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VOLUME:117 No.220, OCTOBER 13, 2020

HO US E & 16

WOMAN: I HELD MY DAUGHTER AS SHE DIED - STOP THE VIOLENCE PAGES

NURSES ANGER OVER RECRUITS’ NEW ROTA

Shift pattern row reignites after it is imposed on staff taken on in COVID crisis

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Nurses Union could be gearing up for another fight with the Public Hospitals Authority after more than 100 nurses were allegedly put on a shift system that the union has consistently opposed, according to BNU president Amancha Williams.

She said the union will take legal action against the government.

The nurses and the PHA have been battling the shift issue for more than two years.

Ms Williams said between 100 to 200 new nurses

COMPASS Point’s owner has warned staff he is torn over whether to close the resort “permanently” by the end of the year due to his ongoing stand-off with the Government and COVID-19’s fall-out.

Leigh Rodney told his 50-plus workforce in a recent employee message that while his brain was urging him to shutter the West Bay Street property his heart was telling him ‘no’ due to the impact this would have on workers.

Acknowledging that COVID-19 was set to remain a threat through

DAVIS: GOVT NOT LIVING IN THE REAL WORLD

recently received letters indicating they will work five eight hour shifts per week. The shift for established nurses is four on/four off.

“They did this throughout all of the PHA so they had a plan,” Ms Williams said. “They’re going against the industrial agreement.”

Some nurses in Grand Bahama reportedly called in sick to protest the shift condition.

Ms Williams said: “You think this government could afford to shut down any hospital or clinic? So why do you want to put a shift change in the middle of

AFTER a meeting with Pan American Health Organisation officials yesterday, Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis accused the Minnis administration of not doing enough to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

He said the government is “disconnected from reality” in its announcements about the restart of the tourism industry, adding that while the United States has already issued COVID19 related warnings about travel to The Bahamas, PAHO reportedly suggested other nations were considering the same.

“The situation in our country is extremely serious,” Mr Davis noted in a statement last night, after he and his team attended a virtual briefing with

SEE PAGE THREE

next summer, Mr Rodney said the “arbitrary” measures employed by the Minnis administration to contain it - including lockdowns, travel restrictions and curfews - meant it would be “impossible” for Compass Point’s hotel operations to make a profit.

And, having already threatened to close the resort come the likely 2022 general election unless the Government addresses his concerns over hotel industry regulation, he warned that it “seemed pointless” to continue incurring losses until that point due to the pandemic’s impact on business volumes.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

TAPPING INTO THE RICHNESS AROUND US

SEE PAGE EIGHT

COMPASS POINT OWNER COULD PULL THE PLUG

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

HOME

SEE PAGE FOUR

PETER YOUNG: IS THIS THE BEST WAY? NORMALLY busy streets left empty during the weekend lockdown - but is this the best way forward for the country? See Peter Young on page nine.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

$600M BONDS PLACED - AT A PRICE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas and its taxpayers have paid a higher price “than we would like” in raising $600m from overseas investors to fill the Government’s financial holes, the deputy prime minister has conceded.

Peter Turnquest told Tribune Business that the Government’s just-closed international bond offering

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest. had achieved “the best rate we can get at the moment” given the fall-out from COVID-19, near-total shutdown of the tourism

industry and The Bahamas’ “junk” creditworthiness with both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

The 8.95 percent interest coupon attached to The Bahamas’ $600m offering is almost three percentage points higher than the six percent rate obtained the last time it placed such a sizeable foreign currency bond issue in 2017 - a near50 percent increase in the interest rate.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SANDS: WE NEED TO RESET OUR STRATEGY

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net AFTER New Providence and Abaco spent the weekend in lockdown, former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands said the country needs a national reset to deal with the rising COVID-19 cases which are “at least twice the amount” reported.

Speaking to The Tribune in between visiting patients in hospital, Dr Sands said it is clear COVID-19 is now rampant in The Bahamas.

“We need lockdowns only to recalibrate our response,” Dr Sands said, responding to questions from this newspaper.

SEE PAGE FOUR

PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Mixed feelings over lockdown

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS heading into the weekend lockdown in New Providence had mixed reviews about the tough measures on Friday.

With the lockdown looming, the Gathering of the

Eagles Ministry saw a bus load of food packages coming in to feed people.

However when The Tribune arrived, there were no massive crowds or a long line of people. Only a few people were waiting under a tent to shield them from the sun, but there was still a great need among the group.

DEFENCE Force vessels maintaining a blockade of New Providence and Paradise Island to deter maritime traffic.

Larnado Sweeting, 42, has been coming to the centre for two to three months trying to take care of his wife and four children. He did not agree with the weekend lockdown.

“If you locking me down, how am I gonna live? If you lock me down all the time and I can’t come out to get my food, who could give me the food? Where am I going to get it from? Who is gonna help if this lockdown stays like this and what I’m going to do? I need help,” he said on Friday.

“If they shut down this down now, my children, me, and my wife will suffer.”

According to the ministry’s pastor Tennielle Cooper, the centre served close to 1,000 people last week.

She explained: “On Monday, it’s senior’s day, we had close to 300, and today so far. . .because we close at 3 o’clock, we saw about 500 persons thus far.

“A lot of people are frustrated because they don’t have (any) means to provide. So this food initiative came in quite handy for them. We try to be here for the people so it’s more than just distributing food to them but having a relationship with them so we try to communicate with them to help lift their burden.

“We try to assist persons earlier if they come so we’re here and even after the closing time if persons come we have the item we could assist we try our best to assist them.”

Over at Super Value on Wulff Road, no long lines found outside either. Taxi driver Alexander Johnson, 69, said he was “totally prepared” for the lockdown but admitted the uncertainty can be challenging.

“It’s very tough preparing yourself. You never know

SHOPPERS on Friday preparing for the lockdown. what tomorrow’s like. So you prepare yourself yesterday for today although you never know if you’ll ever see today you prepare yourself and that’s what I’m going on now. Through the mercies and grace of God, that’s what I’m going on.”

Since being out of a job, Atlantis worker Trevor Morley’s wife has become the only breadwinner in the home. The resort’s workers have been furloughed due to the pandemic. “I have some finances on the side that’s started to take care of my mortgage and stuff,” he said. “You have to cut back on your lifestyle. Definitely, the limited finances.”

Despite his financial situation, he added the lockdowns seem to “become a way of life” right now and that people have to get used to it.

As of 7pm Friday, a weekend lockdown came into effect for New Providence and Abaco. The 24-hour curfew ended at 5am today since National Heroes Day was Monday.

There will be a weekend lockdown, beginning Friday at 7pm until Monday at 5am, until further notice as the Minnis administration hopes to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

RBDF marines helping to enforce curfew orders.

THE TRIBUNE

Mom dies after being hurt in Abaco car accident AN ABACO mother who was injured in a car accident on that island last month has died, according to relatives.

Britney Edgecombe’s family had been appealing on GoFundMe for donations to help raise $200,000 in order for her to be airlifted to the United States to repair her spinal cord after a car accident in Abaco in September. The family reached their fundraising goal in mid-September and raised the amount they were seeking to $250,000 to help cover rehabilitation costs and pay for medical expenses accrued locally.

However, in a Facebook Live video on Sunday, her sister Telia JnBaptiste announced that her sibling died on Sunday morning.

“First of all I want to thank everyone for their support throughout this whole journey. I just

wanted to let everybody know that Britney passed this morning.

“My family and I just wanted to thank you guys so much for everything,” an emotional Ms JnBaptiste said.

In an interview with The Tribune last month, Edgecombe’s other sister India Burrows said the 33-yearold mother was in critical condition at Doctors Hospital in New Providence at the time, sedated and on a respirator.

She explained that the spinal cord injury was a cause for concern and her sister urgently needed to go to the United States.

“They’ll need to repair the spinal cord. She has a few (vertebrates) broken in her spinal cord….. there’s a special plate that has to be put in to stabilise her,” her 23-year-old sister said last month.

“We found a hospital and they’re requiring us to pay a $200,000 down payment before they accept her.”

According to the sibling, the accident happened on the morning of September 9 on the Ernest Dean Highway while Edgecombe was on her way to work. She had left her home around 4.30am that fateful day.

When she spoke to The Tribune, Ms Burrows said the family did not know what caused the accident.

“My dad went,” Ms Burrows said of the aftermath.

“The police actually came for my dad and they went there. He was there the entire time with her and he said she was responsive the entire time. She wasn’t speaking but she was moaning I guess from all the pain she was experiencing.”

It took approximately two hours to get her out of her car, her relative said.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, PAGE 3

BRITNEY EDGECOMBE

Death Notice For

Mr. Eric Clifford Cates, 86

of Alexander Street, Palmdale and formerly of Rock Sound, Eleuthera, died at his residence on Wednesday, October 07, 2020.

THE BAHAMAS Nurses Union protests in 2018 outside Princess Margaret Hospital over a new shift system.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

NURSES ANGER OVER RECRUITS’ NEW ROTA from page one

COVID? They are taking advantage of us. When you (are) supposed to be compensating us, you beating us. We are still getting bullied by this administration.

You should have the best interest of the people at heart right now but they are still not offering the nurses anything.”

Asked what nurses will do about the matter, Ms Williams said: “Anything is liable to happen. We got to do what we got to do.

We’re definitely going to sue them. They’re not practising goodwill.”

When contacted yesterday, a PHA representative said a press statement about the matter will be released today.

Some nurses now want to take drastic action during the pandemic in protest of the government’s action.

In a voice note shared with The Tribune, one nurse said: “The government is using this pandemic to push their own agenda and force nurses into complying with a shift change and other things that they could not get otherwise. I honestly believe, this is my personal opinion, I honestly believe the time for

talking is finished and it’s time for us to take action because this government is not playing by the rules and the only thing they’re going to understand is when all nurses, not just one island here, or one institution there, all islands shut down right in the midst of this pandemic and let them know that we mean business.

“They’re not going by any agreement, they’re not abiding by the rules and regulations based on the rule that governs how things are supposed to be done…I think it’s time we shut down the entire health system. I know it’s a pandemic, I’m sorry that people are getting sick, I’m sorry that people are dying but the government is not playing fair,” the nurse claimed.

In 2018, former BNU president Jannah Khalfani suggested to The Tribune that with regard to the shift issue, union representatives outwitted top PHA officials during negotiations for the 2014 industrial agreement.

She said PHA officials were ignorant of the proper procedure for changing the terms and conditions of the nurses’ employment.

Whether the agreement is enforceable had been

DIALYSIS PATIENT FOUND DEAD IN CAR A PATIENT was found dead in his car in a parking lot at Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday.

In a statement, the Public Hospitals Authority said shortly after 2pm, a 42-year-old man was found dead in his vehicle in the parking lot of PMH’s Dialysis Unit.

“The deceased is a

confirmed patient of the Dialysis Unit who received his most recent treatment (on) October 8, 2020,” the statement said. “It is believed he may have intended to refill his prescriptions when he was discovered in his vehicle.”

The matter is now under investigation by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

at the heart of a dispute between PHA and BNU in 2018, with health officials insisting at the time it empowered the authority to implement a shift change because both sides signed the document.

He was predeceased by his parents, George Percy and Doris Alene Cates; his wife, Dorothy Jean Cates and by his brother, George Peter Cates.

He is survived by his Daughter: Marsha Cates; Brothers: Maitland Cates & John Cates; Brother-in-law: Paul Bethel; Sisters-in-law: Penelope ‘Penny’ Cates, Daphne Cates, Patsy Bethel, Mildred ‘CC’ Bethel, Sharon Bethel; Nephews: Christopher Cates, Jeffrey (Diane) Lowe, Kent (Patricia) Bethel, Jim (Gaylene) Bethel, Michael (Maria) Bethel, Terry (Evelyn) Albury, Ian (Alana) Carroll, Kevin (Raquel) Bethel; Nieces: Tiffany Cates, Tamsin Cates, Beth (Seth) Armstrong, Amanda (Steve) Mullen, Karen Eldon, Marjorie (Richard) Eldon, Sylvia Bethel, Jennifer (Trevor) Sawyer, Joanna Bethel, Candace (Philip) Strachan; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be announced at a later date.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Davis: Govt not living in the real world from page one

a PAHO/World Health Organisation representative in The Bahamas.

“Since last Monday, in just one week, 600 Bahamians have tested positive for COVID-19 and ten Bahamians have died because of the virus. Our healthcare system is near collapse.

The government has not added enough personnel nor expanded our hospital capacity sufficiently.

“Our doctors and nurses are exhausted and need reinforcements. More than seven months into this crisis the government has still not set up or enforced protocols

to keep non-COVID patients at PMH safe from the virus.”

Mr Davis again faulted the government for “a series of policy errors” when it opened the country’s borders on July 1, saying residents are still paying for these mistakes.

“They did not have enough testing or tracing in place to keep up with new cases and contain the spread of the virus. As a result, a few cases have turned into more than five thousand and growing.

“Our country still does not have enough testing.

After all this time, after all these lockdowns, after all the sacrifices made by

Bahamians, this government still is not carrying out enough testing to contain COVID. That our positivity rate is over 20 percent is proof. WHO requires a positivity rate under 5 percent to consider the outbreak under control. A high positivity rate is evidence that many cases are being missed. When cases are not identified, the virus spreads.

“The government has failed to hire and train enough contact tracers.

Many people who test positive are reporting to me that no one has reached out to them for a list of people they saw in the days when they were most infectious.

This is inexcusable.

“In addition, PAHO confirmed that The Bahamas is behind countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados in securing therapeutic medicines for patients with COVID. This is another reason why our country is performing much worse than our peers in the region. Indeed, we continue to rank at the bottom of countries globally when it comes to our country’s response to COVID. “As we have said repeatedly, our country cannot begin to recover economically until we first contain the virus. The United States has already warned its citizens not to travel to The Bahamas and PAHO

indicated other nations were considering similar warnings. The government’s announcements about dates for hotels to re-open and cruise ships to return are disconnected from reality.

“Things could not be more serious. We urge the government to change course.”

The PLP has repeatedly called for expanded, free testing for Bahamians.

Meanwhile on Friday, Public Hospitals Authority officials said that due to the limited number of beds and space and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within Princess Margaret Hospital, areas of PMH have been repurposed

to accommodate persons seeking care.

Among the areas included in this exercise is the food court in the Critical Care Block (CCB) which is being used to triage patients seeking emergency care. Patients requiring further intervention are provided assessment in the Emergency Room.

Other areas of the hospital that have been repurposed since the onset of the pandemic in March this year include the old General Practice Clinic, the Legacy Modular Unit, Private Surgical Ward, Maternity Day Unit, Private Medical Ward and Medical/Surgical Ward.

CASES PASS 5,000 MARK

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

EXPOSED MINISTERS TEST NEGATIVE

ALL government ministers who were directly exposed to Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira on September 29 have tested negative for COVID-19.

According to a statement from the Cabinet Office on Friday, as a protective measure and in keeping with established health protocols, those ministers will continue to self-quarantine.

Ministers are all working remotely and continue to be fully engaged with their ministries, the statement said.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was not directly exposed to Mr Ferreira and was not required to quarantine, the Cabinet Office said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister was tested for COVID-19.

He has also tested negative,” the statement said.

On September 29, St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19.

He told a local daily he was possibly exposed to the virus at the Office of the Prime Minister during Mr Ferreira’s report to the nation a week prior to his diagnosis.

OFFICIAL COVID-19 figures surged to 5,163 over the holiday weekend, with New Providence leading the way with 3,937 diagnosed cases.

On Friday, cases jumped by 91 bringing the total at that time to 4,955.

The Ministry of Health also confirmed three more COVID-19 related deaths on Friday, while one new death was under investigation.

On Saturday, confirmed cases rose by 68 and tipped the total count over the five thousand mark to 5,023.

Fifty-five more cases were added on Sunday — all from New Providence.

Yesterday, 85 more cases were recorded, bringing the total to 5,163 while the death of an 86-yearold New Providence man on October 11 pushed the death toll to 108.

Deaths announced on Friday were a 71-year-old man and a 66-year old man, both from New Providence, who died on October 8.

A 58-year-old New Providence woman who died on October 9 is also included in the COVID-19 death toll.

Officials also said that a 33-year-old New Providence woman who died on September 30 and was initially classified as a nonCOVID death on October 2 has since been reclassified as a COVID related death.

On Sunday, officials said a 63-year-old New Providence man who died on October 11 had been added to the official death toll.

There are 14 deaths under investigation.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis put the islands of New Providence and Abaco on lockdown over the holiday weekend due to these islands’ rapidly rising cases. Bahamians have mixed emotions regarding the lockdowns.

The Tribune spoke to some of them to get their views.

Yvette Taylor, a school teacher feels the lockdowns are ineffective.

“I really don’t appreciate being locked up again,” said Ms Taylor. “What concerns me most of all is that I am seeing all sorts of videos coming in from the islands with people partying and fighting and carrying on and (hardly) a one of them have on any mask or staying away from each other.

“So they (may) spread COVID on the island and then they are going to travel to Nassau and spread it and the cycle will start all over again. So it makes no sense locking up people who are going to interact again with travelers who have it.”

Elizabeth Pierre works in a church office. She supports the lockdowns and feels that Bahamians are just not giving them a fair chance.

“We need to really listen to what the prime minister is saying,” she explained.

“I trust him and his team because he is a doctor and

some of the best work with him. If we truly comply with what he is saying then we will see the difference in our numbers. If we continue to be out there not complying with what is asked of us, then those preventative measures will come to naught and we will see the virus continue to spread.

“The Bahamas, unfortunately, has become a very, unruly place. No one seems to respect authority anymore.

It seems to be a free for all.

Do whatever you want and let someone else deal with the consequences. This is exactly what is happening now with young people and the spread of COVID-19.”

Laury Newbold, a retiree, has a different outlook.

She said if the rules in the emergency orders were being enforced by law enforcement, then COVID numbers would drop.

“Firstly, we have to accept the fact that as much as we want to see it disappear, COVID is going to be around for some time,” said Ms Newbold. “Secondly, in my circles, we talk about all kinds of people out there who continue on as if we are not in a pandemic at all.

They act as though nothing is going on and they have their constant parties with no mask and stuff like that.

These people are breaking the current laws, so why are they not being locked up?

“We, as a country, need to get serious. Until we do, then COVID will continue to dominate. Enforce the COVID laws and the numbers will be lowered.”

SANDS: WE NEED TO RESET OUR STRATEGY from page one

“It is clear that COVID19 cases are rampant.

Having reached the unfortunate 5,000 confirmed case threshold and acknowledging that the actual number of cases is at least twice that amount, we need a national reset.”

In recent times, Dr Sands has spoken out against the Minnis administration for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and has questioned putting sweeping powers in the hands of the competent authority, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

He also recently said he did not support extending the country’s state of emergency to October 31.

Just last month Dr Sands said notwithstanding the hard work and noble efforts, the nation is “not winning this battle” against COVID-19. Dr Sands was also adamant that testing was inefficient to justify fully reopening the country.

At that time The Bahamas ranked 36 out of 215 countries and territories around the world in cases of the coronavirus per capita.

As of yesterday there were just over 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in The Bahamas and 107 deaths.

Dr Sands said diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is critical to tracking the virus, understanding the epidemiology, informing case management and suppressing case transmission.

Asked how long he

DR DUANE SANDS MP thinks it will be before medical officials see a drop in the number of cases in the country, Dr Sands could not give a definitive answer.

“How long? It is difficult to say,” he responded. “We are likely to see more cases and deaths unless there is a national buy-in to a clearly articulated policy and plan.

“What we need is a plan for a safe Bahamas that embraces best practices in commerce, education, trade etcetera. Such an approach would require general consultation and consensus or at least compromise. Those conversations are not happening enough.”

Prime Minister Minnis accepted the controversial resignation of Dr Sands in May of this year.

It came after Dr Sands, along with others, allowed six permanent residents who landed in the country with COVID-19 testing supplies to quarantine at

home before they produced a negative COVID-19 test result.

Former Minister of Transport Renward Wells, a mechanical engineer, has since taken up the charge to lead the Ministry of Health.

In late September, The Tribune reported that the true number of COVID19 cases in The Bahamas is estimated to be many times higher than the confirmed tally, according to three international groups that have created epidemiological models of the virus.

The models of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the Imperial College London (ICL) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) offer different estimates but reach the same conclusion: the number of COVID19 cases in the country far exceeds the confirmed number of cases.

THE TRIBUNE

POINTE’S CHINESE WORKERS FLY HOME

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net TWO hundred and seventy-eight Chinese nationals, including more than 100 former workers of The Pointe, travelled to China on Friday as the West Bay Street development nears completion, according to Chinese counsellor Haigang Yin. He said yesterday: “CCA, the company who is running The Pointe project, arranged the transfer flight for late Friday which brought more than 100 Chinese workers and more than 100 Chinese nationals to China.

“Altogether, 278 Chinese were taken back to China. This was done because on the one hand the project is almost completed. More than 100 have finished their job here and some of them have been delayed for a month in returning to China. The other Chinese nationals want to go back to China for a period of time so the Chinese Embassy together with CCA organised the charter flight. The Pointe is very close to its

final completion. Several dozen workers and managers have stayed in The Bahamas for the final completion.”

Videos of scores of Chinese nationals wearing hazmat suits at Lynden Pindling International Airport ahead of their trip to China circulated online over the weekend.

“Several hundred Chinese nationals are working in The Bahamas,” the counsellor also said, “either in Chinese companies or hired by other businesses like restaurants and supermarkets. Chinese nationals typically travel between China and The Bahamas from time to time but because of the pandemic they did not travel back to China since earlier this year and some expressed their desire to go back so that’s why we worked on that arrangement of a China flight.”

In early September, more than 100 Chinese workers demonstrated in front of the Chinese Embassy, expressing their desire to go home as soon as possible.

The workers, wearing hardhats and construction vests, declined to be interviewed.

At the time, Mr Yin said the Chinese Embassy and China Construction America were doing their best to arrange the workers’ return to China, including coordinating a chartered flight in the near future.

China Construction America broke ground on The Pointe development on August 6, 2015. Seen as a vehicle to rejuvenate the downtown area, the resort development will feature a residential complex and many other amenities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration announced on Friday that the government repatriated 21 Chinese nationals at 8.09pm. The group consisted of 13 men and eight women who left LPIA on board Gulliv Air Flight 702 en route to Sophia, Bulgaria then onward to Yong Zhou, China.

“All passengers met international travel requirements, inclusive of COVID-19 negative tests conducted at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. It is anticipated that additional similar exercises are forthcoming,” the Department of Immigration said.

COVID LIMITS SHOW NEED FOR FREEPORT CANCER CENTRE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE inability of cancer patients to receive oncology care during the COVID19 pandemic due to travel restrictions and the lockdown has highlighted the urgent need again for an oncology centre in Freeport.

Grand Bahama cancer patients that travel to New Providence for chemotherapy at Princess Margaret Hospital were unable to do so during the five-month shutdown imposed in early March through July 1.

Portia Ebrahim, president of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas in Grand Bahama, indicated that the absence of oncology services and care in Freeport is a big concern for cancer patients.

While speaking at a recent Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Zoom meeting in light of Breast Cancer Month, she called on Rotarians to help bring attention to this urgent matter.

“Recently, during the COVID-19 lockdown, we encountered challenges as cancer patients here in GB with not being able to have our treatments done due to no flights,” she said.

And so, it made our immediate circle more aware of our plight as cancer patients being unable to receive treatment and care at the oncology center in Nassau at PMH for public patients.”

Ms Ebrahim – who was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) in April 2019 - had a mastectomy in May last year and began chemotherapy last July. She completed her chemo treatments in January and is currently on a hormonal-targeted treatment.

She stated it had been a difficult situation for her and other patients from Grand Bahama that have to travel into Nassau for treatments.

“We had a long trying battle with trying to maintain our treatments, and so we are pushing the idea for an oncology center here in GB, especially for the northern Bahamas,” said Ms Ebrahim.

“We are in need of an oncology centre. I have made a request and spoken to members of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and I have sent an official request to the president of the Port Authority requesting assistance with a possible location, a building for a

cancer unit here in Freeport,” she said.

Although she has not gotten a response as yet, Ms Ebrahim said that she is not going to give up on that idea.

The Cancer Society, said Ms Ebrahim, has also made an appeal to the previous and the current government again asking for assistance.

According to statistics, Grand Bahama has the highest cancer rates in the country.

Ms Ebrahim said it is expensive for cancer patients to travel to New Providence for treatment.

To cut costs, Ms Ebrahim goes in the morning and returns on the same day.

When asked the cost of treatment, Ms Ebrahim said it varies between $7,000 to $30,000 for public patients, depending on the treatment.

In June 2017, then Health Minister Duane Sands said that a cancer treatment centre would be created in Grand Bahama so patients can receive chemotherapy on the island instead of having to go to New Providence.

Dr Sands, who has since resigned from the post, had indicated at the time that cancer services would be available on the island before the end of the year.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, PAGE 5

SOME of the Chinese workers who staged a protest last month.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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Is this really the time for a battle with nurses?

IT seems like some disputes never go far away – even in a pandemic.

The Bahamas Nurses Union and the Public Hospitals Authority are getting ready to go toe-to-toe – again – over a shift system for nurses.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is a dispute that has been rumbling on for more than two years. The pandemic – and the rush to acclaim healthcare professionals for all they are doing for us in the fight against COVID-19 – seemed to have muted matters, but here we are again.

Newly hired nurses have received letters saying they will work five eight-hour shifts per week. This runs against the current standard of four on, four off.

“Why do you want to put a shift change in the middle of COVID?” asked nursing union president Amancha Williams, “They are taking advantage of us. When you (are) supposed to be compensating us, you beating us.”

Another note from a nurse said the government is “using this pandemic to push their own agenda”.

It does seem like the worst time possible to be bringing disruption to the medical system or causing resentment among workers who are risking their lives simply by being at work inside a hospital during this outbreak.

It also comes as the government is trying to raise money through a bond placement that will – in the absence of much income through taxation right now – keep the lights on and keep paying those nurses. There surely isn’t going to be much wiggle room for compensation for nurses to settle any ongoing dispute.

Now the PHA, it would seem, are mostly aiming this at new nurses – but one doesn’t have to look too far into the future to see that operating two separate shift systems at once doesn’t look wise in the long term. What’s coming for new nurses would appear to be a sign of things to come.

Still, we have not yet heard from the PHA on this and they will have their own perspective on why this is necessary.

Right now, we would hope the main goal is to ensure the best possible way to continue battling COVID-19.

Indeed, anything less than that goal right now would be very curious indeed.

Compass Point lacks direction

Speaking of old disputes, the owner of Compass Point is back with his customary growls and demands.

He’s written to staff telling them that he isn’t sure whether to shut down his business or not. What the staff are meant to do with this nugget of information is beyond us, but given how long Leigh Rodney has been threatening to shut down the property, we would hope they have long had their resumes updated.

Previously, Mr Rodney has threatened to close down come the 2022 election unless the government addresses his concerns about regulation of the hotel industry. He has received fairly short shrift from the government about such demands. Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has pointedly kept his distance from the whole matter, though he has previously described Mr Rodney’s closure threats as “completely out of line”.

For his part now, Mr Rodney says that it “seemed pointless” to continue incurring losses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic – especially with the virus “likely going to continue through next summer”.

Mr Rodney is far from alone in dealing with the trials and tribulations of the current time, though he seems to complain the loudest.

That said, we do hope he doesn’t throw the towel in – Compass Point is a landmark on the Bahamian scene, and we wish it the best of luck in the future.

But if he does, we hope he finds a buyer who will make the most of the location – without, please, quite so much noise.

All hail our heroes EDITOR, The Tribune.

ON NATIONAL Heroes Day, 2020, as well as congratulating those receiving national awards, I salute the thousands of Bahamian COVID-19 front line workers, who continue to give selflessly, including those who have lost their lives because of COVID-19.

Their sacrifices can give us pause to rediscover what it means to advance the common good.

We are living the balance between individual rights and collective responsibility. Spiritual leaders, including those of all religions, continue to implore humankind on the responsibility of being our brother’s keeper.

The front line workers, I hesitate to list categories in case I miss any, rose to the occasion.

Before we knew about asymptomatic and aerosolised spread, they were on the front line. With limited access to free testing and no guarantee of a vaccine, they are still on the front line. They are responding to the call to be our brother’s keeper. In doing so, they are keeping our community functioning.

This is what Bahamians do, face and conquer challenges. It would be wonderful to salute those who lost their lives by having a space, where their names could be recorded, and their service remembered.

What can we do to say thank you and to be our brother’s keeper?

Even while knowledge of the virus is evolving, scientists confirm that a few things work: (1) properly wear your mask whenever you leave your home and encourage people whom you meet to properly wear their masks too; (2) frequently wash your hands and sanitise cell phones, remotes, door knobs, light switches and other surfaces; (3) if you can, work from home, leaving home only when necessary; (4) encourage the young people in your house to stay home; and when you or they go out, (5) while properly wearing your mask, stay six feet or more away from people whom you meet. When we think about it, doing these things is getting back to basics.

These actions work.

They save lives. They will decrease new COVID19 cases. They will enable hotels, restaurants and other facilities to safely open so that we can move to sustained economic growth.

If everyone does these five things, as well as being our brother’s keeper, we will be: showing the world that the warmth and generosity of the Bahamian spirit is alive and well; rebuilding The Bahamas; and, saying thank you to those, on the front line, who gave their lives and those who continue to serve on the front line.

Thank you to all front line workers who serve, without seeking recognition or reward, and thank you to all front line workers who have lost their lives. You exemplify national service.

National Heroes Day 2020 is a time to acknowledge those who daily make sacrifices and for introspection, and action, on what each of us can do, all of which advance the common good.

ALLYSON GIBSON Nassau, October 12, 2020,

Begin with the end in mind EDITOR, The Tribune.

TODAY’S date is 10/10/2020 – there must be some significance in those numbers. I had several topics already prepared to write several Letters to the Editor this weekend, but was drawn to a facebook post instead to start the ball rolling.

Yesterday, I read several online posts and a newspaper article pertaining to Tin Ferl, a group of young, enthusiastic creatives who had started a legitimate entrepreneurial endeavour earlier this year in the form of a pop up food market at The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts’ open air parking area on Mackey Street.

This wonderful collaboration of small businesses has been quite successful and was growing in popularity, providing honest work and income for all involved, especially during these difficult times.

On Thursday, the Tin Ferl vendors were subjected to closure by the police, apparently because they were in breach of the covid-19 emergency orders, although they had been operating for several months. This unexpected closure resulted in extensive and understandable outrage by members of the public, in the local media as well as over social media. I myself sent a note expressing my bewilderment at the news and asking for clarification.

The impetus for this letter resulted from this encouraging update from Mr Marlon Johnson, Acting Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance which

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net stated: Yesterday, the organizer and select vendors met with the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) to discuss how to execute the event within the parameters of the laws and regulations.

Many of the vendors at the location did not have the appropriate license to sell food, other than from their homes. To sell food from a mobile location there are additional health and sanitation requirements.

Vendors will be issued with the appropriate provisional licenses this weekend to allow them to open up again on Tuesday. The provisional license will give them the time to get their full proper licenses while they remain open.

The DIR will work with the relevant public agencies and the SBDC to ensure that they get the attention necessary to get their full licenses – and to see where they may be able to qualify for grant or loan financing to enhance or expand their businesses.

My question is simply this: Why can’t the various government agencies get their act together and avoid so much unnecessary stress and confusion? Hence the title of this letter: “Begin with the end in mind” (a brilliant phrase that I was introduced to by the erudite educator, Marva Collins). If the police had asked this question of themselves, bearing in mind that these vendors had been operating

for months without interruption and were certainly not criminals or repeat offenders ‘known to the police’ - what do you imagine would have been their answer?

Instead their actions unceremoniously disrupted, discouraged, and disenfranchised a group of honest, enthusiastic, licensed, hardworking Bahamians, shattered their confidence in the ‘rule of law’ as well as their rights as Bahamians in their own country! This whole incident was a travesty and could have easily been avoided.

Had the authorities taken one moment to pause, think, and exercise common sense, they would have spoken to the organizers first, given them fair warning that they were in breach of the emergency orders, explained why, and encouraged them to immediately contact the relevant authorities at the Business License office to ensure their compliance.

Mr Johnson’s intervention in response to the tirade of negativity in the press and on social media would have been unnecessary, and this one simple step of exercising human decency would have left everyone with a smile, business as usual, and even greater respect for law and order. Would not this have been the better ‘end in mind’?

An apology would be in order as an example of that decency - it would certainly help to bridge that gap – but we shall see.

PAM BURNSIDE Nassau, October 10, 2020

Help our girls EDITOR, The Tribune.

I FULLY understand that every child has the right to education, yet there are many barriers to learning, particularly for girls who are the most vulnerable.

Worldwide, 262 million children and youth, of whom 130 million are girls, are denied education. This is due to gender discrimination, disability, conflict, natural disaster and a lack of government spending.

I strongly believe that structures and systems that

disadvantage and stop girls and children from learning and getting prepared for dynamic and unknown future should be eradicated and permanently removed.

Some girls are exposed to early marriages and forced child marriages. Some children experience the horrific female genital mutilation (FGM) which is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

It’s also known as female circumcision or cutting. It can be extremely dangerous

and can cause severe pain, shock, bleeding, infection such as tetanus, HIV and hepatitis B and C, organ damage, blood loss and infections, death in some cases. Politicians and religious leaders should use their positions and influence to educate the society on the health and psychological effect of the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

HANDSEN CHIKOWORE United Kingdom, October 11, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, PAGE 7

HANDFUL OF ARRESTS - BUT EIGHT HURT IN EXUMA BOAT ACCIDENT

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net POLICE reported only a handful of arrests over the holiday weekend when both the capital and Abaco were in lockdown to help stem the rise in COVID-19 cases.

According to police press liaison officer, ASP Audley Peters, Bahamians mostly complied with the lockdown that took place from 7pm on Friday until this morning at 5am.

“Members of the community basically complied with the curfew orders,” said ASP Peters. “There were six persons arrested; four females and two males. They broke the curfew order by being on

the road with no genuine reason for being on the road. So for the most part, everyone complied with the order.”

In other news, police also reported that they are investigating an Exuma boating accident that occurred on Saturday and resulted in eight people being injured.

“Shortly after 8pm on Saturday, officers at the George Town Police Station received information that a boating accident took place in the area of Buck Cay, Exuma,” a police crime report noted.

“The vessel, which had a crew of three and 19 passengers aboard collided with a reef resulting in several persons being injured.

The passengers and crew

Bid to tackle migration and health issues in the region

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net THE Pan American Health Organisation and the International Organisation for Migration signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to strengthen cooperation on health and migration in the Americas.

Details of this agreement support the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and also ensure progress towards universal access to health and universal health coverage, leaving no migrant behind.

Officials said migrants often face barriers to accessing healthcare, a situation exacerbated by the current coronavirus pandemic.

“Signing this agreement means two fundamental things,” said Antonio Vitorino, IOM director general. “It’s an MOU based on the great work that we have already developed in the field. We are the officials of protection and safeguarding of human rights. It also means a commitment for the future. A commitment of sharing values and being engaged to guarantee full access to healthcare for migrants, refugees and displaced people.

“This initially, will bring together governments, UN nations, civil society, implementing partners across the region of Latin America and the Caribbean and the cross sections and disciplines to address migrant

health issues associated with rapidly changing and increasingly diverse societies. We will act as one UN and will definitely leave no one behind.”

Dr Carissa F Etienne, PAHO director, said, “Migrants are often exposed to diverse social, environmental and economic factors that jeopardise their physical and mental wellbeing.

“Migrants face challenges at every stage of the migration process. Transitioning through countries, their health security is often threatened. They often face stigma and discrimination as they seek the most basic care and treatment, food or shelter.

“They face the most important (barrier) which impacts access to health. In recipient countries administrative barriers impede access and coverage in essential services with safety nets often excluding the migrant population from accessing social services and protection mechanisms. I dare say that this situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic where as of today there have been more than 18.5 million cases and more than 580,000 deaths.”

Dr Virtornio said when a COVID-19 vaccine is made available, it is absolutely necessary to guarantee equal and fair access to all countries and all groups that populate the world. He said it might be a gigantic task, but PAHO and IOM must guarantee that nobody is excluded from benefiting from the vaccine.

MAN ACCUSED OF EXTORTION A 51-YEAR-OLD man was charged with extortion by a public officer on Friday.

It is alleged that on August 25, Hiram Cox, an employee of the Department of Inland Revenue, extorted a man by demanding $10,000 despite knowing

that he was not lawfully authorised to do so.

Cox, who lives in Coral Harbour, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services pending his emergency bail application.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

were assisted to the mainland by other boaters.”

Just after receiving news of the mishap at sea, a team of officers left the George Town district on a police marine vessel to investigate the matter.

The officers arrived at the scene of the accident a short time later. They observed a cruise craft partially submerged in waters and were able to confirm the initial report.

When the police investigating team returned to mainland Exuma, they visited the island’s medical facility and while there they confirmed that eight people were being attended to for non-life-threatening injuries. The eight people included five males and three females.

POLICE on patrol during the weekend lockdown.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

SHOWING A MESSAGE OF LOVE

VOLUNTEERS at the Bahamas Feeding Network have been getting shirty with COVID-19.

As they went about their work of feeding people in need, they wore shirts that gave COVID the boot - and emphasised a message of Just Love.

Philip Smith, the executive director of Bahamas Feeding Network, said: “It is our belief that as we feed the poor and the needy we are actually also feeding God. “This message is truly one that we try to share as wellas demonstrate. Our shirts that all of our volunteers wear has printed on one side ‘Just Love’ and the other side, ‘Give, give, give’.”

Mr Smith said the organisation is feeding about 30,000 people in Nassau and the southern Family Islands.

PHOTO: MICHELLE SHEPHERD, left, administrator for the Bahamas Feeding Network, Cheryl WalkineAlexandre, OD consultant, centre, and Recina Scully, right, distribution manager for the Bahamas Feeding Network.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Gimel’s dream is to help us all tap in to the sustainable richness which surrounds us Face to Face

THE Bahamas has tons of reasons to focus on its agriculture and fisheries industries at a time like this and move this country towards food security.

The Bahamas Government has a National Food and Nutrition Security Policy By FELICITY DARVILLE and Agenda for Action (2017-2022) prepared by as our Food and Nutrithe Ministries of Health tion Policy and Agenda and Agriculture & Marine for Action. We need to Resources with technical see documents and plans support from the Food & go to policy and tangible Agriculture Organisation reality that reaches every (FAO).

Bahamian, because every This document lays out Bahamian saw the realthe plan of Government to ity of our challenges as we address issues of a nation have been going through a facing a public series of lockhealth crisis. downs due to It is estimated ‘I saw an the COVID-19 that 5.6 per- advertisement pandemic. cent of the for a farm school A part of population – our food and about 19,000 that was being nutrition people, still established in goals rest with lack suffi- The Bahamas. It BAMSI – the cient food for Bahamas their dietary was the perfect Agriculture needs. About opportunity. and Marine five percent Science InstiIt was close to of children tute.

The are stunted. home, I could Institute is A whopping work with my designed to 80 percent of drive a proour popula- hands with plants gressive and tion is said to and animals, and sustainable be overweight, I could find a path toward and 49 percent a food-secure way to survive by are obese. To future.

The add to this, doing something Institute conwe have an that I loved.’ sists of the epidemic on BAMSI Colchronic nonlege with communicable diseases. campus facilities in North The United Nations Gen- Andros; the 1,000-acre eral Assembly has declared research/tutorial farm; and the period 2016–2025 as the Associated Farmers’ the Decade of Action on Programme.

Nutrition. The Bahamas It is unfortunate that the Government has stated its Institute, which is making commitment to creating a steady strides, received a food and nutrition secure budget cut from $8m to nation. We are right in the $6.9m this year, when it middle of the Decade of actually needs more fundAction on Nutrition as well ing to continue to build

VISITING Conch Sound Blue Hole in Andros with best friends Denardo, Trevor and Joycelyn.

the agriculture and marine sector. BAMSI college students are graduating and going on to make meaningful contributions to the industries that will aid our country in being food secure. One such alumna is Gimel Morley. This former student is now a BAMSI lecturer, pouring into other young, bright minds with a passion to feed their fellow Bahamians.

Before attending BAMSI, Gimel wasn’t completely sure of her career goals. But the school helped her clarify her vision, and set her on a path for success. Today, she holds an Aquaculture Nutrition Master’s degree and has a goal of one day operating her own sustainable farm.

Gimel was born in New Providence in 1989 to parents Theodore and Belinda Morley. Growing up, her parents instilled a strong sense of morals and self-worth in her. They ensured she was independent and self-driven. Gimel was always planting things in the garden and she loved her pets – she always had cats and dogs. She attended St Augustine’s College for high school. While there, she gained some friends for life.

They are a part of her support structure to this day, along with her family. They were known as the “art kids” and they were always encouraging one another to pursue their dreams even when they were not normal by societal standards.

“I wasn’t always the best student, but wherever I got to work with my hands, I shined,” said Gimel.

“I was a part of technical cadets and I earned a scholarship to attend the College of The Bahamas. It was my jumping-off point to college life. It was drastically different than what I was used to, but it pushed me to figure out what I wanted to do in life.

“My love for animals pushed me in the direction of vet science and I transferred to Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina from 2009 to 2012 to pursue it. There, my mind opened up to new cultures by being a part of the international students club. It was my first time living away from home and I was excited to be there.

Living free with the sensibilities that my parents instilled in me allowed me to get the most out of my experience. Ice-skating, mountain climbing, participating in all student actives… I wanted to do everything.

“But reality hit me about the job market in The Bahamas - only having a bachelor’s degree. I was optimistic but I didn’t have a plan going forward, and there isn’t much I could do with only a BS in biology. I still wanted to work with animals,

GIMEL MORLEY, above, and, left, at the International Field Research Station in Central Andros with BAMSI lecturers and students, and students from Hocking College in Ohio. but veterinary school didn’t feel right anymore. After two years of helping my mom establish an EMT business, I saw an advertisement for a farm school that was being established in The Bahamas.

It was the perfect opportunity. It was close to home, I could work with my hands with plants and animals, and I could find a way to survive by doing something that I loved. During my time at Belmont Abbey, my senior thesis advisor introduced me to articles about vertical farming and greenhouse farming. This new school would be able to show me how to expand on that idea.”

A church member told her BAMSI had a recruitment drive and sets up a table in the mall on certain days. She got up early one morning, dressed like she was going on an interview and waited for BAMSI representatives to set up their stall.

“After a while, a kind man came over and asked if I was interested in farming, and that is how my journey to Andros began.” said Gimel.

“At BAMSI, I enrolled in the aquaculture programme and got to experience subjects about marine science and agriculture. My teachers were absolutely amazing and they gave me great advice about how to move forward with life. They pushed me to learn more about the marine environment and gave me opportunities to conduct research on conch surveying with Shedd aquarium. The head of the department allowed me to go on a grouper tagging trip in Andros.

“BAMSI also ensured that I received an internship during the summer, at Atlantis to learn more about aquariums and to reinforce what I was taught

GIMEL’s parents, Theodore and Belinda Morley. Theodore died last year.

at school. To get the most out of the experience, I obtained my scuba diving certification, which allowed me to scuba dive in the tanks.”

While on the internship, one of her supervisors suggested she should look into the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation. She contacted them and decided that after the internship was finished, she would go to whale camp in Abaco. It was the best decision ever, Gimel says. She met kind and knowledgeable people and had an enriching summer experience. After that, it was back to BAMSI to complete her final year.

One lecturer urged her to continue her education after BAMSI. She searched the Ministry of Education website and found a scholarship opportunity to China. She applied and after a few months, she heard from the Atlas programme, which had accepted her.

Gimel graduated at the top of her class – the very first graduating class at BAMSI with an associate of science degree in aquaponics, making her parents and grandparents proud. She was immediately offered a job at BAMSI but a week later, an official from the Chinese government scholarship programme called, offering her the scholarship for her Master’s degree. After consulting her BAMSI lecturers and her parents, it was off to China.

“It was a tough decision,” Gimel said. “My family was going through a troubling time, but my parents still pushed me to go because it was an amazing opportunity. I packed my bags in a week, went to the airport, and travelled to the other side of the world not knowing any of the language or knowing how I would get to the school and procure accommodations when I arrived in this foreign country.

“The one thing I learned was that my map and translator app were my best friends. I made great friends with people of many races and cultures including Africa, Pakistan and India.

After three years of being away, I graduated and returned home with a Masters in Aquaculture. My parents were so proud but they weren’t able to attend my graduation in China.

“I returned home and was offered a job at BAMSI. This was a dream come true because many people don’t get to ever actually use their degree to work in their field. The opportunity was bittersweet because my family

was going through a tumultuous time and it was difficult leaving them again, especially after only being back in the country for a few weeks and most of that time was used for Hurricane Dorian preparation. After the storm, I was finally able to hop on a boat and head to Andros.”

Gimel is now a lecturer and aquaculture specialist on the farm at the school that expanded her mind in farming and now she hopes that she can expand the minds of students while she is there. She works with plants and fish at the aquaponics farm, which lets her live out her childhood dream of working with her hands and with animals As a lecturer at BAMSI, Gimel covers oceanography, marine conservation and management, aquaponics and fish nutrition and health. The aquaponics facility is doing well and has produced a few hundred pounds of fish for sale to the market already.

“Andros is the new frontier of The Bahamas,” she said.

“When I first came here as a student, Andros was empty. One side of the road was just pine forest.

When I came back, there was an adjustment, as I was used to the hustle and bustle of China, and being able to order everything on my phone and it getting it right at my doorstep. But I enjoy lecturing at BAMSI, and a lot of students are interested in sustainable farming like I am – permaculture and polyculture, fish farming, having an apiary (bees), vertical farming – everything working in unison. We bounce ideas off one another, and I am also getting practical experience for my own farm one day. Since COVID happened, at least ten farms have sprung up here in Andros – and that’s just in my immediate area.”

When asked about her thoughts on food and nutrition security, Gimel shared: “The government should push for every household to have a small garden. Agriculture should be a part of every school’s curriculum and students should learn about livestock farming.

The process of farming needs to be more appealing to society. We need to move away from western ideas of fast food. We eat a lot of things we cannot grow and that needs to change.

We need community gardens. BAMSI needs more funding. And, we need to make the process easier for young people, like BAMSI graduates, to obtain Crown land to start farms and get the funding to support their goals of food and nutrition security.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, PAGE 9

Surely it’s time for common sense - targetted solutions not catch-all policies which hurt everyone HAVING written only two weeks ago about coronavirus, I hesitate to return to the subject. But it is top of the news agenda once more as the situation has changed dramatically with a total curfew over the holiday weekend in New Providence and Abaco followed by other new restrictions this week. I also hasten to draw attention to a potentially significant development in the shape of the Great Barrington Declaration published last week in the US which addresses the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It makes alternative proposals that are contrary to the received wisdom that lockdowns are needed to stop the spread of the virus.

There is general acceptance that, in the early stages of coronavirus, lockdowns were the immediate answer in order to keep people apart and limit the spread.

Equally, it has now become clear they do not work in the longer term and are destroying national economies so they can only be a temporary measure.

As the virus has taken hold, medical experts gradually know more about it and how to treat its effects while preventive measures like social distancing and the wearing of masks have become almost the norm.

Hopes that it would disappear during the warmer summer months have been dashed. Thus, as has been said so many times, COVID-19 cannot be

POLICE on patrol of typically busy streets as the weekend lockdown returned in full effect.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

The Peter Young column eradicated - at least until a vaccine becomes available so it is essential to devise a way of living with it.

Health systems are said to be near collapse but without business activity they could be ruined entirely because, if the lockdowns continue, there will be insufficient money in the form of tax revenues to sustain them. In such circumstances, increasing numbers of people believe lockdowns are no longer the answer – and, in the words of PLP leader Philip “Brave” Davis, who must know a lot about the virus after having himself been struck down by it, they have been a “useless tool”.

In Britain, people are now referring to the “lunacy of lockdown” as the existing restrictions are

killing jobs and businesses without stopping the spread of the virus. Nonetheless, in response to a rising level of infections Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday announced details of a new three-tier lockdown system of COVID alert levels in the north of the country.

Many already question this on the grounds that coronavirus is not the deadly plague in our midst that the authorities claim it is because only the elderly and those with underlying health problems are in real danger while the vast majority of younger people are at little risk and some 80 percent of those testing positive show no symptoms at all.

Meanwhile, the terrible price of lockdowns remains – neglected healthcare

THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED - ARE WE UP TO IT? IN AUGUST, former Attorney General Alfred Sears spoke about COVID19 providing what he described as a “once-in-50 years opportunity” for The Bahamas to overhaul its economic “architecture” for the “new global realities it will face in a post-pandemic world”.

I wrote at the time about his calling it “a Sir Stafford Sands moment” reflecting the nation’s transformation in the 1950s from seasonal tourism, fishing and subsistence farming to year-round tourism and financial services – and I mentioned that, while fully embracing the need for digitalisation, he had suggested, inter alia, expansion of various niche industries, creation of an aviation hub, farming, seafood harvesting and light manufacturing.

With this in mind, it was particularly interesting to read in the press the Prime Minister’s recent comments about the report presented by the Economic Recovery Committee which he created last April. Reportedly, Dr Minnis gave only broad outlines of the committee’s recommendations as the Cabinet is still studying the full report, but he undertook to make it public once the government had taken decisions on the proposals.

It struck me as strange, however, that Freeport had to form its own separate

committee. The Prime Minister is reported to have said that after consulting a range of companies and receiving some 300 submissions from Bahamians around the country, the committee had made 163 recommendations which would “guide discussions of policy development in the country for many years to come”.

He went on to mention creation of a “national digital marketplace” and “small business incubators” to help entrepreneurs as well as “independently managed national funds” to enable pooling of private and public capital for sustainable development (although not mentioned, perhaps a sovereign wealth fund to save and invest surplus funds from future oil production) together with development of the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

But what seemed to me particularly significant was his reference to a “full revamp” of the investment regime to eliminate government bureaucracy and to enable projects and business expansion to proceed more rapidly.

The challenges of doing business, including red tape and delays in obtaining approvals – together with the unreliability and high cost of utilities – are all well known so it will be interesting to see what such a revamp might

amount to in practice.

There has been talk for years about economic diversification away from over-reliance on tourism and financial services, even though the emphasis on these was originally a deliberate strategy. The present is surely the time to exploit the country’s natural and abundant land and ocean assets by pursuing the Prime Minister’s Blue Economy initiative in order to generate wealth from its vast marine resources, and that means developing the underpopulated Family Islands. Perhaps this is the time for real action for another reason as well; namely, that in an uncertain world increasing numbers of wealthy people are seeking boltholes in more remote places, including The Bahamas though away from New Providence.

But, in order to tap into that, adaptation of immigration rules for investment and development purposes might be required.

Overall, Mr Sears spoke of the need for a strategic vision and a bipartisan approach to such an important issue. So I imagine many will hope the bigger picture will always be at the forefront when the Economic Recovery Committee’s detailed recommendations are considered and decisions reached.

A NEW biography of Graham Greene, one of Britain’s greatest and most celebrated writers of the last century, is a timely reminder of the achievements and colourful life of this prolific author. Such was his fame and reputation, he was awarded the Order of Merit, made a Companion of Honour by The Queen and was given a requiem mass at Westminster Cathedral in London.

Graham Greene was, however, known for his love of drink and the opposite sex and had an unconventional personal life, with some saying that it was also a life of decadence led by a man without honour who was “torn between religion and lust”. That is pretty stern stuff, but through it all he was revered as a master storyteller who wove intricate plots and created

interesting characters who were often flawed and troubled heroes. The theme of some of his books was the eternal moral struggle between good and evil.

Born in 1904 and educated at boarding school in England, where he was said to be unhappy and prone to depression, before going on to Oxford, he has been described as a brilliant man who produced a vast array of novels and short stories.

During the Second World War, he worked for MI6 in the West African country of Sierra Leone and he travelled widely through his long life. He died at his home in Switzerland in 1991.

Among his prolific output of novels, titles that have always stood out for me are The Third Man, which was turned into a film starring Orson Welles, Our Man in

Havana and The Honorary Consul together with The Comedians which was a compelling tale of life in Haiti under Papa Doc Duvalier and his secret police, the Tontons Macoutes. It was also made into a film starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

But his book entitled The Heart of the Matter, first published in 1966, is a favourite. It became a mustread for British diplomats serving in countries in West Africa because it depicted so vividly life in the region and with brutal honesty, not least the disillusion among certain Europeans, often working in isolated and difficult conditions in the bush, who could not handle the depressing conditions of what seemed interminable rainy seasons. For some, the whisky bottle was their only solace!

A TOAST TO THE DIPLOMAT’S FRIEND

(other than for the virus), increased poverty, joblessness, insecurity, loneliness, social dislocation, hopelessness and a soaring public debt; and, what is worse, there is no prospect of a return to normality in the foreseeable future.

Against this background, it is interesting that one of the World Health Organisation’s special envoys, Dr David Nabarro who is also a scientist at London’s Imperial College, has said the WHO does not now advocate using lockdowns as a primary means to control the virus, and that they can only be justified “to buy you time to reorganise, regroup and rebalance your resources”. So the conclusion must be that, since lockdowns have enormous social and economic consequences, they should only be used as a short-term and localised measure.

Here at home, the danger to the economy is even greater given its relatively small size and, while the arguments against

lockdown are the same as for other countries, the logic of some of the detailed restrictions – like limiting liquor stores to curb side business when they could simply limit the numbers of customers allowed in and closing down gyms indiscriminately when many have introduced good social distancing measures – is hard to fathom.

The Great Barrington Declaration - named after the town in Massachusetts where it was drawn up and, reportedly, was signed on October 4 - is an open letter written by three epidemiologists from Oxford, Harvard and Stanford universities and co-signed, so far, by nearly 3,000 scientists and some 4,500 medical practitioners. It is a short treatise calling for an end to forced lockdowns because of the ‘damaging physical and mental health impacts’ and devastating effects on short and long-term public health.

The writers argue that countries across the globe

should reopen immediately and completely because most of the population are not at risk of dying if they catch COVID-19 and efforts should be concentrated on protecting the vulnerable while allowing everyone else to get on with their lives unimpeded. They say the vulnerability to death from the virus among the old and infirm is a thousand-fold greater than young people and children.

So, the Declaration recommends ‘focused protection’ in relation to those most likely to be affected.

Since the virus is now widely regarded as not deadly for the majority, polls in the UK show many people are asking why measures to contain it should take precedence over everything else and be allowed to ruin normal everyday life. It remains to be seen whether those in charge will be influenced by the proposals in the Great Barrington Declaration, though some will dismiss them as conflicting with the prevailing view that there is a massive collective responsibility to try to stop the spread of the virus. But it surely makes sense to find a way of increasing so-called mitigation efforts to minimise coronavirus deaths among the most vulnerable while reducing the suffering inflicted upon those for whom the risk is negligible.

That will mean doing substantially more testing and tracing and forcing those infected to isolate – and the government cannot claim lack of resources when it seems the private sector in the shape of the Live with COVID Coalition has developed a screening and testing regime for relatively cheap mass testing.

Death Notices For Nadia Indira Sherman-Wallace, 31 a resident of #8 St. Thomas Road, Golden Gates II, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020.

Death She is Notices survived by herFor husband: Ronald Private Funeral Service Wallace; parents: Elgin Sherman Sr. and HazelSherman-Wallace, Hepburn; children: Maya, Cameron, Nadia Indira 31 Announcement for Apryl McKenzie and Ronald Wallace Jr.; sister: Mitzi Gomez; brothers: Elkin Jr and a resident of #8 St. Thomas Road, Golden

Tristan; uncles: Roy andMargaret Lawrence Gates II, died Wilton, at the Princess Hepburn; aunts: Joycelyn Hospital on Tuesday, October 6th,Hepburn, 2020.

Pearline Albury, Elaine Sherman, Gloria #153 Inaguaby Place, be held 11:00 of a.m., She ofis survived herwill husband: Ronald Barr and Christine Sherman, and at a host on Wednesday October 14th, 2020, at Church Wallace; parents: Sherman Sr. and of other relatives andElgin friends too numerous

Joanna Symonette-Ellis, 66

God of Prophecy, Hawksbill, Grand Bahama. OfHazel Hepburn; children: Maya, Cameron, ficiating will be Pastor Kermit Saunders, assisted Apryl McKenzie and Ronald Wallace Jr.;

by Mitzi other Gomez; ministers brothers: of the Gospel.

Interment sister: Elkin Jr and will Funeral arrangements will be inannounced atPublic a later date. follow Pinder’s Point Cemetery, Pinder’s Tristan; uncles: Wilton, Roy and Lawrence Point. aunts: Joycelyn Hepburn, Hepburn; LeftAlbury, to cherishElaine her memories are herGloria sons: RonPearline Sherman, Sr.,Christine Robin, and Ricardo Ellis daughters:: Barrald and Sherman, and Sr.; a host of Rodamae Ellis and Shanara Russell; daughter-inother relatives and friends too numerous Kerol Ellis; grandsons:: Ronald Jr. and Rito mention. alaw:resident of #18 St. Vincent Close,

to mention.

Raymond Gregory Brown, 61

cardo Jr. Ellis; granddaughter: Janessa Farquha-

died at the Princess Margaret Hospital son;be brothers: Eleizer,atTellis, Herbert Jr. and Cecil Funeral arrangements will announced a later date. on Tuesday, September 29th, 2020.

(Ali) Symonette; sisters: Renamae and Inetta (Zelma) Symonette; sisters-in-law: Lottie (Mark)

HeLillis is Stuart, survived by his wife:andRiquel Celestin, Olive (Elgin) Rahming, Melinda, Tammyka Gina SyBowe-Brown; father: Spurgeon monette; nephews: Jamiah Ming, Tellis Jr.(Rosa), Tevin, Colyn, Kobe, Sebastian sons: Gerkino, Shaquille, Symonette and Justin Lundy; Brown; nieces: Rose Charlton, Chayil Smith and Tanea Raymond Jr., Carmi and Raynor a resident of #18 St. Vincent Close, TeSymonette; grandnephews: Takemo, Tellis III and Jayden Ming; grandnieces: died at the Princess Margaret Hospital Brown; brother: Anthony Brown; LeYah and Te’Reina Symonette; uncle: Rev. Ezekiel McIntosh; aunts: Josephine on Tuesday, September 29th, 2020. sisters: Ollimae, Terentia and Allison; Russell and Myrtle Poitier; a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to granddaughter: Kylie; a host of other mention. survived by his wife:Home Riquel relatives and friends too numerous toatmention.

Relatives and friends may payHe theirisrespects Yagers Funeral and Cre-

Raymond Gregory Brown, 61

Bowe-Brown; matorium Ltd, Queens Highway, Freeport, Grand father: Bahama, onSpurgeon Tuesday from Brown; sons: Gerkino, Shaquille, Funeral announced at a later 1:00 p.m to arrangements 6:00 p.m., and atwill the be church on Wednesday, from date.

10:00 a.m. until Raymond Jr., Carmi and Raynor service time.

Brown; brother: Anthony Brown; sisters: Ollimae, Terentia and Allison; granddaughter: Kylie; a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Dodging the China question OF all the questions that both Kamala Harris and Mike Pence dodged during the US Vice Presidential debate on October 7, the most revealing concerned China.

Susan Page, the moderator, from the publication, USA Today, put a clear question to Pence and Harris in turn: “We have no more complicated or consequential foreign

relationship than the one with China. It is a huge market for American agricultural goods. It’s a potential partner in dealing with climate change and with North Korea; and, in a video tonight, President Trump again, blamed it for the coronavirus saying China will pay… how would you describe our fundamental relationship with China: Competitors? Adversaries?

Enemies?”

Apart from being very categoric, in keeping with President Trump’s position, that “China is to blame for the coronavirus”, and “China had been taking advantage of America for decades”, Vice President Pence did not say whether China was a competitor, adversary or enemy of the US. Senator Harris was no clearer in her response.

She said President Trump’s trade war with China “resulted in the loss of over 300,000 manufacturing jobs and a manufacturing recession, and the American consumer paid thousands of dollars more for goods because of that failed war”.

She added that: “Pew, a reputable research firm has done an analysis that shows that leaders of all of our formerly allied countries have now decided that they hold in greater esteem and respect Xi Jinping, the head of the Chinese communist party, than they do Donald Trump”.

From these answers, it is little wonder that people in the US have no clear picture of their country’s relationship with China. The real situation is far more complex, and both Pence and Harris know it.

The US and China are the two largest economies in the world. They have an inter-dependent relationship not only in bilateral trade and investment, but in the maintenance of a stable global economy that serves both their interests for markets and supply of raw materials that neither of them has.

Both Pence and Harris know it is not in the interest of the US to encourage hostility with China. They both dodged the question because they each weighed their answers on a narrow, “political opportunity” basis.

Pence’s response fed prejudice against Chinese, and Harris’ answer nurtured a sentiment of horror that an American leader could be less respected than a Chinese “communist”. Neither of them set-out a clear and constructive strategy for relations with China.

The absence of a China strategy is also obvious in the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) whose membership is divided between recognition of China and Taiwan.

Nine of the 14 independent CARICOM states have diplomatic relations with

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS China, and five others with reduced by using Chinese Taiwan. labour.

While this division It is also little known that remains, there can be no China, as a donor state, “CARICOM Strategy” contributes to regional on China. Although, as I economies through its have argued in other writ- membership of the Caribings, CARICOM, by now, bean Development Bank, should have negotiated the Inter-American Devela formal collective part- opment Bank, the World nership with China that Bank, and as a Permanent covers the terms of trade, Observer to the Organizainvestment, labour prac- tion of American States. Its tices (including the use of investment outreach to the imported Chinese workers Caribbean is not only bilatfor projects); competition; eral; it is also multilateral. and dispute settlement Many – if not all – of through independent these matters could be machinery. addressed in a transparInstead, the nine CARI- ent and balanced manner COM countries have an if CARICOM countries ad-hoc relacould jointly tionship with ‘It is little wonder negotiate a China that is partnership characterised that people in agreement by Chinese the US have no with China as investment they have done clear picture of and loans, as with the Eurowell as a trade their country’s pean Union. surplus in relationship Further, joint China’s favour. with China. The CARICOM The increased negotiations, real situation presence using the of Chinese is far more leverage availcompanies able to the complex, and in the nine entire region both Pence and CARICOM would be more countries as Harris know it.’ advantageous well as their than national importabargaining tion of Chinese labour for where China would be in a their projects have caused much stronger position. resentment in local popuThis observation equally lations. These concerns applies to the CARICOM have not been adequately relationship with the US addressed. which is no less ad-hoc and The ground for grow- lacking in regional strategy. ing anti-Chinese sentiment The US enjoys a perennial has been fertilized recently trade surplus with Caribby statements from high bean countries that topped representatives of the $4 billion in 2019, notwithUS government. These standing preferences for include questioning the a narrow range of goods value of Chinese money exported by some CARIif it “feeds corruption and COM countries. undermines your rule of While the US has withlaw”, and calling for invest- drawn from offering loans ments to be examined “if and investments to the in fact they ruin your envi- majority of Caribbean ronment, and don’t create nations, and International jobs for your people”. Financial Institutions have Ahead of the March 22 disqualified many of them meeting between Presi- from concessional financdent Trump and leaders of ing, China filled the gap five Caribbean countries – with soft loans and, in some The Bahamas, Dominican instances, grants particuRepublic, Haiti, Jamaica larly in the struggle with the and St. Lucia – a White COVID-19 pandemic.

House spokesperson said From 2006 to 2015, under one of its aims was to the George W Bush and “counter China’s predatory Barack Obama Adminiseconomic practices”. trations, while expressing Within CARICOM concern about China’s influcountries, these unsubstan- ence in the region, the US tiated statements appeal generally viewed China’s to prejudiced-thinking in engagement with the region certain sections of the soci- positively, regarding it as eties. This thinking could a contributor to economic be tempered by better growth. Such collaboration information.

Misappre- with Caribbean participahension lingers because tion would be beneficial to governments have failed to all. inform their people fully.

CARICOM countries For example, the amount need joint strategies toward of money borrowed from the US and China. They China to finance much- should be based on being needed infrastructural partners not pawns in projects, is considerably any game of competition, rivalry, or enmity.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

• Response and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also a senior fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The view expressed are entirely his own.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, PAGE 11

Big turnout as early in-person voting starts in Georgia

PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Orlando Sanford International Airport yesterday, in Sanford, Fla. Photo: John Raoux/AP

ATLANTA Associated Press

Defiant Trump defends virus record in 1st post-COVID rally SANFORD Associated Press DEFIANT as ever about the coronavirus, President Donald Trump yesterday turned his first campaign rally since contracting COVID-19 into a full-throated defense of his handling of the pandemic that has killed 215,000 Americans, joking that he was healthy enough to plunge into the crowd and give voters “a big fat kiss”.

There was no social distancing and mask-wearing was spotty among the thousands who came to see Trump’s return to Florida.

He held forth for an hour, trying to get his struggling campaign back on track with just weeks left before Election Day. Though he was hospitalised battling the virus only a week ago, Trump’s message on COVID-19 was unaltered since his diagnosis: a dubious assessment that the pandemic was just about a thing of the past.

“Under my leadership, we’re delivering a safe vaccine and a rapid recovery like no one can even believe,” Trump insisted.

“If you look at our upward path, no country in the world has recovered the way we have recovered.”

His voice was perhaps a touch scratchy but otherwise, Trump was, well, Trump.

Boisterous and bellicose, he thanked the audience

for their well-wishes and declared he was no longer contagious as he embarked on a frenetic final stretch of the campaign.

Trump insisted that, after being given experimental medication and other VIP treatment, he felt great and was glad he no longer needs to be concerned about infection because he’s now “immune”.

“I feel so powerful,” said Trump, displaying no obvious signs of lingering infection. “I’ll walk into that audience. I’ll walk in there, I’ll kiss everyone in that audience. I’ll kiss the guys and the beautiful women ... everybody. I’ll just give ya a big fat kiss.”

Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, said yesterday on CNN that those who recover from COVID-19 are likely to be immune for a limited period of time, but there are cases emerging of people getting reinfected weeks or months later.

Despite Trump’s battle with a deadly disease, it was striking how little had changed. Threats to smooch audience members aside, the rally felt like so many others during the pitched general election battle against Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump returned to his many usual attack lines, slamming Democrats as “engaged and unhinged and out for vengeance”, and hyping “tremendous progress” on virus

therapeutics. He promised the third-quarter economy would be “record-setting” and claimed that, if he wins in November, “normal life” will resume, while Biden would delay the vaccine and destroy the economy with a “draconian” lockdown.

And when he was done, with his new exit song, The Village People’s “YMCA”, blaring over the loudspeakers, the president did what has become his trademark dance, pumping his fists somewhat in time to the beat as the crowd roared.

But he kept his distance from the audience.

With three weeks to go before the election, Trump is pushing to correct a stubborn deficit in national and battleground state polling as he continues to spread misinformation about a virus that he spent months downplaying.

That includes in Florida, which is seen as crucial to his reelection chances.

Trump narrowly beat his 2016 rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, in the state by just over 112,000 votes.

Some recent polls have suggested a close race in the state, while others have put Democrat Joe Biden ahead.

Trump’s Sanford rally was his first stop in a busy week that will include events in Pennsylvania, Iowa, North Carolina and Wisconsin. The robust schedule underscored the urgency he is facing to recover from a series of self-inflicted setbacks that

have rattled his base of support and triggered alarm among Republicans who fear the White House is on the verge of being lost to Biden.

And it comes amid stillunanswered questions about the impact so much travel so soon could have on the 74-year-old president’s health. The progression of COVID-19 is often unpredictable, and there can be long-term complications.

After Air Force One lifted off from Joint Base Andrews, the president’s doctor released an update on his health that said Trump had tested negative for the virus — and had done so on consecutive days. His doctor, Navy Cmdr. Scott Conley, said the tests, taking in conjunction with other data, including viral load, have led him to conclude that Trump was not contagious.

For days, the White House had sidestepped questions about whether Trump had tested negative.

Conley over the weekend said that the president met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for safely discontinuing isolation and that by “currently recognised standards”, Trump was no longer considered a transmission risk.

It was unclear what — if any — added precautions and safety measures the campaign planned to take to prevent the trip from further spreading a virus that has already infected

so many of the president’s closest aides and allies, including his campaign manager and the head of the Republican Party.

Trump’s decision to so quickly return to the campaign trail drew criticism from Biden and other Democrats.

“President Trump comes to Sanford today bringing nothing but reckless behavior, divisive rhetoric, and fear mongering,” Biden said in a statement. “But, equally dangerous is what he fails to bring: no plan to get this virus that has taken the lives of over 15,000 Floridians under control.”

Trump continued to mock Biden for his efforts to encourage social distancing at his campaign events, deriding as “crazy” the circles Biden’s campaign uses to delineate individual space.

“He’s got a lot of bad days coming,” Trump said at another point.

Since his release from a military hospital after three days of around-the-clock care that included access to experimental antibody treatments unavailable to the public, Trump has used his personal experience to try to convince the public that he was right all along.

He has repeatedly told Americans who contract the virus that they’re “going to get better really fast”, although hundreds of people in the US die of the virus every day.

Cuba relaxes coronavirus restrictions seven months into pandemic HAVANA Associated Press CUBA relaxed coronavirus restrictions yesterday in hopes of boosting its economy, allowing shops and government offices to reopen and welcoming locals and tourists at airports across the island except in Havana.

Face masks and social distancing remain mandatory, although authorities will no longer isolate those who have been in contact with suspected cases as the island returns to a semblance of normality.

The popular beach resort town of Varadero will open to foreigners starting Thursday, with all tourists coming to Cuba facing mandatory testing and epidemiological monitoring while on the island.

The change comes after officials acknowledged the need to reactivate an economy hit by pandemic restrictions and recent sanctions the US has imposed as President Donald Trump seeks votes from anti-Castro Cuban-Americans ahead of the general election.

“We have never had that dilemma between health and the economy. The first thing is always the health of our people,” Deputy Prime Minister Alejandro Gil said on state television today, adding that Cuba’s economic situation

WEARING masks as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus, Angelica Victoria, centre left, and Thalia Oneida, wait for their parents sitting on a chair in Havana, Cuba yesterday. Cuba relaxed coronavirus restrictions yesterday in hopes of boosting its economy, allowing shops and government offices to reopen and welcoming locals and tourists at airports across the island except in Havana.

Photo: Ramon Espinosa/AP is “very tense”.

Gil said 250,000 entrepreneurs — out of the 600,000 that started businesses under a loosening of controls on the economy — had to suspend their licenses because of the pandemic restrictions while 150,000 state workers were harmed.

The island of more than 11 million people has reported some 6,000 coronavirus cases and more than 120 deaths from COVID-19 since March, with the government credited with swiftly identifying and isolating cases and implementing

house-to-house visits.

María Isabel Batista, a 58-year-old artisan, said that while it has been hard to remain at home, people must remain aware of the virus.

“Our safety depends on us,” she said.

The pandemic has been largely controlled in most Cuban provinces, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel announcing last week that some have not reported any new cases in several months.

However, some restrictions are still in place in Havana, a city of two million people that saw an outbreak

in August. Schools in the capital are not expected to reopen until early November, while classes elsewhere on the island resumed last month.

The pandemic had frozen Cuba’s critical $3bn tourism industry since March, when the first coronavirus cases were reported. Agriculture, transportation and remittances also were hard hit, although public transportation resumed yesterday with limited capacity. Overall, Cuba’s gross domestic product is expected to fall more than 8%.

Gil said in his talk on

state TV that officials are working on a plan to boost the economy, including encouraging farmers by removing barriers on their production, providing incentives for exports and making selfemployment rules more flexible to help small private entrepreneurs.

Cuban health authorities said they would closely monitor the spread of the coronavirus and deal with any outbreaks as they happen, but they would not reimpose blanket shutdowns used after the pandemic began.

The relaxing of restrictions occurred the same day as Panama’s government welcomed international flights for the first time since March and reopened hotels and casinos.

Panama’s Tocumen airport is one of Latin America’s most important hubs and had been operating only humanitarian flights since April and accepting only connecting flights last month.

The country also reopened theaters, museums and other tourist attractions, but with limited capacity.

Universities and schools remain closed.

Panama, a country of 3.9 million people, has reported more than 120,000 coronavirus cases and more than 2,490 deaths.

THE chance to cast ballots on Georgia’s first day of in-person early voting yesterday had thousands of people waiting for hours to make their voices heard.

Eager voters endured waits of six hours or more in Cobb County, which was once solidly Republican but has voted for Democrats in recent elections, and joined lines that wrapped around buildings in solidly Democratic DeKalb County. They also turned out in big numbers in north Georgia’s Floyd County, where support for President Donald Trump is strong.

With record turnout expected for this year’s presidential election and fears about exposure to the coronavirus, election officials and advocacy groups have been encouraging people to vote early, either in person or by absentee ballot.

Many answered the call yesterday, showing up in numbers that overwhelmed some locations.

Cobb County Elections and Registration Director Janine Eveler said the county had prepared as much as much as it could, “but there’s only so much space in the rooms and parking in the parking lot”.

“We’re maxing out both of those,” she said. “People are double parking, we have gridlock pretty much in our parking lot,” she added.

Hundreds of people slowly moved along a line that snaked back and forth outside Cobb’s main elections office in a suburban area northwest of Atlanta. Good moods seemed to prevail, even though some people said at 1pm that they’d been waiting for six hours. A brief cheer went up when a pizza deliverer brought a pie to someone in line.

Steve Davidson, who is Black, said the late US Rep John Lewis and others had fought too long and hard to secure his place at the polls for him to get tired and leave.

“They’ve been fighting for decades. If I’ve got to wait six or seven hours, that’s my duty to do that. I’ll do it happily,” Davidson said.

At least two counties briefly had problems with the electronic pollbooks used to check in voters. The issue halted voting for a while at State Farm Arena, where the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks play.

Technicians resolved the problem and the lines soon cleared at the arena, which is Georgia’s largest early voting site, with 300 voting machines.

“We’re disappointed that it happened,” Hawks CEO Steve Koonin told reporters, but he noted that there are still plenty of days left.

Early in-person voting runs through Oct 30 in Georgia.

Problems with the electronic pollbooks — along with high turnout, the consolidation of polling places and shortages of poll workers — bedeviled Georgia’s primary in June. The dysfunction renewed questions about Georgia’s ability to conduct fair elections, two years after the state drew heavy scrutiny during a closely watched gubernatorial election that also saw long waits and other problems.

While voters must vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day, they can vote at any voting site in their county during early voting.

Some people lined up before dawn yesterday to be among the first to vote. Turnout also may have also been boosted because yesterday was a federal holiday, so some people were off work.

Natalie Rawlings, 49, had prepared to vote absentee but didn’t trust the postal service, so she turned in the blank absentee ballot to poll workers before voting in person yesterday.

She went first to a library in Atlanta, but there was no parking and a long line, so she went to State Farm Arena, where the line didn’t move for 45 minutes. A handful of people left after someone announced that there was a “known software issue”. But most stayed. In the end, it took her about 90 minutes to vote.

THE TRIBUNE

WorDS CL o

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6

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Solution in Monday’s puzzle pull-out

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Daily Express Friday, August 14, 2020

Puzzles

MARVIN BLONDIE

4

➔

JUDGE PARKER

In the following passage, the numbers 12345 represent different letters: The poet 25341 died 4514345 so his executors were able to 311511 his 514345 with 5315. The 4532 154455 went to Byron, while Shelley got his 453 154 and 415415 fly collection. All 25341’1 other 311541, including his 12554-shooting kit and a 154 of 14532 knives, plus a bunch of other 434, ended up in the 4345.

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➔

PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Fit the missing numbers into the grid below so that all the sums are correct – reading left to right or on single lines top to bottom. There are 11 squares to fill, with one digit in each, and the 11 digits you must use are listed beneath the grid. But where do they all go?

Solution in Monday’s puzzle pull-out

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HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

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Solution on Monday

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A 11 38 31 7 28 13 25 17 1 B C 25 1 15 40 10 14 30 19 11 D E 12 35 22 18 4 31 28 3 29 F G 26 31 21 7 32 19 20 27 34 H I 29 20 15 38 15 9 16 12 5 J TODAY’S TARGET Good 13; very good 20; excellent 27 K 6 31 36 12 23 16 27 39 1 (or more). Solution on Monday L M 8 7 5 38 1 31 8 25 15 N call 0907 181 2585 O 4 as38 for today’s target solution Best described 3 23 14 33 35 in31 40 a number crossword, the task Kakuro *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone is to fill allPof the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so company’s network access charge.

35 horizontal 10 7 block 37 equals 27 33 4 18to its 29 the sum ofQ each the number left, and the R sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top.SNo in the 36number 16 may 4 be2used31 24same 26block 37more 8 than once.T The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases U from Monday to Sunday.

14 30 24 30 37 21 4 26 30 FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden V in the grid. The numbers to the right of and W 8 11 12 38 6 29 21 19 22 below the grid indicate how many of the X squares in that row are filled in with ships or Yesterday’s Yesterday’s parts of ships. The ships do not touch each Y 15 11 32 17 5 21 7 38 31 other, even diagonally. Some squares have Sudoku Kakuro Answer Z Answer HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.

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

BATTLESHIPS

been filled in to start you off.

Solution on Monday 2

1

CRYPTIC PUZZLE 1 Disease makes Jack low (7)

1 Inclined to speak fast (5)

5 Taunts from US troops

2 An honour that has to be

about to be fallen in (5) 8 Release after a confession without a charge (9,4) 9 Business deal (5) 10 Different ships an armada consisted of (7) 11 Eat lightly say (6) 12 Mixes up a signal and gets into a row (6) 15 Monotonous droning noise reaches the hearer (7) 17 It is proper arias are included in this (5) 19 A grave charge? (4-9) 20 A claw that can pick up a pound in weight (5) 21 They may commemorate different battles (7)

fought for (8,5)

3

4

5

4 My wish is for something fancy (6)

12

here (5)

15

16

7 Observes the intrusion

2

E

1

F

1

G

4

H

1

I

1

J

3

6

3

2

7

for the parents (4,3) 14 Communicate

18

21

devilish skill (6) 16 Rinse out an adhesive (5) 18 In a way age is some protection (5)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Hanoi, 8 Somebody, 9 Jiffy, 10 Fiascoes, 11 Manna, 12 Ago, 16 Beheld, 17 Abacus, 18 Off, 23 Stern, 24 Overlook, 25 Bingo, 26 Artistry, 27 Skate.

Across: 1 Craze, 8 Feminine, 9 Smirk, 10 Frighten, 11 Unfit, 12 Sea, 16 Stroke, 17 Cannon, 18 Tot, 23 Ibsen, 24 Two-sided, 25 Poise, 26 Gets even, 27 Beach.

Down: 2 Ruminate, 3 Zero in on, 4 Degree, 5 Dingy, 6 Ditto, 7 Means, 12 Set, 13 Act, 14 One by one, 15 Forensic, 19 Omelet, 20 Stage, 21 Forte, 22 Dicey.

Across

Down

1 Unvarying (7)

1 Overturn (5)

5 Expenses of

2 As a result (2,11)

lawsuit (5) 8 Espionage agency (6,7) 9 Armour (5) 10 Soothing (7) 11 German port (6) 12 Dazed state (6)

0

1

3

2

4 x submarine

may live (7) 13 Pride in its arrival is no sin

5

2 x cruiser

19

20

2

3 x Destroyer

13

17

1

1 x Battleship

and is furious (7) 11 Settle how a monk

9 10

2

6 Great ambition of the pyromaniac (7,6)

8

D

14

5 Sail Columbus raised

7

C

10

11

6

2

8

9

5

B

3 Court cards? (7)

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Down: 2 Animated, 3 Offender, 4 Losing, 5 Sense, 6 Yo-yos, 7 Gypsy, 12 Ado, 13 Oaf, 14 Hat trick, 15 Outright, 19 Floors, 20 Total, 21 Death, 22 Close.

2

4

3

Down

EASY PUZZLE

Across

1

3

A

3 Superintend (7) 4 Wretchedness (6) 5 Roman corn goddess (5) 6 Stoical fortitude (5,5,3) 7 Relating to stars (7)

15 Impartial (7)

11 Advantage (7)

17 Bungling (5)

13 A prickly plant (7)

19 At bottom (13)

14 A gripping tool (6)

20 Very small (5)

16 Willing (5)

21 Church tower (7)

18 A garden herb (5)

1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30 31

32

33

G

W

■

14

■ 34

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

KEIJO 2

1

3

4

2

2

2

1

1

3

4

3

3

4

4

1

17 FOR LAKERS

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, PAGE 13

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida Associated Press THE ultimate anguish.

The ultimate joy.

This season, for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, had it all. And it ended in the only fashion that they deemed would be acceptable, with them back atop the basketball world.

For the first time since Kobe Bryant’s fifth and final title a decade ago, the Lakers are NBA champions. James had 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Lakers beat the Miami Heat 106-93 on Sunday night to win the NBA Finals in six games.

“Our organisation wants their respect. Laker Nation wants their respect,” James said. “And I want my damn respect, too.”

Anthony Davis had 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who dealt with the enormous anguish that followed the death of the iconic Bryant in January and all the challenges that came with leaving home for three months to play at Walt Disney World in a bubble designed to keep inhabitants safe from the coronavirus.

It would be, James predicted, the toughest title to ever win.

“We have a Ph.D in adversity, I’ll tell you that much,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “We’ve been through a lot.”

They made the clincher look easy. James won his fourth title, doing it with a third different franchise — and against the Heat franchise that showed him to to become a champion.

Bam Adebayo had 25 points and 10 rebounds for Miami, which got 12 points

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR SURPRISE PACKAGE MIAMI

LOS Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James celebrates after the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals on Sunday.

Photo: Mark J Terrill/AP from Jimmy Butler — the China get into political sparGame 6 was over by halfplayer who, in his first Heat ring, the death on January time, the Lakers taking a season, got the team back 1 of commissioner emeri- 64-36 lead into the break. to title contention. Rajon tus David Stern — the man The Heat never led and Rondo scored 19 points who did so much to make couldn’t shoot from anyfor the Lakers, who put the league what it is — and where: 35% from 2-point together the elite talents of then the shock on January range in the half, 33% from James and Davis with this 26 that came with the news 3-point range and even an moment in mind. that Bryant, his daughter uncharacteristic 42% from And Davis, as white and Gianna and seven other the line, not like any of it gold confetti coated the floor died in a helicopter crash. really mattered. The Lakers around him, spent his first The Lakers said they were getting everything they moments as an NBA cham- were playing the rest of the wanted and then some, outpion thinking of Bryant. season in his memory. scoring Miami 36-16 in the “All we wanted to do They delivered what second quarter and doing all was do it for him,” Davis Bryant did five times for that with James making just said. “And we didn’t let him LA — a ring, and the one shot in the period. down. ... I know he’s looking clincher was emphatic.

Rondo, now a two-time down on us, proud of us.”

“You have written your champion and the first to With that, the league’s own inspiring chapter in the win NBA rings as a player bubble chapter, put together great Laker history,” Lakers in the cities of Boston and after a 4 1/2-month suspen- owner Jeanie Buss said. Los Angeles — the fransion of play that started “And to Laker Nation, we chises now tied with 17 March 11 because of the have been through a heart- titles apiece — was 6 for 6 in coronavirus pandemic and breaking tragedy with the the half, the first time he’d came with a promise that loss of our beloved Kobe done that since November it would raise awareness to Bryant. Let this trophy 2007. The Lakers’ lead was the problems of racial injus- serve as a reminder of when 46-32 with 5:00 left in the tice and police brutality, we come together, believe half, and they outscored is over. So, too, is a season in each other, incredible Miami 18-4 from there until that saw the league and things can happen.” intermission.

JIMMY Butler and Goran Dragic had their arms slung over the other’s shoulders as they walked out of the arena following the final game of Miami’s season, helping each other in the most painful of moments.

That was the Heat way all year long.

A bunch of strangers at the start of the season forged intense bonds over the next 12 months, and the result was a surprising run to the NBA Finals.

Another Eastern Conference championship banner will be swaying in Miami soon, and there is no doubt that the Heat will enter next season — whenever it starts — believing that they’re among the favorites to win the 2021 NBA title.

“This season has been a tremendous season for us, for me,” Dragic said.

“We had a lot of bonds together. We go through good times, bad times, but we always stay together.

And I think that that’s something that it’s really rare to find.”

The Heat went from 10th in the East last season to second in the NBA this season, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the NBA Finals. Butler arrived in the summer of 2019 and immediately felt a bond with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley, convinced that Miami was the place where he could be himself — tough-minded,

strong-willed, no-nonsense, and have it not only be appreciated but embraced, something that wasn’t always the case at his other career stops in Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

“I think that’s what we’re all looking for, right, is to be part of a family,” Spoelstra said during the final postgame news conference of the season. “To be a part of something where you felt all along that you were searching for something.

Where you can just be yourself, you don’t have to make any apologies for who you are. We have been searching for him for a long time and I think he’s been searching for something like us for a while.”

Turns out, it was a perfect match. Butler willed Miami to the finals, after spending a year becoming very close with Dragic and teaching the Heat’s young core — players like All-Star Bam Adebayo, rookie guard Tyler Herro and 3-point threat Duncan Robinson — what it took to succeed in the NBA. “I told them that I would win them one and I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain, so that means I’ve got to do it next year,” Butler said.

“I told Coach Pat, I told Coach Spo I’m here to win one. I didn’t do my job, so moving forward, I got to hold up my end of the bargain.”

CONTINUING TO BELIEVE IS AT ROOT OF SEAHAWKS’ START SEATTLE Associated Press

AMID the celebration and the chaos of another heart-stopping final seconds, Pete Carroll’s attention turned to the empty seats of CenturyLink Field.

In a season when the Seattle Seahawks are off to their best start at 5-0, the head coach wished the circumstances were different.

“It’s so regrettable that you haven’t been able to enjoy it because you guys would have never gone home tonight,” Carroll said.

“So, just speaking to our fans, I hope you had a ball with it, at home, or where you’re doing it. And I hope you guys believe like our guys believe.”

Carroll may eventually get his wish for a greater celebration. The Seahawks were the first team in the league to reach 5-0 after Sunday’s 27-26 victory over Minnesota. It was

another night filled with last-second drama, this time capped by Russell Wilson’s fourth-and-goal dart to DK Metcalf with 15 seconds left for the winning touchdown.

Despite some major flaws, especially on the defensive side, the Seahawks have taken control of the toughest division in the league. Wilson has been the elixir for all of Seattle’s ailments with five sterling weeks that put him at the head of the MVP conversation, and landed the Seahawks among the favorites in the NFC. Wilson has 19 touchdown passes through five games, second most in league history. But the stats are secondary. Wilson’s play has given the Seahawks a level of belief that no matter the situation, they’ll find a way to pull it out — whether it’s a maligned defense stopping Cam Newton at the 1-yard line in Week 2 to beat the Patriots, or driving

94 yards for the winning score against the Vikings.

“It was really special that we were able to just keep believing,” Wilson said. “That’s what I always told you guys, to have no doubt, just keep believing, something great’s going to happen.”

For the 34th time in his career, Wilson led a winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime with the Seahawks either tied or trailing. It’s a remarkable number when considering it’s one-third of all the victories in his career. Sunday was Wilson’s 100th win, regular season and playoffs combined.

What he did Sunday will rank among his best, going 94 yards with less than two minutes remaining. It was the second time in his career Wilson has led a winning TD drive of 80 or more yards with less than two minutes remaining.

While Seattle was giving up big chunks through

the air over the first four games, the run defense had remained solid despite not being extensively tested.

Minnesota wasn’t afraid to run and that defense was exposed. The Vikings finished with 201 yards rushing, just the 10th time since Carroll arrived in 2010 the Seahawks have allowed at least 200 yards rushing to an opponent. The bye is coming at a great time for Seattle to revisit some of its defensive issues.

It’s getting harder for Metcalf to match the growing expectations, but the second-year receiver seems on the verge of becoming a league-wide star. He had six catches for 93 yards against the Vikings. He’s second in the league behind Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins for most yards receiving through five weeks, but he’s still averaging a whopping 22.5 yards per reception.

Sunday was his second winning touchdown catch of the season after grabbing

the decisive score in Week 3 against Dallas.

“That’s what Russ keeps harping on. There’s going to be a game changer. When the ball is in the air it’s always mine,” Metcalf said.

“That was my thought process the entire drive.”

• The NFL’s ranks of undefeated teams should thin by one tonight when the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans finally meet in a rescheduled game.

If testing and COVID-19 allows.

The Bills (4-0) have only had their schedule disrupted as they try to continue their best start in years. The Titans (3-0) have become pariahs while dealing with the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak that kept them out of their own building much of the past two weeks with 24 players and personnel testing positive.

Titans safety Kevin Byard said it’s been tough watching teammates

test positive and worrying about them and their families while not knowing when they would play again. The NFL first postponed, then rescheduled their October 4 game with Pittsburgh to October 25, and their game with the Bills pushed back two days.

“At the end of the day, we’re not going to make any excuses man,” Byard said.

“We’re going to come in here and focus on what we need to focus on, and that’s winning the ballgame.”

The Bills beat the Raiders 30-23 last week. This franchise hasn’t won five straight since 2004, and another win would give Buffalo its best start since 1991 when that team went to a Super Bowl.

“As a team that’s off to a good start, we feel like we’ve got a good thing rolling here and we want to play,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said. “That’s our mindset.”

PAGE 14, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

It’s a French renaissance for players

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN basketball players at various levels in France continue to experience early success with their teams.

Kino Burrows in the French Pro B League, Kentwan Smith in the Nationale Masculine 2 (NM2) League, and Adam Johnson in the NM3 League.

Burrows had 18 points and five rebounds in the season opener to lead the FOS Provence Basketball Byers to a 73-71 win over Saint Quentin.

FOS led by just two at

the half, 38-36, but Burrows scored eight of his 18 points in the third to take control of the game for good.

The Byers will continue Pro B play on October 17 against Poitiers before they host Nantes on October 23 For now, attention shifts to the French Cup final against an LNB Pro A (Jeep Elite) club Chorale Roanne Basket on October 13. Burrows averaged 16.3 points per game in the French Cup thus far.

He spent last season in the with Aix-Maurienne Savoie. In 22 games with the club, he averaged 13.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per

game. He was also named League Player of the Week twice.

Kentwan Smith continues to deliver dominant high scoring performances in the Nationale Masculine 2 (NM2) League.

Smith scored a game high 17 points to lead Garonne ASPTT to another blowout win, 95-51 over Ground Basket 44.

The veteran forward is averaging 19.6 points per game and his team has won their three games by an average margin of just over 37 points per contest.

He opened the preseason with 15 points to help lead his team to 93-78 win over

KENTWAN SMITH

Villanueve-Sur-Lot. In game two he finished with 27 points in a 99-44 win over ES Gardonne.

Smith, is in his second consecutive season with Garonne ASPTT. In 16 games with the club last season, the 6’8” forward averaged 12.9 points per game and Garonne ended the regular season with the second-best record in the league.

Adam Johnson is having an immediate impact in his rookie year of professional basketball as a member of the Byers’ farm system in the NM3 League.

Over the weekend, Johnson finished with 17 points in the Byers’ 78-68 win over Aubagne Garlaban Basket as the team improved to 3-0.

After not making an appearance in the first game

of the season, Johnson made his debut and finished with 21 points in the Byers’ thrilling 80-79 win over Cran Pringy Basketball.

The 6’6 wing joined the Byers NM3 team in the offseason after he spent the last few seasons playing in the New Providence Basketball Association while awaiting his opportunity to continue his career overseas.

JAPAN TRIO ALL IN ACTION - BUT WITH MIXED RESULTS

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE trio of Bahamian players in the Japanese B-League were all in action over the weekend with mixed results for their respective teams.

Kadeem Coleby continues to be a force with the undefeated Akita Northern

Happinets, Mark St. Fort signed with a new club, the Nagita Albirex while Gijo Bain and the Sanen Neophoenix are still in search of their first win.

Coleby and the Happinets improved to 4-0 with a pair of double digit wins over the Kyoto Hannaryz.

In game one, Coleby scored a team high 21 points and grabbed six rebounds

in a 90-71 win. He shot 10-11 from the field and also added two blocks and two assists. In game two, 79-68, Coleby recorded his second double double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Through four games this season, Coleby is averaging 14.3 points and 7.8 per game in his fourth season with the Happinets.

St Fort signed with the Nagita Albirex after he played sparingly in two contests with the Mikawa Seahorses.

He finished with 13 points and five rebounds in his only appearance for Nagita thus far, an 89-75 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings. Nagita fell to 2-3 on the season.

Gijo Bain is averaging 4.5

points and 4.3 rebounds per game for Sanen Neophoenix thus far as they remain winless on the season.

In last weekend’s series against Seahorses Mikawa, Bain finished with four points and a team high seven rebounds in an 85-57 loss and followed with four points and six rebounds in just nine minutes of a 63-55 loss.

In game two of the season

against the Chiba Jets, Bain scored a season high eight points on 4-6 shooting from the field in a 103-54 loss.

This is the B League’s fifth season after the COVID-19 pandemic brought an early end to the 2019-20 season. Each team will play 60 regular season games. The playoffs commence on May 13 and the finals will follow on May 29.

BELIEF RUNS HIGH AS TEAM UNDEFEATED from page 16

SPAIN’s Rafael Nadal holds the trophy, right, as he celebrates winning the final match of the French Open tennis tournament against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, left, on Sunday.

DOES IT MATTER WHO’S THE GOAT?

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer NOW that the 2020 Grand Slam season is done and Rafael Nadal is tied with Roger Federer at 20 major championships, the most for a man in tennis history, followed by Novak Djokovic at 17, some might be tempted to rekindle the conversation about which is the “Greatest of All-Time.”

The truth is, everyone should just let that GOAT debate go.

Trying to come up with a consensus pick is silly — especially now, when the Big Three are still active — and, more to the point, unnecessary.

Why insist on choosing one when we should appreciate, admire and elevate all of them?

Two weeks before Nadal trounced Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 Sunday to earn a 13th trophy at the French Open and catch Federer in the Slam standings, Serena Williams was asked to assess the significance of such an achievement.

Williams owns 23 major singles trophies, the most by anyone in the professional era and second to Margaret Court’s all-era standard of 24.

“You can’t compare two people that are equally great. Roger — I mean, he’s Roger Federer. I think that says enough. So, you know, it’s like, I don’t understand why people want to pit, ‘Who’s this? Who’s that?’ They both have spectacular careers that 99% of people can only dream of. ... Every single credit and every single thing that they get, they absolutely deserve it,” Williams said. “I’m a big fan of both, to be honest.”

Nothing wrong with that.

Also nothing wrong with picking one to cheer for, to like the best. That’s what fandom is all about.

Those partial to Federer, Nadal or Djokovic can build a case.

“I’m a man of numbers,” said Ivan Lendl, who won eight Slam titles from 1984-90. “And so to me, the guy who wins the most majors is going to probably be viewed as the best ever. Who

is it right now? ... It’s still undecided.”

Nadal has his 20, at least one at each Slam and at least one in each of three decades, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s; his 13 at Roland Garros are more than anyone won at any tournament; he leads Federer 24-16 head-to-head; he leads Djokovic 5-4 in Grand Slam finals.

Federer has his 20 and a career Slam, too; he holds the record for most weeks at No 1 in the ATP rankings; his totals for tour titles (103) and match wins (1,242) are the highest of the group.

Djokovic’s 17 major titles makes him the only other man with more than 14, and he, like his rivals, owns a career Slam, and like Nadal, has won one in three decades; he leads the head-tohead series with both Nadal (29-27) and Federer (27-23); he’s won the most Masters 1000s and done so twice at each event, while no one else even has one title from each at that level; he is gaining on Federer in weeks at No. 1.

Their skills, styles and personalities offer something for everyone.

“They all play different. They all love their different surfaces, different conditions. Novak is still obviously in reach for the Slam count, as well,” American pro Jack Sock said. “You can’t really put your finger on one guy. ... They’re all GOATs in their own way.”

Federer’s serve and his net game stand out; he’s been best on Wimbledon’s grass.

Nada’s lefty forehand and court coverage stand out; he’s been best on the French Open’s red clay.

Djokovic’s return and backhand stand out; he’s been best on the Australian Open’s hard courts.

“These three guys showed throughout their career (what) great champions they are, no matter the conditions, no matter the atmosphere, no matter anything,” 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic said. “They are able to sustain everything and to fight through difficulties, which is a great virtue of champions.”

Be grateful for whatever we get the

He still managed to score ten points as they won 61-41.

In the second game, Albury once again came through with 12 points as Believe easily won 58-37 over Team Vision.

“This is really crazy.

Again, this is only our second week of practice and our second dominant weekend,” Albury said.

“We are blowing out teams and we haven’t even had full practices yet.

“Chemistry wise, it’s crazy. We are coming out and just blowing teams in front of us. I never saw anything like this before. I never thought I could see something like this. All of us are just getting to know each other, but for some reason, the chemistry is just clicking.”

This weekend, Albury

DEYTON ALBURY and Believe will be heading to Orlando, Florida where they will play in the All-American Jamboree, a tournament they expect to get their first real test, playing against teams that are expected to feature players who have already signed for their respective division one schools.

“This is supposed to be a high level tournament with some big teams in every

game that we play,” Albury noted. “This is supposed to be a high level tournament or us, but I expect us to perform very well.

“We re going to the underdogs because a lot of people are not expecting us to win any games, so that alone should be the motivation for us. We want to make a name for ourselves with a lot of college coaches coming in.”

For Albury, if there’s specific that he will have to concentrate a little more on to impress the scouts. it’s his jump shot.

“I have to get to my spot and be able to shoot the ball. That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t get my college offers yet,” Albury said.

“The coaches want me to be able to shoot the ball more. I can dominant going to the basket, but they want me to be able to shoot the ball more.”

JOHNSON QUALIFIES FOR CHESS FINAL

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas made its first appearance as the newest member of the International School Sports Federation at the World Schools Championships’ Online Chess Tournament and Daijah Johnson continues to make history.

Johnson, Woman Candidate Chess Master, advanced to the tournament finals after emerging as one of the top 40 participants in a field that comprised some of the top players across the globe in the ISF Qualifiers.

WCM Johnson, the first female in the Bahamas to ever receive an International Chess Federation (FIDE) title, got her opening in round four and proceeded to win five matches.

Johnson finished at No 38 to qualify for the U18 finals, scheduled for October 24.

The remainder of the U18 team included Olga Roussos and Trinity. Roussos and Pinder were very close to qualifying in the top 40 at No.41 and No.46 in the rankings respectively.

Pinder was the first participant for team Bahamas and won in the first round against a higher rated player. She finished with

four points. Roussos, who also participated in the Online Chess Olympiad in August, finished with 4.5 points.

“It was a great effort by our junior players as they competed against stronger chess counties in Europe and Asia,” The Bahamas Chess Federation said in a statement, “Great result from all our players so far; we look forward to the Finals and extraordinary things from all three players in the future.”

“I feel as if each international tournament is always a good experience as I get to compete against people from different parts around the world. I also get to interact with people from different cultures and make long friendships with fellow chess players like myself,” Johnson said prior to the tournament.

Bahamas Chess Federation Elton Joseph said it is a great opportunity for the development of the local sport.

“Chess is a sport that age is basically a number. If the kids get strong enough, they can compete at the highest level which is the World Chess Olympiad,” he said, “This year we had a lot of funding. We had some chess sets and books.

We were supposed to do a big program to put chess

in the schools but COVID19 hit. There are two clubs in Freeport, a club in Eleuthera and Andros that we sent chess sets to, and then school closed down.”

The ISF World Schools Championship Online Chess 2020 will begin October 3 with qualification rounds and concludes on October 25 with finals. Throughout October, the ISF World Schools Championship Online Chess 2020 will include four qualification and four final tournaments.

The virtual competition software used will be Premium Chess.

In addition to Johnson (Aquinas College), Pinder (Doris Johnson) and Roussos (Home School), the full roster for team Bahamas includes: U18 Open - Nathan Smith (Home School), Aiden Mart (Home School), Noah Albury (St. Augustine’s College), Trevor Bridgewater (Queen’s College), Curtis Pride Jr (Home School); U15 Girls - Makayla Horton (St. Augustine’s College), Faith Higgs (SC McPherson); U15 Open - Avain Pride (Home School), Seth Roberts (Queen’s College), Daniel Ramtulla (Queen’s College), Tadan Ferguson (Home School); U18 Open - Nathaniel Higgs Jr (RM Bailey).

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, PAGE 15

HIGGS HIGH NOT ENOUGH IN LOSS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE turning in a game-high performance, Bahamian female professional basketball player Lashann Higgs and the Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM suffered another loss in the Liga Femenina Endesa, the top women’s basketball league in Spain.

Playing in her fourth game in her rookie season overseas, the 25-year-old Higgs poured in 28 points on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough as Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM fell 79-75 to Casademont Zaragoza at the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe (Zaragoza).

In 29 minutes on the floor, Higgs shot 9-of-17 for 53 percent from the field, 2-for-4 from behind the three-point arch or 50% and was a perfect 4-for-4 for 100% from the free throw

line. She also pulled down 12 rebounds, seven coming on the defensive end.

Her performance speaks for itself, but Higgs is not resting on her laurels.

“I feel as if there can always be more to improve on individually so that I can help my team in the best way that I possibly can,” Higgs told The Tribune after the game. “Every game is a learning experience for me so I just have to keep moving forward.”

Now at 1-3 and tenth place in the standings, Higgs and Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM will be back in action on Saturday when they take on Cdad. de La Laguna Tenerife at home at the Bembibre Arena.

And based on what she’s seen in the league, Higgs feels there’s still a lot of room for improvement for Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM, who has assembled a brand new

team under coach Pepe Vazquez.

“We are a new team so we just have to take this as an opportunity to continue to improve collectively and continue to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” she stated. “We can only continue to get better.”

Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM was coming off a 79-69 victory over Spar Gran Canaria on October 3 when Higgs scored 22 points with six rebounds after losing their first two

games of the season to Lointek Gerrnika Bizaia 70-45 on September 26 and 76-65 to IDK Euskotren on September 19.

Despite the slow start as far as their winning percentage is concerned, Higgs noted that the experience so far as has been a rewarding one.

“I believe that I’m starting to get the hang of things as a professional, but I’m always willing to continue to learn as much as possible,” she stated.

The Harbour Island, Eleuthera, native made the transition to the pro ranks this year after she completed her collegiate sting with the Texas Longhorns.

She was in Kansas City in March with the Longhorns for the Big 12 Tournament when the coronavirus pandemic struck, halting all sporting activities around the world.

Now she’s looking forward to the rest of the season with great expectations.

LASHAN Higgs pictured in action in Europe.

“It’s just to continue to improve and work hard each and every day and continue to get better every day whether it’s individually or collectively,” she summed up.

With 27 more games left through the remainder of the regular season that ends on April 3, 2021, Higgs is confident that they can turn things around and make run for a playoff spot.

BIG CHANCE FOR BAHAMAS BODYBUILDERS from page 16

“As we receive updated information, it will be disseminated onward to both the ministry and the med,” Stubbs said. “This year we were unable to host any of our local events or fund raisers which would have assisted in our finances to support Team Bahamas.

“However, we are hopeful yet grateful of the Government’s commitment and assistance to us.

This will indeed boost the morale of others and hopefully show the region that The Bahamas is still alive, energised and well.”

The BBFF, according to Stubbs, have identified a few competitors who have

expressed an interest in competing in the national and subsequently the CAC Championships. He said they will assess the athletes and make a determination on who will be selected.

“It’s just a matter of giving them the time to finish up and try bring a stage ready package before us,” Stubbs revealed. “We will sit down in closed forum with no audience, no one but the athletes and the judges, practicing the social distancing from athletes to judges and we will review and assess the bodies that are presented before us.

“We will see who are CAC calibre ready because it’s a difference from someone who bring their body under subjection and pretty

much in shape.”

The BBFF will hold the screening for the team on Saturday, November 14.

Over the final three weeks, the BBFF will be grooming the 14-member team, or those that are compatible to represent The Bahamas at the championships, accompanied by at least three officials.

Stubbs said the pandemic has affected Barbados so that they were not able to host the championships as their Ministry of Sports was the primary sponsor and unfortunately, most of his other supporting sponsors have also detached their commitment due to their financial situation.

With the new setting for the championships, Stubbs

said Bahamian athletes will get a chance to pursue a professional athlete’s card.

“Many athletes have toiled in the trenches just for this moment, including our local athletes here and I too join in the excitement of seeing this happen,” Stubbs said. “Mr Tony Pena, the Vice-President of the CACBFF office and President of the Dominican Bodybuilding Fitness Federation, has stepped up to the plate and announced their capability of hosting this event in the DR with short notice as he has done before.”

Stubb, who secured his pro card in 2008 when the amateur championships was staged in The Bahamas, said all of the amateur

categories will be honored as it makes the opportunities greater for the Bahamian athletes.

During the championships, amateurs are expected to compete from December 4-5th and the Pros on the 6th. Elite Show for professionals will have five open categories, including the Women’s Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Wellness, Men’s Bodybuilding and Women’s Bikini. A sixth category to be added will be announced shortly.

Pro card winners from the CAC championships after they are crowned on the Saturday night will have the opportunity to compete with the pros on the Sunday, making their pro debut if they choose to do so.

“This opportunity will allow The Bahamas to be represented at these championships for which we have been regional champions over the years,” Stubbs said. “We hope to have a screening of our athletes who are still training and preparing.

“During the evaluation process, a small impactful team delegation will be chosen to ensure that The Bahamas is represented.”

According to Stubbs, they have been assured that the World Health Organization, CDC and IFBB health protocols and policies will be enforced and the CACBFF has agreed to follow all safety and travel guidelines during the weekend at the championship.

SPORTS SECTION E

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020

LAKERS ARE BUBBLIN’

SEE PAGE 13

WHAT NEXT FOR THE HEAT?

PAGE 13

Big chance for Bahamas bodybuilders

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH local sporting activities are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation is still looking forward to preparing a 14-member team to compete in the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Fitness Championships.

The CACBFF’s wellness office announced that the CAC games have to relocate from Bridgetown, Barbados to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic due to the sporting administration’s change of the executive council and the negative financial impact on the Bajan’s economy with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The championships is now set for December 4-6th and will comprise of an event for all amateurs and one for the professionals where elite athletes from around the world will get a rare chance to compete on the same stage.

In preparation for the championships, Stubbs said the BBFF wrote to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on Tuesday, September 29, notifying them of our planned participation in this event and made request of financial assistance for Team Bahamas.

SEE PAGE 15

BELIEF RUNS HIGH AS TEAM UNDEFEATED

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DEYTON Albury continues to guide his Believe Prep Basketball team to an undefeated preseason.

On Sunday, Believe pulled off as double header to improve their record to 5-0 in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in the Phenom Open Run in Rock Hill, South Carolina. They added to the three victories they posted a week ago as Albury made his collegiate debut after graduating from Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas.

In the first game this weekend, Albury, the talented guard, only played the second half against Meridian Prep because he had to take his regular COVID-19 test.

SEE PAGE 14