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VOLUME:117 No.246, NOVEMBER 18TH, 2020
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SMITH STRIKES TO STOP OIL DRILLING QC writes to govt asking for judicial review or else he’ll seek court injunction By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ENVIRONMENTAL activists last night threatened to initiate legal action against the Government and Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) within 14 days unless the latter halts its oil exploration plans. Fred Smith QC fired off multiple letters to the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and government agencies warning his clients will seek to obtain a Supreme Court injunction blocking BPC’s activities until such time as the merits of their Judicial Review are determined. Acting on behalf of the Our Islands, Our Future group, as well as
Waterkeeper Bahamas and a “coalition” of “Bahamian citizens, businesses and local and international environmentalists”, Mr Smith argued approvals breached assurances by Dr Hubert Minnis, were contrary to international obligations, and did not follow legallymandated processes. In a letter to BPC’s chief executive, Simon Potter, sent just hours after it revealed the vessel hired to drill its first well is poised to leave the Canary Islands for The Bahamas before December, Mr Smith urged the company to avoid the need for an injunction battle by giving a voluntary “undertaking” not to proceed with the project. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
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SPEAKER SAYS MINNIS ACTING LIKE ‘DEMIGOD’ HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie yesterday suggested there is a deliberate attempt to undermine his authority, telling reporters it appeared that once he makes recommendations “Cabinet is going to deny it”. Calling this a “sad state of affairs for any nation”, Mr Moultrie further lashed out against the state over the erosion of the authority and function of the legislative branch.
Speaking to reporters yesterday on the sidelines of an event in his constituency, the Speaker went further with his criticism, suggesting that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has acted like a “demigod” in the face of pushback on matters of principle that challenge the executive branch of government. This should not be condoned, he said. SEE PAGE THREE
THE STENA Icemax vessel, which is due to leave the Canary Islands for The Bahamas before the end of this month.
NO PLACE FOR PETTY POLITICS ATLANTIS GUESTS WON’T FACE TESTS By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net ANGLICAN Bishop Laish Boyd has expressed concern about the level of “petty politics” that goes on in The Bahamas, which he deemed “not good” for the country.
The Bishop of the Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands made the statement during the 117th Session of Synod on Monday evening. “In The Bahamas we are a year and a half away from general elections.” SEE PAGE THREE
GUESTS registered at Atlantis resort will not be required to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests once they remain confined to the Paradise Island “safe zone” for the duration of their stay. The information, published on mega resort’s website under its
“Frequently asked questions” page, noted that visitors will not have to take a second COVID-19 test five days after arrival once they remain in the safe zone and follow all of the resort’s safety protocols. SEE PAGE TWO
MAN GUNNED DOWN IN AMBUSH A MAN believed to be in his late 30s became the country’s latest murder victim yesterday evening. Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters told the press that shortly after 7pm, two men approached a residence on Commonwealth Boulevard off Elizabeth Estates when another vehicle came behind them. “The occupants of that
AN IMAGE from video of last night’s shooting.
vehicle exited the vehicle, armed with firearms and discharged their firearms in the direction of the vehicle, injuring both men. “The victims were transported to hospital via private vehicle,” he said. “However, while on the Eastern Road an emergency medical vehicle was stopped, medical attention was rendered to both men,
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE SEVEN
SOME PLAY BY RULES, OTHERS DISREGARD THEM
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Wednesday, November 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
ANTIGEN testing for Atlantis employees ahead of the reopening of the resort.
Photo: Donovan McIntosh
Atlantis guests won’t face testing from page one “The safe zone is an enhanced COVID-19 screened area to protect the residents, guests, team members, and other Paradise Island visitors,” the resort said on its website. “Registered guests whom vacation/stay in the safe zone for the entire duration of their stay do not have to undergo multiple testing, unlike other properties in The Bahamas, where additional COVID testing is required upon arrival and again on day five.” However, the resort also explained that guests wanting to take the antigen test on the fifth day can still do so, adding it will be “free of charge”. As it relates to residents and visitors arriving from New Providence, Atlantis says they “will be required to provide a negative Rapid Antigen test result within seven days of entry”. Meanwhile, “Bahamas residents not from New Providence Island will be required to provide a valid domestic travel health visa issued by the Bahamas Ministry of Health.” The country’s latest travel
protocols mandates that visitors and returning residents entering the country must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test no older than five days and have an approved Bahamas health travel visa. While travellers are no longer required to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test upon arrival, they must still do so on the fifth day of their visit (unless departing on day five). It is not clear whether the mega resort was granted permission to scrap the fifth day testing requirement for its guests. Neither government nor hotel officials could be contacted for comment. Although guests are no longer required to take a rapid antigen test on the fifth day, Atlantis says they will still have to adhere to the property’s COVID-19 protocols. This will include taking a thermal scan to ensure normal body temperatures and following the physical distancing protocols. Guests over the age of two also will be required to wear a mask. However, mask wearing will not be required “while lying at the beach, swimming in the pools,
riding the Aquaventure slides, or eating and drinking.” In the event a guest tests positive, Atlantis says it “will activate established incident response protocols. Any exposed areas will be extensively cleaned and disinfected.” It added: “Contact tracing is part of the protocol, so if a suspected or confirmed case does occur, we will notify the Surveillance Unit of The Bahamas Ministry of Health. Atlantis’ Health and Safety team and security personnel are trained to respond quickly in the event of an incident.” Last week, Atlantis confirmed it will begin its phased re-opening on December 10 via the return of the Royal Towers, The Reef and Harbourside timeshare complexes. The 200-acre Paradise Island mega resort, in a statement, said amenities and attractions that will open include the casino, Dolphin Cay marine habitat and its 50,000 aquatic animals, marina, Mandara spa, Ocean Club Golf Course, restaurants such as Nobu and Todd English’s Olives, the Marina Village and Crystal Court shops.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, PAGE 3
Speaker says Minnis acting like ‘demigod’ from page one “What has happened over the years is the complete erosion of the authority and function and purpose of the legislative branch,” Mr Moultrie said. “So, we have developed situations where the leader or the Prime Minister in these jurisdictions can function like a demigod – like a person who is a maximum leader, a person who could just dictate.” Asked if there were dissension within the governing party, Mr Moultrie said as far as he was concerned there was none, but when asked if he thought the Prime Minister was acting as a demigod, Mr Moultrie said: “I think the Prime Minister has good reason for his history to be concerned when anybody raises a voice. He has a certain history where he experienced uprising in his party against him. So, I understand to a certain degree his response whenever a person like myself would challenge the executive on matters of principle. “I understand that but while I understand it, I don’t think it should be condoned.” Mr Moultrie yesterday also updated reporters on the issue of work to improve conditions in his office. At the end of October
SPEAKER of the House Halson Moultrie. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff he turned in his keys to the Speaker’s office in the Baygovernment because he was parl building as well as the not satisfied with the state renovation of the ground of his office and bathroom floor of the Senate from facilities. He said he was October 2017. I have archirefusing to set foot in that tectural drawings. I have area again unless the situa- an assessment of the scope tion was corrected. of work. I have multiple Yesterday, he said the assessments of the scope of renovations should have work already done. happened a long time ago. “Apparently the minister “I would say it should is not satisfied with what have happened a long time we already have so I’m not ago because I was advocat- going to try to put a timeing for the change in terms line on it. But one thing is of the renovations of the for certain I would never
be occupying the Bayparl building, which has been condemned by the police as a security risk for the Speaker of any nation. “Not only is it a security risk it is (un) inhabitable in my estimation and it is a health hazard with the leaks and the moulds and no facility to even sanitise yourself internally.” Asked if he considered the issue a slap in the face, Mr Moultrie said: “Let’s put it this way, we have had a degeneration of the separation of powers for decades now in The Bahamas dating back to 1985 when the executive branch of government took away the administrative and financial control of the legislative branch and since that time the legislative branch has been treated like a department of the Cabinet office that is in complete absolute contradiction of Article 72 of the Constitution, which calls for the executive branch to be accountable to and answerable to the legislative branch. “But, of course, if someone is controlling your money and controlling your staff, how can you bring about that accountability?” “It’s just an absolute mockery of democracy and I plan to stand against it at all risk.” Further, the Speaker said the fact that a resolution to hold House meetings
virtually or in a hybrid fashion had not been brought to the House was an indictment on the executive branch of government. He was asked if the House of Assembly was expected to meet today. “I expect us to function in compliance with the established protocols, the physical distancing. That will permit a maximum of 25 members. “I expect all of the Cabinet ministers who are all out of quarantine now to be able to attend tomorrow’s meeting, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we don’t have that resolution. Again it is a complete indictment again on the executive branch of the government for refusing to bring that resolution before the Parliament so that the Parliament can decide that it can meet virtually or in a hybrid form, face-to-face or in some other location.” He continued: “It appears to me as if once the Speaker recommends something the Cabinet is going to deny it. That’s a sad state of affairs for any nation. “The three arms of government should be working together. The executive, the judiciary and the legislative branch. Legislative branch is the first arm of the government, the first arm. “You cannot be an executive whether you are appointed or elected unless
you come through the legislative branch. You have to be a member of Parliament. “But, what has happened in small black territories. What has happened over the years is the complete erosion of the authority and function and purpose of the legislative branch. “So, we have developed situations where the leader or the prime minister in these jurisdictions can function like a demigod, like a person who is a maximum leader, a person who could just dictate.” “There is no dissension as far as I am concerned,” he commented further. “I am taking a Constitutional, legal and principled position no one can challenge the position that I took based on the Constitution.” Asked if he thought the prime minister was acting like a demigod, the Speaker said: “I think the prime minister has good reason for his history to be concerned when anybody raises a voice. “He has a certain history where he experienced uprising in his party against him and so I understand to a certain degree his response whenever a person like myself would challenge the executive on matters of principle. “I understand that, but while I understand it, I don’t think it should be condoned.”
Moving on to the sore topic of the pandemic, the Bishop said, although heavily criticised, he commended the government of The Bahamas for doing a good job, under the circumstances. “The COVID-19 numbers here in Bahamaland are far worse than those in The Turks and Caicos Island, actually and per capita,” he said. “While our government has come under hearty criticism, and, as all governments, it has made missteps, I commend the government for a good job under the circumstances. “All of us must learn to live safely and responsibly with COVID. It is not going anywhere anytime soon. Our best weapon is not what any government can do – although governments do have much responsibility. Our best weapon is you and me and our observing of the protocols. We are
the front line in the fight. So we have to stop blaming governments.” Bishop Boyd said every Bahamian has a role to play in the fight against COVID. This includes wearing a mask, social distancing, washing and sanitising and refraining from large gatherings among other things. “When you meet someone behave as if you have the virus,” he said. “When you meet someone treat them as if they have the virus. This may sound harsh, but it really is not. It is the kind of caution that will save lives in the short, medium and long term. “Remember when more people observe more of the protocols in more places more frequently – we actually save lives. And, remember also that most of our spread issues have come through persons who have not been observing the protocols, persons who have been mixing, socialising and partying
without masks or social distancing. Governments cannot control or legislate against that. It is a matter of personal discipline and responsibility. Be responsible. We can effect change. “This is all very difficult for us because we are loving, mingling people. We love to touch and hug and get together – but, for right now, we have to show our love and togetherness in a different way, i e, by being more distant – for now. Bishop Boyd went on to remember and recognise, in prayer, all frontline workers: medical staff, hospital workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and counsellors and service workers, funeral industry workers and their families. On the issue of diversification of the economy from Provo and Nassau, Bishop Boyd said tourism and banking are in a world crisis due to the pandemic and it now shows how “fickle”
both industries are. “For many decades we have relied on Tourism and Banking as our two major industries, and the sources of income for many of our citizens. This present pandemic has once again brought to the forefront how fickle both of these industries are in the face of world crises. Our Tourism Industry was left in limbo for the better part of this year, with many employed in this sector furloughed or made redundant. “This had a ripple effect on the Banking industry as those without jobs were unable to meet their financial commitments. With new banking regulations and the closure of branches on the Family of Islands it is even more difficult to rely on this industry as a source of income for our countries. He said both countries must now take an even closer look at diversifying their economies.
NO PLACE FOR PETTY POLITICS from page one
“I remain concerned about the level of petty politics and the over-politicising of issues that occurs here,” the Anglican Bishop said. “Both sides do it and it is not good for the country. “We need a national vision that spans administrations and political parties. We need an outlook on both sides that seeks to carry on the overarching purposes of nation-building rather than seeking to wipe out the contribution and personnel of the former administration.” The Bishop noted that many Bahamians think about politics “retributively” to seek revenge when their party is in power by punishing people across the political divide. “While not all political leaders may think this way or feel this way in their hearts, they have
BISHOP LAISH BOYD followers who demand otherwise,” Bishop Boyd explained. “This is not good for the ongoing work of being the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. We need a mature political mind and we need leaders to work toward this and to lead their people toward this at all costs.”
PAGE 4, Wednesday, November 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
No parades - but Junkanoo to live on with virtual events By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
ALTHOUGH Junkanoo parades will not be held this year due to the COVID19 pandemic, officials say avid fans can still enjoy this integral part of Bahamian culture through several virtual events. Chairman of Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence, Dion Miller told The Tribune yesterday that the organisation’s plans surrounding Junkanoo are much different this year, which in pre-COVID times would’ve been marked with the annual Junkanoo parades. Around this time, Mr Miller added that the Junkanoo community would’ve also been buzzing with activity in preparation for the annual cultural events. “Right now, we would be some seven weeks away from the parade because it’s a lot of stress and pressure for junkanooers. We’re usually in the shacks battling getting ready to compete, but we can’t do that,” he said. “But right now, everyone is lost with themselves because what do you do in this time where for years you were there preparing for junkanoo with your brothers and sisters in the shack and so, it’s almost depressing, but unfortunately that’s our reality this year.” However, he said while the holiday parades will not be held in its usual fashion given the country’s COVID-19 status, officials still have some activities planned to honour Junkanoo culture. “There won’t be any major virtual parades, but what you may see is some smaller things like persons
THE SAXONS in action on New Year’s Day at the start of this year. submitting videos, speaking to the culture and how Junkanoo affects them and displaying their talents during some short films so that’s what we could expect this year due to COVID,” he told this newspaper. “So, you certainly would be seeing junkanooers submitting video testimonials and certainly we will be working with Junkanoo to rebroadcast past parades. It will be shown on TV, and you may see some smaller virtual tidbits such as both ministry of culture as well as the ministry of tourism may conduct small virtual competitions. “I don’t know if you
recall the competition tourism did over the summer where they had junkanooers submit videos and you get to vote who’s the best cowbeller and drummer and you may see things like that.” In July, officials made the decision to cancel all traditional Junkanoo parades in response to rising COVID cases. But, in an effort to preserve Bahamian culture, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Lanisha Rolle suggested to reporters in October that officials still wanted to celebrate Junkanoo, but in keeping with current health protocols. At the time, she said
officials were awaiting Cabinet’s decision on how Junkanoo can still be celebrated this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are awaiting to see Cabinet’s determination as to what will be the best thing to do and what would be the safest way, we can go about celebrating our Junkanoo, albeit a virtual platform, she said. “But what is important for me as minister of culture is to ensure that we continue to promote and enhance and preserve Bahamian culture in the best way we can notwithstanding COVID-19.” Yesterday, Mr Miller said the ministry has not
yet released their plans to the JCNP on how they still wanted to celebrate Junkanoo. However, he was adamant there will be no competitive virtual parades due to financial restraints brought on from the pandemic. “There will be no competition or anything like that because the funding just isn’t there to do any grand virtual competition,” he said. “The government, through their contributions, spend over a million dollars to (Junkanoo) so the funding just isn’t there at this time to do that and the corporate Bahamas doesn’t have the funding on hand to
pick up the slack.” But, despite COVID’s impact on the junkanoo community, Mr Miller said the officials are still hopeful that they will be able to host parades next year. “So, we’re hoping between now and spring that there will be some developments in vaccines because the virus will be here for a while but there will be some vaccine created that will be distributed to protect the people and we’ll know by next year around June,” he said. “… So, all eyes are focused on 2021 and we just hope that some progress will be made with this virus that we’ll be able celebrate next year.”
WORK MAY START ON MEDICAL SCHOOL BY END OF THE YEAR By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GROUND-breaking and construction on a new medical school in Grand Bahama expected to create some 200 jobs could start before the end of the year, according to State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson. Mr Thompson has indicated the principals of West Atlantic University School of Medicine are moving forward with legal documents for property in Freeport. He said the medical school was approved and has signed a Heads of Agreement with the government. “They are moving forward with legal documents for property and its their desire to break ground and start construction before the end of the year, or as soon as they are able to complete the legal document. “That is a significant project in terms of the construction. So, we hope that we can move that forward,” said Mr
Thompson. Last October, the principals of WAUSM signed a HoA for a new medical school in Freeport to be built in phases at an overall investment of $64.2m over a ten-year period. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was in Freeport for the signing at the Office of the Prime Minister. It was the second major project approved and signed by government in Grand Bahama following Hurricane Dorian. It was announced that Western Atlantic would lease about 50 acres of land from the Public Hospitals Authority to build a 98,000 sq ft medical school campus. The project will be carried out in four phases and is expected to provide 150 jobs during peak construction with 200 permanent jobs available at completion in 2029. Dorian and COVID-19 pandemic have delayed plans for the project. It had been announced that the first phase would be completed by September 2020 when the university is expected to hire between
50-75 Bahamians. Minister Thompson also noted that government has approved a second new project in Grand Bahama proposed by Clean Marine. “We were also recently talking to a company called Clean Marine who is presently operating a facility in Shipyard and they are now looking at embarking on a new project, and so we are working with them as well. “We expect there would be some construction work as well for expansion to their existing facility,” he said. With unemployment at an all time high in Grand Bahama, Mr Thompson said the government is continuing to work with potential developers. “There are people who continue to call us every day with respect to inquiries for development for GB and that is part of our role to continue to see them through those processes. And we will continue to do that,” he said. The Tribune understands there are interests for the old Royal Oasis Resort property and Xanadu Beach hotel, which are located in Freeport.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER MARIJUANA FIND By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TWO men were arrested for possession of dangerous drugs in Freeport on Monday. Supt Terecita Pinder reported that shortly after
11am Flying Squad officers were on mobile patrol in the Limewood Lane area where they saw a 2010 Nissan Altima parked partially in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic. Ms Pinder said two men were in the vehicle and when officers approached,
they smelt a strong aroma of marijuana. During a search, officers reportedly discovered a quantity of suspected marijuana. Supt Pinder said both men were arrested and are expected to be arraigned before the Magistrate’s Court this week.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, PAGE 5
Remembering loved ones in bid to stop domestic violence By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net FAMILY members of women killed came together to remember their loved ones as the Zonta Club launched its 16 days of activism. At the entrance to Nassau Village, pictures of the area’s recently slain women were displayed. The victims were killed between 2019-2020. House Speaker and area MP Halson Moultrie during the event noted the pledge he made to fight with the club and many other organisations to tackle the issue of domestic violence. He said: “I pledged last year when three young ladies were murdered in Nassau Village in December. I pledged to be active as the Speaker to bring about gender equality and to fight along with Zonta and the Women’s Crisis Centre, and FOAM and other NGOs as we tackle this issue of physical violence against women and children and so today was the launch of that programme. “We’re gonna tie 40 orange bows throughout Nassau Village as a symbol of hope that we
will eradicate this disease of violence against women and children out of Nassau Village,” he said. Cleo Lockhart was one of the women murdered last December. The mother of six was fatally shot and her body was found in the bush. Her mother, Mary Jane Major, said no one has been charged for the murder. “There hasn’t been any closure so it really has a burden on the family because we really need a closure with this crime. You know we want to know why, who and it really has to be a closure for us,” she said. “Right now to stop these crimes I feel like the law has to be changed because even though they caught these criminals they go in and they come right back out. Then they commit another crime.” Ms Major said she’ll never forget when she got the call from one of her daughter’s telling her that her daughter had been murdered. “I just was out of it. I didn’t even get here in time to witness the body or anything because I was really, really out of it. But finally I got in Nassau Village ….to her husband’s house and everything was so really
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie yesterday.
TOTAL CASES
painful. It wasn’t easy at all.” A month before Mrs Lockhart’s death, 17-yearold Kenrika Martin was found partially nude on a beach at Stokes Cabana last November. Her mother Marzie Lightbourne admitted the family hasn’t been coping very well because she was the family’s heart. “Since she is gone, it feels like they have stripped us of our whole life and we have not been the same since she has left,” Ms Lightbourne said. In fact, they haven’t got any closure yet because the courts have not been operating fully due to COVID-19. The person accused was supposed to come to court on March 6th. The mother explained: “They had him on a flatscreen TV and he pleaded not guilty and from then to now we haven’t heard from anyone since then on the matter of his case or anything like that.” Recalling the day she found out about her 17-year-old’s death, she remembered her daughter went out to carry a job document. The parents had a gut feeling something was wrong. “She walked right out of the house and her daddy replied to her where she was going that late because we were already used to her walking out around the village with children around that time.” “After that, it was like about 10.00, her daddy sat up inside the bed and he jump up and he replied to me ‘Oh, lord our life will never be the same no more’. So reply to him what he means our life will never be the same no more?” “After I went (to) sleep
TOTAL DEATHS
7,312 163
NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES MONDAY 56 CASES GRAND BAHAMA 22 EXUMA 16 NEW PROVIDENCE 7 ELEUTHERA 6 BIMINI AND CAT CAY 2 ABACO 2 ANDROS 1
TOTAL TESTS
40,312
HOSPITALISED
25
CASES IN ICU
2
RECOVERED
5,424
ALIV PRESENTS 10,000 TABLETS TO STUDENTS AS part of ALIV’s continued support as a digital service provider, more than 10,000 tablets along with data plans have been distributed to Bahamians students across the country currently on the Ministry of Education’s food programme. The tablets are to assist students who need help to participate in at-home virtual schooling. Chief ALIV Officer Damian Blackburn also recently announced an additional $10,000 donation to assist with providing devices for special needs children.
During a recent press conference at the Ministry of Education on November 5, 2020, Mr Blackburn noted the donation was nothing out of the ordinary for ALIV as the company has on a consistent basis partnered with non-profit organisations, private entities and various government agencies to assist the country’s youth during this time. Mr Blackburn said: “The transition from traditional to digital learning is not easy and given our digital expertise if there is a way that we can assist in making the change easier not only
on students but on parents as well, we will always do what we can.” So far, some 5,000 devices have already been distributed and will reach students not only in New Providence but the family islands as well. ALIV has also been instrumental in assisting local organisations with donating tablets in their own communities. Most recently Corrington Burrows, Founder of Building Elizabeth for Elizabeth donated some 20 plus tablets along with MIFI devices to students in that community.
PATRICIA MINNIS, the wife of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, at yesterday’s event. Photos: Donovan McIntosh I just got this feeling come over me and all of a sudden my body just got numb and I just say ‘Lord somebody fooling with my daughter.’ ‘Wherever my daughter I…’ I say ‘ let somebody see where she could get some help or just hear her.” Despite the feelings she was getting, the mother was unaware of what was going on. She woke up the next day and thought her daughter would come home. A strange coincidence happened when she came across a blue dress that Ms Martin had bought for
her mother about two days before. “A spirit came over me to put on the dress… I didn’t know that she died in the same colour dress. A spirit just had me put on the same colour dress that morning,” she recounted. Yesterday marked 14 months since the death of 58-year-old Gloria Rolle. She was found killed with Tenneson Vaught Leslie, 39, in an apartment on Gladstone Road. According to her daughter Naomi Adderley, the killer has not been found.
Her daughter told how difficult it is to lose her mother so tragically. “The feeling of her loss is never gonna go because she impacted us,” she told The Tribune. “You know growing up from your mother from one to your current adult age. Someone that never was missing out of your life. To have someone actually take her away in the clip of a hand. To know that you can’t go to her and have a conversation and do whatever you normally do with her it’s really (heartbreaking).”
PAGE 6, Wednesday, November 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
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Don’t reach too eagerly for more and lose it all IT always seemed likely that the plans for oil exploration might end up in court. A long-lingering concern over the dangers of oil drilling for the Bahamian environment has become a groundswell of opposition as the date of the exploration drew near. And now, with vessels setting sail for The Bahamas to begin the process, up has stepped Fred Smith QC, bane of many a government official with his many successful challenges. Mr Smith is warning he may seek an injunction blocking Bahamas Petroleum Company’s activities until a judicial review is considered. In a flurry of letters, he has warned the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and government agencies of his plan to go to the Supreme Court. With his track record, few would take Mr Smith’s challenges lightly. Mr Smith is also questioning the process by which approvals have been granted – noting that the environmental impact assessment is being updated due to interruptions caused by COVID19 and the change of drill ship. Such changes, he says, must be granted by the minister, Romauld Ferreira, and Mr Smith is asking whether this has happened. He says if not then a new assessment would have to be submitted, and a new application would have to come from BPC. In the meantime, the drills would not turn. Whatever you think of oil drilling, this is a considerable spanner in the works. It’s not a one-man show. Mr Smith is representing a group called Our Islands, Our Future, as well as Waterkeeper Bahamas and a number of other citizens, business and environmentalists. The goal of course is to protect our environment. Oil may be known as black gold, but our environment is our true gold here in The Bahamas, making us the envy of the world with our clear seas and our beautiful beaches. That must be safeguarded, more than anything else. Is there opportunity in oil to make money? Of course. But we must not be like the story of the greedy farmer, whose goose laid a golden egg every day. He wanted more, though, and
cut open his goose thinking there would be more eggs inside. Instead, he lost everything. No more goose. No more golden eggs. Let us make sure in our eagerness to reach for more, we do not lose everything. Put in every safeguard. Dot every i, check every t. Make sure every assessment has been done thoroughly. One spill, and our own goose could be cooked.
Outspoken Speaker
House Speaker Halson Moultrie appears to like the spotlight. Whether it’s his ultimatum about handing in his keys, chiding the rebel seven MPs in the last Parliament for their “insane” and “spiteful” actions, saying that parliamentary democracy is “untenable” and Parliament had been “allowed to degenerate into an executive aristocracy”… we could go on. We have had cause in this column before to call him to task – after he was embroiled in controversies such as ordering a reporter to hand over a phone, criticising the media, suggesting China should develop the south-east Bahamas, reviewing the penal code to see if something could be done regarding obscene language in videos on social media, and claiming that “spiritually” a man could not rape his wife. So it is perhaps not a surprise to find he is railing again about how the world is treating him so terribly badly – and in particular Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who he suggested is acting like a “demigod”. He harked back to those rebel seven MPs in his explanation for Dr Minnis’ actions, saying “he has a certain history where he experienced uprising in his party against him” but “while I understand it, I don’t think it should be condoned”. The trigger for his criticism this time seems once again to be the surroundings in which he works. He wants a renovation to take place, and grumbles about how it seems if he recommends something the Cabinet is going to deny it. It certainly seems as if Mr Moultrie is better at winning headlines than winning friends. Either way, we suspect we’re sure to hear him speaking out again.
The political Arena EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS WE approach the electoral period it is important that the major political parties vet; select and groom potential new candidates to offer on behalf of the respective entity. Hitherto we have seen the spectacle of the actual nomination and election of assorted candidates over the years who would have been elected on the ticket for one party only to turn renegade and switch to another party after falling out with his/her original party. A year or so before the 2012 general elections Renward Wells and Andre Rollins flirted with a political fringe group whose name I am unable to recall. They and their then allies were all over the news media. They cussed out and lambasted all and sundry within the PLP and the FNM. They paid little attention to the DNA. Later, Wells and Rollins abruptly abandoned their fringe group in the dead of night and joined forces with the Christie led PLP. Indeed, few, if any of their colleagues were aware of ongoing negotiations and jockeying for relatively safe seats with both the then ruling PLP and the opposition FNM. I publicly advised Christie and the PLP not to embrace those two Johnny-come-lately characters. They did not listen and the rest is history. Wells and Rollins were
elected under the banner of the PLP and appointed to prestigious posts. Within a year or so, they became fierce thorns in the flesh of the Christie leadership. Eventually Wells crossed the floor and was embraced by Dr Minnis who was himself under a vicious political assault by forces loyal to the Hon Loretta Butler-Turner. Minnis survived and Wells was guaranteed, or so it seemed, under the FNM for the 2017 general elections. Rollins has since faded from the landscape. Following the victory of the FNM in 2017 Wells was re-elected for Bamboo Town and appointed Leader of Government Business. Messrs Chipman (Centreville); Miller (Golden Isles); McAlpine (Pineridge) and Robinson (Bain & Grants Town) fell out with the FNM regime and were banished for all intents and purposes. Much precious time was lost keeping these MPs at bay. Now, we are about to witness, again, the naked jockeying for nominations and ratifications. The National Republican Alliance (ARENA) will support the return to office of the New Deal PLP led by Philip ‘Brave’ Davis. It would take a miracle for Minnis and the FNM to secure re-election due to their bungling of responses to Dorian and now the ongoing pandemic. A large
number of Bahamians no longer believe or trust the Minnis administration. The PLP must not simply embrace any Tom; Dick or Harry, willy-nilly as potential candidates. The party must ensure that applicants are Real Deal PLPs and are seeped in the basic tenets and philosophies of the iconic PLP. No carpet baggers. No suspected glad handlers. No wolves in sheep’s clothing and, for sure, no self serviced wannabe Members of Parliament. Arena will support attorney Jumo C Campbell as the PLP standard bearer in Centreville. In Free Town we will run with the incumbent, Dionisio D’Aguilar. In Southern Shores we will support the re-election of Frankie Alfred Campbell. In Bain and Grants Town, Arena will contest that constituency on a standalone basis. Over in St Barnabas Shannedon Cartwright has our support. We encourage McAlpine to join forces with the Davis-led New Deal PLP. Miller is already with the progressive forces so we will also support him. All other seats must be contested by suitable candidates from the PLP. Arena seeks accountability; transparency; fiscal management and a diversified and robust economy....no more...no less. ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, November 17, 2020.
Water and Sewerage and leaks EDITOR, The Tribune. THANK you for allowing me the space in your newspaper, to address several points of national concern, I appreciate it. Editor, there is a situation regarding my daily mode of transportation and the fact that I rely on the public transportation system/jitneys, to get around New Providence, simply because I have no private vehicle. These facts cause me to go not only to places I used to, while being an active police officer, or fireman. As a result of this, I get to get off the bus in certain areas and continue on foot. Because of this, I get to see all kinds of things occurring in neighbourhoods all over. One such thing that I saw, and especially in the Bain and Grants Town area, also saw the same deficiencies in the Englerston Constituency, and others. It appeared that since the change from taps that screw on/off-valve, were replaced by the Water Corporation on their government’s street pumps, and replaced by a more complex on/off-type valve and this has caused in many of the pumps I saw, a constant stream of water escaping, so much so that one can follow the flows accumulated on the ground, all the way down the street. This wasted water, Mr Minister/Chairman of the Water & Sewerage Corporation, my question is: Who will pay for the thousands of gallons leaked into the ground? And I suspect that that bill will be passed on to the consumers. Minister/Chairman, how difficult is it to have a pumps maintenance department? And I do not know how many government owned pumps there are on New Providence Island, providing potable water for the poor people in over the hill communities? But I am left perplexed, how is it that the corporation doesn’t seem to know
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net how many pumps there are, or where they were located and what is happening with each? There ought to be a meter installed per pump, to register the quantity of water used, or wasted? Editor, could you imagine how many gallons in totality, leaked into the ground, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly? Leaked water is gone forever. And those gallons, if calculated, the dollar sum, ought to be factored into their end of year report. And I hope that they take responsibility for the leakages/the wastage and not blame the consumers? Editor, I was only supposed to write about the water wastage. But what I also saw in those over-thehill-communities troubled me immensely. Housings, be they wooden, stucco, stone and all appeared to be on their last legs. The least gust of wind would bring them to collapse. These were not the houses I used to know. Something is very wrong with the rapid decline of the once gorgeous surroundings. While examining this nerve rattling disbelief, the thought arose, these people are being replaced, right here in their own country. What belonged to them has been given away to the foreign elements. And is more widespread than I can see happening in the two constituencies outlined. This was my Heavenly Father giving me a head’s up. Something must be done quickly to interrupt this degeneration. What I also found were young men just standing around, smoking and others causing mischief. This is not right, you cannot tell me that they have a right to congregate even if their motives were not unlawful?
The Bible has addressed what happens when idle hands are at work? I am reluctant to mention it, but boy, the country is slipping quickly, if barricades were not erected immediately to halt the decline. And the system needs to make parents legally responsible for these/their wayward child, or children. It is one thing to have a child/children, but neglect the parental guidance, let the government take care of them, if they do not listen. Here is a story, in my early years of being a detective. A parent brought his 13-yearold son to the office and when asked what was his complaint? Said: He could not control the child and that he wanted us to beat, or punish him, the child. No, anyone needs punishment it is you. A 13-year-old child giving you problems? But finally, he was advised to have the child rendered uncontrollable and the steps to get them before the juvenile Panel. The Legislature has a key role to play in what goes on in a country, especially having to do with lawlessness. If there were certain challenges, say for law enforcement, then after being supplied with the facts on all sides. The matter is then taken to the parliament of the land to be debated, making adjustments in the laws where necessary. I must admit, that I do not know the full compendium of matters on the parliament’s calendar, but every country has instituted ways to disrupt the progressions of their wayward young men, wreaking havoc on the peaceful disposition of society. And all of what they are engaged in are penalised under the Laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. ‘To The Powers That Be, use your ‘Rod by stretching it out, (MP’s). FRANK GILBERT Nassau, November 17, 2020.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, PAGE 7
MAN GUNNED DOWN IN AMBUSH from page one
however one of the victims succumbed to his injuries.” People familiar with the victim broke down in tears at the scene. PICTURED is the bullet-riddled vehicle which was fired upon last night. Photo: Donovan McIntosh
Cellphone thief must pay victim By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN who stole a woman’s cellphone has been ordered to reimburse her for her missing device. Zhavargo Rolle, 25, appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans accused of stealing Judy Taylor’s $649 Samsung phone on November 12. The prosecution said Ms Taylor told police someone had stolen her white and gold cellphone around 3pm that day. The court was told that an eyewitness had also told police they had seen Mr Rolle with the stolen phone. As a result of Ms Taylor’s complaint and the witness’ statement, the accused was arrested. In an interview with police at the Western police station, he admitted the theft. During the hearing, Rolle pleaded guilty. He was subsequently ordered to pay Ms Taylor $700 to replace the phone. Magistrate Vogt-Evans told him if he didn’t, he would be sentenced to six months behind bars.
Yesterday, another man appeared before Magistrate Vogt-Evans for a similar offence. Reno Green, 33, was arrested for stealing his ex-girlfriend’s iPhone 11 and AirPods on November 12. The court was told that the woman had told police that her boyfriend had stolen her $960 phone and $280 AirPods from her residence when he was moving out. As a result of her complaint, Green was arrested and taken to the Carmichael Road police station. In an interview there, he denied the offence and claimed that his girlfriend had given him the items. During the hearing, Mr Green told the magistrate that his former girlfriend had two phones and had given him the iPhone 11. He claimed the complainant had caught him texting another female on the phone so she broke up with him and asked for the phone back. After listening to his explanation, Magistrate Vogt-Evans discharged the accused with a
warning. “Go and steal no more,” she said. • A 38-year-old man was charged with marijuana possession in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Benson Pierre was arrested after officers found $50 worth of Indian Hemp on him on November 13. The prosecution said officers observed Pierre standing near a wall rolling what appeared to be a homemade cigarette. As a result, they approached the accused and informed him that he would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms. During their investigation, officers discovered a clear plastic bag with a quantity of suspected marijuana in Pierre’s right pants’ pocket. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Southern police station where he admitted to the offence. During his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, Pierre pleaded guilty to a single count of simple possession. He was subsequently fined $350 which he paid the same day.
$150 FINE FOR PUNCHING GIRLFRIEND IN FACE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 29-YEAR-OLD man who punched his girlfriend in her face after she refused to unlock her phone was yesterday ordered to pay her $150 compensation. Police said Lanado Gibson assaulted his girlfriend around 1pm on November 14. He pleaded guilty during a hearing before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans. The court heard Mr Gibson’s girlfriend was riding with the defendant in the Soldier Road area when the two of them got into
an argument. The prosecution said Gibson punched the woman in her face, choked her and pulled her hair during the altercation. After the incident took place, the woman filed an official complaint with police. Mr Gibson was arrested a short time later. In an interview with officers at the Wulff Road Police Station, he admitted to the offence. When given an opportunity to speak during the hearing, Mr Gibson told the magistrate the incident happened because his girlfriend refused to unlock her phone. He claimed he had asked her to give him access to her phone for 30 minutes,
but she would not comply. The accused said this made him frustrated because he always gave her access to his phone, but whenever he asked to see hers, “she had an issue”. Gibson said he hit his girlfriend after she pushed him. In response, Magistrate Vogt-Evans told the accused she had no tolerance for domestic violence. She also told Gibson he could not resolve matters with his hands. As a result, she ordered him to compensate his girlfriend $150, which he paid the same day. If he had failed to, Mr Gibson would have risked spending 14 days at the Bahamas Department of
NO BAIL FOR MAN ACCUSED IN BAR FIGHT By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
AN ANDROS man, accused of harming two men at a bar on the island last month, has been denied bail ahead of his trial. Arthur Kemp was accused of harming Greg Roberts on October 20 at a bar in Staniel Creek. The prosecution alleged that the accused also caused grievous harm to another man around 1.30 that morning.
He denied both allegations during a hearing before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt and the case was transferred to the circuit magistrate to be heard in Andros. In the meantime, Kemp was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional services. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail. • A 27-year-old man has been remanded to prison charged with threatening to kill a police officer last week.
Police said Charles Gaitor Jr issued death threats to Inspector Jamal Adderley on November 14. The prosecution alleged that the accused also behaved in a disorderly manner, resisting Inspector Adderley’s lawful arrest. He denied and the allegations and the matter was adjourned to February 24 for trial. In the meantime, Mr Gaitor was denied bail and remanded into custody. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
PAGE 8, Wednesday, November 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
WHILE OTHERS PLAY BY THE RULES OTHERS SHOW TOTAL DISREGARD - WE WON’T FORGET THEM By Alicia Wallace
I KNOW two couples who rescheduled their weddings multiple times this year. Neither of them had planned huge ceremonies or receptions, but they had plans. They had visions for these one-time events to mark their unions and had made a lot of difficult decisions over a long period of time to arrive at a clear restrictions put in place idea of their wedding days. by the government. While They talked about venues, disappointing, frustrating numbers, flowers, menus, and costly, people generthemes, bridal parties, ally understand it is in our guest lists, budgets, colour best interest not to gather schemes, officiants, tradi- in large numbers. There have been gravetions and who knows what else. They had to change side funerals for people who had given clear instruceverything. Planning a wedding tions to hold their funerals at the church of takes a lot their choice. of work, not During a People have only because been excluded they are often pandemic, from this ritual large events with weddings that is, for with too many limited to ten many, critical moving parts, to the grievbut because people, these ing process in there are so people had a order to keep many people to bridal party. numbers down. consider. Award ceremoThe couple They clearly nies, milestone has to figure out were not what they must concerned about birthdays and celebrations of have and what all kinds have is negotiable, the wellbeing been cancelled what they can of guests or the or postponed. afford on their people they We have had to own and what will require sup- would eventually adjust. Even if we port, and how interact are miserable, to get most of complaining their individual with and, every day and desires fulfilled for whatever vowing never without stealing reason, had to vote for joy from each some certainty “Minnis dem” other. again, many of In addition to that they us are adhering that, they think would not face to the restricabout family tions. Some members and consequences disagree with friends, what for having a the measures would make large gathering. being taken them most comand would do fortable and how to make their wedding as they pleased if not for day memorable for eve- the near-certainty that ryone, but only for good they would be caught and penalised. reasons. Ordinary people have no Many couples have had way out. Whether going to to postpone their weddings due to COVID-19 and the the public pump for water,
trying to make a dollar by selling coconut water, or sleeping outside because there is nowhere else to go, the law applies to us. Last names, parents, job titles and affiliations do not save ordinary people. When photos of Carlyle Bethel, the Attorney General’s son, attending a wedding were made public, there was understandable outrage. The young man was not only present, but a member of the bridal party. During a pandemic, with weddings limited to ten people, these people had a bridal party. They clearly were not concerned about the wellbeing of guests or the people they would eventually interact with and, for whatever reason, had some certainty that they would not face consequences for having a large gathering. Who gave them that confidence and is there more to go around? Bethel issued a nonsensical “apology” that raised more questions than it offered answers. He claimed to have no part in planning the wedding which is a strange tack to take. It does not matter who did the planning. Attending a gathering of more than ten people is the offence. He also said he had no part in “executing” the wedding — another odd statement for anyone to make, but especially a bridal party member. He went on to say COVID-19 is a serious pandemic and he has seen the effect firsthand. We are left to wonder what his behaviour would be like if he had
Private Funeral Service For Matriarch Thelma Louise Darling, 81 of #46 Amos Ferguson Street will be held on Thursday, November 19th, 2020, 10:00a.m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road. Officiating will be Rev. T. G. Morrison assisted by Rev. Anthony Sampson, Rev. Ulric Smith Jr., and other Associate Ministers, Deacons, Evangelists. Thelma was predeceased by her husband: Rodney Darling; mother and father: George and Rebecca Arthur, brother: George Arthur Jr.; daughter: Michelle Darling and granddaughter: Alexandria Spence. Left to cherish her precious memories are her daughters: Sharlene and Linda Darling, Marcia Deleveaux, Ingrid and Cyntyche Darling; adopted daughter: Vera Rolle; grandchildren: Giovanna Musgrove, Travis Thompson, Danielle, Christian and Mikhail Deleveaux, Cortney and William Russell, Danielle and Darcia Munroe and Charles Lundy; great grandchildren: D’Adia, D’Andrea, D’Vard and Sheldon Wright; sisters-in-law: Peggy Arthur and Naomi Moss; son-in-law: Kinson Deleveaux; cousins: Monica Douglas and Nicole Hunt, Kim Mounts, Diana and Shanric Cleare, Inger Seymour, Sophie Mackey; nieces and nephews: Gregory, Irvin, Jeffrey and Godfrey Arthur, Deshay, Gale and Georgette Arthur, Pastor Leonard Johnson, Lenore Scott, Ruthann Rolle, Karen Burrows, Daisy Moss-Albury, Flora Moss Pierre, Natasha, Brown, Edith “ Joy” Colby, Margaritta Burrows, Patrick Darling, Luke Nixon, Jonathan, David, Lennix and Ricardo Moss, Enos and Patrick Darling; and a host of other relatives and friends including: Zion Baptist Church Family, Calvary Baptist Church Woman’s Wednesday Bible Study, Dr. Holder and Family, Karen Sampson and Family, Antoinette Bain and Family, Braciel Clarke and Family, Ethel Lee and Family. Verlyn Scavella and Family, Exuma Street Family, Deloris Pinder and Family, Simeon Russell, Sarah Duncombe and Family, Laing Family, Steve Cooper and Family, Barbara Green and Family, Sister Vertell Williams and Family, Asherann Newbold and Family, Rev. T. G. Morrison and Family, Zion Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and many others too numerous to mention. Viewing will be held in the “Serenity Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Solider Roads on WEDNESDAY (TODAY) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
CARLYLE Bethel at the wedding that broke rules set out under emergency powers. permitted. attendees were fined up to no “firsthand” experience. It is frustrating to see $1,000. Is that enough for Given all of the press coverage and social media people living in a better such intentionally reckless conversation about it, eve- version of The Bahamas behaviour? People were certain ryone should know by than the one we are able to now that people have been access. Tourists are encour- the Attorney General’s fined hundreds of dollars aged to visit The Bahamas son would face no consefor trying to get water — while residents are dis- quences or, at best, get a essential for maintaining a couraged from travelling “slap on the wrist”. That clean and sanitary environ- to the same places tourists seems to be the way it ment — during lockdown. are leaving. We are forced works when a person or In fact, Bethel spoke out to change our plans while their close family member about the fines and ques- others carry on as if there is is in a position of power. tioned judges’ decisions no pandemic and no restric- Really, they should be more inclined to keep their to fine people, calling for tions that apply to them. It is even worse when hands clean and attitudes them to “apply their own measured judgment to each people know what the in check, especially if they restrictions are and pur- plan to maintain or aspire case”. The way the emergency posefully flout them. It was to positions of leadership. Perhaps our collective order was written, how- reported that an eyewitness ever, judges had to either contacted the police about memory is too short for fine or sentence people the wedding, but the police people who play for power who broke curfew or lock- did not disrupt the event. to be concerned about the down. It is strange that Perhaps they have been optics of their words and Bethel, ill-informed, took given instruction to let it go actions. We need to make this public position only to, on and deal with later if it it known that we are paying months later, be part of a became public. Why not let attention, we will remembridal party at a large wed- them have a good time and ber and we will not allow ding when it was explicitly issue fines of $200 later? It people who cannot govern stated gatherings of more was reported that wedding themselves to govern us. than ten people are not
Things to enjo y
The amas’ naturesPULSE Flora Walk. 1. National Art Gallery of The Bah working throughout the pandemic to been physiincredible team at the NAGB has ght us, even when we are unable to deli and age eng to Walk, produce content a Flor the is ir most recent addition burn. cally be in the gallery space. The Hep i aan Am from ort supp al curatori Art ’s curated by Richard Barrett with GB NA the in The Bahamas, found has ch It features plants indigenous to whi alk a-w /flor g.bc b.or nag ny at Park. Explore history through bota informative audio clips. You can also by the photos of 16 plants accompanied d tour of the art and sculptures in ance dist al soci a for visit the NAGB Beth garden. vision drama is about nine-year-old s in 2. The Queen’s Gambit. This tele live she girls for e custodian at the hom omwho learns to play chess from the 1960s, the world of chess is not a welc is the in Set th. dea s her’ She after her mot es. inat dom kly learns the game and sevening environment for her, but quic begins to play professionally. The nce, soon and 16 of age adopted at the fide con ss, rene of friendship, self-awa episode series includes themes n. ictio add and cast competition, by friends Sarah and Mike, this pod . 3. You’re Wrong About. Hosted past the in ts even or maj ut abo w kne shatters whatever you thought you topics and leading conversations that ing Sarah and Mike take turns research le familiar topics like stranger danger, tack expose facts and fallacies. They , Tonya O.J. Simpson trial, the Y2K bug and it Columbine, Princess Diana, the tte oine Ant ie Mar ut abo episode ConHarding. I recently listened to the s” onic “Eb The favourites thus far is on did not disappoint, but one of my tion rma info e mor ing gett /or and ure, this troversy. If you like history, pop cult like ably prob understood, you will topics you thought you completely podcast.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, PAGE 9
NEW DEVICE PUTS MUSIC IN YOUR HEAD — NO HEADPHONES REQUIRED By LOUISE DIXON Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Imagine a world where you move around in your own personal sound bubble. You listen to your favourite tunes, play loud computer games, watch a movie or get navigation directions in your car — all without disturbing those around you. That’s the possibility presented by “sound beaming,” a new futuristic audio technology from Noveto Systems, an Israeli company, that beams sound directly to a listener without the need for headphones. The company provided The Associated Press with an exclusive demo of the desktop prototype of its SoundBeamer 1.0 before its launch last Friday. The listening sensation is straight out of a sci-fi movie. The 3-D sound is so close it feels like it’s inside your ears while also in front, above and behind them. Noveto expects the device will have plenty of practical uses, from allowing office workers to listen to music or conference calls without interrupting colleagues to letting someone play a game, movie or music without disturbing their significant others. The lack of headphones means it’s possible to hear other sounds in the room clearly.
THE SoundBeamer which beams music and sounds straight into your head, without the need for headphones. The technology uses a 3-D sensing module and locates and tracks the ear position sending audio via ultrasonic waves to create sound pockets by the user’s ears. Sound can be heard in stereo or a spatial 3-D mode that creates 360 degree sound around the listener, the company said. (Noveto Systems via AP) The technology uses a 3-D sensing module and locates and tracks the ear position sending audio via ultrasonic waves to create sound pockets by the user’s ears. Sound can be heard in stereo or a spatial 3-D mode that creates 360 degree sound around the listener, the company said. The demo includes nature video clips of swans on a lake, bees buzzing and a babbling brook, where the listener feels completely transported into the scene. But even CEO Christophe Ramstein finds it hard to put the concept into words. “The brain doesn’t understand what it doesn’t know,” he said. In a Noveto demonstration conducted via Zoom
from Tel Aviv, SoundBeamer Product Manager Ayana Wallwater was unable to hear the sound of gunshots on a gaming demo.
Reactions That’s the point. But she does get to enjoy the reactions of people trying the software for the first time. “Most people just say, ‘Wow, I really don’t believe it,’” she said. “You don’t believe it because it sounds like a speaker, but no one else can hear it…it’s supporting you and you’re in the middle of everything. It’s happening around you.” By changing a setting,
the sound can follow a listener around when they move their head. It’s also possible to move out of the beam’s path and hear nothing at all, which creates a surreal experience. “You don’t need to tell the device where you are. It’s not streaming to one exact place,” Wallwater said. “It follows you wherever you go. So it’s personally for you — follows you, plays what you want inside your head.” “This is what we dream of,” she adds. “A world where we get the sound you want. You don’t need to disturb others and others don’t get disturbed by your sound. But you can still interact with them.”
After his first listening experience Ramstein asked himself how it was different from other audio devices. “I was thinking, ‘Yeah, but is it the same with headphones?’ No, because I have the freedom and it’s like I have the freedom of doing what I want to do. And I have these sounds playing in my head as there would be something happening here, which is difficult to explain because we have no reference for that.” While the concept of sound beaming is not new, Noveto was the first to launch the technology and their SoundBeamer 1.0 desktop device will be the first branded consumer product. Ramstein said a “smaller, sexier” version of the prototype will be ready for consumer release in time for Christmas 2021. “You know, I was trying to think how we compare sound beaming with any other inventions in history. And I think the only one that came to mind is… the first time I tried the iPod I was like, ‘Oh, my God. What’s that?’ I think sound beaming is something that is as disruptive as that. There’s something to be said about it doesn’t exist before. “There’s the freedom of using it. And it’s really amazing.”
FIFA SEEKS BETTER TECH FOR OFFSIDE ZURICH (AP) — FIFA is working with technology firms to develop better visuals of offside lines and improve decision making by referees, the soccer body said Tuesday. FIFA provided an update on its innovation panel’s work to also study semi-automated offside calls that can help match officials and develop cheaper video review systems for less wealthy competition organisers. A priority for the panel is “improvement of the visualisation of close offside incidents,” FIFA said. The increasing use of video assistant referees has seen goals ruled out for marginal calls — including “armpit offsides” — that called into question the accuracy of on-screen graphics used to judge them. The innovation panel has received proposals from tech providers who will be supplied with data to help develop improved visuals, FIFA said. In addition, three providers are working on semi-automated offside calls. The research, however, has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. “The aim of this development
BAYERN’S Robert Lewandowski scores a goal that was disallowed for offside during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, Pool)
phase is to further improve the algorithms of the systems based on a collection of datasets from hundreds of different offside incidents,” FIFA said. FIFA also wants “to create
more affordable VAR systems to enable the use of VAR at all levels of the game” while keeping minimum quality standards of the technology. The “VAR ‘light’” concept is
being tested by Asian Football Confederation, UEFA and the French soccer federation. The FIFA update came before its rules-making panel, known as IFAB, hosts meetings next week.
TECHTALK ACADEMICS, VIDEO GAME MAKERS TEAM UP IN RARE COLLABORATION
By KELVIN CHAN AP Business Writer
LONDON (AP) — A STUDY by Oxford University researchers on how playing video games affects mental health used data from video game makers, marking what the authors say is a rare collaboration between academics and the game industry. Lack of transparency from game makers has long been an issue for scientists hoping to better understand player behaviours. The paper released Monday by the Oxford Internet Institute comes as video game sales this year have boomed as more people are stuck at home because of the pandemic and many countries have once again imposed limits on public life. The findings are based on survey responses from people over 18 who played two games, Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The study used data provided by the game makers, Electronic Arts and Nintendo of America, on how much time the respondents spent playing, unlike previous research that relied on imprecise estimates from the players. The video game industry has previously been reluctant to work with independent scientists, the paper noted. Such partnerships might be needed for future research on the booming video game industry. Academics “need broader and deeper collaborations with industry to study how games impact a wider, and more diverse, sample of players over time,” said Andrew Przybylski, the institute’s director of research. “We’ll need more and better data to get to heart of the effects of games, for good or ill, on mental health.” The research was funded by the Huo Family Foundation, a London-based foundation, and the Economic and Social Research Council, a U.K.-government funded public body. The researchers said they found the actual amount of time spent playing was a small but significant positive factor in people’s well-being. The paper said the level of enjoyment that players get from a game could be a more important factor for their wellbeing than mere playing time. Some 2,756 players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and 518 players of Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville responded to a survey, out of 250,000 invitations. They were asked to fill out a survey on their experiences that was matched up against playing time logged by the game companies. While the paper has yet to be peer reviewed, academics who weren’t involved in the research said it showed some strengths, such as accurately measuring game playing time.
PAGE 10, Wednesday, November 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
How do we read and trust this new rush of vaccine breakthroughs? By SIMON KOLSTOE, Senior Lecturer, University of Portsmouth IT IS very exciting to hear another positive story about vaccine trial results – a good vaccine is the most likely way of ending the pandemic. Last week, interim results from Pfizer suggested its vaccine reduces cases of COVID-19 with 90 percent efficacy. Now Moderna has gone one better, with interim results showing nearly 95 percent efficacy for its vaccine – with hints that it may protect against severe disease. Neither have reported any serious safety concerns and have tested their vaccines in tens of thousands of participants. With so many COVID-19 vaccines in development, more results are likely to follow in the coming months. Their headline figures may, like these, be very impressive, but it’s necessary to dig deeper to find out exactly what any new results mean. With that in mind, here are six questions to ask about any new vaccine trial result. 1. Does this mean the vaccine is safe? Almost certainly yes if it has successfully passed through a Phase 3 trial with thousands of participants. Vaccines do not get this far if there are any major doubts about safety. Historically, pharmaceutical companies have been able to suppress negative results, but it’s now legally required for all trials to post their results so that other scientists can review them. As a consequence the sector is generally far more trusted than it used to be, although we should still be cautious if only interim results are being reported. Some people are concerned that COVID-19 vaccines have been produced with unprecedented speed; however, the vast majority are based on platform technologies with excellent safety profiles. There are a few newer technologies being used, but the clinical trial and regulatory process is extremely rigorous and will pick up the majority of potential complications fairly early on in development. Of course, it is still
NURSE KATHE OLMSTEAD, right, gives volunteer Melissa Harting, of Harpersville, New York, an injection as a study of a possible COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc. Photo: Hans Pennink/AP Again, it is important to the sample of that popula- groups (broken down On the other hand, jourdifficult to know yet about long-term side-effects, but consider whether these are tion who took part in the by sex, age and so on). nal articles and clinical trial Unfortunately, the head- registries can be hard to these are rare for vaccines, interim results. Although trial. In many cases, trials line efficacy figure (95 interpret for anyone except and any risk is normally such results can be promissignificantly lower than ing – as Pfizer and Moderna use two carefully matched percent for instance) may specialists. the risks from getting the have shown – they are not (and so comparable) sam- not apply evenly across the Trusted journalism is disease being vaccinated guaranteed to be the final ples in carefully controlled population. the answer. Seek out pubresult. conditions. One is given This is very important lications with editorial against. the vaccine and the other for COVID-19, as we know oversight and a track record 3. Did the trial measure a placebo (such as saline older people are much of reliable scientific and 2. Do the headline figures the right thing? injection or an already more vulnerable. We there- medical reporting. Reading reflect what the trial was Determining what counts developed vaccine for fore shouldn’t read too more than one interpredesigned to measure? Trials often measure as a medicine or drug another disease) to control much into any results until tation can help you get a many things, but there is “working” can be quite for the effect of participants we can see an age break- balanced view. always a single primary complicated for many dis- thinking they have been down for efficacy. It’s also important to ask research question or objec- eases. But for vaccines, vaccinated – which does where a journalist found 5. Will the vaccine be tive that a trial has been the question to ask is quite have an effect. the information they are simple: did people who had In Phase 1 trials, safety usable? designed to answer. reporting on. ReferencBefore we get too excited, ing results published in Trials will also have sev- the active vaccine get the concerns mean that sameral secondary research disease? Any measure that’s ples are generally made some practical questions peer-reviewed journals is a questions, but answering more complicated than this up of young and fit people must be asked. How much good sign – it shows some these is not considered a (often referred to as a sur- with few health concerns, will the vaccine cost? Can it rigorous fact checking has mark of success. If you test rogate outcome) should be who are probably not rep- be made in bulk? Is it easy occurred. Be careful if an resentative of the overall to transport and store? And article’s main sources seem enough different objectives, treated with caution. population. However, as how many boosters will to be preprints (papers not a few will always be met due 4. Who was the vaccine trials progress into later be needed? These logistic yet peer reviewed) or other to blind chance. Misrepretested on? phases and get bigger, problems (for instance, the so-called grey literature, senting trial data in this way Are the results of a trial researchers try to ensure a requirement to be stored such as press releases or is a form of research misconduct called p-hacking. You transferable to the real more representative sample and transported at very low company reports. temperatures) can easily can find out the primary and world? Here it’s important of the population. Likewise, be careful if This is why the final- prevent a new vaccine get- the main source seems to secondary objectives of any to understand the differtrial by checking a clinical ence between a population stage (Phase 3) trials are ting into the clinic. be interviews or quotes (in this case everyone who so important, as the sample trial registry. from people with PhDs or can catch COVID-19) and is chosen to represent the 6. Can we trust what’s impressive sounding job population that the vacbeing reported? titles. A quote from a scicine is targeted at. Formal It’s an increasingly entist in an interview is not publications of trial results important skill to identify equivalent to a quote from normally provide a table between reliable and unreli- the same scientist in a peerdescribing who was in the able sources. Social media is reviewed academic paper. sample, and often effi- often superficial and prone • Originally published in cacy rates for the different to spreading misinformation. theconversation.com
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, PAGE 11
LIL WAYNE HELD ON GUN CHARGE
States plead for more help as outbreak worsens WITH more shutdowns looming and a vaccine months away from wide distribution, governors across the US are pleading for more help from Washington ahead of what is shaping up to be a bleak winter. Renewed restrictions on indoor businesses, overloaded hospitals and the coming end of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans have led governors to paint a dire picture of the months ahead unless the federal government steps in with more money and leadership to help them shore up their damaged budgets and beat back the resurgence of the coronavirus. Between now and June 2022, state and local governments could be facing a shortfall of $400bn or more by some estimates. On a conference call yesterday of Democratic governors from the Midwest, Wisconsin Gov Tony
Evers called for a sequel to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act adopted by Congress in March. “There are workers and families and farmers and small businesses that are going to need our help, and frankly, we can’t do it alone,” he said. “We’re going to need a robust federal support system to help our states and economies recover beyond the federal CARES funds that expire at the end of the year.” Casey Katims, federal liaison for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, said the situation there is too dire for the state to wait until President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in January 20. “We need help by the end of this year,” Katims said. In a news conference yesterday, Maryland Gov Larry Hogan, a Republican, made a similar push. “Everyone on both sides of the aisle in Washington needs
ST PETERSBURG, Florida Associated Press
A MAN wearing a face mask rides a bicycle past a closed store in Wilmette, Illinois. to come together and finally money does not appear state and city governments get this done for the Ameri- to be on the way anytime with no linkage to demonsoon. A lame-duck session strated COVID needs”. can people,” he said. And in Colorado on of Congress and a presi“Democrats still want Tuesday, Gov Jared Polis, a dential administration on coronavirus relief for the Democrat, called a special its way out have chilled the entire country held hostage legislative session to craft prospects for a deal. over a massive slush fund Congressional Demo- for their own use,” the Kena $220m state virus-related stimulus measure. “Even as crats and Republicans tucky Republican said. cases have exploded across generally say a new stimuThe virus is blamed for the country, Congress and lus bill is needed, but they almost a quarter-million the president have not yet disagree on the scope of deaths and over 11 million passed much needed relief it. Some Republicans are confirmed infections in the for people. Here in Colo- opposed to another round US. rado, we want to do the best of checks directly to most Last spring, Congress with what we have to take taxpayers, and some don’t and President Donald want Washington to “bail Trump agreed to a series of care of our own,” he said. The cost of distributing out” state and local gov- measures worth nearly $3 tens of millions of doses ernments that had financial trillion to deal with the outbefore the break. The aid included a of a vaccine in 2021 is also struggles emerging as a major con- pandemic. big boost, since expired, to Yesterday, Senate weekly unemployment bencern for governors. State health authorities have Majority Leader Mitch efits, along with grants and called on Congress to pro- McConnell said the Demo- loans for businesses and crats’ approach includes assistance to state and local vide $8.4bn. A new infusion of federal “huge sums of money for governments.
THIRD IN LINE FOR US PRESIDENCY HAS COVID-19
WASHINGTON Associated Press
IOWA Senator Chuck Grassley, the longest-serving Republican senator and third in the line of presidential succession, said Tuesday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Grassley, 87, announced earlier Tuesday that he was quarantining after being exposed to the virus and was
waiting for test results. On Tuesday evening, he tweeted that he had tested positive. “I’ve tested positive for coronavirus,” Grassley wrote. “I’ll b following my doctors’ orders/CDC guidelines & continue to quarantine. I’m feeling good + will keep up on my work for the ppl of Iowa from home.” Grassley said he looks forward to “resuming my normal schedule soon.”
The Iowa Republican, who was in the Senate and voting on Monday, did not say how he was exposed. His office said yesterday morning he was not experiencing any symptoms. Grassley is the president pro tempore of the Senate, meaning he presides over the Senate in the absence of Vice President Mike Pence and is third in line for the presidency.
Private Funeral Service For Mrs. Vernita Smith Coakley, 81 affectionately called “Nita”
of Gardens Hills #2 and formerly of Burnt Ground, Long Island, will be held on Thursday, November 19th, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at Restview Memorial Chapel, Robinson and Soldier Roads. Officiating will be Deacon Peter Jones. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Precious memories will forever remain in the hearts of her one and only devoted daughter: Carolyn Coakley; sons: Charles and Jerome Coakley; sisters: Mrs. Marina Adderley and Charolette Bowe; grandchildren: Charminique and Christinique Coakley, Carrol Henfield, Taaliah Coakley, Breshante Scavella and Jerome S. Coakley; great grandchildren: Clyde Alvin Gomez, Demajio Demitri Forbes, Noel and Brayden Scavella; brother-in-law: Mr. Granville Adderley Sr.; sisters-in-law: Mrs. Antoinette Coakley of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Telzena Coakley, Mrs. Patricia Coakley, Mrs. Dorothy (Hiram) Lockhart and Elizabeth Carey of Freeport, Grand Bahama; numerous nieces and nephews including: Lisa Adderley, Charlann Coakley, Linda Campbell, Sarah Smith, Maryann Campbell, Helena Ferguson, Shanrice Ferguson and Mrs. Shanon Brayene and Family, Jeffrey Archer, Bruce Adderley and Family, Douglas Adderley, Micheal Adderley and Family, Alan (Natasha) Adderley, Lavar Coakley of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Commander Granville Adderley Jr. of The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Coakley, Damian Coakley, Chief Petty Officer Myriam Campbell of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; and a host of other relatives and friends including: Arthur Henfield, Virginia Adderley, Coreen Adderley, Geraldine Fountain, Neville Adderley, Pastor Kathleen Butler and Family, Mrs. Ellamae Brennen and Family, Agnes Knowles and Nelly Adderley of the Berry Island, Wilbert Adderley, Eugene Adderley, Lloyd Adderley, Timiothy Adderley and Sally Cartwright of Burnt Ground, Long Island, Pastor Thelma Gibson of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Family of the late Lillymae Castilla Knowles, Mr. and Mrs. Micheal Douglas and Family of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Betty and Willie Rolle of Black Point, Exuma, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Neymour, Mr. Anthony (Sabrina) Coakley and Family, Mrs. Gertrude Knowles, Mr. Albert Rahming and Family, Sharon Lockhart, Sister Monique Forbes, Clarette Albury-Strachan, Monsignor Alfred Culmer, Elder General and Deaconess Audrey Taylor and Family, Doctor Chrispin Gomez and Family, Hon. Brensil Rolle, Elaine Smith, Janet Williams, Addie Knowles, Mrs. Janet Williams, Addie Knowles, Mrs. Janet Clarke and Family, TreMarva Nelly Brown and Family, Mrs. Eulaie Johnson and Family, Annalique Carter, Gwen Spence, Mr. Tony Davis, Mary McKenzie and Family, Caroly Moss, Anthony Allens, Mark Green, Mrs. Denise Johnson and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Martin, Mrs. Patricia Gibson and Family, Ms. Virgina Smith, The Bannister Family, Mr. and Mrs. Sauveur, Decius, Helen Thompson and Family, Ms. Rose Douglas and Family, The Garden Hills #2 Family, management and staff of The Tribune and Radio House, management and staff of Bran’s Auto Parts and many others too numerous to mention. Viewing will be held in the “Serenity Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Road on WEDNESDAY (TODAY) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
RAPPER Lil Wayne was charged yesterday in Florida with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a federal offense that carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison. Documents filed in Miami federal court say the rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr, had a gun and ammunition on December 23 of last year despite knowing he had the previous felony on his record. Authorities said the 38-year-old rapper acknowledged owning the gold-plated handgun after his luggage was searched upon arriving in Miami on a private plane. A search warrant, first reported by the Miami Herald, said Carter told investigators the gun was a Father’s Day gift. Carter’s attorney, Howard Srebnick, said in an email that there are legal questions about whether mere possession of a weapon by a felon not judged to be dangerous fits the definition of a crime. “Carter is charged with possessing a gold-plated handgun in his luggage on a private plane. There is no allegation that he ever fired it, brandished it, used it or threatened to use it,” Srebnick said.