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SAFETY FIRST

Carnival to stay shut after govt persuaded of COVID spread risk

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE government has again denied a request from operators of the Christmas Carnival, citing the fastspreading omicron variant of COVID-19 and a need to mitigate risks from the virus as children prepare for face-to-face learning next month.

During a hastily arranged press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, press secretary Clint Watson read a statement from Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis on the matter.

He said: “Earlier today, my government made the decision not to allow

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

ZNS ANCHOR STRIPPED OF $27K AWARD

the carnival to proceed this year. We fully understand this will come as a disappointment to carnivalgoers, to the vendors, to those who were looking forward to the jobs they had secured with the carnival, and to the carnival organisers themselves.

“Everyone should know this decision was taken with great care and after comprehensive consideration.

There have been multiple developments in recent days involving omicron, the new, more transmissible variant of COVID, which made it clear we could not proceed with carnival safely.”

SEE PAGE FOUR

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ZNS TV anchor Macushla Pinder has been stripped of the $27,500 damages she won from Scotiabank (Bahamas) after the Court of Appeal found there was “no basis in law” to hold it responsible for her loss.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

INSURERS FIGHTING TO HOLD DOWN PREMIUMS

PINTARD LOOKS TO EXPAND NUMBERS AT CONFERENCE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard says he hopes the party agrees to increase its number of voting delegates at the next convention.

In 2019, the Progressive Liberal Party amended its constitution to significantly increase the number of delegates that could participate and vote in its national conventions.

With the change, the number of people who could vote from each

constituency grew from ten to 20. The party also agreed to appoint five convention delegates for every affiliate group.

Fewer people are eligible to vote in the FNM’s convention.

During a press conference this week, Mr Pintard said: “The closer we get to the convention we’ll give you some more details, we’ll signal what will happen, but certainly that’s one of the things I’m hopeful that the convention will agree to.

SEE PAGE THREE

NAUGHTY: SUPPLY CHAIN CHRISTMAS LIST IS A LITTLE SHORT

CAN YOU HELP MY BABY?

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN insurers yesterday warned premium prices are again coming under “upward pressure”, with one pledging: “We’re trying to hold the line.”

Tim Ingraham, Summit Insurance’s president, said an increase in reinsurance costs for 2022 “would not surprise me”.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

TANISHKA Mackey with her four-month-old daughter Keimyah Ferguson, who needs surgery before she is six months old or she could suffer collapsed lungs. See PAGE THREE for the full story.

GENTILE HIT WITH WINDING UP ORDER

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Securities Commission’s intervention to “nip in the bud” conduct by a Bahamian broker/dealer once used as FBI “bait” was yesterday vindicated by a Supreme Court judge.

Justice Diane Stewart ordered that Mintbroker International, the former Swiss America Securities, which was owned and

GUY GENTILE managed by its colourful principal, Guy Gentile,

be wound-up under the Supreme Court’s supervision with the EY (Ernst & Young) accounting firm appointed as official liquidators.

Some may view the ruling as too late, given that Mr Gentile closed his Bahamas operations almost two years ago and exited this jurisdiction for Puerto Rico after purportedly returning all client assets to their owners.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

DIANE PHILLIPS: YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE PHONE MIGHT RING

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Friday, December 17, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 17, 2021, PAGE 3

Race against time to help four-month-old baby girl

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net A MOTHER is in a race against time to raise money to pay for lifesaving surgery for her four-month-old daughter.

Tanishka Mackey told The Tribune yesterday her daughter Keimyah Ferguson’s doctor has given a grim prognosis that should the child not receive critical

surgical intervention by the time she is six months old she could suffer collapsed lungs.

The infant also has a hole in the left side of her heart that needs to be repaired.

The procedure could cost between $150,000 to $500,000.

A Gofundme page has been set up to raise the money which so far has raised $1,555.

Ms Mackey, 28, recalled

the day when she received the news of her daughter’s condition. Keimyah, at six weeks old, was having her first check-up.

It was then that the doctor discovered the infant had a heart murmur.

“The next day we went to do an X-ray and an ECG and then we referred to Dr Jerome Lightbourne. We went to him October 13,” Ms Mackey said.

“Everything is mostly

functioning at one side of the heart.

“The other side of the heart, which is the left, she has a big hole.

“There is so much blood flow going to the lungs that eventually her lungs could collapse.

“He’s stating that in the sixth month of her life, which will be January 27, that if we don’t do the surgery her lungs could actually collapse and we

cannot fix the lungs. We could fix the heart.”

She added: “You could see it in her chest area there’s higher breathing movement in the stomach area to the chest.

“And she is not gaining much weight. They have her on milk that could help her gain weight.

“He told us it could be from $150-500 grand. He is saying that him and the Heart Foundation could

possibly bring down the price a bit by negotiating, but he said he’s not going to know a certain price until we come back on the 27th of January to him.”

Both the child’s parents have good insurance, however, neither anticipated a heart problem and did not enrol her for coverage.

Anyone wishing to donate should go to https:// gofund.me/2b4fe415.

FIVE HOURS OF BRAIN SURGERY TO SAVE MEGAN

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

she requires further treatment, tests, and therapy in New Providence in January.

FIFTEEN-year-old “We will have to find Megan Higgs, who suf- accommodations in fers from hydrocephalus, Nassau for about a month underwent almost five- so that Megan can see the hours of surgery to doctor and get the therapy remove a life-threatening she needs,” the mother cyst from her brain. explained.

Neurologist Dr Magnus Mrs Higgs said in addiEkedede performed the tion to physiotherapy, delicate surgical proce- speech and occupational dure at Doctor’s Hospital therapy, Megan also as it is done in the United needs to have a prolonged States, utilising a CAT EEG, and a Scan. sleep study The sur- ‘I am grateful that conducted. gery was Megan is alive.

She performed believes the on November She is a fighter. fact that 18. The pro- Megan has been Megan has cedure took fighting since survived so four-and-afar is a mirahalf hours birth. She is 15 cle because to remove years old and is others with the growing still fighting and the same concysts with dition are not fluid, and does not intend as fortunate. to implant to give up.’

Ms Higgs a second noted that shunt in her brain to drain last week celebrity Nick the fluid. The first was Cannon’s five-month-old implanted at birth. son, Zen, died of brain Kendith Higgs, of cancer. She said that at Freeport, is grateful that five months, Megan’s head Megan was able to pull looked like that of Zen. through the surgery, and She said that the thanked Dr Ekedede. removal of Megan’s The mother had started brain cyst is “a Christmas a GoFundMe campaign miracle”. to raise funds to pay for “This issue was actually medical treatment for her a life/death situation - we daughter’s condition, and did not expect that. When other medical issues that we arrived in Nassau for have developed.

Megan to be evaluated, Ms Higgs reported that we were told that she to date they have raised needed to go into surgery about $7,000 through right now.”

GoFundMe. She is con“They had to move her tinuing to appeal for from the operation room assistance. down to the CAT Scan to “I am grateful that complete the procedure – Megan is alive,” she said. the way it is done in the “She is a fighter. Megan US. It is the second suchas been fighting since cessful procedure done birth. She is 15 years old like that in The Bahamas. and is still fighting and When the doctor came does not intend to give out, he told us: ‘God up,” the mother said. guided his hands today for Even though Megan has Megan and that God was made improvement after with Megan’,” Ms Higgs the surgery, Ms Higgs said recalled.

MEGAN HIGGS, 15, recovering after her surgery and, right, with Dr Magnus Ekedede before undergoing the surgery to remove a cyst from her brain.

She said they are still appealing for assistance.

Ms Higgs has been off from work to care for Megan at home. She has joined a support group for parents with children of special needs.

“That has been a good thing for me because I was able to get advice from other parents and I was able to also share my advice with them as well.”

Ms Higgs said she was happy to learn that there are activities, such as Arts

and Craft, and Dance which are available for children like Megan.

She said Megan’s wish this Christmas is to get a i-Phone and to stay in a hotel.

People interested in assisting Megan can visit the family’s GoFundMe page at https://www. gofundme.com/f/ megan-angelique-higgs or contact Ms Higgs at (242)-822-3589, or email corey6dtpschool@hotmail.com.

PINTARD LOOKS TO EXPAND NUMBERS AT CONFERENCE from page one

FNM leader Michael Pintard.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

“We have many outstanding senior citizens who have played an incredible role over the last 50 years in building this organisation and we believe that they ought to have a place in the Free National Movement convention, a part of our council and I believe that’s a view shared throughout our organisation. So, we fully expect to see an increase in the number of meritorious council members in the

upcoming convention.”

Mr Pintard said discussions were continuing about a budget for the FNM’s convention, which is scheduled for February. Although the FNM settled its leadership issue last month in an event that cost around $100,000, the February convention will be the first full convention it has had since 2016.

The party’s constitution mandates that it holds a convention every two years.

FNM chairman Carl Culmer said in 2019 a committee had been established

to recommend changes to the party’s constitution.

“We have a committee now that is looking at our constitution and they are going to be making a number of recommendations,” he said at the time. “We can’t change a constitution unless we’re at a convention and the convention must approve the constitution so at our next convention our constitution will be up for amendments. We have appointed a chairman of the committee.

“Our party leader and our council gave the committee the mandate to look at the entire constitution to see what is relevant to the modern-day Bahamas.

Some things in the constitution are open ended and there is no teeth in it. When you look at the constitution, it’s vague and we want to make sure persons can understand what the constitution is saying rather than assume what it’s saying and that’s one of the things the committee is going to look at that.”

PAGE 4, Friday, December 17, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Carnival to stay shut after govt persuaded of COVID spread risk from page one “The legislation which we recently introduced, after the end of the State of Emergency, allows for the Minister of Health, in consultation with and acting on the advice of health experts, to impose certain protocols on events to guard against the

transmission of the virus.

In the view of the medical experts, allowing the carnival to proceed posed a significant risk to the public. They therefore recommended that it should not be allowed to proceed.”

The Ministry of Health denied the operators’ application last week, saying officials were not satisfied that protocols could

be satisfactorily enforced, among other things.

Previously, the Ministry of Finance had given the Progressive Liberal Party approval to important equipment related to the carnival. Governing parties have traditionally partnered with operators to host the event using it as a party-fundraiser.

Yesterday, Mr Watson

said: “The carnival organiser submitted a fresh application, supported by an additional 35 pages of information, which sought to address the concerns raised by the experts. The panel considered their submission closely, but decided that the transmission risks associated with the carnival remained too high and the protocols presented

would not sufficiently mitigate against the spread of COVID, especially given the new variant.

“We are currently preparing for schools to re-open for face-to-face teaching in the New Year.

We did not want the carnival to add to risks of community transmission and threaten this important reopening. We were

elected on the promise that we would consult, we would be transparent, and that, at all times, we would make competent, compassionate decisions to ensure that the interests of the Bahamian people always come first. We were also elected on the promise we would listen to the medical experts in making our decisions. This we have done.”

UB NURSING SCHOOL TO RELOCATE TO MAKE WAY FOR DISEASE UNIT

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

THE University of the Bahamas’ Nursing School faculty is to relocate immediately from the Grosvenor Close Campus to make way for a temporary infectious disease unit to service a possible fourth wave of COVID-19 early next year.

The nursing school is to relocate to UB’s Oakes Field campus. The move has upset the Union for Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas which has complained the decision was made without consultation with UB which only informed the union at the very last minute.

UTEB president Daniel Thompson accused UB president Dr Rodney Smith and UB executives for “disregarding and disrespecting” the union as the bargaining agent by not communicating with it on this matter.

Several weeks ago, former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands warned that the country could face a possible fourth wave of COVID-19. Dr Sands said he was putting the Ministry of Health on guard not to be caught relaxed like it was when the Delta variant arrived on our shores.

“UB has met with the School of Nursing and Allied Health Services to discuss the relocation to Oakes Field campus,” Mr Thompson said. “UTEB was advised about the move only this morning. The move is immediate and faculty members have concerns about the need to house them in a common area to maintain the integrity of the school.”

“UTEB cautions UB to ensure the needs of its

members and students are foremost during this relocation exercise.”

Concerned about his members after hearing of the move, and, according to him, no word from UB’s president or officials, Mr Thompson said he reached out to Dr Smith by email on Wednesday night.

“There has been no communication to UTEB, from UB, although Wednesday night I requested, by email, clarification of the same.”

What is most concerning is that UB President Dr Smith and his team continue to demonstrate disregard for the faculty bargaining agent, UTEB. “Members are asked to stand by. Remember that the issue is UB’s failure to communicate with faculty representing UTEB. This just exemplifies UB’s modus operandi of disrespect toward unions thus causing unnecessary angst in the academy.

“UTEB has now been advised by President Smith of the need to use Grosvenor Close Campus as a temporary infectious disease unit venue for a potential fourth wave of COVID 19 in Spring 2022.”

The Bahamas School of Nursing opened in 1987 with a loan to improve technical/ vocational institutions facilitated by the World Bank.

The actual construction of the facility was part of a larger project undertaken by the government of The Bahamas to expand the pool of vocational and technical expertise that was available within The Bahamas. It is located in Grosvenor Close which is adjacent to the Princess Margaret Hospital. It provides workshops, laboratories, and equipment to better prepare nursing students for the workforce.

Equinor: We’ll talk to BNT over oil fears

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 17, 2021, PAGE 5

THE EQUINOR site after the passage of Hurricane Dorian.

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune chief reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net EQUINOR said it intends to make a detailed presentation to the Bahamas National Trust following a report that there continues to be high concentrations of oil in and around its plant following Hurricane Dorian.

“Equinor notes the concerns publicly expressed by the Bahamas National Trust related to the oil spill caused by Hurricane Dorian,” a brief statement to The Tribune yesterday.

“We intend to make a detailed

presentation to the BNT very early in the new year to address the concerns.

“This is consistent with the series of updates and presentations we have afforded Save The Bays, Water Keepers and other stakeholders since Dorian.”

The BNT’s report said the findings came despite 18 months of weathering and remediation at the site in Grand Bahama.

It is likely high enough to negatively impact wildlife that may be exposed, the report said.

Further, the report said nearly five million gallons of oil that were spilled from

the facility during the Category 5 storm was spread over wetlands, pine forests and a quarry.

As a result, approximately 31 acres of terrestrial habitat has been removed from the oil spill site and will require revegetation. In the quarry to the north of the spill site, there remains oil residue on the surface and this site also requires remediation.

“Throughout the impact area and beyond the boundaries of the published oil spill impact area, oil was detected on rocks, trees and in soil, including a film of oil in the areas of the wetlands that

FOAM TO FEED 500 IN GIVEBACK

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL advocacy group Families of All Murder Victims expects to feed 500 people today during a giveback event in observance of the festive season.

The event will be held at FOAM’s Alexandria Boulevard headquarters starting at 1pm.

Khandi Gibson, founder and president, said the event is especially important for those who have suffered loss or have had a particularly hard time during the pandemic.

“It’s very important,” she

told The Tribune.

“You know during this time school (is) closed.

Some kids (are) depending on a lunch programme for them to eat. We also have some persons who lost their job. They don’t know where their next meal (is) coming from.

“Also, during this time persons can’t afford to buy any clothing or anything for their kids.

“For some children, this is their first without a mom or a dad and some kids this is their first Christmas without both parents.

“We want to reunite to get to see persons who you have never seen

before. For murder victims and other persons who would have lost loved ones. So, like I said, it’s a connection/reconnection. It’s reuniting and uniting.”

Ms Gibson said the event will include toys for the children along with new and used items of clothing for the entire family among other things.

“We’re going to be having surprises. We’re going to be giving hot dogs, sodas chip, snacks for the kids. We’re going to have a full meal for the adults.

“Persons who are going to be driving by, they can stop and get a plate of food. We have persons on

the outside to give them food as they drive by in a car.

“We’ll have a bouncy castle. We’re going to have music. We’re going to have special a guest, DJ Counsellor (and) Christian Massive,” Ms Gibson said.

The theme this year is uniting and rebuilding the family.

Ms Gibson noted that the donations coming in were “pretty good”.

“I actually had a lot of persons who heard I was having the event who I never really knew existed actually reach out to me to a part of this event,” she said.

BANK HANDS $5,000 TO YOUNG ACHIEVERS COMMONWEALTH Bank yesterday donated $5,000 to Junior Achievement Bahamas to assist the organisation in meeting its goal of making all of their programmes available to every kindergarten, primary and high school student in the country.

Sean Brathwaite, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Commonwealth Bank, said the bank’s donations over the years have ensured more students enroll in the programme.

He said: “It is historically our tradition to invest in the Junior Achievement Bahamas Programme and today’s youth. Our donations are not just ‘signed cheques’, they are the bridge to enrolling more students into the JA Bahamas fold.

“We are committed to assisting the

organisation with reaching their goal of programme availability on every island and in every school nationwide.

We have mentored over one thousand teens since 1996. Our students have successfully won Speech Competitions, Product of The Year, MDA & MDO Awards and the coveted ‘Company of the Year’ honour.

“Those achievements are not just ours, but a testament to what students gain from these programmes – belief in themselves, guidance, determination and opportunities. We are honoured to be a part of that.”

Junior Achievement Bahamas thanked Commonwealth Bank Ltd for its continued patronage.

“Our organisation is completely dependent on private and public donations. In our line of work, there is nothing more heartbreaking than

not being able to offer a programme to a student because of lack of funding. Companies like Commonwealth Bank Ltd understand that their support transforms lives and we are looking forward to our continued partnership,” said Tammy Lecky, executive director of Junior Achievement Bahamas.

Currently, Junior Achievement Bahamas has enrolled six hundred students in their Elementary, JA4Juniors, JA Aspire and Company Programme on the islands of Andros, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence.

The organisation has already launched its Club Programmes, open to all islands and students from K5 – Grade 12 and anticipates an increase in enrollments by the end of the programme year, June 2022.

were partly exposed,” said Dr Ancilleno Davis, a member of the Waterkeeper survey team that collaborated on the report.

He reported observing just ten species of birds on the site with none of them being wetland species and only one being a resident forest species.

Following a thorough investigation in the aftermath of the storm, Waterkeeper Alliance and Waterkeepers Bahamas, which conducted the impact assessment of Equinor, said the area requires further delineation and mitigation of both habitat and wildlife impacts.

PAGE 6, Friday, December 17, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

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Safety first is the right approach over carnival THE Christmas Carnival will not open.

It may well be the best decision. The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, and there is no vaccine available here for the under-12s who might want to join the crowds on the rides.

A lot remains unsatisfactory about the whole matter though.

The announcement came from the Prime Minister, Philip “Brave” Davis, but it was read out by his press secretary, Clint Watson.

Yesterday was simply a way of communicating that statement – good for the cameras but not an opportunity for questions for Mr Davis. That chance to ask him about the PLP’s role in applying for approval for the carnival should come, however.

The statement read by Mr Watson, said that “there have been multiple developments in recent days involving omicron, the new, more transmissible variant of COVID, which made it clear we could not proceed with carnival safely”.

Again, yesterday was not a chance to learn more – today we just might – but what are those developments? Is omicron here? Have we received test results back yet to confirm that?

The statement went on to say that the government did not want the carnival to add to the risk of community transmission and put the reopening of schools at risk.

In the statement, he said: “We were also elected on the promise we would listen to the medical experts in making our decisions. This we have done.”

Safety first is a sound principle and we applaud that.

It would be best as this government moves forward to see Mr Davis at the helm in press conferences on such matters, particularly issues as important as COVID-19.

The questions surrounding the arrival of the carnival also deserve answers – the funding, the application process, the work permits granted and so on. These are early days still for this new government, but we would encourage Mr Davis

to ensure it is his voice that is heard and that he is present to answer questions.

There is a lot of talk in politics about accountability, and that would be one step forward in that regard.

Meanwhile, over at the FNM, as one outdoor event is called off because of COVID concerns, Michael Pintard is looking to increase the number of delegates at his party’s next convention.

An empty park on one hand, a venue getting fuller at the other.

Working out what does and what does not get to go ahead under COVID rules can be a mystery sometimes.

Justice delayed A story today reports that a ZNS anchor has been stripped of the damages she won in a court case after a Court of Appeal ruling.

But what draws our attention is not the ruling itself – but simply how long it has taken for this matter to be handled.

The original case saw evidence presented over two days in July 2019. Two days. It took almost two years for the judge to deliver his judgement in that case. There was no apology for the delay. There was no explanation.

The Court of Appeal is right to call that “inexcusable” – but delays in court cases in our nation are all too common.

Sir Michael Barnett, the appeal court president, said: “Two years to deliver judgement after a two-day trial is simply unacceptable.”

Last month, another case saw a Supreme Court judge take five years to deliver a judgement.

It cannot be fair to make those on either side of such cases wait so long for a resolution to their matters. In this case, it was a matter of thousands of dollars – neither party in the case should have to wait for so long and wonder if and when that money might be released.

There is a simple legal maxim – justice delayed is justice denied.

Until we stop these long waits for cases to be resolved, we are denying justice to Bahamians. And that has to change.

Who can afford an income tax?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THIS past week on many of the Talk Shows callers were promoting Income Tax as their choice to pull our revenue out of the hole it is in. I have to ask have any of these callers, respectfully, ever looked up the Gross Income per household and then calculated the impact on existing revenue of an Income Tax platform would cause... Editor, for sure if you reduce the money in the economy at source, PAYE — from your pay cheque before it goes to the bank that proportion is the decrease as to the spending you have available — if you take 5 percent of the Gross Income that’s an easy

$250m out of potential consumer spending... go at 10 percent that’s $500m gone reduced from spending.

It is obvious as our economy is set up by reducing consumer spending at those rates would devastate VAT..... impact Customs (less demand for imported goods) and down the line of consumer spending tax revenue.

How many people as their take home pay reduces will be able to meet their existing mortgages...car payments... continue their private insurances? Can anyone afford a reduction of your pay by 5 percent to 10 percent or more? Don’t think too many.

More thought. Editor, as loose talk might sound

good, but when you take that proverbial pencil to the issue you discover it ain’t going to work.

Our GDP is boosted by the presence of a lot of ex-pat residents who have considerably higher salaries, etc, than the ‘Joe blow average Bahamian... in the islands it is even lower possibly 50 percent New Providence level which is +- $23-26,000.00.

If you take off the table any level of consumer spending all direct consumer taxes are effectively reduced so how will you make those up?

KIM SAWYER Nassau, December 15, 2021.

Banking service EDITOR, The Tribune.

SEE public, make public comment as to how a company-service acts inappropriately, like that Canadian bank and their refusal to spurt out $20.00 bills from their ATM machines… see a lot of negative comments and guess what, even the bosses in Ottawa listened.

Now get more customer friendly… why should I visit your branch, only on a Saturday to get personal one-one service?

You are operating on my money… I am paying you, so I suggest you need to have a customer service officer available, at any time when the bank is open.

Ottawa you listened to

the easy issuing of $20.00 bills, from ATM machines – now act like a friendly bank! Wasn’t that your slogan when you were?

Oh, after 30 years with you, moved to the more friendly “local Bahamian bank”!

DEBBIE SMITH Nassau, December 12, 2021.

Stadium but seats stay empty EDITOR, The Tribune.

SO THE Sports Authority are better served with a bunch of bankers than business people who have some sense of how to manage a marketable facility. Didn’t the PLP pre-2017 sign a very costly managementmarketing contract with a California Sports Marketing Co, and got nothing.

So this coming weekend we have the Conch American Football Bowls... an empty stadium even with free seats!

The audience that ESPN will play to are the immediate geographical areas around the two colleges... will the alumni association fill the bleachers? Past three-four total failures and guess what 2021 will probably be the same.

Someone sold the politicians a basket of if you

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net build stadia people will come – Tommy Robinson Stadium for sometime has been in need of serious renovation... concrete is affected by rusting rebar... overhangs are in desperate need of a clean and anti-corrosive paint. Public areas good clean. How will that be? Guarantee in the millions!

So now we have a Track and Field stadium and soon a Baseball Stadium millions, especially the Track and Field, over $40m with all the utilities in and can we possibly make an honest buck back?

Local Track & Field that can’t even fill the stadium...

CARIFTA, yes, but not because Bahamians go

because ‘000’s Jamaicans fly in and populate the bleachers.

Could we attract serious music concerts. To get in the meg concert business you have to get the know-how and the upfront deposit is at least $4-5 million... with COVID add the expense of protocols health checks, but Nassau could attract a 20+ K concert.

Junkanoo won’t work at Tommy Robinson..... no sounding board essential for the junkanoo music.

Two massive white elephants? Imagine they don’t even use the stadium for Independence Anniversary celebrations.... And MPs want stadia here there and everywhere - listen to their contributions in Parliament.

T KNOWLES Nassau, December 12, 2021.

Carnival capers EDITOR, The Tribune.

AMAZING how quickly it is back to normal after an election with all those pious promises of Better Better New Day... nothing at all if we are to take the obvious from the carnival saga.

So the PLP did apply to Finance...

None other than the PM’s press spokesperson almost swore it was not so, the PM didn’t have anything to do with the carnival and ridiculed the absolute idea that the PM wouldn’t but guarantee he did know was part

of the process as that is how things go as was the chairman of the PLP — Minister Mitchell.

Boy one of these days that guy going to learn don’t opinion.

Yes, tradition that the licence for the carnival given by the Government is only applied for by the party in power given to the them seems on the face of it okay, but why should the party either or them benefit solely when surely this is a government licence and if there is any revenue that should go solely to the

Public Treasury?

This is a recreation event so why doesn’t the revenue that the party-in-office will benefit from go to the Ministry of Youth, Sports for the uplifting of our troubled youth?

It didn’t take long 90 days to be back to normal... nothing ever going to change to us getting improved governance, it would seem that this bull is entrenched forever.

P BUTLER Nassau, December 15, 2021.

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 17, 2021, PAGE 7

Coconut Grove suspect in court LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A 21-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of murdering a man and attempting to kill another earlier this month.

Vanton Sturrup appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with murder and attempted murder for actions he allegedly committed on December 2.

Police allege that Sturrup, while being concerned with another, intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of Luckson Veus on December 2.

He is further accused of trying to kill Nelson Miller the same day.

According to police reports, on the day in question, a man was shot several times on Second Street, Coconut Grove. Police said they were alerted to the incident shortly around 12:20 pm.

The victim was then

taken to hospital by a private vehicle. Police later checked his condition and were informed that he had died from his injuries.

During yesterday’s hearing, Sturrup was not required to enter a plea to the charges.

However, when given the chance to speak, the accused maintained his innocence, insisting that he was at work when the incident took place.

He also told the court that his mother had his work schedule to verify this and even sought to hand the document over to police early yesterday morning.

In response, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said she took note of the accused’s notice of an alibi and asked the prosecutor to do the same.

The case was adjourned to February 17 for a service of a voluntary bill of indictment. Sturrup was remanded to prison in the interim.

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

FIREARMS SUSPECT HELD A MAN who is suspected of trafficking firearms from the United States to The Bahamas since 2016 was apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Police Force yesterday.

Larry S Burrows was taken into custody as he disembarked his flight in Nassau, a press release from the United States Embassy in Nassau said.

Mr Burrows is a Bahamian citizen who allegedly fled to the United States to avoid apprehension.

In late September 2021, the RBPF Firearms and Gang Unit requested assistance from the US Embassy’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to locate Mr Burrows.

ATF and Homeland Security Investigations representatives from the US Embassy assisted the RBPF in locating the suspect.

Mr Burrows was found in Florida and returned to The Bahamas yesterday, where he was arrested upon arrival.

Many of the firearms allegedly trafficked by the suspect are thought to have been used in violent crimes in The Bahamas.

The Bahamas Gun and Gang Unit Assistant Superintendent Alex Pierre thanked his US law enforcement counterparts after the arrest, stating: “This international intelligence-led investigation reinforces our already-strong partnership and serves as an example for the region.”

“The well-coordinated arrest of Mr Burrows is a stellar example of how US-Bahamas bilateral cooperation promotes mutual safety and security.”

ATF International Affairs Division deputy chief Jason Tortorici added: “We expect this to be just one of many successes in our joint efforts to curb illicit firearms trafficking in the region. Our relationship will no doubt continue to be strengthened and thereby provide increased safety for the people of both nations.”

MAN ACCUSED OF INCEST LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 26-YEAR-OLD man was charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday with incest and indecent assault.

The man, whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the victim, was accused of indecently assaulting and engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with his 14-year-old niece.

Police alleged the acts occurred sometime in October and December 13.

During his hearing before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt yesterday, the accused was not required to enter a plea to

the charges.

However, when given the chance to speak, the accused told the court that he was working in Ragged Island when the incidents were alleged to have taken place.

“I just came back last week,” he said. “They said this happens from two months ago, but I was off the island.”

After hearing his explanation, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said she took note of his claims and subsequently adjourned the matter to February 4.

However, bail was denied and the accused was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Corrections.

$300 FINE OVER MARIJUANA LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD man who was found with five grams of marijuana earlier this week was yesterday ordered to pay $300 or risk spending a month behind bars.

Lamond Lewis stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with possession of dangerous drugs after he was found with Indian Hemp on December 14.

Lewis is further accused of assaulting Crystal Bain with a handgun the same day.

During yesterday’s hearing, Lewis pleaded guilty to the drug charge and was subsequently fined $300.

Magistrate McKinney also warned him if he failed to do so, he would spend a month in prison.

However, as it relates to the assault offence, Lewis denied committing the act and the matter was adjourned to December 29 for a bail hearing.

PAUL SMITH, president and CEO of Electro Telecom Ltd, making a courtesy call on Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe on Wednesday at the Orville Turnquest Building, John F Kennedy Drive.

Photo: Jonathan Rolle

$3,500 DONATION TO HELP WORK OF PRISON SERVICE A LOCAL company has made a $3,500 donation to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services during a courtesy call on Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, QC. The purpose of the visit was to present the monetary donation to be used in the preparation of Christmas meals for the inmates as their

families are unable to do so at this time.

Present to receive the funds was Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Doan Cleare. Also in present were Carl Smith and Lisa Hall, acting permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary, respectively, in the Ministry of National Security.

Additionally, the funds will also

assist female inmates in providing gifts for their children.

Minister Munroe and Acting Commissioner Cleare expressed their gratitude to Mr Smith for his generous donation as the morale and welfare of the inmates are vital to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services achieving its strategic goals and objectives.

PAGE 8, Friday, December 17, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Supply chain Christmas list is a little short A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

CHRISTMAS is in the in regards to goods, shipair, it’s obvious if you look ping and delivery. around town though that This seems to be quite the pandemic is still having the dilemma for some, for its effects. others it’s an opportunity to No Christmas Carnival creatively regift. and sadly NO JUNKANOO!! ‘Not to be Add the global held down, in

shipping crisis verb into the equa- true Bahamian gerund or tion and we are fashion many looking at an Bahamians will present participle: re-gifting edited version of (an get creative and give Christmas. unwanted gift However, re-gift items that one has better an edited from holidays received) to Christmas than else no Christmas at past. Items that someone a gift.”do all. were probably as you think she’ll Due to the a re-gift in the regift that horaforemenrendous vase?” tioned global first place!’

I made sure shipping crisis, to include the local merchants have had an extremely hard time definition, so there is no importing their Christmas confusion moving forward. stock in time for the busy Christmas shopping season.

Additionally the slew of Socks, alcohol and online shoppers and local shipping companies are scented candles have been faced with the same hurdles revealed to be among the

regift

TOP RE-GIFTS

most commonly regifted items in a survey conducted by Vistaprint.

Christmas in 2021 is going to be different for many of us in The Bahamas, and now Bahamians are calling for more thoughtfulness when choosing gifts this festive season.

Covid-19 has made us all realise the value of family and friends during the pandemic, especially after the majority of Bahamians have admitted to having a hard time making ends meet in 2021.

Not to be held down, in true Bahamian fashion many Bahamians will get creative and re-gift items from holidays past.

Items that were probably a re-gift in the first place!

Attention re-gifters, I

know some of you will re-gift no matter what the occasion, so this Christmas please let your conscience be your guide and refer to the list below, your fellow Bahamians aren’t as “fool” as some of you re-gifters think we are.

We know when you are “re-gifting” us.

TOP 10 RE-GIFTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS • A basket of scented items • Scented candle • Empty picture frame • Beauty gift sets

SECRET SANTA EPIC FAIL LIST?

• Box of chocolates • Novelty mugs/cups Here’s another heads up • Alcohol in regards to ‘Secret Santa’ • Socks and what never to gift a co • Gift basket of food • Novelty stationery worker.

• Something that looks

cheap • Gifts below the budget • X rated gifts While we are at it, FYI - Never re-gift a used Secret Santa is an annual adult X-rated gift, that will event amongst co-work- cost you your friendship ers in many Bahamian and possibly some teeth! businesses.

Until next week and the Bahamians on average annual A Comic’s View spend $16.49 on a Secret - T’was the Night Before Santa gift, with thoughtful Christmas, please rememsentimental gifts leading ber the reason for the the way with funny gifts season and to be thankful also holding their own in for what you have, and not the market. what you don’t.

SECRET SANTA

PAGE 10, Friday, December 17, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

PEOPLE hug at the Christian Aid Ministries headquarters in Titanyen, north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

Kidnapped missionaries released by Haiti gang PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti Associated Press THE remaining members of a US missionary group who were kidnapped two months ago in Haiti have been freed, Haitian police and the church group said yesterday.

The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that the hostages had been released, but did not immediately provide additional details.

“We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!” Christian Aid Ministries said in a

statement. “All 17 of our loved ones are now safe.”

The Ohio-based group said it hopes to provide more information later.

Late yesterday afternoon, a convoy of at least a dozen vehicles, including US Embassy SUVs and Haitian National Police, brought the missionaries to the Portau-Prince airport from the missionary group’s offices in Titanyen, north of Port-au-Prince.

Earlier, people at the Christian Aid Ministries campus could be seen hugging each other and smiling.

White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary

Karine Jean-Pierre said: “We welcomed reports that they are free and getting the care that they need after their ordeal.” She praised the law enforcement work and Haitian officials who helped get the hostages freed.

The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on October 16. There were five children in the group of 16 US citizens and one Canadian, including an eight-month-old.

Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organisation.

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang had

threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands were met.

Authorities have said the gang was demanding $1m per person, although it wasn’t clear if that included the children.

It remained unclear whether any ransom was paid or what efforts led to the hostages’ freedom.

Carleton Horst, a member of Hart Dunkard Brethren Church in Hart, Michigan, whose members were among the hostages, said church members received a text message Thursday morning from “someone connected to the situation” that all of the hostages had been released.

A mother and four of her children who belong to the church were among the hostages. Horst, who is friends with the family, said the church is rejoicing and he’s “elated that that portion of things is finally over, just praise the Lord for that”.

“We’re feeling great,” said the Rev Ron Marks, a minister at the church.

Two of the hostages were released in November, and three more earlier this month. They were not identified, but members of the Hart congregation told local media in Michigan that two were from Hart.

In addition to Michigan, the hostages are from

Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Ontario, Canada, according to the missionary group.

“Today is the day we have been hoping for, praying for, and working so hard to achieve,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga, whose western Michigan congressional district includes Hart.

“I want to thank members of the hostage negotiation team for their diligence in securing the safe release of all the hostages. This is a great day for families in Michigan and across the nation who have been worried about the safety of their loved ones,” Huizenga said.

‘COMPRESSION ASPHYXIA’ CAUSED ASTROWORLD DEATHS HOUSTON Associated Press

THE ten people who lost their lives in a massive crowd surge at the Astroworld music festival in Houston died from compression asphyxia, officials announced Thursday.

Medical examiners with the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston had to wait several weeks following the Nov. 5 concert by rap superstar Travis Scott for additional test results before making final determinations on cause and manner of the deaths.

The ten people who died were among 50,000 who attended the festival and were in the audience when Scott’s concert turned deadly. The youngest victim was nine-year-old Ezra Blount. The others who died ranged in age from 14 to 27. Medical examiners said contributing factors in one man’s death were cocaine, methamphetamine and ethanol, a form of alcohol.

Some 300 people were injured and treated at the festival site and 25 were

taken to hospitals.

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed over injuries and deaths at the concert, where fans surged toward the stage during Scott’s concert, squeezing people so tightly together that they could not breathe or move their arms.

Scott and the event organisers are the focus of a criminal investigation by Houston police. No one has been charged. No timetable has been set for when the investigation would be completed.

Scott’s attorney reached out to the families of the ten who died, offering to pay for their loved ones’ funeral costs. Several families turned down the offer.

The top elected official in the county that includes Houston, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, had proposed a third-party probe of the planning and execution of the festival founded by Scott.

The Harris County administrator instead will work with other city and county entities to review security, fire and other safety plans at the countyowned NRG Park, where the festival was held.

FIVE CHILDREN DIE IN BOUNCY CASTLE TRAGEDY

SYDNEY Associated Press

FIVE children died and four others were in critical condition yesterday after falling from a bouncy castle that was lifted 10 meters into the air by a gust of wind at a school on Australia’s island state of Tasmania.

The school was holding a celebration to mark the end of the school year.

The children who died included two boys and two girls in year six, which would make them ten or 11 years old, said Tasmania

police Commissioner Darren Hine. Police later Thursday confirmed a fifth child died in the hospital.

Five other children were being treated, including four in critical condition.

Hine said an investigation is underway.

Images published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed police officers consoling each other as paramedics provided first aid to victims.

Parents arrived at the school gate to collect their children as helicopters ferried the injured to hospitals.

SPORTS PAGE 11

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

‘Jazz’ breaks ground, starting in Pinewood

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

T

he Pinewood Sports Complex is set to receive a major upgrade due to several groups of investors and Bahamian Major League Baseball (MLB) player Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm.

The Miami Marlins infielder hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the fields yesterday in conjunction with representatives from his agency - RocNation Sports, International Elite Baseball Academy, Bahamas Baseball Association executives, and the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture.

“We are going to touch all the fields, we are just starting here. We are going to touch Freedom Farm, touch JBLN [Junior Baseball League of Nassau], we are going to end up in Inagua if we have to, so let’s get it done,” Chisholm said.

SEE PAGE 14

SHOWN, left to right, are coach Geron Sands, BBA secretary general Teddy Sweeting, MLB player Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and BBA president Sam Rodgers Sr. Chisholm hosted a ground-breaking ceremony at the Pinewood Sports Complex fields yesterday.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

Ayton, Page 12

DON’T BLINK HOME RUN DERBY IN PARADISE ROCKS WITH KIDS’ CAMP

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise opened its busy schedule of events with a new initiative and a staple of previous editions.

The week opened with a Celebrity Softball game featuring local artists, athletes and influencers playing alongside the visiting Major League Baseball players at Paradise Harbour at the Atlantis resort on Wednesday night.

When the event organisers squared off, Todd Isaacs Jr’s team took a 17-15 win over Team Lucius Fox to conclude a fun-filled night highlighted by home runs into the ocean.

On Thursday morning, Fox and Isaacs hosted their annual kids’ clinic, also at Paradise Harbour, for scores of aspiring student-athletes.

Clinic participants were drilled at various skill positions, including hitting,

SEE PAGE 12

Higgins sails for Bahamas at Youth World Championships

Southwest Tennis Club’s Holiday Invitational set for Flamingo Gardens

HARBOUR Island native Joshua Higgins is representing the Bahamas this week in one of the most prestigious events on the world sailing calendar in Oman.

Higgins, 20, is one of 433 of the world’s best young sailors from 56 nations taking to the waters of Mussanah for the 2021 Youth Sailing World Championships.

Five days of racing (from December 13-17) feature sailors in separate male, female and mixed competitions.

The winners will be named Youth Sailing World Champion in windsurfing, one person dinghy, two person dinghy, skiff, two persons multi-hull and kiteboarding classes.

Higgins will be sailing Laser Radial. He spent a number of weeks training hard ahead of the event.

Higgins is one of just 23 competitors invited from the “Emerging Nations

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

JOSHUA Higgins representing the Bahamas at the Youth Sailing World Championships.

Programme” which is designed to coach, support and assist in closing the gap in performance sailing in worldwide competition.

Higgins also competed earlier this year in the Under-21 ILCA World Championships in Gdynia, Poland, the Laser Radial Youth Worlds in Lake Garda, Italy and the US

Laser Nationals in Norfolk, Virginia.

His long-term goal is to represent The Bahamas at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The Bahamas Sailing Association congratulates this young man’s commitment and dedication and on an incredible year of world-class international sailing.

IN their bid to provide some excitement in the community this Christmas season, the Southwest Tennis Club is scheduled to hold its Holiday Invitational Tennis Tournament, starting this weekend at the Flamingo Gardens Tennis Courts.

The round-robin format event, designed for adults male and female at a price of $30 each and $20 per team, will commence play on Saturday and continue on Sunday. However, the finals will not be played until Sunday, December 26.

According to Michael Butler, the director of the Southwest Tennis Club, the tournament is being held as a continued commitment on the part of their mandate to promote the sport of tennis in the greater community of Carmichael.

SOUTHWEST Tennis Club director Michael Butler, Sydney Clarke and her father, Bernard.

Butler said men’s defending champion Cory Francis has already confirmed his participation, along with several top junior players on the men’s side.

As for the ladies, he noted that a few new talented players from the other tennis communities are scheduled to compete,

so they’re looking forward to a keenly contested showdown.

Bahamian Billie Jean King Cup national team player Sydney Clarke, home for the holidays from the University of Arlington at Birmingham, will be on

SEE PAGE 12

‘Buddy’ scores 15 to help Kings beat Wizards

By MICHAEL WAGAMAN Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif.

(AP) — De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points, Chavano “Buddy” Hield contributed 15, and the short-handed Sacramento Kings beat the slumping Washington Wizards 119-105 on Wednesday night.

Harrison Barnes added 19 points, 15 in a dominant fourth quarter when he had a pair of three-point plays and a 3-pointer to help Sacramento end a threegame losing streak. Tristan Thompson scored 15.

The Kings were missing interim coach Alvin Gentry and players Marvin Bagley III and Terence Davis, all of whom were placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols earlier in the day.

Assistant Doug Christie coached the team in place of Gentry. “They made it

very enjoyable for me,” Christie said. “(Washington) had us down, and for us to come back and fight the way we did … if it was easy everybody would do it, but it’s not.”

Bradley Beal had 30 points and five assists for Washington. The Wizards, who wasted big leads in the first three quarters, have dropped three straight and six of seven.

The Kings trailed 89-77 late in the third quarter and outscored the Wizards 42-16 after that. “They could smell the blood in the water,” Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “They picked it up and they pressured us.”

Barnes provided the big spark for Sacramento after Fox went to the bench early in the fourth.

Barnes scored 10 straight points, including a threepoint play when he did a

KINGS guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield and Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto scramble for the ball during the first quarter on Wednesday night.

(AP Photo/Randall Benton) 360-degree turn, banked a Raul Neto. That pushed and the Kings pulled away. shot in and was fouled by Sacramento’s lead to 105-96 “When Fox came out I

was kind of force-feeding (Barnes) a little bit and that got us going,” said Tyrese Haliburton, who had eight points, nine assists and eight rebounds. “We needed someone to step up in the fourth quarter. He made some plays for us that were much-needed.”

The loss continued a rough stretch for the Wizards. Washington is in the midst of its longest road trip of the season and wasn’t certain Kyle Kuzma would play after he was also entered into the protocols.

Kuzma was cleared and scored six points in 33 minutes. “We have to find a way to dig down individually and collectively and find the best version of ourselves.”

UP NEXT Kings: Face the Grizzlies tonight at Golden 1 Center. Memphis has won four straight against Sacramento.

PAGE 12, Friday, December 17, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Ayton posts double double, Suns top Wizards to tie Warriors for NBA lead

By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer PHOENIX (AP) — JaVale McGee scored 17 points, Deandre Ayton added 15 and the Phoenix Suns cruised to a 118-98 victory over the Washington Wizards last night.

The McGee-Ayton centre combo dominated the interior, with the Suns scoring 58 points in the paint.

All five starters and eight total players scored in double figures. Landry Shamet had 16 points and made four 3-pointers, and Chris Paul had 12 points and six assists.

The Suns pulled even with Golden State for the NBA lead at 23-5. They have won 22 of their past 24 games dating to October 27.

Washington has lost four straight and seven of its last eight to fall to 15-15. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, but the rest of the team couldn’t muster much offence.

The Suns led for nearly the entire night and had a 62-50 advantage at the break. Ayton had 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the first half.

Beal led the Wizards with 20 points.

COUNTING ON CAM Backup forward Cam Johnson has been crucial for the Suns during AllStar guard Devin Booker’s injury absence.

Johnson came into Thursday averaging more than 14 points in the six games Booker’s missed, which ranks second on the team. Johnson finished with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range, against the Wizards.

PHOENIX Suns centre Deandre Ayton (22) grabs a pass as Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game last night in Phoenix.

(AP Photo/Ross D Franklin) TIP-INS Wizards: Washington had just 11 available players. G Spencer Dinwiddie (right knee maintenance) was among those who didn’t play ... Starting G

Aaron Holiday picked up three fouls in the first four minutes.

Suns: Booker (left hamstring) missed his seventh straight game. The twotime All-Star has been

on the floor some during practice but coach Monty Williams said there was still no timetable for his return. ... The Suns shot 57% from the field in the first half. ...

All five Suns starters had at

Short-handed Nets beat 76ers NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 34 points, making a four-point play with the game tied and 1:46 left, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-105 last night for another short-handed victory.

The Nets were missing seven players because of coronavirus health and safety protocols but still had Durant, the NBA’s leading scorer who added 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Blake Griffin and Nic Claxton both added a season-high 17 points for the Nets, who had just nine players available.

Patty Mills scored 14 points in Eastern Conference-leading Brooklyn’s fourth straight victory.

Joel Embiid had 32 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the 76ers’

third straight loss. Seth Curry scored 29 points.

It was Brooklyn’s second straight game without starters James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre’ Bembry, along with reserves Bruce Brown, Paul Millsap, Jevon Carter and James Johnson.

KNICKS 116, ROCKETS 103 HOUSTON (AP) — Immanuel Quickly hit seven 3-pointers and scored 24 points to help shorthanded New York beat Houston.

New York snapped a four-game losing streak, winning for just the second time in its last nine games.

Houston has lost four of five since a seven-game winning streak.

The Knicks had four players out because of the NBA’s health and

safety protocols — R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes and Kevin Knox.

On top of that, Derrick Rose started the game but left with a sore right ankle after playing just 12 minutes.

Daniel Theis led Houston with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

PACERS 122, PISTONS 113 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caris LeVert scored 20 of his 31 points in the first half and Indiana handed Detroit its 13th straight loss.

LeVert was 12 of 18 from the field.

Justin Holiday added 17 points for Indiana, shooting 5 of 15.

Saddiq Bey led the Pistons with 28 points and 10 rebounds.

Detroit is an NBA-worst 4-23.

least 10 points by the end of the third quarter.

UP NEXT Wizards: At Utah on Saturday night.

Suns: Host Charlotte on Sunday night.

TENNIS FROM PAGE 11

hand to provide some tips about the game and the requirements for players to obtain athletic scholarships available in tennis.

Clarke, 20, has been coached by Butler prior to heading off to college.

“Our expectations are to unite the community and hopefully foster a good long-lasting working relationship with all community stakeholders including present and future representatives,” Butler said.

Persons interested in participating can register by calling 544-8576.

KIDS

FROM PAGE 11

fielding, pitching and base- running.

“Doing this for the kids, having guys from the major leagues and minor leagues that they watch on TV here present for them to see them, take pictures with them, ask them questions it’s something we never had.

“It’s special. We’re just proud to make this event successful for them. It just showed the other kids behind me that it’s possible...hopefully I can make it to the big leagues and inspire the kids even more.”

Community outreach efforts like the kids’ camp remain a mandate of the group for the further development of the next generation of baseball players.

“I just want baseball to grow in the Bahamas. Over the years they’ve been talking about the Dominican Republic and all these Latin American countries, but I know we have the talent.

“If I can do my part to help the young guys be better than us then I will do just that. It’s never selfish when it comes to us we just look forward to breaking down as many doors as possible,” Fox said.

“Our whole goal was just to inspire as many kids as possible. We decided to bring it back to help those kids and also to give the Bahamian people something to enjoy.

“We always encourage everyone to come out and work out with the pros, interact with them and learn as much as you can. It will certainly be a fun-filled experience.

“We just wanted to do something for the Bahamian people. The kids are the future, we know that they’re the future, we take it upon ourselves to help them every chance we get.”

Today will feature the inaugural Don’t Blink Golf Invitational and the weekend concludes on Saturday, December 18, with the main event - the Home Run Derby - at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

COVID-19 protocols will be strictly enforced.

The tournament is being played just before the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association starts its Giorgio Baldacci National Open Invitational tennis tournament at the National Tennis Centre, starting on Monday and concluding on Saturday.

A field of eight females, including Clarke, and 17 men, led by Kevin Major Jr, are expected to participate as the top two players will earn the rights to play on the Billie Jean King Cup and for ladies and Davis Cup for men next year.

So, according to Butler, there will be a high level of tennis played on the island for the next week.

‘I Wanna Golf with Somebody’ FLAMINGOS WOMEN’S GOLF CLUB 242 HOSTS ITS INAUGURAL 18 HOLE SCRAMBLE GOLF TOURNAMENT AT BAHA MAR’S ROYAL BLUE GOLF COURSE THE development of women’s golf is making headway led by the Flamingos Women’s Golf Club 242.

The club hosted its inaugural 18-Hole Scramble Golf Tournament sponsored by Consolidated Water Company Limited at the picturesque Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar. The Theme ‘I Wanna Golf with Somebody’ attracted the interest of 15 advanced and novice women players and also three skillful junior girl golfers.

The tournament was supported by an equal number

of men partnering to create competitive twosome teams as well as an enthusiastic field of 36 players.

Except for the intrusion of darkness which forced some teams to pick-up after 16 holes, by all accounts, the event was hailed “A Success – A Phenomenon in the Making”.

Alena Hutchinson, the club’s lead instructor and tournament director, coordinated the event.

A special thanks goes out to the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar golf team, notably head

MOST Spirited Team Award - Shown, from left to right, Latoya Johnson (board member), James Kinnear, Desmin Bullard and Agatha Mona Delancy, founder. professional, Georgette Rolle, as well as food and beverage manager, Raul Uriz, who ensured that all golfers enjoyed the experience.

The event was also supported by the BGF Ladies’ Division chairperson Dr Patti Symonette and current Bahamas Golf Federation president, Lynford Miller.

SHOWN, from left ro right, Chemari Pratt, Marcus Pratt, Cherise Archer and Agatha Delancy.

Miller expressed his pleasure in playing and would ultimately win the event partnered with Christine Russell with a score of 58 net. “Women do play golf and they’re on the rise,” Miller said.

Team Champions Christine Russell and Lynford Miller (Net 58).

1st Team Runner Up Chemari Pratt and Marcus Pratt (Net 59).

2nd Team Runner Up Agatha Mona Delancy and Elijah Delancy (Net 61).

Most Spirited Team Award in recognition of Sir William Allen’s Legacy Desmin Bullard and James ‘Jim’ Kinnear.

Ladies’ and Men Longest Drive Champion

MEN’s Long Drive Champion, Bradley Strachan.

- Chemarie Pratt and Bradley Strachan.

Ladies’ and Men Closest to the Pin Champions - Chemari Pratt and Nolan Johnson.

The Flamingos Women’s Golf Club 242 continues to stay true to its pledge of providing necessary support to grow and develop future and current women golfers.

“The tournament was very well organised and accommodated all levels of play,” said Antoinette Russell, one of the FWGC 242 club members.

“Everyone felt like a champion in their own right and the camaraderie was just down right awesome,” she added.

According to the FWGC, all skill levels are now looking forward to the next

18-hole experience to be presented by The Flamingos Women’s Golf Club 242.

The FWGC thanked the following companies and individuals for their continued support - Mr Craig Flowers, Pirate Republic Brewery, Cotton Tree Convenience Store and Consolidated Water Co. Ltd, who sponsored the event in honour and memory of Sir William Allen, a keen golfer during his life.

If you would like to learn the game of golf, or find out more information, feel free to contact the FWGC 242 at flamingosgolf242. info@gmail.com or follow on any of our social media pages www.facebook.com/ FWGC242/ or IG - flamingoswomensgolfclub242

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 17, 2021, PAGE 13

Team Fox

CHISHOLM

FRANCO

SAUNDERS

CASAS

LEWIS

MELENDEZ

Team Isaacs

Saturday, December 18 at Atlantis

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

T

KNOWLES

BADDOO

MOSS

CARSON

COLLIE

JACKSON

HANNA

WILSON

KNOWLES

WYLIE

ROLLE

VEEN

STUBBS

COMBS

he teams for the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise have been set for Team Fox and Team Isaacs as they prepare to decide the 2021 title.

Event organisers Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox Jr made their selections at the annual Don’t Blink Draft show with 42 hitters expected to compete at the fourth edition of the event, to be hosted on December 18 at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

Each team will include 10 local prospects and 10 visiting players from various levels of baseball, including independent leagues, the minor leagues and the MLB. The local prospects for Team Fox will be headlined by Miami Marlins infielder Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, the first overall pick in the draft.

Other local Team Fox prospects include Warren Saunders (New York Mets), Ian Lewis (Miami Marlins), D’Shawn Knowles (Los Angeles Angels), Keithron Moss (Texas Rangers), DJ Collie (Webber University), Ellison Hanna (Hood College - Assistant Coach), D’Vaughn Knowles (New York Yankees), James Rolle (Baltimore Orioles) and Dax Stubbs (Baltimore Orioles).

The international players will be headlined by Rookie of the Year prospect, Wander Franco Tampa Bay Rays. He will be joined by Triston Casas (Boston Red Sox), MJ Melendez (Kansas City Royals), Akil Baddoo (Detroit TIgers), Dylan Carson (St. Louis Cardinals), Jeremiah Jackson (Los Angeles Angels), Marcus Wilson (Seattle Mariners), Justin Wylie (New Jersey Jackals), Zack Veen (Colorado Rockies) and Dalton Combs (San Francisco Giants).

Team Isaacs will include several first time local

participants, including the most recent members of the last international signing and MLB draft class.

BJ Murray (Chicago Cubs), Kristin Munroe (Los Angeles Angels), Andre Arthur (Miami Marlins), Adari Grant (St. Louis Cardinals) and Stephen Adderley (Miami Marlins) will all make their derby debut.

The group also includes veteran Anfernee Seymour (Kane County Cougars) and minor leaguers Chavez Young (Toronto Blue Jays), Everette Cooper (Houston Cougars), Trent Deveaux (Los Angeles Angels), and Davonn Mackey (Oakland Athletics).

Former Don’t Blink champion Lewis Brinson of the Miami Marlins will highlight the international group for Team Isaacs.

The group also includes Miguel Rojas (Miami Marlins), Will Benson (Cleveland Guardians), Dominic Smith (New York Mets), Khalil Lee (New York Mets), Richie Palacios (Cleveland Guardians), Josh Palacios (Toronto Blue Jays), Christian Koss (Colorado Rockies), Nick Gordon, and Mason Wynn (St. Louis Cardinals).

After several years of involvement, the Atlantis resort came on board as the title sponsor for this year’s event. Stakeholders also include REV, International Elite Baseball Academy and California based nonprofit - Magical Builders.

Magical Builders is a non-profit corporation that has managed the construction and renovation of dozens of charitable facilities.

Isaacs said the unique concept showcases the natural aesthetic of the Bahamas and the country’s young baseball talent.

“Our goal of the event is to always use this as a platform to highlight our Bahamian baseball players, our Bahamian athletes, and just show what the Bahamas consists of - our natural beauty and these beaches.

“We have the best beaches in the world,” Isaacs said.

“Being a baseball player, you wanted to really bring the beaches.

“So we decided to do something extremely crazy. Set up a stage and hit balls into the water,” he added.

Traditionally hosted in early January, the derby has grown in stature to be showcased prominently by several international media outlets, including the MLB Network, and features both minor and major league prospects from around the league.

Bo Bichette, of the Toronto Blue Jays, won the inaugural event in 2018 and repeated as champion in 2019. Brinson captured the title in 2020.

On Friday December 17, the participating players will host the annual kids’ clinic at the Atlantis resort in Paradise Harbour for aspiring student-athletes.

In 2020, the partnership with the Charles Johnson Foundation brought with it Major League Baseball’s Play Ball Initiative, the branch of the organisation which hosts kids’ camps around the world.

The day will also feature another first on the Don’t Blink calendar, a celebrity softball game featuring derby participants and local influencers.

Saturday, December 18 will be the main event at the Atlantis resort.

For more information and VIP tickets to The Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise, please visit: www.atlantishomerunderby.com “Atlantis Paradise Island is committed to growing and promoting sports tourism in The Bahamas.

“Global events like the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise generates exposure, buzz, and most importantly opportunities for young athletes to experience professional events – right here at home,” said Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of Atlantis, Paradise Island.

MURRAY

BRINSON

MUNROE

ROJAS

ARTHUR

BENSON

GRANT

SMITH

ADDERLEY

LEE

SEYMOUR

PALACIOS

YOUNG

JOSH PALACIOS

COOPER

KOSS

DEVEAUX

GORDON

MACKEY

WYNN

BAHAMAS BOWL KICKOFF SET FOR NOON TODAY LIVE ON ESPN MIDDLE Tennessee and Toledo players have heard the “Something has to give” cliché all week long as the two teams prepare to play in the annual Bahamas Bowl today with a noon kickoff on ESPN. MTSU (6-6 overall, 4-4 in Conference USA) leads the nation when it comes to forcing and recovering turnovers. The Rockets (7-5, 5-3 in the MAC), meanwhile, may be the best among all FBS teams when it comes to protecting the football.

Specifically, the Blue Raiders rank first among all FBS teams in turnovers gained (31) and fumbles recovered (15), and their turnover margin of +0.92 (31 gained/20 lost in 12 games) is sixth-best.

Toledo leads the FBS in fewest turnovers – just six in 12 regular season games – and fewest interceptions thrown (2). “If you get an opportunity to recover a ball or intercept a ball you have to take advantage of it because

Toledo is really good at protecting the ball,” Middle Tennessee head coach Rick Stockstill said.

“Your opportunities are going to be limited and we’ve got to do a good job of capitalising on it.”

Nine different Blue Raiders combined for 16 interceptions this season, paced by cornerback Quincy Riley’s five picks. Senior safety Reed Blankenship led the team with three of MTSU’s 15 fumble recoveries.

Conversely, Toledo quarterbacks threw just two interceptions on 351 pass attempts. The Rockets haven’t

committed a turnover since November 2, which coincidentally was their last loss – a 52-49 setback versus Eastern Michigan.

“Middle Tennessee does a nice job of creating havoc with their defensive front and linebackers,” Toledo co-offensive coordinator Mike Hallett said.

“We need to be on point with getting their guys accounted for in the run game and the pass game.”

Middle Tennessee forced two or more turnovers in a game eight times during the regular season, including six against

Marshall and five in a win over Southern Miss.

“Our defence has done a great job,” Stockstill said. “Our coaches have done a great job in spending an enormous amount of time at each practice with our turnover emphasis. I talk about it constantly.”

The Blue Raiders’ defence will be facing one of their biggest tests. Toledo scored an average of more than 43 point per game over the last five games of the regular season (4-1 record), including three games in which the Rockets totalled 49 points.

Toledo running back Bryant Koback has rushed for 1,274 yards including an average of 6.7 yards per carry. “(Koback) is a very good player and I think their coaches do a great job with their scheme,” Middle Tennessee defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said.

“They know what they do, and they do it well.”

Middle Tennessee scored 44 or more points in three of the Blue Raiders’ six victories.

The Bahamas Bowl has traditionally been high scoring with an average of 61.8 combined points per game.

Today’s game is the first of the college bowl season and pits two teams making their second trip to The Bahamas.

MTSU lost the 2015 Bahamas Bowl appearance to Western Michigan, 45-31.

Toledo came up a field goal short in the 2018 Bahamas Bowl to FIU, 35-32 – the Rockets’ most recent bowl game appearance.

PAGE 14, Friday, December 17, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

‘Welcome back home Jazz’ MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STAR JASRADO CHISHOLM GETS WARM WELCOME HOME

WARM WELCOME: Major League Baseball star Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm was greeted at Fusion Superplex IMAX by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, members of the Bahamas Baseball Association and family and friends in a welcome ceremony over the weekend. Chisholm said it was good to finally be back home in two years. After missing out on an historic Major League 20/20 (home run/stolen base) feat this past season that was hampered by an injury, Chisholm said he’s looking forward to improving in his quest to go after the Most Valuable Player award. The Miami Marlins’ second baseman and shortstop completed the season with 18 home runs and 23 stolen bases to go along with 115 hits, 70 runs and 53 runs batted in from his 464 at-bats with an average of .248. The Marlins, managed by Don Mattingly, finished with a 67-95 win-loss record for fourth place in the Nationals League East, but it wasn’t enough to get them into the postseason.

Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

JAZZ

FROM PAGE 11 “It’s a group effort between everybody that has something to do with this project. You have Magical Builders, RocNation Sports and coach Geron - he’s been there from day one.

Mike Rodriguez from RocNation - you grabbed me when I was 18-19 years old and you told me I was going to make a lot of money and do this right. You have been fighting everybody for me, owners and GMs because you believed in me.”

Chisholm said he drew inspiration from all levels of Bahamian baseball, ranging from the young players he interacted with at Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise Kid’s Clinic mimicking his batting stance, to his fellow Bahamian professional players for their support.

“It’s been an emotional day and this is a truly touching moment. Seeing seven-year-old kids toe tapping like me. I’ve had major leaguers say to me they started toe-tapping when they saw me in the minor leagues and didn’t want to leg kick and I thought ‘oh,

that’s cool’ but now I see so many young Bahamian kids, hundreds of them out there, who just want to be another Jazz Chisholm… today was a special day for me,” Chisholm said.

“I want to thank everyone for their support. From the little kids to my fellow Bahamian pro ball players, my brothers, you all don’t even understand what you all do for me. You guys all touch my heart. I have to thank the Prime Minister, the Minister of Sports for their support. I know it’s been a difficult time.

Last but not least I have to thank my family. My grandmother, it’s all love, it’s all you and you always make my dreams come true. I always tell her she can’t leave me before I reach the Hall of Fame.”

Geron Sands, director of International Elite Academy, said the upgrade to the complex will serve the community, along with the young baseball and softball players of the academy.

International Elite hosts its on-field training at the Pinewood Complex.

“This is something that we have been working on from a very long time from a community standpoint so

we can get more kids out here playing baseball on an everyday basis. We also want people to know we will be having softball as well. It is a major part for our young ladies.

“For all the guys like Jazz Chisholm, Lucius Fox and the others, I get so many questions about the ladies.

It’s something we plan to really focus on and we will have a softball park on this compound in the very near future,” Sands said.

“The idea is to have Jazz help renovate every park in The Bahamas. We know what can come from this, whether it’s a scholarship to help further your education or a professional contract, the game of baseball has the ability to change lives.

We want to thank the Bahamian baseball community for their support, the Bahamas. The whole thing is to just help these kids to become productive citizens of our country and give back in any way they can.”

Bahamas Baseball Association secretary general, Teddy Sweeting, said the event marked another milestone for the sport in the country. “It’s an exciting time for baseball. Geron came to the association

MLB player Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg break ground yesterday.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff with great enthusiasm and in the sport of baseball is he has the full support of amazing. These young men our organisation to make are the catalysts but always sure that this process comes be mindful of the young to fruition,” he said. “To men coming up behind you, see where we are headed you lead the way.”

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said the improvement of infrastructure is a major part of his administration’s platform.

“We want to build up this field and others like it to build up baseball all throughout this country, especially in the inner city.

As minister of youth, sports and culture it is my responsibility to oversee that we create better facilities not only for baseball but for all sporting disciplines to find those diamonds in the rough,” he said. “They said ‘If you build it, they will come” so we have to do our part to build the facilities up to standard.”

Chisholm continues his community outreach efforts with iElite at the Pinewood Complex since he began his tenure with the Marlins organisation.

In January 2020, he hosted a clinic at the complex in conjunction with RocNation Sports where players received several hours of training in the fundamentals at various skill positions, including hitting, fielding and pitching, and participants were presented with give-aways of Marlins gear and memorabilia.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 17, 2021, PAGE 15

Ramsingh-Pierre appointed

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

But she admitted that throughout the years she has been involved, her only mission was to ensure that ALL the work that Cath- the sport continues to make erine Ramsingh-Pierre its stride through the local would have done over the community. years in Bahamas Eques“When I was a child in trian has paid off as she was the 1970s the sport was appointed as the Group IV very vibrant and we had representative to the Inter- an internationally-recognational Federation for nised federation,” she said.

Equestrian Sports (FEI) “However over the years solidarity committee. the sport diminished in popRamsingh-Pierre’s ularity and the federation appointment was became defunct. ratified at the “The adminFEI 2021 General istrative and Assembly in Antgovernance aspects werp, Belgium. became priorities She will represent for me when my the USA, Canada, son began riding Haiti and the and wanted to English-speaking compete abroad.

Caribbean.

“So along with Other commitothers I worked to tee members hail rebuild the sport from Denmark, locally and to Kyrgyzstan, Costa re-establish a fedRica, Chile, the eration that could Philippines, Swazibe affiliated with land and Morocco. the international The committee is body (the FEI).” chaired by Ingmar RAMSINGH- And now as De Vos, president president of PIERRE of the International the Bahamas Federation for Equestrian Equestrian Association, Sports.

Ramsingh-Pierre said The FEI solidarity pro- she hopes that this intergramme was launched national post will inspire in 2011 and works with persons involved in the national federations to pro- sport now to continue to vide a catalogue of technical make it a vibrant entity in programmes, consultancy the country. services and financial sup“As president, I see the port to facilitate the appointment as an opportudevelopment of equestrian nity to gain further insight sport, from the grassroots into the work of our interto the world stage. national organisation, and “It is an honour to have to raise the international been selected by my FEI profile of The Bahamas in colleagues,” Ramsingh- equestrian sport,” she said.

Pierre said.

In being appointed, “Equestrian sport in Ramsingh-Pierre became The Bahamas has been the the first Bahamian to sit on recipient of support from an international board in FEI Solidarity. modern times.

“I look forward to Without overlooking assisting other countries those who paved the way in the FEI’s efforts to before her, Ramsinghdevelop equestrian sport Pierre said her appointment through various initiatives is just an affirmation of the worldwide.” work that “we have done Ramsingh-Pierre got locally in rebuilding the started in the sport at the sport. age of nine and she has “Hopefully it represents been a part of the associa- an opportunity,” Ramsinghtion for the past 40 years. Pierre stated.

For a little more insight on her appointment, Ramsingh-Pierre will sit on a board that is based on the “Four Pillars” of sport - the National Federation, the Athlete, the Coach, and Values.

The FEI solidarity programmes have supported

over 280 projects worldwide since 2012.

As a member of the FEI solidarity committee, Ramsingh-Pierre will be part of the team that reviews programme applications.

And the team that allocates annual funding for solidarity projects.

CHIEFS GET 34-28 WIN OVER CHARGERS INGLEWOOD, Calif.

(AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last night.

Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in

overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes’ pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates.

Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.

Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.