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VOLUME:118 No.02, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2020

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WOMAN: CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AMID COVID-19

WAITING GAME Turnquest forced to hold on for sign PM will give his support

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday broke his silence over allegations of a $27m fraud levelled against Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest saying Cabinet is “deliberating” over how it will handle the situation.

In the face of calls for Dr Minnis to either fire Mr Turnquest or demand his resignation, the Prime Minister did not give any insight or explanation of what Bahamians could expect from his administration on the issue.

He was asked if he planned to launch an official investigation.

“No, it’s a court matter right now and (the) Cabinet is deliberating,” Dr

Minnis told reporters.

“We’ll get back to you as soon as (the) Cabinet completes our deliberation and discussion.”

When asked whether there was concern from his office that the allegations represented impropriety in his Cabinet, Dr Minnis repeated that officials were mulling over the situation.

Asked if he was concerned the allegations against his second-in-command would hurt his party’s standing in the next general election, Dr Minnis said the electorate was aware that his administration faced many challenges since taking office in 2017.

“I think the people know exactly what we’re doing.

The people know our heart. The people know SEE PAGE THREE

ATTORNEY Michael Scott has rejected assertions he is in a conflicted position after his law firm filed a writ alleging Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest “conspired” to defraud Sky Bahamas’ financier of almost $27m by way of sham loans.

Mr Turnquest has called the allegations “categorically false”.

Mr Scott, who is chairman of the Hotel Corporation and Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd, has faced calls from the opposition to resign or be

fired from his government posts as a result of “clear conflicts” between his private duties and public appointments.

The Progressive Liberal Party has also called on Mr Turnquest to resign.

Yesterday, Mr Scott was asked to respond to questions over his own role in the matter and said he was simply acting in a professional capacity.

“First of all it is not a conflict,” Mr Scott explained.

“If I was a government minister I wouldn’t be able to practice law, right? I am a part-time government appointee and I have a practice and I intend to go there every day.

SEE PAGE THREE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A CABINET minister and current MP have been removed as defendants to a $2.405m unfair dismissal claim brought by the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s former general manager.

Justice Keith Thompson, in a September 18, 2020, verdict ordered that Desmond Bannister, minister of works, and Adrian Gibson, the corporation’s executive chairman, both be struck out from the legal action initiated by Glen Laville when he was fired following Ernst & Young’s (EY) forensic audit of the water utility.

The judge also removed the Attorney General and Ministry of Public Works as defendants to the former general manager’s claim.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

‘BPC’S ONLY PROBLEM IS WHAT THEY WANT TO DO’

LAWYER HITS BACK - ‘I’M NO ONE’S PROPHYLACTIC’

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

SACKED WSC BOSS SUING FOR $2.4M IN DAMAGES

WHEN WILL IT STOP?

EDNIQUE Wallace was just eight years old when she was murdered this year, alongside her mother Alicia Sawyer in their home in Nassau Village. Their murder has provoked an outcry against the continuing violence against women and girls in society - and led to the Zonta Club of New Providence joining forces with others to hold a ceremony to push for an end to such violence. See page eight for the full story.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A PROMINENT QC yesterday blasted suggestions by Bahamas Petroleum Company shareholders that opposition to the company’s oil prospecting was driven by “malice”.

Fred Smith QC, who is representing the Our Islands, Our Future coalition in potential legal action to halt BPC’s planned exploratory drilling, said environmental activists are “purely motivated to protect the pristine environment of The Bahamas”.

He said the country’s land and marine resources represented the country’s “gold that glistens all the way into the galaxy”.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

COMING OR GOING - US, MAKE YOUR MIND UP

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CONFUSION over what countries are safe to visit during the COVID crisis has been laid bare by contradictory advice by the US to its citizens on travel to The Bahamas.

Americans looking to visit here over the coming weeks and months may be put off by the US Centres for Disease Control which has a Level Four travel advisory

PASSENGERS at Orlando International Airport earlier this year. against The Bahamas, warning Americans against visits here at a time when the country is trying to desperately

boost tourist arrivals to support the ailing economy.

The CDC says travelling to The Bahamas may increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.

“Travellers should avoid all travel to The Bahamas,” the CDC says in a notice posted on its website. “If you must travel, talk to your doctor ahead of travel, especially if you are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.”

SEE PAGE FOUR

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

WE CAN’T REWRITE HISTORY BECAUSE WORLD IS CHANGED

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, November 24, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Former NBA star Fox raises concerns over oil drilling

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FORMER NBA player Rick Fox has raised concerns over Bahamas Petroleum Company’s proposed oil exploration project.

The Bahamian-Canadian joined the chorus of those expressing uneasiness about BPC’s venture in a Facebook post to his 392,000 followers. However, Mr Fox didn’t state outright whether he was for or against the project.

Instead, he took a look at the arguments for both sides while questioning aspects of the project. He acknowledged the profit to be gained potentially if the oil exploration proved to be successful.

RICK FOX “This has been a ten-year process slowed by COVID which they have spent $100 million preparing to drill for proof of oil in Bahamian waters – which they are expecting to discover some 1.4 - 2 billion (barrels) from the Southern Bahamas waters – if I do fast math – that’s 88 billion dollars of gross at today’s price

for a barrel. This is a small percentage of the total potential haul at the end of the day from The Bahamas in total,” he noted.

Mr Fox linked an article from Oil and Gas 360, a news and information site about the oil and gas industry, giving an update on the drilling of the obligation exploration well “Perseverance #1” and the company explaining the benefit.

Mr Fox suggested oil drilling appeared to be working for “other Caribbean countries,” writing in his post, “don’t you want to be like them?”

He referred to previous comments made by the company’s CEO Simon Potter who said many other nations “have over the past decade safely and

MAN KILLED AS FISHERMEN THROWN FROM THEIR BOAT

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A FISHING trip ended yesterday with three men being ejected out of their 40ft Contender after it struck an object – leaving one of them dead.

The vessel ran aground in a yard in the Yamacraw Shores area and eventually was damaged by fire.

Police press liaison officer Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Audley Peters said from all indications, the men were returning from a fishing trip.

Outside the gated community, ASP Peters reported the two surviving men seemed to be in fair condition. He added EMS came in, but the men

declined to be treated at the hospital.

Two of the men were Caucasians and one was black. From what police were told, they were friends and seemed to be in their early 50s to their late 50s.

One of the men was the owner of the vessel.

Shortly after 1pm, they were fished out of the water.

“Preliminary reports are that sometime around 9.30am, three males departed on a 44ft Contender on a fishing trip.

Shortly after 12, while returning to the marina, the vessel itself struck an object ejecting the three males from the vessel,” the officer said.

“Unmanned, the vessel proceeded on where it

ran aground on Yamacraw Shores and eventually was damaged by fire. The fire department came and extinguished the vessel. A short time later, we received information that three males were in the water.

“One of the marine units responded and fished a male who was unresponsive from the water. We were also informed that a boater would’ve fished two adult males from the water and those persons were unharmed from the ejections from the vessel.”

Police are awaiting the outcome of an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death of the victim and also the identification of the next of kin to determine the individual’s identity.

IMAGES taken from videos circulated on social media after the boat crash.

responsibly drilled offshore wells, developed or continue to develop offshore hydrocarbon resources, and reaped the economic benefits of an established or a whole new industry. Moreover, these other nations have been able to do so at the same time as seeing growth and development of existing industry sectors, such as tourism.”

But the retired basketball player did recognise many local environmental activists’ criticism of the oil exploration and even linked a video of a group of people who he said “speak authentically about their concerns for our waters”. He admitted the video got him “worked up” as he shared their concerns.

He also mentioned

concerns from Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, who has been appealing to be consulted on the details of BPC’s deal.

“We have asked repeatedly to be consulted on the details of the deal, to see the drilling licences themselves, for access to more information on BPC’s insurance coverage and the environmental sensitivity maps they have supposedly compiled. It seems appealing to the courts is the only way to achieve some transparency,” Ms Lambert has said.

At the end of the post, the former Los Angeles Lakers player questioned aspects of the project.

“All of this being said: I

can make a strong case for drilling and a strong case for not drilling. But I have a few additional questions?

Have we recovered yet from the oil spill in Freeport after Hurricane Dorian?

“With the name Bahamas Petroleum Company are there other Bahamians in ownership positions other than (former Minister of State for Finance) James Smith?

“3. After all the reading I did there was one word that bothered me the most— BPC said: ‘In success this ‘could’ reap billions of dollars to the national treasury.’

What does ‘could’ mean? Is the royalty on gross?”

Mr Fox has also been recently sharing posts from his visit to Long Island to spend time with relatives.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020, PAGE 3

Waiting game from page one the challenges we faced in terms of Irma when we first came in. We were challenged with Hurricane Irma. We were the first government to have embarked on an air evacuation from the south to ensure that there were no deaths during that hurricane and in spite of that, an economic programme continued to move forward. Then we were challenged with Dorian and in spite of that we continued to move forward.

“And now we’re plagued with COVID and the entire world is plagued with COVID and in spite of that we continue to focus our concentration on building a better Bahamas and preparing The Bahamas for the future.”

This is the first time Dr Minnis has spoken of the allegations since they surfaced last week. He spoke to reporters following a grant ceremony by the Small Business Development Centre at the Gladstone Road Freight Terminal.

Pressure mounted on Mr Turnquest over the weekend from members of the

Progressive Liberal Party who demanded answers from the government. “…The accusations of a conspiracy to defraud a foreign investor of $20m have been in the public domain since 19 November 2020.

Neither the Prime Minister nor the Free National Movement chairman has had a word to say in the deputy prime minister’s defence,” PLP leader Philip Davis said in a statement.

“It is time to hear from the Prime Minister from the comfort of his beach holiday in San Salvador,” Mr Davis continued, as he took a swipe at the Prime Minister heading to San Salvador for the weekend. “Silence suggests that the Deputy Prime Minister does not have the Prime Minister’s support. We demand answers.”

Former State Legal Affairs Minister Damien Gomez, QC, called on the DPM to resign as he felt the accusations of fraud have implications for The Bahamas.

“Surely, the government should at the very least make a public assurance that its relevant agencies have become engaged and that they are

PETER TURNQUEST, Deputy Leader and MP for East Grand Bahama, in the House of Assembly.

each performing their legal duties, including contacting the US Justice Department to ascertain what accounting evidence it or any other government department (such as the IRS) might have to assist our local functionaries in their investigation and making a similar request of the principal of the companies that have made these most serious allegations,” Mr Gomez also said.

Mr Gomez said this is not a matter that can be compromised, and the public has every right to expect the investigation to be transparent and fair to both the accused and the accusers.

Last Thursday, Mr Turnquest branded claims that he “conspired” to defraud Sky Bahamas’ financier of almost $27m via sham loans as “categorically false”.

The deputy prime minister hit back at allegations levied by two companies controlled by Fred Kaiser, a Canadian businessman with whom he had previously enjoyed a long and close relationship, by saying he was “appalled” that his name had been dragged into a dispute with another “former business partner”.

That business partner is Captain Randy Butler, chief executive of Sky Bahamas, which was forced to cease flying last year after the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority refused to renew the air operator certificate that was required to carry fee-paying passengers. Mr Turnquest, though, noted that he is not named as a defendant in Mr Kaiser’s statement of claim – only Captain Butler.

Implying that the dispute has nothing to do with him, Mr Turnquest said last week: “The writ does not name me as a defendant, but makes several allegations in its statement of claim that are categorically false.

“I deny these false claims.

I am appalled that my standing as a public servant made calling my name in this dispute between my former business partners worthwhile. There is no room for that kind of misuse of our judicial system in our society. I am confident that the facts will defend my integrity once presented.”

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

LAWYER HITS BACK - ‘I’M NO ONE’S PROPHYLACTIC’ from page one “There is no conflict between me and doing that work and acting in a professional capacity as a lawyer.

It’s ridiculous! It’s absurd!”

Appearing upset at the line of questioning, Mr Scott also pushed back at speculation that his law firm was being used to push an agenda.

“I’ve heard the story that I was acting as an agent of (an official) to take out Peter Turnquest,” he continued. “That is so ridiculous that it isn’t funny! I am not anybody’s prophylactic, all right! Quote me directly on that! I am no one’s prophylactic!”

Earlier yesterday in the Senate, leader of opposition business Fred Mitchell once again raised questions regarding the court saga involving Mr Turnquest.

“I wish to renew all those (questions) standing in the name of the opposition and I have a further question that I wish to give notice of at the next meeting having regard to what I saw in the press this morning about the Cabinet deliberating on the last questions that I asked,” Senator Mitchell said.

“The Prime Minister is quoted this morning as saying that the Cabinet was deliberating on the question of this writ that was filed against the Deputy Prime Minister and he would be informing the

public. So I ask these further questions for their deliberation.”

Senator Mitchell asked if the government was aware that the law firm Scott and Co filed the writ in question in the Supreme Court, and if the government knew that Scott and Co is Mr Scott’s firm.

He also asked the government to confirm that Michael Scott, QC, was the same Michael Scott who chaired the Hotel Corporation and is responsible for the sale of the Grand Lucayan Hotel in Grand Bahama.

Attorney General and leader of Government Business in the Senate Carl Bethel answered “yes” to all three questions.

The allegations in the writ are levied by two companies controlled by Fred Kaiser, a Canadian businessman with whom Mr Turnquest previously enjoyed a long and close relationship.

Last week, the East Grand Bahama MP said he was “appalled” his name had been dragged into a dispute with another “former business partner”, Captain Randy Butler, chief executive of Sky Bahamas.

Mr Turnquest has stressed that he is not named as a defendant in Mr Kaiser’s statement of claim – only Captain Butler. Capt Butler has strongly denied the allegations.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, November 24, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis: Stay at home - and don’t give the gift of COVID for Thanksgiving

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday warned Bahamians against celebrating Thanksgiving outside of their homes, saying they may give their families and friends the “gift of COVID” if they gather for the usual social events.

He also repeated his plea for residents not to travel to the United States unless absolutely necessary as that country continues to struggle with a surge of COVID-19 cases.

His comments during an event marking the official opening of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation’s new building on East Street Hill comes as The Bahamas has seemingly arrested control of the COVID-19 health crisis, with only 18 cases of the virus confirmed on Sunday and only 21 people in hospital with the disease at last report.

“I want to advise Bahamians that next week is Thanksgiving and very soon it is Christmas,” Dr Minnis said.

“We must not let our guards down, we must continue our social distancing and wearing of masks.

“We must follow the advice even of the CDC in the United States of America who has advised its citizens to minimise the participation in Thanksgiving dinner. “(The CDC) advised that they should participate only within their homes as opposed to travelling with others as this can assist with spreading the COVID disease.

“I advise Bahamians who participate in Thanksgiving to do the same. They should stay in their own home environment as was said by the Centre for Disease Control and minimise your travel to partake with others.

“Rather than giving your friends, neighbours or colleagues a gift of Christmas, you may possibly give them a gift of COVID, which can be extremely dangerous and detrimental.

“I would also advise all Bahamians who want and have made arrangements to travel to our neighbours in the north, I would advise

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pictured yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff that only those that are of emergency and absolutely essential to travel because the virus has no boundaries. The virus can be brought back to our shores and thus destroy our Christmas.

“Not only that, but our hotels are about to open.

This could commence a third surge within our Commonwealth.

“A third surge can be worse than the second surge and it may result in further stagnation of our economy as our hotels which are already making plans and preparations to open and our young people who are already making plans and preparation stop commence employment, they too can be compromised and not be able to start their work.”

Dr Minnis said there is light at the end of the tunnel

of the COVID-19 crisis, pointing to recent good news regarding vaccines.

“We must still not let our guard down,” he cautioned.

“We must practice the protocols that have been established and await the vaccines.

“But if we want a beautiful Christmas then I would advise that we follow the protocols and do not let our guard down and minimise any travel that you have to our northern neighbours, but try to utilise your travel within The Bahamas.

“We have beautiful islands and it’s only guests, visitors and tourists who recognise the beauty of The Bahamas.

“Many want to come and I am certain that those in the Family Islands will welcome you. Many of our islands are COVID free, let us utilise the services there.”

COMING OR GOING - US, MAKE YOUR MIND UP from page one

Confusingly the US State Department yesterday dropped its advisory for Americans coming here from its August Level Four to Level Three which most would agree was a reflection of the significant decrease in COVID infections since the summer, especially here in New Providence.

Here the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism is seeking project a positive image for the country in spite of the clear travel warnings contradictions.

The statement said: “The Bahamas understands the need for all countries, including the USA, to put in place health and safety measures in the best interest of its nationals.

“At the same time, The

Bahamas has also put in place travel parameters for the protection of Bahamians, residents and tourists in the country, namely, by requiring all persons traveling to The Bahamas to have a COVID-19 travel visa and a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test to enter The Bahamas.

“Upon entry, all persons are required to undergo mandatory monitoring and testing where necessary.

Strict health and safety protocols, such as mask wearing, distancing and hand sanitization, are in place at all times. These safety measures are laid out in various emergency orders that have been widely circulated, both nationally and internationally. Failure to comply with these protocols will result in fines or even imprisonment.

The Bahamas is confident that if all visitors, nationals and residents abide by these regulations, the spread of the pandemic will be stemmed and the loss of lives will be prevented. At the same time, while observing these rules, visitors will have an enjoyable stay in the Bahamas.

“The government of The Bahamas is committed to the safety of every person within its borders and will adhere to medical and scientific advice.”

The statement added: “The Bahamas will continue to work with all countries, to fight the pandemic and treat those who have been afflicted by the virus, until a vaccine is available. Until such time, we urge all persons to spare no measure to observe health and safety protocols.”

PM SIGNALS NO MORE ASSISTANCE LIKELY FOR RENT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday suggested the government is not in a position to do more for people needing rental assistance.

Last week, Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell said 1,000 rental assistance applicants would

be given $1,200 this month to help them with paying rent.

At the time, Mr Campbell said the policy needed to be reviewed.

Asked about this, Dr Minnis said: “We would love to do a lot more. We are unfortunately not like the United States who can print money and other countries who have greater access, but we would use as much as

our resources — whatever is available — to ensure that Bahamians maintain a quality of life, continue to have job opportunities, maintain their jobs, etc. That’s our goal and objective and we’ll continue that.”

In April, Dr Minnis announced details of his administration’s rental assistance programme revealing at the time an initiative that would be

based on deferrals and apply only to residential rentals.

He said people who qualify for the programme would be able to postpone up to 40 percent of their rent over a three-month period.

At the time he said there should be “no evictions between now (April) and the end of June unless the tenant had been legally

eligible for eviction before April,” adding that at the end of the three-month period, people will have 12 months to pay back the deferred amount.

“This means for example, that if an individual’s rent is $800 per month, they will be required to pay $480 per month over the next three months,” he had said earlier this year. “The remainder will be deferred

or postponed.”

Critics said the plan did not go far enough to assist those in need.

In May, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said the government does not plan to intervene in and settle disputes between landlords and tenants who qualify for the COVID19 rental assistance programme.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020, PAGE 5

Mitchell speaks out over pensions

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

PLP chairman Senator Fred Mitchell yesterday heavily criticised the way in which pensioners, especially those who served in Parliament, are dealt with when it comes to receiving payments.

His comments came as the Senate read and passed the Correctional Services Amendment Bill 2020 and the Defence Amendment Bill 2020 that allows officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of Correctional Services to work until they are 55, as opposed to 50; retire and return on a yearto-year basis for five years.

The pension of every subordinate correctional officer who re-engages with the Department of Correctional Services during this period shall be suspended during the re-engagement phase.

“These two bills before us are long overdue,” Senator Mitchell said. “Police officers are allowed to retire

and be re-engaged and keep both their pensions and their salaries. So I wondered if this is in fact the case, why there is a policy difference between that position with police officers and that with correctional officers.”

Senator Mitchell raised the issue of the dignity of pensioners regarding the lines that they have to toe to receive their pensions, even those who served the country in high office.

“The other thing I wanted to raise about pensions is the dignity of pensioners,” Senator Mitchell said.

“I raise this in particular because last time we discussed the lines at the banks and I found out that one of the reasons the banks had these long lines was because that was the date when pensions were paid. So people have to go physically to the bank for some reason and collect these pensions.

“I thought about going into the Treasury, sometime after Sir Gerald Cash, who was the Governor-General of the country who served for 10 or 11 years and I was walking into the Treasury

and there was Sir Gerald Cash standing on the line.

So I asked him what he was doing there and he said he had to verify to collect a pension. I thought to myself, something has to be a little wrong with that. A former Governor-General of a country standing on a line to do all this stuff.”

Senator Mitchell said since that experience and having gone through the process at the National Insurance Board himself, he was told that the system has changed somewhat to a more electronic format.

“The point I wanted to make is about people who have served in public office and both sides had signed off on a Select Committee report which indicated that there ought to be management committees of the Parliament that would be responsible, once someone has retired to deal with all these matters for people who had served either in the Senate or in the House of Assembly,” he continued.

“We had even said that the health insurance had to continue for those former

members because we have found that a number of times, former members of Parliament, on both sides, have come to us while we are in office saying that they had run into issues paying for their medical expenses and they needed the direct support of the government.”

Senator Mitchell, a former minister of immigration, said Cabinet ministers “have no control over the payments out of the Treasury.”

“I can assure you no matter how much you stamp on the ground and pound on the table and promise, there is nothing you can do to move the Treasury to pay. I found this out because

PLP CHAIRMAN FRED MITCHELL in the transition that takes place between administrations, from ambassadors returning home.

“When a foreign service officer returns home, there are gratuities which are due and moving expenses which are supposed to be supplied. It was extremely embarrassing for me for former ambassadors to call me, six and seven times – one time six months after the fact – waiting for the Treasury to pay the gratuity or the ambassador’s moving expense.”

He also said: “There must be a way to smoothly administer this so that when someone retires within 30 days, they get their pension

payment. And, if someone comes home as an ambassador or a foreign service officer, that they get the monies which are due to them and they get them on a timely basis.

“What I never understood is that one year before your retirement date in the public service, you get a note telling you that you are going to retire at 65 and then they tell you that you have to take all of your vacation leave so that at the date of retirement you are gone. They take a year to pay you money. If they know you are going to retire a year in advance, why can’t they pay you your money a month after you retire?”

PERMANENT VOTER REGISTRATION PLAN TO BE TABLED ‘NEXT WEEK’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE government has decided to implement a permanent voter register and plans to table an amendment to the Parliamentary Elections Act “by next week” to effect the change, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.

Dr Minnis also sought to put to rest rumours that an election could be sooner than May 2022.

“Election is due I think (in) May 2022,” Dr Minnis told reporters yesterday.

“That’s what I know. Election is not due until May ‘22 so they can talk whatever

they want to, that’s when it’s due.”

When asked about the status of the voter register, he said: “I think we’re bringing the bill to Parliament I believe this week. If not this week definitely by next week, but I’m hoping that we’ll be able to table it on Wednesday.

“This bill would keep the names on the register, be permanent, and only new names are added and at the same time throughout the year you can purge the register in terms of those individuals who have died or moved to some other destination outside of the country, live abroad, etc.

“So, you’ll have a permanent register and just

continuous addition, but it’ll also give us an opportunity, give the Bahamian populace an opportunity to continue an assessment of the list and you won’t have any aberrant additions.”

Parliamentary Commissioner Philip Turner said back in September that he proposed to the government that the Parliamentary Elections Act be amended for the upcoming election, to allow for a permanent voters’ register or a continuous one.

The recommendation was made based on challenges presented by COVID-19.

Speaking at the Ministry of National Security’s press conference last month, Mr Turner said the

COVID–19 pandemic had seriously affected the department’s operations prompting officials to have discussions on the “in-person registration process in a COVID-19 environment.”

He said key concerns brought up by officials included the health and safety risks posed to both the department’s staff members and the public.

He said officials were also concerned about a reduced public participation as a result of COVID fears.

In view of this, he said: “The parliamentary commissioner is proposing to The Bahamas government that amendments be made to the Parliamentary Elections Act. This would

involve replacing the fiveyear voters’ register with a permanent or continuous one.

“This process would require maintaining the existing register, registering only new voters, transferring existing voters who have changed residence, that is, living three or more months in a new place or residence and removing the deceased and incarcerated from the current register.

“The current register, which is due to expire in July 2021, will be virtually indistinguishable from any new register prepared for the 2022 general elections, save for those persons who have died since the

last election, that will be removed from the current register, and those new voters added from July 2021 up to the closing of the register for the general elections.”

According to Mr Turner, the current voters’ register presently stands at 187,616.

That is roughly 130,000 in New Providence, 30,000 in Grand Bahama, and 30,000 throughout the Family Islands.

By establishing a permanent register or an extension of the current one, Mr Turner said there would be several advantages allowing for a smooth process. The amendments, he also noted, will fall in line with COVID-19 protocols.

IN-SCHOOL CLASSES ‘GOING WELL’ IN GRAND BAHAMA

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND Bahama education official says resumed face-to-face instruction is going well in the island’s public schools.

“We are happy our schools are operating safely, and we want to assure the public that schools are operating in a very safe environment and that

students and teachers are safe,” said District Superintendent of Schools in Grand Bahama Ivan Butler .

There are some 14 public schools on Grand Bahama with others in Bimini, Abaco and the nearby cays.

In October, the Ministry of Education resumed face-to-face instructions at schools for some islands.

Some schools are utilising both the virtual and

face-to-face learning models, known as the hybrid model.

The Freeport Primary School, which used the hybrid model, had suspended face-to-face instruction after a teacher of that school tested positive for COVID-19 in the latter part of October.

Mr Butler said Freeport Primary is now “completely operational”.

“We have no cases of

anything at the school. All students and teachers are presently there, with exception to one or two teachers out on maternity leave,” he said.

“Our face-to-face instruction is doing very well not only at Freeport Primary, but the entire district. We are very pleased with the feedback from parents, and they are pleased with what is going on, and we hope to continue to keep students

and teachers safe during this time.”

Superintendent Butler said there had been situations where people in schools had to quarantine because members of their family may have been exposed or advised to quarantine.

“We have a COVID-19 protocol that we are adhering to. Whenever there is an incident, we contact the relevant authorities, the

Ministry of Health, Department of Environmental Health Service,” he said.

He stressed safety is the priority.

“We are all about keeping everyone safe, and our theme in education is ‘Safety First, Education Always.’ And so we take the safety of our staff and students very seriously, and we are ensuring that every effort is made to keep them safe,” Mr Butler said.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, November 24, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

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EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Words without action mean nothing TO read the story of the murder of Ednique Walker, who died at just eight years old alongside her mother, Alicia Sawyer, is tragic. The pair were victims of violence, and their murder is yet another alarm bell for our nation.

The Zonta Club – along with partners such as Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM) and groups both within government and private society – put the focus on the deaths of Ednique and Alicia again as part of their campaign to end violence against women and girls.

An event was held in Nassau Village with a billboard unveiled, the House Speaker, Halson Moultrie, in attendance along with Patricia Minnis and Ann Marie Davis, spouses of the leaders of the FNM and the PLP respectively.

We have no doubt of the sincerity of all of those involved, and the gathering was a fine tribute to the mother and daughter murdered in September.

Mr Moultrie called for people to make the motto of “The Place of Love, Peace and Unity” their reality. Mrs Davis declared that “we are not barbarians”, while Mrs Minnis said “We are better than this!”

All good words – but they need action to make any real change. We applaud all those involved for raising awareness, for applying pressure, for reminding people that deaths such as these should not take place. But it takes more than that.

Let’s take the example of marital rape. Mr Moultrie previously declared that spiritually a husband cannot rape his wife. PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis earlier this year said his party did not support men raping their wives – a bizarre way to put it – but wouldn’t commit to doing anything about it as a priority if his party wins office in 2022.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis previously said he holds no personal view on marital rape, while Attorney General Carl Bethel in 2018 kicked laws on the matter into the long grass from which it has never since emerged.

More immediately in the cases of Ednique and Alicia, they notably had informed police that they were in danger before the killing, and yet police didn’t put a car outside their door.

Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said after the killing that the police would do a “media blitz” on the issue of domestic violence. Have you noticed one? We haven’t.

So words are good. Words are fine.

Words are appreciated and can offer comfort to those still in mourning.

But words without action are hollow. It’s long past time for action.

The Zonta Club and their colleagues should not need to have to campaign for an end to such violence – it should already be a priority for us all. It should not need yet another murder to make us pay attention to what needs to be done.

We would urge Mrs Minnis and Mrs Davis to go and speak to their respective spouses and urge them to put policy on the table to protect women and children.

We would urge Dr Minnis and Mr Davis to show us their words aren’t empty and back them up with policy that is dealt with as a priority, not stuck on a back burner and never brought to the fore.

It’s time for action. Show us what you really mean to do to stop the killing of another Ednique, another Alicia.

Mixed messages

If there’s one thing that’s consistent in the era of COVID-19, it’s the inconsistency.

Our own perpetual tap dance of changing regulations is well documented, and fairly baffling, but step right up, the United States, it’s your turn to be just as confusing.

The US Centres for Disease Control presently have a level four travel advisory slapped on us, with Americans told that coming here may increase their chances of catching COVID-19. Yes, those same Americans whose nation has had runaway rates of COVID-19.

And yet yesterday the US State Department dropped its warning level down to level three.

It’s not the first time the US has sent out confusing messages – its warnings about crime in The Bahamas still routinely reference locations now empty and events long gone.

Still, there’s not a great deal we can do about other than do what we are doing – keep trying our best to contain the virus and reduce the number of cases here at home.

Frankly, it would be nice to see the US doing the same in its borders.

Driving visitors away EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE main economic drive of the Bahamian economy is tourism. The role of the Ministry of Tourism is to promote the country and bring as many visitors as possible. The opposite is currently happening as entry rules for the needed visitors are so difficult that few can complete them.

It would be helpful if The Minister of Tourism and his chief advisors would fly up on one of the few scheduled flights to Toronto these days and attempt to complete the formalities themselves.

First they can try to find the provincial government telephone number where an appointment can be made at one of the government hospitals to get your required COVID-19 test.

That is if the hospital has time to give such a test for those wanting leisure travel.

Many facilities are too busy for such a purpose.

They are the only health providers as no private healthcare is allowed.

I hope the officials are patient as normally callers wait on the line for a long while until someone

answers. Then when such an appointment is made patience will be required for standing in the long lines until you are taken.

Be prepared to wait at least two to three days for the written result. Continue to be patient when you wait in another long line to fetch the results. If driving, please bring enough cash to pay for the expensive hospital parking on both occasions.

Then when you receive the results allow time to use your computer if feasible to scan the results to Nassau for the Health Visa or be forced to go to a store and wait to be served so the staff can do this on your behalf. Bring enough funds for the fees. Then pray that Nassau will return the visa travel permission in time for the flight to get on the ground in Nassau within five days of your test.

They should also pray that if the permission takes longer than expected, which is a good possibility from what we have been told, that they will not lose money on the air ticket and, if a visitor, accommodation costs. Very few can complete all of these requirements in time.

The problem is increased because there are very few

flights and how to coordinate a test with flight dates is a nightmare.

Most people do not have the time or desire to carry out all these time consuming expensive procedures just to come to The Bahamas.

If the tourism officials actually tried to go through what they expect visitors to go through they would likely change their rules immediately. No wonder the flights to The Bahamas are nearly empty. It cannot be blamed solely on the health pandemic. Every effort should have been made to design rules which would attract rather than repulse visitors especially this year.

For those of us who have been regular visitors to The Bahamas over many years it is very disappointing that we cannot enjoy another holiday there for the foreseeable future. My travel agent is suggesting we go elsewhere in the Caribbean where they want visitors and have hassle free entry.

It has caused our family a great deal of anxiety as we have Bahamian ancestry.

ROBERT WILSON Toronto, Canada November 22, 2020.

Views of an oil shareholder EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM a shareholder in Bahamas Petroleum (‘BPC’). I am not part of a PR agency, specialist interest group, employee, or supplier. Just an ordinary shareholder with a relatively small amount of shares out of the four billion plus on issue.

It is good to question our political leaders and to take part in informed debate to make our nation a better place and a fairer place to live. I do in the country where I live.

It is also good that our youth are more environmentally focused compared with my 1950s generation. However, I cannot help but question a few of the opinions expressed in recent articles relating to the imminent exploratory drill off the Cuban northern coast.

How many of the influencers and financial backers of the campaigns to stop exploratory drilling and eventually production, are connected to The Bahamas? Do they have conflicts of interest?

Are they attempting to delay the drill or financially hurt BPC and its shareholders for personal gain?

Based on the timing is there malice involved? And for those vocal objectors who are Bahamian, is it really about the environment or merely a conduit for political protest? My last rhetorical

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net question is based on observing recent articles that seem to start by commenting on the environment yet bring in other points such as financial and political ones. I wish to address them as I believe they are connected.

It is simply not true to imply foreigners have somehow “tricked” and taken advantage of the Bahamian people. The Bahamas is not a modern day African or South American colony taken advantage of by European powers as was the case between the 16th to 19th centuries.

BPC has shareholders internationally, some Bahamian, mostly private investors. More than $100m of our money has been invested with the hope we can profit. Today each BPC share is worth approximately four cents.

If commercial quantities of oil are found, analysts believe it will skyrocket to over 40 cents. If none is found, the share price will plummet.

Anyone in The Bahamas can invest in BPC by seeking professional advice and phoning a broker. Even if they cannot afford to do so, they will indirectly benefit if oil is found, because the vast royalties can create a wealth fund for future generations or pay off the

national debt. Norway’s fund is so huge, if a baby is born while you are reading this article, the state has a virtual $200,000 invested in this child’s lifetime.

The highly respected Stena Drilling will be doing the exploration well for a few weeks in a ship valued at around $1 billion. In the extremely unlikely event of an accident that cannot be contained, the ocean currents off northern Cuba head to Florida and not The Bahamas anyway.

Oil tankers pass daily with no incident and limited objections, so why all this fuss by a few who misleadingly try and give the impression of being the many?

To debate safety and the environment after an oil discovery is welcome. And if no oil is found, somewhat irrelevant. So, let common sense prevail rather than using it as an excuse for political grievances, stoked by persons who may have conflicts of interest.

My family and I have been to The Bahamas and witnessed its lovely people.

A people with the dire misfortune of having to deal with a terrible hurricane and pandemic. Do not let a few thousand people, some with no connection whatsoever to your beautiful islands, trick you.

A SHAREHOLDER November, 2020

Not as bad as I feared EDITOR, The Tribune

I EXPECTED returning home to the Bahamas was going to be a tedious experience, judging by what I’ve heard from a couple of my fellow Bahamians.

Once I received my RT PCR results (negative) I went online to the Travel. gov.bs website.

I read the instructions on the main page, which took no more than a couple of minutes — an easy read. I had to log in or join the website... easy enough...then I filled in my details, name, date of birth, nationality, passport information, etc.

One question asked was - how many times have you visited The Bahamas... thankfully I was advised

by another Bahamian the magic number is 11... it worked like a dream.

You will be asked what date you had the RT PCR (Nasal) Covid test, the name, phone number and address of the lab you went to – then you will be asked to upload the lab print off onto their page.

When I was at the lab, I told the lady at the front desk that I would be returning to the Bahamas within five days and would appreciate a lab print out of my results as it was the only way I could return to my homeland, (a yes or no answer wasn’t enough for my health visa) this wasn’t a problem at all, she asked me to call her the following day at 3pm for my results, (24 hours

BPC

later) she would take my email address and send me my results. She sent me an email instantly with a copy of my original lab results.

Once I submitted my details on the Government website I received a message saying “Pending.”

Twenty to 30 minutes later that same evening I received an email saying please pay $40 for my health visa, I did and I was approved for travel, I had five days in which to return before this health visa expired.

So really it is not as bad as I was warned that it would be. In fact it was a welcome relief.

A GRATEFUL BAHAMIAN November 23, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020, PAGE 7

20-year-old accused of killing one and trying to kill two more A 20-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison yesterday accused of murdering a man and attempting to kill two others earlier this month.

Omar Daniels was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Derrence Rolle-Davis yesterday for the November 4 murder of Dwight Williams while being concerned with others.

He was also charged with two counts of attempted murder after

officers accused him, along with others, of trying to kill Laurent Harrison and Kareem Maynard on the same day.

According to initial reports from police, a group of people were gathered at a residence on Peters Street on Nov 4 when a small vehicle approached them.

Two men got out of the vehicle and fired gunshots in their direction, resulting in a man being killed and four others injured. Police said they were alerted

to the shooting incident shortly after 7pm on the day in question.

During yesterday’s hearing, Daniels was not required to enter a plea to the charges and the case was adjourned to February 3 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Bail was also denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim. He has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

MAN WHO SAID HE BROKE INTO STORE FOR FOOD JAILED FOR THREE YEARS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AN Eleuthera man was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after he pleaded guilty to breaking into a woman’s store last week, claiming it was because he needed food.

Charles Cambridge, 43, appeared before Senior Magistrate Derrence Rolle-Davis accused of breaking into Corner Café in Gregory Town, Eleuthera, sometime between November 20 and November 21.

The court was told that officers were alerted to the incident last Saturday after the complainant reported to police that her business had been broken into sometime between 3pm last Friday and 7am last Saturday.

The complainant also told officers that video surveillance had shown Cambridge entering her store. However, she said no items had been stolen.

The accused was subsequently arrested and taken to the Governors’ Harbour police station, where he later admitted to the offence in an interview with police.

During yesterday’s hearing, Cambridge, who pleaded guilty to the offence, told the magistrate he stole the items because he was in need of food.

“I don’t have no job.

They took the food vouchers away from us and things got lil’ drastic and food got low and so that’s the reason why I commit the crime,” he said.

Cambridge also told the court he was sorry for his

actions and asked the magistrate for leniency.

However, in response, Magistrate Rolle-Davis reminded the accused that he had just been released from prison last year after committing the same offence.

He also told the accused that in a small community like Gregory Town – where everyone is connected — he could have just asked someone for assistance instead of breaking into a shop.

Cambridge was subsequently sentenced to three years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

After handing down the sentence, Magistrate RolleDavis told Cambridge that he knew the consequences of his actions, yet he refused to learn from his past lessons.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF BEATING VICTIM WITH A METAL PIPE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 35-YEAR-OLD man, accused of assaulting a man with a metal pipe last week, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Dario Gaitor appeared before Senior Magistrate Derrence Rolle-Davis charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he was accused of assaulting Samuel Rahming with a metal pipe on November 19 while at Island Luck in Central Andros.

He was further charged with making death threats to Rahming.

Gaitor pleaded not guilty to both offences.

Bail was denied. Gaitor’s attorney told the magistrate an application had already been made and asked him to transfer the accused to a local police station.

Magistrate Rolle-Davis subsequently adjourned the

case to February 3.

Nicardo Gordon, 29, also appeared before Magistrate Rolle-Davis yesterday.

He was charged with assaulting a police officer, disorderly behaviour, using obscene language and resisting arrest. Officers alleged Gordon committed the offences on November 19.

During yesterday’s hearing, the accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Magistrate Rolle-Davis subsequently granted Gordon $1,000 bail with one surety and adjourned his case to February 2.

Nathan Smith, 19, was also arraigned yesterday for causing damage. The police officer alleged that he caused damage to his aunt’s home window on October 31 following a dispute with his uncle.

The court was told the cost of the damage was estimated at $291.62.

When given the chance to speak, Smith, who pleaded guilty to the offence, said he threw a rock at his uncle after they became involved in a heated argument.

He claimed his uncle was on drugs and never contributed to paying the bills in the house.

“He just does make noise every night… and I tell him about it and he take it another (way) and I gone to hit him with a rock, but instead I hit him with a rock right to the window,” he said.

Smith’s attorney, Ian Cargill, told Magistrate Rolle-Davis his client had no previous convictions and was remorseful for his actions.

Magistrate Rolle-Davis subsequently ordered Smith to compensate his aunt by next Friday for the damage caused. Failure to do so would result in one month’s imprisonment.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

OMAR Daniels outside court yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

Private Funeral Service For Michael Anthony Humes, 67 of #127 Fire Trail Road will be held on Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road. Officiating will be Father Deangelo Bowe.

Left to cherish his memories and celebrate his life are His Wife: Charlotte Humes; Daughters: Tamara Rolle and Sharada Ferguson, Sons: Ryszard and Keyron Humes; Brothers: Emmerson Humes and Norman Ferguson; Sisters: Ruth Tinker, Lovie Clarke and Rose Humes; Grandchildren: Arden & Araya Rolle and Jude Ferguson; Mother-in-law: Marjorie Francis, In-laws: Keith Tinker, Arien Rolle and Joey Ferguson, Percival “Vola” & Sonia Francis, Emmanuel “Doc” & Andrea Francis and family, Wilkinson & Beverley Francis and family, Jeffrey & Joan Knowles and family, Barbara Darville, Lorraine Francis, Florence Taylor, Rev. Diana Francis, Rev Joseph Francis and numerous other relatives. Cousins: Queen & Pastor Wesley Ferguson and family, Bishop Arnold & Vernita Josey and family, Rev. Steffon & Audrey Josey and family, Jerry & Helen Josey and family, Sheila Huyler, Nathalie Knowles, Solomon and Frank Rolle, Louise & Peter Rolle and family, Henry & Beverley Rolle and family, Prescott Allen, Monique Allen and family, Rosemary Jolly, The children & grandchildren of the late Costella Rolle, Mispah Rolle numerous other relatives and their families. Nieces and Nephews: Benjamin Forbes III, Alvardo Clarke, Claudell Daxon and family, Patrice Darville-Fisher and family, Divine Francis and family, Jamaal Knowles and family, Jewel Bastian and family, Elkino Dames and family, Daigeno Burns, Sean Johnson and family, Rembrandt Taylor and family, Denise Francis, Darius & Kendra Sealy and family, Anton Francis and numerous other nieces and nephews. God daughter: Shantell Miller and Renee Curry; Friends: The Strachan, Brice, Gibson, Campbell, Taylor, Gardiner and Bethel families of Fire Trail Rd. New Providence, Andrew Wilson, Melvin Seymour, Derek Adams, Rona Gibson, Sam Bootle, Ena Lambrigger, Father Peter Scott, Father Stephen Davies, Father Micklewhite and family and other members of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands. Anna DeGregory, Charles Sealy and other members of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, Alvin Collie and family, Herbert & Paula Marshall, Petrocelli Edwards, Ernest Adderley and family, Anthony Cooper and family, the tenants of Park View apartments and the customers of Park View Mini- Mart and numerous other friends. Breakfast Club Friends: Oswald Greenslade, Andrew Thompson, Attorney John H. Bostwick Sr., Attorney Myles Laroda, Rodney Moncur, Marlon Johnson, “Dan Dan”Archer, Dario Terelli, Bradley Rolle, Ronald Cartwright, Stanley Mitchell, S. Brown, Berth Pople, Luther Ferguson, Wanton Burrows, Philip Barton, Noel Sutherland, Richard Marshall, Barry Braynen, Nesbitt Higgins, Fred Williamson, Kirk Brown, Gregory Bishop Minnis and Jason Ferguson. Andros Family & Friends: The family of the late Benjamin & Ezrena Forbes and the family Ena Forbes of Drigg’s Hill, South Andros, Marion Forbes and family, Norward Rahming and family, The Hewitt, Long, Miller, Rahaman (formerly), Andrews, Sands, Duncombe, Neely and Dean families of South Andros. The Christie, Saunders, Colebrooke, Russell, Cleare, Thompson, Farrington, Brown, Murphy, Roberts, Knowles, Coleby, Treco, Young, Smith, Missick, Wallace, Scott, Sweeting, Dames, Newton, Woodside, Barr, Taylor, Bootle, Storr, Griffin, Gaitor, Williams, Moss, Ferguson, Evans and Rolle families of North Andros and numerous other friends, family, teachers, students and public officials in the Andros community. Caregiver: Lorna Campbell; Employees: Tamara Miller and Errol Haughton Jr. Churches & Organizations: Holy Spirit Anglican Church, First Baptist Church, United Faith Ministries International, The communities of Union Village, Pinedale and Peardale, The Rotary Club of East Nassau, The Cabinet Office, The Government Printing Department, S.C. McPherson School, Patrick Bethel High School formerly Abaco Central High School, S.C. Bootle High School formerly Coopers Town High School, Lowe Sound Primary School, The South Andros Secondary High School, Huntley P. Christie formerly The North Andros Secondary High School, C.V. Bethel High School, East Street South Supermarket, McDonald’s Oakes Field, Oak Tree Medical Centre, Munroe & Associates Law Firm and The University of Miami Hospital.

Viewing will be held in the “Serenity Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Solider Road on TUESDAY (TODAY) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Alicia and her daughter Ednique were lost - when will we wake up and stop the violence?

THE TRIBUNE ALICIA Sawyer and her daughter Ednique.

Face to Face

A PRECIOUS eightyear-old little girl is on a memorial billboard at the entrance of Nassau Village.

She shouldn’t be there.

She should be counting down the days to her birthday on December 12. She should be trying to adjust By FELICITY DARVILLE to the new normal of online schooling and thinking Moultrie made a heartfelt about what she wants for appeal to residents to make Christmas. But on Septem- this their reality. ber 28 this year, Ednique Instead, we have a sociWallace became the victim ety which has yet to solve of murder. She and her its violence issues and live mother Alicia Sawyer lost as if it’s truly paradise. This their lives together in a sunny, peaceful clime has senseless act of violence been marred by horror stothat occurs too often in our ries that make no sense on society. such a small island. “We The Bahamas ranks are not barbarians,”, said tenth in the world for inten- Ann Marie Davis, wife of tional homicides. Alicia PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ and Ednique were killed Davis’, as she joined Zonta in their home in Nassau in the campaign launch.

Village, an area which has Women and girls like been declared Alicia and an epicentre of ‘Ednique was Ednique deserve domestic vioa curious and the protection lence in The of society. Zonta Bahamas during ambitious says there’s a the COVID-19 girl. She way every single pandemic. person can make always loved Days ago, a difference - by Zonta Baha- learning new “saying no to mas began things and violence in all its their version forms”. Everyseeking new of UNECSO’s one has to make “Orange the challenges.’ it a point not to World” campaign tolerate violence to end violence in order to reverse an ugly against women and girls by trend that leaves counthosting a ceremony at the less families in this country Nassau Village entrance. hurting for the loss of their There, Patricia Minnis - the loved ones. wife of Prime Minister Dr Edward Wallace knows Hubert Minnis - tied the that hurt. His “little prinfirst orange bow and said to cess” was so special that Bahamians: “We are better “everyone who came than this!” into contact with her was The Zonta Club of New amazed at how full of life Providence, Families Of All and kind she was”. She Murder Victims (FOAM), was a very protective sister the Department of Gender to her younger siblings and Family Affairs, the Edward Wallace Jr and Nassau Village Community Krishan Wallace and even and other NGOs joined extended that nurturing together to erect a memo- spirit to her older sister, rial banner for Ednique Kenlisa Monfils. and her mom and also “She really enjoyed murder victims Gloria traveling,” Edward said Rolle, Kenrica Martin and about his daughter.

Cleo Lockhart. Below that “Every summer we would banner is the community’s go to Miami and spend entrance sign, with the time with her uncle and motto “The Place of Love, aunt. I remember two years Peace and Unity”. Member ago, we went shopping in of Parliament Halson Walmart and she got lost.

I searched the whole store looking for her until we got a call saying she was at the front entrance. Just last year we went on a cruise to Key West, Orlando and Mexico. While on the cruise, she loved hanging out by the pool and eating tons of ice cream.”

Edward’s family and friends, as well co-workers at BAIC, are offering support and love, but it is crucial that people come together to avoid tragedies like what this family has to overcome.

“Ednique was a curious and ambitious girl.”

Edward said.

“She always loved learning new things and seeking new challenges. She got that from her mother. Lisa Sawyer was a very determined and hard worker who also loved learning new things and seeking new challenges. She was a kindred spirit. She was undoubtedly, a great mother to her three children and did her absolute best never to steer them wrong. She was an Andros-based woman who loved to cook. I met Lisa in 2008 while I was on patrol as a security guard and she was working at Hibiscus Inn. Our relationship was always an honest, respectful one and I thank the Lord for the time we spent in each other’s lives.”

Alicia is the daughter of Tiffany Reckley and Norman Knowles. She attended Lowe Sound Primary, then North Andros High School. She is

HALSON MOULTRIE, MP, centre, with members of Zonta Bahamas in front of the Nassau Village entrance sign and the memorial banner for the women and girls who lost their lives to violence in Nassau Village.

very important this campaign is.

Zonta memEDWARD bers decided Wallace with that Nassau described Ednique and, Village would as deeply famabove, a portrait be the focus ily-oriented and of Ednique. this year, even well known for before it became her kindness and an epicentre of compassion. A hard domestic violence for worker, Alicia worked for Dunkin’ Donuts where The Bahamas. President she worked herself up to of the Zonta Club of New a management position. Providence Theresa AdderSocial media reports say ley-Smith said for the past Alicia made previous com- seven years, their focus has plaints to the police about been bringing a heightened awareness of the scourge. the suspect of her murder.

Tomorrow is the Inter- However, they have moved national Day for the towards advocacy, working Elimination of Violence with government and nonagainst Women. It also government organizations marks the beginning of “16 to make policy changes so Days of Activism to Say the laws are in place to proNo to Violence Against tect and advance women Women and Girls”, which and girls.

Mrs Minnis pointed culminates on December 10, International Human out that men are just as Rights Day. Each year, important and “this is Zonta uses this time to not a feminist movement paint the town orange. This where women are trying year, say no to violence to get ahead of men; we garbage bins have been want to be equal partners placed throughout several with love and respect”. communities. Zonta’s “40 Zonta’s national advocacy Orange Bows”, and the campaign chair Marisa bright orange banner at Mason-Smith invited repNassau Village’s entrance is resentatives of partnering a poignant reminder of how NGOs to speak, including

Charlene Paul of the Caribbean Institute of Women in Leadership (CIWiL) and Coralee Adderley of the the National Women’s Advisory Council.

Zonta Club of New Providence, a member of Zonta International, is committed to empowering women through service and advocacy. Zonta will host a series of events during the campaign. Among them: “The Big Reset”, a virtual job readiness workshop for women on November 29 at 4pm for unemployed women who held supervisory and management positions. Zonta Eleuthera will host a stop the violence virtual youth explosion on November 27 at 8pm, featuring singer Malikah Pinder and counsellor Donna Nicholls, among others.

Last Saturday, the Centreville Seventh Day Adventist church held a virtual church service, with the church making a commitment to implore the church to be leaders in the fight against violence. This Saturday, will host a motorcade starting at the RM Bailey Park at 11am ending in Nassau Village with a brief ceremony.

A virtual town meeting will be held on December 13 and will be hosted by The Bahamas Christian Council, The Crisis Centre and CIWiL. Other events include the National Youth Panel, Women in Parliament, and a Ministry of Health Women and Health virtual webinar. Visit Zonta Club of New Providence on Facebook for updates.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020, PAGE 9

We can’t rewrite history just because the way we look at the world has changed THE MAYFLOWER - whose place in history is being reassessed by some.

WITH almost the whole in countries like the US and world, it seems, focused Britain where institutional on the coronavirus pan- racism still exists in varying demic, not least because of forms, such awareness and the prospect of a vaccine willingness to take action becoming available soon, against it is a worthy ideal. “wokeness” is not an issue However, “wokeness” has of major concern to most also resulted in the “cancel people. But it has come to culture”. This means the the fore again in Britain rejection and cancelling of with a group of Tory Mem- all views and voices other bers of Parliament speaking than those in support of the out against what they main- accepted dogma of what tain is an attempt to rewrite is decreed by a vociferous or denigrate the nation’s and persistent minority to history. be the orthodoxy of the It has now become time. It also includes “noclear the National Trust platforming”, which has and other publicly funded been all the rage in British bodies and charitable universities and amounts to organisations are intent on the rejection and silencing attacking Britain’s heritage of anyone with a controverand history when, ironically, sial or separate view that their mission is to be its does not conform with the guardian. Their purpose is decreed orthodoxy. being perverted by political All this, of course, is alien posturing in which, self-evi- to the fundamental requiredently, they should not be ment in a democracy of involved. Critics say these freedom of speech – as bodies have been infiltrated exemplified in the quotaby a small and unrepresent- tion regarded as describing ative clique who, this principle and inspired by Left- ‘It is illogical which is often wing ideology, are to wrench misappropripursuing “culture ated to French cancelling” and historical historian, writer the re-evaluation figures out of and philosopher and rewriting of their context Voltaire. He is history. claimed to have It is said that and expect said that “I dissuch action them to have approve of what derives from had modern you say but I will “wokeness” defend to the which has views on death your right reached Britain such issues.’ to say it”. with a vengeance.

There is, There is no space nonetheless, in today to investigate the the view of some a posideeper meaning of this tive side to being “woke” at its various levels. But, because it shows curiosity it originated in the US about other people and an during the Obama presi- interest in how the world dency as a sort of outreach may look from another of identity politics and the perspective. Furthermore, political correctness of the to question assumptions late 1980s and 1990s; and and the received wisdom it is gradually becoming a of the day - together with major cultural and social entrenched ideas and attiphenomenon. It has grown tudes - is the mark of an recently with the greater intelligent individual and activity of the Black Lives thus not something to be Matter movement fol- discouraged. lowing the outrage of the In practice, however, the killing of George Floyd in particular manifestation Minneapolis last May. But, of “wokeness” in Britain in the view of many, it has in the shape of the behavgradually gone from “you iour of the National Trust can’t say that” to “you must and others is being widely say this”. deplored. This is mainly Being “woke” is to be because their plan to aware of issues concern- become “actively anti-racing social and racial justice ist” in providing “context and being prepared to chal- to remembrance of historilenge them. Most people cal figures” is seen as being would probably agree that, unnecessary, subjective and

intrusive – and it can lead to extremism.

According to reports, the Trust is actively trying to establish links between the properties for which it is responsible and Britain’s imperial past. It claims to have “linked” more than 100 of these properties with slavery and colonialism. As an example, none other than Winston Churchill and his country house in Kent in the south of England are under investigation because of his opposition to independence for India.

More widely, there has been the immediate cavingin by a body called Historic Environment Scotland to a single complaint by a junior doctor – described as a British Indian – about the content of a sign next to the India Cross at Edinburgh Castle that he found offensive. Then there is the addition of the name of former Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes, to a dossier linking him to the slave trade because of the involvement in it of a relative of his who had died some 300 years before Hughes was born.

Other names – supposedly to be added to the dossier because they might have benefited from the slave trade in which relatives were involved – are famous figures like Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde and George Orwell. But how ridiculous it is even to think that any such writer should be judged on the basis of distant ancestors.

Another example is those responsible at the National Maritime Museum who at least have been labelled “unheroic characters” for attempting to re-evaluate the heroic status of the victor of the Battle of Trafalgar

THE unrelenting criticism and demonization of President Trump for refusing to concede the election to his rival knows no bounds. But I believe there is another dimension to this which could work to Biden’s advantage; namely, the simple fact that getting the courts to rule on the Trump campaign’s challenge should bring to an end further controversy about the validity of the election result so that Biden’s legitimacy in a bitterly contested election will be strengthened.

Despite Biden’s condemnation of Trump’s post-election challenge as undemocratic and divisive, his action could thus work in Biden’s favour. Trump has the right of challenge, but his critics claim he has provided no evidence of vote rigging, flawed counting or irregularities in relation to absentee mail-in ballots. No one outside his close circle of advisers and his legal team knows what he has got up his sleeve until it has been presented in court. We have been told he has numerous affidavits alleging fraud in one way or another. Who knows the strength of the evidence and whether it will stand

supporters who believe the election was stolen.

Despite Biden’s clear win of the popular vote by some five million, he only prevailed in some of the key states by narrow margins and those states had significant numbers of electoral votes. So, with Trump gaining some 74 million votes, the country remains seriously divided, and it must surely be in Biden’s interest to secure ultimate legitimacy through the authority of the courts. It is also in the interest of the nation as a whole to be reassured about the integrity of the electoral process; and this may also be important in relation to the two run-off Senate races in Georgia during January.

So, I, for one, take a rather different view from others about Trump’s legal challenges. I think these are ultimately a good thing because the courts will have the final say and the rule of law will prevail. It is in the interests of Presidentelect Biden and the rest of the country that these challenges should be played out to their conclusion so that any doubts about the legitimacy of the outcome of the nationwide poll on November 3 will be finally resolved.

The Peter Young column

TRUMP’S TEMPER TANTRUM THROUGH THE COURTS MAY END UP BENEFITTING BIDEN up in court, though, from what we already know, the chances of its doing so appear to be slim.

So far, none of his legal challenges has succeeded.

But, if he has real evidence of electoral malpractice and believes the election was stolen from him, Trump should surely be allowed to continue his challenge and have it tested in the courts.

However, the general view seems to be there probably is no substantive evidence of any serious malpractice that would affect the election outcome.

That said, one of Trump’s legal team is still claiming there was fraud of huge proportions and House of Representatives Republicans have now called for an election probe. But, in order for malpractice and fraud in the electoral process to be ruled out, the legal proceedings should run their course and reach a conclusion one way or the other.

Completion of the court procedures should benefit Biden not just because he will be declared the undisputed winner but also that it will put to rest the controversy over the poll and draw a line under the claims of the Trump camp and his many

against the French in 1805, Admiral Lord Nelson.

And yet another idiocy – this side of the Atlantic – is that, reportedly, the first settlers in America, the English Pilgrims, have been “cancelled” so that there has been no formal celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower on November 21, 1620 – arguably, one of the most important dates in US history.

Generally, it seems to me to make no sense to excoriate those living centuries ago on the grounds they did not object to the existence of slavery or imperialism – or, for that matter, to such horrific punishments like being “hung, drawn and quartered”, public flogging and lesser evils like forcing children up chimneys or the horror of open sewers. Such were considered normal at the time. That does not make them acceptable by our standards, but it was what actually happened in earlier times.

It is illogical to wrench historical figures out of their context and expect them to have had modern views on such issues. Moreover, people today should not be held accountable for the actions or transgressions of previous generations. In the words of the Pulitzer Prize-winning eminent US historian and author Barbara Tuchman, “one of the worst things that we moderns can do is to assess and judge the happenings of the past by the thoughts and morals of the present”.

GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES TWO totally unconnected and contrasting anniversaries caught my eye last week – one grim and joyless, the other happy and joyous. I refer to the 75th anniversary of the start of the Nuremberg trials and the 73rd wedding anniversary of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

First, the Nuremberg war crimes trials of senior Nazis at the end of the Second World War opened at the city’s Palace of Justice on November 20, 1945. The first trial lasted less than a year and included Nazi leaders Goering, Hess and Ribbentrop among others, but not Goebbels, Himmler or Hitler himself, all of whom had earlier taken their own lives.

It ended with 12 death sentences and numerous prison terms.

It is widely considered that, by conducting the Nuremberg trials, the four victorious powers of the war – the US, the Soviet Union, Britain and France – laid the foundation for a world criminal justice system to hold to account those who commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In his speech to mark the 75th anniversary, the German

President acknowledged this in urging the world to honour the “legacy” of the landmark proceedings that eventually led to the establishment of today’s International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Secondly, against this grisly and wretched background, by contrast what an enjoyable task it is to draw attention to the 73rd anniversary of the Royal Wedding on November 20, 1947. The Queen, who is 94, was a 21-year-old princess when she married Philip Mountbatten at the ceremony in Westminster Abbey. They embarked on a marriage which is the longest of a British sovereign. He, of course, became the Duke of Edinburgh who is now 99 and has retired from public duties. But, to the delight of his many well-wishers, he looks to be in continuing good health.

Buckingham Palace marked the occasion of this anniversary by releasing a photograph showing The Queen and Prince Philip opening a card from their great-grandchildren, the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

What a pleasure it is to be able to write about this happy event.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, November 24, 2020

BRINGING BACK A PIECE OF THE MOON?

CHINA launched an ambitious mission to bring back material from the moon’s surface for the first time in more than 40 years — an undertaking that could boost human understanding of the moon and of the solar system more generally.

Chang’e 5 — named for the Chinese moon goddess — is the country’s boldest lunar mission yet. If successful, it would be a major advance for China’s space program, and some experts say it could pave the way for bringing samples back from Mars or even a crewed lunar mission.

The four modules of the Chang’e 5 spacecraft blasted off at just after 4.30am Tuesday (3.30pm EST yesterday) atop a massive Long March-5Y rocket from the Wenchang launch center along the coast of the southern island province of Hainan.

ISRAELI PM MEETS SAUDI CROWN PRINCE ISRAELI media reported yesterday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Saudi Arabia for a clandestine meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which would mark the first known encounter between senior Israeli and Saudi officials.

The reported meeting was the latest move by the Trump Administration to promote normalised ties between Israel and the broader Arab world and reflected the shared concern of all three nations about Iran.

MICHIGAN TO CERTIFY WIN FOR BIDEN? MICHIGAN election officials yesterday certified Democrat Joe Biden’s 154,000-vote victory in the state amid President Donald Trump’s brazen attempts to subvert the results of the election.

The Board of State Canvassers, which has two Republicans and two Democrats, confirmed the results on a 3-0 vote with one abstention. Allies of Trump and losing GOP Senate candidate John James had urged the panel to delay voting for two weeks to audit votes in heavily Democratic Wayne County, home to Detroit.

The move is another setback in Trump’s efforts to use unconventional means to undermine the results of the November 3 election and comes even after he made direct overtures to Republican officials in the state.

THE TRIBUNE

China tests millions after virus flare-ups BEIJING Associated Press CHINESE authorities are testing millions of people, imposing lockdowns and shutting down schools after multiple locally transmitted coronavirus cases were discovered in three cities across the country last week.

As temperatures drop, widescale measures are being enacted in Tianjin, Shanghai and Manzhouli, even though the number of new cases remains low compared to the United States and other countries that are seeing new waves of infections.

Experts and government officials have warned that the chance of the virus spreading will be greater in cold weather. Recent flareups have shown that there is still a risk of the virus returning, despite being largely controlled within China.

On Monday, the National Health Commission reported two new locally transmitted cases in Shanghai over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total to seven since Friday. China has recorded 86,442 cases overall and 4,634 deaths since the virus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

The two latest cases confirmed in Shanghai were close contacts of another airport worker who was diagnosed with COVID19 earlier in November.

On Sunday night, the city’s Pudong International airport decided to test its workers, collecting 17,719 samples through the early hours of Monday morning. Plans call for testing others in surrounding communities if further cases are detected.

SECURITY workers in protective suit prepare for administering COVID-19 tests for workers at the parking lot of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport yesterday.

Videos on social media purportedly from workers showed what appeared to be chaotic scenes at the airport as they were given last-minute orders to get tested. In the videos, people are seen standing in large groups pushing back and forth against officials in hazmat suits.

Shanghai has been more selective with mass testing, targeting people associated with a particular place, such as the airport or the hospital where someone who has tested positive had worked, rather than an entire district.

In Tianjin, health workers have collected more than 2.2 million samples for testing from residents

in the Binhai new district, after five locally transmitted cases were discovered there last week.

In Manzhouli, a city of more than 200,000 people, local health authorities are testing all residents after two cases were reported on Saturday. They also shut down all schools and public venues and banned public gatherings such as banquets.

China has resorted to its heavy, top-down approach each time new cases of local transmission are found — shutting down schools and hospitals, locking down residential communities and entire neighborhoods, and testing millions.

Tianjin authorities shut

down a kindergarten and moved all the teachers, family and students to a centralised quarantine space. They also sealed the residential compound where the five cases were found.

China’s approach to controlling the pandemic has been criticised for being draconian. It locked down the city of Wuhan, where cases were first reported, for more than two months to contain the virus, with the local government shutting down all traffic and confining residents to their homes. Domestically, however, China has called its strategy “clear to zero” and has boasted of its success.

“In the entire world, only China has the ability to get to zero. Other countries don’t have this ability,” Zeng Guang, the chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a webinar hosted by Chinese media in September. “It’s not just getting to zero, even for them to control the first wave of the epidemic is hard.” “‘Clearing to zero’ is actually the most economically effective way to do epidemic prevention. If you don’t do that, then this problem will get more troublesome,” he said. “Use a heavier hand, and get to zero, then people will feel reassured.”

POPE PRAISES NBA STARS FOR SOCIAL STANCE POPE Francis lauded a delegation of NBA players who met with him at the Vatican on Monday as “champions” and said he supported their work on addressing social injustice.

Five players — Marco Belinelli, Sterling Brown, Jonathan Isaac, Kyle Korver and Anthony Tolliver — were joined by NBA players’ union executive director Michele Roberts and two other union executives, Sherrie Deans and Matteo Zuretti.

“We’re here because, frankly, we’re inspired by the work that you do globally,” Roberts told the pope during the meeting, which took place in the papal library.

The union said the players spoke about their “individual and collective efforts addressing social and economic injustice and inequality

occurring in their communities.”

Belinelli addressed the pope in Italian, and the group presented the pope with gifts such as a commemorative basketball, a union-produced book highlighting efforts players have taken and an Orlando Magic jersey.

“You’re champions,” Pope Francis said. “But also giving the example of teammork, you’ve become a model, giving that good example of teamwork but always remaining humble ... and preserving your own humanity.”

The audience was held days before a book comes out in which Pope Francis supports demands for racial justice, specifically the actions taken following the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died in May. A police officer in Minneapolis pressed

Death Notice for

Antonios John Papageorgiou, 82 better known as “Tony Papageorge”

of Cable Beach, Nassau, died peacefully at his residence on 22 November 2020.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helen, daughter, Sofia, beloved dog, Feta, his 2 brothers Vasili and George, his long time family friends at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, his former co-workers at Bahamas Inflight Services Ltd. and numerous other relatives and friends all over the world.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, West Street, Nassau, on Wednesday, 25 November 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A private funeral ceremony will follow at a later date.

Instead of flowers the family request that donations be sent to the Gambier Clinic, Gambier Village in his memory.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Angela Kunz, Dr. Clyde Munnings and his nurses at the Gambier Clinic for his care over the years.

May his memory be eternal.

a knee against his neck for minutes while Floyd said he couldn’t breathe.

Roberts said Pope Francis sought the meeting with the players, and that it “demonstrates the influence of their platforms.” Demands for social and racial justice have been paramount among players, especially in recent months following the deaths of Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others.

Brown, in his remarks to the pope, told him about what he and the Milwaukee Bucks went through in the NBA’s restart bubble — particularly when they decided to sit out a playoff game against Orlando in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“It was raw and emotional for our team,” Brown told the pope.

Brown sued officials in Milwaukee after getting taken to the ground, shocked with a Taser and arrested during an encounter with police in 2018, contending in that lawsuit that police used excessive force and targeted him because he is Black.

A settlement where Brown would receive $750,000 plus an admission from the city that his civil rights were violated was agreed to this month.

“We are extremely honored to have had this opportunity to come to the Vatican and share our experiences with Pope Francis,” Korver said.

“His openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward.”

SPORTS PAGE 11

COVID-19 STOPS HUNTER AND THE REBELS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2020

VIRTUAL MARATHON, PAGE 15

Tom Brady: ‘Disappointed.

I have to do a better job’

BAHAMIANS TO COMPETE IN NCAA DIVISION 1 OPENERS

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

SAMMY Hunter and the Ole Miss Rebels will not tip off their season as scheduled due to a series of COVID-19 tests within the men’s basketball programme.

Ole Miss announced last night that Wednesday’s season opener against Central Arkansas has been cancelled, along with the remaining games of the Justin Reed Ole Miss Classic scheduled to continue through November 27.

With four games cancelled, Ole Miss is now slated to open its 202021 campaign December 12, hosting UNCW in The Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi.

In addition to the cancelled games, the programme has suspended all team activities until December 7.

Head coach Kermit Davis tested positive for COVID19 a week ago.

An official press release issued by the programme said the student athletes and staff affected are taking appropriate safety measures in accordance with university protocol and contact tracing within the programme is taking place.

Names of other members of the programme to test have not been disclosed.

Hunter is in his sophomore season with the Rebels. As a true freshman, he played in 27 games, primarily off the bench, averaging 12.1 minutes

THE NCAA Division I basketball season tips off Wednesday, November 25 and several Bahamian players are scheduled to compete on the opening day of the COVID-19-shortened season.

On the court, Kai Jones (Texas Longhorns), Valerie Nesbitt (Ole Miss Rebels), Radshad Davis (Florida International University Panthers), and Franco Miller Jr (Florida Gulf Coast Eagles) make their season debuts, while the sidelines will feature head coach Yolett McPheeMcCuin (Ole Miss Rebels), Assistant Director of Player Personnel Mikhail McLean (Houston Cougars) and graduate assistant Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr (Michigan State Spartans).

Jones and the No.19 ranked Longhorns will open the season against the Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, at 8pm.

The Longhorns have been projected to finish No.4 in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches poll.

Texas concluded last season 19-12 (9-9 in the Big 12). Along with Jones, they return virtually every rotation player from a season ago and welcome five-star prospect Greg Brown to a loaded frontcourt.

For the season, Jones - a 6’11” forward - averaged 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds

SEE PAGE 14

TAMPA Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass before last night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams in Tampa, Florida. The Rams earned a 27-24 victory over Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last night. The Rams’ defence pressured Brady all night and sealed the win with rookie safety Jordan Fuller’s second interception of the six-time Super Bowl champion.

SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 12 (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

NESBITT EMERGES AS LEADER IN FIRST YEAR WITH NEW CLUB

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net AFTER several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil’s Novo Basquete Brasil finally opened its 2020-21 season and David Nesbitt has emerged as a leader in his first year with a new club.

Through five games, Nesbitt leads Minas Belo Horizonte in rebounds per game (7.8), steals per game (2.1) and is second in points per game (14.1). He also leads the team in field goal percentage at 68 percent.

At 4-1, Minas is tied with Franca in the season standings, one game behind undefeated Flamengo, Baru

DAVID NESBITT and Paulistano in the loss column.

Nesbitt came off the bench in the season debut - a 102-68 loss to Flamengo.

SEE PAGE 14

ROMAD DEAN EXPECTED TO CONTINUE HIS STAR CLIMB

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net ROMAD Dean is expected to continue his star climb for the Crestwood Hoops basketball programme this upcoming season as he makes strides towards diversifying his skillset.

The 6’7” forward looks to develop aspects of his perimeter game following a standout debut season in Ontario, Canada where he averaged a double double - 14.1 points, 13.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

He led the team in both rebounds and blocks.

“I was basically playing the role in the first year as the only ‘big’ on the team but I knew I had to strengthen my perimeter

ROMAD DEAN game and athleticism,” he told the Hip Hoops podcast.

“I worked out with Galaxy Training. It was mostly me working on my confidence, my weakest part of my game was my

SEE PAGE 14

SEE PAGE 14

PAGE 12, Tuesday, November 24, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Goff throws for 376 yards, 3 TDs in Rams’ 27-24 victory over Bucs

By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Jared Goff threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns, and Matt Gay kicked a 40-yard field goal with 2:36 remaining to give the Los Angeles Rams a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday night.

Goff completed 39 of 51 passes, including short scoring throws to Robert Woods, Van Jefferson and Cam Akers. The Rams’ defence pressured Tom Brady all night and sealed the win with rookie safety Jordan Fuller’s second interception of the six-time Super Bowl champion.

“I was just in my zone, and the quarterback ended up throwing it in my direction,” Fuller said. “I was just telling myself, ‘Don’t drop it, don’t drop it, don’t drop it.’ The second one was kind of the same. I was just reading the quarterback’s eyes and was able to go out there and get it.”

Cooper Kupp had 11 receptions for 145 yards and Woods finished with 10 catches for 130 yards to help the Rams climb back into first place in the NFC West. Both caught passes on the eight-play, 53-yard drive Goff led to move Los Angeles into position for Gay’s winning kick.

Brady was 26 of 48 for 216 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams sacked him once after getting to Russell Wilson six times in the previous week’s 23-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

“Disappointed. I have to do a better job,” Brady said.

Tampa Bay was limited to a touchdown and field goal in the second half, both set up by interceptions thrown by Goff.

“They did a good job preventing (the big play),” Brady said. “They play a defence that makes them tough to hit. Not impossible, but we didn’t hit any.”

Gay, a 2019 Bucs draft pick who was released after a rookie season marked by inconsistency, is the Rams’ third kicker in four weeks.

“I found out on Monday that the Rams were bringing me in,’’ Gay said. “It was a quick flight so

RAMS quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass as he is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and defensive end William Gholston (92) during the first half last night.

(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio) I could begin testing so I could be eligible for the game. Saturday was the first day I could be in the building. Luckily we played Monday night.”

The Bucs (7-4) fell to 1-3 in four prime-time games despite avoiding the type of slow start that hurt them in losses to the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints and nearly cost them in a narrow victory over the New York Giants.

Coach Bruce Arians adjusted the team’s preparation schedule last week, holding two practices at night — one at Raymond James Stadium.

“Everybody is disappointed.

Everybody was ready to play,” Arians said. “We played a good

football team. Nobody’s head is down.”

Brady answered a 10-play, 80-yard, 7-minute, 55-second drive Goff led to give the Rams a 7-0 lead with a couple of long scoring drives of his own to put the Bucs up 14-7 with a 9-yard TD pass to Mike Evans.

Goff threw first-half TD passes to Woods and Jefferson, then used Woods’ 20-yard catch and run to the Tampa Bay 20 to set up Gay’s 38-yard field goal as time expired to give Los Angeles a 17-14 lead at halftime. With the Bucs trailing 24-17, Brady took advantage of Goff throwing his second interception of the night. Chris Godwin’s 13-yard TD catch made it 24-all,

setting the stage for Goff to move the Rams downfield for the goahead field goal.

INJURIES Rams: Did not announce any injuries during the game.

Buccaneers: LG Ali Marpet missed his third consecutive game due to a concussion. ... LT Donovan Smith injured his left ankle on the first offensive play of the game, but returned. ... CB Jamel Dean left in the third quarter with a concussion.

UP NEXT Rams: Host NFC West rival San Francisco next Sunday. Buccaneers: Remain at home to host defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City on Sunday.

NFL MAKES HISTORY WITH ALL-BLACK OFFICIATING CREW FOR MONDAY NIGHT TAMPA, Florida (AP) — An all-Black officiating crew worked an NFL game for the first time in league history when the Los Angeles Rams faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last night.

Referee Jerome Boger led the crew, which also included umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.

When the NFL announced the crew was being assembled last week, league executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent hailed the move a “a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game.”

Five members of the crew work together regularly.

Johnson and Steed joined the group for last night’s matchup between NFC playoff contenders.

The members of the crew have a combined 89 seasons of NFL experience and have worked six Super Bowls.

Bucs coach Bruce Arians, who’s been supportive of diversity in hiring throughout the league, applauded the decision.

“Way too long coming,” Arians said. “I know a lot of those guys. They’re great officials. ... It’s a historic night, and I think it’s fantastic.

The first Black official in any major sport was Burl Toler, hired by the NFL in 1965.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020, PAGE 13

African soccer president Ahmad banned for five years by FIFA

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer GENEVA (AP) — African soccer’s troubled era under confederation president Ahmad Ahmad ended yesterday when FIFA banned him from the sport for five years for financial misconduct.

The decision by the FIFA ethics committee against Ahmad, one of the governing body’s vice presidents, arrived during the soccer official’s re-election campaign.

FIFA was overseeing integrity checks on the potential candidates for the March 12 election.

Even before being elected to lead the Confederation of African Football in 2017, the former minister in Madgascar’s government had been linked to seeking cash gifts in 2010 from a later-disgraced Qatari official. He was later accused of wrongdoing at the body’s Cairo headquarters by his top administrator, and detained and questioned in Paris as part of a French investigation into a suspect soccer equipment contract.

The ethics committee found “Ahmad had breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF President,” FIFA said.

Ahmad was also fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($220,000), though it is unclear how FIFA can enforce payment. The sanctions can be challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Ahmad did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

His first four-year term was clouded with

accusations of financial wrongdoing and misconduct at CAF. The accusations were made by the organisation’s general secretary, who was then fired.

Ahmad was detained by authorities at a luxury hotel used by FIFA in Paris on the eve of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. He was questioned about a CAF equipment deal with a French company that appeared to have little connection with soccer.

“The investigation into Mr Ahmad’s conduct in his position as CAF President during the period from 2017 to 2019 concerned various CAF-related governance issues, including the organisation and financing of an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, his involvement in CAF’s dealings with the sports equipment company Tactical Steel and other activities,” FIFA said in a statement.

Ahmad had been supported by FIFA leaders in Zurich when he was elected in 2017, ousting FIFA senior vice president Issa Hayatou after 29 years.

“The circumstances that have befallen him are unfortunate and make me deeply sad,” said Phillip Chiyangwa, Ahmad’s campaign manager in 2017.

Chiyangwa is a Zimbabwean who leads the southern African group of national soccer bodies.

An audit of CAF finances pointed to irregularities and unreliable accounting under Ahmad’s leadership, however.

The report was ordered

by FIFA last year while it effectively took over running the African organisation for six months.

NEW president of the African soccer confederation Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar speaks at a press conference after being chosen at the general assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 16, 2017. Yesterday, FIFA banned the president of African soccer’s governing body for five years for financial misconduct. (AP) CAF appeared to pay about $100,000 toward 18 people, including Ahmad and the heads of 16 of the continent’s 54 national member federations, to travel on the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. It’s unclear if officials who made the trip also face a FIFA investigation for unethical conduct.

CAF said in a statement it was “concerned about the reputational consequences of this long procedure” against its outgoing president.

The interim president will be Constant Omari, CAF’s first vice president and a member of the FIFA Council.

On the field, African soccer had a difficult time

during Ahmad’s presidency. None of Africa’s five teams at the 2018 World Cup in Russia advanced to the knockout rounds, though Senegal was eliminated from the group stage only by a rare tiebreaker of disciplinary record.

A chaotic African Champions League final in 2019 was abandoned in the second leg when Wydad Casablanca refused to continue playing against Esperance in a dispute over a disallowed goal and the video review system not being installed at the stadium in Tunisia.

A CAF executive committee decision to order the game replayed was overturned by the Court

of Arbitration for Sport, and the title was eventually awarded to Esperance.

Two of Ahmad’s executive committee colleagues, Augustin Senghor of Senegal and Ahmed Yaya of Mauritania, are among four men who said they are standing against him in the presidential election.

CAF has yet to confirm who was formally nominated and passed integrity checks.

Senghor and Yaya could be joined in the contest by former FIFA executive committee member Jacques Anouma of Ivory Coast and billionaire businessman and soccer club owner Patrice Motsepe of South Africa.

PARTIAL RETURN OF FANS TO ENGLISH STADIUMS FROM NEXT WEEK LONDON (AP) — Supporters are set to return to English Premier League games next week for the first time since March.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is allowing a return of spectators to sports stadiums as part of an easing of coronavirus restrictions when the national lockdown ends on December 2.

A maximum of 4,000 fans will initially be allowed into venues in the areas with the lowest COVID-19 infection rates and up to 2,000 in the areas placed in the next tier of restrictions. The highest-risk areas still won’t be allowed fans.

Plans for the return of spectators in October were put on hold due to a spike in coronavirus cases.

The government will announce on Thursday which tiers English cities and regions will be placed into.

“We are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected,” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said yesterday, “taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowest risk areas first. I’m confident that sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe, and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in.”

Britain has been Europe’s hardest-hit country during the pandemic, with 55,230 known deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test including another 206 in yesterday’s daily update.

BURNLEY BEATS CRYSTAL PALACE 1-0 FOR FIRST WIN IN PREMIER LEAGUE

BARCELONA will leave Lionel Messi at home for Tuesday’s Champions League match in Ukraine.

BARCELONA RESTS MESSI, DE JONG IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH MADRID (AP) — The Champions League has been Barcelona’s safe haven this season, so much so that the club will leave Lionel Messi at home for today’s match in Ukraine.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is resting Messi and midfielder Frenkie de Jong for the game against Dynamo Kyiv, when the Catalan club can secure a spot in the knockout stage for the 17th straight season.

“Neither Leo nor Frenkie are travelling,” Koeman said yesterday.

“They need some rest.

With nine points in our group, we are in a comfortable situation and we have to keep them fresh.”

Messi has played in every match so far this season after having his request to leave the club denied in the offseason.

De Jong had also played in every match, and both also spent time with their national teams.

“In Leo’s case you also have trips to South America (to play with Argentina),” Koeman said. “We have to protect our players. It’s impossible for them to play every match and always be at their best. Everyone knows that, but we have to keep playing several matches. FIFA and UEFA should take action because it’s impossible to be playing all these matches.”

Barcelona’s perfect campaign in the Champions League has been the only good thing for the club recently. It doesn’t have a president in charge, it is dealing with financial difficulties, several of its players are injured and it has struggled in the Spanish league.

Barcelona is coming off a loss to Atlético Madrid that left the team in 13th place in the Spanish league after eight matches.

“We can’t be happy with our results, but we need to stay motivated,” Koeman said.

“We have another match tomorrow (today) and we are one step away from advancing, so we have to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The club is being led by a managing committee since former president Josep Bartomeu and his board of directors resigned after the fallout from the Messi crisis. The club also has been in the middle of difficult negotiations with players to adjust their salaries amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In the match against Atlético, Barcelona also lost two players because of injuries — Sergi Roberto with a muscle injury and Gerard Piqué with a serious knee injury. “(Piqué) represents a significant absence,” Koeman

said. “He has been here for several years and has great personality. It’s sad for the team and for the club.

It’s tough, but we have to accept it and try to solve the problem.”

Koeman said he may use a player from the “B” team to make up for the shortage in central defenders. He could use 21-year-old Óscar Mingueza to play alongside Clément Lenglet, as Ronald Araújo is returning from an injury. De Jong has played as a central defender and is an option for Koeman in future matches.

“We can’t take any risks because we have very few central defenders,” he said.

Lenglet said he would be willing to play on the right side if needed.

“It’s not my usual position, it’s a bit different, but I can do it to try to help the club,” he said.

Barcelona has won its Champions League group every time since 2007-08, and it hasn’t lost a group match since the 2016-17 season.

Dynamo Kyiv is making its first group appearance since that 201617 season.

With three victories from three matches, Barcelona leads Group G ahead of Juventus and has an eightpoint advantage over both Dynamo Kyiv and Hungarian club Ferencváros.

Juventus has six points.

BURNLEY, England (AP) — Burnley finally claimed its first victory in the English Premier League yesterday, 1-0 against a Crystal Palace missing star forward Wilfried Zaha after he tested positive for the coronavirus.

Chris Wood scored in the eighth minute, latching onto a neat flick by strike partner Jay Rodriguez and sidefooting powerfully past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita from a central position.

The chance opened up because of a poor attempted clearance by Palace defender Cheikhou Kouyate, who misdirected a header straight to Rodriguez.

The win in Burnley’s eighth game allowed the team to climb out of the bottom three and into fourth-to-last place on five points.

Burnley winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson struck the crossbar at the end

of a counterattack midway through the second half, while Palace struggled to create any clear-cut openings without Zaha, who appeared in each of the team’s last 59 Premier League games stretching back to February 2019.

“He has tested positive unfortunately for coronavirus so is self-isolating, and is awaiting the results of the next test,” Palace manager Roy Hodgson said before the game.

“He is not feeling particularly ill, but unfortunately the test proved (positive), and he is following the procedures.”

The best chance for Palace fell in stoppage time to substitute Christian Benteke, whose close-range effort was blocked by the outstretched left hand of goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Wood’s goal was Burnley’s first at home in the league, and only its fourth in total.

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NESBITT EMERGES AS LEADER WITH NEW CLUB FROM PAGE 11 Nesbitt followed with a double double - 16 points and 11 rebounds - in a 76-54 win over Pato Basquete and added eight points and seven rebounds in a 90-54 blowout win over VIPTech CMB. He scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds in an 82-67 win over Fortaleza and most recently scored a season high 21 points and 11 rebounds for his second double double of the season in a 108-99 win over UniFacisa.

This season with Minas marks Nesbitt’s fourth club in as many years in the NBB. He has also won two league championships during his tenure.

He spent the 2019-20 season with Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. In 26 games he averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal per game. Over the course of the season, Nesbitt was voted to Latinbasket.com’s Brazilian League AllImports Team and League Player of the Week on two separate occasions.

In the 2018-19 season, he played 37 games for Flamengo and averaged 7.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in just over 17 minutes per game. The club claimed the league title in a five-game series over Sesi Franca.

It was the second consecutive NBB championship for Nesbitt. In 2017-18, Nesbitt won his first NBB title with Paulistano Sao Paulo. In 39 NBB games he averaged 8.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He was voted to the Brazilian All-Star Game and All-Imports Team. In the finals he averaged 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds for the series in a 3-1 over Mogi.

A graduate of St Thomas University and Bahamas national team stalwart, his international career has spanned three different continents (Asia, Latin America and of course North America) in four different countries.

Nesbitt has played previously professionally in Argentina, Iraq, Kazakhstan and Uruguay.

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMIANS TO COMPETE IN NCAA DIVISION ONE OPENERS FROM PAGE 11 per game and has recently been listed as a highly coveted prospect for the 2021 NBA Draft by Sports Illustrated.

Davis will make his Panthers debut when FIU faces the University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami, Florida.

Davis will conclude his collegiate basketball career playing the closest he’s been to the Bahamas since he left years ago to complete his high school education. The 6’4” wing opted to transfer from the Texas-Arlington Mavericks following a two-year stint in the Sun Belt Conference.

Miller will also make his debut with a new programme following a transfer when the Eagles face the Florida A and M Rattlers at 7pm at the Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Florida.

Miller was granted an NCAA waiver for immediate eligibility following his transfer from Ole Miss to FGCU in June. According to the Eagles, Miller became the sixth newcomer

for the Eagles roster heading into the 2020-21 season, joining four early signees and one graduate transfer. The Eagles will return 70 percent of its scoring back in the line-up along with seven players who saw significant action in 25-or-more games during the 2019-20 season. FGCU competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference. They come off a 10-22 season that concluded with a loss in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.

This is the third season at the helm for McPheeMcCuin as head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball programme.

They open the season at 7pm against Northwestern State at home at the Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi.

McPhee-McCuin welcomes No.1 recruiting class in the SEC and No.13 class in the nation. The team will also see the return of Bahamian recruit Valerie Nesbitt to the programme for her senior season.

Nairn and the No.13 ranked Spartans open the season at 6pm against Eastern Michigan at the Breslin

THE NCAA Division I basketball season tips off Wednesday, November 25 and several Bahamian players, including Kai Jones (Texas Longhorns), are scheduled to compete on the opening day of the COVID-19-shortened season. Jones has been listed as a highly coveted prospect for the 2021 NBA Draft by Sports Illustrated.

Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

They finished last season with a 22-9 record (14-6 in the Big Ten), tied for first place. The Spartans return several key starters and players from last year’s team.

Nairn played four seasons at Michigan State and was part of two Big Ten championship teams while reaching the Final Four in his freshman season of 2015. He joined the

programme as a graduate assistant in 2019.

McLean and the No.17 ranked Houston Cougars open the season at 3pm against the Lamar Cardinals at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas.

The Cougars have posted back-to-back American Athletic Conference regular-season championships, five straight 20-win seasons and four postseason appearances with two NCAA Tournaments,

including a berth in the 2019 NCAA Sweet 16.

The Cougars return four starters. They finished last season with a 23-8 overall record (13-5 in the AAC).

McClean played for the Cougars from 2010-15. He entered the pro ranks with the Cougars in internal operations during the 201516 season and joined the full-time staff as assistant director for player development for the 2016-17 season.

COVID-19 STOPS HUNTER AND THE REBELS FROM PAGE 11

SAMMY Hunter and the Ole Miss Rebels will not tip off their season as scheduled due to a series of COVID-19 tests within the men’s basketball programme.

per game and averaged 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.

He scored a career-high eight points in a November win over Western Michigan and finished with seven points and a career-high three blocks in a February win over Vanderbilt, tying for the most blocks by a Rebel in a game throughout the season.

Romad Dean expected to continue his star climb FROM PAGE 11 ball-handling and I had to work on my jumper.”

His season was highlighted by a 21-point, 33-rebound performance in a win over J Addison Prep last November.

“My mentality was just to go after everything,” he said. “After being free of knee problems and strengthening the muscle around my knees and the pain went away, my athleticism shifted,” he added.

While interaction is limited due to COVID-19 protocols, Dean said he remains grounded both on the court and in the classroom.

“We’re not able to scrimmage, we’re just doing a lot of skills work and a lot of drills but there’s no contact,” he said.

“I talk to my dad and my mom everyday and they remind me to stay focused not just in basketball but with my schoolwork too so that keeps me motivated.”

The 17-year-old has had major success as a Bahamas junior national team player and has now reportedly received 12 offers from Division I programmes thus far, including the Butler Bulldogs, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Arizona State Sun Devils, Ole Miss Rebels and Austin Peay

Governors and more. Dean was also nominated for Canada’s premier prep basketball showcase as one of 198 players named BioSteel All Canadian Games - 2020 Boys Nominees List.

He noted that he patterned his game after Bahamian basketball icons Chavano “Buddy” Hield and Deandre Ayton, but it was current Florida Gulf Coast guard Franco Miller Jr who opened the door to Crestwood.

Miller and Dean were former teammates with the Tabernacle Baptist Falcons before Miller matriculated to Crestwood to conclude his prep career.

“He opened the doors for me, telling coach Ro about me and coach Ro brought me up to Atlanta to play for his Grassroots Elite team in a tournament.

“He saw the potential in me, saw that I could play and the next year I joined the programme at Crestwood.”

He hopes to create the same opportunities for other Bahamians following in his path.

“The process wasn’t difficult, it was just a matter of getting your paperwork straight, but you’ve got to be able to play and you’ve got to be able to work hard,” he said. “It’s not easy over here.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020, PAGE 15

Roadmasters: ‘We were ‘the first long distance group to do a virtual race’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THEY didn’t have an overall winner, but all participants of the Bahamas Roadmasters’ 2020 virtual Bahamas Half and 10 kilometre race walked about with some hardware yesterday at the Palmdale Vision Center.

From Monday to Saturday, more than 250 competitors participated in their 13.1 half marathon or 6.2 miles 10k on their own. All they had to do was photograph their start and finish and record their times for proof of completion.

“I think the response was overwhelming. We did a trial run for Labour Day and for Independence,” said Marcel Major, president of the Bahamas Roadmasters.

“We were the first long distance group to do a virtual race.

“We targeted about 300 participants for this one and we ended up with about 250-275, so this was a real success. We had a steady flow of people coming in to produce their evidence, so we feel the public received it very well.”

A number of competitors from New Providence, Abaco, Long Island, Florida and as far as Boston all participated, but from a distance in keeping up with the COVID-19 protocols of no mass gatherings and more social distance.

Lance Bodie, who competed in his first event, said it was a lot of fun.

“Virtually, it was kind of different, but I’m used to running on my own,” said Bodie, who never competed in any other form of competitive sports.

“I ran from St Vincent to Montagu Beach and back, so I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to doing it again.

“I like it. For me, running has been my go to for me to relax myself and clear my mind. So on that run, it added an extra purpose.”

The 32-year-old said with everything closed because of COVID-19, the race was his escape, but he’s hoping that he can get to participate in a full marathon here in the future.

On the contrasting side, Teresa Roberts has only missed about two events hosted by Bahamas Roadmasters since they started in 2014, “I’m a part of the Early Bird Running Group, so we all train together and practice. We pushed to do it virtually. There were about nine of us,” said the 60-year-old Roberts.

While the Early Birds started at Harbour Bay, Roberts went to the Go Slow Bend and back to Arawak Cay for her 10k.

All of the other members in her group did the half marathon.

“I had an injury in March, so I wasn’t prepared to do the half marathon with them,” she stated. “But if they have another one, I plan to be a part of it. I really enjoyed it.”

Cassandra Smith, the secretary of the Bahamas

LANCE Bodie receives his half LINDA BURROWS, left, and marathon medal from Marcel Alexis Curry give the Bahamas Major.

Half Marathon thumbs up.

BAHAMAS Roadmasters executives (l-r) Alexis Curry, Cassandra Smith, Anastasia Turnquest, Marcel Major, Michael Cunningham and Eunice Jo.

TERESA Roberts receives her 10K medal from Marcel Major.

Roadmasters, said she was delighted to receive the many participants, who showed up to present their information to the race organisers.

Along with Major and Smith, the other members present were Michael Cunningham, the vice president, Alexis Curry, the assistant treasurer, Anastasia Turnquest, the assistant secretary and Eunice Johnson, a club member.

“I think it was great. I saw more people participate in the run, who once they heard about it and having been locked down for so long, wanted to come out and participate,” Smith said.

“We had a lot of new faces who came out and I think they just ran because they wanted to be free.

But overall, I think it was a good race and we had a

lot of people who posted on our Facebook page why they decided to run.”

Having gotten the first virtual run under their belt, Smith said they are eager to put on the next one.

Major said they are already planning to stage it during the Christmas season in December, so stay tuned.

As for Smith, she was just as delighted to have been able to run on Saturday as she produced her best half marathon time ever, running from the Caves at Orange Hill to the Boulevard twice and back. “I was pleased with it. I was pleased with my training,” she said. “I just love it.”

The Cancer Treatment Center of America were the title sponsors for the event, which will give part proceeds to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Cancer Fund.

MARCEL Major presents Keith REGINA Smith receives her Russell with his 10K medal. half marathon medal.

MAJOR presents Jam Mackey MAJOR presents Dr Gia Jones with his first 10K medal. with her first 10K medal.