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NEW RULES FOR A ‘NEW REALITY’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration yesterday tabled the 2021 Health Services Rules in the House of Assembly to replace the current COVID-19 emergency orders – regulations that, once enacted, will put an end to the competent authority and empower the Ministry of Health and Wellness to manage the ongoing pandemic.

The regulations, tabled

by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville, outline the new COVID-19 protocols for businesses, social gatherings and travel, depicting

what the country’s “new normal” will look like once the emergency orders end on November 13.

According to the regulations, Bahamians and visitors will still be required to wear a mask, sanitize and socially distance following the November 13 deadline.

A business may also operate provided it “prepares a protocol document containing guidelines relevant to the business as issues or approved by the ministry; completes the ministry’s workplace assessment online survey and ensures that every employee is familiar with the content of the approved protocol document.”

SEE PAGE THREE

POLICE PROBE OFFICER’S ACTIONS IN GIBSON TRIAL

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

DAMIAN Gomez, QC, said Police Commissioner Paul Rolle told Shane Gibson in a meeting on Friday that the Royal Bahamas Police Force will investigate Superintendent Debra Thompson’s actions related to the former minister’s bribery trial.

Mr Gibson was acquitted in November 2019 of 15 counts of bribery after being accused of soliciting

and accepting thousands of dollars from Jonathan Ash to expedite payments the government owed the contractor.

During the trial, Justice Indra Charles criticised Superintendent Thompson after the officer admitted to bringing key witnesses together to discuss evidence and to bring their statements in alignment.

Justice Charles wrote: “Unkind as it may be, ASP Thompson struck me as SEE PAGE SEVEN

FACE TO FACE: A TRAGIC PRICE PAID FOR THOSE WHO WON’T TAKE VACCINE

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

EX-BOARD DEFENDS BPL’S BOND STRATEGY

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power & Light’s outgoing Board yesterday pushed back against the Davis administration’s bid to kill off the utility’s $535m refinancing by defending it as the “optimal solution”.

The departing directors issued a statement reiterating that efficiencies from the rate reduction bond’s would produce savings “within three years”.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

THIRD OF LOANS TO PAY BACK CREDITORS

A BIG DAY, PM

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, top left, alongside US president Joe Biden, bottom right, and other world leaders in a group photograph to mark the opening day of the COP26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. See PAGE TWO for more.

Photo: Alberto Pezzali/AP

‘BRAVE’S GONE MIA ON COVID STRATEGY’’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis criticised the Davis administration’s COVID19 response in the House of Assembly yesterday, saying his successor has been “missing in action” from the fight compared with other world leaders.

He said: “Were we returned to office, as the

LEADER of the Opposition Dr Hubert Minnis. sitting Prime Minister, I would have given a national

address within days to address the state of the pandemic. Indeed, throughout the pandemic, we held regular press conferences.

I addressed the nation on many occasions. Unfortunately, the new Prime Minister has failed to give such an address thus far.

“Many Bahamians are confused as to what the government’s plans are.

The government seems to lack understanding and SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

BAHAMIANS are struggling to finance “big ticket items”, Central Bank’s governor John Rolle said yesterday, given that debt consolidation accounts for 36 percent of all consumer loan applications.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PETER YOUNG: WILL OUR LEADERS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE?

- SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

DAVIS JOINS WORLD LEADERS AT CLIMATE CONFERENCE ABOUT 120 leaders came together in Glasgow yesterday at the start of COP26, launching two weeks of global negotiations to help determine whether humanity can drive forward the urgent action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change.

As the world experiences record temperatures and extreme weather pushing the planet dangerously close to climate catastrophe, the need for urgent action at COP26 has never been clearer.

Addressing leaders at the first major global gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic, COP President Alok Sharma said: “The science is clear that the window of time we have to keep the goal of 1.5℃ alive, and to avoid the worst effects of climate change, is closing fast. But with political will and commitment, we can, and must, deliver an outcome in Glasgow the world can be proud of.”

IN this image from video, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis bumps arms with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

Leaders were also activist Elizabeth Wathuti most vulnerable to climate addressed by poet Yrsa who said: “We need you change. The World LeadDaley-Ward, whose spe- to respond with courage to ers Summit will send a clear cially commissioned poem the climate and ecological signal to negotiators to be Earth to COP includes the crisis…for these next two as ambitious as possible lines: “Anything less than weeks – which are so criti- and agree to a negotiated your best is too much to cal for the children, for our outcome that accelerates pay. Anything later than species, for so many other action this decade.

The Summit will also now, too little, too late. living beings – let us step underscore that the Paris Nothing will change with- into our hearts.”

COP26 brings the major Agreement is working, out you.”

And campaigner, Kenyan emitting countries face- with increased commitenvironment and climate to-face with the countries ments on finance, emissions

and adaptation as we see the first crank of the Paris Agreement ratchet.

Moving from the promise of Paris, announcements in key sectors will start to show how Glasgow will deliver. This includes new commitments on consigning coal to history, electric cars, reducing deforestation and addressing methane emissions. Building on the publication of the $100 billion delivery plan, which the presidency requested the Canadian and German governments lead, finance will remain a key priority. Discussions will centre on how the countries most vulnerable to climate change can access the finance needed to deliver climate adaptation and boost green recovery from the pandemic.

Further to the commitment to mobilise finance, the opening of COP26 saw several new finance announcements to progress action on the $100 billion and address adaptation

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a funding package, as part of the UK’s Clean Green Initiative, to support the rollout of sustainable infrastructure and revolutionary green technology in developing countries.

Later Prime Minister Johnson will host a roundtable on “Action and Solidarity” bringing campaigners on climate together. This is expected to include Samoan climate campaigner Brianna Fruean, Brazilian climate campaigner Walelasoetxeige Paiter Bandeira Suruí, and Kenyan youth activist Elizabeth Wathuti, together with some of the biggest emitting and climate vulnerable nations to set the tone for negotiations at COP26.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is expected to address the World Leaders Summit at the conference today.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 3

New rules for a ‘new reality’ from page one

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville in Parliament yesterday.

However, businesses can be closed if ordered by the Health Minister, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, for non-compliance or because a COVID outbreak among other things.

Indoor dining at restaurants will also be allowed at a 50 percent seating capacity but all customers must be fully vaccinated and have a “valid” negative antigen test result.

Pertaining to religious activities, church services, weddings and funerals can be held indoors in accordance with protocols provided by the Bahamas Christian Council and approved by the Ministry of Health.

However, church services on islands listed in the second schedule are limited to 33 percent seating capacity.

In addition to this, “a funeral service conducted in a church or place of religious instruction shall be conducted without the presence of the remains in an urn or casket inside.”

Graveside funeral services also will be permitted once all COVID19 protocols are followed.

The new regulations also place limitations on social gatherings, with only 20 people allowed to attend a private social event indoors under the condition that they are fully vaccinated.

For outdoor events, all attendees must also be vaccinated and adhere to public health measures.

For international and domestic travel, the requirements still remain the same.

Persons aged five and older, seeking entry to The Bahamas must still present a travel health visa and submit a negative COVID test no later than five days prior to travel on the ministry’s travel visa website.

Those not fully vaccinated must undergo a RT-PCR test and submit to a rapid antigen test on the fifth day after arrival.

However, cruise ship passengers

travelling to The Bahamas are required to be fully vaccinated and are additionally expected to follow testing requirements as outlined by the cruise line operator.

For those flying domestically from an island listed in the second schedule, a negative RT-PCR test is required for those not fully vaccinated, while a negative rapid antigen test or RT-PCR is required for fully vaccinated.

Exemptions for the COVID testing requirement will only be made in the cases of emergencies and if persons travelling from The Bahamas or from an island listed in the second schedule returns within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, pertaining to the Health Minister’s powers, the minister may impose restrictive measures on businesses and also has responsibility for securing COVID-19 and relevant hospital supplies needed to aid the country’s fight against the virus.

Further, the minister is also required to appoint an advisory committee consisting of medical experts, who will advise and make recommendations with respect to the pandemic.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Dr Darville praised the new legislative rules, saying they are in keeping with the Progressive Liberal Party’s promise to end the existing emergency orders.

“While in opposition, we promised legislation to replace emergency orders,” Dr Darville told parliamentarians. “This morning we are delivering on that promise and finally closing this dark chapter in our country’s history. The former FNM administration said it could not be done, but in fact, we have done it.”

He also said: “On the 13th of this month, November 2021, the current COVID-19 emergency orders will fall away, and the competent authority will be dismantled. We are amending Section 29 of the existing Health Services Act so that the management of the

COVID-19 pandemic will now be the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. These new rules will replace the emergency orders. They will also allow us the flexibility to make adjustments as the need arises to respond to the changing variables of the pandemic.”

Dr Darville also said that while local infection rates are declining, the pandemic is still not over as he urged Bahamians to remain on guard.

“I want to be very clear: the COVID crisis is still very much with us,” he said yesterday. “The Delta Variant is more than twice as transmissible as the original virus and it is still circulating. There are new variants that may prove to be more transmissible yet, or more lethal.

Anyone who says they know exactly what the virus will do next hasn’t learned from experience. The virus has surprised the world before and it could do so again.

“Even though cases have been falling, we cannot let our guard down,” he continued. “The virus spreads more rapidly indoors, and indoor gatherings with poor ventilation and large numbers of people can become super spreader events, ones which could threaten the progress we’ve made. It is for that reason that the rules outline protocols for businesses, social gatherings and other activities.”

He also announced in the House of Assembly that the second tranche of Pfizer vaccines are expected to arrive in the country from the United States government next week.

He said: “We are also negotiating with the United States and via other diplomatic channels to bring into the country the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for children under the age of 12 years. Vaccine uptake among children and teenagers will help pave the way to a safe reopening of schools. But I want to be clear, though, that this vaccine will only be made available to children should their parents request it.”

‘BRAVE’S GONE MIA ON COVID STRATEGY’ from page one direction on dealing with the pandemic, just as they did when in opposition.

They have more than a communications problem.

They also have a serious policy problem.”

Dr Minnis said the Davis administration has irresponsibly loosened restrictions it found in place.

“The difference is that this time, their irresponsibility will have deadlier consequences,” he said.

“My government when in office had a firm policy concerning the Family Islands.

Our policy generally worked. Our island communities do not have the major hospitals and intensive care units that exist in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

“We knew that if the virus was allowed to run wild in the Family Islands it would be difficult to treat all the sick people. Since coming to office, the government has irresponsibly and recklessly loosened restrictions.

In recent weeks there have been outbreaks in several Family Islands.

“Residents have gotten seriously ill. Some have died. What is most shocking about these outbreaks is news of them often broke on social media. Journalists or people from the areas told of the deteriorating

situations. The new administration seems lost, chaotic, out of touch.”

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville rose to his feet to reject Dr Minnis’ criticisms, saying the Davis administration met Family Island clinics in a horrible state when it assumed office in September.

He said Dr Minnis should hold his head in shame and “be careful how you twist your mouth to talk about the people in the Family Islands.”

Dr Minnis questioned when the administration’s mass testing plan will begin.

A pilot free testing plan has been rolled out in several Family Islands, but has not been initiated nationwide.

He said: “When will this free mass testing begin?

What type of free testing does the government plan to offer? PCR tests are the top-level test for the virus that causes COVID-19.

Is it the intention of this government to make mass PCR testing free? Do they have the number of tests required? How much will this cost? How frequently will they test? Do they have the number of personnel needed to give the tests and to do the lab work on the tests? How quickly will they notify individuals about their test results?”

PRISON INMATE FOUND DEAD NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said an inmate was found dead at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services yesterday with apparent injuries.

He did not provide further details except to say that the facility’s doctor has “taken the matter in hand” and “all necessary steps have been taken.”

“This morning an inmate at the correctional institute was found unresponsive in his cell and was found to

be dead with what appears to be signs of injuries,” Mr Munroe told the House of Assembly.

In October 2020, Andrew Omar Davis, a 43-yearold convicted of the 1999 murder of Constable Jimmy Ambrose and the attempted murder of Marcian Scott, died at the BDCS after complaining about shortness of breath.

Two inmates died at the prison in 2019, however officials said foul play was not suspected.

LEADER of the Opposition Dr Hubert Minnis in Parliament yesterday.

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

PAGE 4, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Prospect Ridge housing project defended by Minnis

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis defended the Prospect Ridge housing project in the House of Assembly yesterday, saying much work had been done to realise his vision of an affordable, but upscale community for young people.

Jobeth Colbey-Davis, the Minister of Transport and Housing, has criticised the project, saying it lacked many essential parts.

Dr Minnis said a Committee for the Development for Young Professionals carried out work for four months.

“The committee designed the rules of the programme, including to give priority to persons based on the following criteria: the lower one’s income; the younger one’s age; if one worked for the government; and if one did not own a parcel of land,” he said. “Special consideration was also given for those with disabilities.

“The Digital Transformation Unit of the government

built a digital application process on the MyGateway platform, which automatically weighted the criteria noted above and had the ability to rank the applicants. Committee members held meetings with commercial banks to explain the programme and the partnership anticipated.

“The commercial banks made preliminary assessments and provided letters to the committee to support the level of mortgage applicants were eligible to receive.”

He said architects

completed a conceptual sketch of the community and an environmentalist carried out the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan.

He said: “The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection completed its first review of the EIA and requested that it be augmented with topography and other studies.

“The committee carried out the bidding procurement process to engage service providers to carryout the infrastructural

and architectural drawings for the community, based on the conceptual sketch and other specified criteria. The bid submissions were evaluated, and a recommendation made to Cabinet for approval.

The bid process and assessment involved the technical experts of both the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Housing.

“Cabinet agreed upon the service providers, and the Office of the Prime Minister communicated this to the successful lead bidder and requested a

draft contract.

“I note this information for the benefit of the House and the public record.”

Last month, Mrs ColebyDavis said that although her team is confident the Davis administration can still proceed with the Prospect Ridge project, the government cannot commit to the cost benefits the Minnis administration promised because so much work is still required on the development, including the production of a master plan, a feasibility and topography studies.

Cooper: Tourism on the up since November 2020

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper revealed yesterday that tourist arrivals have been on “an upward trajectory” since last November despite the economic fall-out from COVID-19.

“As we see the increased numbers of vaccinated persons in key source markets, Bahamas stopover tourist arrivals are now approaching 2019 levels for the corresponding periods,” he said in the House of Assembly yesterday.

“In fact, from some key source markets, the numbers are well beyond their 2019 levels. We have seen the strongest recovery among stopover travellers from the US, since the restrictions on international travel implemented in Canada and Europe severely impacted the level of interest in travel from those markets.

“In September 2021, total international stopover arrivals to The Bahamas from our key source markets were only 12.1 percent below September 2019 figures, with arrivals from the United States running at only one percent below September 2019.

Meanwhile, arrivals from Canada, down 53.5 percent, the United Kingdom, down by 54.6 percent, and Europe improved as their restrictions on international leisure travel slowly lifted.”

Still, Mr Cooper said the government feels confident about the nation’s tourism recovery, insisting “we

are coming back with a vengeance.”

He said: “As Air Canada and British Airways come back on stream along with the new Virgin transatlantic service to Nassau, we are confident of the return of our Canada, UK and European markets. Yes, we are coming back with a vengeance. Certain Latin American markets also showed a significant recovery, with some exceeding their pre-COVID volumes.

“The outlook for air travel from our key source markets for October to December has improved significantly, with bookings over the period trailing the same period in 2019 by just 10 percent, buoyed by the positive outlook for US travellers. International air capacity to The Bahamas is expected to be down by 20.6 percent in October 2021, compared to October 2019, while the outlook for October to December 2021 is expected to trail the same period in 2019 by only 9.7 percent.”

Relating to the country’s key tourism market – the United States, the minister said officials are seeing increased demand with “new markets and increased frequencies on the rise.”

He also spoke about the success of the country’s home porting initiative.

He said: “In relation to cruising, our home porting initiatives with various cruise lines started in July, with a series of luxury small ship cruises to Family Island ports. Meanwhile, cruise lines with larger ships have been sailing to

Nassau, Freeport, and their private island attractions.

Itineraries that sail out of Nassau also have helped to contribute to the uptick in stopover activity, from pre and post-cruise guest stays in country, while the cruise lines themselves are making better use of local linkages for provisioning and fueling their ships. “Encouragingly, there are over 300 ships booked to call into Nassau between October and December. This is a remarkable recovery and translates to approximately four ships a day between now and December at the Port of Nassau.”

In view of these promising signs, Mr Cooper said the re-opening of the downtown Straw Market is “imminent”.

“We must continue to support linkages to tourism and encourage Bahamians to get involved with the creation of more tours, heritage and cultural experiences, bars, restaurants and entertainment opportunities in touristic zones.

Please know that this administration will support these efforts through the various funding agencies of the government, namely the SBDC, Venture Fund, Tourism Development Corporation and the Bahamas Development Bank,” he added.

Before the FNM was thrown out of office in the September election former Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar had confidently predicted a strong return of the tourism market before the end of the year – which the Davis administration has now inherited.

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper yesterday.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

GLOVER-ROLLE: PROBE INTO WHY SOME WORKERS OVERLOOKED

PUBLIC Service State Minister Pia Glover Rolle.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PUBLIC Service State Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said her ministry will be investigating cases where public service workers were overlooked for promotions “in favour of others” to ensure proper procedures were followed.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mrs GloverRolle said the issue was the next item on her agenda after addressing the backlog of promotions since coming into office.

The minister added that she hopes once internal assessments are

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completed, all “gaps and deficiencies” in the public service sector will be identified so officials can know where to make necessary improvements.

“The first order of business was to clear the backlog of promotions that was sitting on the desk of the ministry since 2017,” she said.

“But the wait is now over.

The teams at the ministry worked diligently and we cleared that four-year backlog in record time. Our next order of business is a service-wide staffing and skills audit so that we can assess where the public service is currently and where the gaps and deficiencies

are and set the road map to take us where we need to be.

“This roadmap will include capacity building exercises especially for HR and communication professionals. We will involve all necessary stakeholders, including the relevant departments, ministries and unions to get this initiative done.

While we perform this audit, we will also be looking into cases where public servants were passed over promotion in favour of others. There are many legitimate reasons why the employee may be superseded for a promotion but there are also instances

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where there may be areas of concern,” Mrs GloverRolle continued.

“We will be looking at individual cases ensuring that proper processes were followed. If an employee has an excellent performance, no record of behavioral incidents, met the qualifications and had no other red flags on their record, appropriate actions must be taken to ascertain why that employee was overlooked and to ensure that the situation did not occur due to personal issues or political motivations. (There’s) absolutely no room for that kind of unfairness in the public service under our watch.”

She added that the government will review all funds owed to civil servants among other things, noting the Davis administration is committed to ensuring that hard working Bahamians are paid their dues in a timely manner.

Our vision for the public service is certainly ambitious, but we intend to deliver in a big way,” she added.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 5

COMPANY SUPPORTS WOMAN IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

MANY Grand Bahamian women currently in the war against breast cancer were recently gifted with care packages from Freeport Insurance Agents and Brokers.

The Life and Health Department of FIAB, in recognition of their strength, presented members of “In the Pink” cancer support group with the packages to bring them comfort during their time of discomfort.

“In the Pink” is a budding organisation formed

by Jessica Capron-Butler, who is an active breast cancer victim, to provide emotional and financial support to fellow “pink” sisters.

FIAB’s Director of Life

SHARON WALLACE, designer, Sharon Simmons, breast cancer survivor/member of the In The Pink support group, Lisa Strachan-Turnquest, director of life and health Freeport Insurance Agents and Brokers, Faye Hunt, breast cancer survivor/member of the In The Pink Support Group. and Health Lisa Turnquest, particular, in times such as following items: mastecherself a cancer survivor, these where physical touch tomy/chemotherapy breast/ noted that the company is a no-no, we wanted to neck pillow, water bottle, wanted to make the gifts give them some very per- wrist band and face mask. very personal to assist with sonal gifts which represent These items are handmade emotional support. the emotional and psy- and appropriately adorned Ms Turnquest said, “We chological support that is with breast cancer insignia. made a deliberate choice sometimes overlooked.”

Ms Wallace said she to directly touch those The designer of the gift was inspired to create cancer soldiers currently in package, Sharon Wallace and market these proda battle with the disease. In made sure to include the ucts having travelled and

supported loved ones engaged in the cancer fight.

And, she said she felt the need to “help them along their journey.”

Ms Turnquest, a five-year lymphoma survivor, said she personally knows the importance of supporting cancer victims emotionally and psychologically.

She continued, “So much emphasis is placed on trying to financially battle the disease that we forget it’s a human who is fighting and they need to feel the support of not just loved ones, but of the wider community.”

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It affects women and men of all ages and races and is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, with about 1.3 million people

diagnosed annually.

There is no cure, however, there is always hope in heightened awareness, early detection through screening, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services.

Forty-eight percent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas are under the age of 50. The average age of diagnosis in The Bahamas is 42. In the United States it is 62. Forty-eight percent of Bahamian women with breast cancer had stage three or stage four of this disease.

President of Freeport Insurance Agents and Brokers, Lawrence Palmer said the company was pleased to support the organisation during the month of October, which is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Speaker: Points of order must wait until after govt communication

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE Speaker Patricia Deveaux has warned parliamentarians that points of order will not evolve as a “weapon to stifle debate or otherwise deprive a member of his right to be respectfully heard”.

The Speaker noted that she is fully aware points of order are a normal occurrence in an ordinary parliamentary debate and said she has no desire to stifle this “very important feature of our deliberative

process.”

She made the comments while advising members of the House of Assembly that points of order will not be allowed during communications by ministers.

“Please beware, points of orders will be recognised after the government communication is read. In the course of an ordinary debate, points of orders are bound to be heard.

One of the chair’s solemn duties is the protection of the rights of the minority.

The chair will be dedicated and true to this responsibility, however, I put all

members on notice. You will not be allowed to run bypass the rules. You will not be allowed to abuse neither your privileges nor those of another member,” she said.

“Every member has a right to speak in this House.

The points of orders will not evolve as a weapon to stifle debate or otherwise deprive a member of his right to be respectfully heard. The chair will not allow the points of orders of another member to assail the rights of another member. When a member is recognised on a point of

order, the chair will expect that the member to represent a prima facie case that member speaking has violated some rule governing debates in this House. No point of order will be taken simply because a member is somehow uncomfortable by what is being said.”

The Speaker explained that communications are statements of government policy, a complete text which would have been given and agreed by the Cabinet. She noted it is an official documented statement that carries the government’s stamp of

approval and has to be read verbatim.

She explained: “There will be no point of order on the government statement of this policy. Communications are not speeches in an ordinary debate. They are, therefore, not subject to the rules governing regular debates. Members are not allowed to interrupt a minister’s communication.

If a member wishes to comment on a communication immediately after it has been read and tabled, the member should approach the chair and privately seek permission to do so. If the

chair is satisfied that the member’s intended commentary is warranted, the required courtesy will be extended.

“For the record, the chair is inclined to hear all points of orders when raised at the appropriate time and in the appropriate set of circumstances. Members should also be reminded that our rules and procedures also govern points of orders and while the chair will allow some latitude, a point of order designed for obstructive purposes will not be permitted to succeed. Not even in a regular debate.”

MITCHELL: STICK TO ISSUES AND DON’T BASH FORMER GOVT

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell has advised his new colleagues to stick to important national issues and refrain from bashing the former government when making contributions in Parliament, thanking the Governor General for the Speech from the Throne.

Mr Mitchell, also Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service, made the remarks yesterday as he returned home from Rome where he attended a CARICOM Foreign Ministers Conference.

“For many of the younger politicians, newly elected to the House of Assembly, this

will be the first time that they are at bat,” he said.

“Today begins the ritual of the debate from the Speech from the Throne thanking the Governor General. The rookies will give their maiden speeches today (Monday) and in the coming days. Let us wish them well.

“I hope that the debate will be about what is to come and not dwelling on the faux pas of Hubert Minnis and his band of merry men and women in the past. We came to government and we are the government now and people look to us for answers to their problems,” he said.

This comes after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, while delivering a 2021/2022 supplementary

budget statement in Parliament last week, lambasted the Minnis administration for what he called a “totally disgraceful” attempt of Bahamas Power and Light to secure a rate reduction bond (RRB).

He noted that more than $20m has been spent with still no bond placement after four years.

Prime Minister Davis said: “I am advised that, due to the delays in the offering, issuing the bond now would increase electricity costs by as much as 20 percent.

“During a time when many Bahamians are still rebuilding their communities from Hurricane Dorian, at a time when many persons are still unemployed due to the impact of COVID-19, at a time when many Bahamians have little

or no financial recourse, a 20 percent increase in the cost of a basic necessity such as electricity simply cannot be justified.

“To add insult to this injury, the cost to-date facing this pot of gold at the end of the proverbial rainbow, the cost associated with this floundering attempt to obtain the bond, I am advised, is far in excess of $20m.”

According to Mr Davis, the Christie administration had left instruments in place to the issuance of the RRB at a cost far less than $20m. That was only one instance in that communication where Mr Davis identified what he said were inadequacies by the former administration.

As communications are not debates and there is

no point of order to stand on, Members of Parliament Iram Lewis and Kwasi Thompson were both asked to take their seats when they tried to defend the former administration.

Continuing to advise his new PLP colleagues to stick to the issues that have left Bahamians wanting, Mr Mitchell said there seems to be “profound dissatisfaction” in the lives of many citizens.

He said: “We have high hopes for them (new MPs)… a disciplined performance, not too long winded and striking all the points in the blue print, the plan which the PLP ran on in 2021 at the general election.

“I told a friend the other day that in my political history, the demands that I am

getting now are unprecedented. If you were to examine my inbox it would seem that there is not one happy person with their lives in this country. It appears that there is a deep, profound dissatisfaction with people’s lives, careers and their states of being.”

He said the widespread “dissatisfaction” to his surprise, includes the youth of the nation.

“This seems to include young people who should be happy-go-lucky and carefree. If this state of unhappiness is true, then we must do something about it, because we must know that this is unsustainable. We have to figure out what to do to fix this problem.”

Mr Mitchell asked the MPs to emphasise hope and not despair.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Out with the orders, in with the rules THE move away from emergency orders has begun.

In the House of Assembly yesterday, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville tabled the 2021 Health Services Rules – regulations that will see us move away from the emergency powers signed off by the governor general and managed by the competent authority to a system regulated under the law on a routine basis.

This may be a PLP administration making this change, but the FNM had signalled a move away from emergency orders and towards legislation too, so the question isn’t so much the process here as the content. Put simply, will this help to keep us safe, or will it make the spread of the COVID-19 virus more likely?

The regulations will still require people to wear a mask, sanitise and socially distance – all well and good and something we should be doing by ourselves by this stage, we’ve had plenty of time to get used to it.

A new protocol document will be on the agenda for businesses, which allows them to operate as long as it fits guidelines relevant to the business or issued by the ministry, and every employee is familiar with the protocol. Businesses can be closed, however, if ordered by the Health Minister on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer or because of a COVID outbreak. That sounds not wildly dissimilar from putting power in the hands of the competent authority – and might well run into some resistance in practice. It must be seen to be even-handed in its operation, not one business ordered to close while another more connected business stays open.

Indoor dining can be up to 50 percent capacity but all customers must be fully vaccinated and also have a negative antigen test result – rather than just access if you’re fully vaccinated, it would seem.

That will reduce the number of customers to restaurants if they have to add a test result for every guest at the table to get in.

And so the rules go on – with indoor services allowed at churches with protocols provided by the Bahamas Christian Council and approved by the Ministry of Health, graveside services permitted, and social gatherings limited to 20 people indoors as long as they are fully vaccinated.

Travel requirements stay the same – with the travel health visa still required despite much grumbling by the PLP in Opposition. Tests are also required, even if you are fully vaccinated, although a rapid antigen test will suffice for the fully vaccinated rather than the more expensive PCR test.

The legislation will go before the House for a vote and the current emergency orders are due to come to an end

by November 13, less than two weeks away.

Dr Darville was keen to stress that this was not the end, however. He said: “I want to be very clear: the COVID crisis is still very much with us.”

He went on: “Even though cases have been falling, we cannot let our guard down.”

He’s right. To let our guard down would be to invite more infections, more hospitalisations – and more deaths.

This moment sees a transition from us dealing with the pandemic as an emergency to dealing with it as part of our ongoing lives – at least for the moment, and at least until it is curbed by vaccinations and good health practices.

We absolutely hope this is the right move to help the fight against COVID19, indeed we pray to God that they’ve got it right. The fate of all of us rests in their hands.

Managing debt

The news that around a third of all consumer loan applications are to refinance for consolidation of debt is a concern, according to Central Bank governor John Rolle.

He said such consolidation was the largest single reason for credit applications.

Such handling of debts is something felt on the personal level and for businesses and indeed the nation too.

The question becomes what happens when a credit bureau lets lenders see the true level of borrowing and they say no?

How do you consolidate that debt, or handle the original debt, with little way to refinance?

That’s a challenge the government is facing with its existing debt – already Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has said that the government would seek new terms to avoid debt default.

And over at BPL, one of the reasons the bond plan there failed was because the government refused to guarantee its debt and as a business it would struggle, seemingly, to pay off any new loan.

The good news for personal borrowing is that there is a reduction in debt consolidation requests over the year, which might signal more people getting back on their feet after the economic effects of COVID. Working out new ways of paying off that debt is far from easy – but it’s always better than default.

Do we take an apology?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

SHOULD we take a so-called apology from a politician seriously when his actions have put us all in financial jeopardy and even our country?

Wednesday 27th, next probably will be eye opening when the Minister of Finance, Hon Philip Davis, explains our current fiscal financial mess... we will know how bad the stewardship of the outgone Government was? We will find out so many things which, in my opinion, that administration conveniently hid.

Apology?

Not good enough for us now or our children and their children.

The report and comments of the Financial Secretary beg an obvious question why did the outgoing administration think that borrowing US $700 million was a sensible solution?

Post the Moody downgrade probably at 8.95% plus, yes, editor, an higher interest rate to the last $600m they borrowed to pay off borrowed money.

Different issue....COVID health safety... if Government Ministers refuse to comply with the basic health protocol of wearing a mask how do you expect the public to? Ministers need to stop their practice, clearly vain, of not wearing masks when being interviewed by the media?

FNM watch out the trick of the treats – Most Hon Hubert Minnis will probably scheme to have an MP supporter nominate for Chairman of the FNM Party... the scheme will be that Minnis will stay, yes stay, as Leader of The Opposition... As Chair of the House Finance Committee he probably will control any in-House investigation of the fiscal and financial administration over the past four plus years... Look who are the seven FNM MPs are they not all – might be less one – loyal Minnis MPs? T MINUS Nassau, October 26, 2021.

Pintard for FNM leader a no-brainer EDITOR, The Tribune

LETTERS

THE September 16 general election was the most ho-hum since the formation of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in 1953. The low voter turnout attest to this fact.

Most qualified voters were not attracted to the leadership of either the PLP or the Free National Movement (FNM). Bahamian elections typically have over 85 percent voter participation.

I believe we’ll witness a surge of interest in politics in the event FNM Marco City MP Michael Pintard throws his hat in the leadership race for the official Opposition party in the November 27 National Convention and wins.

Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson and St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright are all hardworking MPs who have served their constituents well. I wouldn’t have an issue if any of these men are elected FNM leader, as they’re all talented, vibrant and relatively young.

Pintard as FNM leader would immediately

letters@tribunemedia.net re-energise the base of the party. He is a quintessential FNM, who has been actively involved in frontline politics since 1997 – when he ran on the Hubert Ingraham ticket.

Pintard is a motivational speaker, environmentalist, playwright, published author, businessman and a seasoned politician. He is charismatic, affable and an excellent orator who can think on his feet, without the aid of a well prepared script.

As a bipartisan philanthropist, Pintard has assisted thousands of struggling Grand Bahamians at his Marco City constituency office.

His hard work and extensive charity outreach is one reason he was able to withstand the massive tidal wave of anti-Minnis opposition which swept the FNM from office on September 16.

His re-election in Marco City is noteworthy, in that he’s the first incumbent to be re-elected since David

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE proposal to decrease Vat but add it to bread basket items, and everything else, is wrong.

I saw a new government minister on the news saying, that it is an insult to poor people to assume that they only buy bread basket items, but that is what the majority of poor people can afford to buy. Many people are paid 200 or 300 dollars per week. Some people only make 150 per week and they have to pay bills and buy groceries with that.

Persons who are well

paid cannot relate to the plight of a poor person.

I thought this government was going to look out for poor people, but it seems they are not.

If they are going to decrease Vat certain items should still be Vat free.

Medication and doctor visits along with basic items like bread, eggs, pampers, milk, soap and detergent should remain vat free. The idea is there should be relief in some areas for low income people.

Vat should not be added to bread basket items, but if you must make a change,

Thompson of the FNM in 1997 in that area.

Indeed, Marco City residents knew that it would’ve been counterproductive to remove Pintard for an individual who wouldn’t have been half as productive as the incumbent.

FNMs, PLPs and swing voters all voted for Pintard. Unlike many newly elected MPs who promptly change their cell phone numbers immediately following election day, Pintard remained accessible to his constituents, despite his hectic schedule as a Cabinet minister.

As a Christian, Pintard has no political skeletons, much to the chagrin of his political foes.

I think Pintard is capable of bringing a vibrancy to the FNM unseen since 1990 when Hubert Ingraham became leader of the party. I view him as ideally suited for FNM leader. I hope FNM stalwart council members share my sentiments concerning Pintard and elect him as leader in the event he runs.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama.

November 1, 2021.

Bad move

add it to a few items, but not those listed. Also medicine and medical services are already expensive. Vat should not be added to them.

The persons in charge of making such decisions should stop and think and change what they intend to do.

Show that you really care about the poor and are not only saying that you do by making decisions that will help and not hurt them.

CONCERNED ABOUT VAT Nassau, November 1, 2021.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 7

Police probe officer’s actions in Gibson trial from page one an officer with very little investigative skills despite her impressive rank in the RBPF. I say this because prosecution witnesses should not be brought together to discuss their evidence, exchange their account and decide as to what to say and what they should omit to say in their statements and evidence.”

Mr Gibson has been urging the RBPF to investigate the matter since at least February 7, 2020 when he sent a letter to the Complaints and Corruption Unit, requesting disciplinary proceedings be launched.

He sent at least three other letters to Commissioner Rolle,

but did not receive a response until now.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe expressed doubt last week on whether the police force could investigate Superintendent Thompson, saying she is a gazetted officer.

He nonetheless said he indicated to the Commissioner that “he might want to give Mr Gibson the courtesy of a reply to his letter,” the last of which was sent on September 22.

Friday’s meeting included Mr Gibson, Commissioner Rolle, Assistant Commissioner of Police Craig Stubbs and Owen Wells, one of Mr Gibson’s lawyers, The Tribune was told.

According to Mr Wells, ACP Stubbs will head the investigation. Mr Wells said they were

asked to further detail their complaints in a letter.

“We were told that once the investigation is complete, the recommendations would be sent to the Police Service Commission,” Mr Wells said.

Despite the criticism she received during Mr Gibson’s trial, Superintendent Thompson was promoted from assistant superintendent last year.

Yesterday, Mr Gomez, former minister of state for legal affairs, said he is “not moved one way or the next” by the latest developments in the case.

“This should have happened ages ago and really and truly the prosecution ought to never have proceeded,” he said.

FORMER MP Shane Gibson outside court in 2018.

THREE-YEAR SENTENCE QUASHED OVER FIREARMS

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of Appeal yesterday quashed the three-year prison sentence imposed on a senior citizen who was resentenced after prosecutors appealed the $15,500 fine he was initially made to pay when he was convicted of a number of firearm and drug related offences last year.

Now, 68-year-old Pericles Anthony Maillis of Abaco will only serve one year in prison, minus the time he has already spent on remand.

Maillis was arrested in August 2020, after officers found 75 potted plants of marijuana, a sawn-off shotgun, three firearms, ammunition and a jar of suspected marijuana in his Abaco home.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm and one count each of possession of

an unlicensed shotgun, possession of ammunition with intent to supply, possession of ammunition, cultivation of dangerous drugs and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply when he was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court.

At the time, he was spared a prison sentence and instead fined just over $15,000 after he explained that two of the firearms were antiques from WWII and the Vietnam War and added that he used his shotgun for protection after his house was broken into. Mailis also claimed he became depressed after Hurricane Dorian and grew the marijuana for his personal use since marijuana tea helped to calm him down.

However, the Department of Public Prosecutions later appealed Maillis’ punishment after arguing it was too lenient for the offences he committed. The appeal was successful and the

Court of Appeal ordered Maillis to be resentenced in May. When he was, the magistrate resentenced him to three years imprisonment for the firearm offences and two years imprisonment for the drug charges. Maillis later appealed those sentences on the ground that they were “unduly severe”.

Yesterday, Justices Sir Michael Barnett, Jon Isaacs and Maureen Crane-Scott quashed the sentences and substituted them with a term of one year in prison.

In their judgment, delivered by Sir Michael, the panel said it was not clear what caused the magistrate not to use the amount of mercy she thought was “appropriate” when she first sentenced Maillis.

“In the DPP’s appeal this court allowed the appeal on the basis that the sentences imposed by the magistrate were wrong in principle after a review of the Firearms Act and

WOMAN FACES COURT ACCUSED OF LIBEL OF CABINET MINISTER

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net THE woman accused of defaming former Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell was arrested when she went to a local station to speak with an officer, a court was told.

Capprio Saunders was charged with intentional libel after she was accused of recording a WhatsApp voice note alleging Mr Campbell had impregnated the daughter of an alleged sweetheart.

In the recording, which was played in a previous court sitting, a woman could be heard saying “it is alleged” that Mr Campbell told the woman “not to kill the baby” and that his wife “broke up all the glass in their house” after she heard the news.

After asking “Is it true...I don’t know,” the person speaking in the audio also asserted that Mr Campbell was a “naughty boy”, congratulated him for having a “bitty” (a young girl) and stated they were not

surprised by the rumours because Haitian men were known to “go with their own daughters”.

Saunders maintains her not guilty plea during her trial before Magistrate Samuel McKinney.

When Constable 4323 Ednika Ferguson gave evidence, she said she was working the front desk at the Criminal Investigation Department around 10.45am on April 22, when Saunders came and asked to see Sergeant Strachan.

She said after she contacted the officer, he came down to speak with the accused.

Officer Ferguson said after the two of them finished their conversation, Sgt Strachan came over to her and gave her “certain instructions”. She said she then informed Saunders that she was being arrested for intentional libel in reference to a complaint made

by Mr Campbell, before searching the accused and placing her in a holding cell for “safekeeping”.

When Mr Campbell took the stand in July, he insisted the contents of the

recording were “untrue” and said he was “hurt and annoyed” by the claims, as he had “spent a significant part of his adult life protecting the vulnerable and marginalised” in society and “speaking out against gender-based violence and the protection and upliftment of women and girls” in his present ministry.

“I was most appalled as the father of three beautiful daughters and the grandfather of a beautiful granddaughter, at suggestions that I would have had sex with them,” he told the court in July.

“In my professional capacity it’s most embarrassing having had the privilege to represent the Bahamas as part of the United Nations speaking out against matters such as these.

“Since this I have been the butt of many unpleasant jokes and subjected to ridicule and embarrassment,” he said.

The prosecution’s final witness is scheduled to take the stand on November 12.

$500 MARIJUANA FINE - OR GO TO JAIL

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD man caught with $120 worth of marijuana must pay $500 to avoid two months in prison.

Police arrested Devaron Palmer after they found 1.58 ounces of Indian hemp in his car on October 31.

He pleaded guilty to one count of simple possession during his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt.

The prosecution said around 12.30am on the day in question, officers in the East Street area observed Palmer sitting in a vehicle and acting suspiciously. As a result, they approached the accused and informed him that he would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms. During their investigation, officers found seven packages of marijuana in Palmer’s car. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit,

where he admitted to the offence in an interview with police.

Yesterday, his attorney noted that the drug charge was his client’s first offence.

He also said Palmer pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity because he did not want to waste the court’s time.

After listening to his plea in mitigation, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt accepted Palmer’s guilty plea and fined him $500 or eight weeks in prison.

its amendments revealed that the magistrate had no jurisdiction to impose a fine instead of a custodial sentence relative to the offences against the Firearms Act,” Sir Michael said.

“The court did not criticise the magistrate’s decision to temper justice with mercy in what she found was an exceptional case. Between the magistrate’s sentencing of the appellant there was no change in the circumstances of the offence or of the offender. The magistrate’s initial sentence evidenced her view that a non-custodial sentence, and a one year term of imprisonment in default, met the justice of this case.

“It is unclear what caused the magistrate to dispense

with the degree of mercy she thought appropriate upon her initial sentencing of the appellant.”

In his dissenting view, Justice Isaacs said he believed the panel should not interfere with the sentence imposed by a lower court “merely on the basis that it would have imposed a different sentence.”

Nevertheless, Sir Michael noted that Maillis was a senior citizen who pleaded guilty at his earliest opportunity. He also said he considered the fact that the appellant was also a man of “good character” who had “expressed remorse” for his actions.

He said in view of the facts of the case, the twoyear sentence imposed fell “outside the range of

sentences which the sentencing magistrate, applying her mind to all the relevant factors, and having regard to like cases, could reasonably consider appropriate.”

“For all of the above reasons I would allow the appeal, quash the threeyear sentences imposed by the magistrate for the offences against the Firearms Act and the two-year sentences imposed for the offences against the Dangerous Drugs Act, and in the exceptional circumstances of this case substitute a sentence of one year on each count to run concurrently. The sentences are to run from May 20, 2021 which is the date that the appellant was remanded into custody.”

Public Notice Lighthouse Point

The public is advised that the Construction Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Disney Cruise Line’s project at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, The Bahamas, has been available for public review since October 15, 2021.

The EMP was submitted to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) and reviewed by DEPP and third-party international firm Black & Veatch, under DEPP’s direction.

The development, a Cruise Ship Destination, will include an open-trestle pier and marina that don’t require dredging, open-air buildings and other structures, walking paths, a new public roadway, service roads, and back-of-house support areas. The development will utilize 16% of the 758-acre site, with Disney donating 25% of the site to the people and Government of The Bahamas. Bahamian residents and citizens will have access to the site.

Information about the project and a downloadable version of the EMP are available at http://www.lighthousepointbahamas.com.

The EMP is available to the public for review at DEPP offices in Nassau and the Eleuthera Administrator’s Office in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, during normal business hours.

The public is invited to send written comments to

inquiries@depp.gov.bs no later than 14 working days after the public posting of the EMP or November 4, 2021, by 5:00pm.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

A tragic price paid for those who won’t take the vaccine

99-YEAR-OLD Janey Bethel.

Funeral Service For Godfrey Collie, 68 of #41B Quitine Alley, will be held on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 at 11:00am at Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Street.

Officiating will be Rev. T.G. Morrison, assisted

by Rev. Ulric Smith II, Rev. Anthony Sampson and Other Associate Ministers/Deacons/ Evangelists. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone.

Godfrey was predeceased by his Mother: Lean P. Brice, Father: Henry Collie, Brothers: Hurie Balfour Bodye and Eric Collie.

Left to cherish his memories are his Children (Spouses): Tania, Quincy, Desmond Collie, Terrell (Gary) Cooper, Sirena Hepburn, and Shawn (Kimnovia) Moxey. Grandchildren: Tarique Williamson, Charlize Hart, Jasmine Collie, Desmond Collie Jr. (DJ), Shaunice, Shaniqua, Shawnovia, Tyshawn, and Shawnkarter Moxey. Siblings & In Laws: Minister Althea Rolle, Bishop Rudolph (Veronica) Bowe, Rose Richardson, Averlee, Bishop Gregory A. (Minister Stephanie) Collie, Counsel & Attorney-atLaw, Minister, Gwendolyn Brice (Minister Donald “Andy”) Adderley, Kevin “Senator” (Katherine), Sharon, Coralyn “Coco”, Donna, Terrance “Gummie” (Lisa), and Ruby Collie. Uncle: Gladstone Gay; Nieces and Nephews: Donnie Mae Munroe, Carlietha Fox, Vanessa Laroda, Patricia Ann Cleare, Marlene Johnson, Kirk, Ramon, & Wayne Rolle, Hurie Bodye Jr, Demetri & Delmar, Bowe, Deon Dunbar, Danae Wallace, Dekira Rutherford, Kendall Richardson, Shantell, Tiffany, Gregory II, Jaime, Ryan, Pheron, Eric Jr., Erica, Erin Chantel), Equiana, Kevin John Ross, Kevin Renaldo, Keva Vanessa, Kevin Wayne II., Regine, and Rashawn Collie, Andreo Brice; and Numerous Grand Nieces & Nephews: including Thomas “Lum” Forbes Jr., Salem. & Zara Collie, Rashad & Piaget Cleare, Aysia Cartwright, Dwaynele & Davard Fox, Tamara Francis, Micha Richardson, Althemese, Charlese, Sherwinique, Chamesia, Petra, Danielle Munroe and Frederick “Freddie” Sawyer Jr.; A Host Of Other Relatives and Friends Including: The families of the late Henry Collie, including Leanna Collie & Family, the descendants of the late Enid Brice Ferguson, including Edison Brice, the descendants of the late Nathalee Brice Clarke, the descendants of the late Louise Brice Gay, including Bishop Anthony “Buff” Roker & Family & Delone Bowe, the descendants of the late Vendlyn Brice Armbrister, and the descendants of the late Rev., Dr., R. E. Cooper, including, Rev., Dr., Ruben E, Cooper Jr., Rev. Dr., Ruby Ann Darling & Attorney Nathaniel Cooper; The Rolle, Bowe, & Smith Families including Justice Renae McKay & Cyril Taylor; Thelma Balfour & family, Tyrone Miller, Frederick Sawyer Sr., Vandyke Ramsey and the entire staff of Photo Magic; the backyard crew of Quintine Alley, under the big tree, including Trevor Farrington, Charles “Pompei Bay” Henfield, Kevin “Piggy” Miller, Martin and Brad Albury; the Roots Junkanoo Group, including, Kevin “Dribbs” Rahming, Wendell “Cubby” Collie, Leslie “Les” Johnson, Gary Rolle, Wendell “Gutts” Francis, Quintin “Barabbas” Woodside, Chanda, & Zhivago Hanna and to the entire Junkanoo community and many others too numerous to name.

WHEN Erin BethellJones assisted her grandmother, Janey with receiving her vaccine for protection against COVID19, it was a proud moment.

She wanted her to be safe in a pandemic and live as many healthy happy years as she could. However, last month Janey passed away from a non-COVID-related issue. What tore Erin up is that she felt her grandmother would still be alive if an ambulance was able to come for her.

Janey was a vibrant 99-year-old family matriarch.

“She was perfectly healthy,” Erin said.

“She walked with a walker because of her age, but she wasn’t bound to anything. Mentally, she was 100 percent there – she could still fuss you and tell you about your backside.

She could put all six of her children in place.

“Recently, she was in the house more than usual because of COVID. Before, she would always go for an afternoon drive with my aunt. She was enjoying life.

She outlived her husband by about 30 years. When we would visit her, she would be in her favourite chair. I don’t ever remember visiting her at her house and seeing her in bed. I remember that she was hospitalised for the Zika virus. I don’t remember her ever being hospitalised other than that.”

Erin believes there is a direct correlation between the current dwindling hospital services and the strain being put on the healthcare system by people who contract COVID. Whereas each individual deserves to have the full healthcare service available to them, Erin feels the high number of patients being hospitalised with COVID-19 could have been avoided if they had chosen to be vaccinated.

She sees it as a community and even national responsibility.

Losing her grandmother was a tragic episode for Erin. That night, she penned an open letter to her fellow Rotarians. She serves as the Fellowship Chair for the Rotary Club of East Nassau. She and her colleagues have made it their responsibility to assist in the national vaccination efforts.

“I know RCEN (Rotary Club of East Nassau) and RCOB (Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas) at large are heavily involved in the vaccine rollout,” Erin wrote.

“I myself have been a frequent volunteer from the first week it started. But is there anything more we can be doing in terms of vaccine education for those medically able to receive the COVID vaccine?

I’m asking this morning, because I’m angry. I’m angry that we should be celebrating my toddler’s first week ever of school this week, but instead we are mourning the loss of my grandmother who passed away last night.

“My grandmother was one of the first people to receive her vaccine during the senior roll out. I

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

proudly assisted the nurse preventable and needless.

“Some say they don’t in administrating because I happened to be volunteer- want to get vaccinated because they have a strong ing that day.

“A lovely woman who constitution and don’t get was 98 at the time, received sick… but they still end up her first dose and turned in the hospital.

“Others who say they 99 fully vaccinated and healthy. I’m angry because don’t need the vaccine, it’s she passed away last night a conspiracy, die in hospifrom non-COVID related tal. And more don’t want issues that possibly could to take the vaccine because they do not have been know what’s treated should ‘A lovely woman in it. Ok, then an ambulance who was 98 at continue to been available. your These days the time, received enjoy excessively it’s difficult at her first dose sugared drinks times to even and turned 99 with tons of get a chair at chemically the hospital or fully vaccinated synthesized clinic because and healthy. I’m ingredients the health angry because unknown to system is overyou; continue run by patients she passed away to enjoy your who have last night from chicken deepcontracted non-COVID fried in heavily COVID, and processed oils are now either related issues with ingrehospitalised or that possibly dients you over-running could have been cannot proclinics due to non-vacci- treated should an nounce much less know; and nation.

The ambulance been continue to choice to have walk around your loved one available. These and enjoy a treated or not days it’s difficult healthy normal has become at times to even life because increasingly your parents or difficult and get a chair at doctor vacciin many cases the hospital or nated you from taken away clinic because mumps, meafrom you as so rubella much of the the health system sles, and polio onus is being is overrun by when you were placed on patients who younger. I’m our amazing have contracted sure you know hard-working all the ingredoctors/nurses COVID, and dients in those and medi- are now either safe helpful cal assistants vaccines. Yes, who should hospitalised or let’s continue not be in this over-running to do fool – prolonged clinics due to because that’s and difficult what’s we’re position of pri- non-vaccination.’ known for as oritising care.

“I’m angry that this is Bahamians… right?”

Janey Vernel Bethel was happening to more and more families who have born on July 6, 1922, in the followed the medical tiny settlement of North advice, and where possible, Palmetto Point, Eleuthera. safely gotten the vaccine She was the youngest of and are still suffering and seven children born to dying because other medi- Frank and Onilla Thompcally eligible members of son. Growing up, she had the population continu- a keen interest in readally refuse to. Your choice ing, poetry and music. She to take the vaccine or not learned how to play the affects not just you, but piano and the organ at an also your wider community. early age. Her father was a During this pandemic it is a local preacher in the Methheavy thought to bear and odist church. She became a choice that must be made active in the church at an wisely and with correct early age and played the piano and organ for church information.

“The vaccine has the abil- services.

After leaving school, ity to actively save lives and prevents you from Janey met and fell in love getting so very ill that you with Vernon Bethel. They require hospitalization got married in 1942. They should you unfortunately moved to Nassau and lived contract COVID, and in Culmersville with their there is still so much mis- six children before moving information out there that to Palmetto Village, where as a science graduate, this Janey lived until she passed astounds me. I’m angry away on September 8, 2021.

She is survived by three that anyone has to endure a needless death because daughters and three sons: of the health system being Enid, Elaine, Antoinette, strained by completely Marvin, Gary and Michael, preventable hospital cases. as well as a host of other relNon-vaccinated COVID atives, family and friends. hospitalisation is May she rest in peace.

Viewing will be held in the “Serenity Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Road on Tuesday November 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

JANEY Bethel with her granddaughter, Erin, and great-grandson, Grayson.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 9

With the world watching, will our leaders rise to the challenge?

ITALY and Scotland have been the focus of international diplomacy this past week. Rome hosted the two-day G20 meeting of the world’s wealthiest countries, and this was followed on Sunday by the official opening of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, with most of the G20 leaders travelling there direct from their Rome meeting. It has been said COP26 – where some 200 countries will be represented – will be one of the biggest events the UK has ever hosted. The juxtaposition of the two conferences is significant because what has happened at the G20 summit in relation to climate change may set the tone for the Glasgow meeting, not least because of sharp divisions between some countries about their commitments to action on the issue.

The G20 is the world’s premier forum for international co-operation and provides the key to unlocking global action. Its meeting in Rome, attended by 19 of the biggest industrialised countries plus the European Union – but with China and Russia participating only by video link – was its first in-person gathering since the coronavirus pandemic swept across the planet.

The attendance of the US President, who also had an earlier audience with the Pope, was said to underline the US’s return to multilateralism following his predecessor’s claimed reluctance to engage adequately on the international stage after pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal and reinstating harsh sanctions, withdrawing from the 2015 Paris climate agreement and creating tension with NATO allies when questioning

The Peter Young column their financial contributions to the organisation.

Opening the meeting, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi spoke of the importance of unity and the need to overcome differences, saying that “going it alone is simply not an option.”

Apart from discussing key issues like the international recovery after the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines, the supply chain crisis, energy prices – and, of course, climate change – such a gathering provides an opportunity for bilateral meetings between the leaders. There will doubtless have been exchanges among those concerned about issues like the Iran nuclear deal and how to put a lid on the country’s nuclear programme together with pressure on the Australian Prime Minister about his insistence on the continued use of coal. It would also have been interesting to have been a fly on the wall when the British and French leaders discussed the current dispute about fishing rights in the English Channel as well as when Presidents Biden and Macron faced off about the US’s recent

nuclear-powered submarine deal with Britain and Australia without informing France who already had an agreement with the latter to supply submarines.

There will have been an overarching emphasis, however, on climate change given that the leaders were moving straight on to the Glasgow conference.

Overall, in relation to the international issues facing them – in particular climate change and global warming – the broad question is whether leaders will agree to put wider global interests above their own national imperatives.

In advance of the G20 conclave, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hoped that countries would arrive at COP26 with fixed plans to cut carbon emissions. The UK was trying to take the concept of net zero emissions discussed in Paris in 2015 and turn them in to, for example, hard, sharp deliverables in terms of reducing coal use, limiting the number of internal combustion engines, planting millions of trees and getting the cash needed to finance green technology.

With his usual colourful language, Mr Johnson spoke about runaway climate change bringing about a decline in civilisation because of the danger of desertification, habitat loss, massive shortages of food and water and the forced mass movement of people seeking relief. All this was also emphasised by Prince Charles who addressed the meeting and warned that the G20 deliberations followed

by COP26 represented “the last chance saloon”.

Given the British Prime Minister’s remarks, too, about the danger of apathy, indifference and lack of will during COP26, there will

surely be much pressure on certain countries to live up to expectations and what are seen as their obligations to make firm commitments about reducing their carbon emissions.

Given the influence of the G20 countries and that some of them are the worst polluters – China, India and the US – the outcome of last week’s meeting was important. It seems from the communique that the results were partially disappointing, with the UN Secretary General quoted as saying “his hopes were unfulfilled” but “not buried.”

The G20 has pledged action on climate change but made few concrete commitments.

Leaders have agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees over pre-industrial levels with “meaningful and effective actions.” But not all have signed up to a net zero commitment, and some of those who have done so have qualified this by limiting the date to “around 2050” – instead of definitively sticking to that set date – while India, China and Russia are pushing to extend this to 2060.

Meanwhile, at the time of writing it is not clear what the outcome is in relation to discussion of the $100 billion financing annually from public and private sources to address the needs of developing countries and help them pay for adaptation measures to tackle climate change.

This is a promise the richer countries have failed to keep since 2009 when it was initially pledged.

Notwithstanding all this, the exchanges about climate change by the G20 will pave the way for more detailed discussion in Glasgow during the next 10 days. Climate change

A TIME TO SPEAK UP TO RETURN briefly to the climate change theme, how good it was to learn from a British High Commission press release last week about the recent visit to The Bahamas of the UK Regional Ambassador for COP26, Fiona Clouder. She had a meeting with the Prime Minister and some of his ministerial colleagues and also travelled to Grand Bahama to see first-hand the lasting impacts of Hurricane Dorian. She spoke, in particular, about the importance of the role of The Bahamas at the COP26 conference in Glasgow which was an opportunity for its voice to be heard as a country that is vulnerable to climate change and global warming because of rising sea levels and natural disasters like hurricanes.

Ambassador Clouder’s visit was part of an exercise in building awareness of the importance of the issue and in listening to the specific needs of Latin American and Caribbean countries. The UK government recognises the value of face-to-face diplomacy during COP26 to help secure global net zero commitments; to encourage regional and global partnerships with a view to protecting and restoring ecosystems; to mobilise international financial institutions to help fund climate action; and to promote collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.

Such active diplomacy seems to me to be wholly admirable since the visit demonstrates Britain’s concern for The Bahamas which contributes little to global warming but is now disproportionately threatened by it. One must hope that the exchanges during the visit will have been helpful to the Prime Minister and his team who travelled at the weekend to the UK to attend the Glasgow climate summit.

Mr Davis’s presence there will enable him to interact with other world leaders in order to get across the seriousness of The Bahamas’s vulnerability and, in his own words, to hold to account those countries more responsible for climate change. He added that he intends to discuss easier access to climate change funding for building more resilience and to adapt and to mitigate against the consequences of global warming.

With so many countries represented at COP26, some people have expressed fears that the voices of smaller countries will not be heard properly. To put the lie to that, I watched live yesterday the speech to the full conference by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. Judging from the attention given to her by other delegates and their immediate reaction, her powerful address was well received – and, from what I have read, Mr Davis is due to deliver his own national statement today.

is considered the world’s most pressing current problem. In Boris Johnson’s

apocalyptic words “if Glasgow fails, then the whole thing fails.”

TIME FOR A REST, YOUR MAJESTY

BRITAIN’s Queen Elizabeth II makes a video message to attendees at the opening day of the COP26 UN Climate Summit.

IT ALMOST goes without saying that during her long reign of nearly 70 years, Her Majesty The Queen, who has reached the advanced age of 95, has been a much-loved figure for people in Britain. Even the tiny number of anti-monarchists admit – according to opinion polls – that she represents unity, dependability, constancy and continuity, all of which give strength and reassurance to the nation in a troubled world while her unswerving dedication to service is admired by all.

But, as The Queen herself is said to have remarked, she needs to be visible to the public as much as possible and be seen to be carrying out her public engagements in order to fulfil her commitment as a constitutional monarch.

So it comes as no surprise that there has been much public concern expressed in Britain at the news she was told recently by her doctors to cancel all her public engagements and rest for a couple of weeks or more.

She will, however, continue light duties and is said to remain in good spirits. It has been reported that recently she was hospitalised briefly for unspecified tests but that this was not COVID-related.

The first sign of anything being wrong was when her two-day tour

of Northern Ireland last month was cancelled at the last moment.

Her proposed trip to Scotland for the COP26 climate change conference was also called off as a sensible precaution. This will have been a big disappointment to the organisers but she recorded a video message to the delegates and it is said she will be working behind the scenes to help make the summit a success. She will miss the traditional Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on November 13 but has vowed to attend the annual Remembrance Day service the following day at the Cenotaph in central London which apparently she considers to be one of her “most sacred duties”. Meanwhile, light duties include virtual public meetings using Zoom and a long list of private meetings while also dealing daily with the red boxes of official government papers – and it is well known that she rarely misses church. She was also seen at the weekend driving around her Windsor Castle private estate.

This period of rest is reportedly the longest absence as a result of ill health during The Queen’s whole reign. That comes as no surprise since she is known for her strong constitution and nofuss approach to her infrequent

illnesses. Reportedly, there will now be a review of the nature and number of her official duties.

In response to this news, there has been an outpouring of public sympathy and affection. One useful test of public opinion generally in Britain – albeit limited - is the regular series of comments online in reaction to newspaper articles.

In this case, the number of positive comments has been huge. In particular, people have praised The Queen’s dedication to duty over so many years and her impressive stoicism after the death last April of the Duke of Edinburgh, her husband of seventy-three years.

Almost without exception, people from many different walks of life have sent their best wishes with the earnest hope that she will regain her strength soon.

Few figures on the world stage command the same respect and authority as the British monarch.

The nation seems to be at one in hoping The Queen will outlive her mother who passed away at the age of 101 and that she will recover her normal level of physical fitness in order to participate fully in her Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year. As one commentator put it, simply and directly “I just can’t imagine the world without The Queen”.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

QUEEN URGES WORLD LEADERS AT COP26 TO ‘RISE ABOVE POLITICS’

By SYLVIA HUI Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II urged world leaders attending the U.N. climate summit to “rise above the politics of the moment,” saying in a video message yesterday that she hoped they could work together for the sake of future generations.

The 95-year-old monarch had been expected to attend the Glasgow meeting, but she had to cancel the trip after doctors said she should rest and not travel.

The queen recently underwent medical checks and spent the night at a London hospital -- her first hospital stay in years.

In the video message, recorded last week at Windsor Castle and played Monday during a welcoming reception for presidents and prime ministers, the queen said many people

IN this undated grab taken from video provided by Buckingham Palace yesterday, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II delivers a message, which was played during a welcoming reception, part of the COP26 Summit being held in Glasgow, Scotland.

(Buckingham Palace/via AP) hoped leaders at the summit “recognise that the time for words has now moved to the time for action.”

“I, for one, hope that this conference will be one of those rare occasions where everyone will have the chance to rise above the politics of the moment, and achieve true statesmanship,” she said. “History has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope.”

In a tribute to Prince Philip, “my dear late husband,” the queen said she was happy to welcome the delegates because the environment was a subject close to Philip’s heart.

In a rare public display of emotion, she said she “could not be more proud” that Philip’s environmental efforts live on through the work of their eldest son, Prince Charles, and his son Prince William. The monarch, who has reigned

BRITAIN’s Queen Elizabeth II makes a video message to attendees of an evening reception to mark the opening day of the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit, in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. The U.N. climate summit in Glasgow gathers leaders from around the world, in Scotland’s biggest city, to lay out their vision for addressing the common challenge of global warming.

(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) for 70 years, closed with a poignant line about future generations.

“Of course, the benefits of such actions will not be there to enjoy for all of us here today: we none of us will live forever,” she said.

“But we are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps.”

The queen has long enjoyed robust health,

but her health recently became the subject of headlines after she reluctantly accepted medical advice to cut back on her busy schedule and stick to “desk-based duties” and virtual audiences for two weeks.

In late October she cancelled a two-day trip to Northern Ireland.

However, palace officials said it was her “firm intention” to attend Remembrance Sunday

ceremonies on November 14, a major event on the sovereign’s calendar.

Buckingham Palace said the queen stayed overnight in a central London hospital last week for “preliminary investigations,” in her first such hospital stay in eight years.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Saturday that the queen “was on very good form” during their regular weekly meeting.

Military weighs penalties for those who refuse COVID vaccine

By LOLITA C. BALDOR Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — As deadlines loom for military and defence civilians to get mandated COVID-19 vaccines, senior leaders must now wrestle with the fate of those who flatly refuse the shots or are seeking exemptions, and how to make sure they are treated fairly and equally.

The vast majority of the active duty force has received at least one shot, but tens of thousands have not. For some it may be a career-ending decision.

Others could face transfers, travel restrictions, limits on deployments and requirements to repay bonuses.

Exemption decisions for medical, religious and administrative reasons will be made by unit commanders around the world, on what the Pentagon says will be a “case-by-case” basis.

That raises a vexing issue for military leaders who are pushing a vaccine mandate seen as critical to maintaining a healthy force, but want to avoid a haphazard, inconsistent approach with those who refuse.

Brig. Gen. Darrin Cox, surgeon general at Army Forces Command, said commanders want to ensure they are following the rules.

“Because of some of the sensitivities of this particular vaccine, I think that we just wanted to ensure that we were consistent and equitable” in meting out a punishment that would be “a repercussion of continuing to refuse a valid order.”

Military vaccination rates are higher than those of the general population in the United States and the reasons for objecting – often based on misinformation – are similar to those heard

throughout the country. But unlike most civilians, military personnel are routinely required to get as many as 17 vaccines, and face penalties for refusing.

The military services are reporting between 1 percent and seven percent remain unvaccinated.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has called for compassion in dealings with those troops, which totals nearly 60,000 active duty service members, according to data released last week.

Officials say the numbers change daily, and include those who may have gotten or requested an exemption.

They have declined to say how many troops are still seeking an exemption or refused the vaccine.

Asked about possible variations in the treatment of those seeking exemptions or refusing the vaccine, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said it’s up to the services. “Each case is going to be treated specifically and individually as it ought to be,” he said.

Kirby said yesterday that the secretary doesn’t want to tell commanders how to resolve the punitive measures, and instead trusts that they will do what is best for their units. “So can we promise you that there will be absolute uniformity across the board? No. And we wouldn’t want to promise that because it wouldn’t be the same way we handle the orders violations for other offences as well,” said Kirby.

It is unclear how widely religious exemptions will be granted. Under military rules, commanders can take into account the potential impact on a unit’s mission, and reject a religious exemption if it puts performance at risk.

SECRETARY of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington on September 1, 2021.

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Commanders can also move service members into another job, deny them overseas deployment or limit unit access if they get an exemption or while a request is being reviewed.

Those steps may be more common in smaller units such a special operations forces who usually deploy in small numbers.

The Navy has warned that sailors who refuse the shot and don’t get an exemption may have to refund bonuses and other financial payments, based on existing military justice procedures for disobeying a lawful order. The other services are expected to follow similar procedures.

Unvaccinated troops will also be subject to routine testing, distancing guidelines and possibly travel restrictions. The Air Force may be the test case in some instances, because they are the first to hit a deadline.

The more than 335,000 airmen and Space Force guardians must be fully vaccinated by today, and the Air Guard and Reserve

by December 2. According to Air Force data, as many as 12,000 active duty airmen and guardians were still unvaccinated as

PENTAGON press secretary John Kirby speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon.

(AP) of late last week. Some have requested or gotten exemptions, others have refused outright. They have until Monday to request exemptions.

Air Force Col. Robert Corby, commander of the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth Air Force Base, said that after the vaccine became mandatory in late August, appointments for shots at the base clinic doubled. He said troops have an array of questions and concerns, and commanders, chaplains and medical personnel are providing information. “I think you also have a segment of the population that probably does not feel that they are really at risk for COVID-19,” he added.

Air Force Capt. Molly Lawlor, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain, said a “very small percentage” are seeking a religious exemption at the base. “People are just trying to figure out how this new requirement fits into their belief system and the decisions that they want to make,” she said.

The more than 765,000 Defense Department civilians will be close behind the Air Force, with a mandated vaccine date of November 22. Supervisors are grappling with the complex task of checking and recording the vaccine status of their workers, and determining who will be the final exemption arbiter.

Civilians have until November 8 to seek an exemption, and as of last week, fewer than half had provided vaccination proof. Those who refuse the vaccine and don’t get an exemption will get five days for counselling. If they still refuse, they will be suspended for up to 14 days without pay, and could then be fired.

Vaccination numbers fluctuate for the military services, and drop off considerably for the National Guard and Reserve.

A bit more than half of the Army National Guard has gotten at least one shot, while the Air Guard is at 87 percent. Air Guard members must be fully vaccinated by early December, while the Army Guard, which is much larger and more widely scattered around the country, has until June,.

The most successful service has been the Navy, which says that only one percent of the force is unvaccinated as of last week — or about 3,500 sailors. The Air Force and

Space Force was second, with 3.6 percent unvaccinated, followed by the Army and Marine Corps at about seven percent.

Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, told The Associated Press that even before the shots were mandated, some warships were seeing vaccination rates of 98%-99%.

“We feel like we’ve been leading the way across the services,” he said. “We’ve been promoting the vaccines since we started vaccinating last December, January timeframe.” For those who don’t want the vaccine, “we’ll deal with those on an individual basis as those challenges come up,” he said.

Marine Col. Speros Koumparakis, commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, said that the number of Marines who have requested exemptions at the base is fewer than two dozen, and most of those are seeking religious exemptions. He said chaplains and pastors have been made available to discuss the religious issues, and he does the initial review of any request. But ultimately, decisions may be made by personnel leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.

The nearly 350,000 Navy sailors and more than 179,000 Marines must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 28, and the reserves by Dec. 28. The Army, the military’s largest service at nearly 490,000, has given active duty soldiers until Dec. 15 to be fully vaccinated.

Army National Guard and Reserve have until June 30, 2022. There are a total of almost 800,000 Guard and Reserve troops, with the Army accounting for more than 520,000 of them.

Russian region extends off-work order as COVID-19 cases soar

By DARIA LITVINOVA Associated Press MOSCOW (AP) — Authorities in Russia’s Novgorod region yesterday ordered most residents to stay off work for one more week starting November 8 as coronavirus infections and deaths remained at all-time highs.

The Novgorod region was the first region to extend the nationwide non-working period between October 30 to November 7 that was ordered by President Vladimir Putin.

Russia’s state coronavirus task force yesterday reported more than 40,000 new confirmed COVID-19 cases for the third straight day and more than 1,100 deaths for the seventh day in a row - the highest levels in each category since the start of the pandemic.

Putin has said that governments in regions where the situation is

the most dire could start the nonworking days earlier and extend them if needed.

In Moscow, the non-working period started on October 28, with city authorities shutting down many non-essential businesses. In the Novgorod region roughly 500 kilometres (310 miles) northwest of the Russian capital, non-working days began on October 25.

On Monday, Novgorod’s regional coronavirus task force reported 284 new infections — double the daily tally from a month ago when just over 140 new confirmed cases were reported each day. Governor Andrei Nikitin said there is no reason to expect the situation improving any time soon.

Russia’s daily numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths have been surging for weeks amid low vaccine uptake, lax public attitudes toward taking precautions and the government’s reluctance

A MEDICAL worker exits an ambulance at a hospital in Kommunarka, outside Moscow, Russia, yesterday. To contain the spread of COVID-19, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a nonworking period from October 30 to November 7, when most state organisations and private businesses are to suspend operations.

(AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) to toughen restrictions. Less than 35 percent of Russia’s nearly 146

million people have been fully vaccinated so far, even though

Russia was among the first in the world to approve and roll out a coronavirus vaccine.

The nonworking period is aimed to curb the spread by keeping people out of offices and off crowded public transportation.

But in some cities including Moscow, restrictions have been loosely observed, and many people rushed to popular holiday destinations, such as Russia’s Black Sea resorts, to take advantage of the break.

Anna Popova, head of Russia’s public health agency, Rospotrebnadzor, told a government meeting yesterday that infections continued to grow in 78 of the more than 80 Russian regions.

President Putin yesterday described the situation as “very difficult” during a meeting with military officials and arms makers.

“More than 40,000 of those infected. It has never happened (before),” the Russian leader said.

PAGE 11

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021

New Miss World Bahamas seeks to provide accessible healthcare for all Timing is everything.

When n Sienna Evans first competed for the Miss Bahamas title, she was only 17 years old.

She fell just short of capturing the crown, placing first runner-up. Fast forward to 2021, and the now 24-year-old is more accomplished, educated, and as the new Miss Bahamas World, ready to capture the Miss World title.

Sienna was selected as the country’s banner bearer to the world’s largest and most prestigious pageant during a private selection process, made necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond thrilled, she literally shed tears when she was selected to carry the title.

“This has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and to realise that it has finally become a reality was sheer joy. I don’t take this for granted at all. This is truly an honor and a privilege, and you can be assured that I am going to give it my all to make the people of the Bahamas proud,” she said.

Sienna’s impressive resume includes a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Neuroscience and Human Behaviour which she attained while studying at the Honors College of Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She serves on the board of the National Brain Injury Foundation in The Bahamas. Additionally, she is the owner of Access Bahamas Medical Labs, a network of bio-medical laboratories offering clinic services, concierge service for COVID tests by appointment, and drive through antigen tests.

It is through her labs that she will facilitate her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project – a critical component of the Miss World pageant in which contestants are required to work on a project that helps the people in their home countries, allowing them to use their abilities to make a real and lasting contribution to the lives of the sick and disadvantaged. Sienna’s project, ‘Access Granted’, will centre around providing accessible healthcare to all Bahamians.

The new Miss Bahamas World is not just a stunning beauty with brains, but she is also very athletic, which makes her a great contender for the Miss World title.

Miss World places emphasis on the fitness of its delegates which is highlighted in the pageant’s Sportswoman competition. As an avid tennis player, collegiate softball player, mountain trekker, skier, swimmer, and equestrian, Sienna is more than ready to meet the task.

Under normal circumstances, Miss Bahamas World is chosen after a nationwide search and grueling pageant competition. However, the process is now on a hiatus since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected pageants around the world, including the Miss World competition which was postponed for a year.

MBO, which has held the Miss World franchise for 16 years, made the decision to select a representative this year, given the financial constraints of holding a pageant at this time, and the looming health concerns of COVID-19.

Having already competed in the Miss Bahamas Organisation system, Sienna was among the best possible candidates given her experience in local pageantry and overall readiness.

Her preparations are in full gear. She is being tutored by one of the world’s leading pageant coaches; her wardrobe will feature the best of the best from designers here in the Bahamas and around the world; and her musical skills are being honed for an unforgettable performance in the talent competition.

“We acknowledge that this year’s selection process was not typical, however unusual times call for unusual measures.

This was the best possible scenario, given the state we still find ourselves in as a country and the importance of continuity and a return to normalcy, even in pageantry. That being said, we are confident that Sienna will do very well at this year’s Miss World pageant, and we are certainly giving her the support that she needs to do so,” said MBO President Michelle Malcolm.

Sienna departs for Puerto Rico in a few weeks for the start of the Miss World competition which begins November 21.

The finale will be held on December 16 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She will be officially crowned prior to her departure by outgoing queen Nyah Bandelier on a date to be announced.

Sie

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KIESHA Racquel Evans

The healing power of journalling

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

JOURNALLING was the reason why Kiesha Racquel Evans was finally able to find healing and repair the broken areas her life that need mending. The experience was such a beneficial one that she felt she needed to share it with the world.

She is now encouraging both women and men to write down their thoughts, to keep a journal, as a form of therapy and self-care.

And Kiesha has just published her own journal under the title “The Broken Becoming Beautiful”. She hopes Bahamians are able to benefit from this new book.

It was officially released on August 7, Kiesha’s 31st birthday.

“I wanted to empower young women who often feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life. I find pleasure in giving words of encouragement and being a listener to those in need,” she told Tribune Woman.

Kiesha, who is mother to daughter to Jamaiya Kemp, considers herself to be outgoing, brave, and a hard worker.

“I am a go-getter by nature, one who is not afraid to take chances. I’m an advocate for stepping out in faith and

following your dreams. No dream is ever too big, and if you don’t step out and believe in yourself who will?”

However, Kiesha was not always this confident in herself or her purpose. There were times in her life she had to work through a lot of emotional pain and difficult moments to become the person she is today.

Her new journal, she explained, is a tool that can be used to encourage people to document their deepest pain and insecurities.

“This journal can be used daily to write down your thoughts, insecurities, failures and successes. Journalling for me has always been therapeutic. It allows me to express

myself without fear of judgement,” she said.

Kiesha knows first-hand that it’s not always easy to open up to those around you, or even to find people you can trust with your innermost thoughts and turmoils. And that is where a journal comes in handy.

“Sometimes it’s really hard confiding in people…journalling allows you to release yourself,” she said.

“There were times when I felt like I couldn’t confide in anyone. I feared judgement and the opinion of people, so I chose to use writing as my outlet.”

And as therapeutic as the practice can be, Kiesha knows some people may be inspired to start journalling, but then end up not being consistent with it, which she said is key.

“Journalling for me is a must.

I take my journal everywhere with me so if anything exciting happens throughout the day I can jot it down. I never think of journalling as a chore but rather as a form of self-care, and it has been added to my daily routine,” she said.

She hopes her journal will help people to become comfortable with acknowledging their pain and give them the freedom to write about it, to maybe review it months or even years later.

The book can be ordered by contacting 242-429-1792.

Closet Change

Out with the summer wardrobe and in with the new fall/winter styles

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

NOW that even we here in the Bahamas are feeling a slight (okay, very slight) chill in the air, summertime is officially over. It is time swap out the tank tops and sandals for leggings and boots (yes, technically we don’t need boots for weather-related reasons, but they are cute).

So yes, we don’t really need to update our wardrobes, but of course it’s still fun to do so.

And let’s be honest, we’re all tired of our same old, same old, especially if we’ve been mainly working from home.

Tribune Woman spoke to several readers who shared with us their favourite outfits for this time of the year.

“Whether it’s with my nails or my clothing, for new seasons I like to change up my colours,” said Stacy Forbes.

“In summers for me, I get excited for purples, blues, yellows, neons, and loud colours.

When the fall rolls around, I am a fan of burnt orange, olive green, brown, and even mustard. I enjoy switching up the

CHUNKY boots, especially Chelsea boots, are all the rage this season colours. So, for me it is not so much the style of clothing that changes, just the colours. I can still wear a black tank top and shorts with an oversized mustard-coloured button-up shirt.”

For Gwen Pyfrom, it’s the leggings that do it for her.

“Leggings are must-haves in every closet for the fall and winter season and you can’t really go wrong with a pair. I mean, yes, it all depends on how they are worn, but I like to purchase two-piece legging sets to wear ‘up’ during the evening for a date, or wear ‘down’

during the day, because it’s stylish and comfortable at the same time,” she said.

Rachel Mitchell said although she has no rules when it comes to choosing what to wear at what time of the year, she adores boots and booties, particularly during the holiday season.

“I say I have no rules because I have friends that swear by not wearing boots during the summer, and those rules aren’t for me. If I have an item or piece in my closet that I feel will complete an outfit, then

MAKE a statement with faux leather leggings like these from the brand Commando I am definitely going to rock it. But I’d have to say it feels extra cute and special to wear boots during the winter season.

I order a new pair every year.

Every year there is a new style to boots, whether patent leather or suede, even the type of heels changes from time to time,” said Rachel.

an s

PAGE 12, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

BODY AND MIND

Surprising turn-out for ‘Good Energy Virtual Run’ as Bahamians challenge themselves

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

or the second year in a row, the ‘Good Energy Run’ was held by virtual means but still managed to attract more than 100 long distance enthusiasts who clocked their times separately while running together in spirit.

Innovation has been the name of the game all year long as the COVID-19 pandemic put a dent in all best laid plans and the way people socalise. But instead of letting plans being completely thwarted, taking a creative approach to events has been the go-to.

Though there was some skepticism about hosting the virtual run this year due to declining interest worldwide as it relates to virtual races, the Early Birds Run Club decided instead of cancelling its marathon event altogether due to social distancing restrictions, they would go ahead and once again host the virtual run.

And to the organisers’ surprise and delight, the number of participants exceeded expectations.

The ‘Good Energy Virtual Race’ was open to anyone who wanted an opportunity to get active and challenge themselves.

“The inspiration for the virtual fun run/walk was to keep the spirit of running alive during the pandemic,” said Regina Smith, local fitness professional.

DELIGHTED race participants

Seabreeze MP encourages mammograms for her constituency and beyond WITH October recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Seabreeze MP Leslia Miller-Brice organised free mammograms for women living in the area she represents.

“Breast cancer is a prevalent malignant disease in the world and the leading cause of death in women,” Mrs Miller-Brice said.

“This is one of the reasons why I am committed to the health and wellness programme for Seabreeze constituency.

“Today we are here with amazing women from the Seabreeze constituency. We would have randomly selected women from each polling division in an effort just to encourage Breast Cancer Awareness this month (October).”

The mammograms were conducted at Fourth Terrace Diagnostic Centre.

“As we observe Breast Cancer Month, it is that time again for women to do their annual breast cancer screenings,” said Mrs Miller-Brice. “As a woman, mother and now member of Parliament for the great constituency of Seabreeze, it was very important for me to select women from the community that I represent to receive mammograms.

“I conducted this initiative because we’re living in unprecedented times and too many of our women are losing their lives at the hands of this horrible disease. According to the Family Medicine Centre website, Bahamian women with breast cancer have the highest prevalence of an inherited gene in the BRCA gene in the world.”

She continued: “It goes further to say that in the Bahamas, 300500 new cases of breast cancer are reported annually and 48 percent of the women diagnosed were under the age of 50.”

LESLIA Miller-Brice (left) facilitated free mammograms for her Seabreeze constituents.

The MP told her constituents about the importance of getting annual mammograms and the dangers of not getting them.

“It is very important to get tested because you always want to know your status,” she said.

“Many times, we take mammograms for granted and assume that everything is ok when we don’t feel lumps or experience discomfort in our breasts. This is a tragic mistake which can leave us in a vulnerable position where cancer can develop and move through stages one, two, three and four without us having any idea.”

She urged women who have a history of breast cancer in their family to keep a watchful eye on their preventative health. She also informed them of support groups.

“In our country, we have organisations that support women with breast cancer such as the Sister Sister breast cancer support group and the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation,” she said.

“Special attention should be given to women who have a family history of breast cancer.

If you need more information regarding breast cancer screening, consult with your doctor.”

“Running is such a community-driven activity. Runners love to run and they love to run together. The virtual option allowed us to offer that experience whilst implementing COVID-19 protocols.”

Participants were allowed to choose their distance and route.

They had three days to complete the run. They were able to submit the miles completed via a running app. The virtual option was not only convenient, but also the safer option.

“The virtual fun run walk allowed us to run together in spirit, while still maintaining social distancing,” said Regina.

Virtual running really took off at the beginning of the

pandemic in 2020, however, interest started to fade as vaccination rates started to increase internationally. People felt more comfortable racing in person.

“Countries like the US and Germany were hosting inperson races, but we were still under emergency orders so we had to go with the virtual option. but we were skeptical as to whether or not Bahamian distant runners would still be interested in the virtual run experience. Turns out, they were, and we had a great turnout,” said Regina.

The group is hopeful they will be able to hold an in-person race in 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 13

Could your kidneys be the cause of your back pain?

Back pain and kidney pain are often difficult to tell apart.

People may feel back pain in any aspect of the back, from the neck all the way down to the tailbone. The anatomy of the back involves the vertebral bones of the spine, the spinal cord, the nerves and their roots, various back muscles and ligaments.

Back pain is more common than kidney pain. The kidneys are paired organs located under your ribcage on both sides of the flank, responsible for removing toxins from the blood among other important roles.

Disorders related to other organs such as the liver, pancreas, liver, gallbladder bladder, lungs could lead to various forms of back pain.

Ailments related to muscles, ligaments, nerves or the spinal cord itself could lead to back pain as well.

Advanced cancers could cause back pain with spread to bone.

Trying to determine the difference between back and kidney pain, must involve attempting to pinpoint the location of the pain and the severity and type of pain.

Ask yourself what causes the pain to get worse and to get better and does the pain stay in one place or radiate towards another location as well?

Location of the pain Even the most experienced physician may not be able to differentiate, without diagnostic imaging, kidney pain from nerve pain or spinal pain in the mid or

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

Pain that starts elsewhere and radiates to the back

Dr Greggory Pinto lower back that radiates towards the region of either kidney.

A ligament strain, pulled muscle or slipped spinal disc could potentially cause pain in any location in your back.

Musculoskeletal pain can occur anywhere in the back but it is mostly commonly in the lower back lumbar region and there might be pain on touching those muscles involved.

The quality of the pain Kidney stone pain usually starts with it being colicky in nature with intermittent pain that may radiate to the lower abdomen of the affected side or even the groin. A large obstructive stone could cause severe persistent pain.

Kidney stone pain unlike back pain usually does not worsen with activity and usually is not partially relieved by rest.

Kidney infections could also present in a similar manner but generally kidney stone pain is more severe than pain related to a kidney infection.

Muscle pain commonly feels like a dull ache that is worsened by activity and partially relieved by rest. Muscle pain usually stays in the back whereas nerve pain spreads to other locations as well.

Back nerve pain usually has a burning sharp sensation and the pain may move into the hip, groin, thigh or leg. Nerve impingement could in its advanced state cause numbness and weakness in the leg.

Causes of kidney pain A kidney infection, pyelonephritis, may also involve a bladder infection, whereby the bacteria in the bladder travel up the ureter into the kidney. Infection could

enter the kidney directly from an infection in the bloodstream.

Obstruction of the kidney by stones, tumor, scarring or blood clots could prevent the free flow of urine from the kidneys down the tube of the ureters and into the bladder.

Obstructed kidneys could swell and lead to the condition called hydronephrosis, which may cause acute kidney injury, infection, and acute toxicity. Pain in the flank of the affected side may be severe and often the pain moves down towards the lower abdomen and bladder. Kidney stones could lead to nausea, vomiting, anorexia, blood in the urine, pain on urination and increased urinary urgency and frequency or the inability to urinate.

A kidney stone could lead to a kidney infection as well.

Cleveland Clinic study links gut microbiome and aggressive prostate cancer Researchers uncover how diet, lifestyle modifications may lower risk of lethal disease

Cleveland Clinic researchers have shown for the first time that diet-associated molecules in the gut are associated with aggressive prostate cancer, suggesting dietary interventions may help reduce risk. Findings from the study were published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

While more research will be necessary, the study’s lead author Nima Sharifi, MD, says findings from the team’s analysis of nearly 700 patients may have clinical implications for diagnosing and preventing lethal prostate cancer.

“We found that men with higher levels of certain diet-related molecules are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer,” said Dr Sharifi, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Genitourinary Malignancies Research Centre. “As we continue our research in this area, our hope is that one day these molecules can be used as early biomarkers of prostate cancer and help identify patients who can modify their disease risk by making dietary and lifestyle changes.”

Some kidneys stones are too large to pass on their own and they may require minimally invasive procedures to remove them.

In this study, Dr Sharifi and his collaborators – including Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, and Eric Klein, MD – analysed data from patients previously enrolled in the National Cancer Institute’s Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial.

They studied baseline levels of certain dietary nutrients and metabolites (byproducts produced when a substance is broken down in the gut) found in patients’

blood serum prior to prostate cancer diagnosis. They compared serum levels between healthy patients and those who later received a prostate cancer diagnosis and died from the disease.

The researchers found that men with elevated levels of a metabolite called phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) were approximately two or three times more likely to be diagnosed with lethal prostate cancer. This metabolite is produced when microbes in the gut

break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many plantand animal-based protein sources like meat, beans and soy.

In addition to PAGln, researchers also discovered that elevated levels of two nutrients abundant in animal products, including red meat, egg yolks and high-fat dairy products, called choline and betaine, also were linked with increased risk for aggressive prostate cancer.

While these nutrients and gut metabolites have been studied previously in heart disease and stroke, this is the first time that gut microbiome metabolites have been studied clinically in relation to prostate cancer outcomes.

Dr. Hazen was the first to identify PAGln’s association with increased cardiovascular disease risk. The findings were published in 2020 in Cell.

“Interestingly, we found that PAGln binds to the same receptors as beta blockers, which are drugs commonly prescribed to help lower blood pressure and subsequent risk of cardiac events,” said Dr Hazen, director

Inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatitis and inflammation of the gallbladder, cholecystitis may present with pain in the back.

Peptic ulcers of the stomach or duodenum could also lead to radiation of pain to the back.

A leaking or expanding abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm could present with worsening back pain.

This article is not meant to serve as diagnostic confirmatory tool. Diagnostic imaging such as a CAT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound, as applicable, are often necessary to determine the exact cause of back or kidney pain. Imaging is requested by a physician after a thorough history is taken and a clinical exam are first performed.

The most important message is that persistent unexplained back or flank pain should never be ignored; thus always seek the consult of a urologist or physician.

• Dr Greggory Pinto is a board certified Bahamian urologist and laparoscopic surgeon. He can be contacted at OakTree Medical Center, #2 Fifth Terrace & Mount Royal Avenue, Nassau, Telephone (242) 322-1145-7; email: welcome@urologycarebahamas. com, or visit the website:www. urologycarebahamas.com of Cleveland Clinic’s Centre for Microbiome & Human Health and chair of Lerner Research Institute’s Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences.

“This suggests that part of beta blockers’ potent efficacy may be due to blocking the metabolite’s activity.”

“New insights are emerging from large-scale clinical datasets that show use of beta blockers is also associated with lower mortality due to prostate cancer,” said Dr Sharifi, who is a staff physician in Lerner Research Institute’s Department of Cancer Biology. “We will continue to work together to investigate the possible mechanisms linking PAGln activity and prostate cancer disease processes in hopes of identifying new therapeutic targets for our patients.”

The research team also will continue to explore the reliability of using choline, betaine and PAGln as biomarkers of aggressive prostate cancer and how dietary interventions can be used to modulate their levels and reduce patients’ subsequent disease risk.

Chad Reichard, MD, a urologic oncologist at Urology of Indiana and a previous urology resident at Cleveland Clinic, and Bryan Naelitz, previously a medical student in Dr Sharifi’s lab and now a urology resident, are co-first authors on the study. Dr Klein is a urologist and emeritus chair of Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute at Cleveland Clinic. The research was supported by the National Cancer Institute and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (both parts of the National Institutes of Health), as well as the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

COVID vaccine for younger kids already being packed, shipped in US

By RICARDO ALONSOZALDIVAR Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Anticipating a green light from vaccine advisers, the Biden administration is assembling and shipping millions of COVID-19 shots for children ages 5-11, the White House said Monday. The first could go into kids’ arms by midweek.

“We are not waiting on the operations and logistics,” said coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients.

By vaccinating children, the US hopes to head off another coronavirus wave during the coldweather months when people spend more time indoors and respiratory illnesses can spread more easily. Cases have been declining for weeks, but the virus has repeatedly shown its ability to stage a comeback and more easily transmissible mutations are a persistent threat.

On Tuesday, a special advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet to consider detailed

recommendations for administering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to younger children. The Food and Drug Administration already cleared the shots, which deliver about one-third of the vaccine given to adults. After CDC advisers make their recommendations, agency director Dr. Rochelle Walensky will give the final order.

Zients said the government has enough of the Pfizer vaccine for all 28 million children in the 5-11 age group. “We’re in great shape on supply,” Zients said during the White House coronavirus briefing.

The children’s vaccination drive is expected to start later this week and go into full swing by next week. Parents will be able to go to vaccines.gov and filter on vaccines for children 5-11 to find a location near them that is offering the shot.

Pfizer’s vaccine already has been authorized for use in older children.

After the FDA gave its authorisation for younger children, the Biden administration asked states, territories and other jurisdictions

to place their initial orders. Workers at the drug company and at distribution centres began the process of preparing and packing 15 million doses, said Zients.

“More doses will be packed and shipped and delivered,” he added.

“More and more vaccine will come on line as we ramp up.”

The goal is for parents to have a range of options for getting children vaccinated, from paediatricians’ offices to clinics and pharmacies.

Walensky acknowledged both a sense of urgency and concern about getting children vaccinated.

She stressed that clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine for children have found it highly effective in preventing serious disease, with no severe adverse reactions in safety and efficacy trials.

“There has been a great deal of anticipation from parents,” Walensky said. “I encourage parents to ask questions.”

Separately, Zients announced that about 70 percent of US adults are now fully vaccinated, while 80 percent have received at least one vaccine dose.

BOXES of kid-size doses of its COVID-19 vaccine. (Pfizer via AP)

SPORTS PAGE 16

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021

Atlantis rewards rising tennis stars

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

S

arae Rodgers and Maddison Bowleg, rising young players out of the Mark Knowles Tennis Bahamas programme, were rewarded

by Atlantis Resorts yesterday for their victory and runner-up position at two separate US Tennis Association (USTA) tournaments in Florida and Virginia respectively last month.

In front of their peers, coaches and parents at the Atlantis Tennis Courts where the MKTB programme is based, Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of Atlantis, presented the two players each with a three days, two nights weekend stay at the mega resort on Paradise Island.

Oswell noted that it was Atlantis’ way of saying thank you to the two players for being a part of the Atlantis family as players in the MKTB programme.

Both players expressed their gratitude in receiving the gift certificates.

Not having the opportunity to play on the international scene as much as she would have liked, Sarae Rodgers said it was good for her to go to the Pumpkin Bowl in Wellington, Florida and come out victorious in the 10-andunder division of the level seven tournament.

A four-year player in the sport and a member of the MKTB since it began at Atlantis two years ago, Rodgers said while she’s pretty good at playing in tournaments, she hasn’t had that chance to play overseas, so she was ecstatic about her victory. “It was a very good

SHOWN (l-r) are coaches Philip and Kevin Major Jr, tennis player Sarae Rodgers, Audrey Oswell, player Maddison Bowleg and coach Oneil Mortimer.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff experience. I got to play against people around my level and they’re really good but I won over them,” said Rodgers, a 10-yearold sixth grader at Summit Academy.

“Being a part of this camp here at Atlantis has really helped me to improve my game.”

For Maddison Bowleg, it was just her second USTA tournament, but she was delighted to get a feel for the competition, playing in the cold weather at the Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston, Virginia.

She finished as the runner-up in the level six tournament. The 15-yearold Bowleg, who has been playing tennis for the past six years, said it was a good experience playing against different types of players.

Having only joined the MLTB six months ago, the Aquinas College 11th grader said she has grown so much at the facility.

Kevin ‘KJ’ Major, one of the coaches of the MKTB programme, said he’s worked with Maddison since she joined the programme and he’s pleased to see her growth and development in such a short time.

“She listens well, she follows instructions and she’s very coachable,” he stated.

“So these are things that got her in the position that she is in today,” stated Major.

As for Sarae, Major said it’s “easy to coach her because she looks up to them as coaches for guidance.”

He said they just lay out the golden rules for her and the other players and now they’re seeing the fruits of their labour.

Philip Major Jr, another coach in the MKTB programme, said he was delighted in the performance of the players.

“They put in a lot of work

so I knew they were ready to compete,” he said.

“It was just a matter of what the result would be, so I’m happy for them.

They came out on top which was great and it makes them hungrier to do it again.

“So hopefully they can continue the momentum.

We want to have more kids involved in the developmental programme, just giving them something that our generation didn’t have.

So to be there for them as coaches, it’s a great feeling that they are being molded to be great Bahamians and tennis players, either to go on as a collegiate or professional player.”

Oswell said when they were approached by the group to bring the programme to their facilities, they welcomed the idea because the courts were not being used at the time.

“I didn’t know what to expect, so I came over a

couple times to watch and of course the coaches were fantastic,” Oswell said.

“Young children of all ages play tennis. It’s amazing how good some of them are and how promising they are. They put so much into it.

“They are dedicated to it, they show up every day, even when they are back in school now, they come after school and they come and practice and so it just warms my heart to know that we can be a part of it and it does not cost us anything to provide the tennis courts for them and to really give them that opportunity to practice on the courts and improve their skills.”

Oswell said it was so encouraging to see the players’ success at the tournaments they played in and she’s looking forward to hearing about more success from them and the other players in the future.

CHIEFS BEAT GIANTS 20-17 WITH LATE FG

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Harrison Butker hit a pair of fourth-quarter field goals, including the goahead 34-yarder with 1:07 left, and the Kansas City Chiefs scrambled their way to a 20-17 comeback win over the New York Giants last night.

Patrick Mahomes, top, threw for 275 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Chiefs (4-4), who had to overcome two more turnovers along with 12 penalties for more than 100 yards on a cold, wet night at Arrowhead Stadium.

Tyreek Hill led the Chiefs with 12 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. Mecole Hardman added five catches for 63 yards, including a 24-yard catch-and-run on the final drive that set Butker up for the eventual winning field goal.

Daniel Jones had 222 yards passing with two touchdowns and a pick for the Giants (2-6), but he also was sacked three times, including twice after the Chiefs kicked off with just over a minute left in the game. It was just the fourth win in 15 meetings for the Chiefs and their first since the 2013 season.

The Chiefs actually diced up the Giants on their opening drive, but for the fourth time this season Mahomes had a pass bounce off his intended target for an interception — this time backup running back Jerick McKinnon. It was the seventh consecutive game Mahomes had thrown a pick and his league-leading 10th of the season.

It also was an ominous sign for an offence that has done little to resemble its high-flying reputation.

The Chiefs did score moments later, after Jones threw the ball right back to them, but they struggled to get into their familiar offensive rhythm. Mahomes seemed to be in a different playbook than his wide receivers, tight end Travis Kelce was rendered a nonfactor by the New York defense and penalties began to pile up.

Raptors top Knicks in 75th anniversary of NBA’s first game NEW YORK (AP) — OG Anunoby scored a career-high 36 points and the Toronto Raptors won their fourth straight by beating the New York Knicks 113-104 last night in the 75th anniversary of the NBA’s first game.

Gary Trent Jr added 26 points for the Raptors, who surged into the lead by outscoring the Knicks 38-22 in the third quarter. Fred VanVleet finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

The Raptors took the lead for good during the period when Svi Mykhailiuk’s 3-pointer made it 68-66 — the same score by which the Knicks beat the Toronto Huskies on November 1, 1946, at Maple Leaf Gardens.

CAVALIERS 113, HORNETS 110 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jarrett Allen had 24 points and 16 rebounds as Cleveland held off a frantic fourth-quarter rally

by Charlotte to win 113-110 and close out a five-game trip on a positive note.

Lauri Markkanen scored 21 points, Evan Mobley added 15 points and 10 rebounds and Darius Garland had 16 points — including two clutch free throws with 14.9 seconds left — as the Cavaliers went 3-2 on the road.

LaMelo Ball finished with 30 points and Terry Rozier added 23 for Charlotte, which overcame a sloppy first half to cut a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to two before falling short.

76ERS 113, TRAIL BLAZERS 103 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Seth Curry stepped up in Joel Embiid’s absence, scoring 23 points — including several key buckets late — to lead short-handed Philadelphia over Portland.

Embiid, the team’s leading scorer and four-time All-Star, was out to rest — his first missed game of the season. The 76ers also were without Tobias Harris (health and safety protocols), who was a late scratch, and lost starter Danny Green in the third quarter due to hamstring tightness but not before he scored 11 points.

Norman Powell led the Trail Blazers with 22 points.

Damian Lillard had 20 points and 10 assists and C.J. McCollum also had 20 points.

BULLS 128, CELTICS 114 BOSTON (AP) — DeMar DeRozan scored 37 points and Chicago rallied from a 19-point, secondhalf deficit to beat Boston and improve to 6-1 for the season. Zach LaVine scored 26 points and Nikola

TORONTO Raptors’ OG Anunoby (3) dunks the ball in front of New York Knicks’ Julius Randle (30) and Mitchell Robinson (23) during the first half yesterday in New York.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Vucevic had 11 points, 10 The Celtics led 94-75 with scored 18 of the next 20 rebounds and nine assists about three minutes left in points. for the Bulls, who outscored the third quarter and still HAWKS 118, Boston 39-11 in the fourth had a 103-89 lead entering WIZARDS 111 quarter to turn a 14-point the fourth. But Chicago ATLANTA (AP) — Trae lead into a 14-point victory. scored the first 12 points in Young scored 26 points and Jaylen Brown scored 28 the fourth to cut the deficit Clint Capela had 16 points for the Celtics, who have to two points, 103-101, with and 12 rebounds to help lost three in a row and left just over 8 minutes left.

Atlanta beat Washington. their home court to boos Ayo Dosunmu, a secondBradley Beal scored 19 of after falling to 2-5 in new round draft pick who had his 24 points in the first half coach Ime Udoka’s first his first double-digit NBA for Washington, which had season. game with 14 points, hit a its three-game win streak Al Horford had 20 points 3-pointer with 6:53 left to halted and lost its fifth in a and 10 rebounds, and put the Bulls up 106-105. row at State Farm Arena.

Jayson Tatum scored 20 for The Celtics briefly retook A victory would’ve given Boston. the lead before Chicago 5-2 Washington its best

beginning to a season the 1974-75 Bullets got off to a 7-0 start.

Young went 11 for 11 from the free-throw line as Atlanta finished 29 for 29 on foul shots.

The Hawks, who lost 122-111 at Washington last week, snapped a two-game skid.

Bogdan Bogdanovich finished with 16 points for Atlanta, and Cam Reddish added 15 off the bench.

PACERS 131, SPURS 118 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Domantas Sabonis had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Myles Turner added 19 points to lead Indiana past struggling San Antonio.

It was a welcome change for the Pacers, who snapped a four-game losing streak and won for just the second time in eight games under new coach Rick Carlisle.

Dejounte Murray finished with 16 points and Derrick White had 13 to lead San Antonio. The Spurs have lost four of their last five with the only win coming Saturday at defending NBA champion Milwaukee.

But after the opening minutes in Indianapolis, the Spurs never had a chance.

San Antonio couldn’t get closer than 18 until the final minutes in its most lopsided loss this season.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 17

Waltiea Rolle: ‘I can still play a little more before saying goodbye’

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net WALTIEA Rolle has had a successful return to pro basketball this season, but the veteran centre still believes she has much room for growth to reach both her short term and long term goals.

Rolle, who has emerged as a leader for the Spanish club CAB Estepona Jardín, discussed the motivation behind her return with SUR in English.

Rolle was on an 18-month hiatus away from the game due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yes, I missed it, I love basketball. I can still play a little more before saying goodbye.

“My agent told me about several teams, but it was difficult for me to find a team that could adapt to what I wanted. I ended up finding Malaga, which can adapt to me,” she said.

“Right now I don’t do anything other than train, rest... It’s a complicated time for me because in 2020 I didn’t play any basketball. My body needs to reset, to go back to how it was before. I need to be me

again this season and after that I don’t know. I need to feel like I have my normal body again.

She recently posted 12 points, eight rebounds and a season high five blocked shots in a 79-59 win over Paterna on Sunday.

After playing sparingly in her first two appearances with the club earlier this month, Rolle posted 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots in her team’s 82-70 loss to Celta Zorka. She followed with 14 points and 13 rebounds in her team’s 87-63 win over Advisoria Mataro Maresme.

A mother of two young daughters, Rolle said she was torn between a return to the court and a change in careers in order to spend more time with her family.

“When you are a mother, you have to live for your children and it is very complicated when you are a young mother because you do not know what to do. I don’t know how to explain it, but you want to experience more,” Rolle said.

“On the one hand [I thought of retiring], because I had been playing far away from my daughters for about seven years

PRO basketball player Waltiea Rolle has emerged as a leader for the Spanish club CAB Estepona Jardín. and I thought I should be with them and give up basketball, because I missed them. But, on the other hand, I wanted to feel good about myself, to feel like a player again.”

For her immediate future, Rolle said the plan is to remain in the LF Challenge and compete with Estepona for the next seven months. The 16 teams in the LF Challenge are competing for two places of promotion to the elite of Spanish women’s basketball.

“Perhaps when I feel like I am physically fit, I will explore other possibilities.

Right now I’m recovering,”

she said. “I dream of being a coach at an American university, in the NCAA and also continuing with my Foundation, in the Bahamas. I try to help girls develop, go to school and enjoy basketball so that one day they can perhaps play professionally. I focus on girls as there is already a lot of focus on boys.”

A 2013 graduate of North Carolina, Rolle owns two of the top 10 best shotblocking seasons in school history. Her 89 blocks during the 2013 campaign stand are the sixth best of all-time and her 82 blocks in the 2011 season eighth in North Carolina history.

Rolle made Bahamian basketball history as the first Bahamian drafted into the WNBA when the Minnesota Lynx selected her with a third-round pick (36th overall) in the 2013 draft. She appeared in all three pre-season games with the team, averaging seven points, 4.3 rebounds, and one steal per game.

In six games with the Storm in 2014, Rolle averaged 3.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

Her professional career has also included stops in Bulgaria, China, the Czech Republic and Turkey. She played with Nymburk, of the Czech Republic’s ZBL League, where she averaged 16.3 points and 10.4 rebounds in 31 games.

She followed with Haskovo 2012 in Bulgaria’s NBL league where she averaged 13.9 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.

Following a brief stint with the Xianjiang Magic Deer of the Chinese Women’s Basketball Association she spent four months in the Turkish second division with Edremit Belediyes Gurespor and averaged 15.3 points along with 9.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

TOURISM MINISTER APPLAUDS WHITE SANDS BAHAMAS NCAA GOLF INVITATIONAL TEAMS AT THE OCEAN CLUB

ACTING Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) Chester Cooper delivers remarks at White Sands Bahamas NCAA Golf Invitationals at the Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis on October 31. He is also pictured, centre right, with golf series champions, the University of Mississippi men’s team, along with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, centre left, and MOTIA director of sports Eldece Clarke.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

Buttler ton propels England to fourth win in T20 World Cup `SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Jos Buttler hit a terrific maiden Twenty20 century and propelled England to a 26-run victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup yesterday.

The fourth successive win meant unbeaten England was the firm favourite to top the group and make the semifinals next week with one last group game left against South Africa on Sunday.

Buttler’s unbeaten 101 off 67 balls powered England to 163-4 after Eoin Morgan’s top-ranked T20 team had successfully chased down small totals in its last three Super 12 games.

Sri Lanka was bowled out for 137 in 19 overs, but it had the result in the balance until the 17th over, when the last five wickets suddenly began evaporating for just eight runs.

“I found it really tough early on,” Buttler said. “I

managed to get a really good partnership going with Morgs and we tried to attack the back end. We were finding the spin bowlers a bit tricky and thought 120 might be a good score.”

The win was significant for Morgan, who returned to form with a knock of 40, and also became the world’s most successful T20 captain with his 43rd win.

Afghanistan’s Asghar Afghan, who retired from all forms of the game on Sunday, held the previous record of 42.

Wanindu Hasaranga, 34 runs off 21 balls, had Sri Lanka in the hunt while the dew was making things difficult for the England bowlers. But when he fell to a superb relayed catch between Jason Roy and Sam Billings on the edge of the boundary in the 17th over, the collapse started.

Moeen Ali (2-15) and Rashid Khan (2-19) were miserly and Chris Jordan also bowled a decent

ENGLAND’s Jos Buttler bats during the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup match between England and Sri Lanka in Sharjah, UAE, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi) four overs to finish with 2-24. Offspinner Ali perfectly filled the shoes of the injured Tymal Mills in the death overs as the fast bowler had to go off after pulling his right quad.

Legspinner Hasaranga (3-21) had earlier used his experience of playing two

previous games on the low bouncy pitches of Sharjah Cricket Stadium to help peg back England to 47-3.

But Buttler waited patiently for the seamers to return and batted more fluently after scoring his half-century off 45 balls.

Morgan struggled to get

going against the spinners, but hung in with Buttler in a match-winning partnership of 112 runs as the batsmen cut loose against the fast bowlers.

Pacemen Dushmantha Chameera (1-43) and Lahiru Kumara (0-44) missed their lengths as Buttler completed his 100 with his sixth six off the last ball in an eventful 20th over, during which he was dropped on 95. Buttler now has international centuries in all three formats.

Sri Lanka was all but out of semifinal reckoning after losing its third game out of four.

“The bowlers have been outstanding in the first 10 overs, (but) it’s been a concern for us at the back end in every game,” Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said. “For most of the guys, it’s their first World Cup and the experience is very low. When they gain more experience, they will do good for the team.”

AVID GOLFERS ANNOUNCE FIRST ANNUAL POTCAKE GOLF TOURNAMENT A SMALL group of avid golfers is taking a swing at combining their love of the sport with their respect for animals – they’ve announced the first annual Potcake Golf Tournament.

“Our goal is ambitious for a tournament that has never been held before, but we aim to raise $100,000 to assist BAARK with its tireless and important work protecting and controlling the dog and cat population,” said Mario Carey, tourney chairman.

The tournament will be held at the Ocean Club Golf Club on December 12.

Sponsorships range from $500 to $10,000 with Carey hinting that a title sponsor will be named within the week.

According to tournament organisers, BAARK (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) volunteers and vets who donate their time will operate a mobile clinic beginning on February 22, going into communities to spay or neuter between 5,000 and 7,000 dogs. They will also engage in educational activities.

“This is especially critical on New Providence where we have an overwhelming number of stray animals who wander the streets,” said Carey.

“Most of them are homeless, are not receiving vaccinations or veterinary care and they are not only putting communities at risk by being potential spreaders of disease, they are suffering from hunger, malnutrition, often abuse from people who just walk by and throw rocks or from lack of drinking water.”

Carey is partnering with Louisa Holowesko, Mark Carter and Rachel Hale for the tournament – and they say there is a surprise mascot. Funds raised will be used toward operational costs including veterinary staff, supplies and ongoing outreach efforts.

Tournament rules will pit 2-person teams representing a country or island of their heritage against one another. Each country or island must have three teams of two persons. A minimum of three scores from each country or island will be added together with the best combined score taking the floating trophy.

Entries will be limited to 120 golfers with a floating trophy for overall winner and a heritage trophy for team winning the country or island category.

Prizes will be announced at a press conference slated for November 8 at which time the title sponsor and other sponsors will also be revealed. To sign up, contact 427-SPAY.

MURRAY BLOWS SEVEN MATCH POINTS IN LOSING PARIS OPENER PARIS (AP) — Andy Murray blew seven match points and lost his Paris Masters opener to lucky loser Dominik Koepfer of Germany 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (9) yesterday.

Murray was let down by his serve — nine double faults and landing only 49 percent of his first serves — and 36 unforced errors.

The two-time Olympic champion got off to a poor start and dropped the opening set with a shanked forehand return. Koepfer led 6-4, 5-3 but Murray raised his game and won four straight games to level the set score.

In the decider, Koepfer saved two match points at 5-4 with a smash and a backhand winner before saving five more in the tiebreaker.

They went for three hours. “I didn’t deserve to win the match.

I didn’t play well enough to win,” Murray said.

PAGE 18, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Dorsett continues to move up international softball ladder

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN long-time executive Burkett Dorsett continues to move up the international softball ladder, this time as one of the commissioners for the World Baseball Softball Confederation of Americas Competition.

At the WBSC’s executive board meeting last week in Panama, Dorsett had to relinquish his position as president of the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) to accept his new position on the committee, over the next four years with Kevin Quinn of Canada serving as the president.

The other commissioners are Roberto Perez of Peru and Santos Valesquez of Puerto Rico. Two more commissioners are expected to be appointed to complete the makeup of the committee board.

The committee board will be responsible for the oversight of all federation and confederation competition in the Americas, inclusive of the United States of America, Canada, South American, the Caribbean and the Englishspeaking region, which consists of a total of 38 countries.

“It’s going to be a challenging position because we will have to go overseas to the various countries to ensure that they play under the rules of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation,” Dorsett said.

“We have to make sure that they are playing on the regular-sized fields and everybody is playing under the same rules and regulations to make sure everybody is on the same

DEFENDING CHAMP FRANCE LOSES AT BJK CUP FINALS, SPAIN WINS

By KAREL JANICEK Associated Press

BURKETT DORSETT, second from left, is joined by the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation delegation at the World Baseball Softball Confederation. page as mandated by the WBSC.” Dorsett is a former commissioner and president of both the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association and the New Providence Softball Association.

He is also the immediate past president of the Bahamas Softball Federation, and will be replaced

by Godfrey Bain out of the Turks and Caicos Islands as the acting president of ECASC until elections are held.

The WBSC also held its election of officers with Tommy Velazquez and his entire slate of officers being re-elected for the next four years.

During the meeting, it was decided slow-pitch softball would now be upgraded from a recreational sport to a competitive one as fastpitch softball with qualifying rounds for the World Cup and championships such as

the Central American and Caribbean Games.

As it pertains to the CAC Games, Dorsett said it was agreed that the next version will take place in 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador, which means that the Bahamas will now have to prepare its men and women teams to participate in the ECASC qualifying tournament in 2022.

With only seven teams each making up the package for the men and women divisions, Dorsett noted that ECASC was given one of the spots, which means that only the championship teams will advance to the CAC Games.

While El Salvador will be granted an automatic berth as the host country, the other five teams will come from qualifying tournaments staged in the Central American and Caribbean region. Those teams that miss the window to qualify from ECASC will have the

opportunity to do so in the latter events.

“With me being on the board, the Bahamas will have the chance to be one of the countries in the forefront of the competition,” Dorsett said. “Once we collaborate at the executive board, I would be able to inform the Bahamas on what they need to do to be in a better position to take advantage of the opportunities that will be available to them.”

Dorsett was expected to travel to the meeting with BSF president Ted Miller.

But after Miller took sick, international certified umpire Thomas Sears went in his place. It was agreed at the meeting that Sears would be allowed to sit around the table to represent the BSF in the absence of Miller.

As for the return of softball competition in the Bahamas, Dorsett said the WBSC understands the challenges being faced

worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with no major competition taking place except for the qualifying tournaments that were held for the teams to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

He said WBSC has recommended that the various countries look at whatever restrictions are in place in their country and to seek the permission from the relevant authorities as it relates to the restart of competition.

But he said that WBSC has recommended that coaching and officiating clinics take place to bring persons up to speed with any new rules expected to be implemented for the sport.

He said it was suggested that such clinics could take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it is more accessible for persons from the various countries in the region.

PRAGUE (AP) — Canada won the decisive doubles to upset defending champion France 2-1 in the Billie Jean King Cup finals yesterday.

Spain staged a comeback to beat Slovakia 2-1 for the first time after two losses, including the 2002 final.

Also, the Czech Republic prevailed in the doubles to overcome Germany 2-1 in Group D, and Belgium beat Belarus 2-1 on the hard courts at the O2 Arena.

After the French and Canadian teams split the opening singles, Gabriela Dabrowski and Rebecca Marino defeated Lara Burel and Alize Cornet 6-3, 7-6 (6).

“We should be really proud of ourselves,” Marino said.

In the opening singles, the 353th-ranked Francoise Abanda rallied from a set down to upset Fiona Ferro, ranked 105th, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to put Canada ahead.

“I was a little bit nervous at the beginning,” Abanda said. “I’m happy it turned out in my favor.”

Cornet tied it for France after beating Marino 6-4, 7-6 (5).

The victory marked Canada’s first over France since 1980.

Belgium’s Greet Minnen defeated Iryna Shymanovich 6-2, 6-2 and Elise Mertens overcame a second-set scare to beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 for an insurmountable 2-0 lead.

In doubles, Vera Lapko and Aliaksandra Sasnovich teamed up to take a consolation 6-4, 6-3 victory over Kirsten Flipkens and Mertens.

TENNIS: SYDNEY CLARKE AND BLAZERS EARN 10 MATCH WINS TO END SEASON

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net HAVING played in her fourth tournament for the year, Sydney Clarke said she’s glad to have made the adjustment to her game from the start of her sophomore season at the University of Arlington at Birmingham.

Over the weekend in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Clarke and the Blazers’ tennis team completed their fall season at the Roberta Alison Fall Classic where they earned 10 match wins with six of them coming in victories over Power 5 schools.

In doubles play, after they fell to Indiana and Tulane, Clarke and partner Maggie White clinched a 6-3 win in the back end of the draw.

And in the Big Al Draw against Troy, Clarke pulled off a 7-6, 7-5 win in singles.

“The tournament was great. It went by very quickly, but it was great overall,” Clarke said. “I saw a tremendous improvement in my game and I got to play a lot of great players.

So it was a good improvement for me.”

Although the fall season came to a close after the tournament, Clarke is expected to play in a minor tournament next weekend.

However, she said she had to endure an up and down season this year.

“I started off really rough, but right now I’m starting to peak, so it’s getting better,” she said. “I was able to see the way I started and how I ended. I was able to end on a positive note so my performance can only go up from now.”

The former CR Walker Secondary High student who went on to finish high school at Windsor School

SYDNEY CLARKE as a member of the Albany Tennis Academy said if she can work on her base game, she will be able to play up to her full potential.

“My main goal this season was to just try to figure out my base game, what are the things I do well and what are the things I need to continue to improve as I prepare for the spring season next year,” she pointed.

After playing in four tournaments this year, Clarke amassed a 6-4 winloss record in singles and 5-4 in doubles. She’s now looking forward to getting back on track when the spring season starts over the weekend of January 22-23 when UAB takes on Furman and Auburn in Auburn, Alabama. “I just have to stay in shape and do a lot of off court stuff in the gym, eating right and just trying to get better off court,” she said. “We’re now in our offseason, so we won’t get as much tennis in, so I just have to do my part off the court, stretching and

MATCHDAY: Struggling Barcelona in Kyiv, Manchester United at Atalanta A LOOK at what’s happening in the Champions League today: GROUP E Coming off a threematch winless streak in the Spanish league with an interim coach, Barcelona will head to Ukraine to face Dynamo Kyiv without two of its veterans because of health issues. Defender Gerard Piqué is nursing a right calf strain and striker Sergio Aguero is under observation after undergoing heart tests. The team is being coached by interim manager Sergi Barjuán after Ronald Koeman was fired last week. Bayern Munich hosts Benfica knowing a win will secure its place in the next round.

The Bavarian powerhouse is yet to concede a goal in the competition after beating Barcelona (3-0), Dynamo Kyiv (5-0) and Benfica (4-0). Bayern will be keen to keep the visitors

scoreless again after conceding seven goals in its last two games.

The German team’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, hopes to be back on the sideline after recovering from the coronavirus.

GROUP F Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes Manchester United to Italy to play Atalanta looking to build on a muchneeded win at Tottenham in the English Premier League.

United’s move to a threeman defence was key on Saturday as it stifled Spurs and gave them the platform to build on, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani leading the attack.

United has a two-point lead over Villarreal and Atalanta after coming from behind to beat the Serie A side in Manchester two weeks ago. Villarreal welcomes Young Boys looking to improve its

defensive performances after conceding nine goals in its last five matches in all competitions.

GROUP G Sevilla has won three of its last four matches in the Spanish league but drew three in a row in the group stage of the Champions League to sit in second place. A win against thirdplace Lille will leave the Spanish club in a good position to reach the knockout stage. German team Wolfsburg is looking for its first win in the competition when it hosts group leader Salzburg. A new coach is helping its sense of optimism after Wolfsburg defeated Bayer Leverkusen away in the Bundesliga in Florian Kohfeldt’s first game in charge on Saturday. That victory brought an end to an eight-game run without a win under previous coach Mark van Bommel.

GROUP H Juventus is struggling in Serie A, where it has lost two straight, but the Bianconeri have won all three of their Champions League games to lead the group. Another win over visiting Zenit St Petersburg would secure a spot in the last 16 with two group games to spare. “We’ve got the first goal of the season within sight, which is great because it would allow us to focus more on (Serie A), where we’ve thrown away an entire month’s work in five days,” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said.

Having battled through four qualifying rounds, Malmo has found the going tough in the group stage — losing all three matches. The Swedish champion hosts Chelsea on a goal difference of minus 11 following its 4-0 loss to the titleholder at Stamford Bridge two week ago.

exercising and all that good stuff to make sure I’m in shape for spring.”

Unlike her freshman year when there were more restrictions due to COVID19, Clarke said they are now in full class sessions and so there is a lot more work to be done when they were subjected to a lot of online classes.

“So far, I’ve been able to keep up with everything,” pointed out Clarke, who is currently studying entrepreneurship as a major with a minor in mass communication. “There’s a lot more work than last year, but I’m able to keep up with it.”

As a freshman, Clarke finished last season with an 18-6 win-loss record, hooking up with Jana Hecking with the best mark of 3-4 in doubles as she helped UAB to an overall 14-7 record with a 3-1 in conference play, 7-1 at home, 5-5

on their opponents’ home court and 2-1 on neutral grounds.

At 19 with her birthday coming up on November 18, Clarke said she’s just eager to come home once school closes on December 10 so she can enjoy some Bahamian food and the nice cool weather because it’s getting colder in Birmingham.

“I want to come home, go to the beach and eat some nice food,” said Clarke, who will sit her final exam on December 6 or7.

The 5-foot, 5-inch eldest daughter of Shayvon and Bernard Clarke with a younger sister Sarai Clarke following in her footsteps, is the former number one junior player in the country and in the region. She played at the number two spot this year on the Bahamas team at the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly the Fed Cup for women.

CELTA ENDS RAYO’S WINNING STREAK AT HOME IN SPANISH LEAGUE

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Radamel Falcao was held scoreless as Rayo Vallecano’s winning run at home was halted by Celta Vigo in the Spanish league on Monday.

The veteran Colombia striker scored the winner in Rayo’s win against Barcelona in the previous round, but couldn’t capitalize on his chances in drawing with Celta 0-0.

The result ended Rayo’s five-match winning streak at its Vallecas Stadium this season, keeping the promoted Madrid club in sixth place, five points behind leader Real Sociedad after 12 matches.

Rayo, back in the topflight after two consecutive years in the second division, was trying to win six in a row at home for the first time since the late 1970s. It had won 10

straight first-division league matches at home against Celta.

Celta stayed in 15th place, only two points from the relegation zone. It had lost three of its last four league matches.

Rayo visits second-placed Madrid in a Spanish capital derby on Saturday.

LEVANTE STILL WINLESS Levante remained the only winless team in the league after losing to Granada 3-0 at home in a match between teams near the bottom of the standings.

The result extended Levante’s winless streak to 20 league matches going back to last season, its worst run ever in the competition.

It had never gone without a win in its first 12 games.

Germán Sánchez, Luis Suárez and Antonio Puertas scored for Granada, which has two victories and moved to 14th place.

PAGE 20, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

DEBT CONSOLIDATION LEADS LOAN REQUESTS FROM PAGE 24 are under when it comes to making loan repayments amid the joblessness and under-employment of a COVID-scarred economy.

“Indications from the latest lending conditions survey reveal that the volume of applications for business and personal loans increased during the first half of 2021, and there was a corresponding overall net increase in the volume of approved credit,” Mr Rolle added.

“Consumer credit applications had both a higher success rate and also a significantly greater number of approved requests.

For mortgage applications the success rate was slightly lower, but more loans were approved overall.

“Nevertheless, more than half of the unsuccessful applications for both mortgages and other personal credit were due to lack of

affordability around preexisting debt servicing levels that were considered too high. Under-employment is also a factor in unsuccessful credit applications.”

The survey’s results showed that a collective 13,744 loan applications were received by the Bahamian commercial banking industry during the 2021 first half, representing a 25.2 percent year-over-year increase and also a 20.6 percent jump compared to the 2020 second half.

Some 10,292 loan applications were approved for a 74.9 percent approval rate, which the Central Bank said was down 10.3 percentage points from the June 2020 survey but up 7.5 percentage points compared to the 2020 second half. However, just 51.7 percent of mortgage applications were approved, compared to 76.3 percent and 90 percent for consumer and commercial loans.

Loan denials, though, more than doubled year-over-year to 2,024 compared to 788 in the 2020 first half. Some 56.1 percent of rejections, or more than half, were due to the applicants having existing debt service ratios that were too high for the banks to feel comfortable in extending further credit. A further 13.4 percent of submissions were declined due to under-employment.

“For personal credit applications lenders continue to cite insufficient time on the job, high debt service ratio (or DSR), and delinquency in prior loans as top reasons for rejections in the review period,” the report said.

“The largest concentration of applications (87 percent) continued to be for consumer credit, increasing over most categories except for debt consolidation. The average approval rates for such applications narrowed

to 76.3 percent compared with the first-half of 2020, but was recovered by 9.4 percentage points relative to the second half of 2020.

“The number of mortgage applications increased by 61 percent both year-onyear and in comparison to the six months to December 2020. The approval rate stabilized at 51.7 percent over the same period last year, but decreased by 3.2 percentage points vis-àvis December 2020.”

Mr Rolle, meanwhile, voiced optimism that plans to create an online registry for “moveable collateral” will improve lending conditions, and options, for both borrowers and lenders. This he explained, would allow businesses and individuals to pledge non-real estate assets as security for loans, while lenders would have the ability to “track” the collateral and ensure there were no rival liens.

“As a further push to improve the environment for lending, particularly for enterprises, the Central Bank along with the Ministry of Finance are at the advance stages of a diagnostic exercise to establish an online registry for moveable collateral,” the Central Bank governor said.

“Broad private consultation on the proposal will begin as soon as the Government is fully briefed through the Cabinet. A moveable collateral registry would facilitate and encourage increased, secure lending for business ventures by both banks and sophisticated private financiers.”

Expanding on this strategy, Mr Rolle said: “What a moveable collateral registry does is that it gives borrowers access to using more of their assets other than real estate or fixed assets to secure credit. From that standpoint it complements

COVID LOAN DEFAULTS ‘NOT AS BAD AS FEARED’ FROM PAGE 24

Asked by Tribune Business

how

high

he

felt

NOTICE OAHU REAL ESTATE SOCIETY CORP. In Voluntary Liquidation Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, OAHU REAL ESTATE SOCIETY CORP. is in dissolution as of October 29.2021 International Liquidator Services Limited situated at 3rd Floor Withfield Tower, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator.

LIQUIDATOR ______________________

non-performing loan ratios might reach, as a percentage of total outstanding credit, Mr Rolle said: “I don’t want to speculate too much but we’re in the 9 percent range. We do not anticipate that the levels non-performing loans rose to after 2008 will be the levels we see this time around.

“We expect to be considerably below those levels in the past. The non-performing loan rates peaked just

above 15 percent. We’re not expecting to be anywhere in that range from this current episode. We anticipate that beyond 2022 the industry will be in a position to focus again on reducing and working to get those rates lower.”

Loan arrears rates, which includes all credit more than 30 days past due, stood at 14 percent at endSeptember 2021 compared to 12.4 percent at the same point a year before. The

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, SHANTEL ALVARA HIELD of Eastern District Nassau, General Delivery, The Bahamas, Mother of SAMANTHA SERENITY-JEAN HIELD A minor intend to change my child’s name to SAMANTHA SERENITY-JEAN GOMEZ If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

Central Bank data revealed that 17.8 percent of all outstanding mortgages are in arrears, compared to 15.3 percent at the same point in 2020, while consumer loan arrears were up 10.4 percent at 11.9 percent.

Commercial loans were the only category to experience a year-over-year reduction, with loan arrears falling from 8.3 percent to 7.7 percent. Meanwhile, the governor described commercial bank lending to businesses and individuals as “mildly contractionary”, which he said reflected difficulties in finding good quality borrowers even before the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“It reflects risks and credit quality challenges

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

and expands the range of options that individuals and businesses would have in terms of raising capital.”

As examples, he explained that companies can “structure and assign their accounts receivables” owing to them in exchange for credit, or do similar with their intellectual property rights. Individuals could do similar by borrowing against the investments they hold in government bonds and stocks once these are “lodged in secure places”.

“From that point of view it allows for the centralised tracking of where such assets have been pledged,” the Central Bank governor added, “and it allows investors to give credit against such assets knowing their credit against the asset is unique and the asset is not being pledged multiple times against the credit from creditors.” that institutions were managing even prior to the pandemic. The credit bureau, having transitioned into operations, will help improve the climate for lending in the medium term,” Mr Rolle said.

“In the meantime, given the dominant nature of bank lending to the households and enterprises that rely on the fortunes of tourism, a necessary requirement for a stronger uptick in lending is also the pass-through benefits of tourism in expanding the pool of viable borrowers.”

Outstanding private sector credit contracted by $67.7m during the nine months to end-September, a fall-off more than six times’ greater than the $10.2m drop witnessed during the same period in 2020, highlighting the continued difficulties in accessing credit.

While commercial credit, meaning loans to businesses had expanded by $44.7m in the nine months to end-September 2021, outstanding consumer credit shrank by $86m over the same period while mortgage loans reduced by $26.4m.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that ROSENITA ELFRA of Palmetto Point Eleuthera, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 1st day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that FENET MAGISTRAT of Poiter Avenue, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 26th day of October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that ROMAIN NATANIAL WHITE of 6 Vanria, Sunset Park, Carmichael Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 26th day of October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 21

‘STRESSED’ OIL EXPLORER FACING A $19M DEFICIT

FROM PAGE 24

has the financial wherewithal to pay for four new Bahamas exploration licences, and fulfill any terms and conditions that may be imposed, plus whether the Government should even be entertaining negotiations with it until the talked-about restructuring takes place.

However, the Davis administration while in Opposition indicated it would take a more sympathetic approach to oil exploration in Bahamian waters so long as it met the necessary health and environmental safeguards.

And Mr Uliel yesterday revealed Challenger was already “engaging with the new administration” on the process for its licence renewal.

He also hit out at Bahamian environmental activists for worsening Challenger’s financial woes via their Supreme Court legal challenge earlier this year that sought to block Perseverance One’s drilling, going so far as to accuse them of “harassment” via the press and social media in a bid to damage its corporate reputation.

“Well operations were also successfully carried out despite attempts by environmental activists to derail the company’s Government-approved operations - both through the Bahamian court system (a process which ultimately

STENA ICEMAX did not succeed) - and through concerted efforts to undermine the reputation of the company and its staff by harassment of itself, service providers and the public in the press, on social media and various other means,” Mr Uliel wrote.

“Overall, whilst these attempts failed to halt drilling operations, they did impact the company’s access to previously established financing options in the lead-up to and during the drilling campaign.”

Challenger, though, has not given up on The

Bahamas just yet. Mr Uliel said the data obtained from Perseverance One supported deeper drilling into the ocean seabed, and the company is still seeking a joint venture or “farm-in” partner to share the technical, financial and other risks associated with drilling a second exploratory well in this nation’s waters.

“In parallel, in March 2021, the company notified the then-Government of The Bahamas of its intent to renew the four southern licences into a third threeyear exploration period.

A new Government was elected in The Bahamas in September 2021, and the company is engaging with the new administration on the renewal process,” Mr Uliel said.

BPC’s shareholders did not take kindly to yesterday’s grim financial news, with the company’s share price dropping below one UK penny to hit 0.85, having dropped by the equivalent of 30 decimal places from 1.15p the day before on 224 trades that exchanged a volume of 22.7m shares.

“In financial terms, the company’s activities through the first half of 2021 have not produced the positive, value-creating outcome hoped for,” he said. “Quite simply, technical results below expectation on two successive wells in The Bahamas and Trinidad (and substantial cost increases), coupled with inherited debts from Columbus, has placed the company in a stressed financial position.”

The latter statement refers to the former BPC’s merger with Columbus to create Challenger, and the Challenger chief added: “In The Bahamas, the Perseverance One well did not result in a commercial discovery at the Perseverance One location.

“At the same time, as a result of various issues during the course of drilling, the eventual cost of the well was approximately $10m more than initially budgeted, with a final cost of approximately $45m.”

Challenger, at end-June 2021, has $7m in cash resources to meet what was then estimated to be payables and borrowings of $23.3m. Included in the latter sum were $10.1m in bills owed to suppliers and vendors on Perseverance One, as well as $2.4m owed on financing instruments that funded the well’s drilling.

However, cash resources have now dwindled to $3m,

while total payables remain at $22m and outstanding Perseverance One bills at $12m.

“The group currently estimates that it has a need for, in aggregate, approximately $15m in funding in order to continue to meet its obligations as and when they fall due over the coming 12 months or, in the alternative, achieve creditor settlements that would reduce the amounts payable, and thus have the same economic effect,” Mr Uliel told shareholders.

Describing these bills and liabilities as “unacceptably high”, he added: “The company’s ability to meet all of its anticipated obligations over the 12 months from the date of the 2020 annual report is dependent on this outcome - that is, successful completion of a process to definitively address the outstanding payables/liabilities position and secure additional funding for ongoing operations and work programmes in 2022, and in so doing place the company on a stable, debt-free footing for the future.

“It should be noted that if the company is unsuccessful in achieving its restructuring and recapitalisation plan there is a risk to the company continuing as a going concern.” However, should it overcome this hurdle, Mr Uliel said rising global oil prices as well as its Trinidad production were cause for optimism.

EX-BOARD DEFENDS BPL’S $535M BOND FROM PAGE 24

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, subsequently said it was safe to interpret the Prime Minister’s comments such that BPL’s RRB was effectively “dead in the water”, at least for the moment.

However, the outgoing Board said the bond issue had been viewed as “the optimal solution” for BPL’s woes for six years - starting when Mr Davis had ministerial responsibility for it.

The Rate Reduction Bond Act 2015 was passed

by Parliament when Mr Davis was then-deputy prime minister, and the now-immediate past Board said: “Solving BPL’s financial issues while investing in its people and infrastructure is not an easy task.

BPL’s mandate, however, requires the supply of energy to be reliable and its costs to be low and stable.

“Energy price stability is key to supporting investment in new businesses ventures, and allows business owners to better manage their operational expenses. A Rate Reduction Bond coupled with a comprehensive generation, infrastructure and human resource development

strategy, is perhaps the best solution to achieve this objective.”

The statement bore BPL’s logo and appeared as an official press release, but Tribune Business inquiries established it was sent out by the outgoing Board rather than the successor selected by the Davis administration.

With BPL mired in debt and strapped for cash, the departing directors explained that the RRB was one element in a strategy that also involved a fuel hedging initiative covering all fuel types; investment in new generation engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and reducing carbon emissions by 40 percent; and renewable energy investments.

Other key components included reaching a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with an independent power producer (IPP) to supply New Providence’s baseload electricity needs at a far lower cost than BPL was capable of doing, meaning the long-running talks with Shell that have yet to conclude, plus investments in smart grid technology.

With BPL’s balance sheet carrying $246m in debt when the Minnis

administration took office in 2017, the statement said another $75m was added in early 2018 to finance the voluntary separation (VSEP) initiative to reduce BPL’s workforce. This was intended to help the utility better manage expenses and improve operational efficiencies.

“With the additional debt that was taken on, the company is now $321m in debt. This debt presents a significant burden to the company’s cash flow; debt service obligations average about $2m per month,” the outgoing Board said.

“The Government has had to inject cash into the company in order for it to be able to operate because it has reached a state where the company cannot borrow money on its own..... The debt that BPL has accumulated can best be removed via the kind of non-recourse funding that the Rate Reduction Bond provides.

“This will clean BPL’s balance sheet and allow it the opportunity to operate without financial encumbrances, as well as provide the necessary funding to support key infrastructure investments.

“Understanding that the imposition of the RRB would increase customers’ bills by about 15 percent to 18 percent which translates to an additional $27 to $32 per month on the average consumer’s $180 bill, BPL embarked on a strategy to minimise this impact to customers via the use of fuel hedging.”

The former Board said this strategy had reduced the fuel rates facing BPL customers from 17-19 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), when it was first brought in during 2020, to 10.5 cents per kWh - a 38-44 percent saving.

This hedge is due to remain in place until June 2022, although it fuel costs will rise slightly due to increases in global oil prices. It was designed to last until BPL’s ‘Station D’ at Clifton Pier was completed and the new 230 Mega Watts (MW) of baseload electricity generation transitioned to LNG as the primary fuel source.

“It is intended that BPL will hedge LNG moving forward, and it is estimated that the fuel charge will be reduced to a range of 8 to 9 cents per kWh, providing additional savings to BPL’s customers and thus

essentially eliminating the impact of the RRB fee to its customers,” the outgoing Board said.

“This can all be achieved within three years of the closing of the RRB transaction. Thereafter the impact of the RRB fee will essentially be eliminated on customer bills.” Mr Davis, though, is arguing that the short-term pain inflicted on consumers by the RRBinduced hike in electricity bills cannot be justified in COVID’s immediate aftermath even though there are long-term gains.

“Additionally, the increased operational margin that will be realised

by BPL due to the lower fixed cost of generation via the long-term baseload PPA, as well as lower costs of generation in the Family Islands due to increased use of renewable generation... will allow BPL to operate for a longer period, perhaps up to an additional seven to ten years, without the need to ask for a rate increase from its regulator,” the outgoing Board said.

“The base load PPA is intended to be in place for at least 25 years, and this will provide the company with sufficient time to ensure that it works to

streamline its operations as much as possible, earn an annual operational profit of 5 percent to 7 percent of gross revenues, and invest these funds into initiatives that continue to improve infrastructure, reduce costs, and maximise operational efficiencies.

“Additional annual profits would also come to BEC/BPL via its planned equity stakes in the Independent Power Producer (IPP) and the LNG terminal facility.” The RRB was to be structured such that the new $535m debt was to be kept off BPL’s balance sheet by having it issued through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), the Bahamas Rate Reduction Bond Company Ltd. This would have allowed BPL to start afresh with a debt-free balance sheet, enabling it to invest in upgrading its own infrastructure without the need for taxpayer support. BPL customers, via a new charge added to their monthly bills, would be responsible for servicing the interest due on the RRB debt to investors who had purchased the bonds.

PAGE 22, Tuesday, November 2, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Food process hub targets $1.8m crowd fund raising

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

AN all-woman partnership is seeking to raise $1.8m via the ArawakX crowd funding platform and become “the regional hub” for food processing and export distribution.

Kentisha Ward, cofounder of Grow Bahamas, said she and her business partner, Regina Smith, will use the equity capital

obtained from Bahamian investors to create what was described as the “first” US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulated and approved food processing facility in this nation and the wider Caribbean.

Grow Bahamas, according to its business plans, will offer itself as a hub and “incubator space” for food producers, manufacturers and artisans to process and scale their enterprises.

It will also provide training, and help with the

processing, packaging and distribution of their food products.

Ms Ward promised that Grow Lab will be the “first of its kind in this region, and also address the core needs of food security and sustainability. We are thankful to a partner with international universities and agencies, and look forward to extending our network to include additional local and regional supporters”.

Those university partnerships, according to Grow Bahamas’ business plan, include tie-ups with Cornell and Virginia Universities in the US. Ms Ward added: “It is now more important than ever to invest in food sustainability and security.

“Grow is the future of food in The Bahamas.

Our vision is one that includes sustainability, food security, employment, business development and access to entrepreneurial

opportunities, especially for young Bahamians.”

Ms Smith and Ms Ward are co-owners of Bahamas International Distributors.

The former owns Firehouse Spices, while the latter is in charge of Pop Stop.

The Grow Bahamas crowd funding is making available to investors some 109,756 ordinary shares priced at $16 apiece, with the minimum investment requirement pegged at the same amount. The offering, which launched yesterday,

Governor adjusts 2022 GDP growth to 6-8%

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Central Bank’s governor yesterday adjusted 2022 economic growth projections to 6-8 percent, with The Bahamas not expected to “fully erase” COVID’s impact before 2023 “at the earliest”.

John Rolle, speaking as the Central Bank unveiled its 2021 third quarter economic update, said that while this nation was enjoying “a steady but paced recovery” from the pandemic its rebound was nevertheless likely to be “drawn out” given the virus’ impact on its key tourism source markets.

While the Central Bank and International Monetary

Fund (IMF) had previously forecast that The Bahamas would enjoy 8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion in 2022 as the full impact of tourism’s rebound kicked in, Mr Rolle yesterday hinted at a slightly less optimistic outlook by giving a range between 6 percent to 8 percent.

“On the upside, tourism is positioned to record full calendar year business in 2022. This, combined with continued recovery in occupancy rates and the return-to-use of residual room inventory, will generate forecasted economic growth for 2022 anywhere between 6 percent and 8 percent,” the Central Bank governor said yesterday.

“It will allow for much needed return of employment in the sector, and downstream improvement in other parts of the private sector and in public finances. The recovery path still has to be seen against a double-digit contraction in the economy in 2020, which is still not expected to be fully erased before 2023, at the earliest, and the ongoing expansion in the employable workforce, which along with furloughed persons have added to the jobless rate.”

Mr Rolle added that the Central Bank was sticking with its 2 percent growth forecast for 2021 based on the tourism industry’s performance for the first nine months of 2021. “It

mainly reflects the timing of when tourism restarted in 2021, rather than the current level of business being experienced,” he explained.

“In particular, it was only during the 2021 second quarter that stopover business substantially resumed, and at least the middle of the summer before cruise visitors started to return.

When business resumed, occupancy levels were anecdotally more recovered than it was forecasted that they would be.

“Nevertheless, there was no substantial reentry in the earlier months that would compare even partially to the healthy close-out of the 2019-2020 winter season. The upbeat seasonal performance in

the current half of 2021 will not significantly make up for this difference.”

Mr Rolle said increased foreign exchange market transactions were also evident of a pick-up in private sector activity as the economy rebounded from COVID-19. “On the inflow side, commercial banks’ purchases of foreign exchange from the private sector increased by 30.5 percent in first three quarters of 2021,” he added.

“On the expenditure side, private sector demand for foreign exchange, through purchases made from commercial banks, rose by 21.5 percent over the same months. Deducting the inflows from outflows, the private sector returned

Gov’t in Hansard review over heritage sites deal

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE deputy prime minister yesterday said the Davis administration is seeking

to determine whether Parliament was misled over a contract seemingly related to heritage and cultural tourism.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism,

investments and aviation, told the House of Assembly during his contribution to the Speech from the Throne debate that the Government plans to examine the Hansard, the official

record of parliamentary proceedings, to determine if the previous administration had made full and accurate disclosures.

“We are requesting updates from Hansard of previous presentations in the House, where it was denied that there was this contract with persons connected to the previous administration,” Mr Cooper said. “If this House was misled, we will let the Bahamian people know.”

Mr Cooper did not identify the persons, subject or contract he was talking about. However, his departure from his written presentation came after he talked about heritage and cultural tourism, referring to “the restoration and preservation of historical sites, physical assets, and the cultural patrimony that reside at the heart of the uniqueness and authenticity of our tourism proposition”.

The deputy prime minister pledged that this would not be done “in the manner presented by the previous administration”, adding: “We will restore the historical sites in a transparent way, not in the manner proposed by the previous administration.”

All this suggests that Mr Cooper was referring to the agreement for the PublicPrivate Investments (PPIL) group - whose principals include both Carl Culmer, the Free National Movement’s (FNM) chairman,

and Dr Nigel Lewis, the party’s 2021 election campaign co-ordinator - to take over and manage Nassau’s key historical sites.

Joshua Sears, the former prime minister’s senior policy adviser, told this newspaper just prior to the September 16 election that the two sides had “finalised all agreements” and were working towards its implementation and the transition to PPIL’s management.

The sites covered by the PPIL deal include Nassau’s three forts, Charlotte, Fincastle and Montague; the Queen’s Staircase (66 Steps) and Water Tower; the Pompey Museum; Botanical Gardens; and the National Public Library.

Mr Cooper’s comments relating to the Hansard review are likely to refer to the clash between Dr Minnis and Glenys Hanna-Martin, the former Opposition MP for Englerston, during the summer’s 2021-2022 Budget debate when the thenprime minister effectively denied there had been any agreement signed to outsource management of Nassau’s historical sites.

The deputy prime minister, meanwhile, also confirmed Tribune Business’ revelations that the ITM/Royal Caribbean deal to acquire the Grand Lucayan had been watered down to such an extent that the joint venture would

is due to close in 90 days on January 30, 2022, and the duo plans to open Grow Bahamas next year.

They are targeting $908,305 in potential revenues during the company’s first year in operation, with some 41 percent of this sum coming through food processing and another 28 percent via the training Grow Bahamas will offer.

Revenues are forecast to rise by 55.4 percent over a five-year period to reach $1.412m per annum. to being a net supplier of foreign exchange to commercial banks, as compared making a net drawdown on such resources in 2020.

“This also substantially reduced commercial banks’ net reliance on the Central Bank for foreign exchange, and net drawdown against the external reserves. At the same time, the net inflows of foreign exchange from Government borrowing lessened.”

Turning to the external reserves that support the Bahamian dollar’s one:one peg with its US counterpart, the Central Bank governor said they stood at $2.57bn as of yesterday. He added that, even with deducting the special drawing rights (SDRs) received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), they would stand at $2.32bn - just ahead of the $2.29bn recorded exactly one year ago. have received a loan from the Government to finance the property’s redevelopment.... which would not occur until the late 2020s.

“I begged the former administration not to purchase this property. I take no pleasure in being right,” Mr Cooper said. “In fact, the deal the former administration was prepared to enter into was worse than I thought.

“After the Government pumped over $150m into this property, the group at the table wanted a loan from the Government to develop the property, which they were only interested in doing in the second half of the decade.”

Declining to provide further details, Mr Cooper said the $100m in taxpayer subsides provided to aviation-related state-owned enterprises (SOEs) such as Bahamasair and Nassau Flight Services “must be reduced”.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahamasair was losing an average of $20m a year. And taxpayers have pumped more than $90m into Bahamasair since the pandemic began,” he added. “Nassau Flight Services is another beleaguered public entity receiving subventions to the tune of $5m a year....

“We are currently pumping more than $50m a year in government subsidies to the sector. We are pumping in the region of $100m this year into SOEs overall. This must be prudently managed. This must be reduced. And almost everybody understands that this is not sustainable.”

THE TRIBUNE

GOV’T ‘REACHING CEILING’ ON DEBT FROM PAGE 24

the former finance minister argued that the one:one fixed exchange rate peg with the US dollar had served the country well and needs to be maintained.

“It’s very helpful for the tourism sector,” Mr Smith said. “It gives certainty, and in any economy you need confidence in the value of your currency and exchange rate, that it’s the same next week or next month, otherwise people and tourists start hedging.

“We need to look at all the metrics; where we have

come from, where we are now and where we want to go in the future. We may want to set a fiscal target for revenue to GDP. But we have to do it in such a way that we’re able to minimise any impact on the wider economy, the real economy.

“We can fix debt servicing in a very short period of time, but would disrupt other sectors of the economy.” The Prime Minister himself last week said he wants government revenues to be equivalent to 25 percent of Bahamian GDP by the time his administration’s term in office ends, while

the Fiscal Responsibility Act mandates the Government adhere to deficit and debt-to-GDP targets.

Mr Smith, meanwhile, said the Committee and administration also have to ensure The Bahamas’ debt woes do not drag down this nation’s post-COVID recovery while being mindful of global impacts such as the supply chain disruption and rising energy costs.

“In terms of the [COVID] crisis we might have passed that,” he added. “What we’re looking for now are more positive signs in the economy, and signs of the

return of more tourists, which bring you more revenue to apply not just to debt servicing but other costs of the economy. You have to keep an eye on the re-opening of the economy as well.”

John Rolle, the Central Bank’s governor, yesterday said the $75m, one-year Bahamas Government Registered Stock bond offering that closed last Wednesday was “substantially oversubscribed” although he provided no figures.

This will likely have come as some relief to the Government after what one institutional money

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, PAGE 23 manager, speaking on condition of anonymity, described as a “wake up call” when just $12m of the previous $30m bond - which was issued in August - was picked up by the market.

The Central Bank picked up the $18m balance.

Mr Rolle, addressing the Central Bank’s third quarter economic briefing, said: “The size of the public sector’s net borrowing requirements, and the stimulus impact of such government expenditure, still require a prudent mix of deficit financing in Bahamian dollars and foreign currency.

“Although this optimum is shifting more towards domestic currency financing, it still maintains a

requirement for significant foreign currency funding in the mix, and this informs the consultative process that is maintained between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance.

“Nevertheless, our near-term outlook does tolerate some reduction in the reserves for justifiably increased domestic financing of both public and private sector investments.... From a monetary policy perspective, the Central Bank is taking a more relaxed position concerning protection of the Bahamian dollar currency peg, and is accommodative to increased domestic financing of both the public and private sectors.”

business@tribunemedia.net

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021

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Gov’t ‘reaching ceiling’ on debt

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Government may be reaching its debt limits given that such liabilities are now bigger than the economy, the Debt Advisory Committee’s head warned yesterday.

James Smith, former minister of state for finance in the first Christie administration, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas current debt-to-GDP ratio of 100.4 percent is “not a comfortable place to be” as he prepares to advise the Government on how to

manage and reduce its $10.356bn stockpile of liabilities.

“We might be reaching our ceiling when we have debt at the level of GDP. It’s not a comfortable place to be,” he conceded.

“It’s the quantum of the debt and the tenor of the debt that we have to look at, and the way forward would be to manage the debt by setting some objectives, but we wouldn’t know that until we get the committee formed and get a fully comprehensive background on it.”

While the economy’s rebound will increase output and gross domestic product (GDP), thereby likely taking the debt ratio back below 100 percent, this will likely

‘Stressed’ oil explorer facing a $19m deficit

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE oil explorer seeking to renew four drilling licences in Bahamian waters yesterday admitted it is in “a stressed financial position” with outstanding bills exceeding its cash resources by $19m.

Eytan Uliel, the former Bahamas Petroleum Company’s chief executive, told shareholders of the renamed Challenger Energy Group that the company must urgently “pursue a creditor restructuring and recapitalisation plan” otherwise there was a risk it may be unable to continue as “a going concern”.

In a message that coincided with the unveiling of Challenger’s 2021 first half results, Mr Uliel said the six months to end-June had “not produced the positive, value-creating outcome hoped for” - partly as a result of its Perseverance One well failing to uncover commercial quantities of oil in Bahamian waters some 90 miles west of Andros.

He added that the $10m cost overruns on its Bahamas exploratory well, which took the total price tag to $45m, were a key factor behind Challenger’s increasingly strained financial position. And the $12m

• $3m cash to meet $22m payables/ liabilities • $15m recapitalise to stay ‘going concern’ • ‘Engaging’ Davis Gov’t on licence renew in unpaid bills, or payables, owed to various suppliers and vendors on Perseverance One account for 54.5 percent or the majority of the oil explorer’s $22m liabilities.

These liabilities, or payables, dwarf Challenger’s $3m in remaining cash resources that are being depleted at the rate of $200,000 per month to cover overhead costs while its Trinidad-based exploration activities are currently “cash flow break even” and will not be positive until 2022.

The oil exploration outfit’s presently troubled financial position will raise questions as to whether it

SEE PAGE 21

remain elevated in the high 80 percent to 90 percent-plus range for some time to come given the blow-out produced by Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 that further accelerated The Bahamas’ fiscal deterioration.

Mr Smith, meanwhile, said the Debt Advisory Committee and the Government cannot focus solely on the latter’s debt burden and associated servicing costs given that there are multiple impacts on the wider economy to consider.

He added that the Committee would first need to come to grips with, and gain an understanding of, issues such as how much of the Government’s debt is

denominated in foreign currency as opposed to Bahamian; whether there are any “balloon payments” attached to specific issues; the flexibility of creditors and lenders; the split between long and shortterm debt; and the tenors and maturities for every debt tranche.

“The debt itself, and the servicing of the debt, is dependent on the economy, which is really then reliance on tourism where we get most of our foreign exchange earnings from,” Mr Smith told this newspaper. “Those earnings go not only to pay debt but pay for imports.

“We cannot only look at the debt but the economy, and particularly the demand for foreign

currency settlements. If the Government is going to use a certain amount of foreign currency inflows to pay its debt, it also need to look at what the importing sector needs to keep the economy going. That’s not just goods and services, but intermediate products.”

Mr Smith said such considerations, namely not crowding out the private sector and critical foreign exchange, “go beyond what you might see in a developed country” with a convertible currency and floating exchange rate.

The Bahamas, though, has a non-convertible currency, but

SEE PAGE 23

COVID loan defaults ‘not as bad as feared’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Central Bank’s governor yesterday said the rise in COVIDrelated loan delinquencies is not as bad as feared with the increase set to fall “well below” the previous 15 percent peak.

John Rolle, speaking as the Central Bank unveiled its 2021 third quarter economic update, voiced optimism that the Bahamian commercial banking sector will not suffer the non-performing loan levels

endured after the 2008-2009 recession “this time around”.

Non-performing loans, which represent facilities on which borrower payments are more than 90 days past due, peaked at around 15 percent of the banking industry’s total outstanding credit in that recession’s aftermath. However, according to the= Central Bank’s monthly economic report for September, they currently stand at 9.1 percent or $506.5m of all issued loans.

“I think a reasonable expectation is that we will see them settle at a peak over the course of 2022,” Mr Rolle replied, when asked to give a

timeline by this newspaper. “Right now the average non-performing loan rate is just above 9 percent. We have not seen the level of uptick in the non-performing loan rate that we feared the pandemic would cause.

“At the same time we understand that until the job or labour market conditions are fully resolved for many persons who may owe loans to the banks, there won’t be full clarity around where the non-performing loan rate settles. But we do not anticipate that there’s a drastic amount of adjustment that remains to be done.”

SEE PAGE 20

Debt consolidation leads loan requests

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Pointing out that BPL’s $321m legacy debt is not going anywhere, and represents a “significant burden” to the utility’s cash flow worth $2m in monthly interest costs, the statement affirmed that the Government (meaning Bahamian taxpayer) is having to pump cash into the state-owned monopoly to keep afloat because it is unable to borrow funds by itself.

The outgoing Board argued that removing this debt by paying it back through the RRB proceeds, which will remain off BPL’s balance sheet, would leave the utility free to finance transmission and distribution and other key infrastructure developments while persisting with a hedging initiative said to have already reduced customer fuel costs by between 38-44 percent.

Describing the RRB bond’s placement as critical to unlocking cheaper electricity prices and stable, more reliable, energy supply, the departing directors said the $535m raise was also a critical component in their plan for BPL to achieve “an annual operational profit of 5 percent to 7 percent of gross revenues”.

Whether this plan will receive the goahead is now subject to doubt, though, after the Prime Minister last week said the “20 percent” rise in electricity costs - which will be produced by customers having to service the bond debt via their monthly light bills - “cannot be justified” given that so many businesses and households are struggling to recover from COVID-19’s devastating fall-out.

BAHAMIANS are struggling to finance “big ticket items”, the Central Bank’s governor said yesterday, given that debt consolidation accounts for 36 percent of all consumer loan applications.

John Rolle, unveiling the results of the regulator’s 2021 first half lending conditions survey, confirmed that this category again led the way for consumer credit requests made to the Bahamian commercial banking industry with almost 4,000 (3,978) submissions during the 2021 first half.

However, year-over-year, debt consolidation requests declined by 8.3 percent during the six months to end-June 2021, with the softening perhaps indicating that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic’s fall-out for Bahamian households may have passed.

“Debt consolidation relief was the largest single reason for consumer credit applications - about onethird of the total,” Mr Rolle said. “Such active lending for debt consolidation also signals less capacity, even for qualified borrowers, to finance new big-ticket items.”

Debt consolidation loans, which typically sweep up all credit facilities and merge them into one in a bid to slash a borrower’s debt repayments, are typically viewed as a last resort restructuring designed to avoid a default.

The fact they remain the most “popular” form of consumer loan application, despite the year-over-year drop, still signals the growing stress many Bahamian families and individuals

SEE PAGE 21

SEE PAGE 20

BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT’S (BPL) HEADQUARTERS

Ex-Board defends BPL’s $535m bond

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power & Light’s (BPL) outgoing Board yesterday pushed back against the Davis administration’s bid to kill-off the utility’s $535m refinancing by defending it as the “optimal solution”.

The departing directors, headed by chairman Dr Donovan Moxey, issued a statement reiterating that fuel price reductions and electricity generation efficiencies stemming from the proposed rate reduction bond’s (RRB) placement will - “within three years” produce savings that outweigh the costs imposed on BPL customers from this refinancing.

Suggesting that the bond’s debt servicing costs would initially increase energy bills by between 15 percent to 18 percent, slightly less than the 20 percent suggested by Prime Minister Philip Davis last week, the outgoing Board said this would amount to a rise of between $27 and $32 per month on the average DR consumer’s DONOVAN $180 MOXEY bill.