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VOLUME:117 No.196, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2020

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WOMAN: CAN YOU BE FRIENDS WITH AN EX-LOVER? Tourists’ 14-day lock-in won’t be quarantine, it’s... RESTRICTIONS

Vacation in place

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Tourism is recommending hotels throughout the country resume full operations and use of beaches on October 15, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.

“This will allow our landbased tourism industry enough time to slowly ramp up to benefit from the traditional Thanksgiving travel period leading into the Christmas and New Year season,” he said during a press conference.

Mr D’Aguilar said he hopes there can be full re-opening of the tourism sector by early November with tourism officials eying November 1 for the reopening of tourism attractions, tours and excursions.

Mr D’Aguilar stressed the country cannot afford a repeat of the July scenario where the decision to significantly relax travel restrictions was reversed because of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

“That was too traumatic for the tourism sector and significantly impacted our relationship with our travel partners,” he said. “We need a period of calm, a period of certainty and a period for those in the tourism sector to methodically plan the measured reopening of their businesses.”

Mr D’Aguilar said not only will hotels need an approved quarantine facility for the reopening, but visitors will also be required to remain wherever they lodge for no more than 14 days.

SEE PAGE FOUR

‘WE MUST GET REAL AND DO SOMETHING’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas must “get real” on the urgent need to re-open its tourism industry, a Cabinet minister argued yesterday, adding: “We’ve got to pull the trigger.”

Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas “cannot sit in a bubble and wait for everything to be perfect” with COVID-19 as he unveiled his ministry’s recommendation that hotels on every island be allowed to re-open on October 15.

Speaking after he unveiled this fresh attempt to revive tourism, which will see attraction, tour and excursion providers given

the go-ahead to resume operations from November 1, Mr D’Aguilar said The Bahamas simply cannot afford the “trauma” of a second industry shutdown as he blasted: “We really have to get this right this time.”

He added the Government had decided to “take the lead” on tourism’s return despite continued uncertainty over when Baha Mar and Atlantis will welcome visitors as neither has announced a revised opening date.

Mr D’Aguilar argued “we cannot behold the country to those two properties”, and wait for them to determine whether COVID-19 cases in The Bahamas’ core US markets have fallen off sufficiently.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

EASED FOR GB AND NUMBER OF ISLANDS

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WITH a 75 percent drop in COVID-19 infections reported on Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis commended Grand Bahamians for their “community spirit, sacrifice and discipline” which have resulted in significantly reducing the spread of coronavirus on the island.

Dr Minnis thanked the people of Grand Bahama for their cooperation during the lockdowns, and said their sacrifice made a “tremendous difference”.

“I came here to personally thank the people of Grand Bahama for your cooperation during the various lockdown periods, he said on Monday at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in the Harold DeGregory Government Complex.

“Your actions and community spirit made an extraordinary difference in arresting the community SEE PAGE TWO

‘NURSES NEED BETTER CARE AND SAFETY’

ISHA - THE NEXT TECH TYCOON? ISHA Raman was the top achiever in the BGCSE examinations last year - and now has her sights set on becoming the CEO of a tech company. Isha - pictured her in Indian garments for the Diwali festival - speaks to Felicity Darville in Face to Face on page eight.

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Nurses Union president Amancha Williams wants a worker’s compensation system established to ensure the best medical care and treatment for nurses in the event of COVID-19 infection.

This system would feature medical and indemnity benefits.

In recommendations presented to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis last week, seen by The Tribune, the BNU president appealed for nurses to receive private treatment and hospitalisation when the virus is contracted along with low cost or free hotel rooms for safety in isolation.

SEE PAGE TWO

‘IT’S LIKE A BULLDOZER ON THE SEABED’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL environmental watchdogs say they want the government’s investigation into the alleged damage to coral and fishing grounds by cruise ships to be “quick” and “public”.

Groups reEarth and Save the Bays made the appeal yesterday, following a joint statement from Minister of Agriculture Michael

SOME of the ships parked off the Berry Islands yesterday.

Pintard and Minister of the Environment Romauld Ferreira that government dive teams ware being

dispatched to investigate damage to marine life and the seabed from ships sheltering in Bahamian waters near the Berry Islands.

Sam Duncombe, speaking on behalf of the groups, said even with the cruise ship industry closed, the Bahamian people and marine environment continue to suffer.

“Even with the cruise industry shut down, the environment of The SEE PAGE FOUR

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

GANGSTERISM

BY THE KREMLIN STRIKES AGAIN

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Restrictions eased for GB and number of islands from page one spread of COVID-19.

“Thank you for your sacrifices; thank you for your determination; thank you for your resilience during this most difficult time.

I know it has been very hard for so many people.

But your sacrifices and discipline have made a tremendous difference.”

The PM stressed residents must keep following the rules: washing and sanitizing hands regularly, wearing of masks properly over the nose and mouth, practising social distancing and not attending mass gatherings.

“COVID-19 will be part of our lives for some time.

We have to learn to live with it,” he said.

“We must strike the responsible balance between keeping our economy open and practicing the public health measures, so the spread of the virus is kept as low as possible,” explained Dr Minnis.

Keeping the virus suppressed, he said will bring about more normalcy to the lives of Bahamians.

While in GB, the PM also announced updates to the ongoing and phased reopening of the country and the economy, including a number of changes to the Emergency Orders.

A number of amendments to the Emergency Orders will apply to all islands in the Second Schedule, except for New

Providence, where work is still needed to lower the community spread of COVID-19.

These changes apply to Grand Bahama, Abaco, Acklins, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua and Mayaguana.

Dr Minnis said businesses, agencies, establishments and institutions will be able to operate subject to the safety protocols, with few exceptions that are high risk activities.

The high-risk prohibited businesses, he noted, continues to be casinos, bars, discos, cinemas, gyms, regattas, festivals and similar activities.

According to the new amendments, retailers will be able to offer in-store services. Restaurants can now offer indoor dining services, provided they follow the physical distancing, mask wearing and sanitization protocols in the Orders.

Fish Fry establishments will continue with take away and curbside services only.

Said the PM: “The changes announced today mean that businesses that had not been permitted to open or that were opened with restrictions may now operate, following the public health measures. They may determine their operating hours, operating from 5 am until 10 pm, except for New Providence.”

Dr Minnis stressed the risk of spreading

COVID-19 is higher with regard to indoor activities, and lower in regard to outdoor activities. This, he explained, is the reason why they have continued to make certain distinctions in terms of outdoor and indoor activities.

In terms of social gatherings in keeping with these distinctions, he stated residents on all islands in the second schedule, except for New Providence, may have small social gatherings of up to a maximum of 10 people in a safe manner.

All islands in the Second Schedule, including New Providence, will also now be able to exercise outdoors in their neighborhoods from 5am to 10pm.

Outdoor group exercise between 5am and noon is permitted for residents on all islands, including New Providence.

Beaches and Parks will now be open for slightly extended visiting hours from 5am to 12noon for residents on all islands, including New Providence.

Additionally, the PM announced a number of amendments that apply to the entire country, regarding inter-island travel.

According to Dr Minnis, charters are now allowed, including inter-island charters, provided that individuals comply with the inter-island travel Orders.

Inter-island commercial air travel may resume as normal on Wednesday, September 9, he said.

“COVID-19 negative

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis during yesterday’s address in Grand Bahama. test results are no longer officials, including mediThe Prime Minister required for inter-island cal and security personnel, offered condolences to travel, except for those feeding networks, busi- the families of all those travelling from New Provi- nesses, officials at OPM who have lost loved ones dence,” noted the Prime (Grand Bahama) and others because of the deadly virus.

Minister, who said it is sub- who worked in a spirit of He said the country must unity. It is with enormous continue to pray for all of ject to change.

However, those indi- gratitude and admiration, those in hospital or at home viduals travelling from that I thank all of you. who are ill and those recovDr Minnis expressed ering from the virus. the islands included in the second schedule, includ- concern over those who “I want to thank the ing Grand Bahama, will continue to participate in health care and medical continue to be required to “high-risk behaviour” by officials who have been on quarantine for 14 days upon having parties. the frontline of this battle He stressed that wear- from the beginning of the arrival at their destination.

The Prime Minister also ing masks in public places is pandemic,” he said. They stated a COVID-19 RTPCR mandatory for persons while too have demonstrated the negative test result must in public on every island and spirit of ‘we should’. They be obtained if individuals noted that the police will be are the face and the spirit travel to New Providence enforcing these measures, of courage and resilience.” and seek to return to any including issuing tickets for Dr Minnis said: “We are those in violation. other island. able to relax or we must In relation to construc- implement more restrictive On the matter of private medical facilities and den- tion sites, he warned that measures depending on what tists, they are now able to the police will be monitor- we do together to limit the provide services outside ing sites to ensure mask spread of COVID-19, which of the curfew hours, and wearing protocols are being you see from the news is still medical services during followed by all construction very much out of control in the curfew hours in an workers. many countries in the world.”

Dr Minnis said construcemergency.

He noted there are a Regarding worship ser- tion operations will now be number of very ill people in vices, Dr Minnis indicated fined for non-compliance the hospitals. “This virus has that in sanctuary services with the Orders related to lasting effects, some of which are permitted for New mask wearing and other we still do not know about Providence, following the physical distancing pro- and which may do damage health measures and guide- tocols established by the for a long time or lifetime.

Bahamas Construction This is why I keep asking you lines for such services.

“Let me also thank all Association as approved by to be safe and to take care of of the public and private the Ministry of Health. yourselves,” he said.

‘NURSES NEED BETTER CARE AND SAFETY’ from page one

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis touring the Rand Hospital in Grand Bahama yesterday.

The union is also calling for additional leave that is required for recovery and if a worker dies from COVID-19, benefits given to the immediate family.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in The Bahamas, there has been a sense of fear and uncertainty among nurses.

As a result, other recommendations include access to adequate personal protective equipment; improved screening criteria and testing capacity to avoid further outbreaks and spread of COVID-19 and prompt sanitisation and

cleaning of affected units.

The suggestions were made after Bernadette Rolle, a nurse at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, died from COVID-19.

Her death caught public attention after a voice note she sent to relatives detailing her deteriorating health circulated on social media.

It captured the fears she had for herself and her family.

At one point she expressed hope that she would overcome the disease, saying: “…I out of the worst, I out of the worst (sic).”

Instead, she died Friday, August 21, one of ten people whose death from COVID-19 was confirmed in a week, according to

information provided to The Tribune at the time.

In the recording, Nurse Rolle said the difficulty she felt breathing and eating was “scary”, likening her battle with COVID-19 to a rollercoaster ride.

Before Nurse Rolle’s death, Mrs Williams said some nurses were burnt out and discouraged from volunteering their services due to the way health officials are organising the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Williams said nurses are willing to work, but are tired of the way they have been treated during the course of the outbreak.

Mrs Williams also told this newspaper there was a lack of information regarding the protocol of employee health and what would happen if a worker got exposed to the virus. Her recommendations last week also call for something to be done to limit exposure.

These include the standardisation of care throughout each health facility in the country, continued education and dissemination for information to all nurses as changes are made, minimising the float out of nurses from their units to other areas and the ongoing training for proper use of PPEs.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 3

Long Island woman died of heart attack, say relatives

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

RELATIVES of the Long Island woman who health officials say died from COVID-19 last month believe she did not die because of complications with the virus, but rather from a heart attack.

They also have complained about the level of care the woman received in her final moments.

Brenville Miller, of Whymms, Long Island, said he was told by health officials that his wife, Sherry Miller, tested positive for COVID-19 some three days after she died on August 28.

While noting his wife had several underlying health issues, Mr Miller said he did not believe his wife had contracted the disease as she had experienced similar symptoms before.

“This isn’t the first time she had this cough and shortness of breath,” he added. “This been going on for years and it kinda strike me strange when they say ‘oh it’s COVID’ when we know for sure she died basically with a heart attack.

“This happened to us on vacation last year and it happened right in the house a few times and the symptoms was the same but now because this COVID in the air, everybody talking about COVID, COVID. I don’t believe it one bit.

“My wife has heart conditions, leg problems and she also had pressure. So this COVID thing because it’s in the air, it look like if you sneeze now you have COVID.” Hours before she died, the Long Island resident said his wife complained to him of experiencing shortness of breath, a situation that forced them to carry her to the local clinic.

“Everything happened (so) sudden,” he said.

“She decided to go to the clinic. She went and they said ‘oh, her breathing is at like 50’ which is very low so the nurse told me if it was like 80 they would overnight her so she sat there and it came up to 70 something and they said ‘we’re going to airlift her’.”

He added: “The next thing I know — she didn’t go there unconscious or anything — she walked out the car into the wheelchair because she was always heavy, and she don’t move around like that so she normally would move with a stick or whatever.

“We got in the clinic and she sat down and then when they said the plane was coming, she got out the chair into the wheelchair to the doctor car and we got down there.”

Mr Miller claimed that upon arrival at the airport, medics were little prepared to care for his ailing wife.

“When we got down there, I thought they

‘She died in my hands and when they started CPR, they didn’t have the pump you put in your mouth to pump air so they didn’t have to give you mouth to mouth, they didn’t have in the plane nor in the doctor car. When she flatlined, you know they’re supposed to give you that shock or whatever, they didn’t have the tools to do that either.’ would’ve had an adjustable bed or so where she could’ve just turned around and sit down.

“They told her she had to get down on the ground (to go on the isolation tube).

My wife hasn’t sit in my sofa in over seven years because that’s how much pain she have in her knees because doctors said she needed a knee replacement. And I watched them force her down like a piece of plastic on the ground.

“When my wife sat (on the isolation tube) because she was like 365 pounds, but when she got down on it, the air shift and she (rolled) over.”

Moments later, Mr Miller said they watched his wife take her last breath in their son’s arms, a memory he said he’ll never forget.

“Less than three minutes, she was dead. She had a heart attack right on the ground,” he said. “She died right in my son’s hand.

“I walked off and I see him trying to get her back you know and the doctor hollering back from Nassau ‘oh, I’m not getting no readings.’ They did CPR on her not even five minutes. . .It isn’t bringing back any life but in the future, air ambulance what charging $10,300 to pick up someone and they need to get their act together because they need to show up to these islands with the right (equipment) to take care of people who are elderly who people who can’t get down on their knees.”

He added: “My wife was in more pain trying to get down on the little plastic (isolation tube) than what she had otherwise with all of her medical issues.”

The family also claimed that the medical team did not have all the proper medical equipment needed to effectively perform CPR on Mrs Miller.

Mrs Miller’s son, Cameron, claimed: “She died in my hands and when they started CPR, they didn’t have the pump you put in your mouth to pump air so they didn’t have to give you mouth to mouth, they didn’t have in the plane nor in the doctor car.

“When she flatlined, you know they’re supposed to give you that shock or whatever, they didn’t have the tools to do that either.”

Mr Miller said his biggest regret is not letting his wife remain at the clinic a little longer to allow for her

ROBERTS UNABLE TO SAY IF WORKER DIED OF VIRUS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net SUPER Value’s owner Rubert Roberts said the food store chain is mourning the death of an employee but could not say if it is COVID-19 related.

It was claimed on social media that a store employee died several days ago, allegedly from COVID-19, and concerns were raised about store sanitisation.

When contacted, Mr Roberts told The Tribune he was not aware of a person infected a few weeks ago at the store in question, but said the company is mourning the death of an employee from that store. He said the deceased employee worked in the deli department.

Asked if the employee died from COVID, he added the chain store “can’t get into the medical”

details.

“We know that she wasn’t well. We stopped her from working and she went around - she tried to work. She was sent home by her supervisor. I heard she showed up to a friend’s house. Her friend sent her to the hospital. I heard on Saturday morning she had a massive stroke.”

The food store owner said the company has gone to great lengths to protect both staff and customers amid the coronavirus pandemic and noted some of their measures.

He said: “We constantly disinfect, but we sanitise - (have) professional sanitisation at all of our stores.

That store was done three weeks ago…..as a precaution to make the staff feel better we did it again over the weekend. I think it was last Sunday night. We did the warehouse (in) the afternoon.”

breathing levels to stabilise.

“I’m not a doctor and I was told that a person is supposed to be stabilised in order to airlift them so I don’t know because if you telling me 50 is too low and you need to be up to 85, why would you put somebody through (going on an air ambulance) if their breathing level is not right?”

Since the horrific ordeal, Mr Miller said he has not yet been notified by health officials on his COVID-19 status but noted that local nurses told his daughter that she tested positive for the disease.

“She has no symptoms, she’s in top shape,” he said.

As of Monday, COVID19 cases in the country stood at 2,546, with 1,489 still active.

Eight cases have been recorded on Long Island to date.

SHERRY MILLER

39 NEW CASES AND ONE MORE DEATH

THIRTY-NINE additional COVID-19 cases were confirmed yesterday along with one more related death, the Ministry of Health revealed.

There are now 2,585 confirmed cases in the country, the bulk of which are in New Providence which has 1,667 cases.

The latest data shows there are 584 confirmed cases in Grand Bahama; 86 in Abaco; 54 in Bimini; 23 in Exuma; 15 in the Berry Islands; 13 in Inagua; eight cases in each Cat Island, Eleuthera, and Long Island; seven in Acklins; three in Andros; and two each in Crooked Island and Mayaguana.

There are 105 confirmed cases with locations pending.

Of the cases announced yesterday, 38 are in New Providence and one is in Abaco.

The latest confirmed death is an 81-year-old male of New Providence who died on August 14. “This reduces the number of deaths under investigation to 15, and the death toll now stands at 59,” health officials said.

Up to press time, 13,010 tests had been completed.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Vacation in place from page one They will be required to quarantine for 14 days or for the length of their stay, “whichever is shorter,” he said.

As a marketing strategy, said the ministry is avoiding the word “quarantine”.

“Because this Ministry of Tourism recognises that messaging is critical to instilling confidence both from our local population and our international tourism markets we have carefully chosen language that communicates the act of quarantining, a rather harsh word that conjures up, in the minds of the prospective travellers, something most unpleasant especially when you state that persons entering the country have to ‘quarantine for 14 days’ and some may have to do that in a government mandated facility,” he said.

“Not very tourism friendly. Therefore, I have instructed the Ministry of Tourism to stop using that word quarantine and start promoting to the visiting public the full VIP experience. VIP – vacation in place.”

Mr D’Aguilar said

because hotel visitors have to be tested before arriving in the country, staff should be tested as well.

“As such, after consultation with public health, the competent authority and the hotel industry, the Ministry of Tourism is strongly recommending/ actively encouraging that all hotel staff be tested prior to their resuming work and, on as-needed basis, thereafter,” he said, adding: “I recognise that testing all of a hotel’s staff, using the PCR test, can be extremely costly, over $200 per person, so public health officials see no problem with hotel properties and any other businesses for that matter using, if they wish, far less expensive CDC approved tests that have proven accuracy levels that are in striking range of the PCR gold standard test.

These tests will be used for primary screening and the PCR test will be used for secondary screening, if the need arises.”

Mr D’Aguilar said results from less expensive tests will not be reflected in the country’s official COVID19 statistics.

As for the country’s readiness to handle an influx of guests, Mr D’Aguilar

said over 15,000 people have already been trained in the Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan which includes strict health protocols and sanitation standards.

He reiterated requirements for visitors entering the country, which includes having an RT-PCR test that is no older than five days.

“Once you upload your test, a newly formed Travel Compliance Unit in the Ministry of Tourism will review the test to make sure it is negative, within the required time period and from an accredited lab. If all is in order, your travel visa is approved via email,” he said.

“Despite some initial hiccups, this system is working well, probably because visitor levels are extremely light. Once visitor arrivals start to ramp back up, however, we will need added features to speed up processing time to ensure travellers are not inconvenienced by long wait times for a travel health visa so we are actively looking at private sector solutions to allow for an almost instantaneous approval using AI, artificial intelligence. This situation is very fluid but we are actively seeking to get ahead of it.”

MINISTER of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar speaking yesterday.

TOURISM RECOVERY ‘COULD TAKE AS LONG AS FIVE YEARS’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM officials are unsure when the sector will likely recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, with Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar noting some experts believe it could take as long as five years.

“Twelve, 18, 24 months, a number of people are saying it could take as long as five years to get back to

pre-COVID levels but I remain optimistic,” he said yesterday. “I’m still going to stay with my 18 to 24 months (projection) and we’ll see where the cookie crumbles.

Obviously it’s a guess at this stage. Things might change markedly when a vaccine is rolled out so we’ll have to see how events unfold in the upcoming months.”

Mr D’Aguilar referenced the significant decline in visitor arrivals the country has had during the first six

months of the year, saying it has gone “from a record 3.9 million arrivals in 2019 to 1.7 million in 2020.”

“This 56 percent reduction in our tourism business could not be avoided, owing to the shutdown of both the cruise and airline industries in late March alongside a recent resurgence of COVID-19 in many of our key markets,” he added.

As tourism officials gear up for reopening the sector, Mr D’Aguilar said he is

awaiting word on when mega-resorts Atlantis and Baha Mar will reopen.

“I have been in a number of discussions with the CEOs of Atlantis and Baha Mar to ascertain what their current thinking is about reopening and I am hoping they will make some announcements, very soon, with concrete opening dates.

Naturally, given the enormous amount of resources required to relaunch properties of their respective sizes,

they want to be assured of an economically sustainable customer base when they reopen. As such, they are assessing a myriad of issues, mostly relating to the state of the pandemic in their core market, the United States, before they commit to an opening announcement,” he said.

As for the cruise sector, Mr D’Aguilar said there is “no good news to report”.

“I have been in discussions with all of the major

cruise lines and none of them have received any indication from the (US) Centres for Disease Control (CDC) when their no-sail orders will be lifted.

Right now, all of the cruise companies have voluntarily agreed that they will not be sailing until October 31, 2020 but sadly, it seems very likely that cruising out of the United States will not recommence until possibly late November or early December,” he said.

MARINES BUILD RAMP FOR RETIRED COMRADE OFFICERS from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force assisted a retired comrade on Thursday by constructing a wheelchair ramp at his home.

Force Chief Petty Officer Shawn Rolle recently experienced a medical challenge, which has increased his reliance on a wheelchair, leading his family to create a temporary ramp to assist him in accessing his house.

Current and past members of Entry 19, of which he is a part of, were happy to build a wheelchair ramp at his residence.

With the assistance of the RBDF’s building maintenance team, led by Lt Cdr Kenneth Forbes, the

men built a ramp near his home’s main entrance.

“I am thankful to my squadmates, who came up with the idea because when they first came to my house, I was in a wheelchair,” Mr Rolle said. “The BMT department is to be commended also. They told me they would be here by 7am and the task would be complete by 10am. I will be forever grateful for their assistance,” Rev, as he is affectionately known, said.

Mr Rolle joined the RBDF in January 1987 and spent over 33 years in the organisation. He officially retired from the force a few weeks ago on August 23.

‘IT’S LIKE A BULLDOZER ON THE SEABED’ from page one

Bahamas is being degraded and its people harmed,” Ms Duncombe said in a statement yesterday. “We are now part of a global network of citizen groups in countries worldwide demanding an end to ‘business as usual’. In the Bahamas, we are calling for an environmental impact assessment so we can make smart decisions about how to restart the industry in the coming years.

“We support the pledge last week of Prime Minister Minnis to ‘build back better’ after Dorian and hopefully now after COVID, but we must not do so blindly. Let’s take six months, employ the best local and international experts, share initial findings, and consult with the public. Then the government can chart a course towards an economic recovery that it is sustainable,”

she added.

In her statement, Ms Duncombe said local fishermen describe the damage as equivalent to a “bulldozer” driving across the ocean floor.

According to Ms Duncombe, on September 4, Eric Carey, executive director of the Bahamas National Trust, received a voice note from fishermen in the Berry Islands reporting significant damage to the seafloor from cruise ships’ massive anchors and chains dragging across the seabed.

Two miles west of Little Stirrup renamed Coco Cay, a private cruise port, there are 15-18 cruise ships anchored in Bahamian waters spaced two to three miles apart, the fishermen have said, adding the anchors are dragging along the seafloor and the ships have to be repositioned, she said.

“The anchors are totally

destroying the fishing grounds, and dragging through the coral. The chains are dragging coral and mountains of sand, ripping up the shoals and bars, totally devastating the fishing area... It looks like someone was driving a bulldozer across the seafloor,” the statement alleged.

On Sunday the ministers said an initial dive, while limited in scope, showed “significant damage” to the marine environment allegedly caused by ship anchors.

The statement said a team is urgently putting together a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the damage and quantify the value of the damage and the potential remediation costs. Steps are also being taken, the ministers said, to determine gaps that existed in standard operating procedures, policies or legislation that allowed this situation to occur and engage those

responsible so that they take corrective actions.

The statement noted that over the last few days the ministries responsible for marine resources and the environment were made aware of possible damage to the marine environment due to vessels sheltering in Bahamian territory.

“The alarming claims prompted various government ministries and agencies to meet, discuss and determine the accuracy of the claims and to formulate an emergency plan of action in the event such claims were accurate,” the ministers said.

The statement stressed that all vessels sheltering in Bahamian waters are “obliged to anchor, operate and navigate in a manner in all respects safe and in all respects compliant with all local laws and regulations, including safety and environmental regulations.”

It added: “This extends

to discharges of any kind, to the avoidance of any protected or restricted areas, and to the avoidance of damages to any sensitive commercial and environmental resources including reefs.

“We are engaging in more detailed enquiries of all vessels sheltering in our waters regarding their anchorage locations and practices. Furthermore, divers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of the Environment have been dispatched to carry out our own anchorage site assessments.

“The initial dive, which was limited in scope, clearly showed significant damage to marine assets allegedly caused by anchors of vessels anchoring in the area.

These initial findings necessitate a comprehensive assessment of much of the area between the Berry Islands and Bimini.

“It is well established that

while in Bahamian waters, sheltering ships must at all times anchor safely to protect life and the environment. This requires, by international safe practice: sufficient depth of water to provide a generous margin for vessel safety; sufficient distance between each vessel’s anchorage to assure that the ships cannot interfere with each other; sufficient length of anchor chain along the sea bottom to assure a proper angle of holding force to keep the ship safely in place —this has some localised effect on the seabed, but is not permitted to impact essential marine resources; and sufficient distance from any designated essential marine resource.”

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of active cruise operations, cruise ships have been allowed to shelter in Bahamian waters.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 5

‘It’s really rough’ for Potter’s Cay vendors

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net DESPITE being given the green light to resume operations last month, some Potter’s Cay dock vendors say they are still struggling to make ends meet and keep their businesses afloat due to reduced sales.

“Honestly and truthfully miss, it’s really rough. It’s rough and slow,” said Lisa Allen, owner of Bahamian Soul Food.

Before the global COVID-19 health crisis, Ms Allen said some 46 stalls were operating at the popular seafood dining and vendor spot.

However, due to the economic fall-out from the virus, she said only as many as ten vendors are now back in business at the dock.

“I had returned because the products I had in my store, I just took them out and I started from there but it’s really rough and it’s slow. Businesses still haven’t picked up from out there,” she told The Tribune.

“But you just have to go along. A lot of vendors haven’t returned out there at all. If you pass, you will see for yourself because a lot of stalls are still closed.

So, it was fortunate that one or two came back and opened up but it’s still slow.

It’s rough.”

Her comments came a week after president of the Bahamas Dock and Allied

POTTER’s Cay Dock pictured during the lockdown.

Venues Vendors Association (BDAVVA), Wendi Constantine told Tribune Business that two thirds of the Potter’s Cay vendors were not resuming operations right away as a result of financial challenges.

“A lot of them are disappointed that the government didn’t offer any form of mortgage relief, because you have to understand with a lot of banks a lot of persons did not qualify for the deferred option as some vendors had difficulties prior to COVID19,” she said.

“There was the hurricane and then there was

the reversal of the parking, so they have had their challenges for over a year or so.

That is one of their main concerns.”

Last month, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced the resumption of most businesses in the country after ordering a near complete shutdown of the commercial sector weeks prior.

Businesses now permitted to operate in New Providence include retail stores and restaurants but under certain restrictions.

For instance, restaurants can now provide outdoor dining, curbside service,

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff take-away and delivery.

However, both the Fish Fry and Potter’s Cay Dock are only allowed to offer curbside, takeaway and delivery.

Yesterday, owner of Tall Boy’s Conch Stall, Dwain Bastian told The Tribune he felt like the recent COVID19 restrictions have also contributed significantly to a major decline in business as most customers wish to dine on site.

“It’s slow because a lot of people want to come and be seated and chill and spend their monies and stuff like that but a lot of the customers ain’t coming like that

because with the curbside, you have a couple people popping in and getting their orders and then go,” he said.

Mr Bain said the problem is also exacerbated by miscommunication between police officers and the general public concerning the new guidelines.

He told The Tribune: “With the police, it’s a mix up because some of the police them telling the customers to go inside the stores until you get your order and you don’t have to be on the sidewalk and then another set, you can’t be in the stall, you have to order

and go in your car and then some other set saying no car (can) park in front of the stall, so it’s just so much different mix up like all the police them are not on the same page.

“It’s just miscommunication with the police them and all of them don’t have the same information. Everyone telling the vendors (something) different. When they first open, they was making us shut down six o’ clock and then some saying seven and another one saying eight o’clock. Everybody telling you something different so you don’t know what to listen to (sic).”

PINERIDGE EDUCATION CENTRE REOPENS ITS DOORS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PINERIDGE Education Centre reopened its doors in the Kipling Building yesterday, with redesigned classrooms adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols and guidelines to provide a safe environment for learning.

Thirty-three students are registered at the centre in Grand Bahama. The two classrooms that are being utilised have been configured and redesigned with plexiglass petitions between each student and between students and teachers.

Pineridge MP Rev Frederick McAlpine, founder

and operator, said the Pineridge constituency office is pleased to open after a very challenging school year last year due to Hurricane Dorian, and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

He explained that virtual learning is not ideal for everyone and that some students learn better in the face-to-face environment.

“We need to get back to school and so we redesigned the classrooms with plexiglass,” Rev McAlpine said. “Since we opened (in 2018) we graduated four; and we are very happy for this return.

“Last year was very difficult, we had Dorian and now COVID, and we have to now catch up,” he said.

The school can accommodate an enrollment of 50 students, but due to protocols the numbers were reduced.

There are two four-hour class sessions from 8am - 1pm and from 1pm -5pm.

Rev McAlpine said we must learn to adapt and coexist with COVID-19.

“You cannot allow your educational system and your economy to be held hostage by COVID-19; we will have to learn to coexist with this until we can do better; we cannot stop people from getting their education, it sets us back academically and economically,” he said.

“We have a lot of catching up to do, especially if we are trying to move from (a)

D average,” he stated.

Rev McAlpine said safety is a priority and noted that students are assigned to one computer at all times. He said there are eight spaces available and persons in the Pineridge constituency that are interested can contact the constituency office at 602-5187.

He noted that a large portion of his constituency allowance goes towards funding the centre.

He said the centre was cleared to commence classes. “The Minister of Education (Jeff Lloyd) made it clear that private schools that were able to go can go. So, we consider ourselves a private institution, but we are also connected

to NAECOB and to MOE. This is not just a diploma programme to give you a piece of paper, it is a programme acknowledged by the Ministry of Education,” he said.

Principal Delores Kellman said they are utilising a programme published

by Alpha Omega Publications, a Christian online high school programme in the US. “We are using the curriculum for grades 9 through 12 called Ignitia.”

She noted that the programme is accredited and accepted by colleges and universities in the US and Canada, and other parts of the world.

Once completed, students

receive a Bahamas national high school diploma.

When asked about safety procedures, Ms Kellman said when students come in, they must check-in at the office where a temperature reading is taken. They then sign an attendance register and go to their classrooms, where they must sanitise as they enter and wear a mask.

“I can’t wear a mask all day and many of them won’t be able to, and since we (have) plexiglass partitions and they all work independently on different subjects. And so, I told them they don’t have to keep masks on, but if they get up and wish to speak with someone, they must put it on,” she said.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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We’re wearing our sharpest suit but with empty pockets THE Bahamas has made its pitch for how to reopen to tourism.

Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar has thrown his weight behind a plan to reopen in October, and is urging hotels to resume full operations on October 15.

With a bold attempt at marketing, he is trying to do away with the “Q” word. It won’t be a quarantine for the visiting tourists, but those arriving will be required to stay in their hotel for 14 days.

A compulsory all-hotel experience might sound a good deal prettier than a mandatory quarantine, but we’re not sure tourists will be fooled. As Shakespeare might say, a rose by any other name…

Still, less words, more action – what else is on the checklist for reopening?

Well, hotels will need an approved quarantine facility for one, a strong recommendation – not a requirement – for all hotel staff to be tested prior to resuming work and as needed afterwards. We should note this test can be the less accurate CDC approved test rather than the PCR test. The reason? Cost.

The PCR test costs more than $200. Mr D’Aguilar expresses confidence in the cheaper tests, saying they are “in striking range” of the PCR test for accuracy.

However, these cheaper results will not be included in the official COVID-19 statistics, which at the very least doesn’t inspire confidence. Visitors, however, will be required to have the PCR test, and one no older than five days.

Mr D’Aguilar exudes the air of a man eager to get on with the job. “We’ve got to pull the trigger,” he says, of the need to reopen the tourism industry. We must hope, of course, that in pulling the trigger, no one ends up dead.

We suspect another national consideration in the need to ramp up tourism again in October is that the temporary furlough scheme’s clock is running out.

The government set up the furlough scheme in an effort to keep people employed – at the end of this month, companies have to decide whether to

permanently terminate workers or bring them back. The end of September is also when budgeted assistance for individuals and businesses hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will run out.

So here we are, putting on our sharpest suit but with empty pockets.

We do not, however, stand alone.

We are not the only country wrestling with the dilemma of how to reopen. Far from it. Around the world, people are getting to grips with the question of how to welcome tourists again, but in the safest manner possible.

Over in Europe, a number of schemes are being explored. In the UK, there are plans to reduce the amount of time people spend in quarantine – sorry, there’s that Q word, Mr D’Aguilar – by ensuring holidaymakers are tested 48 hours before arriving in the UK, and then given a second test five days after landing. Those proposals are being driven in consultation with the tourism industry – and are gaining support from UK scientific advisors.

As we try to attract people from around the globe, so too must we think global in looking at solutions being considered elsewhere.

Let’s face it – most people travel so they can see a place. Few are going to be enticed by the prospect of coming to stay in one complex for 14 days and not being able to venture out of the door.

Mr D’Aguilar talks of excursions being able to start up too in mid-October, and while that plan needs more details, one presumes it would effectively see excursions operating exclusively to a particular resort to ensure no risk of cross-contamination.

We applaud the drive to get the country reopened – and while we have our doubts about a number of the aspects, the truth is that it is now September 8 and we have a little over a month to keep working on this to get it right.

Mr D’Aguilar knows the importance of that. “We really have to get this right this time,” he said.

He’s not wrong.

In tribute to Pastor Roach EDITOR, The Tribune.

ON Thursday, 3rd September, 2020, Pastor Hugh Roach transitioned into eternity.

I was first introduced to Pastor Roach as a family friend. My grandmother, Georgiana K. Symonette, was a Seventh-Day Adventist. Her children ensured that we grandchildren understood the importance of our Adventist roots.

Pastor Roach exemplifies Matthew 5v16, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. I think that he is a Bahamian icon and a Christian icon. He was a gentle man.

Returning to The Bahamas after obtaining his Master’s degree, he constantly pursued knowledge and excellence. He firmly believed that education was a most powerful tool of empowerment. It would assure thinking skills, character development and positive change in citizens and societies. Seventh-Day Adventists have a noble record of commitment to education in The Bahamas.

Many Bahamian leaders are graduates of Bahamas Academy, established in 1912, of which he was a past

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Principal.

Pastor Roach was also committed to Pathfinders, another Seventh-Day Adventist organization, that has a long record of youth development. I recall being told, during the 2002-2007 term in Parliament, that then there were no Seventh-Day Adventists incarcerated at the Department of Corrections.

Pathfinders was credited for guiding youth so that they did not embark on the path to jail. Pastor Roach gave his classic smile, when I mentioned this to him. He humbly said, “to God be the glory”.

We also recall his service as President of the Bahamas Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists and on the National Drug Council. He was held in high esteem nationally and internationally.

I hold up his tenure as Chaplain of the House of Assembly. He always had just the right message.

Always arriving early, he spoke gently and quietly to everyone. He usually read a passage from the Bible.

Then, forthrightly, he spoke

truth to power. He praised and he scolded, while encouraging every member to live up to God’s expectations of people who held such positions. It was not unusual to have a member say to another, “wow, we’ve been so nicely disciplined”.

Simply put, he wanted all leaders to “let their light shine before others”.

Every picture that I have seen of Pastor Roach shows a man with a quiet smile and kind eyes. He was truly a Pastor and encourager who knew how to connect with people. When speaking with him, the conversation inevitably turned away from him and to the person with whom he was speaking, their work and family, frequently referring to family members by name.

As we plan for a post COVID-19 Bahamas, we can hold up Pastor Roach as an example of how to live at all times.

Thank you, Mrs. Roach, his beloved wife and righthand for over 60 years, and his family, for allowing him, so completely, to serve The Bahamas and the world.

May he rest in peace.

Sir Franklyn’s importance to the country A nation builder EDITOR, The Tribune.

WITH thousands of job losses in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, Exuma and other parts of The Bahamas, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic’s debilitating impact on the domestic and global economy, the announcement of the Minnis administration signing a $400m heads of agreement for the Jack’s Bay Resort and Marina development in South Eleuthera comes as good news, in an otherwise sombre environment.

The success of Jack’s Bays would entice many Eleutherans, living in New Providence, to return home. According to The Nassau Guardian and The Tribune, this massive project is being chaired by Sir Franklyn Wilson, of Jack’s Bays Developers.

I think this is the biggest tourist development to

ever be spearheaded by a Bahamian.

Bahamian investors typically piggyback off foreign investments, such as Bah Mar, Atlantis on Paradise Island and Sandals Resort.

Wilson is a trailblazer in the way Bahamians invest in our most important industry. We have often heard the complaint of the tourism industry being mostly owned by foreign entities.

That Wilson would undertake such a massive development while the tourism industry is at rock bottom underscores his loyalty to the Bahamian people, something a foreign investor wouldn’t necessarily have.

The revelation that Wilson retained 100 Bahamians on the development during the lockdown demonstrates his altruism for working-class families in this country.

Wilson’s other

investments, such as Sun Oil Limited and Arawak Homes, have also positively impacted thousands of Bahamians.

Only a disingenuous detractor would deny Wilson’s massive role in the development of The Bahamas.

Truth be told, Wilson’s importance to the Bahamian economy cannot be overstated. Bahamian investors such as Wilson must be applauded for putting their hard-earned money where their mouth is.

I am hopeful that the Free National Movement administration, as well as the entire Bahamas, will rally around Sir Franklyn and his South Eleuthera project – as thousands of Bahamians stand to benefit directly and indirectly.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama.

September 6, 2020.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WAS saddened to learn of the transition of Pastor Hugh Roach.

Pastor Roach, was a faithful father of the faith and a quintessential nation builder.

He was a gentleman par excellence who walked with dignity and grace.

As the newly elected Speaker of the House of Assembly from 2012 to 2017, my first official duty was to appoint a Chaplain. I was honored when Pastor Roach accepted my invitation. He served the House of Assembly staff and its Members with distinction. I was often moved by his moments of reflections at House sittings.

He was always sensitive to the moment, inspirational yet challenging. His message was consistent, always challenging Members of Parliament to a life of comity during debates,

sacrifice and the urgency of social justice. He constantly reminded us that we are only here but for a moment and serving under God’s riches grace. Also, he was quite humorous often concluding his remarks with delightful Bahamian stories.

Pastor Roach, was an avid backyard farmer. He adored his garden. Whenever there was a harvest, and there were many; he would provide an assortment of his first fruits at the next sitting of the House for Mr. Speaker and personal secretary Angela McKenzie-Williams.

He took great pride in his produce and often shared his trade secrets of gardening.

During his tenure as Chaplain, he was always present and engaged. Even when there was no House sitting, he often stopped by the House to cheer up the staff. Whether there were births, deaths, celebrations or disappointments Pastor

ALLYSON GIBSON Nassau, September 7, 2020

Roach was always there encouraging us to be kind to ourselves, treat others with respect and serve our God sacrificially.

His presence always added a sense of peace and wholeness. He will surely be missed. The Bahamas has lost a fine son.

May the life he lived, serve as a reminder that a son of the soil can rise up from humble beginnings and inspire us all to become better versions of ourselves in service to others.

On behalf of my wife, Monique, we extend heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Olga; his children Opal and Hubert, his grandchildren: Kara, Jymal and Hubert Jr and his great-grand daughters: Ken’Dajah and Kam’Ryn. May he rest in eternal peace.

DR KENDAL MAJOR Nassau, September 6, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 7

16 warned after failing to socially distance on boat

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAGISTRATE yesterday warned and then discharged 16 people who were arrested for failing to adhere to social distancing protocols while they were riding on a boat last week.

Tyrell Gaitor, 27; Mechello Griffin, 30; Shakeal Holbert, 27; Ricardo Adderley, 35;

Javardo Rolle, 28; Luther Russell Jr, 20; Devon Russell, 39; Rashado Louis, 20; Jeffernice Gardiner, 29; Moesha Stuart, 23; Audranique Martin, 24; Chrishanda Deveaux, 34; Teylor Kemp, 25; Rasha Bain, 23; Venrea Davis, 23; and a 17-year-old girl were accused of attending a social gathering without the permission of the competent authority after officers caught them on a boat near

East Bay Street around 1pm on September 4.

The prosecution said the accused were not practising social distancing when they were onboard the vessel.

The court heard around 11.35am that day, marine officers launched an investigation concerning a boat with numerous people onboard. The prosecution said during their investigation, the officers came across a white vessel

named “Royal Gem”.

When they approached the boat, they discovered 16 people onboard who were not adhering to social distancing protocols. When questioned, the passengers told the officers they had paid a fee for a “day away” on the boat. They were later transported to the Grove Police Station where they were cautioned and arrested for the offences.

During the hearing

yesterday, all of the defendants pleaded guilty. One of them also said the boat captain gave them permission to board the vessel and told them they would not get in trouble for having a gathering on the boat, because he had rented it out “numerous times” with no repercussions. The defendants also claimed they took the captain’s word because they didn’t think he would jeopardise his business by

15-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED OF USING GUN TO ROB WOMAN

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 15-YEAR-OLD was charged with armed robbery in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The North Andros boy was accused of using a .9mm pistol to rob a woman of a wallet containing $200, two Alcatel cell phones valued at $90 each and $80 cash which belonged to J’nae’s Hair and Beauty Supply Store on August 28.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes arraigned the teenager alongside Kirk Evans, 20, who the prosecution alleged abetted the juvenile that day.

During the hearing, neither defendant was required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to November 3 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Yesterday, Montell Campbell, 24, was also arraigned with the defendants. He was accused of

A 15-year-old juvenile outside court accused of armed robbery. being in possession of the yesterday, Magistrate unlicenced .9mm pistol, Forbes remanded two more which was alleged to have juveniles to the Simpson been connected to the rob- Penn Centre after they bery, on September 1. He were accused of using a denied the allegation and knife to rob a man of a $500 his matter was adjourned to Samsung cell phone and a November 3 for trial. $300 gold chain on SeptemIn the interim, the teen- ber 2. ager was remanded to The 15 and 16-year-olds Simpson Penn Centre for were not required to enter Boys while Evans and a plea to the armed robbery Campbell were sent to the charge and the matter was Bahamas Department of adjourned to November 3 Correctional Services. to be heard before a panel They all have a right to in the juvenile court. apply to the Supreme Court The youngsters will for bail. remain in custody until that In a separate matter time.

CRACK COCAINE ADDICT TOLD TO ATTEND DRUG COUNSELLING

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 34-YEAR-OLD man was ordered to attend drug counselling after he pleaded guilty to crack cocaine possession in court yesterday.

Police arrested Aristotle Smith after they seized $60 worth of crack cocaine from him on September 4.

The court was told officers were on mobile patrol in the Village Road area around 2.50am when they observed a Nissan Cube driving on the road during curfew hours. They beckoned for the vehicle to stop and informed the driver he would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. The prosecution said during the search, Smith

reached under his left arm and took out three packets which contained suspected cocaine. The court was told the officers recovered three more packets when they later searched Smith.

During the hearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes yesterday, Smith pleaded guilty to simple possession and told the magistrate he was struggling with addiction.

As a result, Magistrate Forbes said he would grant the defendant a conditional discharge for 12 months so he could attend drug counselling at the Department of Social Services. Still, he warned Smith if he failed to comply with the conditions of his release, he would be sentenced to three months in prison.

Yesterday, Urica Seymour, 32, and Craig Gibson, 36, also appeared before Magistrate Forbes for a drug related offence.

The two were accused of being in possession of a quantity of Indian hemp which the prosecution said they had to sell. They were further accused of conspiring to possess and import another quantity of marijuana into the country.

During the hearing, Seymour and Gibson denied the allegations and the matter was adjourned to November 24 for trial.

Both defendants were denied bail, however their attorneys said they intended to submit emergency bail applications to the Supreme Court for their clients.

18-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED OF SEX WITH MINOR

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net AN 18-YEAR-OLD was remanded to prison yesterday over allegations he had sex with a minor.

Mark Strachan appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and one count of child pornography.

The prosecution alleged Strachan had sex with a 14-year-old girl between January 1 to March 31. It is claimed he committed the same act again sometime between March 31 and April 30.

The defendant was also accused of producing sexually explicit videos of him engaging in sexual intercourse with the girl between January 1 and March 28.

During the hearing, Strachan was not required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to November 2 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

He was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time.

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

KIRK EVANS, left, and Montell Campbell outside court.

intentionally breaching the emergency orders.

In response, Magistrate Forbes told the accused he expected them to exercise better judgement given the current circumstances and the number of people who have contracted the virus locally. Still, he said he would discharge the group in this instance and warned them not to appear in court again for a similar offence.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Watch out - Isha has a goal and there’s nothing going to stop her achieving it Face to Face

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

A WONDERFUL con- high schoolers don’t want to versation with the nation’s apply themselves to things top achiever in the BGCSE they don’t like. But Isha (Bahamas General Cer- had a goal in mind and she tificate of Secondary made the decision to make Education) revealed that the sacrifices necessary to not every high-flying stu- achieve it.

She wants to be the CEO dent had the road paved for them. In fact, Isha Raman’s of a tech company one day. story proves we have to She decided to map out a inspire this country’s youth life plan, knowing that to to want to do well – not execute it, she would have for their teachers and par- to go above and beyond her ents, but for themselves. perceived limitations. She If they learn of stories like wanted to do well in school, Isha’s, they will see they can go to college to study comindeed achieve what seems puter engineering, then get a Master’s Degree like a near-impossible task.

Isha knows what it’s like from California University of Technology, not to do well in which could land school. She was ‘You have to her an internship not reaching her want it for in Silicon Valley. full potential. The yourself. It She wants an subjects she liked, MBA from an Ivy she did well in. doesn’t come League school, But, she suffered from someone which would put in the subjects she else telling her well on her didn’t like. On way to becoming you to do it.’ top of that, homea CEO. With the work was not her goal defined, Isha strong suit. She applied her- knew she had to have laserself well in school, and she sharp focus and work hard did well on her tests. As for to pull her grades up and homework – Isha felt it was finish high school strong. unnecessary.

“Around the time of “Homework just didn’t BGCSE’s (grade 11), I was sit right in my mind,” she applying for colleges and explained.

I realised that the grade “I just felt like you point average (GPA) is a shouldn’t have to bring really important part of work home. Work is for college applications,” Isha work and home is for explained. home.”

“It was the last few terms However, Isha’s grades of high school and I knew I suffered because of it. Her had to pull it up. If I know father was there to remind the reason for something, her to stay focused on her I do better. I knew that life goal and allow that to SAT scores are important drive her to do better. It for college, so I did well in wasn’t easy, though. Most them. I worked hard to do

ISHA and her parents, and little sister Ria.

well, knowing that this was my last chance to prove myself.”

Prove herself, she did. Isha graduated with a 3.5 GPA and 11 BGCSEs. She got 10 As and one B. She got As in Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Religion, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Graphical Communication, Art and Keyboarding. Her only B was in French. She did so well that she was the best overall in the country in the BGCSE examinations, claiming the Paul L Adderley Award and the Carol Hanna award for Best Overall Performance in the 2019 BGCSE examinations.

When I asked her what advice she could give to other high school students, she said: “You have to want it for yourself. It doesn’t come from someone else telling you to do it.

It doesn’t come from your parents or teachers forcing you to do work. If so, you won’t put in that effort. It has to come from within.

“I remembered when missed a cutoff mark for Biology. I decided to turn

ISHA RAMA, the nation’s top achiever in BGCSE results last year, above, and, pictured left and below as a toddler in her native India and as a little girl in Singapore.

that frustration into determination. I set a goal for myself, and it’s about how much I wanted it. I would always think… ‘Is this going to help me to be a CEO someday?’ Even if you don’t have a goal yet, you can make doing well in school your goal.”

Isha’s parents Janakiraman Kesavamoorthy and Shamshia Hassain made sacrifices to help her along the way. She said they would always find a way to get her the things she wanted, as long as she was willing to work hard for it. With love and loads of encouragement, Isha’s parents pushed her to be her best.

She also benefitted from having a great environment at her school, Queen’s College. Isha explained: “The teachers were very helpful.

You could go to them at any time and they wouldn’t act like you are bothering them. They would find different ways to give you extra help. They were very supportive. My favourite teacher, Mr Cargill, is not only a teacher, but a friend.

He was so fun and sweet that we wanted to do good in his class.”

In addition to the support of teachers, Isha says her friends all stuck together and helped “push each other up”.

This included her best friend Nathan Allen, Queen’s College’s valedictorian. She said her friends, when studying, would wait and make sure that anyone who did not understand grasped the concept before they all moved on. This type of environment was a formula for success. It is proven in the fact that the 2018 BGCSE most outstanding achiever for 2018, Whittley Deleveaux, also graduated from Queen’s College.

She, too, won the Paul L Adderley and Carol Hanna Awards.

The 2020 graduating class of QC will be like no other, she mentioned. She and her friends were looking forward to graduation, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed plans for graduates all over the world. It “sucked” that plans did not go the way they dreamed of for years. However, Isha says she can’t complain when “there are people dying all over the world”.

Isha came to the Bahamas at the age of 12. She was born in Chennai, South India, and her parents moved to Singapore about a year later. Isha’s education in Singapore was of the highest quality. Life there was very different there, and her description of the life she lived there lends

great support to the kind of life we should have on such a small island with a small population.

Singapore, she said, is organised, orderly and safe.

It is strict, in some ways, but you wouldn’t notice it because “everyone just follows the rules”. Singapore was so safe growing up for her, that children could walk home alone.

She and her friends would play between 6pm and 8pm almost daily, without fear.

There are lots of malls and shopping options, events, and restaurants – the city is one that is alive practically 24/7. Singapore is an island, like New Providence. But with millions of people living there, somehow the people have learned how to live a civilised lifestyle, one where peace and safety are paramount. It is also described as a fast-paced, but very clean metropolis.

Isha’s father, who is in banking, got a job that brought their family to our sunny archipelago and here Isha fell in love with the beach. She also got over the cultural shock to make great friends.

Today, Isha is attending the University of Florida and is majoring in Computer Engineering. This should make her mother proud, as she is in the same field. It’s very different going to school with a mask, but Isha is ready to rise to every occasion to take advantage of every opportunity that will lead her towards her goal.

She is happy her parents are in The Bahamas because the close proximity to America means she easily come home to feel the love and support that has taken her this far. I wish her the very best!

ISHA’s family helps her settle in at the University of South Florida, where she received the USF gold and green award, with a $9,000 a year scholarship

THE TRIBUNE SINCE the US mainstream media is understandably preoccupied with the forthcoming presidential election, it has provided little coverage of the recent poisoning of Alexei Navalny, the Russian anticorruption campaigner and vociferous critic of President Putin. But this attempted assassination has resulted in international outrage. It has been condemned by European countries in particular, and it ought to be publicised more widely.

Mr Navalny was taken ill on a flight back to Moscow after a visit to Siberia on August 20. His plane was forced to make an emergency landing in the Siberian city of Omsk where he was taken to hospital. Doctors there claimed there was no evidence of poisoning and he was later transferred to a hospital in Berlin where he was placed in a medically-induced coma. He has since recovered consciousness but remains in intensive care.

The German government has stated there was ‘unequivocal proof’ that Mr Navalny had been poisoned with a nerve agent of the Novichok group. Reportedly, this deadly poison was developed by Soviet scientists during the Cold War and, as a dangerous and sophisticated substance, could only be under state control and therefore hard to get hold of or to use.

Chancellor Merkel has said publicly the German government strongly condemns the attempted murder of Alexei Navalny and that, seeking to ‘silence’ an opponent of Mr Putin in this way posed ‘very serious questions that only the Russian government can

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 9

The Peter Young column answer – and must answer’.

For his part, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also demanded an explanation from the Russians, adding that Britain would work with international partners ‘to ensure justice is done’ – and to hold Russia accountable for the use of Novichok. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has declared that ‘any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons’ and that such an allegation is a matter of grave concern. The 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, of which Russia is a signatory, outlaws production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons – and this means use anywhere, so the poisoning of Mr Navalny cannot be considered as a purely domestic issue for Russia.

At the weekend, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke strongly in favour of a coordinated international response to

NEW HANDS AT THE HELM STARTING TO MAKE SENSE RECENTLY, I have written on two separate occasions about the BBC. First, concerning its left-wing bias and lack of impartiality and, secondly, in connection with its decision to end the existing system of free TV licences for those over 75-years-old and thus placing a new financial burden on pensioners.

I return to the BBC again today because there has been an unexpected and significant development with the emergence of a new and reforming Director General of the corporation who is evidently keen to shake off the longstanding criticism of its lack of impartiality and objectivity.

Many people depend on Britain’s renowned public broadcaster for reliable information about events both at home and around the world; and, for all its perceived faults, the BBC remains a fine source of news. But there are concerns about its intrinsic left-wing, metropolitan and - in the last few years - anti-Brexit bias. Moreover, according to some reports, most recently BBC News has come under unprecedented pressure from activists within the organisation determined to impose their own political agenda.

To the outside observer, it should not be the role of the BBC to try to change society to meet the demands of pressure groups but rather to inform the public and to analyse events in an objective and fair-minded manner so that people can make up their own minds about important issues.

Journalists should report the facts and present both sides of an argument but not set themselves up as a mouthpiece for a particular cause and, all too often, putting across their own political ideology.

In the view of many – perhaps that elusive so-called silent majority – the BBC has given too much attention to the views of attentionseeking agitators as if they represented the conscience of the nation.

For example, a former editor of the BBC’s flagship current affairs Today programme is on record as slamming ‘entitled young staff who expect

Gangsterism by the Kremlin surfaces again to silence Putin critic

to have their view of the world on air’ and she conceded respect for the rules about impartiality had weakened.

Against this background, the new and 17th Director General of the BBC, Tim Davie - who only assumed office on September 1 - has already set out his views in a major policy speech about the future of the corporation. He said the BBC should be ‘about being free from political bias and guided by the pursuit of truth, not a particular agenda’. That meant a recommitment to impartiality and what he called ‘diversity of thought’ but that did not imply ‘abandoning democratic values such as championing fair debate or an abhorrence of racism’. He told staff if they wanted to be opinionated columnists or campaigners online, they should not be working at the BBC. Interestingly, one of Mr Davie’s first actions was to overturn the ludicrous ban - imposed for political correctness reasons - on singing traditional patriotic songs like Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory at the Last Night of the Proms. This is the climax of the BBC’s eight-week summer season of promenade concerts of classical music at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the boisterous singing at the end is a long-standing tradition.

Commenting earlier about this issue, Mr Johnson had said it was time ‘we stopped our cringing embarrassment about our history’.

Large numbers of people up and down the country - as the BBC’s listening and viewing customers - will be heaving a sigh of relief that finally some good sense is being applied at the BBC which, as a public broadcaster, remains an important institution in their lives. Whether the new Director General’s radical approach, which is already facing resistance from the so-called ‘woke’ group within the BBC, will result in real reform remains to be seen. But, in the opinion of many, his proposals and decisions have come none too soon as it has been revealed that shortly the government will be setting out a ‘road map’ for reform of the organisation.

RUSSIAN president Vladimir Putin. what he described as ‘Russian gangsterism’, saying it was hard to believe the poisoning of an opposition leader on Russian soil was not a state-backed operation. These remarks are being seen, of course, against the background of the 2018 attack – claimed by the UK to have been carried out by Russian operatives – on the defector Sergei Skripal and his daughter who were poisoned with Novichok in Salisbury in the south of England but survived. A British woman, who inadvertently had been exposed to this poison, later died.

In the UK, there was also the case in 2006 of the death - after being poisoned by polonium - of Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian intelligence officer who became a critic of the Kremlin and fled to London. An official inquiry into his assassination concluded it was ‘probably approved’ by Putin himself.

Inevitably, Moscow has dismissed the allegations of involvement in the poisoning of Mr Navalny, with a Kremlin spokesman saying Russia rejected any suggestion of responsibility for it and warning other countries not to jump to conclusions without any evidence.

According to the news organisation Al Jazeera, the Russian government has instigated a probe into the possibility that someone had tried to murder him though it maintains there was no evidence yet that a crime had been committed. But many in the West see this as typical hypocrisy and obfuscation, not least because of Russia’s record of previous attacks on highprofile critics or opponents of Mr Putin, including politicians, intelligence officers and journalists – as has been said, this is Putin settling old scores and eradicating perceived traitors.

So what is likely to happen now? There have already been calls for tougher sanctions than in the Skripal case when diplomats of a number of countries were withdrawn.

Chancellor Merkel has said Germany will consult its NATO allies - and the UK government, in following up the Prime Minister’s remarks, has committed to working with allies and international partners in order to demonstrate that there are severe consequences for the use of banned chemical weapons.

Russia is already under international sanctions because of its annexation

KEEPING ITS COMMITMENTS

HAVING commented in this column three months ago about the merger of Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its Department for International Development, it is interesting now to take stock of what has happened in the meantime.

The newly-created super-department called the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was hailed by the Prime Minister as bringing together diplomacy and development since the UK is an acknowledged world leader in international development and its aid programme is at the heart of foreign policy decisionmaking. Thus, the merger unites diplomacy and development in one new department to ensure the

nation is acting as a force for good in the world.

The UK’s aid budget has already been adjusted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with the pledge of some $975m to help stop the spread of the virus across the world and to find a vaccine and save lives.

The UK is calling for stronger international consensus to tackle this and, in particular, the increasing risk of famine in developing countries because it is important to help the world’s poorest in the biggest threat the international community has faced for decades.

There is insufficient space today to expand on this and on the issue of aid more broadly so I propose to return to the subject in next week’s column.

of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 – including being suspended from the G8 - and its backing for rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Western countries could, however, consider new targeted travel bans and asset freezes, diplomatic expulsions and further economic sanctions, including making

it more difficult for Russia to make international financial transactions. However, judging by Chancellor Merkel’s commitment to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline being built to carry natural gas from Russia to Germany, it is unlikely that that important project will be under serious threat.

BODY AND MIND

Should you wear a face mask during sexual intercourse?

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

W

e’ve gotten used to wearing face masks whenever we leave the house, when we do our food shopping, and even when we’re at the office in some cases. But what is the common sense approach when it comes to masks and sex during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

Well, a renowned physician with expertise in immunisation, infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness and global health security, advises that you should most definitely wear a mask during intercourse and to not kiss people.

The recommendation

by Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr Theresa Tam made headlines last week. It was part of her statement on staying safe from the virus when engaging in sexual activity.

And based on the Dr Tam’s recommendation it is clear that the coronavirus has not only changed the way people live, work, socialise and entertain themselves, but also the way they experience sex. “Sexual health is an

important part of our overall health. However, sex can be complicated in the time of COVID-19,” said Dr Tam. She added that risks increase for partners engaging with people outside their household.

“The lowest risk sexual activity during COVID-19 involves yourself alone.”

But for people choosing to “engage in an in-person sexual encounter” outside their bubble,” she suggests a number of steps to reduce risk, including “avoiding face-to-face contact or closeness.”

“Current evidence indicates there is a very low likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus through semen of vaginal fluids. However, even if the people involved do not have symptoms, sexual activity with new partners does increase your risk of getting or passing COVID-19 through close contact like kissing,” Dr Tam’s statement said.

Dr Neteisha Rahming, a local primary care physician and owner of Rahming’s Medical Centre on Shirley Street, said there is some wisdom to what the Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer recommends, but she reckons having sex with

DR Neteisha Rahming. a mask on may pose difficulties for many.

“Wearing a mask during sexual intercourse will be extremely difficult because people tend to use their mouth in different ways to connect physically with their partners. Sex with a mask may be as difficult as doing cardio exercise with a mask,” she told Tribune Health.

Sex raises the heart rate and changes one’s breathing, so it can make wearing a mask during the act uncomfortable.

But for those who have casual sex on a consistent basis, Dr Rahming said a better route to

IT is clear that the coronavirus has not only changed the way people live, work, socialise and entertain themselves, but also the way they experience sex. decreasing the risk of contracting COVID-19 would be adding another aspect to the usual questions when seeking information about a partner’s sexual health.

“Ask your partner if they have any flu-like symptoms and take their temperature.

“Possibly ask for their recent COVID-19 test result and STD status before engaging in intercourse as opposed to

putting a mask on,” she suggests.

Even if partners initially use masks, Dr Rahming said she does not believe it is something people will keep up with in the long run.

Dr Rahming has been fielding many questions from patients who come into her primary care facility asking about their sexual health.

“Persons have been engaging in casual sex during this time, however, I highly doubt that they were concerned about wearing masks.

“Instead they were more concerned about contracting an STD,” she said.

Dr Rahming agreed though with the recommendation of abstaining from sex altogether if a person has any flu-like symptoms.

Caring for newborns in a pandemic

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Newspaper Interview acadet@tribunemedia.net It’s a beautiful thing, bringing a new life into this world, but even during the best of times parents can experience challenges learning how to care for a newborn. And a global pandemic which brings with it strict restrictions doesn’t make things any easier.

In an interview with Tribune Health, paediatrician and mother-of-three Dr Tamarra Moss said to her knowledge, parents in the Bahamas have done a tremendous job caring for their newborns during the lockdown periods.

“In addition to dealing with the anxieties that new parents face under ordinary circumstances, during this pandemic moms have been forced to give birth with no family members present.

Dads have not been able to hold their babies until they’ve been discharged from hospital. Extended family has not been able to provide the level of support to new parents as they would have done had social distancing protocols not been in place,” she said.

“Even with these unprecedented challenges, new parents have taken it all in stride and continue to do what is necessary to ensure the well-being of their babies.”

Dr Moss said the most important piece of advice

she can offer to those becoming parents for the first time this year is to know that just because they are maintaining physical distance, this doesn’t mean they are socially isolated.

“Parents should make the best use of technology to reach out for support from their newborn’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and of course their paediatrician,” she said.

“They should also keep up with their newborn’s well visits and immunisations. These visits with their paediatrician are essential for ensuring that their baby is growing and developing appropriately.

Regular infant immunisations are essential for protecting them against potentially devastating illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia.”

Adjusting to having a new baby, she added, can be overwhelming for the mothers especially, and the added anxiety of protecting themselves and their little one during the pandemic, provides fertile ground for feelings of baby blues and post-partum depression to take root.

“Leaning on family and friends for physical and emotional support helps make everything a little less overwhelming. For many parents, a new baby is the first real source of stress they experience as a couple.

They should be sure to keep the lines of communication open and make time

DR Tamarra Moss. to reconnect. New moms should remember that self-care is essential – skip housework, eat well, get some sun and fresh air, rest.

If feelings of depression take root despite all the best self-help and support, they should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor for help,” said Dr Moss.

Before taking newborns home for the first time, parents should ensure several adjustments have been made to the home environment.

“New parents should avoid having visitors to their home during this time because the more people they interact with, the higher their and their newborn’s risk of exposure to COVID-19. Parents should also limit their own interactions outside of their immediate household.

Of course, in cases where

PARENTS in the Bahamas have done a tremendous job caring for their newborns during the lockdown periods. parents must leave home for work or errands, they should be very careful to adhere to social distancing protocols while out, wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, sanitise thoroughly with sanitisers containing at least 60 percent alcohol, and wear a mask when interacting with their newborn.

It helps to designate one household member to run any errands,” she said.

In addition to her regular services, Dr Moss offers even more advice on her online platform “My Kids’ Doc”. There, she offers new parent consultations, behavioural evaluations, tele-health and concierge paediatric services. “‘My Kids’ Doc’ was a name I came up with when I was creating my social media profiles last year.

I know from my years of practice that patients and their families value the relationships they develop with their paediatricians and value accessibility.

However, it’s been my goal to use social media to provide parents with important information that they might not necessarily get in the office due to time constraints or due to the fact that they might have forgotten to ask while in office,” she explained.

Dr Moss said many parents have made use of virtual visits during lockdown and insurance companies have supported them in this. While well visits and immunisations have to be done in person, there are a number of concerns that are easily handled over the telephone or by video call. “Patients

have been able to reach me at the Pediatric Associates, Caves Village and Collins Avenue locations, through my Facebook page, ‘Tamarra Moss, MD DM’, through my Instagram page @mykidsdoc242, and through my website, www. clubkidsdoc.com.

Access has definitely not been a problem during this lockdown,” she said.

Regardless if we’re living through a pandemic or not, Dr Moss said it is important to remember that the infant is the one sets the schedule. And there is no ideal, as schedules and routines will look different for every family. Dr Moss said parents should anticipate that they will be feeding their newborn every two to three hours, possibly more frequently for breastfed babies. Moms should use baby’s nap times for selfcare, whether that is taking a relaxing shower, catching up on sleep, or video chatting a friend. “Families should also look for ways to allow dad and older siblings to participate in feedings and other aspects of taking care of the newest family member. Accept the help of friends and family members who offer to prepare and drop off meals, go grocery shopping, or run other errands. These are all things that can be done without any significant physical contact with the person who is helping. The less new parents have on their to do list, the better,” she said.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

‘Bahamian men should start yearly prostate tests at age 40’ CURATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS SEPTEMBER is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

This article represents part two of a five-part series on prostate cancer. Awareness and education are key to early diagnosis that could lead to almost certain cure.

Bahamian men are predominately of African ancestry and have a disproportionately high rate of obesity, both of which are risk factors for developing a more aggressive form of prostate cancer and a greater risk of suffering from prostate cancer at an earlier age. Bahamian men also have a high prevalence of the gene mutations for the BRCA 2 gene, which is a risk factor for developing prostate cancer. The Bahamas has the 14th highest per capita incidence of prostate cancer in the world.

Sadly, hundreds of Bahamian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at an advanced stage and they are not candidates for cure.

Early diagnosis to prostate cancer leads to excellent cancer specific survival rates of 99 percent at five years and as high as 98 percent at ten years.

Therefore, for the successful curative treatment of prostate cancer early diagnosis is the key.

Prostate cancer must be detected when the prostate cancer is low volume and confined to the prostate for the best chance of cure.

Advanced prostate cancer can lead to multiple negative heath consequences such as spread of the cancer to bone, the spine and organs; kidney obstruction that could cause acute or chronic kidney dysfunction, spinal cord compression that could potentially lead to lower limb weakness or even paraplegia, loss of function of both legs.

Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, therefore prostate cancer surveillance is imperative in order to treat prostate cancer for cure.

At age 40, every Bahamian man should commence having yearly prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and clinical exams as warranted.

Men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, whereby two or more first-degree relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an age less than 50 years old, should start PSA blood test screening at the age of 35.

It is important to compare the PSA routine blood results for an individual from one year to the next as a high PSA velocity, a large increase in PSA blood

value over time requires further investigations, even if the PSA value is still in the normal range.

The normal range for PSA values is below 4 nanogrammes per millilitre, with values between 4 to 10 ng/ ml being considered a grey area that requires further investigations such as the free PSA percentage and calculating the PSA density.

A PSA value can be elevated by factors other than prostate cancer, for example having a very large non-cancerous benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), having an infection of the prostate, prostatitis or having incomplete bladder emptying.

Medications such as Avodart/Dutasteride and Proscar/Finasteride that are commonly prescribed to manage the urinary symptoms of BPH artificially halve the PSA values after these medications are taken for five months or more.

Men taking Avodart or Proscar should have their PSA values doubled so that the prostate cancer screening exercise remains accurate for men taking these five alpha reductase inhibitor medications.

There are multiple curative treatment options for prostate cancer. The key again is early diagnosis and the detection of prostate cancer when the disease is organ confined. Surgery is not a necessity to cure prostate cancer.

• Curative management options for prostate cancer include: 1. Active surveillance Prostate cancer that is localised, early stage, low volume and organ confined, may be actively surveilled with curative management delayed until the disease upstages or increases in volume, if specific requirements for active surveillance.

All prostate cancer curative treatments have some risk of future negative side effects such as a reduction in erectile function and possible stress urinary incontinence, leaking urine with exertion. Active surveillance for men with the required prostate cancer disease parameters, can allow for the delay in the curative treatment for prostate cancer, for in some cases for a period of eight, ten or even 12 years.

A patient is actively surveilled with scheduled clinical exams, repeat PSA blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate and/or repeat image guided prostate biopsies usually at one, three and seven-year marks.

Any upstaging in the prostate cancer disease in terms of clinical findings, PSA values, volume or grade of disease, will prompt the implementation of curative management of the prostate cancer.

Some men find it too stressful to be on the active surveillance pathway as they prefer that even the presence of clinically insignificant prostate cancer be treated immediately. There is a recognised fear that men on active surveillance face when anticipating routine follow up with PSA blood tests. PSAdynia is a term used to describe the emotional stress and anxiety experienced by men on active surveillance following up with active surveillance protocols, with the sometimes-overwhelming fear of the need to commence treatment of the prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer active surveillance candidates must fulfill not just the strict prostate cancer parameters but they also must be willing to follow up with the required follow up regime and they must have the required emotional fortitude.

2. Surgery Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles as a curative form of treatment for prostate cancer. The surgery may also require the excision of related lymph nodes. The surgery may be done by an open surgical technique or minimally invasively with the assistance of the da Vinci Robot or laparoscopically.

The surgery may be done with attempted nerve sparing so that erectile function is maintained. A relatively common complication of radical prostate

prostate cancer. This treatment modality uses CAT scan images to create a three-dimensional representation of the prostate cancer so that the dosage of radiation required to destroy the prostate cancer may be calculated, which allows for the use of higher doses of radiation without damage to adjacent healthy tissue.

•Proton beam therapy uses proton rays instead of x rays to destroy prostate cancer cells. It is more expensive and not as readily available as tradition radiation therapy.

4. Brachytherapy Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that involves the placement of either low dose or high dose radiation seeds into the prostate to destroy only prostate cancer cells and leave healthy prostate cells intact.

Brachytherapy may be used with other treatment modalities such as with external beam radiation therapy or androgen deprivation therapy.

Men with high risk prostate cancer may be receive external beam radiation therapy, androgen deprivation therapy and either a low dose or high dose of brachytherapy.

For low risk Dr Greggory and lower risk prostate cancer, Pinto several studies have shown that the prostate cancer specific survival is equal to or superior to curative surgery is stress curative rates with the da urinary incontinence that Vinci robot assisted radioften resolves overtime, cal prostate cancer surgery, particularly with the aid of and with a lower side effect postoperative pelvic floor profile. physiotherapy.

5. High intensity focused 3. Radiation therapy ultrasound therapy •External beam radiation HIFU therapy that is therapy. A focus of radia- a form of localised curation is directed towards the tive focal therapy for prostate cancer under the prostate cancer. An ultracare of a radiation oncolo- sound probe is inserted into gist. There are several forms the rectum and sound waves of radiation therapy for are directed towards the prostate cancer, including cancer within the prostate using conformal radiation gland. This localised treattherapy (CRT) that utilises ment allows limited damage computers to precisely map to healthy prostate tissue out the area of prostate and adjacent structures. cancer and direct radiation The US Food and Drug only to that afflicted area, Administration approved so that healthy surround- HIFU for prostate cancer ing tissue is not damaged by curative treatment in 2015 radiation. but this modality has been •Hypofractionated radia- used extensively throughtion therapy implements out Europe and other parts the use of higher doses of of the world for more than radiation but for shorter 15 years. periods, to cure prostate 6. Cryotherapy cancer. The higher doses of Cryotherapy is also radiation therapy used how- referred to as cryoablaever may lead to a higher tion or cryosurgery that risk of side effects from the uses freezing gas to destroy radiation. prostate cancer cells, while •Intensity modulated leaving the prostate gland radiation therapy (IMRT) intact. The term cryotheris another form of external apy is misleading as it is beam radiation used in the not a form of surgery. Cryocurative management of therapy was FDA approved

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

for prostate cancer treatment in the year 2000. It has been used in the past 20 years as an effective, minimally invasive management option for prostate cancer.

How does cryotherapy destroy prostate cancer?

Living tissue and cells of the body and prostate cannot tolerate extremely cold temperatures. Nitrogen or argon gas infused into the prostate gland rapidly extracts heat from the prostate gland. Ice crystals are formed as the heat is drawn out of the prostate gland, which causes rupture of the prostate cancer cells and cell death. Following death of the prostate cancer cells, white blood cells clean up the dead cells and the body’s immune system attacks and destroys any remaining prostate cancer cells.

7. Androgen deprivation therapy This is a form of hormonal blockage by which the male hormone testosterone is lowered to slow down the progression of the prostate cancer. ADT may be used in several prostate cancer treatment scenarios such as palliative therapy for advanced metastatic prostate cancer, treatment for prostate cancer recurrence, treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer or for curative intent to be implemented with other treatment modalities.

ADT unfortunately often has many negative side effects that impact the quality of life and this treatment also increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.

The treatment options for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is a future article in itself. ****** Prostate cancer has excellent cure rates for early detected disease.

Bahamian men can live another potential 20 or30 years of good quality life if they have prostate cancer detected at an early stage and the appropriate management is used. Far too many men are dying needlessly from prostate cancer because of late diagnosis with advanced prostate cancer.

Seek confidential, compassionate and comprehensive prostate cancer therapy and treatment.

• Dr Greggory Pinto is a board certified Bahamian urologist and laparoscopic surgeon. He has trained in Germany, South Africa and France, and is a member of the European Association of Urology. He can be reached at the OakTree Medical Center, #2 Fifth Terrace and Mount Royal Avenue. Call (242) 3221145-7. E-mail welcome@ urologycarebahamas.com or visit the website www. urologycarebahamas.com.

Portion size vs serving size I KNOW growing up and well into my adult life I really didn’t have an appreciation for the difference between portion size and serving size.

The truth is that I regularly used them interchangeably.

However, understanding the difference between the two can go a long way in helping you ensure that you are not overeating, which is an important part of living a healthy and fit life.

So what is the difference between the two? A serving size is a standardised amount of food.

It may be used to quantify recommended amounts, as is the case with Myplate food groups or quantities that people typically consume which is displayed on a nutrition facts label.

A portion size is the amount of food that you choose to eat. Often that can be more or less than a serving. For example, the nutrition facts label may indicate that a half cup of cereal is one serving, but you normally pour your cereal into a bowl which holds two cups.

That’s your portion size. Now one of the best ways to ensure that

HEALTH COACH ETHAN QUANT, CEO OF ELITE WELLNESS SOLUTIONS, HAS SUCCEEDED IN HIS WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY AND NOW WANTS TO SHARE HIS METHODS WITH THE BAHAMAS IN AN EFFORT TO FOSTER A CULTURE OF WELLNESS AND CONQUER THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC. you are getting the correct serving sizes is to measure your food.

Measuring cups and spoons are great tools for making sure your portion is the same as the serving size, however, these tools aren’t always available when you’re getting ready to eat. Another way to estimate your portion is by comparing it to something like you hand.

For example, your fist equals one cup and a medium sized fruit; your palm equals about 3oz of meat fish or poultry. Your thumb tip equals one teaspoon.

Your index finger’s first joint to second joint equals one inch. Your thumb (tip to base) is about 1oz of cheese. A handful equals 1-2oz of snack food a tennis ball equals

half a cup. Now these are just estimates, but they can go a long way in helping you to bring your portion sizes in line with the recommended serving sizes.

• Here are some other things that you can do to help you control your portion sizes.

Read the label The nutrition facts label can help you to identify the appropriate serving size. Have you noticed any changes to the nutrition facts labels? Many manufacturers already have started to adapt the new nutrition facts label on their products and ut will appear on all food items by January 1, 2021.

Eat from a plate, not a package It’s easy to eat more than one serving when eating straight from

the box or bag. Portion out your food first and put the container away before you start munching to keep your portion size in check.

Use the right tools Try portioning out foods with measuring cups and spoons to give yourself an idea of what the serving size looks like.

Small plates and bowls can also make the portion sizes appear larger and leave you feeling more satisfied.

Skip the upgrade When dining out it can seem like a better value to pay 50 cents extra for a larger size. If you can safely transport the food home to eat later then that might be a

ETHAN QUANT

HEALTH COACH good deal. Otherwise just stick to the serving size you know you can eat at one sitting without feeling too full.

If you would like help navigating this or any other part of your health wellness and fitness journey please feel free to reach out to me directly.

• You can contact Ethan Quant at ethan@elite-wellnesssolutions.com or on Instagram at @ ethanquant.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 13

Deonna gets a twinkle in her eye being creative

BY ALESHA CADET | TRIBUNE FEATURES WRITER | ACADET@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET BELIEVE it or not, but Halloween 2020 is only a few weeks away. It’s been an unusual year, to say the least, and it has brought forth some unusual and creative ideas.

Take, for example, local designer Deonna Hall, who has started making 3D skull face masks for her “Twinkle Designs” brand.

They can be worn as everyday masks, for special occasions, or of course for the upcoming spooky season.

“Creating these pieces takes time and precision. I am perfectionist and I like my work to be spectacular.

Therefore, all materials have to be placed properly because every element used brings out the beauty of the product, in hopes to achieve creations that are distinct and unique,” she told Tribune Woman.

Her favourite skeletonthemed mask is called “The Shon”.

“I named it after one my customers who requested an all-rhinestone mask for his birthday photo shoot.

This mask was made with over 1,500 clear rhinestones, studded with gold spikes and glitter gold for the teeth,”she said.

In addition to her skull face masks, Deonna, who is also known as “Bella The Bacchanalist”, also makes footwear. One of her favourite pieces in this category is her “Majesty” design which can be customised to match her Bahamas Carnival apparel.

“First, I covered the boots with black lace.

Then sprayed them with black metallic high gloss paint and sprinkled them with fuchsia pink glitter to give them an iridescent effect in sunlight. Lastly, I created feathered tassels to add movement,” she explained.

During the lockdowns, Deonna said she made videos of her work process.

“I would mix materials and create patterns and textures for custom designs. This pandemic

has brought exposure to my brand, something I was most excited about that. The feedback I have gotten from the customers was awesome.

Persons stated that they have not seen this type of work before and that it’s remarkable. However, I have also gotten criticism on styles I have provided.

Being a designer makes me feel electrified and proactive. Being in my creative zone helps me to cope while facing this pandemic.

In the future I would like to expand my brand worldwide,” she said.

Deonna, a huge carnival fan, finds inspiration in the colourful and artistic celebrations like Junkanoo and the Bahamas Carnival Experience.

As a teenager she discovered and honed her creative talents helping to decorate Junkanoo costumes. As an adult she, decided to become a participant, particularly in carnival parades.

“I have participated in carnival for five years in the Bahamas and four years abroad, and I have met and worked with designers from both Trinidad and Miami who I now call business associates,” she said. “These experiences encouraged and inspired me to do something unique and extraordinary.”

She added: “After designing so many clothing (items) and learning the different techniques and styles, I was comfortable enough to master what I have learned. When I started Twinkle Designs I was unemployed and recently graduated from the University of the Bahamas. Starting a new business was not easy, but with self-motivation and encouragement of friends and family I pushed my brand regardless.”

Skull-themed face masks by Twinkle Design

Simple ideas for celebrating every day virtually (BPT) - FOR most people, 2020 is a year of change. Remote work, social distancing Shift your mindset and more have chalto focus on the lenged people to find new ways to connect little things that with each other. Forbrighten the day. tunately, humans are resilient and their spirit for finding innovative ways to connect is alive and well.

Even as the country reopens, many are still finding the ease of virtual connections to be appealing. In fact, there are many unique ways to connect with friends and family virtually.

Here are some simple ways people are elevating every day and prioritising relationships even from afar: Recognise moments and little things

simple celebrate

Shift your mindset to focus on the little things that brighten the day. You can elevate every day by taking time to recognise the simple moments and special events that make life so wonderful. There’s no need to wait for a big occasion to celebrate! Send your friend a text with your favourite memory of you two together. Write e-cards to family just because.

Decorate the house with streamers to celebrate TGIF and then send digital pictures to friends to inspire them to do the same. Be creative and find ways to make yourself and others smile.

Think outside the box with video gatherings Your bond with friends and family can grow even stronger when you set up

video meetings to celebrate and connect. Fortunately, there are many high-quality video apps to choose from.

Maybe you want to set up a Skype date to play a board game together even in different locations? Propose a movie night and set up a Zoom meeting to watch the same movie at the same time.

Many people use WhatsApp for international connection, so you can set up a family conference call from different sides of the world. Take the first step

and research the plethora of free video chat options.

Host a virtual wine tasting party Cheers to any occasion or just everyday delights with a virtual wine tasting party with friends. This is a fun way to sample different varieties and connect in a meaningful way. Designed to enhance everyday occasions, Flat Top Hills is an ideal choice, meticulously crafted while offering approachable wines that

satisfy the palate and inspire conversation. For a tasting party, select a variety of options, such as a fresh, crisp Sauvignon Blanc and tropical Chardonnay for whites. For reds, consider a rich Red Blend, and a Cabernet Sauvignon satisfies the craving for a full-bodied wine. Don’t forget a ripe Rosé, everyone’s favourite summer wine!

Explore different video backgrounds Get creative with your

setting for virtual gatherings.

Yes, there are times when your living room or deck will do, but other times you may want to jazz things up a bit.

For example, set up tropical decorations and pretend you are taking a trip to the islands, or, explore digital backgrounds that can be added to the technology of your choice. For example, visit https://www.pinterest.com/ flattopwines/flat-top-hillsvirtual-zoom-backgrounds/ to download a virtual Zoom background that features the stunning setting of the Flat

Top Hills vineyards in sunny California.

Utilise platforms

social

media

Social media has been a way to connect with friends and family for years now, but recently with quarantines and social distancing, even more people are using it to connect to others. Share images and captions of whatever is meaningful to you and tag with related hashtags.

Some popular options are #love, #family and #friends.

SECTION A

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

FIRST DAY BACK TO SCHOOL

MOMS SHARE THEIR SET-UPS FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING

BY CARA HUNT | TRIBUNE FEATURES WRITER | CBRENNEN@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET

“I think the most important thing for my son is a routine.”

Y

ESTERDAY was the first day back to school for many of the country’s private schools - a few weeks ahead of the national opening of the Ministry of Education.

It was definitely different from last year’s school reopening, which was accompanied by social media posts of crisp uniforms, polished shoes and fresh hair-dos.

Instead, parents were showing off their children’s new home school set- ups and praying that BPL and the internet would stay on for the new distance learning arrangement.

Tribune Woman spoke with several moms to see how the first day went and what they intend to do to ensure their kids have a successful virtual term.

“I think the most important thing for my son is a routine,” said Sheri. “So for us that means a definite

set-up in a corner where he is not distracted by his PlayStation and other toys.

I definitely want him to get into a habit of waking up, getting dressed, getting breakfast and headed to a work space, as opposed to what he did last term, which was basically roll over in his bed and grab the laptop,” she said.

Malika said her daughters will have to be a bit more independent.

“My girls, my husband and I are all working from

home at various work stations. I went to the store and got tons of items that are easy for lunches and snacks, because if I’m in a Zoom meeting and they are on a break, I need them to be able to get what they need if they are hungry.

I also had to just bite the bullet and invest in laptops for both of them, because with everyone home everyone needs a machine,” she said.

Lashan said she, too, had to make a big financial

investment for her sanity and her children’s education.

Like several Bahamian parents who can afford it, she has hired a professional to help her out.

“Home school was a disaster last time. I have a job that required a lot of attention and I just couldn’t really give that much attention to my kids as I wanted. S, I am hiring a teacher’s aide, who will come in and just make sure the kids are on track so I

Can you be friends with an ex?

can focus on work. And if I do go back to the office I wouldn’t be able to stay with them anyway. So even though it’s way more than I wanted to spend, it’s the best option and hopefully won’t last long,” she said.

All of the moms agree that the “new normal” requires a lot of patience and flexibility.

“I’m sure that we will learn as we go and tweak things, but we are just gonna take it one day at a time,” said Malika.

RIHANNA AND CHRIS BROWN.

BY JEFFARAH GIBSON TRIBUNE FEATURES WRITER JGIBSON@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET WE WERE reminded of one of Hollywood’s most tumultuous romances last week when Oprah Winfrey repurposed a 2012 interview with Rihanna in which the Bajan superstar opened up about her assault at the hands of former boyfriend and R&B star Chris Brown Even though it’s been over a decade since the incident, clips of the interview that resurfaced last Wednesday caused quite a stir online. In the clip there seems to be a lot of affection between the two singers, who were caught up in a domestic dispute in 2009 while on their way to the Grammy Award, which resulted in Chris Brown being found guilty of felony assault.

On Oprah’s “Supersoul Conversations” podcast, Rihanna explained how she and Chris have been working on their friendship and says they are now close friends.

“We’ve built up a trust again, and that’s... we love each other and we probably always will,” Rihanna said in the 2012 interview.

“That’s not something

we’re ever going to change.

That’s not something you can shut off if you’ve ever been in love.”

While Rihanna has not come out in recent times to discuss what kind of relationship she and Chris Brown have today, many fans have been voicing vehement objections to any type of friendship between the two.

Many women are no strangers to keeping in contact with an ex or sharing some sort of friendship with former partners. In fact, it is a very common place scenario.

But under what circumstances would it be reasonable to rekindle a relationship with an ex?

And in the case of domestic abuse, is any type of renewed friendship ever acceptable?

Tribune Woman asked readers their thoughts on maintaining friendships with former romantic partners.

Shandera had this to say: “Anything is possible.

Once you love someone and care for them that feeling does not exactly go away, making it quite

Rihanna opened up about her feelings for Chris Brown in an old interview with Oprah Winfrey, which has resurfaced and reignited heated debates online. easy for people to slip into a friendship with their ex. There’s nothing unusual about that, to

be honest. What is unusual though is being in a friendship with someone who ill treated you. My

question is always, if a person treated you badly when you were together, are they even treating you well as a friend? How is that possible?”

Melissa said there are no circumstances under which she would renew a friendship with an ex who abused her.

“I don’t care how much help that person needed, I would never rekindle a friendship or romance with someone who was abusive to me. I don’t care if they have reformed.

I love myself enough to put a special boundary in place between myself and someone who hurt me. I understand that you should forgive a person, but I know how to forgive and not reconcile,” she said.

Opal, on the other hand, said she and her ex have turned into very

good friends today despite having a relationship riddled with infidelity.

“He was a serial cheater back then and we were both young. When I put our relationship in that perspective it made it easier to forgive and let what happened between us go. I would never rekindle a romance with him though, I’m over him and the relationship,” she said.

Mia added: “I never thought Rihanna actually stopped loving Chris Brown. But I hope she keeps that love to herself and keep it moving.

I believe once a man hits there is a high chance he will do it again. It will only be a matter of time. I don’t care how much counselling they receive, it takes a lot of work over a period of decades to truly change.”

SPORTS PAGE 15

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

Celtics top Raptors 111-89, take 3-2 lead

BOSTON Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (0) blocks the shot of Toronto Raptors’ Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff game last night in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

(AP Photo/Mark J Terrill) SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 18

US OPEN

PAGE 17

‘Jazz’ Chisholm scores first run of MLB career

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A

nother day, another career milestone for Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm.

Chisholm scored the first run of his MLB career yesterday in his Miami Marlins’ 5-4 win over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia.

Chisholm came up to bat with two outs in the top of the second against the Braves’ Ian Anderson. Facing a full count, he reached safely after his grounder was fielded by Anderson but an errant throw sailed high for an error. Chisholm eventually advanced to second.

Miguel Rojas would follow with a double to left that plated Chisholm and brought the Marlins within one, 2-1. Rojas’ fourth hit of the game proved to be the game winner in the 10th inning when he doubled to right centre to score Garrett Cooper.

Chisholm finished the game 0-4 at the plate but defensively, he was the catalyst for both Marlins double plays on the afternoon. In the first inning it was a “4-6-3” double play and in the ninth it was a 4-3 double play to end the Braves’ run and send the game to extra innings.

The Marlins continue their series against the Braves tonight at 7:10pm.

It was Chisholm’s second start for the Marlins, and his debut at secondbase. “I got plenty of work done [at the alternate training site] in Jupiter

JAZZ Chisholm looks on before batting during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 2 in Miami.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) at secondbase and they told me I had a chance to play it. We’ve been working on second and short everyday,

just getting better and I feel we put in enough work to get it done,” he told reporters on a Zoom call. “I feel comfortable at either position. You can put me anywhere on the field, anywhere in the lineup and I’ll be comfortable.”

It was the second consecutive extra innings finish for the Miami Marlins after Sunday’s 5-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay. Chisholm said he has taken to the Marlins’ family atmosphere, everyone from part owner and Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter to the players in the clubhouse.

“We had a small talk, it was really just him telling me to keep working hard, trusting the process and getting my work done everyday,” Chisholm said of his recent conversations with Jeter. “Everyone has taken me under their wing as best as they can to help me fit in and feel wanted here and to keep going with everything in our family atmosphere. We are going to win as a family, we are going to lose as a family and I’m very excited to be here for that reason because they treat everything as family.”

The family aspect of the club has been a sentiment echoed by Jeter since Spring Training in February.

“Guys are understanding that when you go out on the field, you’re expected to compete and you’re expected to win,” he said. “They’re growing closer. You hear players use words like ‘family’. That’s a good thing. That’s how great organisations are built.”

GYM, SPA OPERATORS UNITE TO FORM BAHAMAS GYM OWNERS ALLIANCE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IN a bid to have their voices heard collectively, the operators of local gyms and spas have banded together to form the Bahamas Gym Owners Alliance with the view of getting their doors reopened to the general public.

Under the coronavirus pandemic, the gyms and spas were closed in March and reopened in July. But once again, they have been closed and while other businesses are allowed to reopen, the gyms and spas remain closed.

The BGOA is headed by Dr Kent Bazard of Empire Fitness.

The Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, headed by Joel Stubbs, has endorsed the alliance, along with the Bahamas Martial Arts Federation and the Bahamas Gymnastics Federation, as members.

Other members are Sofia Whitehead, owner of Club One Fitness Centre; Tangerine Curry-Dinnick, owner of Evolve Functional Fitness; Regina Smith, owner of Energy Fitness; Lorraine LaFleur, owner of Gainz 4 Life Fitness; Natasha Brown, owner of Downtown Core

Fitness; Nonny Price, owner of Just Dance; Kenny Green, owner of Better Bodies Health and Fitness; Jimmy Mackey, owner of MacFit 360; Vaklev Bastian, owner of New Body Resurrection Fitness; Charles Johnson, owner of Da Box Fitness; Raphael and Jennifer Whylly, owners of GB Fitness; Demeko Nesbitt, owner of Fitness Connection; Wellington Sears, of Iron Man Gym; Matson Delancy, owner of Da Dungeon Fitness; Trevor Ramsey, owner of Nassau Nastics and Nardo Dean, owner of Bodyonix and Project Manager for the BBFF. “In times of great stress, people who have the same interest often come together,” Dr Bazard said.

“We felt we were not being listened to individually, so we decided to bond together and let our voices be heard.”

Dr Bazard said the alliance has also allowed the owners and operators of the various gyms and spas to enable them to function much better than they did before.

However, he said they are still concerned that collectively, they have not been able to sit and discuss the way forward for the fitness industry with either the Prime Minister’s office or the Ministry of Health. “We have written to both offices since May and we

DR Kent Bazard pretty much have been kept at a distance,” Dr Bazard said. “When we opened up in July, the protocols that were put in place were recommended by us.

“So essential, they took the advice that we sent in and again, there was no discussion, so there were some things that were added, but we were just happy that we were opened up again and so we decided to make it work.”

Every month they remain closed, Dr Bazard said the owners of the gyms and spas accumulate expenses that they are finding

hard to deal with from a business point of view.

“This is an important industry for the health of the nation because we train a lot of professional athletes and competitors,” said Dr Bazard, whose club is located in the Seagrape Shopping Plaza.

“Sports is a major industry in the Bahamas, so we feel as if we deserve an audience on the way forward.”

Curry-Dinnick, whose Evolve Functional Fitness Gym is located on the corners of Rosetta Street and Montrose Avenue, said the members of the alliance group are just disappointed that no one is addressing their concerns on how they can reopen under the safety protocols.

“We’ve been closed the longest out of everyone,” she stated.

“But we feel we can help in the combat of COVID-19 the right way by opening up our doors. We know that they closed us because they feel it’s a high risk with so many people coming in. “But not all of us are commercial gyms. I consider myself a family boutique gym and we are very small. Plus I know how many people are in the gym at any time because there is a signing procedure that they have to go through.”

When they reopened in July, Curry-Dinnick said they were able to properly manage their clientele and with a pool included in her facilities, she said it makes it even more convenient for persons to work out.

“We provide therapy, we provide home school activities. So schools are allowed to open, but I’m not allowed to open.

“We are lumped into one as gyms and so they are not allowing any of us to open. But we just want to have a seat at the table to discuss how we can have a safe reopening.”

Curry-Dinnick asked if persons can head to the beaches from 5 to 9am, there’s no reason why the gyms and spas should not be allowed to function at the same time.

“There’s no answer for any of us,” she stressed. “They’ve classified all of us as gyms and spas and after six months since they first closed us, but we still have high electricity bills, liability insurance, water costs and we still can’t operate in a safe manner.

“We feel we are safer than food stores. We all have done the necessary protocols to get our gyms and spas ready and yet they have not allowed us to reopen like everybody else.”

FREEMAN, MILLER, THOMAS AMONG BIG NFL NAMES STILL UNSIGNED

By DENNIS WASZAK JR AP Pro Football Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Roster cuts were made and practice squads filled out around the NFL during what’s always a busy weekend on the league’s waiver wire.

Several familiar names and players on roster bubbles took turns on the unemployment line — with some finding new jobs.

As teams now turn their focus to preparing for Week 1 after what has been an unusual summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, coaches and general managers are scouring the free agents lists with one big question: Who’s left that could help us? In a nutshell, there aren’t as many bigname veterans on the open

market as there might usually be, especially at the quarterback spot. Some of that might be attributed to the fact teams can keep a practice squad of 16 players — up from the usual 10 — and as many as six of them could be vets who have accrued any number of seasons in the NFL. Other teams are also playing it safe — and probably smart — by keeping players around at key spots, such as the Jets having five total QBs (Sam Darnold, Joe Flacco, David Fales, Mike White and James Morgan) combined on their active roster and practice squad.

Some of the biggest unsigned free agents through the summer ended up finally latching on with teams late in camp or even after, such as Jadeveon Clowney (Titans)

and Logan Ryan (Giants).

Adrian Peterson was cut last week by Washington, but quickly landed in Detroit.

• Here’s a look at notable available players at some of the positions: QUARTERBACKS Blake Bortles, Cody Kessler, DeShone Kizer, Trevor Siemian, Drew Stanton.

Slim pickings here, and that’s not counting Colin Kaepernick, who hasn’t played since 2016. Bortles is just three years removed from leading Jacksonville to the AFC championship game, but spent last season with the Los Angeles Rams as a backup. Kessler, Kizer, Siemian and Stanton all have previous starting experience in the NFL. RUNNING BACKS Devonta Freeman, Lamar Miller, Isaiah

Crowell, Bilal Powell, Theo Riddick.

Freeman had a visit with the Jaguars, but left without a deal. The 29-year-old Miller was in camp with the Patriots, but was cut Saturday. He was scheduled to visit the Bills.

WIDE RECEIVERS Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant, Mohamed Sanu, Hakeem Butler, Quincy Enunwa, Chester Rogers, Demaryius Thomas, Jermaine Kearse, Ryan Grant, Jordan Matthews, Laquon Treadwell.

Brown wants to play again, but was suspended the first eight games of the season by the NFL for multiple violations of the league’s personal-conduct policy. Bryant, also looking for a comeback, had a tryout with Baltimore last month. Sanu and Butler

could find jobs over the next few days after being cut over the weekend.

TIGHT ENDS Delanie Walker, Jeff Heuerman, Ed Dickson, Charles Clay, Richard Rodgers.

The 36-year-old Walker spent much of last season on IR with an ankle injury, but still might provide a team a veteran boost at the position.

OFFENSIVE LINE Cordy Glenn, Ron Leary, Justin Britt, Jared Veldheer, Jonotthan Harrison, Donald Penn, LaAdrian Waddle, Brent Qvale, Jordan Mills, Ted Larsen, J’Marcus Webb. Lots of veterans here with plenty of starting experience all over the O-line. Any of these players could be on teams’ short lists to bring in because of an injury.

CORRECTION IT was incorrectly reported that Marc Taylor is attempting to become the first Bahamian professional cricketer. Taylor is actually trying to become the first Bahamian drafted in the Caribbean Primer League.

Ivan Johnson, the publisher of The Punch, was the first Bahamian to play professionally as an all rounder, English first-class cricketer. He played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club from 1972 to 1975. The Tribune apologises for the error.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Marcell Dareus, Damon Harrison, Ezekiel Ansah, Jabal Sheard, Cameron Wake, Brandon Mebane, Kerry Wynn, Kyle Love, Domata Peko.

PAGE 16, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

NFL: No preseason games could mean sloppy start for special teams

By TERESA M WALKER AP Pro Football Writer NASHVILLE, Tenn.

(AP) — Penalties. Blocked punts or would-be field goals swatted out of the air.

A kick returner weaving his way to a touchdown.

Players racing onto the field for a change of possession looking like a well-oiled machine, or a unit straggling out before the play clock expires.

Worse, a key contributor stuck on the sideline leading to a touchdown.

Coaches around the NFL aren’t quite sure what they’ll get starting Thursday night when the 2020 season kicks off. The pandemic led to the league and players agreeing to limit potential exposure by wiping out all four preseason games, and that took away the ability to hone timing for special teams.

That could lead to lots of sloppiness until special teams players get live work blocking and tackling for punts, field goals and kickoffs.

“That’s the biggest thing the preseason games’ losses mean is you don’t ever get a chance to get that true game speed,” Dallas special teams coordinator John Fassel. “You also don’t get a chance to tackle and block at those high speed collisions.”

Marwan Maalouf, coordinator of Minnesota’s special teams, predicts teams that are fundamentally sound will be good from the start of the season.

He also expects some sloppy play that will get cleaned up as the season progresses. Maalouf says teams either are sloppy early or late due to a lack of good practices.

“I never took a lot of stock in the past if something didn’t go right in

CHICAGO Bears’ Cordarrelle Patterson hits Green Bay Packers’ Tramon Williams on a punt during the first half of an NFL game on Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Patterson was called for fair catch interference. Coaches around the NFL aren’t quite sure what they’ll get starting Thursday night when the 2020 season kicks off. The pandemic led to the league and players agreeing to limit potential exposure by wiping out all four preseason games, and that took away the ability to hone timing for special teams.

(AP Photo/Mike Roemer) preseason games because that’s a learning tool, and now that’s gone,” Maalouf said. “It’s just going to be one of those situations where we have to be on point so much more, especially in the return phases and coverage phases.”

Mike Westhoff, the special teams pioneer who coached in the NFL for 32 years, said he had several current coaches call him for tips on how to best replicate the speed of preseason games during training camp. The man who tied a tether ball to a crossbar to practice punt blocks said the key is thinking outside the box.

“You have to be creative with these things to still get what you’re trying to get because you’re not having

the X number of times in the preseason games to get these guys to cover a kickoff, cover a punt, defend a punt, all the things that take place,” Westhoff said.

Think shrinking the field to avoid wearing players out. Forget using the full 100 yards to practice kickoffs or even punt returns.

Think 20 or 30 yards instead of punting 50 yards or a regular kickoff.

“You’ll never get enough reps to do it,” Westhoff said of using a full field. “You’re going to kill them.”

Coaches have tried to adapt. Fassel had Dallas do a nearly live punt drill Thursday in which the Cowboys ran downfield as close to full speed as possible, only to pull up instead of tackle.

The Jets have emphasised wrapping up, tackling, stripping the ball in more physical drills.

“It does make it tough for us, but we are doing the best we can to try to get these guys going,” Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said.

Tennessee has tried to pressure punt returners as much as possible in practice, surrounding each returner with three or four players so he focuses on the ball while making the catch.

“Not like they’re getting the total live look as a punt returner, but if we can get guys that are in front of him all the time, he’s got to come up and make contested catches, whether it’s with the gunners, or just the

coach, or the other returners that are back there helping him out,” Titans special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman said.

The Raiders have practiced live kickoffs and kickoff returns going to the point where players thud, or collide without tackling and going to the ground.

“I feel like we’ve given them ample opportunity for them to show what they can do,” Raiders special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia said.

The Titans are among the teams with veterans like Nick Dzubnar and Will Compton whose special teams skills make them even more valuable in a year when rookies not only had no preseason games but no offseason programme.

“The ability to be able to fast track and plug and play and play on short notice I think will be valuable this year, particularly with everything going on and not really knowing how the year and season is going to unfold ...,” said Compton, who played for Aukerman and the Titans before resigning August 27. “I do think it only helps.”

No preseason games also will hurt rookies who didn’t play special teams in college and now have no film of themselves in the NFL showing off new skills.

Titans general manager Jon Robinson said teams will have to project and rely on their college scouts to determine who could help on special teams.

That means some players will miss out on their NFL chance.

“You may very well lose out on some young guy that really could for the next five or six years be a key ingredient for you,” Westhoff said, “and you’re never going to find out.”

TOUR DE FRANCE: STRESSFUL REST DAY AS RIDERS FACE COVID TESTS LA ROCHELLE, France (AP) — It was a rest day like no other for the Tour de France bunch.

After nine nervous and exhausting stages that took the peloton from the Riviera to the Pyrenees via a short journey in the Alps, riders would have normally taken some time off yesterday with their friends and families.

But this year is different.

In addition to their recovery routine, the 166 remaining riders stayed in their own “bubble” with a Damocles sword hanging over their head as they underwent coronavirus tests that will decide whether they can keep on racing.

“It’s disturbing, but we need to be patient,” said French rider Warren Barguil, sitting alongside his Arkea-Samsic team leader Nairo Quintana during a video conference.

Even with the video filter separating them from reporters, both riders kept their face masks on as they answered questions.

Tour de France organisers said about 650 tests will be performed. Some took place on Sunday, with the majority of riders being tested yesterday.

Under threat of cancellation at some point, the Tour has been salvaged by pushing it back from its traditional July date to end of the summer.

The price paid for the race to be run is a heavy sanitary protocol which includes mandatory COVID-19 testing for riders and teams staff members on rest days.

All were tested before the Tour started in Nice and have since lived in the race quarantine, making sure they stayed away from fans and sponsors.

DOLPHINS’ DEFENCE HOPE TO BE MUCH BETTER THAN IN ‘19 OPENER

By STEVEN WINE AP Sports Writer MIAMI (AP) — Josh Boyer is such a fan of football history that he can remember when the Miami Dolphins’ defence was good.

One of those times was the early 1970s, when Bill Arnsparger was the defensive coordinator and Miami won back-to-back Super Bowl titles. Boyer, the Dolphins’ rookie defensive

coordinator, has read the late Arnsparger’s instructional book and long admired his predecessor’s work nearly a half-century ago.

“I’m really privileged just to talk about having the same position that that guy had,” Boyer said. “It’s a pretty big deal to me.”

The Dolphins haven’t had a Super Bowl championship defence since Arnsparger.

Boyer’s job is to build such a unit — or at least

OPEN

a defence that can help Miami win a playoff game for the first time since 2000.

It has been a decade since the Dolphins ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in yards allowed. Over the past five seasons they’ve given up an average of 377 yards per game, more than any other team.

The first chance to judge any progress made by Boyer will come Sunday, when the Dolphins open the season at New England.

With five new starters and no exhibition games, the defence is a bit of a mystery — even to Boyer.

“There’s definitely some unknown going into it,” he said yesterday. “It’s really an unprecedented experience this year, because there was no game action before we go out there. So there’s going to be a little bit of ‘we’ll see.’”

Coach Brian Flores declined to say how much his defence has improved

in the past 12 months, but the hope is by a lot. In his debut as a head coach, the Dolphins lost to Baltimore 59-10. They went on to allow a franchise record 494 points, most in the NFL, and finished 5-11.

In the offseason, Miami invested heavily in trying to upgrade at cornerback, where they added veteran Byron Jones and first-round draft pick Noah Igbinoghene, and at defensive end. Boyer

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KLAY’S STATUS UNCLEAR UNTIL THE WARRIORS ARE BACK TOGETHER

By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer FRANCISCO SAN (AP) — The Golden State Warriors expect to have a better idea about how Klay Thompson’s recovery from

was promoted from cornerbacks coach to replace Patrick Graham. The Dolphins believe the changes will translate to better use of the scheme Flores employed so successfully as a Patriots assistant. The roster is now filled with players who embrace his emphasis on being versatile.

“You’re doing so many different things, and it just keeps things fun and keeps things exciting, and will ultimately keep people surprised,” said linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill, a freeagent acquisition. “So I love it.”

Miami is expected to rely on a heavy rotation up front while using a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 alignments.

“It’s kind of like when the offence gives us a different formation, it’s the same thing with the defence,” line coach Marion Hobby said.

“We’re giving them different looks so they can’t always tell who the fourth rusher is. Are we bringing five? Are we just rushing three? So we’re giving the offence a lot of different looks, too, to give them something to work on.”

At linebacker, free-agent acquisitions Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts made such a strong impression in training camp that they were elected captains.

On the back end, Miami will have the NFL’s bestpaid cornerback tandem when they pair Jones with holdover Xavien Howard, whose availability for the opener is uncertain as he recovers from knee surgery. Igbinoghene looked good in training camp and should further upgrade a secondary that allowed an NFL-high 39 touchdown passes last year. Van Noy and fellow veteran newcomers Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah should improve a pass rush that totalled a league-low 23 sacks in 2019.

Now the Dolphins start with a clean slate — and uncertainty.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 17

Serena ‘keeps on fighting’ for comeback victory at US Open

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Her breathing loud enough to hear in an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium, her third-set deficit a point from growing to 3-1 against someone who beat her less than two weeks earlier, Serena Williams scrambled to extend a 13-stroke exchange until her opponent netted a forehand.

“Keep fighting!” Williams exhorted herself.

Locked in a tough fourthround match yesterday, and without the benefit of a pro-American audience, Williams provided her own encouragement along the way to coming back and beating 15th-seeded Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3, reaching the quarterfinals in a 12th consecutive appearance at Flushing Meadows.

“I feel like I’m pretty vocal with or without a crowd. ... I’m super passionate. This is my job.

This is what I wake up to do. This is what I train to do, 365 days of the year,” said Williams, who moved a step closer to a recordtying 24th Grand Slam title.

“Yeah, I’m always going to bring that fire and that passion,” she continued, “and that ‘Serena’ to the court.”

When the match ended, after Williams collected six of the last seven games, she turned and yelled toward her husband, who stood at his front-row seat and yelled right back.

How tight was this contest? Sakkari produced more aces than Williams, 13-12, and more total winners, 35-30.

Williams was two points from victory at 6-all in the second-set tiebreaker, but

faltered there, sending a backhand return long to give Sakkari her fifth set point, then pushing a forehand out.

But as is so often the case, when the outcome was hanging in the balance in the third set, which Sakkari led 2-0 but couldn’t quite get to 3-1, Williams was better down the stretch, when it mattered the most.

“I have to be deadly honest: I wasn’t brave enough in the third set. I kind of like, not choked, but didn’t (convert) my chances,” Sakkari said.

“And if you don’t get your chances with a good Serena against you, it’s done.”

This was a rematch from August 25, when Williams faded after building a lead and lost in three sets to Sakkari at the Western & Southern Open.

It is a hard-court tournament usually held in Ohio but moved to the US Open site as part of a twotournament “controlled environment” without spectators amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Of course I thought about (the loss), but ever so little, because it’s a completely different match, completely different scenario, completely different moment,” Williams said.

In the earlier one, Williams’ legs were cramping by the end, and she blamed herself for that situation, memorably declaring: “I put myself in a bad situation. It’s like dating a guy that you know sucks.”

Asked about that line Monday, Williams joked: “Thank God, I got rid of that guy. Never want to see him again. He was the worst.”

That setback made the American 3-2 since tennis returned from its

SERENA WILLIAMS, of the United States, returns a shot to Maria Sakkari, of Greece, during the quarterfinals of the US Open tennis championships yesterday in New York.

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig) COVID-19 hiatus, all three-setters And since?

She is 4-0 at the US Open.

Williams, who turns 39 in less than three weeks, will face unseeded Tsvetana Pironkova for a semifinal berth.

Playing in her first tournament in more than three years after taking time off to have a child, the 32-yearold Pironkova advanced with a 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over Alize Cornet.

In men’s action, where Novak Djokovic’s default on Sunday left zero past Grand Slam champions in the bracket, No. 2 seed Dominic Thiem moved into the quarterfinals by claiming a close first set and then running away with a 7-6

(4), 6-1, 6-1 win against No. 15 Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Thiem, a three-time major runner-up, now meets first-time Slam quarterfinalist Alex de Minaur, a 21-year-old Australian who eliminated Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-2.

With the 30-year-old Pospisil gone, this will be the first US Open since 2010 without at least one male quarterfinalist who is beyond his 20s.

Williams first won the title in New York all the way back in 1999 as a teenager and now has six trophies from here.

In her most recent 11 trips to Flushing Meadows, Williams has four championships, three runner-up

finishes and three semifinal losses. She lost in the final in both 2018 and 2019, part of a stretch in which she has been to the title match at four of the past seven Grand Slam tournaments, falling just short of getting that elusive 24th, which would tie her with Margaret Court for the most in tennis history.

Unlike Court’s, all of Williams’ major championships have come in the professional era.

“I always compete,” Williams said when asked what about her work in this tournament has pleased her the most so far, “but competing and having a good attitude, I think, is what I’m most satisfied about.”

FRENCH OPEN TO ALLOW SPECTATORS AMID VIRUS RESURGENCE PARIS (AP) — Spectators will be allowed at the French Open this month despite the growing number of coronavirus cases in the country, organisers said yesterday.

Organisers unveiled the health protocols for the clay-court grand slam, which will take place at Roland Garros in western Paris from September 27 after being postponed from its May start due to the pandemic.

“Since the international circuit restarted, Roland Garros will be the first tournament with the privilege of hosting an audience,” French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said.

In accordance with the latest government guidelines capping attendance to 5,000 people in regions such as Paris, the federation has scaled down its plans.

The federation wanted to welcome 50% to 60% of capacity, the equivalent of about 20,000 fans per day.

Instead, Roland Garros will be divided into three zones based on the three main courts, with 5,000 people each for the Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen courts.

The zone surrounding the third biggest court will host a maximum of 1,500 spectators a day. Wearing a mask on site will be mandatory, while all accredited people at the tournament will have to pass virus tests to be admitted in the Roland Garros bubble.

Tournament director Guy Forget said all players will be tested upon their arrival in the French capital city.

They will be authorised to play if they return a negative test and will undergo a second test 72 hours later.

PAGE 18, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

CELTICS ROLL IN GAME 5, TAKE 3-2 SERIES LEAD ON RAPTORS

By TIM REYNOLDS whopping 93-45. Jayson Tatum AP Basketball Writer scored 18, Daniel Theis and Brad Wanamaker each had 15 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Flor- and Marcus Smart added 12 for ida (AP) — The game plan from Boston.

Fred VanVleet scored 18 for Boston coach Brad Stevens was simple: Start things off with an Toronto, which trailed by as many increased effort on defence to set as 30. Norman Powell scored 16 for the Raptors, while Pascal an immediate tone.

The Celtics did exactly as he Siakam and Kyle Lowry managed asked — and put the reigning 10 points apiece. Matt Thomas also had 10 for Toronto.

NBA champions on the ropes.

Here’s what Toronto got out of Jaylen Brown scored 27 points and the Celtics never trailed, its first 18 possessions: five points rolling past the Toronto Raptors on 2-for-15 shooting, a stretch that 111-89 in Game 5 of their Eastern included everything from missed Conference semifinal series last open layups to airballed contested jumpers, along with five turnovers night.

Boston now leads the series 3-2 in the game’s first 8:53.

They were down 18-5 after all and can earn a trip to the East that, and it got worse in a hurry. finals on Wednesday.

Another big scoring run — this Kemba Walker scored 21 for the Celtics, whose starters out- time, 23-7 — in the second quarscored Toronto’s starters by a ter pushed Boston’s lead from

37-25 to 60-32 late in the half. The Raptors had gone 5-for-6 from the field just before that spurt began and seemed to be getting in a rhythm; they missed 11 of their next 13 shots and things got out of hand.

Toronto outscored Boston 28-25 in the third and it already didn’t matter; the Celtics’ lead was 87-63 going into the fourth.

Raptors: Marc Gasol was scoreless and didn’t play in the final 20 minutes. VanVleet was the only Toronto starter to appear in the fourth. ... Toronto is 9-10 all-time when facing elimination, as will be the case Wednesday. The Raptors went 1-0 last season in win-or-else games, that being the Game 7 triumph over Philadelphia in the East semifinals.

TIP-INS Celtics: Closeout games are never easy, and Boston is only 17-21 since 2008 when it has a chance to clinch a series. ...

Boston now has four wins over the Raptors by 15 or more points this season. The rest of the NBA, combined, has one. ... The Celtics scored more points in the second quarter (37) than they allowed in the first half (35).

YO ELEVEN Boston led 25-11 after the first quarter. It was the 662nd playoff game in Celtics history and only the fourth time they allowed no more than 11 points in a first quarter; they gave up nine once, 10 twice.

Toronto’s 11 points tied for the second-lowest scoring quarter — any quarter — in its team playoff history. The Raptors had nine in

the first at Detroit on April 21, 2002.

REMEMBERING BROCK Tatum, a St. Louis native, scrawled “R.I.P Lou Brock” on the sole of his sneakers for Monday’s game. Brock, the Baseball Hall of Famer who helped St. Louis win the World Series twice, died Sunday at the age of 81.

Tatum never misses an opportunity to represent his hometown; he often wears Cardinals caps, and even donned a pair of sneakers this season inspired by the 2019 Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues — who just happened to beat the Boston Bruins for that title.

UP NEXT Game 6 is Wednesday.

Johnson cashes in and finally wins the FedEx Cup

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer ATLANTA (AP) — Dustin Johnson only looks like he plays without a pulse. Beneath his stoic stare and that swagger as he walked the fairways of East Lake were jangled nerves yesterday because it meant so much to him.

The $15 million prize for winning the FedEx Cup? That would get anyone’s attention, especially someone who thought he was rich when Johnson cashed his first tournament cheque as a PGA Tour rookie for $113,571.

But there was more.

“The prestige, for sure,” Johnson said after delivering a key par putt and steady play down the stretch for a 2-under 68 and a three-shot victory in the Tour Championship.

“Being a FedEx Cup champion is something that I really wanted to do. I wanted to hold that trophy at the end of the day,” Johnson said. “It was something that I wanted to accomplish during my career.”

He did it by hitting his stride at just the right time.

He won two of the three FedEx Cup postseason events and lost in a playoff by a 65-foot putt in the other. It all came down to the final day of the final event, and even with a fiveshot lead, it was never easy.

Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas each got within three shots on the front nine. They each got within two shots of Johnson with two holes to play. He never let them catch them, and his only birdie of the back nine on the final hole gave him his third victory since June and the 23rd of his PGA Tour career.

“It’s a very tough trophy to win,” Johnson said. “I controlled my own destiny,

DUSTIN Johnson holds up the FedEx Cup trophy after winning the Tour Championship golf tournament yesterday at Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.

(AP Photos/John Bazemore) but I still had to go out and play well. I had a lot of great players right behind me. It got close at the end. I knew it was going to come down the stretch and I’d have to hit some golf shots.”

None were bigger than the 20-foot par putt on the 13th hole to keep his lead at three shots, the 5-iron safely on the green on the toughest hole at East Lake, another 5-iron over the water on the par-3 15th — the one hole where big numbers lurk — and a wedge out of a deep bunker and onto the green at the 16th.

“This is a tough golf course. No lead is safe,” Johnson said. “The guys gave me a good fight today.”

Johnson became the first No. 1 seed at the Tour Championship to win the FedEx Cup since Tiger Woods in 2009. Now he has his name etched on the silver trophy alongside some of the best from his generation, starting with Woods and most recently

Rory McIlroy, with Hall of Famers, major champions and former world No. 1 players in between.

Schauffele, who tends to bring his best golf to big moments, cut the lead to two shots when both had to scramble for par on the 13th. Schauffele missed his par putt from 25 feet, and Johnson rammed his in.

“He’s here to win the tournament,” said Schauffele, who closed with a 66 and had the lowest 72-hole score of the tournament at 265. “He made that putt. I didn’t. That was a pinnacle moment.”

Thomas made bogey from a wild tee shot to the right on the 17th. Schauffele also had to scramble on the 17th, escaping with par after a tee shot into the bunker. And on the par-5 18th, Johnson unleashed a drive that started left along the pine trees and faded gently toward the middle of the fairway.

That set up a birdie from the front bunker, a hug with

brother Austin, his caddie, and a trophy he long wanted.

Johnson was staked to a five-shot lead at 19-under par — 9 under on his own score and starting the tournament at 10 under as the No. 1 seed in the FedEx Cup. He finished at 21 under.

Schauffele and Thomas tied for second, each earning $4.5 million.

Jon Rahm, the No. 2 seed, closed with a 66 to finish fourth and earn $3 million. Scottie Scheffler, who a year ago was getting ready to start his rookie year, had a 66-65 finish and was fifth for a $2.5 million payoff.

And so wrapped up the strangest season on the PGA Tour, which doesn’t feel like the end at all except for the $15 million awarded to Johnson, $14 million now and $1 million deferred.

The new season starts Thursday. Two majors are still to be played.

DUSTIN Johnson celebrates with his partner Paulina Gretzky on the 18th green after winning the Tour Championship golf tournament.

Golf was shut down for three months and when it restarted, Johnson was No. 111 in the FedEx Cup. He won the Travelers Championship. He followed with a pair of 80s in the Memorial and then a 78 at the 3M Open in Minnesota before he withdrew because he wasn’t feeling quite right.

Since then, he looks like the biggest talent in golf.

“I played with him at the Memorial, and I’ve never seen him as lost, anywhere remotely close to that lost,” Thomas said. “He was putting so bad and playing so bad. But he never gave up.

He was just trying to find it out there and he couldn’t find it again the next week, and then next thing you know, two months later he’s the FedEx Cup champion.

“I think that’s all you need to know about golf right there.”

In four straight tournaments against the best

fields, he had the 54-hole three times and was tied in the other.

He converted one into an 11-shot win. He lost to a 65

by Collin Morikawa at the PGA Championship and to a 65-foot putt by Rahm at the BMW Championship.

He badly wanted the last one, and even staked to a five-shot lead to par at East Lake, it was never easy.

It rarely is for Johnson.

But he’s back on top at No. 1 and with a trophy he badly wanted.

Next up is the US Open at Winged Foot in two weeks, a tough course, the kind Johnson loves.

Still to come is the Masters.

The celebration can wait until the holidays. He wants to keep going.

“I’m playing well. I’ve got a lot of confidence in the game,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the next obviously couple months.”

PAGE 20, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Cleaning firms in ‘ebbs and flows’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net CLEANING and janitorial services firms are receiving business in “ebbs and flows”, one company said yesterday, adding that private contracts in place before the pandemic have kept it stable.

Charles Miller, owner/ operator of Personal Touch Janitorial Service, told Tribune Business: “We are not

getting a lot of calls, but we are doing OK and we are not complaining. It’s in ebbs and flows. We have steady contracts that we would have had before the pandemic started, and so we have been consistently providing services for those clients in the private sector.

Honestly, I can’t complain.

“I know of other companies that weren’t doing too well, but we had prepared ourselves before the pandemic. So when it really

hit Nassau, we were sort of prepared. We were able to facilitate for all of our clients and even get more up-todate, and we started to get more private calls. We were able to deal with those as well.”

Mr Miller added: “Obviously you have to make all staff members have all of the PPE (personal protection equipment), and it’s a good thing we had gotten some because we were doing this before the pandemic, so that

was an easy transition for us.

“This is a little costly because we have to ensure that we provide spacing in the vehicles. We have to now put an extra vehicle on the road so we can ensure that the staff have a little bit more room to manoevere and, of course, everyone has to wear their masks and sanitise before and after each location.”

Mr Miller said he had trouble obtaining all his cleaning supplies and equipment, especially disinfectant spray, during the pandemic’s early stages but these difficulties have eased now.

“As you would know, most of our supplies come from the United States, and when it became a real pandemic in the United States they started to cut back on exports, and so The Bahamas was affected tremendously,” he added.

“With all of our local suppliers there was a shortage of Lysol spray, and that is how I assume ‘Beep’ got popular. This is a disinfectant aerosol spray from Barbados that became popular - it was distributed by Nassau Agencies.

“With cleaning supplies there was a shortfall, but

again because we were preparing, we stockpiled on certain stuff and we never really skipped a beat. We never really lost a step with our supplies for our clients to date.”

Mr Miller said his company has responded to a “dozen” COVID-19 deep cleaning requests since the pandemic started.

Sherry Williams, personal assistant to the general manager of Nassau Cleaning and Janitorial Service, added: “Things have not really picked up, but we do anticipate things picking up.”

‘The fight is still on for survival’ FROM PAGE 24 The domestic aviation industry, supposed to be reserved for Bahamianowned companies only, is just one of many sectors hit hard

by COVID-19. Commercial flights were again halted in August to stop COVID-19’s spread, leaving operators earning revenue in just two of the last six months since the mid-March 2020 border closure.

While some have provided emergency flights, Mr Hamilton told Tribune Business that despite tomorrow’s re-opening “the fight is still on for survival” among both industry operators and employees to preserve both companies and jobs.

“We’re not unique in that many other sectors are also feeling the pinch of this,” he said. “I hate to say there will be more casualties, but it’s almost inevitable primarily because the bills never stop even though the planes have not been moving. There are financial commitments that have to be met.

“It’s not necessarily just the owners only but the

staff and support personnel of these operators and their families, and what’s happening for them. Not being able to carry a full load of passengers is a very challenging situation. You’re now dug deep into the hole. We’ve been in this for six months.”

While Bahamian carriers could fly between Family Islands to avoid the COVID19 PCR test requirement still imposed on New Providence, Mr Hamilton said this would deprive the industry of its “central hub” and main passenger hub.

“It’s a challenge to come in and quarantine for 14 days and take a test behind that,” he added. “Very few people will pursue that. It would be better to stay at home and, rather than travel to New Providence, have a courier do business for you.

“Physical movement is a serious challenge. It’s a tough call and I sympathise with the government, but it’s not making much sense for the aviation business community. Critical in the midst of this is proper dialogue.

There must be engagement and inclusivity. The decisions

must not be made in isolation; they shouldn’t be made in isolation.”

Tommy Turnquest, Bahamasair’s chairman, yesterday also indicated that the continuing COVID-19 restrictions would likely dampen demand for interisland travel despite the industry’s resumption of flying tomorrow.

He also confirmed Tribune Business’s previous revelations that Bahamasair had under-estimated its monthly cash burn rate by 50 percent, as the actual costs it has had to cover in the absence of zero revenue are $7m - a sum double or 100 percent greater than the previouslycited $3.5m.

Denying that there was any attempt to “massage the figures”, Mr Turnquest said the latter figure just covered the already lossmaking national flag carrier’s wage bill and did not include airport fees, leases and insurances. He added that the revision, previously announced by Mr D’Aguilar, had resulted from a “deeper dive” into the financials.

Stocks rally in Europe, US trading closed for holiday FROM PAGE 24

THE Kospi in Seoul advanced 0.7% to 2,384.42

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

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ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE: 2,086.81 | CHG: -6.36 | %CHG: -0.30 | YTD: -144.79 | YTD%: -6.49 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.10 22.65 2.00 1.79 2.46 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

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1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

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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

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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

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LAST SALE 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

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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

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200 76,269

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P/E 14.7 18.7 N/M N/M N/M N/M 18.3 -6.8 36.4 20.3 13.6 15.6 22.6 11.3 15.4 11.6 17.5 19.5 9.6 24.1

YIELD 4.84% 7.23% 1.23% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.85% 0.00% 0.00% 3.22% 3.61% 6.39% 18.79% 1.13% 3.31% 2.84% 3.78% 3.03% 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

MATURITY

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

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

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

while Sydney’s S&P-ASX 200 shed 0.3% to 5,944.80.

Wall Street’s slide on Friday followed a Labor Department report that showed US hiring slowed to 1.4 million last month.

That was fewest jobs added since the economy started bouncing back from the initial shock of the pandemic. The United States has recovered about half the 22 million jobs lost to the pandemic.

In energy markets, benchmark US crude oil

for October delivery fell 70 cents to $39.07 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract lost $1.60 to $39.77 on Friday. Brent crude for November delivery, the international standard, declined 67 cents to $41.99 per barrel in London. It shed $1.41 the previous session to $42.66.

The dollar edged up to 106.31 yen from 106.21 yen on Friday. The euro fell to $1.1818 from $1.1852.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394 Medical Facility Looking To Employ A IMAGING TECHNOLOGIST General Summary: This position requires that individual perform a variety of radiology exams including X-rays, CT scan and Mammography.

Essential Duties:  Will be required to operate X-ray machine, CT

scanner and Mammography machine. Will also be required to follow all protocols regarding patient safety, insuring the correct patient is receiving the correct exam.

 Will interact on a daily basis with all Radiology staff and physicians, patients and patients' family members.

Standard Qualifications: This position requires that the individual is ARRT certified and is currently registered and in good standing with Health Professionals Council of the Bahamas. BLS certification will be an added advantage. Previous Hospital experience is preferred. Must be able to operate CT scanners/ Mammogram machine with little or no assistance.

Must be professional and adhere to the standards of the center at all times. Must be extremely reliable and willing to work extra when required.

Other skills a plus - ultrasonography, nuclear medicine. Salary commensurate on skills.

Please e-mail all applications to – L.carey.csb5mgt@cmp-bahamas.com TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 21

Bahamas must ‘get real’ over tourism re-opening FROM PAGE 24

But while the virus’ spread, particularly in New Providence, may deter some potential visitors, Mr D’Aguilar said the markets that Bahamas-bound tourists will originate from are likely seeing greater infection and death rates than this nation as a percentage of their population.

Pointing out that The Bahamas’ Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, and its health and safety protocols, had “worked the first time” and have altered little, the minister added that contract tracing had shown there were “zero transmissions” of COVID-19 from tourists to locals after the borders re-opened temporarily on July 1.

With no other industry able to generate the necessary jobs and foreign currency inflows that are vital to sustaining the US dollar currency peg, Mr D’Aguilar said the stability of Bahamian society and the economy depends on a sustainable tourism return at the second time of asking.

“We’re going to make this work. We ain’t going to worry about that. We really have to get this right this time. We have to pull the trigger and get things moving,” he told this newspaper of the recommended October 15 re-opening.

“You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that 50

Hotel workers at ‘wit’s end’ ahead of re-open FROM PAGE 24

out what the hotels are planning. The ones I’ve spoken to, they’re thing was probably not before November.”

Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, yesterday gave a media presentation showing that COVID-19 infection rates were either “flattening” or declining in key US visitor source markets such as New York, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Houston and Los Angeles.

“The quicker we can get them back to work and earning a living, instead of relying on government’s unemployment benefits and assistance programmes is of the utmost importance,” Mr Woods added, “getting them back on their feet and giving them income.

percent of our [tax] receipts come from tourism, so we have to get it up and running. This country cannot run out of tourism receipts.

If we don’t get the business of what we do up and running, the Treasury will be suffering quite significantly.

“We have a country to run. There are expenses to pay for, and we cannot borrow indefinitely. We have to get the business of The Bahamas, which is predominantly tourism, back up and running so that the Government of The Bahamas can fund what it needs to do. Nobody will lend you money of you don’t have a business. We have to get real quickly.”

Mr D’Aguilar continued: “We all have to learn to live with COVID-19. That’s the reality of it. We cannot sit in a bubble waiting for it to be perfect. It’s [COVID-19] a fact of life. We have to learn to work with it. We cannot stay frozen in time expecting things will return to what they were. That’s the new reality....

“We cannot go and stay in our homes for weeks and weeks. That’s for countries that have other sources of income. We cannot lockdown and stare at the wall indefinitely. We have to mitigate it, manage and reduce the risk, and work around it.”

The revised tourism re-opening dates, which the government appears likely to accept, seem to be

driven by a recognition that the Bahamian economy’s vital signs will continue to weaken unless its primary growth, jobs and foreign exchange driver rapidly rebounds within the next few months.

Besides hoping that the new timeline will enable Bahamian resorts and other tourism businesses to enjoy some kind of boost over the Christmas and Thanksgiving period, the dates also align with the Ministry of Finance’s economic and fiscal forecasts.

The ministry, which is overseeing a record $1.3bn deficit for 2020-2021, coupled with a $2.9bn gross increase in deficit spending over the three years to 2021-2022 and a national debt that is set to breach the $10bn mark, had predicted that tourism activity would resume in October/ November in time for the Thanksgiving holiday that traditionally signals the start of the winter tourism season.

Another key consideration will likely be that the temporary furlough period’s expiration, beyond which companies must permanently terminate workers or bring them back, occurs at end-September which is also the date when K Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister, said budgeted assistance for individuals and businesses hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will run out.

With much of the estimated 40 percent unemployment rate accounted for by hotels and other tourism-related businesses, an October 15 restart and gradual ramp-up would prove very timely given that workers will likely be re-hired before these dates.

Mr D’Aguilar, though, conceded that the government did not have the power to force hotels to open.

Acknowledging that this was a decision for their private sector management and owners, he added that The Bahamas could not afford to tie tourism’s resumption to the readiness of any particular property.

“We’d love them to announce an opening date as quickly as possible, certainly in November before Thanksgiving,” Mr D’Aguilar told Tribune Business of Atlantis and Baha Mar. “We’ve got to pull the trigger.

“There are a lot of other hotels and a lot of other islands..... We cannot behold the country to these two properties.

They need scale. They have to look at COVID-19 conditions in their core markets to decide whether to pull the trigger.

What happens in their core markets is a difficult call for them.

“We’re just the catalyst.

Those [hotel openings] are private sector decisions.

They drive it. We can only encourage them to do so.

We feel the government

has to take the lead in this exercise and create the right environment for them, but ultimately it’s their decision.”

Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president of government and external affairs, when asked whether the Cable Beach mega resort has decided upon an opening date, replied: “We’ll wait for our president [Graeme Davis] to make that decision. No other comment at this time.”

Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, yesterday cautioned Bahamians to expect “a slow ramp up” of the tourism industry following its return even though she suggested the sector will “see demand for Thanksgiving and Christmas going into the New Year”.

This suggests that major resorts and other tourism businesses are unlikely to recall all their workforces immediately once the borders re-open on October 15, and Mr D’Aguilar echoed Mrs Jibrilu by saying: “It is important that Bahamians temper their expectations of what they expect their tourism product to look like in the short to medium-term...

“We cannot afford to open and then close right back down again. That was too traumatic for the tourism sector, and significantly impacted our relationship with our travel partners.

We need a period of calm, a period of certainty and a

period for those in the tourism sector to methodically plan the measured reopening of their businesses.”

The Bahamas opened to the private aviation sector on June 15, as well as the boating/yachting market, with hotels and many other tourism industry components following on July 1.

However, the ‘second wave’ surge of COVID-19 cases brought back by Bahamians who travelled abroad resulted in much of the sector being shuttered again after just one month.

Mr D’Aguilar told Tribune Business that a slow resurgence of business would give The Bahamas sufficient time to test its COVID-19 health and safety protocols, adding: “We have to work through the protocols, work the rust out of our wheels. We may be going at ten, 15, 20, 25, 30 percent and work up. It’s better to proceed slowly, cautiously, at first, and as we work the kinks out it kicks in.”

Carlton Russell, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told this newspaper that the industry’s health and safety protocols had changed little from those outlined in the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan released in June. If these were complied with and fully implemented, he added, the re-opening will “definitely be a success”.

“They’re at their wit’s end right now. They’re on edge. They cannot go much further than they have already gone. This is a lot for anyone to endure up to this point.” He said the timing of the second effort to re-open tourism was “better” since it coincided to with the run-up to Thanksgiving and the start of the peak winter tourism season.

“It’s a little more robust than July/August/September,” the BHCAWU president said. “With the travelling public knowing the borders and tourism market are open for business, they begin to make plans. People might have been reluctant to make plans not knowing when it would begin.”

However, Mr Woods said the re-opening of major resort properties “kind of dictates” the level of demand and willingness to travel. “If a couple of major hotels are open, that sends a strong signal to the

travelling public I believe,” he added in reference to Atlantis and Baha Mar. “They’re the anchor properties, and people like to see what they’re doing.

If they look to do some things, some of the smaller properties may follow suit.

We were looking to those properties to create a domino effect in a positive way the first time. It went the opposite way. If they open some of the other properties will do likewise and that will give the travelling public confidence in what we’re doing here.”

However, both Atlantis and Baha Mar have yet to commit to concrete opening dates almost six months on from their end-March/ early April closures. Mr D’Aguilar said yesterday: “I have been in a number of discussions with the chief executives of Atlantis and Baha Mar to ascertain what their current thinking is about reopening, and I am hoping they will make some announcements, very soon, with concrete opening dates.

“Naturally, given the enormous amount of

resources required to relaunch properties of their respective sizes, they want to be assured of an economically sustainable customer base when they re-open. As such, they are assessing a myriad of issues, mostly relating to state of the pandemic in their core market, the US, before

they commit to an opening announcement.

“I want to assure the Bahamian people and the workers in those two anchor properties, that we, in the Ministry of Tourism, are doing everything that we can to make their opening a reality as soon as possible.”

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, KEVIN LAMONDE LOCKHART SAWYER of Bitter Root Street off CW Saunders Highway, P.O.Box SB-52490 Nassau, Bahamas intend to change my name to KEVIN LAMONDE LOCKHART. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

LEGAL NOTICE

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 46 of 2000)

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 46 of 2000)

SPORTS TECH GROUP LTD. IBC No. 196357 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

FANTASY SPORTS SHARK LTD. IBC No. 201536 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

That SPORTS TECH GROUP LTD. is in Dissolution under the provisions of The International Business Companies Act 2000.

NOTICE is hereby given that as follows: (a)

The Dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 7th day of September 2020 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted and registered by the Registrar General.

That FANTASY SPORTS SHARK LTD. is in Dissolution under the provisions of The International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b)

The Liquidator of the Company is Sterling (Bahamas) Limited of 2nd Floor, Saffrey Square, Bank Lane and Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

The Dissolution of the said Company commenced on the day of 2020 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted and registered by the Registrar General.

(c)

The Liquidator of the Company is Sterling (Bahamas) Limited of 2nd Floor, Saffrey Square, Bank Lane and Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

(d)

Any person having a Claim against the above name Company are required on or before the day of 2020 to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

Any person having a Claim against the above name Compa ny are required on or before the 20th day of October 2020 to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator

Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 46 of 2000)

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 46 of 2000)

AP INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HOLDINGS, LTD

MINING MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LTD. IBC No. 155952 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

IBC No. 155952 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

NOTICE is hereby given that as follows:

NOTICE is hereby given that as follows:

(a)

That AP INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HOLDING LTD. is in Dissolution under the provisions of The International Business Companies Act 2000.

(a)

That MINING MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LTD. is in Dissolution under the provisions of The International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b)

The Dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 19th day of February 2020 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted and registered by the Registrar General.

(b)

The Dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 26th day of February 2020 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted and registered by the Registrar General.

(c)

The Liquidator of the Company is Sterling (Bahamas) Ltd of 2nd Floor, Saffrey Square, Bank Lane and Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

(c)

The Liquidator of the Company is Sterling (Bahamas) Ltd of 2nd Floor, Saffrey Square, Bank Lane and Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

(d)

Any person having a Claim against the above name Company are required on or before the 7th day of October 2020 to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

(d)

Any person having a Claim against the above name Company are required on or before the 7th day of October 2020 to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator

Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that YASMINE DALEAN, Lou Adderley Estate, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of September 2020 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, GIOVANNA PETERSON of #15 Corel Close, Nassau, Bahamas intend to change my name to GIAVANNA ALBERTHA PETTERSON. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

Position Available An established company is presently considering applications for a Diesel Mechanic.

The position is open to candidates who possess the following qualifications:

Education and Experience Minimum of 5 years professional experience.

Must be computer literate.

Must be knowledgeable about repairing Caterpillar, Mack, Sterling engines etc.

Job Description Maintains diesel equipment operation by completing inspections and preventive maintenance.

Correct equipment deficiencies.

Make adjustments and alignments.

Perform record keeping.

Personal Attributes Must have ability to identify priorities, meet deadlines in a timely manner.

Able to collaborate with other team members.

Must possess good communication skills.

Must be able to multi-task.

Qualified Applicant may send resume to nassaurecruitment@gmail.com

PAGE 22, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

MARITIME REGULATION WOE ‘A CRIME IN ITSELF’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A CHAMBER of Commerce division last night said The Bahamas’ failure to properly regulate the maritime industry was “a crime in itself” amid fears about seabed damage caused by cruise ship anchors.

The chamber’s energy and environment division, in a statement, said preliminary findings of “significant damage to marine assets” in the waters of the Berry Islands was “devastating” and represented a “serious blow” to both the environment and tourism/fisheries economy.

Speaking out after government divers verified that reports from concerned fishermen appeared to be accurate, the chamber unit said: “With regard to the reports circulating this weekend of the cruise ships sheltering in the Berry Islands, the update by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources on the reported damage to our marine life is a serious blow to our environment and economy.

“Although we realise that the cruise ship industry has been a big boost to our tourism industry, this damage to

allowed numerous cruise ships, many of whom fly the Bahamian flag, to anchor in this nation’s waters since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic because their home ports simply do not have the capacity to accommodate all vessels due to the sector’s global shutdown.

Between 14-18 cruise ships are thought to be anchored in the Berry Islands close to several of the industry’s private islands, including Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay and Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Great Stirrup Cay. The government, in response, said it dispatched divers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of the Environment to the Berry Islands to carry out anchorage site inspections in response to the concerns.

“The initial dive, which was limited in scope, clearly

showed significant damage to marine assets allegedly caused by anchors of vessels anchoring in the area,” the government said. “These initial findings necessitate a comprehensive assessment of much of the area between the Berry Islands and Bimini.

“While safeguarding our people and our resources, we have been a responsible partner to the cruise industry and vessels in distress.

However, our first priority is to be great stewards of the essential and valuable marine resources that helped make The Bahamas such a special place in the global community.”

A Carnival Cruise Lines spokesman, when contacted

by Tribune Business, said they were checking into the concerns raised by the fishermen and government statement but were “not aware of any such issue tied to any of our ships.

We file our ship plans regularly with the government and other authorities”. No response was obtained from Royal Caribbean despite this newspaper’s efforts.

The chambers’ energy and environment division said that while the newly-implemented Environmental Planning and Sustainable Development Act provided a mechanism

to seek financial compensation for any damage caused by the cruise lines, the impact could not be overstated.

It added that “reefs are living organisms that have taken hundreds of years to grow”, and are also “the first line of defense we have from hurricane surges and they create a habitat for marine life”.

“This is what brings guests to our country. How this has not been addressed earlier, and these ships have been left unattended by us and left to their own devices, is a crime in itself,” the chamber unit said.

“Items that are missing in our marine and shipping industry in The Bahamas that create havoc to our country, and are available worldwide, are things like designated moorings for large vessels such as yachts and cruise ships other than in the ports.

“Large ships and yachts have tenders to get the persons to shore. Second, ships are not required, from our understanding, to have ‘salvage insurance’ when entering our waters as well as for Bahamian vessels.”

The absence of the latter, it added, meant The Bahamas was financially exposed in the event of major pollution or dumping incidents.

“With the introduction of satellite imagery and drones, these type of things can be and should be monitored. Assuming others will take care of our country and follow the rules is like telling a four year-old to go to bed each night at a regular time and assuming he will without supervision,” the chamber division said.

“The ecosystems are challenged every time this happens. Our laws need to be addressed and strengthened, not polices that can be changed at a whim or every five years. We need to realise what a beautiful country we have, which can be seen from space as this amazing blue, unlike any other place on the Earth and we need to protect it and our economy like it were our first-born child.

“Challenge brings opportunity. We do hope that this devastating blow to our precious environment and our fishing industry results in laws being adjusted or created to, once and for all, protect our country from future disasters and that the laws are fully enforced. To do this we need the budget and resources, both human and financial, to police, monitor and protect our natural environment.”

The veteran unionist and attorney, who is a member of that committee as a labour representative, said: “In keeping with the mandate to reopen The Bahamas and the tourism industry in October 2020, I have been charged specifically to do what is required to engage the expertise of

all trade union leaders.

“This collaboration resulted in the creation of a proposal for a national training programme for Bahamian workers, which was approved by the competent authority. Today, we take great pleasure in announcing the launch of this economic recovery committee labour training programme, scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2020, at the National Training Agency.”

Mr Ferguson added: “This historic training showcases the technical and organisational skills of the entire trade union movement, particularly our doctors, our nurses and our educators. The primary aim and objective of this first phase is to provide training to selected participants who will be certified as

ambassadors, responsible for training all workers in the hospitality and union industries.

He added that all “hotel workers, restaurant and bar workers, side street vendors, cruise ship and airline employees, including pilots; attendants; porters; helpers; transportation operators; musicians; entertainers; straw and craft woodcarvers; travel and sales agents; Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay vendors; fish and conch vendors, border protection officers; Customs,; Immigration; certified security officers and others” will be expected to participate in the training.

The TUC president added that he wanted the programme made mandatory for all workers in the tourism sector and those who have first contact

with visitors.

When asked how long training will last for, Mr Ferguson said: “We have not yet determined the length, but certainly we are hoping that it will be a sustained programme over several months, if not a year, because all indications are that our economy and the tourism industry certainly will not be up and going for at least a minimum of a year.

“We have invited persons from all of the hotels, particularly all of the major ones, like Baha Mar, Atlantis and others. They are training persons who would be their ambassadors, and they would train the other workers as the need arises.

The focus really has been on tourism, and that is where the problem is likely to arise because people are

coming in and they have to be trained on how to take their luggage etc.”

With timelines and training schedules still being developed, Mr Ferguson said: “The schedule is being worked out, and when this programme is finished they are working on the scheduling of another grouping and their qualification, and we will move forward.

“There are peculiarities that exist in various groups, like Customs and Immigration or the hotel workers, because our industry is all we have as tourism is our country. So, it’s important that we put a special focus on that area.”

Mr Ferguson said the government is fully sponsoring the national training programme’s first phase, but did not give a figure for how much this will cost.

COVID-19’s early stages.

Pepin Argamasilla, the John Watling’s Distillery’s general manager, told Tribune Business “things have slowed down obviously after the initial fill-in of the pipeline and once the pandemic hit, but they are there. They are stable month to month”.

“At the beginning there was the initial push, which was to fill the pipeline because there wasn’t any hand sanitiser on the island. So obviously sales have dropped since then because there is plenty of

sanitiser on the market.”

John Watling’s had 4,000 hand sanitiser bottles in stock at the beginning of May, but Mr Argamasilla declined to provide current numbers. He added: “Remember how we were launching the 8 ounce bottles. We have come out with a 16 ounce bottle and a one-gallon refill, because it really doesn’t make sense for people to keep buying small bottles.

“Just use the gallon refill and fill the other container that you have. We also have

spray tops, and what we did was we branded the sanitiser under the Buena Vista estate name, so it is now named Buena Vista’s day hand sanitiser.”

Mr Argamasilla continued: “There are a lot of hand sanitisers on the island, though, and a lot of hand sanitisers that aren’t really made according to CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) requirements. That’s a little bit concerning based on the fact that, while hand sanitising kills bacteria and

germs, it may not necessarily go against the virus.

“Basically the CDC said that you have to make it [hand sanitiser] with hydrogen peroxide, glycerine and above 70 percent alcohol, but I have been seeing some hand sanitisers that aren’t made with alcohol, and made with other natural stuff that doesn’t really work.”

Roman Knowles, Blanco Bleach’s sales manager, said: “We were out of stock for a little while because we didn’t have any sprayers, so we just

got some in and we did a full load and they are going well.

We didn’t have stock for about two or three weeks; we were waiting on the spray cap and obviously those are worldwide shortages right now.

“We made 900 cases of the lemon and 900 cases of the lavender, this is the 32 ounce bottle. They are in stores and they are everywhere now, so anybody who makes an order now will pretty much get them in the next delivery, which is usually that same day or the day afterwards.”

A CRUISE ship anchored out at sea. our marine environment and the fishing industry is devastating and should have been monitored.

“This type of thing has been happening for many years, [involving] not only cruise ships but also yachts and pleasure boats. It is unfortunate that it has [required] devastation of our reefs and marine life, as well as the disruption in the fishing industry (especially as the crawfish season has just started and the income is so desperately needed) to finally bring this to the forefront.”

The controversy was sparked after Berry Islands fishermen, via social media voice notes, raised the alarm that the anchors and chains of cruise ships anchored in the area were inflicting serious damage on coral reefs and marine life as they drag along the ocean floor.

The government has

Union leader says govt approves COVID training

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A TRADE union leader yesterday disclosed that the government has approved a national COVID-19 training programme targeted primarily at tourism workers and all who come into contact with visitors.

Obie Ferguson, pictured, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president, said the “Competent Authority” or Prime Minister’s Office had approved the initiative’s introduction after it was recommended by the government-appointed Economic Recovery Committee.

Hand sanitiser sales level off following initial surge

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN hand sanitiser manufacturers yesterday said sales have levelled off and are now “stable month-to-month” following the initial surge during

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 8, 2020, PAGE 23

SMALL BUSINESSES SAY 85% ARE ‘ONE MAN BANDS’ SOME 85 percent of a new small business advocacy group’s members have been reduced to “one-man bands” by COVID-19 and its lockdowns, its first proposed president revealed yesterday.

Mark A Turnquest, a small business consultant, told Tribune Business that Friday’s Business Survival march on Bay Street had provided the impetus to form a new organisation that will focus on the needs of entrepreneurs, small and micro businesses.

He added that the 242 Small Business Association and Resource Centre will be formally incorporated, complete with Board of Directors, management team and eight-strong committee structure, by November

30 as its members push for the re-opening of nonessential businesses by the Government.

The crafting and passage of the long-promised Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Development Act, as well as a national development plan for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), are among its other objectives with Mr Turnquest describing the Ministry of Finance, Small Business Development Centre and Chamber of Commerce as all “out of touch” with the sector’s needs.

He said the trio all define small businesses as companies with annual turnovers up to $3m, whereas he and others involved with the Association are arguing that micro businesses should be classified as having revenues

of $50,000 or less; small businesses having turnover of between $50,000 to $100,000, and medium-sized businesses a top-line of between $100,000 and $250,000.

Suggesting that the Association had received interest from up to 1,000 potential small business members, Mr Turnquest said many did not have plans beyond October 2020 given the survival challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated government restrictions.

“Their cash flow has failed,” he told Tribune Business. “Eighty-five percent of my small business members are one-man bands. They don’t have employees. Only 15 percent of my members in the 242 Small Business Association and Resource

Centre have employees.

“All who marched and wanted to march have no employees left. They will hire them back, but after September/October/November/ they will not hire them back until January. That’s why they want to cut loose.”

Philip Curry, the association’s vice-president, told Tribune Business yesterday that his post-secondary IT education business, the Cyber Tech Career College, has seen a 50 percent drop in course registration because attendees and their financial backers simply lack the funding due to COVID-19 related job losses and income cuts.

“Right now we are experiencing a lot of potential students telling us they are unable to pay for classes

this year because they don’t have the money or are out of work,” he said. “I would say it’s probably as much as 50 percent. The next couple of weeks will be critical to our survival because most classes start at the end of the month.

“This year we were planning for enrollment to increase before the pandemic started and have a good year. Unfortunately the pandemic happened, and we found out a lot of people are out of work or the mother and father are unable to send their children for post-secondary courses.”

Mr Curry said himself and other post-secondary private education institutes are facing unfair competition because all government grant funding is directed to University of The Bahamas

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

Mostly cloudy with a thunderstorm

Periods of sun with a shower

Some sun with a thunderstorm around

Some sun with a shower

Partly sunny with a shower

High: 88°

Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 80°

High: 89° Low: 79°

High: 90° Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

97° F

87° F

99°-89° F

101°-89° F

102°-86° F

98°-86° F

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° 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: 86° F/30° C Low: 82° F/28° C

6‑12 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 88° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

6‑12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

S

E

W

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

6‑12 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 77° F/25° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 94° F/35° C Last year’s low ................................... 80° F/27° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.59” Year to date ............................................... 39.78” Normal year to date ................................... 25.98”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 82° F/28° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 82° F/28° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

S

E

W

4‑8 knots

S

6‑12 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.)

12:05 a.m.

12:35 p.m.

High

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

1:38 a.m.

2:19 p.m.

2.4 2.9

7:48 a.m.

8:51 p.m.

1.1 1.4

Friday

2:36 a.m.

3:19 p.m.

2.4 2.9

8:45 a.m.

9:53 p.m.

1.1 1.4

Saturday

3:39 a.m.

4:19 p.m.

2.4 3.1

9:47 a.m. 1.1 10:52 p.m. 1.2

Sunday

4:40 a.m.

5:16 p.m.

2.6 3.3

10:48 a.m. 0.9 11:46 p.m. 1.0

Monday

5:37 a.m.

6:09 p.m.

2.8 3.5

11:46 a.m. 0.6 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Today

Ht.(ft.)

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:53 a.m.

7:21 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

11:23 p.m.

12:12 p.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Sep. 10

Sep. 17

Sep. 23

Oct. 1

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

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

H

uV inDex toDay

CAT ISLAND

E

W

(UoB) and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

Calling for students and parents to be provided with grants in the form of vouchers. he said: “Only UoB and BTVI get the grants. How do you fight, how do you survive that? It’s not just me; there’s ten other institutions feeling the same pinch.

“Even before the pandemic we were at a competitive disadvantage with UoB and BTVI. We really need help from the Government. The Government can give students a voucher, and they can take that voucher anywhere they want to take classes. That will help us but sending everyone to UoB and BTVI for free, how do we compete against free?

It’s hard to compete.”

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

L

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

N W

N E

W

E S

S

6‑12 knots

6‑12 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots

WAVES 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

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

business@tribunemedia.net

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

$4.01

Stocks rally in Europe, US trading closed for holiday BEIJING Associated Press EUROPEAN stocks rallied yesterday after a mixed close in Asia, while Wall Street remained closed for Labor Day after turning in its biggest weekly decline in more than two months.

Investors have been encouraged by hopes for a coronavirus vaccine and central bank infusions of cash into struggling economies. But forecasters warn the rise in prices might be outrunning uncertain economic activity as case numbers rise in the United States and some other countries. Some are re-imposing anti-disease controls that disrupt business.

“The question now is whether there will be a sustained unwinding in this frothy market, or if conviction about fresh central bank liquidity and fear of missing out kicks in once again,” analysts at Mizuho Bank said in a report.

One possible sign the decline might be temporary: demand for government bonds and other assets considered safe havens in an extended down market “has not come flooding back in”, the analysts said.

In Europe, the FTSE 100 in London rose 2.4% to close at 5,937.40 and Frankfurt’s DAX added 2% to 13,100.28 after industrial production figures showed a third consecutive monthly increase. The CAC 40 in Paris rose 1.8% to 5,053.72.

US trading in stocks was due to remain shut for the holiday. On Friday, the S&P 500 slid 0.8%. The Dow lost 0.6% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped 1.3%.

In Asia, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.8% to 3,292.59 after Chinese customs data showed August export growth accelerated to 9.5% over a year earlier while imports edged lower.

Shares in China’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturer, SMIC, fell 22.9% in Hong Kong following news that Washington is considering limiting its access to US manufacturing technology.

The company has denied suggestions it assists China’s military development.

The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo shed 0.5% to 23,089.95 while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 0.4% to 24,589.65.

SEE PAGE 20

$4.01

$4.01

‘The fight is still on for survival’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

B

AHAMIAN aviation operators yesterday warned “the fight is still on for survival” despite the government’s move to reopen inter-island commercial air travel from tomorrow.

Anthony K Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that the re-opening made little business sense for the industry given the continuing COVID-19 14-day quarantine imposed on all passengers travelling between different islands.

Suggesting that this will continue to deter persons from flying unless for emergencies or essential business/ medical trips, Mr Hamilton said the reduced passenger load factors and revenues would inevitably cause further losses for domestic airlines.

Suggesting it might make more sense to remain grounded in these circumstances, he added that the

• Domestic aviation restart ‘makes little sense’ • COVID restrictions to continue deterring travel • Association chief warns: ‘Casualties inevitable’

continuing requirement for all persons travelling from New Providence to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test represented a further impediment and expense for consumers in the industry’s largest and most critical market.

“You’re spot on,” he replied, when asked by Tribune Business whether it made sense to re-open commercial inter-island air travel amid the continuing presence of these restrictions. “Just as you were calling I was pondering that right now.

“How does it make sense to work? We are struggling right now. Basic economics: Supply and demand. If there’s no traffic to move, it makes no sense. It doesn’t make sense for the sector to be flying with one or two passengers. I hate to say that because we have to strike a delicate balance between health and commerce. We’re

prepared to work with them [the government] but we need to talk.”

The resumption of interisland commercial air travel in the Bahamas from tomorrow was announced yesterday by both Dr Hubert Minnis, the Prime Minister, and Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation.

“Hearing the minister of tourism make his statement about the domestic aviation sector was the first time in all this that I’d heard him make definitive statement. That was so telling,” Mr Hamilton added of the restart confirmation.

“All the communications have been so challenging.

I’m not certain what will take place and we’re sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to see what happens. There needs to be further clarity brought to this, but this is a wait and see situation.

“We’re taking our lead from the national flag carrier. That’s the best gamble we can take. The communication [from government during COVID-19] has been like you were gambling and it was high stakes. The information has not been flowing, and we’re relying on Bahamasair’s response based on the information they have,” he continued.

“I have an appreciation for what the government is trying to achieve, but this will be a serious challenge for the business sector of aviation to generate any meaningful from this. An individual who flies to Nassau has to pay additional expenses to get a COVID-19 PCR test for his return and quarantine for 14 days. We understand the health and safety aspects but this really is a challenge.”

SEE PAGE 20

Bahamas must ‘get real’ over tourism re-opening

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas must “get real” on the urgent need to re-open its tourism industry, a Cabinet minister argued yesterday, adding: “We’ve got to pull the trigger.”

Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas “cannot sit in a bubble and wait for everything to be perfect” with COVID-19 as he unveiled his ministry’s recommendation that hotels on every island be allowed to re-open on October 15.

Speaking after he unveiled this fresh attempt to revive tourism, which will see attraction, tour and excursion providers given the go-ahead to resume operations from November 1, Mr D’Aguilar said The Bahamas simply cannot afford the “trauma” of a second industry shutdown as he blasted: “We really have to get this right this time.”

• Minister: ‘We’ve got to pull trigger’ for October 15 • Even though Atlantis, Baha Mar yet to confirm dates • ‘We can’t stay in bubble and wait for it to be perfect’

DIONISIO D’Aguilar during yesterday’s press conference.

He added that the government had decided to “take the lead” on tourism’s return despite continued uncertainty over when the nation’s two mega resort flagships, Baha Mar and Atlantis, will

welcome visitors as neither has announced a revised opening following closures stretching past five months.

Mr D’Aguilar argued that “we cannot behold the country to those two properties”,

and wait for them to determine whether COVID-19 cases in The Bahamas’ core US markets have fallen-off sufficiently to allow them to re-open, given that the economic interests of multiple other hotels scattered through the island chain must also be prioritised.

He also acknowledged that the continued surge in COVID-19 cases in The Bahamas remains “a concern”, as this nation now cannot market itself as a COVID-19 free nation like it was able to do with the first re-opening in June. Another 39 cases were confirmed in this nation yesterday, taking the total to 2,585 - including 1,667 on New Providence.

SEE PAGE 21

$3.95 China’s export growth quickens in August, imports edge lower BEIJING Associated Press CHINA’S export growth accelerated in August while imports edged lower as the world’s second-largest economy extended its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Exports rose 9.5% over a year earlier to $235.2bn, up from July’s 7.2% growth, customs data showed Monday. Imports declined 2.1% to $176.3bn, compared with the previous month’s 1.4% contraction.

China’s exporters have benefited from its relatively early reopening from a shutdown to fight the virus while competitors in many other countries still face anti-disease controls that disrupt business.

Exports to the United States rose 20% to $44.8bn despite tariff hikes imposed by the Trump administration in a fight with Beijing over its technology ambitions and trade surplus. Imports of American goods gained 2% to $10.5bn.

The changes were due mostly to lower prices and comparison with last August’s relative weak exports, according to Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics. Evans-Pritchard estimated the volume of goods exported rose 9.7% from a year earlier while import volumes rose 9.5%.

Other exporters have benefited from increased Chinese demand for their goods after growth in the world’s second-largest economy rebounded to 3.2% over a year earlier in the three months ending in June.

Activity the previous quarter fell 6.8%, the deepest slump since at least the mid-1960s.

Exports to the 27-nation European Union, China’s biggest foreign market, fell 20.1% from a year earlier to $35.7bn. Imports of European goods tumbled 29.7% to $22.5bn.

China’s global trade surplus swelled by 72% over a year earlier to $58.9bn.

That was down from July’s $62.3bn gap.

Chinese importers have benefited from a slump in global prices for oil and many other goods due to weak demand caused by virus-related shutdowns.

Fast-growing exports included integrated circuits, smartphones, auto-data processors and household appliances.

That suggests “China still has some trade partners that are willing to import Chinese technology” despite tension with Washington, Iris Pang of ING said in a report.

Hotel workers at ‘wit’s end’ ahead of re-open

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net HOTEL workers were yesterday said to be at “their wit’s end”, a union president said yesterday, with many unable “to go much further” after enduring a six-month wait for their employers to re-open.

Darrin Woods, pictured, the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union’s (BHCAWU) president, hailed the announcement of the October 15 tourism return as “of the utmost importance to getting employees back on their feet” financially and emotionally.

Speaking after Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, said his ministry had recommended that date as the target for reopening hotels and beaches, with tour, attraction and excursion providers to

• Union chief: ‘They can’t go much further’ • Atlantis, Baha Mar key to travel confidence • Tourism return key to reduce govt reliance

follow on November 1, the union chief told Tribune Business that many resort workers are “on the edge right now” after going months without their regular income.

Pointing out that the October/November period would be a better period

to attempt tourism’s reopening compared to the first effort in June/July, as the former includes the Thanksgiving holiday that traditionally kicks-off the peak winter season, Mr Woods said it was vital that both Atlantis and Baha Mar unveil their planned return dates soon.

Arguing that this would boost travel market confidence that The Bahamas’ revival is real, he added that the two flagship mega resort properties tended to influence and impact what smaller hotels did. Reiterating that the union had been hoping the duo would create “a positive domino effect” during the first reopening, he added that their

decision to remain closed ultimately had “the opposite effect”.

“That’s welcome news that the industry’s going to be opening up,” Mr Woods said of Mr D’Aguilar’s announcement yesterday.

“That’s something that we’ve been waiting on. I’ve been told that the [COVID19 case] numbers in some of the markets we get our visitors from are going down.

“Once we’re able to open up safely and get our people back to work that’s welcome news. It’s of the utmost importance. This period has been wearing on those persons. We have got to get it open. We now have to find

SEE PAGE 21