09042020 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

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The Tribune

Volume:117 No.194, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Established 1903

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WEEKEND: WHINE TIME FOR WENDI WITH STAR’S NEW SOUND

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Prison officers jailed for submitting fake health certificates TWO correctional officers who handed in fake sick slips to get time off from work were yesterday sentenced to more than a month in prison after they admitted to defrauding the Department of Correctional Services and the government.

Mercette Pinder, 26, was accused of uttering two fake Princess Margaret Hospital sick certificates and receiving two sums of cash from BDCS by means of false pretences in late 2018.

When the defendant

COMMISSIONER of Police Paul Rolle yesterday warned members of the public to avoid large parties as police officers will not be stopped from enforcing the law.

The police chief said over the last few days, officers have had to intervene on several occasions where large parties were being hosted.

He said: “We had to deal

first appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

The court heard commissioner of the prison suspected the sick certificates Pinder submitted were fraudulent. When he made preliminary checks with the PHA, he was told Pinder did not register at the hospital on the dates listed on the sick slips. The medical chief of staff also confirmed the signatures on the slips were not made by any doctors employed by the hospital.

CHINESE WANT OUT AND BRAVE WANTS BACK

SEE PAGE EIGHT

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FACE MASK, FRED? OPPOSITION Senator Fred Mitchell was on the defensive yesterday in the face of criticisms of “bad judgement” due to allegations he did not “immediately” quarantine upon arrival in Grand Bahama following a trip to the United States.

Photos circulated on social media yesterday showing the Progressive Liberal Party chairman wearing a mask underneath his chin at a Grand Bahama restaurant. Emergency Powers Orders dictate a quarantine period of 14-days upon return to the country from the US. SEE PAGE THREE

SEE PAGE SEVEN

TODDLER, 3, DROWNS IN HOTEL POOL

with quite a few persons who took liberties to have parties and I want to repeat, we don’t want to be arresting people but they need to understand that the law is the law.

“And we encourage them to abide and hopefully, we’ll soon get out of this pandemic and be able to enjoy themselves with the various parties but whenever we find these breaches we are going to be taking action.”

SEE PAGE TWO

pg 07

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

COMMISSIONER WARNS IT’S NOT PARTY TIME YET

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

Pages 08 + 09

Wendy’s ‘whine time’

Wendi brings new dancehall sound

Are you feeling sick now, boys?

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

TALES FROM THE THRIFT

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

MERCETTE PINDER, left, and Areyette Lightbourne, pictured outside court on Wednesday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

A DAY of fun and frolic for a Bimini family ended tragically when a threeyear-old toddler drowned in a swimming pool at Resorts World Bimini.

Police have not officially released the name, however, a close family member on Bimini identified the little boy as Raynarg Antonio Louis.

SEE PAGE FOUR

$9M LAWSUIT SHUTS BAHAMA DIVERS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A 55-YEAR-OLD Bahamian diving “institution” has been forced to permanently close its doors with the loss of 15 full-time jobs after a $9m judgment was enforced against it over a customer’s drowning.

Matthew Whiteland, owner of Bahama Divers, which was founded by his father in 1965, told Tribune

A BAHAMA Divers boat, pictured in 1987.

Business that court bailiffs arrived to seize the

company’s assets within 48 hours of its re-opening following the first COVID-19 lockdown.

Branding the company’s fate “a big mess”, he argued that it would be impossible to even come remotely close to recovering the full $9m award from Bahama Divers’ liquidation as the company’s annual gross sales “barely turned” $2m per year.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

ABACO COUPLE LIVING TOTALLY OFF THE GRID

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Friday, September 4, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Police hand out meal vouchers

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle and a team of officers distributed 200 meal vouchers to residents in the Nassau Village and Montell Heights communities yesterday.

The initiative, according to the police chief, is a part of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s ongoing efforts to help those in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to assure the members of the public that the police are in fact their friends and we want to be able to help in all of these communities in any which way we can,” he told reporters during yesterday’s distribution exercise.

“It’s not all about arresting people and putting people in jail although that is a part of our job but what we also want the people to know that we are here for everybody and so today we gave out 200 food vouchers and each of those is valued at $40.”

He added: “…We know that this time is a difficult time for a lot of families and we in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, we continue to make the sacrifice and we want to thank those business persons that have partnered with us to make this possible today.”

yesterday after being gifted with the assistance package

by Commissioner Rolle and his team.

Having been out of work for several months, Mr Hutchinson said trying to make ends meet has been extremely hard as his wife is the only employed worker in the family.

“I can’t work. I have steel in my leg,” he said. “I went to the National Insurance

(Board) to get something eight months ago and I ain’t get nothing yet and I used to work. They gave me a (disability) letter to carry to National Insurance from January and I ain’t get nothing.”

Caring for his wife’s elderly cousin, he noted, has also compounded the situation.

“I have a 75-year-old (who lives) with me and

she’s blind. I does help her, wash her clothes and do all these things for her,” he added.

“She’s blind and she came from Long Island and she need some assistance too.

My wife and me does help her out because that’s my wife cousin. Otherwise, we ain’t get nothing else. My wife does a little bit of work to the gas station and that’s all. Otherwise, ain’t nothing else because I can’t work.”

Mr Hutchinson said he has had to ask others for help. “(I’ve been) begging, working and just to move a little garbage just to get something.”

While many commended the police for the initiative yesterday, there were some residents who said more could be done to assist those in the community.

“I think the government needs to do a little more, like try to free up some things,” said a Montell Heights resident, who only identified himself as Craig.

“Once they could create some work, people could get some money and move about. That’s what (Dr) Minnis needs to do.”

Last month, Commissioner Rolle and his team of officers gave out water and masks to Windsor Lane residents.

Yesterday, he told reporters police will participate in another similar exercise sometime next week.

has been given by the government.

He told reporters: “What I want to say to the members of the public and the community is to abide by the rules because where we find them in breach, we will take decisive action in dealing with them.

“So, there were only about three in the last day, but I know persons have been a bit tired of being in a lockdown for the last few weeks and I appeal to members of the public to be patient. I would like to do some things that I used to do too, but I have to abide by the law as everybody else.”

Last month, the owner of a popular bar, Village Pub, was arrested after police responded to reports of an

unauthorised gathering.

Yesterday, Commissioner Rolle said a total of 23 people were arrested in connection with that particular incident.

Most recently, the Commissioner said officers arrested some 15 people after they were found inside a local club on Wednesday night.

“Again, last night, officers went into another club where they arrested I believe either 12 or 15 persons that were found on the inside,” he said.

“And what I would ask members of the public is, if you are aware of these incidents, call us. You call us and we will be able to go and deal with it as opposed to sending things around in social media. Just let us know and

we will be more than happy to go there and deal with breaches as they occur.

“And I want to thank those persons who have been calling me. I think they see we have been very responsive to that and in dealing with that.”

Asked yesterday if officers had seen an increase of people breaking the quarantine, he replied: “Not to the extent that I have heard in the media, we have seen a couple of incidents and where we found those, we put those people before the court.

“I think the persons are being very cooperative with exceptions in these recent few days, where persons want to go about having parties. We can’t have that, and I say to them just wait.”

COMMISSIONER of Police Paul Rolle and his were in the Montel Heights community distributing food coupons, water and masks as apart of the police’s social contribution yesterday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Items that were also distributed yesterday included protective face masks and bottles of water.

Many residents expressed gratitude to the officers for their willingness to lend a helping hand during these challenging times.

“It goes a long way in this pandemic,” said Nassau Village resident Lenora Prosper. “I haven’t worked since March but I’m trying

to survive and I have seven in my house and every little is a help.”

Bianca Walkes, another resident in the community, also thanked the RBPF for the effort yesterday, saying the vouchers will be a “major help” in purchasing food for her four children.

Terrence Hutchinson, of Montell Heights, was also overcome with emotion

COMMISSIONER WARNS IT’S NOT PARTY TIME YET from page one

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the government in March imposed a series of restrictions to limit people’s movement such as the closure of beaches and non-essential businesses.

Restrictions have also been placed on weddings and funerals.

While some restrictions have been eased, social gatherings of more than 20 people are still prohibited in most islands. Such events are completely banned in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Paradise Island and other islands in the second schedule of the latest emergency order.

Other COVID-19 restrictions include the closure of spas, bars and gyms.

Despite the COVID-19 protocols, Commissioner Rolle said people are still being found in breach of the guidelines.

He said while he understands the frustrations of residents who wish to move about more freely, locals must learn to be patient until the greenlight

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 4, 2020, PAGE 3

What about your face mask, Fred? from page one The date the pictures were taken is not known and Mr Mitchell would not comment on the photos.

However, his trip to the island this week was called into question after a clip of him being interviewed by a news team at Grand Bahama airport was circulated on social media.

During that interview, Mr Mitchell said he visited Grand Bahama for several reasons including to test the COVID-19 protocols in place there and to show support for residents one year after Hurricane Dorian devastated homes and businesses. Mr Mitchell also said he wanted to view the government’s post Hurricane Dorian effort.

In a separate interview with The Nassau Guardian on Wednesday, Mr Mitchell said he was in quarantine in Grand Bahama.

“I landed and there was an interview team and I did an interview,” Mr Mitchell told the paper. He said he tested negative for the virus before returning to the country and that he went to his hotel after leaving the airport. He maintained that he continued to follow the rules and protocols.

However, yesterday, photos circulated of Mr Mitchell seated in what appeared to be an outdoor dining area of a Grand Bahama restaurant.

Asked about the photos, Mr Mitchell told The Tribune he would not comment any further on the situation.

But in a video posted on Facebook page Fred Mitchell Minute by Minute, the former member of Parliament blamed the criticisms on Free National Movement “trolls”. He did not address the photos.

“Overnight the trolls of the FNM were in a feeding frenzy, which has caused the Bahamian press to

start calling me also in a frenzy about my visit here to Grand Bahama. I do not propose to enter that game and to make any specific comments beyond what I said at the airport,” Mr Mitchell said in the video clip.

“It is clear why I came here. It is clear the circumstances under which I came here. It is clear what my view is of the law. I claim no special privileges. Apart from that I have no specific comment.

“The authorities are aware that I am in The Bahamas. This is a Bahamian island. I am a Bahamian legislator and I claim no privileges beyond that, Those are the facts and I urge people to stick to those facts.”

He went on to criticise the state of Grand Bahama, suggesting there should have been more done since Hurricane Dorian’s passage one year ago.

FNM Chairman Carl Culmer used the situation to criticise Mr Mitchell in a statement yesterday.

“The PLP consistently puts politics over the people,” Mr Culmer said.

“That’s how they governed during their last disastrous term in office. Their interests were always more important than those of hardworking Bahamians.

“Fred Mitchell put politics over the people yesterday when he returned to The Bahamas after a prolonged stay in the United States. He landed in Grand Bahama and rather than immediately heading into quarantine, as the COVID19 protocols call for, Mitchell was seen giving an interview to ZNS News.

It is disappointing that the chairman of the opposition party would conduct himself in this manner.

“Mitchell’s conduct shows politics and seeking power are the things foremost in his mind. The PLP’s chairman clearly thinks he

FRED Mitchell in a picture circulating on social media. is better than the people. responsible thing to do.

To him there is one set of We hope Mitchell learns guidelines for regular Baha- from his error and is more mians and another for him. responsible going forward.”

“Embarrassed by media Emergency Powers questions, I see that Mitch- Orders now in force say ell now says in an interview that for inter-island travel, with The Nassau Guard- prior to the visit, a person ian that he is in quarantine. must have a negative test He should not have done result. Once they arrive at the interview and immedi- the destination, they must ately gone into quarantine. quarantine at a governThat would have been the ment facility considered

appropriate by the Ministry of Health.

This does not apply in respect of an emergency, as the operator of an aircraft or vessel transporting freight and passengers, and in regards to travel among certain islands: Chub Cay, Harbour Island, Long Cay, Long Island, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Spanish Wells.

The chief medical officer, or someone she designates, can exempt a person traveling from a Family Island to New Providence or Grand Bahama from having to comply with the testing requirement.

However, that person shall be required to submit to a mandatory quarantine at a government facility at his or her own expense.

THREE MORE DEATHS AND 49 NEW CASES RECORDED THE Ministry of Health reported 49 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 yesterday and three new deaths.

This brings the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country to 2,386 and the number of deaths to 50.

Another death is also under investigation, bringing cases in this category to 13.

The latest confirmed deaths are a 66-year-old Grand Bahama woman who died on August 21; a 62-year-old Grand Bahama man and an 81-year-old Grand Bahama man, both of whom died on August 25.

There are now 1,504 confirmed cases of COVID19 in New Providence, 570 in Grand Bahama, 79 in Abaco, 54 in Bimini, 20 in Exuma, 15 in the Berry Islands, 11 in Inagua, eight in Cat Island, seven in Eleuthera and Acklins, three in Long Island, and two each in Andros, Crooked Island, and Mayaguana. There are 102 confirmed cases with locations pending.

On Wednesday, 61 new cases were reported and one additional death.

As of yesterday, 12,117 tests have been conducted.

Earlier this week, Health Minister Renward Wells said a global shortage of COVID-19 testing reagents has limited health officials’

capacity to conduct wider testing in the country.

“We have at PMH (Princess Margaret Hospital) now with the GeneXpert machine that gets results in about 45 minutes. The machines were donated

by PAHO,” he said on Tuesday.

“We have one at PMH and one by South Beach (Clinic) and one in Grand Bahama and those are on stream.

Unfortunately, because of the global pandemic, there is a shortage for the cartridges. We only got about 2,000 of those cartridges and as a result of that, we have to use it sparingly or rather we have to use it wisely.”

He added: “I think the people ought to also note that when you’re testing for COVID, it’s not just the swabs, you need the re-agents. There’s a global shortage of reagents because every country is increasing their testing and so it puts a strain on the global supply.

“So, The Bahamas is in there, we’re fighting to ensure that we get our requisite share of the reagents so we can continue to test but all of these are a part of the overall testing programme and some of the issues as to why you may not see as much testing taking place.”

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PAGE 4, Friday, September 4, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

MARINES AND POLICE VISIT ABACO OVER CRIME CONCERNS

MEMBERS of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Police Force visited Abaco on Tuesday after concerns were raised by residents about crime iin the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

The team, led by Lt Cdr Andrew Bowe and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ashton Greenslade, held a walkabout in the Treasure Cay and Hope Town communities, talking to residents about crime and other matters in their communities.

Lt Cdr Bowe said: “This initiative is a is a result of a combination by both organisations, where we can take the time and go through the communities to find out their concerns.

“This way, we can work out ways to address whatever problems exists and reassure them that the both agencies remain committed to ensuring a safe environment.”

Construction of 100 homes in Abaco ‘to start this month’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net THE Disaster Reconstruction Authority said construction of 100 modular homes in Spring City, Abaco, is expected t0o begin this month.

The units are intended to replace the 100 recreational vehicles (RVs) presently at the Government Complex and will house teachers and public servants.

In an overview of the work done a year after Hurricane Dorian, the DRA noted it has been “working tirelessly” along with other stakeholders and

non-profit organisations to assess the storm’s Hurricane impact on Grand Bahama and Abaco as well as “help guide the process of rebuilding better and more resilient than before”.

Minister of Disaster Preparedness Iram Lewis said: “We knew that part of the process would be reconstruction, but the other half of the work is to make our islands more resilient and ready for the next disaster.”

The DRA said as of August 30, more than 4,000 homeowners have registered for repair help.

“As (of) August 30, 2020, 4,335 homeowners

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PUBLIC NOTICE SEPTEMBER 3, 2020: After receiving confirmation that one of our employees tested positive for COVID-19 late last week, Lightbourn Trading Company initiated an immediate assessment, shutting down all operations to walk-in customers. The entire office was subsequently closed to facilitate sanitizing and deep cleaning.

While closed, all employees were tested to ensure the safety of all staff. Employees who tested positive are following the national COVID-19 protocols. We wish them a speedy recovery.

The Ministry of Health Surveillance Unit, the government agency responsible for contact tracing, was immediately contacted to initiate assessments.

We expect full operations to be restored by Monday, 7 September, 2020. All national COVID-19 protocols continue to be followed to ensure the health and safety of staff and our valued customers.

have registered for assistance through the Small Home Repair programme, of that 3,166 were approved to date and $10m has been allocated so far for the program,” the agency said.

“Also, 210 temporary domes were deployed in conjunction with NEMA throughout the affected areas. (170 Abaco; 40 Grand Bahama). With a generous donation from the Mediterranean Shipping Company Foundation, 20 container homes are currently being constructed for those families in Sweetings Cay whose homes were completely destroyed.”

The release further announced 25 of 31 schools affected in the disaster zones will reopen this school year. Although four schools were completely destroyed in East Grand Bahama, the DRA noted the Ministry of Education officials indicated Treasure Cay and East Grand Bahama will have a new comprehensive school.

DRA also stated “100 percent of all medical facilities in Abaco are open and operational” while $20m has been allocated for the ongoing restoration and renovations to the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama.

“The Public Hospitals Authority, and the Grand Bahama Health Services are currently planning the expansion/construction of a new Hospital Facility. The DRA is providing technical assistance through a grant for a Risk Assessment for this very critical Project,” added the DRA. Previously announced plans for two subdivisions were also noted.

“Two 60 acre lots have been conveyed to the DRA for the development of two subdivisions in Spring City and Wilson City. The DRA will hold virtual meetings in the coming weeks with local government

and town planning (officials), the Chamber of Commerce, residents, and all other stakeholders for the long-term development and reconstruction of these properties,” read the release.

Other projects in the planning stage include community centres/hurricane shelters in Grand Bahama and Abaco, a Marsh Harbour Police and Fire Station, reconstruction of Abaco Port Facilities Marsh Harbour, and Snake Cay landfill redevelopment.

DRA officials previously said $30m has been spent on Hurricane Dorian clean up.

TODDLER, 3, DROWNS IN HOTEL POOL from page one

The toddler was airlifted in critical condition to New Providence and died around 7am Wednesday morning at the Princess

Margaret Hospital.

According to Superintendent Terecita Pinder, police press officer for the northern Bahamas, Bimini police received reports of a drowning incident shortly after 9pm on

Death Notice for

GEORGETTE TAYLOR, 40

Of Linden Estates, Lauren Street, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital Nassau, on August 31st, 2020.

She is survived by 1 son: Tryke Taylor, 5 sisters: Nicola, Latisha, Clarice Taylor-Knowles, Darell & Jennie Taylor; 7 brothers: Steven, Adolphus, Shorn, Antoine, Craig, George & Derek Taylor; 6 Aunts: Vernice Campbell, Ofelia Major, Maige Poitier, Bernice Roker, Thelma Hamilton, Jennimae & Barbara; 5 Uncles: Kenneth Poitier, Rev. Oswald Poitier, Bob & Patrick Poitier, and numerous other family members & friends.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by ROSEWILL MEMORIAL MORTUARY on Market & Oxford Street and will be announced later.

Tuesday.

She said reports indicated that a three-year-old toddler was found at the bottom of the pool on the property of a resort on that island.

“The child was rushed to the Bimini Clinic and later airlifted to New Providence for further medical attention at the Princess Margaret Hospital,” Supt Pinder said.

She noted the child died “of his injury” the following morning and that the matter is under active investigation by the police.

The hotel is temporarily closed at this time.

The Tribune has learned the toddler’s mother is in New Providence and attempted to contact her child’s grandmother on Bimini, however, efforts proved fruitless up to press time.

Well-known Bimini resident Lloyd Edgecombe, who is the toddler’s

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grand-uncle, said the incident was a tragic “accident”.

“It was my grandnephew,” he said. “It was a group of them; his mother took a group of kids to go cool off. They are all one family living in the same house, and it was an accident.”

“It was a bunch of kids and when they realised the lil’ fella was missing, they found him at the bottom of the pool.”

Mr Edgecombe said efforts were made to resuscitate the toddler.

“He been to the clinic for a couple of hours, and they fly him out to Nassau, and he died yesterday morning,” he told The Tribune.

“I feel bad because I think her (the toddler’s mother) sister is a salesperson at Resorts World.

All the facilities up there closed, but they were at the pool,” he said.

On March 20, Resorts World Bimini temporarily closed the property following the coronavirus pandemic which forced an initial shutdown of the tourism industry in the Bahamas.

The government has imposed Emergency Orders with restrictions concerning large social gatherings and beach parties.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 4, 2020, PAGE 5

‘Too soon to tell full impact of COVID-19’

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

any information to suggest which businesses have closed.

“So it’s very difficult to guess that until we try to IT is too early to predict get more business sectors COVID-19’s full impact on open. We just reopened on the business sector, accord- Monday and since a lot of ing to Bahamas Chamber sectors are now coming on of Commerce CEO Jeffrey stream it will be almost preBeckles. mature to try to guess that.

With more areas of the What you don’t want to do economy allowed to reopen is to put a number out there on Monday - but many that is not factual.” areas still closed - Mr BeckRecently, US based les said stakeholders need “Main Street America” more data to determine conducted an online survey if the commercial sector to assess the impact of the will fully rebound from COVID-19 on the approxiprotracted closures due mately 300,000 small to lockdown and reduced businesses in consumer United ‘Up to today if you the spending.

States. SpeBusinesses make a call to the cifically, this owners have survey was Department of complained designed about the Inland Revenue to help US lack of rev- and ask them how citizens enue to understand many businesses sustain them small busiand some have gone out of nesses’ ability have gone business, they to withstand out of busiwhat may couldn’t tell you ness, but be several apparently one. You know months of they have not why? No businesses suppressed all filed their revenue and closures with have reported so.’ what kinds of the Departsupport proment of Inland Revenue so grammes will have the most there is really no way for impact. the Bahamas Chamber of These are the findings Commerce and Employers’ on the effects of COVIDConfederation (BCCEC) to 19 on US small businesses: track those who have had to millions of small businesses close permanently. will be at great risk of closSpeaking about the situ- ing permanently if the ation, Mr Beckles said: “It’s crisis continues for several difficult to do that because months. Of the US’ approxwe won’t know that until we imately 30 million small get a couple more segments businesses, nearly 7.5 milopen. In addition to that, lion of them may be at risk according to the Depart- of closing permanently over ment of Inland Revenue, the coming five months, they have not recorded and 3.5 million are at risk

of closure in the next two months.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on small businesses’ revenue, and millions of Americans employed by the US’ smallest businesses are at risk of unemployment as a result, the survey found.

Approximately 35.7 million Americans employed by small businesses are at risk of unemployment as result of the COVID-19 crisis.

On the US predictions Mr Beckles said, “I think you can expect that in every jurisdiction, but you have to also remember that the US collects better data than we do. They are collecting data every day, so it’s easy for them to make a projection. Our country does not collect data like that. In the case of the United States and other countries that do a better job at data collection it’s easier then to make a projection.

“Up to today if you make a call to the Department of Inland Revenue and ask them how many businesses have gone out of business, they couldn’t tell you one.

You know why? No businesses have reported so.

In fact records will show that the only business that has closed its doors permanently has been Lucianos.

In the public, it’s one thing to gripe and complain, but you have to respond to facts.”

Mr Beckles said the Chamber will be in a better position to start looking at permanent closures after all business sectors have been opened by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

NHI ENROLMENT UP BY A FIFTH AMID PANDEMIC ENROLMENT in the National Health Insurance programme has increased by nearly 20 percent so far this year.

According to NHI officials, the initiative’s popularity has “increased significantly” during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Following an initial downturn in enrolment as Bahamians took lockdown measures to fight the pandemic, enrolment numbers have surged,” NHI officials said in a press release.

“A record number of

Bahamians have successfully enrolled in NHI to gain access to a family doctor and laboratory testing free of charge at the point of service. Overall in 2020, NHI enrolment numbers have increased close to 20 percent.”

Since NHI’s April 2016 launch, more than 85,000 Bahamians and residents have enrolled in the programme, which represents about 30 percent of Bahamians without private health insurance.

“We know NHI enjoys strong support among

Bahamians,” chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority board Dr Robin Roberts said.

“However the growth in enrolment during the pandemic has exceeded our expectations. We had expected the switch from in-person to online and telephone enrolment would affect enrolment, and while this was initially true, as the pandemic has gone one, our enrolment has reached record levels.”

NHI expects to see continued growth in enrolment as the pandemic continues.

CHAMBER of Commerce CEO Jeffrey Beckles

PAGE 6, Friday, September 4, 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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A high price to pay for faking being ill FAKING sick slips has come at a high price for two prison officers.

Mercette Pinder and Areyette Lightbourne find themselves packed off to serve time behind the bars they used to guard.

We imagine the welcome from their fellow prisoners won’t be the warmest.

Employers everywhere will have been used to a worker occasionally faking an illness for day off here and there – but these two appear to have taken it to another level.

Each went to Princess Margaret Hospital and got their fake slips from a nurse there – with Pinder saying he paid a nurse $15 and $25 for his two sick slips.

No such payment mentioned by Lightbourne, but he did say he got it from a nurse who “noticed his frustration” at the apparent poor service there.

A shame he couldn’t be more patient – maybe a member of staff was ill that day.

His supposed lack of patience lands him with 40 days in prison, while Pinder gets 60 days. Each could have three months more added if they don’t pay the fines they received in addition.

Even when they get out, we think they’ll find the job market not very accepting for uniformed officers who faked illness to avoid work – especially in the throes of a pandemic.

As they reflect on their choices behind bars, we suspect it will probably make them feel very sick indeed.

But was what they did so very unusual? How many out there have taken a sick day when they’ve been perfectly fine. Maybe to go sort out some errands, maybe just because they didn’t fancy a day at work.

More than a few might be looking at people ending up in jail for saying they weren’t fit for work and thinking on another day that might have been them.

Some too might raise a hand in protest to say that you shouldn’t have to use a holiday day every time you have to sort out paperwork with the government or a bank – though these things should be

faster rather than working out ways to get around letting them take you longer.

Either way, there’ll be a few breathing a sigh of relief that it wasn’t them in court today. And also taking note that this is not the way to do things tomorrow.

Shame these partygoers

Do we have to keep shooting ourselves in the foot?

COVID-19 cases are still surging, but the lockdown measures have been eased to allow the economy to start moving again. What’s the first thing a lot of people have done? Thrown big gettogethers and parties. Honestly, it makes you sigh in disbelief.

We feel very sorry for Police Commissioner Paul Rolle as he finds polite words to tell people this isn’t the time.

His restraint is admirable as he says he doesn’t want to be arresting people but “the law is the law”.

Do we want to go back into a tighter lockdown? Do we want these small steps to liberty to be taken back?

Because that’s what will happen if such irresponsible behaviour leads to a further increase in cases.

As the old saying goes, it takes two to tango – so it’s not just the party hosts, but the party goers. So next time someone invites you to one of these events, say no. Say more than no. Say no, and you shouldn’t be hosting it either. Tell people if they want to have your respect, they wouldn’t hold parties in the middle of a pandemic.

Commissioner Rolle and his officers have a whole island to police, they don’t need to be policing such parties because those present are too selfish. Peer pressure can stop these events – so if you hear about one, speak up about it, and tell people they’re only putting the lives of others at risk.

Let’s celebrate when it’s safe, not party our lives away.

Davis did nothing wrong EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Bahamas continues to be inundated with COVID-19 infections.

As of September 2, there were 2,337 confirmed cases on the COVID-19 Bahamas Dashboard, with 47 deaths and seven nonCOVID deaths. With 14 deaths under investigation, the death toll could rise to 61.

The Bahamas has only recorded 849 recoveries.

These numbers suggest that the country’s healthcare system is at its breaking point. At nearly 400,000 strong, the Bahamian population has outgrown its healthcare system. What we have today would’ve been adequate for The Bahamas in the 1970s. The problem is, we are now in 2020.

When it was announced

by The Nassau Guardian and The Tribune on August 20 that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip “Brave” Davis would be airlifted to the United States to receive treatment for his

COVID-19 infection, some Bahamians expressed their strong disapproval of the move.

Apparently, they chose to interpret Davis’ decision as a lack of faith and confidence in Bahamian healthcare professionals and the entire healthcare system.

According to both aforementioned newspapers, Davis was cared for at Doctors Hospital – a private institution. Davis was gracious in commending the nurses and doctors at that institution for their services.

Obviously as a man of means, Davis made the calculated and smart decision to seek medical attention abroad. The hypothetical question for Davis’ detractors is this, if you had a brain haemorrhage, and you had extensive financial resources, would you go to the Princess Margaret Hospital or Cleveland Clinic in the United States? I would pick the latter without hesitation. I believe Davis’ detractors would do the same thing.

Doctors and nurses at the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Rand Memorial Hospital are dedicated professionals tasked with making blood out of stone.

They are overworked, underpaid, under equipped – and at times, under appreciated. Choosing to go abroad for medical care isn’t a searing indictment on these hardworking Bahamians and non-Bahamians.

Knowing the age-old perennial problems plaguing the Public Hospitals Authority, I wouldn’t blame anyone for opting to seek medical attention abroad.

At the end of the day, it’s their life. Davis was well within his rights to seek medical attention abroad.

If he wanted to travel to Europe or Asia for medical help, it’s his business.

I don’t think we should politicise this man’s health.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, September 3, 2020.x

Pintard and action on fisheries EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Tribune Article Entitled ‘Pintard Refutes Claims of No Fisheries Action’ The NFA would like to clarify the reporting of The Tribune on a matter regarding a voice note of one of its members circulating on social media.

Principally, Paul Maillis of the NFA informed the author of the article that the voice note was old and that Chuck Pinder should be contacted before drawing any conclusions. Chuck Pinder was not contacted, and the old voice note was touted as a ‘new’ point of contention between fishers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.

The reality is the voice note had already been a point of discussion some time back.

The timing has been taken out of context.

Finally, the NFA does believe the Fisheries Advisory Committee should be reconstituted and reconvened. The process of consulting fishers should be more official and transparent, such as the mechanism of a formal committee.

Now, in this time of mandated digital meetings, this process of getting all the necessary committee members on board for meetings should be much easier.

Chuck Pinder is a leader

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net in the Spanish Wells fishing community and his words speak to the frustration felt by thousands of fishers that, despite having an engaged Minister, many of these issues continue to persist.

He speaks principally to a wider apathy or inaction by successive administrations towards fisheries matters.

However, to say the Ministry has been without action is, in the words of Minister Pintard, “patently false”. Under the leadership of Minister Pintard, we have seen and felt a positive change. His effort and work ethic has been worthy of the position. The Ministry has been working diligently to resolve the fishing labour crisis, legislative deficiencies and enforcement gaps. Fishers have been party to these efforts, as well as members of the environmental community. There is much left to be done, and we have confidence the Minster will fulfil his commitments.

We endorse the Fisheries Act that has been drafted by the Ministry and industry stakeholders. The new Act is tabled before Parliament and the NFA demands that it is passed.

We want to stress that even after the Act is passed, Regulations attached to the Act will need to be drafted and passed, so this is a long process, and many of the issues in the fisheries sector require immediate action.

The sooner we begin the process of legal reform, the better.

The NFA would like it to be clear that we support the efforts of Minister Pintard and to encourage him to continue his work.

There are still questionable fishing businesses operating outside of the law, using foreign labour and circumventing the system.

Immigration and fisheries reform is still desperately needed. Conch are being decimated and there is still no legislation yet passed to address it. We, the NFA can speak to many challenges that the Ministry must address in order to succeed in these objectives, and we will continue to remain fully available for consultation. Where we can point out deficiencies and help to make the process better, we will continue to do so.

Sincerely, Board of Directors, National Fisheries Association of The Bahamas Nassau, September 2, 2020.

UK and international aid EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE UK should give enough notice to aid-reliant countries. I am not an advocate of international aid to poor countries. I also understand that international aid may foster dependency. As the UK plans to slash foreign aid to plug black hole caused by coronavirus, it should give enough notice and reasonable transition period to countries that firmly rely on the aid so that they can come up with strategies and adjust effectively to the new reality. The aid should not just be cut immediately as this may cause havoc to the recipient countries and thus sound harsh and inhumane. Cutting the

budget immediately without notice or grace period will make Britain look cruel when in actual fact these countries have been helped

by UK for so long. The level of appreciation will therefore be immediately eroded by immediate cut of the budget.

Even though there are some theories that international aid fosters dependency, there are genuine countries that make effective use of aid and are unfortunate in terms of resources. These countries may experience extreme poverty and persistent hunger due to geographical location, natural disasters such severe drought and floods. It should always be

appreciated that foreign aid strengthens global peace, security and governance. It builds greater stability and more effective and accountable governance through addressing the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity; maintaining a sharp focus on prevention; tackling crime and corruption; and supporting transparency, capability and trust in institutions. It also promotes global prosperity, tackles extreme poverty, helps the world’s most vulnerable and supports a strong and resilient international system.

HANDSEN CHIKOWORE UK, September 3, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 4, 2020, PAGE 7

FRANKLYN Glinton pictured outside court yesterday.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

20-year-old and teenager accused of killing youth

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN and teenager were charged with murder in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Franklyn Glinton, 20, and a 17-year-old boy appeared

before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with the death of a victim listed on court dockets as “John Doe,” who was killed sometime between August 27 and 30.

While officials have not yet confirmed the identity of the victim, the person

is believed to be 17-yearold Lavard McKenzie, who went missing late last month.

Last week, police issued a missing person bulletin for McKenzie of Millers Heights. The poster said he was last seen Thursday August 27 at 10am at his

residence.

According to initial police reports, officers discovered a badly decomposed body of a male after 4pm in bushes at the rear of a residence on East Avenue off Carmichael Road. At the time, police could not

say if it was the body of the missing teen.

The Tribune understands DNA testing is being carried out to determine the corpse’s identity.

During the arraignment yesterday, neither defendant was required to enter a plea and the matter was

adjourned to December 15 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Bail was denied and the defendants were remanded into custody until that time.

They have a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

$1,500 FINE FOR CLEANING UP GARBAGE

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 37-YEAR-OLD man who claimed he violated the curfew because he was helping a friend clean up garbage was fined $1,500.

Police arrested Denville Ramsey after they found him on Meadow Street around 3.45 am on August 4.

During his arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney, Ramsey pleaded guilty but said he was only outdoors because he was “coming from work helping a friend with garbage cleaning”.

It was his second violation, according to evidence led in court yesterday.

The court heard officers were on mobile patrol in the Meadow Street area when they observed a Suzuki Swift driven by a lone male. When they stopped the vehicle and

questioned the driver, he said he was dropping somebody home. Ramsey was subsequently arrested and taken to a nearby station where admitted to the offence in an interview with police.

After accepting Ramsey’s guilty plea, Magistrate McKinney noted how the defendant was previously charged for breaching the curfew in May. Stating it appeared as if Ramsey did not learn his lesson when he was fined $500 or three months in prison at the time, he tripled the fine.

As a result, Ramsey was fined $1,500 or six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Magistrate McKinney also placed the defendant on probation for one month and warned him if he appeared in court for curfew violations again, he would be sentenced to three months behind bars.

MERCETTE Pinder.

ARE YOU FEELING SICK NOW, BOYS? from page one

When Pinder was questioned by police he denied the allegations and insisted he did visit PMH. Still, he admitted he never saw a doctor and instead, got two sick slips from a nurse he knew as “Knowles” for $15 and $25.

Yesterday, Pinder was sentenced to 60 days in prison. He was also fined $1,000 for uttering two forged sick certificates and ordered to compensate the public treasury $1,561.14 for the money he defrauded.

Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt warned if he failed to pay the funds, he would be sentenced to an additional

TWO IN HOSPITAL AFTER STABBING IN ABACO

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TWO Abaco men are hospitalised with serious stab wounds at a New Providence hospital following a stabbing incident early yesterday morning.

Superintendent Terecita Pinder reported the incident occurred in Murphy Town, Abaco. She said their condition is listed as serious.

Reports are that

sometime around 1am, police were called to the Marsh Harbour Clinic, where two males had been brought in for medical attention.

Ms Pinder said reports indicated the men had been involved in an altercation.

Both sustained stab wounds to the body and were airlifted via Air Ambulance to New Providence for further medical attention.

Police are continuing their investigations into the matter.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

AREYETTE Lightbourne.

three months at BDCS. In the second case, Areyette Lightbourne was accused of uttering a forged PMH sick certificate that was written in his name on May 11, 2019. He was further accused of uttering another fake sick certificate on June 12 that same year.

The prosecution also alleged Lightbourne obtained $360.84 from the government in 2019.

The court heard the commissioner of the prison also suspected the sick slips he received from Lightbourne were fraudulent. When he made checks at PMH, it was confirmed that Lightbourne did not register for any service on the dates listed on the sick slips.

The court was told the signatures on the documents were not from any doctors working at the medical facility either. After Lightbourne was arrested, he told officers he did visit PMH and attempted to seek medical attention for a stomach virus.

He claimed while there, he became irritated with the poor service and spoke to a nurse who noticed his frustration. The defendant claimed the nurse then took his information and returned with a sick certificate in his name.

Lightbourne added when he returned to the hospital a second time, the nurse recognised him from the prior incident and gave him another sick certificate.

During his arraignment, Lightbourne was sentenced to 40 days behind bars.

He was also fined $1,000 for uttering two forged documents and ordered to compensate the public treasury $360.84. If he fails to pay the fines, he could risk spending an additional three months in custody.

After sentencing the men, Magistrate FergusonPratt told them their actions were unacceptable because they were called to a higher standard as uniformed officers. Still, she told the defendants to look at their current situation as a defining moment in their lives and urged them to allow the experience to serve as a life lesson for them.

PAGE 8, Friday, September 4, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Chinese want out, Brave wants back... and Flying Fred wants lunch

CHINESE workers protesting outside the Chinese embassy as they seek to leave The Bahamas.

A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

WHAT a topsy-turvy week it was.

An outbreak of home sickness at The Pointe, a ‘Brave’ return home, a constantly gallivanting party chairman, and the sad end to ‘hookie’ in The Bahamas.

Let’s have a closer look.

POINTE THE WAY HOME Irony is rife in The Bahamas. A perfect example is the happenings at The Pointe.

Earlier in the week, reports broke of a mass strike by Chinese workers at The Pointe project on Bay Street and a subsequent peaceful protest in front of the Chinese embassy on East Shirley Street.

The first point (no pun intended) of irony is that foreign nationals were allowed to strike and peacefully protest without incident.

Unfortunately Bahamians aren’t afforded the same courtesy, as recent events on East Street and in Rawson Square prove.

The second point of irony, is how poorly as a nation are we dealing with the global COViD-19 pandemic?

One has to ask when hundreds of Chinese construction workers prefer to return to their homeland, China, which we all know has its COVID-related issues.

From the initial outbreak in Wuhan to the daily battles keeping the deadly virus in check, and they still prefer to take their chances there.

If the Chinese workers wish to return home, I feel

the necessary arrangements should be made.

I don’t support foreign workers or foreign nationals being held against their own will, and freedom of mobility is a basic human right.

So arrange a charter with the Chinese embassy to facilitate their return, bid them ‘Zàijiàn’ (good bye in Mandarin) and let them return.

However, in the process please ensure that all remaining work left unfinished at the Pointe is completed by Bahamian workers.

‘BRAVE’ RETURN Initially when opposition leader Mr Phillip ‘Brave’ Davis decided to have his case of COViD19 treated by his daughter, a highly qualified physician in Atlanta, Georgia, it was met with some raised eyebrows and political spin doctors going to work feverishly trying to put the perfect spin on the whole story.

Truth be told, if I have an illness and I also happen to have a child that is a brilliant doctor offering to treat me, I’m accepting the offer from my progeny and informing them they are also going to foot the bill, right after I explain to them who paid for them to become a doctor in the first place!

I have no brief with Mr Davis in this regard, carry on smartly ‘Brave’.

Speaking of carrying on smartly, ‘Brave’ did just that upon his release from hospital in Atlanta, earning cool points in my book and many others as he wore a black Adidas sweat suit,

PICTURES of Fred Mitchell circulating on social media. reminiscent to legendary rap group ‘Run DMC’.

‘Brave’ was definitely rocking his ‘Adidas’ with some pep in his step and glide in his slide, proving once and for all that rumours of his demise were greatly exaggerated.

Now if he can get the PLP’s candidates for 2022 looking just as good, the PLP just might be in business!

FLYING FRED Where in the world is PLP chairman Fred Mitchell?

Allegations were swirling when Mitchell spent about two weeks out of the country receiving his annual physical in Minnesota, then turning up in Atlanta for his party leader’s release from hospital.

Now he’s in Freeport allegedly, not quarantining nor social distancing, especially by the looks of a photo captured yesterday in Grand Bahama.

It’s obvious that Mitchell hasn’t changed a bit, he’s still enamored with constant travel and jetting off to somewhere for something!

It’s also painfully obvious that Mr Mitchell remains an enormous hypocrite.

Consistently fingerpointing and bashing the government from his various jaded platforms, including the same infractions he is presently committing himself with no apologies.

This country needs a functioning opposition, ready to serve with a concise plan forward, holding the present administration accountable on their actions and decisions, and being a voice for all Bahamian people.

Also it’s an opposition which is trying to earn the country’s approval at the polls in 2022 after a dysfunctional run their last time in office.

More of the ‘same-old,

same-old’ from Mitchell could be a major liability.

Mitchell’s antics at this point are counterproductive, as he embodies everything the many Bahamians dislike about the PLP party, which will make them hesitant to give the PLP another chance. You know how the old saying goes...you know... the one about the leopard and his spots!

RIP SICK SLIPS My blood ran cold the other day when I read a Tribune article about correctional officers who were accused of using forged sick certificates to get time off from work in 2018 and 2019 who will appear before the chief magistrate for sentencing. Turns out both officers received a sentence of more than a month each for their infractions.

I’m quite sure the entire Bahamas heard the news. I’m also quite sure joe public and certain

physicians in The Bahamas were shocked.

It has long been a part of the Bahamian culture to get a sick slip if you wanted a few days off from work to handle your business.

Most businesses collect the sick slip from employees, file it, and keep it moving as it has become such a part of the norm.

I left the topic being discussed candidly in the barbershop yesterday, where there were a wide range of emotions floating in the air. From now on, ‘duckers’ and ‘ghost movers’ throughout the 242 will have to change their ‘hookie’ game up. Some are in a quandary as what to do.

Might I suggest a solution?

I have two words for you - deep cleaning.

Do the math. If your office has to be deep cleaned, that’s 14 days off!

Minimum. Think about it ‘duckers’, it makes perfect sense. You can thank me later.

READERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON OBSTACLES TO BUSINESS IN BAHAMAS AFTER businessman Ethric Bowe blasted bureaucratic obstacles for frustrating his family’s wait to launch an Andros farming venture, readers posted their reactions on tribune242.com.

Porcupine said: “Thanks for speaking the truth, Mr Bowe, as painful as it is sometimes.”

Happyfly posted this comment: “I wouldn’t start a small business in this country if you put a gun to my head. You have the big politically connected monopolies beating you over the head, the smalltime unregulated and unlicensed guys clawing at

your feet and the government kicking you in the guts all day. And once you get tired of swimming against all those currents, your bank manager will humiliate you and your staff will call the labour board to come finish you off.”

Alfalfa also backed Mr Bowe’s comments: “Agree with your sentiments, sir.

When it comes to helping the Bahamians who

are trying to get a business started, government departments frustrate you to the point of giving up. This is sad.”

TrueBahamian had this to say: “Wow! Mr Bowe is clearly frustrated and rightly so. We live in a country that was ranked lower than the West Bank and Gaza Strip for ease of doing business. Think about that for a second. As a Bahamian who loves his country, I see that we are a disaster.

We’re suffering from the mistakes of several administrations with the hiring of people for votes who are completely inept or lazy or both. We also hire others in

the public service who are just collecting a paycheck.

“These individuals clog the system. They’re obstacles rather than solutions to regular BAU processes.

Added to that, the system has layers and layers added to it that add no value and no one sits for a second to ask: why do we need all of this? Added to that, and as an agreement to one of Mr Bowe’s points, the worker bees can’t see the correlation between movements in the process and their continued employment.

“I’m sick and tired of what we became. We’re a disgrace. A global joke from the PM down to every last

citizen. Our leaders don’t have a clue and they surround themselves with the lost and the ‘suck ups’. True Banana Republic style!

I’ll take whatever passport from a first world nation that I can get. This country is a real life sitcom.”

Bcitizen said: “Took me over seven months to get a new business license and bank account open. The government is in your way every step of the way to stop you from getting into business. Another business I have been working on for 11 months and still no license, jumping through hoops, one piece of paper after the next, come back

tomorrow, same old BS . . . It is insane. It is as if the government does not want people in business. No one knows how you get your bank account open to borrow money for a new business before you have a business license. This nonsense could be ended tomorrow if the PM or DPM want to stop it but government is too addicted to its paperwork, red tape, and creating more paperwork to give more people a government job and a piece of paper to stamp.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

A year later - the Abaco couple now living totally off-grid

By Diane Phillips

One year ago this week, Daphne de GregoryMiaoulis and Nick Miaoulis rode out monster Hurricane Dorian atop their Abaco Neem production centre and retail store in Marsh Harbour. For nearly five long days and nights, they clung to balcony doors and occasionally each other. On the last day, a Friday they will always remember, the exhausted husband and wife managed to make it to their farm 15 miles south of the city.

Unlike many who ran away from Abaco as fast as they could, leaving behind blown apart houses, fallen trees, flattened roofs, strewn appliances, furniture and shattered lives, Nick and Daphne ran toward something in the wake of Dorian – a new life.

They were farmers come home to farming. A tiny 400 square foot cottage would become their new home. Working the land by hand and machinery would be their new routine, day after day as they stopped looking back and kept their eyes and their hopes on the future.

“That Friday, September 6 we took our first shower in five days and we looked around and realized the monstrous hurricane had destroyed everything there was no electricity, no water, no communications. Marsh Harbour looked like a bombedout World War II war zone – and there we were in our little cottage with solar panels. We had power. We had internet. We even had hot water,” says Daphne.

In that moment, that fork in the road, they took the route less travelled.

The farm they started 27 years before would not just be their day job, it would become their home. There was no available labour because there was no place for helpers to live so Nick and Daphne, both in their 60s, returned to farming. PreDorian, they had 7,000 neem trees, had just completed a research project that led to France’s moving neem from the forbidden to the helpful list. They had more than 1,000 coconut trees and 107 varieties of

IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS Your chances of surviving COVID-19 are 99.99 percent. According to a chart circulated

by Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) on August 26, when there were 1135 active cases and 48 deaths out of a population of 393.800, you had less than a one tenth of one percent chance of dying. Unemployment prior to COVID shutdown was 10.36 percent, unemployment as a result of COVID, 40 percent.

tropical fruit and flowering trees. The farm had been alive with birds and bees and activity. The store in town where Daphne spent most of her time has been filled with product for customers who flowed through its doors.

Post-Dorian, with everything in Marsh Harbour gone, Nick and Daphne worked the farm day and night. They gathered and hauled more than 1,100 fallen trees. They planted hundreds of fruit trees and replanted neem tree seedlings.

Two people, one piece of heavy equipment, handling the work of a team to rebuild the bounty of 110 cultivated acres leased from government.

“It was hard,” said Nick.

“We won’t lie.” Too tired to eat on most nights, they’d fall into bed in that tiny cottage, wake up and start all over again. Adrenaline kept them going. Daphne lost 20lbs.

“And I had to run the business side of it, too, paperwork, keeping what few orders we had going,” says Daphne.

Nick converted a building on the farm to the new processing and packaging plant. They are adding 200 square feet to their new home.

Overall, business is down 75-80 percent. But there is a new plan for the future – to build more cottages on the farm and create an experience for destination tourism while continuing to generate awareness of the value of neem, considered by many nature’s perfect plant for healthy lives. In India, neem is called the village pharmacy. Locally, in the face of COVID-19, neem is being recognized by the medical community for its medicinal value as a potent anti-viral and immune support.

Everything Nick and Daphne build now is off the grid, the home extension, two, 40-foot processing and production plant buildings, 2,000 square foot outdoor kitchen, pump for clean well water, guest cottages of the future, but solar salvation is only one of the many lessons they took away from Dorian.

Flexibility in the face of adversity, a willingness to adapt and change,

DAPHNE de Gregory-Miaoulis and Nick Miaoulis

finding inner strength are the lessons that Dorian, the storm of the century for the northern Bahamas, left after her frightening winds and deadly waves subsided.

Dear Minister Pintard & Messages to Others

This is the letter that Nick and Daphne Miaoulis, Abaco Neem founders and farmers, have been meaning to write to Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard: “Thank you. We have been farming for more than a quarter of a century and this is the first time that the Minister of Agriculture truly understood what we needed and a government has given us farmers resources that we really needed, helped with animal feed, seeds and land clearing, demonstrating how important agriculture is. We now have free range chickens that give us fresh eggs every day. We have bees for honey and wax that is used in our production. Thank you, thank you.”

Here are a few other notes they would have sent had they come up for air: “The government and the NGOs and everyone who has helped has done a fantastic job of clearing the debris from the streets and public spaces after Dorian cleared out.

The private sector has been the disappointment.

“Many people who made a lot of money in Abaco just fled and went somewhere else and started other businesses or took their money and left without consideration of their neighbours left behind. Many have still not cleared the debris from their properties and it’s not the government’s responsibility to clean up private property.

Please, take responsibility. It’s time.”

Just fyi – It has been one year since Hurricane Dorian hit and left The Bahamas. Power was restored two weeks ago to where the grandparent farmers clung to life during the storm. They have not missed a day nor suffered a power cut on the farm south of town where every building is off the grid and the sun beats bright and strong on solar panels.

Friday, September 4, 2020, PAGE 9

SPORTS PAGE 11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Raptors top Celtics with 3 at the buzzer

TEAMMATES mob Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby, second player from left, after Anunoby’s game winning shot at the buzzer in the second half of an NBA conference semi-final playoff game against the Boston Celtics yesterday in Lake Buena Vista Florida. (AP Photo/Mark J Terrill) SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 13

MOZO WINS FIRST ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS VIRTUAL SHOOTOUT COMPETITION on the course may be on a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the Bahamas was still engaged with the international women’s golf community through a new initiative.

Belén Mozo of Spain was the winner of the first Islands of The Bahamas Virtual Shootout, hosted Wednesday night

by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. The virtual closest to the pin golf shootout, streamed live on the WGT Youtube, featured 16 contestants.

Mozo topped a field that included two-time Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic Champion Brittany Lincicome, 2019 Bahamas Shootout Champion Alison Lee, long drive champion Troy Mullins,

and trick shot artist Tania Tare.

The competition format was “survive and advance” in a March Madness-style bracket configuration. The livestream benefitted the Bahamas Red Cross.

“While the current environment has impacted the way golf players and fans enjoy the sport, The Islands Of The Bahamas remains a top golf destination, so we are thrilled that we are able to virtually bring fans to the course to watch the Closest to the Pin golf shootout from the comfort of their own homes,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, deputy director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

SEE PAGE 14

TOUR DE FRANCE, PAGE 12

Lucius waiting for his opportunity in majors

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

fter watching Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm make his breakthrough in the Major League with the Miami Marlins, Lucius Fox is eagerly waiting for his opportunity with the Kansas City Royals.

Fox, a switch-hitting infielder, was acquired by the Royals from the Tampa Bay Rays last week Thursday in exchange for Major League outfielder Brett Phillips. Fox was Tampa Bay’s No. 26 prospect at the time of the deal and he became the No.25 prospect with the Royals.

“It’s been good. They welcome me here with open arms and made me feel right at home since day one,” said Fox about his transition to his new team.

“The general manager, the assistant general manager and everyone in the front office, they just been preaching to me how they like my skills set and what I can do on the field.

“My whole goal when I came here was to try and help KC get back to the World Series after winning the title in 2015. I just want to get back out there and help this team win another World Series. So I’m happy and excited to be here. I’m around a lot of guys I know, so the transition was easy and comfortable, so I’m just excited to get to work.”

Coming off a left hamstring injury that he sustained while in Tampa Bay, the 23-year-old Fox is currently in Kansas City going through his rehab with his third professional team in his young career.

He’s participating in games at an alternate site about 20 minutes away from the Royals’ ML games where he’s hoping that he will end up on their final 25-man active roster.

“It means a lot. Even since I was a kid, I always wanted to play in the Major League,” said Fox, who was introduced to the game by coach Rico Seymour at the age of seven at Freedom Farm. “Being on the Royals’ 40-man roster is a

LUCIUS FOX, of the Bahamas, is eagerly waiting for his opportunity to make his breakthrough in the Major League with the Kansas City Royals. lot of responsibility, but I’m ready for it.

“It’s everything that I dreamed about and so now that I am so close to achieving my goal, I want to make the best out of my situation.

Hopefully I can be on the active 25-man roster soon.”

When he does achieve that goal, Fox will follow Chisholm, who became the seventh Bahamian to get promoted to the big league with the Marlins on Tuesday night.

“It will be huge for the Bahamas to have two Bahamians playing in the Major League at the same time,” Fox said. “Me and Jazz came up around the same time and we want to show that the Bahamas has some more talented players.

We’re from a small island, but we carry plenty weight.

“We just want to inspire the younger players as we proudly represent the 242 on the biggest stage in baseball. We know that the Bahamas is rooting for us and so we just want to continue to inspire kids. So I’m even more inspired by Jazz making it. I’ve watched him make his progress. We

talked yesterday (Tuesday) and when he got called up, I felt like I got called up too.”

The duo are living the dream that was started by Andre Rodgers in 1957 with the New York Giants. As an infielder, Rodgers also played for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Outfielder Tony Curry then played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Indians from 1960-66; outfielder Ed Armbrister played for the Cincinnati Reds from 1973-77, including the 1975 World Series when he was involved in a controversial bunt in game three; pitcher Wenty Ford played for the Braves in 1973 and outfielder/designated played Wilfred Culmer played for the Cleveland Indians in 1983.

Antoan Richardson, now a first base coach with the San Francisco Giants, was the last Bahamian to play in the Major League in 2014 with the New York Yankees in his second sting. He made his first appearance in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves.

Fox, described as a funloving guy, who wants the best for others, is a role model whom players strive to emulate. He’s considered a hard-nosed player who, like Chisholm, leaves everything they have on the playing field.

After attending St John’s College up to grade six, Fox moved to St Augustine’s College for one year where he began to flourish as a softball/baseball player.

But without any of the Max D or I Elite programme established yet in the Bahamas, Fox decided to move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to showcase his talent at the American Heritage School in grade eight at age 13.

“I made that transition as a very young guy so that I could be seen by the scouts,” Fox said. “I have no regrets because I’ve learned a lot through those years. It made me who I am today. I didn’t have my parents there, so I had to do a lot of things on my own.

But if I had a chance to do it all over gain, I would still

SEE PAGE 12

‘We’ve been waiting for someone else to make it for a very long time’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net FORMER Bahamian baseball players Antoan Richardson and Edison ‘Ed’ Armbrister were both excited to see Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm’s rise to the Major League.

Chisholm, 22, was called up for his first appearance on the defensive end in the top of the ninth inning in their 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night at the Marlins Park in Miami, Florida.

In back-to-back games on Wednesday night, Chisholm got the starting nod in shortstop and ended up going 0-for-4 with a strike out as the Marlins lost 2-1 and dropped their win-loss record to 16-16.

Despite his slow start, Richardson, the last Bahamian to play in the Major League in 2014 with the New York Yankees, said it was good to watch the seventh Bahamian play in the big league. “We’ve been waiting for someone else to make it for a very long

time, so I am very proud to see him do it because he’s put in a lot of work to get to this level,” said Richardson, now a first base coach with the San Francisco Giants.

“I really don’t have the words to describe how I feel right now. But it’s definitely and truly a proud day to see the seventh Bahamian play in the Major League.”

The 36-year-old Burrows, who would have enjoyed two separate stings in the Majors, the first coming in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves, said over time, he anticipates that Chisholm will have a long and productive career.

“He will settle in and he will do his thing,” Richardson said. “I think while he’s enjoying it, he will have some success, so I’m really excited about the things that he will do.”

As for Lucius Fox, who is knocking on the door with the Kansas City Royals, Richardson said he has the potential to be the eighth Bahamian to make the Majors, now on the 40-man roster and in the player pool.

AN HISTORIC DAY: Miami Marlins infielder Jazz Chisholm, chats with Jon Berti (hidden) during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, in Miami.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

“I think it’s thrilling to see these guys right there,” Richardson said. “We had such a long gap before I made it and now we have another one in and one on the outside looking in, so it’s pretty exciting right now.”

And with his playing days over and done with, Richardson said he will look forward to the day when he can coach the Giants when they face Chisholm and the Marlins. That opportunity could probably only come if the two teams meet in the postseason.

“I think the Giants are in a position to get a playoff spot and the Marlins are trying to do the same,” he pointed out. “So when you think ahead, you get excited about things like that.

“So I would love for that day to show up and to create some more baseball history for the Bahamas.

Otherwise, if it doesn’t happen this year, we hope we can do it next year, hopefully with Lucius Fox up there with the Royals.”

Armbrister, who played from 1973-76 with the

Cincinnati Reds as they won three National League pennants and two World Series titles, said he was just as thrilled as Richardson to watch Chisholm in action.

“That was one of the best moves that could ever happen for all of us as Bahamians,” Armbrister said. “We know that there are a lot of players that want to play at that level and they now realise that if he did it, they can do it too.”

Armbrister, an outfielder, who was a part of a controversial bunt in the bottom of the fifth inning in their first World Series in 1975, said when he made his debut on August 31, 1973, he was 25 years old.

Today, he said the players are signing bigger contracts than they got in his day at a much younger age, but he advised them to make the best of their opportunities while they are in their prime.

“When I see these guys signing, I want them to have a game plan to stay there as

SEE PAGE 13

PAGE 12, Friday, September 4, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

LUTSENKO CLAIMS 1ST TOUR DE FRANCE VICTORY ON STAGE 6 MONT AIGOUAL, France (AP) — On paper at least, Stage 6 of the Tour de France looked interesting, with a steep ascent toward the end that the 117-yearold race was scaling for the first time and which seemed like it might tempt top contenders to test each other out on the rugged, narrow mountain road.

But the Tour’s top riders turned the mountain into a molehill, ruining race organisers’ best-laid plans.

Instead of seeing a reckoning between the favourites, the Tour saw Kazakh rider Alexey Lutsenko surge alone up the previously unclimbed Lusette pass yesterday to earn his first stage victory in his fifth Tour de France.

Adam Yates of Britain kept the overall race lead, as he and other contenders for victory in Paris stayed bunched together as a group, waiting for bigger mountains that come later in the three-week Tour, starting this weekend in the Pyrenees.

While they kept tabs on each other, the 27-year-old Lutsenko profited.

He was part of an initial group of eight lower-placed riders that broke away

BRITAIN’s Adam Yates wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey waves from the podium after the sixth stage. (AP) early from the main pack in search of the stage victory on the 191-kilometre (119-mile) route that sped southwest from the start town of Le Teil in southern France.

For the first time in Tour history, the stage finished atop the Mont Aigoual, a 1,560-metre (5,118-foot) peak with commanding views of southern France and an observatory opened in 1894 to study its changeable weather.

The last kilometres (miles) were a rolling uphill past pines and pasture to

the finish. The relative ease of that final approach dissuaded top contenders from attacking each other on the steep Lusette pass that preceded it, because they knew rivals would be able to catch them back up toward the top.

“It was too far to try something,” said French rider Thibaut Pinot, who is 12th overall, in a group of top contenders trailing Yates by 13 seconds.

But not too far for Lutsenko to make his move.

He had scouted out the climb in advance of the stage. He used his knowledge in shaking off his breakaway companions on the 12-kilometre (7-mile) slog with an average gradient of seven per cent and rhythm-snapping sections rising by more than 10 per cent and with not much room to maneuver on the rough tarmac. “I gave my upmost in the steepest section,” he said. “In my head, I was convinced I was going to make it.”

Riding for the Astana team, he started the stage in 37th place overall, nearly six minutes behind Yates.

Since he and the other breakaway riders were not a threat for the yellow

KAZAKHSTAN’s Alexey Lutsenko crosses the finish line to win the sixth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 191 kilometres from Le Teil to Mt Aigoual yesterday.

(Stuart Franklin/Pool via AP) jersey, Yates and other top riders were content to let them race off ahead. They did so at a furious pace, covering 52 kilometres (32 miles) in the first hour of racing to build their gap.

The overall contenders were still far behind when Lutsenko crossed the line.

There were no changes at the top of the standings.

Yellow-jersey wearer Yates is still three seconds ahead of Primoz Roglic from Slovenia.

Another Slovene, Tadej Pogacar, is third, seven seconds behind Yates.

“All in all a good day,” Yates said.

Yates was wearing the iconic yellow jersey for

the first time Thursday.

He inherited it from Julian Alaphilippe on Wednesday after the French rider was handed a time penalty that stripped him of the race lead.

Alaphilippe broke racing rules by taking a drinks bottle near the end of Stage 5, a violation for which he was docked 20 seconds, putting Yates in yellow.

Yates is the ninth Briton to wear the famed jersey since the first, Tom Simpson, wore it for a day in 1962.

But Alaphilippe showed that he still has fight by sprinting ahead of other top riders as they rode in together in a group at the

top of Mont Aigoual, clawing back one of the seconds he lost.

The top contenders’ bunch crossed the line 2 minutes, 53 seconds behind Lutsenko.

With a flat finish after a hilly first half, Stage 7 from Millau to Lavaur today is likely to finish with a bunch sprint and no changes among the overall contenders unless they suffer a mishap on the 168-kilometre (104-mile) route.

Top riders may be more willing to go toe-to-toe when roads go sharply uphill again this weekend in the Pyrenees.

“It’s going to be really tough,” Yates said.

Bohm’s sacrifice fly gives Phillies 6-5 win, sweep of Nationals

By ROB MAADDI AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper should make more predictions.

Alec Bohm hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 6-5 last night, completing a four-game sweep.

The Phillies are 9-1 since Harper said the team needs to “win nine of 10” following a loss at Atlanta on August 22.

“I heard someone say Bryce is a prophet,” Phillies manager Joe Girardi said.

“I’m going to go to him and see what I should do next.”

Philadelphia improved to three games over .500.

“Being able to go out and do what we’ve done, what they’ve done because I feel like I haven’t done anything, we’ve played to the best of our ability and we still can get better,” said Harper, who has been slumping.

The defending World Series champion Nationals have lost six straight and nine of 10 to fall to 12-23.

Trea Turner hit an inside-the-park homer and Michael Taylor went deep for Washington.

“It was one of those losses where you scratch you’re head and just kind of forget about it and come back tomorrow,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said.

“We had our chance there. When you battle in a game that close every opportunity mattered, so you’ve got to drive in that run.”

Didi Gregorius sacrificed J.T. Realmuto to third to start the bottom of the 10th inning against Sean Doolittle (0-2).

After Jean Segura was intentionally walked, he took second base on defensive indifference.

Pinch-hitter Phil Gosselin was then intentionally walked to load the bases.

Bohm hit a shallow fly to centre field but Realmuto slid home well ahead of Victor Robles’ throw. Bohm also had three singles, all to the opposite field.

“He’s a hitter,” Girardi said of the rookie third baseman. “I think his

PHILADELPHIA Phillies’ Didi Gregorius, left, hits a two-run RBI-single off Washington Nationals’ Anibal Sanchez during the first inning yesterday in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton) approach is great. He likes to hit the ball gap to gap.”

It was Philadelphia’s first four-game sweep against the Nationals since May 15-17, 2009, at Washington.

The Phillies hadn’t swept a four-game series against the Nationals franchise in Philadelphia since August

9-12, 1991, when they swept the Montreal Expos at Veterans Stadium.

Phillies starter Zach Eflin gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings.

Blake Parker (3-0) pitched out of a basesloaded jam in the 10th, retiring Brock Holt on a

grounder to end the inning.

Nationals starter Anibal Sanchez allowed four runs — one earned — and eight hits in 3 1/3 innings. Taylor connected off David Phelps in the seventh, giving the Nationals a 5-4 lead on his fourth homer and second in the series.

LUCIUS FOX FROM PAGE 11

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do the same thing. I wouldn’t change anything about what I did to get where I am today.”

He not only gives credit to Seymour, but also Greg Burrows Jr, Geron Sands and Greg Burrows Sr for the roles they all played in their development in his early days at Freedom Farm. But he said he could not have done it without the sacrifice that his father, Lucius Fox Sr, made when his son came and told him how he was interested in playing baseball and eventually wanted to become a pro player.

“He didn’t know much about the game then, but learned everything he needed to know and he gave me every opportunity to be successful,” Fox said. “He paid for extra lessons, bought me my equipment and sent me to school away. He didn’t have to do that, but I’m thankful that he did.”

His mother, Dotlee Fox, was hesitant about sending her son off to the United States at such a young age at first, but he said she finally agreed and accepted the decision. He noted that whenever he needed a listening ear or some words of advice, she was just a phone call away.

Among the younger boys whom he has inspired, Fox said his younger brother Dante is just as keen as going through high school in the United States so that he can get under the radar of the Major League scouts to eventually sign a pro contract too.

“I know he can do it. He’s putting in the work. He looks up to me in everything he does, so I have to set a good standard for him,” said Fox of his 15-year-old brother, who is home schooled with Bahamas Global.

Additionally, Fox also has a sister, D’Antae, a 13-year-old student at St John’s College, who plays softball.

He considers her to be his best friend.

LUCIUS Fox is waiting for his opportunity to make his breakthrough in the Major League with the Kansas City Royals.

But unlike her brothers, she hopes to become a lawyer.

“Whatever I can do to help her, I would,” he said.

For Fox, who is now playing with his third professional organisation, the main thing is to get back on the field and prove that he deserves to be a Major Leaguer.

“I got traded with a hamstring strain and I’m slowly recovering from it. It kind of slowed down my progress,” he admitted. “But we want to focus on getting healthy again. Once I do and I get my feet under me, hopefully I will be called up at some point in September.”

Fox first signed with San Francisco Giants for $6 million in July 2015.

He was traded from San Francisco to Tampa Bay on August 1, 2016 in the deal that sent Matt Moore the other way. One year later, he participated in the All-Star Futures Game in Miami, representing the Rays on the World team.

Pinch-hitter Andrew McCutchen’s RBI grounder off Daniel Hudson tied it at 5 in the eighth.

The Phillies took a 2-0 lead in the first when shifted third baseman Brock Holt couldn’t handle Gregorius’ sharp one-hopper for an error, allowing two runners to score.

Turner tied it at 2 in the third when he circled the bases after his drive hit off the right-centre field wall and bounced back toward left-centre.

He scored easily on a headfirst slide with no play at the plate.

“We did a lot of things right,” Turner said. “So it’s what you or whoever wants to focus on. Do you want to be positive or do you want to feel bad for yourself? So I think we did a lot of good things and if we play like we did tonight I think we should win more often.”

Rhys Hoskins launched his seventh homer in the bottom half and Gregorius added an RBI double to give Philadelphia a 4-2 lead.

Turner’s RBI groundout and Juan Soto’s RBI single tied it at 4 in the fifth.

Now he’s hoping to make his breakthrough with Kansas City and in this coronavirus pandemic, he noted that he has to get tested every other day to ensure that he remains negative.

At the beginning of the season, Fox said he had to report to Miami where he was quarantined, while working out four days a week with a personal trainer to stay in shape.

“We got the call saying July 1 was the starting date and when he got to camp, there were a lot of strict rules and guidelines that he had to follow,” he pointed out. “It was kind of weird.

It didn’t feel like it was baseball. The team aspect wasn’t there. But once time went on, we found ways to incorporate ourselves into the team atmosphere as we practiced the social distancing. It has gotten better, but I hope this Covid thing will go away so that we can have the fans back in the stands because that is what we feed off during our games.”

In his present situation, Fox’s daily routine would call for him to get up around 10:30am to get ready for practice at 11:30am. After stretching, he would engage in batting practice in the cage, do more stretching, work on their team defence and batting practice on the field before they play a game until it’s time to shut it down around 5:30pm.

When he’s done, he heads back to his residence where he would watch television, contact his family and eat dinner before he hits the sack.

“It’s a full day of baseball, but if I want to get to the next level, I have to take care of my body and do the necessary things that a pro player would do,” said Fox, who noted that he has been given sufficient time to enjoy himself as a person off the field.

To the Bahamian people, Fox encouraged them not to despair, despite what they are going through with Covid-19. He said if there’s any way that he can lend a helping hand, he will be willing to do so.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 4, 2020, PAGE 13

OG for 3: Anunoby beats the buzzer to lift Raptors over Celtics

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) — Facing the absolute brink, the Toronto Raptors suddenly have life.

OG Anunoby caught a crosscourt inbounds pass from Kyle Lowry and hit a 3-pointer with no time remaining, and the Raptors beat the Boston Celtics 104-103 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series last night.

Toronto cut Boston’s series lead to 2-1. The Celtics took a two-point lead when Kemba Walker found Daniel Theis for a dunk with a half-second left.

No team in NBA history has rallied from a 3-0 series deficit.

The Raptors won’t have to try it now; Lowry elected to audible and throw the long pass — high over 7-foot-5 Tacko Fall — to Anunoby.

Game 4 is Saturday.

Lowry played virtually the whole way, finishing with 31 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Fred VanVleet scored 25 points, Pascal Siakam had 16 and Anunoby 12.

Walker scored 29 points for Boston, which lost for the first time in seven playoff games.

Jaylen Brown had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Jayson Tatum finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Celtics.

Marc Gasol made a layup with 5:57 left for a four-point lead; the Celtics responded with the next eight points, going up 99-95 on a dunk by Brown with 3:02 remaining.

Lowry got a pair of layups, both drawing Toronto within two. The Raptors had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead in the final halfminute, VanVleet getting an acrobatic layup to drop

TORONTO Raptors’ OG Anunoby (3) releases a game-winning shot at the buzzer over Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown (7) in the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game last night.

(AP Photo/Mark J Terrill) with 21.5 seconds left and knotting it at 101.

Theis’ score left Toronto needing a miracle. Anunoby delivered.

“I had confidence in him,” Lowry said. “We’ll take that win.”

Siakam was called for his third foul on a charge with 7:44 left in the half; Raptors coach Nick Nurse used his lone challenge to protest, but replay upheld the call — a big decision against Toronto.

When Siakam took a seat for the rest of the half, Toronto trailed 38-37. The outlook got very bleak very fast without him on the floor.

The Raptors got outscored 19-10 over the 6:42 that followed going into the break, and the Celtics

stretched the lead to 57-47 by the half. Walker had 17 points in the first quarter, capping that period with a 3-pointer — and did it again to end the second to give Boston what was then its biggest lead.

Lowry had been 0 for 5 from 3-point range in the game — and 1 for 17 in the series — before connecting from the left corner midway through the third, getting the Raptors to 61-60. Toronto would eventually lead by as many as four in the third, but Boston reclaimed the lead and took an 80-76 edge into the fourth.

TIP-INS Raptors: Lowry sat for a 1:31 stretch of the first quarter. He returned late in that period and played

the final 37 minutes, 29 seconds. ... Nurse tied Dwane Casey for the franchise postseason wins lead, with 21.

Celtics: Walker’s 17 first-quarter points were a career-best for any postseason quarter. He had 14 for Charlotte in the fourth quarter against Miami on April 29, 2016. ... Robert Williams’s first shot attempt of the night was blocked by Serge Ibaka with 8:19 left in the first half, significant because Williams had been 10 for 10 in the series to that point.

RARE OPPORTUNITY It’s rare for a thirdseeded team to sweep a second-seeded team in a best-of-seven — and it won’t happen in this series

now. There’s been only two such instances in NBA history —Dallas over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2011 West semifinals and Philadelphia topping Milwaukee in the 1985 East semifinals.

NURSE ON NASH Nurse is friends with new Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash and had talked to him quite a bit of late — but Nash didn’t reveal that he was in the mix for the job. “Caught me off guard, that’s for sure,” Nurse said.

“He kept all that to himself, close to his chest. ...

He’ll be great, man. He’s one of the greatest players ever.” Nash’s hiring was announced yesterday morning. He’s the second Canadian to become an NBA head coach, joining Jay Triano.

LEONARD SCORES 29, CLIPPERS DESTROY NUGGETS IN GAME 1 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points and the Los Angeles Clippers rolled past the Denver Nuggets 120-97 last night in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Paul George scored 19 points and Marcus Morris added 18. The Clippers shot 57% from the field.

Nikola Jokic scored 15 points for the Nuggets, who were coming off a sevengame series with Utah that just ended Tuesday.

Jamal Murray, who averaged 31.6 points in the first round and scored at least 50 points twice in that series, finished with just 12 points on 5-for-15 shooting.

Denver shot just 42%.

The Clippers took charge in the second quarter, outscoring the Nuggets 38-20 to take a 69-51 lead at halftime.

Los Angeles held Denver to 25% shooting into the second quarter.

The Clippers continued to dominate in the third quarter, holding the Nuggets to 16 points in the period and taking a 91-67 lead into the fourth. Los Angeles’ biggest lead in the quarter was 29 points.

TIP-INS Nuggets: G Gary Harris returned to the starting lineup. He played limited minutes the past two games after having been out since March with a strained right hip. He finished with five points. ... F Jerami Grant scored 11 points on 4-for-4 shooting in the first quarter but scored one point the rest of the game.

Clippers: G Patrick Beverley, who had missed the previous five games with a left calf strain, started.

He scored eight points. ...

Leonard has 15 consecutive playoff games with at least 20 points.

UP NEXT Game 2 is Saturday.

Grizzlies’ Ja Morant wins NBA’s rookie of the year award

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The first three baskets of Memphis’ season set the tone for Ja Morant’s rookie year. All were layups, all by him, the level of difficulty increasing each time.

He made them look easy that night. He made plenty look easy all season.

Morant was announced yesterday as the runaway winner of the rookie of the year award for 2019-20, the first Grizzlies player to win the award since Pau Gasol in 2001-02. Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists this season, picking up three Western Conference rookie of the month awards along the way.

“It’s a blessing, definitely an honour,” Morant said

in the televised announcement of the award on TNT. “I put a lot of work in day in and day out. This journey has been rough but in the end it’s all paying off.”

Miami’s Kendrick Nunn was second and New Orleans’ Zion Williamson was third. Nunn, who was undrafted, averaged 15.3 points in 67 regularseason games — all starts — for the Heat. Williamson averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, but the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft missed much of his rookie season while dealing with injury.

Morant got 99 of the 100 first-place votes, with Williamson getting the other.

Morant’s Grizzlies teammate Brandon Clarke was fourth in the voting.

Morant was second among all rookies in

scoring, first in assists by a wide margin and led all first-year players in both starts (67, tying him with Nunn) and minutes played (2,074).

The balloting took place in July, before the season restarted at Walt Disney World. Games that occurred through March 11, the day the league shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic, were the ones taken into account by voting panel of sports writers and broadcasters.

Morant said he’s already looking for ways to get better.

“I always feel like there’s room for improvement,” Morant said. “I’m looking to improve in every category.”

Morant’s rise has been meteoric; four years ago, he committed to mid-major

MEMPHIS Grizzlies’ Ja Morant passes the ball during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on August 11.

(AP Photo/Mike Ehrmann) Murray State as a guard who was unranked by the top national high school recruiting services. He averaged 12.7 points as a freshman, then entered the NBA draft after averaging 24.5 points and a nationleading 10.0 assists per game while earning firstteam All-American status as a sophomore. “How I got here was crazy,” Morant said on his draft night.

It doesn’t look crazy that he’s here now.

His first 30-point game came in the third game of the season for Memphis, which got a one-point win that night over Brooklyn on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by now-Miami forward Jae Crowder — with that score set up by a pass from Morant.

That was the first of 28 games where Morant would score at least 20 points. He reached double-digits in assists 16 times, had a pair of triple-doubles and led

the Grizzlies into the West’s play-in series to determine the final playoff spot.

Memphis lost the first and only game of that series to Portland, meaning the Grizzlies were just two wins shy of the postseason.

“We’re right there,” Morant said when the season ended with that loss to Portland.

“Just some games away.

We’ll just go back to work and get ready for next season.”

‘We’ve been waiting for someone else to make it for a very long time’ FROM PAGE 11 long as they could,” said Armbrister, a former croupier at the then Resorts International’s Paradise Island Casino.

“We are on a roll right now with Jazz making it and Lucius coming up right behind him. I’m happy that Jazz is right in Miami, so it should help us to be able to make the trip whenever they can play once we get through this pandemic. When I was there, I didn’t have the support that these players have today. So I want to encourage them to go out there and make the best of their situation.”

Armbrister, who has returned home to assist some of the younger players in the country, said he would like to see a programme established such as MaxD and I Elite where the government can assist in getting more players prepared for the future.

The 72-year-old Armbrister, who was inducted into the National Hall of Fame in 2008, said he would also like to see the completion of the new national baseball stadium because it could serve as a training site for some of the professional teams, who could get a chance to view more of the local players whenever they come to town.

FORMER Bahamian baseball player Antoan Richardson.

“We have a lot of schools in all areas of the island. If we had more programmes we could assist those young boys who drop out of school,” he said. “They could come and register in these programmes so that they can find something to do to develop their skills.”

In the meantime, Richardson said he’s trying to adjust to the way of life in the United States with the pandemic and the social injustice that is going on at the same time.

“I am definitely speaking out and I’m talking because this is an important issue,” Richardson said. “When you have guys like

Lucius Fox and Jazz Chisholm, who will be affected by playing baseball in America, it is important to stand up and speak about these issues and try to be a part of change.

“So I definitely want to make sure that those guys and the guys who are coming up behind them can see a different place whenever they get the opportunity to play professional baseball at the highest level.”

Along with Chisholm, Richardson and Armbrister, the other Bahamians to play in the Major League are Andre Rodgers, Tony Curry, Wenty Ford and Wilfred Culmer, all deceased.

PAGE 14, Friday, September 4, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Serena sets up US Open showdown vs Sloane

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I know if there were fans it would be so lit, and I’m kind of sad that we’re not playing in front of fans, because it would be so fun,” said the 26th-seeded Stephens, who advanced yesterday by defeating Olga Govortsova 6-2, 6-2.

“The atmosphere won’t be as big, but obviously a big opportunity to play against the greatest player in the world. So, yeah, unfortunate but still fortunate.”

Both have compared the setting to their days as juniors, playing at age 10 or 12.

Williams turns 39 this month and expended a lot of energy lately. All five matches she played during the resumption from the tour’s COVID-19 hiatus and before the start of the US Open went the full three sets; her record was 3-2 in those.

Her two US Open wins were in straight sets, at least.

But things weren’t as easy as they might have been against Gasparyan, who hits flat with a onehanded backhand and whose only trip to the fourth round at a major ended with a loss to Williams at the 2016 Australian Open.

Williams served for the first set at 5-1 and got broken.

She went up 4-2 in the second set and got broken, dropped 8 of 10 points in one stretch and found herself at 4-all.

In all, she put only 58% of her first serves in and was broken three times.

“I’m just happy to get through it and focus on the next round,” said Williams, who called a strip of tape on the outside of her left leg “preventative.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Yes, Serena Williams won in straight sets again. And yes, she moved into an allAmerican showdown at the US Open against Sloane Stephens. Still, this victory did not quite go according to plan.

Her serve only so-so at times, her footwork a bit off, Williams got by and got through last night against an opponent ranked just 117th, beating Margarita Gasparyan 6-2, 6-4 and letting out a cry of “Yes!” at the end that reverberated in a nearly empty Arthur Ashe Stadium.

It sounded more like relief than excitement.

“The only thing holding me back is that I get frustrated,” said Williams, who has won six of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles at Flushing Meadows and was the runner-up the past two years. “But I’m out here, I’m fighting. It was just a minor setback. If anything, it could help me know what not to do next time.”

That’ll be Saturday against Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion.

It is their seventh matchup; Williams leads 5-1, including victories in the past four meetings in a row, but they last played at the 2015 French Open. Stephens’ lone head-to-head victory came all the way back at the 2013 Australian Open.

This calibre of contest certainly doesn’t feel as if it belongs in merely the third round at a Slam, but that’s the luck of the draw this time.

What will also be odd: the quiet.

All spectators were banned from Flushing Meadows this year

MOZO WINS FIRST ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS VIRTUAL SHOOTOUT FROM PAGE 11

SERENA WILLIAMS, of the United States, follows through on a shot to Margarita Gasparyan yesterday. (AP) Light rain began falling during the warmup period, so Williams and Gasparyan sat on the sideline, each draping a towel over her shoulders, until Ashe could be turned into an indoor facility. The roof remained closed for the match that followed: Andy Murray against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Louis Armstrong Stadium was covered during the second set of 2019 men’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev’s 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over 116th-ranked Christopher O’Connell, but matches on all the outside courts were suspended in the evening because of the shower.

Earlier men’s winners included No. 2 Dominic Thiem, No. 11 Karen Khachanov, 2014 champion Marin Cilic and unseeded Americans Frances Tiafoe and J.J. Wolf.

No. 14 Grigor Dimitrov, who got the

OPEN

SLOANE Stephens serves to Olga Govortsova during the US Open tennis championships yesterday in New York. (AP) coronavirusduring an exhibition tour organised by Novak Djokovic in June, and No. 25 Milos Raonic were eliminated.

No. 9 seed Johanna Konta lost 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 to Sorana Cirstea, and No. 10 Garbiñe Muguruza -who owns two major titles -- was beaten 7-5, 6-3 by Tsvetana Pironkova, who took a three-year break from professional tennis to have a son and is in her first tournament since Wimbledon in 2017.

It’s just great to be playing without that extra pressure that I had on my myself before,” the 32-year-old Bulgarian said.

“Before it was, like, almost a life-and-death situation

for me to win a match.

Right now, it’s not really like that.”

Other women moving into the third round included No. 2 Sofia Kenin, who won the Australian Open in February; No 7 Madison Keys, No. 15 Maria Sakkari No. 18 Donna Vekic and No. 22 Amanda Anisimova, a 19-year-old American who beat 16-year-old American Kristina Scott.

“It was weird, because I’ve actually never played someone who is younger than me in a Grand Slam,” said Anisimova, a semifinalist at last year’s French Open.

“It was a first for me. I was pretty nervous.”

The event underscores the unique, ongoing relationship between Global Golf Management and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Previously, GGM and BMOT partnered with the LPGA Tour to conduct the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at Ocean Club Golf Course.

In 2019, the Bahamas White Sands Golf Series was launched. The series featured a Pro-Am event, custom television content, and a NCAA golf invitational that included top men’s and women’s teams.

The Bahamas White Sands Series is scheduled to return in 2021.

“Global Golf has served as a conduit for the sport of professional golf for 28 plus years and the Virtual Golf Shootout allowed us to develop a unique concept with existing and new partners,” said Jeff Raedle, principal at Global Golf Management.

“Our goal was to pivot from some of the traditional golf activities and provide the golfers, fans and corporate partners like The Islands of the Bahamas, Atlantis, LPGA TOUR and WGT by Topgolf new opportunities to connect with each other.

What a great opportunity to showcase an incredible destination that is very close to our hearts, see world-class athletes compete online, and continue to work with extraordinary partners,” added Raedle.

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Revenue unit makes $39m ‘fiscal impact’

Thursday, June 4, 2020

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By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer FRANCISCO SAN (AP) — The Golden State Warriors expect to have a

PAGE 16, Friday, September 4, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Long Island resort still eyes November return

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net COVID-19’s emergence on Long Island will not impact the island’s tourism return, a major hotelier said yesterday, as he plans for a November 1 re-opening.

Matthew Brear, the Cape Santa Maria resort’s general manager, told Tribune Business he does not believe the virus’ arrival is going to have a major impact on the island’s economy. He said: “Everywhere has COVID cases, and it was just a matter of time before Long Island had its own.

“We have enjoyed being COVID-free since March, but the contagious nature of this virus is such that we were going to get it eventually. As far as I can see Long Islanders have been very cautious for the most

part; they are wearing masks and trying to stay as socially distant as possible, but you can’t control everyone and as a result it looks like we’ve got a little cluster. I think we’ve got three cases now.”

Mr Brear added: “I wouldn’t be surprised if that number increases over the next little while, but that’s not shocking. This is a worldwide pandemic, and although Long Island is an idyllic resort destination and a beautiful island with wonderful people, we’re all just human.

“This virus doesn’t pick and choose. This virus doesn’t discriminate, and so it was just a matter of time. We’re praying for those people that have been infected, and not just on Long Island but through The Bahamas and

throughout the world. No island is an island to itself.”

Branding Long Island’s first COVID-19 cases an “eye-opening event”, Mr Brear said this only highlights how infectious the virus is. He added that there were “vulnerable populations here in The Bahamas, just as they have vulnerable populations everywhere. We just have to be careful and look out for one another. We are our brother’s keepers, and we have to work together to fight this issue just like anybody else.

“Do I think this is going to affect business? No. I don’t think anybody was expecting Long Island to not have a case. That would be crazy to think.

Our phones are ringing and we are hoping to open on November 1 as planned.”

Food store sales drop after lockdown aborted

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net SEVERAL food stores yesterday said they have suffered a major sales drop compared to when the nowaborted New Providence lockdown was unveiled as consumers switch to backto-school items.

Nigel Bethel, interim manager for Centreville Food Market, told Tribune Business: “It’s been a big drop since the lockdown. I think this is because a lot of people already spent their

money during the lockdown, and now they are just taking it easy as they just don’t have it to spend. As a matter of fact, with most of the food stores I have noticed the same thing that spending has dried up.”

Government pay day is around the 28th of each month, and Mr Bethel said he hopes that “around that time you will see a little surge again”.

Cyril Carey, general manager of Kenneth’s Food Store on Prince Charles Drive, added: “Business has slowed down. People aren’t

shopping like they were, which would have been expected.”

He suggested the dropoff in sales was likely due to other retailers opening back up, and enabling shoppers to spend their money on other products. “This is also September, and people are trying to get their kids off to school,” Mr Carey said. “Because the schools are in the process of opening, and people are going through the formalities of doing so, they are focused on that area now.”

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Planning bottlenecks a ‘recipe for disaster’ FROM PAGE 20 under-resourced... We right now have looked at our land bank, people have come in and said they want to buy in these areas, and we have proposed communities we want to develop and put people to work. But the paperwork is literally parked.”

Besides Physical Planning, which prepares and vets all planning applications for presentation to the Town Planning Committee and final approval, Mr Wilson said COVID-19 had also exposed the inability of agencies such as the Registrar General’s Department - critical for title searches and the recording of conveyances - to function remotely in the digital environment.

“They were closed, really closed,” he added. “While construction was allowed to continue, Physical Planning and Town Planning were closed for some time.”

Under the Planning and Subdivisions Act 2010, no lot can be sold or subdivision can be developed without Town Planning’s approval.

Mr Wilson said he was unaware if the Town Planning Committee had started meeting again, or had even increased the frequency of its hearings.

However, he said it was disconcerting that, with the Town Planning Committee typically meeting “every other week”, any queries they raised over an application - even simple ones - were pushed back to the next hearing, delaying projects by a further two weeks.

“The government has never staffed that department properly to enforce the Planning and

Getting ‘back into business’ critical to poverty battle FROM PAGE 20

in the final two weeks of April 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic is a fast-evolving situation, and much has changed since then, the results give an insight into the depth and breadth of the economic and social fall-out sparked by the pandemic.

“The percentage of households reporting income below the minimum wage increased from 16.1 percent in January 2020 to 47.6 percent in April 2020,” the IDB said. It added that this was driven by three factors, with 50.8 percent of households reporting business closures and 50.2 percent suffering at least one job loss.

While some 75.1 percent of those furloughed said their employer had promised to

Subdivisions Act,” the Arawak Homes president said of Physical Planning.

“What COVID-19 has done is shine a bright light on that fact.

“Using us as an example, we want to develop communities and, when we do, put people to work. Demand is super strong, frustration levels are super high. It’s not directed at anyone in particular; I know the people in Physical Planning are all doing the work of two people, but today that’s a bottleneck.

“This is a situation the government should not have where the private sector wants to put people to work, and the government is effectively telling the, to stay home. That’s a recipe for disaster, but that’s where we are,” Mr Wilson continued.

“Right now, in front of Town Planning, we have two developments that we need from them. That’s about 50 lots, 50 home sites.

We’ve needed that for the last few months. Right now we’re working on next week sending them a few more.

The private sector wants to get people to work, but we cannot show you a lot by law because Town Planning has not approved us yet.”

Real estate, construction and related sectors, with their ties to foreign direct investment (FDI), remain key industries with the potential to tide the Bahamian economy over and gain some foreign exchange earnings in the interim until tourism revives.

This, in turn, makes it critical to overcome any planning obstacles. Mr Wilson urged the government to “take a long look” at this area and rapidly streamline bureaucracy,

adding that it should not be confined to just Physical Planning but also extend to other agencies such as the Registrar General.

“We need the registries to be open longer to do title searches. When you have some registries open by appointment only, a few people in there at a time to do title searches, it makes the process - which was already not the fastest in the world - further extended and delays activity,” he said.

“That’s the opposite of what we need as a country at this time. The government needs to be saying what needs to be done to speed up activity. Our system was not designed for what we are seeing now, and we have to respond.

“In one instance the Town Planning Committee had a question, which they had a right to ask, but when the answer can be given very quickly you have to wait two weeks to go back and hear that. A problem that ought to take no more than two to three days can take a month,” Mr Wilson continued.

“What can we do to mobilise a system that clears these bottlenecks to get things to happen, because if they do more people will come off the social security line. Every project that’s delayed, someone’s going to be more challenged. The government needs to really take a look and say what we have to do to move things forward. This is the time.”

Mr Wilson added that while demand for housing and home ownership remained strong despite COVID-19’s economic impact, there was a difference between this “desire” and the ability to convert such dreams into reality.

take them back, it is unclear how many of these commitments have been followed through. A further 18.4 percent of Bahamian households lost rental income due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

The brunt of the economic fall-out was felt by lower income Bahamian households, raising fears of growing poverty and social inequality that may last well beyond COVID-19. “Households that reported earnings below the minimum wage in January 2020 were more severely impacted, particularly from employment loss (80.6 percent), compared to middle and high-income households (50.2 percent and 35.1 percent, respectively),” the IDB survey found.

Mr Turnquest yesterday said such concerns were being felt globally, and not just confined to The Bahamas. He acknowledged that COVID-19 was having a “disproportionate” impact on lower income Bahamians, who were “finding it

more difficult to hold on” compared to their wealthier counterparts, which was why the government had targeted its assistance initiatives towards them.

“It’s one of the effects of the pandemic we have no control over,” Mr Turnquest said. “We have to do our best to support them over the interim period and get back to business as quickly as possible.”

He also acknowledged the “systemic historical problem where we have low levels of savings” after the IDB survey found less than four in ten Bahamian households had adequate reserves to cope with COVID-19.

Mr Turnquest added that savings were critical to enable Bahamians to “ride through” whenever they “have a wrinkle or bump in their life plan”, but said the high cost of living and ordinary expenses made it difficult for persons to build up such a cushion.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 4, 2020, PAGE 17

CRAWFISH SEASON IN ‘HIT OR MISS’ LAUNCH

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THIS Bahamian crawfish season has got off to a “hit or miss” beginning, with one fishermen yesterday saying there was significant “push back” to delaying its start until mid-September or October.

Paul Maillis, a director with the National Fisheries Association (NFA), told Tribune Business: “The season has been hit or miss for some people because of Hurricane Laura. While it was only a tropical storm when it passed through, its passing really disrupted the shallows. It stirred up the water and it caused the lobsters to march towards the ocean.

Dive ‘institution’ closed over $9m court award FROM PAGE 20 Bahamian attorneys, Higgs & Johnson, to “figure out” who gets what with the court plus Bahama Divers’ bank and landlord - both of whom are claiming that monies are owed to them.

Describing the East Bay Street-based dive and snorkel operator’s closure as “a sad day”, he added that he “feels horrible” for his father who put a lifetime into the business as well as its now-redundant staff, many of whom had worked for Bahama Divers for 20 years or more.

Mr Whiteland said he hopes to re-enter the dive business via a new venture, and pledged that ex-Bahama Divers staff would have “first spot”, but suggested this may take some time due to the likely difficulty in attracting investment/financing for a tourism-related business amid the industry’s ongoing COVID-19 shutdown.

Disclosing that efforts to enforce the judgment against the company first began in the Supreme Court in 2008, he added that he was repeatedly told over the course of a 12-year legal battle that an award to the extent of $9m “can’t happen”.

That, though, was before the shock delivered in early July. “Everyone was excited to re-open on July 1. And on July 2 the bailiff official shows up and told us they were seizing everything as a result of a Supreme Court

“So a lot of people’s lobster condos, the lobsters moved away from them.

When the season opened up which was a few days after the hurricane [Isaias] that passed, the shallows were very muddy. There was no visibility, and a lot of people’s shallow water traps and shoals and heads had been emptied.

“But people who had their lobster traps set in deeper water, they had a lot of success. It wasn’t a great opening because for some people it was horrible, but there were fishermen on Long Island and in Abaco that had great catches,” Mr Maillis added.

“As for the lobster trappers, the ones that actually fish with the wooden traps, their season isn’t really going to pick up yet until

the first winter storms when the lobsters start moving around a lot. We have yet to hear back from them about how their season is going so far.”

Mr Maillis said it is “a matter of discussion” in the scientific and fishing communities on whether the lobster season’s August 1 start should be delayed to a date between mid-September and October because “a lot of the fishers have found that when the season opens there are still a lot of female lobsters that are egg bearing. Some years it is terrible, like a huge percentage still have eggs...

“There is obviously a lot of push back on starting the crawfish season later, because the closed season for lobster is very long, and we have given them

adequate time to spawn.

And, of course, there is a lot of financial difficulty that would come out of changing that.

“But from a scientific perspective it may be an interesting thing to look at adjusting the season.

Maybe make it open in September and leave it a month past March, but it’s up for discussion and it has not been seriously talked about or seriously considered in the fishing community other than out of awareness and general concern.”

Fishermen are reporting the crawfish price per pound to be between $9 and $10, compared to the $15-$17 per pound peak last season. Mr Maillis said.

“It is different for fishermen who sell directly to customer bases here that

have more direct access to retail consumers. You can get generally a better price, but for people that are selling to fish houses and other large buyers they are generally getting around $10 per pound.

“Here is the thing. The people that sell mostly to the exporters, they won’t get a better price for some time. They may not get a better price unless exports pick up. But for those who sell locally, we expect the price to remain good.”

Keith Carroll, the NFA’s president, added: “So far the season is looking good.

The divers and the boats fishing in the south did real well the early part of this season, and they all were surprised. They are giving good praises to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force

for keeping the Dominican poachers away. That’s a good thing.

“It looks like it started off to be a pretty good season.

The price is reasonably good. We thought the price would have been down, but we can live with the price.

We had some problems from Tropical Storm Laura because she travelled down the Cuban coast line, and some of the guys who had traps, they had to go down to the Bahama Channel because some of the traps got destroyed, just a couple of hundred, and we are still looking for some of them.

“Like I said, the season started off pretty good. I’m not sure how the season is going to end, but once the storms stay out and the prices remain the same we will be okay.”

order,” Mr Whitehead told this newspaper.

Explaining how Bahama Divers found itself in that position, he said: “I don’t know if it was 2001 or 2003, but in the early 2000s a US guest went out with us, a certified diver, diving with some buddies. It was a shallow dive, 25 feet or less. He signalled he was going back to the boat, never made it and was later found dead.

“It was unfortunate and very sad, and I guess his wife.... I know they tried to sue a bunch of people in the US. That didn’t go anywhere, and they found a loophole to sue us in the Florida courts. They got a judgment for $9m, came to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court enforced it.

That’s what it was over.

“Everyone kept telling me that cannot happen. When they liquidate everything, it’s nowhere near $9m. We couldn’t pay the rent, and we have no inventory, no boats”. Mr Whiteland said Bahama Divers obtained a significant “chunk” of its inventory “on credit” from US-based suppliers, raising questions as to whether these assets can be sold in a liquidation or if the vendors must be paid what is owed.

“The bank is mixed up in this. They have a debenture on the overdraft,” he added.

“The landlord of the rental unit we were in is saying he’s keeping it all [the company’s property] because of unpaid rent. We were closed since March because of COVID19, and not able to pay rent at Nassau Yacht Haven.

“It’s a big mess, and I don’t know how they’re going to figure out all of it,

who’s going to get paid and who isn’t. They might have seized everything, but it’s far from over for whoever has to liquidate everything and recover the money.”

Despite reassurances from Department of Labour officials, Mr Whiteland voiced misgivings over whether Bahama Divers’ staff would receive the full severance pay due to them.

He affirmed that the company was closed “for good” and had ceased trading under that name, adding: “Even if I make it work as Bahama Divers every dollar of profit will go to them.”

Tourism industry sources yesterday voiced dismay at Bahama Divers’ closure, as it further depletes an increasingly shallow pool of operators in a dive/snorkelling market that will be a key attraction in enticing tourists to return to this nation once the border restrictions and other COVID-19 limitations are lifted.

“That’s an institution,” one source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of Bahama Divers. “They’ve been around since the early 1970s. They’ve been around a long frigging time. It hurts all of us.

“It was one of the giants in the dive industry, which is so fragile, especially with COVID-19. While they didn’t have many staff, they had two to three boats. It’s a crying shame. Their paperwork must not have been up to snuff in terms of liability release forms.”

Mr Whiteland, meanwhile, questioned the logic of seizing Bahama Divers assets and shutting it down.

He argued that the timing,

especially, coming after the business had been starved of revenues for three-anda-half months due to the COVID-19 lockdown made no sense if the objective was to maximise recoveries.

“We’ve never made that kind of money,” he said of the $9m award. “I never knew where we’d get $9m from. The moment they said $9m we were done, as there’s no way we could ever pay that off. The whole company closed in on itself.

There was no working capital, no inventory and no boats. What am I supposed to do? There’s no way out of it.”

Mr Whiteland added that Bahama Divers was allowed to operate until August 1, and used the month to generate funds to pay off its bank overdraft. “We stayed open until Higgs & Johnson were ready to do something.

They told us to keep operating as normal,” he said.

“We’ve been telling them this for years, giving them the company’s financials and saying: ‘We don’t know what you guys are after’. By sending in the bailiffs I don’t know if they were hoping I would panic. Why pressure us on July 2? What possible money could we have?

We have gone three months without any revenue and you think July 2 is a good time to squeeze me for money?

“Nine million dollars is kind of absurd from a company that barely turned $2m a year in gross sales. When you take out expenses we were barely getting by, like most companies.”

Declining to name either his landlord or bank, Mr

Whiteland said Bahama Divers finally ceased operating after the former provided him with an eviction notice on August 1. He added that the closure of a business which was formally incorporated in 1967, having been started in his father’s garage in 1965, was “a sad day for everybody” - especially the couples among the staff who relied on the business for their entire income.

“It’s a blow to everybody,” Mr Whiteland told Tribune Business. “My dad, who is 84, he’s pretty much bankrupted himself to pay the legal fees to continue the court work. The lawyers kept saying don’t worry, it’s too much money to wind you up.....

“We’ve been around for a

long time. I feel horrible for my dad as he put 55 years of his life into it, and his partner, Leroy Lowe, who is retired in Abaco. Lots of the staff put their life into it to. That’s why I’d like to get back into it if I can figure out how to fund it.

“That will be a while, and until we know what’s going on with tourism who’s going to be interested in funding a tour operator?”

Mr Whiteland voiced optimism that Bahama Divers would have been able to survive COVID-19 and continue in business had it not been for enforcement of the $9m award, although this might have required it to find an alternative to Nassau Yacht Haven where the rents are “pretty steep”.

LEGAL NOTICE

PETERS GROUP LTD. Company No. 1818629 (In Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 204 (1)(b) of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 that PETERS GROUP LTD. is in voluntary liquidation. The voluntary liquidation commenced on 28th August, 2020 and MARKUS DUCREY of Hofstrasse 12, 5073 Gipf-Oberfrick, Switzerland, has been appointed as the Sole Liquidator.

16th July, 2020.

the 16th July, 2020.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE MAJORNA (BAHAMAS) SHIPPING LIMITED Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by The Registrar General on the 14th day of July, 2020 Dated the 4th day of September, A.D., 2020

Dated this 3rd day of September, 2020 Sgd. MARKUS DUCREY Voluntary Liquidator

Dr. Jochen Korber Liquidator of MAJORNA (BAHAMAS) SHIPPING LIMITED

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

MAJORNA (BAHAMAS) MANAGEMENT LIMITED

MUNDAN (BAHAMAS) MANAGEMENT LIMITED

MUNDAN (BAHAMAS) SHIPPING LIMITED

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by The Registrar General on the 28th day of August, 2020

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by The Registrar General on the 28th day of August, 2020

Dated the 4th day of September, A.D., 2020

Dated the 4th day of September, A.D., 2020

NOTICE

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by The Registrar General on the 14th day of July, 2020 Dated the 4th day of September, A.D., 2020 Dr. Jochen Korber Liquidator of MAJORNA (BAHAMAS) MANAGEMENT LIMITED

NOTICE

Dr. Jochen Korber Liquidator of MUNDAN (BAHAMAS) MANAGEMENT LIMITED

NOTICE

Dr. Jochen Korber Liquidator of MUNDAN (BAHAMAS) SHIPPING LIMITED

PAGE 18, Friday, September 4, 2020

W

ITH so many employees now working from home, corporate leaders are becoming concerned that some are not fully engaged in work assignments. As a result, many have resorted to micromanaging their staff by making excessive Zoom and telephone calls.

Micromanagers are everywhere, including across geographic and industry borders. Most do not even realise they are micromanagers. While no one likes to be micromanaged, some executives cannot seem to help themselves. They frustrate, demoralise and demotivate employees, resulting ultimately in company failure.

THE TRIBUNE

How to detect if you are a micromanager Here are some of the signs that you might be a micromanager: • You are never quite satisfied with deliverables.

No completed task is quite done to your satisfaction.

• You often feel frustrated because you would have gone about the task differently. You challenge the process that others take to arrive at a destination.

You just need a chill pill.

The methods that others use might be different or unconventional, but if they allow you to arrive at the same destination then that is just fine.

• You laser in on the details, and take great pride and/or pain in making corrections. You might call it being overly meticulous or just an eye for detail, but it just might be that you are a micromanager

nitpicking at everything.

• You constantly want to know where all your team members are, and what they are working on.

Having a tracking device on every company vehicle, in every company phone and monitoring every move your team members make, is quite unhealthy.

• You ask for numerous updates on where things stand. Any responsible manager should know what is going on in the grand scheme of things, but check-ins which become too frequent are unnecessary and counter-productive.

• You prefer to be carbon copied on everything. Just the thought that you do not know every detail of what, and how, your team

members carried out a task frustrates you. You get all caught up in the weeds, oftentimes majoring in the minors.

• You get far too involved in the approval processes and become the bottleneck, resulting in unnecessary delays. Your obsession with the thought that no one below your level can see the big picture might be the sign that you are a neurotic micromanager.

Just as no one wants to be micromanaged, no one wants to be the muchabhorred micromanager.

But with a commitment to focus on the big picture and on motivating your employees, you can redirect your efforts to be the most effective manager you can be.

IAN FERGUSON BY

NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.

BAIC chief meets with ‘milk stand’ businesses

BAIC general manager visit former milk stands.

THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation’s (BAIC) newly-appointed general manager has visited

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

(242) 323-2330

THURSDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2020

(242) 323-2320

ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE: 2,093.86 | CHG: -0.80 | %CHG: -0.04 | YTD: -137.74 | YTD%: -6.17 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 1.75 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 3.51 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 10.09 8.44 14.30 3.99 8.97 15.20

CLOSE 3.51 17.43 1.62 1.75 1.67 6.00 6.75 2.99 5.10 3.77 6.10 11.26 2.34 5.30 9.96 8.44 14.30 3.99 8.97 15.20

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.05 0.00 -0.13 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

1,000

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 14.7 18.7 N/M N/M N/M N/M 18.3 -6.8 36.4 20.5 13.6 15.6 22.9 11.3 15.4 11.6 17.5 19.7 9.6 24.1

YIELD 4.84% 7.23% 1.23% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.85% 0.00% 0.00% 3.18% 3.61% 6.39% 18.55% 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 2.12 198.39 168.29 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 2.12 196.40 163.60 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% 2.54% 4.13% 1.12% 2.44% 1.38% 2.55% 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

31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-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

the small businesses occupying its “business depots” throughout New Providence.

Rocky Nesbitt said the state-owned agency fully supported these companies as BAIC-approved enterprises.

Among those businesses visited were Jane’s TakeAway (Shirley and Christie Streets); Under The Dilly Tree (East Street Hill); Fernley Palmer (Flint Street off East Street); Quentin Percentie’s Chicken Shack (East and Deveaux Streets); Ruth Johnson’s Take-Away (West and South Streets); Meadow Street next to the Salvation Army; and Red Restaurant operated by

Billy Cheney on Montrose Avenue.

These strategically located “milk stands” were formerly owned by the Hatchet Bay Plantation (Harrisville Company), which was established in 1936 by Austin Levy. Dairy and poultry products were produced in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, and shipped to New Providence for sale at 11 “milk stands”.

The government purchased Hatchet Bay in 1975. It was subsequently controlled by the Bahamas Development Corporation, which was then renamed BAIC.

CABLE BAHAMAS ACCEPTS PAYMENT VIA MOBILEASSIST CABLE Bahamas has become the second utility company to accept bill payments via the MobileAssist app, the latter announced yesterday.

The BISX-listed communications provider joins The New Providence Water Development Company (NWPDC) in taking customer transactions via the app. “We know from our transaction reports based on the NPWDC launch two months ago that Bill Pay is a much-appreciated convenience,” said Adria McCardy, MobileAssist’s marketing manager.

“The ability to use your mobile phone and access one app to pay makes the addition of REV (Cable Bahamas) just one more reason customers are loving our platform.”

MobileAssist said that with close to 90,000 downloads of its app to-date, including 30,000 within the last few months, Bahamians are increasingly embracing mobile commerce. It added that the app features more than 100 businesses, ranging from convenience stores, pharmacies, car rentals and auto detailing companies to restaurants, clothing stores, alumni associations and real estate agencies.

The app also features a donation service that has attracted charities and non-profits. Teacher Tech Lab recently used it to host

an online class, and took advantage of the event ticketing portal allowing attendees to pre-pay for the session.

“As we move further into the age of digitisation, we know that our REV customers want more digital options to make payments.

Standing in line has become a tedious experience, especially with the introduction of social distancing protocols. Our goal is to make life easier and safer.

MobileAssist offers the perfect solution for this,” said REV’s vice-president of finance, Nerika Burrows.

MobileAssist said its app is available for download on both Android and iPhone via the play and App stores. Once the app has been downloaded, users register to access and set-up their mobile wallet. Once these steps are completed wallets can be credited by using a debit or credit card, or topped up with cash at one of the company’s designated top-up locations.

To make bill payments, app users simply click on the ‘bill pay’ icon and select the logo of the company they wish to pay, enter account details and make the payment. The entire bill payment process, the company added, takes less than 30 seconds. The app can be accessed locally from any island, and internationally.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 4, 2020, PAGE 19

TECH SLUMP SENDS STOCK MARKET TO ITS BIGGEST LOSS SINCE JUNE NEW YORK Associated Press

WALL Street’s euphoria took a break yesterday, as steep losses in technology stocks dragged the rest of the market down with them.

The S&P 500 fell 3.5%, the biggest decline for stocks since early June, when investors were dealing with a surge of coronavirus infections in places like Florida, Texas and Arizona. There seemed to be no explicit catalyst for the sell-off, with economic data coming in roughly where the market had expected and no companies issuing foreboding warnings.

That said, the market felt due for a breather, investors said. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs just the day before. Prior to yesterday, the S&P 500 had risen nine out of the previous ten days.

Apple dropped 8%, Amazon lost 4.6% and Facebook gave back 3.8%.

The Big Tech stocks have made massive gains this year. Investors have been betting those companies would continue posting huge profits as people spend even more time online with their devices. They’ve also assigned lofty market values to new-found darlings such as Zoom Video Communications as many Americans

work remotely and students do online learning.

Market watchers have been questioning recently whether those gains were overdone. Apple is still up 64.7% for the year, and Amazon is up 82.3%.

Zoom’s gain for the year is still a whopping 460.4%.

“There’s really very little to justify (these stocks’ upward move) other than euphoria,” said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide.

Hackett also noted the market has “embedded very optimistic assumptions” about the virus’s impact on the economy, as well as on prospects for Congress and the White House coming

up with another economic relief package.

The government reported that the number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits fell last week to 881,000, slightly better than what economists had expected. That said, companies are still letting workers go at numbers well above those seen in the Great Recession, meaning the jobs picture remains still extremely bleak despite recent improvements.

The stock market has rallied this spring and summer after plunging in March as investors realised the economic toll the coronavirus pandemic was going to cause. Most of the rally

has been on strong performances from tech stocks, but also a hope that the worst of the pandemic is in the past, despite rising infections in schools and the possibility of a second surge of infections in the fall.

Huge amounts of support from the Federal Reserve and Congress have also helped bolster the economy.

Investors will be paying close attention Friday when the Labor Department releases its August job report. Economists surveyed by FactSet forecast that the US economy created 1.4 million jobs in August, but that would be down from 1.74 million jobs in July. Tens of millions of

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 94° F/34° C Low: 76° F/24° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Sunshine and breezy

Mainly clear

Some sun with a stray thunderstorm

Sunshine and some clouds

Partly sunny with a thunderstorm

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm possible

High: 91°

Low: 81°

High: 91° Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 79°

High: 90° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

102° F

88° F

100°-87° F

98°-86° F

100°-86° F

101°-86° F

High: 93° F/34° 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: 89° F/32° C Low: 84° F/29° C

7‑14 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 92° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 82° F/28° C

N

S

E

W

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 81° F/27° C

MIAMI

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 81° F/27° C

7‑14 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 90° F/32° C Low .................................................... 76° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 87° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/24° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.08” Year to date ............................................... 38.51” Normal year to date ................................... 25.49”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 83° F/28° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 84° F/29° C

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

N

S

E

W

8‑16 knots

S

10‑20 knots

ANDROS

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

9:57 a.m.

10:13 p.m.

High

Ht.(ft.)

3.1 3.1

3:55 a.m.

4:08 p.m.

0.6 0.7

Saturday

10:34 a.m.

10:48 p.m.

3.0 3.0

4:29 a.m.

4:47 p.m.

0.7 0.8

Sunday

11:12 a.m.

11:25 p.m.

3.0 2.8

5:03 a.m.

5:28 p.m.

0.8 0.9

Monday

11:52 a.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

3.0 ‑‑‑‑‑

5:38 a.m.

6:11 p.m.

0.9 1.1

Tuesday

12:05 a.m.

12:35 p.m.

2.6 2.9

6:16 a.m.

6:58 p.m.

1.0 1.3

Wednesday 12:48 a.m.

1:24 p.m.

2.5 2.9

6:58 a.m.

7:52 p.m.

1.1 1.4

Thursday

2.4 2.9

7:48 a.m.

8:51 p.m.

1.1 1.4

1:38 a.m.

2:19 p.m.

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:52 a.m.

7:25 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

9:09 p.m.

8:48 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Sep. 10

Sep. 17

Sep. 23

Oct. 1

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

N

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 83° F/28° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 87° 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: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

H

uV inDex toDay

CAT ISLAND

E

W

Americans remain unemployed however, as seen by this week’s unemployment benefits numbers.

If the jobs numbers do not deliver, it’s unlikely the stock market will rally much higher from here, analysts said.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 807.77 points, or 2.8%, to 28,292.73. It was briefly down 1,000 points earlier. The day before, the Dow crossed 29,000 for the first time since February.

The S&P 500 index lost 125.78 points, or 3.5%, to close as 3,455.06. The technology-heavy Nasdaq dropped 598.34 points, or 5%, to 11,458.10.

H

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 89° F/32° C Low: 82° F/28° C

N E

W

N E

W

S

S

12‑25 knots

10‑20 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 E at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots

WAVES 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet

VISIBILITY 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 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 85° F 85° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 84° F 84° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 87° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F

business@tribunemedia.net

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

$3.98

$3.98

$4.03

$3.95

Getting ‘back into Dive ‘institution’ closed business’ critical over $9m court award to poverty battle

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A

55 YEAROLD Bahamian diving “institution” has been forced to permanently close its doors with the loss of 15 full-time jobs after a $9m judgment was enforced against it over a customer’s drowning.

Matthew Whiteland, owner of Bahama Divers, which was founded by his father in 1965, told Tribune Business that court bailiffs arrived to seize the company’s assets within 48 hours of its re-opening following the first COVID-19 lockdown.

Branding the company’s

• Bahama Divers shuttered by death judgment • Fifty-five year-old firm’s wind-up ‘a big mess’ • Owner: $2m sales makes full recovery unlikely fate “a big mess”, he argued that it would be impossible to even come remotely close to recovering the full $9m award from Bahama Divers’ liquidation as the company’s annual gross sales “barely turned” $2m per year.

Suggesting that liquidation/receivership costs might exceed the company’s net worth, Mr Whiteland said he was leaving the deceased US diver’s family and their A BAHAMA Divers boat and crew in 1987.

SEE PAGE 17

Planning bottlenecks a ‘recipe for disaster’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A PROMINENT developer yesterday said its “frustration level is super high” over planning “bottlenecks” that present “a recipe for disaster” in efforts to revive the Bahamian domestic economy.

Franon Wilson, Arawak Homes president, told Tribune Business that two of its housing developments involving a combined 50 lots had spent months before the planning authority awaiting approval with more applications set to be presented imminently.

Arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic has “shone a bright light” on the under-staffed and resourced planning departments, Mr Wilson urged

• Developer’s ‘frustration level super high’ • Waiting on two projects with more to come • COVID ‘shines bright light’ on deficiencies

FRANON WILSON the government to rapidly rethink and speed up all real estate-related processes with the aim of expediting viable projects and taking Bahamians off the National Insurance Board (NIB) line.

Acknowledging that these

processes were “already not the fastest in the world” before the pandemic struck, he added that the present situation is “the opposite of what we need as a country at this time” given The Bahamas’ desperate need to reboot the economy and put persons back to work.

The Arawak Homes chief said significant demand for home ownership remained among government and “essential workers” whose jobs and incomes had been unaffected by COVID-19 related lockdowns, with the company adjusting its product to the new economic realities by offering vacant

lots - something it had ceased for “20-plus years” prior to the pandemic.

“The biggest challenge we have today is the fact the paperwork is not moving in the ministries on the government side; it’s not moving as quickly as the demand,” Mr Wilson told this newspaper. “In particular, the Department of Physical Planning.

“Everything has to go through Physical Planning if you want to develop anything. What COVID-19 has highlighted is the fact Physical Planning is severely

SEE PAGE 16

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas must get its economy “back into business as quickly as we can” to combat the rising poverty and inequality exposed by a recent household survey, the deputy prime minister said yesterday.

K Peter Turnquest told Tribune Business this was the only sustainable solution to the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) finding that the percentage of Bahamian households reporting income below the minimum wage near-tripled to 47.6 percent during the first six weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Obviously from an economic point of view, a financial point of view, we’re not surprised by it,” Mr Turnquest said of the multilateral lender’s findings, “because we all know that when the economy was locked down it had a devastating effect on families and individuals.

“We do recognise this has a direct effect on the consumption economy, which makes up the bulk of the domestic economy, so to that extent it has a knockon effect. A simple answer is that we need to get the domestic economy up and going, but we also need to work out how to get the external markets moving.

“The government will continue to work on its [investment] approvals process, and hopefully it will get people back to work and the economy starting to generate again.”

With the Minnis administration having only budgeted to continue its COVID-19 assistance to

K PETER TURNQUEST businesses and individuals until end-September 2020, Mr Turnquest added that it was “in everyone’s interests to get the economy going”.

The deputy prime minister conceded that The Bahamas’ heavy dependency on tourism as its primary foreign currency earner and job creator meant it had little choice but to re-open and revive the industry in the nearterm, especially since true economic diversification into other industries will be a medium to long-term project.

“It all depends upon the economy and what happens once we start opening the borders,” Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business. “We’ve been saying all along that we have set a timeline of late October/early November as the latest when we will start to get back into the tourism business.

“That’s the Ministry of Finance’s forecasting, and the minister [of tourism] will speak to the timeline, the risk and how we will mitigate the risk on Monday, and move from there.”

The IDB’s findings were drawn from an online survey, which attracted replies from 910 Bahamian families, and took place

SEE PAGE 16

Harbour Island legal war settled

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A HARBOUR Island developer and his former project manager have this week settled their $1m legal dispute in the California courts, Tribune Business can reveal.

Documents obtained by this newspaper reveal that Michael Wiener, 4M Harbour Island’s principal, and Bernard Ross, his ex-project manager who has a history of convictions and run-ins with US law enforcement, resolved their dispute on August 31 via a “guaranty” that will ensure each side fulfills their respective obligations.

Details of the settlement, which is to be completed

by April 30, 2021, were kept confidential and not disclosed in the court documents. The deal, which was approved by US district judge Gary Klausner on Wednesday, thus brings to an end a very public legal battle that had the potential to damage Mr Wiener’s Briland Residences and Marina project.

The settlement was unveiled just one day after the same judge slammed as “gratuitous” an affidavit sworn by Mr Ross, which alleged that a Bahamian MP’s brother was promised $100,000 “for local influence” in helping to secure the necessary government permits for Mr Wiener’s project, and struck it from the court records.

That claim had already been denied by Michael Johnson, brother of Stephen “Hank” Johnson, the

central and south Eleuthera MP, who argued that the allegations made against him were part of a ploy by Bernard Ross, the former 4M Harbour Island project manager, to “impugn my integrity and that of the development” in a bid to force Mr Wiener into paying him off.

The settlement was also agreed in the same week that Tribune Business revealed how Michael Johnson had played a key role in resolving a $400,000 tax dispute that 4M Harbour Island had with the Bahamian government, helping to settle the matter when all efforts over the previous six to eight months had failed.

However, the settlement - and striking of Mr Ross’ affidavit - also undercut efforts by Harbour Island opponents of Mr Wiener’s project to obtain a California court order forcing the 4M principal to provide deposition evidence that could aid their Judicial Review challenge to the development’s permits.

For Br-Island Responsible Development Association (BIRD), whose second Judicial Review challenge began before the Bahamian Supreme Court in late July 2020, had used Mr Ross’ affidavit as the basis of its application for the court order.

The dispute between Mr Ross and Mr Wiener was triggered when the latter allegedly refused to pay the outstanding $1m remaining on the settlement agreement that secured the ex-convict’s departure from the Harbour Island project.