12062022 NEWS AND SPORT

Promised legislation by end of year now ‘not likely’, says AG

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE promises from the Davis administration to present the marijuana legal isation to Parliament before the end of the year, Attor ney General Ryan Pinder said yesterday that this is “not likely”.

Mr Pinder said the gov ernment is still working on the proposed legislation, however, he was unable to give a definite timeline.

“It is coming along well. Just some technical aspects we have to work through,”

he told The Tribune yesterday.

In July, Prime Minis ter Philip “Brave” Davis said by the end of the year Bahamians will know the direction his admin istration intends to take when it comes to cannabis legalisation.

“The issue of marijuana and the legalisation of marijuana, what aspect of it is going to be legalised, is under active consideration by my administration,” Mr Davis said.

PINTARD: CHANGE LAWS AND PROTECT WOMEN

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREE

National Move ment leader Michael Pintard said far too many women and girls are being abused in domestic situations and that “chau vinistic” laws must be changed.

“That has to be addressed,” he said. “And contrary to what many

people may think, rape could occur in marriage.

“So, it cannot be right that a woman can press charges for being brutal ised, punched, kicked, slapped in the marital situ ation, but she cannot press charges when she feels she is being violated because her life is at risk.”

Mr Pintard was speak ing at the Grand Bahama FNM Women’s Association

TRIBUNE MANAGING EDITOR EUGENE DUFFY DIES

THE managing editor of The Tribune newspaper, Eugene Duffy, has died aged 60 after a period of illness.

Mr Duffy joined The Tribune in 2017. He was a former editor of The Mirror newspaper and group man aging editor of the Trinity Mirror group in the UK, bringing with him a wealth of experience.

He oversaw The Trib une through a period of two great disasters for The Bahamas – Hurricane

him: “Eugene Duffy was the kind of driven editor who could smell a story a mile away. He was relent less in his pursuit of the truth, obstinate once he drew a conclusion, always urging his reporters to dig deeper and treat every story as if it mattered.

“Sadly, they don’t make editors like Eugene Duffy any more and now we have lost a great one, as tough as he was wise, as humorous as he was serious. He will

OCCUPANCY AT ATLANTIS IS SOARING

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ATLANTIS continues to beat its revenue targets and is predicting a strong 2023 first half, a senior executive has revealed, with the wider resort industry bracing for 90 percent-plus occupan cies over the Christmas and New Year period.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL health officials have seen a rise in the number of reported flu cases in the country, with one expert warning Baha mians to stay alert and up to date with their influ enza vaccinations before heading into the holiday season.

Dr Felicia Greenslade, head of the Ministry of Health’s National Sur veillance Unit, told The Tribune yesterday that officials started seeing an increase in flu-like cases, particularly Influenza A, in early November.

Dorian in 2019, and the COVID pandemic.

Regular Tribune column ist Diane Phillips said of

Sailing for science

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS yester day praised the STEM for the Oceans programme that hosted 80 students and others on board the world’s largest cruise ship, calling the initiative something that speaks to the bright future for Bahamian natu ral resources.

Royal Caribbean Inter national partnered with the Pan American Develop ment Foundation (PADF) as well as the Global Con versations Development Centre in The Bahamas to host 80 Bahamian students, ages five and older, as well as some teachers and gov ernment officials on board its Wonder of the Seas ship for the fourth year of its STEM for Oceans programme.

The Wonder of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship at 362m long and 64m wide.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Vaughn Miller expressed his grati tude to the cruise line and PADF for the programme.

“Thank you so much for helping to educate a number of our students and that speaks to the future. We would want them to be educated particularly in the

sciences and as it relates to the environment so that we can maintain and sustain what God has blessed us with,” he said.

State Minister for Edu cation Zane Lightbourne, who was also on board the cruise ship yesterday, said he has seen a recent rise of student interest in the areas of science, technology, engi neering and mathematics or STEM.

“We noticed that a lot of our students’ interests are in the sciences, math, tech nology and engineering and it’s not only because they are high paying jobs, but this is a sustainable learning and education for our stu dents,” he said.

“We appreciate that this was the first port of call for the largest ship in the cruise industry and we look forward to those types of

things that we can boast of.

The fact that Royal Carib bean also houses two of our former students, who are now at captain level, for the region that is extremely significant for a small coun try,” Mr Lightbourne said.

He said as the govern ment is looking for more students to get involved in the maritime industry and sustainable learning and development, this pro gramme is just one of many available to students focus ing on STEM.

Ja-janaee Clarke, a 15-year-old student from CV Bethel Senior High School, said her experi ence in the programme has caused her interest in STEM to bloom.

“I was in biology and my biology teacher had brought it to our attention and I was like oh this seems cool to learn about the marine and water. I don’t really like it,

so I thought maybe I could grow to like it so this would be a good opportunity for me,” she said.

When asked if her point of view of the subject has now changed about what she wants to do in the future, the student said, “Very much so.”

Wonder of the Seas yes terday shared the port with Royal Caribbean’s Har mony of the Seas cruise ship, the third largest cruise ship in the world. Two ships of that magnitude had never shared a port before yesterday and in addition four other cruise ships were in port yesterday as well.

Earlier this year, 30 Bahamian teach ers were involved in week-long workshops focused on STEM.

The workshops were hosted by Royal Caribbean Group, PADF and The Car ibbean Science Foundation.

THE WONDER of the Seas, right, was the destination for 80 students who took part in a scheme to promote science, mathematics, technology and engineering.

Photos: Moise Amisial

SOME of the students on board yesterday.

STATE Minister for Education Zane Lightbourne.

Tribune managing editor

Eugene Duffy dies, aged 60

be missed for his humour as well as his grit and that gift of detective with a pen.”

Fellow columnist Front Porch added: “When I first met Duffy to discuss becom ing a columnist at The Tribune, we had a vigorous exchange in negotiating an agreement. We eventually worked through our differ ences, and though we did not always agree on cer tain matters, we developed a warm and professional working relationship.

“He was well-informed about world affairs and curi ous to learn more about The Bahamas. Like any good relationship, we learned much from each other. This columnist will miss his sharp insights and sometimes irreverent humour.

“He is obviously mourned by his family and friends in Britain. He will also be missed by the Baha mians who came to know him during his relatively brief time with us. He knew the goodness and warts of The Bahamas. But he had an affection for the country and will be missed.”

Sir Christopher Ondaatje, who writes the Literary Lives column in The Trib une’s Weekend section, said: “Eugene Duffy was a true professional editor and journalist. He had taste and judgement – and we worked together at The Tribune for nearly four years. He always kept his characteris tic sense of humour.

“I will miss him enormously.”

Serena Williams, of Serena Williams Media and Public Relations, knew of Mr Duffy from his days working in UK newspapers. She said: “I am greatly saddened at the news that Eugene, or Duffy as we called him, has passed away.

“I knew of him during my

years in London working in Public Relations. We had many Fleet Street friends in common and I was thrilled to meet him personally when he came to Nassau to fill the managing editor’s post at The Tribune

“He was a dyed-in-thewool journalist, loved every second of it and did a great job too. Warm and friendly and always help ful, we often enjoyed long chats about the Fleet Street days and the journalists we knew. Many laughs and lots of memories shared. I’ll miss you Duffy. God Bless. Keep writing those great ‘right hook’ headlines.”

Tribune columnist Felic ity Darville said: “Eugene impacted my career as a journalist in a most mean ingful way. When I told him of my personal mission to get more good news in the news, he sat with me and together, we carved out my column, Face to Face with Felicity. He loved my writ ing and encouraged me in my pursuit. He also held no words back when it came to constructive criticism. We also shared many laughs together. He will be missed, and I want his family to know that he loved them dearly and bragged about them all the time. Rest on, dear Eugene, our managing editor and friend.”

Celebrity Artist Jamaal Rolle, for many years the cartoonist at The Tribune and now Ambassador-atLarge for Cultural Affairs, drew a portrait of Mr Duffy as a tribute - and added his own voice to those reflect ing on their experiences with him.

He said: “Mr Duffy was unique. He valued the story, took risks, and was never afraid to put a story out provocatively. He was determined to change the face of daily news in our country.

“I am honoured that he respected and admired my

work. In correspondence with me, he shared, ‘No one in the world could have put that together quite like you did’. He was referring to a cartoon I created for my column. ‘It’s the perfect

marriage of caption, draw ing, and humour’.

“I will always cherish his wisdom, support, and con fidence in me. May his soul rest in peace.”

MARIJUANA LAWS PLAN UP IN SMOKE

from page one

“One would have noted in our Blueprint for Change that we did acknowledge that medic inal use of marijuana is acceptable to us. It’s a question of whether we’re going to move as far as recreational mari juana, but we’re in the process and you would’ve

heard the Attorney Gen eral indicate that he will be coming to Cabinet very shortly with legisla tion for Cabinet to have a view on where we go from there.

“But by the end of this year you’ll know exactly where we’re heading and so far as investors are con cerned that’s our mantra of the Progressive Liberal Party is Bahamians first

and I expect Bahamians to be involved in that busi ness,” Mr Davis said at the time.

In June, Mr Pinder said the Davis administration intended to advance com prehensive legislation to regulate a medical canna bis industry and a separate framework for industrial hemp. At the time, he said this would be done in the first six months of the fiscal

year, meaning by the end of 2022.

Rastafarian priest Rith mond McKinney told this newspaper yesterday that he was still awaiting word from the government on the issue, however he was optimistic that the legisla tion will be presented this month.

He said he will “humbly” wait to see what transpires in the weeks to come.

“I hope they (the gov ernment) do it before the year ends, as this is the last month in the year and they did say before the year out,” he said yesterday. “I did hear that this month they (the government) will make sure do it, so I’m just waiting to hear from them. I hope they do.”

Mr McKinney, of the local Rastafarian Bobo Shanti tribe, had previously

told this newspaper that despite the pace of the process, he is thankful that things are moving in the right direction regarding marijuana reform.

“It’s a positive step in the right direction con cerning marijuana. But (at) the same time they can’t forget about fun damental constitutional rights as Rastafarians,” he had said.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN American man was fined in Magistrate‘s Court yesterday after admitting to having brought weed with him to smoke on his vacation.

Gian Luca Chagas, 23, of New Jersey, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKin ney on an initial charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

While at the US Border Protection at LPIA on the morning of Decem ber 2, Chagas was arrested

after he was found with 17.5 grams of marijuana. In a police interview the accused admitted to buying the drugs at home intend ing to use it while in The Bahamas.

Chagas pleaded guilty to the charge in court. After being informed by the accused that he was una ware that weed was illegal in this jurisdiction the mag istrate elected to reduce the charge to simple possession of dangerous drugs.

Chagas was then fined $400 for the offence or risk two months in custody.

Mr Duffy took great

pride in the supplement he personally oversaw paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on her passing.

He returned to England in recent months for treat ment, and died on Sunday.

He is survived by his wife, Gill, and his children. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

• See Editorial on PAGE SIX.

EUGENE DUFFY, in a portrait created by Ambassador-at-Large for Cultural Affairs Jamaal Rolle.

FTX founder ‘still learning’ what caused firm’s collapse

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

DISGRACED FTX

founder Sam BankmanFried said he is still “learning” and “reviewing” what led to his company’s collapse last month, adding he is not sure he will be ready to testify before Con gress at a hearing in the United States next week.

His comments were in response to a tweet from US House financial services chair Maxine Waters who said that the information in the public domain thus far is “sufficient” for testimony based on Mr BankmanFried’s role as former

FTX CEO and his media interviews.

The embattled former billionaire has given a series of interviews to the international media con fessing mistakes that led to the crypto giant’s downfall.

However, viewers thought Mr Bankman-Fried’s can dour in press interviews would open him up to more legal problems.

Mrs Waters tweeted about his willingness to speak on the matter.

“We appreciate that you’ve been candid in your discussions about what happened at FTX. Your willingness to talk to the public will help

the company’s custom ers, investors, and others. To that end, we would welcome your participa tion in our hearing on the 13th,” she tweeted on Friday.

In a US House Commit tee on Financial Services statement released last month, the US congress woman announced the schedule for December which included the full committee convening for a hybrid hearing entitled “Investigating the Collapse of FTX, Part 1” on Decem ber 13.

In response, Mr Bank man-Fried tweeted on Sunday: “Rep Waters, and

the House Committee on Financial Services: Once I have finished learning and reviewing what happened, I would feel like it was my duty to appear before the committee and explain. I’m not sure that will happen by the 13th but when it does, I will testify.”

Mrs Water tweeted to him about the information he has already given and said it was “imperative” to attend.

“Based on your role as CEO and your media inter views over the past few weeks, it’s clear to us that the information you have thus far is sufficient for tes timony,” her tweet read.

“As you know, the col lapse of FTX has harmed over one million people. Your testimony would not only be meaningful to members of Congress, but is also critical to the Ameri can people.

“It is imperative that you attend our hearing on the 13th, and we are will ing to schedule continued hearings if there is more information to be shared later.”

During an hour-long interview at the DealBook Summit last week, Mr Bankman-Fried, who did the interview from The Bahamas, did not rule out the possibility of going to

the United States to answer questions.

“I’ve thought about it and I’ve seen a lot obvi ously of the hearings that have been happening. I, you know, would not be surprised if you know, some time I am, you know, up there talking about what happened to our rep resentatives or, you know, wherever else is most appropriate,” Mr Bank man-Fried said.

Mr Bankman-Fried also said he did not try to commit fraud and unknow ingly commingled funds of his company’s customers with his hedge fund Alam eda Research.

PINTARD: CHANGE LAWS AND PROTECT WOMEN

from page one

installation banquet on Sunday held under the patronage of his wife, Ber lice Pintard.

Also in attendance were FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright and Kwasi Thompson, MP for East Grand Bahama.

Mr Pintard stressed that wherever women and girls are put at risk and in dif ficult situations, politicians must speak up. “We must not permit politics to trump our voice to silence us. We must still be able even at little risk to say that some things have to change in how we govern,” he stated.

In terms of women’s health, Mr Pintard said women and girls are chal lenged simply to get a mammogram because required equipment is either not working or avail able at the Rand and at

Princess Margaret Hospital. The FNM leader said that National Insurance is another area where many women are facing chal lenges. “The day has come for us to transform National Insurance. We are talking to far too many women who are saying they are unable to get the benefits/resources they are deserving in the passing of their late hus band,” he added.

On the issue of citizen ship, Mr Pintard said a woman, whether single or married, should be able to seamlessly pass on her

citizenship to her child.

“The bias that exists within our laws and within our cul ture we have got to fight the chauvinism and sexism, and the political interference that prevents it - we have work to do,” he stressed.

Mr Pintard said the FNM has lots of work to do. He indicated that violence in society continues to increase, adding that mur ders have surpassed 120 for the year. “This government was not ready on day one, and it is not ready now and we must make sure that we retire a number of them.”

Mr

“You have to deal with the bread-and-butter issues that our people face in GB - people are crying out for answers,” Mr Pintard said.

“It is only three of us right now in GB. We need two more. We charge you FNMs to bring us two more and expand the margin of three we have already. In 2026, the FNM will be back in government,” he said.

GET YOUR SHOTS AS FLU CASES ARE ON THE RISE

from page one

The increase comes at a time when COVID-19 cases continue to be on the down ward trend in the country.

“So, this only speaks to the early part of November. We haven’t got an update since then, but we saw basi cally, our COVID numbers basically dropping off and our Influenza A specifically showing quite an increase, Influenza B is there, but it’s even less than the COVID numbers,” she said.

“So, we’re noticing this trend in terms of increasing flu numbers and less of the COVID, but persons need to still be mindful what you can do to prevent COVID is the same thing that you would do to prevent flu.

“Like when you’re talk ing about good respiratory hygiene, you’re covering your coughs or sneezes with your elbow or with a dispos able piece of tissue, keeping your hands clean after sani tization and for those who are more inclined toward it, you can even continue to wear your mask, if you wish, but the best thing that we will advocate for us to do at this point in time is to be vaccinated.” Dr Greenslade added.

“You can get your flu vaccine at any govern ment clinic. They are free of charge at any of our government facilities. And you just go and you get it. I don’t think you even have to register at the clinic to get a flu shot. And it’s there for children as well.”

Recent reports from the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) have also noted a growing number of flu cases this season, with over 40 states reporting “high” or “very high” levels of influenza-like activity. Last month, Pan American Health

Organisation (PAHO) director Dr Carissa Etienne warned that cases of sea sonal influenza were on the rise in the region “following two years of below-average activity” and urged coun tries to remain on guard.

Yesterday, Dr Greenslade suggested that the uptick in flu cases this year was not surprising given the recent relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions which limited movement and social inter action during the pandemic.

“You would see an increase because if you look up what was happening last year, persons weren’t moving about, persons were in their home and persons weren’t coming out like that and so you had a good degree of social distancing,” she added.

“You only interacted with the persons in your immediate household. So, we actually had little to no flu in the years of COVID. So now we’re seeing this increase, because again, there’s a bit of naivety to our systems. We’ve all been locked up for a bit, not to use that term, but we’ve all been in for a bit.

“The beauty of the flu virus, like other viruses, it mutates, but as you get your exposure each year, you keep a degree of experi ence and exposure towards it. We haven’t had that so there’s a degree of naivety to our systems as well, so we anticipated we actually did as we spoke about it within the unit, we antici pated seeing a good amount of flu cases.”

According to Dr Greenslade, no local deaths have been confirmed to date due to the respiratory illness.

However, she was also clear that this doesn’t mean people can let their guards down and again reminded

everyone to get their flu shots.

“Historically, we’ve been challenged with getting our public to take the flu vaccine,” Dr Greenslade added. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there. The same thing that I tried to clear up - persons actu ally saying they took it and got sick, but what they’re not understanding again is the timeline that they may have been exposed prior to getting their vaccine.

“Every vaccine that the government brings in is vetted and approved for safety first, we don’t just say, ‘okay, we’ve got to bring this in.’ We have our experts in country, as well as persons who we confer with regionally and inter nationally and the decision is made based on all the safety parameters that are in place - where the vaccine would have been made, the components of it to make sure what we are asking for is exactly what we’re getting.

“There’s a whole board that sits and makes sure that is the case so what ever is being brought into the country is safe and it’s not just safe. It’s efficient and effective. So, Bahami ans can have confidence in the vaccines that are being brought in, especially with this flu vaccine.”

The flu season usually starts in late September or early October and ends around March, according to local officials.

Some doctors have already started seeing an increased number of patients with flu-like illnesses, with some com plaining of worsened and longer symptoms.

However, local officials were unable to confirm that this year’s flu-like symp toms are worse compared to previous years.

Pintard said Baha mians are struggling while those elected to govern on Grand Bahama are about taking pictures and travel ling around the world.

FROM left, Kathy Munnings, newly installed president of the Grand Bahama FNM Women’s Associa tion; national executives-asst chaplain Jacqueline Hepburn; first vice president Laverne Bowe; and assistant treasurer Jacqueline Penn-Knowles. Missing is Donna Laing-Jones, trustee.

OPPOSITION leader Michael Pintard, with his wife, Berlice (left), at the Grand Bahama FNM Women’s Installation Banquet on Sun day at the Bahamas Union of Teacher Building in Freeport. Also pictured is assistant treasurer Jacqueline Penn-Knowles.

Miller: I’m talking to cruise lines about pollution problem

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ENVIRONMENT

and Natural Resources Minis ter Vaughn Miller yesterday said he is in conversation with cruise lines about the issue of pollution in Baha mian waters. If necessary, he said, the government will use the “maximum extent of the law” to deal with the issue.

“We’ve had extensive conversations with some cruise lines that I am not at liberty to mention, to let them know how serious we take this and there’s some matters we’re dealing with privately that we will take it to the maximum extent that the law will provide us to enact upon them. So we take it really seriously,” Mr Miller said.

He spoke to reporters at an event on board a cruise ship yesterday.

The Tribune had previ ously reported that a US court mandated report in 2019 found Carnival ships dumped hundreds of thou sands of gallons of treated

sewerage and more than 8,000 gallons of food waste in Bahamian waters in 2017.

In doing so, the court found Carnival violated the Inter national Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) which specifies how food

waste and sewage must be disposed.

The Ministry of Transport and Local Government had previously said it found the allegations disturbing and that the Port Department and the Bahamas Maritime Authority would investi gate the allegations. Yet, the outcome of the investi gation has not been made public.

In March, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said the corporation’s “number one priority” is compliance and care for the environment.

When The Tribune asked Ms Duffy at the time if Car nival Cruise Line accepts possible sanctions and what the company would do in the future to improve, she said the company is taking measures to take care of the

environment.

“Our number one prior ity is compliance and care for the environment,” Ms Duffy said in March. “The work that we are doing, the investment we are making to ensure that we can oper ate sustainably as we have made investment on our newest ships with LNG technology and any lessons that we have learned we have incorporated into our commitments as we move forward to ensure that we keep everyone healthy, safe and, including the desti nations that we bring our ships to.”

Earlier this year, Trans port Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis also spoke to the media about the government’s investigation into Carnival’s dumping in Bahamian waters.

“I was advised that the office had handed that investigation over to the DEPP (Department of Environmental Planning and Protection), who has to carry out and complete the environmental portion of that report, so that they can determine what sanctions would be placed on Carni val,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said at the time.

“And, so, I think the dis cussion now lies with the DEPP and the Office of the Attorney General to deter mine what the penalties will be as it relates to Car nival. So my office just did the investigation along with them because it falls under us when it’s those sorts of incidents, but as it relates to the environmental por tion and the penalties, that would go to the DEPP.”

...AS ENVIRONMENTALIST WARNS OF CORAL DAMAGE RISK

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A LOCAL environmen talist is concerned by the arrival and anchoring of a cruise ship in waters off Lucaya, Grand Bahama, where it could cause per manent damage to healthy coral reefs in the area.

Joseph Darville, chair man of Save the Bays and Waterkeepers Bahamas, revealed that information has come to his attention that a Windstar Cruises vessel, the Star Legend, is reportedly expected to make a stop off Lucaya on December 16.

He said the ship will be in Grand Bahama from 8am and 6pm and will be ten dering passengers from the ship to Port Lucaya.

Mr Darville fears that this could pose a threat to the island’s seabed and is calling on the powers that be for an explanation.

“Once again, the island’s seabed is being threatened,” he said. “This follows a long history of these cruise ships doing massive damage to the coral around the island and ultimately the jobs, businesses, and way of life of Grand Bahamians.”

He contends that the vessel is too large to dock at Bell Channel. The Star Legend is 522 feet long, weighs 12,995 tons, and has a draft of just under 18 feet, said the environmentalist.

“Why is this ship not docking at our modern docking facilities at the har bour?” he asked.

Because of the depth of

water at Bell Channel, Mr Darville said it means that the ship will have to stay a bit more than half a mile offshore and ferry its pas sengers into Port Lucaya.

“The area where a ship this size can anchor is a bit under 300 feet wide, nearly impossible to accurately hit.

On one side of this strip, it is 2,000 feet deep, and on the other is our coral reef.

“In any wind, east or south, the anchor will drag into the reef, and between the anchor and its chain, will turn that reef into dead gravel,” he said.

Mr Darville indicated that scuba divers from all around the world come to Grand Bahama to dive there, which is one of the last healthy reefs in that area.

“Any ship of that size anchoring in this area cannot help but do per manent damage to the already endangered coral,” he said.

“It has been documented many times in the past. In 2012, the MSC Poesia ran aground in the same area and dug a 1,000ft trench in the shallow barrier reef

that protects Lucaya Beach from storm erosion. This area is still plenished with thriving coral reefs, sea grass and marine life in abundance.”

Mr Darville noted that in the Berry Islands ships anchored during the COVID pandemic destroyed many nearby coral, thus an abundance of marine life.

And this has also affected people’s livelihood, he claimed.

“The dive operations and the fishermen are now won dering how they are going

to make a living moving forward,” said Mr Darville.

“Don’t let Grand Bahama be the next casualty. How do we recognise this with our world-wide touting blue economy as well as our determined efforts to grow and restore some of our dead and damaged reefs?

“Please, powers that be, give us some answers and explanations. We who daily strive to protect our deli cate environment deserve answers,” Mr Darville said.

The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation announced last week that Windstar

Cruises’ Star Legend vessel will make an inaugural voyage to Grand Bahama on Friday, December 16. The vessel has a capacity of 312 guests.

Nuvolari

Straw vendors at Port Lucaya Marketplace said business is slow and they are struggling to pay their rent, and have called on the government to ensure they get their share of cruise visi tors at Port Lucaya.

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

A UNITED States Coast Guard official has told migrants that “smugglers do not care” whether they live or die after 79 Haitians, including several children were transferred to Baha mian authorities over the weekend.

The 34 men, 32 women and 13 children were appre hended following two suspected smuggling opera tions about eight miles east of Lake Worth Inlet.

The group was turned over to Bahamian officials on Saturday.

“Smugglers do not care whether your loved ones live or die,” said Lt j g Nich olas Fujimoto, Coast Guard District Seven said, accord ing to a press statement issued by USCG. “Don’t waste your hard-earned money on smugglers and illegal voyages.”

Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office officials notified Sector Miami watchstand ers of a suspicious 30-foot boat that was taking on water on November 25, at approximately 10.30pm.

The next day, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office officials made another notification of a suspicious 30-foot boat at approximately 9pm.

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants

received food, water, shelter and basic medical attention, USCG said. A USCG offi cial was unable to provide further details.

In July, 17 Haitians died, including a pregnant woman and two minors, while several people are believed to be still missing.

Police suspect that some 45 people were travelling to Florida from New Provi dence on July 24 when their boat capsized in rough seas near Blackbeard’s Cay.

According to officials, six of the 17 people who died from the tragedy were identified, while nine uni dentified people were laid to rest in early October.

At the time, newly appointed Haitian Chargé d’affaires Louis Harold Joseph, who spoke Creole and was assisted by a translator, expressed his sympathy for the victims and urged the Haitian com munity not to participate in smuggling operations.

“Brothers and sisters listen clearly. They (the vic tims) were seeking a better life and they lost their lives. We must learn from this capsize,” Mr Joseph said.

“Yes, we have a lot of problems in Haiti, but that does not mean just to leave Haiti in any condi tion. Don’t believe that we can just go on any organ ised voyage, that they love us — those people are only

seeking to make money. If they did really love us they would have greater precau tions in what they do,” Mr Joseph said.

Dr Antoine St Louis, president of the United Association of Haitians and Bahamians, has also

expressed similar senti ments urging Haitians not to take such deadly voyages.

Mr Louis spoke to The Tribune after the funeral service for some of the migrants in October.

“It is our prayer that

such a thing never happens again. That everyone who has a family will tell them this is not the way. We call those people who took their (victims) money gangsters, that’s what they are. They do not care about lives, they just care about making

money.

“They are not helping the people, they are just making life worse for them,” he said at the time.

The victims were laid to rest at the Southern Cemetery, also known as Spikenard Cemetery.

Chotoos ingh, general manager at MOTIA, said increasing cruise arrivals to Grand Bahama is very significant.

ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Minister Vaughn Miller speaking yesterday. Photo: Moise Amisial

THE STAR LEGEND, operated by Windstar Cruises, which is due to make a stop off Lucaya, Grand Bahama, on December 16.

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

(242) 322-1986 Advertising

(242) 502-2394 Circulation Department (242) 502-2386 Nassau fax (242) 328-2398 Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608 Freeport fax (242) 352-9348

Farewell to Tribune managing editor Eugene Duffy

EUGENE Duffy was a self-confessed old school journalist.

He came from a Fleet Street back ground in the UK, and worked for many years at the Mirror newspaper.

Often, he would share anecdotes of his time there, including stories of his former editor, Piers Morgan, and fellow colleagues.

He was closely involved in some of the major stories in the UK – from ensur ing exclusive stories by tucking sources away in rented cottages to facing off against legal claims from the richest in the land. And his behind-the-scenes sto ries were often filled with remarkable moments.

When Eugene came to The Tribune in July 2017, taking the role filled by former managing editor David Chap pell, he could little have known of the magnitude of what faced him – with the country about to be plunged into two major disasters.

First came Hurricane Dorian, which devastated Grand Bahama and Abaco. For Eugene, there were anxious hours waiting to hear from The Tribune’s own staff members, with a reporter and pho tographer in Abaco as the storm hit, and staff members at our Grand Bahama office too.

Few will have seen the efforts he went to in order to make sure staff members were safe and to get them home – where they were able to tell the inside story of surviving inside the hurricane, and an eyewitness view of the aftermath.

After that came the COVID-19 pan demic – which was a challenge to people and businesses across the nation.

Eugene made sure The Tribune never stumbled through the tough times of COVID. As a company, we suffered our own personal losses to the disease. Each day, we picked up and carried on. Through lockdowns, we found a way to publish and spread the news. Things had to be done a different way at times. We had to adapt to offices being closed and staff working from home. Still, Eugene

made sure the newspaper met its dead lines, and reached our readers. In those difficult seas, he was a firm hand at the wheel.

He would speak of his pride in the office of being the managing editor for more than five years, while away from the office he was a regular face at the Poop Deck, where talk would often run to the politics of the nation.

He was a dog lover, who brought his pets across from England no matter the cost, and would often talk about his family back in the UK, particularly when proud of their achievements.

Eugene was a news man through and through. He spoke of how when he first tried to get a job as a reporter, he was on his way to the interview when he saw a crime taking place. He whipped out his notebook, took down all the details and when he arrived at his interview –slightly late because of the events along the way – and was asked why he wasn’t there on time, he waved his notebook and said he had a story for them, sat down and wrote it and into the paper it went. The job was his.

In recent times, his ill health ham pered him from playing the full part he wished at The Tribune, and his last major involvement, when he was already planning to return to the UK, was in organising and publishing The Tribune’s tribute supplement to Queen Elizabeth II on her death.

He arranged for staff to scour The Tribune archives for photographs of Royal visits across the years, spoke to The Tribune’s columnists who contrib uted articles at short notice, and oversaw the reporters and page editors to create a widely-praised work.

Afterwards, while speaking to one of The Tribune’s staff members, who com plimented the publication, he stopped for a moment, nodded and said: “Not a bad way to go out.”

We offer our condolences to his family, and our prayers that he will rest in peace. Thank you, Eugene.

Frugality? Prove it!

EDITOR, The Tribune.

GOVERNMENT talks but they don’t practice what they preach frugality!

Didn’t the Minister of Finance ask us to be frugal?

Is spending $31 plus million on completing an already very much over budgeted Baseball Stadium far from being frugal?

Look at the Beach Soccer Stadium. Over the past five-six years, how often has that been used? Honestly very, very few times and all that talk multi-purpose use.

Honestly, the Tommy Robinson stadium has never been filled to capac ity since it was opened it needs millions to upgrade,

yes, promise from Chinese hoping as that is a further $15 plus million.

Frugal is precisely the sole and only meaning the dictionary tells us.

Hoping, but not holding breathe.

JESSICA MUSGROVE

Nassau, November 21, 2022.

GB does not need Nassau charity LETTERS

EDITOR, The Tribune.

A PROMINENT solici tor who responded to the remarks of the financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance in The Tribune Business spoke for most Grand Bahamians when he essentially said that New Providence was not sus taining that northern island in the wake of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

He countered that it was the other way around, with the majority of civil servants residing in New Providence. These civil servants’ salaries are par tially funded by Grand Bahamian taxpayers. I would go even further by stating that Grand Bahama does not need any charity from New Providence.

According to The Trib une, Simon Wilson said that “New Providence and other islands cannot crosssubsidise these concessions forever.”

Wilson’s statement was in regards to the expiration of the Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) implemented by the Free National Movement administration. Grand Bahamians and Aba conians seeking further concessions will now have their applications vetted on a case-by-case basis.

In my opinion, Wilson was absolutely correct when he alleged that the SERZ orders were abused by some unscrupulous indi viduals seeking to evade taxes.

In fact, hundreds of New Providence residents prob ably benefitted directly, by having their unscrupulous Grand Bahamian families bring in vehicles, appli ances, building supplies and other expensive wares from abroad without having to pay duty and VAT.

I had seen many SUV trucks which were allegedly shipped in from the United States, and were headed for New Providence for the folks who “who cannot continue to cross-subsidise these concessions forever”.

In this regard, the Pro gressive Liberal Party should not be faulted for

seeking to put an end to this abuse.

This is where I stand in solidarity with Wilson and his government bosses.

Where we part ways is him inadvertently giving the impression that New Provi dence has been sustaining Grand Bahama economi cally via the Dorian related tax concessions.

At least, this is how Grand Bahamians have interpreted Wilson. Wil son’s estimation that the state had forfeited $150m over the past three years in tax concessions to Grand Bahama and Abaco is a drop in the bucket, when you factor in the billions of dollars in damage sustained by the two northern islands.

Grand Bahama is home to Buckeye Bahamas (BORCO), Polymers Inter national Limited, Bahama Rock of Martin Marietta Materials, Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited, Freeport Container Port Limited, Bradford Marine, Emera’ Grand Bahama Power Company and Equinor South Riding Point.

Combined, these lucra tive corporations dump tens of millions into the Public Treasury via taxes, whether directly or indi rectly through the enviable salaries of their Bahamian employees.

On an annual basis, the state probably collects hundreds of millions from Grand Bahama alone. It is the presence of the foregoing industrial organi sations on Grand Bahama which have prevented it from completely collaps ing financially, subsequent to the closure of the Royal Oasis Resort and Casino in 2004 and the rapid deterio ration of the tourism sector on the island.

New Providence’s con tinued economic growth coincides with Grand Baha ma’s abysmal economy, which is ironclad evidence that the former’s success has no financial bearing on the latter.

To underscore this point, in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, it was internationally based NGOs such as the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Franklin Graham’s Samari tan’s Purse, World Central Kitchen and American and Canadian donors that came to the aid of desperate Grand Bahamians and Abaconians.

Had Grand Bahamians been left to depend on the Bahamian government and Nassau, many of them would’ve starved to death. Those who were gravely ill would’ve probably died had it not been for Samaritan’s Purse.

Had it not been for Emera, most of Grand Bahama would’ve been without electricity well into 2020. The scope of rebuilding the power grip in a timely manner was well beyond the expertise of Bahamas Power and Light.

Yes, help came from New Providence via NEMA. But it was infinitesimal when compared to what interna tional donors contributed.

Moreover, whatever help came from Nassau via the state was slow in coming, with many frustrated Grand Bahamians encountering red tape.

I am grateful for the small bag of groceries we received from the stateweeks after Dorian landed.

I don’t blame Wilson for attempting to get a handle of the many abuses which allegedly occurred under the SERZ orders.

But I sincerely believe that his “cross-subsidise” claims have over exagger ated Nassau’s assistance to Grand Bahama.

Once again, I want to reiterate to the good people of New Providence that it was the foreign NGOs that came to the rescue of Grand Bahama in a tangi ble manner.

Whatever assistance that came out of New Provi dence was minuscule at best.

EVANS

KEVIN

Freeport, Grand Bahama, December 5, 2022.

letters@tribunemedia.net

MEMBERS of the Garvin Tynes Coral Dance Team pictured during Governor General CA Smith’s annual visit to the Sandalins Rehabilitation Centre. Photo: Austin Fernander

Junkanoo tickets selling fast

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

TICKETS for prime Jun kanoo seating in Rawson Square are selling fast as anticipation builds for the return of the country’s pre mier cultural expression.

Dwayne Davis, chief information officer for Cable Bahamas Group of Companies, told The Trib une yesterday that officials had already sold 2,740 Junkanoo tickets for the Boxing Day parade and 226 for New Year’s Day.

Seventy-four percent of those purchases have been made online.

Mr Davis explained

the most desired seating sections such as Rawson Square and Scotiabank areas were quickly being filled.

He said that Rawson Square north and south and Scotiabank north and south are expected to be sold out.

“Those are the most desired tickets, there are still some tickets but there are not a whole lot together,” he said.

Tickets can be pur chased through the ‘Aliv events’ app which Mr Davis described as an “interac tive” app which would allow people to watch the Junkanoo parades live,

GOVERNOR GENERAL VISITS SANDILANDS

send comments, and be fully engaged with the event.

Mr Davis acknowledged that there were some tech nical glitches with the app over the weekend, however he said those issues have been resolved.

“We have resolved those; the technical glitches are resolved. I think most of the issues we have now are more user because we have put in an extra layer of secu rity because you use your debit credit card.

“I think what happens is that when you sign up, you need to get a verifica tion email and in the email

is also your password or when you reset the password. So, I think it’s more of the uptick in the knowledge rather than the functionality of the app,” he said.

Mr Davis also told this newspaper officials were still in discussion with Apple about the Aliv app being available for iPhone users, noting he hoped the matter would be resolved shortly.

“I can’t say enough how disappointed and upset I am that we’re not able to get the app in the Apple store but we’re still actively working on that,” he said. However, Mr Davis

pointed out that the usage of the app is an opportunity to “modernise” ticket pur chasing for the Junkanoo parades, saying this year’s parades will be the first automated one’s ever.

“We (Aliv) wanted to modernise Junkanoo Cor poration of New Providence (JCNP) ticket purchas ing. It’s important to note that Aliv is not making any commission or any money off ticket sales. All funds received will go 100 percent to the JCNP.”

He added: “We want eve ryone to download the app, once we do the Apple (ver sion) as well and remember it’s an interactive app. We

have a lot of surprises that’s going to come up, they haven’t seen everything yet that we’re going to do. So, we want you to download the app if you’re not able to make it to Junkanoo you can watch it online.

“Then the JCNP is going to send updates if it’s going to rain or if it’s windy. So, we want to be interactive with that, of course, there’s some other surprises that we’re working on as well. So, I think it’s going to be fun. This is going to be the first automated parade ever.”

There are an estimated 6,400 tickets available for sale for both parades.

GOVERNOR General CA Smith during his annual visit to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre yesterday. Photos: Austin Fernander

GOVERNOR General CA Smith meeiting staff at Sandilands Reha bilitation Centre yesterday.

THE GARVIN Tynes Coral Dance team, above and below, per forming during yesterday’s visit by the Governor General.

GOVERNOR General CA Smith speaking during his annual visit to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre yesterday.

A humble start and a steady climb

HE had at his disposal some of the most auspi cious mentors one could ask for. He came from humble beginnings, but lived in a loving home. His steady climb to suc cess has not been easy, but it proves what can happen when diligence and tenac ity combine. Richard C Demeritte is an accom plished accountant, noted diplomat, and loving father. As he recently became the chairman emeritus of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, he reflected on his life thus far - one that represents a steady path for others to follow.

He is known for a big, bright smile and a distin guished demeanor. But there’s something more powerful at work. Richard has a slate of achievements that have propelled him to the top of his career. He has sown seeds that have born fruit locally and inter nationally and today, at the age of 83, he is still going strong, always finding new ways to make a difference in the lives of others.

The son of Harcourt and Meriam Demeritte, Rich ard was the only son of their

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

four children. He grew up on St James Road, which is located off Shirley Street before approaching Kemp Road. In this neighbour hood, the basic amenities were absent and crime was unrestrained. But even then, Richard learned a valuable lesson inside the home - he may live in the ghetto, but the ghetto is not in him.

“There is not much glory in it, but there is no greater place of ministry, posi tion or power than that of a mother and I had an extraordinary mother,” Richard says.

“She was born in Andros, the daughter of Captain Joe Whitfield. She was no non sense and incredibly loving. My father was strict and the strongest man I’ve ever known. He was the architect of our family unit. He was a true partner to my mother in every sense of the word

and together they instilled in me and my siblings the essential truths of life. They taught us how to be good citizens of The Baha mas and to be good human beings, putting our love of and faith and God first and foremost in our lives; being honourable and trustwor thy; dependable and always demonstrating impeccable manners and respecting our elders – so that no one could brainwash us with lies and half-truths.”

St James Road was full of distinguished families, and they worked together as a community to set standards for their children.

“We were enclosed and never really travelled much around Nassau so when I moved out of that commu nity it was like going out into a new world,” he recalls.

“I was already pre pared for it because of the molding I received from my parents and extended community.”

That solid home train ing led him to heights in his educational quest as he grew, and undoubtedly helped to shape the diplo mat he became. The young Richard was enrolled in Eastern Jr and Eastern Sr schools before he went on to DW Davis Senior High. His life as an account ant began at JT Mills, The Bahamas School of Com merce. In those days, all the Bahamian accountants started out there. He also had the fortune of attending evening school at the home of Sir Carlton Francis who was headmaster for DW Davis at the time. Former Minister of Education Sir Livingston Coakley began exposing students interested in book keeping through evening classes at JT Mills and thus, the spark was lit in the mind of a young man destined for greatness.

After schooling in New Providence, Richard’s world was about to open up much farther than the limits of his stomping grounds on St James Road. He was accepted into the

Metropolitan College in the United Kingdom, where he started professional bookkeeping classes and became a student of the Association of International Account ants (London). This is where his love for the professional side of accounts was born.

It was his dream to become a member of that organisation. Many years later, when he became the High Commissioner to London for The Bahamas, he qualified for that process. A simple lesson in never giving up on your dreams. While in London, now in the seat of diplomacy, Rich ard was approached by the Association for Inter national Accountants to attend their meetings. His wealth of knowledge and his wisdom led to his selection as chairman and president of that global body. Histori cally, he became the only non-English member to be granted that opportunity at the time. He served as president from November 1, 1985 for a three-year term, and simultaneously served as Chairman of the Council during this period. He con tinued to sit as a member of the Council from 1984 to 2014.

Richard’s very first job was at the Public Treasury of The Bahamas, where he began working in 1956. His com mitment and skill did not go unnoticed. By 1967, he was tasked with moving to Grand Bahama to establish a branch of the Public Treasury there. Once again, Richard set his sights on a lofty goal. He wanted to become Auditor General for his country. He achieved this goal and was appointed Auditor Gen eral in 1980. The Auditor General’s role is to audit the finances and activities of the Government of The Com monwealth of the Bahamas. In undertaking this task, the Auditor General scrutinises the public sector for poten tial instances of wastage, inefficiency or ineffective ness, and reports the findings to Parliament. Independence is the cornerstone of public sector audit. The Auditor General must be free from pressure, influence or inter ference from any source that may erode that independ ence. This post gave Richard the opportunity to serve his fellow citizens in a way that would benefit the masses.

The field of accounting, Richard says, is one that touches every other field: “If you don’t have some knowledge of accounting, you cannot become out standing in your business life. This translates into general governance as well. It teaches you discipline and being able to prioritize items for the betterment of the company in a logi cal manner. I used this as

a fundamental rule in my tenure as Auditor General, among others, auditing the financial report on the finances of the Government of The Bahamas.”

Later on, a new career unfolded for him. As a boy, Richard loved diplomacy and was introduced to it personally by Sir Gerald Cash, Carl Francis and Paul Adderley, Arthur Hanna and Sir Lynden Pindling who were all his closest mentors. This fine cadre of distinguished gentlemen literally shaped the history of The Bahamas. Richard had the fortune of sitting at their feet and taking on their spirit of excellence, patriotism and commitment to serving their fellow man.

“I took the lessons that I learned from my mentors and my parents and went on to become High Com missioner to the United Kingdom and concurrent ambassador to the Fed eral Republic of Germany, France, the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Economic Community,” he shared.

The Bahamas High Com mission in London provides local, national and world wide information on their services to all commercial, industrial and tourist ori entated activities directed to The Bahamas. In addi tion, Ambassadors assist our compatriots and offer them the local representation and provide visa applica tions services and other consular functions. As the personal envoy of the Gov ernment of The Bahamas to the Court of St James and other European countries, the High Commissioner informs the Bahamas Gov ernment of what is going on in the United Kingdom and Europe; negotiates on The Bahamas’s behalf; watches over the development of bilateral relations in all fields, and ensures the protection of the interests of The Bahamas and nationals in the United Kingdom and Europe.

His wealth of experiences are chronicled in three books that he has authored: The Consummate Dip lomat – which depicts his diplomatic career; Lead ership Accountability in Government – which dealt with his 30 years in Govern ment; and The Nature and Dynamics of Family Life –which portrays his lessons as a son, husband, father and grandfather.

Throughout his lengthy careers, he has served as president of a number of organizations, including: Bahamas Red Cross Soci ety - Grand Bahama; Young Men’s Christian Associa tion -YMCA, (1969 -1979); Toastmasters International (Grand Bahama) Char ter President Club 1425; Association of Interna tional Accountants United Kingdom (1985 – 1988); Canadian Certified General Accountants Association –Bahamas; Corporation of Accountants and AuditorsBahamas; and the Bahamas Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation.

This outstanding com munity leader also served in other leading roles including: Commis sioner – Bahamas Boxing Association; Founding Member Royal Bahamas Police Reservist; Patron Bahamas weightlifting Federation; Commander

St Matthews Church Lads Brigade; Member Prince Hall Masonry 32 Degrees; and Co-Chair, Board of Governors ICC – Peace Ambassador United Nations. He also served as chairman of the Bank of The Bahamas.

Most recently, Rich ard became the chairman emeritus of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foun dation. Founding member Dr Myles Munroe served as chairman from its incep tion in 2003, until his tragic death in 2014. Thereafter, Richard was appointed to the chairman position. After nearly a decade at its helm, Richard became chairman emeritus, making room for Dr Magnus Ekedede, acclaimed neu rosurgeon, to become the third chairman in the foun dation’s history.

During an awards cer emony last month, Dr Kenneth Kemp received the PMH Foundation’s Chairman’s Award after offering more than a decade of dedicated ser vice to the foundation. He, along with Diane Pindling, both received this award for the past three years, as they have both served as co-vice chairs for the foundation.

“In this new role as chair man emeritus, I have been able to grant an opportunity for a younger generation of leaders to stand and steer the ship that Myles Munroe and I have held for the past 20 years,” Richard said.

“They can do so with me alongside, offering advice and assistance in guid ing them along the way drawing on my extensive experience. It’s the best way to move the organisa tion forward and ensure its continued success. You have to encourage young people to contribute their time and effort to helping others. That’s how society flourishes and helping our citizens through our only public hospital has been a great joy in my life. I’d like to see the PMH Founda tion expand to include the Family Islands and we have begun making inroads in that regard already.”

Of all his accomplish ments, Richard is most proud of being a husband and father. He has been married to Ruth Demeritte (nee Smith) for 56 years. They had three children. However, tragedy struck when their son Ricky N Demeritte was murdered in 1992. He was one of the founders of RND Cin emas, and it was named in his honour. Their two daughters - Tina Roye and Indira Francis - are both attorneys at law. Richard is also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, four girls and two boys. Two of them are matriculating in accounting and one in law.

Richard mused: “They, and the hundreds of men and women that I’ve men tored throughout my life, are my greatest legacy and my greatest source of pride.”

The Demerittes post poned their wedding by one week because the weekend they were supposed to be married, in 1966, Queen Elizabeth visited The Baha mas. When he met the Queen in 1984 as he pre sented credentials as High Commissioner, she had a great laugh about it.

RUTH & Richard Demeritte, who have been married 56 years.

RICHARD Demeritte speaks at the commencement address at the graduation ceremony of McHari college where he ob tained his PHD.

THE EMBASSY of The Bahamas, Bahamas House, taken in Lon don when the embassy officially opened. Pictured are Sir Clem ent Maynard, Sir Lynden Pindling, officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and Basil O’Brien (permanent secretary at ministry of foreign affairs)

TINA, Ruth, Richard and Indira Demeritte when his two daughters were called to the bar at the same time.

R arely seen protests in communist state

CHINA has been much in the news recently. Public protests about the nation’s zero-COVID policy have hit the headlines, not least because in an authoritar ian state dominated by the CCP - the Chinese Com munist Party - such dissent, including calls for freedom and for President Xi Jinping to stand down, is unprec edented. Amidst violent clashes, there has been a massive police presence and heavy crackdown in major cities including Beijing and Shanghai and stiff penalties imposed on those concerned.

Another development attracting international media attention is the pass ing last week at the age of 96 of former Chinese president Jiang Zemin. Unexpectedly chosen to lead the CCP after the Tiananmen Square mas sacre in 1989, he was judged to have been a pivotal figure during his leadership of more than a decade. China experienced a remark able period of growth and change during his tenure as the country harnessed cer tain aspects of capitalism to become a global economic player – and, inevitably, comparisons are now being made with President Xi under whom the country is becoming more authori tarian and nationalistic following the recent CCP congress which saw him fur ther cement his power.

Research shows that China was the first coun try to introduce COVID-19 lockdowns - in Wuhan which was supposedly the origin of the virus – nearly three years ago. But now, the rest of the world has moved on while China returns to lockdowns again and again under a continuing zero-COVID policy designed to suppress the virus entirely. But the World Health Organiza tion says that such a policy is not sustainable. By limiting transmission, lockdowns may stop the virus in its tracks and prevent deaths in the shortterm. However, less natural immunity, which comes with surviving the infection, is achieved. According to the WHO, therefore, lockdowns should not be used as a longterm solution.

The rest of the world has heeded this advice and learnt the lesson of the virus that, together with new variants that are constantly appear ing and spreading quickly, it cannot be stopped. Thus the question is how to live with it. At the beginning of the pandemic it was essen tial to stamp down hard on the virus in order to limit its spread. Imposition of restric tions was to buy time in order to develop and roll out vaccines. With widespread vaccination programmes gradually put in place in most parts of the world - and as immunity has been gradu ally built up - restrictions can be eased and a return to normal life achieved.

All that sounds logical. But it is said that China stuck to its policy of sup pression of the virus partly

The Peter Young column

because of the weakness of its vaccination programme. This included insistence on using its own vaccineswhich, according to reports, are less effective than those produced by, for exam ple, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca – and getting them to the most vulner able people, in particular the elderly. While other countries continue to grap ple with how to live with the virus, China is now the only major world economy with a zero-COVID policy as local authorities clamp down on even small outbreaks with mass testing, quarantine and snap lockdowns.

It has become clear that dependence on lockdowns indefinitely is ineffective and unacceptable, and China is now left with a massive problem. Driven by President Xi himself and his authoritarian bureau cracy, the nation’s incessant lockdowns have reportedly had far-reaching disastrous effects. The damage they have caused is said to be incalculable and they have been described as “hellish” - sparking food shortages, crippling healthcare access, restricting domestic travel, hitting the economy hard and trapping people in their homes or forcing them into quarantine facilities.

According to reports, all this has been breeding anger in most of the coun try. For the past three years, the patience of a billion exhausted people has been increasingly stretched. Now, that patience has snapped, with huge numbers taking to the streets in mount ing fury and demanding an end to restrictive meas ures. Interestingly, younger people have become involved and, for some, the demonstrations have sparked memories of Tiananmen Square when demands by students calling for more political freedom ended in a brutal crack down, despite reports at the time that some in the CCP sympathised with their demands.

In typical fashion for authoritarian govern ments, a Chinese official statement blames “hos tile forces” for “sabotage activity” in inciting unrest but there has apparently

A WORLD CUP TO REMEMBER – AND IT’S NOT OVER YET

AS LONG ago as the 1970s, a noted writer and journalist of the period spoke prophetically about a world shrinking so rapidly that “between men who inhabit this earth there are no more seas; there are only rivers”.

With the much touted communica tions revolution of modern times, it is of course the case that the world is becoming smaller in an impor tant sense. Its inhabitants can be in touch with one another at the click of a mouse and can speak via a video link so that, while conversing, they can simultaneously see their inter locutors onscreen. In relation to the football World Cup now taking place in Qatar, this is a further vivid reminder that the world has truly become a global village as supporters of the participating national teams have not had to travel to Qatar to watch them performing but instead can do so en masse on television in their own countries. This is, of course, nothing new since it has been possible for a number of years.

But the figures show that the current quadrennial football tour nament – known as soccer in the

been little mention on state media of the protests and demonstrations. Further more, China continues to claim success for its own model for dealing with COVID-19 compared to what it calls the ineffective ness of policies in Western democracies.

The consensus of interna tional commentators is that this is a big political test for Xi as the CCP’s flawed poli cies have created a crisis that looks to be increasingly hard to resolve. But will his government now listen to the people and change tack? Probably not, because it might mean having to import foreign vaccines while also admitting that the country was poorly pre pared for a post-COVID world.

The current protests and demonstrations in China have been the biggest since Tiananmen Square. One way out for the authorities might be to blame local offi cials for, in some instances, an over-zealous interpreta tion of CCP directives. But that might stretch credulity after Xi provoked dismay by confirming at the Party congress in October that there would be no change in his zero-COVID strategy.

UK’S NEW TOUGHER STANCE ON CHINA

DURING research for today’s piece about last week’s protests and dem onstrations in China against the country’s zero-Covid policies, I unearthed some interesting information about the recent history of the US’s bilateral rela tions with China. This is relevant because of recent developments in Taiwan; for example, the controver sial visit there of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August.

This visit provoked a fierce Chinese reaction. They condemned it as inter ference in their internal affairs because they regard Taiwan as part of China itself and therefore see it as a breakaway province. Now, they have reacted similarly to last week’s visit to the self-governing island state by members of the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee which,

they claim, took place despite China’s firm opposi tion to it.

Since Taiwan remains such a sensitive issue in Sino-US relations, it might be worth examin ing in a future column the background to the US commitment to supporting it and supplying defence equipment.

This harks back to US policy after the Second World War and its back ing of nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek who fled to the island of Formosa –as Taiwan was then called – after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China by communist leader Mao Tse Tung in 1949. This was a time when the US was fiercely – some say hysteri cally – anti-Communist and when, according to some historians, the war in Korea in the 1950s provoked and provided excuses for all

subsequent American poli cies of armed intervention and encirclement of China.

Meanwhile, it was interesting to read a recent speech by new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in which he said that for Britain the socalled “golden era” of relations with China was over. The closer eco nomic ties of the previous decade had been “naïve”. But he added that China’s global significance could not be ignored. “We recognise China poses a systemic challenge to our values and interests, a challenge that grows more acute as it moves towards even greater authoritarianism.”

All this is a far cry from attitudes at the time of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Britain in 2015. But it surely reflects the realities of the times.

US – that is pitting the best national teams against one another for the title of world champions is being watched by billions around the globe. It is probably the most scruti nised World Cup in the tournament’s history, with the football action and every word, gesture, celebration and outpouring of dismay follow ing defeat magnified for a global audience.

Some say that the game, which is arguably the most popular sport cov ering the entire planet, is a reflection of human society itself. International sport cannot be isolated completely from the world’s problems and this time it has attracted considerable controversy that has threatened to blight the tournament because of political tensions surrounding it as the first World Cup to be staged in the Middle East. Then there has been the banning of Russia, which hosted the 2018 World Cup, from this year’s event as a result of its war against Ukraine. But sport is sup posed to create healthy competition and goodwill among nations and, so far, the current World Cup has pro gressed without major incident.

The tournament has now reached the knockout stage of the remaining 16 countries after completion of the round robin groups. As I write this, I am more than happy to report that England has just beaten the holders of the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal, to advance to the last eight. Lessons from the group stage are that there have been more shock results than ever before in previous World Cups which suggests a levelling-up of the quality of play as the traditionally stronger foot balling countries now face a sterner challenge from those previously con sidered to be weaker teams. So, these days no side can be safe from an upset by lower rated teams.

While Brazil, as the world’s topranked footballing nation and five-time World Cup winners, remain the team to beat, never rule out the quality, strength and resilience of an England team which finished top of their group and now face world champions France in the quarter finals on Saturday. Within the shores of Britain – and surely also in France -- this could turn out to be one of the most watched football matches in history!

ENGLAND’S BU KAYO SAKA, right, celebrates with his teammates Harry Kane, centre, and Phil Foden after scoring his side’s third goal against Senegal on Sunday.

Photo: Manu Fer nandez/AP

Attendance at public school now at 95 percent

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter Ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

ACTING Director of Education Dominique McCartney Russell revealed that the public school attendance rate for face-to-face learning is at 95 percent.

She noted there is a prob lem, however, with students coming consistently every day for school.

“You may have one or two students who decide Friday is a day off. You know, they want to stay home on a Friday but for the most part, most of our children are coming to school,” the acting director said.

The 95 percent attendance rate was gov ernment’s target to meet by December. With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and implementa tion of full virtual learning, absenteeism skyrocketed. Students returned to the classroom for face-to-face learning in January.

Mrs McCartney Russell told The Tribune yester day about the increase in attendance and the work done to get children back into the classroom.

“I can tell you it defi nitely has increased, simply because principals, espe cially in the areas where we saw the decline in the attendance, have been

using a number of strategies to find the children,” she said.

“The attendance offic ers have been connecting with principals. They’ve also been calling parents. I know that there has been a great increase, because we actually met with the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit and those principals indi cated that their numbers have drastically increased.”

Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin had said that some of the COVID police officers who were previously involved in ensuring protocols were complied with have been trained to work with educa tion officials to take on the

task of ensuring children are in school.

The acting director of education boasted about the COVID officers’ work in helping with school attendance and the collabo rative efforts with schools.

“It’s very advantageous, honestly, because what they do is they have a con nection with the school principal and the guidance counsellors and so they’re able to ascertain from the school registers those chil dren who have not attended on certain days,” she said.

“For example, if a child has been missing for three days, you know, that’s a red flag for us and they get that information from the school personnel and

DOMINIQUE MCCARTNEY RUSSELL

then they go, they look for those children. We always try to ask parents, you know, what may be the issues why the child is not attending. (Is it) some thing that Social Services can provide or the school can provide?

“We look for ways to ensure that whatever the issues are, those issues could be mitigated, so the child could attend and then, of course, we continue to monitor to make sure that the child continues to go to school.”

Meanwhile, she gave an update on the learn ing loss assessment. Mrs Hanna Martin had noted that officials planned to test students for learning loss to

have a better understanding of COVID’s true impact on education in The Bahamas. Mrs McCartney Rus sell said: “It’s moving at a steady pace. Right now the deputy director for curricu lum has a meeting with the project manager.”

As for when sit-down examinations will take place in public schools, she noted: “I know it will be in January. We wanted to do it in November but, of course, the timeline had to be pushed back. We need to ensure that we have the connectivity of the devices the teachers have been trained; everybody is aware of what’s going on and so that will probably happen in January.”

MAN ACCUSED OVER SERIES OF ROBBERIES IN NEW PROVIDENCE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday in con nection with a string of robberies in the nation’s capital.

He faced further charges of allegedly violating his bail while on release on an outstanding robbery charge.

Duran Horton, 39, stood before Senior Magis trate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on charges of robbery, armed robbery and five counts of violation of bail conditions.

Between October 22 – November 27 in New Providence it is alleged that Horton failed to charge his electronic monitor ing device (EMD) on five

occasions while on bail.

He is accused of robbing Wellington Woods of $5,000 cash on November 4.

Horton is also accused of being concerned with others on November 16, while armed with a hand gun, of stealing a deposit bag from Sidney Cunning ham. This bag is said to have contained $8,474.30 in cheques and cash, the property of Coast to Coast Customs Brokerage Ltd. While the accused pleaded not guilty to most of his charges in court, he was informed that he could not enter a plea for the armed robbery charge at this time. This is because that charge would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Although the

prosecution objected to bail because Horton had simi lar convictions, he was still granted $7,000 bail on the violation charge. Under the condition of this bail Horton will be expected to sign in at Central Police Station every Sunday by 7pm and be fitted with an EMD.

However, for the remain ing charges, bail was deferred until Horton’s subsequent bail hearing on December 8 and his formal application for it before the higher court for the indict able offence. The accused was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correc tional Services.

Service of Horton’s VBI and the start of his bail violation trial are set for February 6, 2023.

SUSPECT CHARGED OVER UNLICENCED GUN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of having an unlicenced gun and two sets of ammunition in his possession.

Jimmy Jean, 22, repre sented by attorney Joel Seymour, faced Magistrate Kendra Kelly on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm and two counts of possession of ammunition.

On December 1 in New Providence, authori ties reportedly found the

accused with a black Aus tria Glock 31 .357 pistol with the serial number erased. At the time of his arrest it is also alleged that Jean had 11 unfired rounds of .357 ammunition as well as five unfired rounds of .40 ammunition.

Jean pleaded not guilty to all charges in court. Pros ecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom then objected to bail on the grounds that Jean has no status in the country.

Sgt Pyfrom argued that the accused in this matter had just been released from prison for a grievous harm

conviction.

In response to this, Mr Seymour countered that his client does not pose a flight risk and has previ ously appeared in court for other trials. Jean’s counsel suggested that instead he be fitted with a monitoring device or the court utilise other measures to ensure he returns to court.

After hearing these argu ments Magistrate Kelly deferred Jean’s bail hear ing to December 7. In the interim the accused will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correc tional Services.

MAN ACCUSED OF USING GUN TO THREATEN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A

Rokendo Farrington, 25, faced Magistrate Alger non Allen, Jr, on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

It is alleged that on November 28 in New Providence, and con cerned with another, the

accused assaulted Adner Bevans with a handgun.

In court, Farrington pleaded not guilty.

Bail was granted in the sum of $4,000 with one or two sureties. The accused is expected to return for trial on February 24, 2023.

MAN was granted bail in Magistrate’s Court yes terday after being accused of threatening someone with a gun.

Sale jumpstarts offshore wind power in US waters

PORTLAND, Oregon Associated Press

TODAY marks the first-ever US auction of leases to develop com mercial-scale floating wind farms, in the deep waters off the West Coast.

The live, online auction for the five leases — three off California’s central coast and two off its north ern coast — has attracted strong interest and 43 companies from around the world are approved to bid. The wind turbines will float roughly 25 miles offshore.

The growth of offshore wind comes as climate change intensifies and need for clean energy grows. It also is getting cheaper. The cost of developing offshore wind has dropped 60% since 2010 according to a July report by the International Renewable Energy Agency. It declined 13% in 2021 alone.

Offshore wind is well established in the UK and some other coun tries but is just beginning to ramp up off America’s coasts, and this is the nation’s first foray into floating wind turbines. Auctions so far have been for those anchored to the seafloor.

Europe has some floating off shore wind — a project in the North Sea has been operating since 2017 — but the potential for the tech nology is huge in areas of strong wind off America’s coasts, said Josh Kaplowitz, vice president of off shore wind at the American Clean Power Association.

“We know that this works. We know that this can provide a huge slice of our our electricity needs,

and if we’re going to solve the cli mate crisis we need to put as many clean electrons online as we can, particularly given increases in load demand with electric vehicles,” he said. “We can reach our greenhouse gas goals only with offshore wind as part of the puzzle.”

Similar auctions are in the works off Oregon’s coast next year and in the Gulf of Maine in 2024.

President Joe Biden set a goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 using traditional technology that secures wind tur bines to the ocean floor, enough to power 10 million homes. Then the administration announced plans in September to develop floating platforms that could vastly expand offshore wind in the US.

The nation’s first offshore wind farm opened off the coast of Rhode Island in late 2016, allowing resi dents of small Block Island to shut off five diesel generators. Wind advocates took notice, but with five turbines, it’s not commercial scale.

Globally, as of 2021, there were only 123 megawatts of floating offshore wind operating, but that number is projected to increase to nearly 19 gigawatts — 150 times more — by 2030, according to a report last week by Offshore Wind California.

The California sale is designed to promote a domestic supply chain and create union jobs. Bidders can convert part of their bids into cred its that benefit those affected by the wind development — local com munities, tribes and commercial fishermen.

As envisioned, the turbines

ARIZONA CERTIFICES ELECTION DESPITE GOP COMPLAINTS

PHOENIX Associated Press

ARIZONA’S top offi cials certified the midterm election results yesterday, formalising victories for Democrats over Republi cans who falsely claimed the 2020 election was rigged.

The certification opens a five-day window for formal election challenges. Repub lican Kari Lake, who lost the race for governor, is expected to file a lawsuit in the coming days after she’s spent weeks of criticising the administration of the election.

Election results have largely been certified without issue around the country, but Arizona was an exception. Several Republican-controlled counties delayed their certi fication despite no evidence of problems with the vote count. Cochise County in southeastern Arizona blew past the deadline last week, forcing a judge to intervene on Thursday and order the county supervisors to cer tify the election by the end of the day.

“Arizona had a successful election,” Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat who beat Lake in the race for governor, said before signing the certification.

“But too often throughout the process, powerful voices proliferated misinformation that threatened to disen franchise voters.”

The statewide cer tification, known as a canvass, was signed by Hobbs, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Chief Justice Robert Brutinel, a Ducey appointee.

When the same group certified the 2020 election, Ducey silenced a call from then-President Donald Trump, who was at the time in a frenetic push to per suade Republican allies to go along with his attempts to overturn the election he lost.

“This is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” Ducey said. “It’s one that recog nises the votes cast by the citizens of our great state.”

Republicans have com plained for weeks about Hobbs’ role in certifying her own victory, though it is typical for election officials to maintain their position while running for higher office. Lake and her allies have focused on problems with ballot printers that produced about 17,000 ballots that could not be tabulated on site and had to be counted at the elections department headquarters.

— possibly nearly as tall as the Eiffel Tower — will float on giant triangular platforms roughly the size of a small city block or buoy ant cylinders with cables anchoring them underwater. They’ll each have three blades longer than the distance from home plate to the outfield on a baseball diamond, and will need to be assembled onshore and towed, upright, to their openocean destination.

Modern tall turbines, whether on or offshore, can produce more than 20 times more electricity than shorter machines, say, from the early 1990s.

As for visibility, “in absolutely perfect conditions, crystal clear on the best days, at the highest point, you might be able to see small dots on the horizon,” said Larry Oetker, executive director of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Conservation and Recreation District, which has been preparing its deep-water port for the projects.

Offshore wind is a good comple ment to solar energy, which shuts down at night. Winds far out to sea are stronger and more sustained and also pick up in the evening, just when solar is going offline yet demand is high, said Jim Berger, a partner at the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright who specialises in financ ing renewable energy projects.

California has a 2045 goal of carbon neutrality. But “when the sun goes down we’re relying more on fossil fuel generation,” Berger said. “These projects are huge so when you add a project or a couple projects, you’re adding significantly to the power generation base in the

state,” he said.

The lease areas have the poten tial to generate 4.5 gigawatts of energy -- enough for 1.5 million homes — and could bring big changes to communities in the rural coastal regions nearest the leases.

In remote Humboldt County, in northern California, the offshore projects are expected to generate more than 4,000 thousand jobs and $38 million in state and local tax revenue in an area that’s been eco nomically depressed ever since the decline of the timber industry in the 1970s and 1980s, according to the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Conserva tion and Recreation District.

The district already received $12m from California to prepare its deep-water port for the potential assembly of the massive turbines, which are too tall to fit under most bridges as they are towed out to sea, said Oetker, the district’s exec utive director.

“We have hundreds of acres of vacant, underutilised industrial property right on the existing navi gation channel... and there’s no overhead bridges or power lines or anything,” he said.

But some are also wary of the projects, despite favoring a transi tion to clean energy.

Environmentalists are concerned about the impacts on threatened and endangered whales, which could become entangled in the cables that will anchor the turbines. There are also concerns about birds and bats colliding with the turbine blades and whales getting struck by vessels towing components to the site.

MAN WHO SHOT LADY GAGA’S DOG WLAKER JAILED FOR 21 YEARS

THE man who shot and wounded Lady Gaga’s dog walker while stealing her French bulldogs last year took a plea deal and was sentenced to 21 years in prison yesterday, officials said.

The Lady Gaga connec tion was a coincidence, authorities have said. The motive was the value of the French bulldogs, a breed that can run into the thousands of dollars, and detectives do not believe the thieves knew the dogs belonged to the musician.

James Howard Jackson, one of three men and two accomplices who partici pated in the violent robbery and its aftermath, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The pop star’s dog walker, Ryan Fischer, was seriously wounded in the attack and addressed the court Monday to give an impact statement, which he posted on Instagram.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s nearing two years since I was taking Asia, Koji and Gustav out for an even ing stroll when — in an instant — I suddenly found myself fighting with every thing I had to protect those dogs from being stolen. But it wasn’t enough: I was beaten, strangled, shot and left to die bleeding out on a sidewalk and gasping for my life. And Koji and Gustav were gone.”

EX-CONGRESSMAN ARRESTED IN VENEZUELA PROBE

A FORMER Miami congressman who signed a $50m consulting contract with Venezuela’s socialist government was arrested yesterday in connection with an ongoing federal criminal investigation, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

David Rivera, a Repub lican who served from 2011 to 2013, was arrested at Atlanta’s airport, said Marlene Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the US Attorney’s Office in Miami. She said Rivera was indicted by a Miami grand jury last month, but that document remains sealed and she could not discuss the charges.

Pressure has been build ing on Rivera for more than two years after it emerged that he received the mas sive contract from a US affiliate of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company as President Nicolas Maduro was trying to curry favour with the White House in the early days of the Trump administration.

HYWIND SCOTLAND, the world’s first commercial wind farm using floating wind turbines, is visible off the coast of Scotland in 2017. Photo: Woldcam/Equinor via AP

FOURTH CARIBBEAN BASEBALL CUP

Bahamas 1-1 after loss to Curacao

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

An early 10-run deficit was too much for Team Bahamas to overcome as they suffered their first loss of the 2022 Caribbean Baseball Cup.

Curaçao outlasted the home team 12-10 in last night’s finale at the Andre Rodgers National Stadium.

In the highest scoring game of the tournament thus far, Warren Saunders went 2-4 with a run and three RBI, Adari Grant was 1-3 with a run and two RBI, Kristin Munroe drove in two RBI, Daunte Stuart scored a run with two RBI and Jay Knowles went 1-2 with a run.

The Bahamas got off to a slow start in the open ing inning offensively after

the top of the lineup was retired in order, and defen sively as starting pitcher Robin Haven struggled on the mound.

After a pair of base hits, Curaçao scored on a sacri fice fly for the game’s first run.

Haven walked in another run and surrendered an additional two runs on wild pitches.

With Derriyn Russell on the mound, Curaçao con tinued to dominate and tacked on an additional five runs in the second inning.

Ural Forbes got the first base hit for Team Bahamas in the fourth, but the home team trailed 10-0 headed into the fifth.

Team Bahamas’ offence finally came alive in the fifth frame with a game high six runs.

Both Jay Knowles and Simmons walked followed

NIKE SAYS KYRIE IRVING IS NO LONGER ONE OF ITS ATHLETES

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

KYRIE Irving’s relationship with Nike is officially over, the shoe and athletic apparel maker said yester day, a move that came a month after the company suspended the Brooklyn guard as part of the fallout over his tweeting a link to a film containing antisemitic material.

It was not a surprise breakup, especially after Nike co-founder Phil Knight said in the days after the com pany suspended Irving that he had doubts there would be any recon ciliation. “Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete,” the company said in a statement.

Irving’s agent and stepmother, Shetellia Riley Irving, told The New York Times that the sides “mutually decided to part ways and we just wish Nike all the best.” Irving, without mentioning Nike by name, appeared to address the matter on his Twitter account yesterday afternoon.

“Anyone who has even spent their hard earned money on anything I have ever released, I consider you FAMILY and we are forever con nected,” the Nets guard wrote. “it’s time to show how powerful we are as a community.”

Irving has been wearing his signa ture line of Nike in recent games. It’s

by a D’Shawn Knowles

up the middle to load the bases.

Stuart was hit by a pitch to score the first run for The Bahamas to score Knowles.

Next in the lineup, Saun ders was hit by a pitch to score another run to score Simmons.

Forbes’ groundout drove in an RBI to score D’Shawn Knowles.

Kashon Conliffe was also hit by a pitch to load the bases once again and Munroe followed with a two-RBI single.

Grant followed with his RBI single for the sixth run but a pair of base-running errors ended the Bahamian rally in the inning.

Neither team was able to score across the sixth and seventh innings, but in the eighth, Stuart drew a walk with the bases loaded as The Bahamas tacked

Clippers beat Jones and Hornets

on another run. Saunders singled up the middle to score both Simmons and D’Shawn Knowles to make the score 11-9.

Raysheandell Miche’s solo shot in the bottom of the eighth was the first home run hit in the Andre Rodgers stadium and gave Curaçao a 12-9 lead headed into the final frame.

Grant hit a sacrifice fly to score Conliffe in the ninth, but it would be the final run in the rally.

Yeshua Saint pitched six innings for The Bahamas pitching four strikeouts while allowing three hits and two runs.

Team Bahamas will have an off day today and returns to the field at 7pm on Wednesday night with a matchup against Cuba.

Cuba made their tourna ment debut yesterday with a 9-0 win over USVI.

TOM BRADY THROWS FOR 2 LATE TDS, BUCS DEFEAT SAINTS 17-16

By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer

TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Tom Brady threw a pair of touchdown passes in the final three minutes last night, helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rally from a 13-point deficit to beat the New Orleans Saints 17-16 and tighten their grip on first place in the weak NFC South.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion tossed a one-yard TD pass to rookie Cade Otton, finishing a 91-yard drive to pull within 16-10 with exactly three minutes remaining.

He got the ball back with 2:29 to go, then won it with a 6-yard throw to another rookie, Rachaad White, with three seconds left.

Andy Dalton threw for 225 yards and a touchdown without an interception for New Orleans, but the Saints ultimately paid for having to settle for three field goals by Wil Lutz on drives deep into Bucs territory. The Bucs (6-6) extended

McLaughlin-Levrone, Duplantis named World Athletes of Year

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

WORLD-record setters

Sydney McLaughlin-Lev rone and Mondo Duplantis were named Athletes of the Year by World Athlet ics yesterday, adding more accolades to a remarkable 2022 for both athletes.

McLaughlin-Levrone, the 23-year-old American, broke her own world record in the 400-metre hurdles twice during the year, the last coming at world championships during the summer, when she finished the race in 50.68 seconds. That shattered her old mark by .73 and gave her a world title to go with her Olympic gold medal from the year before, where she also set a record.

All part of a big year for McLaughlin-Levrone who,

in May, married Andre Levrone Jr, a receiver at University of Virginia who later spent parts of three seasons in the NFL.

“That has definitely helped me for the better, both on and off the track,”

McLaughlin-Levrone said in a phone interview with The Associated Press after the awards ceremony in Monaco.

“It’s definitely been a blessing, for sure.”

McLaughlin-Levrone said she is still considering changing events, either to the 400 metre-flat or the 100-metre hurdles.

“Obviously, 400 hurdles are great and there’s still work to be done there,” she said. “Probably by the time 2023 hits, in January, we’ll know what we’re doing, and we’ll go for it. But all cards are on the table.”

His

“The

BENNETT, DUGGAN, STROUD, WILLIAMS HEISMAN FINALISTS

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer

QUARTERBACKS

The sixth-year player from Blackshear, Geor gia, was most valuable player of the Southeastern Conference champion ship game after throwing for 274 yards and four touchdowns in a 50-30 win over LSU that ran the Bulldogs’ record to 13-0.

Of Georgia’s three all-time wins over a No. 1-ranked team, Bennett was quarterback for two of them. He was at the controls for the Bulldogs’

Duplantis set both the indoor and outdoor world records in pole vault this year. He jumped 6.2 metres at indoor worlds for the indoor record.

highest mark is 6.21 metres, which he set on the last jump in the last event at outdoor worlds over the summer.

He said he never seri ously considered going for an even higher mark that day in Eugene, Oregon.

way it set up, where I was putting on the show, and to break the record in that kind of way at world championships, it’s one of

MCLAUGHLIN-Levrone

CHARLOTTE Hornets forward Kai Jones, right, shoots over Washington Wizards centre Daniel Gafford during the second half in Charlotte on December 2. Charlotte won 117-116. Last night in the loss to the Clippers, he contributed two points, one block, one assist and five rebounds in 13 minutes and 45 seconds. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond) SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 15

Stetson Bennett of Geor gia, Max Duggan of TCU, C.J. Stroud of Ohio State and Caleb Williams of Southern California were announced as finalists for the Heisman Trophy last night.

The award given to the outstanding player in col lege football, determined by a vote of more than 900 sports journalists and past winners, will be pre sented Saturday at the Lincoln Center in New York.

Bennett has quar terbacked defending

national champion Geor gia to a second straight spot in the College Foot ball Playoff and is 24-1 as the Bulldogs’ starter since last season.

single

TEAM Bahamas (men’s national baseball team) suffered their first loss of the Caribbean Baseball Cup last night. Curaçao outlasted the home team 12-10 in the newly constructed Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

ROOKIE NEMBHARD HAS 31, BUDDY 17 AS PACERS GET WIN OVER WARRIORS, 112-104

By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer

SAN FRANCSICO (AP)

— Rookie Andrew Nemb hard scored a season-high 31 points and added 13 assists and eight rebounds to lead the undermanned Indiana Pacers to a 112-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors last night.

A second-round draft pick, Nembhard made a key 3-pointer with 4:26 to go and another jumper less than two minutes later.

Indiana played without

point guard Tyrese Haliburton for a second straight game as he nurses soreness in his left groin.

Klay Thompson scored 28 points and made eight 3-pointers on the six-year anniversary of his 60-point masterpiece against the Pacers.

Thompson finished 9 of 23, but Stephen Curry was held to 12 points on 3-for17 shooting. Jordan Poole scored 23 starting in place of Andrew Wiggins as he sat out with tightness of the adductor muscle in his right

leg. Nembhard hit five 3s while Buddy Hield added 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists as Indi ana snapped a three-game losing streak with just its second win in six games.

Golden State had its 10-game home winning streak snapped.

Curry went 1 of 7 in the first half, missing all four of his 3-point tries and was 2 for 10 from deep overall.

Curry finally connected from long range with 5:13 left in the third after miss ing his first five.

5th ‘Best of the Best Regatta’ winners are Susan Chase V, Running Tide, Captain Peg, Sassie Sue

MINISTER CONGRATULATES SAILORS AT TROPHY PRESENTATION CEREMONY

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE fifth Best of the Best Regatta returned to Montagu for the first time in two years featuring the top sloop sailors in the island nation.

In Class A, the Running Tide was the overall cham pion, followed by the New Legend and Ed Sky finished third.

In Class B, the Susan Chase V won the title fol lowed by Ants Nest and Ole Boy.

Sassie Sue was the Class C champion, finishing ahead of Bul Reg and H2O.

Captain Peg won the Class E championship with Lady Kayla in second place and Miss Agnes in third.

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting commended the fleet of over 60 sloops that participated.

“The races over the last four days have seen exhila rating races from A, B, C, and E classes. I am particu larly proud of the E-Class that consists of young people between the ages of 12-15 years. It demonstrates that the level of participa tion in regattas will only grow.

“You are the future of this magnificent sport and I know you will make us proud,” he said.

“And for our veteran classes, it is fantastic to see that the pandemic did not deter your passion for this sport and that many of you saw it as an opportunity to improve your boats and some even began building new ones. We know that because of this, the Best of the Best will only get better.”

At the event, Coca-Cola launched the first race and opportunity to earn points in the inaugural Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The winner will be announced upon the com pletion of the Long Island

Regatta

considered by Coca-Cola as the official soft drink of the Bahamas, has placed six sailing sloops - Tida Wave, New Courageous, Running Tide, New Legend, South ern Cross and San Sally - as the showpieces on the drinks from 2019.

In conjunction with the Bahamas’ 50th Inde pendence celebrations, the Bahamas Goombay Punch,

Speaking to the sailors at the awards ceremony, Sweeting highlighted their contribution to the growth

of the sport through this event and others. “You have courageously battled winds, waves and challeng ing conditions to be fittingly called the Best of the Best. I am sure that all the sailors in every class have enjoyed their experiences. “For me, an important component of regattas is also to strengthen the bonds that already exist in the Bahamian sailing

community as well as the people who enjoy the cul tural atmosphere.

“You have displayed out standing skills during the past four days but above all a true love for the sport of sailing,” Sweeting said.

“During its short exist ence, the Best of the Best regatta has made a sig nificant contribution to the development of sailing.

Event

in June 2023 and will receive a $5,000 cash prize. An $8,000 stipend will be presented to assist the sport for their island’s junior sailing club, and exclusive congratulatory Goombay cans from Sep tember 2023 until January 2024.

Bahamians and visitors from all walks of life enjoy this event through the entertainment, food and fun it provides.

sponsors included BTC, Caribbean Bot tling, Bahamas E-Vac, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in addition to the Department of Local Government.

CLASS B champions Susan Chase V celebrate with all their hardware.

Photos by Patrick Hanna/BIS

CLASS E champions Captain Peg.

MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting gives his remarks during closing ceremony and awards presentation for the Best of the Best Regatta Sunday at Montagu Bay.

CLASS C champions Sassie Sue.

CLASS A champions Running Tide.

starting

PACERS forward Buddy Hield (24) shoots a 3-point basket next to Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) during the second half in San Francisco last night. (AP Photo/ Godofredo A Vásquez)

Neymar scores, Brazil beats South Korea 4-1 at World Cup

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

DOHA, Qatar (AP)

— It was the same old Neymar out there, look ing fit and scoring a goal to move closer to Pelé’s all-time record and lead Brazil into the World Cup quarterfinals.

Neymar returned from injury and converted a first-half penalty in Bra zil’s 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16 yesterday.

He reached 76 goals with the national team, one shy of the mark set by Pelé, who said he would watch the match from his hospital bed in Sao Paulo.

“I was very scared,” Neymar said. “It was very difficult after getting injured like I did. I was crying the entire night. My family knows what I had to go through. But in the end it all worked out. It was worth the effort to keep undergoing physiotherapy.”

The 82-year-old Pelé is recovering from a res piratory infection that was aggravated by COVID-19, leaving fans in Brazil and in Qatar worried about his condition. Neymar carried a banner with the soccer great’s image and “Pelé” written on it after the match, and the entire team then posed behind it near midfield.

“It’s tough to talk about Pelé with what he is going

through,” Neymar said. “We wish he can get well soon. We hope we made him feel a bit more com fortable with the banner and with the victory.”

South Korea was trying to advance past the round of 16 for the first time since its historic run to the semi finals as a co-host in 2002.

Neymar damaged liga ments in his right ankle in the team’s opening match against Serbia and at the time there were doubts if he would play again at the World Cup. He was clearly back, and there were no signs of the injury as he led Brazil to a comfortable victory and a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals for the eighth straight time.

Brazil will next play Cro atia on Friday.

Neymar scored his first goal of this year’s World Cup after kissing the ball and calmly sending a low shot from the spot after waiting the goalkeeper to choose a side in the 13th minute. He danced as his teammates huddled around him, then did dance moves along with Vinícius Junior and other team mates before raising his arms to the sky and smiling broadly.

Neymar was forced out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after getting hurt in the quarterfinals. On Monday, he joined Pelé and Ronaldo with goals for Brazil in three different World Cups.

Fans chanted his name as he walked off the field after the match. He had been substituted in the 81st.

Vinícius Júnior scored the first goal from inside the area after a cross by Raphinha in the seventh minute, Richarlison added to the lead from close range after a nice exchange of passes by the Brazil ians in the 29th, and Lucas Paquetá scored the fourth before halftime after an assist by Vinícius Júnior.

They celebrated each goal by dancing, and even Brazil coach Tite

participated in Richar lison’s traditional “pigeon” celebration.

Paik Seung-ho scored South Korea’s goal in the 76th minute.

South Korea coach Paulo Bento said after the match he was quitting. The Portu guese coach took over the national team after the last World Cup and his contract was due to end after this year’s tournament.

TRIBUTE TO PELÉ

There were many ban ners and shirts honoring Pelé at Stadium 974, and fans chanted the Brazil

great’s name and opened a large banner with his image behind one of the goals in the 10th minute of each half. Pelé used to wear the No. 10 jersey.

STADIUM DISMANTLED

It was the last World Cup match at Stadium 974, which is expected to be fully dismantled. The portside structure that seats more than 40,000 fans was partially built from recy cled shipping containers and could be shipped to other countries that need the infrastructure.

Croatia going deep again after shootout win

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

AL WAKRAH, Qatar (AP) — Croatia is going deep at another World Cup, and the team is taking the long route once again.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved three penalty kicks in Croa tia’s 3-1 win over Japan in a shootout yester day, securing a return to the quarterfinals for the runner-up in the 2018 tournament.

The match was tied at 1-1 after extra time.

On its surprising run to the final in Russia four years ago, Croatia needed extra time in each round in the knockout stage — and twice came through a pen alty shootout.

“History keeps repeat ing itself,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said with a smile.

Livakovic was the backup goalkeeper to Danijel Subasic in 2018 but took centre stage this time, diving to his left to keep out Japan’s first pen alty by Takumi Minamino, to his right to block Kaoru

That gave Mario Pasalic the chance to put away the clinching penalty. The sub stitute joined the rest of Croatia’s jubilant players in heading right for Livakovic after hitting the back of the net.

“In Croatia, we do things this way,” Livakovic said. “I continued the tradition.”

The similarities with 2018 do not stop there.

Just like in every game in the knockout stage that year, Croatia fell behind to Japan when Daizen Maeda swept in a close-range finish in the 43rd.

Ivan Perisic equalised by meeting Dejan Lovren’s cross from the right with a header into the bottom corner from near the pen alty spot in the 57th.

Dalic said his team’s abil ity to recover from losing positions “reflects the Croatian people,” with a nod to a psyche the play ers forged growing up in a country ravaged by war as the former Yugoslavia

broke up in the 1990s. “We never give up ... We have been through so much pain and the players have great pride,” Dalic said. “The whole of Croatia is sup porting us and this is a way of giving them faith for a better tomorrow.”

While Croatia — also a semifinalist in 1998 — pre pares to take on Brazil in the quarterfinals, Japan exits a World Cup in the round of 16 for the fourth time, just like in 2002, 2010 and 2018. The Asian team also lost in a penalty

shootout to Paraguay at that stage in 2010.

Asia is still waiting for a second team to advance beyond the last 16, after South Korea on home soil in 2002.

Japan made its mark in Qatar, though, beating Germany and Spain — two of the last three World Cup champions — in huge upsets in the group stage.

“The players showed a new era of Japanese football, I think,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “They should use this

feeling of being upset and try to go further next time.

“We cannot be superhe roes in one go. We have to improve step by step. But Japan is reaching a level where we can play on the world stage.”

The result guarantees at least one more World Cup game for 37-year-old Croa tia captain Luka Modric, one of the best midfielders of his generation. The 2018 world player of the year had a quiet game, save for one pass with the outside of his right foot that sent Perisic away for a shot on goal in the first half.

Modric was substituted in the first half of extra time and wasn’t part of the shootout.

COACH’S CONFIDENCE

Dalic never doubted Livakovic in the shootout. “Yesterday during train ing, we practiced penalty kicks and he really saved many shots,” Dalic said. “So when we started the shootout, I was very confi dent. He proved to be like Subasic in Russia.” Three of Croatia’s four penaltytakers were substitutes.

SPAIN IS READY FOR PENALTIES AGAINST MOROCCO

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Spain coach Luis Enrique gave his team a unique assignment following a pen alty shootout loss to Italy at last year’s European Championship.

“I told my players they have homework ahead of the World Cup. You need to take at least 1,000 pen alties with your club,” Luis Enrique recounted yester day. “We can’t just work on it in our training camp with the national team.”

While Spain is hoping it won’t come down to a shootout against Morocco in the round of 16 today, at least the team is well pre pared if it does get to that point.

Spain was also eliminated in a penalty shootout at the 2018 World Cup, by host Russia.

“It doesn’t just depend on luck. It’s a moment of the highest pressure. If you’ve trained for that often, then the way you take a penalty will improve,” Luis Enrique said. “Obviously you cannot train for the pressure and the tension. But it’s manage able. You can cope with that pressure.”

Ferran Torres converted a penalty for Spain in its opening 7-0 win over Costa Rica.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón saved two penal ties in a shootout win over Switzerland before the loss to Italy at Euro 2020. “The goalkeepers are ready, too. You’ve seen it in our train ing sessions,” Luis Enrique said through a translator. “It’s homework that we’ve taken into account.”

Morocco has been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by winning a difficult group ahead of 2018 finalist Croatia and 2018 semifinalist Belgium.

Morocco conceded only one goal in its three group matches and the team has big support in Qatar as the last of the four Arab quali fiers still playing — and now the last African team, too, after Senegal was eliminated by England on Sunday.

“Everyone wants to come to Doha,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who only took over his team in August. “We could fill two stadiums.”

As close neighbours, there are also a lot of ties between Morocco and Spain.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and striker Youssef En-Nesyri both play in Spain for Sevilla. Talented right back Achraf Hakimi, a Paris Saint-Ger main player, was born in Madrid. Regragui played in Spain with Racing Santander.

Ronaldo looks to shine like Mbappé and Messi

By STEVE DOUGLAS and GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer

DOHA, Qatar (AP) —

Cristiano Ronaldo was the usual hot topic at Portugal’s pregame news conference at the World Cup yesterday — though the issues were hardly positive for his vet eran coach to handle.

Rumours of the star player sealing a transfer to a Saudi Arabian club. Fall out from Ronaldo’s bad body language on being substituted last week. A poll at home suggesting most fans don’t want him in the team ahead of playing Switzerland in the round of 16 today.

Two of those subjects were swatted away by Fernando Santos, who has coached Portugal and coaxed his star player for more than eight years now.

“I don’t really know about this, to be honest,”

Santos said about a Spanish media report that Ronaldo will sign a much-speculated deal with Saudi club Al Nassr after being cut loose by Manchester United.

“That’s his decision, that’s what he has to deal with.”

On the subject of Portu guese daily O Bola’s poll: “I’m not paying attention to polls or any other type of this news.”

However, the ques tion of Ronaldo’s body language on being substi tuted midway through the second half of a 2-1 loss to South Korea on Friday moved Santos to assert his authority.“I didn’t like it, not at all. I really didn’t like it,” Santos said through an interpreter about images he hadn’t seen during the match. “We fixed that inhouse and that’s it.”

When asked if he still trusted his captain, Santos again showed who was boss in the Portugal camp.

“I only decide who’s going to be the captain when I reach the stadium. I don’t know what the lineup is,” the coach said, insist ing that was consistent with how he always communi cated with his team.

Santos gave his expla nations sitting beside defender Rúben Dias, who had earlier appealed to the Portuguese media to help “create unity” in the camp instead of division.

At a World Cup where Kylian Mbappé is the top scorer and Lionel Messi has been thrilling fans with his goals and dribbles, the narrative around one of the other superstars in Qatar has been less smooth.

OK, he’s broken a tour nament record by becoming the first player to score a goal at five World Cups, but since converting that penalty in Portugal’s open ing game, Ronaldo has had a rather quiet time on the

field. Maybe he’s about to burst into life in the knock out stage — and erase a blemish in his glittering career: None of Ronaldo’s eight World Cup goals have come in the knockout stage.

The five-time world player of the year heads into the round of 16 in likely his final World Cup facing a Swiss team which hasn’t advanced beyond this stage since 1954.

Don’t be fooled, though: This is the same Switzer land that eliminated France in the last 16 at the Euro pean Championship last year and has become one of the continent’s most con sistent teams. “We have seen how euphoric Swiss people are about being at this stage,” coach Murat Yakin said yesterday, adding about Portugal that “we’ve proven that we’re able to beat them.”

In June, the regular rivals traded home wins — 4-0 in

Lisbon, 1-0 in Geneva — in a UEFA Nations League group. Today, they will meet for the sixth time in six years. Portugal has won three, Switzerland two.

Portugal might now need Ronaldo to start delivering in order to advance to face Spain or Morocco in the quarterfinals.

And the player himself will surely want to put him self back in the spotlight, having seen Messi — his great rival — perform so well for Argentina in its win over Australia in the last 16 and Mbappé — the man who is fast establishing himself as the sport’s new superstar — already rack up five goals for France on its path to the quarterfinals.

Still oozing self-con fidence at the age of 37, Ronaldo continues to back himself to perform at the highest level. But his last two performances in the group stage were

underwhelming. His only goal so far has come from the penalty spot in Portu gal’s opening victory over Ghana.

He’ll be playing for the fourth time in 13 days and that’s quite the workload these days for Ronaldo, whose game time has been managed for the past year and-a-half at United.

Portugal will welcome back its leading players who were rested against South Korea, like Bruno Fer nandes, Bernardo Silva and Dias.

Santos must decide whether to play Raphael Guerreiro at left back, and return Joao Cancelo to right back, or leave Can celo in that position to accommodate Diogo Dalot at right back. Switzer land’s danger man is Breel Embolo, who scored twice in the group stage and four times in his last five games for his country.

TEAMMATES celebrate with Brazil’s Neymar, centre, who scored his side’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, yesterday. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

Mitoma’s effort from the second penalty, and then again to his right to deny Maya Yoshida off the fourth.

JAPAN’S TAKUMA ASANO, cent, is comforted by Croatia’s Ivan Perisic, after Croatia’s win in the World Cup round of 16 soccer match at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, yesterday. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Doncic, Mavs preserve big lead, roll past Ayton and Suns 130-111

By SCHUYLER DIXON

Sports Writer

DALLAS (AP) — Luka

Doncic scored 33 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 21 and the Dallas Maver icks preserved a big lead against the Phoenix Suns this time in a 130-111 vic tory last night.

The Mavericks remained in control after a 28-8 run covering most of the last 10 minutes of the first quarter while ending a 10-game, regular-season losing streak against the Western Conference-leading Suns.

Dallas squandered a 22-point lead in the second half of a 107-105 loss at Phoenix in the season opener between teams that met in the West semifinals last season.

Dallas won that series last spring with a Game 7 rout on the Suns’ home court.

Deandre Ayton scored 20 points for the Suns, who couldn’t recover from a 15-point first quarter, their lowest total in any quarter this season, as they finished a Texas back-to-back after a blowout victory in San Antonio.

Phoenix lost for just the second time in nine games, while Dallas won consecu tive games for the first time in three weeks.

Devin Booker, who was averaging 39 points over the previous four games, scored 11 on 4-of-13 shoot ing. The Suns shot 26% in the first quarter before fin ishing at 44% to 52% for the Mavericks.

The Suns trailed by as many as 27 and were never closer than 17 in the second half. Doncic, who had six rebounds and eight assists,

sat the entire fourth quar ter along with Booker.

RECRUITING VISIT

Free agent NFL receiver Odell Beckham Jr attended the game with two stars of the defence for the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Micah Parsons and corner back Trevon Diggs. They sat in Dallas owner Jerry Jones’ courtside seats next to the Phoenix bench.

Beckham politely declined to discuss in detail his visit with report ers when he arrived at the

arena, where fans chanted “O-B-J” multiple times during the game. He was spending yesterday and Tuesday with the playoffcontending Cowboys after previous trips to the New York Giants, his first NFL team, and Super Bowl con tender Buffalo.

The 30-year-old Beck ham is recovering from a torn ACL, an injury he sus tained in the Super Bowl in February while winning the title with the Los Angeles Rams.

Leonard returns, hits game-winner as Clippers beat Hornets

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard had 16 points, including an 18-foot jumper with 1.4 sec onds to lift the Los Angeles Clippers to a 119-117 vic tory over the Charlotte Hornets last night in his return from a right ankle sprain.

Paul George also came back from a strained ham string to score 19 points along with seven assists for the Clippers, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Reggie Jackson and Nic Batum each had 13 points, and John Wall added 12 points and 12 assists off the bench.

Luke Kennard added nine points off the bench in

WORLD ATHLETES OF YEAR

FROM PAGE 12

those moments you kind of dream of,” Duplantis said.

The 23-year-old, who competes for Sweden and splits time between there and Louisiana, won 18 of 19 meets he entered in 2022 and vaulted 6 metres or higher 23 times, which gives him more 6-metre clearances than anyone in history.

The World Athletics Rising Star awards went to Adriana Vilagos of Serbia, who defended her under-20 world javelin title, and US sprinter Erriyon Knighton, who won the award for the second straight year.

Knighton, who turns 19 in January, won a bronze medal at worlds in the 200 metres in 19.69 seconds in a race won by Noah Lyles, who ran 19.31 to break Michael Johnson’s 26-yearold US record.

his first game back from an injury as well.

Kelly Oubre had 28 points and P.J. Washing ton bounced back from an 0-for-13 shooting night on Saturday night to add 26 for the Hornets. Washington missed a fadeaway jumper as time expired that would have tied the game.

Kai Jones contributed two points, one block, one assist and five rebounds in 13 minutes and 45 seconds.

Getting Leonard, George and Kennard back should provide a huge boost for the Clippers (14-11) moving forward. Leonard has been out since Nov. 21, George since November 19 and Kennard since November 15 with a calf strain.

But the win didn’t come easily.

The Hornets (7-17) out scored the Clippers 26-8 to start the third quarter behind eight points from Terry Rozier to take an 80-71 lead.

Charlotte carried a sixpoint lead into the fourth quarter, but it didn’t last long as Kennard was fouled on a 3-point shot and con verted the free throw.

Then Batum, a former Hornet, knocked down a 3-pointer from the corner to give the Clippers the lead.

The Hornets would recover to take a 117-115 lead on a baseline jumper by Rozier with 1:34 left in the game.

But the Clippers tied it up when George saved an offensive rebound from going out of bounds by

TIP-INS

Suns: Cameron Payne had 14 points and a gamehigh 10 assists.

Josh Okogie scored a season-high 12 points.

Mavericks: Kemba Walker dressed but still didn’t make his Dallas debut in the fourth game since signing.

The four-time All-Star went unsigned the first six weeks of the season.

The 32-year-old has been battling knee issues in recent years.

Christian Wood had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Josh Green scored 16 points.

UP NEXT Suns: Host Boston on Wednesday before a fourgame trip in a road-heavy December.

Mavericks: At Denver tonight to finish a back-toback and a stretch of seven games in 11 days.

It’s the third meeting in 19 days after the teams split consecutive games in Dallas last month.

TOM BRADY THROWS FOR 2 LATE TDS, BUCS DEFEAT SAINTS 17-16

FROM PAGE 12

their division lead over the Atlanta Falcons to 1½ games. The last-place Saints (4-9) missed out on oppor tunity to pull into a tie for second with the Falcons. None of the four teams in the NFC South has a win ning record.

Brady, who before the game exchanged greetings with the biggest prize on this winter’s baseball free agent market AL MVP Aaron Judge, finished 36 of 54 for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

A week after being shut out for the first time in 332 games, the Saints built a 10-3 halftime lead on Dal ton’s 30-yard scoring pass to Taysom Hill and a 38-yard field goal set up by just the third interception Brady has thrown all season.

Demario Davis’ pick was also only the eighth takea way New Orleans defence — by far a league-low — in 13 games. Defensive end Cameron Jordan later forced a fumble that the Saints turned into a 12-play, 7-minute, 20-second drive that Lutz finished with a 21-yard field goal, making it 13-3 late in the third quarter.

UP NEXT Saints: Bye Buccaneers: Travel to San Francisco next Sunday.

flicking the ball to Leon ard under the basket for an easy basket. After Jalen McDaniels missed a 3 at the other end, Leonard hit the go-ahead shot.

TIP-INS Clippers: Norman Powell remained out with a groin strain. ... Shot 15 of 36 from 3-point range.

Hornets: LaMelo Ball has now missed 21 of 24

games this season with a high ankle sprain. Gordon Hayward has missed 13 games with shoulder issues, Cody Martin 23 games with a knee injury and Dennis Smith Jr 10 games with a right ankle sprain.

UP NEXT

Clippers: At Orlando on Wednesday night.

Hornets: At Brooklyn on Wednesday night.

BENNETT, DUGGAN, STROUD, WILLIAMS HEISMAN FINALISTS

FROM PAGE 12

win over Alabama in the national championship game last January, and he passed for two TDs and ran for another in a 27-13 win over Tennessee last month.

Duggan willed TCU to its first CFP appearance with an inspiring performance in the Big 12 championship game against Kansas State.

Duggan, who had heart surgery two years ago, was at the center of one of the signature sequences of the season. It happened late in the fourth quarter when he broke loose for 40 yards and then, visibly out of breath, ran for an 8-yard TD and completed his 2-point pass to bring the Frogs back from an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit. Duggan came up just short of the goal line on a run in overtime, and the Frogs lost for the first time this season, 31-28.

The fourth-year player from Council Bluffs, Iowa, was Gary Patterson’s

starter for two seasons before first-year coach Sonny Dykes picked Chan dler Morris over Duggan in the preseason. Duggan regained the job for the second game because of an injury to Morris and ended up leading the Big 12 in every major pass ing category. Stroud, in his

third season out of Inland Empire, California, is a Heisman finalist for the second year in a row. He was fourth in voting last year. He came into this season regarded as the front-runner and remained the favorite as Ohio State piled up impressive num bers through the first eight

games. But he struggled against Northwestern, the worst team in the Big Ten, and he couldn’t rally the Buckeyes in the second half of their most recent game, a 45-23 home loss to Michigan.

Still, Stroud has the nation’s highest passer rating and is tied for the lead with 37 touchdown passes.

Williams transferred to USC from Oklahoma in February, two months after Lincoln Riley was hired away from the Sooners.

The second-year player from Washington is respon sible for a nation-leading 21.7 points per game. He turned in a gutty per formance in the Pac-12 championship game Friday, injuring his left hamstring on a 59-yard run in the first quarter but staying in the game and finishing with 363 yards passing and three touchdowns despite a noticeable limp in the 47-24 loss to Utah.

unknown if the formal ending of his relationship with Nike will affect that, at least in the short term. He had been a Nike ath lete for the entirety of his NBA career, starting in 2011, and got his first signature shoe with the company in 2014.

When Nike suspended Irving in early Novem ber, the company was just days away from releasing the Kyrie 8, what would have been the latest in his signature line.

“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisem itism,” the Beaverton, Oregon-based company said at the time.

Irving missed eight games before being rein stated by the Nets on November 20. He apolo gised that day to those who felt threatened or hurt when he posted a link to the documentary, and acknowledged that he should have handled earlier chances to clarify whether he has antise mitic beliefs differently.

“I don’t stand for any thing close to hate speech or antisemitism or any thing that is going against the human race,” Irving said on the day the Nets reinstated him.

Irving has expressed no shortage of contro versial opinions during his career. He repeatedly questioned whether the Earth was round before eventually apologising to science teachers.

Last year, his refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccine led to him being banned from playing in most of the Nets’ home games.

PHOENIX Suns cent Deandre Ayton (22) shoots against Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) as Luka Doncic (77) and Dorian Finney-Smith (10) look on during the first half last night. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

HORNETS head coach Steve Clifford, left, talks to forward Kai Jones during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Charlotte, N.C., on December 2. Charlotte won 117-116. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

GEORGIA quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) gestures to the crowd during the trophy presentation of the Southeastern Con ference Championship football game on December 3 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

BUCCANEERS quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts to the fans as he runs off the field after last night’s game against the Saints.

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)