08282020 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

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The Tribune

Volume:117 No.189, AUGUST 28, 2020

Established 1903

Weekend

WEEKEND: SAMARITANS STILL HAVE WORK TO DO

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

Weekend

Friday, August 28, 2020 culture photography enterta inment gardening televis ion history puzzles

COSPLAY GOES LOCAL Pages 08 + 09

Goombay hooray!

ZERO TOLERANCE Here comes the first ever Baham ian kids show

TEN HOURS WITHOUT POWER FOR ONE POLE!

Senior doctors alarmed over death toll demand rigid use of COVID rules

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net CONSULTANT physicians are disheartened by the alarming number of patient deaths related to COVID-19, sparked by an exponential increase in cases since the country reopened its borders.

In a press statement last night, Consultant Physicians Staff Association president Dr Sabriquet Pinder-Butler said the surge in cases has not only significantly strained medical workers, but main health facilities now have no more space for COVID-19 positive people.

The situation, she said, has stretched teams beyond measure.

Highlighting last Friday’s death of Bernadette Rolle, a Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre nurse, the association said the country could not afford to lose any more doctors, nurses or healthcare workers to the virus or

from physical and mental exhaustion.

As as result, the seniors physicians made an appeal for Bahamians to follow COVID-19 prevention protocols, adding a recommendation of a “zero-tolerance” approach for people who do not wear masks, abide by quarantine orders or go out in public while sick or knowing they are COVID-19 positive.

The statement read: “Members of the Consultant Physician Staff Association along with other essential healthcare workers have been on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 for the past six months.

“Since the re-opening of our borders, we have been exposed to an exponential surge in COVID-19 positive cases resulting in a significant strain on our healthcare workers who are experiencing burnout and even more exposures.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

SOME residents of Eastern New Providence were left without power for more than 10 hours after a car accident damaged a Bahamas Power and Light pole on Bernard Road. There were also other isolated outages BPL had to address on Wednedsay night.

BPL’s director of public relations, Quincy Parker, said: “As for the outages in eastern New Providence, most of those were associated with a vehicular accident where a BPL pole was damaged on Bernard Road.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

SEE PAGE THREE

SETBACK ON RECOVERY AS CASES SOAR AGAIN BY 110

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas recorded 110 additional COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, pushing the nation’s count up to press time to a staggering 1,923.

Health officials did not release Wednesday’s COVID dashboard until early yesterday morning after representatives told reporters the data did

not receive approval for release.

Of Wednesday’s cases, there were 97 recorded on New Providence, 12 on Grand Bahama and one on Abaco. The location of 68 confirmed cases is still “pending”.

An additional non COVID-19 related death was also recorded on Wednesday - bringing the total to seven - as SEE PAGE THREE

pg 07

OH, OH, MR BOND AS Sean Connery turns 90, Diane Phillips recalls the first time she met him - and how he lashed into her - before they eventually became friends.

Full story - Page 8

ANOTHER ELDERLY DRUG MULE DEPORTED

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A SWISS man who spent nine months on remand for importing $50,000 worth of cocaine into the country was yesterday turned over to the Department of Immigration for deportation.

Rene Buffat, 67, first appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew SEE PAGE SEVEN

DORIAN SHELTERS FINALLY CLOSED

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AFTER months of being open to accommodate displaced Hurricane Dorian victims, all shelters in New Providence have now been officially deactivated.

Deputy Director of Social Services Kim Sawyer, confirming the news to The Tribune yesterday, said the Poinciana Inn on Bernard Road – which served

THE POINCIANA Inn as a transitional home for affected families – discontinued its operations on

June 30. Bahamas Academy’s auditorium on Wulff Road, she added, has also since been deactivated.

“Both of those shelters were deactivated,” she told The Tribune. “Poinciana Inn deactivated from the 30th of June. But I cannot say the exact date of Bahamas Academy but we don’t have any evacuees that we are housing at any shelter now.”

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE SEVEN

A COMIC’S VIEW FARMER MINNIS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ANIMALS

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Friday, August 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

FEEDING DAY FOR BIRDS

IT was feeding day for the birds yesterday as farmers taking part in a government agriculture initiative received their latest supplies. Over recent months farmers have been given young birds to rear and to bring to market - part of the drive to make The Bahamas more self reliant in its food supplies.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 3

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A NEW international study has revealed that obesity increases the risk of COVID-19 deaths by nearly 50 percent.

The study, a collaboration between the University of North Carolina, Saudi Health Council and World Bank, was led by Dr Barry Popkin – a nutrition professor at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

Published in the Obesity Reviews journal, the study focuses on COVID-19’s impact on the obese community.

For example, study findings show that the risk of overweight people dying from the virus is 48 percent, a percentage higher than what officials initially thought.

It also suggests that a COVID vaccine may not be as effective for this vulnerable community.

Even Dr Popkin has admitted to being shocked by the study’s findings.

Shock study reveals close obesity link to COVID fatalities “That’s a pretty big effect for me,” he said. “It is a 50 percent increase essentially.

That’s a pretty high scary number. All of it is actually, much higher than I ever expected.”

According to the research, the risk of obese people being hospitalised with COVID-19 increases by 113 percent and of needing intensive care by 74 percent.

“ICU admission and mortality are really high.

They all shocked me, to be honest,” Dr Popkin added.

He also said: “We know a COVID vaccine will have a positive effect on obese people, but we suspect from all our knowledge from tests on the SARS vaccine and the flu vaccine it will have a diminished benefit compared to the others.”

Dr Melinda Beck, the study’s co-author, added: “Individuals with obesity are also more likely to experience physical

ailments that make fighting this disease harder, such as sleep apnoea, which increases pulmonary hypertension, or a body mass index that increases difficulties in a hospital setting with intubation.”

The report captures data from many studies worldwide, including China, France, Italy, the UK and the US. Last year, then-Health Minister Dr Duane

Sands revealed that more than 70 percent of the Bahamian population is overweight.

The statistics were presented as the results of the 2019 STEPS Survey, which also found The Bahamas is overwhelmingly an “unhealthy nation”.

According to the 2019 results, less than 50 percent of Bahamians drink the recommended eight or more glasses of water each day and

additionally, only 15 percent of the population eats the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables.

In 2018, Dr Sands said The Bahamas was the sixth most obese country in the world.

Attempts made to contact health officials concerning the latest study’s findings were unsuccessful up to press time.

Editorial View - Page 6

Zero tolerance Senior doctors alarmed over death toll demand rigid use of virus rules from page one “We are also disheartened by the alarming increase in patient deaths related to COVID-19, as well as the recent loss of our nursing colleague who worked along with our healthcare team at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

“Hence, the CPSA feels obligated to publicly appeal to, and reach the citizens in The Bahamas that we have sworn an oath to serve. This pandemic will not come to an end any time soon. We understand that the people of The Bahamas need to see a light at the end of the tunnel regarding our physical as well as our economic well-being as a nation.

“Given that our main healthcare facilities have no more space for COVID19 positive persons, and our health care teams are stretched beyond measure, the CPSA recommends a zero-tolerance approach for persons who do not wear masks in public, abide by quarantine orders, or worse, go out in public

PRINCESS Margaret Hospital while sick or knowing that they are COVID positive,” Dr Pinder-Butler also said.

“We cannot afford to lose any more of our physicians, nurses or other healthcare members to COVID-19 nor to physical and mental exhaustion.

“We are hopeful, as healthcare workers and as long suffering residents of The Bahamas, that lessons were learnt from the prior reopening attempt, and that the relevant authorities would make best effort - with proper consultation with all stakeholders - to protect our borders, monitor public health and social compliance, and secure our economic future as a sovereign nation.”

Since July, 72 healthcare workers contracted COVID-19, health officials said earlier this week.

And as of August 19, the Ministry of Health said 28 healthcare workers at Grand Bahama Health Services tested positive for COVID-19; 18 at Princess Margaret Hospital; 18 at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre; seven at the Department of Public Health (DPH) on New Providence and one at DPH on the Family Islands.

Up to press time, 48 COVID-19 deaths had been reported out of more than 1,900 cases, the majority of them recorded after the country reopened its borders on July 1.

WEDNESDAY’S DASHBOARD

SETBACK AS CASES SOAR AGAIN BY 110 TO PUSH TOTAL UP TO 1,923

RELATIVES WAITING FOR TEST RESULTS

from page one

RELATIVES of a police reservist are awaiting the results of the woman’s COVID-19 test to determine if she had the disease when she died.

The police reservist, who died Wednesday in hospital, is the relative of an aide to a Cabinet minister.

A family member yesterday confirmed the death to The Tribune.

However the relative said the woman’s cause of death could not be confirmed as the officer had not received a test result before she died.

Police Commissioner Paul Rolle declined

COVID-19 related deaths still stand at 48.

Meanwhile, 79 COVID19 patients are also still being hospitalised.

The increase of cases on New Providence comes as the island prepares to resume commercial activity after a nearly four week lockdown, which saw most businesses being ordered shut to contain the spread of the infectious disease.

On Monday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that most businesses in New Providence will be allowed to reopen on August 31, including

comment when contacted yesterday.

Data released by Ministry of Health officials on Monday showed that there had been 93 COVID-19 cases among police officers in New Providence and Grand Bahama. Those cases came into contact with 125 people.

Following the release of the data, Commissioner Rolle told a local daily that he was aware that 85 officers were quarantined because of exposure to the virus, but he only learned the true picture earlier this week when officials made the announcement.

PRIME Minister Minnis

restaurants, web shops and retail stores but under certain guidelines.

He also said new COVID-19 data suggests no hard lockdown is needed at this time for the island, citing “positive trends”.

“But I must say to you, that if the data points to the need for other restrictions in the future to address community spread, such restrictions will be put in place,” he said at a press conference on Monday.

“There is still no vaccine for this virus.”

Dr Minnis said “the very latest data” led to the decision to lift certain restrictions.

“When we saw the early data on the number of cases

here in New Providence, we were certain that there would be a need for additional restrictive measures,” he said at the time. “Over the last 24 hours, our health team and the University of The Bahamas further reviewed the latest data coming in and that new analysis has shifted the recommendation.”

This came after Dr Minnis last week announced an immediate seven day near full lockdown for New Providence in response to the COVID19 crisis. However, that decision was reversed in less than 24 hours after public outcry.

Editorial View - Page 6

BISHOP TELLS PEOPLE TO FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES ANGLICAN Archbishop Laish Boyd is urging people to take COVID-19 safety guidelines seriously, saying we must “practice the protocols or face destruction”.

In a statement issued yesterday, Bishop Boyd said the country’s current situation came about because some protocols “were relaxed when they should not have been” coupled with the fact that many people were not observing

the measures at all. “The reality of the situation we face is that we are going to be dealing with this virus for a long time,” said Bishop Boyd, archbishop for the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos. “We are going to have to learn to live with it safely and responsibly, until we reach the point where it is no longer a threat.

“This means that now more than ever it is do or die – practice the protocols

or face destruction. In fact, we are where we are now because some protocols were relaxed when they should not have been, and because many have not been observing the protocols at all.

“If we are going to live and not die then it will take all of us. Do not ignore the virus. Do not play down the seriousness of the virus.

Do not take this thing for a joke. Do not say that it will

not happen to me and my family.”

He said some people are not paying attention to the health threat because they do not have a loved one who is ill or COVID-19 positive. Still, he stressed everyone must play their part in stopping the spread as he urged people to social distance, wear a mask and wash their hands frequently.

He also said people

should focus on building their immune systems and practicing healthy lifestyle habits, suggesting people exercise, take vitamins and eat more whole plant foods.

“Too many of us have comorbidities ie, additional medical conditions which put us at higher risk than normal,” he said. “Non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis are too prevalent

among us. Even more deadly than that is obesity, which throws the body’s whole systems off.”

For those who are struggling mentally and emotionally during this crisis, Bishop Boyd suggested talking to a friend, pastor, local leader or calling a national hotline.

He urged people to remain positive, saying the nation can beat this crisis if everyone works together.

PAGE 4, Friday, August 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

SMES IN GB GRATEFUL MINNIS MADE THE CHANGES

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmayc ock@tri bunemedia.net

A SMALL business operator in Grand Bahama said the community is grateful the government listened to their concerns about lockdowns impacting their livelihoods, however he said beauticians and nail technicians on the island are upset they are still barred from resuming work.

On Monday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that Grand Bahama’s commercial sector could begin reopening, nearly five weeks after the island was placed under a lockdown to help stem a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Nearly 200 business

owners from the island wrote to the Office of the Prime Minister on Sunday, pleading for an end to the lockdown and for them to resume business. Some business owners had even threatened to protest over the issue during a Zoom meeting on Saturday.

“We are grateful they paid attention to our concerns regarding the opening of the small business sector in Grand Bahama,” said Darren Cooper, one of the 184 frustrated business operators who wrote to the government.

While most of those business operators were able to open on Tuesday through curbside and delivery services, beauticians, barbers, and nail technicians on

Grand Bahama are still not allowed to operate under the latest emergency powers order.

Mr Cooper – a car rental operator who spearheaded Saturday’s Zoom call meeting - was disappointed that those businesses are still closed. He said they are very upset about it.

“What we learned yesterday (Tuesday) from the communication in Nassau was that all businesses are not technically open - we have beauty salons, barbers, and nail technicians that are still not allowed to open,” he said during a recent interview.

“We are working to have that addressed because these entities would have gone through a course in

having to be recertified for necessary health guidance and protocols put in place by the health team. So, they should have been allowed to open,” Mr Cooper said.

When asked how many were affected, he said. “I don’t have an exact number, but today I received 26 messages from those in the industry that informed me they could not open their businesses. They are up in arms about it; they are very ticked off because they thought they would be considered to be open and they are not.”

The hair care and beauty industry was one of the last areas to reopen after the country went through the first wave of the pandemic and initial lockdown.

“They were open for less than 10 to 14 days and they (spent money) to do certain things to be able to open. So, we were very disappointed they were not allowed to open and hope to have that addressed. . .to make sure all of the businesses are opened,” he said.

However, he reported the majority of the 180 businesses which wrote to officials are open for business and employees are happy to be back to work.

“A lot of our restaurants are open today (Wednesday), and clothing stores and companies that are able to offer curbside opened yesterday (Tuesday).

“We are very pleased.

You can see the excitement

on the faces of the workers because they are able to be back to work to earn their pay,” he said.

Mr Cooper believes that the position of unity taken by business operators made a difference.

“I believe strongly with the letter sent by the Chamber (of Commerce) and the letter sent by the 184 businesses, they were (not) prepared to deal with the pushback from such a large number of business owners.

“We had a good dialogue with the Chamber president Greg Laroda, and he is committed to the reopening of our businesses. I believe it is because of that unity we are able to enjoy the opening of our businesses,” Mr Cooper said.

BREEZING ALONG PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis accepted donations on behalf of the Bahamian people from SuperClubs Breezes, GraceKennedy Money Services and Grace Foods at the resort yesterday. Minister of Health Renward Wells was also on hand for the donation.

Presenting toiletries and clothes on behalf of SuperClubs Breezes was the resort’s managing director, Muna Issa. GraceKennedy Money Services and Grace Foods partnered together to donate the food. Operations and business development manager of

GraceKennedy Money Services, Lovy Jean presented the goods for both organisations.

After accepting the donations, Dr Minnis and Mr Wells toured SuperClubs Breezes, which has been identified as a national response facility to accommodate mild to moderate patients under investigation for COVID-19.

There are approximately 60 beds for patients.

During a national address on August 9, Dr Minnis said that SuperClubs Breezes will accommodate both the employees that

are attending the patients on one floor, and clinical and management operations on other floors. He said security services will be provided by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, supplemented by a Public Hospitals Authority contracted security firm.

“On behalf of the government and people of the Bahamas, I thank Breezes for the role it has played as a corporate citizen during this pandemic,” Dr Minnis said.

He added that the government has been asked to cover only utility costs during the use of the hotel as the new national response facility.

MAGISTRATE URGES PUBLIC TO BE MORE CAREFUL

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribn ue Staff Reporter fjohnso n@tri bunemedia.net

DEPUTY Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes yesterday urged the public to “exercise better judgment” to avoid being brought before the courts for violating the emergency orders.

His comments came after he warned and discharged several people who appeared before him for curfew infractions. Many of those charged claimed they left their homes in search of food and water.

Yesterday, Magistrate Forbes said while he understood people were “anxious to continue their day-to-day routines”, they needed to exercise better judgment by analysing the facts and making decisions based on them rather than impulse or emotion.

He noted he sees flags flying and people professing their sovereignty to the country every Independence Day, but said it

appeared as if some people were not willing to abide by the regulations put in place to deter the spread of COVID-19 for the greater good of the nation.

Leroy Rigby, 23, was charged after officers found him on Boyd Road around 10.30am on August 18. He pleaded guilty to violating the curfew, but said he only left his home to sell his phone so he could make money to pay his rent.

Rigby said he had moved to New Providence from Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian and was trying to support himself.

After explaining his situation to the magistrate, he was discharged with a warning.

Meanwhile, Shelton Tinker, 37, was charged after officers found him on Fritz Lane around 10.45pm on July 20. He also admitted to breaching the curfew and was discharged after he said he was heading home after dropping his daughter to her house.

Haywood Thompson, 50,

was charged after police arrested him on West Street around 10.45pm on July 20.

Yesterday, he claimed he left his home to get food and water from a friend around a corner because he had no water or electricity at his home. However, the prosecution said on the night of his arrest, Thompson told officers he was looking for rum. As a result, his lawyer argued Thompson was trying to cope with stress brought on by the pandemic and left his home on the night in question for food and water in addition to rum. Thompson was also discharged with a warning.

Osbourne Thompson, 36, was charged after officers found him on Wallace Road around 9.25am on August 8.

He pleaded guilty, but had his case dismissed after he explained he had left home to get money from his sister to purchase some groceries.

Ainsley Harris, 37, was arraigned after officers found him on East Street around 2.45am on July 21. He was warned and

discharged after he told the magistrate he had fallen asleep at his car shop and had decided to walk to his home, which was two blocks away, to get some food.

Officers found Tomasso Riley, 22, in the Cedar Way area around 8.50pm on July 30. The prosecution said he was not wearing a face mask at the time of his arrest.

The court heard officers on patrol observed a group of males playing basketball at a park. Upon seeing the officers, most of the men dispersed. However, the prosecution said Riley just sat there. When he was approached and questioned, he told police he came outside to catch some fresh air. Yesterday, Riley also told the magistrate he had locked himself outside and had forgotten his face mask at home. As a result, he was discharged for violating the curfew, but fined $200 for going outdoors without wearing a mask.

Cadwell Taylor, 37, was fined $600 after police

found him walking on Toote Shop Corner without a face mask on July 20. The prosecution said Taylor was armed with a cutlass he had hidden in one of his pants legs when officers found him around 10.55pm that night.

Yesterday Taylor pleaded guilty to all of the charges brought against him. The court heard officers were on mobile patrol when they observed Taylor walking outside without a face mask.

The prosecution said when officers searched Taylor, they then found a black handle cutlass attached to his left leg. He was subsequently arrested and taken to a nearby station where he admitted to the offences.

When given an opportunity to speak during the hearing, Taylor told the magistrate he was outside because he had gotten “put out” of the house by a friend after they had an argument. As for the reasoning behind him having

a cutlass, Taylor claimed he did yard work and was on the street because he was not aware of the time.

In response, Deputy Chief Magistrate Forbes noted for the past six months, he had several people who had appeared before him who offered “interesting details” to justify breaking the curfew, despite the fact that they have been told their behaviour could contribute to greater problems. He added it appeared as if some Bahamians have decided to ignore the possible consequences their actions could produce.

As a result, he fined Taylor $300 for violating the curfew, $200 for failing to wear a mask that covered his mouth and nose while outdoors and another $100 for unlawfully carrying arms.

Magistrate Forbes also warned the defendant if he failed to pay the fines, he would spend one month at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 5

Celebrating 150 years ST Paul’s Baptist Church on Bernard Road will celebrate its 150th anniversary this Sunday.

The service will be livestreamed on Facebook and will adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines as outlined in the government’s emergency orders, according to church officials.

The church’s origins began in Fox Hill, in the 19th century, from the union of Zion Chapel (known today as Mt Carey Union Baptist Church) and Bethel Chapel. Zion Chapel’s pastor was J A Nobin, and all the churches that were connected to it, including Bethel

Chapel, worshipped at Zion Chapel. Zion Chapel was the place of worship of many historical Fox Hill families.

In the year 1869, a dispute arose between Rev John Davey, a missionary in the Bahamas, and Bethel Chapel. The dispute resulted in a division among the congregation of Zion Chapel.

Those who left Zion Chapel organised the St Paul’s Baptist Church in 1870, which became a branch of Bethel Chapel (now Bethel Baptist Church).

According to church officials, the split of the two churches was said to have been caused by

dissension between the Congos and the Yorubas. The Congos were said to be the last shipment of captured slaves brought to New Providence on July 28, 1860.

They settled in Congo Town, Fox Hill, but were said to be taking too long to learn to speak English. The Yorubas stayed at Mt Carey and many of the Congos went to St Paul’s, so tradition says.

To date, St Paul’s has been led by six pastors. The first of four generations of Rokers to lead St Paul was Rev Kohma Roker. He was succeeded by his son Rev Johnny Roker. The baton was

passed on to Johnny’s sons Rev’s Levi and Elisha Roker, respectively. Following the death of his father Rev Elisha, Rev Leroy Henry Roker became the pastor on July 10, 1950.

During his tenure as pastor, Rev Leroy Roker renovated and expanded the small church to accommodate the growing congregation. He died on December 31, 1981.

In 1982, Rev Dr J Carl Rahming was asked to lead St Paul’s as pastor, and he was officially installed on February 6, 1983. On March 20, 2018, Rev Rahming was consecrated

as a bishop. “He has taken St Paul’s to higher heights and deeper depths in worship and Christian ministry,” the church said. “Under his leadership, the church has grown spiritually and in membership, and the edifice has been expanded to accommodate auxiliary offices and the increasing congregation. His vision is to erect a new edifice, a multi-purpose building on the property south of the church, to further expand the church’s ministry and community outreach.”

The church became a legal corporation in 1984.

20,000 backyard farming kits for GB

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Agriculture Michael Pintard is on target to distributing 20,000 backyard kits on Grand Bahama as part of an “aggressive” backyard farming programme recently launched by the government.

The idea, he said, is to help Bahamians cut costs on their food purchases by growing their own produce.

Backyard kits were provided to all five constituencies on the island.

Yesterday, Mr Pintard, the MP for Marco City, distributed kits to his constituents at his Constituency Office on Pioneer’s Way. He said he was very excited to be revitalizing a programme started by former Agriculture Minister Larry Cartwright.

“We expect really by the end of September or early October that we would have probably distributed 20,000 kits; we have 10,000 on the island and another 10,000 that will be in shortly, and our goal is to continue to order the kits,” he told The Tribune.

Beverley Cooper was

very happy about her backyard farming kit. “I am so grateful for this because I started doing little farming already, I started growing watermelon, and now with this kit, I will be growing all kinds of vegetables. I am glad for what Mr Pintard is doing right now,” she said. “It is very well worth it.”

Edna Kemp said it is a blessing. “I am planting in my backyard and this is a blessing to me to help me grow more vegetables, I am grateful to him (Mr Pintard) for this,” she said.

Mr Pintard said that kits have also been provided to a number of churches to assist families.

“The idea really is to help (families) shave cost off their food bill,” he stated.

He noted that some residents will move on to doing community gardens or running their own commercial farms.

According to the minister, the country imports $600 m worth of food and fresh flowers. If the Bahamas can begin to grow and produce these things, he believes it could, in fact, shave off $200m of the $600m spent on imports.

“In these tough economic times, it is important for

us to reduce the outflow of money and one way is to produce more of what you are consuming locally, and this is a part of that effort,” he explained.

The feedback from Bahamians about backyard farming has been “incredible,” reported Minister Pintard.

“I attended the distribution in Central Grand Bahama a few days ago there was an overwhelming response, and we expect the same thing will happen in Pineridge, East Grand Bahama, and West Grand Bahama.

“We know in New Providence they were having problems packaging to keep up with the pace, that’s how quickly people are requesting it,” he said.

Additionally, the Ministry will also be distributing hydroponic kits, primarily for growing leafy greens; and also launching Aquaponics at schools throughout the Bahamas.

“This is an exciting time and for the remainder of the summer we will be concentrating on Backyard farming, community farming, and putting climate-smart technology back in schools,” he said.

Death Notice For

Mrs. Janet Ann Brown, 84 of Camperdown Heights, Nassau, The Bahamas, died at Doctors Hospital, Collins Avenue, Nassau, on Tuesday, 25th August, 2020.

Mrs. Brown was predeceased by her husband, Captain Geoffrey Gordon Brown and her sister, Mrs. Renee Lowe.

She is survived by her son, Geoffrey Brown Jr., daughter, Dorothy Angela Brown Cuevas; grandsons, Stephen Sweeting, Richard Sweeting and Geoffrey Brown III; granddaughters, Kelly Ann Sweeting Bodie and Lauren Brown Hart; brothers, James Thompson and Peter Thompson; daughter-in-law, Monica Brown; grandsons-in-law, Philip Bodie and Oliver Pratt; granddaughtersin-law, Dr. Kimberely Bethell and Angelika Sweeting; great grandsons, Nathan and Noah Bodie; sisters-in-law, Janice Thompson and Mary Thompson and many other relatives and close friends.

A Private Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery, East Shirley Street, Nassau.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

PAGE 6, Friday, August 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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

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We haven’t tackled obesity - and now it’s proving our downfall WHEN it comes to the fight against COVID-19, our past failings are coming back to haunt us.

In today’s Tribune, we report on findings that obesity increases the risk of COVID-19 deaths by almost half.

As our former Minister of Health, Dr Duane Sands, pointed out, The Bahamas has been named the sixth most obese country in the world.

We know this, of course. We’ve long known this. Our diet isn’t the healthiest, our exercise routines aren’t always the strongest to balance out against what we eat. Beyond that, The Bahamas has a wide income disparity, and people struggling to get by have the diet they can afford – they’re eating to survive, and that’s not always the healthiest meals.

There has long been talk of how co-morbidities increase the risk from catching COVID-19, but this study

pretty definitively reveals the extent of such risk.

It’s not as if we haven’t known obesity increases health risks already – it’s just that collectively we haven’t done enough to tackle it.

Last year, Dr Sands said more than 70 percent of the population is overweight.

That’s more than two out of every three people in the country.

In the current conditions, it will be very difficult indeed for some to ensure the right diet – but there’s always a reason not to start, and it never helps to put it off until tomorrow.

Today, current Minister of Health Renward Wells will be at a press conference – so how about it, minister? What’s your plan to launch a national anti-obesity campaign? Ignoring the problem hasn’t made it go away, so lead the way, and see if a healthier nation can follow.

A not-so-daily dashboard SPEAKING of the Ministry of Health, this week has seen the daily dashboards getting later and later.

These, of course, provide details of the number of new cases and, unfortunately, updates on deaths.

At one point, we were told that they hadn’t been approved for release – which begs the question who is failing to give approval? Sometimes it isn’t coming out until the next day.

We have no explanation for why there might be a delay in approval. We hope it’s not to prevent the information being communicated clearly to the public by the media.

Whatever the reason, it’s not good enough. The public needs to know where we are in the fight – and delays just make it look like the ministry is being overwhelmed in this battle.

Don’t play drug dealers’ game IN today’s Tribune, you can read about a 67-year-old Swiss man guilty of importing $50,000 worth of cocaine who is being sent back to his country after being sentenced to time served, for the nine months he spent on remand.

Yesterday, readers may recall that we reported on a 73-year-old Spanish woman released for deportation after five months in custody, after smuggling 12 pounds of cocaine.

In both cases, Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes commented on the age of those appearing before him, urging the Spanish woman to exercise “a little more due diligence” and saying of the Swiss man that it “befuddled” him why senior citizens were willing to take trips to participate in illicit activities.

We would contrast their short time in custody with the amount of time some Bahamians end up spending in prison after being caught with only a small amount of marijuana.

Perhaps the age of these drug mules might be one of the reasons they are chosen so they get a lighter treatment?

And shouldn’t we have reciprocal agreements in place with nations to ensure that when people do break the laws so flagrantly they can be deported back to their home nation to serve the rest of their sentence there?

The handlers of drug mules are using senior citizens just so they can play on our courts’ sympathies – we should find ways to ensure we’re not playing their game.

All the virus secrets are revealed in the numbers EDITOR, The Tribune BEING a Philomath and in particular a Matholephile, I created a mathematic model for the Bahamas’s Coronavirus cases and death. This is not accurate but it gives a ball park figure. It is similar to predicting the weather; things could change but there is a high probability it will occur.

The model predicts the following: March 2020, 10(1)= 10, April 2020, 9(2)= 81, May 2020, 4(3) = 64, June 2020, 4(4)= 256, July 2020, 4(5) = =1024, August 2020 3.5(6) = 1838, September 2020 3(7) = 2 187, October 2020, 2.65(8)

= 2432, November 2020, 2.4(9) = 2.210 = 2 656, December 2020, 2.1(11) = 3 503, January 2021 2(12) = 4 096, February 2021, 1.9(13) = 4 205 March 2021, 1.8(14) = 3 748. Microbial growth goes through 4 stages: lag, growth, steady and decline, The COVID-19 should start to decline unless, there is a third wave due to an unforeseen agent(s).

The Bahamas should have about 70 deaths by April 2021, using the current death rate of 1.6%.

There should be between 4 000 to 4 500 cases of COVID-19 detected in the Bahamas within a year.

Using the flu which infects 3% to 11% of a population

annually, the Bahamas should have 11 814 to 43 319 cases of COVID-19. Since everyone is not tested, the number of cases detected will be much lower.

Lockdown and quarantine will change the timeline but the final result will be similar. This is how virus and bacteria usually behave. I am making this model public to start the discussion on long-term projections.

PS: numbers are raised to the power eg, 2 to the 12 power 1.8 to the 14 power (in brackets).

BRIAN E PLUMMER Nassau, August 23, 2020.

Unhealthy lifestyle to blame EDITOR, The Tribune

OF the 184 countries listed on the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI) Recovery Dashboard, The Bahamas finds itself ranked dead last, with Denmark, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Latvia, Taiwan, Canada, New Zealand, Finland and the United Kingdom all being ranked in the top ten.

Many of these countries would be classified as either developed or first world, as all of them are allies of the United States, with Canada, the United Kingdom, Latvia and Denmark being members of NATO. Our most important and strategic ally, the United States, ranks 132.

On the GCI Recovery Rating Guide, The Bahamas is in category 1, with a recovery index grade of 6.06, among “countries struggling to cope with the crisis...” The Bahamas is not the sole Caribbean country in this category, however. Trinidad and Tobago (22.86) and Dominican Republic (24.97) are included in this division, with Guyana (32.41), Suriname (36.14) and Jamaica (35.06) in category 2. The Caribbean countries placed in category 3 are Antigua and Barbuda (52.87), Dominica (50.47), Barbados (49.64), Grenada (55.73), Haiti (46.94), St. Vincent and The Grenadines (56.22), St. Kitts and Nevis (54.83) and St. Lucia (56.60). What this recovery ranking means for The Bahamas, as compared to its Caribbean counterparts, is that the countries in divisions 2 and 3 are faring better in curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

On the Severity Rating Guide, The Bahamas is in category 3, with a severity index grade of 45.90, as a country that “may be overwhelmed by the crisis with a high percentage of infections....”

Bahamians can attest to the Princess Margaret Hospital and the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net

Rand Memorial Hospital both being overwhelmed.

The only other Caribbean country included in the third division is Suriname (57.40), with Dominican Republic being placed lower than any other regional country, in the fourth division with 72.00.

Jamaica (22.55), Antigua and Barbuda (27.36), Grenada (22.35), St. Kitts and Nevis (21.56), Barbados (21.26), Dominica (21.78), Guyana (32.41), Trinidad and Tobago (22.71), St. Vincent and The Grenadines (21.66), St. Lucia (19.25) and Haiti (27.05) are listed in category 1, as countries “coping with the crisis with a low percentage of infections and resulting deaths per population.”

Haiti, a country many Bahamians look down on, is ranked 67 spots ahead of us on the GCI Recovery Dashboard, at 117, which is still an abysmal ranking, in all things considered. The highest ranked Caribbean country is St Lucia at 60, with St Vincent and The Grenadines at 63 and Grenada at 67.

St Kitts and Nevis (73), Antigua and Barbuda (89) and Dominica (97) are among the other Caribbean nations to make the top 100, with Barbados (103), Jamaica (151) Suriname (147), Guyana (156), Dominican Republic (173) and Trinidad and Tobago (176) receiving low rankings, like their Caribbean counterpart, The Bahamas.

A top ten ranking of the Caribbean countries would be in the following order: St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Barbados, Haiti, Suriname and Jamaica. Even with a drastically reduced ranking, The Bahamas is unable

to crack the top ten. The question now is this: Why is COVID-19 wreaking so much havoc in The Bahamas, as compared to our Caribbean allies? Is it the fault of the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party?

The answer is no, we cannot blame the Competent Authority for the ongoing crisis. The truth is, all of the underlying health issues that would cause COVID-19 to exact a heavy toll on one’s health are in The Bahamas. In a May 2019 column by former Nassau Guardian Editor Brent Dean titled Fat Land, it was claimed that The Bahamas was ranked the sixth most obese country in the world in 2014, according to the World Health Organisation. Dean also stated that World Population Review “described us as the most obese country in the Caribbean.” A close relative of mine visited Barbados in early March and marvelled at the fact that the overwhelming majority of Bajans were very slim.

He didn’t recall seeing any obese Bajan. While we routinely consume plenty American junk food and sugary drinks, Bajans eat a lot of vegetables and roasted meat. A Dominican recently told me that his people back home are just getting used to American fast foods. Bahamians have had a head start in this area for decades, hence the high prevalence of incommunicable diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

COVID-19 is wreaking havoc in The Bahamas because of our unhealthy lifestyles. Had the government attempted to control what we eat, we would all cry foul. We cannot pass the buck to the government for the nearly 2,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, August 27, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 7

TEN HOURS WITHOUT POWER FOR ONE POLE! from page one

THE COLLISION on Wednesday night

“The BPL feeder impacted affected not only Fox Hill and the Bernard Road area, but parts of Village Road and Blair as well.

“There were other isolated outages that required attendance. These delays addressing these outages highlight the manpower issues affecting BPL during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Tribune had numerous reports of large parts of Eastern Road, High Vista, Mount Vernon and Winton also been off power.

In the Bernard Road incident the problem was exacerbated because after the car collided with the pole carrying the main power cable it remained untouched for more than two hours after the collision. One BPL crew was in attendance but could do nothing to begin to restore

supplies until after the car had been removed.

Workers at the scene said other BPL crews would be needed to assist and the whole repair would take another five to six hours. In the end it was nearly eight hours before supply was restored given hundreds of families without backup generators had very uncomfortable night.

Frustrated customers lamented the protracted outages on social media.

One person wrote on Facebook: “Bahamas Power and Light, honestly since right after 9pm last night and still off (this morning)...we can’t take much more. Please, we begging, turn the lights on!”

Another person complained: “Twelve and a half hours to fix a pole? Y’all need to get it together.”

In a separate statement, BPL said it was dealing with higher call volumes—nearly

three times what is usually experienced this time of year—due to issues as a result of recent windy weather.

The call volumes have led to delays, which was described as “unavoidable” at this point.

“We are still well able to meet our service obligations, just not as

quickly as we usually do,” BPL said.

“We wish to alert customers that we have made extra manpower provisions to assist with handling these calls, but given the overarching issues we are facing with COVID-19, our ability to bring in more manpower comes with safety and other considerations.”

Another elderly drug mule deported from page one Forbes late last year after officers seized 7.4 pounds of cocaine from him on November 21, 2019.

At the time, Buffat was charged with one count each of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, importation of dangerous drugs, conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply,and conspiracy to import dangerous drugs.

After spending nine months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, Buffat returned to court to plead guilty to the allegations.

The court heard officers at Lynden Pindling International Airport observed Buffat, who was carrying a duffle bag and a black suitcase, proceeding to exit the Bahamas Customs hall. The prosecution said

officers then approached the defendant and informed him he would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. Buffat was then transported to the airport’s police station and when officers searched his duffle bag there, they discovered a false compartment at the bottom of the luggage which contained a quantity of suspected marijuana. Buffat was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit. Through an interpreter the defendant admitted to travelling to the Bahamas from Panama, but said he did not know his bag contained drugs.

He also said he had planned to take the bag to London to give it to a person he had never met.

During the arraignment, Buffat was represented by attorney Jairam Mangra.

He told the magistrate his client accepted

DORIAN SHELTERS FINALLY CLOSED

from page one

The move comes nearly a year after the monster storm ripped through Abaco and Grand Bahama, flattening homes and businesses while displacing thousands of residents.

Following the passage of Hurricane Dorian in early September, the ministry of Social Services and its partners activated several shelters across the country, which originally housed more than 2,000 people. Most of them were at Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium.

The end of 2019 was originally the aim for the shelters to be closed, however the deadline was extended to accommodate those with nowhere else to go and also, as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions.

In June, Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell estimated that 70 people were still living in the two remaining shelters in the capital. At the time, he

told reporters that officials were working to have those victims transitioned into homes elsewhere.

“Here in New Providence, last count I think we had 20 or less at the Poinciana (Inn). I think I gave instructions to give those 20 a deadline. We have 50 or less in Bahamas Academy.

If need be, we may combine the two but our ultimate objective is to have those persons transitioned,” he said.

Yesterday Ms Sawyer said many of the evacuees have since returned to Abaco.

Others, she said, are living in communities throughout New Providence and still receiving assistance from the government agency.

“I can’t give you any numbers but I know some of them we have on a rental assistance programme and then some had went on the food programme,” she said.

Next Tuesday will mark the country’s one-year anniversary since the deadly Category Five storm made landfall.

responsibility for his actions and understood it was “foolish” to allow himself to be used to transport illegal drugs into the country.

Noting Buffat was remorseful, Mr Mangra added the defendant had lost a substantial amount of weight since he was incarcerated at the prison last year.

In response, Magistrate Forbes said it “befuddled” him as to why senior citizens were willing to make “extraordinary trips” to participate in illicit activities without considering the consequences of their actions. He also noted while Buffat may have been “duped,” he should have known better since officials have made “considerable efforts” to warn people not to carry luggage for other people. As a result, he sentenced the defendant to time served.

Buffat will be released to

ESPERANZA BONET-ROIG, 73, of Majorca, Spain was in court on Wednesday the director of immigration to assist with his deportation to Switzerland.

On Wednesday, an elderly Spanish woman who was arraigned earlier this year in connection with the seizure of 12 pounds of cocaine was released to the Department of Immigration for deportation after

spending five months in custody.

Esperanza Bonet-Roig, 73, of Majorca, Spain first appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes in March, after officers seized cocaine from her.

Bonet-Roig was charged with dangerous drug possession with the intent to

supply and importation of the contraband into the country.

After spending five months on remand, BonetRoig returned to court Wednesday to plead guilty to the charges brought against her.

Editorial View - Page 6

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PAGE 8, Friday, August 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Sean Connery reaches landmark age

An irresistible ladies’ man but with family at his heart

SIR Sean Connery and his wife Micheline

THE first time I met Sean Connery he knew exactly who I was, much to my shock. I was flattered. That was before he lashed into me, transforming me into an ant looking for a rock to crawl under. His unmistakable deep-throated baritone mixed with Scottish brogue came barrelling at me to let me know I had made a mistake in something I wrote.

It would be some time later when I regained my composure enough to focus on the error he referred to, a detail about the late author Arthur Hailey’s education, because while he was berating me in front of a group of people we both knew in a restaurant setting, I was too busy staring at him to pay attention to the intended insult. Also, I was busy musing over the fact that, even though he verbally disavowed me of any chance of being greeted in a complimentary fashion, which would have been my preference, he was polite enough to stand up to issue the barb.

The embarrassing moment ended as quickly as it had begun, for everyone else, that is. But it began, oddly enough, a distant friendship that would last several years. He may have seen me as less than perfect (who isn’t) but very productive. When Sir Sean

needed phone or internet repairs, changes, upgrades, he called me because, somehow, I was able to get BTC or Cable or whoever out to his house with lightning speed. Personally, I am sure if he had called himself, they’d have found an even quicker route.

And I was rewarded by his making himself accessible.

Any time Associated Press wanted a statement from the most famous James Bond character of all, they called me and I would do my best to oblige, always grateful to Sir Sean’s wife, Micheline, who singlehandedly guarded - and continues to guard - his privacy like a team leader with a pack of wolves ready to attack anyone who comes too close uninvited.

Micheline is a talented and formidable woman. At 91, a year older than her husband who turned 90 on August 25, the Moroccanborn producer and artist is dedicated to the daily

care of the man of so many women’s dreams. At 5’4 and nearly a foot shorter than her husband, she’s a tiny bit of dynamite. It’s a second marriage for both of them who have now been wed 45 years. Together, they have children and grandchildren who are as at home in Sir Sean and Micheline’s home in western Nassau as they are theirs, just down the street. When everyone is around at the same time, it could be a family Over-theHill gathered for Sunday after church lunch, filled with voices, stories, adventures – and outpourings of love.

Despite all the stories that swirled around a dropdead handsome movie star who played opposite some of the most stunning and sexy women in the world throughout a movie career that included more than 60 films, Sir Sean is, after all, very much a family man.

Micheline, stepson Stephan and wife Tania, their three daughters, his biological

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE GREAT MAN, FAREWELL TO ANOTHER ON June 9, 2005, Gerry Strachan held his own funeral. That was before he lived another 15 years, two months and two weeks.

On that June day long ago, Strachan conducted the service, complete with hymns he had selected in the funeral programme he had drafted and printed. On that long-ago day, he saw to it that the coffin he bought and paid for was properly transported to the duplex lot in Woodlawn Gardens, Nassau, which he also bought and paid for.

Strachan did all that while he was still alive and healthy with no plans to die any time soon because he wanted to make sure that when the time came, no one else would have to worry about a single detail. It would all have been done, crafted by the man who had made a career of taking charge.

Gerry Strachan died this

week after a long and courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. It was the one thing he could not control, but the man who had spent a lifetime being large and in charge took it in stride, in the end saying what we all know and never want to face: You are born, he said, you live and you die. There are only three stages.

Blessed with good looks, smooth skin, square chin and piercing eyes, solidly built and always impeccably dressed, Gerry Strachan turned heads when he entered a room. His bearing mirrored the man of substance he was. Straighttalking, determined, some would say even a bit controlling.

“Failure,” he would often repeat, “is not an option.”

Strachan went far.

Although he stepped down in 2003 from insurance giant Family Guardian where he had risen through

the ranks to the highest post as president, he remained a consultant for the next decade and director until illness forced him to resign.

Strachan took civic duty to heart. It wasn’t the act of being president of a Rotary Club while presiding over a multi-million-dollar entity that gave him satisfaction; it was stopping to help someone in need or to make a difference in a child’s life on Kemp Road. He believed everyone had a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others and especially the less fortunate.

The pride he took in his children was exceptional.

We never had a chance to write the book he wanted me to write about his life.

Stop and help someone, he wanted to call it.

You did not fail, Gerry.

Someone will read this, think of you, and stop and help a child who needs a friend.

son, Jason, are his world.

These are the true Oscars of his life. There is no need to act the part of Grandpa.

It just comes naturally.

In some ways, it was almost as if Sean Connery’s good looks got in the way of audiences appreciating the incredible talent he demonstrated, his ability to master roles in films as diverse as Dr. No and The Untouchables, or The Anderson Tapes and Hunt for Red October. Sean Connery has won three Golden Globes, an Academy Award and numerous other honours.

He was knighted in 1999.

And while he never apologized for insulting me in front of mutual friends, it doesn’t matter. We share something else besides a distant friendship. We share a personal trainer who keeps me on my toes by holding Sir Sean’s amazing wife up as a role model.

With pain in every part of my body crying ‘enough’ and droplets of sweat plopping on the mat as I try to get to 30 push-ups, I hear Hamilton’s voice, “C’mon now, Micheline can do better than that.”

I don’t think we will ever get even. Happy Birthday, Sean Connery. You and Micheline are both one of a kind and we love the fact that The Bahamas is truly home.

SEAN Connery with the Aston Martin DB5 seen in Goldfinger

IS THE BOND DB5 ACTUALLY HERE? JAMES Bond burst on to the scene in Goldfinger in 1964, a dazzling man in an even more dazzling driving machine. The Aston Martin DB5 equipped with its famed ejection seat, machine guns, tire shredders and a host of special effects, would appear in seven Bond films. A similar version – minus the special effects -- went for $4.1 million. There’s just one problem with establishing the value of the most famous, likely most valuable car in the world. It’s gone missing for nearly 23 years.

The car first sold for $12,000. In 1986, it was re-sold to a car collector for what was

then a whopping $250,000. That collector stored it in an airplane hangar in Boca Raton, Florida for the next 11 years until it was stolen in 1997, believed to have been dragged out, squirrelled into a cargo plane and whisked away. The art and vintage car collector’s world continues to search with rewards for information increasing in recent days.

Would anyone be shocked if the world’s most sought-after art piece on four wheels turned up not in the Middle East as suspected but right here in Bond country, The Bahamas?

Down on the farm ....

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 9

Note: This is the final part in a four part series entitled ‘The Chronicles of COVID’.

For chapters 1-3 visit, tribune242.com online.

FARMER Minnis heard the cries of the animals on the farm. He knew they were angry and waiting for a solution to the COVID pandemic.

The Grey parrots, who were learned in healing, advised Farmer Minnis that the farm had to be shut down. So with all the authority the animals had allowed him to take, Farmer Minnis held a meeting.

“This virus is wrecking our beautiful farm.

So, effective immediately, all of you animals must stay where you are. Do not leave your styes, pens, dens or nests. Stay on your hills, hives, holes and huts!

For seven days!” Farmer Minnis warned.

The animals were in shock. There had been whispers - pervasive whispers - that Farmer Minnis would shut the farm down.

Still, the animals were not prepared. Just a few days earlier, The Andalusian, that fancy horse, had told all the animals that there was no way Farmer Minnis would shut the farm down.

And because he was a favourite of Farmer Minnis’ many animals believed him.

“What will we do?” cried the hens. “We don’t have food for our chicks!”

“What will we do?” cried the cows. “We have no water to quench our thirst!”

“You will die!” laughed the buzzards. “And all your treasures will disappear!”

There was confusion everywhere.

The owls, those wise birds who ran the courts, were dismayed. They had heard the animals’ cries and began to push back on Farmer Minnis’ rule.

“I know the law. This lockdown is unconstitutional!” said Grey Owl. “Farmer Minnis can do as he pleases,” replied Brown Owl. “We‘ll see about that!

We’re suing!” cried Justice Owl. Every animal on the farm was ready to fight. Well, except the mules.

The mules were the poorest, hardest working animals on the farm. They had tired of being patient with Farmer Minnis. So,

out there. Please prepare for this storm which the groundhogs say is headed our way!”

But no storm ever came to the farm.

The animals were satisfied that Farmer Minnis had rescinded his harsh orders.

Many of the top animals tried to take credit for the reversal.

“I convinced Farmer Minnis to spare you hardship!” cooed Travie the ambitious thoroughbred.

“No, I convinced Farmer Minnis to save you!” cried Marvin the Mounthorse.

Bravis, the Mountain Goat who led a faction opposed to Farmer Minnis, had been struck down with COVID (along with many of his friends) and had transferred to another farm.

So he could not claim the credit.

None of the animals knew who or what to thank for Farmer Minnis’ change of heart, but they were indeed thankful.

The next day, Farmer Minnis uttered the last directive he would give to animals for a while: “My fellow animals and extremely special settlers, I give up. I’m coming out of self-imposed quarantine to let you know that y’all hard head birds don’t make good

having suffered the most, devised a plan to strike!

They defied Farmer Minnis’ rules and took to the streets to protest his lockdown decision.

The boars, many of whom were secretly out of commission because they were being ravaged by COVID, showed up to the protest and arrested the mules, which made all the other animals really angry.

“Farmer Minnis must resign!” baaed the sheep!

“Off with his head!” bellowed the bulls.

The Andalusian, along with Renny the Racehorse, as well as all of Farmer Minnis’ top animals realized they were in trouble. If they were not careful, there would soon be a full revolt on the farm which would topple their rule. According to whispers, they held a secret meeting with Farmer Minnis and the very next day Farmer Minnis put out a statement: “My dear, sweet, animals.

Did I say ‘effective immediately’? LOL. Just Kidding!

I have heard your baas and whinnies and bleets, so forget everything I said yesterday. Of course, you can shop for food and water and medicine. I would never lock you down with a magnitude 20 hurricane

‘IF YOU THOUGHT THE CURRENT SURGE WAS BAD, JUST WAIT’ AFTER Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said he anticipates it will still take several weeks before the government fully re-opens the country’s borders allowing for the resumption of domestic and “If we have 1,000 tourists international travel in all visit our shores and they islands, readers responded move about, they can peron tribune242.com. haps impact about 20,000 ISpeakFacts had this to people they come across. say: “Yawn, same nonSo, if you have 100 infected sense over and over again! and they have contact with Reopening our borders 2,000 people, think of the again without any proper potential impact. I think he planning. If you thought forgot this is a very small the current surge was bad, country. You infect 500 just wait until our borders people today, if you’re not are opened back up in the careful you can take infect middle of flu-season!!!” half the country. I’m not TrueBahamian said: “His proposing that we don’t logic is flawed. He basically open. I’m simply hoping said tourists will not be a that they have a sound plan major source of the spread e an awareness of bunhave TheBigTgestriand of COVID-19. Sounds like And Best! risk. Given his position the he isTahefortune neteller. If the here, it doesn’t seem so.”

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

DR PERRY GOMEZ $24,498

LESLIE MILLER $42,219

DION SMITH $9,275

RENWARD WELLS $12,980

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

e Staff

W. Carey/Tribun

ing

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

CHRISTIE AS HE HUMILIATION FORAFTER 4O YEARS LOSES HIS SEAT

seats: Encaptured four Island and Cat were spent under to South Aners’ dollars administration. glerston; 1,900 votes and San Salvador; Christie the win with is evidence 2017 the as well as Exuma A DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875. unofHe said if there”, the new dros VIRGIL ELECTION Islands.

By SANCHESK Reporter to the

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

THE PEOPLE nemedia.net sdorsett@tri PAGE 4 was still its kvirgil@tribu his Hill, law to take to press time. and liamentary , Mr Chipman after ON’ decounted up his parMoments DNA ‘TO GO PAGE 5 IN a surprisingat the Departmentout of 12 pollas the na- This marked the worst in AFTER leadinglandslide defeat party won seven maiden speech MinLOSE humbling leader, Dr Prime Min- ing divisions in the former ty to a stunning feat for a governing Mr tion’s next PLP BIG NAMESPAGE 7 dealing a parapolls, outgoing that under recent history. victory and to the ProgresChristie lost PLP stronghold, while will nis promised victory came MPS ister Perry The FNM’s won five. lysing blow Party last night, the Centreville PROJECTED watch, Bahamians five years his from 9 YOUR rocky fear his seat in last night by Christie a PAGE to Mr Christie sive Liberal challengIn 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite conPrime Minister constituency representing FAR included two incoming the Centrevilleeighth said that Dr Minnis’ leadership, the government RESULTS SO PAGE 14 Minnis declared 25 votes aftermore than 40 won the n, which he Dr Hubert of a fracstituency for time with have abused victimisatio tional” “im- es to the area for to unofthat those who trust “have continued reports ultimately according consecutive is “unconstitu MORE COVERAGE and of 2-18 defeated years, party He “wrong”.

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

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

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

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

DAMIAN GOMEZ $3,413

OBIE WILCHCOMBE $4,911

CLEOLA HAMILTON $6,118

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they owed list and the amount since that date. disconnect” BPL “do not made or further debt incurred named on the NINE individualsdo not include any payments July. The sums

PUT SOUTH ISLANDS T ON MARIA ALER

POLICE LAUNCH E FOX HILL OFFENSIV

29, 2017

FOR THE CURE

Living the dream From Andros to the

MS

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Covering The Bahamas for 40 years.

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safeas well as of homicides A DORSETT guarding the residents

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

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

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

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

Bowe Photo: Yontalay

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

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

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

Dr THE hugs her because sure that Prime Minister wife God,” Mrs Woodsidegive my upon after in mourning I’m calling words of I have to make infant are and his a baby. I could my really nant.

“As a mother, Hubert Minnis couldn’t answer “He’s right now just for because I this,” her and her unborn make also will mothers take all can stop Patricia Minnis that consumed breath be right here. They well and we sure the to believe mothers who was tearful both ts to make the questions yesterday as babyheart out my body. who arrangemen medical personnel They said Mrs Minnis, eight- my Kendera Woodside have our sons on a only son. for her son, killed times. “We birth and as they necessary her and see her “This my my daughter too after she grieved of them at from the safety who was still with look almost shoot (the house) with would’ve delivered most knowing we cradle basis to ensure infant.” year-old Eugene, men we are to me with regular they inside four days ago. people ain’t tell- and What they do to my family? so they are closer patients,” Dr becomeWe have to speakshould of her and her unborn PAGE TWO SEE them. are my former “Why these bringing my son me. they do to us? st by pro- them. I think all women week me? I they a gynaecologi we ain’ carry one day this ing me they she cried between What Minnis, message in they black “The “Why wear a baby.” tried to what’s happening right now?” fession, said. the entire Bahamas 29 years, He’s Dr Minnis and mourn Eugene’s Rose- live must send to screams as this alone.

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

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gardening art theatre music film books fashion food culture RACE

29TH, 2017

e n u b i r T e h T

ALFRED SEARS URGES

WWW.BURGER

THE PEOPLE’S

Whogothere said: “Without tourism propping up the economy - bottom line - our currency will be devalued, cost of living will skyrocket, crime will explode and public services including medical facilities to service the population that has (compared to COVID-19) a much dangerous pandemic of chronic vascular diseases. There is not an option here - open it up, enforce protection measures, if we leave the country to travel then we need the negative COVID test before we come home – same as everyone else.

COVID is here to stay.”

There was this from Joeblow: “The most striking thing about this entire experience is that no coherent plan for sustainable national development has been proposed yet!

Remarkable!”

And Rodentos asked: “So what will be different in two months? Let me guess: nothing.”

Nassau & Bahama

Islands’ Leading

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

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

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

December Progressive THE Attorneyslammed to begin work on June.

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

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

BUSINESS workers danger”. told Trib- FULL STORY - SEE Bethel Carl he had been une Business

Newspaper

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r s of no maste The Tribune

ma ar to the dog e sw to d n u o Being b The Tribune The Tribune A1MAIN

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GATION SPECIAL INVESTI A TRIBUNE medical treatment.

were obtaineda from a ther’s The emails EMAILS leaked following of China Con- by The Tribune highdata breach (CCA) story in December of CCA struction America’s that from the breach servers show2013, Jerome lighting by a San Francisco to servers China Construction as early as was seeking Fitzgerald dollars hacker. paid 24 bitcoins 000) millions of eventually

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FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE MAJOR NEW BLAZE AT LANDFILL

A DORSETT

By SANCHESKReporter et Tribune Staff bunemedia.n sdorsett@tri

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

SEE PAGE SIX

ROBERTS: PEET A ‘POLITICAL ENEMY’ FOR ANDROS BID

SIVE Liberal PROGRES Bradley Party Chairmanout at his Roberts lashed colleague Vinformer party night, accuscent Peet last North Aning the former Islands MP dros and Berry nemy”

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Christie denies ai cl ms on spending

RS IN THE SPOTL

IGHT AS PROM

FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE

WELLS

By RICARDO Reporter Tribune Staff nemedia.net rwells@tribu

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

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

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

ROLLE

By RASHAD Reporter Tribune Staff emedia.net rrolle@tribun Nottage’s DR Bernard forever be will “footprints the Bahamian etched on tal landscape” developmen work as a forthrough his of the Bahamer president of Athletic mas Association Bahamas

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IT’S MAY 10

SPORT S: REGUL

ATORS TAKE THE

LEAD IN MPBA

CHAM PIONS HIP

SERIES

Prime Minister rings the bellrace for election

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

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

TERED 170,000 HAVE REGIS NG DAY AHEAD OF POLLI

with correctnow engaged the voter ROLLE ing and editing it of its

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

SEE PAGE THREE eneral

THE ELECTION

race is under

way - as pictured

in this cartoon

from Jamaal

Rolle.

S PLP IS

OMAR ARCHER

stew. So from today on, do as you will. You want to party? Party. You want to catch COVID? Well, then let nature take its course.

My top animals, those backbiters, will instruct you on what they will do to save you. Make sure to ask them specifics on what plans they have because half of them are birdbrains.

Once you realize this, I will gladly fire them with your blessing. Just know that I

tried. And I will continue to try. But you all tried to savage me so I will go about farm business quietly from now on. Wear your mask and cover your... hinds. Although that may be futile, cause almost all of you are infected at this point. A year from now, I hope you are still on this wonderful, beautiful farm.

If not, that’s on you. I have given you what you want.

So if your luck buck, I’ne in

dat! God bless you. I love you. And don’t forget to ‘Roc with Doc’ in 2022!”

The animals, those sheep, and pigs, and horses, and cows, and bulls, and birds, and pigeons, and sows finally realized the truth that had been staring them in the face during the entire pandemic; they were the ones writing the farm’s story.

And they alone would determine the ending.

PAGE 10, Friday, August 28, 2020

BY Elizabeth Mendenhall, Assistant Professor of Marine Affairs and Political Science, University of Rhode Island and Elizabeth Nyman, Assistant Professor of Maritime Policy, Texas A&M University MINING the ocean floor for submerged minerals is a little-known, experimental industry. But soon it will take place on the deep seabed, which belongs to everyone, according to international law.

Seabed mining for valuable materials like copper, zinc and lithium already takes place within countries’ marine territories. As soon as 2025, larger projects could start in international waters – areas more than 200 nautical miles from shore, beyond national jurisdictions.

We study ocean policy, marine resource management, international ocean governance and environmental regimes, and are researching political processes that govern deep seabed mining. Our main interests are the environmental impacts of seabed mining, ways of sharing marine resources equitably and the use of tools like marine protected areas to protect rare, vulnerable and fragile species and ecosystems.

Today countries are working together on rules for seabed mining. In our opinion, there is still time to develop a framework that will enable nations to share resources and prevent permanent damage to the deep sea. But that will happen only if countries are willing to cooperate and make sacrifices for the greater good.

To mine the sea floor, ships will lower collector vehicles into the depths to vacuum up nodules containing valuable minerals.

Countries regulate seabed mining within their marine territories. Farther out, in areas beyond national jurisdiction, they cooperate through the Law of the Sea Convention, which has been ratified by 167 countries and the European Union, but not the US. The treaty created the International Seabed Authority, headquartered in Jamaica, to manage seabed mining in international waters. This organisation’s workload is about to balloon.

Under the treaty, activities conducted in areas beyond national jurisdiction must be for “the benefit of mankind as a whole”. These benefits could include economic profit, scientific research findings, specialised technology and recovery of historical objects.

The convention calls on governments to share them fairly, with special attention to developing countries’ interests and needs.

The United States was involved in negotiating the convention and signed it but has not ratified it, due to concerns that it puts too

THE TRIBUNE

The rush is on for the next mining frontier - the deep ocean floor

MINING the deep ocean requires permission from the International Seabed Authority many limits on exploitation of deep sea resources. As a result, the US is not bound by the treaty, although it follows most of its rules independently.

Recent administrations, including those of Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, sought to ratify the treaty, but failed to muster a two-thirds majority in the Senate to support it.

Scientists and industry leaders have known that there are valuable minerals on the seafloor for over a century, but it hasn’t been technologically or economically feasible to go after them until the past decade.

Widespread growth of battery-driven technologies such as smartphones, computers, wind turbines and solar panels is changing this calculation as the world runs low on land-based deposits of copper, nickel, aluminium, manganese, zinc, lithium and cobalt.

These minerals are found in potato-shaped “nodules”

HELPING HANDS

on the seafloor, as well as in and around hydrothermal vents, seamounts and midocean ridges. Energy companies and their governments are also interested in extracting methane hydrates – frozen deposits of natural gas on the seafloor. Scientists still have a lot to learn about these habitats and the species that live there. Research expeditions are continually discovering new species in deep-sea habitats.

Mining the deep ocean requires permission from the International Seabed Authority. Exploration contracts provide the right to explore a specific part of the seabed for 15 years. As of mid-2020, 30 mining groups have signed exploration contracts, including governments, public-private partnerships, international consortiums and private multinational companies.

Two entities hold the most exploration contracts (three each): the government of Korea and

the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association, a state-owned company. Since the US is not a member of the Law of the Sea treaty, it cannot apply for contracts. But US. companies are investing in others’ projects.

Once an exploration contract expires, as several have since 2015, mining companies must broker an exploitation contract with the International Seabed Authority to allow for commercial-scale extraction.

The agency is working on rules for mining, which will shape individual contracts.

Deep-sea mining technology is still in development but will probably include vacuuming nodules from the seafloor. Scraping and vacuuming the seafloor can destroy habitats and release plumes of sediment that blanket or choke filter-feeding species on the seafloor and fish swimming in the water column. Mining also introduces noise, vibration and light pollution in a zone

that normally is silent, still and dark.

Many deep-sea species are unique and found nowhere else. We agree with the scientific community and environmental advocates that it is critically important to analyse the potential effects of seabed mining thoroughly. Studies also should inform decision-makers about how to manage the process.

This is a key moment for the International Seabed Authority. It is currently writing the rules for environmental protection but doesn’t have enough information about the deep ocean and the impacts of mining.

Today the agency relies on seabed mining companies to report on and monitor themselves, and on academic researchers to provide baseline ecosystem data.

We believe that national governments acting through the International Seabed Authority should require more scientific research and monitoring, and better

support the agency’s efforts to analyse and act on that information. Such action would make it possible to slow the process down and make better decisions about when, where and how to mine the deep seabed.

The race for deep-sea minerals is imminent. There are compelling arguments for mining the seabed, such as supporting the transition to renewable energy, which some companies assert will be a net gain for the environment. But balancing benefits and impacts will require proactive and thorough study before the industry takes off.

We also believe the US should ratify the Law of the Sea treaty so that it can help to lead on this issue.

The oceans provide humans with food and oxygen and regulate Earth’s climate.

Choices being made now could affect them far into the future in ways that aren’t yet understood. theconversation.com

ALIV made one of several donations to the local community earlier this week. The donation of a freezer, meats, dry and canned goods and cleaning supplies took place at the Mount Olive Baptist Church. Headed by Pastor CB Moss, the donations were received by Mrs Moss (middle) who is pictured with ALIV Human Resources Administrative Assistant Tara Ferguson and ALIV Team Assistant Niscka Rolle.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 11

TRUMP LASHES BIDEN, DEFIES PANDEMIC ON WHITE HOUSE STAGE WASHINGTON Associated Press FACING a national moment fraught with racial turmoil and a deadly pandemic, President Donald Trump accepted his party’s renomination on a massive White House South Lawn stage last night, boasting of helping African Americans and defying his own administration’s pandemic guidelines to address a tightly packed, largely maskless crowd.

As troubles churned outside the gates, Trump painted an optimistic vision of America’s future, including an eventual triumph over the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 175,000 people, left millions unemployed and rewritten the rules of society.

But that brighter horizon can only

be secured, Trump asserted, if he defeats Democrat Joe Biden.

Trailing Biden in opinion polls, he blistered the former vice president’s record and even questioned his love of America. “We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years,” Trump said.

Presenting himself as the last barrier protecting an American way of life under siege from radical forces, Trump declared that “Joe Biden and his party repeatedly assailed America as a land of racial, economic, and social injustice.””

“So tonight, I ask you a very simple question: How can the Democrat Party ask to lead our country when it spends so much time tearing down our country?” Trump said. “In the left’s

backward view, they do not see America as the most free, just, and exceptional nation on earth.

Instead, they see a wicked nation that must be punished for its sins.”

As his speech brought the scaled-back Republican National Convention to a close, Trump’s incendiary rhetoric risked inflaming a divided nation reeling from a series of calamities, including the pandemic, a major hurricane that slammed into the Gulf Coast and nights of racial unrest and violence after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot by a white Wisconsin police officer.

He was introduced by his daughter Ivanka, an influential White House adviser, who portrayed the famously bombastic Trump as someone who shaken up Washington with little record for norms or niceties.

PRESIDENT Trump last night “Dad, people attack you for being unconventional, but I love you for being real. And I respect you for being effective,” she said.

The president spoke from a setting that was both familiar

and controversial. Despite tradition and regulation to not use the White House for purely political events,a huge stage was set up outside the executive mansion, dwarfing the trappings for some of the most important moments of past presidencies. The speaker’s stand was flanked by dozens of American flags and two big video screens.

The Republicans claim that the violence that has erupted in Kenosha and some other American cities is to be blamed on Democratic governors and mayors. Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday said that Americans wouldn’t be safe in “Joe Biden’s America.”

Both parties are watching with uncertainty the developments in Wisconsin and cities across the nation with Republicans leaning hard on support for law and order.

Laura’s destruction

Associated Press

ONE of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the US, Laura barrelled across Louisiana yesterday, shearing off roofs, killing a least six people and maintaining ferocious strength while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland.

A full assessment of the damage wrought by the Category 4 system is likely to take days but initial reports offered hope that Laura, despite leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins and more than 875,000 people without power, was not the annihilating menace that forecasters had feared.

“It is clear that we did not sustain and suffer the absolute, catastrophic damage that we thought was likely,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “But we we have sustained a tremendous amount of damage,” he said.

He called it the most powerful hurricane to strike Louisiana, meaning it surpassed even Katrina, which was a Category 3 storm when it hit in 2005.

The hurricane’s top wind speed of 150 mph put it among the strongest systems on record in the US Not until 11 hours after landfall did Laura finally weaken into a tropical storm as it plowed north and thrashed Arkansas.

The storm came ashore in low-lying Louisiana and clobbered Lake Charles, an industrial and casino city of 80,000 people. On Broad Street, many buildings had partially collapsed, and those didn’t were missing chunks. Windows were blown out, awnings ripped away and trees split in half in eerily misshapen ways.

Police spotted a floating casino that came unmoored and hit a bridge. At the local airport, planes were overturned, some on top of each other.

“It looks like 1,000 tornadoes went through here. It’s just destruction everywhere,” said Brett

SIX DEAD AS HURRICANE STRIKES LOUISIANA

Geymann, who rode out the storm with three family members in Moss Bluff, near Lake Charles. He described Laura passing over his house with the roar of a jet engine around 2am.

“There are houses that are totally gone. They were there yesterday, but now gone,” he said.

Not long after daybreak gave the first glimpse of the destruction, a massive plume of smoke visible for miles began rising from a chemical plant. Police said the leak was at a facility run by Biolab, which manufactures chemicals used in household cleaners such as Comet bleach scrub and chlorine powder for pools.

Nearby residents were told to close their doors and windows and turn off air conditioners. State and federal aircraft headed into the skies over the coast to look for signs of any other industrial damage.

The fatalities included a 14-year-old girl and a 68-year-old man died when trees fell on their homes in Louisiana, authorities said. No deaths had been confirmed in Texas, which Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said would amount to “a miracle.” President Donald Trump said he would visit the Gulf Coast this weekend to tour the damage.

More than 580,000 coastal residents were ordered to join the largest evacuation since the pandemic began and many did, filling hotels and sleeping in cars. Although not everyone fled from the coast, officials credited those who did leave for minimizing the loss of life.

Forecasters had warned that the storm surge of 15 to 20 feet could push 40 miles inland. It was the seventh named storm to strike the US this year, setting a new record for US landfalls by the end of August.

BUILDINGS and homes are flooded and an airplane hanger is destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura yesterday.

SOMBRE PROTESTS AFTER NIGHT OF CHAOS & SHOOTINGS KENOSHA, Wiscnsin Associated Press

CALM fell on Kenosha’s streets yesterday following a night of peaceful protests and no widespread unrest for the first time since the weekend police shooting of Jacob Blake.

Marchers were solemn during Wednesday night’s protests in the southeastern Wisconsin city between Milwaukee and Chicago following the chaos of the previous night, when two demonstrators were fatally shot and a third was wounded.

“Last night was very peaceful,” said Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth during a news conference during which he and other city leaders refused to answer questions. “Tuesday night, not quite so peaceful, but it wasn’t too bad.”

It was Tuesday night when two protesters were killed in the street in shootings largely caught on cellphone video and posted online. A 17-year-old from Illinois, Kyle Rittenhouse,

PROTESTERS observe a moment of silence while marching in Kenosha, Wisconsin was arrested in the shootings. A sheriff’s department spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking clarity on Beth’s comment.

The attack late on Tuesday and the shooting by police on Sunday of Blake, a 29-year-old Black father

of six who was left paralysed from the waist down, made Kenosha the latest focal point in the fight against racial injustice that has gripped the country since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

Kenosha police faced

questions about their interactions with the gunman on Tuesday night. According to witness accounts and video footage, police apparently let the gunman walk past them and leave the scene with a rifle over his shoulder and his hands in the air as members of

the crowd yelled for him to be arrested because he had shot people.

As for how the gunman managed to slip away, Beth has described a chaotic, high-stress scene, with lots of radio traffic and people screaming, chanting and running — conditions he said can cause “tunnel vision” among law officers.

Video taken before the shooting shows police tossing bottled water from an armored vehicle and thanking civilians armed with long guns walking the streets. One of them appears to be the gunman.

The national and state chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday called for the resignation of Beth and Kenosha Police Chief Dan Miskinis over their handling of Blake’s death and the subsequent protests.

Rittenhouse, of Antioch, Illinois, about 15 miles from Kenosha, was taken into custody on Wednesday in Illinois on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide in the shootings.

He was assigned a public defender in Illinois for a hearing today on his transfer to Wisconsin. Under Wisconsin law, anyone 17 or older is treated as an adult in the criminal justice system.

Rittenhouse’s attorney, Lin Wood, said the teenager was acting in self defence. Cellphone footage showed the shooter being chased into a used car lot by someone before shots are heard and the person lies dead. The shooter then runs down the street where he is chased by several people shouting that he just shot someone. He stumbles after being approached by several people and fires, killing another man and injuring a third.

“From my standpoint, it’s important that the message be clear to other Americans who are attacked that there will be legal resources available in the event false charges are brought against them,” he said. “American should never be deterred from exercising their right of self-defence.”

PAGE 12, Friday, August 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Arrow-words are like crosswords, but the cl inside squares on the grid. Write your blank squares in the direction indicated Solut

wordSEarch JUDGE PARKER

K Q R Q B E C H D E L N T E L

CARPE DIEM

4

Daily Express Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Puzzles

MARVIN BLONDIE

J N M E N I E T S D Z U W Z O

O O B D D D T B W W B G O C H

C S E P O T S O M M W O L S D

Y I Z U K U R Z A W F V L S C

D V X R G K U N D N D O S H R

C A R O I B H Q E G Y S T E E

B D P N U U K H B H J A O L Y

I Y U Z J S N B E W L U N L Z

N A R O M F A T A P V U E E K

C T G H E D P L U F E R C Y C

F A W C E T T C V R M E R O F

CRUSADER PRIZE CROSSWORD

acrOss 1 Pull a face, as place has nothing (4) 3 Like doctor to get points for party outfit (5,5) 9 Insult topless king, then hide (4) 10 Natters on about Republican being a hopeless case (10) 11 Returned in the direction of battlefield, the wrong way round (4,2,5) 15 Ask a fair translation to include northern language (9) 17 The old turned right – that is an eagle’s nest (5) 18 Put space behind another, a procedure that’s invasive (5) 19 Role one broadcast into a screen (9) 20 Musical furniture for stylist (11) 24 Edited nice new daybook that’s explosive (10) 25 Quietly behold unknown stratagem (4) 26 Break down as life story by daughter gets English degree (10) 27 Lazy-sounding hero (4)

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

TIGER

CALVIN & HOBBES

1 2 3 b Find all the famous feminists listed DOWN 1 Late supporter to become grid. less appealing to Solution tomorrow messenger (10) 2 Foreign article, rope, found 9 10 in grass, is not written BECHDEL ● CIXOUS ● DAVI down (10) DEand BEAUVOIR ● DIFRANCO ● D 4 A halfwit, twisted detached (5) 11 12 ● PA FAWCETT ● GREER ● MORAN 5 Fellow angel soon crops PLATH ● SHELLEY ● SHOWA form (9) 6 Attract range of products STEINEM ● STOPES ● TUBM showing set limit (4,3,4) 15 WOLLSTONECRAFT ● WOO 7 Devours a set recipe (4) 8 Starts to set English rules

by European (4) 12 Pick up in Monopoly and 18 risk failure (4,1,6) 13 Afraid lust might spoil dessert (5,5) Quick wordSEarch 14 Regal coin comes before 20 croSSword flower (10) A T Z Y R U B N O T S 16 Broadcast firm plea about 22 S H X23T E R E H P S across: 6 Lexicon; one hi-fi part (9) 9 Tip; 7 Wince; U G H S N A M N E E R 21 Challenged father gets 10 Impartial; 24 V I S E R G I N R Y M about (5)12 Requirement; T W K F W B K W I R E 22 Body part15isUnwarranted; mostly L F Y X E C E K A I Z supple (4)17 Joviality; 19 Shy; E O N U O D J S F O S 23 Repeat in21the choir Sloth; 22 (4) Masonry.

YEST

down: 1 Eerie; 2 Din; 3 Room; 4 Distemper; 5 Scrawny; 8 Patron; 11 Retaliate; 13 Unruly; 14 Ungodly; 16 Shirk; 18 Tear; 20 Top.

26

B N E E R G O I

E L S I R J G V

A L A B M A H S

R L A F C F G N

J V U R Z A I W

F T E N T Z D O

U A E E A Q O D

M T C G S R W T

T R I S B D N L

A I I T A X L E

THE ALPHABEATE

TARGET

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

cAn you crack the Alphabeater?

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Solution tomorrow

A 35 9 33 4 14 7 31 13 21 B C 18 39 12 12 13 15 4 37 3 D E 8 23 34 16 12 33 5 27 13 F G 36 13 15 31 25 39 32 38 4 H I 7 39 32 20 18 26 39 18 1 J TODAY’S TARGET K 21 38 39 6 Good 14; very good 21; excellent 27 17 2 8 13 17 (or more). Solution tomorrow L M 13 3 6 34 10 27 19 11 40 N call 0907 181 2585 for today’s target solution Best described O 31 as 33a number 23 8 crossword, 2 25the 24 4 Kakuro 2 task in *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephoneis to fill all P of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so company’s network access charge.

27 13 15 the21number 8 to14its the sumQof38 each12 horizontal block39 equals left, andRthe sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. may 20 be used S 9No number 26 25 16 in the 19 same 2 block 29 more 39 than once.

The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro T increases from Monday to Sunday.

U 11 30 38 13 13 28 13 35 1 FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden V in the grid. The numbers to the right of and W 33 2 9 17 2 25 17 29 19 below the grid indicate how many of the X squares in that row are filled in with ships or Yesterday’s Yesterday’s parts of ships. The ships do not touch each Y 13 5 27 25 19 12 9 34 21 Answer other, even diagonally. Some squares have Sudoku Kakuro Answer Z HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.

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

BATTLESHIPS

been filled in to start you off.

Solution tomorrow

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10

A

1

CRYPTIC PUZZLE 1 Seminar about ancient monuments perhaps (7) 5 They may be raised if he’s taking in work (5) 8 He turns up in the fields (9) 9 A tower of strength (3) 10 Dress smartly, having four suits (4) 12 Misgivings about the foreign garments (8) 14 Ground-rent depression? (6) 15 Bed not turned - but the sheets may be (6) 17 Rife perhaps, and it spreads rapidly (8) 18 He changes colour (4) 21 Little swimmer that can also do the crawl? (3) 22 Simple departure is without formality (4-5) 24 Exploits that need to be witnessed (5) 25 No mortal abode could be so lumpy (7)

3

4

5

6

2

B

2

C

2

D

1

E

3

F

1

G

2

H

2

I

2

J

3 2

4

7

0

4

8

1 Swift and quiet in attack (5) 2 A low cry (3)

10

3 Scandinavian girl makes unusual gain (4)

9

11

15

17

6 Type Latin translation with

18

19

20

great composure (9) 7 Nominally commits oneself

21

22

23

to work? (5,2) 11 She provides hot claret (9)

24

25

13 They’re not bound to be distributed (8) 14 Neat attendant (7) 16 Irregular forces decoration (6) 19 Is violent and ruins the gears (5) 20 Not a fair description (4) 23 He’s around when there’s some madcap mischief (3)

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Revivals, 5 Glum, 9 Credo, 10 Unaided, 11 Undergarment, 13 Remote, 14 Truant, 17 State pension, 20 Exactor, 21 Erica, 22 Thee, 23 Presages.

Down: 1 Rock, 2 Vietnam, 3 Violent death, 4 Lounge, 6 Lodge, 7 Meditate, 8 Hairdressers, 12 Prospect, 15 Adoring, 16 Terror, 18 Adage, 19 Pass.

Across: 1 Platform, 5 Warm, 9 Maple, 10 Sporran, 11 Tip the scales, 13 Indeed, 14 Allude, 17 Make it snappy, 20 Topical, 21 Ideal, 22 Rake, 23 Eminence.

Down: 1 Pump, 2 Applied, 3 Feel the pinch, 4 Roster, 6 Aural, 7 Minister, 8 Conciliation, 12 Diameter, 15 Umpteen, 16 Asylum, 18 Kapok, 19 Glee.

Across 1 A French white wine (7) 5 Give false idea of (5) 8 Shameless (9) 9 Set of equipment (3) 10 Spoils (4) 12 Unlikely story (4,4) 14 Inherent character (6) 15 Man’s formal headgear (3,3) 17 Pay attention (4,4) 18 Originate (4) 21 Obstruct (3) 22 Bold (9) 24 Relaxed (5) 25 Eventually (7)

1

2

4 x submarine

16

5 Won’t you find footnotes in it? (8)

1

2 x cruiser

12

14

3

3 x Destroyer

13

4 His girlfriend persuaded him to take a short cut (6)

2

1 x Battleship

Down

EASY PUZZLE

Across

2

Down 1 A secret intrigue (5) 2 Atmosphere (3) 3 Attic (4) 4 For example (4,2) 5 Ill feeling (3,5) 6 Very rapidly (4,1,4) 7 Plead with (7) 11 City’s environs (9) 13 Rigorous control (4,4) 14 Distinguished (7) 16 In conflict (2,4) 19 Untidy (5) 20 Worthless people (4) 23 Ancient (3)

S N V M A N O M

1

2

3

21

22

23

4

5

6

7

8

9

24

25

26

27

28

29

■

10

G 30 F

1

1

3

3

2

2

2

1

3

6

8

1

3

11

12

13

14

31

32

33

34 3

■

1

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to y text DXBEAT to 84901. Texts cost £1 plus your u

KEIJO 1

1

2

3

2

1

2

3

1

3

3

4

4

4

2

1

4

SPORTS PAGE 13

PAGE 16

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020

Games postponed for a second day

Shortstop Fox traded to Royals

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

L

ucius Fox has been traded for the second time in his young baseball career.

Fox will be headed to the Kansas City Royals after he was traded away from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for outfielder Brett Phillips.

Fox will immediately join the Royals’ 40-man roster and was assigned to the Royals’ alternate site at T-Bones Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.

He was a member of the Rays’ taxi squad this season and was assigned to the club’s alternate training site this season. He saw playing time during MLB Spring Training and Summer Camp, most recently in a

SEE PAGE 15

pair of intrasquad scrimmages ahead of the regular season opener.

The Royals are currently 12-19 on the season, fifth in the American League Central.

Fox, 23, has been listed at shortstop for the duration of his career but saw time at centrefield, secondbase and thirdbase during Spring Training. He was listed as an infielder/outfielder for the Rays’ 2020 player pool.

The Rays’ loaded prospect list at shortstop includes the No.1 player overall in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 - Wander Franco, No. 49 overall Vidal Brujan (second base/shortstop) and No.77 overall Xavier Edwards (secondbase/ shortstop).

Phillips, 26, was hitting .226 in 18 games for the Royals this season, his third with the Royals.

LUCIUS FOX Fox began his professional career as a marquee international free agent signing for the San Francisco Giants in 2015. He was then traded to the Rays in 2016 in a deal that involved several prospects in exchange for pitcher Matt Moore.

Prior to the COVID19 pandemic, Fox was set to make his 2020 debut in AAA baseball with the Durham Bulls of the International League.

He spent 15 games last season with the Bulls, but spent the bulk of the year with the Montgomery Biscuits in the AA Southern League. He went on to lead the Southern League with 39 stolen bases.

He received leaguewide recognition and was awarded “Best Hustler” for his baserunning ability when the league announced its Postseason Awards.

In 119 games last season across both leagues (104 with the Biscuits) Fox hit .221 with a .331 OBP and a .657 OPS. He totalled 90 hits including 16 doubles, nine triples, three home runs, 34 RBIs, and scored 66 runs.

Godet to take up assistant coaching job in Rome

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net CHRISTOPHER Godet, one of the Bahamas men’s national soccer team players, is leaving town today to return to Rome, Italy to take up an assistant coaching job and resume his semi professional career as a player.

Godet, 22, left today to assist with the coaching staff at the American University of Roma SMI programme, a job he secured during his past season in Rome.

“When I was doing my classes, we did coaching courses, coaching theories and we had to demonstrate it on the field,” Godet said.

“I got a chance to put what I learned into practice, so I jumped right at it.”

Having spent the past year in Rome, Godet said he also learned to speak the Italian language fluently, but unfortunately since returning home in March, he didn’t put it into use because he was isolated at home in the coronavirus pandemic.

However, he said he can formulate a conversation that will enable him to get his point across as he interacts with the players on the team he will be assisting as a coach and those he will be joining as teammates on the team he will eventually sign up to play with

professionally. “When I go back there, I will get a chance to play with one of the club teams in one of the leagues in the city,” Godet said. “When the clubs open practice, they will make it known what positions they need and once you are available, you can take advantage of it. So I hope to get a spot on one of the teams.

“These are legitimate clubs in the league. Unlike here (in the Bahamas Football League) where we only have one league, there are at least 10 leagues in Rome, so there’s sufficient opportunity for me to get a chance to play on one of them. You’re just not under any big contract.”

In preparation for his return to the field, Godet did some individual training due to the fact that the country was locked down for the majority of the time he was home with his parents, Dion and Yolanda Godet.

Prior to heading to Rome, Godet played for the Mount Aloysius Mounties in Cresson, Pennsylvania after he graduated from Queen’s College in 2015.

“I’ve been doing the zone training (implemented by the BFA’s national team) and running on my own,” Godet said. “I’ve also been lifting weights to ensure that I stay fit.”

While the economy is expected to start to reopen on Monday,

CHRISTOPHER GODET there has not been any indication of what will happen to the landscape of sports in the country.

Godet advised local soccer players to not rush into anything, but to gradually get back on the soccer field when they get the go ahead. “I know the players are eager to play, but as with

everything, they will have to ease back into it,” said Godet, in offering some advice as a league player/coach with the Bears Football Club and also as a referee in the youth programme.

“You know that you haven’t worked out in three months, so you don’t want to just rush into it, but rather take your time doing it, knowing where you were before the break and what it will take to get you back there.”

Like his father, Dion, who was a previous coach of the men’s national team, Godet intends to not only come back and make his continued contribution as a member of the team, but hopefully in the long run he will use his expertise as a coach when he returns home from Europe.

“I’m looking forward to coming home and playing on the national team, if I get the call,” said Godet of the men’s national team that will play in the CONCACAF Qualifying Round for the World Cup later this year.

“I’d like to also use my coaching experience to give back to the BFA because they invested in me at no monetary cost to me. So whenever and whatever I can do to help, I want to be able to do it.”

Through his participation on an under-15 and two under-17 national teams, Godet said he was able to secure his athletic

scholarship to Mount Aloysius Mounties.

Last year, he made his first senior national team against Dominica (although he didn’t play because he was injured) and he hopes to be back for the CONCACAF team.

“We have a good team and anything could happen when the tournament comes around,” said Godet .

“A lot of the teams have been training. We may not have been together as a team because of our situation here with the coronavirus, but the players have been working out on their own.

“So I am confident that they will be ready when the team comes together.”

As he gets set to travel, Godet said he will have to provide a negative COVID-19 test result, which he has secured and he will have to be quarantined for at least two weeks when he gets into Rome.

“I’ve done my COVID testing and my housing is waiting on my arrival,” said Godet, who will be right in time for the start of school at American University of Roma on September 21.

Godet said he’s just as eager to get back to Rome to pick up where he left off before he returned home in March, despite all that is going on with the coronavirus.

BALLIN’ BY DA BEACH FIRST VIRTUAL BASKETBALL CAMP ENDS TODAY

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BALLIN’ By Da Beach Basketball Camp’s new venture has been a resounding success over the course of the week as it engaged with hundreds of participants virtually amid the COVID19 pandemic.

BBDB, in conjunction with the Bahamas Basketball Federation, hosted its first virtual basketball camp which concludes today via Zoom. Free to all registered participants the camp

has featured five days of high quality training from some of the Bahamas’ best national team, college and high school coaches.

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

“I feel that we accomplished our goals which are

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Advertise your Business in The Bahamas leading newspaper in circulation, or on Tribune242.com. Call our Advertising Department on 502-2350/502-2394 for more information.

for the kids to have fun, grow and learn something new to get better,” she said.

“We will have to take it day-by-day to see how this gradual reopening evolves and how we are able to coexist with COVID-19 and hopefully sports will return soon.

“Maybe it will not return in the way we know it, but return in another fashion where kids can compete and still be safe and healthy.

“As far as regular play is concerned, our definition is going to have to change – that is the way I see it. It leaves the door open for innovation in sports.”

The camp is scheduled to close out today.

Under-17 Skills Challenge head coach and CSA Basketball Founder Marvin Henfield is the lead coach for the Skills and Drills segment.

The schedule each day began with a warmup session led by Macfit 360 personal trainer - Kayle Fox. Following Henfield, Dr Simeon Hinsey - founder of the iYes, will lead the mental skills training; Geno Bullard Jr - Head Coach at San Antonio Prep Community Middle School, will head leadership development; Rashad McKenzie - Head Coach at CH Reeves will cover building basketball IQ while Sunland Baptist Assistant Coaches Denzel Knowles and McDonald Jean Louis will conduct themed video fundamentals.

Other coaches over the course of the camp included University of the Bahamas Mingoes men’s basketball head coach - Bacchus Rolle, Bahamas senior men’s national team head coach

and Golden State Warriors assistant coach - Chris Demarco, University of Houston Cougars Assistant Director for Player Development - Mikhal McLean and many others.

The camp represented the second virtual initiative for BBDB during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With its traditional camp cancelled for the summer, BBDB partnered with Global College Access to host the “Student Summer Success Series” - sponsored by the University of the Ozarks.

The series included nightly Zoom sessions, featuring university presidents, athletic directors, coaches and college admissions leaders.

Geared toward high school students, studentathletes, parents, coaches, guidance counsellors, and

educational stakeholders, all sessions were free of charge.

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

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

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

PAGE 14, Friday, August 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Nine NFL teams cancel practice in response to Blake shooting

By DENNIS WASZAK JR AP Pro Football Writer FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Empty practice fields made for loud and powerful statements at nine facilities across the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and Washington Football Team all chose to not practice yesterday in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Wisconsin.

“We’ve been protecting the shield,” Jets running back Le’Veon Bell wrote of the NFL in a Twitter post.

“It’s time for the shield to protect us.”

Blake, 29, was shot by police, apparently in the back, on Sunday in Kenosha as he leaned into his SUV, three of his children seated inside.

The shooting was captured on cellphone video and ignited new protests in the US three months after the death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer touched off a nationwide reckoning over racial injustice.

Broncos running back Melvin Gordon grew up in Kenosha, and he and other players, coaches and staff posed for a team photo that was posted along with a statement on Twitter.

“This hits home for all of us,” part of the statement read. “In the strongest terms, we condemn police brutality, excessive force and these senseless acts of violence that have caused so much pain. It is time for accountability and real policy reform.”

IN a screenshot from a Zoom call, Tennessee Titans players speak about the decision to cancel NFL football practice yesterday. Several NFL teams cancelled practice in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Wisconsin. In front are safety Kevin Byard, left, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill, right. (AP) The Detroit Lions cancelled their practice Tuesday, protesting the incident involving Blake, and racial injustice.

They were back on the field yesterday, but the impact of their actions was clear across the rest of the league.

“I think that if there’s any chance that we got everybody to maybe stop and think for a minute, that’s really great,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said yesterday during a video call.

The Titans came up with three concrete things they plan to do after cancelling their practice: make sure everyone’s registered to vote; focus on talking points for meeting with elected officials; and hold a Zoom call to connect with thousands of students around Middle Tennessee designed

to help teach the same equality and acceptance the players experience at work.

“I take great satisfaction when players tell me that they feel safe here,” coach Mike Vrabel said.

“They feel comfortable saying whatever they want, whatever emotion that they have.

“But they don’t when they’re away from here.

And so I want to try to fix that away from here.”

The New Orleans Saints were among the 18 NFL teams that held practice, but the players wore Blake’s name on the front or crown of their helmets where they usually have their own names during camp.

“It’s just something we decided to do last night to honor him,” coach Sean Payton said. “It was something we felt would be

appropriate, and I think they (the players) were for it.”

On Wednesday night, the Washington Football Team announced it would not hold its practice at its home stadium yesterday afternoon.

It was supposed to be broadcast live on local radio and televised at night.

Washington, which recently dropped its longtime name of Redskins, last week hired Jason Wright as the first Black team president in NFL history.

The Chargers were scheduled to have a scrimmage to break in their new SoFi Stadium, but cancelled.

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said players and coaches met for over two hours Thursday morning before voting — 37 to 36 in favour — to

practice as scheduled. But the team cancelled its afternoon meetings and had another group discussion about what they can and will do moving forward to foster change.

Jaguars wide receiver Chris Conley called on the “faces of the league” — the quarterbacks — to take an even greater role in trying to affect change.

“If a statement is going to be made by this league in solidarity and everyone standing up, it’s got to start with them,” he said.

“If we’re going to put pressure on the people in the country who make change, for accountability, it’s got to start with them.”

The Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas

City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also had practice or walkthrough sessions.

The Houston Texans had a scrimmage still scheduled for last night.

“I think the biggest thing right now is to ... listen to my African-American teammates and friends that aren’t even in football,” Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said, “just to get a better understanding to educate myself.”

Following morning meetings and a walkthrough, Cleveland’s players met as a group for nearly an hour and decided to cut their practice in half — one hour on the field, the other inside discussing ways to make impactful change.

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett said the team hopes the brainstorming session will create ways to “move things forward.”

Garrett began his Zoom call with reporters by calling for the police who shot Blake and killed Breonna Taylor in Louisville earlier this year to be held accountable.

Browns first-year coach Kevin Stefanski applauded the actions of his players and said he was proud of the organisation’s new alliance with the Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers.

“We want to be pillars in the community,” said Stefanski, whose father, Ed, is an executive with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.

“I don’t know what the right answer is, but we want to be about action,” he added.

KERSHAW WINS THIRD STRAIGHT, DODGERS SWEEP GIANTS IN DH

By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Baseball Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Clayton Kershaw pitched six scoreless innings yesterday, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers past the San Francisco Giants 7-0 in Game 1 of a doubleheader shutout sweep a day after he spoke out in support of his Black teammates as the clubs decided not to play in protest of racial injustice.

“For guys to stand together and not play a major league baseball game

Join Us!

is a big deal,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the first game of two seven-inning contests.

Joc Pederson homered and Will Smith added an RBI double as the Dodgers won the nightcap 2-0.

They used relievers and didn’t allow a baserunner until Brandon Belt’s leadoff single in the fifth — San Francisco’s lone hit until Belt singled again in the seventh.

The Dodgers recorded two shutouts in a day for the first time since September

19, 1971, against Atlanta.

Those scores were 12-0 and 4-0.

AJ Pollock hit a two-run homer and Dodgers star Mookie Betts became the fourth-fastest among active players to reach 1,000 hits in his 824th game with his sixth-inning single in the opener. The souvenir ball was quickly retrieved, authenticated and put in a protective box.

And Betts nearly didn’t play again.

He initially planned to sit out Thursday after speaking

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to Roberts late Wednesday, then changed his stance.

Roberts said the Dodgers stayed together in deciding how to proceed after the postponement.

“Regardless of the doubleheader, he wasn’t going to play, felt that he wanted to continue to stand firm on his position, which I absolutely respect and support” Roberts said. “But in talking to him this morning ... talking to The Players Alliance and Black players around the league, they just came to the consensus

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that they could use their platform more by playing today, playing both games.

“And also the fact that there’s a lot of white teammates that stood beside them in not playing, acknowledging that and to continue to stay unified and play and to stay in lockstep with their teammates was very important.”

Kershaw (4-1) won his third straight start and avenged a loss to the Giants on August 8 by striking out four and issuing no walks.

Josh Sborz completed the four-hit shutout. Víctor González (2-0) pitched 2 1/3 innings for the Game 2 win, finished by Kenley Jansen for his eighth save after he missed his first chance Tuesday.

Kershaw’s delivery a night earlier was equally appreciated by teammates.

“As a white player on this team ... how do we show support? What’s something tangible that we can do to help our black brothers on this team?” Kershaw said in support of Betts not playing Wednesday. “Once Mookie said that he wasn’t going to play that really started our conversation as a team of what we could do to support that.”

He said he went to bed Wednesday expecting Los Angeles to play the doubleheader as planned.

“Mookie’s handled this really well. We’re kind of following his lead as far as trying to support him the best we can,” Kershaw said.

“It’s been a difficult time.

It’s been a tough time for him personally, the Black community in general.

Just trying to find different ways, what that looks like.”

Austin Barnes doubled in two runs to highlight the Dodgers’ four-run fourth, when they also got RBI singles from Pederson and Corey Seager.

NL-best Los Angeles (23-9) snapped San Francisco’s seven-game winning streak after the Giants’ pulled off a 10-8 walkoff victory in the series opener Tuesday.

“From a baseball sense it was good to get two

wins today. Last night was a huge moment for us as a team and an organisation,” Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. “It felt good to be a part of.”

Giants starter Logan Webb (2-3) was done after 3 2/3 innings, tagged for five runs on four hits. Kevin Gausman (1-2) took the loss in the late game.

SEASON SERIES The NL West rivals wrapped up their season series with the seven-time defending division champion Dodgers winning 6-4.

TRAINER’S ROOM Dodgers: RHP Walker Buehler (1-0, 4.32 ERA) was placed on the injured list with a blister on his pitching hand. He had been set to start the original game last night. “This is the first time Walker’s dealt with a blister,” Roberts said. “He was very disappointed.” Buehler had his best outing of the shortened season last Friday. A 2019 All-Star, the 26-year-old right-hander allowed one run and struck out 11 in six innings of a win against Colorado.

The blister developed late in Buehler’s last start and didn’t heal as quickly as hoped. “It just didn’t make sense for us (to push it), so that’s kind of the thought behind it,” Roberts said.

ROSTER MOVES Dodgers: Recalled RHP Mitch White, who joined the active roster for the second time this season after making the 40-man roster in November. He didn’t make an appearance in his last stint and his next game will mark his major league debut.

Giants: Added OF Luis Basabe to the roster as the 29th man for the second game.

UP NEXT Dustin May (1-1, 2.79 ERA) pitches for L.A. in the opener of a weekend series at Texas.

The Giants hadn’t listed a starter for today’s series opener at Arizona.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 15

A 2nd day of NBA playoff games halted over racial injustice

By BRIAN MAHONEY and TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writers LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) — An unprecedented NBA walkout over racial injustice postponed a second day of the playoffs yesterday, although players pledged to finish the postseason even as they wrestled with their emotions about wanting to bring change in their communities.

For now, the basketball courts in the NBA’s virus-free bubble at Disney World remained empty.

And other athletes across the sports world also said they weren’t ready to resume playing.

They are still angry and emotional after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

NBA players considered not playing again the rest of the postseason and going home to their communities, although they decided yesterday they wanted to continue, according to a person with knowledge of the details. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made.

“We obviously agree that whether we play or not, we still have to do our best to make change and we still have to do our part in the community,” Orlando guard Michael CarterWilliams said in a video interview with a Magic public relations official.

“It’s obviously not easy, given everything that’s going on. But I think that if we can go out there and do our best and also have a

NBA referees yesterday march in support of players seeking an end to racial injustice in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Their march came shortly before players met to decide on restarting the season after three games were postponed Wednesday.

(AP Photo/Brian Mahoney) list of things that we want to accomplish, everything gets completed.”

The NBA decided to postpone three more games yesterday to join the three that weren’t played a day earlier. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league hoped to resume today or Saturday. He added in as statement that a group of players at Disney would hold a video conference call later Thursday with representatives of the owners, including Michael Jordan, and National Basketball Players Association to discuss the next steps.

The tennis tours had already decided they would

pause play yesterday at the Western & Southern Open in New York; a number of NFL teams cancelled practices; and the NHL postponed two nights of playoff games.

A second night of WNBA games were postponed and other teams and sports pondered whether they would play on. “This is not a strike. This is not a boycott. This is a affirmatively day of reflection, a day of informed action and mobilisation,” WNBA players’ union president Nneka Ogwumike said on ESPN. At least four Major League Baseball games also were postponed.

The sudden stoppages were reminiscent of March, when the NBA suspended its season after Utah centre Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

Other sports quickly followed until the worldwide sporting landscape had almost completely come to a halt.

NBA players agreed to resume their season in July at Disney, making clear they intended to chase social justice reform just as passionately as a championship.

But the video of Blake’s shooting on Sunday left them so disgusted and dispirited that they wondered

whether they should continue playing.

The players voiced their frustrations in a meeting Wednesday night, then continued talks yesterday morning. As they prepared to do that, NBA referees led a march around campus to show their support in the fight against racism.

Play had been set to resume at 4pm with Game 6 of the Western Conference series between Utah and Denver. Boston and Toronto were also to begin their second-round series before the Clippers and Dallas met in the nightcap.

It was the Raptors and Celtics who had been most

vocal about the idea of not playing, but the Milwaukee Bucks acted first when they opted to remain in their locker room instead of playing their Game 5 against Orlando on Wednesday.

Kenosha is about 40 miles south of Milwaukee.

Before coming to Disney, many NBA players wrestled for weeks about whether it was even right to play, fearing that a return to games would take attention off the deaths of, among others, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in recent months.

They ultimately decided that playing would give them the largest platform — while also providing a bigger target for critics.

The NBA’s relationship with the White House eroded when Donald Trump was elected after President Barack Obama was close with some players and officials. Trump was critical of the league again yesterday.

“They’ve become like a political organisation, and that’s not a good thing,” Trump told reporters, noting that the league’s ratings are down from previous seasons.

“I don’t think that’s a good thing for sports or for the country.”

Earlier yesterday, Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff Marc Short said in a CNN interview that the NBA protests are “absurd and silly” when compared to their response to ongoing to human rights violations in China.

UNCERTAINTY SHROUDS TOUR DE FRANCE RACING AGAINST COVID-19

By JOHN LEICESTER AP Sports Writer PARIS (AP) — Already delayed, the Tour de France sets off Saturday shrouded in uncertainty, flying in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the imponderable question of how many of the 176 riders will avoid infection and endure three exceptionally tough weeks of racing to reach the finish in Paris.

That’s if the rolling roadshow gets that far.

Staging cycling’s premier race when COVID-19 infections are rising again in France represents both a health risk and an embodiment of French President Emmanuel Macron’s insistence that the country must learn to function as normally as possible with the virus.

Failure to safely steer the Tour to the cobbles of Paris’ Champs-Elysées avenue on September 20 could cast further doubt on the feasibility of holding other sporting mega-events, including the Tokyo Olympics postponed to next year, while the coronavirus remains untamed. A key question posed by pushing ahead with the race will be whether it would have been wiser and safer to simply cancel it.

“Is the Tour adding to the human community experience this year? Or hurting it? That’s what needs answering,” Jonathan Vaughters, boss of the EF Education First team, told The Associated Press.

“If we choose to take on the risk of living life, then I suppose we might have to take the risk of letting events go forward that make life worth living, like the Tour.

Is that responsible for the community at large? I think there are many opinions.

Many.”

Amid the pandemic, the usually boisterous celebration of cycling that for decades has drawn packed throngs of cheering roadside spectators promises to be a strange and more

subdued affair, moved for the first time in its 117-year history out of its traditional July slot to a September month when many fans will be back at school or at work after summer vacations.

Riders who in more carefree times were habitually besieged by admirers congregating outside their team buses and hotels are expected to be largely sealed off from the outside world, except while out on the roads. Organisers are beseeching spectators to wear face masks, but won’t be able to prevent them from turning out to watch as riders speed through their towns and villages, starting in the Mediterranean city of Nice on Saturday. Masks will be obligatory for spectators at stage starts and finishes, and have become mandatory outdoors in a growing number of cities and towns as French infection rates have ticked upward over the summer.

“If you love the Tour, if you love the champions, wear a mask,” race director Christian Prudhomme said.

“Not only will this not be the year to collect an autograph, but you shouldn’t ask for autographs or ask for selfies. The riders will say ‘Hello’ from afar. That isn’t to say that they’re not nice. All in all, it will be like Wimbledon: You don’t get (Roger) Federer’s autograph in the morning.”

To try to keep the coronavirus from infecting the peloton of riders as it negotiates the clockwise, 3,484-kilometre (2,165mile) route, organisers aim to shield the 22 teams inside what they call a “race bubble” — opened only to riders and staff who have twice tested negative in the race run-up, including this week at a mobile laboratory in Nice.

The Tour’s COVID19 protocol, detailed in a 17-page document distributed to teams and obtained by the AP, says teams will be expelled if two of their riders or staff test positive

for the virus or show strong symptoms of infection.

Race organisers say that scenario will be reserved only for two or more cases within a seven-day span.

The threat of expulsion is making riders and managers even edgier than usual on the eve of the biggest event on cycling’s calendar, anxious not only about infection but also about the reliability of virus testing.

The German team BoraHansgrohe is among those expressing concern, after one if its riders first tested positive and then tested negative Tuesday, prompting the withdrawal of its entire squad from the oneday Bretagne Classic race.

Bora team manager Ralph Denk appealed for immediate changes to cycling’s testing regimen to combat

false positives. “We are talking about athletes who have prepared for a race for weeks or months and then might not be allowed to start the event due to a false finding,” he said.

When Tour teams arrived in Nice, some were surprised to discover that they were sharing their designated hotel with ordinary guests, raising doubts about how hermetically sealed the race bubble will be.

As Tour riders, wearing face masks, were presented to a thin crowd at the traditional pre-race unveiling in Nice on Thursday, the Lotto Soudal squad became the first to announce coronavirus exclusions. It said it was sending home two mechanics and two rider support staff. One of them tested positive Wednesday,

OPEN

another had what the team called a “suspicious result.”

The other two staffers being sent home were their roommates.

On top of COVID-19 concerns, riders will contend with one of the most unrelenting Tour routes in memory, with an usually high total of 29 tough climbs.

They’ll scale all five of France’s mountain ranges: the Alps, the Massif Central, the Pyrénées, the Jura and the Vosges.

Uphill slogs come as soon as Stage 2 on Sunday, in a first for the race, with two ascents to 1,500 metres (4,920 feet) and higher.

An uphill time trial on the penultimate stage before Paris will decide the standings among contenders chasing podium places

and the winner’s prize of 500,000 euros ($590,000).

Defending champion Egan Bernal from Colombia is the only previous winner in a field stripped of four-time champion Chris Froome and 2018 victor Geraint Thomas, both omitted by Bernal’s Ineos team, leaving him as its sole leader. Principal among Bernal’s rivals could be Primoz Roglic, a Slovenian who finished 4th in 2018, and Tom Dumoulin, the Dutch runner-up that year who is now Roglic’s teammate at Jumbo-Visma.

But with the pandemic having forced riders to train indoors on stationary bikes and with scant racing in this year of tumult, the readiness of top contenders is one of many uncertainties in a Tour unlike any other.

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THE TRIBUNE

Awkward activism: MLB’s uneven response to racial injustice

By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer IN a typically awkward way, Major League Baseball has been pulled into America’s discussion about racial injustice.

Some teams are playing.

Some aren’t. Two teams walked off the field after the national anthem.

But across the sport, one theme became clear: Baseball shouldn’t avoid potentially difficult conversations and decisions regarding social issues.

Though the process may be imperfect, there was agreement that coaches, players and teams should speak their mind.

“This is at the forefront now,” said Oakland infielder Tony Kemp, who is Black. “By sitting out tonight’s game, I feel like it’s just a small building block of what we want to see. These couple days are historic times in sports. One day our kids are going to look back and ask us what was going on and what did we do to help bring awareness to these issues in the world and we’re going to say, ‘One game we just decided not to play.’”

Oakland’s game at Texas was among seven that were postponed by yesterday evening, along with Philadelphia at Washington, Baltimore at Tampa Bay, Minnesota at Detroit, Colorado at Arizona and Boston at the Blue Jays in Buffalo, New York. Some games were played as scheduled.

The New York Mets and Miami Marlins jointly walked off the field after a moment of silence, draping a Black Lives Matter T-shirt across home plate as they chose not to start their scheduled game Thursday night.

TAMPA Bay Rays players warm up near a “Justice. Equality. Now.” sign on the videoboard before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The game was postponed in protest of the Jacob Blake shooting.

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) The national anthem was played and all players and coaches stood.

Mets outfielder Dominic Smith — a Black man who wept Wednesday night while discussing the shooting by police of a Black man in Wisconsin over the weekend — then led New York onto the field.

Players took their positions, then reserves and coaches filed out of both dugouts and stood silently for 42 seconds.

The game was then postponed.

Without much apparent guidance from MLB, teams were left to make decisions for themselves. Some games were officially postponed a few hours before the scheduled start time. Others, like Colorado-Arizona,

appeared to be on schedule until a few minutes before first pitch.

St Louis Cardinals ace Jack Flaherty was frustrated there wasn’t a more unified response. Baseball has sometimes lagged behind its pro sports counterparts in addressing social issues.

“It’s tough because yesterday would have been the day for league-wide action, and it wasn’t able to happen league-wide yesterday,” Flaherty said. “Hopefully it could happen today, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be able to happen today.”

The decisions not to play last night came a day after three MLB games were postponed in response to the shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake.

The Phillies met Thursday about 5½ hours ahead of the scheduled start of the game at Nationals Park.

After 30 to 40 minutes of discussion, the players decided to not play.

Phillies manager Joe Girardi passed that along in a phone call to Nationals counterpart Dave Martinez, who said the Nationals would join their opponents in sitting out.

“We’re in this together -- this fight for equality and social justice,” Girardi said.

“In this world, I’ve always believed, there’s two things you can’t live without. It has nothing to do with food and water. It’s love and hope. And I don’t think we’re doing a good job in our country giving that to everyone and I think

that needs to be the focus here.”

A statement from The Players Alliance, which consists of more than 100 current and former Black players, said current players will donate their salaries from yesterday and today in “supporting our efforts to combat racial inequality and aid the Black families and communities deeply affected in the wake of recent events.”

Baseball has dealt with a slow decline in the number of Black players for decades.

In recent seasons, the percentage of Black players has hovered around eight per cent. For a sport that proudly recognises Jackie Robinson — who broke MLB’s colour barrier

in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers — the decline has been frustrating for some.

Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day today.

It’s normally on April 15 but was moved because of the COVID-19-altered schedule to August 28, which is the anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963 and also the day in 1945 when Dodgers GM Branch Rickey met with Robinson to discuss breaking the color barrier.

“I think he would be amazed at the lack of progress in his eyes,” said Milwaukee’s Lorenzo Cain, who is Black. “I don’t know personally what he went through but I know the stories. I know for a fact it wasn’t easy for him to be in the situation he was in. He paved the way for guys like me to go out and play this game and be in this position today. I’ll always thank him for that.

“The fact we’re talking about this in 2020, I don’t see the progress in that.

It’s almost like we’re going backwards.”

The three games postponed Wednesday — the Cincinnati Reds and Brewers in Milwaukee, Seattle Mariners and Padres in San Diego and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Giants in San Francisco — were being made up as part of doubleheaders Thursday.

Those baseball postponements came after the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks didn’t come out on the floor for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. NBA officials later announced that all three of the day’s scheduled playoff games had been postponed, and games scheduled Thursday also weren’t played.

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By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. (AP) — One of the toughest tests of the year made it clear that par would be a great score at Olympia Fields. Leave it to Hideki Matsuyama to make a 65-foot birdie putt on his final hole yesterday to lead the BMW Championship.

Matsuyama, the Japanese player who has gone three years since his last victory, birdied two of his last three holes for a 3-under 67, one of only three rounds under par on a course that was long, tough, firm, fast and nothing like the last two weeks.

Tyler Duncan, just outside the top 30 as he tries to earn his first trip to the Tour Championship, made an 8-foot par putt on his last hole for a 68. Mackenzie Hughes, one of only four players who reached 3 under at any point in his round, was another shot behind.

“I’m not sure really what I had going today, but that last putt, the long putt that went in, very happy with that one,” Matsuyama said.

“So we’ll remember that one.”

Dustin Johnson, who won The Northern Trust last week at 30-under par, opened with a 71 and felt like it was a good day’s work. He was told that even three straight rounds of 60 would not be enough to reach 30 under at Olympia Fields.

“Yeah, but I would win,” he said.

By a landslide, no doubt.

Tiger Woods needs to finish around fourth to have any hope of returning to East Lake next week in Atlanta to chase the $15 million bonus for the FedEx Cup winner. He was hovering around even par a few shots out of the lead. He finished with three straight bogeys for a 73 and was running hotter than the weather.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA, of Japan, hits from the 12th tee during the first round of the BMW Championship golf tournament yesterday at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) A three-time US Open champion, Woods knows all about control and patience and key pars putts. And then he let a reasonable round get away from him.

“The course was fine. The course is in perfect shape.

Not the way I wanted to finish,” Woods said in brief comments.

The average score was 72.8, and only four of the 18 holes played under par.

That included both par 5s.

This is what the US Open could have used in 2003, instead of rain-softened conditions. It was hot in the morning, baking out a dry course.

The rough is 5 inches in spots. The greens were hard, making it tough to get the ball close and nearly impossible to get shots to stop on the green from out of the rough.

“I think when golf courses become like this and pars are a premium, I think I’m almost more comfortable at times because you don’t feel like you’ll ever get left behind when you’re running off a few pars in a row,” Hughes said.

“Like last week, if you got off to a slow start and you were even par through six holes you felt like you were getting run over.”

Rory McIlroy was among 10 players who finished at 70 and felt the day was a success. He hasn’t registered a top 10 since golf returned from the coronavirus shutdown in June, and he conceded to being lethargic without fan energy. “I said last week if you need someone to shoot between like even par and 2 under, I’m your man,” McIlroy said. “So I’m loving these conditions. It’s sort of weird. The way my game feels at the minute, it’s just as easy for me to shoot even par here as it was last week in Boston, for whatever reason that is.

“But this is proper golf,” he said. “You’ve really got to think about stuff. ... It’s nice to play around of golf like that again.”

Also in that group at even par was Carlos Ortiz of Mexico, notable because he was the latest player to be grouped with Woods for the first time. He raved about how Woods controls the flight of his irons. He missed out on the massive crowd because there are no spectators, only carts carrying the broadcast crew. “It’s probably the least amount of people he’s played in front of,” Ortiz said, “and the most for me.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 17

ALIV donates to help church efforts BTC HELPS CONTACT TRACING TEAM BTC has donated mobile devices to help with contact tracing efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

Garfield Sinclair, CEO of BTC said, “We are in this together, and will continue to support initiatives that have a meaningful impact on our communities. We believe that when we collaborate we all win, so we gladly responded to the

ON Tuesday, ALIV donated a freezer, meat, dry and canned goods and cleaning supplies to the Mount Olive

Baptist Church, headed

by Pastor CB Moss. The donations were received

by Mrs Moss (middle) who is pictured with

ALIV human resources administrative assistant Tara Ferguson and ALIV team assistant Niscka Rolle (right).

S&P 500 ticks up as ‘era of easy money’ looks set to last NEW YORK Associated Press

THE S&P 500 ticked further into record territory yesterday after the Federal Reserve made a major overhaul to its strategy, one that could keep interest rates low for longer.

The benchmark index rose 0.2%, to another alltime high, but it veered through a jumbled day of trading to get there. Prices for stocks, bonds and gold all made several U-turns after Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave a highly anticipated speech. In it, he essentially said the Fed may continue efforts to prop up the economy even if inflation rises above its target level of 2%, as long as it had been weak before then.

The change in the Fed’s strategy is a huge deal for markets. The central bank has been the superhero repeatedly rescuing them from crises through the years, by slashing shortterm interest rates and buying all kinds of bonds.

The momentous announcement was widely expected on Wall Street, if not on yesterday then later this year, but trading was nevertheless erratic following it.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 160.35 points, or 0.6%, to 28,492.27 after fading back from an earlier gain of 302 points. The Nasdaq composite, meanwhile, fell 39.72 points, or 0.3%, to 11,625.34 after paring an earlier loss of 1%.

The benchmark S&P 500 gained 5.82 points to 3,484.55 to set a closing record for the fifth straight day. It’s surged nearly 56% since late March after the immense support of the Fed helped halt its earlier free-fall and erase its pandemic losses. Low rates often act like steroids for stocks, allowing their prices to rise faster than corporate profits.

“The era of easy money is here,” said Mike Loewengart, managing director of investment strategy at E-Trade Financial.

Treasury yields fell immediately after Powell began talking, but then started bouncing up and down.

The yield of the 10-year Treasury was at 0.74% after

stocks stopped trading on Wall Street, up from 0.68% late on Wednesday. The 30-year yield climbed to 1.50% from 1.41%.

Shorter-term Treasury yields were more subdued, and the two-year yield held at 0.14%. The widening gap between short- and longerterm yields could be an indication of higher expectations for the economy or inflation among investors.

Gold for delivery in December fell $19.90 to settle at $1,932.60 per ounce. Earlier, it had leaped to $1,968.80 after Powell began talking.

Lower Treasury yields can drive demand for gold from investors seeking safety but not interested in the lower interest payments coming from bonds.

Earlier in the morning, a report showed the pace of layoffs sweeping the country remains incredibly high but may be slowing.

A little more than one million US workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, which was a dip from the slightly more than 1.1 million the prior week.

“It puts a spotlight on the heavy lifting the economy is going to need to get people back in the jobs market,” said Marvin Loh, senior global macro strategist at State Street.

He said investors are still banking on Congress delivering another round of aid for the economy, which could include benefits for unemployed workers.

Much of Congress’ last round of stimulus has expired, and investors say a renewal is critical, though partisan disagreements have prevented a deal.

“It’s a necessary result that has to come out of Washington sooner rather than later,” Loh said.

In another report, the government also said that the economy looks like it shrank at an annual rate of 31.7% in the spring quarter.

That would be the sharpest quarterly drop on record, but it’s not as bad as the Commerce Department’s earlier estimate of 32.9%.

Abbott Laboratories jumped 7.8% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500 after federal regulators gave emergency use authorisation for its COVID-19 test, which can

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provide results in 15 minutes and will cost only $5.

Stocks of companies that sorely need people feeling comfortable enough with the pandemic to get back to “normal” life were also strong. Live Nation Entertainment rose 8.8%, Norwegian Cruise Line was up 5.9% and United Airlines rallied 5.8%.

Financial stocks had the biggest gain among the 11 sectors that make up the S&P 500, up 1.7%. A higher 10-year Treasury yield allows for higher rates on mortgages and other loans, which boosts profits for banks. JPMorgan Chase gained 3.3%, and Wells Fargo rose 2.3%.

Counterbalancing those gains were losses for some big tech and internet companies, which gave back some of their slingshot, earlier gains. Apple slipped 1.2%. It’s coming off four straight weeks where it rocketed up by 3% to 14.7%.

In European stock markets, the German DAX lost 0.7%, and France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.6%. The FTSE 100 in London was down 0.8%.

In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.4%, and South Korea’s Kospi lost 1%. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong fell 0.8%, and stocks in Shanghai rose 0.6%.

Benchmark US crude oil fell 35 cents to settle at $43.04 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, lost 55 cents to $$45.09 per barrel.

call from the Ministry of Health to further support their contact tracing initiatives. We are committed to fighting shoulder to shoulder with our Government to crush the curve of infections from this virus.”

During the first wave of the pandemic, BTC donated mobile devices, personal protective equipment including reusable

face masks, body suits and face shields to the Ministry of Health and also donated mobile devices to the Rand Memorial Hospital.

BTC has also provided the MoH with the toll-free hotline, 511.

Pictured: Ernestine Flowers, coordinator of the Contact Tracing Surveillance Unit, and Dr Delon Brennen, deputy chief medical officer.

PAGE 18, Friday, August 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

BPL told to ‘get $30m spent on Dorian clean-up it together’ FROM PAGE 20

FROM PAGE 20 are cutting off power to people who don’t have the money to pay you and if these were people that have paid you constantly then that’s fine and if these were people that were way over before the virus these weren’t people that were going to pay you anyway.

I don’t know if they have gone to the people that owe the bigger bills that they have outstanding and try to collect on those, but

I think that is one good reason to have a foreign entity in there doing the collecting because they don’t know anybody and they are not related to anybody.”

Ms Deal said they are advocating to have BPL privatised and to have cabinet taken out of the decision making of BPL, because every time BPL gets into trouble the cabinet bails the company out and with this arrangement BPL will never learn to be efficient.

been bringing some skillsets in other areas of construction but was able to really come to the forefront and do the work. That was a really good thing and it was important for us to keep the money in the community.”

Along with the $30m spent on debris clean up, some $3.4m has been spent through the Small Business Development Centre to help small business restart their operations Ms Forbes-Smith also said that despite not “serving the surrounding areas”, marine clean-up is another

part of her agency’s environmental plank in the Dorian clean up. “We have had a lot of NGO’s who have done some work in doing the marine clean-up, but it is difficult and while we focus on a lot of these priorities one of the difficult priorities has been getting to the marine clean up.”

Ms Forbes-Smith with regard to housing that some $10m has been allocated to the small home repair programme, with 3,099 approved home owners out of 4,314 registered home owners. She said that the $10m allocated “will not be enough” and that funding and financing is a “real problem”.

Due to the loss of a lot

of homes and rental units in Abaco the government had to ensure that the government found temporary structures for persons to live in, with 150 temporary domes on Abaco and the Cays, 40 temporary domes in east Grand Bahama and an additional 20 container homes on Sweeting’s Cay. “The medium term for us will be modular homes,” said Ms Forbes-Smith.

Pointing to an architectural rendering of what Spring City Abaco is expected to look like with a subdivision outfitted with 100 modular homes, which will be called “Nelumbo Gardens”.

Ms Forbes-Smith added: “These modular homes are needed for basically, public

service workers who need to be able to work in Abaco and quite frankly the 100 is probably not enough when you consider teachers and police officers, defence force officers and persons working in various public services offices we already know that this number needs to be closer to 200.”

The government has also given two 60 acre lots for mixed use development to the DRA for the construction of permanent housing in Abaco and Ms ForbesSmith said: “We are right in the middle of looking at an RFP (request for proposal) for that. We hope to start construction on these sites in January, 2021.”

Bills rack up but gyms stay closed FROM PAGE 20 in unison to the effect of COVID-19. “The person who is the initiator of our industry association, Dr Kent Bazard, we collectively wrote a letter asking for some answers but that is about as far as we have gotten,” she said.

Ms Whitehead said that while they would like to be reopened now and that their industry standards on sanitisation are second to none, she understands the need to control the virus and said if government would give gym owners some indication as to when they would allow them to

reopen or some “timeline” to when it will be, whether it is in another week or another month, then people “can plan around that and find something else to do.

But this situation of uncertainty and not knowing is not helping us in any way, shape or form”.

Hair industry asks ‘Why leave us out?’

FROM PAGE 20 asking why? If it was the case that some protocol was breached then we are asking that the competent authority take another look at us and look at us through different lenses as to why the protocol was breached and what is going on.”

Hair salons, barber shops and other related industry professionals including spas were shut down at the end of March along with many other industries not deemed essential services. They were allowed to reopen in the middle of

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

(242) 323-2330

THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2020

(242) 323-2320

ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE: 2,094.51 | CHG: -0.03 | %CHG: 0.00 | YTD: -137.09 | YTD%: -6.14 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.10 22.65 2.00 1.79 2.50 6.00 6.75 5.47 8.59 4.50 6.16 12.77 3.64 5.49 10.88 8.44 16.99 4.25 9.40 15.21

52WK LOW 3.13 20.91 0.67 1.79 1.67 5.40 5.39 2.00 5.05 3.62 5.60 11.05 2.71 2.64 9.60 7.10 13.04 3.20 8.00 13.90

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 0.90

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Benchmark Bahamas First Holdings Limited Bank of Bahamas Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Cable Bahamas Commonwealth Brewery Commonwealth Bank Colina Holdings CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank Focol Finco J. S. Johnson

SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ

Bahamas First Holdings Preference Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

BFHP CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 102.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) + Bahamas First Holdings Limited

SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2015-1-3Y BGS: 2014-12-5Y BGS: 2015-1-5Y BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-3Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-3Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y

BAH29 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0307 BG0330 BG0403 BG0407

LAST CLOSE 3.50 17.43 1.62 1.79 1.67 6.00 6.75 2.99 5.10 3.77 6.10 11.26 2.40 5.30 9.99 8.44 14.30 3.99 8.97 15.20

CLOSE 3.50 17.43 1.62 1.79 1.67 6.00 6.75 2.99 5.10 3.77 6.10 11.26 2.39 5.30 9.96 8.44 14.30 3.99 8.97 15.20

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.01 0.00 -0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 0.90

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 0.90

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME 115

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.000 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

VOLUME

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

P/E 14.6 18.7 N/M N/M N/M N/M 18.3 -6.8 36.4 20.5 13.6 15.6 23.4 11.3 15.4 11.6 17.5 19.7 9.6 24.1

YIELD 4.86% 7.23% 1.23% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.85% 0.00% 0.00% 3.18% 3.61% 6.39% 18.16% 1.13% 3.29% 2.84% 3.78% 3.01% 2.23% 4.01%

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25%

19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025

6.95% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.50% 6.25% 3.50% 4.25%

20-Nov-2029 30-Jul-2018 16-Dec-2019 30-Jul-2020 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2018 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2018 15-Oct-2022

MATURITY

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.34 4.41 2.11 198.39 168.29 1.69 1.85 1.77 1.24 8.34 10.26 7.08 12.15 12.71 10.81 10.00 8.98 11.79

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.64 1.79 1.73 1.06 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Preferred Income Fund Leno Growth Fund Leno Diversified Fund Leno Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

NAV 2.34 4.41 2.11 196.40 163.60 1.68 1.81 1.76 1.07 8.30 9.90 7.08 11.27 12.71 10.23 N/A 8.93 11.27

YTD% 12 MTH% 2.13% 4.00% 0.91% 2.59% 1.04% 2.39% 0.65% 2.50% -1.88% 3.33% 1.10% 2.34% -2.43% 1.49% 0.34% 2.43% -11.07% -9.92% -0.45% 8.36% -3.20% 11.46% 2.10% 5.15% -6.17% 3.54% 2.92% 5.55% -4.66% -3.81% N/A N/A -4.20% 0.20% -8.60% -2.90%

MARKET TERMS

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price

52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks

Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity

52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks

Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity

Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume

Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price

Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume

Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week

Change - Change in closing price from day to day

EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths

Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today

NAV - Net Asset Value

DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months

N/M - Not Meaningful

P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

NAV Date

30-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020 26-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 30-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020

June before they were shut down again in early August.

Prior to being allowed to reopen in June, people in the industry had to take a COVID-19 prevention certification course sponsored by the Ministry of Health, where it was mandatory that anyone in the industry had to take this course in order to reopen on June 15.

Mr Minnis also said: “A lot of people are hurting, businesses are closing. A lot of cosmetologists have to move out of storefronts and move into their homes and things of that nature just to be viable.

He added: “We have situations where husband and wife are in the industry and it has taken an egregious toll on their economy, so we are asking now for them to take another look at us. Even if they become more stringent in terms of policing us in terms of the protocols, we can live with that because a lot of people just aren’t business people they are a business.”

“So with that being the case when you stifle that person’s earning potential and possibilities you really put a ripple effect through their families that is really, really egregious.”

The BCBA had no prior consultation with the government on whether or not their industry was going to reopen or remain closed and had to find out through the publishing of the most recent emergency orders. “We are just seeking a reason why,” said Mr Minnis.

He also said: “We’re not trying to circumvent the government’s protocols and we are trying our best to help in limiting the spread of COVID-19, we’re trying our best to ensure that all of our practices help us to live with the COVID-19 disease. That’s something that we just can’t stop right now, no country can stop it without a vaccine right now so we are asking that the competent authority take another look at us.”

Dorian donations just $1.14m so far FROM PAGE 20 Forbes-Smith.

“Out of this fundraising mix, some $1.14m has been confirmed, with another $800,000 in the proposal stage and just over $250m to be explored or confirmed.”

She added: “I always tell

people it doesn’t matter how much money a donor wants to donate, they have some priorities and special interests where they want their money spent and for us it’s always a challenge also to align those projects and interests with what the DRA and the government’s priorities are.”

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 28, 2020, PAGE 19

EU Commission chief says her team could face a reshuffle BRUSSELS Associated Press

THE European Union’s executive commission is emerging from its summer vacation down a key official and with an additional big problem on its hands.

At a time when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should be centering on managing the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented economic collapse and her mid-September State of the Union address, she was holding urgent talks yesterday on how to replace her top trade official, who resigned

the evening before for being too loose with COVID-19 rules.

It means the EU has lost the trusted and experienced Irishman Phil Hogan as EU trade commissioner, a vital post in dealing with the United States, China and post-Brexit Britain. With all three issues demanding daily attention, there is an urgency to fill the hole so-called Big Phil left.

In a curt statement, Von der Leyen yesterday lauded “his tireless and successful work”, but dwelled precious little time on a former commissioner many thought reckless in his movements during a visit

back home in Ireland over the past month.

Not only had Hogan attended a posh golf dinner with around 80 guests when maximum attendance should have been much lower, but he was also criticised for traveling in parts of Ireland where a lockdown was in force — and for emerging early from a mandatory two-week quarantine.

Hogan resigned himself before Von der Leyen made a decision on whether to keep him. Her intentions though, may have been clear when she addressed accountability for everyone holding high office.

“As Europe fights to

reduce the spread of the coronavirus and Europeans make sacrifices and accept painful restrictions, I expect the members of the college (commissioners) to be particularly vigilant,” von der Leyen said about Hogan’s travel decisions over the past month in Ireland.

An hour later, Von der Leyen was already on the phone to Dublin to discuss who might replace him.

Von der Leyen insisted it was far from clear that Ireland could simply replace Hogan and ensure holding onto the powerful trade portfolio. She indicated she would wait for Ireland to come up with new

candidates and decide “at a later stage” where the replacement would be slotted into the 27-strong team.

“We need a strong and safe hand at the trade helm to steer Europe through these turbulent waters,” said Kathleen Van Brempt, a Socialist member of European Parliament.

There is more at play though. Von der Leyen is committed to gender balance in the European Commission and before Hogan’s resignation, that balance stood at 15 men and 12 women.

Among potential candidates touted is European Parliament heavyweight Mairead McGuinness. ‘“I

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 77° F/25° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Clouds and sunshine

Partly cloudy

Partly sunny

Partly sunny

Partly sunny

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in the p.m.

High: 91°

Low: 77°

High: 91° Low: 79°

High: 90° Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 79°

High: 90° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

103° F

87° F

102°-90° F

102°-88° F

101°-88° F

101°-86° F

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

6‑12 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 91° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° C

4‑8 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

S

E

W

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 82° F/28° C

MIAMI

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

4‑8 knots

KEY WEST

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 84° F/29° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 77° F/25° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

uV inDex toDay

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

4:30 a.m.

5:10 p.m.

2.6 3.3

10:40 a.m. 0.6 11:42 p.m. 0.8

Saturday

5:32 a.m.

6:07 p.m.

2.7 3.3

11:40 a.m. 0.6 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Sunday

6:27 a.m.

6:57 p.m.

2.8 3.4

12:37 a.m. 0.8 12:34 p.m. 0.5

Monday

7:16 a.m.

7:42 p.m.

2.8 3.4

1:24 a.m.

1:23 p.m.

0.7 0.5

Tuesday

8:00 a.m.

8:22 p.m.

2.9 3.4

2:06 a.m.

2:08 p.m.

0.6 0.5

Wednesday 8:41 a.m.

9:00 p.m.

3.0 3.3

2:44 a.m.

2:49 p.m.

0.6 0.5

Thursday

3.1 3.2

3:20 a.m.

3:29 p.m.

0.6 0.6

9:19 a.m.

9:37 p.m.

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:49 a.m.

7:32 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

4:33 p.m.

2:24 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Sep. 2

Sep. 10

Sep. 17

Sep. 23

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

S

E

W

6‑12 knots

S

6‑12 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 90° F/32° C Low .................................................... 81° F/27° C Normal high ....................................... 89° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 76° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 91° F/33° C Last year’s low ................................... 80° F/27° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.04” Year to date ............................................... 38.43” Normal year to date ................................... 24.39”

will invite the Irish government to propose a woman and a man” as candidates, she said, before she would decide what portfolio would be available.

Others being tipped though are men, notably current Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, who has great experience in Brexit, trade and agriculture issues. Each EU member state has one commissioner and the easiest solution would be a straightforward replacement, leaving the rest of the European Commission team intact.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

6‑12 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 90° F/32° C Low: 82° F/28° C

N

N E

W

E

W

H

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

S

S

8‑16 knots

8‑16 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS SE at 4‑8 Knots SSW at 4‑8 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots SSW at 4‑8 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots

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VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 86° F 87° F 88° F 88° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 87° F 87° F 86° F 87° F 87° F 88° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 87° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 87° F

business@tribunemedia.net

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020

$3.98

$3.98

$30m spent on Dorian clean-up

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

be dealt with as a result of Dorian - both in the eastern end of Grand Bahama and generally around the city of Freeport and particularly in the Abacos and the cays.”

She continued: “We have three debris management sites currently operational in Abaco, Treasure Cay, Spring City and Snake Cay and then of course, High Rock, Pelican’s Point and McLean’s Town in the eastern end of (Grand Bahama).”

Ms Forbes-Smith also said: “One of the things that has really been good

D

ESPITE the challenges on Dorian stricken Abaco and Grand Bahama, more than $30m has been spent on clean up says the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) managing director.

Katherine Forbes-Smith, pictured, managing director of the DRA, told a webinar that the DRA has had a “big, big challenge with just how much debris had to

for us is the fact that more than $30m has been spent but spent and stayed in the community with the overall clean up. We have also engaged more than 20 plus local Bahamian contractors who have been involved in the community clean up and I must say that a lot of people obviously in our country have not been involved in anything like this before in terms of a category five storm, but the point is is that Bahamians came on board and have

SEE PAGE 18

BPL told to ‘get it together’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A CHAMBER director has called on Bahamas Power & Light to “get it together” over power outages after the latest blackout affecting the eastern part of New Providence.

Debbie Deal, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce director for energy and the environment, told Tribune Business: “These power outages seem to be happening in the same areas over and over again. I think BPL had to admit that yes, there are certain areas that they do need to replace transformers and they do need to do some replacing.”

Ms Deal added: “On Wednesday night there was no storm, not even a hint of

DEBBIE DEAL wind and just before 9pm the power went off and didn’t come back on until about 7:20am yesterday morning.”

BPL has a Whatsapp community group that Ms Deal is a part of and she said she posted in the group to enquire about the

reason behind the power outage in her area and she said she has not gotten a response from BPL, “I do not understand that. If you are going to have a group like this then for the love of God please respond to the people. We need to know what is going on,” Ms Deal said.

Ms Deal was left wondering if it was a traffic accident that created the blackout or if BPL was struck by lightning or any litany of issues from faulty BPL equipment.

Ms Deal added: “Bahamian people can deal with almost anything if we know what is going on, but if we are left in the dark and we have to assume for ourselves we are not going to assume in a positive fashion.

“Our energy company has to get it together and customer service has to be key if you want the rest of us in this country to actually join forces with you and say okay, we know your situation, how can we help? My way of helping is to teach and show us all through the videos that we have and other videos that people have on how to reduce your energy consumption, so that you use less so that BPL can actually provide better, more reliable and safe power to us.”

Ms Deal also focused on collection of overdue payments, saying: “Everybody is moaning and groaning about BPL disconnecting consumers, which we should, but you

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Bills rack up but gyms stay closed

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net ONE gym owner has racked up expenses totalling $50,000 that are due in September as he laments his sector not being allowed to reopen on August 31.

Dr Kent Bazard, owner of Empire Fitness, told Tribune Business: “Once again we have been looked over.

We never stopped petitioning the government, we just never got any response and that has been the most troubling thing- we are not getting any response and nobody is communicating anything with us, nobody is telling us anything about a financial plan or what’s going to happen as a result of the bills that we’re accumulating.

“It’s not like we are accumulating bills because of poor spending habits, we are accumulating bills because we are not in business and the government has not either said that they would support us during this time, or said that they would cause us to not be charged for any of our bills during this period. We think that is unfair” Dr Bazard said that expenses vary from gym to gym and his expenses are approaching $50,000 come September. “My accumulated expenses due with this next cycle is going to be around $50,000 and that varies from gym to gym. To be honest, they don’t even really need to deal with that because if they deal directly with our landlords and our utilities and in some cases some persons have either loans or mortgages to pay, if the government made some type of statement about that or dealt with that directly then everybody would be fine,” said Dr Bazard.

Gyms and fitness centres were allowed to reopen on July 1 after being shut down since the end of March due to the need to control the spread of COVID-19. However, they were shut down again by the competent authority on August, 3 when it was learned that COVID19 cases started rising again in this second wave.

Dr Bazard indicated he is not wanting to go through the process of submitting bills and expenses to the government, hinting at poor delivery on the part of agencies tasked with dispensing aid and relief to citizens. He said: “In the meantime, the people who I owe still want their money.

We need some communication from the Ministry of Finance or the Office of the Prime Minister. Nobody is saying anything and that’s a problem, nobody is saying anything about how businesses are going to survive this period.”

Referring to a study done in the United Kingdom, Dr Bazard said it was found that people with obesity and patients that have a poor body mass index (BMI) are more prone to succumbing to COVID-19. “If any industry that should be in the first wave of opening it should be health and fitness centres,” said Dr Bazard.

Sofia Whitehead, owner of Club One Fitness, said: “We do not know anything, so that’s all I have to say about it. There has been no direct conversations with the government and there has been no direct references from the government in any of their press conferences or press releases.”

Ms Whitehead said gym owners have an association that is not yet formalised and was created to respond

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Dorian donations just $1.14m so far

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

OVER $250m in fundraising for Hurricane Dorian reconstruction is still awaiting to be confirmed with the Disaster Reconstruction Authority only receiving $1.14m to date.

Katherine Forbes-Smith, managing director of the DRA, told a webinar: “Fundraising is a big deal for us.

Everybody knows about the infamous pledge conference where people felt that we collected $1.77bn in cash, which

never happened, but our development office is actively trying to secure the fundraising. It has been a very challenging and difficult time, particularly as COVID-19 has not helped us, but we are still working on fundraising.”

Thus far, the DRA has confirmed $5.84m in active grants with another $3.16m in the proposal stage and $3.16m to be confirmed.

“A lot of this fundraising work is on technical assistance, equity financing and gifts in kind,” said Ms

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Hair industry asks ‘Why leave us out?’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net IT’S “egregious” that hair salons and barbers were left out of the August 31 reopening plan and they want to know why.

Anton Minnis, vicepresident of the Bahamian Cosmetologists and Barbers Association (BCBA), told Tribune Business about his industry not being allowed to reopen on August 31 with other industries: “We’re not comfortable with it. We really would like to know

the reasoning behind it and why are we left closed and based on that regard on the international scale out of 15 the barbers and salons are ranked number 12, which means that the infection rates are very low. The only other sectors that come after that are the financial institutions and the construction sites.”

Mr Minnis added: “If that is the case in our protocols and we have to limit the spread of any communicable diseases then we are

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