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VOLUME:117 No.133, JUNE 8, 2020

HO US E & 12 THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

SPORT: SHAUNAE RIVAL SUSPENDED IN DRUG SCANDAL

PAGES

ANOTHER CHILD’S LIFE CUT SHORT Lorencia, who dreamt of growing up to teach, is gunmen’s latest victim

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE 10-year-old girl who was shot and left injured last month during a fatal shooting in Bel Air Estate died yesterday morning, police said. Lorencia Simmons Walkes’ death comes more than a week after the fatal incident occurred in the Carmichael area. A relative told The Tribune yesterday she attended Sybil Strachan Primary School and was in the fifth grade. The Tribune was told she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. Lorencia was among three people shot on May

29, after occupants of a gold coloured vehicle approached a group in front of a home at Belville Circle off Iguana Way shortly after 1pm. Three men exited the car with firearms and fired gunshots at the group, police said. One of the victims, identified by sources as Peron Bain, died at the scene. Police said three other people were taken to hospital — two were injured from gunshot wounds and the other from injuries sustained while trying to escape the scene. The third shooting victim is in stable condition, police said yesterday. SEE PAGE SEVEN

AFTER a series of court wins, Jamaican national Matthew Sewell has scored another legal victory, with the Supreme Court ordering a $60,000 interim payment within 60 days. This comes as Mr Sewell continues his legal battle over his false imprisonment case. Shuffled between prison and the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for more

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Thursday that the country has officially began the transition to stage four of the government’s reopening plan, allowing for restaurants to open under certain guidelines and a further relaxation of restrictions on the national curfew. Noting that the success of the country’s phased reopening plan depends on residents’ adherence to the social distancing guidelines, Dr Minnis said starting next weekend, the weekend lockdown measure will be lifted for the entire country, with the 9pm to 5am curfew still set to remain in place.

IMF SIGNALS SCOPE FOR INTEREST RATE CUT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE International Monetary Fund has nudged the Central Bank towards a more proactive monetary policy stance by saying it has “some room to lower interest rates” amid the COVID-pandemic. The IMF, in a report accompanying its decision to grant The Bahamas $252m in “emergency” funding, warned any move to lower the discount rate from 4 percent would have to “weigh” the potential negative repercussions for the $2bn foreign currency reserves. The comments will hearten those observers who have been urging the Central Bank to use monetary policy as a stimulus tool.

than nine years without facing a hearing on sexual assault, housebreaking and murder charges, his ordeal ended with Mr Sewell finally receiving bail on March 4, 2016. Mr Sewell was 18-years-old when he was first detained. He is suing the government for damages pertaining to assault, battery, arbitrary and unlawful detention, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and breaches of his fundamental rights under the Constitution. SEE PAGE SEVEN

LAST STAGES BUT CURFEW STAYS FOR OVERNIGHT

SEE PAGE THREE

JAMAICAN WINS NEW $60K PAYOUT OVER DETENTION By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net

HOME

LORENCIA Simmons Walkes died yesterday, more than a week after she was shot.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

US WANTS PRINCE ANDREW ON EPSTEIN THE US has officially demanded Britain allow Prince Andrew to be quizzed over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. According to reports in the British press, the US Department of Justice has formally told the UK the Duke of York is now caught up in a criminal probe for the first time. Prince Andrew has so far refused to answer questions from New York prosecutors investigating Epstein’s historic sex trafficking

WANTED: Prince Andrew network but strongly denies any wrongdoing. Until now it was thought

he was only likely to be the target of action by Epstein’s victims in the US civil courts. One - Virginia Roberts Giuffre - alleges she had sex with Andrew on three occasions between 2001 and 2002, twice while underage. Prince Andrew, who is 60, denies this. But, according to reports in the UK, the US Department of Justice has upped the stakes, by-passing

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE 12

INSIGHT

SOCIAL INJUSTICE BRINGS WITH IT ANOTHER DILEMMA

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Monday, June 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

SENATOR Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson (left) and Theresa Mortimer, president of the Bahamas Financial Services Union, lay a wreath in memory of the four victims of the 2018 Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day Parade tragedy during a ceremony at Zion Baptist Church. Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS

Labour Day victims are remembered

A WREATH-LAYING ceremony was held Friday in memory of the four victims of the 2018 Labour Day tragedy. Tabitha Haye, Tami Gibson, Dianne Ferguson and Kathleen Fernander, who lost their lives tragically on June 1, 2018 during the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day Parade, were

fondly remembered during the ceremony. Led by Senator Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, family of the victims, along with executives of the Bahamas Financial Services Union (BFSU), participated in the event held at a memorial garden built in memory of the victims, on the grounds of Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets, near the site of the tragedy. Senator Dotson said the “fallen sisters” will forever be in their hearts. The service was marked with prayers, songs and testimonials. Theresa Mortimer, BFSU president said, “We will always remember them. Their lives were a blessing.

Their memories are our treasures. They are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. “We know that this is a day that we celebrate alone because of COVID-19 but we want you to march within your hearts. March on to employment. March on to all that is good and just in our Bahamaland. March on Bahamaland.” The women were killed after a truck mowed into a crowd during the 2018 festivities. Eight other people were also injured at the time. Traditional Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day celebrations this year were cancelled due to COVID19 pandemic emergency restrictions.

UB DECLARES ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net

UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas has declared it has “zero tolerance” for sexual impropriety after a series of allegations were made on social media about inappropriate behaviour. Last Thursday, UB said it “does not condone sexual misconduct of any kind including sexual harassment, abuse, assault and exploitation”. This came after a series of allegations were put on social media regarding inappropriate behaviour, however the university did not specifically reference any incident. Yesterday, police said they had no official report on any claims connected to UB. Royal Bahamas Police Force press liaison officer ASP Audley Peters said: “Based on the information that I would have gotten in the last 48 hours, there is nothing coming from the University of The Bahamas, so I cannot confirm that. There is nothing recorded to confirm that. There was nothing said to the police. We have no reports of that.”

Meanwhile, UB said last week: “These actions are strictly prohibited, and where substantiated, are subject to disciplinary action and potentially legal repercussions.” The university also said that health services, confidential counselling and psychological services are available to support victims of trauma. Without highlighting any of the specific allegations, the university encouraged anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to seek help. People can make a report to campus police and security if the matter occurs on campus or involves a member of the university community. Students at UB have access to counselling services by contacting CAPS@ ub.edu.bs or calling 427-1772. Sexual harassment can be reported to HarassmentComplaints@ub.edu.com, and concerns or complaints can also be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students at joe.stubbs@ub.edu. bs. The university said that all reports are thoroughly investigated.

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Monday, June 8, 2020, PAGE 3

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS from page one Public parks and beaches, he added, will also be allowed to open on other remaining islands with no COVID-19 cases, starting Monday. This includes Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Exuma and San Salvador. However, as for New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and Bimini, Dr Minnis said the closure of public parks and beaches will still remain in effect. This, according to the prime minister, is part of the government’s efforts to gradually re-open the economy in a safe and sustainable manner. Dr Minnis also announced a further relaxation of hours for already exempted businesses and services in the country, saying starting Monday, all professional services and commercial activity will now be able to resume regular operating hours. However, he said businesses must be closed by 7pm daily. “This does not include restaurants, bars, hair salons, barbers, cinemas, gyms and cultural and entertainment facilities, which are to remain closed,” he noted during Thursday’s press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister. Exercise will also be permitted between 5am to 9pm beyond one’s immediate neighborhood daily, but group exercises and sporting activities will still not be allowed. The Prime Minister added: “Places of worship may resume regular office hours. Fishing is allowed with more than two people in a vessel. Physical distancing and proper sanitisation and hygiene measures are required. Masks should be worn.” During Thursday’s address, Dr Minnis also relaxed restrictions on more businesses in the country, allowing restaurants and hair salons to resume operations starting June 15th but under highly restrictive conditions. This comes months after the government ordered

We are in the final stages but overnight curfew stays in place the closure of all non-essential businesses and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay and the stalls at Potter’s Cay in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. In recent weeks, Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay vendors have been calling for the government to allow them re-open their businesses, noting it as “unfair” that certain businesses are allowed to operate, Starting Monday, while their establishments remain closed. But, starting June 15, Dr Minnis said restaurants will be allowed to re-open and cater to the general public once again. However, he warned to restaurant operators: “There will be no indoor seating allowed at this point. This includes restaurants at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry, and Potter’s Cay Dock. All restaurants must follow industry COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. Owners must ensure proper physical distancing.” Dr Minnis also reminded that road side vendors will not be allowed to operate on the streets during this time, noting the move as essential in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 fight. “In order to be restored, special locations will be provided. Individuals must be certified. They must receive food handlers’ certificate and they must also be certified by a sanitisation,” he said. Meanwhile, as it relates to the re-opening of hair salons and barbershops, the prime minister said: “Hair

PRIME Minister and Minister of Health Dr Hubert Minnis accepted $20,000 worth of medical supplies donated by the Rhode Island National Guard State Partnership Program to the Ministry of Health. Commander Kevin Self of the Office of Defense Cooperation, United salons and barbershops may resume operations following certification by the Ministry of Health.” He added: “All salons, spas and parlours wishing to open should produce a current business licence, engage in deep cleaning of their salon and put

States Embassy, Nassau, handed over the donation which included Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines, during a presentation at the Cabinet Office. The donation also included conversion kits needed to turn the

procedures in place to maintain physical distancing, hand washing and sanitising, and mask wearing to protect themselves and their clients.” Dr Minnis said in partnership with the Ministry of Health, all beauty professionals will be required

machines into ventilators. Also pictured at the donation was Permanent Secretary in Office of the Prime Minister David Davis and Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Pernell King-Rolle.

to attend “an Infection Prevention and Control” course on new health protocols before returning to work. In his address on Thursday, Dr Minnis also gave an update concerning the national BJC and BGCSE dates, saying the

Photo: Yontalay Bowe/BIS examinations will be begin on July 13. More information, he said, will be provided by Education Minister Jeff Lloyd in the House of Assembly during the budget debate next week. Editorial View - Page 6

QUARANTINE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR RESIDENTS By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS and residents returning to the country will no longer be mandated to quarantine or self-isolate upon arrival, but will instead be monitored by the health surveillance team “if necessary”, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Thursday. Speaking at the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Minnis said the move was a part of the government’s efforts to end the self-isolation methods prescribed to returning residents. This also includes the deactivation of the quarantine facilities in the country, which were set to be disabled on Friday, June 5. This applies to facilities in New Providence and Grand Bahama, he said. “Returning Bahamians and residents will no longer be required to quarantine on returning home but will be monitored by the Ministry of Health’s Surveillance Unit and Hubbcat monitoring app if necessary.” He continued: “To date, the government has facilitated the return of close to 500 Bahamians and residents on Bahamasair. There

have been five flights so far. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health are working to arrange more flights as necessary.” His comments come after Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar revealed that government officials had ruled out a 14-day quarantine period for visitors entering the country when the tourism industry reopens. At the time, Mr D’Aguilar also said that officials were still considering whether the government will require tourists to produce a negative PCR test result to gain entry into the country. The matter has sparked public outrage, with many residents questioning why officials are considering allowing visitors entry without producing a COVID-19 test, while they were not given the same consideration. Responding to those concerns during Thursday’s press conference, Dr Minnis noted that as it stands now, testing is required for all returning visitors. However, he said officials had not finalised the entry protocols for its targeted July 1 re-opening date as they are still in discussions over the issue.

Dr Minnis said: “The leader of the opposition had made some statement that there was discriminatory practice that we were

allowing nonresidents in not requiring tests and Bahamians requiring tests and that is false. “Both require a COVID19 testing. If you’re talking

about up to July 1, we have not thought that far yet but as far as we’re concerned at this particular time and even when the minister of tourism spoke, those

individuals that he spoke about required testing. And all traveling home required testing also. Up to July 1, we cannot speak to that.”

PAGE 4, Monday, June 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

DAVIS: WE NEED MORE CLARITY ON REOPENING By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION leader Brave “Brave” Davis yesterday called Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ recent announcements on the re-opening of the country’s economy a “ball of confusion”, saying more clarity is needed on the country’s travel requirements for visitors after July 1. This comes after Dr Minnis announced on Thursday that the country has officially begun the transition to Phase Four of the government’s reopening plan. Under the new phase, restaurants and salons will be allowed to open later this month under certain guidelines. Dr Minnis said starting next weekend, the weekend lockdown measure will be lifted for the entire country but with the 9pm to 5am curfew still set to remain

in place. Public parks and beaches, he added, also will be allowed to open on other remaining islands with no COVID-19 cases, starting today. This includes Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Exuma and San Salvador. As for New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and Bimini, Dr Minnis said the closure of public parks and beaches will still remain in effect. Saying the new measures were not “well thoughtout,” Mr Davis told The Tribune yesterday: “We’re still having a lot of confusion as to what one could do or not do and that’s manifested by the number of calls I’m getting from people who say ‘well, what am I able to do?’ “I cannot tentatively answer those questions because it’s all confusing and… there is no clear plan and as I’ve said before we gave them the chance, the Bahamian

PLP leader Philip Davis people gave them the opportunity, we all accepted the lockdown. “That lockdown was for the purpose of them to develop a plan and give them time to understand what they’re doing and to relieve the pressure on our economic circumstances and to put in protocols for testing, tracing, isolation and treatment.” But, with insufficient COVID-19 tests in the country, Mr Davis said he is concerned about a further community spread when the country fully reopens its borders, especially

Asked yesterday about his suggestions for re-opening the country’s economy amid the pandemic, the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP replied: “My COVID task force has provided them with a plan to open the economy and it starts off with ensuring that the proper resources are in place, the proper resources meaning personal protective equipment for our first responders. “It requires us having sufficient test kits and testing on the ground always and not just in New Providence.” On Thursday, Dr Minnis also announced a further relaxation of hours for already exempted businesses and services in the country, saying starting Monday, all professional services and commercial activity will now be able to resume regular operating hours. However, he said businesses must be closed by 7pm daily.

considering the social unrest abroad. Last week, officials revealed the country’s tourism industry will begin a phased opening on June 15 when boaters, yachters and private pilots will be allowed entry to The Bahamas. However, in recent weeks, countries worldwide have been plagued with widespread protests over the killing of George Floyd, an African American who died while being detained by police officers in Minnesota. Speaking on the matter yesterday, Mr Davis said: “You see all the protests, the mass gathering in the United States and that doesn’t all go well for containing the virus. We ought to be concerned how that is going to play before how we can open our borders safely. “And I think at the end of the day, for some reason, the government seems to

be reluctant to obtain test kits. . . because the bottom line is you have to test and you have to contact trace as necessary to ensure that it is contained. “I just don’t understand what they’re listening to and where their head is at.” During Thursday’s press conference, Dr Minnis said as it stands now, all returning residents and visitors will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country. However, he noted that officials had not finalised the entry protocols for its targeted July 1 re-opening date as they are still in discussions over the issue. To this, Mr Davis said: “Don’t you think they should be clear? They should be clear otherwise we don’t have the competent persons, but they should be clear at where they are today. Otherwise, all they seem to be doing in what we call our old language is following fashion.”

THE country’s COVID19 cases climbed by one on Saturday to 103. The new case is a 52-year-old New Providence woman with no history of travel who is in isolation at home, health officials said. This announced case came days after Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, COVID-19 Task Force coordinator, said health officials were making “significant progress” in mitigating the virus’ threat. “During this epidemiological period – week 22 to 23 – we had few confirmed cases with periods with no cases which has resulted in the bending of the curve; April 24th was the last reported death,” she said at a press conference on Thursday. “We are making significant progress based on the number of new confirmed cases, there have been no COVID-19 related deaths for five weeks, the number

NUMBER OF COVID-19 CASES CLIMBS TO 103 of recovered cases has increased, the decrease in COVID-19 hospital admissions and the decrease in the number of ICU admissions.” Dr Dahl-Regis explained that as of Monday, June 1 at 5am, Bimini completed two weeks of quarantine and health officials were awaiting the results of reswabbing of 18 residents. “The results are pending. This lockdown was implemented to assist in the containment and control the community spread of COVID-19. We have received no reports of new or suspect cases during the quarantine period and we are optimistic that the laboratory results will show a

large number of recovered cases.” She said as of Thursday, close to 500 individuals have returned on five flights from Fort Lauderdale to New Providence and Grand Bahama. She stated that it is anticipated that additional exercises will occur to bring more residents home. The health team continues to enrol individuals who require quarantine verification using the Hubbcat geometric fencing app. As more sectors reopen, she said officials anticipate more testing and the need for increased surveillance capacities to identify COVID-19 cases.

insisting that people coming to the country provide a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry. The Freetown MP deferred to the health minister to make the call and Dr Sands allowed the passengers entry without testing them. In recent weeks, questions have been raised why Dr Sands was allowed to resign while other officials who were also involved in the episode were not being held accountable for their actions. Pressed about the issue on Thursday, Dr Minnis only said he was more concerned with dealing with the country’s states of affairs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Minnis also did not elaborate on what he meant when he said last month that protocol was breached during the episode. Saying the matter is now “finished”, Dr Minnis firmly said: “We are moving on, trying to get our economy running and trying to deal with this pandemic and get people out functioning and working and have food for their family and selves. “That is our priority today.” Dr Sands is the second Cabinet minister to resign this term, after former Immigration Minister Brent Symonette resigned last year. He has returned to

private practice full time and is now serving as a consultant surgeon for the Public Hospitals Authority. Dr Minnis has since taken over the role of minister of health and said he will remain so “at least until after the budget” debate. He told reporters on Thursday: “I think it will be unfair for me to name a new minister at this particular time and he or she be placed in a position where they will have to present the health budget to the nation. “And, I think it will be appropriate that I’m here at this particular time that I should deliver the health budget to the nation and after which I would then appoint a new minister of health soon after I deliver the budget.”

8,000 call for school exams to be cancelled By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net OVER 8,000 students and parents across the country have signed an online petition calling for the cancellation of the country’s national examinations which are set to begin next month. The exams, which usually start in April, were postponed after the government closed schools in the country in March as the COVID-19 pandemic began to take effect. Since then, many parents and students have remained uncertain when the national exams would be held. However, during a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis gave an update, saying the 2020 tests will now be held on July 13. Further information, he said, is expected to be provided by Education Minister Jeff Lloyd in the House of Assembly this week. The announcement immediately sparked criticism from the public, with many calling for the government to cancel or postpone this year’s exams – saying the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has left many students both physically and mentally unprepared. Abaco resident Marion Ramsey told The Tribune yesterday that her 15-yearold daughter is supposed to take five BJCs this year. However, as a result of Hurricane Dorian and now the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Ramsey said the situation has taken a mental toll on her daughter, dampening

MINISTER: Jeff Lloyd her ability to remain focused on her studies. “My daughters have been doing online classes, but they ain’t ready. We are living in a very tight space and everyone is miserable. I think they should be put off at a later date because they ain’t ready,” she said yesterday. Some teachers have taken to Facebook, asking that educators be given a raise to mark the upcoming exams. One teacher said: “Who will watch my children, cook for them, clean my house etc? When we are marking in the heat and the bugs and rodents are running around our feet while we mark sometimes until 9pm or later, as well as weekends and holidays. . .where are you?” Others have taken to social media to express their anger over the revised dates, noting a lack of learning resources for disadvantaged students as a reason why the dates should be postponed. One Facebook user posted: “The results will be disastrous. A lot of kids don’t have cell phones, no TV, no tablets. I’ve seen kids going home to houses with barely (any) running water, no light. Not to mention they didn’t have

the device to view online classes. Why set the date a month away? This is ridiculous, the date should be set for November.” However, there are some residents who don’t think the dates should be cancelled or postponed, saying students had ample time to prepare for them. One person said: “Kids had three years to prepare for these exams. They were displaced for two months. They should be ready to sit these exams. They have one more month to review their work. Get to it and stop whining.” A petition has been launched over the issue, calling for the use of forecasted grades instead of national exams. As of Sunday, over 8,000 votes were cast in favour of cancelling the annual exams. The petition reads: “Due to the coronavirus pandemic, schools have been closed since March 16, 2020. Many students do not have the privilege to access electronic devices which resulted in not being allowed access to virtual education platforms. “However, the prime minister has decided to continue with national exams. In the event that there is an emergency forecasted grades have been put in place to ensure that students receive a grade. Sign this petition to cancel national exams and use forecasted grades.” Ms Ramsey said although she has not seen or signed the petition circulation on social media, she stands in solidarity with other parents and teachers calling for the dates to be postponed.

MINNIS KEEPING QUIET ON SANDS RESIGNATION By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AFTER weeks of being silent concerning the resignation of former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Thursday refused to explain his decision for accepting Dr Sands’ resignation, only saying he wished the Elizabeth MP “well” in his future endeavors. Addressing the controversial topic for the first time during a press conference on Thursday , Dr Minnis said: “Dr Duane Sands submitted his resignation publicly of which you would be very much aware of. This matter has been discussed and debated

extensively in the public domain and at this time, we are more concerned with dealing with the COVID pandemic (and) getting the economy running again and ensuring that people get their jobs back and ensuring that people have food on their tables, and we (want to) increase our employment status that we see today. And I do wish him well in his private sector role.” His comments come after more than a month of continued silence concerning the issue, which made headlines across the country. The Elizabeth MP resigned in early May after accepting responsibility for his actions in allowing six American permanent residents entry in the country

with COVID-19 testing supplies without being tested for the virus. The six were instead tested for the infectious disease the next day. Former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe connected Dr Sands with donors who supplied 2,500 test swabs that cost $11,250, prompting an effort by the health minister to get the swabs here. Dr Sands, pictured, got approval from Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar for an aircraft to deliver the supplies to the country. He then contacted Immigration Director Clarence Russell who arranged his requests for the passengers. Mr D’Aguilar told Dr Sands officials had been

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Monday, June 8, 2020, PAGE 5

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS Photos: Shawn Hanna and Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

BAHAMASAIR ANNOUNCES NEW FLIGHT PROTOCOLS By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net

Churches begin to reopen doors for worshippers

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net AFTER nearly three months of participating in virtual worship, churches in New Providence were allowed to open their doors for “in house” worship over the weekend with social distancing and hygiene requirements. However, not every church was willing to return to the “new normal” and some, like Mount Tabor Baptist Church, have taken a phased approach to reopening to ensure the safety of churchgoers. At the end of May, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly that church leaders in New Providence, Grand Bahama and other islands that were not yet fully open for commercial activity, could under certain protocols accept their members into sanctuaries for worship as of Saturday, June 6. Worship services are permitted between 7am1pm, however everyone in attendance must wear a mask and return home immediately afterwards. Among other rules,

congregation members have to sit six feet apart and sanitize before entering church. St Christopher’s Anglican Church in Lyford Cay re-opened its doors yesterday with a reminder from Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd on new protocols for worship. “My brothers and sisters in Christ, these past few months have been very difficult for us,” said Bishop Boyd. “As Christians of every denomination, we have not been accustomed to a church where we cannot gather in the building. What this period has taught us is that God is still God and we are still the church.” Bishop Boyd serves as interim head priest at St Christopher’s with the departure of Archdeacon Keith Cartwright for the position of rector at St Agnes Church. “This period has also challenged us to focus on what is really the nature of the church and that is a group of people who individually have a relationship with God and our challenge to maintain that relationship,” the bishop said. “We begin corporate worship in our buildings again and let’s

not lose the focus that we were forced to have while we were at home. Our personal relationship with God is vital and we must each work on maintaining that and allowing that personal connection with God to influence everything that happens outside of that in a centric circle moving outward from ourselves. “You will notice when we gather we are subject to a number of protocols – social distancing, the wearing of masks, sanitizing before we enter worship and you will also be asked to sanitize your hands before you receive Holy Communion. For Holy Communion, there will be two stations and this will be our system going forward until further notice. I ask you please to observe these protocols, strictly. You will notice that the clergy will sanitize their hands before administering Holy Communion.” In an effort to maintain social distancing as much as possible, St Christopher’s marked church pews showing where one should sit. During the giving of collection, the collection plate was not passed as normal, but due to the small number of people present, the church’s ushers were

able to move around freely to collect. Meanwhile at Mount Tabor Baptist Church, Bishop Neil Ellis and his pastoral team are taking a slower, phased approach. “Churches are open all around the country today and we want to thank our governmental leaders and our health professionals for leading us through this very difficult time and bringing us to where we are now as a people,” Bishop Ellis said. “Even though we are able to open up for public worship today, we have decided here at Mount Tabor to take a phased approach to our reopening and so today, only the members of my ministerial alliance are in the worship service with me.” Bishop Ellis said in taking on a phased approach, he and his team are first “practising” the new protocols. Worship will go back to normal at the church, in Pinewood Gardens, gradually. “Next week our deacons and our elders will join us and we will have another dry run with them,” Bishop Ellis continued. “And, then on Father’s Day, the third Sunday, we will open to the public with all of our members for in person worship.

There is a video with all of the protocols for our reopening on YouTube and Facebook. We want all of our members and followers to watch the video before they come into the public worship service.” Mass at Christ Church Cathedral, on Shirley Street, did not have the melodious singing of its choir as usual, however, parishioners seemed to be satisfied with the fact that they can now come to church to worship. “It was a ‘said’ mass as opposed to ‘sung’ mass,” said parishioner LaGloria Davis. “We had about 41 persons out at 7.30 am mass. There were some hiccups along the way, but we were happy to be out. So I would say everything went well with our one hour mass.” Before the relaxations were announced at the end of May, churches in New Providence, Grand Bahama and other islands that had not opened for commercial activity were allowed to perform drive-up church services. Since the COVID19 state of emergency was announced in mid-March, churches had to use social media and virtual means to facilitate worship.

MINISTRY SETS GUIDELINES FOR RETURN TO WORK By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net

AS the country enters Phase Four of the plan to restart the economy, the Ministry of Environment and Housing has issued a statement on guidelines for returning to work. According to the statement, Minister of the Environment Romauld Ferreira issued the advisory for the general public, specifically teachers. The statement said guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health must be observed when returning

to work such as wearing face masks, maintaining a minimum distance of six feet between persons, frequently washing hands and using hand sanitizer regularly. Persons in the high risk category are to remain home. With more sectors of the economy reopening, concern has been expressed on how buildings, offices and classrooms are to be cleaned prior to people returning to work. Here are special guidelines issued by the Department of Environmental Health Services on this subject: If the facility was closed for seven days or more, there is no need to

implement a special COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting exercise as current evidence suggest that the SARS-COV-2 virus does not survive on surfaces longer than this period; normal, routine cleaning is required prior to reopening; custodial staff should be reengaged to carry out required cleaning and disinfecting in preparation for occupancy and frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, railings, telephone receivers, countertops, handles, desks, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks should be cleaned and disinfected often.

The Department of Environmental Health Services is providing special training for custodial staff, the statement said, adding custodial and maintenance staff should document any health and safety concerns. The Ministry of the Environment and Housing and the Department of Environmental Health Services take the threat of COVID-19 seriously and urge the public to continue to be cautious. The statement added “it is necessary for essential workers to return to their jobs as a matter of urgency.”

WITH domestic flights resuming today, Bahamasair has announced there will be different protocols in place to guard against COVID-19 infections. At a press conference on Thursday, officials said the airline will operate a reduced schedule to Grand Bahama and the Family Islands which it normally services. Social distancing will be practised, the airline said, however middle seats will still be sold. Travellers and flight attendants will be mandated to wear masks. “As of today, anyone can book domestic travel on Bahamasair,” said the airline’s managing director, Tracy Cooper. “Phase Four as it relates to domestic travel is expected to start on Monday and Bahamasair has opened up its reservations and has started to receive bookings for flights starting on Monday. “Given the fact that it is just starting up, we are going to have a truncated schedule starting with only two flights to Abaco and to Freeport daily, but all the other days we will have no more than one flight to each of the respective islands that we fly to.” The airline is asking travellers to arrive at the airport two hours before departure to allow for additional data sharing. “There will be forms to fill out for tracing capability,” Mr Cooper explained. “This in itself will require travellers to come in earlier in order to make their flights. These forms will be passed over to the Ministry of Health so if anything happens (COVID-19 wise) they will be able to trace where it came from.” He said the airline will also adhere to social distancing mandates. “We will practise social distancing,” he continued. “And, NAD will monitor and make the necessary adjustments as we go on. All passengers are required to wear masks and flight attendants will wear masks as (well). Flight attendants will also wear gloves and there will be no catering of any kind on the flights. We will have some water and that is only for those who need it. We are asking all passengers to hydrate themselves before the flights and after the flights.” Despite saying there will be social distancing, Mr Cooper says Bahamasair will sell middle seats. “We will sell the middle seats, but we will practice social distancing as much as possible,” he said. “We suspect that until Bahamians are comfortable with the resumption of their travelling, the planes will not be that full anyway.” The International Air Transport Association, which is based in Canada, calls for passengers to wear face coverings and crew members to wear masks, but it opposes onboard social distancing. “The safety of passengers and crew is paramount,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO in a statement. “The aviation industry is working with governments to re-start flying when this can be done safely. Evidence suggests that the risk of transmission onboard aircraft is low. And, we will take all measures such as the wearing of face coverings by passengers and masks by crew to add extra layers of protection. We must arrive at a solution that gives passengers the confidence to fly and keeps the cost of flying affordable. ” Bahamasair, although incurring losses of up to $8 million - $10 million due to the COVID-19 suspension of travel, has retained all staff members and has continued to pay them. Commercial international travel is expected to resume on July 1.

PAGE 6, Monday, June 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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Once more unto the beach, dear friends? WE’RE back in business – although not quite everyone yet. On Thursday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis unlocked the doors of the country, ending the lockdown and giving the nod for businesses to open up more. Restaurants can open under certain guidelines, and all professional services and commercial activity can resume regular hours up to 7pm daily. Some businesses aren’t allowed to open up yet, such as bars and hair salons, barbers and cinemas, gyms and entertainment facilities – with hair salons particularly being given a raft of new rules on certification and sanitisation. Restaurants can’t allow people indoors yet – so al fresco dining only to start with. From June 15, Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay also will be able to serve the public again. There are some strange inconsistencies, however. While churchgoers went back to worship indoors yesterday, for example, people can’t yet go back to the park or the beach, even with social distancing. We’re not sure how often people on a beach are closer to one another than people in church, but this seems like a problem that could be solved with a few post markers pushed into the sand to indicate distancing and lifeguards on

the public beaches reminding people to keep apart. As for those businesses that need close contact to operate – you can’t give a haircut from six feet away – we hope the operators work closely with the government to ensure the safest way of working. A glimpse of what could go wrong can be seen in Missouri, where a hairdresser with COVID-19 served 84 clients, leading one contact tracing expert to warn they couldn’t take many more instances such as that. Worse, a second hairdresser from the same salon also tested positive, having served another 56 clients. That’s the risks we face if we get it wrong. But let’s for goodness sake not overstate the risk where it isn’t as high. Think again on those beaches – don’t just keep them closed, but think about how to open them safely. On a different note, we see that Dr Minnis has decided not to explain his reasoning over accepting Dr Duane Sands’ resignation as Minister of Health, despite repeated questioning on Thursday. Those questions aren’t going to go away, Dr Minnis. Dr Minnis batted away the questions, saying the matter had been discussed ad infinitum in the press. Yes, Dr Minnis, but not by you. You campaigned on transparency, let’s have some.

No triumph while girls like Lorencia are victims WE cannot even begin to imagine the grief being experienced by the family of Lorencia Simmons Walkes. Lorencia was in a group of three people shot on May 29 at Belville Circle shortly after 1pm. One person died at the scene. Lorencia was injured in the shooting – and died yesterday morning. She was just ten years old. She was a little girl who wanted to grow up to become a teacher. A stray bullet ended her life. There is talk of moving to a “new normal” in The Bahamas after the COVID-19 outbreak, but this shooting remains part of our old normal.

There will be some politicians who will point to crime being down this year, while downplaying the effect on crime figures of months in lockdown. Despite everyone being told to be in their homes at night and police patrolling the streets, we have still had 30 murders so far. If we had not had three months of lockdowns and curfews, what would our murder figures be instead? So if some eager politico waves some crime figures around triumphantly, remember the fight against crime is far from over. Remember victims such as Lorencia. We cannot claim victory while ten-year-olds are still being shot and killed.

Let’s not risk another surge EDITOR, The Tribune IN The Bahamas, and around the world, there are people that are acting as if the COVID-19 virus has gone away. It hasn’t, and we are risking another surge, which can potentially take even more lives. The United States AFTER the Ministry of Tourism announced that The Bahamas’ tourism industry will begin a phased opening on June 15 when boaters, yachters and private pilots will be allowed into the country, readers posted their responses on tribune242.com. Moncurcool asked: “How do you have a controlled segment with boaters and yachters who can enter anywhere in the Bahamas without detection or registration at a port? “Then how do you require Bahamians returning back home to have a test, but you have yet to

right now is a quagmire of COVID-19, with over 20,000 new cases every day, and approximately 1,000 deaths per day. In The Bahamas, new cases reported per day is zero or very low, and we’ve had no deaths reported in five weeks. After all the sacrifices that Bahamians have made

determine whether visitors will have to produce a test? When will Bahamians stop being discriminated in their own country? If you require a Bahamian to show a test, you better darn well require a tourist to have one. We need to stop being willing to sell out our own to tourists for a couple cents. “Then how the hell is the Tourism Director

to contain the virus in The Bahamas, why would we now open our borders to visitors without implementing strict measures that will ensure that our islands, and the Bahamian people, remain protected? WORRIED CITIZEN Nassau, June 7, 2020. General all over the place talking about the bookings look good, but then when pressed on numbers cannot give any? Are you serious? If you claiming people want to come, the least I think you should have is the figures to prove your claim!” Mandela had this to say: “So it will be fair to state that on June 15 Nassauvians will be able to go on our beaches or do we also have to wait for the tourist to come in and enjoy our beaches first – and while we watch them swimming we will be wishing and have to wait until July 1st?”

We must work with the workers EDITOR, The Tribune WITHOUT worker participation, creating a “Plan for Re-entry into the Tourism Market” is wrong. At age eighteen, I was elected a Shop Steward for the Airport, Airline and Allied Workers’ Union. I later served as the Union’s Secretary-general and concurrently Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Federation of Trade Unions, under the tutelage and leadership of Cadwell Armbrister, before moving on to a career in frontline politics and time as a personnel manager in the tourism industry. I hope for a sensible process to re-establish our tourism industry to provide jobs, profits and foreign currency to our economy. I do not think that anyone wants less. We all, also, want it to happen as soon as is good for both the short and long term. I am not an enemy of the concept of “Re-entering the Tourism Market”. Recently, the government appointed a “Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee” to develop a “Plan for Re-entry into the Tourism Market”. On Tuesday morning, 2nd June 2020, the Ministry of Tourism held a press conference to confirm that a draft plan for “re-opening our tourism economy had been developed”. The Minister of Tourism and the Director-general of Tourism made opening remarks. They both confirmed that the “plan” was developed by a committee made of Government departments’ representatives and the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA). The Draft plan was released online the same day. In the forward it reads, among other things, “To create this proposed plan, the TRRC (headed by the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism) worked alongside public and private sector partners including The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB), Paradise Island Tourism Development Association (PITDA), Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB), Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board (GBITB), Nassau Airport

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Development Company (NAD), Nassau Cruise Ports, Association of Bahamas Marinas, Hutchison Ports Bahamas (Grand Bahama Airport Co., Freeport Harbour Co., and Freeport Container Port) and The Bahamas Ministry of Health (BMOH).” It will be noted that none of the Trade Unions representing workers in the Tourism Industry are included in the listing in the paragraph immediately above. The listing of seventy-three (73!) committee members in the “Draft Plan” does not include a single Trade Unionist identified as such. During their introductory remarks at the Press conference neither the Minister nor the Director-general indicated that Industry Trade Unions were involved in preparation of the “Draft Plan” or were invited to participate and declined to do so. How were the concerns of the health and wellbeing of workers addressed without their structural involvement? Now, to be clear, since I personally know some of the committee members, I state that the committee includes some very excellent persons who would be concerned about securing the safety and well-being of workers and guests. But that is beside the point! I suspect that Union Leaders will be invited to opine on the draft plan now that their input can be easily ignored. But I certainly understand that, even now, Unions will have to involve themselves somehow to seek to serve the interests of their members. The problem is that, though this gross insult to workers and Trade Unions angers me, it does not surprise me. We suffer from a neoliberal bent in the mindset of our political leaders and in both the business and intellectual leadership of our country. Workers are treated as but another cog in the wheel of industry but not with any rights other than a paycheque at the end of a work period. In contrast, I see workers

as partners in an enterprise, therefore a fundamental stakeholder at the very least equal in status to capital and deserving of respect; unfortunately the Government does not, most employers do not and, sadly, even some Trade Unionists and workers do not. But then, I am a believer in the concept of Social Justice. Workers are not an enslaved group, designed to be provided just enough to keep them producing for the barest minimum in wages and benefits. Workers are entitled to respect as partners with capital in the production of goods and services for sale in the marketplace. I pray that those in the Faith Community who profess a belief in what is called, by some, the tenets of the “Social Gospel” and within my own Faith Community which celebrates the tradition of “Catholic Social Teaching”, will join in a campaign to reintroduce to our society these essential concepts of love and respect for the immediate and long term good of our way of life. I fear, if we do not, that the abuse which will continue to be levied on workers will cause them to rise in righteous indignation and damage our necessary re-building efforts. We cannot seek to just bring back the previous “normal” where workers were casually abused, and immoral, but successful, employers were hailed as heroes of commerce. We cannot allow the children of workers to see their parents deprived of rights and expect them to grow up and be positive participants in the future economy. We are at a critical turning point in our country. We will face hardships for some time to come, but how we exit the bad times will be determined by our actions during the effort to extract ourselves. If we casually permit abusive behaviour by any element in society to be excused “owing to our present circumstances” we will ensure structural abuse in all we do, for it is a truism that “… you reap whatever you sow”. (NRSV Bible, Galatians 6:7. Chapter 6 is well worth a full read!) PHILIP P. SMITH Nassau, June 4, 2020

THE TRIBUNE from page one Lorencia is the country’s 30th homicide victim for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. She is also the youngest murder victim of the year. When The Tribune visited the Bel Air Estate community yesterday, residents in the area said Lorencia’s family moved after the May 29 incident. The Tribune later contacted relatives of the deceased 10-year-old, who asked for privacy as the family was still grieving from the ordeal. Local activist Khandi Gibson said the young girl wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. “She wanted to become a teacher,” said Ms Gibson,

Monday, June 8, 2020, PAGE 7

Lorencia, who dreamt of being a teacher, is gunmen’s latest victim founder of the advocacy group Families for All Murder Victims. “I spoke to her mom and her dad (who told me this.) “Our children need to be given a chance to grow up. We can’t have our children be at home and getting stray bullets coming through the house or in the playground. Enough is enough. “Give our children a chance to be doctors and lawyers teachers and policemen.”

Lorencia’s death echoes the 2017 killing of eight-yearold Eugene Woodside Jr who was shot by a stray bullet while a gunman was chasing another man. Eugene, who was studying his spelling words when he was shot in the chest by a stray bullet which entered his home in October 2017, died in hospital a short time later. A second victim, Dennis Moss, also died in hospital. Police believe he was the gunman’s intended target.

Having lost two brothers from gun violence, Ms Gibson said she will not stop advocating for justice and an end to violence in the country. She is agitating for a protest against crime and violence. “I’m prepared to be the sacrificial lamb for my two and those who want to partner with me, we can go on Bay Street and we (will) let people know we want peace in our streets. We want peace in our homes and

VICTIM: Peron Bain in our communities. “We want our children to have a chance so we’re going

to march. I sent a letter to the commissioner and they said only 30 people (can assemble) and so we’ll have 30 people at a time. I’m ready,” she said. According to police, a 22-year-old is in custody who is assisting them with their investigation into the May 29 shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 502-9991, 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS. Editorial View - Page 6

DYING MAN CALLS FOR HELP AFTER HE IS SHOT By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

Jamaican wins new $60k payout over detention from page one

The Rights Bahamas organisation issued a statement on the victory congratulating Mr Sewell and thanking the court for its dedication to justice. “Rights Bahamas congratulates Matthew Sewell on this victory and thanks the court for its continued courage and staunch dedication to justice,” the statement read. “Today, as the world’s focus is on the terrible abuse meted out by law enforcement to underprivileged individuals across the globe, we once again call upon the Bahamas government to take a stand against unlawful detention and physical abuse by police, immigration and prison officers.” The statement noted that Mr Sewell’s claim was headed to trial in April, “but the government failed to comply” with case management orders and did not file witness statements in time. In response, the

A SHOOTING victim implored people to try and help after he was hit and fatally wounded by gunshots on Wednesday night. Angelo Lightbourne, who was identified to The Tribune by sources, was killed on Wednesday night. According to reports, the incident took place shortly before 9pm. Police responded to the Shot Spotter Alert System in the area of Moore Avenue. Officers found a man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. Tiffany Feaste told The Tribune that Lightbourne was in the area for a “get together”. When she heard gunshots, she ran over and saw him lying down. She asked him where he had been and the 23-year-old replied that he had gone to the store. “He still could talk and he was saying ‘Call the ambulance. Y’all stop freaking out – I’m gonna be all right’ and then the ambulance come and he did gone,” she said. In describing Lightbourne, Ms Feaste remembered the young man as “a cool person”. “He never disrespect me. He never display himself to me to be a bad person. I don’t know what he do when he go other places or when we ain’t around, but I only could say what I could when I’m around.” Theresa, another person in the area, said Mr Lightbourne requested to be quickly taken in a vehicle to get to the hospital. She admitted the incident had left her and everyone else scared. She said: “We was trying to get him but he said he wanted something to drink. Tell him he can’t drink nothing and you know I was trying to help him not to pass out – try

talk to him a lot. He was conscious until he went to the ambulance and then after that we got the message that he died. That’s hard though.” She said people in the neighbourhood are “a big family” and they are hurt as this is not the first time an incident like this has occurred in the area. According to Theresa, it is strangers who cause the disturbance. She pleaded for the violence to end. “We had enough killing. That’s enough. These guys them need to stop killing people. If y’all talk it out, punch it out for two hours and then you know go y’all separate ways. “We can’t be everything pick up a gun and kill, pick a knife and juck – that ain’t making no sense. Let’s have some peace somewhere,” she pleaded.

JAMAICAN national Matthew Sewell and, top, with his lawyer Fred Smith

statement said, Mr Sewell’s attorneys filed an application for interim payment and the court ruled in his favour. Justice Ruth BoweDarville awarded the sum in a judgement dated May 27. The government has indicated it will appeal. “We further urge the government to stop advocating on behalf of the purveyors of injustice by fighting tooth and nail against each and every claim of abuse – through the initial case, to the Court of Appeal and often beyond,” the statement continued. “This not only wastes the court’s time and costs the public a great deal of money in the form of aggravated damages, it also encourages and facilitates the continuation of egregious and widespread abuse at the hands of law enforcement. The powers that be should do the right thing and seek to settle when they know they are in the wrong.” In October 2015, the court ruled that Mr Sewell had been unlawfully detained for nine years by

both the Department of Correctional Services and the Department of Immigration, without ever being convicted of a crime. He was given bail in March 2016. He was 27-years-old at the time. Rights Bahamas compared Mr Sewell’s situation to that of Haitian migrants who made complaints last week about deplorable conditions at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, where they are being held. The organisation says the Detention Centre does not even exist on the law books of the Bahamas. “We call upon the government of the Bahamas to publicly reject and renounce all forms of law enforcement abuse and declare its solidarity with the many victims within its jurisdiction,” the statement concluded. “. . .The world is watching and history will adjudge their record.” In July 2016, Mr Sewell was awarded $125,000 in damages in relation to his unlawful detention.

MAN ACCUSED OF TWO IN HOSPITAL INDECENT ASSAULT AFTER SHOOTING A MAN was arrested shortly after he assaulted a woman on Saturday, police said. Shortly after noon on Saturday, a woman was walking along Robinson Road near Market Street when she was approached by a man who indecently assaulted her, police were told. Officers from the Mobile Unit were dispatched to the area of the incident. The officers were able locate and apprehend the suspect. • Police also arrested two men yesterday for shop breaking. Shortly after 5am, officers responded to a shop breaking in progress on East Street and Balfour Avenue. On arrival at the scene officers conducted a search of the premises which resulted in the arrest of two men.

DIED in hospital: Angelo Lightbourne

TWO men who were shot on Friday are in hospital. Police said shortly before 9pm, a group of people were sitting on the porch of a residence at Price Street when a black vehicle approached them. The occupants of the vehicle discharged firearms in their direction, hitting two males. The victims were transported to hospital where they are listed in stable condition. Police are also investigating an armed robbery that happened on Friday night shortly after 9pm. A man was in the area of Anderson Street when he was accosted by six masked men, one who was armed with a cutlass and another, with what appeared to be a handgun. They robbed him of cash and other personal items before escaping.

Private Graveside Service for Collin Goodwin Miller, 54 a resident of Winton Heights, will be held at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road, on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. T.G. Morrison, assisted by Pastor Kenrick Andrews, Rev. Ulric V. Smith & Rev. Anthony A. Sampson. Left to cherish his memories are his: Wife, Rona; Son, Jashua; Daughters, Sade & Nessia; Mother, Frederica; Sisters, Dessely & Marline; Adopted Sisters, Bridgette Archer & Netty Sawyer; Mother-In-Law, Lorna Escobar; Father In-Law, Roger Escobar; Brother-In-Law, Roy, Rogel and Ronald Escobar; Sisters-In-Law: Richelle, Lea, Geline Escobar; Nephews, Reinwald & Rafael Escobar; Niece: Regina Escobar; Aunts, Grace (George) Morton, Rhonda (Wellington) Culmer, Ruth Smith, Alset (Larry) Romain; Uncles, Kendall Miller, Craig (Dorothy) Miller, Clyde (Shany) Rolle; Grand Uncle, Lenny (Beverley) Brozozog; Best Friend, Kevin Cooper, Kieth Lloyd, Dwayne Williams; Adopted Aunts, Barbara Johnson, Rainier Rolle, Claudia & Gina. Host of cousins, relatives and friends: Tracey Barone & Family, Monique Valtri & Family, Bridgette & Family, Kevinetta & Family, Britney Archer & Family, Kai Miller & Family, Craig, Jr. & Family, Steven Miller & Family, Elgin Miller & Family, Ryan & Tito Miller & Family, Emily & Family, Angie & Tara Miller & Family, Veronica Rolle & Family, Ruel & Family, Rev. Vivian & Burke Rolle & Family, Thersa Munroe & Family, Gregory Cooper & Family, Gary Cooper & Family, Cynthia & Family, Tyrone Cooper & Family, Marvin Cooper & Family, Sario & Family, Penelope Nixon & Family, Yvonne & Family, Freddy & Family, Sandy & Family, Bobby & Family, Margaret Anne Hamilton & Family, Edith Toote & Family, Chris Toote & Family, Pam & Family, Millicent & Family, Lateka Culmer & Family, Melchisedec Miller (Tario), Keveneth Miller & Family, Carlos Rolle & Family, Camilla S. Dean & Family, Leria Smith & Family, Shoshana P. Pennerman & Family, Krish Moore & Family, Kanya Lockhart & Family, Shanna & Family, Debvia Sneed & Family, Debbie Jones & Family, Thaddeus Clark & Family, Leopold & Family, Lester & Family, Brooke’s & Family, Ramone & Family, Barbara & Family, Armand McKissick Jr., Chantel Bennett & Family, Grace McKissick, Alicia Holsey & Family, Tasha Holsey & Bianca Barone, Kevin Holsey & Family, Brian Holsey Jr. & Family, Tisha, Lance & Lenny Brozozog. Special People in his Life: Pastor Tom & Lady Morrison, Rev. D. Williamson & Wife, Rev. Elise Smith, Kirk Lloyd, Rev. Sampson & Wife, the Zion Baptist Church Family, Pastor, Ken & Shandy Andrews, friend’s of Resurrection Power Deliverance Outreach Ministries Intl., Sonya Dames, Joseph Cox, Lyndon, and Jan McCartney. Please excuse our mistakes if we’ve forgotten anyone. We love and appreciate all of the family’s love and support. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12 noon-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

The boiling point of social injustice confronts us with a new dilemma

WITH people taking to the streets all over the world to protest about the killing of George Floyd not many need to arrive on our shores on July 1 to cause a most crippling injury to the country’s economy.

By Malcolm Strachan

Final Rites and Burial For Mr. Arizona McDonald Deveaux 88 a resident of Romer Street, Fox Hill, will be held (TODAY) Monday, June 8th, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at St Agnes Anglican Church, Blue Hill Road. Officiating will be Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, assisted by Other Ministers. Interment in St Agnes Church Cemetery. Cherished memories will forever live in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his Beloved Wife: Beverly Millicent CampbellDeveaux; Children: Kevin (Dee) (Deceased), Sandra, Anthony Sr., (Tony) Patrick (Jennifer), Judy, Jefferey and Andy Deveaux; Grandchildren: Kevin, (KK), Anthony (AJ), Cierra, Patriqua, PaAeisha, Astazio Sr., Antonishka and Michael; Great-grandchildren: Z’Myah, Kenniqua and Astazio Jr.; Adopted Sister: Eleanor Newbold; Sister-in-law: Sherry Deveaux; Aunt: Gloria (Glo) Brown; Nieces and Nephews: Natasha Willams, Alberta Campbell, Sherlyn Whylly, Tobias & Tavarius Deveaux, Louise, Cynthia and Sidney Russell; Cousin: Nora Johnson, Lawrence Campbell, Chester Smith, Bertram Bowe, Ann, Yasmin and Dwight Stubbs, Donna Cartwright, Janet Morrison, Godfrey, Victor, Charles, George and Therefus Deveaux, Thereasa Milhomme, Prince Rolle, Jimmy, Sandra, Godfrey and Lionel Clarke and the Children of the Late Ellamae Wright; Godchildren: Camille Clarke, Rory Newbold, Lenardo Simmons, Kenny, Kirk and Mark and Cresswell Ritchie; Special Friends: Garrad, Myer and Ashely Moriston; Other relatives and Friends: Pamela Rahming Deveaux, Deborah Bethel, Families of the late Kenneth and Louise Ritchie, Smiley Butler, Marguerite Woods, Edith Davis and Lionel Johnson and Lydia Adderly, The Coakley Family, Rawson McDonald, Fernley Palmer, William Butler and Family, Keith Mason and family, Evelyn Rolle and family, Ann Harris, Margret Dillet, the Orlander Family, Evangeline and Pamela Greenslade and family, Kirk, Thomas and James Smith and Betsy Gibson, Chan Hall and the family of the Late Samuel Smith, Nikita Austin, Phillip and William Bill Wallace and family, Allan Hanna, Rev Carlton Stuart and family, Dr. Gerrad Deveaux, Persis Bullard and Family, Lynn and family, The Thurston family, Ruth Strachan and Family, William “Crow” Dean and Family, Jarrad Dean and family, Sammy Turnquest and Family, Ted King and Family, The entire St. Agnes Church Family, Bishop Drexel Gomez, Canon Warren Rolle, Father James Moultrie, Keith Cartwright, Deacons Ruel Strachan and Peter Ferguson, The Guard Room All Souls Chapel, ACM and ACW, Father I. Ranfurly Brown, Family of the late Agatha Williams, Veronica Bishop, Jefferey Sherman, Clement O’Brien, Orpheus Ingraham, the Augusta Street and Dean Street Crew, The Romer Street Crew and Grants Town Dominoes Crew, the McDonald Restaurant crew (Marlborough Street) the Butler family, the Cash Family, the Miller Family, Scott Family, The McDonald family, the Rahming family, Keith Fernander and family, the Bethel family, Bain and Grants Town Constituency family, Ramsey (Exuma) Homecoming crew, J.S. Johnson Insurance Company, Carribbean Landscaping Company and the family of the late Wellington Rahming. The body will repose TODAY at the church from 9:00 am until service time.

WITH tens of thousands of Bahamians on the verge of poverty as a result of the the COVID-19 pandemic, much-needed relief is on the way. The government has moved the country into Phase Four of the reopening plan – one step closer to a life as close to normal as possible – and June 15 will see the tourism industry begin to feel its first jolts of new life. And with the country managing to evade what could have been a devastating spread of the virus, the government should receive gold stars. Unfortunately, this year has shown even the most perfect planning cannot account for all events. As if staring down the barrel of a hurricane season is not enough to unsettle even the calmest of temperaments, a second wave of the pandemic may very well be triggered amid the mass protests over the barbaric killing of George Floyd by Minnesota police officers nearly two weeks ago. With hundreds of thousands – possibly millions - of people taking to the streets all over the world, not many need to arrive on our shores on July 1 to cause a most crippling injury to the country’s economy. While we should acknowledge such a powder keg moment in history warrants the stance being taken by black and brown people everywhere - along with our allies who stand in solidarity with us - the timing could not be more disadvantageous to our tourism reboot.

The images and sounds of protesters passionately lamenting centuries of disenfranchisement and social injustices encapsulates something so beautiful, yet equally frightening. As if we were not already concerned by America’s controversially executed reopening, the protests should worry many of us with the coronavirus still a matter of public health and safety. Each protest looks like a petri dish for the spread of this infection and we should all be considering if the policies our government has put in place will stand up to the test. The tourism readiness plan – developed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Hotel Tourism Association and other private and public bodies - will be the nation’s new gospel. With new COVID-19 regulations for airports, seaports and hotels being ramped up, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar seems confident social distancing and sanitisation practices will do well in mitigating the risks associated with reopening. In fact, he was quite clear last week that he has no illusions over possibility the virus will pose a problem once we’ve reopened. With what is occurring just north of us, we shouldn’t either. As the minister noted last week, 82 percent of our arrivals come from the US – leaving us in a precarious position. Either the country continues to wither away into an economic wasteland, or we figure out how we can live - and more importantly thrive with our new house guests threatening massive devastation every step of the way. These are not conditions we delight in having to

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar

manage. Nonetheless, one thing is for certain, we will be able to determine what kind of danger we’re really in within the next month. Chief medical correspondent for CNN Dr Sanjay Gupta believes that despite protests taking place outdoors - which can decrease the chance of transmission - the US will have a much better idea of where it’s at if infection rates and hospitalisations increase. Likewise, if our bookings originating from places where protests took place reflect an increase of importation of new cases of the coronavirus, we expect our government to refine its reopening policies to introduce further mitigation measures. While it is highly unlikely for the government to take its foot off the pedal once the economic engine is running again, they cannot afford to ignore the potential realities. We need them to think about what they will do in the event such a thing happens. There will be no time for complacency or inaction on the government’s part if cases begin to spike again. The same sentiments continue to be echoed by health experts from the WHO straight across the board as various jurisdictions continue to traverse this new landscape. As it stands, no one knows when a vaccine will be available, or when it will be accessible for mass consumption. Another reality we ought to be considering is the possibility of there not being a vaccine for this virus. Optimism will not see us through this. We need plans, contingencies and agile strategies to pivot quickly if our initial ones fail. No doubt, the government will continue to be put to the test in the coming weeks. That said, it should be our hope they are successful so our citizens can get back to making an income and taking care of their families. However, it should all be done safely so we don’t end up right back in the difficult state we’ve endured for the past few months.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net By Stephanie P Hutcheson, Niambi Hall Campbell Dean, and William Fielding IT IS recognised by regional and international health organisations that in the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is an important metric to gauge population health and to direct governmental response and policies. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres spoke in May about the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health. The World Health Organization has also raised concerns about mental health. They agree that mental health matters and should be prioritised as an “essential part of all government response to COVID-19”. Since the beginning of this pandemic there has been a rapid review and response in the psychological literature to delineate a course for and impact on mental health associated with COVID-19. It appears there is no segment of the population that is immune to negative consequences associated with the restrictions, limitations, uncertainties and disruptions that have characterised the global experience of COVID-19. In fact, there is a wealth of research from the 2003 SARS epidemic highlighting psychological distress years after the initial incidence of that disease. As the COVID-19 virus is part of the family of SARS-like viruses, there are lessons to be learned which parallel what is being seen around the world and may preview impact.

INSIGHT

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 PAGE 9

Cocktail of factors leaves one in four adults highly stressed RESEARCH at the University of The Bahamas has found that people have struggled to deal with the shutdown brought in to counter COVID-19.

How has the mental health of citizens and residents in The Bahamas fared? Researchers at University of The Bahamas are investigating the mental health impact of COVID-19 Drs. Stephanie P. Hutcheson, Niambi Hall Campbell Dean and Mr William Fielding assessed the functioning of Bahamian citizens and residents for the 30-day period inclusive of the Easter 2020 five-day extended lockdown and ending May 29. They used the Distress Questionnaire 5 (DQ5) and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IESR) two standard scales to assess stress. Their preliminary findings from a community-based survey of 700 participants on psychological distress using a social media platform are instructive. The majority of participants were female and on average, participants were between 45-54-years-old. While most participants were from New Providence, there was Family Island representation from Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros and Eleuthera among others. The results shows that the ranks of the unemployed increased from 8.5 percent of respondents before the COVID-19 crisis, by an additional 12.9 percent who had been negatively affected financially as a result of the

crisis, suggesting a doubling of unemployment associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. There was an increase in stress. Those who had suffered from loss of or reduced earnings had the higher stress levels. In addition, being female, younger and being a front-line worker in the crisis were important factors influencing the change in stress levels. Based on these initial findings, the majority of those surveyed demonstrated higher levels of stress during-COVID-19 than pre-COVID-19. While this may be an expected finding, it is clear that policy as well as societal responses to COVID-19 must mitigate against the deleterious effects of stress on overall health and well-being. It is vital to incorporate mental health as a critical metric of health. The assumption is often made that young people have no bills

PRE-COVID-19 LOW STRESS 73.1 SOME STRESS 11.1 HIGHLY STRESSED 15.8

DURING COVID-19 61.8 13.8 24.4

Percentage within COVID-19 period, all respondents, this table shows the overall increase in stress from 16 percent to 24 percent in the respondents. nor responsibilities, so they should be relatively immune to the effects of stress and worry. One of the more noteworthy findings from the survey was that young people between the ages of 18-24-years-old experienced the highest levels of COVID-19 stress in comparison with the other age groups. While the study does not identify what specifically is causing this, the older individuals who are more vulnerable to the coronavirus demonstrated the lowest levels of stress during the pandemic. This suggests that any anxiety present in both groups

related to catching the virus and becoming sick or dying was small in relation to other concerns. Previous research suggests the adjustment to online schooling for college students, a lack of social outlets and uncertainty about the future may be some of the factors that raised stress in the younger age groups. More specifically, Bahamian youth are not only battling uncertainty about their education, but also economic prospects and the stress of another hurricane season following the disaster of Dorian. These

combine to increase the stress of an already uncertain future. Interventions that focus specifically on this demographic should be regarded as an imperative. And, as we embark upon another hurricane season many in our community may be psychologically triggered by the wind, rain and hurricane warnings but now layered with the stress of COVID-19. These climate realities as well as high rates of unemployment and the seemingly persistent presence of crime and violence, lead to communities that are even more vulnerable to the effects of stress. Interventions that focus on the importance of diet and exercise on one’s physical health for adults are key because physical well-being and mental well-being are inextricably linked, and interventions that specifically address mental health will be of vital importance. One of the concerns

raised in this epidemic is that our healthcare facilities lack the capacity to cope with the potential cases. The reality, however, is that our mental health facilities have long reached their maximum potential, so preventive mental health measures must be viewed with even greater urgency. If our study results are indicative of the wider population, one in four adults is now highly stressed and so in need of mental health help. Stephanie P. Hutcheson, PhD and Niambi Hall Campbell Dean, PhD are Assistant Professors in the Psychology Department at the University of The Bahamas. Mr. William Fielding is an adjunct faculty member in School of Social Sciences and works in the Office of Institutional, Strengthening, and Accreditation, University of The Bahamas. For more information contact Dr. Hutcheson: Stephanie. hutcheson@ub.edu.bs.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, JUNE8, 2020

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Madeleine McCann: Investigation was flawed from the start by Graham Hill Visiting Research Fellow, School of Law, University of Leeds

NEWS that a 43-yearold German man is now the prime suspect in the case of the missing British girl Madeleine McCann appears – at last – to be a significant development. The information from the German authorities and the Metropolitan Police Service indicates that in May 2007 this man was living and frequenting Praia da Luz, Portugal, and possibly committing burglaries at holiday complexes to fund his itinerant lifestyle. It also appears that as a teenager he was convicted of sexual offences against children in Germany and was therefore a known convicted sex offender in 2007. This raises several questions: was he known to the Portuguese investigation team at the time? If so, when did his name enter their system and what did they do to implicate or eliminate him from their enquiry? When was his name passed on to the UK investigation team? These are questions at the forefront of my mind as I think back to my time in Portugal. Madeleine McCann had been missing for several days when I arrived in Praia da Luz in May 2007. I had been sent to Portugal as part of the UK’s Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre (CEOP) response to Madeleine’s disappearance. I was a detective superintendent and senior investigating officer (SIO) with knowledge about predatory child sexual abusers and nonfamilial child abduction. After being briefed at the British Consulate regarding Madeleine’s

IN this May 2012 fphoto, Kate and Gerry McCann hold a missing poster depicting an age-progression image of their daughter Madeleine disappearance, I met with Gerry and Kate McCann at their holiday apartment and we discussed the Portuguese police investigation strategy and possible scenarios that could have led to their daughter’s disappearance. Understandably, the McCanns were trying to come to terms with the situation they found themselves in. During our discussion, Gerry asked me directly if I thought his daughter was still alive, and I pointed out that if she had been abducted – statistically – she would by now be dead.

The majority of children who are murdered after being abducted by someone unknown to them are dead within three to six hours. It was a difficult conversation, but I was struck by how focused the McCanns remained throughout. The following day I went to the police station in Praia da Luz and spoke with several of the lead Portuguese investigators. They were all very polite but it was clear from their attitude and response that they didn’t welcome what they considered to be UK interference in a Portuguese crime. At that time, they were

also receiving advice from Leicestershire Police (the McCanns’ home police force) supported by the then UK National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA). From the outset I was struck by the lack of urgency surrounding the investigation and it was difficult to establish any detailed information around what direction the investigation was taking. Over the next few days, whenever I suggested certain courses of action that they might wish to consider, the Portuguese police either dismissed it out of hand or

I was informed that it had already been done without result. Flawed investigation As the days went by, I became more and more frustrated and I relayed this back to CEOP in my telephone conversations and daily written reports. After ten exasperating days avoiding the growing media presence, trying to get and impart information and having meetings cancelled at the last minute because investigators were too busy, it was still unclear to me whether many of the key investigative tasks had been adequately completed. For example, I had serious misgivings about the quality of the search strategy, the recording of full-time and casual staff at the holiday complex, identification of all known suspected and convicted sex offenders living or frequenting the area, and other significant or relevant crimes in the local area. My professional opinion was that the Portuguese investigative approach to Madeleine’s disappearance was flawed and not fit for purpose when set against what we would have been done in a similar investigation in the UK. This was reflected time and time again in my verbal and written reports and the “fiasco” was regularly reported on in the press. Disappointingly, as the investigation progressed there was also a certain amount of inter-agency rivalry between the UK agencies involved, which resulted in a fraught working relationship. ‘Golden hours’ wasted In the years since Madeleine’s disappearance, I have also raised my concerns as to whether agencies across Europe are still any better prepared for these types of investigations. When an investigation team doesn’t gather information or act in a timely and systematic fashion, the investigation gets away from them and this dramatically reduces the chances of the crime being solved. My experience then, and even more so now having studied the behaviour of non-familial child abductors and murderers in-depth as a criminologist, is that the first 24 to 48 hours of a child abduction investigation – often referred to as the “golden hours” – are critical to its successful

outcome. It requires strong, dynamic leadership supported by clear defensible decision making. This must be backed up by systems and structures designed to collect and evaluate information quickly. At the same time, information must be retained in a manner so that it can be revisited at appropriate times as the investigation moves forward and alternative lines of enquiry are considered. Non-familial child abduction attracts vast amounts of media attention. Highprofile cases often attract national media coverage and cases where the child is murdered become, what is called in criminology, “mega-homicides”. These cases can attract worldwide attention and generate vast amounts of information. The potential for this information to overwhelm even the best-prepared investigation agency during the early hours or days of an inquiry is considerable. For this reason, there is a need for a systematic approach to core policing functions to deal with the complexity. And it is vital to have a thorough, well documented investigation strategy. These investigations also require highly skilled and experienced investigators who have the ability to make defensible decisions based upon reliable information and create investigative strategy and policy that can stand the test of hindsight. A failure to do so can have serious consequences. Three years after Madeleine’s disappearance, in 2010, I conducted and wrote CEOP’s internal review of the Portuguese investigation, which was subsequently passed to the Home Office. The review contained observations and recommendations that, after repeated requests from the McCanns, led to the Met being tasked to establish their own investigation, Operation Grange. The information timeline, when fully known, may offer clarity and explanations to many of the questions that have been swirling around this case since 2007. But these explanations may also raise more uncomfortable questions about the effectiveness of the initial police inquiry and the competence of the people who led it. I only hope this new information leads to some form of closure for the McCanns. theconversation.com

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

GUYANA’s President David Granger of the APNU-AFC party

Can Guyana stand up to this trial of its democracy? ADHERENCE to democracy, including free and fair elections, has been on trial in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region over the past three months in Guyana and Suriname. So far, Suriname is the only one that has come out of the trial with credibility and with regional and international respect. Its elections, held on May 25, were transparent and peaceful and its results, formally declared on June 4, have been accepted by all the 17 contesting parties and their supporters. Suriname will now proceed to install a coalition government of four parties that have been in opposition and should easily be able to secure the election of a new president by 34 of 51 votes in the National Assembly. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the leader of the Progressive Reform Party, which secured the largest single block of votes, is expected to be the new president. If there was any sitting president of a country who should have had every reason to rig an election, that president was Desi Bouterse who, in 2019, was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with an appeal still pending. In addition, he is also wanted in The Netherlands after being convicted in 1999, in his absence, for trafficking in cocaine. He knew that once he ceased to be president, the law enforcement agencies would pursue him. Yet, neither Bouterse nor his National Democratic Party attempted to gerrymander the general elections process which was declared to be free of fraud by observer missions from the Organization of American States (OAS) and CARICOM. The absence of any attempt at fraud, even with the stakes so high, speaks exceedingly well of the Suriname electoral system and the commitment of its managers to democracy, including resisting political interference. In stark contrast, in Guyana, the false tabulation of the votes of the March 4 elections - and the manoeuvrings that followed - have shown little regard for democracy or for a fair election. Officers of the Guyana Electoral Commission (GECOM) have been proven, in a recount of all the votes that started on May 6, to have manipulated poll results to increase ballots for the APNU-AFC party of President Granger significantly and to reduce votes for Jagdeo’s Peoples Progressive Party drastically. This recount, scrutineered by agents of

CARICOM and observed by representatives of the OAS and local groups, is nearing its elongated and painful process that has taken four weeks so far. However, as the end of the recount nears, the trial of democracy is heightening. As the recounted votes show that APNU-AFC has clearly lost the elections, its officials are reported to be demanding the entire general election should be voided. The basis for this alarming demand is an unsubstantiated allegation that dead or absent people voted in the election. Curiously, this ominous statement has come after the APNU-AFC leadership had earlier declared – along with all the observer missions – that the voting, at which every party had agents present, was free and fair. The question now arises about what will happen when, by June 16, GECOM announces the result of the recounted votes of the elections. The entire regional and international community has called for the result of the recount to be accepted by all parties and that it be the basis for installing a government that reflects the votes cast by the majority of the electorate. In this way, Guyana, like Suriname, will transition into a new government peacefully and lawfully, accepted at home and abroad. Guyana can then look forward to holding a respected place in the international community where it can pursue the interests of the Guyanese people with credibility and strength. If, however, there is disregard for the recounted votes and an accompanying attempt to ignore democracy and the rule of law, the international community will come down hard on an illegitimate government and the fortunes of the Guyanese people will once again be thwarted. The three main organisations in which Guyana advances its interests are CARICOM, the Commonwealth and the Organization of American States. Each of them demands, in their charters and other declarations, the requirement for their member states to adhere to democracy and the rule of law. Guyana is also a signatory to an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union

under which it is committed to human rights and democracy. The installation of an unlawful government would trigger actions against Guyana in which the people would suffer for the actions of a few. Powerful countries of the world will also target them and their families with sanctions for their violations of human, civil and political rights. While Suriname will proceed to reap the reward of its democracy and its transparent elections by the embrace of the international community in the production and sale of its now considerable oil and gas resources, Guyana could see its own prospects dim for any similar riches. Even if any other CARICOM government wished to ignore disregard for democracy and the rule of law in Guyana, CARICOM, as an organisation, could not do so now. The CARICOM Secretariat has played an outstanding role in observing these elections and pronouncing on them; CARICOM is bound to those pronouncements. Further, CARICOM Heads of Government played a rightful role in ensuring that “every vote be counted, and every vote must count” in the general elections. The international community stepped back from its frontal role to give CARICOM the chance to deliver on a credible recount of the votes. Therefore, CARICOM’s own credibility is now tied to maintaining democracy and the rule of law in Guyana, and to acting if those principles are crushed. Guyana’s leaders of every political party, every race, and every religion now bear a great responsibility to their country and their people. They should seize this opportunity to show that Guyana is a democracy, and, within that democracy, they can fashion representative governance for all. The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 PAGE 11

PAGE 12, Monday, June 8, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

WORLD REACHES 400,000 VIRUS DEATHS AS POPE URGES CAUTION BARCELONA Associated Press THE confirmed global death toll from the COVID-19 virus yeasterday reached at least 400,000 fatalities, a day after the government of Brazil broke with standard public health protocols by ceasing to publish updates of the number of deaths and infections in the hard-hit South American country. Worldwide, at least 6.9 million people have been infected by the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University, whose aggregated tally has become the main worldwide reference for monitoring the disease. Its running counter says United States leads the world with nearly 110,000 confirmed

virus-related deaths. Europe as a whole has recorded more than 175,000 since the virus emerged in China late last year. Brazil’s government has stopped publishing a running total of coronavirus deaths and infections; critics say it’s an attempt to hide the true toll of the disease. Brazil’s last official numbers recorded over 34,000 virus-related deaths, the third-highest toll in the world behind the US and Britain. It reported nearly 615,000 infections, putting it second behind the US. After Bolsonaro stoked his clash with health experts, Pope Francis cautioned people in countries emerging from lockdown to keep following authorities’ rules on social distancing, hygiene and limits on movement.

“Be careful, don’t cry victory, don’t cry victory too soon,” Francis said. “Follow the rules. They are rules that help us to avoid the virus getting ahead” again. The Argentine-born pontiff has also expressed dismay that the virus is still claiming many lives, especially in Latin America. Many counties like the US and Britain insist that they can ease restrictions before having stalled their outbreaks. In the US, the virus churns on underneath the unrest provoked by the death of George Floyd and increasingly directed at President Donald Trump’s handling of the protests. Yesterday, the UK revealed that places of worship can reopen from June 15 for private prayer. Worries have surfaced over the

past couple of weeks that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government is easing the restrictions too soon, with new infections potentially still running at 8,000 a day. Professor John Edmunds, who attends meetings of the British government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said the epidemic “is definitely not all over” and that there is an “awful long way to go.” Yesterday, the UK government reported another 77 people died after contracting the virus, the lowest daily increase since the lockdown began on March 23. In France, the government announced that from tomorow, it will ease restrictions limiting travel from the French mainland to overseas territories in

the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. Spain is preparing to take another step forward in the scaling back of its containment with Madrid and Barcelona opening the interiors of restaurants with reduced seating today. Russia remained troubling, with nearly 9,000 new cases over the past day, roughly in line with numbers reported over the past week. Pakistan is pushing toward 100,000 confirmed infections as medical professionals plead for more controls and greater enforcement of social distancing directives while India confirmed 9,971 new cases in another biggest single-day spike, a day before it prepares to reopen shopping malls, hotels and religious places after a 10-week lockdown.

TROPICAL STORM HITS LOUISIANA

GREAT WHITE KILLS SURFER IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY Associated Press A 60-YEAR-OLD surfer was attacked and killed by 10-foot great white shark off the coast of northern New South Wales yesterday. The man received a bite to the back of his thigh and was brought to the shore by other surfers who had fought off the shark, a surf rescue group, Surf Life Saving NSW, said in a statement. The victim, from Tugun just over the state border in Queensland, received first aid on the shore but died on the beach. “A shark biologist assessed photographs and confirmed a white shark was responsible for the fatal attack,” the state’s Department of Primary Industries said.

NEW ORLEANS Associated Press

A JET ski passes over a shark swimming along the coast of Kingscliff, New South Whales, Australia yesterday

Statue of slave trader thrown into harbour LONDON Associated Press FOR someone who died nearly 300 years ago, Edward Colston has become one of the symbols for the Black Lives Matter movement. The toppling of his statue in Bristol yesterday by anti-racism protesters was greeted with joyous scenes, recognition of the fact that he was a notorious slave trader. Demonstrators attached ropes to the statue before pulling it down. Images on social media showed protesters then appearing to kneel on the neck of the statue for eight minutes, recalling how George Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25. The statue was then rolled into the nearby Bristol Harbour. Police said officers have launched an investigation and are looking for those who “committed an act of criminal damage.” Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said the removal of the statue would “divide” opinion, but added that it was “important to listen to those who found the statue to represent an affront to humanity and make the legacy of today about the future of our city, tackling racism and inequality.” Colston, who was born in 1636 to a wealthy merchant family, became prominently involved in England’s

PROTESTERS throw a statue of Edward Colston into Bristol harbour yesterday in response to the killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. sole official slaving company at the time, the Royal African Company, and Bristol was at the heart of it. The company transported tens of thousands of Africans across the Atlantic Ocean, mainly to work the sugar plantations in the Caribbean and cultivate the tobacco fields in Virginia. Each enslaved person had the company’s initials branded onto their chest. Bristol, as an international port, was at the centre of the slave trade and benefited hugely financially — not just shipbuilders and slavers,

but also investors like Colston, who would buy a stake in the triangular slave voyage between England, West Africa and the Caribbean. The bronze memorial, which had been in place since 1895, had been the subject of an 11,000-strong petition to have it removed. Residents, including the city’s big community that hails from the Caribbean, are ashamed of what Colston represents. In London, protesters defaced the base of the statue of former British Prime Minister Winston

Churchill outside Parliament, crossing out his last name and spray painting “was a racist” underneath. They also taped a Black Lives Matter sign around its mid-section. Thousands joined a Black Lives Matter rally in Brussels, where protesters clambered onto the statue of former King Leopold II and chanted “reparations,” according to video posted on social media. The word “shame” was also graffitied on the monument, reference perhaps to the fact that Leopold is said to have reigned over the mass death of 10 million Congolese. A bust of Leopold’s in the city of Ghent has also been defaced, daubed in red paint and covered with a cloth scrawled: “I can’t breathe.” Leopold’s ruthless early rule over Congo from 1885 to 1908 is notorious for its brutality when the Congo Free State was practically his personal fiefdom. After Leopold handed over Congo to the Belgian state, the tiny nation continued to hold sway over an area 80 times its size half a world away, until independence in 1960. And in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam has pledged to remove the Gen. Robert E. Lee Lee statue, and city leaders have committed to taking down the other four Confederate memorials along Richmond’s prestigious Monument Avenue.

TROPICAL Storm Cristobal yesterday made landfall on the Louisiana coast, packing 50 mph winds and spinning dangerous weather as far east as northern Florida, where it spawned a tornado that uprooted trees and downed power lines. The lopsided storm moved ashore between the mouth of the Mississippi River and the barrier island resort community of Grand Isle, which had been evacuated a day earlier. Forecasters said the storm could dump as much as 12 inches of rain in some areas. In New Orleans, the question was how much rain would fall and whether there would be enough breaks for the city’s aging pumping system to keep the streets free of flood waters. Residents of waterside communities outside the New Orleans levee system — bounded by lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne — were urged to evacuate because of the threat of an expected storm surge.

US WANTS PRINCE ON EPSTEIN from page one

Buckingham Palace and filing a “mutual legal assistance” (MLA) request to the Home Office. MLA requests are only used in criminal cases under a legal treaty with the UK. It means Prince Andrew could now be forced to appear in a UK court as a witness within months. The move also piles pressure on the Duke to give evidence and on the UK government to assist. No decision on the request has yet been made by British officials. A source told The Sun newspaper: “It’s a diplomatic nightmare. The DoJ does not make a request of this nature lightly, especially one involving a senior member of the British royal family. It puts the UK government in a very difficult position - and the Duke of York even even more so.”

SPORTS SECTION E

PAGE 16

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Naser suspended

GIBSON: ‘AS AN EXECUTIVE OF THE BOARD OF THE BAAA, I KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO BE REDUCED’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

B

ahamas Olympic women’s 400 metre champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo and her management team declined comments on the alleged doping scandal of arch rival Bahrain women’s world 400m champion Salwa Eid Naser that could lead to a possible two-year suspension. Naser, who ran the third-fastest 400m in history when she pulled away from Miller-Uibo on the final curve to snatch the gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit last week. But in comments made on social media, Naser denied being a drug cheat and indicated that it was normal to miss three drug tests in a year, which is cause for concern according to the AIU, an organisation within the World Athletics, the governing body for the sport. “I’ve never been a cheat. I will never be,” said the 22-year-old Bahraini in an Instagram live video. “I only missed three drug tests, which is normal. It happens. It can happen to anybody. I don’t want people to get confused in all this because I would never cheat. “This year I have not been drug tested. We are still talking about the ones of last season before the World Championships.” When contacted over the weekend at her home in Florida where she resides with her husband, Estonia’s decathlete Maicel Uibo, Miller-Uibo offered no comments. The 26-year-old, who is preparing to defend her title at the 2020

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SALWA EID NASER, of Bahrain, reacts to winning gold in the 400 metre final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, October 3, 2019. Naser was provisionally suspended on Friday by the Athletics Integrity Unit for not making herself available for doping tests, charging the sprinter with whereabouts violations. (AP Photo/David J Phillip) Olympics, which was postponed from this year until July, 2021, referred The Tribune to her management team. Her manager Clyde Bryan, the chief executive officer of On Track Management, Inc, said they are not focusing on their arch rival. He would only offer this simple statement on the matter. “Shaunae is focused solely on her season, if

there’s one, and wishes everyone peace and safety during these challenging times,” he said. In a stunning performance at the World Championships in Doha, Naser ran 48.14 seconds to claim a surprise gold medal, beating the Olympic champion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who had to settle for the silver in a national and NACAC area record of 48.37.

Naser’s time was the fastest in 34 years, with only the East German Marita Koch, in 1985, and the Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvílová, in 1983, having run faster. While none of the women failed a drug test, their times are regarded as suspicious given drugtaking in eastern Europe was

SEE PAGE 14

Jones and Sun could return to action soon By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL Jones and her Connecticut Sun could return to action soon as the WNBA has a tentative proposal in place for its delayed 2020 season due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel, the league has proposed a 22-game regular season, hosted at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Opening day is set for July 24 and the playoffs would conclude in October. Players have yet to approve the proposal and playoff details have yet to be revealed. IMG Academy’s basketball complex has four state-of-the-art courts, according to the facility’s website. The WNBA has 12 teams with a maximum roster size of 12 players each.

The WNBA regumost dominant and larly hosts a 36-game versatile players in regular season from the world. She conMay to September, tinues to be one of with the playoffs the elite reboundconcluding in Octoers in the game and ber. This season, took a huge step on the league intended the defensive side of to introduce a midthe ball in 2019. She season tournament, is just scratching the the Commissioner’s surface and we look Cup, however, the forward to her conamended season tinued growth and halted those plans. leadership in 2020.” Jones signed a The Sun fell one multi-year contract game short in their with the Sun in Febhistoric run toward ruary as the league’s a WNBA ChampiJONQUEL JONES free agency period onship last season, commenced. but the fourth-year “We are pumped to have JJ forward has established herself as sign a multi-year contract to stay one of the premier players in the in Connecticut,” head coach and league with her standout season. general manager Curt Miller said. Jones was named to the All“She has proven to be one of the WNBA Second Team, the WNBA

All-Defensive Team for the first time, finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, was a WNBA All-Star and was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week four times. She finished the regular season with starts in all 34 appearances, averaged 14.6 points and posted career highs in steals (1.5 per game) and minutes played (28.8 per game). She also won her second rebounding title in four seasons. Jones led the league in rebounds with 9.7 boards and blocked shots at a career high 2.0 per game. She also finished fourth in defensive rebounds with 6.4 per game. She grabbed 10 or more rebounds 16 times, including a season high 22 rebounds on May 31. In the offseason, Jones was a member of UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League.

TRACK and field athletes’ representative Jeffery Gibson said he’s quite aware that there is expected to be at least a 20 per cent cut in the subvention to the Bahamian athletes in the Bahamas Government’s new budget that will be debated in Parliament this month. The Bahamas men’s 400 metre hurdles national record holder said while it may come as a surprise, it’s a reality that they will have to deal with. “Everyone is being affected by the budget cut as a result of COVID-19,” he said. “The whole Bahamas is affected. We know that cutting back, we will have to take a loss because of the pandemic and the lock down that the country is going through. “I know they said they were going to make a 20 per cent cut across the board with all athletes in all sports. It’s unfortunate, but with the subvention, it’s a year-to-year basis where there are some years when you get cut because of your performance, but these are some uncertain circumstances that we are faced with, so the cuts are inevitable.” As the elite athletes on subvention continue to prepare for the 2020 Olympic Games that have been postponed in Tokyo, Japan, until July 2021, Gibson said all of the athletes will now have to look at what adjustments they can make moving forward. “It sucks, truth be told,” he said. “It’s going to be difficult, but it’s something that I expected, so I’m not surprised that they are cutting the subventions.” Gibson, now in Durham, Raleigh, North Carolina where he’s training at St Augustine’s College with coaches Bershawn Jackson, a former world champion and his long-time mentor George Williams, said there needs to be a better way of communicating its plans to the athletes, whether it’s directly from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture or through the

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Dr Patrick Roberts, 78, dies in hospital By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net DR Patrick Roberts, a general practitioner who helped to revolutionise sports medicine in the Bahamas, died around noon on Saturday at Doctor’s Hospital as a result of a heart failure. The founder of the Bahamas Medical Arts Institute on Fort Charlotte was 78 and left to mourn his wife, Jodell, two daughters, Raine and Patricia and a host of other relatives, including legendary coach turned politician Neville Wisdom. “Our family was involved in a lot of national affairs, whether it be in politics, in culture, in medicine and in sports,” said Wisdom, who served as a former Minister of Sports under the Progressive Liberal Party. “Dr Roberts was the team doctor for a number of our national teams at the Pan American Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games and he was the first chairman of the Bahamas Sports Medicine

Committee and was the Bahamas representative for the World Anti-Doping Agency.” According to Wisdom, during his involvement in sports, Dr Roberts provided philanthropic services to many sporting personnel who sought his service, whether they had the funding or not. Wisdom, who grew up in the same house with Dr Roberts like brothers, said Dr Roberts was also a devout Christian who served as a senior member of the Trinity Methodist Church and a former member of the congregational board. “He has earned awards and diplomas that are too many to mention,” Wisdom said. “He’s travelled the world and he completed a draft for a book that I have. In the book, he was involved in the early planning of the CARIFTA Games. There are photos to prove it. “He was a very knowledgeable person on sports and by virtue of being the doctor for various national teams, he interacted with many sports like

DR PATRICK ROBERTS tennis, swimming, boxing and track and field. He was also the official doctor for professional and amateur boxers. He was at almost every boxing event in the country.” Condolences poured in to the family of a doctor that was well loved for his unselfish and dedicated work to the local and

regional sporting community, having worked with many athletes who needed medical assistance as they travelled around the world. Wellington Miller, a former president of the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation and the Bahamas Olympic Committee, said it was back in 1979 when they travelled to the Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as an assistant boxing coach that he was first introduced to Dr Roberts by Leonard “Boston Blackie” Miller, the head boxing coach. Dr Roberts was the team’s doctor. “Dr Patrick Roberts was a friend to the boxing community,” Miller said. “He helped boxers at all times with their physical for a fight and he never charged them. “You could always send boxers to Dr Roberts, or call Dr Roberts and he always took good care of them. He helped many athletes in this country. He was a good man to work with. He was a very pleasant gentleman.” Miller said whenever they travelled, Dr Roberts always told

him that once he had eaten his breakfast, he was good to conduct medical examinations on a boxer. As a personal friend of Leonard Miller, Miller said once Dr Roberts confirmed a medical report on a boxer, Leonard Miller would always tell them that the boxers could rely on it. “Over the years, we became very good friends,” Miller said. “I remember when he was honoured by the Olympic Committee and I had the pleasure of presenting him with his ward.” After he travelled on his last national team in 2008, Miller said Dr Roberts advised him that he should give some of the other medical professionals a chance to accompany the team. “Dr Roberts was a gem of the first order,” Miller stated. “He was greatly respected. I remember one time we were in the stadium for a local boxing show and the doctor didn’t make it. We called Dr Roberts and he came right over and conducted the medical aspect so the show could go on.”

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PAGE 14, Monday, June 8, 2020

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Fan experience to change profoundly amid pandemic By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dayton Moore remembers so clearly the vast sections of empty seats inside Kauffman Stadium when he took over as general manager of the Kansas City Royals, and he remembers just as vividly — nearly a decade later — how those seats filled and fans roared as the long-suffering club won the World Series. Those duelling memories make the thought of playing games in empty stadiums hard for Moore to fathom. “I know how much strength all players draw from the fans and environment,” he said, when asked about plans to play a shortened season without crowds, “and you need that support to get through an entire Major League Baseball schedule.” As lockdowns are lifted and restrictions eased, sports are finally starting to emerge in the coronavirus pandemic. But in virtually every situation, fans are not yet being allowed to attend and the only consensus for now is that there could be a long period of empty or nearly empty seating. Some US universities are modelling for 25 per cent capacity for the upcoming football season or maybe half-full arenas for the ensuing basketball season. “I think for most sports, a reduced crowd wouldn’t negatively impact the overall experience, especially in a situation like baseball or even the NFL,” said Katy Lucy, a digital marketing agent from Atlanta whose fandom is split between all things Georgia Bulldogs and the Washington Capitals. “But it would be different for sure for those who attend in person.” Count her family among those who would pause before heading to the ballpark. “For me personally, I’m not sure I would feel comfortable attending a live sporting event until there is a known treatment or widely available vaccine,” Lucy

NASER from PAGE 13 systemic and state-sponsored during the 70s and 80s. Naser, who moved from Nigeria to Bahrain when she was 14, dispelled any concerns about whether or not her career has been tainted by drug allegations. “Hopefully, it’ll get resolved because I don’t really like the image, but it has happened,” said Naser, a former youth champion. “It’s going to be fine. “It’s very hard to have this little stain on my name. I would never take performanceenhancing drugs. I believe in talent, and I know I have the talent.” Athletes are required to provide regular updates on their whereabouts to make it possible for anti-doping authorities to carry out surprise testing outside of competition. A violation means an athlete either did not fill out forms telling authorities

GIBSON from PAGE 13 Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations. “I don’t know if the athletes were made aware by the ministry as yet. I wasn’t advised of that,” he said. “You would expect the ministry to reach out to the athletes, but I’m not sure if they reached out to the athletes advising them who are under review and who will be reduced.” While the ministry’s budget is expected to be reduced from $18,938,187, about $5,143,194 less than what was expended in last year’s budget of $24,081,380, the subventions to elite athletes this year is projected to be dropped from $1,346,150 to $1,076,920, a decrease of just under $300,000. Gibson, a Grand Bahamian native and graduate of Bishop Michael Eldon High School, said he’s advised of what’s taking place as an executive of the BAAA as the athletes’ representative, but he said the decision will have an adverse effect on a lot of the athletes because they were only made aware of what will happen because of the cut in the budget for sports. “I know that the ministry has not reached out to me as an athlete, but as an executive of the

PACKERS wide receiver Donald Driver celebrates a touchdown after doing a Lambeau Leap during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Green Bay, Wisc. on October 28, 2012. (AP) said. “I trust the institutions to put the proper measures in place; however, making sure that they are enforced is another matter.” Many college and pro sports teams already were dealing with declining ticket sales. Watching at home or streaming games are factors, as is the changing social makeup of fan bases. Dynamic pricing, increases in parking and concession prices, and a push toward luxury seating have exacerbated the problem. Major League Baseball attendance has declined six of the past seven seasons. In college football, 13 of the 130 schools that played in the Football Bowl Subdivision reported average crowd sizes of 50 per cent or less last season. Even the NFL has seen an increase in empty seats despite its generally rock-solid popularity. So as coronavirus concerns linger, how are teams going to lure fans back when stadiums do reopen? Loyalty and engagement apps, widespread around the major

where he or she could be found, or that athletes weren’t where they said they would be when testers arrived. Three violations within 12 months can lead to a suspension if the athletes can’t justify why they weren’t available for testing, according to the rules of the World Athletics. Naser’s case comes to light after three other major doping cases highlighted among Bahrain’s top female runners in recent years, including the Olympic steeplechase champion, Ruth Jebet, and the Olympic marathon runner-up, Eunice Kirwa, who tested positive for EPO, and the world indoor 400 champion, Kemi Adekoya, who was found to have taken anabolic steroids. All were banned for four years. Three years ago at the 2017 World Championships in London, England, Naser won the 400m silver medal behind American Phyllis Francis. Miller-Uibo had a comfortable lead going onto the home

leagues and colleges even before the pandemic, will become even more common and interactive as teams try to recapture lost revenue. There also will be more behind-the-scenes content and enhancements available via smartphones that will only be available to those in the stadium or arena, offering fans something unique over fans watching at home. “Fans want that experience to be top-notch, period. That’s why teams are thinking about this,” said Britton Stackhouse Miller, senior vice president at Fortress US, a developer of engagement and integration systems with clients in European soccer, baseball, the NBA, NFL and NHL. Temperature checks, hand sanitiser distribution stations and touchless vending will become the norm for a while. Even concessions will change, though one big difference — gulp — could lead to a lot of grumbling. “If you don’t sell beer the number of visits to the bathroom

stretch when she tried to exert her 6-foot, 1-inch frame about 30 metres from the finish line, but pulled up and ended up in fourth place. Miller-Uibo went on a sensational 25-month winning streak in both the 200 and 400m races since the defeat and the build up to the much anticipated rematch with Naser in Doha. In that memorial spectacular performance, Naser came off the final curve of the 400m ahead of Miller-Uibo and surged to the impressive victory, adding to the gold medal to the bronze she received a few days earlier in helping Bahrain’s mixed 4 x 400m relay team that finished third behind the United States and Jamaica. The Bahamas didn’t participate in the event, although Miller-Uibo joined Steven Gardiner, Anthonique Strachan and Michael Mathieu in winning the initial mixed relay race held at the third edition of the World Relays at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in 2017.

board of the BAAA, I know that I am going to be reduced,” Gibson said. “I know the executive board of the BAAA makes a recommendation to the Ministry on whether or not athletes should be added, decreased, increased or removed off the list. “Based on the athletes’ performances the previous year, their willingness to support national teams, their sponsorship and their growth and development through their national and international rankings, the BAAA would make recommendations. A lot of times the ministry would take the recommendations as they are, or they make their final decisions.” Currently in North Carolina, Gibson said working part-time with Target after he completes his training sessions each morning. He’s in the city of Durham where he’s under a curfew, but because he’s been abiding by the social distancing rule, he tries not to get into all of the latest developments surrounding the death of George Floyd. “When they started having peaceful rallies, we’ve been closing our stores here at 7pm rather than 9pm like they did during the height of the coronavirus,” Gibson said. “So while there have been some protests here just about every day, I have thought about what is going on.

drops dramatically,” said Marc Ganis, the director of sports consulting firm Sportscorp. “So for a time we may have to think about not selling beer.” It won’t just be the vast oceans of bench seats left open, either. Many experts believe those hardy fans will be the first to return. It’s the corporate suites from which many colleges and pro franchises derive so much of their gameday revenue that may end up being empty until long after games have resumed. Economic woes may last for some time. For fans who stay home, leagues are looking for ways to keep them engaged, too. When Germany’s top soccer league returned without fans, broadcaster Sky knew it had a problem with silence coming through the TV. Engineers created “carpet audio” from previous games between the same teams, then teased out roars for specific events such as goals and red cards, giving those watching at home the option of a more realistic experience. “This was the only idea that we thought could be most respectful to the fans,” said Alessandro Reitano, vice president of sports production for Sky Deutschland. “To be honest, it’s a major success.” Old crowd noise is a bit like an old game, though. It lacks a certain authenticity. So along came ChampTrack, which created an app that utilises the microphones of fans. It captures their every roar and groan and sends the audio to its server, which then aggregates the noise into a single stream. That stream is then returned to the viewer using proprietary algorithms to provide the broadcast with real-time sound, which is then immediately erased to ensure personal privacy. “Once they press play on our web app, they can hear what everyone else is cheering about and their own cheer,” said ChampTrack chief executive Elias Anderson, adding the system could soon handle as many as 150,000 fans for each game.

ROBERTS, 78, DIES from PAGE 13 Vincent Strachan, the current president of the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation, said Dr Roberts was a “giant in the medical field, who did more for boxing than any other doctor and never sought financial reward for his service.” Former secretary general Alvin Sargent called Dr Roberts a “tremendous individual, whose contributions to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is immeasurable. “He was unselfish and would never turn his back on any client whether they had money or not. Dr Roberts has been a personal advisor and mentor from the day I entered boxing. The medical and sporting fraternities have lost a gentle giant. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is a much better place because of Dr Patrick Roberts.” And former lightweight boxer Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt said he’s saddened by the loss of Dr Roberts, who conducted his first medical exam when he turned pro in 1989. Pratt called him a “good man.” Mike Sands, a former 400 metre national record holder turned Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations executive, said through his relationship with the Wisdom brothers, he met Dr Roberts. “He’s considered one of the pioneers in sports medicine before we really knew what sports medicine was all about,” Sands said. “He was available to give some very sound medical advice way back in the day that proved beneficial to us. “So he will definitely be sorely missed because he was particularly there for me during my early days of competing. He was always available for consultation in sports medicine.” Sands, who now serves as the president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) track and field organisation, said it’s a pity that a lot of the young athletes didn’t have the opportunity to glean from the experience of Dr Roberts.

SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO, of the Bahamas, silver winner, top, congratulates Salwa Eid Naser, of Bahrain, gold winner after the women’s 400 metre final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, October 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

“Living here by myself, I thought about what was going on, especially when I went out jogging because it could have been me, as a Bahamian. In a way, I’m glad that they are dealing with this issue of racism. I think it’s about time. It’s long overdue. But I’m keeping my distance because I am a Bahamian first in a foreign land.” While it’s a recurring thought that nobody has ever experienced anything like this before, Gibson said he remembers the changes that were made after 9-11 when a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 changed the way we travelled, Gibson said he’s not sure what will take place in the aftermath of COVID-19. “These changes will certainly affect us forever as we moved forward,” he said. “I don’t know if that means whenever we have an event, we will have to continue to wear our masks or we have to compete in front of very small crowds, we just have to use common sense. “I don’t know what to expect for next year, but I am still talking with my coaches and planning on what we need to do to get prepared. I want to be ready for the Olympic Games. That was one

of the reasons why I decided to come back here to train.” Gibson, 29, didn’t make the qualifying standard for his second appearance at the Olympics before sports was interrupted in March, putting a halt to the outdoor season. The Oral Roberts University graduate initially moved to North Carolina to train for his professional career. After winning his second medal - a silver - at the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia in the 400m hurdles in 49.10 in 2018, Gibson ended up with a fourth place finish at last year’s Pan American Games in Lima, Peru in the 400m hurdles in a time of 49.53 seconds and as a member of the men’s 4 x 400m relay team that included Ojay Ferguson, Alonzo Russell and Andre Colebrooke that placed seventh in 3:09.98. Gibson enjoyed a breakout season at the NACAC Under23 Championships in Irapuato, Mexico in 2012 with three medals, clinching the gold in the 400m hurdles in 50.27; a bronze in the 400m in 46.30 and a silver on the men’s 4 x 400m relay team of Alfred Higgs, Denzell Forston and Alonzo Russell that ran 3:04.33. In 2013 at the Central American and Caribbean Championships in Morelia, Mexico, Gibson ascended the podium in

the same position twice with a silver in the 400m hurdles in 49.94 and on the men’s 4 x 400m relay team of Latoy Williams, Ojay Ferguson and Wesley Neymour that clocked 3:02.66. However, he failed to advance out of the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles at his debut at the World Championships in Moscow, Russia, to close out the year. A year later at his initial appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, United Kingdom in 2014, Gibson stormed back with a renewed vigour and claimed a bronze medal in a national record breaking time of 48.78 and he secured the gold later that year at the Pan American Sports Festival Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico, in 48.91. In his return to the World Championships in Beijing, China in 2015, Gibson avenged his previous outing by lowering his national record in the 400m hurdles to 49.17 for the bronze medal. He suffered a torn labrum in the lead up to his Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. Last year, Gibson was voted as the new athletes’ representative, replacing Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands. He has vowed to make a difference in his role, while at the same time ensuring that he’s right there with his peers representing the Bahamas on the international scene.

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Monday, June 8, 2020, PAGE 15

‘Use our platform’: NBA coaches saying change must occur By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — The NBA plans to go to Disney World next month to finish a season, with a schedule calling for the 22 remaining teams to play more than 150 more games and for the league to eventually crown a champion. Coaches are seeing potentially a bigger purpose as well. Many players and coaches have spoken out in recent days following the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. But two coaches said Saturday that once the league arrives at Disney, they would expect the NBA’s visibility to be an asset again in the hope for actual change. “I don’t think anybody is really ready to move on. And we shouldn’t,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “If anything, many times

before, so tragically, there would be a similar incident of social injustice like this and then two weeks later people forget about it. This will be an opportunity for the entire association to land in one spot ... to keep this conversation going and use our platform to make sure that this doesn’t go away.” Spoelstra said he’s had numerous talks with other head coaches and some players in recent days about the best path the NBA could take next. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has talked at length about it in recent days as well, with numerous internal staff conversations on the topic going on this past week even as the league was finalising the return-to-play proposal that the Board of Governors approved Thursday and players ratified Friday. Orlando coach Steve Clifford also seems convinced that the league’s players and coaches will take some sort of action when the season resumes.

MIAMI Heat coach Erik Spoelstra questions a referee during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday, March 6. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza) “I don’t think there’s any question,” Clifford said. “I think everybody’s priority right now and hope is that we can all be part of the change that’s so necessary in our country. We’ll have a collective platform where everyone can collectively send a message condemning racism, racial injustice, calling for police accountability. There will be a platform and I think we’re all thinking that way.”

NBA offers clarity on tiebreakers with uneven schedule By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — The NBA has told teams that playoff seeding will be based on winning percentage, and that any tiebreakers necessary after that will follow the usual procedures. It was an issue that needed clarity because the 22 teams that will be going to the Disney complex near Orlando, Florida, for the planned resumption of the season next month will not have played the same number of games. The NBA told teams of the plan for utilising tiebreakers in a memo late Friday. Based on the league plan for the restart, with games starting again in late July, Dallas will end up playing an NBA-high 75 contests. Most others will play between 72 and 74; the low total will be 71, which San Antonio and the Los Angeles Lakers will finish at if the NBA’s plans for teams to play eight games at the Disney complex before the playoffs begin comes to fruition. The NBA has not yet revealed how team schedules will be adjusted once play resumes without Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Golden State, Minnesota and New York taking part in the remainder of the 2019-20 season. There are some playoff races that are particularly close and where the teams involved will end up playing a different number of games. In the East, Brooklyn and Orlando are separated by a half-game and the Nets will end up with one less game than the Magic. In the West, four teams — Portland,

New Orleans, Sacramento and San Antonio — are all separated by a half-game in the race for ninth place and potentially a berth in a play-in series. The gap between those four teams is .010 percentage points, and the Trail Blazers will play 74 games, the Pelicans and Kings will both play 72 and the Spurs 71. Typically, NBA teams play 82 games — which wasn’t possible this season because of the coronavirus

pandemic and the suspension of the season on March 11. This will be the first season in which NBA teams play an uneven number of games since 2012-13, when a game between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers was cancelled in response to the Boston Marathon bombing. The Celtics and Pacers finished at 81 games, though that did not have any impact on playoff seeding that season.

Many of the league’s biggest names have used social media to condemn police brutality and racial injustice, and some NBA players have also appeared at demonstrations and marches around the nation in recent days. The National Basketball Coaches Association has also said that it will work collectively to find answers and determine the best courses of action. It has not

said if it has made any specific decisions yet, though said it intends to work with “local leaders, officials and law enforcement agencies” in NBA cities to influence change. Spoelstra has been on several calls with political leaders in South Florida in recent days for that same purpose. He also said Saturday that the current racial strife in the country took him back to how Heat players responded in 2012 after the death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teen who was shot by a neighbourhood watch volunteer — as well as countless other incidents. “We all thought that that was going to move the needle and it didn’t and it broke your heart,” Spoelstra said. “And then when that happens over and over and over ... what this is going to require is not even trying to evaluate, it’s just put your head down and get into this fight, and make it happen this time.”

POPOVICH: ‘EMBARRASSED AS A WHITE PERSON’ SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he’s “embarrassed as a white person” that George Floyd could die in such a “nonchalant” manner. The 71-year-old Popovich addressed Floyd’s death in a video released Saturday by the Spurs as part of the team’s #SpursVoices social media series. Floyd was in handcuffs when a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. Derek Chauvin is charged with third-degree murder and seconddegree manslaughter. “I think I’m just embarrassed as a white person to know that that can happen. To actually watch a lynching. We’ve all seen books, and you look in the books and you see black people hanging off of trees. ... But we just saw it again. I never thought I’d see that, with my own eyes, in real time.”

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NASER WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION WHEN SHE WON WORLD 400 GOLD MONACO (AP) — Salwa Eid Naser was already being investigated for missing doping tests when she raced to an upset win in the 400 metres at the world track and field championships. The Athletics Integrity Unit confirmed Sunday that Naser was already under scrutiny for three “whereabouts failures” prior to her world championship win in Doha in October. That means that Naser could be stripped of her gold medal if she’s found guilty. She also faces missing next year’s Olympics in Tokyo. The Nigeria-born sprinter, who represents Bahrain, surged past Bahamian Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo to win in 48.14 seconds, the fastest time since 1985.

The AIU, which oversees drug testing and disciplinary cases in track, said yesterday that Naser had already been under investigation at the time, and that she racked up a fourth whereabouts failure in January. AIU records show she wasn’t charged and provisionally suspended until this week. The AIU statement didn’t explain the reason for the delay. Naser said in an Instagram Live video on Friday that she was not a cheat and that missing three drugs tests before the world championships “is normal” and “can happen to anybody,” according to an account of her broadcast published by NBC. Athletes are required to provide regular updates on their whereabouts to make

it possible for anti-doping authorities to carry out surprise testing outside of competition. A violation means an athlete either did not fill out forms telling authorities where he or she could be found, or that athletes weren’t where they said they would be when testers arrived. Three violations within 12 months can lead to a suspension if the athletes can’t justify why they weren’t available for testing. The provisional suspension is the latest in a series of cases against Bahrain’s elite squad of female runners originally from African countries. Olympic steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet was banned for four years in March for EPO and Olympic marathon runnerup Eunice Kirwa picked up a four-year ban last year.

SALWA EID NASER, of Bahrain, celebrates after winning gold in the women’s 400 metre final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, Thursday, October 3, 2019. Naser was provisionally suspended on Friday by the Athletics Integrity Unit for not making herself available for doping tests, charging the sprinter with whereabouts violations. (AP Photo/David J Phillip)

Postponed Tokyo Olympics could be downsized and simplified By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer TOKYO (AP) — The Japanese public is being prepared for the reality of next year’s postponed Olympics, where athletes are likely to face quarantines, spectators will be fewer, and the delay will cost taxpayers billions of dollars. In the last several weeks, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has given selected interviews outside Japan and hinted at empty stadiums, quarantines and virus testing. IOC member John Coates, who oversees Tokyo preparations, said a few weeks ago in Australia that the Tokyo Olympics face “real problems,” partially because of the numbers involved: 15,400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes to start with, and then staff, officials, media and up to 80,000 volunteers. The stark message about a very different, reduced Olympics

is now being floated in Japan by politicians, and in unsourced news stories. The themes include the possibility of reduced seating at the Olympics — if any fans at all — tests for all athletes, fans and staff, and a quarantine-like situation at the Athletes Village. In the hours before an online news conference last week with Tokyo Olympics spokesman Masa Takaya, Japanese media published several versions of virtually the same story citing unnamed sources: Next year’s Olympics will be “downsized,” “simplified,” or “very different.” Tokyo CEO Toshiro Muto has been open about slashing costs and “reducing service levels.” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, in Thursday newscasts, sounded the same tune. “We will move ahead with the items that should be streamlined and simplified,” she said, giving no details on the downsizing and adding that the public would be consulted.

“First of all we need to gain the understanding of Tokyo residents and the Japanese people,” she said. But in the news conference, Takaya did not substantiate any of the leaked information and said it did not come directly from him. One typical report said Olympic seating could be reduced, leaving in limbo the disposition of millions of tickets already sold. “We want to brush away these concerns,” Takaya said, speaking to worried ticket holders. However, he offered nothing concrete accept to say that “countermeasures” against COVID-19 will not be determined until this fall. That would include plans for fans, quarantines and so forth. Tickets are going to be a battle ground. The organising committee has budgeted income of at least $800 million from ticket sales, and may be reluctant to return it. The tickets carry a “force majeure” clause, which

may permit organisers to avoid refunds. “We understand that countermeasures for COVID-19 next year, particularly during games time, is one of the biggest things to address in preparing for the games next year,” Takaya said. “But once again these countermeasures will be discussed in more depth from this autumn onward.” Like many countries, Japan is headed into a recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Olympic costs have soared. The cost of the delay in Japan has been estimated at $2 billion to $6 billion. Neither the IOC nor organisers have given a figure for the costs to Japan, or who will pay for them. Before the postponement, organisers said they were spending $12.6 billion to put on the games. But a government audit last year said the figure was twice that, and all but $5.6 billion is public money.

When Tokyo was awarded the games in 2013, it said the cost would be $7.3 billion. There is also talk of combining the opening and closing ceremony for both the Olympics and Paralympics. “Many discussions are ongoing covering various areas, including the ceremonies,” Craig Spence, a spokesman for the Paralympic Games, said in an email. “A lots of things are still at a discussion stage and therefore it’s not appropriate to provide comment on things until they are finalised.” Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto acknowledged costs must be cut. But he said safety for athletes could drive them up. “Unless safety and security are ensured, there will be uncertainty for the athletes-first point of view,” she said. “We must study measures including virus testing in order to ensure safety and security.”