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DESPERATE - AND HEADING OUR WAY
Haitian crisis sees flood of refugees risking their lives to reach Bahamas By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net GRIM and dire circumstances in Haiti have forced citizens to migrate across treacherous seas in search of a better life, a local community leader told The Tribune yesterday . According to Frank Racine, large numbers of people are leaving Haiti due to worsened conditions following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise back in July and then an earthquake last month that killed 2,200 people.
More than 900 Haitians have been taken into custody from Bahamian waters since Wednesday. While this indicates a clear uptick in apprehensions, officials had previously warned that the circumstances in Haiti could trigger such an occurrence. “The problem is we have had a big issue in Haiti since July 17 when our President got assassinated,” Mr Racine said. “After that we had an earthquake affecting three towns. So now a lot of people have no work, they have nowhere to live. SEE PAGE THREE
FORMER Public Service Minister Brensil Rolle yesterday defended public sector promotions granted in the weeks before the general election, insisting the previous government was simply acting on years’ old recommendations that were in some cases left behind by the Christie administration. The former Cabinet
minister said it was unfortunate that thousands of public sector officers and their deserving promotions were being portrayed as politically driven when this was not the case. He questioned whether Foreign Affairs and Public Service Minister Fred Mitchell was comparing the former Minnis administration with the 2012 Christie administration, saying: SEE PAGE TWO
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
TIME TO END ‘FREEBIES’ ON TOP-END PROPERTIES
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A BAHAMIAN realtor yesterday argued “the freebie for the mega wealthy has got to stop” as he urged the Government to exploit the high-end real estate boom to boost tax revenues. Christopher Armaly said the new should seek to raise a $60,000 annual real property tax cap. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
GOVT STEPS IN TO ASSIST GB ACCIDENT VICTIM’S CARE
‘PROMOTION PROCESS WAS ALL ABOVE BOARD’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
FACE TO FACE: SMALL STEPS TO A NEW DAWN FOR WOMEN
SENSELESS
ORSMAN AUGUSTINE, who died in a stabbing after an argument on Sunday night at the intersection of Cordeaux Avenue and Lincoln Boulevard. The University of The Bahamas student was called “a leader” by those who knew him. See PAGE FIVE for the full story.
LEGAL SPLIT COSTS LIFT PLUNGE MAID DEAR By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A HOTEL maid’s bid to obtain financial redress from the British Colonial Hilton was scuppered by the break-up of a law firm then co-headed by a newlyelected Cabinet minister. Margo Thompson had approached the now-dissolved Lockhart & Munroe law firm in an effort to hire Wayne Munroe QC, now Minister of National
WAYNE MUNROE, left, and Elliott Lockhart. Security, to initiate legal action over injuries she suffered when the resort’s elevator plunged from the
sixth to the ground floor during a November 2005 power outage. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE government has helped a Grand Bahama man who was seriously injured in an industrial accident on Friday to receive emergency medical surgery in New Providence at Doctors Hospital. Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said the circumstance was critical and required immediate intervention at “the ministerial level” so that the SEE PAGE FIVE
PETER YOUNG: WISE WORDS AS THE WORLD WATCHES
- SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
‘Promotion process was all above board’ from page one
FORMER Public Service Minister Brensil Rolle.
Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
“Perhaps he was reflecting upon what they did just before elections last time and perhaps he thought that we were like them, but we were different.” On Sunday, Mr Mitchell told reporters the promotions were temporarily halted to give the new government an opportunity to review them to ensure nothing “nefarious” had taken place. When he was contacted yesterday, Mr Rolle explained the promotions came on July 1, after there had been a freeze on promotions, reclassifications and hirings except in exceptional circumstances. He rejected the suggestion the promotions were awarded with ulterior motives. “You will recall that all promotions, reclassifications, were on hold, and we lifted that in July of this year prior to elections being announced,” Mr Rolle told this newspaper. “All we did in the public service is to promote qualified persons whose recommendations had been made. Some of those recommendations had been made by the PLP from 2017 and so I don’t know why Mr Mitchell believes that promotions of public officers would be driven by politics. “In the public service, there is a service wide promotion which takes place so that everyone in the service would be considered and then in addition to that the public service is a space where if you are promoting somebody and another person is of the same stature and the same status then they must be given an opportunity to say why they are not being considered. “I can assure you that the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service sits by and abides by every single protocol and so I don’t see anything nefarious being done by promotions of public officers. “I think it’s regrettable that the PLP would inject this level of politics into something as important
as promotions of public officers.” Mr Mitchell has said the Davis administration was suspicious that the promotions were an attempt to either offer an incentive in exchange for support of the previous government as it headed into the 2021 general election or a “poison pill”. He said in the latter instance it is thought people promoted or hired were presumably supporters of the Free National Movement and would end up “causing problems” for the new administration. To this, Mr Rolle said he was of the view it was very difficult for public sector promotions to be driven by politics, adding they were usually slow moving. Asked then if he was defending the previous government’s actions, the former minister said he had no other choice. “If you put it in context, I don’t have a choice,” Mr Rolle said. “Remember, like I said, the basis of these things were that there was a hold, a freeze on promotions. A freeze on reclassifications and a freeze on hiring except in exceptional circumstances and so the public service was given the latitude to begin promotions to begin reclassifications and to begin hiring July 1. “And that process does not take a week. It may take a month. It may take two months for it to take place and so, yes, some persons may have been hired up to and during election time. Some persons may have been promoted during election time. But I can assure you that scores of those promotions, scores of them, were recommendations. “Remember when we came to office in 2017 one of our first actions was to put a freeze on hiring to deal with the placement of individuals who were hired and who were promoted and so for the last two years there were no promotions and no hiring in the service. “So, on July 1 the public service had to then begin the process of promoting individuals and I can assure you that tons of those
recommendations were recommendations that came from 2017. Recommendations in the service from 2017 from as early as I can remember seeing some from 2014. “I certainly don’t see why the minister took the position that he took, but he is the minister. It’s ‘a new day’ (and) the first action by the PLP is to not promote individuals in the service who are duly promoted, and I am going to stay on the side and watch.” He added: “I can assure you that I did not work the night of elections or the night before elections. I did not do anything on election night or on Election Day. You will not find scores of individuals around the Ministry of Public Service and or other government agencies who have been sent there and told to go and show up. That was a set of circumstances that were in place in 2017 and we did not, and this is critical, we did not send the individuals home. “We did not say to them ‘you were unfairly hired.’ We did not say to them you should not have been hired because it is not the workers fault that a political decision may have been made on behalf of that worker,” Mr Rolle said. Mr Mitchell said when he assumed his office at the Department of Public Service, he found “stacks of promotions,” many of which he said he suspected were “long overdue”. He said in view of this fact, he did not want to put a “negative imprint” on the situation. When asked how long the hold would be, he said he could not say for certain. Mr Mitchell said it was important to make a “distinction” between the routine public service jobs and political level jobs. When asked on Sunday if all of the promotions that happened in the last few weeks of the Minnis administration in the public service have just been halted temporarily, Mr Mitchell said: “Yes, that’s a way to describe it, just to let us have a look at it because you don’t want anything nefarious to be taking place.”
‘PROMOTED STAFF WELL DESERVING’ By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
THE former executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation has defended staff promotions issued just prior to the general election, saying those who received them were well deserving and had nothing to do with the individual’s politics. Days before the September 16 election, in letters dated September 1, some staff members at WSC were informed that they had been promoted and were advised of their new titles and salaries. However, another letter dated September 23, signed by WSC General Manager Elwood Donaldson, advised promoted staff members that their promotions were on hold pending review and they should revert to their former roles and salaries at WSC. This letter made its rounds on social media over the weekend. The union representing line staff at WSC said it supports the promotions being rescinded and said it has concerns they may have been doled out to shore up support for the Free National Movement ahead of the election. Contacted by The Tribune and asked if the promotions were politically motivated, Adrian Gibson, former WSC executive chairman, denied that they were. “No they were not,” Mr Gibson said. “They were all deserving employees who go above and beyond in the daily execution of their duties at the corporation.
Persons promoted were of all political persuasions. No one was singled out because of their politics.” Mr Gibson gave an example of how much the promotions were needed and how deserving the recipients were. “We did not sit down and ask them what their politics were and which political party they supported,” Mr Gibson said yesterday. “Persons were also in the mix who had not been promoted for some time. “In one case, one gentleman had not been promoted in about 20 years. We had a meeting with him and he told me as much. All of these persons are deserving and I would like to see them receive what is due to them.” Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service, revealed on Sunday promotions granted in the public service leading up to the general election have been temporarily halted to give the new government an opportunity to review them to ensure nothing “nefarious” has been done. Dwayne Woods, president of the Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union which represents workers at WSC, said he is in agreement that the promotions should be rescinded. Being of the opinion that the promotions were politically motivated, Mr Woods said he wrote a letter petitioning the general manager and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to “stop, cancel and review” the promotions. Mr Woods alleges the promotions did not follow
proper protocol and insisted neither the corporation’s middle management, executive management nor the board had any participation in the promotion exercise. He accused the general manager and the chairman of forming the promotion list and executing the same without external input. The Water and Sewerage Corporation falls under the Ministry of Works and Urban Development led by Minister of Works Alfred Sears. It is a wholly owned government organisation slated to manage, maintain, distribute and develop the country’s water resources. During the course of Mr Gibson’s tenure at the corporation, there was a tumultuous relationship between the Woods-led union and executive management. The bad blood started when Mr Gibson insisted that Mr Woods return to daily work at WSC as opposed to working daily for the union. Mr Woods had remained on the corporation’s payroll, but had not been reporting to work. The Tribune also tried to receive commentary on the matter from the WSC general manager as he had signed off on the letters. When Mr Donaldson finally answered his phone, he made it clear he was not interested in addressing the matter at the time. “I am not speaking to the press today, goodbye,” he said before hanging up. Attempts to contact him again were unsuccessful. The Tribune also made unsuccessful attempts to speak with an executive from WSC’s human resources department.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, PAGE 3
Bell says govt already trying to send back 900 Haitians By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net IMMIGRATION and Labour Minister Keith Bell said yesterday that the government is hoping to repatriate over 900 Haitian migrants who recently entered the country illegally by the end of this week. According to Mr Bell, plans are already underway to facilitate repatriation exercises to Haiti. However, before the group is returned home, he said certain logistical issues must be addressed as transport resources are currently limited. “We anticipate repatriating 916 back to Haiti by the end of the week,” Mr Bell told reporters. “Now that is very aggressive and that depends on whether we get the cooperation of the United States of America in terms of providing us with a carrier and that is contingent upon whether we are able to take one or two planes out of the fleet of Bahamasair to repatriate. “That is contingent upon whether we are able to get the cooperation of the Haitian government to repatriate and, of course, we know that in the past, they turn around very, very quickly in terms of accepting their residents back.” Since Wednesday, more than 900 Haitian immigrants have been apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence
SOME of the Haitian migrants detained recently by the RBDF. Force along with other local officials after being spotted in Bahamian waters. Of this group, a total of 221 Haitian nationals were apprehended on Thursday, 86 on Friday, another
MINISTER: WE NEED A FACILITY ON INAGUA By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net IMMIGRATION Minister Keith Bell said there is a need for a “multi-purpose facility” to be constructed on Inagua following the detainment of hundreds of Haitian nationals on the island. The country is experiencing an influx of migrants from Haiti due to increasing social and political turmoil there. Since Wednesday, more than 900 Haitians have been apprehended by local officials. Some 500 of those migrants are currently being detained on Inagua in what officials say could lead to a “humanitarian crisis” if the situation there is not quickly addressed. Asked how officials plan to ramp up protection of the country’s borders in view of the mass influx, Mr Bell said additional assets are being deployed at sea to crack down on illegal migration. “The reality is, as you would recall in our last administration between 2012 and 2017, we would have invested in the Sandy Bottom project,” he said at yesterday’s press conference. “High on our agenda is protecting our borders and that remains very high on our agenda. We would’ve purchased a number of crafts…and we would’ve purchased a number of different fleets, ocean faring – those for coastal patrols and those for shallow waters. “We have those deployed already. Minister (of National Security) Wayne Munroe is in direct communication with the Commodore of the Defence Force to ensure that we block the channel between Inagua and Haiti
and that is critical and so we’re deploying our assets in those areas.” With more migrants expected to arrive in the coming days, Mr Bell also asked for local fishermen to be on the alert and contact the relevant authorities should any vessels be spotted. He added: “I’m aware of a Dominican vessel that’s been captured as well and I suspect that the Minister of National Security will speak more about that but there has been an incident in respect to that incident so there are some fundamental issues that we are going to have to address authoritatively and decisively, inclusive of constructing a proper facility, a multipurpose facility in Inagua, that cannot only house the number of immigrants, but to also perhaps act as a hurricane shelter down there in Inagua. The time has come.” When asked how soon the public could see the new facility be constructed, the Immigration Minister did not give a definite answer. “Well, it has to be seen as a priority because as it stands now, we have 500 illegal immigrants in Inagua and God forbid if more come. We know that there is a very strong likelihood that more will come. We know for a fact that given these fixed assets, that we’ll always have illegal migration and so we now have to determine whether or not we would like to have a sitting magistrate or sitting courts in Inagua to deal with this... so, we have to make sure that we deal with these matters quickly and it takes a team effort and it takes all of as a Bahamian society to come together on how we’re going to deal with these issues,” he said.
50 on Saturday and 144 on Sunday for a total of 501 – the majority of whom are now in Inagua. In another incident on Sunday, officials apprehended 415 migrants in
the Ragged Island chain after its vessel was spotted partially submerged off Flamingo Cay by local fishermen. “The Haitian vessel had sank and the HMBS Knowles is currently deployed down there along with a number of other personnel from the Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Ministry of Health and other state agencies,” Mr Bell said of the incident yesterday. “They are currently conducting health checks of these individuals and they’re supplying them with water and food and housing. Those individuals will likely be brought to the capital.” As it relates to those migrants in Inagua, Mr Bell said those individuals were expected to be charged yesterday and added officials anticipate they will be repatriated as early as Wednesday. Their illegal travel to The Bahamas comes as civil unrest and political turmoil continues to mount in Haiti following a devastating earthquake and the assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise in July. Neighbouring countries such as the US have also seen mass migration from Haiti in recent weeks. On Sunday, Foreign Affairs and Public Service Minister Fred Mitchell warned that a
“humanitarian crisis” could possibly result in Inagua if the situation is not addressed in a timely manner. Yesterday, Mr Bell agreed it was important for the government to act as quickly as possible, noting that more Haitians could arrive in the country soon, compounding the already precarious situation. “There (are) a total of 501 migrants now in Inagua,” he said. “There (are) 415, and the numbers may change, that is on Flamingo Cay and that’s a total of 916 migrants that we have in custody. They are being kept and that adds to the number of ladies and gentlemen at our Detention Centre. There is, I think, just over a 100 or so there now. “As you also know, the repatriation exercises (are) an ongoing process. That hasn’t stopped and because of the numbers, we’re ensuring that we get them out as quickly as possible. “What we intend to do is to also reach out to our US counterparts to see whether or not, we can ask one of their carriers to take all of the persons back from Inagua to Haiti in one trip, but again as I indicated, I can’t speak definitely on that as yet but we are also pursuing that angle,” the immigration minister added. Asked how long the government can keep the group detained, Mr Bell
said: “We can detain them indefinitely, but we don’t intend to do that. We have to get them back home and we intend to use all of our resources and our channels through diplomatic resources to make sure that happens as quickly as possible.” He further noted that various tests have been conducted on migrants for the detection of COVID-19 and other diseases but said none of the results so far have created any cause for concern. “There is among the group, we know that there was some dehydration and one or two other aspects that we’re dealing with what is usually the case when they come across on these long voyages with these crammed vessels and they’re coming from parts of Haiti but we have not come across any case to date that warrants extreme concern that there is COVID among them,” he said. Yesterday, Mr Bell said the government is committed to ensuring migrants are treated in a humane manner. It is not clear, however, how much housing accommodations and repatriation exercises, etc, will cost the government. “I cannot give you a figure, but the longer we keep them here the more it will cost the government so we are doing everything we can,” he said when asked about the issue.
DESPERATE - AND HEADING OUR WAY from page one
“People are leaving right now to come to Nassau because they are looking for their security. These people right now have no security, no Prime Minister, just nothing. “The economy is bad because people can’t come to invest money, everything is closed, people are getting kidnapped. Any second you walk on the road you get kidnapped. So, the two major reasons, security and the economy, are the main problems. “They are killing, they (are) chapping, they (are) kidnapping so all of that is on you. We are in trouble. That’s why people are leaving and looking for someplace to live a little better. That is why people are coming at this time.” Mr Racine continued: “It’s just a really, really, bad situation. Our President got killed and people can’t get any justice so more problems have happened. People don’t even want to send their kids to school. If you get your daughter and send her to school,
she could get kidnapped. Those people ask for big money. “This is the kind of country we have now.” He said he was of the view that the situation could see change if governments of both The Bahamas and Haiti work together to aid those needing help. The community activist said restrictions on Haitians wanting to leave the country legally could be relaxed and means to help them economically once they arrive in the country could be developed. “You need a few visas, three visas to get the Bahamian visa. This one is too hard. Maybe it could be two countries that have a relationship, two CARICOM countries, otherwise it’s too hard on the people. If you ask me to have a US visa, what do I need a Bahamian visa for? They could make it easier. Or if you are my friend, a Bahamian citizen I could ask you to apply for me. You have to make sure they are leaving after they finish visiting. The government could work together and make sure they leave. “Plus, they could open the country
to allow the Haitians to bring their stuff to sell and they could make some money, send their kids to school and take care of their family. “This could help to slow them coming on the boats every second.” The Royal Bahamas Defence Force said more than 400 migrants were detained Sunday after their vessel sank in the Ragged Island chain. On Saturday, 195 Haitian migrants were apprehended in two separate incidents. On Saturday morning, a sloop carrying 50 Haitians was intercepted off Inagua. Later in the day, a sloop was spotted in the Ragged Island chain. Marines aboard an RBDF ship discovered 145 migrants on board. The RBDF said that on Thursday evening, while on the way to Inagua with a group of 70 migrants, who were apprehended earlier in the day, marines aboard the HMBS Bahamas spotted another sloop just five miles west of Inagua with 151 Haitians on board. On Wednesday, authorities apprehended 86 Haitian migrants off Inagua.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Memorial Service For
Geraldine Rolle, 83 of Mussenda Ave., Garden Hills and formerly of Mangrove Cay, Andros, who died on September 10, 2021, will be held on Thursday September 30, 2021 at 11:00 am at Turning Point Ministries SDA Movement, Sealink Drive. Officiating will be Brother Paul Miller. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Roads. Precious memories will forever linger in the hearts of her children: Theresa Rolle, Claudine and Walter Lowry, Teno Greene, Stephen and Penny Rolle, Dena and Rudolph Smith; grandchildren, Cameron and Dorell, Kamyra, Khelson, Rasheed, Britta, Tariska, Kenton and Aniska Adderley, Bernard, Teno Jr., Tenika, Shantena and Tamico Carey, Raymond and Antonique Rolle, Charmaine and Terell Hepburn, Stephen Jr., Shavonya, Kianna, Shaniece, Darnello, Lando, Mikey, Ameiliah, Otis, Evangeline, Rudolph Jr., Rudena and Felix Delancy, Brittney and Calron Small, Rushon, Phillipa; great grandchildren, Daniel, Cameron Jr., Charis, Canaan, Kenaz, Zion, Angel, Tarfari, Rasheed Jr., Britten, Brittanique, Kenario, Timothy, Teliah, Tamia, Shamica, Tamico Jr., Latrey, Ayden, Ramiah, Terell Jr., Sherell, Gabriel, Rudolph III, Raniah, Kmari, Felencia, Felix Jr., Akai; great great grandchild, Jackai; sisters and brothers, Jestina Johnson, Hesterlyn and Samuel Wright, Maria Bowleg, Angela Neymour, Reliston and Beverly Greene; nieces and nephews including: Elvamae, Theola, Sharon, Jerome, Elvis, Jathniel, Minister Tyrone Greene, Alma, Reno, Godfrey, Claudia, Derek, Tracy, Bridgette, Sean, Trevour, Kenrick, Doyle, Keith, Nina, Shaneka, Gail, LaGacy and other relatives and friends including: The Bastian, Butler, Gardiner, Walkes, Wilson, Strachan, Clarke, Carey, Bain, Lightbourne, Stevens, Cash, Rolle, Deveaux, Adderley, Jolly, Evans, Mackey and Gibson Families and all those too numerous to mention. Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Ave. and Talbot Street on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.
Graveside Services for Rev. Alexander Leonard Hall, 53 of Yellow Elder Gardens and formerly of St. Ann’s Parish, Jamaica, who died on August 30, 2021 will be held on Wednesday September 29, 2021 at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating will be Bishop Delton D. Fernander, assisted by Other Ministers. He is survived by his wife: Sherry Thurston-Hall; mother: Pearlina Hall; daughters: Alexia and Samoya Hall; father and motherin-law: Rev. Ormond and Dec. Patricia Thurston; brother-in-law: Dexter Thurston: two sisters-in-law: Sophia Thurston and Sharon Hall; One niece: Alyssa Thurston; two nephews: Danny Jr. and David Hall; Siblings: Josephine, Christina and Elizabeth, Daniel, Joe, Robert Henry (a brother from another mother); Other relatives and friends: Tanya, Nathaniel, and Tashanti Curry, Tadashi Pierre, Portia Gray, Bishop Delton and First lady, Calpurnia Fernander, Rev. Tyrone And Lady Dorander (Dollie) Knowles, Rev. Johnathan and Michelle Ford, Dwight Rolle and family, Nikola Charlton, Emmarine and Viola Gray, Genevieve Turnquest, Hentley and Theresa Thurston, Luther and Irena Thurston, Ellamae Thurston, Carl, William and Miah and Barbara Thurston, Jason and Melissa Deveaux, Inga Morris, Norman and Wordell Dean, Frank and Calvese Gray and Alvin and Virginia Gray, Sam and Mary Gray, the Gray’s of Simms, Long Island, Anthony Johnson, Anna, Monique, Paula, Bridgette, Sharon, Angela, Chestley and Debbie Finley, Dennis and Gayle Bethel, Denice Wilmore, Kimberly Johnson, Mrs. Nixon Bethel, Sis. Lachelle Rolle, (Thank for going beyond the call of duty and I’m forever grateful) Rev. Charles and Rev. Laverne Rolle of Mt. Nebo Union Baptist and the church family, Mr. Godfrey Rolle, Mr. Terrance Bastian, Nicanor Thompson (thanks a million), Patrice Ferguson, Laketah Charlton, Mr. Craig Bethel, Mrs. Cleoa and Torquel Rolle, Sis. Ivy Charlton, Ann Lightbourne and family, Ms. Maxine Swann, Slovenia King, Marjorie King, Marvette Sands, Rev. Trajean Jodorette and family, Mrs. Paula Adderley and family, Paula Rigby, Delano Knowles, Mr. And Mrs. Joseph and TJ and all the Staff of Tony’s Cabinets, Ms. Zelrona Mackey, Stephen and Cynthia Edgecombe, Denice Ferguson, Mr & Mrs. Harriveson Mackenzie. If you did not see your name please forgive us, it was not intentional. Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Ave. and Talbot Street on Tuesday from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm.
Police Sgt 2619 Keiran Alain Dorsett, 43 of Commonwealth Blvd., Elizabeth Estates, who died on August 26, 2021 will be held on Thursday September 30, 2021 at 11:00 am at Catholic Cemetery, Tyler Street. Officiating will be Monsignor Alfred Culmer. He is survived by his wife, Latina Dorsett; children, Keranique and Keiara Dorsett Shanika Doneish and Phillip Marshall; sister, Rosemary Dorsett; aunts, Barbara Bethel, Wendy Talbot, Dorell Knowles of Miami, Florida, Donna Mackey, Frances Moss, Florence Rolle, and Sylvia Collie; uncles, Basil Cleare, Theodore Moss and Thomas Talbot; grandchildren, Jayden, Philicia and CJ; mother-in-law, Carmen Jones; fathers-in-law, Thomas Forbes and Roscoe Neely; sister-in-law, Tawania Gardiner, Rashan Sands, Tamara Gray, Kishlene, Judyann, Deeann and Alexandria Forbes; brothers-in-law, Delvano Jones, Demico Dorsett, Valentino Gardiner, Chester Ward, Steven Forbes, Robin Forbes, Karshie and Marvin Forbes; three grandaunt, Lighty Adderley, Gloria Sturrup and Prolene Smith; one granduncle, Uriash Sturrup nieces, Felicia Trinity and Dominique Moss; cousins Denesia and Sean Rolle, Stacey and Gary Wallace, Tabatha Cole, Kimberley Talbot, Monique Moss, Brian Moss of Brooklyn, New York, Tanya Tiffany Dominic Ted Moss, Crystal and Nina Moss; other relatives and friends including: Royal Bahamas Police Force Officers of A and B Squad of 1999, The Curfew Operation Supervisors, Supt Sean Thompson, Asp Keith Ferguson, Asp V St. Louis and Asp Addison Ferguson, Muriel and Ruth Nottage, Chavon, Patrice, Destine and Chavante Robinson, Cpl 2517 Craig Thompson, Sgt 2654 Melvin Thompson and Insp Jerome Thompson, Lashandar family, Hillary Higgs, Diana Duncombe, Murriel and Ruth Nottage, Tamal Curry, Audrey Woodside, Angela Gaitor, Hestine Kelson, Naomi Clarke, Maria and Delerease Burrows, Carlos and Shavanda Sturrup, Shonell Russell and Nashan Laing, Kevin Sturrup, Kaylisa, Alicia, Delarese, Lana Roseborro,Tracey Johnson, Yvonne, Lisa Dorsett and family Gloria Pitter and family, Kenva and family, Charlton Knowles and family, the Staff of Sbarro, Doctors, Nurses and Staff of The Legacy Ward, Brenda Forbes, Sharice Wright and family, Dina Johnson and family, Dr. Nadia Gilbert and Tameka Collie Bain. Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Ave. and Talbot Street on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.
THE TRIBUNE
Sorority bids to raise $1m for HBCUs BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WITH a focus on education, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc has launched its HBCU For Life initiative to raise $1m for historically black colleges and universities in the US that have provided scholarships to many Bahamian students. Felisha Seymour, president of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority Inc, announced that this is the fourth year that the chapter has joined with AKA sororities to contribute to such an important initiative. She encouraged the wider community of Grand Bahama to also join in the initiative by donating $35 or more to help reach the sorority’s target. The local chapter is hoping to raise $2,000 to go towards the sorority’s $1m goal. “Today, we are celebrating our target one – HBCU for Life. It is our million dollar drive, and all the AKA sororities around the world are teaming up with our corporate office to raise $1m in a day and the funds distributed to the various HBCUs in the US,” she said. “We are very excited about this initiative because education is the key and when you look back on our history, education for people of colour was not always accessible. And even though we can’t use the funds for our school here, it is always good to allow
others to go abroad,” she said. Ms Seymour said the Freeport chapter’s target goal is to raise $2,000. Persons can donate a minimum of $35. “Every year, the sorority has achieved the milliondollar target, and so every little bit helps,” she said. Shelley Stewart-Rolle, HBCU For Life committee chairperson, said several virtual activities are planned to celebrate HBCU week. Mrs Rolle said that all funds raised on HBCU for Life Impact Day go to the sorority’s educational advancement fund (EAF). She noted that many Bahamians have benefitted by receiving scholarships to attend an HBCU. “The money raised today by our international sorority will be donated to different HBCU schools, of which many of our members and community members are graduates. We are asking the public to please support this initiative because for $35, these students are getting full four-year scholarships with stipends, which never happened in my time,” she said. Mrs Rolle said the PUO Chapter kicked off HBCU Week on Sunday with worship online at the First Baptist Church with Rev Keith Russell, who is a graduate of an HBCU (Tennessee State University). Today, PUO will recognise HBCU scholarship recipients here in Grand
Bahama. Mrs Rolle said that a virtual HBCU college fair was held in April, with the Eta Psi Omega Chapter in Nassau, and the Eta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Some 1,500 Bahamian students throughout the country participated. Mrs Stewart-Rolle said Grand Bahamian Therea Roberts, of Tabernacle Baptist Academy, was the first recipient awarded a scholarship at that event. She stated that Ms Roberts and the other recipients will be featured on the PUO Facebook page. On Wednesday, community leaders on Grand Bahama that went to an HBCU will be highlighted. Among them are Malcolm Smith, the founder of the ASGARD Junkanoo Group, and Troy Clarke, who is with the LEAD Institution. On Thursday, there is an HBCU Dollar Day, and on Friday, an HBCU virtual trivia event will be held, where people will be able to win prizes. On Saturday, the group will spotlight HBCU entrepreneurs on PUO Instagram and Facebook pages. The sorority is asking people in Grand Bahama and Nassau to support these HBCU entrepreneurs, especially during these difficult economic times. For more information, visit the sorority on Facebook at facebook.com/ piupsilonomegaAKA.
ROTARY CLUB HOLDS EVENTS THE Rotary Club of New Providence had its traditional changeover disrupted in June this year due to the difficulties of COVID-19 restrictions. However, these setbacks have not deterred the new 2020-2021 president, James “Sam” Anderson from ensuring that the club continued in putting service above self. President Anderson was inducted in a combined Rotary Clubs of the Bahamas’ virtual President’s ceremony on June 30. President James is the 31st president of RCNP, and has been a member for 14 years. He has served in various roles and on other club committees. RCNP sponsors a Rotaract Club. Additionally, on July 27, the Rotaract Club of BTVI together with Great Commission Ministries and RCNP donated thirty-plus bags of groceries for families in need. While at Great Commission, members assisted in the preparation of lunch. On August 20, RCNP and the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled joined forces and delivered 14 wheelchairs to Nurse Naomi Christie Centre for
ROTARY Club of New Providence president James Anderson, left, and Immediate Past President Kevin Fernander. Older Persons, Twilight grocery bags of food. On Saturday, September Senior Citizen Home and A 19, the club hosted a service Comfort Care. On a visit to Nurse project in the St Barnabas Naomi Centre for Older community, on Cynthia Persons, the club’s service “Mother Pratt” Pratt’s park, chair picked up a broken where they prepared and rolling chair the home had served hot breakfast to thrown outside and took it more than 175 people. The club is presently for repairs. The donation of a wheel- hosting virtual meetings on chair was also provided to a Tuesdays at 7pm, but usuyoung paralysed lady that ally meet at Poop Deck often sits on the outskirts Sandy Port same day and of Cost Right and whose time. Members are anxious chair had prior damage. to return to face-to-face There was also request to meetings, as well as to get see if members could assist back into the community to a seven-year-old paraple- help those in need. The club also has a gic boy with a chair; and on Monday, September 7, the number of proposed fundraising events to garner presentation was made. Also on September 7, the funds to aid in their service Service Project Chair deliv- projects, as the club’s sigered food vouchers to two nature event - the Annual Horse Show usually held in senior Rotarians. The club also volunteered March had to be cancelled three days at the “Lend A due to the pandemic, but Hand” feeding initiative. will still have a steak-out as On September 2, 3, and 10, soon as limitations of the club members packaged emergency orders are lifted.
TRIBUTES TO FORMER COMPTROLLER PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has offered condolences on the passing of former Comptroller of Customs John Rolle who died yesterday morning. “Mr Rolle was a career public servant who served the Bahamas government and our country with distinction,” Mr Davis said in a statement. “He rose through the ranks at the Bahamas
Customs Department, achieving the rank of comptroller. “He is credited with leading many of the reforms, upgrades and the modernisation of the country’s principal revenue collection and administrative infrastructure. Mr Rolle is also distinguished with being that department’s longest serving comptroller. “He will forever be seen
as one of the shining examples and success stories of the country’s Bahamianisation policy.” Mr Davis said his administration thanks Mr Rolle for his long serving and dedicated public service. “While he will be sorely missed, the indelible imprint and impact of his excellent work will be felt and seen for many years to come,” Mr Davis said.
67 NEW CASES OF COVID CONFIRMED THE Ministry of Health recorded 67 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. Fifty-three of those cases are in New Providence, while 11 are in
Eleuthera, two are in Inagua and one is in Andros. Hospitalisations have decreased from 146 on September 26 to 142 as of
Sunday. Seventy-five of those cases are in Princess Margaret Hospital. Five hundred and twentythree people have died from the disease.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, PAGE 5
Fatal stabbing one of three Sunday murders By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net AN argument is believed to have led to a stabbing that left a man dead on Sunday night, according to the victim’s cousin. This homicide was one of three separate killings that occurred on Sunday. According to police, the latest incident took place shortly before 11pm. Officers received reports of a stabbing incident that occurred at the intersection of Cordeaux Avenue and Lincoln Boulevard. “The victim was transported to the hospital via
a private vehicle, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Police have taken an adult male into custody who is assisting with investigation into this matter,” police said. The deceased was identified as Orsman Augustine by his cousin Javon Joseph. Mr Joseph said he found out about his relative’s death through his sister. “My sister had been out with him. They were out together. She came back home and she like ‘I see he dead’... she came back home crying saying ‘I can’t look at him ‘cause he gone,’” Mr Joseph said.
Mr Joseph recounted having a conversation about death with his cousin before going out that foreshadowed his tragic death. “I was like I just don’t want to die drowning or see myself dying. He was like, ‘same I don’t want to get chap or juck up’... honestly, we were talking about that yesterday before he went out,” the cousin said. Mr Joseph said two friends were celebrating birthdays on the day in question and the deceased was apprehensive about going out. “It was two friends’ birthdays... He came here to
settle down for the night. It was the second one he gone to. He was like ‘man, I don’t want go. I’m going to stay home and do my homework or whatever.’” A long-time friend said the victim attended University of The Bahamas. He was studying electrical engineering and had one more year to earn his associate’s degree. “He was a leader and he was always vocal and he was a positive person who always put sense into people’s heads. Like he always talked sense into you, motivational stuff. He was very wise for his age. He always had energy
like it was never a tired day with him. He always had energy to work,” the friend added. Police are also investigating the two other murders that occurred earlier on Sunday. In the first incident, at around 1.30pm, police received reports of a shooting on Faith Avenue South off Carmichael Road. Officers responded, and on their arrival they found the body of a man lying on the ground outside a tyre repair shop with wounds to his head consistent with gunshots. Emergency Medical Services visited the scene and
pronounced the victim dead. Initial investigations revealed he was at his place of employment when he was approached by an armed man who shot him before fleeing the scene in a small vehicle. In the second incident, shortly after 10pm, police received reports of a shooting on Theodore Lane off Tonique Williams Darling Highway. The first responding officers were directed to the body of a man lying on the ground unresponsive. The victim had gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene.
GOVT STEPS IN TO ASSIST GB ACCIDENT VICTIM’S CARE from page one
public patient could have access to an essential medical procedure at the private health facility to save his life. He said Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama was not able to provide the care needed to treat the patient. “Many of you understand that we do not have the capability to deal with neurologic cases here on the island of Grand Bahama,” he said on Sunday. “In this particular case, we have a young man who needs to be airlifted to the PMH and ICU is presently full.” Cameron Pennington, 24, was injured while inflating a tyre on a heavy-duty dump truck. The tyre exploded and he sustained injuries to the head and right leg. The incident happened shortly after 2pm on Friday. He was taken to RMH for medical treatment. His family issued a plea on social media requesting financial assistance so that he could get the necessary medical treatment he needs. Dr Darville said when he learned of the situation he came down to Freeport to assist in the matter. “The government has stepped in on behalf of the family to address the financial needs of this family to have the procedures done. We worked out logistics and activated those protocols for it to happen,” he explained. “It is out of the ordinary because the policy is clear, moving patients from the public health care system to private health care system is not the responsibility of
the government, but in this particular case it is an emergency case and we need to move immediately to assist this family. “I am here today because arrangements needed to be made for him to leave Grand Bahama and go to Doctors Hospital where doctors are available to do the necessary procedures to stabilise and address the situation at hand.” Dr Darville said he came to Freeport to clarify any misconceptions associated with the case. He said the young man’s case was well managed and thanked the doctors and nurses for a job well done. He said time was of the essence. “We could not wait any longer and intervention at ministerial level was necessary to find the mechanism and financial support in order for this to be accomplished.” He noted the young man’s case and similar cases demonstrate the need for the catastrophic care component of National Health Insurance to be implemented. “During the campaign, the PLP articulated our plan on the way forward for NHI, and one of the things we said during this term in office we will move to implement the catastrophic component of NHI,” Dr Darville said. He noted the primary health care component has been going extremely well. He said a limited amount of services are provided in the public healthcare system. “We must be able to do a better job to give those
FROM left, Cherlyn Bain, Principal Nursing Officer; Sharon Williams, Rand Memorial Hospital administrator; Dr Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; and Terrell Humes, Consultant Surgeon, and, pictured right, Raymond Pennington, the brother of Cameron Pennington. Photos: Lisa Davis/AP who are in dire need of give common people who emergency services an do not have the resources opportunity to access them and opportunity for esseneven though they may not tial services they need.” have the resources to do it Roman Pennington, and we believe NHI is the Mr Pennington’s brother, avenue and mechanism to thanked Dr Darville and be able to do it,” he said. the hospital administra“And so, here it is in my tion team for stepping in to fifth or sixth day in office, I assist. am confronted with a situ“I want to thank (them) ation that clearly defines for stepping in, and to Minthe fact that catastrophic ister for Grand Bahama health insurance is essen- Ginger Moxey for reachtial. We cannot and will not ing out to us and helping us allow our people who need save my brother’s life. I also emergency medical service want to thank Dr Humes to do cookouts. We have to who was very helpful and find a better way to provide the hospital team,” he said. these essential services to He asked people to keep improve outcomes and to his brother in their prayers.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
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Haiti needs the world’s help HAITI is struggling. The detention of more than 900 Haitians since Wednesday last week has again thrown the spotlight on the problems facing the country. The Bahamas is not the only country having to deal with an influx of Haitian refugees – the United States has found itself having to deal with a considerable number of Haitians at its border with Mexico. Photographs have shown people wading across the Rio Grande as they try to reach a new home, capturing the world’s attention. Closer to home, we routinely see photographs of boats packed tight with Haitians being detained by Bahamians or US ships on patrol. Worse, we have seen too many instances of some of those boats overturning, with an unknown number of passengers being lost at sea. What they are running from is a country shattered by a succession of problems. It was the first independent Caribbean state after throwing off French control, but all it seems to have had in recent years is crisis after crisis. It has had dictators in charge. It suffered the 2010 earthquake that killed an estimated 250,000 people. It suffered a cholera outbreak traced to United Nations peacekeepers in the aftermath of that quake that killed another 10,000 people. Just last month, another earthquake rocked the country, with at least 2,200 people confirmed dead. And its President was assassinated on July 7, with the country’s chief prosecutor wanting the acting Prime Minister to answer questions. Around a quarter of Haitians live in extreme poverty, according to the United Nations. That means living on less than $1.25 per day. Even more, about 60 percent of Haitians, live on less than $2 a day. Could you manage that? So it is no surprise that people in a bad situation look for a better life elsewhere for themselves and their families.
We can blockade the waters, we can throw up detention centres, we can do all those things – but as long as Haiti is hit by instability and poverty, people will still take a risk and buy their way onto a boat to smuggle into another country. Looking farther afield, in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, refugees and asylum seekers from that country have been accepted in Germany, Turkey, Austria, France, Sweden, Greece, Switzerland, India, Italy, the UK and the US. Who is opening the door to Haitians, as they flee from a country that offers them little to no future? More than that, what are all those countries doing to give Haiti a helping hand? There is a problem with trust. The support from outside for dictators and the cholera outbreak sparked by outsiders would give anyone pause. The government itself in Haiti is unstable too – so who is it outsiders would be supporting anyway? All of these are hurdles – but they are only hurdles if there truly is a concerted effort to help Haiti. And there doesn’t seem to be. Haiti’s problems have been ignored for far too long. CARICOM can be the start of a response. If CARICOM wants to show that it is of value, then it cannot leave a Caribbean country behind in this way. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis made a good impression in his first speech at the UN as leader of The Bahamas, calling for vaccine equality and action on climate change. He is a familiar face in the region, but a new voice as a national leader – and he could make the most of that by calling on CARICOM to step up to the plate over Haiti. We do not pretend this is a job for one man, nor put all the weight on his shoulders – far from it, but it is an opportunity to make a change. Haiti is struggling. When will the world finally give it the help it needs?
The Minnis era of the FNM EDITOR, The Tribune. SHORTLY after becoming leader of the once respected and revered FNM, the Hon Hubert A Minnis (FNM-Killarney) publicly and politically stabbed the former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham frontally by declaring that the Ingraham Era was over. He thought, I am sure, that he was playing cute and dismissive. Ingraham held sway over Bahamian politics for almost two decades. A bare foot boy from Abaco without the benefit of a silver and golden spoon like Minnis and myself. He clawed his way out from nothing, literally, while seeking a better way of life. Minnis, based on the presumed “facts” lacked for nothing even if as he says he came from a single parent home. Had it not been for Ingraham, Minnis may never have emerged from the
bone yard. Yet, one of the first politically treacherous acts was when Minnis declared that the Ingraham era was over. I saw this as an overt act of ungratefulness and mean spirit. He sought to humiliate and disparage the very man who gave him a second chance to come back from the political ashes. Now, in less than five short years, the Minnis legacy, such as it is, has died in still birth. Less than two weeks after the general elections, people are asking: ‘Minnis who?’ He’s now been relegated to ‘He also ran’ and no one factors him in anymore. Bahamian politics is cutting edge and brutal. Here today and gone tomorrow. Minnis led the FNM into a snap election based on his perceived arrogant and myopic views. In any event, God has a way of reducing all to the level of one size fits all. The same big coat which enveloped Ingraham
and Christie has now caused discomfort to Minnis. The Ingraham era ran for a long time, successfully. MInnis burst on the same breathing fire and brimstone but, alas, his stamina fizzled out and in one shot he is now history. The Minnis Era, if ever there were one, is still birth and died in the womb. Never in our political history has a putative leader ever flashed across the screen with such gungho and disappeared with the slightest of whimpers like the limp Minnis era. Bother Christie was unceremoniously kicked out of office, but this was after a forty-odd years run. Minnis could not last a mere term in office. Rock with Doc or Good bye Doc? The Minnis Era, such as it would have been is over. God rest the dead. Jr
ORTLAND H BODIE, Nassau, September 27, 2021.
Time to stand up EDITOR, The Tribune. “IF Bahamians are not prepared to stand up and defend their own Bahamas, then ya don’t deserve to have it ...” -- Pindling. Those words are as true and meaningful today as they were all those many years ago. In a way, they may be even more meaningful today. We cannot deny that real and present dangers are facing this presentday Bahamas -- from both within our borders, and outside our borders. The real and vital question then becomes “Are we truly willing to stand up and defend our Bahamas?” It’s not a rhetorical question or an over-reaction and hysterical response to a minor crisis. We may either simply throw our arms up, get down on our knees and pray, or roll our sleeves up and get to work on the best solution(s) we can come up with. Our calendars, as well as occasional news items, will tell us that we are in the middle of the hurricane season. Geographically, we are in the middle of the hurricane belt. Recent memories of Hurricane Dorian will also tell us that we are still ill-prepared to deal with another “monster” hurricane. We never were. Still, today, we cannot point to a single “real” hurricane shelter for any community throughout the entire Bahamas. With the effects of global warming mitigating bigger and ‘badder’ weather events developing in the near future, The Bahamas can expect to be in the path of a “perfect storm” any day now. Consider the elements of such an impending perfect storm; metaphorically and literally. Then, consider ways that Bahamians could stand up and defend their own Bahamas. One obvious element would be the catastrophic onslaught of a category four or five hurricane moving through our archipelago and vanquishing New Providence, as Dorian did with Abaco and Grand Bahama. We know what brief, but heavy rainfall does to the streets
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net of New Providence, so just imagine..... Another element of an impending “perfect storm” would be the dynamics of addressing the critical needs of our population, with the surges in COVID19 infections likened to the patterns of high tide/ low tide, over a sustained period of time. Added to these internal national apocalyptic scenarios would be the external threat of hundreds or thousands of illegal Haitian immigrants swarming across our borders. Having a stream of undocumented Haitian migrants coming to or passing through The Bahamas is nothing new. This problem should have been adequately addressed or minimised decades ago. Kicking the can down the road or turning a blind eye and winking at the situation resulted in generations of people born in The Bahamas with an official status limbo. A resolution can, and must be, forthcoming with necessary urgency. That storm within a storm has been brewing for much too long. A remaining element of that “perfect storm” on our radar is the economic pillars, upon which The Bahamas stand, getting shakier and shakier. We have been borrowing, borrowing, borrowing like the well will never run dry. Maybe so, but what happens if the bucket springs a leak, or its bottom falls out? How long could our Bahamas survive without fuel for its economic engines, i.e. regularly imported essential goods? Perhaps we can’t stop the winds of that “perfect storm” from blowing our way, but what can we do to brace ourselves in order to suffer the least damages? Can we agree to leave our party colors at home and sit around that big round-table to put our thoughts and suggestions together in arriving at the
best strategies/outcomes? Maybe our collective initiatives could be augmented by treaties with our neighbors - to the north and south - to assist in the controls of our borders since the technologies and apparatus do exist to make a big difference in the flow of undocumented immigrants. As for proper hurricane shelters, through well-organized public/private sector cooperation and self-help efforts, each community can erect formidable structures with appropriate designs to protect Bahamians from violent storms. However the process is arrived at, those Bahamians who are committed to not being vaccinated ought to be allowed to exercise that right along with their responsibility of keeping themselves voluntarily separated from those Bahamians who chose to be vaccinated. Storm or no-storm, (perfect or imperfect) The Bahamas might well be in a better position with the implementation of National Identity Cards issued to all residents. These cards would be different from the present National Insurance Cards or Passports. These identity cards would have photographs, fingerprints and codes of genetic information. Anyone without such a card would be required to prove their right to be in The Bahamas, otherwise they would be fined, and/or deported, and anyone deported from The Bahamas would not be allowed entry into The Bahamas at any future time. We are indeed at a very pivotal point in our history and existence as a nation. The handwriting is on the wall. We may read and comprehend it, or continue on as though we are blind, deaf and dumb, dumb, dumb. “If Bahamians are not prepared to stand up and defend their own Bahamas, then ya don’t deserve to have it.” MICHAEL BROOKS Andros, Bahamas September 27, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, PAGE 7
Man accused of using debit card in frauds Memorial Service For
Deacon Plato Lester Small, 88 & Mother Marjorie Marguerite Moncur-Small, 84 TRAVIS Evans outside court yesterday, where he faced fraud-related charges. Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff By FARRAH JOHNSON Evans was also accused of attempted fraud by false Tribune Staff Reporter of obtaining $1,200 worth pretences during his hearfjohnson@tribunemedia.net of alcohol from Base ing before Magistrate Kara Road Wholesale Bar on Turnquest-Deveaux. A 33-YEAR-OLD man August 17 and defrauding During the arraignment, who denied using his debit Columbian Emeralds of the prosecution said they card to defraud several a $1,954.43 curb link gold would object to Evans business establishments of chain on August 15. being granted bail because over $10,000 worth of goods Prosecutors said Evans he was presently on bail for was yesterday remanded fraudulently obtained an similar matters. to prison pending a bail $898 AC unit from GenHowever, before the hearing. eral Appliance on July 30, magistrate could make a Police alleged that as well as a $1,270.08 unit decision, Evans’ counsel Travis Evans fraudulently from the same establish- requested additional time obtained $533.75 worth of ment on August 4. to formally present his alcoholic beverages from Evans was also accused arguments in support of his Liquor Heights Liquor of obtaining $2,640 worth of client being released before Store on September 17. liquor from Phoenix Super- his trial. As a result, the They further alleged that market on September 22 matter was adjourned to he unlawfully obtained four under false pretences. October 4 for a bail hearing. ductless air-conditioning Yesterday, he pleaded Evans will also learn the units worth $1,600 from not guilty to seven counts date of his trial at that time. Kool Tech Air-Condition- of fraud by false preIn the meantime, he was ing Company on August 10. tences and a single count remanded into custody.
JAILED FOR POSSESSION OF $250,000 OF MARIJUANA By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 38-YEAR-OLD man who was found with $250,000 worth of marijuana was yesterday sentenced to three years in prison. If he does not pay an accompanying $100,000 fine, he could risk spending an additional year behind bars. Police arrested Hiram Rolle after they found over 200 pounds of Indian hemp at a Stapledon Gardens home where he was staying on September 22. During their raid, officers also recovered ammunition from two different firearms. The court was told that around 6am on the day in question, officers, acting on information, went to Rolle’s residence armed with a search warrant. When they arrived, they informed the accused that the residence would be searched and began their investigation. The prosecution said once they entered the home, police noticed an assortment of yellow, brown and clear packages with marijuana, along with four live 9mm bullets stashed in a suitcase and a rifle magazine with one 7.62 unfired cartridge hidden in Rolle’s closet. When he was arrested, he told police his cousin told him to sleep at the house. During his interview with police, Rolle also said the drugs had been in the residence for two and a half weeks.
When he appeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux yesterday, Rolle pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to supply, conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs also with the intent to supply, possession of a component part of a firearm and two counts of illegal ammunition possession. He was subsequently sentenced to three years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and fined $100,000. Meanwhile, a Jamaican man caught with over three pounds of marijuana must pay $5,000 to avoid spending nine months behind bars. Police arrested Duwayne Tomlinson after they found the drugs in a car he was riding in on September 20. The court was told that around 2.35pm that day, officers on mobile patrol near Zion Boulevard noticed a Nissan Cube travelling west at a high rate of speed. As a result, they beckoned the car to stop and informed its three occupants that they would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms. The prosecution said when officers searched the car, they found two vacuum sealed packages with marijuana in a Super Value plastic bag that was resting on the backseat in “plain sight”. Tomlinson, who was found sitting next to the drugs, then told police that they belonged to him. He was subsequently arrested and charged.
During the hearing, the accused pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to supply. He also insisted that he was “sorry for his actions.” As a result, Magistrate Samuel McKinney convicted him of the offence and fined him $5,000 or nine months in prison. In another matter, D’Arcy Ford was arrested after officers found two grams of Indian hemp on him on September 20. He pleaded guilty to one count of simple possession and was fined $300 or two months in custody. Denzel Bullard also appeared before Magistrate McKinney charged with marijuana possession and deceiving a public officer. After he admitted to being found with 10 grams of Indian hemp on September 21, he told the magistrate that he only lied to officers because he was driving his brother’s car when he was stopped and searched by police. Bullard said the vehicle was licensed in his brother’s name and he was not carrying his ID at the time, so he decided to give them the wrong name. He was subsequently fined $500 or three months in prison. Bullard was also bound over to keep the peace for one year. Magistrate McKinney warned him that if he failed, he could be fined $500 or risk spending three months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
TWO ACCUSED OF ROBBERY AND GUN OFFENCES By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after they were accused of committing armed robbery and a number of firearm offences earlier this month. Giovany Octavien and Rashad McPhee were arrested after they were accused of using a handgun to rob Natasja Whyly of her 2011 Mitsubishi Colt on September 2.
Prosecutors said the pair were also found with a black Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol with five live rounds of ammunition, which they were also accused of using to endanger the life of Ms Whyly on the same day. Octavian and McPhee were further accused of using a gun to rob another woman of $5,236 on September 21. Police alleged that the men were also found with two .40 pistols which each contained
seven live rounds of .40 ammunition. Due to the nature of the charges, the men were not required to enter a plea and their case was adjourned to December 13 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. In the meantime, Octavian and McPhee were denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. They both have a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
residents of South Beach Eatates, will be held at Central Church of the Nazarene, East Street South, on Wednesday, 29th September 2021 at 11am. Officiating will be Reverend Dr. Antonio St. Louis, assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in the Western Cemetery, Nassau Street. MR. SMALL is survived by his Sons: Jerome, Stephen, Herschel (Darlene), Shadwell, Chuck (Mytra), Pastor Krichen, Rev. Daniel, Byron (Charlene), Mindell, Jason, RBDF (Sub. Lt. Retired) Dwayne, Stanton (Florence), Carlos (Kayna) and Matthew Small; Daughters: Rebecca Small, Min. Ruth Small-Brown, Retired Police Sgt. Esther Small-Miller (Chief Supt. James), Bridget Small-Alcide (Daniel), Bethsheba Small-Rahming (Wilfred Jr.), Hannah Small-Albury (Perry) and Renay Small; Adopted Sons: Chet Pitt, Ezekiel Chuck Pratt (Cleora), Larry Pratt, Rufus Dean and Robert Mackey; Adopted daughters: Prophetess Rosalita Reckley, Min. Viola Hepburn (Bernard Sr.) and Keva McKinney(Basil); Brothers: Vasco, Dugal and Shogi Small; Sisters: Musienne McDonald, Alsette Deleveaux and Eldeace Wright; Grand children: Lakiera, Leroy, Jamaar (Barbara), Kenton, Jonathan, David, Lashie, Sade, Shante, Azariah, Faythe, Jameson, Wesley, Devonia, Danielle, Talia, Daril II, Lashan, Monique, Chucquanna, Jubal, Taver, Teko, Adassa, Danielle, Talia, Rachael, Joshua, Daniel II, Elijah, Sarah, Xzavier, Alliyah, Euterpie, Shadae, Alexander, Christina, Dwayne Jr., Nakia, Atara, Reynardo, Leila, Andrew, Marvin (Rokeisha), Jermaine (Alexus), Jenine, Franchot, Hosea, Everaka, Pedro, Wilma, Bernard Jr., Bernito, Everkell, Evernard (Anite), Berneka and Berndera; Great-Grand Children: Xzavier, Alliayah, Pedroneke, Antoineisha, Ayden, Jamaar Jr., Jordan, Amare’, T.J., Vera, Reign, Logan, Jamaya, Se’Nai, Anay, Solange, Solace, Marvin Jr., Marvanque, Malique, Maquale, Trinity, Trinice, Trinaye, Samuel, Evernard Jr., Anario, Aniyah, Jamaal, Terrico, Terrica and Terria; Numerous nieces and nephews including: Donella, Manuella, Pam, Corliss, Darren, Lisa, Marjorie, Ricardo, Troy, Rawsette, Nadia, Beejay and Delano and a host of Other relatives and Friends including: Hilda and Valderine Small, Darsville Bevans and family, Margaret Major & Family, Central Church and the Nazarene Family, Logos Life Centre Church Family, Missionary Francita Nicholls, Doralee Huyler, Robert Johnson and Family, Yvonne and Derek Gardiner and Family, Leslie Rolle and Family, Amanda, Vandora Johnson, Mr. Rahming and Family, The BPL Family, Battery & Tire (7th Terrace) staff, Tarino, Garth Moncur and Vandeko Benson. MRS. SMALL is survived by her: Son: Rev. Daniel Small; Daughters: Prophetess Rosalita Reckley, Min. Viola Hepburn (Bernard Sr.), Rebecca Small, Min. Ruth Small-Brown, Retired Police Sargeant Esther Small-Miller (Chief Supt. James), Bethsheba Small-Rahming (Wilfred Jr.,) and Hannah Albury (Perry): Adopted sons: Rufus Dean, Shadwell Small and Robert Mackey; Adopted daughters: Michelle Tynes (Ian)and Keva McKinney(Basil); Sister: Alice Moncur; Grandchildren: Jermaine (Alexus), Jenine, Andrew, Marvin (Rokesha), Leila, Pedro, Wilma, Jabush, Bernard, Everaka (Victor), Bernito, Evernard (Anite), Everkell (John), Berneka, Berndera, Jonathan, David, Rachael, Joshua, Michael, Dianae (Delano) Azariah, Faythe, Jameson, Daril II, Wesley, Devonia, Jakiro, Ianthe and Ian Jr.; Great-Grand Children: Pedroneke, Marvin Jr., Marvanque, Malique, Maquale, Samuel, Ramon, Sean, Antoneisha, Trinity, Trinice, Trinaye, Evernard Jr., Anario, Aniyah, Jamaal, Terrico, Terrica, Terria and Ayden; Nieces and nephews: Jacettia, Linda, Carmel and Veronica, and a host of other relatives and friends including: Valderine Small, Eureka Watson & Family, Dorna Moxey & Family, Margaret, Robin and Lemuel Moncur II, Antoinette Turnquest-Murphy, Millicent Beckles-Pratt, Aloma Thompson, Margaret Major & Family, Central Church and the Nazarene Family, Logos Life Church Family, Bay Street Straw Vendors, The Straw Vendors Prayer Band, Missionary Francita Nicholls, Doralee Huyler, Tarino, Garth Moncur, Vandeko Benson, Robert Johnson and Family, Yvonne Gardiner and Family, Leslie Rolle and Family, Mr. Rahming and Family. Friends may pay their last respects at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, 28th September from 10am-5pm.
Graveside Service for Ivamae Clarke, 65 a resident of Mahogany St, Pinewood Gardens, will be held on Thursday, 30th September, 2021 at Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery. Interment will follow immediately after. Rev. Heuter Rolle. She is survive by her Children: Noemi Higgs, Craig Higgs and Kendra Rolle (Silvaro); Grandchildren: Makai Taylor, Keshawn, Khaliah and Ca’Mani Higgs, Aniyah Musgrove and Silvaro Rolle Jr.; Sisters: Elva Nairn, Enamae Dean, Gwendolyn Clarke, Sybilean Knowles and Rosemary Clarke; Brothers: John & Alex Stubbs and David Rolle; Aunts: Betty Paul and Cynthia Moss; Uncles: Quebell Rolle and James Moss, and a host of other relatives and friends including Bevvie Curling and family, Theresa Evans and family, Wally Crew, Theresa Black and family, Carrie Rolle, Michelle Hart, Sharon Reckley and family, Genevie McKenzie, Revd. Heuter Rolle and the Salem Union Baptist Church family. Friends may pay their last respects at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, 29th September, 2021 from 10am-6pm.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Small steps to a new dawn for women
THIS is a glorious time for women in The Bahamas. History is in the making! Seven women are about to be sworn in as Members of Parliament. For the first time, more women will have a say and will be able to represent voters in the House of Assembly than ever before. This win for women can be attributed to the advocacy of NGOs that have been working for years to bring the country to this point. For years, Zonta Club has been helping to promote the advancement of women. The women of Zonta have held workshops, walked the streets in inner city communities and promoted their cause through the media. We may know them well for their very visible campaign in tandem with the United Nations to “Say No to Violence Against Women and Girls.” But Zontians have done much more than that to agitate for the advancement of women. Their goals have always included seeing more women in leadership and in policy making. They insist that women’s advancement in society is crucial, while pointing out the role of men as leaders remains vital. They believe that with mutual respect and support, men and women must work together to take the country forward. Through the years, Zonta’s advocacy took shape in many ways. Zontians worked closely with the Department of Gender and Family Affairs (DGFA), which hosted Women in Politics sessions during National
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
Women’s Week in November of 2018. History makers in politics took part, including former Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt; MP Glenys HannaMartin; former Speaker of the House of Assembly Italia Johnson; and the first woman to serve as acting Prime Minister, first female Attorney General and the first female Member of Parliament in the Bahamas, Dame Janet Bostwick. A host of other women Senators, MPs, political party representatives, and civic leaders attended. They spoke about the need for the perception of women in politics
to change, so that young girls could begin to aspire to be policy makers. They spoke about the need for equality in campaign financing, and the need for family support. Women in Leadership sessions were also held through the years, designed to embrace a broader spectrum of current and aspiring women leaders, including politicians. But it was the Women in Parliament session held in December, 2020 that really foretold of the historic days to come. Leading up to Women in Parliament, Zonta held its “16 Days
‘While the number of women still hits below the international 30 percent minimum for political participation, our organisation is confident that this step will go a long way in achieving critical mass of representation if we want to see equality and progress for women in the nation.’
Marisa Mason Smith Zonta Club of New Providence
THE FIVE women appointed to the Cabinet are, from left to right, top, Lisa Rahming, Glenys Hanna Martin, JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Pia Glover-Rolle and Ginger Moxey.
to End Violence Against Women and Girls” from November 24 to December 10, International Human Rights Day. Zonta focused the campaign in the Nassau Village community last year. Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and MP for The area Halson Moultrie gladly welcomed Zonta to the constituency. A number of NGOs took part, including Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), which was born in the heart of Nassau Village. Then on December 11, he welcomed the first-ever Women in Parliament session to the lower chambers. In that special Parliament sitting, a Resolution for women’s rights was presented by the DGFA under the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Zonta, Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWIL) and other NGOs.
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The theme of the Resolution: “Accelerating the Empowerment and Advancement of Women in Parliamentary Representation, Economic Development, and Protection Against Gender-Based Violence.” The session was held in tandem with the observance of the 58th anniversary of the Enactment of the Right of Women to Vote and the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Women representatives from around the Bahamas and from different walks of life had their say. “The Resolution called for, in part, the country to Institute Quotas for all Political Parties to ensure that no less than: “30% of the constituencies in 2022 general election be reserved for women; “50% of Senatorial appointments by both government and opposition are women; “50% of candidates chosen to contest local government elections are women; “50% of Cabinet appointments be women; “50% of the constituencies in 2027 general election be reserved for women, so that The Bahamas will achieve its obligations to the Bahamian people.” Today, that Resolution bears a bit of fruit as we are gearing up to welcome seven women MPs to Parliament out of just under 40 seats. Also, the number of women in Cabinet has increased. MP Lanisha Rolle was the only female Cabinet Minister in the previous administration. Her leave paved the way for Pakeisha Parker-Edgecombe to join the Cabinet, still meaning just one woman had a seat at the table, among 18 men. The newly elected administration has five female decision makers in Cabinet, and they will serve side by side with 17 men. Nearly all of these women, and most of the women who offered themselves in the General Elections, participated in a four-day virtual symposium, which took place this past March. CIWIL led the session, in partnership with Zonta, the Inter American Development Bank and DGFA. The Parliamentary and Public Office Symposium brought together women from across the political divide, and was held for women aspiring to political office and public service as well as those already leading the way. Topics included: understanding the
Bahamian political culture; good governance and Government responsibilities; transformational and gender responsible leadership; strategies for running an effective political campaign; and communications for effective public and political leadership. I had the honour of being one of the presenters and I brought the topic: “Ten Golden Rules for Media Relations.” Marisa Mason Smith has been Zonta’s International Advocacy Chairperson for the past nine years, and she is the current and threetime President of the Zonta Club of New Providence. She has been an advocate for women fulfilling in quota under the CEDAW Convention signed by successive Bahamian governments for the advancement of women to public office and to Parliament. Following the results of the recent general election, she said the Zonta Club of New Providence (ZCNP) was encouraged by the many women elected to represent constituencies in the country, winning 7 out of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly (18 per cent). “We look forward to engaging in discussion with these new MPs and we thank them for offering themselves as candidates to serve the country,” she said. “While the number of women still hits below the international 30 percent minimum for political participation, our organisation is confident that this step will go a long way in achieving critical mass of representation if we want to see equality and progress for women in the nation.” The ZCNP believes that having more women in political positions are key to ensuring policies that support the advancement and empowerment of women are put in place. The ZCNP encourages Instituting Quotas for all Political Parties to ensure, among other targets, that no less than 30 percent of the constituencies in the next general election be reserved for women and 50 percent of Cabinet appointments be women. The Zonta Club of New Providence is member of Zonta International and is committed to empowering women through service, education and advocacy. Zonta International advocates for the rights of women and girls to be recognised across the globe and for every woman to reach her full potential.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, PAGE 9
Wise words as the world watches WHATEVER crises around the world are dominating the news and demanding attention from other countries, the focus of diplomatic activity during the month of September is always in New York where the United Nations General Assembly meets for its regular annual session. UNGA is the main policy-making organ of the UN and its function, according to the UN Charter, is to discuss and make recommendations on subjects “pertaining to international peace and security, including development, disarmament, human rights, international law and the peaceful arbitration of disputes.” This year’s 76th session opened on September 14, and its proceedings last weekend will have attracted the interest of Bahamians because of an impressive address by the nation’s newly-installed Prime Minister. The size of delegations was limited this year
The Peter Young column because of the global pandemic, and, although UN Member States were encouraged to provide pre-recorded official statements, over a hundred Heads of State or Government were expected to attend in person. These included Philip ‘Brave’ Davis who delivered his
BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly last week. Photo: Eduardo Munoz/AP speech in person at the podium on Saturday. In my view, it was a well-crafted and incisive speech and displayed gravitas and conviction – and, judging from the applause at the end, it was well received. Perhaps unsurprisingly, like British Prime Minister Boris Johnson before him Mr Davis concentrated on climate change as a real and present danger. He stressed the vulnerability of a Small Island Developing State like The Bahamas to global warming because of rising sea levels and hurricanes and said that Dorian,
‘JOG ON, YOUR HIGHNESS’ LAST week, I came across an amusing tale that others might enjoy. During a recent BBC programme called “The Royal Family Remembers” - which was earlier conceived to mark the 100th birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh - Prince William recounted how one day near Balmoral in Scotland his grandfather came across some school children carrying rucksacks who were on an expedition in connection with their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. When he greeted them and asked how they were getting on, the children clearly did not recognise him and he was told to “jog on, grandpa”. Prince William explains the actual words used were ruder than
that. But, accustomed as he was to coarse language during his days serving in the Royal Navy, the Duke of Edinburgh would not have been fazed by vulgarity and he continued on in good humour. This story has sparked some light-hearted comments in the UK press. As one observer put it, one of the most striking things about the Duke of Edinburgh was that, despite his unusual and diverse talents and the extraordinary circumstances of his long life which he had dedicated to public service, he always seemed to have his feet firmly planted in the soil of the real world inhabited by the rest of us. A man of many and varied achievements in
so many different spheres of activity, one particular endeavour that has benefited numerous people around the world was his creation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956. Its aim was to encourage young people’s development through self-improvement and the acquisition of new skills. The Award now operates in some 145 countries – including, of course, here in The Bahamas where it is known as the Governor General’s Youth Award – and it has changed for the better the lives of so many young people. Perhaps the moral of the story for others is not to take oneself too seriously – and that for everybody a bit of humility should be the order of the day.
which had struck two years ago as one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, was a catastrophic shock to the nation’s economy and the country more widely – and there was a sense of foreboding that the nightmare could recur. He, therefore, called for radical action at the climate change conference in Glasgow in November, including real commitments to cut emissions. He also spoke at length about the pandemic and the need for equitable distribution of vaccines as well as for new financing both for the COVID-19 crisis and in connection with climate change; and he emphasised the desirability of collaboration and co-operation in an interdependent world, repeating the mantra in connection with the distribution of vaccines that “you will only be safe when we are all safe.” It was also interesting the Prime Minister mentioned the need for the UN to take on a role in the oversight of global anti-money laundering and tax co-operation matters. He said the financial services sector was a crucial component of the Bahamian economy and access to the global financial system should not be undermined by the constant movement of arbitrary goal posts together with threats of exclusion from it. On this subject, it has always seemed to me bureaucratic juggernauts like the EU and OECD, which are constantly pressurising international
financial centres - in the Caribbean, in particular - to adhere to certain standards and requirements, need to be brought under some sort of political control. While it is important to apply effective anti-money laundering measures that are agreed internationally, constantly changing these and introducing fresh requirements has been causing increasing confusion and concern – and the EU’s and OECD’s demands should themselves be subject to greater scrutiny. Moreover, it is surely not in the broader interest of the West to seek to damage small Caribbean countries by forcing these centres to close down, thereby removing a pillar of their economies and possibly creating social instability or worse. Influential observers have long advocated elevating the issue to a global level through the UN and have called for the control of money laundering and terrorism financing to be subject to an international convention. As for foreign affairs more broadly, it appears many people are glad to see the PLP’s return to power means responsibility for this important subject is back in experienced hands with a government minister who is familiar with the international scene, values co-operation within CARICOM and will ensure, when necessary, that The Bahamas’ voice will now be heard more effectively not least by taking the lead on regional issues as well
as engineering CARICOM responses to international problems. As far as Britain is concerned, presumably economic issues and trade will be of concern as The Bahamas seeks to rebuild its economy. From what I have read, one priority should therefore be to ratify the UK/CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement which was signed in 2019 and has been provisionally applied since then. Agreements like this which remove trade barriers are helpful to the providers of both goods and services. Another issue of current interest is the increase, post-COVID, of the number of BA’s direct flights between Nassau and London and the start of operations on this route by Virgin Atlantic. The airlines’ websites are showing that with effect from November there will be eight direct flights weekly, with BA operating six and Virgin two. I expect there will be considerable pressure to update and clarify the coronavirus requirements for passengers travelling in both directions. The restrictions on those arriving in the UK from The Bahamas have been in place for some time. It seems to me that, with the number of extra direct flights, there will be mounting pressure to relax them and allow recognition of vaccine certificates in light of the likely large increase in the number of passengers.
Never to be forgotten SINCE this milestone has had little publicity, those interested in the history of the Second World War may wish to be reminded of the 81st anniversary this month of the famous major air campaign called the Battle of Britain which was fought in the skies over southern England. It took place from July to October, 1940, but the date of September 15 was considered the crux of the battle. The RAF’s eventual decisive victory over the German air force, the Luftwaffe, thwarted Hitler’s plans to invade Britain after the fall of
France and the retreat of the British Expeditionary Force from the French port of Dunkirk in May that year. Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s remarks at the time of Remembrance Sunday last November that “no virus should stop people from honouring those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom”, there was a pared down commemoration of the Battle of Britain last year because of the pandemic. In more relaxed conditions this year, a service was held at Westminster Abbey in central London
on September 18, attended by Prince Charles and the Prime Minister together with key figures from the government, to remember the 1,497 pilots and aircrew killed or mortally wounded during the conflict. A Roll of Honour was borne through the Abbey during an act of remembrance – and it is interesting to learn Westminster Abbey has held a service of thanksgiving and rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday every year since 1944. In 1940, German leaders recognised that plans for the invasion of Britain depended on winning
air supremacy over the Channel and the chosen landing places on England’s south coast. They judged the invasion would not be possible without protection from British air attack. That summer, therefore, the Germans waged a destructive and unremitting bombing campaign against ports and RAF bases as well as raids against London and other cities. But, although largely outnumbered, the RAF succeeded in fighting off the Luftwaffe with the result that the planned invasion was eventually called off and Britain survived to fight on.
In his history of the Second World War, Britain’s famous wartime leader Winston Churchill confirmed how the Germans considered that, in mounting an invasion, complete mastery of the air was a decisive condition in order to protect the crossing of the English Channel and the landings on the beaches. The operation therefore turned on the destruction of the RAF and the system of airfields between London and the sea. He wrote that it was learnt later that Hitler told his commanders at the time that, if the
Luftwaffe was unable to achieve this, the invasion would have to be put off until May 1941 because of the coming winter. But, of course, it was cancelled entirely. In his book, Churchill praised the RAF and wrote that “the stamina and valour of our fighter pilots remained unconquerable and supreme. Thus Britain was saved. Well might I say in the House of Commons: Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”. Unforgettable words, indeed, which British people savour to this day.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
FAITH GROUPS TRY TO AID HAITIANS HAITI Associated Press
FAITH-BASED groups — many of them long-time advocates for a more welcoming immigration policy -- have been scrambling to keep up with fast-paced developments in the Haitian migrant crisis, trying to assist those in need while assailing the harsh Border Patrol tactics employed against them. Before thousands of Haitian migrants dispersed last week from a camp in the border city of Del Rio, Texas, a coalition of churches and other groups was providing them with sandwiches, water and other essentials. Since dispersing, many of the migrants have received help from faithbased groups in Houston and El Paso as they seek to connect with relatives and sponsors throughout the United States. Immigration hardliners criticise some of the efforts by religious activists, saying their efforts encourage still more migrants to come. But those providing the assistance see it as an extension of their religious mandate to help the needy. “We are apolitical,” said Carlos Villareal, a Houstonarea leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has mobilised volunteers at a short-term transition center in Houston to assist hundreds of migrants arriving from Del Rio. “Our concern is mainly with the families, that we can help them,” Villareal said. “It’s also the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have done unto you.” The transition center was set up earlier this year at the request of the White House in response to earlier migrant surges, Villareal said. It provides the families with a place to shower, have a meal, and contact sponsors who would pay for their plane or bus tickets to join them while their cases go through the immigration process. Most of the Haitian migrants are expected to ask immigration judges for asylum or some other
legal status — requests that could be denied and lead to eventual deportation. Villareal says he encounters migrants with stories similar to that of his parents, who immigrated from Mexico in search of a better life, not to be a burden on society. “These people are just here seeking an opportunity,” he said. Mobilisation of faithbased groups began almost from the start of the sudden migrant surge in Del Rio, with Haitians converging from various Latin American countries to which they had fled from their beleaguered Caribbean homeland. Volunteers from a coalition of Christian churches and other groups in that region along the US-Mexico border prepared more than 10,000 sandwiches for Haitian migrants camping under the bridge that connects Del Rio with Mexico’s Ciudad Acuña, said Shon Young, president of the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition. Their work began with about 20 churches and grew to more than 100 churches and other organisations, said Young, who is associate pastor at City Church Del Rio. His church also collected donations, and the coalition set up an Amazon wish list that included juices, hand sanitiser and snacks. The response – from US and Haitian organisations and from far-flung individual donors – has been overwhelming, Young said. The camp held more than 14,000 people at its peak. Many of the Haitian migrants are being expelled and flown back to Haiti, but many others who gathered in Del Rio have been released in the United States, according to two US officials. The Department of Homeland Security bused Haitians from Del Rio to El Paso, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley along the Texas border, and added flights to Tucson, Arizona, one of the officials said. They are processed by the Border Patrol at those locations.
R KELLY CONVICTED IN SEX TRAFFICKING TRIAL NEW YORK Associated Press
R KELLY, the R&B superstar known for his anthem “I Believe I Can Fly,” was convicted Monday in a sex trafficking trial after decades of avoiding criminal responsibility for numerous allegations of misconduct with young women and children. A jury of seven men and five women found Kelly, 54, guilty of all nine counts, including racketeering, on their second day of deliberations. Kelly wore a face mask below black-rimmed glasses, remaining motionless with eyes downcast, as the verdict was read in federal court in Brooklyn. Prosecutors alleged that the entourage of managers and aides who helped Kelly meet girls — and keep them obedient and quiet — amounted to a criminal enterprise. Two people have been charged with Kelly in a separate federal case pending in Chicago. He faces the possibility of decades in prison for crimes including violating the Mann Act, an anti-sex trafficking law that prohibits taking anyone across state lines “for any immoral purpose.” Sentencing is scheduled for May 4. One of Kelly’s lawyers, Deveraux Cannick, said he was disappointed and hoped to appeal. “I think I’m even more disappointed the government brought the case in the first place, given all the inconsistencies,” Cannick said. Several accusers testified in lurid detail during the trial, alleging that Kelly subjected them to perverse and sadistic whims when they were underage. For years, the public and
news media seemed to be more amused than horrified by allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, starting with Kelly’s illegal marriage to the R&B phenom Aaliyah in 1994 when she was just 15. His records and concert tickets kept selling. Other artists continued to record his songs, even after he was arrested in 2002 and accused of making a recording of himself sexually abusing and urinating on a 14-year-old girl. Widespread public condemnation didn’t come until a widely watched docuseries, “Surviving R Kelly,” helped make his case a signifier of the #MeToo era, and gave voice to accusers who wondered if their stories were previously ignored because they were Black women. “To the victims in this case, your voices were heard and justice was finally served,” Acting US Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis said Monday. Gloria Allred, a lawyer for some of Kelly’s accusers, said outside the courthouse that of all the predators she’s gone after — a list including Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein — “Mr Kelly is the worst.” At the trial, several of Kelly’s accusers testified without using their real names to protect their privacy. Jurors were shown homemade videos of Kelly engaging in sex acts that prosecutors said were not consensual. The defence labeled the accusers “groupies” and “stalkers”. Kelly’s lawyer, Cannick, questioned why women stayed in relationships with Kelly if they thought they were being exploited.
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis made his own call for action on climate change as he addressed the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Saturday. Photo: Eduardo Munoz/AP
Islands caught between tourism and climate NEW YORK Associated Press COME visit the Maldives, its president entreated the world at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, moments before switching to an impassioned plea for help combating climate change. The adjacent appeals illustrated a central dilemma for many small island developing states: their livelihoods, or their lives? The United Nations recognizes 38 member states, scattered across the world’s waters, as small island developing states grouped together because they face “unique social, economic and environmental challenges”. This bloc is particularly vulnerable to climate change. This bloc is also particularly dependent on tourism — a significant driver of climate change, accountable for eight percent of global carbon dioxide emissions alone, according to sustainable tourism expert Stefan Gössling — and an industry devastated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The predicament these islands find themselves in is essentially recursive: Attract tourism for economic survival, which in turn contributes to climate change, which in turn bleaches the colorful reefs and destroys the pristine beaches that attract tourists. As is, by the end of the century, these low-lying islands could drown entirely. “The difference between 1.5 degrees and 2 degrees is a death sentence for the Maldives,” President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih told the UN General Assembly last week. The annual summit is an opportunity for each of the international body’s 193 members to step into the spotlight on the world stage. But the Maldives — perhaps best known globally as an Indian Ocean playground for moneyed honeymooners and Bollywood celebrities — had a particularly high-profile platform this year. Its foreign minister is serving as the General Assembly’s president and Solih was speaking third overall — just after US President Joe Biden. But the climate change appeals are nothing new, made year after year as these islands are pummeled by storms and the seas rise like a “slow-moving killer,” as Colgate University’s April Baptiste puts it. Baptiste, a professor of environmental studies as well as Africana and Latin American studies, researches environmental justice in the Caribbean region. She says the island states’ appeals had gone ignored for years because they were essentially seen as “dispensable.” With little land, political power and financial capital, it was easy to overlook their plight. These are also islands with a history of exploitation that dates back centuries and states whose fulltime residents — not tourists — are primarily Black and brown. “You have that layer of race, racism, marginality to take into consideration,” she said. “I absolutely believe that’s at the heart of the conversation as to why small island developing states are not taken seriously.” People and governments have taken matters into their own hands over recent years. One man from the island nation of Kiribati sought refugee status in New Zealand on the basis that climate change posed an existential threat to his homeland, though he was eventually deported. This past week, Vanuatu announced it would seek to bring climate change before the International Court of Justice. Although largely symbolic — any ruling would not be legally binding — the move, as intended by the government, seeks to clarify international law. Last month, a group of Pacific island nations — contending with encroaching saltwater that destroys crops and pollutes freshwater supplies — took the step of declaring their traditional sea boundaries would remain intact, even if their coastlines shrank beneath the waves.
PICTURED addressing the United Nations meeting, some in person, some by video link, are, from top, Taneti Maamau, President of Kiribati, Kausea Natano, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and Gaston Alphonso Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Gössling, a professor at Sweden’s Linnaeus University School of Business and Economics, and Daniel Scott, a geography and environmental management professor at Canada’s University of Waterloo, are two creators of the Climate Change Vulnerability Index for Tourism. With the aim of bringing the issue to policymakers’ attention, they identified the countries with tourism economies most at risk from climate change. The small island developing states made up a substantial portion of the list. “The Maldives identified this years ago and they pointed out: ‘We’re going to continue our tourism development, because that’s the only way we can make money in the next couple decades before our islands are lost,” Scott said. For the small island developing states, this central climate change tension between lives and livelihood is mirrored in their response to the coronavirus pandemic. To prevent the virus’ spread and save lives, they closed their borders, and their tourismfocused economies were accordingly ravaged over the past 18 months. Mauritius isn’t wholly dependent on tourism, but that sector does make up a significant amount of its foreign
revenue, the permanent representative to the United Nations for the tiny Indian Ocean island east of Madagascar says. Its borders fully reopen in October, and Jagdish Koonjul said Mauritius hopes to attract 650,000 tourists between then and next summer. Mauritius, Koonjul said, is “very lucky” compared to others in the bloc because of its economic diversification, relatively high land and coral reef that prevents erosion. But it’s not safe from climate change. Mauritius and other small island developing states are looking to the bigger, more industrialized countries to buy into an ambitious commitment at the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Glasgow. “We miss this train now, and we are doomed,” Koonjul said. The scores of speeches at this year’s UN General Assembly tended to follow a rubric. They opened with pleasantries directed at the General Assembly’s president and then touched on a laundry list of topics: perhaps a pet issue, but definitely conflict, coronavirus and climate change. The rhetoric often blended together, but the speeches from the leaders of the small island developing states — with the most to lose in the near future — stood out with stark eloquence echoing Koonjul. “Will Tuvalu remain a member state of the UN if it is finally submerged? Who will help us?” asked Kausea Natano, the prime minister of the Pacific Ocean country, on Saturday. The states had specific asks, including immediate and significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, debt restructuring and financial assistance — especially given the impact of the coronavirus on their tourism-dependent economies. “Industrialised countries have an obligation to assist the states most affected by climate change because they created a problem in the first instance,” Gaston Browne, prime minister of the Caribbean Sea’s Antigua and Barbuda, said Saturday. The same day, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves cast the major powers’ actions thus far as little more than “pious mouthings and marginal tinkering.” “On this, humanity is at the midnight hour. Can we meet the challenge? We may not live to find out the answer if the usual continues,” the Caribbean nation’s premier said. Salvaging the economic fate of these countries is complex. Baptiste says there’s no overarching policy aimed at retraining people whose livelihoods are vulnerable in new trades. And Gössling argues that, while they’re not the culprits behind global warming, the small island developing states aren’t directly confronting the friction between climate change prevention measures and their tourism reliance. “I also think there’s never been serious efforts by the SIDS to actually also consider different economic sectors, because very often it’s been very self-evident that you would focus on tourism, you would develop for tourism and that you, by definition, then almost would become dependent on tourism,” he said. “And I think the strange thing — this conflict has never been vocalized by SIDS.” What has been vocalised is a clarion call for substantive action taken by rich, developed countries. Now that the ramifications of climate change have reached countries that could long pretend it didn’t exist, the small island developing states hope the message is finally getting through. The poet John Donne wrote that “no man is an island entire of itself.” In the same vein, Solih drove home the point the island nations have been making for years: “There is no guarantee of survival for any one nation in a world where the Maldives cease to exist.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, PAGE 11
A CLEVELAND Indians fan holds up a sign during a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians yesterday in Cleveland. Cleveland plays its final home game against the Royals as the Indians, the team’s nickname since 1915. The club will be called the Cleveland Guardians next season.
(AP Photo/ Tony Dejak)
Last hurrah: Indians win final home game before name change By TOM WITHERS returned to the field to AP Sports Writer salute the fans. “I thought it was a nice touch,” said CLEVELAND (AP) acting Indians manager — As they’ve done in DeMarlo Hale. “They were countless ninth innings over outstanding in the ninth decades, fans in Progressive inning, that last out. Both Field stood to cheer during very nice gestures.” the final three outs. Cleveland won two World It was different yesterday. Series (1920 and 1948) as They chanted “Let’s Go the Indians, and came close Indians!” to winning it all in 1995, One last time. 1997 and 2016 only to twice The Indians won their lose in heartbreaking fashfinal home game before ion. Now, baseball’s longest becoming the Guardians, current title drought carries beating the Kansas City on under a new name. Royals 8-3 to close a run Monday’s matinee was that started in 1915 and will a makeup from a rainout continue next season with a last week, pushing the Indinew look and identity. ans’ sendoff to a previously Amed Rosario homered scheduled off day. and Cal Quantrill (8-3) The adjustment allowed pitched six strong innings to fans who wouldn’t have delight a Progressive Field otherwise attended to catch crowd of 13,121 that came history, and there were lines to see their team play with at the ballpark’s ticket office Indians written across their — an uncommon sight for jerseys for the final time. a team that has struggled “Not all of us have been with attendance. here for a long time, but we Ed Sosinski of Wickliffe, all respect what the Indians Ohio, nabbed a pair of seats have meant to Cleveland in the upper deck, partly as for the last forever and I a birthday present for his think we wanted to send wife, Michelle, and to close people off on the right a chapter. “I was here for note,” said Quantrill, who is their first exhibition game 8-1 since July 1. in 1994, and I thought it was “We’re very happy that appropriate to come for the this is how they will get to last game as Indians,” he remember the Indians.” said. “I had no excuse not Rosario connected to come.” against Jackson Kowar Once the Indians play (0-5) and finished with four their 2021 finale in Texas hits. on Sunday, there will be a Bradley Zimmer transition period before the homered off his brother, name officially changes to Kansas City reliever Kyle Guardians, selected from Zimmer, in the eighth. over 1,000 entries submitSalvador Perez drove in ted during a renaming two runs for the Royals. process. The home finale was the Cleveland fans have been club’s final game in Cleve- understandably conflicted land as the Indians, ending — and divided —- about a 106-year run in a city the change and expressed where the name will for- their wide-range of feelever be attached to those of ings as they prepared to say legendary players like Bob goodbye to the only name Feller, Larry Doby and Jim they’ve known. Thome. It’s been a mixture of sadBut now the Indians are a ness, resentment toward memory, just not yet faded owner Paul Dolan for or distant. making the switch and The team announced the anticipation of a new the name change earlier beginning. this year in the wake of a Hale empathizes with nationwide reckoning over those who might not be racist names and symbols. ready to see the Indians go. For some, the change was “Years and years and overdue. Others still aren’t years,” Hale said. “I know ready. it’s different in a sense when When “Take Me Out to you take on change. But I The Ballgame” was played truly believe that it’s going during the seventh-inning to be embraced over the stretch, Cleveland fans years.” shouted “root, root, root The Indians’ last game for the Indians!” as if to led to a late run on mersend a message. chandise. On Sunday, prices Following the game, in the team shop were furCleveland’s players ther slashed as fans bought
T-shirts, caps — anything with Indians on it. “It’s kind of cleared out,” said Gray Cooper, a high school English teacher from Lakewood, Ohio. “I’ve got enough Indians stuff that I probably won’t be wearing anymore.” The switch to Guardians has begun. For Monday’s game, there were 2022 schedules featuring the team’s new logo stacked in the back of the press box. “It just doesn’t look right,” one member of a TV crew said as he passed by. Beyond the team’s name change, it’s been a bumpy season for the Indians on several other fronts. An injury to reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber played a role in the club falling too far back to catch the Chicago White Sox, who clinched their first AL Central title since 2008 last week in Cleveland. Indians manager Terry Francona had to step away in July to undergo two operations, clouding his future. And, it’s been a little quieter at home games as longtime drummer John Adams wasn’t around due to health reasons. During Monday’s game, fans posed for photos, many using the giant scripted Indians logo above the left-field scoreboard as background. “They are still going to be our Cleveland baseball team,” Cooper said. “I have a lot of memories as a kid and I was kind of hoping they would win another World Series as the Indians. I’m hoping the Guardians can get it done before I die. That would be great.” SIBLING RIVALRY Bradley Zimmer’s solo shot off Kyle was just the fourth time since 1900 that a brother has homered off his brother. The others were: Joe Niekro off Phil in 1976; Rick Ferrell off Wes in 1933; and George Stovall off Jesse in 1904. FOUR SCORE Rosario is the first Indians player with six four-hit games since Joe Carter in 1986. UP NEXT The teams head to Kansas City for a 3-game series beginning today. Cleveland will start Aaron Civale (11-5, 3.90 ERA) while the Royals have yet to announce their starter.
A CLEVELAND Indians fan holds up a sign as the team celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Royals yesterday in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
PAGE 12, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Votto helps Reds beat Pirates 13-1 to stay in playoff race By GARY SCHATZ Associated Press CINCINNATI (AP) — Joey Votto homered twice and drove in four runs, and the Cincinnati Reds pounded the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-1 yesterday to stay alive in the race for the second NL wild card. Nick Castellanos, rookie Jonathan India and Eugenio Suarez also connected as Cincinnati (82-75) posted its fourth straight victory, clinching a second straight winning season. Castellanos had five RBIs, and India finished with four hits and scored four times. “I’d be lying if I said Nick and I weren’t competing. Competition is in our nature. When he drives in runs it doesn’t affect me. I still have my chances,” Votto said. “I’m taking more chances and with that comes more outs but I knew I could hit more home runs and drive in more runs.” The Reds pulled within 5 1/2 games of idle St Louis for the second wild card.
The Cardinals (87-69) need just one more win to secure the spot. “It is tough to see anything when your overall goal is to make the postseason,” manager David Bell said of the team’s winning record. “Maybe when it’s all over we can enjoy the winning season.” The 38-year-old Votto made a successful return to the lineup after missing two games with a sore left knee. The first baseman hit a two-run shot off Connor Overton (0-1) during the Reds’ four-run first inning, and then connected for another two-run drive against Cody Ponce in the fourth. The six-time All-Star has 35 homers and 96 RBIs in his best season since he nearly won a second NL MVP award in 2017. “I could have hit 50 home runs in my prime but I didn’t think it was as productive for the team,” Votto said. “I wanted to do what Juan Soto is doing, get
on base a lot with a high average.” Castellanos hit two sacrifice flies before belting his 33rd homer in the sixth, a three-run shot to centre. Reiver Sanmartin pitched 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball for Cincinnati in his big league debut. The 25-year-old lefthander struck out five and walked one in the makeup of a rainout last week. “I was very impressed with Sanmartin,” Bell said. “It was just like we’ve heard about him. “He threw strikes. I’m sure he enjoyed every minute of it.” Sanmartin was promoted from Triple-A Louisville to step in for Wade Miley, who is on the injured list with a neck strain. Sanmartin became the first Cincinnati pitcher to win his first career start since Amir Garrett in 2017. “I was pretty emotional all day,” Sanmartin said through a translator. “I wanted to prove to everyone I belong here. There were nerves in the
CINCINNATI Reds’ Reiver Sanmartin throws during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Cincinnati yesterday. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) beginning but after that I was able to concentrate.” Anthony Alford had two hits for last-place Pittsburgh (58-98), including a double. Alford scored the Pirates’ run on Sanmartin’s wild pitch in the fifth. “I think it was a combination of both the ballpark and our decimated rotation,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I’m not going to take anything away from them. Cincinnati swings the bats good. They have good hitters, and it caught up with us. We didn’t execute pitches, and they hit them.”
ABOUT THIS YEAR It’s the first winning record for Cincinnati in a 162-game season since it went 90-72 in 2013. The Reds went 31-29 in the 60-game 2020 season. Cincinnati finished its home schedule with a 44-37 record. TRAINER’S ROOM Pirates: C Jacob Stallings was eligible to return from the seven-day concussion protocol list on Monday. Stallings has resumed baseball activities but has not been activated. Reds: RHP Luis Castillo was placed on the family
DETROIT Tigers and Chicago White Sox benches clear in the ninth inning of a baseball game in Detroit yesterday.
medical emergency list. He is scheduled to make his next start on Friday at Pittsburgh. UP NEXT Pirates: Open their final homestand of the season tonight against the Cubs. Mitch Keller (5-11, 5.96 ERA) starts for Pittsburgh, and Alec Mills (6-7, 4.96 ERA) pitches for Chicago. Reds: Head to Chicago for a 2-game series against the White Sox. RHP Riley O’Brien is slated to make his big league debut tonight, and RHP Reynaldo López (3-3, 3.16 ERA) starts for the White Sox.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
White Sox hold off Tigers with 8-7 win after benches clear By DANA GAURUDER Associated Press DETROIT (AP) — Eloy Jiménez hit a two-run home run, Yasmani Grandal homered to spark a six-run fourth inning and the AL Central champion Chicago White Sox held off the Detroit Tigers in a testy 8-7 win yesterday. The benches cleared after Chicago first baseman Jose Abreu and Detroit shortstop Niko Goodrum exchanged words when Abreu was tagged out attempting to steal second base in the ninth. Abreu had been hit by a pitch from Alex Lange one inning after the Tigers’ Isaac Paredes was hit by a pitch. There were no ejections. Jimenez reached base four times and scored two runs. Cesar Hernandez and Zack Collins drove in two runs apiece in the makeup of a game postponed last Wednesday because of rain. White Sox starter Dallas Keuchel (9-9) gave up two
runs on seven hits in five innings. Liam Hendriks pitched the ninth, giving up one hit, for his 37th save. Jonathan Schoop homered for the Tigers, who had defeated Chicago in their last four meetings. Eric Haase had a two-run single and Niko Goodrum supplied a two-run triple during the Tigers’ five-run eighth. Matt Manning (4-7) issued a career-high five walks while allowing six runs in 3 1/3 innings. OFF THE ROAD The White Sox finished 6-5 on an 11-day road trip during which they clinched their first Central title since 2008. They’ll play five home games, including three against the Tigers, before the postseason begins. WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR The loss was the 81st for Detroit, assuring that it will not have a winning record for a fifth consecutive season.
UP NEXT White Sox: RHP Reynaldo Lopez (3-3, 3.16 ERA) will start the opener of a two-game series against Cincinnati on Tuesday. Lopez is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA this month and has given up a combined four home runs in his last two starts. Tigers: LHP Tyler Alexander (2-3, 4.10 ERA) will start the opener of a threegame series at Minnesota on Tuesday. Alexander has a 7.20 ERA in four appearances, including two starts, against the Twins this season.
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THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, PAGE 13
Prescott, Cowboys beat Eagles in 1st home game since injury By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott ran toward the tunnel, raising his arms to the fans and tossing them souvenirs after the Dallas Cowboys manhandled the Philadelphia Eagles in prime time. The scene was a stark contrast to almost a year earlier, when the star quarterback was in tears as he rode on a cart through the same spot after the gruesome ankle injury that ended his season. Prescott threw for three touchdowns in his first home game since the injury, Trevon Diggs returned an interception 59 yards for a score and the Cowboys beat the Eagles 41-21 on Monday night. “Just thankful for everything that I’ve been through, all of the hard work that made me account for just to be back out here doing what I love,” Prescott said. “It’s the greatest place to play football.” Ezekiel Elliott ran for a season-high 95 yards and two touchdowns, and tight end Dalton Schultz had the first two-TD game of his career. Except for a fumble in the end zone that gave the Eagles (1-2) their first touchdown, Prescott was efficient, going 21 of 26 for
238 yards without an interception in the first NFC East game for both teams. Prescott’s first game at AT&T Stadium since the season-ending compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in Week 5 last year against the New York Giants was also the return to full capacity after the pandemic-imposed limits last season. There were 93,267 fans inside with the retractable roof open at the $1.2 billion facility. “A guy like Dak, he’s going to be psyched regardless,” Elliott said. “There’s not any extra he can get besides just the competitor he is, the player he is.” The Cowboys (2-1) had a 19-1 edge in first downs late in the first half, but the Eagles were down just 20-7 at the break. After Javon Hargrave forced Prescott’s fumble and caught the ball for the score, the Eagles stuffed the QB on a fourthdown sneak at the other end. Diggs stepped in front of a pass from Hurts to the sideline on the third play of the second half and ran untouched for his first career TD while becoming the first Dallas player with a pick in each of the first three games since Everson Walls in 1985. Diggs and Cincinnati’s Logan Wilson share
COWBOYS running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) breaks a tackle attempt by Eagles safety Anthony Harris, bottom left, as he sprints to the end zone for a touchdown in the first half last night. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth) the NFL lead with three interceptions. Hurts had completions of 41 yards to Quez Watkins, 38 yards to tight end Dallas Goedert and 27 yards to tight end Zach Ertz while finishing 25 of 39 for 326 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. Plenty of the Texas native’s passing
yards, and the second TD, came with the game out of reach.Prescott’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Schultz put the Cowboys ahead for good at 14-7 late in the first quarter, and a 2-yarder to Cedrick Wilson on fourth down essentially put the game away at 34-14 early in the fourth.
Any doubt was erased when rookies Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa shared a sack of Hurts on a desperation try on fourthand-9 midway through the fourth quarter. Odighizuwa had his first career sack in the first half, dropping Hurts for an 11-yard loss.
Schultz, who led Dallas with 80 yards receiving, scored again on a 22-yarder in the fourth quarter. HALL OF FAME RINGS Jimmy Johnson, who coached the Cowboys to a pair of Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, made a rare appearance on their home field when he was presented his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring at halftime along with safety Cliff Harris and receiver Drew Pearson. All three were inducted this summer. Johnson started his speech by thanking owner Jerry Jones and ended it with the famous line he first shouted after an NFC championship game win over San Francisco during the 1992 season: “How ‘bout them Cowboys!” Johnson and Jones split acrimoniously after another Super Bowl title to finish the 1993 season. The two hugged before Jones put the ring on Johnson. UP NEXT Eagles: Defending AFC champion Kansas City visits Sunday with the Chiefs coming off consecutive losses for the first time since October 2019. Cowboys: Carolina visits Sunday with the Panthers seeking their first 4-0 start since the 2015 season, when they started 14-0 and lost to Denver in the Super Bowl.
UEFA abandons disciplinary case against Super League rebels By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer UEFA has been forced to abandon its attempt to ban Super League clubs Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid from the Champions League due to court action over the governing body’s attempt to punish the rebellion. A Spanish court injunction in June led to UEFA initially pausing the disciplinary case against the clubs who refused to renounce the project which collapsed in April. A renewed demand last week from a Madrid judge for UEFA officials to comply with the ruling not to sanction the clubs led to the disciplinary case being officially scrapped on Monday night. “In the matter related to a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework in connection with the so called ‘Super League,’”
the governing body said in a statement, “the UEFA Appeals Body has declared today the proceedings null and void, as if the proceedings had never been opened.” The UEFA case was launched in the fallout from the stunning launch of the Super League by 12 clubs in April. The plan to split from the existing Champions League run by UEFA collapsed within 48 hours after the English clubs — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester clubs United and City — pulled out amid a backlash from their own fans and the government. Three of the other Super League founding members — AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid — also quickly backed out. The nine clubs agreed on a settlement deal with UEFA which would see them forfeit 5% of their
prize money from a single season in European competition and pay a combined 15 million euros ($18.3 million) also as a “gesture of goodwill” to benefit children, youth and grassroots football. No cash will now be handed over. “UEFA has informed the nine clubs that in view of the pending court proceedings in Madrid, and to avoid any unnecessary complication,” the organization said, “UEFA will not request payment of any of the amounts offered in the May declarations of the clubs, as long as the court proceedings in Madrid involving, among others, UEFA are pending.” A Spanish judge last week gave UEFA five days to confirm it will abide by the court’s ruling and not punish the teams for their involvement in the Super League. Their case was
REAL Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Mallorca at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) also notified by the judge in Madrid to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. A deadline for submissions to the court is next month.
UEFA could open a new disciplinary case at a later point against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus if it wins the European case. UEFA said it “will continue
to take all necessary steps, in strict accordance with national and EU law, in order to defend the interests of UEFA and of all football stakeholders.”
MATCHDAY: PSG HOSTS MAN CITY, REAL MADRID FACES SHERIFF A LOOK at what’s happening in European soccer today: GROUP A As Manchester City travels to Paris Saint-Germain in a rematch of last year’s semifinal, it’s all about egos in the French capital. After getting substituted during Saturday’s 2-0 league win against Montpellier, Kylian Mbappe was caught on camera complaining to a teammate that Neymar — who assisted Julian Draxler for PSG’s second goal — did not pass him the ball. The incident prompted a debate in French media on the impact of Lionel Messi’s arrival at the club on the relationship between Mbappe and Neymar. The pair have played five games together this season, failing to provide assists to each other. Neymar and Mbappe have enjoyed an excellent relationship so far, but Messi’s signing has brought about major change. Messi and Neymar, who have a close relationship with Argentina forward Angel Di Maria, rekindled the close bond and complicity they had in Barcelona,
giving the impression that Mbappe is somewhat left aside. “While Leo, Angel and Neymar know each other, we have to integrate Kylian into it all,” PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino recently said. “It’s going to take a little time.” GROUP B Porto hosts Liverpool coming off an unbeaten start to its season with five wins and three draws, including at Atlético Madrid to begin its Champions League campaign. Porto won its three matches at home by outscoring opponents 10-0. Veteran central defender Pepe is still listed as doubtful because of a left leg muscle injury sustained in the 0-0 draw against Atlético in Madrid. Atlético visits AC Milan still waiting for a breakthrough performance from Antoine Griezmann in his return to the club. Griezmann is winless in eight matches with Atlético this season. The defending Spanish champion has struggled recently with only one victory in its last four matches, including the draw against Porto. Its
PSG’S KYLIAN MBAPPE, left, trains with Lionel Messi during a training session at the Paris SaintGermain training ground in Saint Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris, yesterday. PSG will play Manchester City today in a Champions League Group A soccer match. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) last match was a stunning 1-0 defeat at then lastplace Alavés in the Spanish league. AC Milan is without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is out with an Achilles tendon problem. GROUP C Sporting Lisbon visits Borussia Dortmund with only one loss all season
— the demoralizing 5-1 rout at home against Ajax in its return to the Champions League after a three-year absence. Coach Rúben Amorim may not be able to count on Gonçalo Inácio and Pedro Gonçalves because of injuries. Ajax meets Besiktas for the first time in 28 years in a fun
mood. Sebastien Haller’s four in the win over Sporting has not been a blip. Ajax is on a run of seven successive wins, 29 goals scored and one conceded. Haller leads the team with nine in all competitions. Besiktas has been going the other way. It started the campaign losing to
Dortmund at home, and comes off last Friday from blowing a Super Lig lead and losing for the first time in nearly five years. GROUP D Real Madrid hosts Sheriff hoping Karim Benzema and Vinícius Júnior will quickly get back in form after faltering in the team’s disappointing 0-0 home draw against Villarreal in the Spanish league this weekend. It was the first time this season that Madrid’s attack was held scoreless after outscoring opponents 22-8 in its first seven matches in all competitions. Either Benzema or Vinícius Júnior scored at least once in five of the first seven matches. Rodrygo was the Madrid scorer in the 1-0 win at Inter Milan in its Champions League opener. Sheriff comes to Madrid atop Group D after opening with a home win against Shakhtar Donetsk. Inter visits Shakhtar Donetsk with its attack clicking despite the departure of Romelu Lukaku. Inter has 20 goals in six Serie A matches.
PAGE 14, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
AT NBA MEDIA DAYS, COVID AND VACCINES REMAIN DOMINANT TOPICS FROM PAGE 16 “When I felt like it was the right time, I did it,” said Gobert — the first NBA player who was known to test positive for COVID-19, back on March 11, 2020. Same goes for Giannis Antetokounmpo of the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks, who still isn’t totally sure if the vaccine will present issues down the road. But much like sentiments expressed by Portland’s Damian Lillard and Memphis’ Ja Morant, Antetokounmpo — a father of two — said his family played a major role in his decision to get vaccinated. “I did what was best for me and my family’s safety. ... You do whatever it takes for you and your family to be OK,” Antetokounmpo said. The Spurs have a fully vaccinated roster, Popovich said. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers said last week that they would have the same, and some other clubs — including Utah, Portland, Houston and Charlotte — said they were at the 100 percent mark. Other teams are close to being fully vaccinated. Miami will be by the start of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation told The
Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity yesterday because the Heat vaccine rate has not publicly revealed by the team. Toronto general manager Bobby Webster said the Raptors are “one dose” away from being there, as did Atlanta GM Travis Schlenk. Leaguewide, the rate is believed to be around 90 percent and climbing. “There is still a lot of stuff going on out there,” Popovich said. “You see all the bumps in cases here and there. You see all the areas where people are not vaccinated. It’s a double-edged sword. I think we are in good shape right now. We’re trying to do everything we can to make sure we can be safe, which means we’ve got to be disciplined day to day to day to day.” Players who are vaccinated will not be tested often; unvaccinated players will be tested on all practice days and travel days, and at least once on game days. The list of unvaccinated players includes Washington’s Bradley Beal — who missed out on the chance to play for an Olympic gold medal with USA Basketball this summer after testing positive. Beal said he remains unvaccinated for “personal reasons,” and has questions about why someone can still contract the virus even after being vaccinated.
“Would I love to sit here and tell you that we’re 100 percent vaccinated? I’d be thrilled about that,” Denver coach Michael Malone said. “The fact is that we’re not, and that’s all I’ll say on that matter regarding who is and who’s not. It’s a delicate balance. It is not my place to tell somebody that they have to be vaccinated.” Irving is among the individuals at the centre of that debate in the NBA right now. By local rule in New York, to play for the Nets at home this season Irving would have to be vaccinated or receive an exemption — something that Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins sought from the NBA unsuccessfully last week because San Francisco has similar rules. “I’m just going to keep fighting for what I believe,” Wiggins said yesterday. Irving wasn’t at media day in Brooklyn yesterday, instead appearing remotely and refusing to say if he plans to play in home games. “Please respect my privacy,” Irving said. Added Nets forward Kevin Durant, at media day: “That’s on Kyrie. That’s his personal decision.” Irving is keeping his status and reasoning private. Orlando’s Jonathan Isaac is not.
Isaac, whose mother works in health care, has had COVID-19 already. He is not vaccinated, but insisted he is not anti-vaccine, anti-medicine, or anti-science, either. “I thank God, I’m grateful, that I live in a society where vaccines are possible and we can protect ourselves and have the means to protect ourselves in the first place,” Isaac said. “That being said, it is my belief that the vaccine status of every person should be their own choice. ... I’m not ashamed to say that I’m uncomfortable with taking the vaccine at this time.” Media day tends to have some loose moments, and Durant was at the forefront of one of those when he was asked why people call him “KD.” The reporter — “Dave from Basketball Digest” — was none other than David Letterman, who got laughs from media that were present even though Durant didn’t outwardly show any happiness with the line of questioning. Popovich joined San Antonio reporters to ask the hard-hitting question of why shooting matters in basketball, and in Miami, Jimmy Butler crashed Kyle Lowry’s first Heat availability in an effort to get him to endorse his coffee brand. “He’s going to pay me very handsomely,” Lowry said.
There were also reminders that the pandemic isn’t over. Udoka, entering his first season as Celtics’ coach, is wrapping up a 10-day quarantine after testing positive and plans to be at the team’s first practice today. Phoenix’s Devin Booker wasn’t at Suns media day, already in the league’s health and safety protocols — indicating some sort of testing or contact-tracing issue. But camps are opening. A regular 82-game season is planned. Fans will be back in buildings. Popovich, the NBA’s longesttenured current coach who said he qualified for his booster shot already because he’s in his 90s — he’s really only 72 — may have summed up the order of things in the NBA now perfectly with this assessment: “Normalcy, with a good dose of caution.” “I think getting vaccinated is your choice,” Indiana guard Malcolm Brogdon said. “I think it’s absolutely your choice. But at the same time, we’re trying to protect the entire NBA. Not just our team, but the entire NBA.” • AP Sports Writers Jimmy Golen, Michael Marot, Steve Megargee, Paul Newberry, Arnie Stapleton and Associated Press Writers Raul Dominguez and Ian Harrison contributed to this report.
Porter agrees to 5-year While Kawhi, Klay deal with Nuggets, wait, Zion wants to be worth up to $207m back opening night By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer DENVER (AP) — Sharpshooting forward Michael Porter Jr. has agreed to a five-year maximum extension with the Denver Nuggets that could be worth up to $207 million. His agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on Monday. ESPN first reported the deal. Porter’s agreement would be worth at least $173 million over five years and could rise to the supermax level of $207 million over that span if he reaches certain criteria this season. He’s assured of making at least $29.8 million in 2022-23, a figure that would rise if he qualified for more by being voted onto an AllNBA team or winning the league’s MVP award this season. This crowns a meteoric rise for Porter, whose college basketball career at Missouri was derailed by a back injury so severe that many questioned if he was worth the risk of being taken in the 2018 NBA draft. He slid to Denver at No. 14, the final lottery selection, and has been rewarded handsomely. Porter is averaging 14.4 points per game in the NBA, eighth-best of those taken in that class. The 23-year-old Porter is coming off a season in which he averaged 19 points and 7.3 rebounds. He also led the Nuggets with 170 3-pointers. Next step: Up his game even more.
JONES FROM PAGE 16
nine points and a team high 16 rebounds in the Hornets’ 80-79 loss to the Toronto Raptors. On what he learned in the Summer League, Jones said: “You can’t dunk everything” and laughed before adding: “I’m going to try to dunk everything.” Jones was selected No. 19 overall by the New York Knicks but his rights were traded to the Hornets for
NUGGETS forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) controls the ball in the second half of Game 4 of an NBA second-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns in Denver on June 13. (AP) Maybe even to the lofty levels of what he accomplished during the NBA bubble in 2020. He was named to the All-Bubble second team after averaging 22 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists over Denver’s eight seeding games. “He’s put up incredible numbers for a guy that’s only played two years in the NBA,” coach Michael Malone said. “And the sky is the limit. Offensively, I think he has to be more disciplined in running the floor. The guy shoots the corner 3 like a layup, but now we have to get him to the corners more. “He’s got to be more disciplined in that instead of stopping in the middle of the floor or above the break. We’re all, each of the 30 teams, trying to generate more corner 3s and in transition that’s a great way to get them.” Porter also has been working on shoring up his defense. “He doesn’t want to be a liability and he wants to be
a future first round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft in June at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said the trade with the Knicks hinged solely on Jones’ availability at pick 19. “I think it just speaks to how they feel about me as an organisation, the type of player that they know that I could become and what I am right now. I think it speaks to their belief in me and how excited they are
a player that I can trust at the end of games to close out games when we need a big stop,” Malone said. “I love the fact that he’s aware of that and he knows that it’s not about being a great scorer.” This marked the second big extension this month for Denver. The team also agreed with Aaron Gordon on a four-year, $92 million deal. NBA MVP Nikola Jokic signed a five-year deal in ‘18 and point guard Jamal Murray in ‘19. On Monday morning, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly seemed confident a deal would get completed. “The neat thing about extensions are there’s no acrimony,” Connelly said. “When you have extension talks, it should be nothing but smiles because it’s indicative of a relationship that doesn’t have to yet be extended but we’re looking to do so. I think both the team and Michael can’t imagine him being elsewhere.”
for my future,” Jones said. “I think my biggest strength is my versatility, my ability to impact the game all around and some things I would continue to work on are my consistency and my shooting. Just building good habits on my shot so I can be a knockdown shooter in the NBA.” A 6’11”, 225-pound player versatile enough to play all three frontcourt positions, he is already looking ahead to his new NBA home in Charlotte,
KAWHI Leonard and Klay Thompson know it will be a while before they can get back onto the court. Zion Williamson wants to do it on opening night. The New Orleans forward had offseason surgery to repair a broken bone in his right foot but said he has been working with the trainer every day in hopes of not missing any time. “I expect to be back for the first game,” Williamson said. Pelicans executive David Griffin said that timeline is possible, though there isn’t one yet for some other NBA superstars. Leonard had surgery to repair a partial tear of the ACL in his right knee on July 13. Until he returns, he plans to “try to make myself as relevant as possible” while being confined to the sideline. Thompson has missed the last two seasons, first with a torn ACL and then a torn right Achilles tendon. The latter happened last November and the Golden State guard said it would be at least a year from then before he’s able to return. He knows he’s finally getting close. “The worst is far, far behind me,” Thompson said. MONEY TALKS Bradley Beal was coy about the possibility of signing a new contract with the Washington Wizards. For now, his focus is on getting off to a good start this season. “We worry about the contract and the money and all that later,” he said. “I’ve got all year to sign it too, so I’m not in a rush.”
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
PELICANS power forward Zion Williamson smiles during the NBA basketball team’s Media Day in New Orleans yesterday. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) Another high-scoring guard, Zach LaVine, has similar thoughts in Chicago. He would be eligible for a supermax deal if he is All-NBA in 2021-22. Either way, he is in a good spot entering the final season of his four-year, $80 million contract. Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said the Bulls want to keep LaVine, but the Olympic gold medalist isn’t looking that far ahead. “My plan is, tomorrow, get ready for training camp,” LaVine said. “Get ready for the season and try to help these guys win, just like everybody else. I’m not worried about my contract right now. That will be a point in time in the future.” TO THE POINT Derrick Rose is a former NBA MVP who was the starter for the New York Knicks when last season ended. Now he’s a backup again.
it’s going to be showtime, I’m excited.” In his sophomore season with the Texas Longhorns, Jones averaged 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He shot 57 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. His standout season was recognised by the Big 12 and he was named the conference’s Sixth Man of the Year. During the draft process, the Hornets were the only team to invite Jones for a second workout
Rose said Monday that newcomer Kemba Walker will be the point guard on the floor when the Knicks begin. “Oh, he’s starting.” Rose said. Rose came off the bench in all but three of his 35 games after joining the Knicks last season, finishing third in voting for the NBA’s Sixth Man Award. He moved into the starting lineup for the final three games of the Knicks’ playoff loss to Atlanta, then re-signed to stay with the Knicks and Tom Thibodeau, his former coach in Chicago. Walker, a New York native who joined the Knicks in the offseason, seemed to be taken aback when told of Rose’s comments about being the starter. ‘I wouldn’t know about that. I don’t know yet,” Walker said. “But that’s pretty cool. For me, I’ve always been a huge D-Rose fan. Regardless starting, not starting, whatever.”
and interview. The Hornets will open the regular season at home when they host the Indiana Pacers on October 20 at Spectrum Center. They finished last season 33-39, 10th place in the Eastern Conference, an improvement on their 23-42 finish in the previous season. Charlotte will have four nationally televised games this season, up from three last year. They will also be featured in four games broadcast on NBA TV.
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‘Overall it is a great start for Team Bahamas’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net COACH Marion Bain is more than pleased with what she has seen so far from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s three-member team at the International Tennis Federation’s COTECC Under-12 competition in Santo Domingo. Yesterday, the team, consisting of Brianna Houlgrave, Tatyana Madu and Kaylah Fox, pulled off a 3-0 victory over St Lucia after they jumped into action following a day off on the first day of competition on Sunday. Playing in the #2 spot, Briana Houlgrave won 6-1, 6-0. The win came over St Lucia’s Jaelayn Henry. Playing in the #1 spot Tatyana Madu got a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Amia JeanMarie of St Lucia. Madu then teamed up with Fox to win the doubles 6-3, 6-3 over St Lucia. “Overall it is a great start for Team Bahamas,” Bain
AYTON FROM PAGE 16
said. “The girls only had one opportunity to practice before we left Nassau as Kaylah Fox is in Florida, Tatyana Madu in Freeport and Brianna Houlgrave in Nassau. “Today was the first day of play for us as we had a day off yesterday. Singles play has been a success so has doubles but we are still experimenting based on the team we are playing with in the doubles lineup.” Bain said she expects the team to step on the court each day to give their best effort with the pride and honour of representing the Bahamas. Houlgrave is an 11-yearold student of Windsor Academy. Fox, 11, attends St Andrew’s in Boca Raton, Florida, and Madu, 12, is enrolled at Bishop Michael Eldon High School in Grand Bahama. “This is also a developmental tournament for U12 in the COTECC region,” Bain said. “Brianna Houlgrave played number two singles today. She was able to step on the court and
Ayton’s memorable 2021 postseason run ended at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, who won the series 4-2 to claim their first NBA Championship since 1971. In Ayton’s playoff debut he averaged 15.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He shot 65 percent from the field and finished with 14 double doubles. According to StatMuse, Ayton is the first player in NBA history to average at least 15 points and 10 rebounds per game on 65 percent field goal shooting in a single playoffs (minimum of 10 games). In the Finals, Ayton averaged 14.7 points, 12 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game on 54 percent shooting from the field. He posted 22 points and 19 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut and followed with 10 points and 11 rebounds in game two - both wins for the Suns. He followed with 18 points and
HIELD FROM PAGE 16
Hield and the Sacramento Kings’ disappointing end to the 2020-21 season included an extension of the NBA’s longest playoff drought. The Kings finished the season 31-41, the franchise’s 15th consecutive season without a playoff berth which tied an NBA record. He ended the season with averages of 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He ranked fourth in the league with 2,433 minutes played. “I’m excited to see where everyone is at mentally coming into training camp. We all say we want to win but we have to show it and really want it. We have to come together as a team and figure it out,” Hield said. “We have the pieces, we just have to put it together and pay attention to the details. That’s been the frustrating part of this group, we have guys that are capable of doing it but we just have to figure it out.” In recent years, Hield has shifted in and out of head coach Luke Walton’s starting lineup. “Whatever I’m called to do I have to be ready to do it regardless, like it or not. That’s part of being a professional. To just go out and compete. Things happen, things change, my goal is to be a starter whenever I get on the court, but whatever the team needs I have to be prepared for that,” Hield said.“Last year was different in a lot of ways you just have to learn how to adjust, no matter the situation you learn how to adjust and move on. It’s a professional sport man, no complaints.” Walton added: “I’ve had good conversations with Buddy Hield. He’s been open to knowing what his team needs to improve. He’s up for anything. He’s been working in Sacramento for a week.” Hield now has 1,065 threes during his tenure as a King, and will head into next season four shy of Peja Stojakovic’s franchise career record of 1,070.
dominate from the first game. “Tatyana played number one singles, her opponent was no match for her as she dominated the match. Kayla and Tatyana played doubles. They pulled the win off but it was kind of a roller coaster ride, not much chemistry so tomorrow it should be a new doubles team. Just have to find the right fit for the team we are playing.” The BLTA congratulates Madu and Houlgrave on their first international wins representing Team Bahamas at the prestigious U12 ITF/Cotecc U12 Team Competition in Santo Domingo. “The girls played very confidently and strongly,” the BLTA wrote. “This is a very good showing from Team Bahamas.” COACH MARION BAIN, far right, is more than pleased with what she has seen so far from the BLTA’s three-member team at the International Tennis Federation’s COTECC Under-12 competition .
nine rebounds in a game three loss, six points and 17 rebounds in game four and finally 20 points and 10 rebounds in game five. He said he looks for the team’s growth to continue this season. “I mean, I’m really excited, because now I know how the league is. I know what they threw at me and I know what’s going to be thrown at me. So I know the type of level of commitment I have to give to my team and type of dedication it takes to even touch the playoffs and stuff like that. So just to see the number of fans and people that love you, that stuff is addicting right there, man. “Just being on top of the world and people getting to see your talents and hard work,” Ayton said. “We know the task at hand. I think we got enough vets, that we just can’t throw the ball out there and say we know what we’re doing. But I think, like you said, the guys that were out there and played, definitely can set the
He set a new career high for made threes in a single season with 282. In March, he also became the fastest player to make 1,000 career made threepointers in NBA history. Hield set the mark in just 350 games to reach the milestone faster than Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors who held the previous record of
DEANDRE Ayton poses during the NBA basketball team’s Media Day in Phoenix yesterday. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) foundation of how we play and what our culture is like for the other guys. I think guys that we added to the team can adjust.” In 2019, the Suns were just 19-63 and improved to 34-39 in the 2020 season, the first year under current head coach Monty Williams. The Suns headed into the 2020-21 season buoyed by
369 games. The top four also includes the Warriors’ Klay Thompson (372 games) and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers (385 games). Hield’s early season struggles saw his streak of consecutive games with at least one made three pointer come to an end on February 5. At the time, it was the longest active streak in the NBA.
their 8-0 performance at the NBA Bubble and the addition of future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul. They went on to finish the regular season with a 51-21 record. Phoenix won the Pacific Division title for the first time in 14 years and one of the league’s longest playoff droughts when they earned a postseason berth for the first time in 11 years. They also made their first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years. Ayton appeared in 69 of the Suns’ 72 games in the regular season. He averaged a double double for the second consecutive campaign - 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. “I think it’s funny — I sacrificed a lot. I don’t think the world’s really seen my game and the type of window I have to where I already know what the requirement is. It’s just me adding on, being more of an offensive threat, and doing the things I want to do now. Where, I already got
In April, Hield also saw his consecutive game streak come to an end with 272 games played. He missed a game for the first time since November 20, 2017. He finished the season 39.1 percent from three point range, his worst year since his rookie season where he also shot 39.1 percent. He took 10.2 attempts last season, the highest of his career. “I
everything handled to where I don’t have to, how long I stay in the key or how long I switch, I already have all that stuff handled. Being that, my foundation.” Off the court, Ayton said learning his role as a father to his young son, Deandre Ayton Jr, has been his most important adjustment off the floor. “I get a lot of help,” he said. “It’s a whole village raising my child right now. I got people from my mom’s side, girlfriend’s side. Everybody’s in town, just having all hands on deck, helping me out. Helping us out.” Phoenix will open the regular season at home on October 20 when they host the Denver Nuggets. They will be featured in a franchise record 34 nationally televised games this season, an increase from 13 last season. This year the Suns will play on ESPN 11 times, TNT nine times, ABC three times, and NBATV 11 times. Their 34 nationally televised games rank fifth in the league.
set a lot of goals last year, but I really didn’t get to my goals. This summer I worked on my body, keeping it in shape, being more fit, staying locked in with certain details with my body,” he said. “I set certain goals for myself but I keep them to myself. The big thing that motivates me this year is people saying I took a step back - 3 point
percentage was down, I’m just more motivated this year, I always have something to prove.” The Kings will begin the regular season on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 20. The Kings are one of just four teams this season without a single nationally televised game.
SPORTS PAGE 16
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
Deandre Ayton and Suns embrace new journey
HIELD: ‘THEY LOVE ME HERE IN SAC, THAT’S WHY I’M STILL HERE’
By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
D
eandre Ayton’s development was one of the main talking points of Phoenix Suns’ media day as the Western Conference finalists look to return to the NBA Finals and reverse those results. “I still couldn’t believe I went to the Finals. After
AT NBA MEDIA DAYS, COVID AND VACCINES REMAIN DOMINANT TOPICS By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer UTAH centre Rudy Gobert revealed that after much deliberation, he decided to become vaccinated. San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich has gotten his booster shot already. Boston coach Ime Udoka had his shots and tested positive for COVID-19 anyway. And Brooklyn guard Kyrie Irving is keeping everyone guessing. The NBA season arrived yesterday with media days in advance of training camp, with the ongoing pandemic as much if not even more of a topic than basketball. This will be the third season affected at least in part by the pandemic, almost certainly not the last, and some teams revealed that their rosters are 100 percent vaccinated entering the season.
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seeing all the content come through and all the highlights, I couldn’t believe that was me, being 22 and doing the things I did out there on that platform. “It was hard to process, knowing that we lost all the games and what you could have done or should have done. It’s just basketball — at the same time, I know me and my guys tried our best. It’s always a trial run next year, and I think we
finally got back to where we’re a team and we know what needs to be handled,” Ayton said. “I know there’s a lot of people that don’t — they think it was a fluke. But hard work always speaks for itself and we don’t really pay attention to what other people got going on for themselves. We just put our head down and we get working.” DEANDRE Ayton poses during Media Day yesterday. (AP)
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Day 2 win for Team Bahamas
COACH MARION BAIN, far right, is more than pleased with what she has seen so far from the BLTA’s three-member team at the International Tennis Federation’s COTECC Under-12 competition in Santo Domingo. Shown left to right are Tatyana Madu, Kaylah Fox and Brianna Houlgrave. SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 15
CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield was the focus of trade rumours following a much maligned season individually and for his Sacramento Kings, but the veteran guard said he is ready to move on and contribute to team development. “They love me here in SAC, that’s why I’m still here,” Hield said with a wry smile at Kings media day yesterday. “It’s the business we live in, each and every day you have to compete. I can’t control that, my job is to come in and work my butt off to try to come in and produce wins. I get paid lots of money to do this so I’m blessed every day to come out here and compete... Whatever happens, happens, my job is to go out and play basketball and I love to do that at a high level.” On draft night, Hield was the principle of a trade package that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the team eventually shifted toward the eventual deal to trade for Russell Westbrook. Tristan Thompson, new to the Kings roster, took control of the microphone and answered for Hield when he asked about the offseason trade scenarios and failed trade to the Lakers. “Day one of training camp Buddy Hield in a Kings jersey, that’s where his mind and focus is at, he’s going to have a stellar year,” Thompson said. “I’m going to set him some great wide pin downs to get him open, so that’s what’s on his mind right now. What’s in the past is in the past, you cannot control that, when you look in the rear view is when you crash, you look forward and ahead.”
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Jones expresses interest in Slam Dunk Contest By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net KAI Jones’ youthful exuberance was one of the highlights of Charlotte Hornets’ media day. Jones expressed his interest in participating in February’s Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend and shared his story of requesting the No.23, the iconic jersey number of Hornets principal owner and chairman - Michael Jordan. The rookie forward said the staff was a bit confused at his initial request but Jordan eventually gave the co-sign. “When I first got here I was like ‘23,’ and everybody was like ‘ummm, let... just give us a second’ it was kind of like a ‘wait until ummm...’ So I got here, they asked him and it was all cool, but at first when I said I was going to wear the number they were like ‘just give it a second’ but everything was clear,” Jones said. “I met him for the first time in Miami, that was crazy. Definitely could tell you were in the presence of greatness though. What he’s done with this game
KAI Jones dunks the ball. is special. Greatest ever. It was dope.” In the Las Vegas Summer League, Jones averaged 9.8 points and 9.4 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per game. In the finale, he finished just shy of his second double double in the fivegame run with a team high 16 points and nine rebounds in a 99-74 loss to the Chicago Bulls. In his debut, Jones finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot in his team’s 93-86 loss to the Portland Trailblazers. He also added
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