tyrone & Brian Nabbie, Barbara, Michelle, Christine, Debbie, Chris, Violet, Ferris, Mona, Kirk, Tony, Gregory, Paul, Gary, Deon, Deondra, Ricky, Mark, Allan, Stacy Gweneth, Drexel, Crystal, Christopher Jr., Jen Curtis, Basden Family, Mera & Steven and the entire Pitt Road Family. It’s not the intention of the family to have left out anyone, but if we did we apologize and desire your prayers in this our hour of bereavement.

Viewing will be held in the “Celestial Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Solider Roads on Wednesday (TODAY) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

There are too many unanswered questions and a lack of respect WE are now in our second week of lockdown and received a national address from the Prime Minister on Sunday evening which gave very little information. Last week’s Ministry of Health briefing gave the usual information, though all of the questions posed by journalists were not answered. In response to some of them, health officials said the Prime Minister would address the issues on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, he did not.

Since the action by doctors and nurses, we have been asking for details

The

Alicia Wallace column on the PPE inventory and availability. This was glossed over with no numbers or policies provided.

It was only said that there are PPE supplies available and they are topped up as needed. We do not know who controls access

to them, how often staff are able to change them, if there was ever a shortage, or why there is a huge gap between reports from doctors and nurses and those from authorities. This needs to be properly addressed.

PPE is not the only issue

Private Funeral Service For Lorenzo Carl Rahming, 83 affectionately called “Jelly” of #18 Cambridge will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Restview Memorial Chapel, Robinson and Soldier Roads. Officiating will be Pastor Derick Colebrooke assisted by Bishop Hubert Kemp. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Roads.

Loving memories will linger in the hearts of his wife: Patricia Rahming nee Major; daughters: Jannell, Lashanda and Lorenell Rahming; adopted daughter: Retired Nurse Myrtlean Rolle; sister: Rose Rahming Rolle; step children and spouses: Lana (David) Simmons, Angela and Portia McKenzie, Dency (Glaston) Taylor, Raymond (Peggy) Knowles; step grandchildren: Shakera Wallace, Arthur Cooper, Alexcia McHardy, Valentino Sargent, Dwayne Jr. and D’Shia Romer, Raymeka, Tamia and Raymiah Knowles, Shante Taylor, Robyn Gibson, Serena Simmons, Josaphat and Calscia McKenzie and Miracle Taylor; sisters-in-law: Olive Major Dean, Mildred Bennett of Brooksville Fl., Val Rahming; nieces: Ursula Nwanosike, Jacqueline Sweeting, Karen Archer; nephews: Douglas, Stanley, Anthony, George Jr. and Ricardo Rolle, Lynden, Darran and Dario Rahming, Peter Rahming Jr.; cousins: Barbara Bowe Pinder, Renee Balfour, Lance Poitier, Suelyn Stuart, Carlton Robinson, Carla Coakley, Momiqua, Lacaldre, Maria, Dominique, Toney, Kirklyn, Dave, Lennox, Silvan, Stacey, Dieulin, Noel, Darnell, Susana, Carmen, Lavern of Gould’s Fl.; other relatives and friends including: Alexis Thompson and Family, Darieo Burrows and Family, Drucilla Rodriquez, Alfred McKenzie and Family, Delvin Knowles and Family, Ivy Davis and Family, Lance Major and Family, Patsy Major and Family, Bruce Rahming and Family, Bradlley Rahming, Pedro Deveaux, Mikey and Family, Tino and Family, Andrew Smith and Family, Pastor Derick and Sheryl Colebrooke, Ruthmae Finley and Family, Donna Hepburn and Family, Deborah Deleveaux and Family, Alphonso Johnson and Family, Maria Faithe and Family of Greensboro North Carolina, Anthony Dean, Miriam Rolle and Family, Godfrey Rolle, Tiffany Bethel and Family, Mary Ellen Peterson and Family, Natasha Minns and Family, the Staff and Patients of the McClenen and Culmers Wards (geriatrics), Dr. Indira Grimes, Dr. Dorsette, Esther Johnson and Family, McAllen Knowles and Family, Thelma Kerr and Family, Jacqueline Clarke and Family, Patsy Gaitor and Family, Johnny Farrington and Family, Donica Williams and Family, Kendal Ferguson and Family, Jeff Farrington and Family, Daphne Stubbs, Indira Smith, Rachquel Hamilton, Chris Stubbs and Family, Shantel Rodgers, Kendya Adderley, Janet Taylor, The Ministry Department of Education Registry, Pensions and Cleveland Primary School Staff and the entire South Beach Community and many others too numerous to mention.

Viewing will be held in the “Irenic Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Solider Roads on Wednesday (TODAY) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm.

on which authorities refuse to give clarity. It was not even possible to probe further as the Prime Minister insists on giving national addresses instead of press conferences which allow for questions from the press.

One-sided communication is insufficient and unacceptable. The government works for us and it needs to answer our questions.

The Prime Minister’s limited communication with the nation has been severely lacking.

His speeches are still padded, far too long and condescending.

National addresses should not be sermons. They should not be lectures.

They should not be scoldings. At the very least, they should provide basic information and respond to the questions deferred from the previous Ministry of Health press briefing.

Is no one making note of those unanswered questions? There is specific information Bahamians would like to have. What changes have been made to the budget? What is being done to prepare the hospital and other facilities to handle the increase in COVID-19 cases? What

THE PRIME Minister’s limited communication with the nation has been severely lacking. is the current pace of the National Insurance Board and Social Services in fulfilling requests for benefits and assistance and what changes are being made to accommodate more people and expedite the process?

What factors will determine whether or not the lockdown is extended beyond the set two weeks?

In a 45-minute address, these kinds of details should be clearly communicated.

While we know these are uncertain times, the people want, at the very least, certainty that they will be kept up to date on COVID19-related issues. Every time a national address is announced, people get anxious and start to make assumptions about what will be said. Ahead of the last address, many were expecting the lockdown to be extended due to the continued rise in cases. There was no mention of this in the address and it was a reminder that we are never given that much notice.

The delay in communication does not appear to be a consequence of dayslong deliberation or snap decisions, but a conscious decision to give us the

smallest possible window of time to make preparations. Yes, we know that with the announcement of lockdown comes the rush to grocery stores and gas stations, but we also know this is due to both household circumstances and the lack of trust people have in the government. We have been caught off guard before, and no one wants to be left unprepared.

There is a need to build trust and assure people that they will be able to get what they need. If this does not happen, there will always be a rush, and the small windows for preparation do not alleviate this. Instead, they concentrate it. This tactic does not make sense.

This country is not a kingdom or a classroom and should not be treated as such. We need clear communication, and that includes letting us know when authorities are considering a particular action that will affect our daily lives. It is not much to ask. If this lockdown is to be extended, the least the Prime Minister could do is let us know before this weekend so we are not all at the grocery store on Monday.

HAVE A PLAN TO HANDLE THE LOCKDOWN AT HOME

AT this point, it makes sense for households and individuals to have lockdown plans in place. Here are some items to include in those plans.

1. Decide who will be responsible for household errands. This person does the grocery shopping, fills prescriptions, gets water, and anything else that will likely require queueing.

This person has a routine they meticulously follow to ensure that their household is not compromised.

This may include taking no personal items aside from a card or cash for payment into the place of business, wearing gloves while in-store and handling packages (which requires a well-thought out plan), and calling someone to open the door to the house so they don’t touch anything. This should be the person in the best health.

2. Do as much as possible online. Set up online bill payment with utility companies to avoid more lines and time in close quarters with other people.

Ask your bank about paying bills using online banking. If you are nervous about using your credit or debit card online, there are ways to make payments directly from your bank account. You can all purchase a gift card to be used during lockdown for bill payment, ensuring that potential compromises have no effect on your bank account.

3. Get on the same page with everyone in your household.

If anyone breaks the lockdown, everyone in the household is at risk. Households should not mix. Agree to give up the parties and other events you usually host or attend, or find ways to do them virtually. The lockdown puts a barrier between you and other people. Don’t think only of the person you want to see outside of your household, but all of the people to whom they have been exposed, and the people to whom they have been exposed. You do not want to be a part of a contact-tracing chain, so stick with your household and get everyone else to do the same.

4. Set up a workstation if you and others in your household need to work from home. It can be tempting to operate from your bedroom, but this can disrupt your sleep. Choose a space with good lighting, strong wifi (or the strongest available in your house), a cooling device, and a proper chair. Make it a practice to sit there during work hours so your brain understands what it needs to do when you are in that position and location.

5. Share the load. No one person should be expected to work from home, keep the house clean, occupy and supervise the children, and prepare meals. Figure out how to balance the workload.

6. Check in with yourself every day. Pay attention to the way your body feels, the way you are progressing with work, and your mood.

Make sure you are eating on time, drinking enough water, getting fresh air, and able to think and talk about more than just the current circumstances. If you are in need of mental health support, call the Bahamas Psychological Association hotline—819-7652, 8163799, 812-0576, or 815-5850.

As we spend more time at home, it can be tempting to fall into habits like working in bed, binge watching television shows, eating all day, and online shopping. Pay attention to the amount of time spent on these activities, the financial cost, and the effects on your well-being. There is a difference between a carefree day and general disorder.

By now, you know what you are likely to do and can identify your coping mechanisms. Give yourself allowances and limitations.

If you need help finding balance, ask someone in your household to help or set up a virtual buddy system. We are all trying to make it through difficult days. Remember that others are working through some of the same challenges and talking about them, setting goals together, and checking in can help.

Even though we should not physically gather, don’t underestimate the importance of community.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, PAGE 9

TECHTALK

THIS photo provided by General Motors shows the Cadillac Lyriq. General Motors’ Cadillac brand is the latest to roll out an electric vehicle with the promise of taking sales from market leader Tesla. Executives say the Lyriq midsize SUV will have a range of over 300 miles per charge as well as technology and features to pull buyers from Tesla. (GM via AP)

PURDUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES PURCHASE OF SUPERCOMPUTER

CADILLAC SAYS NEW ELECTRIC SUV HAS FEATURES TO TAKE ON TESLA

By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — We’ve seen this movie before, an electric vehicle from a mainstream automaker that will take away sales from market leader Tesla.

But General Motors executives say Cadillac’s first fully-electric vehicle has all the features it needs to lure buyers where other companies fell short.

The Cadillac Lyriq, a midsize SUV that comes out first in China and reaches U.S. showrooms late in 2022, will be able to go more than 300 miles on a single charge.

It will come in rear-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with sleek looks, a premium interior, internet connectivity, a 33-inch dashboard touch screen, and a starting price tag somewhere below $75,000.

“Prior product offerings, at least on some of those measures, they fell a bit short,” said Steve Carlisle, GM’s North American president who used to run the

Cadillac brand.

The Lyriq will go head-to-head with Tesla’s Model Y small SUV, which starts at just under $50,000.

The Lyriq also could take sales from the Palo Alto, California, company’s other models.

GM wouldn’t release the SUV’s exact range or price, nor would it say if the Lyriq would match or beat the Model Y’s 316-mile range or best zero to 60 miles per hour (96.2 kilometres per hour) time of 3.5 seconds.

The Model Y can easily top $60,000 with options.

But executives said the Lyriq’s underpinnings are designed specifically to be an electric vehicle, with balanced weight distribution.

They promised crisp handling and fast acceleration powered by

the latest generation of nickelcobalt-manganese-aluminum battery chemistry.

The Lyriq also will be able to park itself in parallel or perpendicular spaces without the driver being in the vehicle, similar to technology offered

by Tesla.

It also has direct current fast-charging capability, but charging times weren’t released.

Jaguar’s I-Pace and Audi’s e-tron fell short of the Model Y on range, with the I-Pace going 234 miles per charge and the e-tron SUV at 222 miles.

Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Michelle Krebs said having a range of over 300 miles is important to customers, who

in surveys still express fears of running out of juice in an electric vehicle.

People also are concerned about charging vehicles outside their homes, but that network should be vastly better by the time the Lyriq goes on sale, she said.

Tesla, which has its own global network of chargers, giving it an advantage over competitors.

Cadillac may check all the boxes to compete with Tesla, but it can’t match the brand and the mystique of CEO Elon Musk, who also leads rocket company SpaceX, Krebs said.

“People buy a Tesla because it’s a Tesla,” she said. “Tesla has done an amazing job of building a brand, doing it without advertising and marketing, just pure enthusiasm from consumers.”

To make inroads, Cadillac will have to change the way it sells electric vehicles, offering long test drives with delivery and pickup of test vehicles at the customer’s convenience, she said.

MTA ASKS APPLE’S HELP TO SOLVE iPHONE MASK ISSUES

By DAVID PORTER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s mass transit agency wants Apple to come up with a better way for iPhone users to unlock their phones without taking off their masks, as it seeks to guard against the spread of the coronavirus in buses and subways.

In a letter to CEO Tim Cook obtained by The Associated Press, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Patrick Foye said riders have been seen removing their masks to unlock their phones using face-recognition technology, despite a recent update by Apple that simplifies the unlock process for people wearing masks.

Previously, an iPhone user wearing a mask would have to wait a few seconds as face recognition software tried to identify them before they eventually could enter a passcode. In response to the pandemic, Apple’s iOS 13.5,

SOME people wear masks while using the New York City subway system during the coronavirus pandemic in New York. New York’s mass transit agency wants Apple to come up with a better way for iPhone users to unlock their phones without taking off their masks, as it seeks to guard against the spread of COVID-19 in buses and subways. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) released in May, automatically presents the passcode field after a user swipes up from the bottom of the lock screen.

Also, Apple Pay Express Transit, introduced last year, allows riders on some bus and subway lines to pay with their iPhone or Apple Watch without having to wake the

device.

“We understand Apple is working to address the issue and know that Apple has a range of technologies at its disposal as a global leader among tech companies,” Foye wrote in the letter sent Sunday.

“We urge Apple to accelerate the deployment of new

technologies and solutions that further protect customers in the era of COVID-19.”

Foye added that the MTA would be willing to collaborate with Apple on messaging to make sure users know about the recent iPhone modification.

“There’s nothing more important to us than the

health and safety of our customers,” Apple said in an emailed statement that noted the upgrades it has already made. “We are fully committed to continuing to work with the MTA to support their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Bus and subway use in New York and other cities plunged during the height of the pandemic. The MTA lost more than 90% of its subway ridership, which along with reduced revenue at its other properties has created a fiscal hole that will take years to fill, officials have said. Ridership has slowly increased but still lags far behind prepandemic levels.

In addition to an aggressive cleaning programme that has included the unprecedented step of shutting down the subway overnight, the MTA requires all riders to wear masks and socially distance.

The authority has said in recent weeks that more than 90% are wearing some form of face covering.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of a powerful new supercomputer from Dell that will support a wide range of research.

Purdue says the high-performance computer cluster called Anvil from Dell Inc. will signifiantly increase the capacity available to the National Science Foundation’s Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment. It serves tens of thousands of researchers across the U.S. Purdue has been a partner in the project for the past nine years.

Anvil will be funded by a $10 million Science Foundation grant. Additional funding from the foundation will support Anvil’s operations and user support. Anvil will enter production in 2021.

The trustees approved the purchase Friday.

GRANTS TO HELP FUND EV FAST CHARGING STATIONS IN MICHIGAN LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Do you have the juice to drive along Michigan streets, roads and highways?

The state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) wants to make sure operators of electric vehicles have enough places to plug in.

Nearly $1.7 million in EGLE Charge Up Michigan Program grants will partially fund 36 EV DC fast charging stations with a total of 76 plug-in points for automobiles and light-utility vehicles along well-traveled routes.

The site owner, the electric utility that serves it and EGLE each will pay about a third of each station’s cost which includes site preparation, equipment installation, networking fees and signage.

Public and private entities still can apply for EGLE grants of up to $70,000 per station.

Funding for the grants comes from more than $9.7 million allocated to Michigan from the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement.

EGLE Director Liesl Clark said the programme is “a significant step toward an electrified transportation future that will keep Michigan in the forefront of cutting-edge mobility and writes another chapter in the state’s storied history of innovation in the transportation industry.”

Electric vehicles are expected to represent 33% of new vehicle sales by 2025, and 51% by 2030, according to Trevor Pawl, chief mobility officer with the state’s Future Mobility and Electrification office.

Roll over white Beethoven

PAGE 10, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

by Alexander Carpenter, Professor, Department of Fine Arts, University of Alberta

THE year 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth, and in mid-June this year, he started trending on Twitter. Perhaps it wasn’t so strange that Beethoven was popping up on social media platforms, but what was unusual and certainly unforeseen: the claim that

“Beethoven was black.”

Where did this idea come from? The circulation of this trope has no doubt been catalyzed by recent events — namely, the death of George Floyd and the subsequent ascendancy of Black Lives Matter — and by the rigorous debates over race that have since permeated mainstream and social media.

As it turns out, though, Beethoven being of African descent is not a new idea:

THE TRIBUNE

the notion of the great composer’s secret ethnicity has circulated at the fringes of the media and scholarship for more than a century.

Anecdotal evidence The original theory of “Black Beethoven” first appeared in the popular press in the early 20th century. Much of the anecdotal evidence for this claim is based on contemporary accounts, many of which

were collected in Sex and Race, published in 1944 by historian and journalist Joel Augustus Rogers. These accounts present the composer as having the features and complexion of a black person.

Beethoven was described by some contemporaries as “dark,” “swarthy” or as a “Moor.” This latter term, “Moor,” was used in the 18th and 19th centuries to refer to a Muslim person from North Africa or the Iberian peninsula, or more generally a dark-skinned person, and has generated particular interest and conjecture about Beethoven’s race.

Historians have suggested that a member of the Habsburg royal family, Prince Nicholas Esterhazy I, even called both Beethoven and Joseph Haydn “Moors,” supposedly because of their dark complexions. Such accounts are likely specious. But one possibility is that, if the prince used this term for Haydn (whom he employed as a court composer) or for the young Beethoven, he was using it idiomatically: that is, “Moor” could be a dismissive epithet for a servant.

For some scholars, Beethoven’s music itself, its rhythmic complexity — specifically its syncopation — points towards his hidden ethnicity, as it suggests a knowledge of West African musical practices.

A few writers even go so far as to suggest the presence of reggae- and jazz-like rhythms in his piano sonatas. Beethoven was black because his music “sounds” black; in other words, notwithstanding the unlikeliness of his familiarity with African music or that syncopation was commonplace in European music at that time.

Others cite Beethoven’s friendship with the AfroEuropean violinist and composer George Bridgetower as somehow evidence of the composer’s own multiracial identity.

Ultimately, there is no reason to believe that

Beethoven was black: the genealogical evidence going back to the 1400s shows unambiguously that Beethoven’s family was Flemish. Speculative anecdotes from the early 19th century about his swarthy complexion, broad nose and coarse, black hair are unsourced and racist.

The suggestions that jazzy syncopations in his music somehow derive from African genetics are anachronistic and absurd. Calling a white person with a darker complexion a “Moor” was also not uncommon in the 19th century: Karl Marx’s companions referred to him as “the Moor,” not because of his race, but apparently because of his thick black hair and voluminous black beard.

Pursuing the idea that “Beethoven was black” both whitewashes and blackwashes music history, as African American studies scholar Nicholas Rinehart has observed. Blackwashing makes important historical figures black for the sake of seeking to validate the cultural contributions of people of colour.

Whitewashing refers to the practice of valourizing black musicians and composers by giving them white referents: a gifted black composer becomes, for example, the “The Black Mozart” or the “African Mahler” — a mere “footnote” to a white composer, in Rinehart’s words.

Ultimately, it may be Beethoven’s friendship with Bridgetower, and not internet memes, the blogosphere or the Twitterati, that provides a way to productively approach racial politics in classical music.

How many of us, in the 21st century, are even aware of Bridgetower, who was an accomplished and well-known violinist in England and Europe during his lifetime and was also the original dedicatee of Beethoven’s famous “Kreutzer” sonata for violin and piano? As the African-American writer and poet laureate Rita Dove insists, Bridgetower

might have become a “household name’ in the 19th century musical world had he not been black.

Forgotten and overlooked Efforts to make Beethoven black — an awkward dance of trying to examine the issue of race and classical music while simultaneously maintaining the canonic centrality of Beethoven — ultimately obscure the existence and contributions of actual people of colour in the history of music.

Black composers like Joseph Boulogne, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and William Grant Still, Rinehart argues, have simply been “forgotten, overlooked and overwritten”.

The “Beethoven was black” trope trending on Twitter serves the interests of current racial politics and social justice movements like Black Lives Matter, just as it served the Black Power movement in the early 1960s: Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael both invoked Beethoven’s would-be Moorish ancestry to claim that he — along with other historical figures, including Hannibal, Columbus and Jesus — was a black man.

If the genealogical or phenotypical pursuit of “Black Beethoven” leads to a dead end, it nonetheless emphasizes the importance of past and ongoing work by black scholars to research and document the history of music and race.

Just as musicology finally embraced feminist and gender theory in the 1990s, providing new and more inclusive ways to examine the meaning and experience of classical music, the recent conversations about “Black Beethoven” points in the direction of fruitful and necessary avenues of inquiry into music history.

This, in turn, may help inform our contemporary cultural dialogues in these turbulent times. theconversation.com

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, PAGE 11

WORLDWIDE VIRUS CASES TOP 20 MILLION, DOUBLING IN SIX WEEKS Associated Press IT took six months for the world to reach 10 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus. It took just over six weeks for that number to double.

The worldwide count of known COVID-19 infections climbed past 20 million on Monday, with more than half of them from just three countries: the US, India and Brazil, according to the tally kept

by Johns Hopkins University.

The average number of new cases per day in the US has declined in recent weeks but is still running high at over 54,000,

versus almost 59,000 in India and nearly 44,000 in Brazil.

The severe and sustained crisis in the US — over 5 million cases and 163,000 deaths, easily the highest totals of any country — has dismayed and surprised many around the world, given the nation’s vaunted scientific ingenuity and the head start it had over Europe and Asia to prepare.

South Africa, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Russia and the Philippines round out the list of the top 10 countries contributing the most new cases to the global tally since July 22.

The real number of people

infected by the virus around the world is believed to be much higher — perhaps 10 times higher in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — given testing limitations and the many mild cases that have gone unreported or unrecognised.

Some of the worst-hit nations have been those whose leaders have downplayed the severity of COVID-19, undercut the advice of health experts and pushed unproven remedies.

President Donald Trump, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro and Mexican President Andrés

Manuel López Obrador, for example, all rarely wear masks and have resisted calls for strict lockdowns. Trump and Bolsonaro have promoted the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, even though studies have shown it to be useless against the virus, with potentially deadly side effects.

In the US, Mexico and Brazil, testing has been criticized as inadequate. While the U.S. has ramped up testing in recent months, Americans have faced discouragingly long lines and delays in getting the results. In Mexico, 47% of tests are coming back positive, suggesting that only

seriously ill people are getting screened.

Contact tracing, which has helped authorities in other countries get a handle on the spread, has also been criticized as insufficient in all three countries.

• Russia became the first country to approve a vaccine against the virus. While a proven coronavirus vaccine would be an epic medical breakthrough, the move raised alarms among scientists because the shots have not been subjected to large-scale testing in humans. They have only been studied in dozens of people, not the thousands typically involved.

Biden opts for Kamala Harris as running mate

PUMPING TAKES OIL FROM SHIP

WILMINGTON, Delaware Associated Press

IN a race against tides and time, workers yesterday pumped tons of fuel from a Japanese bulk carrier ship grounded in the shallow waters of Mauritius to try to prevent a renewed oil spill from further fouling the island’s eastern lagoons and shore.

The Japanese ship, MV Wakashio, ran aground on a coral reef about a mile off Mauritius on July 25, and prolonged pounding by heavy surf caused the vessel to crack about two weeks later. It spilled an estimated 1,000 tons of oil — about a quarter of the ship’s total cargo — into the Indian Ocean, polluting the island’s once pristine coastline.

Although the oil leak was stopped, the ship’s hull was continuing to crack, prompting fears that the remaining fuel would gush into the sea.

By yesterday, about 1,000 tons of the fuel had been pumped out of the stranded ship into small tankers nearby, according to a statement from the Wakashio’s owner, Nagashiki Shipping. About 1,800 tons of fuel remained on the ship by midday and with efforts continuing, some experts expressed hope that all the fuel could be emptied from the ship before it breaks up.

JOE Biden named California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate on Tuesday, making history by selecting the first black woman to compete on a major party’s presidential ticket and acknowledging the vital role black voters will play in his bid to defeat President Donald Trump.

In choosing Harris, Biden is embracing a former rival from the Democratic primary who is familiar with the unique rigor of a national campaign. Born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, the 55-year-old first-term senator is one of the party’s most prominent figures. She quickly became a top contender for the No. 2 spot after her own White House campaign ended.

In a tweet, Biden called Harris a “fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants.”

“Together, with you, we’re going to beat Trump,” he said.

She joins Biden in the 2020 race at a moment of unprecedented national crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 160,000 people in the US, far more than the toll experienced in other countries. Business closures and disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused severe economic problems. Unrest, meanwhile, has emerged across the country as Americans protest racism and police brutality.

After the announcement, Trump quickly tweeted a campaign ad

JOE Biden and Kamala Harris in an earlier Democratic presidential primary debate that dismisses Harris as “phony” and says she and Biden “jointly embrace the radical left”.

Trump’s uneven handling of the crises has given Biden an opening, and he enters the fall campaign in strong position against the president. In adding Harris to the ticket, he can point to her relatively centrist record on issues such as health care and her background in law enforcement in the nation’s largest state.

Harris’s record as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco was heavily scrutinised during the Democratic primary and turned away some liberals and younger black voters who saw her as out of step on issues of racism in the legal system

PEOPLE buying a copy of Apple Daily yesterday

HONG KONG RESIDENTS DEFEND FREE PRESS AS CHINA CRACKS DOWN HONG KONG Associated Press

LAST year, thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong to demand full democracy, many egged on by a tabloid newspaper critical of China’s ruling Communist Party. Yesterday, they lined up at newsstands across the city to buy that same paper, handing over 10 Hong Kong dollars a copy in a bid to help the Apple Daily survive.

The public show of support came a day after police rounded up 10 people, including the paper’s founder, and raided its headquarters. The move reinforced fears that a new national security law would be used to suppress dissent in Hong Kong after months of anti-government protests shook the city’s leadership and the central government in Beijing last year.

Police have expanded their use of the law since it took effect six weeks ago, first arresting protesters with slogans deemed to be in violation and then

activists over online posts.

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the Apple Daily founder, and his Next Digital media group were the largest targets to date.

That people protested by buying a newspaper rather than by taking to the streets shows how much the climate has changed since the stormy protests last year.

The Apple Daily, known for its celebrity coverage as well as its condemnation of China’s authoritarian rule, remained defiant, printing 350,000 copies — five times its usual print run — after police investigators left Next Digital and told employees they could go back to work.

Lines formed at newsstands in a public show of support, and Apple Daily said it would print an additional 200,000 copies.

“Apple Daily will fight on,” the newspaper said on its front page.

One newsstand operator said he had sold 200 of his allotment of about 300 papers by late morning. On a typical day, he sells about 100 copies, he said.

and police brutality. She tried to strike a balance on these issues, declaring herself a “progressive prosecutor” who backs law enforcement reforms.

Biden, who spent eight years as President Barack Obama’s vice president, has spent months weighing who would fill that same role in his White House. He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice president, easing frustration among Democrats that the presidential race would centre on two white men in their 70s.

Biden’s search was expansive, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a leading progressive, Florida Rep. Val Demings, whose impeachment prosecution of Trump won plaudits, California Rep.

Karen Bass, who leads the Congressional Black Caucus, former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, whose passionate response to unrest in her city garnered national attention.

Rice congratulated Harris on her selection, calling her a “tenacious and trailblazing leader.” Rice said she would support Biden and Harris “with all my energy and commitment”.

Bass tweeted, “@KamalaHarris is a great choice for Vice President.

Her tenacious pursuit of justice and relentless advocacy for the people is what is needed right now.”

A woman has never served as president or vice president in the United States. Two women have been nominated as running mates on major party tickets: Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008.

Their parties lost in the general election.

The vice presidential pick carries increased significance this year. If elected, Biden would be 78 when he’s inaugurated in January, the oldest man to ever assume the presidency. He’s spoken of himself as a transitional figure and hasn’t fully committed to seeking a second term in 2024. If he declines to do so, his running mate would likely become a front-runner for the nomination that year.

Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco’s district attorney. In the role, she created a reentry programme for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy.

JOHANNESBURG Associated Press

SPORTS SECTION E

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020

SEE PAGE 16

Ayton and Suns 7-0, stay in hunt for play-in spot

MILLER-UIBO OPTS OUT OF 100M FINAL AT SPRINT SHOWCASE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior REPORTER bstubbs@tribiunemedia.net

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

B

ahamian centre Deandre Ayton and his Phoenix Suns kept their playoff hopes alive with a 130-117 rout over the Philadelphia 76ers yesterday in the National Basketball Association’s bubble at the ESPN Wild World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

The 22-year-old, 6-foot, 11-inch Ayton played 32 minutes and 12 seconds, finishing with eight points, 12 rebounds and a pair of assists as the Suns remained undefeated at 7-0 since the league resumed play after taking a break because of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic across the globe in March.

The Suns improved to 33-29 to stay in the hunt for the play-in spot for two teams for the eighth and final spot for the playoffs in the Western Division between the Minnesota Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs.

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings, featuring Grand Bahamian guard “Buddy” Hield, were eliminated

with their respective losses on Sunday.

The NBA announced on Sunday that the first game between the eighth and ninth place teams will take place on Saturday at 2:30pm. If the eighth seed win, they will clinch the final playoff spot. If the ninth place team win, game two between the eighth place team will be played on Sunday.

Whoever earns the berth will end up playing the conference winning Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, starting next week.

Despite the loss, the 76ers have already secured the sixth spot in the Eastern Division with a 42-29 record, although they didn’t use any of their key players, including centre Joel Embiid, who is nursing an ankle injury and swingman Ben Simmons, who is expected to have a seasonending surgery.

Ayton, in tipping the ball off to point guard Ricky Rubio to start the game, got open for an easy twohanded slam dunk for a 2-0 Suns’ lead and his highlight play. At the end of the first quarter, Ayton had four points with four rebounds, although they trailed the 76ers 27-23. At the half as

PHOENIX Suns centre Deandre Ayton (22) looks for help as Philadelphia 76ers centre Kyle O’Quinn (9) applies pressure during the second half yesterday in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) they urged ahead 63-58, Ayton had added two more points and four rebounds.

By the end of the third, the Suns were up 95-90 with Ayton contributing

one rebound. Ayton put in two more points and added three more rebounds in the fourth quarter. Ayton, who was drafted as the top selection in the first round

pick in the NBA draft last year, will lead the Suns as they play their final regular season game at 4pm Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks.

AS a precautionary measure after a sub-par performance in the preliminaries, Bahamian Olympic 400 metre champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo opted not to compete in the women’s 100m final at the Star Athletic Sprint Showcase.

In the heats of the oneday meet on Monday at the Montverde Academy, a private school facility in Montverde, Florida, MillerUibo, competing for Adidas, crossed the finish line in lane three in the preliminaries in fourth place in a sub-par 13.56 seconds.

Sha’Carri Richardson, representing Nike, had the fastest qualifying time of 10.95. Kourtney Johnson, also of Nike, had the next best time of 11.25, followed

by Kimberley Williams, who was unattached, in 12.11.

The 26-year-old MillerUibo’s lane was not occupied when the final took place as Richardson went on to take the title in 10.83 with Johnson second in 11.15 and Williams third in 11.85. Miller-Uibo’s manager Claude Bryan, the

SEE PAGE 16

TRAIL BLAZERS EARN 134-131 VICTORY OVER MAVERICKS LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) — Damian Lillard is simply willing the Portland Trail Blazers toward the postseason.

The veteran guard tied a career high with 61 points, leading the Blazers to a 134131 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night that moved his team into eighth place in the Western Conference.

“Ain’t nothing I want more,” Lillard said of the playoffs.

“When I came here (to Disney World) I told them I’m not here to waste my time. Our work ain’t done yet but we’re fighting for it.”

The Blazers will clinch a spot in the play-in series with a win Thursday against Brooklyn.

“We have to come out with the same mentality,” Lillard said. “We control our own destiny. That’s the

most important game of our lives.”

Lillard joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players with three 60-point games in a season. Coach Terry Stotts said his guard has been extra focused since missing two late free throws in a loss to the Clippers on Saturday.

“He’s showing a lot of resolve,” Stotts said.

“Nobody wanted to come into this bubble and make the playoffs more than Dame. We have one more game to go, but his leadership and his game speaks for itself. But he’s bringing the team along with him.”

Kristaps Porzingis scored 36 points before fouling out late in the game and Luka Doncic had 25 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Mavericks, who will finish No. 7 in the West.

Lillard made nine 3-pointers in his sixth

50-point game of the season. He’s the 12th player in NBA history to score 50 points in back-to-back games after dropping 51 on the 76ers on Sunday.

He scored in every way imaginable, from well beyond the 3-point line, on blow-by drives, short jumpers and at the foul line.

Lillard finished 17 of 32 from the floor and 9 of 17 from beyond the arc while making all 18 free throw attempts.

“Damian played incredible,” Porzingis said. “Made some unbelievable shots.

Hats off to him.”

His most remarkable shot came with less than 2 minutes remaining. With the Blazers down three, he launched a shot from 36 feet away that hit the back of the rim and bounced several feet above the top of the backboard before dropping through the net.

“I’ve never seen a shot like that — ever,” said Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle.

“That was unbelievable.”

After Porzingis fouled out, Lillard drew a doubleteam and dished to Haasan Whiteside for a dunk to put the Blazers up by two.

Doncic split a pair of free throws to cut the lead to one with 40 seconds left.

Lillard missed a fallaway jumper, and the Mavericks appeared to take the lead on Dorian Finney-Smith’s 3-pointer from the corner, but Trey Burke was called for an illegal screen and officials waived off the basket.

“I don’t know what to say,” Doncic said. “They call what they see out there.

Personally, on the last play, I don’t think it was an offensive foul. Especially I don’t think you call those fouls in that moment. They can make mistakes.”

The Mavs were forced to foul CJ McCollum, who made two free throws to put the Blazers up by three with 3.9 left. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 3-pointer from the corner hit the side of the backboard as time expired.

“We just kept saying keep our composure,” Lillard said. “We knew the first team that came up with a few stops would win. It was going to come down to who wanted it more.”

The game featured the two leading scorers since the NBA restart, with Doncic entering averaging 33.4 points and Lillard 33.

Lillard was hot from the start, scoring 25 in the first half as the Blazers took a 66-58 lead.

“The problem was that he kept getting to the free throw line,” Carlisle said.

“I haven’t looked at the film yet as far as whether the calls were accurate or

whatever. But great players have a knack for getting the whistle to blow.

“In the end, we were unable to keep him off the free throw line. When you let a guy who shoots like that shoot 18 free throws and score 18 points with the clock stopped, you’re putting yourself up against it.”

MELO STEPS UP Carmelo Anthony continues to play well. The 36-year-old forward scored 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting for Portland, several of those coming on low post moves.

“He had matchups on the block where we were able to take advantage of that,” Stotts said.

UP NEXT Blazers: Play Nets on Thursday.

Mavericks: Play Suns on Thursday.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, PAGE 13

THE OLYMPIC cauldron towers above the Olympic stadium in Seoul, South Korea, during the opening ceremonies for the summer Olympic Games on September 17, 1988. INSETS - South Korea’s Park Si-hun, left, delivers a left jab to America’s Roy Jones, and goes on to win the gold medal in the gold medal bout of the light middleweight division October 2, 1988. Jackie Joyner-Kersee makes her javelin throw during heptathlon competition on September 24, 1988.

(AP Photos)

AP WAS THERE: 1988 SEOUL OLYMPICS With the Tokyo Olympics postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press is looking back at the history of Summer Games. This story was published in The Clarksdale Press Register (Miss.) on October 3, 1988. The story, a review of the major developments at the Seoul Games as it ended, is reprinted here as it ran using the contemporary style, terminology and including any published errors

By Steve Wilstein SEOUL, South Korea -- A Korean boxer who knew he didn’t deserve his gold raised the hand of an American who felt cheated, and with that noble gesture of sportsmanship ended an Olympics that will be remembered, sadly, for its scandals.

So many athletes came and did so well - the Soviet gymnastic whizzes and men’s basketball team, East German swimming star Kristin Otto, Americans Greg Louganis, Janet Evans, Jim Abbott, Carl Lewis, Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

These Games overcame the fear of terrorism and civil unrest and brought together nearly 10,000 athletes from 160 countries in stadiums, arenas and pools as fine as ever seen.

The Soviets reigned again with 55 golds, followed by East Germany’s 37 and the United States’ 36. Host South Korea rose to No. 1 in Asia, and fourth in the world with 12 golds.

As always, though, the medals meant much less than the memories the athletes and fans took away with them.

There were glorious moments, from an opening ceremony with exotic dancers and parachutists to a closing with hugs and tears, fireworks and dances, and the mascots of Seoul and Barcelona, the site of the 1992 Games, floating together into the starry night.

Yet, the highest moment of the Games - Ben Johnson rocketing to victory over Lewis in a 100-metre dash world record - led to the deepest pain when the Canadian was caught cheating with muscle-building anabolic steroids.

Twenty years from now, when most of the records set in Seoul are broken, the impact of Johnson’s disgrace will still be felt if athletes and trainers heed the events here and end doping.

“There have been high points and some low points, and the most important low point was Ben Johnson,” Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee, said Monday.

“That was indeed a blow.”

Catching Johnson, however, and expelling him along with nine other athletes with positive drug tests was an indication, Samaranch said, that “we have won the battle against doping.”

Lessons for the future also could be learned from the strange and appalling things that went on at the boxing ring, from an American fighter missing his bus and his bout, to Korean coaches pummeling a referee, and judges losing sight of honesty.

Three golds, three silvers and two bronzes were quite a haul for the US boxers, but they weren’t enough to wipe out the bitterness of a decision Sunday against 19-year-old Roy Jones in the 156-pound final against Korea’s Park Si-hun.

Jones peppered Park’s face with rights and left hooks for three rounds, forced him to one standing 8-count and could have gotten three others that would have ended the fight in the ring. Instead, the decision went to the judges and the result was astonishing - to the fighters, the coaches and even to many Koreans.

The Soviet and Hungarian judges scored it 60-56, a huge spread, in favour of Jones. The judges from Uruguay and Morocco scored it 59-58 for Park, and the judge from Uganda had it 59-59, with a plus mark for the Korean that gave him the gold.

On the victory platform, the gold around Park’s neck and the silver on Jones’, the Korean raised the American’s hand for the crowd.

Here, the gesture said, is the real winner.

“I thought I lost the fight,” Park said. “I might have won the gold medal

thanks to the advantage of a home ring.”

Jones, little soothed by his award afterward from the International Amateur Boxing Association as the outstanding fighter of the tournament, charged the judges with robbing him of his gold and his dream and said he was giving up plans for a professional career.

Samaranch said Monday the IOC will study whether boxing should be continued in the Olympics because of the hazards in the sport and the problems of officiating.

“We are really not happy with the way judges and officials are acting,” he said.

“We take the problem very seriously.”

A much more serious problem for the United States - a rising tide of anti-American sentiment - was exacerbated at the Games by the coverage of NBC, the arrest of several American athletes and the perceived rudeness of the US team at the opening ceremony.

The Soviets, meanwhile, cultivated friendship by bringing in the Bolshoi Ballet, the Moscow Philharmonic, films, a photo exhibit and copies of the Communist Party newspaper Pravda.

The announcement of an unprecedented sports exchange programme between South Korea and the Soviet Union and the arrival of the first Soviet diplomats since World War II also warmed relations.

Soviet athletes, as they did in Calgary during the Winter Games, made a special effort to meet with local people. American athletes tended to isolate themselves.

All those differences became apparent at the sporting events, where Koreans often cheered louder for the Soviets or East Germans than they did for Americans, despite a close 40-year relationship with the United States.

The ongoing student protests, aimed in part at kicking out the 42,000 US troops in South Korea,

CANADIAN BEN JOHNSON, left, signals victory ahead of the United States’ Carl Lewis, as he wins the 100-metre final at the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, September 25, 1988.

(AP Photo/Rick Wilking) never threatened the Olympics and didn’t gain more support during the Games, but they showed a darker side of the feelings expressed in the arenas.

NBC left Seoul richer in the pockets but poorer in reputation. Viewers complained about too many commercials and taped features, and frequent shifts from one event to another. In South Korea, the network was accused of anti-Korean reporting and insensitivity to the local culture. NBC spent $$440 million broadcasting the Games, and a network source said its profits could be as high as $$80 million.

In a whirl of races and scandals and a blur of tears, happy and sad, the Olympics slipped from summer to fall. They were the most expensive and biggest ever.

The Seoul Olympic Organising Committee says it made a $$349 million profit on the Games. Four years ago, the Los Angeles Games earned a $$225 million profit.

Some athletes left Monday with medals, others with only souvenirs.

Some will get rich off these Games, others will struggle.

East German swimmer Kristin Otto, the first woman ever to win six gold medals in one Olympics, received a gold crown from local newspapers Monday as most valuable player of the Seoul Games.

The Paek Sang crown, made of 20-karat gold and designed after the headgear of ancient Korean warriors, cost $$11,000, its donors said.

Although it was not an official IOC award,

the winner was chosen by a panel of four IOC members.

Greg Louganis’ diving career ended with his second pair of gold medals in the springboard and platform events, and he says he’s off to begin an acting career.

Perhaps his first film should be his own life story, beginning with a troubled youth and teen-age bout with alcoholism and ending with his dives in Seoul after hitting his head on the springboard.

Louganis said he talked with his coach about quitting after hitting the board and opening a cut that needed five stitches to close.

“We walked and discussed all the things we had gone through to get there,” he said. “I decided to stay in, and I’m glad I did.”

PAGE 14, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

BIG TEN, PAC-12 PULL PLUG ON FALL FOOTBALL AMID PANDEMIC

By RALPH D RUSSO AP College Football Writer THE Big Ten and Pac-12 called off their fall football seasons yesterday because of concerns about COVID19, taking two of college football’s five power conferences out of a crumbling season.

Five months after the first spikes in coronavirus cases in the US led to the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournament, the still raging pandemic has begun tearing down a sport that generates billions of dollars for the schools that compete in it.

Despite pleas from players, coaches and President

Donald Trump in recent days to play on, 40 per cent of major college football teams have now decided to punt on a fall season.

The Big Ten’s announcement, that it was postponing all fall sports and hoping to make them up in the second semester, came first Tuesday afternoon.

An hour later the Pac-12, the Big Ten’s Rose Bowl partner, called a news conference to say that all sports in its conference would be paused until January 1, including basketball.

“This was an extremely difficult and painful decision that we know will have important impacts on our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and our

fans,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said.

“We know nothing will ease that.”

The Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference are still moving forward with plans to conduct a season as college football’s lack of centralised leadership has left every conference to decide for itself.

The Big Ten’s announcement came six days after the conference that includes historic programmes such as Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska and Penn State had released a revised conference-only football schedule that it hoped would help it navigate a

fall season with potential COVID-19 disruptions.

The decision was monumental but not a surprise.

Speculation has run rampant for several days that the Big Ten was moving toward this decision.

On Monday, coaches throughout the Big Ten tried to push back the tide, publicly pleading for more time and threatening to look elsewhere for games this fall.

“The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the centre of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward,” Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said in a statement.

“As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee, it became abundantly clear that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete this fall.”

Warren took over as commissioner from Jim Delany at the start of this year.

A former longtime executive in the NFL, Warren walked into an unprecedented problem for college sports.

During an interview on the Big Ten Network, Warren was pressed on whether the decision was

unanimous across the conferences and if Big Ten teams could still try to play a fall season, as some coaches suggested Monday.

Warren declined to answer.

“We are very disappointed in the decision by the Big Ten Conference to postpone the fall football season, as we have been and continue to be ready to play,” University of Nebraska leadership said in a statement.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said the Buckeyes would have preferred to play.

“I wish we would have had a little more time to evaluate,” Smith told the Big Ten Network.

Portugal ready for Champions League after subduing virus

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Seen as an example for the rest of Europe, Portugal successfully controlled the coronavirus pandemic — and earned the right to host the world’s most important club soccer tournament.

Portugal will take the centre stage from today when eight of Europe’s best teams start fighting for the coveted Champions League title amid strict health protocols.

Thanks in part to its handling of the pandemic, Portugal was chosen by UEFA to stage the minitournament in two Lisbon stadiums over the next two weeks. Despite the country’s success, there will be no fans for this week’s quarter-finals, next week’s semi-finals and the August 23 final.

Portugal avoided the problems that hit other southern European countries such as Italy and neighbouring Spain, where the known combined COVID-19 death toll surpassed 63,000.

PSG’s Neymar and Angel Di Maria, centre, run side by side during a training session at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, yesterday. PSG will play Atalanta in a Champions League quarterfinals soccer match today.

(Rafael Marchante/Pool via AP)

There have been fewer than 2,000 registered

deaths in Portugal, which took quick action when

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the pandemic started to hit nearby countries and even though only a few cases had been reported locally.

“UEFA recognised that Portugal was the safest place to host this competition,” Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said yesterday in a video call with international correspondents.

“All security measures have been guaranteed for

players, coaches, journalists, visitors and the Portuguese community in general.”

Costa noted that Portugal’s past experience in hosting sporting events helped the nation land the Champions League.

Portugal hosted the inaugural Nations League Finals last year, Champions League final in Lisbon in 2014, and the European

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Championship in 2004.

Later this year, the country will hold a Formula One grand prix and a MotoGP race, both in the city of Portimão.

“We are only able to host these Champions League matches because of the good behaviour of the Portuguese people in the fight against the pandemic,” Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes said.

“The matches will be seen by hundreds of millions of people, helping to underline and reinforce the positive image that Portugal has given the world during a period that has been particularly difficult and demanding for everyone.”

The final was originally scheduled to take place at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. Madrid was among cities which also wanted to host the reshaped mini-tournament.

Portugal, a country of 10.3 million people with an economy that relies heavily on tourism, saw a surge in outbreaks that raised concerns a few weeks ago and prompted the return of some restrictions in some places.

But the numbers came down again recently and have been mostly under control in the run-up to the Champions League knockout stage.

There were also concerns when Spanish club Atlético Madrid reported two positive cases in its squad ahead of its trip to Lisbon.

The entire team had to be tested again and the club was cleared to travel only after negative results came back.

None of the other seven clubs involved in the quarter-finals have reported positive tests among players.

In Lisbon, they will have to comply with UEFA’s 31-page return-to-play protocols for international matches.

Players will be tested before departure for a host city and a day before games.

Anyone who has had either a coronavirus diagnosis or “any suspicious symptoms or contacts” will be subject to pulmonary function testing and, in severe cases, “organdependent examinations.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, PAGE 15

SPURS BEAT ROCKETS 123-105 TO STAY ALIVE IN PLAYOFF RACE

BOOKER HELPS STREAKING SUNS BEAT 76ERS

PHILADELPHIA 76ers guard Shake Milton (18) drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton (22) defends during the first half yesterday.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) — Devin Booker scored 35 points and the Phoenix Suns protected their playoff hopes by beating the Philadelphia 76ers 130-117 yesterday to remain undefeated in the NBA restart.

Mikal Bridges added 24 points and Ricky Rubio had 16 points with 10 assists as the Suns pulled into a tie with Memphis, which began the day alone in eighth-place in the Western Conference.

“We know we’re not totally in control of our fate

but we put ourselves in a good position,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “No one would have guessed the Phoenix Suns would be in this position before all of this started.”

Phoenix is 7-0 as the only undefeated team in the restart and an unlikely factor in the tight race for a spot in this weekend’s play-in for the final playoff spot.

Still, the Suns know even an 8-0 finish in the bubble may not be enough to earn a playoff spot. “That’s life, man,” Booker said. “We’re

controlling what we can control and that’s the eight games they gave us. ... I don’t think there’s going to be any sad faces around here, whether we make the playoffs or not.”

Phoenix pulled away late after leading only 105-102 following back-to-back baskets by Alec Burks.

A dunk by Cameron Johnson capped a 10-3 run that stretched the lead to 115-105.

The Suns continued their high-scoring play in the bubble after averaging 120 points in the first six games.

CELTICS KEEP GRIZZLIES FROM CLINCHING SPOT IN PLAY-IN SERIES LAKE BUENA VISTA (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 29 points and the Boston Celtics ran past Memphis 122-107 yesterday, putting the Grizzlies in further danger of missing the playoffs.

The Grizzlies missed another chance to guarantee themselves a spot in the Western Conference playin series, and fell out of eighth place when Portland beat Dallas later yesterday.

Boston (48-23), which has already locked up the Eastern Conference’s third seed, won its fourth straight.

Gordon Hayward added 19 points and five assists.

Memphis (33-39) lost for the sixth time in seven games since the restart. Ja Morant finished with 26 points and 13 assists.

The Grizzlies arrived in Florida with 3 1/2-game cushion over their nearest

competitor for the eighth seed in the West. But their struggles have guaranteed the need for a play-in game for that final spot with Portland, San Antonio and Phoenix all still in contention.

Memphis will head into its final seeding game against Milwaukee on Thursday needing a win to earn a place in the play-in game. The team that finishes ninth would have to

beat the eighth-place team twice.

Boston didn’t look like a team coasting into the postseason. Celtics coach Brad Stevens played his regular starters and they were active on both ends of the floor Tatum paced the offensive attack, scoring 17 points in just 15 minutes of action in the first half.

Tied at 13 in the first quarter, the Celtics went

a 33-11 run and led by as many as 22 in the second quarter.

Boston held the Grizzlies to 33 per cent (17 of 51) shooting in the half, including 1 of 13 (7.7 per cent) from the 3-point line.

TIP-INS Celtics: Closed first quarter on 11-4 run. Shot 51 per cent from the field (44 of 86) for the game. Grizzlies: Finished 24 per cent (7 of 29) from beyond the arc.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) — Keldon Johnson had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs kept alive their chance of becoming the first team in NBA history to make 23 consecutive playoff appearances with a 123-105 victory over the Houston Rockets yesterday.

DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points for San Antonio, which has won five of seven since arriving in the Florida bubble.

The Western Conference is guaranteed to have a play-in for its final playoff spot. The Spurs will need help to be one of the teams playing this weekend for that spot the final spot, but made sure they couldn’t be eliminated yesterday with their win.

Russell Westbrook had 20 points and seven turnovers in his first game back in the lineup for Houston after missing two games with a bruised right quadriceps.

The Rockets played without guards James Harden (rest) and Eric Gordon (ankle).

NETS 108, MAGIC 96 Jeremiah Martin and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot each scored 24 points, leading Brooklyn to the victory.

Dzanan Musa added 17 points and Tyler Johnson had 14 for the Nets, who improved to 5-2 in the restart with their third straight victory.

With the Nets locked into the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and the Magic eighth, the teams went with limited rosters while getting players extra rest. Brooklyn suited up nine players and Orlando used 10.

PAGE 16, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Miller-Uibo opts out of 100m final at Sprint Showcase FROM PAGE 12 chief executive officer of On Track Management Inc., said it was “just a mild discomfort so she opted for caution.”

Pressed about whether MillerUibo would be affected for any other meets, Bryan declined any comments, but stated: “We’re looking for other low key opportunities for her to wrap up the season.” Miller-Uibo, who was unavailable for comments, has

had a terrific season amidst the coronavirus pandemic that cancelled the remainder of the indoor track season in March and halted the start of the outdoor season.

However, there were a few meets held in July where MillerUibo was able to produce a lifetime best of 10.98 at the Back to the Track: Clermont Series, which was then listed as the world’s fastest time to along with her leading time of 21.98 in the 200m last month as well. The

100m time enabled the 26-yearold Miller-Uibo to join a lofty group of just four women to run sub-11s in the 100m, sub-22s in the 200m and sub-49s in the 400.

The list comprises France’s Marie José-Pérec (10.96 in the 100m, 21.99 in the 200m and 48.25 in the 400m), American Valerie Brisco-Hooks (10.99, 21.81 and 48.83) and Germany’s Marita Koch (10.83, 21.71 and 47.60, which stands as the world record from October 6, 1985.

However, over the weekend at the Velocity Fest series of meets in Kingston, Jamaica, both Jamaican sensations ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah surpassed Miller-Ubio’s time in the 100m with top performances of 10.87 and 10.88 respectively.

With Miller-Uibo out of the meet on Monday, Richardson came and picked up the sprint double, taking the 200m in 22.00 over Shakima Wimbley of adidas

in 22.88. Johnson was third in 23.01. The 400m was also held with Kaylin Whitney of Nike taking the tape in 52.66. Carlin Muir of Puma was second in 53.45 and Lea Tshikaya, unattached, was third in 58.27. The meet also saw Trayvon Bromell of New Balance taking the men’s 100 in 9.87, well ahead of Justin Gatlin of Nike, who did 10.02. Miller-Ubio’s husband, Estonia decathlete Maicel Uibo, representing adidas, was 10th overall in 11.41.

STRACHAN: ‘I SEE THINGS THAT I NEED TO IMPROVE ON’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IN what could be considered her “saving grace” as she continues to revitalise her promising young career, Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan said she finds herself in the right atmosphere at the right time.

Since 2018, Strachan has made the move from the United States to Jamaica where she’s training in the Maximizing Velocity & Power Track & Field Club (MVP) where she works out and trains with Jamaican superstars Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah.

Over the weekend at the fourth and fifth Velocity Fest meets at the National Stadium in Kingston, Strachan sped to her season’s best of 22.67 seconds for third place overall in the women’s 200 metres.

Strachan, who opened up in the first of the series of meets with 11.46 in the 100m for fifth place, said she’s extremely pleased because she’s running faster than she’s ran in the past 5-6 years.

“I can’t be unhappy about it, although I see things that I need to improve on,” Strachan said.

“Outside of that, I’m really happy and excited about everything that is happening for me right now, especially with the route this season has taken.

This has just given me a better outlook for the 2021 season.”

The 26-year-old 2012 double sprint World Junior Championship champion from Barcelona, Spain was referring to the disruption in the sporting world because of the coronavirus pandemic that shut down the indoor season and has put the outdoor season on hold.

The Jamaicans, however, decided to return to some sort of normalcy by putting on a series of Velocity Fest Meets since July to keep their athletes in tip-top shape as they prepare for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, which has been postponed until 2021.

In those meets, Strachan raced against Fraser-Pryce, the reigning World 100m champion, in the 100m in the first race and against Thompson-Herah, the defending Olympic 100/200m champion, in the 200m over the weekend.

“Honestly, probably because I train with them, I don’t feel no difference in competing with them as opposed to training with them,” Strachan stated.

“But I do know that once Shelly and Elaine go on the track, it’s no more fun and games. It’s all about the business and you know for sure there is going to be a fast time run. You just have to hope that either you have a fast time too or you get a chance to surpass them.”

In the series of meets, Fraser-Pryce, in her return to the track scene last year after having a baby, produced the fastest time in the world in the 100m in 10.87, followed closely by Thompson-Herah in 10.88.

They both improved on the previous best of 10.98

by Bahamian Olympic 400m champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo in a meet in Florida. Thompson-Herah also turned in a time of 22.19 in the 200m, but it was to fall short of Miller-Uibo’s world’s leading mark of 21.98 last month as well.

As one of a few international athletes training in Jamaica, Strachan said she feels right at home, even though some of the athletes constantly remind her to slow down her speech because they sometimes have a difficulty understanding her dialect.

“Other than that, there’s no difference because we all basically knew each other before we even started training together,” Strachan said. “I knew Shericka (Jackson, the 400m specialist) from the CARIFTA days. I knew Elaine and Shelly-Ann from I started competing on the senior national team.

“Even though I never had a one-on-one conversation with them like I have now, but I still spoke to them. It’s okay to be around them because I know what they are like and it’s easy to communicate with them.”

BAHAMIAN sprinter Anthonique Strachan (in action above), said she finds herself in the right atmosphere at the right time.

Not your typical early morning riser, Strachan said she had to make a major adjustment to get up around 4:40am to prepare herself to start her training shift, if it started either at 6, 7:30 or 9am.

Once her session is done, she returns home and does her rehab and if she has to go in the gym, she will do it around 1pm. After she does another rehab session, she then completes the day by reviewing her workout sessions to see where she made her mistakes.

When she initially made the transition from Auburn where she trained under coach Henry Rolle to Jamaica where she is now being coached by brothers Paul and Stephen Francis, Strachan said it’s more than she had originally anticipated.

“Based on where I was as a junior and where I was at

when I came here, I felt I couldn’t get no lower in my career,” reflected Strachan, who is still seeking the international success she achieved as a junior athlete.

“I felt I couldn’t get no lower than I reached, so this was like my saving grace.

I want to put myself in an uncomfortable situation to see if it’s working. So when I came here in 2018, I was not all that interested in it.”

Used to the luxury of being in the USA where she could order an item and have it delivered to her doorstep in a day or two, Strachan said she came to Jamaica where she had to add the extra taxes for products to be delivered a longer time and her grocery list was extended from about $100 to $300.

“The training camp was okay, but the personal life aspect was upsetting me.

And once you are upset in

your personal life, it trickles into track and field and into your business world,” Strachan pointed out.

“I was like, this wasn’t making no sense because I was already in a decline in my career. I was like how I am going to save myself if I out myself in a stronger strain.”

But she was constantly reminded by her mother, Simone Farmer, that she just had to buckle down and make the best of her situation. She said the coaches in MVP also stressed to her the importance of doing whatever it took to make it work.

“They just told me that I had to get used to the lifestyle here and try not to keep comparing it to the Bahamas or the United States because the Jamaican athletes are making the most of their situation,” said Strachan, whose father is Alfred Strachan Sr. “I had to learn to trust the process.”

In 2011 after she left St Augustine’s College, Strachan went to the US to begin her pro track and field career under the sponsorship of Puma for the 2012 season.

Unfortunately, she didn’t compete in college and that may have been one of the downfalls that hindered her transition from being a junior to a senior athlete.

“Outside of my junior career, I didn’t have that turn over as a senior,” she said. “So I decided that I wanted to train with people who were better than me because I felt that is the only thing that will help me.

“When you look at the 100 and 200m, the top competitors in Jamaica, so it’s probably something that they are doing right that I wasn’t doing correct.

Because I signed as a pro as a junior, I skipped college, which would have given me that stepping stone in my senior career.”

As a result, Strachan said she didn’t feel she was 100 per cent a pro athlete, although she was competing at 100 per cent, injury or injury-free. She did have Jamaican sprinter Kerron Stewart and Trinidad & Tobago’s Marc Burns to rely on in Auburn, but they were on their way out.

So she felt that with Fraser-Pryce and Thompson-Herah still in the prime

of their career, Strachan said there was no way she could pass up the opportunity to train with MVP, a move that she said she would do it all over again, if she was presented with the challenge.

“I wanted to be great and I felt that the only way I could do it, was to be in an atmosphere where the great athletes were,” she quipped. “Here in Jamaica, MVP’s whole camp is designed just around track and field. I feel this was something that I needed to actually ground me.

“The way Stephen and Paul (Francis) coach, is completely different from any other coach I worked with in the past. I could respect their coaching style because they are so frank and direct. I could go to them and ask them if they think I could run 22.1 this year, if I had asked them that in 2018, they would have told me not the way I look. They would have said, you would be lucky to run 23.”

That blunt firmness, according to Strachan, was what she needed.

“They constantly told me that I needed to put in more work because I can see what this person and that person are doing,” he said.

“I don’t need to do what they are doing, but I need to come close to it in order to improve my performance.

“In this camp, it’s not like ‘oh, you see what Elaine and Shelly-Ann are doing, let’s do it too,” she said.

“What will work for them will not necessarily work for you.

“But you sit there and see them do their abs and you haven’t done your own for the day. They are number one and two in the world, do what you see they are doing. They put it into their running, so I had to take their mentality so that I can be successful too.”

Having been to the bottom of her career, coupled with a series of injuries, Strachan said she decided to take a more unified approach to her training and it’s now paying off because she’s running faster now than she did in 2013.

With the Olympics postponed for another year, Strachan said she can look at improving her times now so that she can be more comfortable and when the season swings into full gear, she will be better prepared.

“Next year, I can put this same work ethic into getting ready for the Olympics,” she projected.

“So even though the season hasn’t come to an end yet, I should be able to produce the same type of times when next year come around.

“I know next year will be close to a normal season.

2020 was one of the most stressful track and field seasons. This has been more stressful than getting through an injury. With an injury, I know I could treat this or that, but there is no recovery phase for what we are going through with this pandemic.”

Under the Puma contract, Strachan said she’s making the best of her situation with MVP. “I don’t regret coming to Jamaica and training here because right now, I’m doing better than I ever did before,” she summed up. “I feel much better as well.”

This weekend, Strachan will be back in action, but she’s not sure whether it will be in the 100 or 200, or both. She’s just looking forward to continuing her progress in her bid to be the elite sprinter that she was primed to be.