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VOLUME:117 No.216, OCTOBER 6TH, 2020

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WOMAN: SHOULD YOU SHARE SUCH A MOMENT OF GRIEF?

‘Lockdown will be a death sentence’ Businesses fear effects of lockdown as 100th death from COVID-19 confirmed By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Government was yesterday warned that it will hand “a death sentence to an economy already teetering on the edge” if it reimposes a full New Providence lockdown to curb COVID-19’s spread. Ben Albury, Bahamas Bus and Truck’s general manager, told Tribune Business many businesses “will not survive” further enforced closures and harsh restrictions after a number of entrepreneurs privately told him they are prepared “to shut their doors and call it a day” if a complete economic lockdown is implemented.

Speaking after the Prime Minister hinted in his national address that more restrictions are almost inevitable for New Providence and Abaco, Mr Albury warned the Government would face “much bigger problems” longterm if efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic “wiped out” a large proportion of the private sector. Voicing sympathy for those who have lost loved ones to, or been infected by, COVID-19, he said Dr Hubert Minnis’ address had “seriously hurt” already-fragile business and investor confidence in the Bahamian economy.

ACCUSED OF KILLING MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

RESIDENTS of Eleuthera are calling for more police presence as a wave of crime has come to that picturesque island in recent times. Two children were shot in the space of a few months on the island as gunmen opened fire on adults nearby. These incidents have left residents shaken up and feeling unsafe. The

Tribune spoke with a few Eleuthera residents who all say more police are needed on the island. “People are fearful,” said Sandra Munnings. “I have a son in Nassau and he called me to say he hopes I am staying home because it’s crazy what is going on in Eleuthera now. Police presence in Eleuthera is almost non-existent. They hardly have cars... the police here are riding around in selfdrive (rental cars).” SEE PAGE THREE

SEE PAGE EIGHT

HOW CAN WE DRILL FOR OIL?

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

SHOOTINGS SPARK CALL TO INCREASE POLICE NUMBERS By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

FACE-TO-FACE WITH UNION BOSS BELINDA WILSON

TREVON Stevens outside court yesterday as he faced charges of murdering 30-year-old Alicia Sawyer and her eight-year-old daughter, Ednique Wallace, on September 28. He is also accused of rape. See page three for the full story.

BAHAMAS National Trust is against Bahamas Petroleum Company’s proposed exploratory oil drilling before year’s end, insisting yesterday that several factors present serious concerns. Chief among BNT’s concerns is this nation’s vulnerability to climate change. In a press statement yesterday, BNT said in 2020 The Bahamas should not be allowing the exploitation of fossil fuels within the county, adding that economic gains would be short-term and help shorten the life span of these islands. SEE PAGE FOUR

PRISON CHIEF MURPHY HAS COVID-19 VIRUS By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

COMMISSIONER of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Charles Murphy has tested positive for COVID-19. National Security Minister Marvin Dames made the revelation during his ministry’s press conference yesterday, where he also provided statistical data on COVID’s impact on the law enforcement agencies. SEE PAGE FIVE

DATE RAPE VICTIM’S WARNING TO WOMEN By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND Bahama woman who was left emotionally traumatised and physically scarred is warning other women to be careful at bars and nightclubs after she was reportedly drugged and raped by a stranger while celebrating at a local nightspot last year. The woman did not file a

police complaint following the incident out of denial and embarrassment of what had happened. However, she felt compelled to

go public with her story to make other women aware of what could happen to them. She warned there are “predators” who prey on vulnerable women at the bars. “I had been celibate for years,” said the woman, still very traumatised and upset. “Nobody has the right to do that to someone.” While out celebrating at SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

FOLLOW BARBADOS OR LOOK TO THE COMMONWEALTH?

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

MARINES TO THE RESCUE AS MAN BURIED IN SAND COLLAPSE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Marines, police and local community members rescue a man who was partially buried under the sand on Saturday. Photo: Able Seaman Michael Turner II/RBDF MARINES helped to rescue a man on Saturday after he was buried underneath a heavy load of sand. The marines, who were stationed on Guana Cay, Abaco, were called to assist the local police after an incident at about 10.20am, when sand collapsed on a worker carrying out construction work. Damien Smith, a resident of Marsh Harbour was among several workers on Guana Cay, in the process of repairing a sea wall at Nippers Beach Bar & Grill. As a result of the digging to replace the braces for the seawall, the sand collapsed, resulting in Mr Smith being partially buried. Able Seaman Kameron Armbrister and Marine Seaman Odrick Roberts, along with 2789 Corporal Zhivargo McKenzie of the Police Force and members of the community dug and lifted Mr Smith out of the trench. He was transported by boat by councilman Troy Albury. On the mainland, they were met by an ambulance and Mr Smith was transported to Marsh Harbour Clinic. At the latest report, he was responsive and receiving further assessment and treatment.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, PAGE 3

Accused of killing mother and daughter By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 36-YEAR-OLD man was brought to court yesterday to face charges connected to the murder of a woman and her young daughter late last month. He was also charged with rape. Trevon Stevens appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with two counts of murder. Stevens was accused of murdering 30-year-old Alicia Sawyer and her eight-year-old

daughter Ednique Wallace on September 28. The two were found dead in their Nassau Village home that morning. Stevens was also charged with rape after he was accused of having sex with a 30-year-old woman without her consent on September 26. During his arraignment yesterday, Stevens was not required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to December 3 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). After the charges were read, his attorney Tonique

Lewis told the magistrate her client had been beaten while in police custody. She also asked if Stevens could receive medical attention since he was having trouble hearing out of one of his ears. In response, Magistrate Forbes said he would make a note of the allegations and recommend Stevens see a doctor while he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. In the meantime, he was denied bail. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court.

TREVON Stevens outside court.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

DATE RAPE VICTIM’S WARNING TO WOMEN from page one

JAMORIC Green and his four-year-old son, Jeremy, who were shot dead on Saturday in Eleuthera.

SHOOTINGS SPARK CALL TO INCREASE POLICE NUMBERS from page one “I think the people in Eleuthera need to feel that the culprits in these situations are being caught. Even last year there was the murder in James Cistern and no one was even arrested for that. It seems like the police are going around knocking down people’s doors trying, looking to lock up people for these crimes, but I don’t think that’s the answer. What happened to old fashioned policing?” Ms Munnings said she understands that police want to solve the crimes, but alleged excessive tactics are being used by some officers. On Saturday, police said a man and his young child, later identified by family as 35-year-old Jamoric Green and four-year-old Jeremy Green, were shot dead in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. His wife and two other children survived the attack. Police said it appeared that the gunman followed the family to the location before opening fire on them. In September, a woman’s body was found washed ashore at Lower Bogue. At the time, police said foul play was suspected although an autopsy was needed to determine cause of death. In June, three-year-old DaNyla Roberts was sitting in her grandmother’s lap on

the woman’s front porch in Hatchet Bay when gunmen opened fire nearby. The child was wounded in her abdomen. After receiving treatment in New Providence, she was airlifted to a hospital in Texas where she underwent surgery and a series of rounds of physical therapy. Catherine Williams, a resident of The Bluff, also thinks that more police presence is needed. “I know there was a time when we had a police inspector here and if he saw a strange face in the area he would start asking you questions,” Ms Williams said. “I think we need more of that and more police involvement. In my community, it’s very rare that you see a police officer. They might drive through every now and then. One time ago you would see police officers riding through the communities. We need more police presence and some night patrol. “They could probably do a little more of that. Once they see strangers around, just question them and find out what’s going on. The crime has us a little paranoid, because you never heard of things like that happening here and you ask the question, ‘Where next?’ Because Hatchet Bay was close and then you know we had the murder in Lower Bogue. So it’s like, ‘What next?’ It really has us on the edge.”

$1,500 FINE FOR THEFT ATTEMPT By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 48-YEAR-OLD man was fined $1,500 after officers caught him attempting to steal a water heater during curfew from a local restaurant last week. Police arrested Adrian Hamilton after he was caught trying to steal the utility tank, worth about $1,300, from Checker’s Cafe, Robinson Road, on October 1. He pleaded guilty before Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday. The court was told that around 1am, officers saw a white Suzuki parked in front of the cafe. When they questioned the driver, he

told them he was outside during curfew because he was catching cool air. Police walked around the establishment where they observed a water heater lying on the floor. When they asked the defendant if he had placed it there, he said he did because he was trying to make a sale off of it. Hamilton told the magistrate he was going through family issues and was battling a drug addiction. Magistrate McKinney noted the defendant had spent nine months on remand for a similar offence. He accepted Hamilton’s guilty pleas and fined him $500 for violating the curfew and another $1,000 for trying to steal the water heater.

While trying to compose herself, she realised that she did not have any clothing on. a nightspot, the woman said that a “I am sitting down thinking to man sat down next to her at the bar myself, ‘why am I naked?” I went smoking a cigar. She was not con- back to the bedroom to lie down, but cerned because her friend worked at this little voice inside me said, ‘no, the bar and was very familiar with why are you naked?” the male who was a frequent patron “I got up and went into the there. bathroom because I was sweating proWhile having a few drinks, she got fusely. No one else was there. I took a up and went over to talk shower, and I could feel to some women who I am sitting this burning sensation were sitting at a table. in my private area,” she After chatting with the down thinking said. women, she returned to The woman said she the bar where she had to myself, ‘why knew something was left her drink. am I naked?” I wrong and that some“I took a sip of my thing had happened. drink and about 15 min- went back to the Frightened and horutes later, I got very bedroom to lie rified, the woman said woozy. I told my friend that she could not I needed to go home so down, but this believe that she had I could get something to little voice inside been raped in her house eat,” she recalled. by a stranger who fol“When I got up, he me said, ‘no, why lowed her home from followed me. I got into are you naked? the bar. my car, and I had no “I don’t go out to idea how I got home,” pick up anybody; I had said the woman, who claimed she been celibate for years,” she said. She must have been drugged. admitted to having a few drinks on “That thing hit me like a ton of her birthday, but said she knows her bricks. I have no idea how I got home limit with alcohol. because I was totally inebriated. I The next morning she contacted her drove my car home, and I remem- girlfriend and asked who had followed bered him coming in and helping me her home from the bar. inside. I said, ‘Wow, what a nice guy “My friend told me who it was; I he is helping me inside.’ told her something had happened; I She then remembered going into told her he raped me,” she said. her bedroom and taking off her shoes “I did not want to go to the Rand and her pants. Memorial Hospital and stayed home “I remembered him saying some- Sunday and tried to deal with what thing about how sexy I was, but all had happened to me. I wanted to do is get in bed because On Monday morning, the woman I was out of it. I knew what was went to see a private doctor who going on around me vaguely, but examined her. She told the doctor I could not do anything about it,” what had happened. she said. The woman said that she had The woman remembered waking bruises in her private area. She had up around 4am feeling sick and nause- various tests done, including an ated. “I wanted to vomit, my stomach AIDS test at a cost of some $500. was upset so bad, I started to throw She later learned that she had conup. It hurt so bad because I had not tracted a sexually transmitted disease eaten all day,” she said. known as Trichomoniasis, which is a

parasitic infection. The woman noted that the entire ordeal was hard emotionally and physically. The woman told her private physician what had happened. She said the doctor urged her to see a therapist. She noted that she spent another $1,800 for series of STDs, and was prescribed a cocktail of antibiotics to prevent any developing STDs. The woman said that the man had contacted her on several occasions as if they were in a relationship. “He started calling me like we were in a relationship and asked me if everything was all right. I confronted him and told him what he had done to me,” she said. “I had gone off on him and I blocked him because he had called me about 50 times that day,” she recalled. The woman believes that the man might have done this before. “I want women to know there are predators out there,” she warned. “There are men out there at the bars… but they are predators and they are preying on women. I don’t think I was the first person he did this to. “I was drugged and raped, but I was in denial; I could not believe it happened to me. People need to be warned not to leave their drink unattended at the bar, and if someone offers to buy you a drink do not accept it.” “I let my guard down for the first time in my life and paid dearly for it. You hear stories like this before and say to yourself, ‘how did that happen?’ But it happened to me.” The woman said that not telling anyone about it has affected her deeply. She has not told her family and fears that her relatives may seriously harm the individual and get in trouble with the law. In the meantime, she wants women to be on their guard when out at the bars, nightclubs and other public establishments, particularly at night.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

How can we drill for oil? from page one Noting the well’s close proximity to Cay Sal Bank one of the most ecologically productive marine systems in The Bahamas - BNT said any pollution in the area would be devastating for the country and its fishing industry. “While the BNT understands that complex negotiations may have resulted in the government being legally bound to honour this commitment, the organisation has very serious concerns about The Bahamas allowing the exploration for possible exploitation of fossil fuels,” BNT said in a press statement yesterday. “The Bahamas is known to be one of the most vulnerable nations on the planet to the impending impacts of climate change. It is now recognised as an existential threat to The Bahamas. The country, its

people and their way of life could disappear if it is not successful as a global community in reversing the factors of a changing climate. Climate-charged Hurricane Dorian and the recent unprecedented number of concurrent named tropical storms and systems are clear indicators of climatic change. “It is patently clear that The Bahamas’ livelihood and survival depends not only on minimising but reversing the impacts of climate change. Consequently, policies and regulations must reflect the global and national efforts to combat the impact of climate change. “The proposed initial well dubbed Perseverance-1 by BPC is within rowing distance of the Cay Sal Bank, one of the most ecologically productive and economically important marine systems in the country. The Cay Sal Bank Marine Protected Area (MPA)

was declared a protected area by pronouncement and by national gazette in September 2015. The globally significant declaration was in fulfillment of The Bahamas’s commitment to protecting 20 percent of the near shore marine environment. It was also in fulfilment of inviolate obligations under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Full Sized project. “Cay Sal has thriving marine life inclusive of commercially important species including some of the last remaining viable populations of the queen conch. The importance of the Cay Say Bank for biodiversity and the fishing industry in The Bahamas cannot be overstated. Because of its strategic importance, any pollution of the area would be devastating for The Bahamas and its fishing industry.” The organisation said it understood these historic leases were issued before

some of the current UN and national environmental protocols and goals were established. Additionally, BNT said it was cognizant of the fact that the government of The Bahamas must consider economic development and has difficult decisions to make balancing economic activity whilst simultaneously protecting the environment. “Notwithstanding the above, based on the country’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the threat of climate change to our very existence, the BNT strongly believes that The Bahamas should not, in 2020, be allowing the exploitation of fossil fuels within our country. “The economic gains from exploiting and burning fossil fuels are short-term and are ironically helping to shorten the lifespan of these islands. The BNT is extremely concerned about the impacts of climate change and the general health of the environment of The Bahamas. The organisation is extremely apprehensive about advancing oil exploration in the country. “Several Bahamian prime ministers have appealed

to the United Nations for urgent action to combat climate change, citing to the world how vulnerable and threatened The Bahamas is to its impacts. “Bahamians cannot therefore cry out to the world that its country is being severely threatened by climatic changes, and in the same breath, boast of a newfound fossil fuel industry. This would present to the world from our sunny isles a hypocrisy that wholly undermines what fellow alliances of small island states have been trying to accomplish.” Should the drilling move forward, BNT said the nation needs assurance from BPC that safeguards will be put in place. “If, as the Minister of Environment (Romauld Ferreira) states, The Bahamas’ hands are legally tied and that this first well must proceed, the BNT urges extreme caution. The government of The Bahamas must ensure that it exercises due diligence with the implementation of international best practices and the industry must be regulated to the highest environmental standards. “Finally, BNT also recommends that if the operation does proceed,

and if viable quantities of oil are found, that the government of The Bahamas would ensure that proceeds from its sale benefit Bahamians broadly and the environment in particular. It is noted that as legislation to govern this industry is advanced, that there was also legislation that established a Sovereign Wealth Fund. If there are to be proceeds from this industry, this is an opportunity to kick start the Sovereign Wealth Fund - to allow for benefits to accrue to all Bahamians.” BNT said from an environmental perspective, The Bahamas has also created the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) as a sustainable funding mechanism for protected areas throughout the country. As for a condition for the stated environmental clearances, and as a mitigation option, the BPAF could be the second beneficiary of any proceeds from this industry. This would be appropriate, in light of the fact that the proposed drilling activity is in such close proximity to one of the most ecologically and economically significant marine protected areas in the country, BNT said.

DW Davis principal Nicolette Brown talks to The Tribune about school orientation yesterday. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

DISPUTE OVER START OF SCHOOL ORIENTATIONS By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net DIRECTOR of Education Marcellus Taylor and Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson were at odds yesterday over the confusion surrounding this week’s school orientations. Public schools across the country reopened yesterday, with orientation staggered over the course of the week for students. The orientation process will be in person, however some students can opt out and do it virtually if they choose. The Ministry of Education’s Facebook page had a number of posts about some public schools’ orientations but a few were either cancelled or postponed. The director explained that schools themselves develop their own programme for orientation on what they wanted to do yesterday and during the course of this week. However, schools have been asked to cover some key issues. “We communicate with teachers and school administrators and they were made aware before today of what our expectations were. They themselves have their own programmes in place…” he said. But Mrs Wilson alleged that the union, parents, teachers and others only heard about a national orientation week through the media.

“For months it has been said that public schools will opened 100 percent virtually, so why is it at the ninth hour we are being told that orientation will be face-toface? The registration was supposedly completed on the Ministry of Education portal online. “There’s definitely a disconnect between the utterances of the minister of education and the action of the director of education because the minister is saying one thing in the media and the director of education is doing the opposite sending out information to the contrary.” She continued her call for clear, concise information that is “practical, logical, and workable” for teachers, students and parents. Mr Taylor maintained there is a protocol for handling COVID. “We have in place a protocol, schools know the protocol, they’ve been given the protocol. They are expected to follow it from what I know most if not all of the schools have followed protocol and we solve the matter as quickly as possible and as effectively as we can,” he said. DW Davis Junior High School had ninth graders on campus for their orientation yesterday, meant to acquaint students with the virtual learning platform. Principal Nicolette Brown explained there were two sessions for the day and estimated she was working with

100 students in the first one. According to her, the sessions are aimed to inform on aspects of virtual learning. “We are targeting things like the visual timetable for the students, how to actually use the devices, how to get on to the one-on-one session to better prepare them and equip them for the (virtual) learning,” she said. “Along with our itinerary, we also sending out written information and it will also posted on our school’s website. Information as to how to get on our virtual platform and any other information that will come up throughout the duration so that parents and students will be informed. “I’ve just done a survey with my ninth graders who have come in this morning and it appears as if about 85-90 percent of them do have tablets in hand.” However, one teacher told The Tribune very few of her students have devices. She also said she has experienced technical difficulties at the school. “I do not have internet service in my room. I have to use my hotspot from my phone…..This is my 4th year and i’ve been using hotspot for classroom purposes for about three years,” she said. “They have re-wired, however, for the opening of school, at least today the face-to-face orientation, I would’ve expected to have some form of internet but it’s not available as yet.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, PAGE 5

Davis: I was in worse condition than I thought By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said his condition due to COVID-19 was a lot worse than he knew, revealing his oxygen had fallen to a “precarious level”. He described his experience back in August with the respiratory virus as one he would not wish on anyone. Mr Davis was criticised for leaving the country to receive medical treatment under the care of his daughter who is an anaesthesiologist working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight in Georgia. However, he said the decision to leave the capital was an “easy” one. “It was an easy decision. It had nothing to do with the professionals or care I got here at Doctors Hospital,” Mr Davis said. “The truth of the matter is I was not feeling as sick as I really was. The diagnosis of my illness had me in a serious condition, but I was not feeling it. It was only when I got into the hospital, and I guess it was more psychosomatic than anything else, that I started feeling a lot worse than I was when I was at home. “That was the extent of my experience. I was experiencing shortness of breath and my oxygen level fell to a precarious level. They had to bring that back up to the level that it ought to be. But at the end of the day I don’t wish the experience on anyone. I urge our people to take note of this invisible enemy.”

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER TESTS POSITIVE MINISTER of Environment and Housing Romauld Ferreira has tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement last night, the Cabinet Office said Mr Ferreira is not experiencing symptoms at this time and is in quarantine. “As a precautionary measure all Cabinet ministers and staff who came in direct contact with the minister will be tested for COVID-19 and selfquarantine,” the statement added. “The Prime Minister did not have direct contact with Minister Ferreira. Contact tracing is

being carried out by the Ministry of Health Surveillance Unit and all established health protocols are being followed.” Yesterday officials also said that the Churchill Building, which houses the Cabinet Office, was being deep cleaned and sanitised. The building will reopen today. Last week, St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright revealed he tested positive for COVID-19. This came after his reported possible exposure at the Office of the Prime Minister during a press conference held by Mr Ferreira days prior.

He said to this day he did not know how he became infected. His comments came during an interview on the PLP’s new Facebook show, Coffee Break with Apryl Sands, which was posted on Sunday. During the interview, Mr Davis expressed confidence that his party will win the 2022 general election, noting he believes the PLP has regained the Bahamian people’s trust. “The plan is to recapture the government,” he said. “Immediately after the loss in 2017 I embarked upon a listening tour throughout the length and breadth of the country and on the island of New Providence and three things struck me. “One, the majority of the persons I spoke to believe that the Progressive Liberal Party was the party for

the Bahamian people, the small man. Secondly, they all understood and believed that the foundations of this modern Bahamas were laid by the hands of the Progressive Liberal Party. Thirdly they also understood that the voice of the people is articulated and better heard through the Progressive Liberal Party and so that caused me to pause. If this is so then why did we lose and not just lose, but so badly?” He continued: “What I sense and the common denominator that emerged of those discussions is that they lost trust in the Progressive Liberal Party and hence that was my job. “What I’ve been doing over several years and months was to regain that trust, working on regaining that trust (and) I think we are there.”

100TH DEATH FROM VIRUS IN THE BAHAMAS THE Bahamas reached a grim landmark yesterday - recording its 100th death from the COVID-19 pandemic. Four deaths were confirmed yesterday - one new case and three deaths that had been under investigation being confirmed to be from the virus. The latest case was an 85-year-old woman who passed away yesterday. The other three cases were a 72-year-old man who died on October 2, a 51-year-old woman who died on September 28, and a 57-year-old man

who died on September 24. All were from New Providence. Yesterday also saw 107 new cases confirmed, with New Providence taking the brunt of the wave still, with 88 new cases. Five more cases were recorded in Grand Bahama, ten in Abaco, with one case each in Cat Island and Eleuthera. Two more confirmed cases have their locations pending. This brings the total number of cases in The Bahamas to 4,559, with 3,396 of those in New Providence, 649 in Grand

Bahama, 157 in Abaco, 54 in Bimini, 32 in Exuma, 25 in Eleuthera, 19 in Inagua, 15 in the Berry Islands, 12 in Long Island, nine in Andros, eight in Cat Island, seven in Acklins, five in Crooked Island, and three in Mayaguana. A substantial number of cases still have their location pending - with 167 not having a location confirmed. In better news, 100 people recovered from COVID-19 yesterday. Two further deaths were classified as non-COVID related.

PRISON CHIEF MURPHY CONFIRMED TO HAVE CONTRACTED COVID-19 VIRUS from page one In the agencies, Mr Dames said 354 workers have tested positive for the virus to date, with nearly 700 placed in quarantine. There has also been one COVID-19 related death recorded, he added, which is attached to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Of the confirmed cases, the RBPF accounts for 165, inclusive of officers and civilian staff, while the Royal Bahamas Defence Force accounts for 183. Meanwhile at BDCS, Mr Dames said there have been two confirmed cases recorded among inmates. This comes after Commissioner Murphy told

The Tribune on September 20 that he had no reports of inmates testing positive for the virus at the time as he hit out at concerns from correctional officers about their safety at the facility. However, yesterday, Mr Dames clarified that the first case was confirmed in August, adding the second was confirmed a month later. “The initial case was recorded in August, five months after the first case was recorded in The Bahamas. The inmate contracted the virus while receiving medical care for an unrelated illness outside of the prison. The second reported case of a male inmate testing

positive only occurred on September 23,” Mr Dames said. As it relates to Mr Murphy’s COVID status, the minister noted that his contraction of the virus was not connected to the prison. “The commissioner of corrections… unfortunately was contact traced last week on a matter not related to the prison and he immediately went to get tested and got his results back today,” he said. “I spoke to him. He is positive unfortunately but is asymptomatic. He is in good spirits. We spoke at length and so we continue to pray for him and his family.” Despite COVID-19’s

impact on the armed forces, the minister said law enforcement agencies continue to carry out their duties as he commended them for their service in protecting the public. According to Mr Dames, crime is on the decline in the country. “Crime is once trending downward by ten percent compared to last year this time; recidivism has been reduced to 14 percent and if the trend continues, it will reflect a two percentage points decrease from last year when it stood at 16 percent,” he said. “Meanwhile, illegal poaching and drug smuggling interdictions are up to six interceptions and 884 lbs respectively.”

His comments were echoed by Police Commissioner Paul Rolle yesterday, who said during the period of January through the end of September, crime fell by about nine percent compared to the same period last year. The police chief said crime statistics also show that murders decreased by 29 percent and armed robberies by 40 percent. House breakings also decreased by 26 per cent, he added. As it relates to COVID19 breaches, Commissioner Rolle said, “Overall there have been 645 breaches to the emergency orders (and) 45 breaches to the Liquor License Act.” He said 1,770 people have been arrested for

curfew violations since the prime minister’s COVID-19 orders were implemented in March. Speaking on behalf of the RDBF, Commodore Raymond King added: “Statistics for illegal fishing represent a 50 percent increase to date for 2020 due to increased vessel patrols, enhanced surveillance missions, multilayered strategy posture; and collaborative efforts with local and regional partners. “Conversely, statistics for migrant smuggling represent a 30 percent decline in migrant interdictions due to organisation’s multilayered strategic posture among other operational tactics.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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

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What do we do about oil? IS oil the future or is oil the past? It’s a question that is at the heart of our own future as a nation, with Bahamas Petroleum Company preparing to start exploratory drilling before the end of the year. The rewards are tempting. On one hand is the prospect of a significant find, bringing with it substantial revenue to The Bahamas, with a figure of $5 billion suggested. Of course, until oil is found, there isn’t so much as $5 to be had. On the other hand stand the concerns over our environment. We’ve already seen in the past year significant damage when Hurricane Dorian popped the tops off the containers at the Equinor oil facility in Grand Bahama, spilling 55,000 barrels of oil into the environment. More, we have seen further afield fullscale disasters, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that scarred the Gulf of Mexico. We face the gambler’s dilemma. Stick with what we have or go all in and risk it all. There have been reassurances from BPC, with the company this week stating that it had adequate insurance to cover clean-up costs should the worst happen. There have also been questions and concerns from the environmental guardians of The Bahamas – such as the Bahamas National Trust, pointing to the short-term economic gains for the nation. They also point out the hypocrisy of a nation that is threatened by climate change going ahead with the search for more fossil fuels, pointing out that our nation faces an “existential threat” from the prospect of rising seas amid climbing temperatures worldwide. Just this week, there were reports that Antarctica could melt “irreversibly” due to climate change, and some reports say that melting ice from that continent could raise the sea level by 2.5 metres. That would mean vast swathes of The Bahamas gone.

Against that, there has been the clarion call to diversify our economy away from tourism, a call that has gained more strength as we have seen COVID19 stop flights, shut hotels and bring our economy to a grinding halt. So do we risk it all? Or stick with what we’ve got. Whatever the next step is, we would hope that we listen to those guardians who have watched over our lands and seas these many years. If we are to do this, we must take every precaution – for if we are slack, and find black oil washing up on our shores, our tourism industry will suffer all over again.

Get well soon, Commissioner Last month, prison Commissioner Charles Murphy was forthright – to say the least – in saying there were no reports of COVID-19 at the prison. More than that, he warned officers if they took their concerns public they could lose their jobs – and told The Tribune to stop asking questions. It gives us no pleasure to report that Mr Murphy himself has now tested positive for COVID-19, a disease we would wish on no one. We wish him a speedy recovery, and a safe return to work. His case, we are told, is traced back to a contact outside the prison. He is not the first prison officer to have caught the virus, though we would fervently hope he is the last. It serves as a reminder to us all of the danger of this virus, and the urgency to keep it out of an enclosed, crowded population such as the prison. It would be very easy for an officer or someone who has been outside the prison to unsuspectingly carry it into the population there – and it requires the utmost vigilance, including listening to the concerns of staff there, to keep it out. Get well soon, Mr Murphy. And to his staff we say, stay vigilant.

Population density is the problem EDITOR, The Tribune. PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ revelation to the country that one out of 100 Nassuvians has been infected with COVID-19 is evidence that the current restrictive measures have failed miserably to curb the spread of the deadly virus, which has claimed the lives of 96 Bahamians. Whatever recommendations the Pan-American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation gives, Nassuvians, based on their violent reactions to Minnis’ announcement of a sudden lockdown weeks ago, are at their wit’s end with the curfews and lockdowns. Of the 4,230 infections recorded up to last week Thursday, a staggering 3,099 are on New Providence. New Providence currently has nearly five times the number of infections in Grand Bahama, that has 635, the second highest number of infections in

letters@tribunemedia.net The Bahamas. The question Ministry of Health officials and the Minnis administration must ask themselves is this: Why is the infection rate so high in New Providence? I think the answer lies in the geography of the capital, which makes it nearly downright impossible to adhere to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines in not having huge gatherings. You see, New Providence, with its population of 274,400, has an area of only 207 kilometers, or 80 square miles. You do the math. The 80 square miles that make up the nation’s capital island means that each square mile has an average of 3,430 residents. This means that New Providence has a high population density, which

spells bad news in the fight against COVID-19. No one should blame the Free National Movement administration for what is currently happening in New Providence. Successive governments, since the first Progressive Liberal Party administration, have been traditionally Nassaucentric, wooing most of the major investors to the capital, instead of the sparsely populated Family Islands. This approach has now backfired in the worst possible way. With its overpopulation, this outbreak was bound to happen in Nassau. The only thing that can now save New Providence, by God’s grace, is that one of the 169 vaccine candidates under review by World Health Organisation scientists is the cure for COVID-19. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, October 5, 2020.

complied with the needs by following health precautions such as social distancing and sanctification to avoid the COVID-19 Pandemic, etc, and the church has complied. While the food stores and hardware supplier are filled with customers, our churches are only permitted ten people and services must be held in these parking lots. These restrictions are unfair and unjust and we appeal to the powers that be to remove these as soon as possible. Like anything else the church is also an essential service and we appeal to the PM please adjust these restrictions as soon as it is humanly possible. We provide religious help in the event of prayers and hope which are obviously needed in these extreme times. I concur with an article by Rick T of The Nassau Guardian of May 29, 2020; that practising social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitary precautions are welcomed and should be obeyed, however, my spirit was also challenged when your regulations seem to conflict with God’s word. Let me have you told that in

Acts 5:24 when Peter and the apostles were challenged to stop preaching about Jesus Christ; their reply was, “we must obey God rather than man. Lest we forget. God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent; in other words God is everywhere.” I therefore implore you, good sir, not to clamp your alleged strong hands on God’s people else we will request that he move you. Let me have you told the Bible tells us that the stones will cry out in our steed if we fail to praise God, the almighty. Pastor T G Morrison of Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets bombasted new protocols. Those permitted churches to worship in parking lots amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His stance is that the government does not have the power to tell the church what to do; be it service or Sunday school. Moreover, be it in the parking lot or in the confines of the church. We shall serve Jehovah, Almighty rather than man. L L BASTIAN Nassau, October 2, 2020.

LETTERS

Killing fields of Nassau ‘Leave Church alone’ EDITOR, The Tribune.

CRIME does not belong to any political party as it affects all Bahamians without regard to race; politics or creed. The recent uptick in homicides, especially involving young children is troubling and a matter of grave public concern. This is not the time for the blame game but rather a tine for serious reflection by the powers that be and social stakeholders. They need to get together in a conclave and hash out, again, the root causes of the crime phenomenon and where possible come up with sensible and sustainable solutions. The Bahamas Christian Council is basically a useless and lost religious (not spiritual) body of men and women who apparently don’t have too much to do. The children of a nation, it has been said, are the trustees of posterity. They are among the most vulnerable in our society and should be treated as such. What have we done with a lot of them, however? Those who are not

being sexually; mentally and physically abused are being neglected (by dead beat lousy so-called Dads); pimped out by desperate single mothers and exploited by older predators... male and female. New Providence and other Islands are fast becoming ‘killing fields’ where the law of the jungle reigns supreme. Ask any young child today what he/she wants to become and, invariably, they will tell you: a gangster; a drug dealer; a kept woman or a shop clerk (not that anything is wrong with the latter but that is the extent of their ambition especially if they dropped out of high school. They tend to associate with the criminal elements or live in hot spot areas which are now “killing fields”. In recent times at least four young Bahamians have had their lives snuffed out, seemingly with impunity. Yes, the police always catches up with suspected persons, but far too often the criminal justice system grinds too slowly and multiple suspects are released

from custody without charges. When a person is in fact charged the judicial process takes forever and a day. Evidence is lost or misplaced and a mistrial is declared and/or the accused are acquitted. I would have hoped that by now the PM would have made a national address to the nation accompanied by the Minister of National Security and the Commissioner of Police. The least that he/they could do would be to demonstrate empathy with the survivors and to reassure an anxious people that they are safe and secured. This senseless violence against our children must cease and desist sooner rather than later My sympathies and condolences are extended to all surviving family and friends of the deceased children. To God then, The Great I Am that I Am in all things, even death, be the honour and glory. Jr

ORTLAND H BODIE, Nassau, October 5, 2020.

EDITOR, The Tribune. I CONCUR with the article of Thursday, May 28, 2020 in the Nassau Guardian by Bishop Walter Hanchell. The Prime Minister has indeed been extremely unfair to the church. I concur with the position of Pastor T G Morrison who stated that the government does not have the power to tell the church what to do. He is indeed a brave bold warrior for Christ. This repeated stance indeed. More of us need to stand for truth, justice and the church Archbishop Desmond TuTu of Africa said, “when we remain silent in matters of injustice, we take sides with the oppressors.” In my opinion the Hon Hubert Minnis has also been extremely unfair to the church and has no earthly gumption to control God’s church and Hubert Minnis has no power to declare how long church service should be and demand if we have communion or not. The constitution grants Christian believers the rights to freedom of worship and as we see fit. The church

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, PAGE 7

NO DECISION YET ON CREATION OF PERMANENT VOTERS REGISTER By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said officials have not yet made a decision on recommendations from the Parliamentary Registration Department about creating a permanent or continuous voters’ register for the upcoming general election. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mr Dames said officials are awaiting “further feedback on the consultative process and a decision will be made on the voters’ registration and the public (will be) duly advised.” This comes after

Parliamentary Commissioner Philip Turner said yesterday that he has proposed to the government that the Parliamentary Elections Act be amended for the upcoming election, to allow for a permanent voters’ register or continuous one. He made similar comments to The Tribune late last month. Speaking at the Ministry of National Security’s press conference yesterday, Mr Turner said the COVID–19 pandemic had seriously impacted the department’s operations prompting officials to have discussions on the “in-person registration process in a COVID-19 environment.”

He said key concerns brought up by officials included the health and safety risks posed to both the department’s staff members and the public. He said officials were also concerned about a reduced public participation as a result of COVID fears. In view of this, he said yesterday: “The parliamentary commissioner is proposing to The Bahamas government that amendments be made to the Parliamentary Elections Act. This would involve replacing the five year voters’ register with a permanent or continuous one,” he added. “This process would require maintaining the

existing register, registering only new voters, transferring existing voters who have changed residence, that is, living three or more months in a new place or residence and removing the deceased and incarcerated from the current register. “The current register, which is due to expire in July 2021, will be virtually indistinguishable from any new register prepared for the 2022 general elections, save for those persons who have died since the last election, that will be removed from the current register, and those new voters added from July 2021 up to the closing of the register for the general elections.”

According to Mr Turner, the current voter’s register presently stands at 187,616. That is roughly 130,000 in New Providence, 30,000 in Grand Bahama, and 30,000 throughout the Family Islands. By establishing a permanent register or an extension of the current one, Mr Turner said there would be several advantages allowing for a smooth process. The amendments, he also noted, will fall in line with COVID-19 protocols. This would include “a high level of integrity in the register based on the high percentage of persons who used a Bahamian passport as proof of their eligibility

to register,” he added. “There would be a reduced need for the Parliamentary Registration Department staff and the public to interact with each other as it is unlikely that the number of persons who changed their residence since registering would be significant; and reduce the opportunity for large public gathering during registration, thus minimising the potential for COVID-19 exposure.” He also said officials would ensure that all protocols are being adhered to, with clear plexi-glass barriers implemented between all registrants and staff during the registration process.

Row over keeping distance ends in fight By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 20-YEAR-OLD woman who punched another woman after they got into an argument about social distancing while riding on a local bus was ordered to compensate the complainant for her injuries. Logenee Armbrister appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after she was accused of harming Andrea Wilson on October 3. The court was told that around 1pm that day, Ms Wilson was riding a 16A bus when she saw a male passenger enter and sit next to Armbrister. The prosecution said the defendant then began to curse at the male passenger to Ms Wilson’s annoyance. The complainant then told Armbrister to stop using obscenities before asking the driver to let her off the bus. The court was told the defendant followed Ms Wilson out of the vehicle, punched her

in the face and tripped her down. After the incident, Ms Wilson filed an official complaint with police. Armbrister was arrested a short time later. During the hearing Armbrister pleaded guilty. She also told the magistrate she was riding the bus on her way to work on the day the incident took place. She claimed the bus was “filled to capacity” when the male passenger boarded the vehicle. She said when she asked the bus driver how he could allow the man to sit next to her due to the social distancing orders, the other passengers became “irate, called her stupid and told her she needed to get her own car”. The defendant claimed Ms Wilson also “jumped up” and told her she was wrong “out of nowhere”. She insisted she only retaliated in the heat of the moment. After listening to her explanation, Magistrate McKinney ordered Armbrister to compensate Ms Wilson $300 and warned her if she didn’t, she would

spend one month in prison. She was also bound to keep the peace for six months. If she fails to do so, she could risk facing three months behind bars. Yesterday, a man also appeared before Magistrate McKinney after he was accused of committing a similar offence. Daren Huings, 25, was arrested after he turned himself in for causing dangerous harm to a man on September 27. The prosecution said around 2 o‘clock that morning, the complainant was found in a pool of blood with lacerations on his head and body. Huings turned himself into the Central Detective Unit two days later for the crime. In an interview with police, he admitted to the offence. After listening to the prosecution’s facts, Magistrate McKinney said he would give the Crown an opportunity to get the victim’s medical record to assess the degree of his injuries. He is set to deliver his sentence today.

DAMIAN Forbes outside court yesterday.

MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING STORE MANAGER By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN was charged with robbing and murdering a store manager yesterday. Damian Forbes, 33, appeared before Magistrate Forbes accused of the September 17 incident. The prosecution alleged the accused robbed Wade-son Augustin of $50 cash, which belonged to God’s Grace Amos Convenience Store,

MOORE FOUNDATION OFFERS MORE RELIEF AFTER HURRICANE DORIAN THE Moore Bahamas Foundation has announced new grants for Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery, bringing contributions thus far to more than $700,000 as part of a million-dollar pledge by conservation philanthropist, Louis Bacon. Previous Moore Bahamas Hurricane Dorian recovery grants focused primarily on emergency aid and relief, as well as rebuilding resilience. Influenced by the compounding tragedy of COVID-19, this latest round of donations focuses on essential needs such as jobs and small business relief in Grand Bahama, food security in Nassau and Grand Bahama, and remote, at-home education tools for students. “The people of The Bahamas show amazing resilience as they continue to recover and rebuild from 2019’s Hurricane Dorian,” said Mr Bacon, chairman of The Moore Charitable Foundation and Moore Bahamas, its local affiliate. “We are uniting as a global community to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The added stresses of COVID-19 on businesses, livelihoods, families and students have reinforced our commitment to supporting The Bahamas’ recovery efforts during this trying time.” Hurricane Dorian’s aftermath has been compounded by the impact of COVID-19. Hunger and food security are the main threats to full recovery from the storm for both families and the broader economy. A grant was made to the Grand Bahama Food Distribution Task force, a working group of the National Food Distribution Task Force organised by the government of The Bahamas along with private sector partners. “The Grand Bahama Food Distribution Task Force is pleased to receive this generous donation from Moore Bahamas Foundation on behalf of the

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

AFTER HURRICANE DORIAN, Jonathan Campbell’s janitorial company received a grant from Mercy Corps, which enabled him to replace destroyed equipment and get his business up and running. Feed Grand Bahama programme. Post Red Cross, Bacardi, and the Grand Hurricane Dorian many families have Bahama Port Authority. been challenged and with the corona“This support will allow the RISE virus pandemic and it has increased (Restoring Industries and Sustainthe vulnerable among us. ing Employment) Grand Bahama “It is the mandate of the Grand Initiative to provide bridge grants to Bahama Food Task Force to assist particularly small and vulnerable busithe vulnerable and Moore Bahamas’ nesses so they can stay afloat despite donation will help the task force in these extremely difficult operating fulfilling this commitment,” said Sena- circumstances,” said Paula Miller, tor Kwasi Thompson, minister of state Mercy Corps’ country director in The for Grand Bahama. Bahamas. “Moore Bahamas’ generHe continued, “The Feed Grand osity will allow these businesses to Bahama programme started in late continue to support their community June and has issued over 26,000 food with essential services and feed their assistance vouchers. This donation will own families.” aid in meeting the increasing demand Relief grants were also made to for food assistance. We encourage Lend a Hand Bahamas, the Ranfurly others to contribute to this ongoing Homes for Children, the Adventeffort. No donation is too small.” ist Development and Relief Agency Support was also provided for (ADRA) Bahamas, Water Mission, small business relief through RISE the Bahamas Reef Environmental GrandBahama, a cooperative pro- Education Foundation (BREEF), and ject of Mercy Corps, the American the Briland Aid Foundation.

before fatally shooting the store manager and fleeing the scene. During his hearing, Forbes was not required to enter a plea and the case was adjourned to December 3 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). Due to the nature of the charges, he was denied bail and remanded to prison until that time. When given an opportunity to speak yesterday, Forbes alleged he was

beaten while in police custody. He also asked the magistrate if he could see a doctor to get treatment for his swollen wrists. Magistrate Forbes said he would make a note of the accused’s claims and arrange for him to receive medical treatment while on remand at Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He has a right to apply to a judge in the Supreme Court for bail.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Belinda learned from her mother - standing up for others and making their voices heard MANY schools, especially public schools in The Bahamas, had their first day of school yesterday. It also happened to be World Teacher’s Day - the 26th annual day honouring teachers globally. This year’s theme was: “Teachers leading in crisis – reimagining the future”. In the view of a global pandemic, teachers are facing their most difficult time yet. The new school year is quite different from any other year, and schools are having to embrace the digital age like never before. The challenge in The Bahamas is complicated by the fact that at least a hundred teachers are in quarantine at this moment. In spite of it all, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson is confident her members are up to the task, but they will need as much support as possible. “I reimagine a future in education

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

and teaching where teachers will be respected, honoured, and where our voices will be heard,” Belinda said. “I reimagine a future where teachers will be seen as the experts and the architects of our educational system. Thirty-two million teachers in 192 countries are celebrating. In this COVID19 pandemic environment, be strong, be resilient. We will and we can succeed; we will make it. In Bahamas, I want to say to teachers, solidarity… forever!” Belinda has given her life to the cause of teachers in The Bahamas. She has

played an active role in the BUT for the past 26 years, and continues to go strong. She has served as the union’s president since 2008 and she is the longestserving in this post. She is also BUT’s longest-serving executive officer, and the third woman to serve as president, the first being the renowned educator Mabel Walker who led the union in 1947. Prior to COVID-19, Belinda and her executive team were at the table with the Ministry of Education negotiating the fourth collective bargaining agreement that she has taken part in. She has been co-lead for

BELINDA in an outfit made up of different student uniforms and on being elected BUT president.

Private Funeral Service For Ralph Kenneth Martin Smith, 83 affectionately called “Poor Boy”

at St. Mark’s Native Baptist Church Cemetery Romer Street, Fox Hill Nassau, Bahamas Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Officiating will be Bishop Carrington S. Pinder, assisted by Other Ministers of The Gospel. Ralph will be lovingly remembered by his wife: Rebecca Smith; sons: Brett, Everette, Brent and Jonathan; daughters: Lynnith Braynen of Miramar, Florida, Winifred Rolle, Robyn Rodgers, Crystal James of Bowie, Maryland, Tremell Smith, and Candice Bowe; grand-children: Andrea, Brett, Tyja, Joshua, Tylyn, Geniqua, Cecil, Cecilily, Demont, Ralph, Rylie, Teron, Brent Jr., Taniyah, Sidney, Savanna Everette Jr., Eveannah, Nathan, Nathalia, Racheal Johanna, Angel, Isis, Alonzo Jr., Marcus, and Jahmennen; great-grand-children: Alysa, Andrea, Brinyah, Alaina, Jessica, Justice, Lyric, Brett, Brendon, Dakai, Makai, Aaliyah, Ronnie, Frank, Lie. brothers: Lernise, Neville (Shirley),(who predeceased him) Othniel (Queeny) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Nathaniel of Ohio, and Kermit (Marina) Smith: sister: Eleanor Smith; daughters-in-law: Theaa, Kalin, Maricris and Albertha Campbell: Sons-in-law: Tyrone Braynen, Darrin Rodgers, Shawn James and Alonzo Bowe, brothers-in-law: Bernard, Nathan (Lillian), Vernon (who pre-deceased him) Eric, James, Carl (Yvonne), Jeremiah (Vangy), Kenneth (Antoinette), Gregory (Donna), sisters-in-law: Edith(Osbourne), Myrtis (who pre-deceased him) Edris, Louise, Denise(Ricardo), Van , Valda, Venera(Frenchy), Celestine Eneas; nieces: Allison, Paula, Troy, Bridgette, Alessa, Shayvonne, Gia, Judymae, Ernestine, Cynthia, Ingrid, Charmaine, Natasha, Yvette, Kandies, Charlene, Edwa Smith, Christine, Patricia, and Michelle Johnson, Terry and Sharon, Anishka, Carlette Rolle, Krystel, Cheryse, Deloris, Guevares, Denise, Ruthnell, Davanekque, Symeka, Sarah, Monique, Sheila, Vernique, Britenique, Ethelbert, Kaywana, Nathylee, Natisha, Keny, Deandra, Dorell, Monique, Terez, Clemmeth and Christashann; nephews: Terrance, Kwemo, Stephen, Shannon, Sterling, Anthony, Ruben, Troy, Lyndon, Derrick, Clint, Drevor, Deodano, Nakia, Renaldo, Reco, Javaughn, Antoine, Jay, Jamaal, Mario, Mervin, Marlon, Francio, Dolan, Acharo, Marvin, Bernard Jr, Eric, Perry, Jason and Nathan. Numerous relatives and friends including: Bishop Carrington and Sabrina Pinder, Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, Hon. Melanie Griffith, Bishop Delton and Calpurnia Fernander, Pastor Ricardo and Joan Lees, Minister Marva Thompson, Telzina Coakley, Dorothy Lockhart, Pamricka Ferguson, Carolyn Sturrup, Margaret Curry, Sylvia Wilson, Jacquelyn Cox, Deborah Longley, Joy Nicholls, Wendy Lightbourn, Joann Smith, Sharon Rahming, Mrs. Francita Brice, Adeshia Brice, Wendy Nixon, Mark and Denise Symonette, Helen Quann, Ivenia and family, Philip and Anita Beneby, The Sutherland family, Nellie McPhee, Terear Price, St. John’s Baptist Church Family, New Destiny Baptist Church Family, Liberty Baptist Church Family, The Doctors and nurses of Culmers Ward, Marsha McQueen, the nurses and staff of Coastline Community Care. Viewing will be held in the Halcyon Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Tuesday (TODAY) from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

one and has taken the lead for three. “In 2012, we were able to get medical insurance for our members,” she said. “Our terms and conditions of service, as well as having a better quality of education for students… these are always on our mind and reflected in our industrial agreement.” Her monumental journey in the teacher’s union started in 1994. She was teaching physical education at CC Sweeting Junior High (now TA Thompson Junior High) under the great Leonard “Boston Blackie” Miller. Many find it surprising that a woman with a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of St Thomas, a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from St Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, trained to teach English Language and Literature at the College of The Bahamas, would choose to teach physical education. Belinda replied: “Why? Because it is an easy fit for me. I spent three months teaching English Language and Literature when I went to the Ministry of Education to request a transfer to teach physical education. I felt closed in. It didn’t suit me. I like to move; I am upbeat and active.” She showed athletic prowess from a young girl. Born on Ross Corner, this Farm Road girl is the ninth of 11 children born to Reverend Basil and Maria Johnson. She attended Woodcock Primary before attending St John’s College for high school. Principal Arlene Nash Ferguson once held a competition at the school, which Belinda won. She is to thank for the name “The Green Giants” that students shout at competitions today. While at St John’s, Belinda not only excelled in academics, but also at athletics. She made records at the school in track events like the 400 and 800 metres, and long jump. She participated in numerous sports, including softball. It was for this sport that she was granted a full scholarship to St Augustine’s, thanks to Cynthia “Mother” Pratt and Tom “The Bird” Grant, who helped hundreds of Bahamian students have the opportunity to study there. She enjoyed a full ride from 1991 to 1994, and played outfield in softball consistently for the college, which is now a university. She also wrote for the school newspaper, and graduated Magna Cum Laude, completing her degree in three years instead of four. It was May of 1994 and Belinda was about to graduate. Her boyfriend, Arnold Wilson, had flown over to the graduation, but he also intended to propose. Unfortunately, Arnold lost the ring! Bewildered by the event, he ended up telling his love what had happened, and they went back to the mall where he thought he had dropped it. Lo and behold, the ring was still on the floor of the shop where he dropped it. It was carefully wrapped in a napkin.

The fact that the napkin was still on the floor in the spot he dropped it was a sign to the couple that they “were meant to be together”. Twenty-six years later, they are still in love and going strong with a beautiful daughter, Nika, Belinda says. They got married at 11am on May 7, 1994 and at 12 noon, Belinda was walking across the stage in her cap and gown. That same year, she started at CC Sweeting Junior and was elected a shop steward for her counterparts at the school. She taught there for five years before moving on to CV Bethel Senior High, and she was one of the pioneering teachers who were among the first to work at the new school. By 2003, Belinda went on to assist in the opening of another new school – Dame Doris Johnson Senior High. She became the first Teacher of the Year for the school, and also received the Excel award for Coach of the Year. She credits her first go at teaching to Bishop Neil Ellis, who made contact with the late great Rev Charles Saunders, requesting an opportunity for her to work at what was then the Bahamas Baptist College, now named after Rev Saunders. She says her first students are now 48 and 49-years-old, making great contributions to the country, which gives her great joy and pride. She and her family continue to attend Mount Tabor Church under Bishop Ellis to this day. Her strong faith, she said, was nurtured by her parents: “I thank my parents for teaching us the way of the Lord. My dad woke us up at 5am to pray every day. We went to church and Sunday school. On December 31, 1989 I accepted the Lord and I am a true believer. My husband is also a quiet, but prayerful man. He provided a safe, comfortable, loving home and whenever I have a rough day, I can go home to the loving arms of my husband. He is my rock and a pillar of strength. My daughter is quiet like him, but very observant. My siblings and some of my cousins and close friends have also been a pillar of strength for me in my life.” Her mother also made a tremendous impact on her, as she learned to be an activist under her wings: “I must have followed in my mom’s footsteps. We spent a lot of time with her at the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union. She was a chief shop steward for 18 consecutive years there. We were on the ground with her when they demonstrated, and we watched her take a stand for others.” Belinda - who was a shop steward from 1994-1996 and a trustee from 19961999, found it necessary to take that same type of stand for others when she attended a union meeting back in 2004: “I never

BELINDA’s parents, Rev Basil and Maria Johnson. Her mother died in November last year at the age of 90, and her father is still alive at 91 years old.

BELINDA WILSON wanted to be president; I never even thought about it. But I attended a certain meeting and holy hell, as they say, came up in me. I saw what was happening in that meeting and I thought the teachers deserved better representation. I decided to seek out certain individuals and convince them to run with me for the new executive team. Among them was Ida Turnquest. She was to run for the president position and I would run for secretary general. She said yes. We ran with a small team, but our team was successful.” During the following BUT elections in 2008, Ida decided that she did not want to run, so Belinda made the decision to run for the post. Later on, Ida had changed her mind. So she ended up running against Belinda along with Francis Friend and Byron Small for the position of president. Belinda won. She has been at the helm ever since. She considers herself in good company, as the BUT has had some outstanding persons in leadership, including Carlton Francis and former Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont, who was the union’s first secretary general. The union has a rich legacy and on January 10, 2018, a document was produced in this regard. It is a booklet commemorating the oral history of the BUT, written and edited by Patricia Roker and designed by Sheila Bethell. Belinda has the honour of having the BUT’s multipurpose building in Grand Bahama named in her honour – the Belinda Wilson Convention Center. Two executive committees voted on and approved the name. It commemorates a woman who continues to be at the forefront of the fight for the rights of teachers. In addition, hundreds of teachers have benefitted from local and international training under her leadership. Union members benefit from Christmas bonuses, and they also have retirement and death benefits. “I am very proud to be representing the teachers of this nation,” she said, “It is the profession of professions.” “It is an honour and privilege for me to serve them for such a long time. I have made so many friends and I have so many relationships with colleagues and associates that will last a lifetime. I enjoy life and I have a passion for what I do. There is something inside of me… I get very upset when I watch people being taken advantage of and when people are treated unfairly. It causes me to want to push and advocate even more for the rights not only of teachers, but people in general. I intend to serve my country and be a voice for the voiceless without fear or favour as long as I have breath.” There were some highs and lows in Belinda’s tenure. Among them, she was suspended several times by executive committee. In 2017, she went to the Supreme Court to plead for her place on the ballot. The court ruled in her favour, and she won her way back to the presidency by more than 1400 votes. “I have learned that you have people who for and those who are against you. After running and being successful seven times, I realise there’s more with me than against me. I am honoured to have served the teachers for so many years and we are still going strong!

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, PAGE 9

TO follow up my recent scenes. After the Nassau comments about the deci- CHOGM, she engaged in sion by Barbados to become a direct dialogue with the a republic, I cover today then South African Presisome recent interesting dent P W Botha in an effort developments relating to to persuade him to speed the Commonwealth, some up the ending of apartheid. of which could benefit The She urged him to make a Bahamas. public announcement of This voluntary associa- specific steps to achieve tion of 54 sovereign states, this, including the release with a combined popula- from prison of Nelson Mantion of 2.4 million spanning dela. Their important and six different continents, is - to the historian – fascinatrarely top of ing exchanges the world’s ‘An aspect of the were highly news agenda. report which stood classified at However, it out for me because the time but seems to have the correbeen given a of its potential spondence new impetus relevance to The can now be following the Bahamas is the UK’s found on the Commoninternet. support given to wealth Heads At the 2018 of Govern- the Commonwealth CHOGM ment Meeting Small States Office hosted by (CHOGM) the UK, 46 in Geneva and, in London in specifically, UK help heads of gov2018. Its conernment, tinuing work to a number of Small together with of peaceful Island Developing 49 foreign collaboration States (SIDS) in ministers, and co-oper- managing their agreed a range ation goes on of policy largely unher- marine economies options to alded because because of their create a Comit is inherently vulnerability to monwealth not newswor- climate change, that was thy. But it hits fairer, more the headlines global warming and sustainable, when political rising ocean levels.’ more prosissues come perous and to the fore – more secure. for example, at the 1985 They agreed to bring CHOGM in Nassau when about a brighter future for there was fierce controversy an organisation which is about economic sanctions unique in the diversity of against apartheid South its partnerships that underAfrica. line the importance of its At that meeting, British global collaboration and Prime Minister Margaret coordination. Thatcher was isolated over It seems to me that, since her stance against imposi- this meeting, the value of the tion of sanctions which she Commonwealth as a vehibelieved would not only cle for dealing with global weaken the South African challenges has been progreseconomy and slow down sively enhanced and that, political reform but also henceforward, the organisadamage the living stand- tion’s collective voice – not ards of the poorest. But this least its support of the rulespressure from Common- based international order wealth partners may have – will be heard more loudly contributed to action taken around the world. by Mrs Thatcher behind the But these are not just

Before following path of Barbados, look towards the Commonwealth The Peter Young column grand words. A report by the UK Chair-in-Office for the period 2018 to 2020 was published last month describing the activity and achievements during the last two years in fulfilling these CHOGM commitments. The report can be found on the UK government website. It is clear that in this leadership role the UK has been championing the interests of the Commonwealth as a

CHINA AND HUMAN RIGHTS FEARS ALTHOUGH the issue has not been in the news much, for some time now China has been facing global criticism over its alleged persecution of the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority group living mostly in the Xinjiang province in the northwest of the country. It is believed that over the past few years up to a million Uyghurs have been detained in what the state calls “re-education camps”. China has also been accused of conducting a programme of enforced sterilisation of Uyghur women which it denies. After initially denying the existence of the camps, the government now claims they are a necessary measure against separatist violence in Xinjiang. Writing in July about Britain’s recent clashes with China over Hong Kong and human rights – and about involvement in the UK of the giant telecommunications company Huawei - I mentioned that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had condemned what he called the “gross, egregious human rights abuses” perpetrated against the Uyghurs that had caused international outrage. This issue had been addressed in a crossregional joint statement, on behalf of 27 countries, to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva at the end of June. The UK ambassador to the UN

there expressed Britain’s and those countries’ deep and growing concern about arbitrary detention, widespread surveillance and other restrictions targeting Uyghurs - as well as about China’s imposition on Hong Kong of legislation related to national security, with clear implications for the human rights of its people. New information about the plight of the Uyghurs has emerged from reports last month by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which is said to be a credible think tank. It identified some 380 suspected detention facilities across Xinjiang through satellite imaging and, reportedly, supplied evidence that China is systematically closing and demolishing major shrines, mosques and other holy sites, with an estimated 8,500 mosques destroyed since 2017. One effect of globalisation is that violation of human rights on such a scale cannot be ignored. So I found it interesting that the UK is focusing on these two human rights issues at this year’s UN General Assembly. It is also notable that the Westminster Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has launched an enquiry into the Xinjiang detention camps. The Chair of the FAC has referred to “horrifying echoes of the 1930s”

with “undeniable evidence of persecution of more than one million people in these so-called education camps”. The committee’s reported aim is to look at ways Britain should fulfil its responsibilities as an “active, internationalist problem-solving and burden-sharing nation” and influence China towards better human rights practices. But, important as the treatment of the Uyghurs is, I imagine Hong Kong will be of equal concern to Britain because of the relatively recent history. As a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN, guaranteeing Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms, the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 should be respected by China which imposed the new security legislation without the direct participation of Hong Kong’s legislature or judiciary. In commenting in July about Beijing’s controversial new security law in Hong Kong, I touched on the nation’s more belligerent approach to the rest of the world in its quest for global primacy. But many will hope that Britain’s action in highlighting at the UN the plight of the Uyghur minority might just help to persuade China to modify its policy in order to prevent further international criticism.

TRUMP DIAGNOSIS SHOWS A NASTY WORLD TODAY, I had intended to comment on last week’s fractious and bad-tempered US presidential debate that developed into an unedifying tussle between two septuagenarian brawlers hurling personal insults at each other. Instead of measured exchanges on serious policy issues, the debate was a chaotic and acrimonious affair – with constant interruptions and talking over each other – more suited to the school playground than a contest for the highest office in the land and leadership of the free world. It is the case, of course, that US politics have always been rougher and more rumbustious than what happens the other side of the pond, but I was planning to compare this unsavoury

event to the relatively more ordered and calmer (with a number of notable exceptions) political scene in Britain. All this, however, was overtaken by the shocking – though perhaps not unexpected – news on Friday that President Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalised soon afterwards as a claimed cautionary measure. Given the agitated atmosphere, it was unsurprising that reactions should be a mixture of genuine sympathy, damning criticism for bringing it on himself by not taking the virus seriously enough and what amounted in some cases to gallows humour, with people gloating over his plight.

It was heart-warming to note the expressions of sympathy and messages of goodwill from political opponents and overseas leaders – and former President Obama perhaps stated it best by reminding people that, even in the midst of political battles, “we are all Americans and all human beings and we need to ensure everyone stays healthy”. That said, messages on social media hoping the president would succumb to the virus – and a named but largely unknown British actor saying live on TV that “my heart leapt for joy” at the news of his illness – only show the bitterness and hatred harboured by too many people whose world is invariably a mean and nasty place.

WHAT does the future hold for The Bahamas? Does it follow the route of the likes of Barbados and become a republic - losing positions such as the Governor General in the process? Or does it make the most of the Commonwealth? Photo: Terrel W. Carey Sr/Tribune Staff global force for good. There is insufficient space today to cover the array of initiatives and accomplishments described in the report. But it is worth noting the emphasis on coordinated action concerning COVID-19 – including addressing the worldwide socio-economic implications of it – and in relation to programmes and projects to help deliver on commitments aligned to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. There is clearly much work taking place that is already producing results on issues like climate change, cyber security and human

rights and in areas like education, health – including provision of antibiotics to fight certain diseases in African countries – and the stigma of mental illness together with discrimination against certain minority groups, women and girls and the disabled. An aspect of the report which stood out for me because of its potential relevance to The Bahamas is the UK’s support given to the Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva and, specifically, UK help to a number of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in managing their marine economies because of their

vulnerability to climate change, global warming and rising ocean levels. It was also interesting to read about the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance in which 34 countries across six continents have united to tackle the problem of marine pollution. Overall, the Commonwealth has organisations and networks that provide people-to-people links and connect governments, professionals and civic society across all its member states – and there are undoubtedly new opportunities emerging for new collaboration as this re-energised body becomes increasingly more active.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus, gestures during a special session on the COVID-19 respnse. The head of emergencies at the World Health Organization says its “best estimates” indicate that roughly one in ten people worldwide may have been infected by the coronavirus. Photo: Christopher Black/WHO /AP

WHO: 10% of world’s people may have been infected with virus GENEVA Associated Press

T

HE head of emergencies at the World Health Organization said Monday the agency’s “best estimates” indicate roughly one in ten people worldwide may have been infected by the coronavirus — more than 20 times the number of confirmed cases — and warned of a difficult period ahead. Dr Michael Ryan, speaking to a special session of the WHO’s 34-member executive board focusing on COVID-19, said the figures vary from urban to rural areas, and between different groups, but that ultimately it means “the vast majority of the world remains at risk”. He said the pandemic would continue to evolve, but that tools exist to suppress transmission and save lives. “Many deaths have been averted and many more lives can be protected,” Ryan said. He was flanked

by his boss, WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who minutes earlier led a moment of silence to honor victims, as well as a round of applause for the health workers who have strived to save them. Ryan said southeast Asia faced a surge in cases, Europe and the eastern Mediterranean were seeing an increase, while the situations in Africa and the Western Pacific were “rather more positive”. Overall, though, he said the world was “heading into a difficult period”. “The disease continues to spread. It is on the rise in many parts of the world,” Ryan told attendees from governments who make up the executive board and provide much of the WHO’s funding. “Our current best estimates tell us that about ten percent of the global population may have been infected by this virus.” The estimate — which would amount to more than 760 million people based on a current world population

of about 7.6 billion — far outstrips the number of confirmed cases as tallied by both the WHO and Johns Hopkins University, now more than 35 million worldwide. Experts have long said that the number of confirmed cases greatly undershoots the true figure. Ryan did not elaborate on the estimate. Dr. Margaret Harris, a WHO spokeswoman, said it was based on an average of antibody studies conducted around the world. She said the estimated 90 percent of people remaining without infection means the virus has “opportunity” to spread further “if we don’t take action to stop it” such as by contact-tracing and tracking of cases by health officials. Tedros, during his remarks, said: “What we have learned in every region of the world is that with strong leadership, clear and comprehensive strategies, consistent communication, and engaged, empowered and enabled population, it’s never too late ... Every

situation can be turned around — and hard-won gains can be easily lost.” “The pandemic underlines the fundamental importance of investing in public health and primary health care,” said Tedros, wearing a stylish black, red and yellow mask. Tedros had not worn a mask during scores of COVID19 press conferences he led at WHO headquarters this year. The comments came during a special session of the executive board to consider the follow-up to its previous meeting, in May, that passed a resolution to look into the world’s — and WHO’s — response to the pandemic, among other things. The two-day meeting is the first by the executive board since the Trump administration set off a one-year countdown this summer toward pulling the United States out of the WHO next July. President Donald Trump, who himself has been infected by COVID-19, has repeatedly

accused the WHO of being too accepting of China’s explanations of its handling of the outbreak in Wuhan late last year. On a far more conciliatory tone, Assistant Secretary of Health Brett Giroir, the US representative on the board, told the meeting by videoconference that the United States “looks forward to working together to defeat this pandemic and move our people and economics back to normalcy”. Giroir also pressed WHO — albeit gently — to clear up its relationship with the Chinese government. He said a “key mandate” from the resolution in May was its call for a joint mission involving the WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization to look into the animal origins of the virus and its transmission to humans. A two-person advance team for that mission has visited China, but a fuller mission isn’t ready. Giroir said it was “critical” that

WHO member states receive regular and timely updates about the mission and its “terms of reference” — an allusion to working guidelines that detail just how much access the mission’s members will have in China. Chinese board member Zhang Yang, speaking by videoconference, said China has been “transparent and responsible” and has been fulfilling its responsibilities under the resolution. She said it had been communicating regularly with the WHO and keeping up its financial commitments to the UN agency. Board member Clemens Auer of Austria lamented a “political weakening” of the WHO, citing the “potential withdrawal of a strong WHO member state” — an allusion to the US. He appealed for a “retreat session” for board members, saying it should be an “active” body — not a “ceremonial” one. US representative Giroir expressed support for that idea.

Biden aims to expand map as Trump recovers from coronavirus MIAMI Associated Press AS PRESIDENT Donald Trump recovers from the coronavirus, Joe Biden is capitalising on having the campaign trail largely to himself by hitting critical swing states and investing in longtime Republican bastions that he hopes might expand his path to victory. The Democratic presidential nominee made his second trip to Florida in a little over two weeks yesterday. His visit to Miami was designed to encroach on some of Trump’s turf, even swinging through Little Havana, a typically conservative area known for its staunch opposition to the communist government that Fidel Castro installed in Cuba. He’ll follow up with a trip later this week to Arizona, which hasn’t backed a Democratic presidential candidate since 1996. Even Biden’s former primary rival, Bernie Sanders, has resumed in-person campaigning for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak in March. The progressive Vermont senator held socially distanced rallies in the battlegrounds of New Hampshire and Michigan, proclaiming, “We need Joe Biden as our president.” Sitting on a massive pile of campaign cash less than a month before Election Day, Biden is trying to put Trump on defense across the

DEMOCRATIC presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Jose Marti Gym yesterday in Miami. Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP country and build an advantage in the Electoral College so large that the president might struggle to contest it. That’s especially important since Trump, who lost the popular vote in 2016, has said he may not accept the election results this year and has raised unfounded allegations that the increased use of mail-in voting amid the coronavirus pandemic could lead to fraud. Biden is complementing the expanded campaign travel with a late-stage ad push, reserving more than $6m in television airtime in Texas — for decades deeply red — through the end of October, according to an Associated Press analysis of CMAG data. He also plans to spend $4m on advertising in Georgia, another Republican-leaning state

that Democrats are feeling bullish about. Trump, meanwhile, has scaled back advertising in both states and has begun doing the same in Ohio, which he also won in 2016. “2020 is not 2016. The ‘Dems in disarray,’ fretting that we’re going to go too far, that’s not the reality this time,” said Kelly Dietrich, founder of the National Democratic Training Committee, which has worked with around 1,500 of the party’s candidates for offices nationwide this cycle. “They are running a solid race focused on the swing states we need to win but now have excess resources to expand the map.” As Election Day nears, Democrats are still stung by the 2016 campaign, when Hillary Clinton focused on

Republican-leaning states like North Carolina and Arizona in the final weeks, only to lose ones that long supported Democrats, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Democratic strategist Brad Bannon said, “It would be a mistake for Biden to take his foot off the pedal,” but added, “I wouldn’t want Biden to make the same mistake Clinton did.” “I’d be careful, if I was Biden, about expanding the map too much,” Bannon said. Biden’s advisers say they have been confident for months they can expand the electoral map while never wavering from their promise to have their candidate travel only when local health guidelines allowed for it. Adhering to that plan has

allowed them to expand into other parts of the country at the most critical of moments. Speaking Monday in Little Havana, Biden was careful to continue to wish Trump a speedy recovery but also criticised his administration’s response to the pandemic. “I was glad to see the president speaking and recording videos over the weekend,” Biden said. “Now that’s he’s busy tweeting campaign messages, I’d encourage him to do this: Listen to the scientists.” Biden also diverted from his usual campaign speech about rebuilding the economy after the pandemic to add, “The richness and beauty of Miami is built with the connections of family, culture, values that we share with our friends throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.” Trump left the hospital last night. Although it’s not clear when he’ll be well enough for a full travel schedule, he’s already thinking about one. “Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!!” the president tweeted. Biden advisers say they never considered dialing back his campaigning even while the president was hospitalised, especially with Vice President Mike Pence having taken on a larger role, including at Wednesday’s debate with Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris, in Salt Lake City, Utah. “The Trump campaign continues to run their presidential campaign, and we

are going to continue to run our presidential campaign,” said Biden campaign senior strategist Anita Dunn. “Clearly, both campaigns are continuing to move forward.” Still, Biden faces lingering questions about whether he was exposed to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends quarantining for two weeks after a person’s exposure to the virus. Biden shared a stage with the president for 90 minutes during last week’s first presidential primary debate. Biden says he’s since been tested three times, all with negative results. His campaign has promised he will be tested regularly and has committed to releasing all results, but they’ve refused to comment on whether quarantine was considered after the debate and they haven’t said how often Biden will undergo tests. During an MSNBC town hall later yesterday evening, Biden said presidents should be transparent about their health, though he also “can understand that, in certain circumstances related to national security, where every detail would not be made available in the middle of a particular crisis.” But Biden said withholding such information was only appropriately rarely and for short periods of time, saying it should be done “only on the margins and only for the moment.”

SPORTS Tureano on target PAGE 15

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

by RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE Tureano Johnson bout against Jamie Munguia is just over three weeks away and the former WBO super welterweight champion appears confident of his chances against the Bahamian middleweight. “I anticipate a great fight because, as Tureano says, he always goes to the front. I’m going to go out and win, to look for my second middleweight victory and the knockout will comes on it’s own,” Munguia said in a telephone conversation with ESTO. He described Johnson as “a fairly strong fighter, who has extensive experience in professional and amateur boxing, since he was an Olympian. We have to be careful, we have taken all the precautions, we have trained for that type of fighter, we are going to arrive very well, we have been correcting mistakes in the gym. We have worked on defense, among other things.” Johnson and Munguia will square off October 30 at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. The fight will stream live on DAZN. Both Johnson and Munguia fight under Golden Boy Promotions. Now sporting a 21-2-1 win-loss-draw record, Johnson, 36, is coming off a

SEND FOR A FIREMAN - P15

victory over the previously undefeated Jason Quigley on July 18 for the NABF middleweight title, also at Fantasy Springs. Just after his win over Quigley, Johnson was ranked No.8 in the World Boxing Council and No.15 in the International Boxing Federation. Munguia, 23, is undefeated (35-0, 28 KOs) and stopped Gary O’Sullivan in round 11 of his last fight on January 11. “At 160 pounds I feel a little stronger, I think that is going to be the big difference. With O’Sullivan it was my first fight in this division, I didn’t know what it felt like, but right now I think I’ve gotten on well, I know what it feels like, I have a little more confidence, we have continued to work hard, it will be great fight,” Munguia said, “I think it will serve me, because I had been very active as a champion. I made four defenses every year and it is somewhat exhausting; this helped us to rest and we have never stopped training ”. In July, Johnson was added to a list of potential opponents for Alvarez at his next fight, scheduled September 12 on DAZN. Golden Boy Promotions president, Eric Gomez, said Johnson - the current WBC North American Boxing Federation champion - was added to a list of prospective contenders that also includes John Ryder, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Callum Smith, Anthony Dirrell and Jason Quigley.

PAIR ARE MAKING IT BIG IN JAPAN by RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Japanese B-League tipped off its season opener last weekend and a pair of Bahamian national team players saw their respective teams get off to perfect starts. Veteran forward Kadeem Coleby is in his fourth season with the Akita Northern Happinets while Mark St Fort is the latest addition to the roster of SeaHorses Mikawa. Coleby averaged 12 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the pair of wins over Shinshu BW. In a blowout game one, Coleby and the remainder of the starters played limited minutes en route to an 80 - 55 win. He finished with eight points and three rebounds in just 16 minutes. The Happinets built a double digit lead in the first quarter and took an early 23-12 advantage and led wire to wire. In game two, Coleby finished with a double double, 16 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots in an 80 - 76 win. The Happinets had to overcome a slow start and were outscored 26-10 in the opening frame. They followed by outscoring Shinshu in every other quarter 24-14, 28-24 and 18-12. St Fort and his new Mikawa teammates swept the Hitachi Searockers 82-78 and 89-87. He played sparingly with three points in game one and

KADEEM Coleby (above right) and Mark St Fort, right. followed with two points in game two. This is the B League’s fifth season after the COVID-19 pandemic brought an early end to the 2019-20 season. Each team will play 60 regular season games. The playoffs commence on May 13 and the finals will follow on May 29. Coleby has been a mainstay in the Akita lineup for the last four seasons. Through 34 games last season, he averaged 10.6 points per game on 54 percent shooting from the field. He also averaged 6.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in just over 26 minutes per game. Akita finished 19-22 on the season, fifth in the league standings. In 2018 he was the league leader in blocked shots (2.4 per game) in his second season with the Happinets. St Fort spent last season in the Japan’s third division, the B3-League, as a member of the Saitama Broncos where he averaged 17.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. The B3-League has eleven teams made up of de facto semi-professional teams.

DOMINICK BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER’S STAR ON THE RISE by RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net DOMINICK Bridgewager is emerging as a star in France’s Nationale Masculine 2 (NM2) League. Bridgewater recorded his third double double in as many games when he finished with 24 points and 13 assists in a 93-72 win for Sapela 13 over Ouest Lyonnais Basketball. Bridgewater is averaging 16.7 points and 12.4 assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the field in his first 3 games of the season. In his rookie season in

the NM2 League, Bridgewater has led Sapela Basket 13 to an early 3-0 record. In the season opener, Bridgewater finished with 10 points and 15 assists to lead Sapela Basket 13 to an 87 - 72 win over La Ravoire Challes Basket. He followed with 19 points and 10 assists in a 90-74 win over Le Cannet Cote d’Azur Basket. Bridgewater, a member of the For-Sur-Mer Provence Byers Club was placed on loan to Sapela Basket 13 this offseason and his promotion to NM2 is the highest of his career thus far.

PAGE 16, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

CHRIS BROWN SALUTES HERO TOMMIE SMITH By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FROM one Olympian to another, Bahamian quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown said he was honored to have been asked to assist in the fourth Live the Legacy Gala that was held on Saturday night for American 200m Olympic gold medalist Dr Tommie Smith. The gala, held in Atlanta, Georgia, was a fundraiser for the Tommie Smith Youth Initiative, Inc, dedicated to nurturing the health, fitness and educational development of young people, particularly marginalised children. The 76-year-old Smith, a former track and field athlete and wide receiver in the American Football League, broke the barrier for 20 seconds when he won the gold at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City, Mexico at the age of 24 in a time of 19.83 for the then world record. As he stood on the podium to receive his medal, he stuck his patented Black Power salute with American bronze medalist John Carlos (20.10) as they protested racism and injustice against AfricanAmericans in the United States caused controversy, as it was seen as politicising the Olympics. Australia’s Peter Norman, by the way, won the silver in a national record time of 20.06. The popular pose, which Smith and Brown displayed together in a photo shot at the gala, remains a symbolic moment in the history of the Black Power movement.

“I was honoured. It was a honour for me to be there and just to be a witness and to stand next to a legend,” said Brown, the former Bahamian national record holder, who is preparing to compete in his sixth straight Olympics next year in Tokyo, Japan. “Here’s somebody who did something spectacular years ago before I was born and to know the kind of world we are living in and to see what’s going on and now he’s been recognised and giving back and to be a part of that environment was history making and to be able to be a part of history.” Having made history of his own when he staged his own Chris Brown Invitational here at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium and one of the organisers of the Karini James Invitational in Grenada, Brown was invited to help market the event on his social media apps. “I was happy to be there to help promote the event on my social media contacts,” Brown said. “This is the beginning of something new and something big because I will be venturing into more events like this. “I will be looking forward to seeing whatever role I can play and assist in other events. I had a good time. My wife, Faith, had a good time too. It was just a great event. I can’t wait for the next event.” The 41-year-old Brown, however, opted not to divulge any details on the next event on the agenda. He just asked the public to stay toned as he continue to train for his final hurrah in Tokyo next year and his current job

CHRIS Brown and Tommie Smith recreate Smith’s famous Olympic pose during a celebration of the Olympian in Atlanta on Saturday night. as the head coach at Clayton State in Atlanta. During the gala, which was carried live on social media with persons in attendance only by special invitation, the Legacy award was presented to Jesse James Parker (posthumously). Also honored and present to receive their awards were professional football quarterback turned civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick, who started a protest by not standing during the playing

of the national anthem and Xemona Clayton, another civil rights activist who worked with the late Martin Luther King, was the first corporate vice president for urban affairs for Turner Broadcasting and the founder, president and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. The Masters of Ceremony were Sydney Jordan, Jonathan Slocumb and Montell Jordan. Special entertainment was provided by Claude Duece.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, PAGE 17

49ERS LAMENT MISSED OPPORTUNITY IN LOSS TO EAGLES

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — A night of sleep did nothing to ease the frustration San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan felt after the 49ers let another home game get away from them. Three turnovers by backup quarterback Nick Mullens, shaky offensive line play and a defence that couldn’t come up with a late stop when needed added up to a 25-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. “I think we had every opportunity to win that game, especially early in the game and then even late in the game,” Shanahan said. “I think our team felt that way in the locker room. I think we all felt that way probably sitting in our beds last night replaying the game throughout our own heads. I think we feel even stronger that way when you sit and watch the tape.” Mullens threw an interception in the red zone to deny San Francisco (2-2) a scoring chance in the first half, then lost a fumble that set up Philadelphia’s go-ahead score in the fourth quarter before throwing a pick-6 that helped seal the loss. The defence allowed Carson Wentz to scramble for 37 yards and a TD and connect on the go-ahead 42-yard TD pass to Travis Fulgham, who entered the game with no career catches. “You can’t have those games back,” Shanahan said. “It goes on your record that way. That’s always frustrating. You have to deal with it today. It’ll probably be on our minds tomorrow, but when they come in Wednesday, the only way to fix that is to do better next week.” The Niners hope to have Jimmy Garoppolo back as starting quarterback after his missed the past two games with a sprained ankle. Mullens played well in the first start but struggled mightily against the Eagles, turning questions about whether he could supplant Garoppolo as starter into whether C.J. Beathard had moved past him as the No. 2 after going 14 for 19 for 138 yards in relief of Mullens. Shanahan is hopeful Garoppolo can return this week, but won’t know more until Wednesday when the team begins practicing for the game Sunday against Miami. • WHAT’S WORKING George Kittle. After missing the past two games with a knee injury, All-Pro tight end Kittle made an impressive return. He was targeted 15 times in the passing game, catching all 15 for 183 yards and a touchdown. Kittle is the fourth wide receiver or tight end since 2009 to be targeted at least 12 times and catch every pass. The others are Michael Thomas, Larry Fitzgerald and Wes Welker. • WHAT NEEDS HELP Running backs. The Niners averaged an impressive 5.8 yards per carry but much of that came thanks to runs by receivers and tight ends. Brandon Aiyuk scored on a 38-yard lateral, while Deebo Samuel had a 10-yard run and Kittle had an 8-yarder. The backs were held to 60 yards on 17 carries. Jerick McKinnon got much of the load with 14 carries for only 54 yards. He did score a TD, becoming the first San Francisco player to score a touchdown in each of the first four games since Jerry Rice in 1991. • STOCK UP Arik Armstead. With the Niners missing three key defensive linemen with Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Solomon Thomas all sidelined, Armstead had his best game of the year. He had a halfsack, six quarterback hits and a career-high eight quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. • STOCK DOWN LT Trent Williams. Williams had been perhaps the best offensive player for the 49ers the first three weeks, showing few signs of rust after sitting out last season. But he allowed four pressures and two sacks against the Eagles, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also called for holding and a false start.

TAMPA Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (24) celebrates his interception against the Los Angeles Chargers with free safety Jordan Whitehead (33) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

FIRST-PLACE BUCS ARE BUILDING CONFIDENCE WITH WINNING STREAK By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers are building confidence with each victory. Tom Brady is one reason. Another is the continued growth of a young defense that’s doing its part to help the six-time Super Bowl champion transform the team into a consistent winner. The Bucs (3-1) haven’t made the playoffs since 2007, a stretch of 12 consecutive seasons that’s the second-longest postseason drought in the NFL. A three-game winning streak has them in unfamiliar territory — alone atop the NFC South standings, where they’ve finished last much of the past decade-plus. “Once you get there,” said coach Bruce Arians, noting Brady’s leadership and the team’s growing belief in itself, “you want to stay there.” With Brady throwing for a season-high 369 yards and five touchdowns, the Bucs overcame a 17-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-31 on Sunday. A usually reliable defense that’s been trending in the right direction since late last season didn’t play particularly well against LA, especially in the first half. But despite allowing two TD passes of over 50 yards and not doing much to keep the Chargers from building a 24-7 lead, the unit forced a fumble to set up Brady’s TD throw to Mike Evans just before halftime and then limited LA to seven points after intermission. Defensive coordinator

TAMPA Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio) Todd Bowles said the Bucs the carries. With Leonard demonstrated how much Fournette already sitting out with an ankle injury, they have progressed. “I don’t think we were LeSean McCoy limped off mature enough to win this with sore ankle in the first game a year ago,” Bowles half. That left the majority said. “Going forward, we of the workload to Ronald understand that we can’t Jones, who gained a seasonmake those mistakes ... but best 111 yards on 20 carries. they’re still good enough to come back from adversity. • WHAT NEEDS HELP The offence put up We’ve got to be better, and 38 points and scored on they know that.” four straight possessions in the second half. How• WHAT’S WORKING A commitment to run- ever, Brady is striving for ning the ball is paying more consistency over four off, no matter who gets quarters. Injuries that are

beginning to test the team’s depth have been part of the problem. Pro Bowl receiver Chris Godwin has sat out two of the past three games, Evans missed a week of practice leading up to one game and several others, including Fournette and receivers Scotty Miller and Justin Watson, have been banged up. Brady threw the winning TD pass Sunday to fourth-string running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, a rookie playing his first significant snaps on offense. “It’s a long season and we’re 25% of the way through, so it’s not early anymore. “We have a decent sample size. “We have to figure out what we’re good at (and) what we’re not good at and keep working to get better,” Brady said. “The guys that haven’t had much of a role have to find a way to find a role for themselves and the guys that have, have to keep improving it and increasing it,” Brady added. “I know we have a lot of playmakers out there, but we’ve got to continue to gain trust in one another, become more dependable and consistent and ultimately play well for 60 minutes and see what it looks like if we can do that.” • STOCK UP Vaughn made the most of a limited role against the Chargers, finishing with 4 yards rushing on three attempts and two receptions for 22 yards. “Getting (those) game reps helped me figure out the tempo of the NFL, game speed, knowing just

how fast it moves,” Vaughn said. “I’d say that’s the biggest difference — the game speed. That’s just something you won’t get at practice.”

• STOCK DOWN The Bucs spent much of the offseason stockpiling playmakers for Brady, raising the question of how they could possibly spread the ball around enough to keep everyone happy. With injuries taking a toll, no one’s asking that question anymore. • INJURIES Tight end O.J. Howard, who had a TD catch against the Chargers, may have a ruptured Achilles tendon, which would force him to miss the rest of the season. Howard had an MRI on Monday, but Arians said he had not received the results. Evans (ankle), Godwin (hamstring), Fournette (ankle), McCoy (ankle), Miller (hip/groin) and Watson (chest) did not practice Monday as the team prepares to play Thursday night at Chicago. • KEY NUMBER 6,383 — The limited number of fans allowed to attend Sunday’s game. Arians was appreciative. “You could hear them hollering and I could hear them (complaining), too. That was great,” the coach said. “They needed to (complain) there for a while, and I was loving it when they were doing it. I think our guys heard them, too, so that’s awesome.” • NEXT STEPS Tampa Bay has a short week of preparation before facing the Bears (3-1) on Thursday night.

TEXANS FIRE COACH BILL O’BRIEN AFTER 0-4 START By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans fired coach and general manager Bill O’Brien on Monday. The firing comes a day after Sunday’s 31-23 loss to the Vikings dropped the Texans to 0-4 for the first time since 2008. “In this business, it’s a bottomline business and we weren’t able to get it to where we needed to get it,” O’Brien said. After assuming the role of general manager in the offseason, O’Brien received almost universal criticism when he shipped superstar receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona for running back David Johnson and draft picks. Asked to reflect on some of his personnel decisions, O’Brien said he had no regrets. “Every decision we made was always in the best interest of the team,” he said. “We had long conversations. We

put a lot of research into them. There were things that happened within the walls of an organisation that the outside public will really never know. And that’s just the way it is.” The pressure on O’Brien only intensified as the Texans limped out to the terrible start with Johnson struggling as their running game was the worst in the NFL and with the defence allowing the most yards in the league. O’Brien was in his seventh season in Houston where he compiled a 52-48 record. He won the AFC South four times in his tenure, including the past two years. He came to Houston after spending 2012-13 as the coach at Penn State. The Texans job was his first NFL head coaching job, but he spent 20072011 working for coach Bill Belichick in New England, rising to the role of offensive coordinator in his last season. Team owner Cal McNair

announced the decision Monday and thanked O’Brien for his work with the team. “Bill’s leadership moved our organization forward as he guided us to four AFC South division championships, 52 wins and multiple playoff appearances during his tenure,” McNair said in a statement. “Bill proved himself as a coach and leader in this league. “I spoke with him earlier today and told him we are moving in a different direction.” O’Brien repeatedly thanked the McNair family for the chance to coach the Texans and apologised for falling below their expectations. “I told him ... I’m sorry that we couldn’t get this team over the hump, couldn’t get over the hump last year, year before, but obviously early on this year,” he said. “But it wasn’t from lack of effort. We did win four division championships here that we’re very proud of ... so we did a lot of good things here, but we didn’t do enough.”

Romeo Crennel, who was the team’s assistant head coach, will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season. “We have a talented team and I have no doubt our players and staff will rally to make Texans fans proud as we aim to win championships and do great things for the city of Houston,” McNair said. Before the trade of Hopkins and Houston’s winless start this season, O’Brien came under fire last season for the team’s performance in the playoffs. The Texans were up 24-0 in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs and looked to be headed for their first AFC championship game, which they would have hosted. Instead they squandered the huge early lead in the 51-31 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champs. It was just the latest playoff letdown for a team which lost in the wild-card round under O’Brien in 2015 and 2018 and also lost in the divisional round in 2016.

PAGE 18, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

MANCHESTER United bolstered their attacking options by signing free agent Edinson Cavani before the extended summer transfer window closed on Monday. The 33-year-old striker scored 200 goals in 301 games during seven years at Paris Saint-Germain but he left at the end of his contract in June. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

MAN UTD SIGN CAVANI, ARSENAL ADD PARTEY ON DEADLINE DAY By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER United’s search for a striker ended with the signing of veteran free agent striker Edinson Cavani, while Arsenal secured midfielder Thomas Partey from Atlético Madrid before the summer transfer window closed on Monday. The 33-year-old Cavani is prolific — scoring 200 goals in 301 games during seven years at Paris Saint-Germain but he was released at the end of his contract in June. And the Uruguay forward has not played since March and struggled with injury problems in his final season at PSG. It took Arsenal meeting a 50 million euro ($59 million) release clause to sign the 27-year-old Partey, who anchored Atlético’s midfield with his strong defensive skills. Mixing speed and strength, the Ghanaian can provide a shield for the Arsenal defence and has an eye for goal. “He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. “He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system.” Arsenal has made significant financial investment in Partey despite announcing plans in August to make 55 staff redundant to stem the losses caused by the pandemic, which has seen stadiums closed to fans. The spending strengthening the squad is necessary to return to the Champions League, with Arsenal fourth in the early standings. Man United’s leadership had also warned its transfer activities would be hampered by the impact of the coronavirus, and were priced out of a move for 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho. Instead, with United reeling from a 6-1 loss to Tottenham in the English Premier League on Sunday, ended up with a player in the twilight of his career in Cavani. Given Cavani has been available for months, it is a sign of where he ranked on United’s target list that he was signed only in the final hours of the transfer window. “I look forward to continuing to write my little story inside the book of football,” Cavani said, “and I know that’s why my focus has to remain the same as always — work, work, work.” The Uruguayan has signed a one-season contract with the option for an additional year, and United’s second game after the international break is against PSG in the Champions League on Oct. 20. “He’ll bring energy, power, leadership and a great mentality to the squad,” United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said “But most importantly, he’ll bring goals.” Solskjaer has been deploying Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood up front. The last striker United signed was a backup: Odion Ighalo on deadline day in January.

MANCHESTER United bolstered their defensive options by signing left back Alex Telles on the final day of the summer transfer window. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira, File)

EVERTON have brought in Ben Godfrey from second-tier Norwich for a reported 25 million pounds. (Peter Powelll/Pool via AP, FIle) “The opportunity for our young players to learn from one of Europe’s top goalscorers over the last 10 years is fantastic,” Solskjaer said. United’s need for reinforcements has been exposed by Solskjaer’s side collecting only three points from their first three league games. Five deals were completed by United on deadline day including another Uruguayan, with 18-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri joining from Penarol in his homeland for 10 million euros. Left back Alex Telles signed from Porto for 15 million euros plus potentially another two million euros depending on the 27-year-old Brazilian’s success with the club. The 16-year-old centre back Willy Kambwala joined from Sochaux in a deal that could rise to four million euros. United struck an agreement with Atalanta that could ultimately cost 41 million euros to sign winger Amad Diallo, with the 18-year-old Ivorian set to move to England in January. An outgoing from Old Trafford was centre back Chris Smalling joining Roma permanently after spending last season on loan at the Serie A club. Smalling was a link with the Alex Ferguson era, winning Premier League titles in 2011 and 2013. The record 20-time English

champions haven’t won the title since then. • GODFREY TO EVERTON Everton is the surprise leader after winning four out of four. After remodeling his midfield to great effect, Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti added a defender by bringing in Ben Godfrey from second-tier Norwich for 25 million pounds ($32 million). The 22-year-old Godfrey was part of the Norwich team that was relegated from the Premier League last season, but is regarded as a top prospect and was captain of England Under-21s last year. With Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite injured, Ancelotti has no backup to centre backs Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as Everton look to maintain their brilliant start to the season. Everton have prioritised improving their midfield in this transfer window, signing Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and playmaker James Rodriguez. That led to Theo Walcott on Monday being sent on loan for the season to Southampton, the club he left at age 16 to join Arsenal in 2006. • WILSHERE LEAVES Jack Wilshere is searching for a new club after agreeing with West Ham to terminate his contract. The 28-year-old midfielder managed just 19 appearances since joining from Arsenal in 2018.

PAGE 20, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Abaco fears ‘irreparable blow’ if further lockdown FROM PAGE 24 “According to their protocols, a lot of NGOs - if Abaco were to lock down - many of them would have to pull out again. Many have just returned, and we are just beginning to hit our stride again and getting back into that mode of rebuilding and getting a track record and some kind of impetus going. “We’re still waiting for the second homeowners to return. Many have not returned since Dorian. The driving force of the Abaco economy has not returned. If we were to go back into lockdown I fear for this place. I think it will be a tremendous, possibly irreparable blow, for Abaco.” Mr Hutton said Abaco’s

public health services “are severely under-staffed” when it came to COVID-19’s testing and contact tracing demands, but acknowledged the dilemma or “doubleedged sword” in calling for increased personnel due to the absence of suitable accommodation on the island post-Dorian. He also lamented the quality of information being released surrounding Abaco’s present 147 cases, noting that when the pandemic first reached the island, Guana Cay and Moore’s Island were identified as “hot spots”. However, Dr Gillian Bartlett, who heads the Family Islands COVID-19 task force, said of Abaco cases last Friday: “What we’re seeing is definitely an increase of COVID, mostly

on mainland Abaco -Cooper’s Town, Marsh Harbour and also in the Sandypoint area. We’re just having a lot of persons presenting to our clinics with side symptoms of COVID. “And when you contact trace, you also find that those persons (who they) have been in close contact with are also coming down with symptoms so that seems to be widening the spread in Abaco and it definitely is an island of concern.” Mr Hutton, though, yesterday said “nobody is taking this lightly” in the business community. Suggesting that most were following the protocols very strictly, he cited his own business, Premier Importers. where only one customer is allowed “into the yard” at a time, and all consumers and

staff have to wear masks. “The problem we have here, because our commercial infrastructure is fairly non-existent, is that we have choke points,” he explained. “Maxwells is the only food store, so we have people congregating, we only have a certain amount of ATMs and only one bank. You have these choke points where people have no choice but to congregate and, if there’s limited space inside, they are all bunched together. “These are not complaints. This is just the way it is. If there’s consideration for another lockdown we would definitely advise against that. We believe the days of lockdown, that horse has left the building. We have to deal with the consequences and mitigate the

NOTICE

AUCTION

NOTICE is hereby given that DIANNA NOE, of Toote Shop Corner, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of September 2020 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Caterpillar Forklift – Broken Phone: (242) 352-7606 ******** Catepillar Forklift P600 – Broken Phone: (242) 698-7402

NOTICE

************

NOTICE is hereby given that KERLINE TADOR, of Carmicheal Road, Nassau, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of September 2020 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

(2) Tractor truck 2005 Marck – Broken Manlift 1999 JLG - Broken Dodge RAM 1500 2005 - Broken (2) Dump truck (tripper) Phone: (242) 601-5328

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

MONDAY, 05 OCTOBER 2020

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX:

CLOSE

CHANGE

2093.73

1.18

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

0.06 -137.87

-6.18

(242) 323-2330 (242) 323-2320

BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.08 22.65 2.00 1.79 2.46 6.00 6.75 4.80 8.59 4.50 6.16 12.77 3.64 5.50 10.88 8.44 16.99 4.25 9.40 15.21

52WK LOW 3.13 20.91 0.67 1.65 1.67 5.40 5.39 2.70 5.05 3.62 5.60 11.05 2.71 3.19 9.60 7.50 13.04 3.20 8.00 13.90

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 0.90

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Benchmark Bahamas First Holdings Limited Bank of Bahamas Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Cable Bahamas Commonwealth Brewery Commonwealth Bank Colina Holdings CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank Focol Finco J. S. Johnson

SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ

Bahamas First Holdings Preference Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

BFHP CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 102.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

52WK HI 2.35 4.43 2.12 198.39 168.29 1.69 1.85 1.77 1.24 8.34 10.26 7.08 12.15 12.71 10.81 10.00 8.98 11.79

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.64 1.79 1.73 1.06 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) + Bahamas First Holdings Limited

SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing)

MUTUAL FUNDS

MARKET TERMS

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2015-1-3Y BGS: 2014-12-5Y BGS: 2015-1-5Y BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-3Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-3Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y

BAH29 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0307 BG0330 BG0403 BG0407

LAST CLOSE 3.95 17.43 1.62 1.79 1.67 6.00 6.75 2.98 5.10 3.76 5.90 11.26 2.10 5.50 10.15 8.44 14.30 3.96 8.97 15.20

CLOSE 3.95 17.43 1.62 1.79 1.67 6.00 6.75 2.98 5.10 3.76 5.99 11.26 2.10 5.50 10.15 8.44 14.30 3.96 8.97 15.20

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 0.95

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 0.95

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Preferred Income Fund Leno Growth Fund Leno Diversified Fund Leno Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Change - Change in closing price from day to day Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME

1,000

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.000 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

VOLUME

NAV 2.35 4.43 2.12 196.40 163.60 1.68 1.81 1.76 1.07 8.30 9.90 7.08 11.27 12.71 10.23 N/A 8.93 11.27

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

P/E 16.5 18.7 N/M N/M N/M N/M 18.3 -6.8 36.4 20.4 13.3 15.6 20.6 11.8 15.7 11.6 17.5 19.5 9.6 24.1

YIELD 4.30% 7.23% 1.23% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.85% 0.00% 0.00% 3.19% 3.67% 6.39% 20.67% 1.09% 3.23% 2.84% 3.78% 3.03% 2.23% 4.01%

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25%

19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025

6.95% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.50% 6.25% 3.50% 4.25%

20-Nov-2029 30-Jul-2018 16-Dec-2019 30-Jul-2020 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2018 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2018 15-Oct-2022

YTD% 12 MTH% 2.95% 4.23% 1.39% 3.17% 1.60% 2.52% 0.65% 2.50% -1.88% 3.33% 1.10% 2.34% -2.43% 1.49% 0.34% 2.43% -11.07% -9.92% -0.45% 8.36% -3.20% 11.46% 2.10% 5.15% -6.17% 3.54% 2.92% 5.55% -4.66% -3.81% N/A N/A -4.20% 0.20% -8.60% -2.90%

MATURITY

NAV Date

31-Aug-2020 31-Aug-2020 28-Aug-2020 30-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-Jul-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 31-May-2020 30-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020 30-Jun-2020

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths NAV - Net Asset Value N/M - Not Meaningful

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

risk of this more effectively, and protect the most vulnerable communities. “My biggest fear is that attempting another lockdown, the preventative measures will kill the patient. We cannot afford another lockdown. We are in hurricane season, there’s much work to be done. We have no shelters, and there are scores of people without roofs on their homes who are working to rebuild their homes and businesses. Having everything on hold again would be devastating here. “I would say a cookie cutter approach would not work here because of the circumstances and the rebuilding process, primarily. I truly hope the Prime Minister takes those things into consideration. Taking

measures in excess of the COVID-19 protocols will not be helpful. That’s not going to work.” Roscoe Thompson, the Marsh Harbour/Spring City Council’s head, yesterday told Tribune Business that implementing a fresh lockdown or tougher curbs would be “difficult” for Abaco’s reconstruction efforts but admitted “a lot of people are not following the protocols” of mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitisation. “A lot of this is being brought on by ourselves. It’ll really hurt us at this point in time because of the construction,” he added. “If people aren’t allowed to go to work on houses and do work on construction that’s going to be a tremendous setback.”

Activists not reassured by oil explorer’s pledge FROM PAGE 24 country,” she argued. “People come to The Bahamas because it is known for having a clean, pristine environment and when that is sullied with oil exploration and the possibility of an oil spill they will go elsewhere. That’s a risk we cannot afford to take here. It’s just not good enough for me as a Bahamian national, and a lot of people in fisheries and tourism.” The location for BPC’s Perseverance One well is more than 80 miles west of Andros, in an international shipping lane that is some distance from the main tourism hubs. And the company said the site is some 85 miles from Cay Sal, outside the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of the same name.’ Still, Mrs McKinneyLambert yesterday said the location remained very close to the MPA boundaries and an area that was “probably the most important conch breeding ground in The Bahamas”. However, Ms Quant told Tribune Business: “Developing the plan for actively managing all relevant environmental risks for BPC’s upcoming drilling has been a massive job, and a very big team effort involving many people from all around the world.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

“In my professional opinion, I am proud of the fact, and I can attest to the fact, that BPC’s drilling plan complies with all Bahamian laws, and meets all applicable international standards – both maritime and drilling. The Bahamas is my home, and so I am 100 percent committed to ensuring that everything has been done correctly to identify, assess and mitigate risk thoroughly and correctly by ensuring that global best practices are applied.” She added that BPC’s oil spill response plan was contained in the Environmental Authorisation approved by the government, and said: “The main risk that the public and the press repeatedly refer to is one of a potential oil spill, and therefore the response that BPC will undertake to mitigate or negate the effects of such. “The Environmental Authorisation legislation specifies the need for an Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (OPEP) in the EMP. This document clearly outlines the extent, measures and procedures in place to deal with any spill, no matter how large or small; or how unlikely. “BPC is also a member of Oil Spill Response Ltd, an industry collective that provides immediate access to an extensive suite of equipment needed to address any incidents that may occur. It maintains a bunker of equipment in Florida, such that millions of dollars of equipment could be on-site if needed within 24 hours.”

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MARKENSON ISMA, of Hope Town, Abaco, General Delivery, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of September 2020 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, PAGE 21

Lockdown ‘death sentence’ fears FROM PAGE 24

clear within 24 hours through a letter sent to the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) ahead of the latter’s talks with the government. “I believe we’re beyond the point of lockdowns. The economy is teetering on the edge,” Mr Albury told Tribune Business. “There’s a lot of people who are starving, a lot of people who haven’t worked, the misery index is through the roof, and a lockdown would be a death sentence for an economy teetering on the edge. “We’ve been fortunate in my industry to be busy, but as I move around and talk to workers in the hotel and entertainment sectors, there’s a lot of industries that have suffered a devastating impact. There’s a lot of business people who have said to me that if there’s another lockdown they’ll shut the doors and call it a day. “It’s interrupting the ordering process, it’s interrupting cash flow. Our problem is lack of enforcement. You have foolish people out there not obeying the protocols and following what the Ministry of Health has recommended when it comes to mask wearing, washing hands and keeping a safe distance,” Mr Albury added. “In my opinion there’s been a failure when it comes to enforcement. We come back out of lockdown after two, three or four weeks and the numbers come down, but foolish people are foolish people. Unless the government gets serious about fines, penalties and enforcing the the regulations then things are not going to get any better. “The numbers are going to go up once we re-open. We’ve had some of the most draconian measures as far as lockdowns, and where has it got us? We’re one of the worst in the world for COVID-19.” Dr Minnis, who was yesterday said to be making good on his promise to consult the private sector and other stakeholders on the latest strategy to reduce the COVIOD-19 infection rate on New Providence and Abaco, has in the eyes of some boxed himself in by previously stating there would be no recourse to further lockdowns after the one imposed in August was aborted within one day after a botched implementation.

Chamber urges ‘balanced’ plan on COVID spike FROM PAGE 24 the cost incurred to retrofit premises in order to be COVID-19 compliant. “We believe that greater emphasis must be placed on enforcing the adherence to COVID-19 protocols, testing and contact tracing, discouraging large social gatherings and on-going education on the safety protocols and the long-term impacts of contracting COVID-19,” the chamber chair added. “We also believe that all avenues should be used, by both traditional and non-traditional methods, as an educational platform to reach the population reported as having an exponential increase in cases, being those in the 20-40 age range. Controlling the spread of this virus requires a responsible community effort, one which the private sector remains committed to.” The prime minister, on Sunday night, gave the strongest possible indication that COVID-19 restrictions may be imposed on New Providence and Abaco as early as this week or forthcoming weekend as existing measures “are not achieving the desired results for New Providence and Abaco”. With one out of every 100 New Providence residents having now been infected with COVID-19, Dr Hubert Minnis accused some Bahamians of “letting their guard down” when it came to adhering to the recommended protocols.

The prime minister, in his national address, said the government was taking advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has recommended against full lockdowns, and its regional affiliate in what some observers have interpreted as a move to provide him with cover on whatever decision is taken. Sources familiar with developments, speaking to Tribune Business yesterday on condition of anonymity, said Dr Minnis was being advised against reverting to a complete lockdown due to the damage this would do to businesses and livelihoods. Instead, they suggested he and the government were being encouraged to extend the curfew hours on New Providence to start in late afternoon or early evening, bringing it forward several hours from the present 10pm as a means to curb evening socialising and partying. While commerce would be permitted to continue from regular morning hours to mid-late afternoon, between 3pm to 5pm, between Monday and Friday on weekdays, this newspaper was told that non-essential businesses such as offices will have to close with all bar key personnel working remotely. And the government is also thought to be mulling a weekend lockdown as a means to curb large social gatherings, especially with the National Heroes Day holiday coming up this Monday. This will likely mean the renewed closure of beaches, parks and public spaces, while the extended curfew will further restrict opportunities for nighttime businesses such as restaurants. “If we don’t do something quick we’re in trouble,” one source said, pointing to the imminent October 15 and November 1 re-openings of the tourism industry. “I don’t see any alternative. He’s [Dr Minnis] not going to do a very hard and fast lockdown. The advice he was given was to let business continue, but offices have to close and they’ve got to enforce the health protocols.” New Providence’s high COVID-19 infection rate, with one in 100 residents now said to have caught the virus, represents a potential deterrent to visitor demand for a Bahamian vacation upon tourism’s re-opening

And an advisory from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which was posted on August 6, 2020, urges Americans to avoid “nonessential travel” to this nation due to the high risk of catching COVID-19. “It’s increasingly difficult to advertise The Bahamas as place to come to when the numbers are out of control,” the source said. “We’re playing high stakes Russian roulette right now, as is every country. We need people to come back here, and if they don’t we’re in deep trouble. Bahamians just don’t seem to get it.” Mr Albury, meanwhile, pointed to the damage done by lockdowns to businesses, jobs, mental health, divorces and child, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as the difficulties experienced by persons with other serious illnesses in accessing the necessary treatment. “If businesses are wiped out we will have a much bigger problem than we have now,” he added. “To say we’re going to lock the country down is just not feasible. The loss will be so much greater on so many levels if the prime minister decides to do this again. “We desperately need foreign reserves, we desperately need tourism dollars. How do you do that with locking the country down? Much of this does not make sense.” Sir Franklyn, though, acknowledged the difficult balancing act the government was facing in trying to save lives while doings its best to protect livelihoods. “The substance of the matter is we have to get this COVID issue under control in New Providence and as swiftly as it can be done,” he told Tribune Business. “We have to try and get through it, because the way we are doing it now is not working. Obviously a lockdown is problematic for the economy, difficult for the Treasury, but if that’s the best available we’ve got to do it. “The answer is, in my humble opinion, if that’s the only thing we have to do, the only option available, we have to do pursue it but, let’s face it, it clearly puts us closer to the cliff. I think the financial state of the country is very, very troubling; very, very troubling. We are where we are.”

BOB GIVES $3,000 TO VIRTUAL LEARNING EFFORT BANK of the Bahamas has donated $3,000 to help purchase tablet and laptop devices for pre-school and primary students ahead of yesterday’s public school year start. While presenting the cheque to the Ministry of Education, Robert Cox, the bank’s corporate manager of business development, said the bank was sympathetic to the plight of students during the COVID-19 pandemic with technology essential for learning in a virtual environment. Marcellus Taylor, director of education, said his department was committed to providing quality education to all students regardless of the circumstances. “Now that we are moving in the virtual domain this will support those efforts to ensure that every single child is on board and not left behind,” he added. Lorraine Armbrister, the Ministry of Education’s permanent secretary, also thanked the bank for the donation. Pictured from left: Marcellus Taylor, director of education; Lorraine Armbrister, permanent secretary, Ministry of Education; and Robert Cox, corporate manager, business development, BOB

LYFORD STORAGE & COMMERCE PARK IS SEEKING TO FILL THE POSITION OF

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Key Responsibilities: • The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the day to day operation of a new Storage, Warehouse and Commerce Park. • Operate proprietary software for accounting, security and operational systems • Pursue marketing strategies, meet with potential clients, negotiate leases and coordinate client requests with team members

Prospective candidates should possess the following qualifications: • Strong customer service skills required to accommodate discerning client requests

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• Proficiency in MS Office applications • Good organizational and record keeping skills • Ability to multi-task and work independently • Marketing or Customer Service experience a prerequisite • A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Management or equal accreditation advantageous

Resumes should be submitted to:

hr.lyfordstorage@gmail.com Only considered applicants will be contacted

PAGE 22, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Private sector mixed over PM COVID lockdown hint

THE TRIBUNE

enforcement, and harsher penalties, against those flouting COVID-19 health protocols, Mr Higgs added: “The economy is just barely hanging on now, so if you put us down for another two weeks, the government is not going to pay us anything. There are a lot of small businesses that are the backbone of this country and any economy that will just fold up. “We paid our staff straight through, but if a lockdown is for another two weeks we are not going to be able to pay. They will just have to understand that. I would prefer to take the stance that we are just not going to close, but if everybody closes and we’re the only ones open they are going to come and make an example of us.” Mr Higgs said he just cannot afford another lockdown-imposed closure, and voiced his unhappiness with persons staging large parties where mask-wearing and social distancing seem like an optional extra. He also blasted one instance he saw of a Junkanoo RushOut, describing this as “ignorance”, and implored the government to target the organisers with stiff fines and penalties.

The WHIM chief and others spoke out after the prime minister, on Sunday night, gave the strongest possible indication that COVID-19 restrictions may be imposed on New Providence and Abaco as early as this week or forthcoming weekend as existing measures “are not achieving the desired results for New Providence and Abaco”. With one out of every 100 New Providence residents having now been infected with COVID-19, Dr Hubert Minnis accused some Bahamians of “letting their guard down” when it came to adhering to the recommended protocols. This was something, he added, that must stop if the economy and wider society were to “consistently” remain open. With COVID-19 cases straining the public health system, and an unhealthy population that worsens the virus’ potentially fatal consequences, the prime minister said the government as working with the World Health Organisation and its regional affiliate to develop a strategy for reducing infection rates on New Providence in consultation with the private sector and national co-ordinating committee.

James Wallace, owner/ operator of Janaees Uniform Centre, told Tribune Business: “I’m not sure what challenge the prime minister is having, but he may have challenges on the other side with the medical people feeling frustrated as so many Bahamians are simply doing stupidness. “So he may be feeling the pressure from people who may revolt from a labour standpoint in the hospital. He also may be feeling the pressure from the cost of this from a medical standpoint because of what it is costing the country in terms of resources because of people’s lack of behaviour. “It is hard to sit in the prime minister’s shoes and make a decision on a lockdown,” Mr Wallace added. “His lockdown may be from a different perspective. We can’t afford to have these people going out there behaving like they don’t understand that COVID is nobody’s friend as they go looking for every friend they could find. “For me and my business, to be very honest with you, the biggest hit I would take would be if one of my staff members comes down with the virus. That to me is bigger than the other issues,

because then my whole business shuts down and I have to spend thousands of dollars trying to sanitise my entire building.” Rodney Russell, the Arawak Cay Association’s president, said: “Things at the Cay are still dragging along. With all of the restrictions involved some members of the Association have opened, and they are trying, but more of them are closing because the system has been set before. “They feel better just leaving their place closed because the reason is, even though they are back, they cannot pay the electricity and they cannot pay for the amount of hours they have their place open. There is nobody in Arawak Cay. They are finding out they are only trying to pay staff, but as far as paying for the utilities and buying stock they might as well close their establishment under these conditions.” Mr Russell added that “another lockdown means nothing” for Arawak Cay vendors, and said: ““This pandemic is still climbing, so locking down Arawak Cay is not going to answer the problem. It just so happens that Arawak Cay happens to be the low hanging fruit, as if Arawak Cay was responsible, but we see that despite the fact of all of the restrictions this pandemic is still climbing. “You can lockdown Arawak Cay until next year and nothing will change, because even right now there isn’t a lot of people coming to Arawak Cay.” Mr Russell said sales at Arawak Cay have plummeted with some vendors only selling one conch salad a day compared to up to 60

IT provider laments slow COVID solutions take-up

we found beyond our introduction of the queueless environment is that, in the public and private sector, there are financial constraints which limit an organisation’s ability to introduce new technologies that are designed to improve productivity but limit exposure to COVID19 of sorts.” In April, Mr Darville

told this newspaper he was attempting to launch software that will eliminate waiting lines at government buildings and businesses in partnership with a US-based company called QLess. “My partner company in the USA is getting tremendous subscribership,” he said yesterday, “as they are in the thick of it, and companies understand their level of exposure now and are adapting using technology. But here it is a much slower adoption process because medium and enterpriselevel businesses are faced with constant financial pressures. “In summary, I think it is very important that everyone understands that technology should play a huge part in bridging the gaps that exist for a safer

environment in both the public and private sectors for both employees and consumers especially. “We have recently been part of a high-level discussion in the tourism sector on the challenges faced to effectively manage the COVID crisis for both guests and hotel staff. In a nutshell there has to be more of a willingness to dedicate an investment to technology, and to be able to assist in how we do business in this new modern way.” Mr Darville, who also sits on the governmentappointed Economic Recovery Committee’s (ERC) digitisation and modernisation sub-committee, said this group had submitted their report on the way forward in August to the full ERC.

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net NASSAU businesses yesterday gave a mixed reaction the prospect of tighter COVID-19 restrictions and/or lockdowns, with some branding it “foolishness” as others agreed the infection rate must be cut. Dwayne Higgs, WHIM Automotive’s general manager, said of the Prime Minister’s strong hints that curbs - possibly including an island-wide lockdown - may be reimposed “I think we are beyond that, and I think that if there are people not following the guidelines then the authorities should go after them. “I actually just heard that rumour this morning. I didn’t even listen to the Prime Minister’s speech because I am so over the whole thing. I just think that we have been back to work, we have followed the guidelines, and it’s sort of like people on the road. Just because one person runs the red light it doesn’t mean that you take everybody’s driver’s license. You ticket those people that run the red light.” Calling for better

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN information technology (IT) provider yesterday lamented this nation’s

slow adoption of solutions such as his queue-less product to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Philip Darville, owner/ operator of SolveIt Bahamas, told Tribune Business: “Basically what

PRIME MINISTER DR HUBERT MINNIS

Establish Paving Company is seeking to employ a

Heavy Equipment Operator/ Trailer Head Truck Driver

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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pre-COVID-19. “On the rainy days persons cannot even go inside the establishment because the police are being vigilant, and tell them they can’t have people gathering around inside these places” Mr Russell said. “But I can go to Kentucky [Fried Chicken] and stand inside of Kentucky, and wait until my order comes through, but they are telling the vendors inside Arawak Cay that persons cannot stand up inside of an establishment. It is an unfair practice it appears, again, towards Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay Dock.” Brent Burrows, CBS Bahamas (Commonwealth Building Supplies) chief, said he is a bit “mixed” on the possibility of another New Providence lockdown or tightened restrictions, adding: “It’s a delicate balance, but it’s like we can’t get the numbers down, so I don’t know. “At CBS we are back to a full complement of staff and things are going pretty good. We have our crews back in Abaco with the job we were doing up there, so we are blessed compared to some of my other friends and business associates.” Manera Rolle, owner/ operator of Willow’s Wheelz, said of the Prime Minister’s hint: “Listen, I think this is a bunch of foolishness, but if it makes us better I can roll with it. This affects our every day way of life from bill payments, children learning, any and everything we do. This is crazy. While I may not be affected as bad, I feel it for the children and people who are trying to pick their lives back up.”

BAHA MAR CHIEF: TESTING ‘KEY’ TO ECONOMY RESTART BAHA Mar’s top executive says widespread COVID-19 testing “is key to restarting our economy” and reducing local infections as he paid tribute to the role played by one of his properties in this fight. The Melia Nassau Beach resort re-opened its doors to serve as the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Command Centre in early August, accommodating essential agencies and teams as the hospitality and tourism sector waited for the goahead to re-open. “We are honoured and committed to support The Government of The Bahamas in the battle against COVID-19,” said Graeme Davis, Baha Mar’s president, in a statement yesterday. “This pandemic is affecting all of us and we will continue to help by dedicating our resources and facilities towards a strong and healthy future for Bahamians. “Widespread testing is key to decreasing community spread, restarting our economy, bringing our associates back to work and reopening the country so travellers can visit our beautiful beaches once again. Since establishing the contract tracing centre in early August, Melia staff have been catering to the Contact Tracing Command Centre team’s meal and other needs. “It is because of our partnership with the Government of the Bahamas that the Melia Nassau Beach has been able resume operations and reengage a number of team members,” said general manager Daniel Lozano. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve those that are fighting for all of us and will continue to do our best to support them in every way possible.”

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 6, 2020, PAGE 23

Bank helps Sandilands fight against COVID-19 BANK of The Bahamas (BOB) recently donated 600 items of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) to aid the fight against COVID-19. The gift included 200 disposable medical body gowns, 200 K-95 masks and 200 PPE shoe covers. Pedro Burrows, Bank of The Bahamas’ senior manager for business development, told Tamara Davis, SRC’s deputy hospital administrator: “BOB is grateful to all of the doctors, nurses and other essential healthcare

presents a donation of personal protective equipment to Tamara Davis, deputy hospital administrator, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

staff who put their lives on the line daily to help others and, with this gift, we hope to show our appreciation for all that you do.” Ms Davis voiced gratitude to BOB as she accepted the PPE donation on behalf of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre. She added that the gift will help to supplement existing supplies, and ensure SRC workers and patients are protected as they care for patients. Pictured from left: Pedro Burrows, Bank of The Bahamas’ senior manager for business development,

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 77° F/25° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

An afternoon shower in the area

Partly cloudy

Partly sunny and breezy

Some sun with a passing shower

Partly sunny with a stray t‑storm

Some sun, a t‑storm possible

High: 89°

Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 78°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 89° Low: 77°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

98° F

85° F

96°-82° F

96°-82° F

98°-83° F

99°-85° F

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 79° F/26° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 83° F/28° C

N

S

E

W

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 88° F/31° C Low .................................................... 82° F/28° C Normal high ....................................... 86° F/30° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 88° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 52.43” Normal year to date ................................... 29.99”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 83° F/28° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

S

E

W

10‑20 knots

S

10‑20 knots

ANDROS

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

11:15 a.m. 11:31 p.m.

3.1 2.5

4:57 a.m. 5:41 p.m.

0.8 1.0

Wednesday 11:57 a.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

3.0 ‑‑‑‑‑

5:35 a.m. 6:27 p.m.

0.9 1.1

Thursday

12:14 a.m. 12:45 p.m.

2.4 2.9

6:18 a.m. 7:18 p.m.

1.0 1.2

Friday

1:05 a.m. 1:40 p.m.

2.4 2.9

7:09 a.m. 8:16 p.m.

1.1 1.3

Saturday

2:04 a.m. 2:41 p.m.

2.4 3.0

8:09 a.m. 9:17 p.m.

1.1 1.2

Sunday

3:09 a.m. 3:43 p.m.

2.5 3.1

9:15 a.m. 1.1 10:16 p.m. 1.0

Monday

4:13 a.m. 4:43 p.m.

2.7 3.2

10:21 a.m. 0.9 11:11 p.m. 0.7

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:04 a.m. 6:51 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

10:01 p.m. 11:00 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Oct. 9

Oct. 16

Oct. 23

Oct. 31

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

H

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

CAT ISLAND

E

W

uV inDex toDay

10‑20 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

8‑16 knots

8‑16 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots

WAVES 3‑6 Feet 3‑6 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑8 Feet 3‑6 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 84° F 84° F 85° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 83° F 83° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F

business@tribunemedia.net

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

$4.10

Govt ‘walking before running’ on COVID test By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A CABINET minister said the government wanted to “walk before it runs” on the roll-out of arrival and instay COVID-19 testing for tourists once the mandatory quarantine is eliminated on November 1. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the increased testing regime will be structured as a privatepublic partnership (PPP) arrangement that will see privately-owned hospitals, laboratories and physicians acquire the antigen test kits, and conduct the necessary examinations and training. Disclosing that this solution would enable the government to avoid calling on an already-strained public healthcare system, Mr D’Aguilar added that the cost of these tests would likely be passed on to visitors via the Bahamas’ Health Travel Visa. Explaining why the government had decided to start with arrivals testing at a select few ports of entry, excluding the likes of Cat Island and Long Island, Mr D’Aguilar said: “It’s quite complex to roll it out in every single port of entry. We want to walk before we can run, so we will roll it out at five or six and expand it from there. “We wanted to pick our busiest islands, but the MPs in those other islands certainly brought to our attention their displeasure at that decision, yet we want to make sure it works in our five to six busiest ports of entry.” Mr D’Aguilar acknowledged the questions over how the five-day in-stay test of visitors will be carried out in the likes of Long Island and Cat Island, and why - if they can perform such tests - these are not done at the airport on arrival. “We’ll see how it works out,” he added. “We’re going to be working in conjunction with the private sector on this. The private sector will source all the test kits, the labs and hospitals. We’ve been in deep discussions with Doctors Hospital to source the kits, provide the manpower and training, and provide the service. “Our public healthcare system is already strained so we don’t want to call on them to provide the service. This is a PPP where you seek wellheeled, well-trained partners to assist us. They have a source and know where they can get test kits in sufficient quantities.”

$4.10

$4.10

Lockdown ‘death sentence’ fears By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

T

HE government was yesterday warned that it will hand “a death sentence to an economy already teetering on the edge” if it reimposes a full New Providence lockdown to curb COVID-19’s spread. Ben Albury, Bahamas Bus and Truck’s general manager, told Tribune Business many businesses “will not survive” further enforced closures and harsh restrictions after a number of entrepreneurs privately informing him they are prepared “to shut their doors and call it a day” if a complete economic lockdown is implemented. Speaking after the prime minister hinted in his national address that more restrictions are almost inevitable for New Providence and Abaco, Mr Albury warned that the government would face “much bigger problems” longterm if efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic “wiped out” a large proportion of the private sector and

• Govt warned economy ‘teetering on the edge’ • Non-full lockdown measures being assessed • Sir Franklyn: Get COVID-19 ‘under control’

BEN ALBURY

SIR FRANKLYN WILSON

associated jobs. Voicing sympathy for those who have lost loved ones to, or been infected by, COVID-19, he added that Dr Hubert Minnis’ address had “seriously hurt” already-fragile business and investor confidence in the Bahamian economy’s rebound prospects. Urging the prime minister to provide more clarity and “avoid insinuations” regarding further restrictions, Mr Albury said any lockdown

was likely to be futile when it came to reducing the COVID-19 infection rate due to the failure to enforce health protocols and punish violators with heavy fines. He was backed to an extent by Sir Franklyn Wilson, the Arawak Homes and Sunshine Holdings chairman, who agreed that any further lockdown of the Bahamian capital will “put us closer to the cliff edge” when it came to both the economy’s and government’s

financial health. However, he agreed it would be almost impossible for the tourism industry to enjoy a strong re-opening with COVID-19 cases on New Providence increasing at the rate of between 50 to 100 per day, and amounting to some 499 last week alone. Arguing that the government had no choice but to bring the pandemic “under control” on the island that is home to two-thirds of The Bahamas’ population, Sir Franklyn said a lockdown would have to be “pursued” if this was the best option available to it. However, in a sign of how greatly the private sector has been spooked by Dr Minnis’ national address, Mr Albury said the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA), of which his company is a member, had already made its feelings

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Abaco fears ‘irreparable blow’ if further lockdown By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ABACO’S Chamber of Commerce president yesterday warned that reimposing a full COVID-19 lockdown on the island would deal its economy and Dorian recovery a “possibly irreparable blow”. Ken Hutton told Tribune Business that “the horse has left the stable” when it came to extreme measures to halt the pandemic’s spread, adding that such ‘cures’ would effectively “kill the patient” in terms of businesses and jobs. Reacting to the Prime Minister’s signal that further restrictions are inevitable to halt COVIID-19’s spread on both New Providence and Grand Bahama, he said the Abaco Chamber had been sufficiently alarmed to call an emergency Board meeting to discuss the issue yesterday morning. Arguing that The Bahamas now has to focus on risk

• Chamber chief: ‘Horse left stable’ on such restrictions • Lack of infrastructure creates ‘choke points’ • Council head worries over rebuilding ‘setback’

KEN HUTTON

ROSCOE THOMPSON

mitigation, and protecting “the most vulnerable communities” such as elderly persons and those with chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, Mr Hutton said the implementation of any lockdown or increased curbs now would be especially harmful as Abaco was “just beginning to hit our stride” on postDorian rebuilding. Pointing out that a new

lockdown would force numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs), many of whom have just returned to Abaco to assist with reconstruction once again, he added that it also threatened to send a potentially negative signal to second homeowners still mulling whether to invest in rebuilding their properties. Calling for better health data and information to be

made available, so Abaconians could better identify COVID-19 “hot spots”, the Chamber chief said the slow pace of commercial infrastructure rebuilding post-Dorian had resulted in “choke points” such as Marsh Harbour’s sole food store, bank and automated teller machines (ATMs), aiding the spread of the virus. Emphasising that Abaco “cannot afford” another lockdown or measures that come close to it, Mr Hutton told this newspaper: “We called an emergency Board meeting of the Chamber this morning to discuss the issue, and we are concerned about the implications of new measures in Abaco at this time.

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$3.95 Chamber urges ‘balanced’ plan on COVID spike By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday called for a “balanced” approach to addressing New Providence’s COVID-19 surge that addressed both health and economic concerns. Khrystle RutherfordFerguson, hinting that the chamber and private sector were against the imposition of a total lockdown, told Tribune Business that “all avenues for managing” the outbreak have not been explored and said the economy’s “viability” must be protected by allowing companies to operate. She said: “The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) participated in a stakeholder meeting arranged by the Office of the Prime Minister, where representatives from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and other health professionals revealed recent COVID-19 data.” “The BCCEC notes the number of new COVID19 cases and increase in the number of deaths, particularly in New Providence. However, health concerns, along with the economic concerns must be balanced.” Ms Rutherford-Ferguson added: “It is our position that all avenues for successfully managing the COVID-19 outbreak have not been explored. Businesses and the public require ongoing strategies to adapt to co-existing with COVID-19. “It is crucial, now more than ever, for all efforts to be made to protect the viability of our economy and livelihoods through managing the continued operation of businesses while protecting lives. The implementation and enforcement of targeted strategies, supported by empirical data, will lend in these efforts.” “Coexisting with COVID19 requires a behavioural change,” Ms RutherfordFerguson continued, “one which can only be achieved by the enforcement of wearing a mask properly, washing hands frequently and social distancing, as well as a personal choice to reduce non-essential movements. “The private sector has a vested interest in enforcing protocols at its various establishments, and have demonstrated as much by

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Activists not reassured by oil explorer’s pledge By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ENVIRONMENTAL activists yesterday said they were “even more concerned” despite Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) assurance it has sufficient insurance to cover all costs associated with an oil spill. Casuarina McKinneyLambert, the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) executive director, who is co-heading the Our Islands, Our Future campaign against BPC’s activities, argued that more information was required about the extent and type of insurance coverage obtained by the oil explorer. She voiced her concerns as Roberta Quant, BPC’s environmental scientist, disclosed in written replies to Tribune Business questions that the company had spent

• Say ‘even more concerned’ on BPC insurance • Even though ‘five man years’ spent on EIA, EMP “five full-time ‘man-years’ of work” in preparing its oil spill response and simulation, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Management Plan and other documents required for the project to be given the go-ahead. With one “man year” equivalent to 1,600 hours, Ms Quant said the EIA and EMP had each consumed 2,000 hours each as BPC worked to meet the demands of both the government and international industry best practices. However, Mrs McKinney-Lambert told Tribune Business she was not satisfied with BPC’s pledge to have any potential tourism and fisheries industry losses covered in the event of any

oil spill or incident that impacts the environment. The oil exploration outfit said it had obtained protection “considerably in excess of the minimum levels of cover required by the government” for the Perseverance One well that will be drilled in waters some 91 miles to the west of Andros near the maritime boundary with Cuba. The coverage had been placed through the UK broker, Aon, with Lloyd’s of London and other recognised international markets, but Mrs McKinney said: “I was wondering how much insurance do they have? If anything I’m more concerned. They’re not disclosing information. How much insurance do they have, and what’s that to

cover? That doesn’t allay the concerns we have. “We’ve heard a lot of concerns from fishermen and tour operators. We have certainly heard a lot of fishermen are extremely concerned by this, not only the long-term impact of any spill but drilling fluids that are highly toxic.” Mrs McKinney-Lambert argued that BPC’s activities and first exploratory well, which it hopes to begin drilling before Christmas 2020, were “really jeopardising our recovery as a country” from COVID-19 due to the potential threat they posed to The Bahamas’ tourism brand. “There’s the issue of reputational damage to the

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