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VOLUME:117 No.232, OCTOBER 29TH, 2020

OFFICIA

CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS & MORE CARS

$1

INSIDE

AT LEAST WE CAN GO TO THE BEACH

L SOUR CE

FRONT PORCH

RELIGIOUS LEADERS WOULD DO WELL TO REMEMBER THEIR ROLE

PAGE EIGHT

CANNABIS BANKING ISSUE IS ‘DILEMMA’

(but not at the weekend)

PRIME MINISTER DR HUBERT MINNIS

Minnis tweaks emergency rules but high numbers of cases keeps up the pressure

TEST DRIVE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced a slight relaxation in COVID-19 rules yesterday, but warned that Bahamians must get used to cycles that involve tightening and loosening of restrictions because the pandemic will be “with us well into next year”.

His press conference came days before the country welcomes visitors and returning residents without requiring that they quarantine for 14 days.

And while some restrictions have been slightly loosened, Dr Minnis could

not provide a timeframe for when the country’s state of emergency — currently extended until November 30 — will come to an end.

Dr Minnis announced that all beaches and parks in New Providence and Abaco will open starting on Monday.

“Groups are limited to five individuals and the COVID-19 enforcement unit will heavily monitor beaches and parks,” he said.

He said beginning Friday, an 8pm to 5am weekday curfew will apply to New Providence, Abaco and to Grand Bahama.

SEE PAGE THREE

ALBANY TABLES SOUTH OCEAN PLAN

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ALBANY is planning a phased redevelopment of its South Ocean neighbour that will create several hundred construction jobs in the initial stages, environmental submissions have revealed.

The south-western New Providence development will first transform the waterfront of the former 363-acre hotel site via

Albany West, which will involve the demolition of existing structures connected to the South Ocean resort and their replacement with a clubhouse, condominiums, associated amenities and beachfront lot sales to homeowners seeking to purchase their own real estate.

The project’s Environmental Baseline Survey, prepared by Caribbean Coastal Services and approved by the newlynamed Department of

Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) on August 5, 2020, disclosed that the construction workforce will quickly triple as Albany West goes through the gears.

“During construction approximately 100 temporary jobs will be generated in Phase 1A, and approximately 300 in Phase 1B. As the project phases are rolled out, additional jobs will be made available,” the document added.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas faces “a dilemma and serious concern” in developing a medical marijuana/hemp industry due to US legal restrictions, a Government advisory body co-chair conceded yesterday.

Quinn McCartney, joint head of the National Commission on Marijuana, said The Bahamas cannot afford to be cut off from the US financial and economic system by banks losing their correspondent relationships due to concerns about US federal law.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

ANTI-OILERS LAY OUT COST OF SPILLAGE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ENVIRONMENTAL activists yesterday warned more than 122,000 Bahamian jobs could be in jeopardy if oil exploration activities result in any accidental spills or pollution.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

STATESIDE

LAST ROLLS OF THE DICE

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Thursday, October 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Cooper calls for urgent meeting over Scotiabank

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper yesterday urged the government to seek immediate meetings with Scotiabank over its decision to end operations on four Family Islands, arguing the move will deal a “serious blow” to their already struggling economies.

His comments came after the Canadian-owned bank announced Tuesday that it has decided to consolidate its banking operations on Abaco, Andros, Long Island, Exuma and Paradise Island into branches on New Providence.

The move is expected to take place over the next four months.

The decision, bank officials added, was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was also due to a reduction in revenue and profits, and the increase in online transactions by customers.

Responding to the news in a press statement yesterday, Mr Cooper called Scotiabank’s (Bahamas) decision “most disappointing” to residents in those islands, who have consistently patronised the financial institution for decades.

Speaking on behalf of his constituency, the Exuma and Ragged Island MP added: “The people of Exuma have consistently complained of the dwindling level of services of the banks there, particularly after Bank of The Bahamas closed its branch in 2017.

“On Exuma, the move will impact many businesses, tourists, workers at Sandals, government employees, pensioners, churches and others. It will be near to impossible to keep the ATMs properly stocked with cash. It will also hamper attempts to deposit cash, posing a safety risk to business owners.”

He also pointed to the negative impacts it will have on Family Islanders, who might not be able to travel to New Providence in this current COVID climate.

He continued: “It is

even more of a logistical nightmare considering the reduced operating hours of banks on New Providence and the evershifting travel protocols for inter-island travel under the state of emergency that apparently has no foreseeable end.

“The idea that their new model can replace traditional banks on islands is unrealistic. This is not a serious alternative to meet the needs of the people in these communities.”

While calling for government intervention on the matter, Mr Cooper also urged the Minnis administration to reopen Bank of The Bahamas in Exuma and expand its presence throughout the Family Islands.

“By doing nothing, we are leaving thousands of Bahamians essentially unbanked and at an extreme disadvantage in terms of economic viability and growth,” he claimed.

“These developments cannot be left as is as we witness the further erosion of the financial capacity of our Family Islands.”

Finance Minister Peter Turnquest, in a statement, told Tribune Business COVID-19 had “accelerated” the drive towards digital commerce “and these developments have caught up with us, unfortunately”.

Mr Turnquest said while the government “regrets” Scotiabank’s decision, especially the redundancies that will result, residents and businesses in the affected islands are urged to take advantage of the justlaunched Bahamian digital dollar and other electronic means to meet their payment needs.

“We must double our efforts to further deepen and diversify our economy, projecting the future of work in The Bahamas and opportunities to move into different types of work, taking advantage of the technology and Fintech developments,” he added.

In response, Mr Cooper said: “Comments in the press by the minister of finance today indicate that the current administration has already thrown in the towel in this regard. They must not give up so easily.”

THREE ARRESTED OVER STABBING INCIDENT THREE men were arrested in connection with a stabbing incident that left another man in hospital.

Police said shortly after 11am on Tuesday, a man was walking in the area of Buttonwood Street, Pinewood Gardens, when he was approached by a group of men.

An argument followed that resulted in the man being stabbed several times about the body. He was taken to hospital where he is in critical condition.

Acting on information officers from the Operations Unit went to a residence in Pinewood Gardens where they arrested three male suspects in connection with

this incident.

Meanwhile, police are looking for a man who allegedly robbed two women on Tuesday.

Police were told that shortly after noon, two women went to the area of the Department of Social Services located on Robinson Road to meet with a seller with whom they negotiated via Facebook.

While at that location, they met with a man who presented the item he had for sale. During the negotiations, the man produced a handgun and robbed both women of cash before fleeing in a black Mitsubishi vehicle.

Investigations into both matters continue.

TWO HELD AFTER CAR CHASE POLICE arrested two people after being led on a short car chase in New Providence yesterday, according to Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles.

She told The Tribune last night: “Shortly after 1pm, a male entered a food store on Peardale.

Armed with a firearm, he held the employees at bay and robbed them of cash before making good his escape.

“A short time later police, acting on information, intercepted a black vehicle and after a short chase, which ended in the Montel Heights area, they arrested two persons.”

She said police recovered some property and a firearm after the suspects were arrested.

She added that an investigation is ongoing and that no one was injured during the incident.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 29, 2020, PAGE 3

Minnis tweaks emergency rules TOTAL CASES

TOTAL DEATHS

6,549 136 NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES TUESDAY 67 CASES NEW PROVIDENCE 62 ELEUTHERA 1 EXUMA 1 ANDROS 1 PENDING 2

TOTAL TESTS

HOSPITALISED

34,948

94

CASES IN ICU

15

RECOVERED

4182

• WEDNESDAY FIGURES NOT RELEASED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS NOT TO SPOT CASES WITH NO SYMPTOMS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH officials say the rapid antigen tests, which are key to the country’s plan to reopen with relaxed requirements, are not useful in detecting the disease in asymptomatic carriers of the virus.

Their comments came as the Bahamas Association of Medical Technologists released a statement yesterday saying the rapid tests should not be sold to businesses and organisations that lack the “necessary capabilities” because of the infection risk.

“Testing should only be done by healthcare professionals who are trained specifically for this purpose,” the BAMT said.

“Increased testing cannot mean a disregard of the guidelines and standards that have been set to keep us all safe. COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus that is still spreading rapidly amongst us… the use of rapid tests must be

done with the utmost care and not taken for granted because of its apparent simplicity. This is not a pregnancy test and the risk of infection is extremely high. These kits should not be sold to businesses and organisations without the necessary capabilities.”

Dr Merceline DahlRegis, health consultant in the Office of the Prime Minister, said during a press conference yesterday that up to 40 percent of COVID-19 carriers are asymptomatic.

When asked if the antigen tests can identify the virus in such people, Dr Jessica Edwards, a medical microbiologist at Princess Margaret Hospital, said the test is not recommended for this purpose.

“The Ministry of Health is actively looking at the performance of the rapid antigen diagnostic test for use in our population,” she said.

“We do feel that once the test has been approved and is satisfactory for use, we should be able to use it

effectively in symptomatic patients, particularly symptomatic persons being those that are having signs and symptoms that suggest a COVID-19 infection.

“We also think that this test may be useful in the population where contacts have been exposed to cases confirmed to be positive or COVID-19.

“The Ministry of Health at this time does not recommend using those tests for the asymptomatic populations or wider screening and so it would not be a useful option at this time.”

Dr Indira Martin, head of the Bahamas National Reference Laboratory, added: “There is a lack of data in that particular population and the recommendation thus far from the WHO has been for use in symptomatic individuals.”

The Bahamas will reopen its borders with relaxed requirements on Sunday in a process that has some differences from the July 1 reopening, after which an explosion of cases and deaths were recorded.

from page one Weddings and funerals on Grand Bahama will be limited to ten people, not including officiants and mortuary workers, and starting Saturday, exercise will be permitted in the immediate neighbourhood on weekends from 5am to 9am on New Providence and Abaco.

Health officials are expected to give more information about protocols for the reopening of tourism before Sunday.

Dr Minnis said residents should have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their tests and other COVID19 expenses that may arise when they travel abroad.

He said food stores may now open from 6am to 7pm in Abaco on Saturdays.

Dr Minnis noted that countries around the world are experiencing a public health emergency that is again worsening, including European countries that fared well earlier in the pandemic.

He said: “The pandemic is far from over.

Sadly, the northern hemisphere is likely heading into the worst period of the pandemic.

“With Fall already here and winter coming, colder countries face a very challenging winter.

“More individuals will be indoors in these places. The virus spreads easier indoors

where there is poor ventilation,” he said.

“COVID-19 cases are soaring in countries around the world, including in the Americas.

“Experts are saying that the next few months will be a ‘dark winter.’

“In fact, the global COVID-19 public health emergency is worsening around the world.

“There will be many more hospitalisations and deaths in a number of European nations. We must also get used to the cycles of tightening and loosening restrictions.

“Until there is an effective vaccine and the overwhelming majority of Bahamians are vaccinated, we will have cycles where cases go up and cases go down.

“This will occur because the virus spreads easily, especially when we do not wear masks or go to social events, including family gatherings, where the virus may quickly and easily spread.

“When cases go up on a particular island, we will have to increase restrictions if necessary.

“But if cases are low on other islands, they will remain open, with less restrictions. “It is important that we understand that these cycles of tightening and loosening of restrictions are part of life in the pandemic.”

For her part, Dr

Merceline Dahl-Regis, health consultant in the Office of the Prime Minister, said two COVID-19 deaths were recorded yesterday for a total of 136.

Sixty-seven new COVID cases were recorded on Tuesday, she added, bringing the total to 6,549, with 94 people hospitalised, including 12 in Grand Bahama.

Dr Dahl-Regis said during the pandemic, there have been 100 airlifts across the country, the largest numbers involving Eleuthera, Exuma, Abaco and Grand Bahama.

She said there are 50 COVID-19 patients who are moderately ill at Princess Margaret Hospital, with no coronavirus patients at the hospital’s ICU at this time.

Dr Dahl-Regis said officials anticipate an increase in the number of new COVID-19 tests as the country reopens, adding: “We can still slow the transmission of the virus.”

She said data suggests the country has passed the peak of the virus during the second wave.

Yesterday, Dr Minnis also said due to increased COVID-19 activity in mainland Eleuthera and surrounding communities of Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, the Ministry of Health will dispatch a team to assess the situation, as was previously done for Bimini.

DR Merceline Dahl-Regis yesterday.

Visitors and returning residents will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test from an accredited lab that is no older than seven days.

When they arrive in the country, they will be administered a rapid antigen test.

Those who test negative will be administered the same test five days later.

Visitors and returning residents/citizens will no longer be required to quarantine for 14 days after arrival in the country, beginning on November 1.

OFFICIAL DOESN’T BELIEVE THERE IS A SPANISH WELLS OUTBREAK

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net AMID reports of rising COVID-19 infections on Spanish Wells, one community official said while there have been several cases recently reported for the island, he does not believe there is an outbreak.

This was revealed by the island’s chief councillor Robert Roberts, who told The Tribune yesterday that several locals in the community tested positive for infectious virus after taking a rapid COVID-19 antigen test earlier this week.

He claimed the tests were the first to have ever been carried out at the small

community since the start of the pandemic and the results have not yet been confirmed by the PCR diagnostic tests, which are considered to be more accurate.

“I mean up until day before yesterday, which was Monday, there had been no testing of any form done on the island, so prior to that who knows if there had been any COVID cases,” Mr Roberts told this newspaper.

“But in this event, we did have some positive tests based on rapid tests. None of them have been confirmed with a PCR test. We have nobody that is exhibiting any of the signs of COVID. Maybe a couple of

runny noses but so far, everything seems to be good.

Any of the tests that were done were all rapid antigen tests.”

Mr Roberts could not say how many islanders yielded positive tests results after undergoing the new rapid antigen tests, only saying he does not believe the new cases means that there is a COVID outbreak on the island, contrary to widely circulated reports saying otherwise.

“I’m pretty certain that there are COVID-19 cases on the island, but no I wouldn’t call it an outbreak.

We’ve been from March until October without having a single test administered and we know we’ve

heard it from our neighbouring countries, the more you test the more you will find,” he said.

“So, I’m sure that COVID was peeking around the bush somewhere but I would hate to label it an outbreak because then all that does is creates a scenario of ‘what’s going on?’

You got 1,600 people here and you got 15 cases and all of a sudden it’s an outbreak.

“As of this morning, when I got up there has been no back-up PCR test for those persons that tested positive. Mind you these tests, these rapid tests came from Doctors Hospital — the ones you are using in Nassau.”

There has been an

increase of COVID-19 cases in several Family Islands over the last several weeks – in particular Eleuthera and the Berry Islands.

COVID-19 restrictions were eased on those islands in August, allowing for residents there to resume indoor church services, curbside business activity and outdoor dining.

But, due to the recent uptick of cases, health officials said earlier this month they have made recommendations for more restrictions to be added to those islands.

Asked yesterday ahead of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ COVID-19 update if the community would

welcome more restrictions, Mr Roberts shied away from giving a direct answer, only saying the country must learn to coexist with the virus.

Still, he said, if more restrictions were to be implemented, residents would have no choice but to adhere to the guidelines.

“We will do whatever we need to do, of course, but I don’t know how can you shut down an island economy whether it be the entire Eleuthera, Spanish Wells or Harbour Island based on rapid tests,” he said.

On Tuesday, Eleuthera recorded an additional COVID-19 case, pushing the island’s total to 64.

PAGE 4, Thursday, October 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Culmer: FNM not disconnected

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer doesn’t believe the party is disconnected from Bahamians.

The FNM’s only challenge, he told The Tribune yesterday, is to improve communicating to Bahamians the opportunities that have been made available by the Minnis administration for their advancement.

Mr Culmer was responding to former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands’ assertion that although the party can win the 2022

general election with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis as its leader, the FNM has challenges to overcome.

Dr Sands, while a guest on talk show Beyond the Headlines with Clint Watson Tuesday night, said the FNM found itself discordant from the views and opinions of many Bahamians.

“I think we’re out of step, we’re out of sync with so many Bahamians. Bahamians are a forgiving people until they reach the end of the road,” Dr Sands said.

“I refute that,” Mr Culmer told this newspaper yesterday. “I cannot say there is a disconnect.

The party is for all and all

Bahamians.

“Whether you are rich or poor, opportunities are there. We just need to improve on letting Bahamians know what is out there for them and how they can benefit.

“So, I can’t agree with that statement.”

While he insisted Bahamians did not want handouts, Mr Culmer said the government had gone to great lengths to provide Bahamians with opportunities to help themselves.

“Money must flow in the economy in order to get things going. We must take care of the small man. Small businesses must be a part of the equation to stimulate

the country.

“This is what the FNM is doing and trying to get them in the right direction and get them moving.

“Bahamians don’t want handouts. We are industrial people and the FNM is giving them the opportunity to do that.”

On Tuesday night, Dr Sands was coy about his political ambitions, but maintained Dr Minnis could lead the FNM to another election victory.

“I would have made it very clear that there are no options off the table, but the one thing I’m going to say is my ma didn’t raise no fool and the last thing I’m going to do is telegraph

PEOPLE outside distribution centres waiting for food parcels to take home for their families.

what my strategy and plan is at this point. Let us see how things play out,” the Elizabeth MP said.

“Right now, Duane Sands is an active, loyal member of the Free National Movement and is proud to be so. He is a representative to the people of Elizabeth having gone to the polls three times, having lost twice and finally gaining the confidence of the people of Elizabeth. I don’t intend to lose that.”

He also said: “I believe the FNM can win with Hubert Minnis at the helm.

We’ll just have to understand exactly what the challenges are and deal with them. Right now the

FNM finds itself discordant from the views and opinions of many Bahamians.

I think we’re out of step, we’re out of sync with so many Bahamians. Bahamians are a forgiving people until they reach the end of the road. They want to hear you recognise that you hurt me, you recognise you could’ve done something different and you didn’t do it and if you change your ways, man come here, don’t do it again, let me love you up, kiss you up, I’mma give you another chance. I think there is possibly (Bahamians will forgive the FNM).

To my colleagues, understand we have to redouble our efforts sincerely.”

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

STRETCHING TO MAKE ENDS MEET

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THERE were mixed reactions from residents who were collecting parcels from various food distribution centres yesterday, with some complaining about the amount of goods given and the quality of the items while others were grateful for the help.

When The Tribune visited the Gathering of the Eagles distribution centre, one man pointed out his bag only contained about seven items consisting of canned goods, rice, and a box of cereal.

“Why do this to the Bahamian people? They ain’t stupid. They ain’t dumb,” he said.

“The only thing making the bag look big is the cornflakes. Everybody know it’s lockdown. My God, man, at least give the people something nice in the bag so they could enjoy themselves.”

He added: “How you could give the people one cornflakes... two sardines, one pack of rice? Come on, this is a hard time. We all

know they don’t have gold... but at least have some kind of heart or courtesy to know how to treat these people.”

The Tribune met motherof-three Vonnya Rigby seeking assistance at New Goodwill Church of God. The 27-year-old said “something is better than nothing” but admitted times are hard.

“You know what is three, four children? Sometimes you go to certain places for food assistance and they turn you down because they saying ‘Oh this ain’t your area’ and you just have to go back home and pray.

You ain’t have no more hope... that’s been my experience basically.”

She said a lack of transportation is also hindering her.

“Sometimes, I ain’t got no ride and... some places is do drive through. If you ain’t got no car and you standing out and people telling you they ain’t want you in their car and you can’t get served,” she said.

The food distribution at Holy Family Church utilised both a walk up and drive through system to

serve the Marathon area.

While on-site that morning, administrator for Bahamas Feeding Network Michelle Shephard said approximately 400 people were assisted so far while there are an estimated 1,600 households registered for that location.

Vandra Arungwa, 30, explained the food package given out can feed two adults/one adult and two young children. She has three children.

“I just manage it, like I stretch it. These two are my own that would last us maybe two weeks,” she said.

“It’s a help... I’m grateful for what I’m getting even though I feel like it could be better quality products and a bit more but you know it’s for free and it’s to help the community, so I don’t mind.”

Quitell Taylor, 46, said the food parcels have helped since she is the breadwinner and trying to provide for her family.

“I only make like a little money because I really had to help my kids in need with hospital bills and stuff like that,” said the mother of four.

“I only making like 370 a month working for the government and right now my car is on E, but we still have to come here because we need the grocery.

“My son live five house from me... and he’s not working… To hear your children cry say they need help, what a mother supposed to do – help them.

He’s not a problem child so I try to help him because he have two other kids.

“This one here, he have a speech impairment and the other one he’s with us. He has a murmur in his heart.”

The National Food Distribution Task Force was created earlier this year to fill in the gaps for those who are desperate for food amid the economic downturn brought on by the COVID19 pandemic.

Up to September 12, the government had injected more than $13m into the programme which had distributed food parcels and vouchers to approximately 55,078 households throughout the country.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 29, 2020, PAGE 5

ALARM OVER RUNWAY LIGHTS IN ACKLINS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

MEMBER of Parliament for Englerston Glenys Hanna-Martin has raised alarm about the state of emergency runway lights at the airport in Acklins and called for the repair of all non-functioning emergency lights nationwide.

The former Minister of Transport and Aviation in a statement yesterday said she received reports of an elderly patient in Acklins requiring emergency medical transport on Tuesday

GLENYS HANNA-MARTIN, MP for Englerston.

night. However, the patient was unable to be airlifted as the emergency lights on the runway at that airport were not working, she claimed.

Although she was advised the patient was transported yesterday morning, Mrs Hanna-Martin brought other claims to light.

“I am further advised there have been similar incidents in Acklins this year and the emergency lights have not been working for the last ten months,” the statement read.

“It is the duty of the Minister of Aviation to ensure, inter alia, that emergency

lights on our national runways are functioning as the failure to do so may have life and death implications.

This is especially important for our southernmost islands.

“On behalf of the people of Acklins, I call on the minister to cause for the immediate repair of these emergency lights and the repair of all other runway emergency lights nationwide which are currently not functioning.”

Attempts to reach Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar were unsuccessful.

Bookings are slow as the doors reopen to tourism

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net WITH the reopening of the tourism industry due on Sunday, one boutique property says bookings have been slow.

Manager of Orange Hill Beach Inn on West Bay Street Dannielle Cole said even though it looks grim at the moment, she is hopeful that it will get better.

“As it stands now, we haven’t seen a huge uptick in bookings yet,” Ms Cole said as she looked at the month of November. “We’ve pretty much

throughout this whole process of summer had a lot of bookings, then cancellations and re-bookings and then re-cancellations. So we have no big bookings right now for the November first (opening).

“We are hopeful, but I think that everyone is a little leery to travel knowing that things can change at a moment’s notice. I would hope that through November and onward we would start to see a steady rise with people coming back. It’s been difficult! Needless to say we have had a very minimal number of tourists before the restrictions. We were having quite a bit of local business.

“We were choosing as a hotel

to operate minimally, accepting all the bookings that we could have.”

Meanwhile, a local tour operator is also doubtful the November 1 opening will bring much business.

Lamont Rahming, proprietor of Economy Bus Line and Charter Services, said it appears the industry is just “dangling in the wind” with no real confidence from stakeholders that a direction is being mapped out.

He said he has had “zero” bookings or contacts for the November opening.

“So far there has been zero contact from any client or industry partners who I subcontract with sometimes,”

said Mr Rahming. “There is one company in particular that we do a lot of work with from the cruise port and that’s not happening any time soon so we have heard nothing from that end. Our online site has not been getting any hits or bookings for anyone coming in from the airport.

“I think a big part of it, maybe, is due to the fact that the Ministry of Tourism says this is our target date and this is what we want to do, but we aren’t really hearing anything from the hotels, per se, as to we will be up and running on November 1.

“I’m very interested in hearing what the Prime

Minister has to say. We don’t get much of a map, all we keep hearing is that the whole world is going through this and it’s just like we are blowing in the wind. There is no real sense of direction or plan. There seems to be an overall sense that nobody has any true confidence that there is truly a plan being executed here.”

Mr Rahming said it has not been easy coping with the business impact of COVID-19.

“It has been very trying and very difficult, but this too shall pass. Honestly, we have been using whatever savings we had, but that is even dwindling. You know

what happens when there is nothing coming in. Some of our staff have been able to take advantage of the NIB government assistance programme.

“Now I would say we have not come to a complete stop because we have one or two agreements to provide transportation for essential services. So we still see some income but it’s nowhere near what it used to. Whatever monies we have, we just have to maximise it.”

Mr Rahming said the fact that stakeholders are not hearing anything from the properties themselves, could be a big factor in not seeing any bookings.

BALEARIA FERRY SERVICE AIMS FOR NOVEMBER GB RETURN

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A FERRY service for passenger sailing between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama is expected to resume next month.

Baleària Caribbean has announced it will take the first step towards resuming passenger services between Port Everglades and The Bahamas with its first sailing on November 5.

Under phase one, Baleria will operate sailings once a

week to Freeport on Thursdays, and will coincide with the already established cargo route.

In July, the government issued travel restrictions on passenger sailings following resurgence in coronavirus cases in Freeport.

A statement issued read: “The company is aware that the future addition of sailings to Freeport, Grand Bahama, and the reopening of their Bimini route depend primarily on this first step’s success which is why they have expressed

not only excitement and optimism, but that they are approaching this second reopen attempt with extreme caution.”

“The historic movement towards the restoration of the sea-based international travel market includes a new temporary itinerary.”

According to a new itinerary, the Jaume II will sail out of Port Everglades at 8am and out of Freeport at 4pm.

Baleària Caribbean is reassuring passengers that it will continue to follow

strict safety and sanitation protocols to ensure that passengers have a safe transit. The company has been certified by the international entity Bureau Veritas with the Global Safe Site COVID-19 certificate.

“Baleària Group is the first shipping company in operation to hold such a high level of safety certification. The use of face masks/ coverings will be mandatory during the duration of the travel process for both passengers and staff members.

Plexiglass dividers on every

seat and common areas have added additional layers of safety,” the statement said.

“Other measures implemented by the transportation company include temperature scanning for each passenger before boarding and easy access to sanitiser dispensers in the terminals and aboard the vessel.

“To facilitate social distancing, the shipping company has vowed to reduce passenger capacity by 40 percent temporarily. Last but certainly not least, the ship

and terminals will undergo a deep and extensive sanitation process before, during, and after each sailing.”

Baleària Caribbean reminds future passengers that the company will continue to work closely with the United States and Bahamas government to follow all of the latest travel guidelines. The company recommends that all passengers verify all current travel requirements with the corresponding countries involved before making their travel arrangements.

HEALTH AUTHORITY WANTS YOUR VIEWS IN CONSULTATION

FOR SALE

THE National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has released its latest public consultation paper and is asking for feedback.

The paper, “NHI Primary Care Transformation Initiative Establishing Universal Access to Quality, Affordable Primary Health Care in The Bahamas,” outlines a proposed transformation of primary health care services in the country.

This transformation will fundamentally change the way primary care is delivered to all Bahamians, NHIA said. The Primary Care Transformation Initiative (PCTI) is the next step in the journey towards

universal health care.

“The proposal is fundamental in the continued progress of the NHI programme as the commitment to quality, affordable primary care services is paramount to improving the health of Bahamians,” NHIA said in a release.

“This next phase of NHI will see every Bahamian have access to a primary care physician without copay or deductible. NHI has already made significant progress in this objective.

“The primary care transformation initiative, when implemented, will complete the process. An invitation is extended to anyone with an interest in how healthcare is

delivered in the Bahamas, to read the consultation paper and provide their feedback.

“The public consultation period is currently ongoing and will last for 45 days, during which key stakeholders and the public will be able to provide feedback.”

Those wishing to provide feedback can do so through the NHIA’s website www. nhibahamas.gov.bs/pcti.

Officials said since the launch of NHI in 2017, there has been tremendous growth in the interest and in enrolment to the programme. Despite the impact and devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019

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and most recently significant effects of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, NHI has increased enrolment from 67,000 this time

last year to approximately 87,000 beneficiaries currently enrolled. This is an increase of over 30 percent.

During this time, NHI

has launched its electronic health record, allowing beneficiaries to access their medical records history and other important data.

PAGE 6, Thursday, October 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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Lockdown still here as we open the doors IF ANYONE was expecting major changes from Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, they were soon disappointed.

The changes that were announced didn’t move the needle far – which considering the country is back open for business from Sunday is disconcerting.

Of course, the number of new cases of COVID-19 keep coming, so the curfews and lockdowns haven’t done their job as yet. Still, the banner moment of reopening comes with a whimper rather than a bang.

The changes that have been introduced are minor – and feel like moving around the deckchairs rather than anything of great substance. There’s no revolution here – just a prescription for more of the same medicine.

There are also concerns about the rapid antigen kits being touted as our pathway back to normality and for use in testing tourist arrivals here. The concern is that they are not useful in detecting the disease in those who are carrying the virus but not showing symptoms. As Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis noted yesterday, that can be up to 40 percent of carriers.

Worse news still comes from beyond our shores – with Europe and the US experiencing their own second wave surge in cases.

If it sounds like a gloomy picture, that’s because it is – but there is a glimmer of hope. The number of cases may not have reached the point where we can lift the lockdowns, but according to Dr Dahl-Regis we have passed the peak of the second wave here.

Credit to Prime Minister Dr Hubert

Minnis for facing up and speaking to the press, a rarity of late, but it does feel as if there is little new here, at a time when recommendations are being made for a way forward, such as from former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands.

With warnings of a “dark winter” ahead, it does feel as if we’re sailing into the storm and hoping for the best. Any further steps towards preparing for the worst would be wise.

Albany initiative

In brighter news, Albany is planning to develop the former South Ocean resort and its surrounding area, a move that will bring 100 jobs at first and treble that number as it moves forward.

The move makes a lot of sense given Albany’s proximity, and breathes life into a site that has been closed for 16 years.

Included in the deal is the whole of the South Ocean site, and development will include relocating the South-West Bay Road and South Ocean Boulevard.

We would perhaps sound one note of caution that we hope the development doesn’t end up sealing itself off completely from the rest of New Providence.

This is an opportunity to create a new jewel on the island, and we hope that jewel isn’t hidden away.

All the same, we wish Albany well in its plans, and praise them for initiative at a time when an economic boost is very much needed.

The role of religion EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE first thing to understand is a lot of religious leaders whilst being competent in theological matters are not necessarily well educated in other fields.

Good orators, yes, and like magicians able to hold an audience’s attention but not intellectual powerhouses.

There have been two issues in the last few days which highlight this.

The Christian Council’s stance on marijuana. Their stance is based on traditional beliefs it has no basis whatsoever on the facts/science of marijuana.

Tobacco consumption shortens people’s lives by on average ten years. The ingredients inside cigarettes contain carcinogens that are not only highly addictive they are highly poisonous to the human body.

Every year throughout the world eight million people die from tobacco use.

Last year, nobody died worldwide from marijuana use. Marijuana is prescribed by medical

doctors throughout the world.

Marijuana has many medicinal qualities tobacco has none.

Please, Christian Council direct your ire at the legal use of this highly destructive dangerous drug tobacco. Think outside the box?

We know COVID is highly contagious and deadly to particularly older people, it spreads very rapidly in enclosed spaces such as churches.

We have as our PM a medical doctor. I think it’s fair to say Dr Minnis, in gambling terms, has been dealt the worst hand imaginable – Hurricane Dorian followed by COVID. Personally, I would not take his job for “all the tea in China”. He is in a no win situation. He has somehow to balance the economy whilst containing this plague of COVID and trying to keep us citizens happy. Yes, I agree, easy job.

Enter Bishop Ellis’ comments ref Minnis, he offered no constructive ideas or solutions to

handling the pandemic just blanket criticism, all in all a non-entity of a sermon.

I am reasonably confident he does not understand the science of the virus as Minnis clearly does being a doctor.

He then casts doubt on whether Minnis is a Christian, what relevance does this have?

The virus will happily spread as eagerly in a church as a food store it knows no boundaries.

What is Ellis’s real motivation - is it a party political speech? Is he worried restraints on gatherings will reduce his congregation size and therefore tithes?

This is a guy with an expensive lifestyle, large house, private jet, he needs a continuous steady supply of money.

I have great empathy for Dr Minnis in the words of all the good bishops he has the “job from hell”.

THE REALIST Nassau, October 27, 2020.

Road Traffic backlog EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Ministry of Transport’s plan to reactivate the West Bay Street car-licensing facility is good news, but doesn’t go far enough.

We can only hope it happens in a matter of days as opposed to weeks, months or even years.

I seriously doubt it will be sufficient to deal with the backlog given the reduced operating hours.

Friends and family have told me of the nightmare they went through to license their vehicles, queuing for up to six hours, cramped

and desperate for a proper restroom. This is not how you treat human beings.

No one should have to wait more than 30 minutes to have their vehicle inspected and licensed.

Moving forward, ask the insurance companies if they’d be willing to inspect vehicles when customers renew their policies.

I’m sure a lot of motorists would agree to pay an extra fee if given the option, rather than having to endure the Road Traffic Disaster. It would allow them to kill two birds with one stone.

It would also ensure the life of the insurance and car licence runs concurrently without a lapse in coverage.

It would reduce congestion at Road Traffic, making it easier for motorists who opt to license at those facilities at the regular price.

And it would lessen the load on the workers, perhaps allowing them to process driver’s licences faster (assuming they don’t run out of licences again).

ATHENA DAMIANOS Nassau, October 28, 2020.

What is the govt strategy?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE ARE in a complete crisis and this all across the world. Thousands of Bahamians are struggling daily, our economy is falling apart, jobs are at its lowest, and the virus at its highest.

I am most certain that many of us thought this virus would have been to a minimum by now, but even with lockdowns, we’re still seeing increased cases daily.

In my opinion, there has been no effective plan to this date.

As the economy continues to shatter, the Government has mentioned once again its plans to reopen our borders on November 1.

The Minister of Tourism has mentioned that they’ve partnered with a coalition, seal the deal for over three million rapid antigen tests to help with the testing, but yet less than four days away, this government has failed to lay out a plan for the Bahamian people as to how this will work.

We do not need to repeat the same mistake we did in July. The Minister should not talk about the plan, but put pen to paper and make that information public. As the Prime Minister said, we are all in this together.

So if it so that we are, this information for all of us is necessary!

It was the government’s plans to reopen on October 15. But a lot of the major hotels had refused to open.

To date, these hotels have not given a reopening date. So, if we are scheduled to open on November 1, what about those hotels like Baha Mar and Atlantis? Will they remain closed? What are the plans for potential tourists except series of testings, etc?

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net I urge this government to come up with a proper plan for reopening of the border and making the public fully aware of those plans.

Because just like July and now heading for November, we have had no real update. And this is becoming frustrating.

This virus is a concern for thousands. And keeping it from spreading within our country is a priority, I agree but at the same time people should not be left to simply wait and wonder what the plans for reopening look like.

In my opinion, the plans should be tied closely to health metrics and the expansion of testing and tracing procedures both to control the virus and reassure citizens. We should be working closely with the United States and neighbouring partners for a common approach to coordinate public health measures, sharing technologies and a safe border reopening.

While the Minister has mentioned its nerve wrecking for the border re-opening, I suggest they limit the number of people that will come into the country.

Make this a trial run rather than a major reopening. Target selective tourists or tourist country opposed to mass tourists that could become a nightmare in this pandemic. This could help save some of the island tourism jobs and some businesses from completely going under.

We can aim at tourists by giving premium packages for an all inclusive destination. This package does not have to include a mass

amount of visitors as yet.

We have enough accommodations to house these packages, but it’s going to take partnering with special markets where travellers are allowed to return home without heavy restricted policies.

As tourists enter into the country and get tested, they should be mandated to using only taxi or tour services, avoiding places where unspecified large numbers of people come and go; travelling only between certain locations, and submitting a document detailing where they will stay and what they plan to do in The Bahamas.

We have the tourism infrastructure for this type of low-impact tourism. Tourists can rent cars and not have to use public transportation, be accommodated in hotels that are closed off to the general public, hotel staff will have to be provided with the most stringent protective gear, and the tourists can go to pre-certified optional tours that meet strict safety precautions.

If I can remember, during the first two months of this calendar year, The Bahamas was gaining momentum for another record-high visitor arrivals until COVID-19 happened.

When COVID-19 hit our shores, arrivals dropped and now it’s been at a standstill.

It’s been eight months since the tourism industry has been in limbo.

How quickly The Bahamas bounces back may rely on people in leadership positions in our government who are bold enough to go big with new and sound ideas.

DR MATHEO SMITH Nassau, October 28, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 29, 2020, PAGE 7

Probation for harassing woman over six months

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who harassed a woman by bombarding her with messages on social media was placed on six months’ probation yesterday.

Police say Gerad Butler, 28, misused a telecommunications system by using Facebook and Instagram to repeatedly send messages to a woman he knew sometime between July and August of this year.

The accused admitted to

the offence during a hearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes yesterday.

The court was told that Butler started coming to the complainant’s workplace to harass her and tell her he loved her.

The prosecution said when the woman reported his actions to the police, the accused stopped coming to her work place, but proceeded to make a Facebook account which he used to send “I love you” messages to her repeatedly. The court was told officers were able

to track the IP address of the social media account back to Butler. He was subsequently arrested. In an interview with police at a nearby station, he admitted to the offence and said he created the fake accounts to send messages to the woman.

During the hearing, Butler told the magistrate that he only harassed the complainant because she had “led” him on. He claimed one minute the woman was interested and the next time, she was not.

In response, Magistrate Forbes told the accused that he should not engage with a person who appeared to be erratic. He also told Butler if he saw he was receiving mixed signals, he should have moved on. As a result, he placed the accused on probation for six months and banned him from contacting the complainant physically or digitally.

Magistrate Forbes warned Butler that if he failed to comply with the conditions of his release, he would be sentenced to three months behind bars.

$250 FINE OVER A MAN FINED $1,200 FOR JOINTS BOWL OF SOUSE

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A SAN SALVADOR woman who claimed she violated the weekend lockdown because she left her home to take her friend a bowl of souse was fined $250 yesterday.

Police arrested Lateka Whylly, 34, when they found her on Carmichael Road around 3.20pm on Saturday, October 10.

She pleaded guilty to violating the 24-hour curfew in a hearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

The court heard that officers on duty in the Carmichael area observed Whylly travelling west on Carmichael Road. The prosecution said when officers beckoned for her to stop and questioned her, she could not give them a “reasonable excuse” for being outside during curfew hours.

As a result, Whylly was ticketed for the offence.

When given an opportunity to speak during the hearing, Whylly told the magistrate she was from San Salvador, but currently staying with relatives in the Carmichael area. She said she did leave her home that day, but only to “dash out” and take her friend some souse as he didn’t have anything to eat.

In response, Magistrate Forbes told her that while he understood that many people perceived the lockdown as an inconvenience, the laws should be adhered to regardless of how a person feels about them. As a result, he fined her $250 or two months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 24-YEAR-OLD man found with three pounds of marijuana was fined $1,200 yesterday.

Jeffrey Pierre appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after officers found him with several marijuana joints on October 27. He pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of dangerous drug possession with intent to supply.

The prosecution said that around 3.30pm, officers saw Pierre acting in a suspicious manner as he was walking. They searched him and discovered a pink grocery bag containing several foil wraps with suspected marijuana. Pierre was arrested and taken to the Drug

Enforcement Unit. In an interview there, he admitted the offence.

Yesterday, Pierre was represented by attorney Jomo Campbell. He told the magistrate that his client had pleaded guilty at his first opportunity because he did not want to waste the court’s time or resources. He also said the accused was unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and so he tried to sell the drugs to make some “quick cash”.

Mr Campbell said since Pierre’s arrest, he has come to realise that selling drugs is not what it is “cracked up to be”.

After accepting Pierre’s guilty plea, Magistrate Forbes fined the accused $1,200 or six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

A COMPUTER is donated in Cat Island.

BTC LENDS A HAND BTC has been playing a part in helping students to take part in remote learning - by donating tablets to children in Grand Bahama and Eleuthera.

In its latest donations, BTC also provided a new desktop computer to supplement equipment at the Old Bight Mission Home in Cat Island.

CEO Garry Sinclair said: “Access to education is a right and not a privilege so we at BTC are

investing in tomorrow by supporting our students today. We’ve provided them with quality tablets in several islands to assist with addressing the access to technology gap.”

BTC also provided protective masks for Oakes Field Primary, Stapeldon School, Gambier Primary, HO Nash and Thelma Gibson. Tablets were provided to Thelma Gibson Primary and students in Abaco and Eleuthera.

ROBBERY SUSPECT DENIED BAIL

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD man was yesterday charged in connection with an attempted armed robbery that left a store employee wounded in August.

Carlos Pierre appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after he was accused of trying to rob Royal Hamilton with a handgun on August 14.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY ANALYTICS ASSOCIATE Bahamas First Corporate Services, a member of the Bahamas First Group, is accepting applications from suitably qualified professionals for the position of Analytics Associate.

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• Analyze financial, statistical and mathematical data.

• Assist in actuarial & analytics research, experience studies, and statistical analyses/calculations.

• Assist in the building of models, model enhancements, and facilitate changes to calculated factors.

• Work with complex data structures and produce easy-to-understand, error-free, and timely deliverables that analyze internal data to provide actionable insights that address the business objectives.

• Self-sufficiently manage reporting responsibilities and analytical projects with guidance from manager.

• Provide proactive analytics support to other departments, including working with other teams to execute against analytics and reporting frameworks tailored to meet the needs of each business unit.

• Investigate trends and anomalies.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or quantitative field • At least 2 years of related experience; Insurance industry preferred.

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• Advanced proficiency in data manipulation; ability to write and script code • Good analytical and decision-making skills • Excellent communication skills • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask and work on several projects simultaneously • Ability to communicate using exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills • Advanced computer skills with MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Internet Research; experience with SQL, R, Python or Java, and concepts of query language are highly desirable.

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Interested persons should apply in writing to careers@bahamasfirst.com by Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

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According to initial police reports, the incident took place shortly after 2pm at a business on the access road south of Carmichael Road.

Pierre was not required to enter a plea and the case was adjourned to December 7 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The accused was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

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

TABLETS being donated in Grand Bahama.

PAGE 8, Thursday, October 29, 2020

AMERICAN evangelist Rev Billy Graham AT THE time of his became especially close to death in 2013 at the age of Presidents Lyndon John99, the American evangelist son and Richard Nixon, and Southern Baptist Min- but as Sarah Pulliam Bailey ister Rev Billy Graham was observed: “He declined a revered figure globally. to sign or endorse politiFrom the 1940s onward, cal statements, and he Billy Graham preached distanced himself from the approximately 400 crusades Christian right... His early to hundreds of millions in years of fierce opposition approximately 185 coun- to communism gave way tries. Through television to pleas for military disarand in-person appearances mament and attention to he reached over one bil- AIDS, poverty and envilion people. His main focus ronmental threats.” was the spiritual life and the As he grew older, Rev love and divine mission of Graham publicly noted Jesus Christ. that at times he may have He was a soul been seen to of tremendous ‘No one is be too close to humility who political power did not seek seeking to censor and to variself-aggranous American Bishops Ellis or disement nor Fernander. But presidents. He riches as have noted: “It was successive gen- just as they have naïve of me, erations of a right to speak I suppose, to publicity-seekingand and offer their think that such reprobate prosa close relaperity gospel views, so do tionship with ministers who other citizens, a President have enriched would never be including themselves at used to serve the expense politicians. his political of their con- Indeed, Bishop ends.” gregants and Rev Graham Fernander the poor. serves as a The religious has offered all pastoral examlandscape in manner of inane ple for those The Bahamas religious leadis adorned commentary ers tempted to with scarlet- and theological political power purple-and in the image gobbledygook crimson-robed and likeness religious char- over many years.’ of the Pharilatans who seek sees, who often fortune and fame, vulgarly blended political and reliusing the Gospels of Jesus gious power to serve their Christ for personal profit own kingdoms rather the and notoriety.

Kingdom of God. During his storied minIn pointedly refusing to istry, Rev Graham met join Rev Jerry Falwell’s with every US President Moral Majority, Rev from Harry S Truman to Graham offered religious Barack Obama. A life- leaders guidance about long registered member of their witness in the public the Democratic Party, he square:

THE TRIBUNE

Religious leaders would do well to remember what their real role is in our society

BISHOP Neil Ellis “I’m for morality, but morality goes beyond sex to human freedom and social justice. We as clergy know so very little to speak with authority on the Panama Canal or superiority of armaments.

Evangelists cannot be closely identified with any particular party or person.

“We have to stand in the middle in order to preach to all people, right and left. I haven’t been faithful to my own advice in the past. I will be in the future.”

WORLDVIEW

Rev Graham articulated a considered theological and philosophical worldview about the role of religious leaders in civic dialogue and the public sphere, an understanding of

Death Notice

Angela Treco

8th April, 1924 - 21st October, 2020 wife of the late Carl G Treco OBE, passed away at Doctors’ Hospital, Shirley Street on Wednesday, 21st October, 2020, in the early afternoon.

She is survived by her six children: Madeline (Brian) Barton, Wesley (Juanita), Larry (Paula), Geoffrey (Debra), John (Nancy) and Wayne (Kathleen) Treco; Grandchildren: Lorraine Betts, Tiffany Gilmore, Wesley Ashlin (Nicola) Treco, Candice Treco Viken, Ryan and Kevin Treco, Jennifer Treco Bahm (Aaron), Lindsay Treco, Nicole (Thomas) Knowles, Krystal and Michael Treco; Great Grandchildren: Spencer and Leah Betts, Ariel and Georgia Gilmore, Stella and Sylvia Treco, Hailey Viken, Hunter Bethel, Hannah Bahm, Emma Knowles , Isaiah Treco; Sister: Maisie Jones.

Mom enjoyed a full Life. She was a lifelong Anglican, a faithful member of Christ Church Cathedral, a Lay Reader, a member of the ACW and Altar Guild and an active member of the Long Islanders’ Association.

She is cherished by her adoring family and many loving friends.

which eludes many ministers in The Bahamas.

Many pastors in The Bahamas seem unaware of the Age of Enlightenment.

Many still do not have a rudimentary understanding of the separation of church and state, of religious tolerance and of the necessarily secular nature of modern democracy.

The Bahamas is not a theocracy, though some religionists seem to believe their particular and often fundamentalist worldviews should reign supreme in a democracy.

The late Monsignor Preston Moss often lamented that a majority of religious ministers in the country did not come from or have a tradition of reason or a tradition of social teachings. The ignorance of basic theology, ethics and philosophy of many religious leaders in The Bahamas is breathtaking.

As a result, their preaching, commentary and public announcements are typically woefully deficient, amateurish and unintelligible. By contrast, both the Anglican and Roman Catholic communions enjoy an extensive body of social teachings.

The main thrust of these traditions is concern for the ethical and moral dimensions of public policy.

Neither of the communions comments as technical experts. Rather, they use Scripture and their social teachings to promote the dignity of the human person and other principles.

This past Sunday, Bishop Neil Ellis sparked controversy over a sermon he delivered at his Mount Tabor church.

In preaching about King Nebuchadnezzar from the Book of Daniel and in a series of feverish rants about the Competent Authority, it seemed abundantly clear Bishop Ellis was engaged in a pointed, personal and heated attack on the Prime Minister for the Government’s COVID19 policies.

It is curious and perplexing that Bishop Ellis never found this same level of supposed prophetic fervour to critique the alleged corruption and scandals of two previous Perry Christie administrations. Bishop Ellis also referenced as a sort of authority, words from the late Sir Lynden Pindling.

Perhaps he might note in detail the ravages of the pernicious drug era of the Pindling years, and the downward moral spiral of our country, which caused The Bahamas to be labelled, “A Nation for Sale”, as Sir Lynden was unable to account satisfactorily to a commission of inquiry for funds in his

account way in excess of his salary.

DISTURBED?

Is Bishop Ellis miffed and disturbed that he is not courted more by Prime Minister Minnis as he was by former PLP Prime Ministers? He was also not courted by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

Like some in the media, who seem to feel Dr Minnis should be more solicitous to them, is Rev Ellis piqued that he is not closer to political power, perhaps as an advisor to the Competent Authority?

In response to Bishop Ellis’s sermon, Free National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer released a statement in which he stated: “In the Christian tradition it is only God who judges the heart and the faith of one his children. …

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis is a Christian and a member of the Catholic community.”

Mr Culmer continued: “It is unfortunate that Bishop Ellis would use the pulpit where he was expected to provide an uplifting message of hope to his congregation to launch a vicious, meanspirited political attack on the Prime Minister of our country, who is working hard to keep Bahamians safe during the worst public health crisis in our country’s modern history.”

Bishop Ellis is now reportedly saying that he was not questioning the Prime Minister’s faith but was referring to someone else. Those who listened to his sermon and the context of his remarks will have to assess for themselves to whom they believe Bishop Ellis was referring.

In a typically unhelpful, nonsensical and theologically unsound response to the Bishop Ellis controversy, Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander weighed in: “I realise that sometimes when sermons are hard, there is a need or feeling of a need to censor the voices of God… “The Bible says the prophet is answerable to the prophet. We need to be careful that we don’t become a sermon censoring society. If it is that you don’t agree with the sermon, then you don’t agree with the sermon. If you don’t accept it, then you should just leave it alone.”

No one is seeking to censor Bishops Ellis or Fernander. But just as they have a right to speak and offer their views, so do other citizens, including politicians.

Indeed, Bishop Fernander has offered all manner of inane commentary and theological gobbledygook over

many years.

Bishop Fernander dug himself a deeper theological hole: “When we get to a place where we are going to have politicians writing to say what they liked or didn’t like about a sermon, it’s a dangerous place. The interpretation – prophets will always speak to powers that be and preachers will always come against one or all governments and we must be grown enough to accept that if it isn’t for you then, just let it go.”

ARROGANCE

What spectacular arrogance and hubris. A preacher has a right to skewer and attack a politician, but a politician has no right to respond?

The good Bishop Fernander might be more comfortable in a theocracy like Iran, where only the views of the religious elite are allowed. His comments are profoundly undemocratic. The “dangerous place” is that he seems to want to censor politicians.

Bishop Fernander should also tread lightly in proclaiming who is a prophet.

The prophetic tradition is a theologically complex matter which should not be trivialized.

Not every religious minister is a prophet, with the self-proclaimed prophets likely to be the less prophetic. Deeming oneself a prophet is akin to self-canonisation as a saint.

Among the tests of the prophetic tradition are those of social and economic justice and calling a people to repentance, including for their abandonment and neglect of the anawim or the poor.

If Bishop Fernander and his soul mates truly wish to hear and heed a prophetic voice and witness, he should read and digest Pope Francis’s recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship.

In the encyclical, the head of the Roman Catholic community calls the global commons to collectively confront the existential threat of climate change and to become better stewards of God’s Creation.

Unlike some, Pope Francis, out of humility would never call himself a prophet, nor would he judge the heart and faith of a national leader, nor would he wildly rant in opposition to basic emergency measures required to save and to secure human life during a global pandemic during which all of God’s children are suffering.

The Bahamas needs more religious leaders like Pope Francis, who continues to demonstrate humility, love, a special care for the poor and compassion for all.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 29, 2020, PAGE 9

PASSING THE SENATE BATON

O

PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport, Wednesday in Bullhead City, Ariz. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

DEMOCRATIC presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at The Queen theatre, Wednesday, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Last rolls of the dice in a game which feels like it will never end

A

REN’T you ready for the American presidential election to just happen already so newspapers and TV news shows can move on to something else for a change? Here’s a suggestion: How about really trying to get the coronavirus under control?

Recent US national election campaigns have started earlier and earlier over the last 40 years, but this current battle began, as President Trump often proudly reminds audiences, on the day of his inauguration four years ago. It was on that day that he filed his papers for re-election, and he apparently began thinking for at least part of every day since then about how to ensure his tenure would be extended until January 2025.

His many detractors have been thinking of how to derail Trump’s re-election effort for almost exactly as long.

Process But the whole process has become stultifying, familiar and tedious. Trump is stubbornly reverting to his successful 2016 strategy against aloof, unpopular Hillary Clinton. In addition to still relying on slogans from that campaign like “Lock Her Up” and exhuming tired issues like her improper use of government servers for personal email communications, Trump continues to attack his predecessor Barack Obama.

While Hillary’s engagement with this campaign has been mostly limited to occasional television punditry, the still widely popular Obama has seemed at least as active on the

campaign trail in recent days as has Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

The former President’s famous emotional reserve is starting to crumble as he reveals more of his striking, pervasive disdain for his successor.

And Obama can still deliver stinging zingers.

While Biden has tended to react to Trump’s lies and provocations at their televised debate encounters with an eye roll, chuckle or occasional retort, Obama has come right out and branded Trump a lazy liar, an inadequate leader and a selfish plutocrat.

Every day, we are accosted with the latest polling results from states we rarely think about unless we happen to live or vacation there.

Breathless, hourly reports are filed from Biden’s birth state of Pennsylvania, which is credited (or blamed) for Trump’s stunning 2016 election victory perhaps more than any other state.

As a result, Erie, Pennsylvania has become this election year’s bellwether.

The state’s only Great Lakes port, this sagging Rust Belt relic has lost over 30 percent of its population over the past half century as the American steel and coal industries subsided into increasing industrial irrelevance. Trump and Biden have both made personal appearances in Erie

in the past month, and the President was candid in revealing that he didn’t really want to be there.

Four years ago, Pennsylvania awarded its 20 electoral votes to Trump.

Erie was more aligned with rural parts of southwestern, central and northeastern Pennsylvania in supporting him.

Voting for Clinton in the big cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh was not sufficient to overcome the rural Trump landslide.

Media Political strategists are telling the media that Trump needs to repeat his 2016 victories in the three northern Rust Belt states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan in order to win another four years in the White House. Biden is acting and campaigning as if he believes the strategists are right.

There has been a lot of liberal happy talk in recent weeks of a Democratic surge in states like Florida, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, Iowa, Ohio and even Texas. Biden would be wise to avoid being seduced by such talk. He needs the three northern Great Lakes states just as badly as Trump does.

The fact that Biden was born in Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania may have been neutralized by his seeming lack of

LOTS OF QUESTIONS, NO ANSWERS

A

s the current election campaign has dragged on, it often seems as if hyper-competitive Trump cares much more about winning re-election than he does about what he might do if he did win.

Over and over again, interviewers have attempted to draw him out on his plans for restoring the nation’s health, economy, sociology and infrastructure.

These would seem to be questions to which a presidential aspirant might have answers readily at hand.

But no. He gives little hint about what he might do.

He floods the airwaves with vacuous generalizations that offer no insight into his plans. There is a growing suspicion that he doesn’t actually have any plans. He just wants to win.

Trump’s chief of staff essentially hoisted the white flag of surrender over the weekend in admitting that “COVID19 will just have to run its course”. Nearly a quarter million Americans have died from the coronavirus pandemic, and this is the response of the federal government that is

charged with public health and well-being?

Even if you believed that, what sensible politician would admit to such a passive, fatalistic, defeatist attitude?

Trump has often denigrated military or other public service.

He has lied to the country so frequently that even dogged liberal fact-checkers have lost track of his total of mendacity.

Are these actions of someone who really cares about his job or retaining it?

Or is this US President simply fixated on winning the competition?

It does sometimes seem this struggle for control over the nation’s course is just another contest for Trump.

Maybe it’s like a Sunday outing with friends on one of his golf courses.

support for hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), which provides jobs for many Pennsylvanians along with some of the oil and natural gas assets that have helped America achieve energy independence.

But the polls still show Biden with a steady lead in all three of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

And all three of those states now have Democratic governors.

Four years ago, only Pennsylvania did. This is bound to help the Democratic challenger.

As this interminable campaign finally winds to a close next week, Biden seems to be relying on a television and media blitz underwritten by his big

fundraising advantage. Is he duplicating the relatively passive approach Clinton adopted in the late stages of the 2016 campaign?

At times, Biden has not been campaigning as actively in person as has the President.

Of course, the COVID19 pandemic is inhibiting Biden’s travel agenda, so that is cited as the reason for his reluctance to travel more frequently or extensively.

But still, Trump is doing what he loves, getting out of Washington and addressing enthusiastic groups of supporters at airport hangars in places like Hibbing, Minnesota; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Waukesha, Wisconsin; Lumberton, North Carolina and Pensacola, Florida.

Those are the kinds of places where his voters live.

Trump is counting on repeating his 2016 success by following much the same strategy this year.

We’ll soon see how that works out. And won’t it be a relief to finally learn the answer?

n the undercard of next week’s election is control of the US Senate. Trump’s ability to install a third justice on the nine-member US Supreme Court this week served as a vivid reminder of the consequences of political control of the Senate.

The GOP has a 53-47 majority now.

They are almost certain to gain a seat in Alabama, so the Democrats would need to capture four additional seats on November 3, assuming Biden wins as expected and the new Vice President exercises her ability to break Senate tie votes.

It looks like the Dems may succeed.

Even Trump admitted to donors the other day that “I think the Senate is tough (to retain control), actually.

And there are a couple (Republican incumbent) senators I can’t really get involved in. I don’t want to help some of them.”

Various state rules may produce runoff elections to be held in December.

Vote counts in several states may delay matters. But when the dust settles, the Democrats seem poised to gain seats in Maine, Colorado, Arizona and North Carolina. They might even snag one or two more in Georgia or Iowa.

Neither Trump nor the Republican establishment is likely to be surprised if they do.

And they will blame each other.

PAGE 10, Thursday, October 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Hurricane Zeta hits Louisiana NEW ORLEANS Associated Press HURRICANE Zeta slammed into storm-weary Louisiana on Wednesday with New Orleans squarely in its path, threatening to push up to nine feet of sea water inland and batter homes and businesses with fierce winds in a Gulf Coast region already pounded by multiple storms this year.

Some roads were flooded near the coast, where forecasters said Zeta was making landfall around Terrebone Bay near Cocodrie, an unincorporated

fishing village at the end of a highway.

Rain pelted the French Quarter in New Orleans, and streams of water ran off roofs. Trees whipped back and forth in the wind, though a few people were still out on Bourbon Street with umbrellas or in slowmoving cars. The iconic streetcars were idled and City Hall closed, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.

Zeta had top sustained winds of 110mph as a Category two hurricane and was the 27th named storm of a historically busy Atlantic hurricane season — with

over a month left before it ends.

Tropical storm warnings were issued as far away as the north Georgia mountains, highly unusual for the region. New Orleans has been in the warning areas of seven previous storms that veered east or west this season. Zeta was staying on course.

“I don’t think we’re going to be as lucky with this one,” city emergency director Collin Arnold said.

Zeta had been predicted to hit as a relatively weak Category one hurricane, but Louisiana residents

awoke to updated forecasts predicting a Category two at landfall around the southeastern part of the state.

“The good news for us — and look, you take good news where you can find it — the storm’s forward speed is 17mph. That’s projected to increase, and so it’s going to get in and out of the area relatively quickly, and then we’re going to be able to assess the damage more quickly,” Gov John Bel Edwards said in an interview on The Weather Channel.

Officials urged people

to take precautions and prepare to shelter in place, and a business-asusual atmosphere in the morning in New Orleans diminished as the storm neared and grew stronger.

Traffic slowed, and restaurants and coffee shops shut down.

“This year, the storms have been coming backto-back. They’ve been avoiding New Orleans but finally decided to come,” cookie shop worker Curt Brumfield said as he stowed empty boxes in trash cans outside and others boarded up the windows.

The winds were picking up and water was rising above the docks in Jean Lafitte, a small fishing town south of New Orleans that takes its name from a French pirate. Workers drove truckloads of sand to low-lying areas where thousands of sandbags were already stacked for previous storms.

“We’re going to get a lot of water fast,” said the mayor, Tim Kerner Jr. “I’m optimistic regarding the tidal surge because of the speed of the storm, but we’re not going to take it for granted.”

EUROPE AND US FACING A NEW ROUND OF SHUTDOWNS

NURSES comfort a COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit at the Joseph Imbert Hospital Center in Arles, southern France, yesterday.

Photo: Daniel Cole/AP

A NEW wave of lockdowns and business closings swept across France, Germany and other places in Europe yesrterday as surging coronavirus infections there and in the US wipe out months of progress against the scourge on two continents.

The resurgence and the resulting clampdown sent a shudder through Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell 3.5 percent, its biggest drop since June, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 943 points.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared a new nationwide lockdown starting Friday, saying the country has been “overpowered by a second wave”. Many doctors had

GN-2454

urged the move, given that 58 percent of the nation’s intensive care units are now taken up by COVID-19 patients.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a four-week shutdown of bars, restaurants and theaters. “We must act, and now, to avoid an acute national health emergency,” she said.

Countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria and Greece have closed or otherwise clamped down again on nightspots and imposed other restrictions such as curfews and mandatory mask-wearing. Madrid and other parts of Spain banned all but essential travel in and out of their regions.

“We are deep in the second wave,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“I think that this year’s Christmas will be a different Christmas.”

In the US, where practically every state is seeing a rise in cases, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers of hard-hit Wisconsin has been reduced to pleading with people to stay home, after an order he issued in the spring was overturned by the courts.

Illinois’ governor banned indoor dining and drinking in Chicago this week. Other states are likewise considering reimposing restrictions.

The virus has killed more than 250,000 people in

Europe and over 227,000 in the US, according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The long-feared surge is blamed in part on growing disregard for social distancing and mask-wearing, as well as the onset of cold weather, which is forcing people indoors, where the virus can spread more easily.

Dr David Letzer, an infectious-disease specialist who doubles as chairman of the Wisconsin Medical Society’s COVID-19 task force, is getting swamped with patients. He said he was incensed to see people without masks going into a restaurant as he was driving between hospitals.

“I’m just coming from a place with ventilators and people are just going to an indoor restaurant,” he said.

“Those are the things that are frustrating and take their toll.”

In the US, more than 71,000 people a day are testing positive on average, up from 51,000 two weeks ago.

Cases are on the rise in all but two states, Hawaii and Delaware, and deaths are climbing in 39 states, with an average of 805 people dying in the US per day, up from 714 two weeks ago.

Wisconsin, one of the worst hot spots of them all, set records on Tuesday for the number of daily infections at nearly 5,300 and deaths with 64.

‘ANONYMOUS’ WRITER REVEALED WASHINGTON Associated Press A FORMER Trump administration official who penned a scathing antiTrump op-ed and book under the pen name “Anonymous” revealed himself yesterday as a former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security.

The official, Miles Taylor, said in a tweet six days before Election Day that Donald Trump is “a man without character” and “it’s time for everyone to step out of the shadows”.

Taylor has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s in recent months and had repeatedly denied he was the author of the column — even to colleagues at CNN, where he has a contributor contract. He left the Trump administration in June and endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president this summer.

MILES TAYLOR In a statement, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany called Taylor a “low-level, disgruntled former staffer” who “is a liar and a coward who chose anonymity over action and leaking over leading”.

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows called Taylor’s revelation “a monumental embarrassment,” tweeting, “I’ve seen more exciting reveals in ScoobyDoo episodes.”

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