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STEVEN GARDINER, of The Bahamas, reacts after winning the final of the men’s 400-meters at the 2020 Summer Olympics, in Tokyo, yesterday. Photo: Matthias Schrader/AP
STEVEN Gardiner has done it again – and what a way to cheer up a nation! Thousands tuned in to their TV sets yesterday morning to cheer him on as he faced off in the Olympic 400m final against his rivals. We watched as Gardiner slowly powered on from a conservative start to become the unbreakable champion down the home straight finishing in a season’s best
of 43.85 seconds. Steely Stevie was a picture of confidence and composure, lifting the country’s spirit with every stride. When American Michael Norman jumped to a fast start, Gardiner quickly made up the stagger. When Colombian Zambrano Jose and Grenadian Kirani James pushed him on the homestretch,
six-foot-three Gardiner zoomed past them both and left them behind, his speed endurance far superior. When the race was over, he knelt to the ground, reflecting on his magnificent achievement. That is how you add an Olympic title to your World Championship crown – and become a nation’s hero. FULL STORY - SEE SPORTS
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PAGE 2, Friday, August 6, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Man found dead in subdivision By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net POLICE are seeking information from the public after a man died on Wednesday night with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Police said the victim appeared to be in his mid20s, but they have no name for the individual at this time. The incident happened near the Kool Air Subdivision off Joe Farrington Road. “What we have is sometime shortly before midnight gunshots were heard in this area. Police were called... and then discovered the body of a black male lying in this
area. Injuries consistent with gunshots. EMS were called. They examined the body and found no signs of life,” said Michael Johnson, a police spokesperson attached to the Criminal Investigation Department. “We’re appealing to members of the public from this area, especially if they have any information, to contact the police and their information will be kept in the most confidential way to assist us in our investigation.” Police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body of a man washed ashore in the area of Love Estates. Paramedics were summoned and declared that
there were no signs of life. “Brief information is three men were fishing in waters off western New Providence, when the engines failed, and the vessel began taking in water. “The men attempted to swim to shore. While one safely made it ashore, one is deceased while the other is still missing at sea.” Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist with either of these incidents and other homicides to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.
POLICE spokesman Michael Johnson at the crime scene. Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
‘TOURIST’ DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY WHITE VAN THE SCENE last night after a traffic accident left one man dead after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
POLICE are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred at the intersection of Bay and Nassau Streets last night just outside of the Holiday Inn Express. According to Superintendent Janet McKenzie last night, the incident happened at around 9.15pm. A Caucasian male, thought to have been a tourist, was crossing the street and struck by a white van believed to be driven by a taxi driver. “At about 9.15pm, the police was alerted to a traffic accident that occurred on West Bay Street, just west of Fort Charlotte police station,” Superintendent McKenzie, who is in charge of Northwestern division said last night moments after the incident. “Information received is that a white van was traveling west on West Bay Street and collided with a pedestrian who was traveling south to north on West Bay Street.
“EMS was summoned. They pronounced the body lifeless. Investigations are continuing.” She said police were not certain whether the victim was a tourist and did not know the person’s nationality. Superintendent McKenzie said it is believed the victim was walking alone at the time. Eyewitnesses said passers-by quickly called police. It was unclear last night whether the vehicle involved in the accident stopped or drove on after the collision. Traffic lights at the scene of the accident have been out of action for a number of months as final work on The Pointe development was being completed. This has led to the increase in the speed of traffic, which would normally be held up by the lights sequence at the junction where last night’s tragedy occurred.
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Friday, August 6, 2021, PAGE 3
US says efforts to tackle corruption are not enough By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE United States continues to highlight the inadequacy of local legislation and enforcement efforts to combat corruption and conflicts of interest in public office. In its latest Investment report, the US said the political system of The Bahamas remains “plagued by reports of corruption, including allegations of widespread patronage, the routine directing of contracts to political supporters, and favourable treatment for wealthy or politically connected individuals.” The US report on The Bahamas, which has changed little over the years, said efforts to enforce conflicts of interest rules related to government contracts remain limited. The Minnis administration passed new procurement rules in Parliament last year. The law will come into effect September 1, according to Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson.
Campaign promises to enact campaign finance legislation and fully enact the Freedom of Information Act remain unfulfilled. “In May 2017, the current government won the election on a platform to end corruption,” the report said. “Early in the administration, the government charged a number of former officials with various crimes including extortion and bribery, theft by reason of employment, and defrauding the government. These cases were either dismissed, ended in acquittals, or are ongoing. The government reported no new cases of corruption in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches during 2020. Nevertheless, three Cabinet Ministers resigned in the first three years of the current administration under allegations of corruption, including the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Financial Services, and the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. “The Public Disclosure Act requires senior public officials, including senators and members of Parliament,
to declare their assets, income, and liabilities annually. For the 2020 deadlines, the government gave extensions to all who were late to comply. The government did not publish a summary of the individual declarations, and there was no independent verification of the information submitted. “The campaign finance system remains largely unregulated, with few safeguards against quid pro quo donations, creating a vulnerability to corruption and foreign influence. The procurement process also remains susceptible to corruption, as it contains no requirement to engage in open public tenders, although the government routinely did so. In February 2021, the government
passed the Public Procurement Bill (2020), which reportedly overhauls current governance arrangements for government contracts to improve transparency and accountability. “The absence of transparent investment procedures and legislation is also problematic. US and Bahamian companies alike report the resolution of business disputes often takes years and debt collection can be difficult even after court judgments. Companies also describe the approval process for FDI and work permits as cumbersome and time-consuming. The Bahamian government does not have modern procurement legislation and companies have complained the tender process for public
FINANCIAL Secretary Marlon Johnson said that new procurement rules approved in Parliament last year will come into effect on September 1. contracts is not consistent, and that it is difficult to obtain information on the status of bids. In response, the current government passed a Public Procurement Bill and launched an e-procurement and suppliers registry system to increase levels of accountability and transparency. The Public Procurement Bill was passed in March 2021, but has not yet been fully enacted.” The US noted that The Bahamas scored 63 out of 100 in Transparency International’s most recent corruption index. “However, the country’s
BOOTLE CONFIDENT ON PINERIDGE CAMPAIGN TRAIL By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Free National Movement’s candidate for Pineridge Welbourne Bootle is taking the campaign trail in his stride amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions as he covers areas of that constituency. Mr Bootle - a veteran senior police official for many years in Grand Bahama – said he and “teams of fives” are out on the ground meeting and speaking with constituents. He said most of his campaign workers are fully vaccinated. “It is going great… and the persons we meet are excited,” he said. “I have people in groups of five going out, and we are following all the rules and guidelines. “The majority of persons are fully vaccinated, and some others are waiting for their second shot. The ones that are not vaccinated are at headquarters assisting there and lending their support.” Mr Bootle is no stranger to the Grand Bahama community, particularly Pineridge where he and his family have resided for several years. He has also served some 40 years with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, reaching the rank of Superintendent. “I am getting good responses from the
community,” he stated. “I am hearing their challenges, and we have some ideas to make Pineridge better.” The Pineridge candidate noted that criticism is inevitable but stated that some constituents were not aware of benefits available to them such as the Small Business Development Access Accelerator programme. “Some things they did not know about what the government has put in place that can help them in getting their business started and their license. It is all about trying to empower those youths and provide them with ease of doing business through what government has put in place,” he said. Mr Bootle said it is always easier to criticise the government, but people must keep in mind the two major crises that impacted the island. “Bearing in mind we had Dorian, and COVID19, there are some things government put in place to benefit residents and those are the things we should be looking at,” he explained. On the campaign trail, the former law enforcement official said the excitement of Bahamians for an election has not changed, despite COVID-19 and the restrictions in place. “Some people are very excited, and they want to do things the same old way, and we have to tell them because of COVID we
cannot do certain things because of the restrictions in place,” he said. This is Mr Bootle’s first time in frontline politics. He said feedback from constituents is something he values, as well as serving the community. “It is going well at the moment,” he said. “I want to be a different politician in terms of working with the community, and I want to commit myself to that because if I was not serious, I would not do it – serving the community.” Through his experience and knowledge in law enforcement, Mr Bootle has some “crime plans” he intends to introduce to the area. “Neighbourhood Crime Watch is one of the things I support, and there are some more plans I have in mind for areas throughout PR,” he said. He noted that he was fighting an extensive constituency, from Hawksbill to Heritage, and Hudson Estates and Back of Town. “We have all these different areas with different needs and concerns that we are trying to see how best we can address those needs,” he said. “There are lots of persons who only want to talk to make them feel a part of what it is we are doing – building this country and community. And that is something I want to do; I don’t have all the answers, but I am willing to listen to what it is they want to see happening here in PR,” Mr Bootle said.
WELBOURNE BOOTLE, the FNM candidate for Pineridge.
scores have dropped eight points since 2012, perhaps indicating an erosion of transparency,” the US said. “The Bahamas still lacks an Office of the Ombudsman to strengthen access to information, nor has it fully enacted its Freedom of Information Act (2017) or appointed an independent Information Commissioner. Although the current government is pursuing legislative reforms to strengthen investment policies, progress on these efforts has been mixed.”
PAGE 4, Friday, August 6, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
‘Mother’ Pratt: I’m doing very well By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt said she is doing well and will return to The Bahamas next week after successfully dealing with COVID-19 and the after effects of the illness. She was in the process of checking out of Kendall Regional Hospital in Florida last night when The Tribune spoke to her. “I’m doing very well,” she said. “I’m discharged
from hospital and I should be home next week, by the grace of God.” Mrs Pratt was in the hospital for 11 days. “I’ve gotten better for the last three four days. The medication had to set in and you had to do all these different tests and stuff like that. Six different medical doctors were dealing with me and all of them had their portfolios.” She said her experience with the virus should be a warning to others. “I think it’s important for people to know that it is a
serious matter, but I’m not really here for COVID,” she said. “I’m here for the after effects because that is what really brought on a lot of things that I didn’t know was going on in my body.” Mrs Pratt, 75, served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security during the first Christie administration. She was rushed to hospital in the Bahamas on July 6. Attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, the PLP’s candidate for Freetown, was hospitalised with COVID-19 this week.
TOTAL CASES
TOTAL DEATHS
NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES
NEWLY CONFIRMED DEATHS
15,191 295 WEDNESDAY
67 CASES
TOTAL TESTS
HOSPITALISED
NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA ABACO EXUMA
CYNTHIA “MOTHER” PRATT
60 4 2 1
121,548 109
• A 59-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM ELEUTHERA ON AUGUST 2. • A 79-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM ELEUTHERA ON AUGUST 3. • A 62-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM NEW PROVIDENCE ON AUGUST 3.
CASES IN ICU
11
RECOVERED
12,782
‘MUMS GIVING BIRTH WHILE FIGHTING COVID’ LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says healthcare workers have seen a “significant” number of Bahamian mothers giving birth while battling COVID-19. With high COVID-19 numbers and climbing hospitalisations, Dr Sands said there’s no doubt the nation’s healthcare system is in deep trouble and on the brink of a catastrophe. “We are in deep trouble in The Bahamas,” he told Atlantis employees during an educational forum held at the resort earlier this week. “Let’s not pretty this up. Right now, our hospitals are about to collapse. If your mommy has a stroke today, there ain’t no place to put her. I need you to understand that. You gone put her on the porch and she gone sit out there until we get her COVID test back and then even if she’s COVID negative, we may not have a place to put her and put her out in the hallway.” “That’s how bad it is in The Bahamas right now so all of us have a responsibility to understand what role we play in putting out this fire.” Dr Sands said in this third wave, officials have not only seen a worrisome increase in virus infections and hospital admissions, but also in the numbers of women giving birth while COVID positive.
The situation, he added, increases the health risks for both mother and child. “We have had a significant number of Bahamian women delivering while they’re COVID positive and the risk of adverse outcomes for mother and baby has been markedly increased,” the Elizabeth MP added. “So, this is nothing to play with. We’re talking about worrying about should I get vaccinated but believe me, getting COVID when you’re pregnant, getting COVID when you’re delivering and as you know we had a young baby who died of COVID a few months ago.” He was referring to a five-month-old girl who died from COVID-19 on June 26. She is the country’s youngest victim to have died from the virus to date. Noting that vaccinations are still the key to defeating this pandemic, Dr Sands encouraged Atlantis workers and hospitality employees to take the jab as soon as possible. However, while Dr Sands advises Bahamians to get vaccinated, he does not believe younger children – specifically under the age of 12, should take the shot. The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only vaccine approved for emergency use in children aged 12 and older. The Bahamas is expected to receive its first doses of the Pfizer vaccine sometime this month. Health Minister Renward Wells recently told
reporters officials will consider setting a portion of the Pfizer vaccines aside specifically for children who fit the age requirements. “I don’t believe that little children should be vaccinated, and I would cut off at about 12 okay because I don’t think we have the evidence and the risk for them is different than the risks for older people,” Dr Sands said. “So, a 15-year-old, go for it. A 14-year-old, go for it. Six or seven? Nope. I have not yet been convinced.” The noted physician also addressed claims that vaccines can reduce a woman’s chance of getting pregnant and can put expectant mothers and their children at risk. “There are no studies to my knowledge that have demonstrated any increased risk to either the baby or to a mother’s or potential mother’s chance of becoming pregnant,” he said. Sixty-seven new cases of COVID-19 and three additional virus-related deaths were reported in the country on Wednesday. The latest deceased victims include a 59-year-old woman of Eleuthera who died on Monday; a 79-yearold woman who is also from Eleuthera who died Tuesday and a 62-year-old New Providence woman who died Tuesday. Meanwhile, people fully vaccinated against the virus total 46,793. There have been 106,898 doses of the vaccine administered and 61,803 people have received one dose.
THE TRIBUNE
MT TABOR SUSPENDS IN-PERSON SERVICES AFTER RISE IN COVID-19 CASES BISHOP Neil Ellis, head of Mount Tabor Church, has suspended all in-person services, citing the rise in COVID-19 cases. The church located in Pinewood Gardens was one of the first churches to establish virtual measures last year when the pandemic struck. The statement read: “Throughout the course of this COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Tabor Church has demonstrated the importance of safeguarding the spiritual, social and physical welfare of our members and followers. Even though we have implemented very effective and stringent in-service safety protocols, we are concerned about the recent national spike in COVID cases being evidenced among the wider communities we serve and live in.” Bishop Ellis said after consultation with the church’s leadership team, the decision was made to suspend the inperson worship service this coming Sunday, August 8, and move to a live streaming and televised format across Mount Tabor Church’s Social Media Platforms and JCN Channel 214 at 7.15am. The statement continued: “As we strike a balance between
Friday, August 6, 2021, PAGE 5
BISHOP Neil Ellis
being spiritual and being sensible, we must be mindful that it is the beloved community of family members and followers that we must think about in these times. This is the true essence of being our ‘brothers keepers’. “As we continue to pray for our national and spiritual leaders and each other, let us also do all what we can to safeguard our vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours during these challenging times all while remembering that our help ultimately comes from the Lord.” Bishop Ellis said his team will revisit this decision on a weekly basis. This comes after The Nassau Guardian reported that multiple members of the Church of God have died or been hospitalized with COVID19 since a youth convention held early last month.
...AS RASTAFARIAN COMMUNITY SAYS NO MEMBERS CAUGHT VIRUS By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmtih-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Rastafarian community says none of its members has contracted COVID-19 thanks to natural remedies that have safeguarded them as cases surge in the country and around the world. High Priest Rithmond McKinney made the claim yesterday while stating that no Rastafarian will take COVID-19 vaccinations as they believe being injected with “any foreign substance” is against their religious beliefs. Mr McKinney made it clear Rastafarians use a more natural approach to warding off COVID-19. “The Prime Minister said we must not use bush medicine against COVID as there is no benefit,” said Mr McKinney. “It’s ironic that he never said how we can boost our immune systems, especially those who have not made up their minds to take the vaccine. He never said how they can prevent themselves from getting it, different from wearing masks and social distancing. “I think medical officials here should have told Bahamians how they could help themselves this way. The Rastafarian community totally believes in bush medicine. We continue drinking our bush medicine along with cannabis as a
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Louis Carlington Johnson, 54 HIGH PRIEST RITHMOND MCKINNEY part of our regime to prevent COVID.” Adamant against the vaccine, the Rastafarians produced a document that reads as follows: “RNA & DNA from 11 species contaminate vaccines. We see the vaccines being detrimental to the holistic development of our children. Recent court decisions have upheld the rights of individuals seeking exemptions from immunisations based upon personal and religious reasons. “Rastafarians believe that the dangers of vaccines outweigh the benefits and are strongly opposed to any policy that demands immunizations as a condition for Education and/or work. “We therefore declare our fundamental right to refuse the Novel Covid -19 vaccines in any of its brands and ask that the fundamental rights and freedom as enshrined in our Constitution be respected.” As early as last December while
celebrating Human Rights Day at their community on Fire Trail Road, Rastafarians made it clear that they had no intention of taking the COVID-19 vaccine. High Priest McKinney proudly told The Tribune that to date, no Rastafarian in his community has tested positive with the coronavirus. “We don’t believe in taking the vaccine,” he said. “I think they will have a problem if they want to vaccinate the rastamen. So far from our community, there is not one of us who have been infected with the COVID virus. I think that is a good thing. “Of course, we also practice a form of social distancing. We wash our hands often and keep our environment clean. And, we are proactive. At the same time the rastaman community, in The Bahamas and the entire Caribbean is not participating in taking the vaccine.”
GRAND BAHAMA RESIDENTS DONATE EQUIPMENT TO RAND By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net CONCERNED Grand Bahamians have donated a “vital” piece of equipment to the Rand Memorial Hospital, which lost most of its equipment during Hurricane Dorian. The donation of a dinomap machine was made by private donors who felt the need to give back to the community. The hospital is undergoing renovations and needs to replace vital equipment that was destroyed.
The dinomap is a portable machine that monitors blood pressure and patients’ other vital signs. It is used in hospitals and clinical settings and hooked up to patients for prolonged periods. “The dinomap machines at the Rand were destroyed by the hurricane. They are used to take the vitals of patients in hospital and can be rolled to the patient’s bedside or when a patient needs to go to triage to be monitored,” said the concerned resident. The machines, she said, were on the list of
equipment that was needed at the hospital. “I was convinced to get the machine. I go to the hospital quite often and my husband has a heart condition, and it is a way to give back, so I decided to do it,” the resident said. The resident said that two other concerned citizens also came on board and assisted in the purchase of the machine. She said that more dinomap machines are needed and encouraged persons and organisations to come forward and assist in helping the Rand.
of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera will be held at Global Outreach Ministries, James Cistern, Eleuthera, Bahamas on Saturday, August 7th, 2021 at 11 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Monsignor John Thomas Johnson assisted by Pastors Orlando Thompson. Interment at Big Bay Cemetery. Cherishing a lifetime of memories are his children: Louis Johnson, Jasmin Skyla, Rome Italia and Asia Loukeisha Johnson.; daughter-in-law: Tameka Johnson; grandchildren: Damia Forbes and Shanticka Simmons; siblings: Henrietta and Martine Hanna, Archie and Erin Johnson, Ida, Petrol and Alonzo Johnson; aunts: Mavis Johnson, Florence Johnson, Charlotte Culmer, Etta Sweeting, Delphine Dean and Penstone Petty; uncles: Enos and Shaddrack Johnson; adopted mother: Edith Hanna; adopted siblings: Cecil “Prowler” Ranger and Jamie Poitier, Keith and Shameka Harris and Michael and Keva Roberts; in-laws: Cassie and Estermae Johnson, Jeannien, Rosie, Marina, Beatrice Francine and David McQueen; nieces and nephews: Pharez, Melody and Zachary Hanna, Jordon, Jade, Philip Jr., Rosheka, Julian Jr., Felicia, Adrianna, Nelson, Marco, Raymond Jr., Devon, Lavardo, Camaron, Jasmine, Alonzo Jr., Delvin, Ciona, Brendera, Shanara, Gevanna and Justin Johnson, Regina Hanna, Anya Brown, Sharina Kelly, Lakia Stuart, Anthony Taylor, Harry Kemp, Keira Stuart, Lanchester and Shandi Wells, Keisha, Melissa Redell, Rocara and Ricardo Dean Jr., Mechico and Carlos, Kashauna and Andy Cooper, Princess and Philip Bethel, Crenston Jones, Thaddeaus and Thon Petty, Hensley Culmer Jr., Philip and Ethlyn Johnson, Carol and Jeffery Pinder, Peter and Ann Carey, Vandora and Collins Johnson, Greta Gibson, Maxine and Spencer Gibson, Inga MaQueen-Demeritte, Ashton and Alison McQueen, Denise Dean, Samantha McQueen, Katie and Drexil Rolle, Kevin Dean, Ian and Angelique McQueen, Heather and Brenton John McQueen, Kelsey, Kayla, Kimberly and Kevin McQueen, Sheena and Calvin Munroe, Kervin Bowleg, Elgridge and Shenique Bowleg, Catherine and Stephen Nesbitt, Eleanor Bowleg, Clement Bowleg, Nathenial and Domonique McQueen, Varnancha and Tramaine Johnson, Wilfred and Taria Mullings, David Jr., Tamara, Eugene Devon and Ryan McQueen; numerous grand nieces and nephews: Veronica Sweeting; goddaughter: Tremesha Russell; relatives and friends: Bridgette McQueen and Indera Bastian. Ricardo Dean Sr. The descendants of the late Sarah and Timothy Johnson, The descendants of the late Veronica McCardy, The descendants of the late Isaac Johnson, the descendants of the late Joseph Johnson, The descendants of the late Will Johnson, The descendants of the late Zach Johnson, the descendants of the late Mary Ellen Ranger, The descendants of the late Eddison and Nellie Rolle, Florence Albury and Family, William and Laura Albury, Administrator Gilbert C. Kemp, Mary Ann Farrington and Family, Paula Rolle and Family, Myra Kemp and Family, Mark Kemp and Family, Gordon Kemp and Family, Honorable Alvin Smith and Family, Susan Hanna and Family, Clifford Butch Scavella and Family, Diane and Philip Kemp and Family, Reid Kemp and Family, Bridgette Cartwright, Dion Marcus Ranger, Birbb and Kennedy Scavella and Family, Nigel, Nurse Denise and Shantel McRae, Emeline Prescod and Family, Alenda Thompson and Family, Pastors Orlando and Clarice Thompson and Family, Damian Forbes, Rennard and Janet Storr, Hilton Rolle, Kenneth Davis, Dedrie Sands, Cyntyche Wilson, Phyllis Mackey, Maelle Martin, Verona Joseph, Dwayne Sands, James Sands, Lorenzo and Theodore Durham, Cranston Scavella, Lorenzo and Gavin Carey, Desmond Gray, Meco Johnson, Bently Taylor, Navardo Farrington, Jack Davis, Bennett Roberts, Dexter Cambridge, Dorren Gyles, Charles Bethel, Durchan and Dr. Deandrea Sands, Shakia Johnson, Rel Storr, The Original Members of Hatchet Bay Potcakes Basketball Team, Club Med Eleuthera and Columbus Isle Teams, the entire San Salvador Community, the entire James Cistern and Hatchet Bay Communities and other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention. We the family apologize if anyone may have been omitted in error. We humbly ask for understanding and prayers. Viewing will be held in the “Serenity Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd. Queens Highway, Gregory Town, Eleuthera on (TODAY) Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
PAGE 6, Friday, August 6, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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Gardiner brings home the gold EVEN the darkest day can be transformed by a ray of sunshine. The Bahamas has been through a lot in the past year and more of the battle against COVID-19, but yesterday Steven Gardiner brought the sunshine – and it was golden. The Bahamian runner was behind for part of the 400m final, but on the back stretch he reeled in his opponents and then powered to victory on the final run to the line. He could even afford to ease up in the last stride with his rivals beaten. It was a personal victory for Gardiner, who said that it “hurt” to get to the finish line and said that he was delighted that “it’s done”. It was also a victory for the nation, ensuring that The Bahamas continued its legacy of winning at least one medal at every Olympics since 1992. It was an historic moment too – making Gardiner the first Bahamian man to win gold on the track. “It feels amazing. The first male in the country to do it, I’m excited,” said Gardiner after his victory. The tall, soft-spoken Gardiner is well thought of around the country, not least of all back in his native Moore’s Island, Abaco, which went through its own troubles when Hurricane Dorian hit. Just as the country has been through a lot, so has Gardiner. And now he’s come out on top. If ever there was a time when the country could use a national hero, this is it. If ever there was a national hero the country could choose, it would be Gardiner. We salute him for his effort, and thank him for bringing home that very special gold. Eyes now turn to Shaunae MillerUibo, who runs this morning. We
hope Gardiner’s gold might serve to give a little extra spring in her step as she takes on her own final. Good luck, Shaunae.
Corruption report The United States has pointed out a series of problems in terms of possible corruption and conflicts of interest in The Bahamas – but we knew many of the problems already. Campaign finance legislation? Nothing done. Fully enacting the Freedom of Information Act? Unfulfilled. Corruption cases against former officials? Not a single win in court. Public Disclosure Act? Treated like an inconvenience instead of a powerful tool to monitor government. Public Accounts Committee? In limbo. Add to all that a lack of transparency on government contracts – although Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson says new procurement rules will come into effect in September – and these are all things we could have told the US rather than the US telling us. In fact, the most recent corruption index sees the country having dropped points since 2012. We’re getting worse. There was a lot of talk on the campaign trail last time about transparency and accountability. There hasn’t been a lot of action to follow through. The government can’t blame difficulties in getting legislation through – it’s had a huge majority in Parliament. It just hasn’t chosen to prioritise these things. We know the problems ourselves. The question is, what are we going to do about them?
COVID gap between rich and poor EDITOR, The Tribune. THE recent photo of eight patients crowded on the porch of the Critical Care Block at the Princess Margaret Hospital was an ominous reminder of the overcrowding dilemma at the nation’s leading public health institution, owing to soaring COVID-19 cases. The photo also accentuates the perception of the widening economic gap between wealthy and poor Bahamians since the advent of what former American President Donald Trump derisively labeled the “Kung Flu.” Poor Bahamians sick with COVID-19 have no other alternative, other than to seek medical attention at either the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) or the
Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport or some other government owned clinic. Some choose to coalesce at home. They cannot afford catastrophic health insurance coverage, nor can they afford the admittance fee of $10,000 or $1500 a night for a hospital bed at one of the leading privately owned medical facilities in The Bahamas. For minimum wage workers, $10,000 represents nearly an entire year’s income. How many Bahamians have immediate access to $10,000? And that’s just to get admitted into the clinic. What I have noticed in the press is that certain political figures, when they came down with the coronavirus, as reported by
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either The Tribune or The Nassau Guardian, they went to a privately owned clinic. I am grateful that these persons were able to receive top notch healthcare at these facilities. However, their decision to bypass the PMH and the Rand is a tacit acknowledgment that they don’t even trust the public healthcare system their policies have helped to formulate. The same thing can be said about the public education system. Notice that many policymakers school their children in private schools. Like the public health system, this is circumstantial evidence that many former and current Parliamentarians don’t trust the educational system their policies have helped to create. When the economy dried up in 2020, it was poor Bahamians who bore the brunt of it. For wealthy Bahamians, life went on as normal as possible, considering the inconveniences brought on by the COVID19 restrictions. This is just fodder for thought. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Bahama. August 4, 2021.
Grand
Farewell to a happy warrior EDITOR, The Tribune. AD Hanna had a unique way of communicating as much by what he didn’t say as by his actual well-chosen words. The muscles around his eyes and mouth – the very ones that cause laughter – were in simultaneous motion when he spoke. He used his quick wit to charm and his infectious hiccup style laughter to disarm. Midge, as his friends called him, went out of his way to convey an impression that can be summarised as “don’t mind me I ain’t nobody”. But oftentimes he was the most important body in the room. He cracked jokes to diminish his opponents’ argument and his most brutal cuts were delivered with such self-deprecating humour that you hardly knew it was you he had just eviscerated. When I met Mr Hanna decades ago, he was more interested in finding out about me than I expected. I gave him the equivalent of my name, rank and serial number and with just those answers he proceeded to tell me about two generations of my family on both sides. He had an encyclopedic memory and recited the classics and Greek philosophy as smoothly and passionately as he retold the early days of campaigning for majority rule. Mr. Hanna was a true believer who, together with his wife Beryl, never wavered in his commitment to a core ideology summarized by two establishing resolutions. Government must work for all the people and there is nothing a Bahamian can’t do if given the education, the opportunity and a level playing field. While many of us still don’t understand that the organising principle around which the PLP was formed
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net is a commitment to progressive ideas, Hanna was the drum major who kept Sir Lynden Pindling and his colleagues in the party focused on doing the things he called “what we come here for”. Here, of course, meant into power as a government. To Hanna that was a sacred oath to correct the vast economic inequality between the wealthy merchant class and the poor working class. The foundation for any government is now as then, education, healthcare and economic opportunity. It is no wonder that he became the first Minister of Education in the PLP government. He built schools throughout the country from primary to tertiary though he would in typical fashion credit Doris Johnson, Carlton Francis, Rodney Bain and others. He was a loyal deputy prime minister who served 40 years in parliament. His two cents worth was in every major decision taken by the PLP. Some of our greatest institutions and policies such as National Insurance and Bahamianization, have his fingerprints all over them. He is best known as the Minister of Finance, capable of digesting complex economic formulae and giving them a folksy spin that the man in the street grasped instantly. Deficit spending got explained as robbing Peter to pay Paul. Establishing the Defence Force to patrol our border (another Midgeonian idea) he explained away by saying if your neighbour’s house is on fire, wet yours. Explaining why he always kept a dollar in his pocket, he said it was to buy a bag of peanuts because “the peanut boy got to eat too”.
Still, he was mind numbingly frugal. He would stop to pick up a discarded nut or bolt on the street believing that he could put it to good use maintaining his beloved boat. Or when his Cabinetissued vehicle sustained minor damage that was not, in his mind, reason enough to get a new replacement. Few Bahamians would ever know the joy and satisfaction of leaving this country much better than how they met it. Because of Mr Hanna we can, with pride, lift up our heads to the rising sun. He didn’t win every battle, but he never lost his fighting spirit. His life’s work ought to be studied by state craft practitioners who want to serve, strategists who want to lead and dreamers who want to build. Hanna resigned from a PLP Cabinet on principle following in the footsteps of the likes of Sir Arthur Foulkes and Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield. He was, perhaps, the only man in the PLP and the Cabinet Pindling regarded as untouchable. It was surprising to some that this man, who espoused republican ideals, ended his career in the highest office in the land as the representative of a Monarch that he fought hard to separate from. He taught a master class in nationalism when he explained that he served Elizabeth II in her role as Queen of The Bahamas and never for one day as Queen of England. His commitment to our Bahamian experiment meant being a servant to the Constitution even when it conflicted with his personal ideology. We salute this happy warrior who has died at 93 and will remember him and his wife Beryl for giving their all to the noble cause. THE GRADUATE Nassau, August 5, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
HIGH-SPEED CHASE ENDS WITH $1,800 FINE FOR MARIJUANA By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 40-YEAR-OLD man who led police on a high-speed chase while attempting to evade arrest was yesterday fined $1,800 for marijuana possession. George Ferguson was charged with dangerous drug possession with the intent to supply after he was found with 14 ounces of Indian hemp on October 26 last year. He was further charged with a single count of simple possession after officers found a gram of marijuana on him on August 2. He pleaded guilty to both offences during his hearing before Magistrate
Samuel McKinney. The court was told that in October last year, a team of officers were conducting inquiries in Pinewood Gardens, when they observed a heavily tinted vehicle travelling north. When they beckoned for the car to stop, the driver drove off which prompted them to pursue him. The court was told that the car eventually crashed into a parked vehicle and the man, who was later identified as Ferguson, got out of the car and fled on foot. While the officers gave chase they noticed him drop a blue bag from his hand before jumping over a wall. When they examined its contents, they discovered several silver foil wraps.
Yesterday, Ferguson was represented by attorney Wendawn Frazer. During her plea in mitigation, she said her client was remorseful for his actions and pleaded guilty at his earliest opportunity because he did not want to waste the court’s time. He was subsequently fined $1,500 or nine months for the 14 ounces of marijuana and another $300 or one month behind bars for simple possession. Magistrate McKinney also placed Ferguson on 18 months’ probation and warned him that if he were convicted of a similar offence within that time frame, he could risk spending six months in prison.
MAN ACCUSED OF THREAT TO KILL COP AND HIS FAMILY By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN threatened to break into a police officer’s house and murder him and his entire family, a court heard yesterday. Zhivargo Rolle was arrested after he was accused of making a Facebook post in July 2020, threatening to end the officer’s life. Rolle’s trial for threats of death and misuse of a telecommunications system began before Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday morning. When Inspector Renaldo Burrows, the officer he is alleged to
have threatened, testified yesterday he said a photograph of him was posted in a popular Facebook group suggesting he was the officer responsible for a controversial arrest. He said underneath the post, was a comment from a user account named Zhivargo Rolle, who said he would break into his house and kill all of his family. The court was told that the account also said the “innocent would suffer for the guilty” and that he had “evil-ish” thoughts. The officer said the posts made him fear for his and his family’s safety, so he took screenshots of them and reported the matter to the Criminal Investigations
TEEN GETS 18 MONTHS FOR LOADED PISTOL By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A TEENAGER who was found with a loaded pistol was yesterday sentenced to 18 months in prison. Police arrested Marck Noralus, 18, after he was caught with a 9mm gun with three live rounds of ammunition on August 2. He pleaded guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm and a quantity of ammunition when he appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney. The prosecution said that around 8.40pm on the day in question, a team of officers on mobile patrol in the Village Alley area cautioned and arrested Noralus after finding the gun and ammunition on him. When the accused was interviewed at a nearby station, he owned up to the offences. During his hearing yesterday, Noralus told the magistrate he was sorry for his actions and asked for leniency. In response, Magistrate McKinney said he considered the fact that Noralus admitted his guilt from the onset of the investigation and had no previous convictions. As a result, he sentenced him to 18 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
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Department. Inspector Burrows also said he had never met or seen Rolle before his court appearance. When Constable Edrico Demeritte gave evidence, he said he interviewed Rolle after he was taken into custody for questioning. PC Demeritte said when he questioned the accused, he claimed it was not his intention to harm Inspector Burrows and said he was only expressing himself. The officer said Rolle did not allude to having his Facebook account hacked and acknowledged having full control of the page at the time of the incident. The case continues on December 9.
Friday, August 6, 2021, PAGE 7
Man jailed for repeated sex with 15-year-old By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAGISTRATE yesterday sentenced a 21-year-old man to 18 months in prison after he admitted having sex with a teenager. Antorn Johnson was charged with three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse after prosecutors said he slept with a 15-yearold girl over a period of two months. Police said Johnson and the teen had sex on three occasions, sometime between January 1-31, February 1-28 and on March 8. The court was told that the teen’s father reported the matter to police on his daughter’s behalf. The prosecution said after he
filed the complaint, police spoke with the 15-year-old who confirmed her father’s report. The girl was then examined by medical professionals at the Princess Margaret Hospital who confirmed she was sexually active. Johnson was arrested a short time later. During his interview with police, he denied having unlawful sex with the girl. Yesterday, his attorney, Craig Butler, told the magistrate his client was 20 when he and the minor got together. He argued that Parliament provided the proviso because they understood that “young people got frisky” and that there was a possibility a child could look older than their actual age. He also stated that in this
day and age, young people were inundated with sexual images on a daily basis so when people heard of instances where they were sexually active, it was not as big of a deal as it was in the past. He insisted Johnson’s actions were not an “egregious offence” and maintained his client’s hormones were “overly active” which caused him “not to think like he should have” in the moment. In response, Magistrate McKinney said the law was still the law and men had to govern themselves accordingly. He also said the promiscuity of a young lady did not give a man an excuse to violate the law. As a result, he sentenced Johnson to 18 months in prison.
PAGE 8, Friday, August 6, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
The epidemic of fake news A Comic’s View
By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA
I RECENTLY had a chance to have a candid and very informative conversation with Dr Duane Sands on ‘Talking Heads’ on Kiss 96 FM, a talk show I co-host with my better half Mary Jane, who you all know from mid-days on our sister station Y-98. Sadly the biggest detractor in The Bahamas in the fight against COVID-19 is misinformation, “fake news” and most of all “conspiracy theories”. I strongly implore to all of you to seek out the correct information, consult your physician and make a contentious choice to either get vaccinated or not. Don’t be influenced by persons who are simply not qualified to speak on the matter, I don’t care how many YouTube videos on coronavirus they have watched. We have barely vaccinated ten percent of the population. Now, if one looks at the way this pandemic is moving globally, all the while regenerating into newer deadlier strains of the coronavirus, vaccinations now appear to be the best methods of survival. The Bahamas will have about 83,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer collectively by months end. Let your conscience be your guide. For those already vaccinated, continue to practice all the proper required social distancing protocols regardless. Those of you that are not vaccinated practice the social distancing guidelines diligently and if you don’t
have to go out stay at home. Case numbers are skyrocketing so responsible decisions must be made by us all, the vaccinated and non-vaccinated. This is not a time to politicise this pandemic nor share the “fake news” and “conspiracy theories” associated with it. FYI, aspiring politicians, politicising the vaccination process disqualifies you in my book. We have seen too many deaths related to this pandemic, our nation is too small and way too gullible to be taken advantage of for political mileage. Here are a few “conspiracy theories” associated with COVID-19 that have been proven to be total hogwash.
‘COVID-19 WAS ENGINEERED BY THE MEDIA’
Some people think that the virus is a hoax designed and engineered by the media and global elite to control the population. While a die-hard believer likely won’t believe us (AKA the media), we’re just going to emphasise right here and right now that COVID-19 is very much a real and deadly virus. The situation at PMH should serve as a sobering reminder.
’5G CAUSES CANCER AND COVID-19’
Ready
for
another
DR Duane Sands testing out Bahamian-made hand sanitiser last year. The need for all those safety measures - distancing, sanitiser, wearing a mask - hasn’t gone away, so keep taking care out there. by-product of 2020 and the global pandemic? The internet swarmed with misinformation that the wireless service was the cause of cancer and the spread of COVID-19. This theory led to the destruction of some 5G towers, as people believed the powerful connection would kill them. I fear stupidity will get some of the populous long before 5G ever has a chance to kill them. Seeing how the “conspiracy theory” of Bill Gates inserting micro chips and all sorts of other
ungodly things in his attempt for world dominance has died down, here is the latest on Gates’ next sinister plot!
’BILL GATES IS MAKING FAKE SNOW’
With extreme weather conditions occurring across the United States in 2021, TikTokers stoked the fires on a Bill Gates conspiracy theory that he was creating fake snow and ice that burbs instead of melting. Spoiler alert: He wasn’t attempting to do anything of the sort. (And I’m no Bill Gates defender, he’s rich enough to do that himself)
NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN
And just to remind you all how real “fake news” and “conspiracy theories” can seem, don’t forget these two famous cases that we all know are total horse manure. Bigfoot is real. Bigfoot, Sasquatch, call it what you will, but many people are convinced the elusive creature exists. For years, people have tried to hunt or track it down, resulting in videos and images often emerging of a tall, hairy animal walking upright. With nothing confirmed to this day after several videos have been labeled and proven to be fakes. Not to be outdone by
“Bigfoot”, don’t forget this other legendary mythical creature whose legend will not die! The Loch Ness Monster lives in Scotland. Elusive in its nature, the Loch Ness Monster reportedly continues to live in the Scottish Loch Ness Lake and has captivated the public for centuries despite not having an official sighting in over 70 years and questionable old videos from the 1950s which continue to circulate almost comically these days. Until next week, I’m off to catch some Chickcharneys. I hear they have the cure to COVID and heartburn! Don’t be fooled my people, be guided. Know better, do better!
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, August 6, 2021, PAGE 9
There’s always a heavy price for broken promises and betrayal
W
E don’t often talk about love and politics in the same breath. Well, maybe if we are married to a politician but for most of us, the words politics and love are about as far apart as the Model T and Tesla. Love and marriage symbolize intimate, close and personal ties and emotions. Politics feels distant, remote, something someone else does. Let’s be honest. You don’t do politics by candlelight. It’s a rough sport at best. Even how we speak about love and politics is different. If there is a problem in romance, we keep it to ourselves. If we see what we even faintly perceive as a problem in politics, we jump into the arena, call radio stations, share our beliefs with anyone who will stand still long enough to listen to us rant. Ironic that we are most vocal about that which we have the least power to control. We may lack control in some cases in marriage, but we feel powerless almost all the time in politics except in The Bahamas once every five years when we get to cast a vote for a single Member of Parliament. In between, our spouting and shouting compensate for our feelings of powerlessness. Okay, those are the differences. Now for the similarities. Have you seen a woman whose husband cheated on her, who broke his promise to be faithful and got caught? No matter how fast he may be running or twisting his story, there is no wrath like that, as they say, of a woman scorned. He is going to pay the price. Now take the case of a political party that gets into office and breaks its promise. You don’t have a single woman scorned. You’ve got a whole population of tens of thousands of people, each of whom knows that no matter how loudly they carry on for four and a half years they only have one chance to make a real difference – when they cast that single vote. Break enough promises or fail to keep the promises you make and you do not just jeopardise the sanctity of marriage, you risk losing an election. Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) Executive Director Matt Aubry has hit the ground running, reminding the governing FNM that they were swept into power with the promise of transparent, accountable governance. Deficiencies in governance, Aubry notes, “become more pronounced in times of stress such as we are going through now” and when we need the world to have confidence in and invest in The Bahamas,
ORGANIZATION for Responsible Governance Executive Director Matt Aubry. we are not doing enough, he says, to ensure we are all we say we want to be, transparent, accountable, above board. In politics, as in marriage, broken promises are raw wounds and ORG is emerging as the non-partisan conscience of the body politic. It is the thorn in government’s side that has the potential to be its most fruitful blossom. No one can blame this or any government for Dorian or for COVID, the two most horrendous blows to the social and economic well-being of the country in its history. Occurring so close to one another the impact of the first was still being felt by tens of thousands even as the second whopper hit, making the dual attempts at recovery even more challenging. I would never be bright or confident enough to suggest how the pandemic should have been or should be handled, except I do know wearing masks, social distancing and hand-washing work. That’s the full extent of my certain knowledge. But I do know this - there are unfulfilled promises on which the governing party can still deliver. And people want to believe in promises. They deserve the right to benefit from an Integrity Commission, from Freedom of Information in action, from the office of an Ombudsman. Matt Aubry reminds us
of what others say, that The Bahamas is still perceived as a place where corruption has a home. The clock is ticking. And the voting populations of the next election will look a lot younger, better educated and with broader expectations than voters of a few decades ago. People want to see what is in a Heads of Agreement. What concessions are being made? What tax relief? What Customs duties forgiven and what economic benefit does the project hold for Bahamian businesses, jobs and the economy directly and indirectly. It is only when you hide something that distrust creeps in. It’s like the story of the man who left home every evening and didn’t tell his wife where he was going. She became increasingly concerned, then convinced he was seeing someone else. Weeks later, as he refused to tell her where he was going, her concern turned to fury and she hired a private investigator who followed the errant husband. He was going to a workshop where he was building a cabinet for the wife he loved. He wanted to surprise her with the handmade gift. Withhold information and suspicion slithers in then roils and boils until it overflows. Maybe love and marriage and politics are not so disparate after all.
Small ‘eyes’ and gestures can save lives
K
UDOS once more to the Free Town constituency and probably the Ministry of Works, this time for placing “cats’ eyes” along the side of the road from the western end of Eastern Road to Fox Hill Road which is now defined by the barrage of signs cluttering the intersection and intruding on the pristine nature of the foliage in the area. The green “eyes” marking driveways and intersections and red “eyes” marking the inner and outer sides of the lanes are a huge help in the darkness, but
there is one area where the outside eyes are too far into the road so a standard size vehicle goes along at plop by plop by plop by plop, but at least its driver can see at night. And congrats, too, to the Kemp Road Community Association and the young boy who gathered donations of 200 books for the first book stall I have seen in a very long time. Rotaract and Rotary clubs pitched in. It’s not all anger outside. There’s still a whole host of reason for hope.
THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: “The voting
populations of the next election will look a lot younger, better educated and with broader expectations than voters of a few decades ago.”
PAGE 10, Friday, August 6, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
St Vincent PM hit by stone during protest against mandatory vaccines THE Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, was injured when a stone hit his head during a protest yesterday, leaving him covered in blood and needing hospital attention. Dr Gonsalves, 74, was on his way back to Parliament when the incident occurred. Protests were being held against proposed changes to the country’s Public
Health Act which would make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory. Video footage showed security officers crowding round the injured Prime Minister shouting “Shield, shield” after he was hit. He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. His office confirmed he had been “bleeding profusely” but that he was recovering.
A PHOTOGRAPH of Dr Ralph Gonsalves circulating on social media after the attack.
FLAMES consume a home on Highway 89 as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, California, on Wednesday.
‘WE LOST GREENVILLE’ GREENVILLE, California Associated Press
A THREE-WEEK-OLD wildfire engulfed a tiny Northern California mountain town, leveling most of its historic downtown and leaving blocks of homes in ashes as crews braced for another explosive run of flames yesterday amid dangerous weather. The Dixie Fire, swollen by bone-dry vegetation and 40mph gusts, raged through the northern Sierra Nevada community of Greenville on Wednesday. A gas station, church, hotel, museum and bar were among the fixtures gutted in the town dating back to California’s gold rush era where some wooden buildings were more than 100 years old. The fire “burnt down our entire downtown. Our historical buildings, families’ homes, small businesses, and our children’s schools are completely lost,” Plumas County Supervisor Kevin Goss wrote on Facebook. Plumas County Sheriff Tom Johns, a lifelong resident of Greenville, said that “well over” 100 homes were destroyed, as well as businesses. “My heart is crushed by
what has occurred there,” he said. “We lost Greenville tonight,” US Rep Doug LaMalfa, who represents the area, said in an emotional Facebook video. “There’s just no words.” As the fire’s north and eastern sides exploded Wednesday, the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office issued an urgent warning online to the town’s approximately 800 residents: “You are in imminent danger and you MUST leave now!” A similar warning was issued Thursday as flames pushed toward the southeast in the direction of another tiny mountain community, Taylorsville, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Greenville. To the northwest, crews were protecting homes in the town of Chester. Residents there were among thousands under evacuation orders or warnings in several counties. No injuries or deaths were immediately reported. Margaret Elysia Garcia, an artist and writer who has been in Southern California waiting out the fire, watched video of her Greenville office in flames. It’s where she kept every journal she’s written in since second grade and a
hand edit of a novel on top of her grandfather’s roll-top desk. “We’re in shock. It’s not that we didn’t think this could happen to us,” she said. “At the same time, it took our whole town.” Firefighters had to deal with people reluctant to leave on Wednesday. Their refusals meant that firefighters spent precious time loading people into cars to ferry them out, said Jake Cagle, an incident management operations section chief. “We have firefighters that are getting guns pulled out on them, because people don’t want to evacuate,” he said. The blaze that broke out July 14 is the largest burning in California and had blackened over 504 square miles, an area larger than Los Angeles. The cause was under investigation. But Pacific Gas & Electric has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of its power lines. The fire was near the town of Paradise, which was largely destroyed in a 2018 wildfire that became the nation’s deadliest in at least a century and was blamed on PG&E equipment. Ken Donnell left Greenville on Wednesday,
thinking he’d be right back after a quick errand a few towns over, but couldn’t return as the flames swept through. All he has now are the clothes on his back and his old pickup truck, he said. He’s pretty sure his office and house, with a bag he had prepared for evacuation, is gone. Donnell remembered helping victims of 2018’s devastating Camp Fire, in which about 100 friends lost their homes. “Now I have a thousand friends lose their home in a day,” he said. By Thursday, the Dixie Fire had become the sixth largest in state history, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. Four of the state’s other five largest fires happened in 2020. The fire forced Lassen Volcanic National Park to close to visitors. Dozens of homes had already burned before the flames made a new run Wednesday. The US Forest Service said initial reports show that firefighters saved about a quarter of the structures in Greenville. “We did everything we could,” fire spokesman Mitch Matlow said. “Sometimes it’s just not enough.”
About 100 miles south, officials said between 35 and 40 homes and other buildings burned in the fast-moving River Fire that broke out Wednesday near Colfax, a town of about 2,000. Within hours, it ripped through nearly 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) of dry brush and trees. There was no containment and about 6,000 people were ordered to evacuate in Placer and Nevada counties, Cal Fire said. In Colfax, Jamie Brown ate breakfast at a downtown restaurant Thursday while waiting to learn if his house was still standing. He evacuated his property near Rollins Lake a day earlier, when “it looked like the whole town was going to burn down.” Conditions had calmed a bit and he was hoping for the best. After firefighters made progress earlier this week, high heat, low humidity and gusty winds erupted Wednesday and were expected to remain a threat. Winds were expected to change direction multiple times Thursday, putting pressure on firefighters at sections of the fire that haven’t seen activity in several days, officials said.
Photo: Noah Berger/AP
The trees, grass and brush were so dry that “if an ember lands, you’re virtually guaranteed to start a new fire,” Matlow said. Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. About 150 miles west of the Dixie Fire, the lightning-sparked McFarland Fire threatened remote homes along the Trinity River in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. There was little containment of the fire after it burned nearly 33 square miles of droughtstricken vegetation. Risky weather also was expected across Southern California, where heat advisories and warnings were issued for inland valleys, mountains and deserts for much of the week. More than 20,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 97 wildfires covering 2,919 square miles in 13 US states, the National Interagency Fire Center said.
SPORTS
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, August 6, 2021, PAGE 11
‘Jazz’ Chisholm and Marlins beat Mets 4-2 to win series MIAMI (AP) — Jorge Alfaro hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning and the Miami Marlins beat the New York Mets 4-2 yesterday, taking three of four from the sagging NL East leaders. New York has lost six of eight overall and is 2-4 since its big trade-deadline acquisition, Javier Báez, made his debut. Báez went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts on Thursday and is hitting .160 (4 for 25) with the Mets. “Javi is a free swinger. That’s something we know we can probably work on and get better at,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said. “He’s going to be out there taking hacks. It’s a fight between him and the pitcher and those are the type of swings he takes.” New York’s underwhelming stretch has allowed Philadelphia and Atlanta to creep closer in the division race. The Phillies entered Thursday trailing the Mets by 1 1/2 games and host New York in a three-game series this weekend. “There are ups and downs in these seasons,” Mets outfielder Michael Conforto said. “We flush it when we lose. Obviously, this wasn’t the way we wanted this series to go. You get into the clubhouse, we flush it. We’re going to be upset for a little bit but we get on the plane, go to Philly and it’s out of our minds when we get there.” Miguel Rojas drew a one-out walk against Jeurys Familia (5-2) and advanced to second on Jazz Chisholm’s single. Alfaro’s line drive to right scored Rojas, whose slide eluded catcher James McCann’s tag. Lewis Brinson followed with a two-run double. “When I got to home plate I tried to look for a pitch to hit the other way,” Alfaro said. “Just play for the team. That’s what I was looking for.” Ross Detwiler (2-1) got the final two outs in the top of the eighth. Brandon Drury had a two-out RBI single in the ninth for New York, but Anthony Bender retired Albert Almora for the final out and his second save. “To get three out of four against the Mets, who are in first place and a really good ballclub, was really impressive,” Marlins acting manager James Rowson said. “The players in that clubhouse need to be proud of themselves for what they did today.” Rowson is filling in for Don Mattingly, who is away from the team because he tested positive for COVID-19. New York stranded 15 baserunners and wasted the best start by Rich Hill since the Mets acquired him from Tampa Bay. Hill allowed three hits and one unearned run in five innings. “We haven’t been on time with the fastball,” Rojas said. “It hasn’t been typical of these guys to be late. We have to have a better fastball mentality as a team.” Jonathan Villar’s RBI single against Marlins reliever David Hess tied it in the sixth. Hess was lifted with the bases loaded and Paul Campbell retired Dominic Smith on a flyball to left. Campbell returned Tuesday after serving an 80-game suspension for violating baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Miami starter Braxton Garrett pitched five scoreless innings. Recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville before the game, Garrett allowed five hits, struck out six and walked four. Chisholm had an RBI single in the third for the Marlins after Miguel Rojas hit an opposite-field single, advanced to second on right fielder Michael Conforto’s fielding error and stole third. Garrett escaped a basesloaded jam with no out in the first by striking out J.D. Davis and Báez and retiring Conforto on a flyball to center. Garrett also struck
up three hits, all singles. He walked one and struck out six. ANGELS 5, RANGERS 0 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dylan Bundy pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning in the opening day starter’s second appearance since returning from a demotion to the bullpen, and Los Angeles beat Texas. Adam Eaton homered and José Iglesias added a two-run single as the Angels took the four-game series from last-place Texas after losing the opener. Bundy (2-8) gave up three hits and struck out six in 6 1/3 innings in his first scoreless start since Aug. 11 last year. Spencer Howard (0-3) lost his debut for the rebuilding Rangers after coming over from Philadelphia at the trade deadline.
MIAMI Marlins’ Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr (2) and Lewis Brinson, right, celebrate yesterday after their game against the New York Mets in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) out Báez with two on to end the fifth. ODD DOUBLE PLAY The Mets turned an unconventional double play in the seventh. With Brian Anderson at second and Joe Panik at first, Miami’s Bryan De La Cruz hit a liner that New York shortstop Báez allowed to bounce. Báez threw to second and retired Panik on the force. Anderson couldn’t stray too far from second, anticipating Báez would have caught the liner, and ended up in a rundown between second and third. Báez received third baseman J.D. Davis’s throw and tagged out Anderson. SHOWCASING IN HOMETOWN Almora, a native of nearby Hialeah, made his first start since June 26 and impressed family and friends with a 3-for-5 performance at the plate. The Mets centre fielder also made a diving catch of pinch hitter Alex Jackson’s sinking liner in the fifth. ROSTER MOVE The Marlins designated RHP Austin Pruitt for assignment to clear the roster spot for Garrett. Pruitt and De La Cruz were acquired by Miami in a trade with the Houston Astros for RHP Yimi García July 28. TRAINER’S ROOM Mets: OF Brandon Nimmo (hamstring) was not in the starting lineup. Nimmo walked as a pinchhitter in the sixth. UP NEXT Mets: RHP Marcus Stroman (7-10, 2.80 ERA) will start the opener of a threegame series at Philadelphia on Friday. Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara (6-9, 3.12) will make his 23rd start of the season in the series opener Friday at Colorado.
MLB CAPSULES PHILLIES 7, NATIONALS 6 WASHINGTON (AP) — J.T. Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins each hit a two-run double in the ninth inning, and Philadelphia rallied past Washington to complete a four-game sweep. The Phillies have won five straight overall and moved within one-half game of the NL East-leading New York Mets. Realmuto tied the game with his double to the rightcenter field gap against closer Kyle Finnegan (4-3). Two batters later, Hoskins doubled to left-center to score two more. Juan Soto scored in the ninth on a single and throwing error, but Archie Bradley recovered for his second save. Mauricio Llovera (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the Phillies. GIANTS 5, DIAMONDBACKS 4, 10 INNINGS PHOENIX (AP) — LaMonte Wade Jr. tied it
MARLINS’ Miguel Rojas scores on a single hit by Jorge Alfaro during the eighth inning yesterday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
with a two-out single in a four-run ninth inning and Kris Bryant doubled in the winning run in the 10th to complete San Francisco’s rally over Arizona. The Giants moved four games ahead of the idle Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. They’re 12-2 against Arizona. After managing three hits and no runs against Arizona starter Merrill Kelly over eight innings, the Giants had five hits in the ninth. Wade’s single to right on a full count brought in the final two runs against Tyler Clippard.
Tyler Rogers (3-1) pitched a scoreless ninth. Jake McGee got the last three outs for his 24th save as the San Francisco bullpen worked six innings without giving up a hit. Arizona’s Tyler Gilbert (0-1), in his second major league game, allowed the automatic runner to score in the 10th for an unearned run and the loss. BLUE JAYS 3, INDIANS 0 TORONTO (AP) — Bo Bichette homered and drove in all three runs, Ross Stripling pitched six sharp innings to win his
second consecutive start and Toronto blanked Cleveland. Toronto won for the sixth time in seven games since returning north of the border last week and moved a season-best eight games above .500. Bichette hit a two-run homer in the fourth, his 20th, and added an RBI single in the sixth. Both hits came off Cleveland righthander Triston McKenzie (1-5). Stripling (5-6) didn’t allow a hit until Owen Miller’s one-out single in the fifth. The right-hander gave
TIGERS 8, RED SOX 1 DETROIT (AP) — Victor Reyes tripled twice and drove in three runs, Tarik Skubal pitched five scoreless innings, and Detroit beat skidding Boston. Skubal (7-10) allowed five hits and struck out four. Robbie Grossman hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first. He departed the game prior to the third with a left elbow contusion after getting hit by a pitch. The Red Sox lost for the sixth time in seven games and dropped 1 1/2 games behind idle Tampa Bay in the AL East. Boston starter Martin Perez (7-8) equaled his shortest outing of the season, allowing three runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings. ROCKIES 6, CUBS 5 DENVER (AP) — Trevor Story hit two home runs, including a go-ahead two-run drive in the fifth inning, and Colorado hung on to beat Chicago. Sam Hilliard and Connor Joe also homered and Brendan Rodgers extended his hitting streak to 12 games with two singles for the Rockies, who took two of three from the Cubs. Willson Contreras hit a two-run double in Chicago’s four-run fifth. Rodgers started the fifth with a single off Jake Jewell (0-1) and Story followed with his second homer of the day and 15th this season to put the Rockies ahead 6-4.
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STEVEN GARDINER, of the Bahamas, after winning the final of the men’s 400-metres at the 2020 Summer Olympics yesterday in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
STEVEN Gardiner wins the gold medal ahead Michael Cherry, of United States, fourth, and Michael Norman, of United States, fifth, in the final of the men’s 400-metres yesterday. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
STEVEN GARDINER, of the Bahamas, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the 400-metre final at the 2020 Summer Olympics yesterday in Tokyo. (Matthias Hangst/Pool Photo via AP)
GARDINER
A PROUD Steven Gardiner holds the Bahamian flag after winning the gold medal.
from PAGE 16
“I didn’t get out like I wanted to, but it’s not how you start, but how you finish,” said Gardiner of the old adage that helped in his comeback. “For me, I did it in the end. I gave it my all. I could feel the pain from it, so I know I did it.” After stumbling out of the blocks, Gardiner said he had to keep his composure coming off the first curve. “I kind of stutter step, but I didn’t let it get the best of me,” he reflected. “But the final 80 metres, oh, it was long. I was just happy to see the finish line, just to be done.” It looked like he had a lot more in the tank as he ran through the tape, but Gardiner admitted that it was just to “win.” He admitted that it “hurt,” but he’s delighted that “it’s done.” Not only did he achieve the goal, but Gardiner also put the Bahamas on the medal chart in 60th place overall, ensuring that the country continued its legacy of winning at least one medal at every Olympiad since 1992 when Frank Rutherford broke the athletic ceiling with his bronze in the men’s triple jump in Barcelona, Spain. Albeit not in the same sport, the Bahamas got its first gold medal in 1964 right in Tokyo when the late Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles teamed up with deceased Cecil Cooke in the Star Class in sloop sailing. Running out of lane seven, Gardiner charted his own historic feat when he delivered a masterful performance out of lane seven. Hampered with an injury during the lead up to the games, Gardiner competed sparingly and his American coach Gary Evans cautiously prepared him for the
STEVEN GARDINER, of the Bahamas, wins the men’s 400-metre final at 2020 Summer Olympics, on Thursday, August 5, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) challenge he faced at the to his parents, his friend to give credit to the eight Ashley and the entire guys in the race. They are games. After lowering his life- Bahamas for their support. all so good, so tough to time best to 43.48 for the “Here I am tonight, Olym- race against,” James said. “I’m just happy to compete national record in clinching pic champion.” From one champion to against those guys and to his first global international title at the World Cham- the next, James applauded get a medal in that whole pionships in Doha, Qatar Gardiner for his effort. field.” The field included a pair in 2019, Gardiner could James was the first commuster a season’s best of petitor to reach over and of Americans, Michael 44.47 in Hungary on July 6 extended a hand to him. He Cherry, fourth in 44.44 and also draped Gardiner with Michael Norman, fifth in before he arrived in Tokyo. In Tokyo, he made it the Bahamian flag as he sat 44.52. Botswana’s Isaac Makwala was sixth in 44.59; look so easy in the rounds, on the track recuperating. For James, it was just as Netherland’s Liemarvin getting second in the first round in 44.34 behind a remarkable accomplish- Bonevacia was seventh in Zambrano’s 44.07 for ment for the 2012 Olympic a national record of 44.82 fourth place overall. But he gold medallist, who added and Jamaican Christopher stepped it up another notch the silver in Rio de Taylor came in eighth in a in the semi-final when he Janeiro in 2016 when Gar- season’s best of 44.92. Missing was South Afrilowered his season’s best diner made his debut, but to 44.14 as he won his heat didn’t advance out of the ca’s world record holder Wayde van Niekerk, who for the third best time going semi-finals. The 28 year-old James, didn’t survive the semiinto the final. With nothing to lose and who was diagnosed with final. The Bahamas also had everything to gain, Gar- Grave’s disease and lost another in Grand Bahadiner saved the best for his mother - his rock - in mian Alonzo Russell, but the last and it produced 2019, fought his way back he didn’t get into the semis. But obviously with who another sterling gold medal through all of his adversities to give Grenada a little was entered, the race performance. “In the final, I just more to celebrate as well belonged to Gardiner. The wanted to do it one more as they took to the streets former volleyball player time,” quipped Gardiner, in the Spice island. “It’s started running in 2014 coach Anthony who sent out a shout out always great and you have under
GOLD medal winner Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas and bronze medal winner Kirani James of Grenada celebrate after the race. (Matthias Hangst/Pool Photo via AP) Williams as a 20-second 200m runner at the age of 17. He came to Nassau and was converted to a 400m runner coach George Cleare. He has inked his name in track and field’s almanac as a Bahamian champion - again. “It feels amazing. My first Olympic Games didn’t go well for me (he
didn’t make the final at Rio 2016) but this one here, I’m cherishing this moment. Olympic champion,” Gardiner said. “I came across the line and saw my name on the big screen and I was in first place. I’m just happy,” he added. So are Bahamians, who relished in the performance.
RELAY
from PAGE 16
RUNNERS compete in a heat of the women’s 4 x 400-meter relay at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
fastest losing times into the final were the Netherlands in 3:24.01 and Canada in 3:24.04, both season’s best times as well. While Miller-Uibo was a lock in for the 200m, Strachan, Bethel and Tynia Gaither all qualified for the event. However, because only three competitors were allowed to compete, team officials in Tokyo held a runoff between Strachan and Bethel to determine who would join Miller-Uibo and Gaither. Miller-Uibo advanced to the final where she jogged across the finish line in 24.00, Strachan got to the semi-final and Gaither opted not to compete after she reached the semifinal of the 100m. By the time efforts were made to try and get Bethel to replace
DONEISHA ANDERSON, of Bahamas, competes in a heat of the 4 x 400 relay at the 2020 Summer Olympics yesterday in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Gaither in the 200m, the respectively of the Bahaentries were already closed. mas Coaches Association. In a heated dispute over And the Bahamas Olymwho should be allowed pic Committee revoked the to compete in the event, accreditation of assistant both team manager Dawn coach and relay coordinaWoodside-Johnson and tor Rupert Gardiner, who head coach Rudolph Fer- was eventually sent home guson resigned as treasurer before the completion of and first vice president the games.
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Friday, August 6, 2021, PAGE 13
Bringing home the gold ROUNDUP OF OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS FROM AUGUST 5 TOKYO (AP) — A roundup of gold medals from Thursday, August 5, at the Tokyo Games: TRACK AND FIELD MEN’S 110-METRE HURDLES Hansle Parchment of Jamaica won gold in the 110-metre hurdles. American Grant Holloway, the world champion, was in front through nine out of the 10 hurdles, but suddenly faded on the last. Parchment flew past him to add an Olympic gold to the bronze medal he won at the 2012 London Games. Parchment won in his season’s best time of 13.04 seconds. Holloway took silver in 13.09 and another Jamaican, Ronald Levy, had the bronze in 13.10 seconds. MEN’S DECATHLON Damian Warner of Canada won the decathlon after two gruelling days of competition in the Tokyo heat and humidity. Warner, who wore an ice vest often during the competition to battle those conditions, posted an Olympic record of 9,018 points for the gold. He improved on his bronze five years ago in Rio de Janeiro. Kevin Mayer of France (8,726 points) took the silver, as he did in Rio. Ashley Moloney of Australia (8,649) won the bronze medal. WOMEN’S HEPTATHLON Nafissatou Thiam successfully defended her Olympic title in the heptathlon as a seventh-place finish in her heat in the last event, the 800 metres, was enough for her to take the gold with 6,791 points. She won ahead of Dutch pair Anouk Vetter in silver (6,689) and Emma Oosterwegel in bronze (6,590). Thiam got revenge for losing out to Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson at the world championships two years ago. JohnsonThompson withdrew on the first day of the heptathlon in Tokyo with a calf injury. WOMEN’S POLE VAULT Katie Nageotte won an unexpected gold for the United States in the pole vault ahead of world champion Anzhelika Sidorova of Russia. Nageotte failed on her first two attempts of the competition at 4.50 metres but improved from there to clinch her first major medal. Sidorova took the silver at 4.85. Britain’s Holly Bradshaw won the bronze medal. Nageotte cleared 4.90 at her third attempt in the medal-clinching round. Sidorova passed on her last chance at 4.90 and moved the bar to 4.95 but didn’t come close to clearing that. MENS’ 20K RACE WALK Italy’s Massimo Stano won the men’s 20-kilometre race walk at the Olympics, and Japan secured the silver and bronze. It was the first time since the 2008 Beijing Games that China wasn’t on the podium. Stano took the gold medal in 1 hour, 21 minutes and 5 seconds in Sapporo on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Koki Ikeda took silver for the home country in 1:21:14 and Toshikazu Yamanishi the bronze in 1:21:28. MEN’S SHOT PUT Ryan Crouser broke his own Olympic record on his way to shot put gold. On his last attempt, Crouser went 23.30 metres to earn the first track and field gold for the American men at the Tokyo Games. U.S. teammate Joe Kovacs finished second and Tomas Walsh of New Zealand was third. Crouser was already the world-record holder after breaking a 31-year-old mark on June 18 at the U.S. Olympic trials. His throw that evening went 23.37 metres.
In the heat at Olympic Stadium, Crouser took the lead on his first attempt and saved his best for his final one. MEN’S TRIPLE JUMP Pedro Pichardo of Portugal won the men’s triple jump gold medal. The Cuban-born Pichardo recorded 17.98 metres on his third attempt to clinch his first Olympic title. He previously won silver medals at the 2013 and 2015 world championships while representing Cuba. China’s Zhu Yaming took silver at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium with 17.57. Burkina Faso’s Hugues Fabrice Zango claimed the bronze with 17.47, the first Olympic medal ever for his West African country. MEN’S 400M Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas won the men’s Olympic 400-metres gold medal, pulling away from the field at the halfway point and finishing in 43.85 seconds. Gardiner adds the Olympic gold to the world title he won in Qatar two years ago. Jose Anthony Zambrano of Colombia took silver, also the same as he did at worlds. The bronze medal went to Grenada’s Kirani James, who now has gold, silver and bronze from the last three Olympics. BOXING MEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT Albert Batyrgaziev of the Russian team won the gold medal in men’s featherweight boxing, beating American Duke Ragan in a meeting of two professional fighters chasing Olympic glory. Batyrgaziev won the bout 3:2, cruising to victory after winning the first two rounds on three of the five judges’ cards. Lázaro Álvarez of Cuba and Samuel Takyi of Ghana won bronze medals. Takyi’s medal is the fifth won by Ghana in all sports in its Olympic history, and its first since 1992. CANOE SPRINT MEN’S KAYAK SINGLE 200 Hungary’s Sandor Totka won the gold medal in the men’s kayak 200-metre, becoming the first non-British paddler to win the event since it started in 2012. Rizza Manfredi of Italy took silver and defending Olympic champion Liam Heath of Britain won bronze. Totka beat Heath for the European championship earlier this year and bolted off the start line before claiming victory in a photo finish that saw 0.045 seconds separate gold from silver. WOMEN’S CANOE SINGLE 200 The United State’s Nevin Harrison won the women’s canoe sprint 200 in the event’s Olympic debut, overtaking Canada’s Laurence Vincent Lapointe at the halfway mark and powering across the finish line. The Olympics were the first time Harrison and Vincent Lapointe faced each other on the water. Harrison won the world championship in 2019 when she was just 17 and Vincent Lapointe was serving a provisional drug suspension that was later overturned on appeal. The Canadian had won the previous six world titles. Harrison is the first American woman to win gold in a canoe sprint race, and the first to medal since 1964. Liudmyla Luzan of Ukraine won bronze. WOMEN’S KAYAK SINGLE 500 New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington won the women’s kayak single 500 to add to her gold medal haul at the Sea Forest Waterway. Carrington won her third gold medal in three days, to go with her victories in the kayak single 200 and double 500. She is still scheduled to race the 500 fours.
HANSLE PARCHMENT, of Jamaica, wins the men’s 110-metre hurdles final past Grant Holloway, of the United States, at the 2020 Summer Olympics yesterday in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/David J Phillip) WOMEN’S 55KG The 18-year-old opened Like her earlier races, KUMITE the finals with the speed Carrington was dominant Ivet Goranova has won win, then showed off his from start to finish. Tamara Csipes of Hungary won Bulgaria’s first gold medal all-around skills by finishsilver. Denmark’s Emma at the Tokyo Games and ing seventh in lead and Aastrand Jorgensen won the first Olympic karate fourth in bouldering. He gold medal in kumite com- finished with 30 points — bronze. petition, beating Ukraine’s the finishes are multiplied MEN’S KAYAK Anzhelika Terliuga in the together — to edge AmeriDOUBLE 1000 Australia’s Thomas final of the women’s 55-kil- can Nathaniel Coleman by two. Green and Jean van der ogram division. The 21-year-old Coleman topped three of Westhuyzen won the men’s kayak double 1,000 at the Goranova won the final the four “problems” to win Sea Forest Waterway with a bout 5-1, scoring two yukos bouldering, was fifth in lead finishing kick over the final in the opening minute and and sixth in speed. adding a waza-ari with 1:16 Austrian Jakob Schubert 200. Germany’s Mox Hoff and left. The 2019 European had the climb of the night, Jacob Schopf were 0.304 champion qualified in June becoming the first man or seconds behind to to take for the inaugural Olympic woman to reach the top silver. Rodek Slouf and competition in karate at the of the 45-meter high lead wall in three days of comJosef Dostal of the Czech Budokan. Chinese Taipei’s Wen petition. His climb moved Republic won bronze. Tzuyun and Austria’s Bet- him into the bronze medal tina Plank took bronze. spot and knocked Czech DIVING climber Adam Ondra off Chinese teenagers Quan MARATHON the podium. Hongchan and Chen Yuxi SWIMMING TABLE TENNIS swept the top two spots in MEN’S WOMEN’S TEAM women’s 10-metre platform 10-KILOMETRE China’s women condiving. Germany’s Florian Well- tinued their table tennis The 14-year-old Quan winning a took gold with 466.20 brock added a gold medal dominance, points and the 15-year-old in marathon swimming to fourth straight gold medal Chen grabbed silver with his bronze medal at the in the team event with a 3-0 425.40 as China completed pool, winning the men’s win over Japan. First-time Olympians a golden sweep of the wom- 10-kilometre race at Tokyo Bay. Chen Meng and Wang en’s diving events. Wellbrock pulled away Manyu beat Kasumi IshiMelissa Wu of Australia claimed the bronze medal on the final lap to win by a kawa and Miu Hirano 3-1 dominating 25.3 seconds, in the opening match, and with 371.40 points. finishing in 1 hour, 48 min- then World No. 2 Sun Yingutes, 33.7 seconds. He also sha topped third-ranked FIELD HOCKEY Belgium defeated Aus- won a bronze in the 1,500- Mima Ito 3-1 in the second tralia in a shootout to win metre freestyle on the last match. day of swimming at the Wang closed out the gold in men’s field hockey. sweep by beating mixed The score was tied 1-all at pool. The silver went to Hun- doubles silver medalthe end of regulation before Belgium won the shootout gary’s Kristof Rasovsky in ist Shiwen Liu 3-0. China 3-2. Alexander Hendrickx 1:48.59.0, while Italy’s Gre- has taken ever gold in the scored the penalty stroke gorio Paltrinieri picked up women’s team event since that put Belgium ahead in the bronze in 1:49.01.1. The it started at the 2008 Beithe shootout and Vincent Italian was silver medalist jing Games. It didn’t drop Vanasch got the clinching in the 800 freestyle at the a single match in this year’s pool. tournament. save. TRACK CYCLING Belgium was the 2016 SKATEBOARDING WOMEN’S KEIRIN Olympic runner-up. MEN’S PARK Shanne Braspennincx India won bronze earlier Australia’s Keegan of the the Netherlands has in the day with a 5-4 victory over Germany. It was Palmer won the last skate- won gold in the women’s India’s first field hockey boarding gold of the Tokyo keirin, hours after teamGames. He won in men’s mate Laurine van Riessen medal since 1980. park, breaking what had was taken out of the Izu KARATE been Japanese domination Velodrome on a stretcher WOMEN’S KATA Sandra Sánchez of Spain in all three previous events. following a crash. The silver went to Pedro Braspennincx went to the has won the first Olympic gold medal in karate, beat- Barros of Brazil. Cory front on the final lap of the ing Japan’s Kiyou Shimizu Juneau took bronze, the six-lap race, where the first skateboarding three are paced by a motorin the final matchup in second medal for the United States. ized bike and the last three women’s kata. The 39-year-old Sánchez Palmer’s gold was the first are a free-for-all sprint to scored a 28.06 in the final medal in skateboarding for the finish. She was followed across bout, her screams echoing Australia. All the golds in off the walls at the Budo- the other three events went the line by New Zealand’s Ellesse Andrews with the kan as she put in a spirited to Japanese skaters. silver medal and Lauriane demonstration of karate SOCCER Genest of Canada taking form. Shimizu’s score was WOMEN’S bronze. 27.88. Megan Rapinoe and Carli Braspennincx’s victory Grace Lau of Hong Kong, China, and Vivi- Lloyd each scored a pair of keeps the gold medal in ana Bottaro of Italy won goals and the United States won the bronze medal in bronze. women’s soccer with a 4-3 MEN’S 67G KUMITE Steven Da Costa of victory over Australia. It was arguably the best France won the first gold medal in Olympic men’s the Americans had looked karate competition, beating during the course of a rocky Turkey’s Eray Samdan 5-0 tournament that opened in the final of the 67-kilo- with an uncharacteristic 3-0 loss to Sweden. Rapinoe gram kumite division. The 24-year-old Da set the tone early with a Costa is the 2018 world goal scored directly from a champion and a two-time corner kick. The loss spoiled the AusEuropean champion in his weight class, but he won a tralians’ first-ever trip to the disappointing bronze at the medal round at the OlymEuropean competition last pics. No Australian soccer May. He overcame an early team, men or women, has loss yesterday in Tokyo ever won a medal. to Jordan’s Abdl Rahman SPORT CLIMBING Almasatfa and got a boost Spanish teenager Alberto from the injury retirement of Italy’s Angelo Crescenzo, Gines Lopez won the first the 2018 world champion Olympic gold medal in at 60 kilograms. Da Costa sport climbing, riding a win beat Kazakhstan’s Darkhan in the speed discipline to Assadilov to reach the final. the top of the podium.
Dutch hands. Elis Ligtlee won it at the Rio Games before retiring. MEN’S OMNIUM Britain’s Matthew Walls won the opening scratch race of the four-event omnium and was never really challenged over the remainder of the races in winning the gold medal. Walls finished third in the tempo race and second in the elimination race before taking a lap on the field early in the concluding points race to effectively put the gold medal out of reach. Campbell Stewart of New Zealand gained his second lap on the field just before the race concluded, sending him soaring from out of the medals to silver. Defending champion Elia Viviani of Italy fell to bronze. WRESTLING WOMEN’S 57KG FREESTYLE Japan’s Risako Kawai won her second Olympic wrestling gold, defeating Belarus’ Iryna Kurachkina 5-0 in the women’s 57-kilogram freestyle final. Kawai won the 63kg category at the 2016 Games. Her younger sister, Yukako, won the 62kg class on Wednesday. American Helen Maroulis defeated Mongolia’s Khongorzul Boldsaikhan 11-0 in a bronze medal match. Maroulis won Olympic gold at 53kg in 2016. She became the first U.S. woman to win more than one Olympic medal. Bulgaria’s Evelina Nikolova won the other bronze, defeating the Russian Olympic Committee’s Valeria Koblova 5-0. MEN’S 57KG FREESTYLE The Russian Olympic Committee’s Zavur Uguev defeated India’s Ravi Kumar 7-4 to claim wrestling gold in the men’s 57-kilogram freestyle class. Kumar was trying to become India’s first Olympic gold medalist in the sport. American Thomas Gilman, who lost his opener to Uguev 5-4 on a move in the final 10 seconds of the match, earned bronze. He defeated Iran’s Reza Atrinagharchi 9-1. Nurislam Sanayev of Kazakhstan was the other bronze medalist. He defeated Bulgaria’s Georgi Vangelov 5-1. MEN’S 86KG FREESTYLE American David Taylor scored a double-leg takedown with 17 seconds remaining to beat Iran’s Hassan Yazdani 4-3 and claim wrestling gold in the men’s freestyle 86-kilogram class. Yazdani, the No. 1 seed, won the 74kg class at the 2016 Olympics. San Marino’s Myles Amine defeated India’s Deepak Punia 4-2 for bronze. It was the first-ever Olympic wrestling medal for the country with about 34,000 people. In the other bronze medal match, the Russian Olympic Committee’s Artur Naifonov defeated Uzbekistan’s Javrail Shapiev 2-0.
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PAGE 14, Friday, August 6, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
John Bradley, 73, dies at home on Grand Bahama By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net JOVIAL John Bradley, the 73-year-old former versatile athlete turned sports administrator extraordinaire, passed away at his home in Grand Bahama on Wednesday afternoon. Predeceased by daughter, Jonni Irene Bradley, the former basketball, baseball, softball and a soccer player, leaves behind his wife, Jill Bradley, four children - Lawna BradleyBethel (Dr Kevin Bethel), Carolyn Bradley-Gardner (Dwight Gardner), Stacey Bradley-McBride (Chovez McBride) and John Bradley Jr, along with seven grandchildren. Bradley-McBride assured the public that her father’s death was not COVID-19 related. She said he was an active sportsman telling jokes as he normally does up to the time of his death. They just spent time together with each other’s spouse on Sunday and Monday. She said he was
healthy as a “horse,” but he “just gone” without any illnesses that they knew about. He left behind some fond memories. “He had four daughters and he loved his kids. We were his girls. He was good to his grandchildren too,” she said. “Daddy was a family man. We would sit around and talk jokes and just spend a lot of time together. “If you ask anyone, they would tell you that my daddy was funny. He was a kind and loving man. He was always telling a joke – always.” As an IT consultant, who started at IBM in 1968, Bradley was responsible for producing the results for swimming for many years. He was so efficient that he could provide stats and figures in a timely fashion for the media. “I know personally that whenever I attended a meet or called him, he would provide the results in jiffy, never complaining, only to state: “You tell me what
HUSBAND and wife John and Jill Bradley. you need and I will get it for you.” He took delight in assisting wherever possible. Bahamas Aquatics’ president Algernon Cargill said Bradley, who served as his first vice president, was devoted to aquatic sports and the Bahamas Triathlon Association. He even got his family members involved, including his children, who made a few national swim teams. “He was respected by all, particularly the athletes and the news of his passing has reverberated throughout the Caribbean and even here in Tokyo at the Olympic Games,” said Cargill, who is attending the games
as a member of the FINA Bureau. “His contributions to Bahamian life have been invaluable and the federation is as successful as it is today because of John’s selfless contributions to aquatics.” Cargill said he lost a colleague and a great friend, whom he knows will be hard to replace. “He wore so many hats that I will have to enlist quite a few persons to ensure that everything that he did is completed at the standard John would be proud of,” Cargill said. “I never knew or imagined that the conversations
we have had over the last few days would be our last, the trip to Qatar in May would be our last together and the National Swimming Championships that he cochaired with me in June would be our last.” In expressing deepest sympathies to Jill, his children and the entire Grand Bahama community, Cargill said Bahamas Aquatics will always remember Bradley and will find a tangible way to memorialise him and his contributions in the near future. Dorian Roach, a former swimmer now serving as the president of the Bahamas Triathlon Association, said he knew Bradley for years and he and his daughter, Stacey, swum together and celebrated their birthdays just a day apart. “We grew up swimming together and that was when I got to know John as Stacey’s dad,” Roach said. “But as I got older, I got to know him when he became involved in the federation as an official and with the timing in the booth.
“In triathlon, he was one of the organisers of the Conchman, so I got to know him through that event as well. We just recently had a talk about putting on the Conchman this year, once we got permission and we put the necessary protocols in place.” A week before he left for Tokyo, Japan, as a member of the Bahamian delegation to the 2020 Olympic Games, Roach said he and Bradley had their last conversation. “He was always a nice guy. I always had the greatest respect for him. “He was always around the pool helping,” said Roach, who noted that he could rely on Bradley’s support whenever they staged triathlon events like the Conchman. “I think the swimming and triathlon community has lost a tremendous person. I was really, really shocked. I spoke to Stacey. I really feel for her and her family. He definitely was a big supporter of sports in the country.”
JONES AND MUNNINGS LOOK TO MAKE IMPRESSION AT NBA SUMMER LEAGUE By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net KAI Jones will make his debut with the Charlotte Hornets organisation while Travis Munnings, with the Golden State Warriors, will have an opportunity to make an impression on several franchises at the NBA Summer League. Both players will participate with their respective franchises at the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2021, which will take place August 8-17 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. All 75 games of game action over the
10 days will air live on television on ESPN networks or NBA TV while all games will also be available to stream on the ESPN App. The Charlotte Hornets kickoff the tournament on the first day with a game vs. the Portland Trail Blazers on August 8 at 6pm, which will air on NBA TV. They follow with games against the Sacramento Kings on August 9 and the San Antonio Spurs on August 12. Jones was selected No. 19 overall by the New York Knicks but his rights were traded to the Hornets for a future first round pick. The 6’11” 225-pound frontcourt player out of Texas is versatile enough to play all three frontcourt positions, and is already looking ahead to
his new NBA home in Charlotte, led by reigning rookie of the year, point guard LaMelo Ball. The Hornets finished last season 33-39, 10th place in the Eastern Conference, an improvement on their 23-42 finish in the previous season. “It’s perfect timing. “This team is on the rise and us coming in as two young exciting guys adds to that. They have players like LaMelo who can really pass the ball and they like to run so - I love running, I know James loves running too so it’s going to be showtime, I’m excited,” Jones said. Munnings had previous affiliations with NBA franchises coming out of Louisiana-Monroe but
opted to pursue opportunities in Europe instead. Prior to the 2019 NBA Draft, he was invited to pre-draft workouts with the Hornets, Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves before eventually going undrafted. He recently completed his first season with UD Oliveirense club in the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol (LPB). He finished the season with averages of 12.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. His team finished the season at 19-7. At the national team level Munnings averaged 15 points per game to lead The Bahamas to a 3-0 record at the recent FIBA
World Cup 2023 Americas PreQualifiers for Group. The team advanced to the next round in November. The Warriors begin their preseason campaign at the California Classic Summer League hosted by the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center before playing in the MGM Resorts Las Vegas Summer League. The Warriors open Sumner League play against the Orlando Magic on Monday, August 9. Each of the 30 teams participate in the Las Vegas Summer League and play five games each. The two teams with the best records at the end of four games will play the Finals while the rest of the 28 teams play an extra game.
Analysis: NFL kicks off amid nation’s rising COVID-19 rates By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer CANTON, Ohio (AP) — As COVID-19 and Delta variant positives increase across America, the NFL kicks off its first preseason since 2019 expecting the usual crowds. The numbers in the nation are of concern to some, staggeringly disappointing to others, and ignored by many. Within the NFL, though, it must be emphasized that the data is encouraging. The league says more than 90 percent of its players have either begun or concluded the vaccination process. Nine teams have more than 95 percent of their players vaccinated, while a total of 27 teams is above 85 percent. Yes, there have been some
high-profile positive cases, including almost the entire quarterbacks room in Minnesota, but with league and team personnel required to be vaccinated — it remains optional for players — the league’s medical community is encouraged and optimistic about the upcoming preseason and regular season. “With regard to results of testing, we’re seeing fewer cases overall with an intake (test) than did in 2020, which is more a snapshot of where everyone is as they gather” at training camps, said Dr Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer. Noting a “lower incidence rate” for positive COVID-19 tests, Sills added that “would suggest the impact of vaccination. I think that is what is driving this lower incidence of
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cases. “We are seeing cases among vaccinated players and they are asymptomatic for many; no one is seriously ill. That speaks to effectiveness of the vaccination. There are a very small number of these cases overall and that is despite a tremendous increase in the number of contacts. We are having many, many more contacts than we did a year ago, and that just suggests despite more exposures we’re not seeing an increase in cases.” With that said, and with the NFL’s adjustments to protocols that now provide more freedom for vaccinated players, should fans worry about disruptions to the 2021 schedule? Remember, the NFL completed its regular season and playoffs on time during the heights of the pandemic, when it knew a lot less about COVID-19 and its variants than it does now. But the league office also has presented the potential for forfeits if unvaccinated players cause an outbreak on a team that forces postponement and cancellation of games — not a comforting development for fans. Maybe the answer to what might lie ahead comes
THE TAMPA Bay Buccaneers offence, left, gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs defence during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game in Tampa, Florida, on February 7, 2021. (AP) with the suggested revision made for this week’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction festivities. County officials in the Canton area have recommended wearing face coverings for all indoor activities, fearing the potential of a “super spreader” event. The hall’s Gold Jacket Dinner on Friday night is a traditional sellout and is held inside the Canton Memorial Civic Center, with social distancing almost impossible. This year’s dinner will feature members of three classes — 2020 and 2021, plus a special centennial class — after last summer’s event
was cancelled due to the pandemic. In many portions of the country, government and health officials are suggesting — perhaps soon requiring — face coverings indoors. Pockets of America, some of them considerably large, have lagged far behind in vaccination rates. The NFL is aware of these statistics and measures. Its research actually could aid communities in battling a resurgence of the coronavirus, according to Dr Deverick Anderson of the Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention.
He also is co-owner of Infection Control Education for Major Sports. “At this time last year there were certainly ongoing unanswered questions,” Anderson said. “One of the unique components of the programme the NFL has together is really putting themselves at the front edge of the ability to answer a lot of unanswered questions to this point. Things that are very relevant not only for just this environment but public health in general.” Sills is certain the league, in conjunction with the players’ association, will continue to make such contributions.
COCO GAUFF LOST SENSE OF SMELL FROM COVID-19, WAITING FOR SHOT By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Teen tennis sensation Coco Gauff said she was supposed to get her first vaccine shot the same week she got COVID-19, which forced her to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics and has left her without her sense of smell. “I’m just happy that I didn’t have really many symptoms. I was pretty much asymptomatic,” the 17-year-old American said yesterday before participating in an exhibition match against two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka at the Citi Open hard-court tournament.
“I just had — still have — a loss of smell. But other than that, I’m A-OK.” Gauff announced via social media on July 18 that she had tested positive for the coronavirus and would need to sit out the Summer Games that began soon thereafter. That was less than two weeks after she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon for the second time in her young career. The 25th-ranked Gauff made her Grand Slam quarterfinal debut at the French Open in June. She said the peripatetic nature of the professional tennis tour, and the fact that she’s under 18, has made it tough for her to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
COCO GAUFF (AP) “The real problem is just getting the dosages spaced out and, obviously, going from country to country is difficult,” Gauff said.
“But,” she said, “I’m going to get it as soon as I can.” Her plan is to get her first vaccine dose after the tournament in Cincinnati that runs during the week of August 16 and a second shot after the US Open, which begins August 30 in New York. After getting the virus, Gauff said, she went home to Florida and, as soon as she could, began practicing twice a day. She is scheduled to face Jessica Pegula on Saturday in another exhibition match at the tournament in Washington. Gauff and Caty McNally won the Citi Open women’s doubles title in 2019.
SPORTS SECTION E - PAGE 16
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021
Jazz, page 11
GOLD GLORY: Steven Gardiner, of the Bahamas, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men’s 400-metre final at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo early yesterday morning. (Matthias Hangst/Pool Photo via AP)
Historic gold, finally By BRENT SETUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
S
teven Gardiner accomplished an historic feat as the first Bahamian male gold medallist and the country’s second athlete to win both the World Championship and Olympic Games title in the same event when he powered past his rivals in the men’s 400 metres yesterday in Tokyo, Japan. The tall, slender 6-foot, 4-inch native of Moore’s Island, Abaco, ran a conservative 150 metres as he dropped behind the pack. He rallied on the back stretch to get back into the race and by the time he came off the curve, he propelled himself into another gear. In the final 80m, Gardiner out-sprinted the field
to post a season’s best of 43.85 seconds to emerge as the 2020 Olympic Games champion. It was another time to celebrate as he added to the title he won in 2019 at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar. In producing the sixth gold medal for the Bahamas in track and field, Gardiner became the first male track athlete to ascend on top of the podium and
STEVEN GARDINER, of the Bahamas, wins the 400-metre final at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Thursday, August 5, 2021, in Tokyo. , (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
followed Tonique Williams, who achieved the feat in the women’s 400m in 2004 in the Athens Olympics and 2005 Helsinki World Championships. “It feels amazing. The first male in the country to do it, I’m excited,” said Gardiner in his post-race interview after he took his time coming off the Tokyo National Stadium where he celebrated his latest accomplishment. He held off Colombia’s Anthony Zambrano, who surged ahead just enough to secure the silver in 44.08. Grenada’s Kirani James picked up his third medal with the bronze in 44.19 as he completed the three colours in a row with the gold in 2012 in London, England and silver in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Strachan: ‘I felt something in my left knee’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THREE young collegians were hoping their debut at the 2020 Olympic Games would be memorable in the women’s 4 x 400 metre relay. It was. Just not under the circumstances that it ended. After running the first 100m, sprinter Anthonique Strachan, 27, came off the curve and stopped. At the time, the Bahamas was well out of contention for a place in Saturday’s grand finale in eighth place. Thursday’s completion of the race at the Tokyo National Stadium was considered a total disaster for the country, but Strachan said it was a precautionary measure she had to take. “I felt something in my left knee and I didn’t know what it was or how serious it could be, so instead of making it worse and messing up the rest of my season, I just decided to stop,” said Strachan, who teamed up
BAHAMAS WOMEN’S 4 X 400M RELAY TEAM FAILS TO FINISH with Doneisha Anderson, Megan Moss and Grand Bahamian Brianne Bethel. When asked if she had any regrets that it happened at the Olympics, Strachan lamented: “Not at all.” It could have happened to anybody.” Other than moving up to seventh briefly ahead of Australia on the second exchange between Moss and Bethel, the Bahamas didn’t stand a chance in the first of two heats against their more seasoned rivals. Anderson, the 20-yearold student of the University of Florida, ran a split of 52.6 seconds on pop off, Moss, a 19-yearold from the University of Kentucky, did 53.3, while 24-year-old Bethel of the University of Kentucky was clocked in 54.33. Strachan shut it down after 100m.
Shaunae Miller-Uibo, 27, was also a part of the relay pool, but didn’t compete because of her preparation for the final of the 400m and high school sensation Lacarthea Cooper, just 17, didn’t make the trip because of COVID-19. The team of Strachan, Miller-Uibo, Moss and Anderson didn’t qualify under the Blue Chips Last Chance meet at the end of July right after the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Nationals at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, which didn’t allow the athletes any time to gel together because they faced their formidable foes. Poland, coming off their gold medal performance in the first mixed gender 4 x 400m relay staged at the beginning of the
DONEISHA ANDERSON, of the Bahamas, right, runs the lead leg in a semifinal of the women’s 4 x 400-metre relay at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Thursday, August 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) competition last week, clocked 3:23.19 and Cuba did 3:24.04, both season bests for first and second and they were joined by Belgium in a national record of 3:24.08 for the
three automatic qualifying spots for Saturday’s grand finale. The other heat was stacked with the United States taking the top spot in the fastest qualifying time
of 3:20.86 over Jamaica, who did 3:21.95 with Great Britain third in 3:23.99, all season’s best performances. Earning the two
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