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Volume: 119 No.24, December 24, 2021

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COVID’S A REAL GRINCH

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday announced tightened measures for The Bahamas, including a shorter testing window for inbound travellers and a change in the number of people who can attend indoor and outdoor gatherings.

He warned that the nation faces a few extremely

• PRIME MINISTER IN ISOLATION AND HIS WIFE INFECTED AFTER FAMILY EVENT

• NEW TESTING RULES FOR TRAVELLERS AND SIZE OF GATHERINGS

• SCHOOLS REOPENING ON SCHEDULE BUT SITUATION MONITORED

difficult weeks ahead sparked by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

While health officials have not confirmed the presence of the latest variant here, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said they were convinced omicron “was more than likely” in the country and was to blame for the exponential increase in cases over the last several days.

SEE PAGES TWO, THREE & FOUR

• FREE MEDICAL MASKS AND FIELD HOSPITALS PLAN AS CASE TOTAL SOARS TO 140

EX-MINISTER’S HUSBAND SHOT DEAD IN CAR LEON Griffin, the husband of former Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin, died last night after being shot in the head in a suspected robbery outside the family’s home.

Mr Griffin, former president of the Bahamas Taxicab Union, was found slumped over in his vehicle by his wife, the former Yamacraw MP, shortly before 8pm outside their home on Roberts Street in Winton Meadows.

In a statement last night,

LEON GRIFFIN Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who is in quarantine after exposure

to a positive COVID-19 case, said he would use all of the country’s resources to bring a resolution to this “heinous” crime.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the brutal homicide of Leon Griffin, the husband of my colleague and friend in front of their home tonight. I express my condolences to Melanie, his children and the wider family.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FIVE

THE NEXT EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE IS ON TUESDAY. WE WISH A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS

PAGE 2, Friday, December 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

A PICTURE that circulated on social media of an event at the weekend that raised concerns over COVID protocols.

‘POLICE WILL SHUT DOWN GATHERINGS THAT DON’T FOLLOW COVID PROTOCOLS’ NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe laid out the policy people must adhere to with respect to hosting gatherings over the next few days.

He said police will enforce the rules and will shut down those that are non-compliant.

“With regard to the approved events there’s a two-step process,” he said at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday. “The first is to acquire approval from the Ministry of Health who will set out the protocols that you have to follow as the police are responsible for enforcing the law.

“If it is a commercial event, you will require an occasional licence from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

“I can tell you having spoken to the Commissioner (Paul Rolle) and ACP Dames this morning you will not get it if you do not satisfy them – one that you can comply with the protocol and two if you don’t commit to providing security that will be provided by the Police Staff Association in their offduty officer regime.

“Then that will mean that you will be made to hire a police officer who will write you a ticket and close you down if you’re non-compliant.

“This is very serious business and if you want to make money from the public, you’re going to have to follow the rules and so you might as well budget for having proper security.”

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe yesterday.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 24, 2021, PAGE 3

COVID’s a real grinch

from page one Health officials recorded 140 new cases on Wednesday - 136 in New Providence, two in Grand Bahama and one each in Abaco and Eleuthera. On Tuesday, 79 new infections were reported and represented a more than 200 percent increase from the 26 cases reported on Monday.

In response to the apparent infectivity and transmission rate evidenced with the rise in positive case numbers, Mr Davis said there would be new measures because the country could be entering the worst phase of the pandemic.

In addition to plans to distribute hundreds of thousands of medical grade masks across the country, he said the testing window for people entering the country will change from five days to three days.

Beginning from January 7, a negative PCR test will be the only test accepted for all travellers entering the country, regardless of vaccination status.

Mr Davis also said effective immediately, the rules surrounding the size of gatherings have been

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said it is “more than likely” that the omicron variant is now in The Bahamas. adjusted. Indoor gatherings and professionals, and as hundreds of thousands of should not have more than a result, we are adopting medical-grade masks and 20 people while outdoor a number of steps imme- intend to distribute those gatherings can have no diately,” Mr Davis said in in communities across the more than 30 people. a live broadcast from his country in the coming days.

He also said requests for place of quarantine due to COVID is an airborne disproposals will be sought exposure to COVID-19. ease – infectious particles of imminently for the govern“Please understand that the virus can hang in the air ment’s free testing initiative. the situation is fluid, and we for hours in indoor spaces, “I have been working will continue to adapt and and therefore the right with the Minister of Health make adjustments to our masks can and do make a Dr Michael Darville to nation’s strategy as needed. big difference. consult a variety of experts “We have acquired “We are also implementing new rules at the borders.

We are changing the requirements for entering the country: Bahamians and visitors must test negative within three days of entering the country, instead outdoors with no more than 30 persons

By RASHAD ROLLE of five, and beginning on provided that all attendees are either Tribune Senior Reporter January 7, a negative PCR fully vaccinated or present a negative rrolle@tribunemedia.net tests will be required for Covid 19 test; all Covid 19 protocols are all. Rapid antigen testing THE government released revised adhered to. remains a critical tool, but health services rules last night to mitigate According to the rules, a “facility” a PCR test is more sensitive the spread of COVID-19. refers to any venue that is not a private and can pick up an infection The rules expand on restrictions residence or a restaurant and includes a earlier in its course than the announced by Prime Minister Philip hotel, convention hall, ballroom, meetantigen test.

“Brave” Davis earlier yesterday. ing room, or other space, utilised for the “Effective immediately, In newly gazetted rules published last hosting of a social gathering. we are changing the rules night, the government said people can The new rules said a person who hosts about the size of gatherings host or attend a social gathering indoors or attends a social gathering contrary to that are permitted. Indoor at a private residence with no more than this rule commits an offence and is liable gatherings should not have 20 persons; a facility can do the same pro- on summary conviction to a fine. In the more than 20 people, outvided that all attendees are either fully case of a host, a person will be subjected door gatherings no more vaccinated or present a valid negative to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and to a than 30.”

COVID-19 test result; and all COVID-19 fine not exceeding $300 for each person He continued: “We are protocols are adhered to. in attendance. In the case of an attendee, going to increase outreach The rules also said that a person may the person will be subjected to a fine not so that adults who are vachost or attend a social gathering held exceeding $300. cinated receive a booster, as

REVISED HEALTH RULES RELEASED

the booster appears to offer substantial additional protection from serious illness.

We are also making concerted efforts to reach those who are not yet vaccinated at all – but unfortunately, it will take weeks for those just now receiving first shots to have the protections that the vaccines confer. It is still important – because COVID will still be circulating in several weeks.

Our vaccination efforts will include outreach in innercity communities and to undocumented migrants who may have struggled with online registrations, or access to vaccine venues.

“We will also be taking new measures to provide technical guidance to businesses, churches, and others so that these places can be made as safe as possible.

Because COVID is airborne, ventilating indoor spaces and filtrating the air when possible, can make a big difference.

“We continue to progress as quickly as we can to make COVID-testing free. Requests for proposals will be sought imminently before we swiftly move to confirming a vendor who can meet the standards which are essential for this programme to work well.

“We are also taking steps to enhance our ability to respond to infections that require treatment.”

Additionally, Mr Davis said the government was ready to mobilise several field hospitals should the number of people needing to be admitted grow and additional manpower was also being recruited.

“In New Providence, we are planning to utilise the Nursing School and the National Stadium, and we are in discussions with an international partner to open a field hospital in Grand Bahama. We are identifying additional options in the Family Islands. Plans include the provision of equipment necessary to support the delivery of care to patients with moderate to severe symptoms.

“We are recruiting additional nurses and hospital staff. We are working to build partnerships with multiple international non-profits.”

He said health officials were working to purchase new medications and the South Beach Clinic was being prepared so that services are able to continue should there be a surge.

Mr Davis said the plan was reflective of the fastchanging situation in the country.

“I want to emphasise that activities that were relatively safe just last week are no longer safe. That is how quickly things have changed here.

“It’s important to understand that vaccinated people are at much, much lower risk for experiencing severe disease – but vaccinated people can still catch and spread omicron. Some vaccinated individuals who are infected will have no symptoms, some will have mild symptoms, and some will even have serious cases. And just as vaccination reduces but does not eliminate the chance you will contract the virus, prior infection also does not provide full protection,” he also said.

Officials said yesterday that 200 positive samples had been sent to a diagnostic lab in Panama to access gene sequencing to determine if any of the cases were due to omicron.

“After reviewing the data for the last few days and the infectivity as well as the rate of transmission, we are convinced without the gene sequencing that the omicron variant is more than likely in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Dr Darville said.

The Ministry of Health is expected to hold a press conference early next week to deliver the latest statistics regarding the rise in cases and officials maintained yesterday that they were preparing for a spike having watched the trends in neighbouring countries.

THE PRIME Minister and his wife at events this week - with Ann Marie Davis at an event at Balmoral Club on Tuesday, left, and Philip “Brave” Davis meeting the Press Club on Monday.

PRIME MINISTER IN ISOLATION AND HIS WIFE INFECTED AFTER FAMILY EVENT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis went into quarantine at around 11.30pm on Wednesday after he was exposed to COVID-19 from a close relative, but has so far maintained a negative status after multiple tests.

In a live broadcast from his place of isolation yesterday, the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP said his exposure to the virus happened at a “family gathering” where several relatives from abroad attended.

As a result, his wife Ann Marie tested positive for the virus along with several of those visiting. The visitors received their diagnosis on their fifth day after

arrival in The Bahamas.

Each of them is in isolation.

While he did not name the event, Mr Davis’ daughter recently got married. It is unclear whether her wedding is the family gathering in question.

As he made a case for the unvaccinated to get inoculated, Mr Davis revealed details of what led to his quarantine.

“Unfortunately, I can offer you an example from my own personal experience,” the Prime Minister said.

“Last weekend, we had a family gathering which included several family members who travelled here from abroad. Even though everyone was vaccinated and everyone tested negative before travel, several of those who were

visiting from abroad tested positive on the fifth day after arrival in the country.

“Since then, my wife and other family members have tested positive. I remain negative.

“Because they were vaccinated, they are either asymptomatic or are experiencing only mild symptoms.

I am so grateful that that is the case.”

Mr Davis said despite testing negative for the coronavirus, he would remain in isolation because it was the “responsible” thing to do.

“I wish I did not have to deliver this news before Christmas Eve. I told you earlier that members of my family have tested positive.

I have taken multiple tests over the last few days, and all the results have been

negative.

“I still need to do the responsible thing and selfisolate according to the rules. Being apart from your family is not easy – and it is especially difficult during Christmas-time.

“But the most important part of being in a family is taking care of each other.

Let’s all take care of each other in the coming weeks, as one big Bahamian family.”

For his part, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said Mr Davis and his relatives were all doing well.

He said: “A quick update on the Prime Minister. Yesterday, he was seen by a medical practitioner.

“He’s in good health and following the quarantine rules as well outlined

by the Ministry of Health and I would like the Bahamian people to know that his family members and his loved ones are doing well in isolation and quarantine at various places.”

The news sparked questions regarding whether Cabinet members would also need to quarantine as Mr Davis attended a meeting on Tuesday.

Asked about this, Mr Darville said health officials did not think this was necessary.

“The Prime Minister was exposed by members of his family who subsequently became positive. Because the Prime Minister is not positive, the contact tracing focuses on the epicentre which is the family and those who had been associated with the family.

“The Prime Minister has had multiple tests and those tests are negative so as we stand right now there is no need to quarantine the Cabinet,” Dr Darville said.

Mrs Davis was also recently at a gift presentation to the Children’s Emergency Hostel as part of her work in the Office of the Spouse. She also attended the “A Night With Queens” event; and also attended a luncheon on Tuesday where she addressed mostly wives of parliamentarians, Cabinet ministers present, and friends, a press release from the government noted.

It is unclear whether people she came into contact with at any of these events tested positive for the virus or are in quarantine.

PAGE 4, Friday, December 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Schools still plan to reopen but situation being watched

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna Martin says her ministry is still moving full steam ahead with the plan to reopen schools next month.

Some observers wonder what the local and global surge in COVID-19 cases will mean for the reopening.

Public schools are scheduled to reopen in the second week of January with a hybrid model.

Asked about the plans yesterday, Health Minister Dr Michael Darville suggested key decisions will be made in the coming days.

“We are very concerned about what we are seeing in the county and over the next few days there will be a determination on what direction we need to go in,” he said.

“As we said before, the circumstances are very fluid. If you look at the case in Grand Bahama, there was a spike and now it seems as if it’s tapering

off so we’re watching it very closely.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Hanna Martin said: “We are completely guided on this issue by the Ministry of Health and there has been no indication or variation signalled to us as a result of anything happening at this moment and so our plans are proceeding full speed ahead to get children back in school to try and deal with recovery of learning loss and to ensure that on the campus we execute the mandated protocols from the Ministry

of Health.”

Mrs Hanna Martin has repeatedly expressed concern about the impact the pandemic has had on learning, with many students not regularly attending online classes. She has said students will have to be assessed and remediation will be necessary as officials hope to prevent a “lost generation” of youth.

“Over the last almost two years since the first COVID case in The Bahamas, there has been tremendous disruptions in our

children’s education and significant gaps in learning have occurred,” she said recently. “And we have discovered that a significant number of children have either not been on consistently or not at all during that entire period.

“All of the research shows that learning loss of that nature has a serious impact on the child’s personal development, which also has an impact on the national development. If you have masses of people who have been set back

in this way, it’s something that we will all pay a price for. As a result of that, we have been speaking with our technical people to see what strategies have to be implemented to catch up.

“Part of that will include a testing of the children once we get them back in the classroom so that we are able to make an assessment of the extent of loss which we hope is not extensive. Thereafter channelling the children in appropriate remediation programmes to see catch up.”

‘We need to tighten restrictions’

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net WHILE opinions differ, more Bahamians are calling for restrictions to be heightened in case of a possible fourth wave of COVID-19.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health registered 140 new cases of COVID19 on its dashboard; a number not seen in The Bahamas in months.

This comes after the US Centers for Disease Control reclassified The Bahamas’ COVID-19 travel threat, lowering it from level

three to level two.

However, in light of rising case counts, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced stricter measures yesterday. He said Bahamians and visitors entering the country will be required to test negative within three days of departure, as opposed to five days. Beginning January 7, a negative PCR test will be required for all travellers entering the country.

Mr Davis also said effective immediately, the rules surrounding the size of gatherings have been adjusted. Indoor gatherings should not have more than

‘People just need to be responsible for themselves. Follow the protocols and take responsibility for yourself and your actions. We have laws in place. Just follow those laws and we will be fine.’

Richard Simms

20 people while outdoor gatherings can have no more than 30 people.

Yesterday, The Tribune spoke with a number of people to learn their opinions on whether more restrictions are needed.

Richard Simms, a certified public accountant, said he does not feel restrictions will help our numbers, but instead everyone should be responsible for themselves.

“No, we should not put more restrictions in place,” he said. “I say that because restrictions have nothing to do with it. Sometimes the numbers are high and sometimes they are low.

“People just need to be responsible for themselves.

Follow the protocols and take responsibility for yourself and your actions. We have laws in place. Just follow those laws and we will be fine.

“The people who are not catching COVID are the responsible ones. They are following the protocols that are in place. You cannot force things on people. They either follow the protocols or suffer the consequences.”

Raleigh Francis, an insurance executive, has a different view. He said with the contagious omicron now spreading, it’s time to ramp restrictions up.

“The omicron variant is said to be the most contagious of them all,” Mr Francis said. “It is spreading like wildfire across all the continents. It is suspected to be here already.

“With all of that said I think it’s a given that we heighten restrictions in this country.

“We are partying like

‘We are partying like there is no tomorrow and having all these events. We just need to enforce our laws that are in place and everyone needs to follow the COVID protocols.’

Raleigh Francis there is no tomorrow and it seems like we still don’t having all these events. We get it. We are still out there just need to enforce our doing all kinds of things and laws that are in place and when we catch this virus, we everyone needs to follow want everyone to feel sorry the COVID protocols.” for us and talking about Vaughn Smith, a Family ‘prayers up’ for this one and Island hotel baker, wel- the next one. comes the “Now idea of put- ‘I have seen so there is a new ting more variant out many of my friends there which restrictions in place as he and family die is very contafeels people from COVID. It has gious. If I was do not take the Prime changed our lives COVID-19 Minister, I seriously. so much. I cannot, would lock “I have for the life of me, this town seen so many down right of my friends understand why away. Don’t and family people still are not be afraid to die from be the Grinch taking it seriously.’

COVID,” that stole Vaughn Smith Christmas, Mr Smith said. “It has Brave. Since changed our lives so much. they cannot be responsible, I cannot, for the life of me, lock them down.” understand why people still Perry Ferguson, a propriare not taking it seriously. etor of a convenience store, “COVID has affected believes lockdowns are the lives of just about every effective. family in this country and “I feel we should

heighten restrictions in this country because it seems like these young people have gone buck wild,” he said. “Why are we having massive numbers at a concert during a pandemic?

Why are they being allowed to do that?

“I think the lockdowns and stuff were a bit much, but they were sort of effective.”

An entrepreneur, Crystal Wilson said everyone is to blame for the high numbers of COVID-19.

“We are all to blame for where we are at,” Ms Wilson said. “Politicians on both sides were irresponsible during the (recent election) campaign.

“Whereas I don’t agree with the lockdowns, I feel we have to enforce some sort of restrictions, because at this rate it’s really necessary. If you are fully vaccinated, you might get sick but at least you will survive.”

AIRPORT: WE’VE GOT THE MANPOWER

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

WITH Lynden Pindling International Airport experiencing heavy traffic this holiday period, an airport representative said they are satisfied immigration officials have the manpower to process passengers quickly and safely disperse crowds.

The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) was contacted for comment after a photo circulated on social media showed people densely packed in a section of the airport.

Jan Knowles, NAD’s vice president of marketing and communications, confirmed the photo was taken at LPIA’s immigration hall, but could not say if it was a recent photo. The people in the photo were wearing masks, but were crammed closely together.

“During exceptionally busy travel periods, with multiple flights arriving at the same time, the

immigration hall at LPIA and at other airports around the world could become quite crowded, particularly if flights arrive before or after their scheduled time of arrival,” she told The Tribune.

“In such cases, immigration officials typically seek to process passengers within the hall quickly (within 30-40 minutes) and they (immigration) have had the required manpower in place to ensure this happens quickly so the crowds are safely dispersed. We have been pleased with how operations went over the past weekend and to date this week. The airport community is working collaboratively to welcome thousands of arriving passengers each day.”

She added: “Like other airports around the world, LPIA is experiencing heavier traffic due to the traditionally busy holiday season and persons should anticipate lines when travelling, be patient, wear masks (double masking

is recommended during travel) and arrive early (at least three hours ahead of your departure time for US flights) to ensure enough time for processing.”

It was previously reported in Tribune Business that NAD was expected to handle over 6,000 passengers this past weekend, a mark that had not been met in many months.

Earlier this week, Ms Knowles said while there were some cancellations the airport remained in the 6,000-passenger range as LPIA was “the busiest it has been in quite some time”.

“We anticipate travel will be busy throughout the holidays and into the New Year and are grateful for the recovery of our business at this time. We are cautiously optimistic in the face of the new virus variant that appears to be gaining traction in some of our source markets. We have not seen any major cancellations in this regard but we continue to monitor this closely,” she said earlier.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 24, 2021, PAGE 5

Ex-minister’s husband shot dead in car FORMER Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin, pictured at the launch of Glenys Hanna Martin’s PLP leadership bid in 2017. from page one “I ask for our supporters and all citizens across the length and breadth of our country to pray for the repose of his soul, to pray for Melanie and the family.

“I pledge to use all the resources of the state to resolve this heinous crime,” Mr Davis said.

At the scene, police press liaison officer Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters said the incident appeared to be a robbery, however he stressed that police could not conclusively say this was the motive at this stage in the investigation.

Several high-profile members of the Progressive Liberal Party visited the Griffin home last night, including former Prime Minister Perry Christie, former Labour Minister Shane Gibson, and Minister of State for Education Zane Lightbourne, along with other party members and government officials.

It was a sombre scene outside the home, which was illuminated by holiday lights, as the shooting occurred just two days before Christmas.

A group of onlookers also gathered as police processed the scene, watching as a tow truck came to tow away what appeared to be the victim’s car.

ASP Peters said shortly before 8pm, police received information of a shooting in the Winton Meadows neighbourhood.

Once police arrived at the residence, officers found a male in his early 70s slumped over in a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. EMS pronounced him lifeless at the scene.

Asked if the shooting appeared to be motivated

THE BODY of Leon Griffin is removed from the scene last night. by theft, ASP Peters said: “It appears to be a robbery, because all the evidence is gearing towards that but we cannot say that conclusively.”

He did not know if the victim was arriving or leaving home when he was shot, but revealed that the victim’s wife found the deceased and called the police.

Mr Christie spoke to reporters briefly as he came out of the Griffin residence.

He said Mrs Griffin was alone at home with her daughter when she heard the gunshot.

“She called me very early on when she was alone here with her daughter, heard the shot, ran outside and (saw) her husband. It was a very tragic occurrence at this time of the year... Melanie and her husband didn’t deserve this.

“It’s another example of the great challenge we have in the country of being able to deal with FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie at the scene after paying his respects. issues of criminality as it Mr Christie said. we were elected for the manifests itself.

For his part, Mr Gibson, first time together in 2002, “So it’s a time for us to former Golden Gates MP, served in two Cabinets, share in the anguish of the told reporters the incident served for 15 years in Paroccasion and to hope the had left him “numb”. liament together and just authorities of the coun“I am completely lost to watch her tonight and try are able to bring a for words right now. Me her daughter and her stepresolution to this matter,” and Melanie go way back, daughters and to look and see what they are going through, it’s just heart wrenching. Anytime something like this happens it’s just so sad, but just to see it happen this season... everybody looking forward to Christmas in two days and (to) have something like this happen, it is just heart wrenching,” Mr Gibson said.

Mrs Griffin served in Parliament until her defeat in the 2017 general election.

ASP Peters said police are canvassing the area for CCTV footage that can assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 502-9991, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

FORMER PLP MP Shane Gibson addressing the media last night.

POLICE PROMOTION LETTERS ISSUED

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribu ne Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PROMOTION letters were given out in the Royal Bahamas Police Force yesterday, police press liaison officer Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters confirmed.

When contacted for more information and asked how many officers received promotion letters and which ranks, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said: “I don’t have the numbers now, but can have it tomorrow. All ranks.”

Commissioner Rolle suggested in October that promotions were in the pipeline. Speaking on the Royal Bahamas Police Force programme “Cop Talk”, Commissioner Rolle was asked about promotions.

The show’s host asked Commissioner Rolle if there was anything he wanted to share and noted a lot of police officers were tuned in.

With a smile, the police chief indicated, “not yet.”

He also said: “All of my police officers, colleagues, just to say thank you—not

yet. I heard some rumblings about some things, but we’re not ready yet— soon.

I know several of you are anxiously waiting for your promotions.”

He continued: “Let them know that I spoke with the Minister of Public Service this morning and I believe he’s watching. I kinda said to them, to nudge them to get my stuff, so we can move forward, but I know, tell them we’re gonna have a good Christmas I believe that.”

On Monday, Governor General Sir Cornelius A Smith swore Clayton

Fernander in as Deputy Commissioner of the RBPF. DCP Fernander joins Deputy Commissioner Loretta Mackey in that role.

Later that day, Commissioner Rolle tweeted congratulations to Bernard Bonamy and Dellareece Ferguson for their appointments as Assistant Commissioners of Police.

Commissioner Rolle said ACP Bonamy will have remit for Family Island operations, and ACP Ferguson will have remit for human resources and training.

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

PAGE 6, Friday, December 24, 2021

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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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 1972-

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55 test positive on cruise ship AT LEAST 55 crew members and guests have tested positive for COVID19 on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship just days after it departed from Fort Lauderdale.

The 55 who tested positive are fully vaccinated and mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic and represent about 1.1 percent of the people who are on the ship, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said on Thursday.

“We’re stuck here for eight days just watching each other not going nowhere,” said Bassem Girgis, who spent $6,000 on the cruise vacation for him and his kids.

“It’s a big mess man,” he said. “If they know they have some COVID cases they shouldn’t have 4,000 passengers on board.”

The cases are mostly among crew members, with 52 staff members and three passengers testing positive for the virus.

“I am sure this number will increase by the end of this trip,” said Gorgis. “I understand I took the risk, but I didn’t agree to stay on the cruise for eight days and not go nowhere.”

The health of those who tested positive is being monitored and any close contacts were identified and placed in quarantine.

The Odyssey of the Seas departed Fort Lauderdale on Saturday for an eight-night trip to the Caribbean, and sailed with 95 percent of the onboard community fully vaccinated, the spokesperson said.

The ship had to return to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday to disembark a guest who had tested positive.

The ship will not be making planned stops in Curacao or Aruba as a result of the cases.

“The decision was made together with the islands out of an abundance of caution due to the current trend of COVID-19 cases in the destinations’ communities as well as crew and guests testing positive on board,” the cruise line said in a statement.

The ship will stay at sea until its regular scheduled return on December 26.

The Centers for Disease Control have launched a probe into the situation.

“CDC is investigating the recent increase in COVID-19 cases identified on Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas,” CDC spokesperson David Daigle said yesterday. “All cases appear to be mild or asymptomatic. Additionally, there have been no COVID-19 related hospitalisations, medical evacuations, ventilator use, or deaths from this ship.”

Industry insiders say cruising is among the safest ways to travel — in addition to vaccine requirements, there’s testing, health questionnaires and flexibility for guests.

The announcement of the results came after the cruise ship docked in Miami.

The same day the Odyssey departed, another Royal Caribbean ship, the Symphony of the Seas, returned to Miami with 48 guests and crew members who had tested positive for COVID.

VOLMER Salvador swims inside a tank at the AquaRio aquarium dressed in a Santa Claus costume during the Christmas season in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday.

Photo: Bruna Prado/AP Jamaal Rolle is on holiday

Govt acted lawfully on carnival EDITOR, The Tribune.

I THANK you for the opportunity to respond to a letter that appeared in the editorial sections of the print media on the 21st and 22nd of December 2021 under the pen of SLB and the title “Incompetence and lack of transparency over carnival”.

The writer, who chose to hide behind a nom de plume, in my view, fabricated a false narrative in pursuit of a purely politically driven narrative and agenda. I assert this because the Controller of Customs allowed entry of the carnival equipment under the legal authority vested in that office under the Customs Management Act. I go further. If any detractor of the Prime Minister and his government has evidence that the Controller of Customs acted contrary to law, the onus is on them to produce the evidence or forever hold their peace. To date, no detractor has.

If the detractors have evidence that the Health and Wellness Minister acted improperly and misrepresented his office in accepting the expert advice of the fourteen scientists that comprise the EOC and for so advising the Cabinet Committee to adopt the same, the detractors must produce the evidence or forever hold their peace. To

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net date, no detractor has.

Prime Minister Davis and Minister Darville have always asserted from the start of the COVID19 pandemic that they would follow the science in making policy decisions and to date, they have.

A routine operational procedure by the Controller of Customs that is part and parcel of the cut and thrust of government (and governance) cannot become a salacious national scandal because somebody imagines that it should be to serve their purposes.

There is also this false narrative that the Prime Minister is hiding behind some personality or statement. The Prime Minister is under no obligation to speak publicly on any procedural matter and decision that is satisfied by settled law because his political detractors imagine that he should speak.

Those many so-called unanswered questions are nothing more than imagined fanciful public ruminations in a vain attempt to create, or fabricate, a tempest, controversy or to create a specter of some sort consistent with their agenda which usually leads down a rabbit hole. Correspondingly,

the disciplined execution of public policy and slavish adherence to the rule of law must be stubbornly impatient of imagined and fanciful public ruminations by those who seek to distract.

Are the detractors of Mr Davis and his government right or wrong? They are neither right nor wrong, they were just playing a good old fashion game of catch-22. Some call the tactic “bait and switch”.

Had the government overruled the fourteen scientists and allowed carnival to proceed, his detractors would have probably accused him of failing to protect the public interest by sacrificing the health and life of many unvaccinated adolescent Bahamians on the altar of political convenience.

Some unsolicited advice for the Davis government.

Whenever your detractors question, spin or challenge your policy decisions, always wrap your policy decisions in the law and publicly challenge. Challenge them to either show where the law and public policy were violated or forever hold their peace.

Suffice it to say, in protecting the public interest, the Davis Government acted according to law on carnival.

ELCOTT E COLEBY Nassau, December 22, 2021.

Zimbabwe fears EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT’S extremely disheartening to keep on witnessing negative sentiments and lack of concerns by the Zimbabwean government about citizens who are continuously leaving Zimbabwe in search of better economic conditions in other foreign countries, particularly South Africa.

As we observe migration day, it is worthy reflecting on why the corrupt Zimbabwean government is hoping South Africa will renew special work permits for Zimbabweans. The Zimbabwean government should be ashamed that

it has failed an estimated six million Zimbabweans who are scattered in South Africa.

If the Zimbabwean government can manage the country, Zimbabweans in South Africa will not be begging for the special work permits in the first instance. This shocking scale of migration regarding Zimbabweans was created by mismanagement of the country by ZANU PF government. The world should put pressure on the Zimbabwean government to sort out the economic mess they have created and stop the migration patterns which are threatening the

Southern Africa region, particularly South Africa.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa should transform the economy of Zimbabwe and create an environment in which citizens will migrate to South Africa and other countries particularly by crossing crocodile infested Limpopo River. If he fails, he should resign or be removed so that Zimbabweans can stay in Zimbabwe and stop the unprecedented pattern of migration.

BEVERLEY MUTANDIRO Middlesex, England.

December 16, 2021.

T

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 24, 2021, PAGE 7

Man in court over $100,000 of cocaine

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 24-YEAR-OLD man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on several drug related charges in connection with a recent seizure of $100,000 worth of cocaine.

Cohen Sands stood before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis on December 22, accused of being in possession of 12.5 pounds of cocaine with intent to supply.

Sands is further accused of conspiring with others to possess and import the drugs the same day.

Officers also said the accused, while being concerned with others,

imported cocaine into the country this month.

According to police reports, sometime around 3pm on the date in question, detectives from the Drug Enforcement Unit along with United States officials at the Lynden Pindling International Airport conducted a search on Sands.

While searching, officers found five sealed packages containing suspected cocaine.

Police said Sands was subsequently arrested.

During yesterday’s hearing, Sands denied all the allegations and his case was adjourned to February 8 and 9, 2022.

The accused was granted $20,000 bail with

two sureties. He was also ordered to report to the Carmichael Police Station before 6 pm on Wednesdays.

Also appearing before court on similar charges was 34-year-old Whitney Burrows.

Burrows was arrested after police allegedly found him with eight ounces of marijuana valued at $480 on December 22.

However, during yesterday’s hearing, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the matter was adjourned to February 2, 2022. He was also granted $500 bail with one surety.

In a separate matter, Tre Jahron Hamilton, 25, was arraigned on one count of possession after police

found him with one gram of marijuana on December 21.

Prosecutor Sgt Vernon Pyfrom told the court at around 7.35pm that day, officers, acting on information, went to investigate a disturbance at a local store.

However, upon arrival, officers were directed to Cowman Lane off Malcolm Road after receiving additional information in reference to the suspects.

Officers went to the area and saw two men who matched the description of the suspects and subsequently searched them.

While conducting their search, police discovered a clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana on the defendant who was later

arrested.

However, police said while the defendant was being arrested, he cursed at them, questioning why officers were locking him up for one “ f—king joint”.

During yesterday’s hearing, Hamilton admitted to possessing the drugs and using obscene language in the presence of an officer.

Before sentencing, his attorney Ian Cargill noted that his client, who is selfemployed, cooperated with police and did not waste the court’s time.

He also said the accused did not have any previous convictions and begged the court to not impose a custodial sentence so he could continue keeping a clean

record.

In response, Magistrate Rolle-Davis asked the accused if he used drugs often.

Hamilton said he did so as a means to cope with his issues.

When asked to elaborate on this, the 25-year-old said he watched his friend die in his arms and noted that on the day in question, he smoked marijuana to clear his head.

As a result, Magistrate Rolle-Davis ordered him to be on good behaviour and granted him an absolute discharge.

He also told Hamilton not to take advantage of the opportunity granted to him, adding the court will not be so lenient next time.

GB ELECTRICITY DECISION NEXT WEEK

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A FINAL decision on the electricity rate increase application proposed by the Grand Bahama Power Company will be made when the Grand Bahama Port Authority wraps up its 45-day public consultative process on December 31 – a week from now.

General counsel at GBPA Carla McIntosh said that the entity began the process on November 16, publishing a summary of the application on its website. The company has also engaged key stakeholders and the public by outlining a summary of the application.

“At the end of the process, GBPA will advise GBPC of its final decision,” she said. “A final decision will be made based on the process that is outlined in the regulatory framework and all the relevant information obtained during the consultative process, having regard to the totality of the process.”

Based on GBPC’s filing, the base rate is projected to increase by $4.8m per annum. According to the proposed filing, it puts total revenue requirement at $66.5m, compared to the requirement of $61.7m in 2018.

The Coalition of Concerned Citizens is opposed to the proposed rate increase in the base cost of electricity, claiming that the company has made large profits over the past several years. They believe that an increase should not be approved at this time

because residents and businesses are still struggling to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID pandemic.

Ms McIntosh explained that GBPA realised it needed to strengthen the regulatory regime in 2013 after receiving complaints on the cost of power, unreliable power and lack of transparency.

In accordance with international best practises, Ms McIntosh said the framework not only provides an objective and transparent process for a fixed three-year rate setting, but it also establishes a regime of efficiency and customer service standards designed to secure greater levels of customer protection.

In the framework, GBPA outlines its expectations as regulators.

The attorney said GBPC is required to report quarterly to GBPA on customer service standards.

She explained that in cases where the utility provider fails to satisfactorily meet established customer service metrics, customers must receive written communication and a subsequent credit on their account.

The power company is guided by established Customer Service Metrics.

When restoring power after a fault for a single customer, GBPC has 12 hours in which to resolve this issue after being reported.

In responding to customers complaints and billing and payment queries, Ms McIntosh said GBPC has 21 days in which to resolve

these issues. And when connecting or transferring services, the power company has three working days. Reconnecting services after disconnection at the meter, must be resolved in one working day after payment of the bill.

Ms McIntosh said the framework is based on a cost analysis model whereby GBPC is required to set forth a rate application every three years for review and consideration.

In the rate application, GBPC must provide a five-year capital investment budget forecast, plans for their major operations, a detailed report of operating and maintenance expenses, amortisation and depreciation, a report on their financial cost of capital, and the cost of fuel.

Before a determination is made, Ms McIntosh said GBPA is required to perform certain obligations, including conducting a comprehensive review of the rate case application.

“Our initial review has been done. We are now engaging stakeholders to get their feedback, and once we get feedback, we will go back and have our second review,” she explained.

She noted that they will look at base rate revenue requirements. The rate includes the base rate and fuel charge cost.

Ms McIntosh explained that the base rate, which is set for a three-year period as part of the rate application, is the rate charged to customers that reflect

WOMAN WITH STOLEN WATCH DOESN’T GET TIME IN JAIL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 23-YEAR-OLD woman who was recently found with a stolen watch was put on probation for two years yesterday.

Trevonya Taylor appeared before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis charged with receiving after officers found her with Shantell Griffith’s stolen Apple watch valued at $550.

Prosecutor Sgt Vernon Pyfrom told the court Ms Griffith reported the stolen item to police after

someone broke into her home.

He said police were able to track the phone online, which led them to Taylor’s home. She was subsequently arrested and during her interview with police, she told officers she received the watch from a man she knew.

When given the chance to speak, Taylor told the court she did not know the watch was stolen and claimed she purchased it from a friend for $250.

She said she asked the friend if the watch was stolen after being unable to get it unlocked, but claimed

he did not give her an answer.

The 23-year-old said she later returned the watch to its owner and added she told police she was willing to assist them in locating her friend.

After hearing the accused’s explanation, Magistrate Rolle-Davis placed her on probation for two years.

He warned her failure to comply with the conditions of her release will result in a year in prison.

He also advised her to exercise “good sense” in the future to avoid similar situations.

THREE IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTINGS THREE people are in hospital after two shootings on Wednesday.

Police said that shortly after 9pm, a man was shot at the intersection of Mackey and Shirley Streets.

Police were told that the victim was seated in his

vehicle at the intersection when he was approached by a gunman. The gunman shot the victim in his right thigh before fleeing.

The victim was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle. His condition is listed as stable.

Police said shortly before 10pm, two men were shot while on Ethel Street in Montel Heights.

The victims were taken to hospital in a private vehicle. They are both in critical condition.

Investigations continue.

all elements of the cost of GBPC to provide utility service with the exception of the cost of fuel. It involves operation and maintenance expenses, insurance expenses, depreciation expenses, amortisation of regulatory assets and return on capital.

The fuel cost, she said, is the cost associated with the resources employed to generate electricity by GBPA at its generating plant. This includes fuel oil, diesel fuel, energy lubricant, and any applicable expense, as well as cost associated with risk management and hedging activities.

“When we look at 2018, the total revenue requirement was $61.7m, and when we look at the proposed filing we see a total requirement of $66.5m.

The main factor contributing to the $4.8m increase is the insurance expense and amortisation of regulatory assets,” Ms McIntosh explained.

In 2018, she noted that GBPC spent $2m on insurance premiums. “According to their filings, the premiums have increased to $4.3m, which is a $2.3m increase,” she added.

“Based on filings, this is as a result of the significant premium increase for electricity industry in the region for marked increases, and tropical storm and hurricane activity, and GBPC from claims paid to them from both hurricanes Matthew and Dorian.”

Ms McIntosh said it is important to note that not all assets of GBPC are insurable.

AN OFFICER with the suspected cocaine haul in Nassau last night.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

VENEZUELAN MEN HELD AS DRUGS HAUL FOUND POLICE arrested two men from Venezuela who landed at the Crooked Island Airport after 11pm on Wednesday with suspected cocaine.

The drugs were brought to the capital last night.

Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters said officers on Crooked Island became suspicious when they heard the sound of an aircraft hovering around the island’s airport after 11.45pm on Wednesday.

When officers arrived at the airport, they saw a plane parked on the runway.

ASP Peters said the officers approached the plane and saw two men running from the aircraft, leaving the door open.

Police pursued the suspects, captured them and took them back to the plane, where officers found 44 black bags containing suspected cocaine.

ASP Peters said police do not know where the plane came from.

However, the suspects are from Venezuela; one is 29 and the other is in his 60s.

When asked how the men were able to land at the airport, he said, “The Crooked Island Airport is not a 24-hour airport. Individuals have their skills whether it be illegal or legal in the world of aircraft so perhaps those individuals would have used their skills, knowing that our airport is not a 24-hour manned airport... or persons who may have been on the island assisting them may have placed markers at various points to guide them. So all of that is not determined at the moment.”

Up to press time, police had not determined the street value of the drugs.

An investigation is ongoing.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Death Notice It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of

Kenneth R. Carey, 80 of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera and formerly of Nassau East. Mr. Carey died on Friday, 17 December, 2021.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.

Freedom Memorial Center. Sharing your Memories.

PAGE 8, Friday, December 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

(Twas the night before C hristmas) ‘TWAS the night before Christmas when all through the House; Not a creature was stirring except Mitchell’s pet mouse.

The stockings were hung on the back of Vaughn’s chair; With hopes that “New Day” contracts soon would be there.

Lisa Rahming was nestled all snug in her bed, While visions of firing people danced in her head.

Wayne sat in the kitchen, with Darville square on his lap, Asking, “Bey, why you cause our Carnival get scrap?”

When out of the blue there arose such a clatter,

A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

Madame Speaker appeared, and the whole House scattered.

Away to the Chair she flew like Yellow Flash; Eyes cutting and searching for red MPs to bash.

The PM dreamed of travel, how far his budget could go; As omicron ravaged Bahamaland below.

When, what to my wandering eyes should appear?

The ex-Competent Authority still slappin’ up in there.

But Pintard as leader, and the FNM’s choice, Hollered, “Now, calm down Doc! There’ll be only one voice!”

And quicker than Bahamians refused J&J’s vaccine, Brave awoke from his slumber, to survey the scene:

‘Now Chester! Now Glenys!

On Darville!

Mitchell! Sears!

When yinna was gon’ tell me the fourth wave is here?!’

Latrae sat fretting on the best spin to make; While Clint ran around screaming, “Just let them eat cake!”

Munroe popped up, saying, “Let me be clear.

I’ne taking no vaccine, so don’t talk fool round here!”

“That’s rule number one, and here’s rule number two: The police are now in charge of everything you do!”

Glenys shook her head, thinking of school and the

youth; While Sears fantasized of a million toll booths.

Halkitis stepped forward praising 10 percent VAT, While raiding breadbaskets, to take it all back.

JoBeth studied the room, from window to wall, Mumbling, “Well I ready to build, Who cares about oil?!”

Brave stood up, his mouth drawn up like a bow, If he had any hair, it would be white as snow.

He started shaking like a bowl full of jelly; “Is this how it feels with a pandemic in ya belly?”

COVID numbers were rising, all restrictions were gone;

The doctors were tired, many nurses moved on.

The look in his eye, and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had plenty to dread; He spoke not a word, but sat down all forlorn, Thinking, “Why all dis pressure on me? Where my ministers gone?”

He thought about curfews, and bars, then blame; Afraid a strong response would sully his name.

So Brave went to bed and turned out the light, Murmuring, “I’ll find a solution! But I have an early flight.”

So that’s how it stands as we continue the fight; Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.

CHRISTMAS pyjamas presented to the nurses and doctors of Princess Margaret Hospital.

YOUNG MOTHERS AND SANDY’S BRING CHEER TO NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE WHEN Karla WellsLisgaris heard of the tradition of hospitals elsewhere dressing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) babies in holidaywear, she knew the same ought to be done at the country’s only NICU. “As a ‘recent’ mother myself, I know how vulnerable newborns are,” Mrs Wells-Lisgaris said. “Christmas is such a special time of year, I thought it might bring some cheer to both the parents, and nurses and doctors who work tirelessly to bring

the babies back to health.”

Once the idea was born, Mrs Wells-Lisgaris reached out to other mom friends who happily purchased new holiday pyjamas. She also contacted Sandy’s Department Store which donated a bundle of essential baby items, including onesies, receiving blankets, bibs and other items.

“It honestly is quite the haul and I’m excited to provide these to new moms who might have a need,” she said.

Judy Higgs of Sandy’s

said, “It truly takes a village to raise a child. Sandy’s has been a part of the Bahamian landscape for decades, and so we were happy for the opportunity to donate these items. Especially at this time of year.”

Due to the very specialised needs of babies in the NICU, the unit from time to time does have specific requests. If you would like to help, please contact Princess Margaret Hospital’s administration office at pmhcommunications@pmh. phabahamas.org.

FUN DAY HELD FOR CHILDREN AT FUSION TWO hundred children from communities throughout New Providence were treated to a fun day at Fusion Superplex courtesy of 242Jobs and Aliv.

242Jobs CEO Donavon Powell and his team thought it was a great way to show their fellow Bahamians how much they care.

“We wanted to do something different from the regular Christmas giveaway, so we came up with the idea to invite 200 kids to have the opportunity to see a good movie, have some food and popcorn, and just have a really good outing,” Powell said.

Kids came from the

CHILDREN physically distance while having fun at the movies. communities of Bain & Precious Fortune-ThompGrants Town, Englerston, son said the kids enjoyed a Flamingo Gardens, Car- showing of Clifford the Big michael, Freetown and Red Dog, had lunch, and St Barnabas to attend were each given a Christthe event. Event planner mas gift.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 24, 2021, PAGE 9

The grinches who stole Christmas TODAY is Christmas Eve. At least technically it is Christmas Eve. For all those who had plans to gather with family tonight or tomorrow and had to cancel those plans, thanks to the grinches who stole Christmas, it doesn’t feel like Christmas Eve. It’s just December 24, another day in the calendar.

Okay, maybe that is a little harsh. Let me be a little gentler.

For those who mark Christmas as a religious holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus, everything is as it should be.

The church congregation may be a bit smaller than in normal years, though you can probably watch it streaming live on Facebook on your phone or other device. The service may be televised.

The grinches hovered, but they did not steal your holiday. Truthfully, praying and reflecting are best done alone so for many, tomorrow will be fine.

For those among us to whom the holiday is a time of sheer celebration, of laughter, hugs and kisses, to gather with loved ones, to embrace people you are happy to see, to exchange gifts, share ideas, dissect the news, the sweet potato casserole and the dessert, 2021 is a holiday sliced to the bone.

What happened to our expectations of just a few months ago? Hotels were reopening, cruise ships lined the port and passengers filled the streets. Tours, dormant during the year of COVIDinduced economic drought, started operating again. Taxi drivers had fares. Restaurants that got creative with outdoor seating were allowed to let restricted numbers of vaccinated guests back inside for indoor dining. Shops, gyms, barber shops and spas were slowly coming back to life.

We felt buoyant. We had survived the worst of the pandemic and The Bahamas had made out better, in some ways, than most places, fewer cases of hospitalization per thousand, lower percentage of deaths and as for real estate, it was a boom like many brokers and agents had never seen before. The

move to relocate had driven northerners to the south and Florida and The Bahamas were the two highest per capita beneficiaries of that relocation, 400,000 moving to Florida in a year, and in The Bahamas, inventory was so scarce that sales agents and brokers went searching for something to list.

If everything was going so well, what went so wrong?

We celebrated the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel too soon.

The virus had another trick up its genetics, a particularly tough one called Delta, and while we were still reeling from that, it threw another one at us, one called Omicron. It came so fast it went unnamed for the first several days, like an unexpected child.

Delta and Omicron, the grinches duet who stole your Christmas.

It wasn’t just that we celebrated too early. It’s how we celebrated and what we forgot to take to the party.

We could have marked the relief from the first two waves by going out to dinner or gathering with six friends.

No, we had to gather with 60 or 600 or 6000 (unless those photos we are seeing on social media and on the front page are fakes).

Then we forgot certain ingredients we needed to take to the party, not just our vaccine, but our masks, our commitment to social distancing, our constant handwashing and sanitizing.

It’s as if we got our discharge papers from the pandemic and went right out and pulled the biggest, stupidest drunken celebration humanly possible and woke up in a stupor wondering where we were and how we got here.

Sad as it is, if you, like we do, have to miss the holiday family gathering this year to keep someone who is vulnerable safe, it is better to skip a day than to risk losing or altering a life.

It’s December 24, another day in the calendar, the day before the feast and family or a quiet stay-at-home 24-hour period to plan and anticipate the year ahead.

Beachbot – Responsible AI at work From time to time, the screen that appears when you open your computer to Windows, actually has something that you can’t resist clicking on and following and apparently, a whole lot of us did in the last week. It was the story of an invention by two men who were stunned to discover cigarette butts in the sand of one of the world’s most sacred beaches along the Dutch coast and set out to solve the problem. The real problem was how to detect the butts under the surface of

US NEWS

VISITORS arrive at Universal Studios, in June this year, in Orlando, Fla. The theme park is reinstating its mask requirements beginning Christmas Eve as COVID-19 cases are surging as a result of the omicron variant. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO REINSTATES MASK RULE AS COVID CASES RISE

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON Associated Press ORLANDO (AP) — Universal Orlando is reinstating its mask requirements beginning Christmas Eve as COVID-19 cases are surging as a result of the omicron variant.

Daily cases of coronavirus have quadrupled in the past week in the state of Florida, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hospitalisations have increased by 12%, the CDC says.

But one of the largest hospital networks in Miami, Jackson Health, has reported twice as many COVID-19 patients on Thursday than it had a week ago.

Universal Orlando says masks will be required at all public indoor locations and at all attractions from the moment guests enter the lines to when they leave. A lot of lines for rides and shows in the resort theme parks start in outdoor areas.

The resort has seen a busy holiday season with popular rides this week reporting waits of up to three hours.

The requirements will be for guests and employees regardless of vaccination status and will cover restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas.

Walt Disney World earlier this year relaxed its face covering rules to require them only indoors, and has not announced any decision to revise their policy.

the sand and then rid the beach of the detritus.

They turned to a research division of Microsoft, actually a Microsoft garage project, to develop the means of detection. That meant teaching a robot to identify a cigarette butt, dig down, get it and be done with it in a responsible disposal manner.

Developing the robot was not the issue, the machine is called the Beachbot. Teaching Beachbot took more patience than starting a new subject in a Senior class a day before

graduation. It was a goal worth pursuing, according to the story that got such wide exposure. Some “4.5 trillion cigarette buttes end up in the environment every year, poisoning sea turtles, birds, fish, snails and other creatures.” Fragments can take up to 14 years to disintegrate.

Responsible AI has its place.

Beachbot, buddy, you have a great future ahead of you. My concern is what happens when emotional AI attracts the same kind of fervour for its development?

SPORTS PAGE 11

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Spencer Newman wins title

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

F

or the first time since 2017, Spencer Newman got to hoist the men’s championship trophy as the winner of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 2021 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals.

True to form, Newman, playing as the No.3 seed in the draw, was crowned the champion for the second time yesterday at the National Tennis Centre as he held off veteran No.2 seed Marvin Rolle for an identical 6-3, 6-3 win.

With his performance putting a lid on the weeklong tournament, Newman got to celebrate just with his younger brother and top ranked Baker Newman, who moments before his match completed, pulled off the third place honours almost in similar fashion with a 6-2, 6-3 decision over collegian Donte Armbrister - the No.4 seed.

While the men wrapped up play in the tournament, which saw the top two players earn the rights to be selected to the 2022

Davis Cup team for men, top seed Sydney Clarke prevailed with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over fellow collegian Elana Mackey, the No.2 seed, in the ladies’ final on Wednesday. In the process, Clarke and Mackey booked their spots on the Billie Jean King Cup for women.

Coming off his gruelling 6-1, 6-7 (5), 205 retired decision over Baker Newman in their semifinal match on Wednesday, Spencer Newman said: “It felt good. I definitely owe this to Baker for his generosity and getting me ready for the nationals,” said Spencer Newman, the 28-year-old big brother.

“It feels good to win the tournament for sure. I got a spot on the Davis Cup team, so it’s awesome.”

Against the 38-yearold Rolle, Newman said it wasn’t easy because they have developed a bond over the years as friends, but he came out to compete and to win the tournament because he really wants to get back to playing on the Davis Cup team.

In their match, Rolle got the early service break to go up 2-0. But after Newman returned the favour to go up 3-2, he got

“But if I could still beat those guys coming up, why should I stop,” said Rolle.

Plus, he has been travelling as the Davis Cup team captain and so Rolle said he has to come out and put on a good showing against the players whom he has to lead into the international competition.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets have enough players to fly to Los Angeles and play their Christmas showdown against the Lakers, though Kevin Durant might not be among them.

Coach Steve Nash said yesterday that James Harden has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols, but he said the Nets don’t expect any of their players still in the protocols to come out in time for the game. That would include Durant, the NBA’s leading scorer.

Brooklyn planning to play on Saturday is an obvious positive sign, as was Chicago coach Billy Donovan announcing after practice yesterday that the Bulls no longer have any players on the protocols list. The Bulls had as many

SEE PAGE 14

SEE PAGE 12

SPENCER Newman in action during the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals at the National Tennis Centre. Playing as the No.3 seed in the draw, he was crowned the champion as he held off veteran No.2 seed Marvin Rolle for an identical 6-3, 6-3 win.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff another break at 6-3 to clinch the first set.

In the second set, Newman got the first break for a 2-0 lead and after that, they both held serve the rest of the match.

Rolle, who advanced with a three-set thriller, 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 win over Armbrister, said it was just good to be in the final again. “Spencer was a tough opponent. I

gave it my best, but he just came out victorious again,” Rolle said. “Spencer is not playing as much, but he’s still in shape and hitting the ball. He’s still in his 20s, but I am pushing 40. I just love the competition and I will continue to play. I will stop when the younger kids could beat me. When the veterans beat me, I could live with that.

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

ROMAD DEAN AND LIONS FINISH 3RD

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net ROMAD Dean and his Crestwood Prep Lions (Ontario, Canada) finished third at one of the most prestigious winter tournaments on the prep basketball circuit in the United States.

The Lions finished the City of Palms Classic in the win column and finished third in the Signature Series bracket with a 68-56 win over Victory Prep (Bradenton, Florida).

Dean finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocked shots in the finale.

Crestwood was defeated 92-68 by Combine

SEE PAGE 12

KAI Jones has fluctuated between the Charlotte Hornets’ main roster and the G-League affiliate Greensboro Swarm for much of the season.

Jones is currently in the midst of a productive stretch with the Swarm and finished with 11 points, six rebounds and a team high three blocks in 27 minutes of a 113-103 loss to the Iowa Wolves Tuesday night in the AT and T Showcase at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las, Nevada.

In the first game of the showcase, Jones finished with nine points and five rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench in a 122-118 win over the Memphis Hustle.

Since his return to the G League, Jones also had 16 points and seven

KAI Jones is currently in the midst of a productive stretch with the Greensboro Swarm in the NBA G-League. (AP)

rebounds in a 108-99 loss to the Mexico City Captains on December 11.

In 8 G League games this season, Jones is averaging 11.3 points, six rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game on 60 percent shooting from the field.

In November, Jones had the opportunity to record a career milestone with the Hornets in a callup to the NBA. Jones scored the first points of his NBA career in the Hornets’ 133-115 November 26 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jones scored a late dunk with an assist from fellow rookie James Bouknight. The No.19 pick in last June’s Draft, Jones played sparingly before he was assigned to the Swarm.

HORNETS forward Kai Jones (23), guard James Bouknight (5), and forward Miles Bridges (0) surround Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) during the second half on December 10 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

6’10 Fredrick King ‘next big man’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net FROM humble beginnings in Mangrove Cay, Andros, to the National Basketball Association’s Global Academy, Fredrick King is the next Bahamian big man that the international basketball world is marvelling about.

Rising out of the DW Davis basketball team, coached by Mark Hanna and the CI Gibson Rattlers, coached by Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson, the 6-foot, 10-inch, 220-pound centre has already signed to play college basketball with the

NETS PLAN TO PLAY CHRISTMAS, NBA, UNION EVALUATING PROTOCOLS

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

Kai Jones back in NBA G League

ROMAD Dean

AYTON, PAGE 12

Louisville Caraccomplished dinals for the a lot coming 2022/23 season. from the Family Home on Island.” the Christmas As the top break from his international past year experiprospect in the ence in the NBA programme, development which features programme in boys and girls San Luis Potosi, from the CaribMexico, King bean, Mexico, said he’s looking Central AmerKING forward to his ica, Canada and future as the next player to South America, King said take his talents to the NBA. he was thrilled to be able “It’s going great for me. to work under some great I just have to keep work- coaches and get viewed by ing and being able to learn so many scouts as he helped more,” said the 17-year-old to carry the NBA Latin King. “I feel very proud American team to an undeof myself. I think I’ve feated season so far.

The academy is a partnership between the NBA, CONADE (Mexico’s National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport) and the Mexican Basketball Federation (Asociacion Deportiva Mexicana de Baloncesto, A.C).

“At first it was hard because I wasn’t used to all that training and stuff,” King reflected. “After a while, I got used to it, using a lot of NBA equipment.”

On a daily basis during the camp, King would attend classes during the morning, lift weights before lunch and head to practice

SEE PAGE 13

SEC, BIG EAST ALTER BASKETBALL POLICIES AS COVID CASES SPIKE (AP) — THE Southeastern and Big East conferences have updated their policies for basketball game postponements, cancellations and rescheduling to provide more leniency for teams that are unable to play because of spiking COVID-19 cases.

The policies for both conferences establish that men’s and women’s teams will be required to play if seven scholarship athletes and one countable coaching staff member are available.

The SEC gives teams the option to play with fewer players or coaches if they choose.

If a team can’t play, both leagues say the game will be rescheduled or declared a no contest. The policies announced yesterday are a revision of previous procedures, which called for a game to be forfeited and a loss given to any team unable to play.

The Mid-American Conference and Conference USA announced similar policies yesterday.

SEE PAGE 14

PAGE 12, Friday, December 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Players, coaches get together to relive memories of a major feat

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IT’S not every day you see players and coaches get together to relive the memories of a major feat in their lives.

However, the members of the Bahamas women’s national basketball team that went undefeated in winning the gold medal at the 1992 Caricom Games in Bridgetown, Barbados did that on Tuesday night as they came together at the home of Kim Rolle to reflect on their historic performance.

Members of the team present were Roberta Quant, Sharelle Cash, Kim Rolle, Fontella Chipman-Rolle, Juliette Delancy-Taylor, Natasha Miller, Felecia Cartwright, Ann Bullard, Glenda Gilcud, Varel ClarkeDavis, Antoinette Knowles and coach Sharon ‘The General’ Storr.

Unable to attend were Sharon Smith-Walker and Lavern Fife, both of whom are living in the United States of America.

It has been 29 years since their achievement, but Rolle, now the athletic director of the University of the Bahamas Mingoes sporting programme and the wife of PLP’s South Beach Member of Parliament Bacchus Rolle, said they couldn’t afford to let the opportunity slip by without reflecting on their past accomplishment.

“It was a lovely evening, tremendous, amazing,” was how Rolle described the event. “After 29 years, we picked up the pieces as if we were in Barbados.

It was a great, great night.

I think the General was overwhelmed with emotion and very grateful.

“In fact, many of the ladies were grateful, many of whom had not seen each other in years despite us living here. We were glad that we could do it at a time when Ann and Felecia were in town. They are both on the Family Islands.”

NBA

FROM PAGE 11

as 10 on that list last week, when the league postponed two of their games as a result.

The Nets have had their last three scheduled games postponed — among the NBA’s nine postponements thus far — when a coronavirus outbreak left them with a league-high 10 players in protocols. Nash said Harden, Paul Millsap and Jevon Carter had also cleared protocols, though rookies Cam Thomas, Kessler Edwards and David Duke Jr. had since entered.

Teams need a minimum of eight players to start a game. Nash said the Nets have more than enough to do that.

But it’s unclear if they will have another practice before the game Saturday. Nash said it’s only in the last day that healthy players have been able to return to the practice facility for individual workouts.

“It’s tricky,” Nash said.

“We haven’t been able to do a lot, but we do what we

AYTON SCORES 19, NBA-LEADING SUNS WIN 5TH STRAIGHT

BAHAMAS WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS GO UNDEFEATED TO WIN GOLD AT 1992 CARICOM GAMES In such a short time pulling the event together, Rolle said they were not able to get Smith-Walker and Fife to make the trip, but they still got to share their memories of what they considered to be the “best” women’s national team ever assembled, the same year that the men’s national team also won the title with an undefeated record.

Storr, back with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on the Games Secretariat for the Bahamas Games, said he enjoyed the interaction with the team, the first one he coached at the international level.

“It was a very touching moment for me because what those ladies went through, it was a very good experience for me to coach them,” said Storr, who was only filling in for head coach Anthony Swaby, who was unable to make the trip after he got ill.

“So it was a tremendous experience. And to see all of the girls and the response to the turnout made it extra special as we look back at the accomplishment. It’s one of those championships that brought in a new style with more pressing on the defensive end.”

As a veteran former player, coach and now official, Storr said his only regret was that he didn’t stay around with the team for at least another tournament or two, but he gracefully returned the reigns of the team to Swaby for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico a year later.

“I should have kept that squad together and probably just add some height because we only had Laverne (Fife) and Natasha (Miller),” said Storr, who indicated that in hindsight, he felt he and Swaby would have made a great

can and we’ll continue to just adapt as the rules and mandates come in.”

By Thursday afternoon, based on team injury reports or similar disclosures, there were 92 players from 22 teams dealing with a virus-related issue — often a positive test, though not always.

The list included stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Trae Young. All three are scheduled to be part of the NBA’s five-game holiday schedule.

It is important to note that players can enter and exit the health and safety protocols list quickly in some cases, some teams do not release updated numbers except when mandated by league rule and not everyone on the list has tested positive for COVID-19.

Also important: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this week in an interview with ESPN that positive-testing players who have received booster shots tend to show, at worst, very mild symptoms.

ROMAD

FROM PAGE 11 Academy (Lincolton, North Carolina) in the semifinals but Dean finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 64 percent from the field.

He averaged 25.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game for the tournament.

AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Arizona) eventually won the signature series bracket with a 58-43 win over Combine Academy.

The City of Palms Classic was established in 1973 and has grown and expanded its scope to include many of the nation’s finest players and teams.

The event traditionally features elite programmes and some of the

By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer

REMEMBER WHEN - Standing, from left to right, are Roberta Quant, Sharelle Cash, Kim Rolle, Fontella Chipman-Rolle, Juliette Delancy-Taylor, Natasha Miller, Felecia Cartwright, Ann Bullard, Glenda Gilcud and Varel Clarke-Davis. Seated are Antoinette Knowles and coach Sharon Storr. coaching duo if he had continued with the team.

Bullard, a coach in Harbour Island who is hoping that the Ministry of Education will transfer her back to New Providence, said it was an “epic” night to remember as they all made a commitment to stay in touch with each other at least once a month.

“We had built a bond with each other that year and to come back that night (Tuesday) was just magical,” Bullard said.

Looking at the team’s achievement and where the women’s programme is right now, Bullard said the Bahamas Basketball Federation will need to develop a more vibrant junior national programme to help develop the next generation of players.

“Back then, our team didn’t just practice two weeks before we went away. We practiced year round for that tournament,” she said.

BROOKLYN Nets head coach Steve Nash. (AP) The league says 97% of players are fully vaccinated; the National Basketball Players Association says 65% are boosted, and it is a top priority of the union right now to get that number much higher.

Meanwhile, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said the NBA and the NBPA are continuing discussions on whether to change the current protocols about returning to play after a positive test — something that typically has taken 10 days or more in most cases. The person spoke to The Associated

top prospects in all of high school basketball.

A total of 75 tournament participants were on NBA rosters at the start of the 2019-2020 season.

The Lions were sidelined during the entire COVID-19 pandemic in the North York section of Toronto, but won the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championship in 2019-20.

Despite a lack of league play, Dean has travelled to the United States to participate with the Lions and at the AAU level with Adidas Grassroots Elite.

Dean was profiled by Rivals. com to expand on his recruitment that has now featured several teams currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings.

A 6’7” wing, Dean said his plan

“And we need coaches who are dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of the game and not just concentrating on winning.

“I have to tip my hat off to coaches like Anthony Swaby, Benny Adderley, John Todd, Martin Lundy who were dedicated to building women’s basketball.

“We don’t have that many coaches who are dedicated and those who are dedicated like Terrance McSweeney are not given the opportunity to do it,” she added.

Bullard is also calling on the Bahamas Government to upgrade the community facilities on the parks, not only in New Providence, but in the Family Islands as well, to allow the youngsters to harness their game while they are not in school.

Clarke-Davis, the youngest member of the team at 14 in grade 10, said she was delighted to see all of

her former team-mates 29 years later.

“We were so happy to see each other,” said Clarke-Davis, now the president of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association and a physical education teacher at the CH Reeves Junior High School.

“Everybody was alive and well, so it was good to sit in their company and reminisce about all of the good times we had together in Barbados in an undefeated season under one of the best coaches the Bahamas has ever produced in Sharon ‘The General’ Storr.”

Clarke-Davis thanked Rolle for bringing them all together.

And while they won’t be fantasizing about forming a team anytime soon to play again, they said they have not been fully recognised for putting the Bahamas women’s programme on the map.

Press on condition of anonymity because nothing had been finalized.

Durant was placed in protocols last Saturday along with Kyrie Irving, a day after the Nets said they were bringing the point guard back to play in road games. There’s still time for him to return two negative tests 24 hours apart to be cleared, though Nash said the Nets weren’t expecting that.

With the Lakers’ Anthony Davis already sidelined with a sprained left knee, Durant’s absence would remove another superstar from what was expected to be one of the marquee games of the regular season when it was scheduled.

The Nets have the best record in the Eastern Conference, but Nash said it’s going to be difficult to pick up where they left off after not playing for a week.

“We’re one of the few teams around that league that’s had a pause, so to jump back into the rhythm of the league is a difficult task,” he said. “But we have to approach it with

excitement and opportunity, and also not put too much pressure on ourselves to re-enter.”

Along with Durant, starters LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre’ Bembry remain in the protocols, along with Bruce Brown, James Johnson and rookie Day’Ron Sharpe.

Nash said all of the players were experiencing nothing more than mild symptoms.

Teams are being allowed to sign players to replace those sidelined by positive tests, and at least 40 such hardship contracts — which won’t count against a team’s salary cap or luxury tax numbers — have been executed in the last few days. Some of the players are relative unknowns or new to the league; others, like Boston’s Joe Johnson, Atlanta’s Lance Stephenson and the Lakers’ Isaiah Thomas, have largely been out of the league for years.

The 40-year-old Johnson played on Wednesday, his first NBA game since 2018.

Stephenson also debuted for the Hawks on Wednesday, his first NBA game since 2019.

is to declare early and spend his senior season focused on his on court production.

“I am trying to go on official visits this summer, I would like to commit early so I don’t have to worry about any recruiting stuff during my senior year,” Dean said.

“I will be looking closely at the school’s academics first and foremost, without the academics I won’t be able to play basketball and go far with it. I want to go to a school where the guys play hard and go to a programme where the style fits me and I have a defined role with what I do. I want to play pro basketball, so a school who will help me get there.”

Dean averaged 14.1 points, 13.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his last season with the

Lions. He led the team in both rebounds and blocks but is looking to diversify his game once play can resume.

“I have always been a tremendous rebounder, I am long and athletic. I can score the ball off the dribble and I am shooting the ball well,” Dean said.

When the calendar flipped to 2020, Dean concluded the second half of the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association season with a series of dominant performances for the Lions which included double doubles in six of seven games.

He totalled 25 points and 14 rebounds against Lincoln Prep on January 7, followed with 25 points and 19 rebounds against Father Henry Carr on February 6, posted 24 points and 18 rebounds

PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 30 points, Cam Johnson added 21 while making all five of his 3-point attempts and the Phoenix Suns won their fifth straight game, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-101 last night.

Booker splashed home a long 3-pointer at the third quarter buzzer to give the NBA-leading Suns an 82-69 lead after they trailed by three at halftime.

Booker — the twotime All-Star who was in his third game back since missing a few weeks with a hamstring injury — gave Phoenix some momentum midway through the third quarter when he grabbed an offensive rebound and drove the baseline for a dunk. Luguentz Dort was there to meet him at the rim but fouled Booker as the ball was deflected up in the air and still somehow fell through the hoop.

It was part of an 25-9 run that helped the Suns take control.

Deandre Ayton added 19 points — including an emphatic dunk in the final minute that earned a technical after he slapped the backboard — and 12 rebounds. He also had two blocks. Chris Paul had 16 points and seven assists.

Johnson was the catalyst for another great night from the Suns’ bench. He made all seven of his shots from the field.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander had 29 points for the Thunder, who had their three-game winning streak snapped. The Thunder shot just 38.5% from the field and 26.8% from 3-point range.

The Thunder proved a tough opponent for much of the night and rallied for a 48-45 halftime lead after trailing by as many as 15 points. Oklahoma City closed the second quarter on a 24-8 run. GilgeousAlexander led the Thunder with 14 points before the break while Ayton had 11 for the Suns.

The Suns jumped out to a 29-17 lead after a rough offensive first quarter for the Thunder. Oklahoma City made just 7 of 25 (28%) shots from the field, including 1 of 11 from 3-point range.

HOME SWEET HOME The Suns are on a 15-game winning streak at home. It’s the eighth time in franchise history that they’ve won 15 straight at home.

TIP-INS Thunder: F Derrick Favors was out for rest. ...

Dort played college basketball at Arizona State.

Suns: F/C Frank Kaminsky (knee), F Abdel Nader (knee) and F Dario Saric (knee) were all out. Kaminsky has missed the past 17 games while Nader has missed 15. Saric has been out since tearing the right ACL in his knee in Game 1 of last year’s NBA Finals. ... The Suns are 22-0 when taking a lead into the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT Thunder: Host New Orleans on Sunday.

Suns: Host Golden State on Saturday.

on February 19 against the Athlete Institute and concluded with 22 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and four blocked shots in the regular season finale against Ridley College.

He concluded the Lions’ playoff run with 26 points and 18 rebounds in a 94-80 loss in the OSBA quarterfinals. He shot 10-12 from the field and 3-4 from three-point range.

Dean also went on to help lead the Lions to win the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations Boys Basketball AAA Gold medal in March.

He was also nominated for Canada’s premier prep basketball showcase as one of 198 players named to the BioSteel All Canadian Games - 2020 Boys Nominees List.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, December 24, 2021, PAGE 13

MLB LOCKOUT HAS YANKEES IN DARK ON PLAYERS COMING OFF SURGERY

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

EDDIE FORD, seated in the centre, is surrounded by some of his close friends. Standing from left to right are Dereck Ingraham, Anton Saunders, Franklyn Josey, Hayward Duncombe, and host Quinten Curry and seated on both sides of him are Calvin Farquharson and sports historian Stanley Mitchell.

‘Happy 74th birthday Eddie’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net STILL grieving the loss of his mother, vintage Eddie Ford was able to enjoy a light-hearted moment in his life as he celebrated his 74th birthday on Wednesday night.

Ford, considered to be one of the – if not indeed the best - versatile athletes the country has ever seen, was hosted to a reception at the home of Quinton ‘QC’ Curry in Blair Estates on Tuesday night.

Among those present were long-time sports historian Stanley Mitchell, veteran baseball/softball player Calvin Farquharson, Dereck Ingraham, Anton Saunders, Franklyn Josey and Hayward Duncombe.

Three days after his mother Florence Elizabeth Ford passed away at Princess Margaret Hospital at the age of 97, Eddie Ford, the oldest child, celebrated his birthday as the leader of the talented family

that includes Cory, Keith, Linda, Mario, Andy and Carolyn Ford of New York.

“It was pretty good. We had a pretty good time,” Ford said.

On turning a year older, Ford admitted: “It’s the same old thing, don’t feel any difference.”

But turning back the hands of time, Ford said he has accomplished so much, but hasn’t been able to receive anything for it, so he doesn’t let it bother him anymore.

“You name it, baseball, basketball, softball, cricket and now golf, Ford would have done it and he did it in grand style, earning the right to be called the “greatest Bahamian” of alltime, according to Stanley Mitchell.

“To tell you the truth, people ask me that question all the time,” said Ford about which sport he enjoyed the most.

“But the thing is, I told them I enjoyed all of them because I excelled in all of them.”

There were quite a number of remarkable feats that Ford would have inked in the Bahamian sporting almanac during the span of his athletic career. But here’s just a few to reflect on as he celebrates his birthday.

Many remember how Ford, in a cricket match in London in 1976, made 176 runs not out.

And in softball in 1977 in an international softball competition in Mexico as the Bahamas won the gold against Panama, Ford was named the most valuable player after he won the batting average and finished second in home runs behind Douggie Smith.

In addition, in baseball, he won the Bahamas Baseball Association’s triple crown – pennant, league championship and the national championship with the Holston Knights in 1980.

Now as he celebrates another milestone, Ford said it’s bitter-sweet because of the loss of his

mom, whom along with his late father, Percival Ford, helped to inspire him in being the acclaimed athlete he was and the official he has become in giving back to both softball and baseball as an umpire.

“We have to deal with it.

She was 97, so she’s had a long life,” he pointed out.

“We can’t really get uptight about it. It was a hell of a time for her to live so long at that age. I’m just happy that she lived a full life.”

And as one of the greatest sporting icons with a legendary career, Ford is still being celebrated for his achievements.

“He is the best allaround athlete the Bahamas has ever seen, proficient in many and tops in all. Nobody has come close to him over the years, except for Roy Armbrister, Flo Saunders and a couple others from back in the day,” Mitchell said.

“He has given so much after that by staying in the sport and umpiring and teaching the game.”

The problem in the Bahamas is there are no proper statistics kept by the various leagues and associations so the magnitude of Ford’s accomplishments would have gone down the drain, except for those facts that everybody would have witnessed for themselves.

“I could say Eddie is the best, but someone else could say that Pegs (Jason Moxey) was the best in his era,” Mitchell said.

“You still need something to go by. Take for instance, we know that Roscoe ‘Clothesline’ Thompson was a great pitcher, but there are some who would say that Kirk ‘Stomper’ Smith was way better, but they don’t have anything to back it up.”

Mitchell, however, said that Ford has had such a longevity in sports that a lot of people have witnessed his exploits, which adds credence to the claim that he, at 74, could still be considered the “greatest” Bahamian all-around athlete.

Australian Open begins January 17 MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Five-time Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray received a wild-card entry yesterday for the tournament’s main draw.

Murray last played at Melbourne Park in 2019, when he made a teary retirement announcement before undergoing a second hip surgery to extend his career.

The former top-ranked Murray had also accepted a wild-card entry last year but didn’t go after testing positive for COVID-19 shortly before he was due to board a charter flight to Melbourne.

KING

FROM PAGE 11 in the afternoons when they were not playing in games.

“It was great playing against some great competition,” said King, who is averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game. “I got to see where I am, compared to the other players, so it was good.”

When he entered grade nine, King left Andros to enrol at DW Davis where he instantly became a success under coach Hanna as they won numerous titles with an undefeated season.

He then went on to play for coach Johnson at CI Gibson where they eventually lost out to the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins in the Government Secondary

ANDY MURRAY ACCEPTS WILD-CARD ENTRY “Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.

The Australian Open begins January 17.

Murray, No. 134 in the ATP rankings, spoke optimistically

High School Sports Association.

But when the opportunity came knocking on the door to get into the NBA development camp, he jumped at it.

“All I could say was it was a blessing,” King said.

“It was a hard time during COVID-19 and I didn’t know if I would get to play basketball and stuff. But I just ran with it.”

Looking back at his development to where he is today, King graciously thanked both coaches Hanna and Johnson for grooming him. He also expressed his gratitude to Bahamas Elite Sports Academy president Rodney Carey for facilitating his move to the NBA Academy through the insistence of his father, Carson Lundy, a former

ANDY MURRAY, of Britain. (AP)

player with Tabernacle Baptist Academy, whom he developed his skills from.

It’s great,” said King in an interview from Andros.

“I’m glad to be back with my family and friends.”

If there was anything he missed the most, he quipped: “My mom’s (Pamela Lundy) food.” His first meal was curry chicken and rice, but he’s eager to digest some “fried fish,” which he lists as his favourite dish.

When he leaves the Bahamas on January 8, King will return to Mexico to continue his studies.

Then it’s off to Louisville in June to begin preparation for his division one collegiate experience, a programme he picked over offers from Creighton, Miami, Georgetown and Washington State, just to

about going deep in tournaments again after beating Jannik Sinner to reach the quarterfinals of the Stockholm Open in November. He had also pushed Stefanos Tsitsipas to five sets in a first-round loss at the US Open in August.

The three-time Grand Slam champion said he’s “really excited” to return to the Australian Open.

“I’ve had some great times in Australia playing in front of the amazing crowds,” the 34-yearold Murray said, “and I can’t wait to step back out on court at Melbourne Park.”

name a few. “When I was younger, I used to watch Louisville because of players like Terry,” King said.

“I had a bond with the coaches when I visited the school and I liked the way they played as a team. That was why I chose them.”

Having already gotten his mandate from the Cardinals, coached by Chris Mack, King said he’s going to have to step up his game because he’s now “playing with the big boys” and he can’t be scared.”

And once he can develop his shooting and dribbling skills, he feels he will be able to fit right in.

“I just want to go there and work hard and continue my goal to play in the NBA,” said King, who hopes to study sports management as his major. At present, King said he’s in

awe watching the NBA’s defending champions Milwaukee Bucks and their most valuable player Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom he has patterned his game after and whom he considers to be a “beast.”

King, in the meantime, is enjoying his experience in the NBA Academy.

The one in Mexico is just one of six around the world. There are two others in China and one each in New Delhi, India, Thies, Senegal and Canberra, Australia, which is the hub for the elite prospects.

Twenty-eight players from the NBA academies are currently playing Division I basketball and King is looking forward to joining the growing list with Louisville in August when the 2022/23 season is slated to get underway.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball’s lockout has left the New York Yankees unaware of how DJ LeMahieu, Aaron Hicks, Jameson Taillon and Darren O’Day are progressing following surgery.

Hicks, rehabbing from a May 26 operation to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist, hit .265 (13 for 49) in 12 games with Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League in late November and early December. He had one homer, nine RBIs, four walks, 10 strikeouts and two steals.

LeMahieu had sports hernia surgery on October 12, Taillon right ankle tendon surgery on October 28 and O’Day left hamstring surgery on July 21, the same day outfielder Tim Locastro had surgery to repair a torn right ACL. “I don’t have any contact with them, so I don’t know,” manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday during a conference call to discuss his revamped and expanded coaching staff.

MLB told teams not to contact players on 40-man rosters and wiped all images of those players off websites.

Baseball’s lockout started when the collective bargaining agreement expired December 1.

Boone doesn’t expect the team will evaluate the players until the work stoppage ends. It’s uncertain whether spring training will start as scheduled on February 16.

“We tried to put our guys in the best position as far as our coaches at the time having those conversations and putting plans in place as we headed into December 1,” Boone said.

“Hopefuly set them up with programmes and things that they can follow and be in a good position once this is all settled, but we’ve had no contact. Obviously it’s not ideal that we can’t have that contact and know how everyone’s doing, but we should get a decent idea in those early days of what we’re dealing with.”

NBA TEAMS MAY ADD PATCHES TO WARMUP SHIRTS, JACKETS NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved a plan where teams may now add sponsorship patches to their shooting shirts and warmup jackets.

It’s similar to the jersey patch programme, which has been in place since 2017.

Teams are now permitted to add a patch — a 3-inch square — on either the right sleeve or left chest of the shirts and jackets.

The patch may depict a marketing partner or team initiative.

The patch programme has grown a bit in recent years. It was originally brought on for a threeyear trial and was extended indefinitely in April 2019, after the patches — as expected — generated new revenue for teams and exposure for sponsors.

Financials and Legal Notices

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PAGE 14, Friday, December 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Titans rally from 10 down at half, edge 49ers 20-17

By TERESA M WALKER AP Pro Football Writer NASHVILLE, Tenn.

(AP) — Randy Bullock kicked a 44-yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining and the banged-up Tennessee Titans rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 last night.

The Titans (10-5) are a win or a Colts’ loss away from clinching their second straight AFC South title despite losing three of their past four games to drop from the AFC’s top seed to third. Indianapolis plays Arizona on Saturday.

Ryan Tannehill threw for just 40 yards in the first half but finished with 209 yards and a TD for Tennessee. A.J. Brown caught 11 passes for 145 yards hours after being activated

off injured reserve, and his 18-yard TD catch gave Tennessee a 17-10 lead early in the fourth.

“It was all on us and we just had to make a play,” Brown said. “Then we had to make another play. That was the mindset. Just come out here and make plays, so that’s what we did.”

The Titans also picked off two passes, sacked Jimmy Garoppolo twice and forced the Niners to turn it over on downs once.

San Francisco had one final chance. Garoppolo completed a short pass that started a handful of laterals before Jayon Brown finally tackled Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel.

The 49ers (8-7) lost for the second time in seven games as they try to hold onto a wild-card berth in the NFC.

49ERS quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo passes against the Tennessee Titans in the second half last night.

(AP Photo/Wade Payne) Garoppolo tied it with a 2-yard TD pass to Brandon Aiyuk with 2:20 left, a score set up by a 56-yard catch-and-run by Samuel down to the Tennessee 6.

This was the Niners’ first loss after leading by 10 or more at halftime under coach Kyle Shanahan — they had been 18-0 in the regular season and playoffs

with those leads. They hadn’t blown such a lead since Week 14 of 2016 to the Jets under Chip Kelly.

Tennessee played without the left side of its offensive line with left tackle Taylor Lewan out with an injured back and left guard Rodger Saffold on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Rookie Dillon Radunz, a second-round pick out of North Dakota State, replaced Lewan, and the Titans gave up four sacks.

Garoppolo threw for 322 yards and moved the 49ers down the field at ease early, setting up Jeff Wilson’s 1-yard plunge on the opening drive and giving them goal-to-go on the second possession. Titans cornerback Jackrabbit Jenkins beat 49ers tight end George Kittle for an interception in the end zone.

HUNTLEY GIVING RAVENS REASONS TO BELIEVE IN HIM

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer THE Baltimore Ravens are preparing for what’s almost certainly the most important game of their season so far — a showdown at Cincinnati, with the winner taking over sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

Then again, when you’re a 23-year-old quarterback with two career starts, all the games feel pretty big.

“Shoot, I feel like every game in the NFL is important,” the Ravens’ Tyler Huntley said yesterday. “Not just this game, but the rest of the remainder of the games. We have to win to give ourselves the best opportunity to make the playoffs.

And then once we get to the playoffs, it’s do or die each game.”

The Ravens certainly weren’t planning on having Huntley start at this crucial juncture of the season, but Lamar Jackson’s sprained ankle makes that a distinct possibility for a second week in a row.

Jackson again missed practice yesterday.

If Huntley is pressed into service again, Baltimore can at least take solace in what he’s done over the past game and a half — especially last weekend, when he rejuvenated the offence a bit in a 31-30 loss to Green Bay. Undrafted out of Utah, Huntley attempted five passes during the regular season in 2020. Then the Ravens had to turn to him in their postseason loss at Buffalo when

Jackson was knocked out of the game with a concussion.

Prior to this season, it wasn’t clear whether Huntley or Trace McSorley would be Baltimore’s top backup, but Huntley emerged and has given the Ravens more reasons to believe in him lately.

When Jackson was sick November 21, Huntley guided Baltimore on a late touchdown drive for a 16-13 win at Chicago.

When Jackson hurt his ankle two weekends ago at Cleveland, Huntley nearly led a late rally. The Ravens lost 24-22. Then Huntley had to start against Green Bay, and he threw for two touchdowns and ran for two. He became the seventh quarterback going back to 1960 to throw for at least 200 yards and two TDs while also running for 70 yards and two TDs. Even Jackson hasn’t done that.

“He’s a guy — and this is critical to any player coming into the NFL, and you can identify it fairly quickly — when some people make the invariable mistake or don’t do something the right way, what do they do next time?” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said.

“Do they learn from that? He’s been a guy who, as he’s young and he’s learning through this experience, which is really the only way to learn, he’s the guy that puts those things behind him and moves on to the next inevitable moment for a young player. He’s done a great job from learning from a mistake, or a misread, or a ball handling, or cadence or whatnot.

BALTIMORE Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley throws to a receiver in the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez) “It’s all part of the process of The question now is how well playing one of the biggest juggling Huntley can build on these past acts of professional sports, which is couple of weeks. Teams have more playing quarterback in the NFL.” video of him now and may be able Huntley’s running ability means to prepare better. “As he gains his skillset mirrors Jackson’s in experience, I really feel like he’s many ways. Coach John Harbaugh going to continue to improve,” says that’s part of the reason the Roman said. “As good as he played Ravens targeted him. “He fit the last week, I know in his mind, with style of our offence,” Harbaugh the competitor that he is, he’s looksaid. ing to play a little bit better all the “But not just that. All of his time. I think he’s a realist when it talent and ability ... we really comes to that, but also, his confirespect it.” dence is definitely growing.”

NEWMAN FROM PAGE 11

As for the match against Armbrister, Baker Newman got the first break in the first set for a 2-1 lead. He broke again at 4-1, but they held serve the rest of the set. In the second set, Baker Newman again got the first break for a 1-0 lead and again at 4-1.

Armbrister, however, got back into the match with a break in the next game for a 4-2 deficit. But Newman closed out the match on the final game to secure the two-set sweep.

“It’s always good to finish the tournament with a win. A lot of good players were out here, so we should have a strong team for Davis Cup. Hopefully I’m on it again,” said 26-yearold Baker Newman.

FALCONS at home in a shootout.

FALCONS 27 - Lions 24 Rams vs Vikings RAMS win a tough one.

RAMS 27 - Vikings 20 Jaguars vs Jets JETS 24 - Jaguars 17 Giants vs Eagles EAGLES at home in a blowout.

Bills vs Patriots The Bills in the upset BILLS 24 - Patriots 23 Ravens vs Bengals BENGALS win at home.

BENGALS 27 - Ravens 20 Chargers vs Texans CHARGERS in a major way.

“I played well. I had a little injury in my back. I hurt it from my first match against Rodney Carey Jr, but as a competitor, you just fight through it. That’s why you play the game.”

Baker Newman said he’s just delighted that Spencer Newman, who normally cheers for everyone, was the one everyone was cheering for this year.

And after returning home from Hampton University in Norfolk, Virginia for part of his sophomore year, Armbrister said this was just his first match since COVID-19 changed the landscape of sports worldwide.

He received the men‘s Sportsmanship award of the tournament.

“The first two matches I played, I like how I performed, especially in the semi-final against Marvin

CHARGERS 34 - Texans 10 Bucs vs Panthers Brady gets it done on the road in a tough one.

BUCS 27 - Panthers 20 Bears vs Seahawks Coin flip ..... Bears by three.

BEARS 24 - Seahawks 21 Broncos vs Raiders RAIDERS at home RAIDERS 31 - Denver 26 Steelers vs Chiefs CHIEFS - Enough said.

CHIEFS 27 - Steelers 17 SUNDAY 8:20 PM Washington vs Cowboys How ‘bout them COWBOYS. COWBOYS 34 - WFT 20

and in this match against Baker,” said 20-yearold Armbrister. “I really wished I made it to the final yesterday (in the semis), but overall I am happy just to be here.”

When he returns to Hampton University in January, Armbrister said he’s looking forward to stepping into action as early as February for the start of the Pirates’ spring season as they prepare to participate in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

BLTA president Perry Newton said it was quite an interesting tournament, considering the fact that they didn’t have it last year because of COVID-19.

“Everybody had their expectations. I think some people superseded their expectations,” he said. ”It was good to see some of

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tom Brady is expected to be extra motivated, which is normally not a good sign for his next opponent.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion will look to bounce back from an embarrassing 9-0 loss last week to the New Orleans Saints when they face the struggling Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Brady was held to 214 yards passing and committed two turnovers as three of Tampa Bay’s top receivers — Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Leonard Fournette — were sidelined with injuries.

Brady even struggled to hook up with his longtime favourite tight end Rob Gronkowski, as the duo connected on just two of 11 passes.

“I don’t know. We didn’t play our best game, obviously,” Brady said. “None of us. Just a bad day, so we’ve got to figure out how to move on and do a better job this week.”

It marked only the third time in Brady’s illustrious career his team had been shutout and just the first time in the past 15 years, snapping a streak of 255 games including the postseason.

Brady will look to take out his frustrations on the struggling Panthers (5-9) on Sunday, a team that started the season 3-0 but has lost nine of its past 11 games and has yet to find an answer at quarterback.

The Buccaneers (10-4) can wrap up their first NFC South title since 2007 with a win and end the Saints’ four-year run as division champions. Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl last season as a wild-card team.

Brady leads the NFL with 4,348 yards passing and 36 touchdowns. He’s four TD passes away from joining Aaron Rodgers as the only players in league history to throw at least 40 in a season three times. “The mental game for him is so good,” Panthers coach Matt Rhule said. “I mean he’s playing chess while a lot of people are playing checkers. He’s so advanced with knowing what people are going to do against him.”

SEC

NAUGHTY’S NFL PICKS - WEEK 16 LAST WEEK: 10-6 SEASON: 149-75-1 LAST week was wired so I will gladly take the 10-6 recurs for the week. I should be able to ride it out from here with no late game comebacks from my boy Wilner from AP. Here’s who I like this week quick, fast and in a hurry.

Happy holidays everyone.

THURSDAY 8:20 PM 49ers vs Titans SATURDAY 4:30 PM Browns Vs Packers SATURDAY 8:20 PM Colts vs Cardinals SUNDAY 1:00 PM Lions vs Falcons

BRADY, BUCS LOOK TO REBOUND VS. PANTHERS

FROM PAGE 11

MONDAY 8:20 PM Dolphins vs Saints Well, all good things must come to an end. SAINTS at home.

SAINTS 24 - Dolphins 23

the younger players come out and participate on the men’s side.

“We did have a few people who missed the tournament, especially on the ladies’ side, which made their pool smaller.

We know that (Grand Bahamian) Simone (Pratt) suffered from an injury and Kerrie (Cartwright) had some challenges getting here, but it was a good tournament.”

With the focus now switching to both the Davis Cup and Fed Cup tournaments next year, Newton said the winners and the losers know what they have to work on, if they are successful in making the teams.

He said with the dates not yet confirmed for those prestigious tournaments, it will give the BLTA a chance to analyse the

make-up of the team and whether or not they will need another tournament to complete the four-man and woman rosters.

“We’re really excited.

We’re excited about the young players who came out,” Newton said.

“It was a really good tournament.”

Stephen Taylor, who served as the tournament director, said except for the rain delay on one day, they didn’t have much problems in the organising of the event.

Taylor said although there were some key players missing, they were able to juggle the line-up to have everybody properly seeded and it worked out with the two seeds on both the men and women sides playing in the final with the top seeds coming out on top.

“As we have done since the onset of the pandemic, we continue to evaluate our policies and procedures related to COVID-19 based on the most current information,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “Circumstances have clearly changed since our interrupted game policy was implemented in August and this updated approach is intended to support healthy, fair and equitable competition.”

Four Big East men’s games were already designated as forfeits under the league’s previous policy, but the forfeiture classification will be removed from those games and the league will try to reschedule them.

Yesterday, the Butler-St John’s game was cancelled because of COVID issues in St John’s programme with the hope that it can be rescheduled.

The SEC’s updated policy also says that at least two game officials must be available. If that’s not possible, the game will be postponed.

In other college news, No. 24 Wisconsin called off its scheduled Thursday game with George Mason due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Badgers’ programme. The game won’t be rescheduled.

The matchup with George Mason had just been arranged Tuesday night. Wisconsin originally was supposed to play a Thursday home game with Morgan State, which had its own COVID-19 complications.