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Volume: 118 No.224, October 18, 2021
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I RAN FOR MY COUNTRY ONLY TO BE LEFT BEHIND By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net OLYMPIC gold medalist Ramon Miller says he feels unwanted by his own country following a years-long battle to gain infrastructure for his home that was built on land gifted by the government. The 2,600 square foot home on a rugged dirt road is perched on a 20,000
MINNIS BLASTS ‘DISASTROUS’ RESPONSE AS 18 MORE DIE
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net WITH 18 new deaths reported over the weekend pushing the nation’s COVID-19 death toll to 626, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis castigated the government saying its response to the virus has been “disastrous”. Data released by the Ministry of Health on Friday included 14 new deaths, which were contained in the October 13 dashboard. SEE PAGE FIVE
COFFINS BEING SHIPPED IN BULK AS DEATHS RISE
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THERE is “exponential” demand for more caskets due to a higher intake of remains at funeral homes amid increased deaths from COVID-19. According to Funeral Directors Association President Kirsch Ferguson yesterday, while larger funeral homes now mark their intake at around 30 to 40 bodies a week, smaller companies say they are taking in roughly five to seven — double what the demand was months ago. SEE PAGE FIVE
sq ft piece of land tucked away in acres of thick vegetation off a paved Tropical Gardens road. Mr Miller ran the anchor leg for The Bahamas’ 4x400 metre relay team at London in 2012, a race that brought home gold. He was given the property in 2014. Mr Miller said he was elated to receive the sprawling property to build a dream home for his wife and children. SEE PAGE THREE
FOX ‘REMORSEFUL’ AS HE WALKS FREE By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
RAMON Miller running in London in 2012, right, and the house he built on land gifted by the government, above. House photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff
COOPER SETS SIGHTS ON CABBAGE BEACH ISSUE By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
MINISTRY of Tourism officials plan to meet soon with representatives from Access Industries about Cabbage Beach access, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper said yesterday. Mr Cooper told The Tribune yesterday that the Davis administration believes having beach access in The Bahamas is
THE SCENE in June last year after the Cabbage Beach entrance was locked. the right of all Bahamians. He said the government also respects the rights to private property.
In June, vendors who operate on Cabbage Beach protested after an access point to the beach was closed off and they found their property removed from the beach and stacked on the side of the road. A company called Access Industries, the entity that owns the property, said the entry point to the beach was closed for safety purposes while clearing work for a condominium hotel is being done. SEE PAGE TWO
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
ISLAND Luck’s cofounder Adrian Fox yesterday said he felt “remorseful” after a federal New York judge allowed him to walk free rather than impose a minor jail sentence. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
EDITOR’S NOTE
DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THE CLASSIFIED SECTION OF TODAY’S TRIBUNE COULD NOT BE PRINTED. HOWEVER, THE SECTION WILL STILL APPEAR ONLINE AT WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM. OUR APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.
PAGE 2, Monday, October 18, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
COOPER SETS SIGHTS ON CABBAGE BEACH ISSUE from page one
The access point in question, which vendors used to transport their wares on
and off the beach, remains closed. “My office has reached
out to the presumptive owners and will meet with their representatives
shortly,” Mr Cooper said yesterday. “Whilst we are respectful of private property rights, the Davis administration believes that beach access is a fundamental right of all Bahamians. “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure adequate beach access on every island of The Bahamas, including Paradise Island.” When the vendors made the early morning discovery in June, they found that a fence had been erected overnight blocking the access point. The irate vendors at the time said they were not advised of the beach’s closure by the developers of the private property which is located next to the entrance to the beach. Then Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar said he was “blindsided” by the move. The Minnis administration did not demand the beach be reopened. Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis marched with protestors while he was in opposition in 2016 to remove a fence blocking the same access point. During his last term in
office, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham had fences erected by private homeowners to cordon off access to beaches torn down. Mr Ingraham said no Bahamian should be forbidden from going on any beach as no beach in the country was private. The vendors took matters into their own hands in June and tore down a portion of the fence and accessed the beach. No one was arrested. Access Industries noted that the public can still readily access Cabbage Beach at Beach Club Drive, off Paradise Island Drive, or consider Junkanoo Beach or Montagu Beach on New Providence. The company said in a statement in June that the condo-hotel project is expected to generate more than $250m in economic activity and will include jobs in construction, tourism and related sectors, and will involve continued local participation featuring Bahamian workers, artisans and others, including in its restaurants and retail offerings to the public.
TWO SHOT OVER WEEKEND TWO people, a man and a woman, were shot in separate incidents in New Providence on Saturday. The first incident took place shortly before 2pm. Police received information of a shooting incident that occurred on Emmanuel Way off Soldier Road. Officers were told that a woman was sitting in a parked vehicle when she heard a loud sound similar to gunshots. She later realised that she had been shot in the neck. The victim was taken to the hospital by private vehicle where she was treated and later discharged. Hours later, shortly before 7pm, police were
told that a man was shot while on Woods Alley off Market Street. Initial investigations revealed that the victim was approached by the occupants of a small Japanese vehicle; one of them discharged a firearm in his direction and shot him in his left hand. The victim was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle, where he is listed in stable condition. Both incidents are under active investigation. Anyone with information on these incidents or any other crime is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991/2 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.
ALERT OVER FACEBOOK SCAMS POLICE have issued a warning to the public regarding scams by people posing as Facebook vendors who solicit money from unsuspecting buyers only to defraud them. In a release issued on Saturday, the Financial Crime Investigation Branch said to be aware of people offering items for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Facebook Messenger “with the intent to defraud customers of money and use their identifications in other Facebook scams.” Police explained how the scams work. “The culprit(s) advertises cars, boats, motorcycles, and other items at attractive prices,” police warned. “To gain the purchaser’s trust, vendors (suspects) send images of government issued IDs which they claim to be their identity. As a result, the victim’s trust is gained and (the victim) deposits or transfers money onto an account in the name of the person whose
ID was presented or some other third party. “The victims are then informed that once the item is paid for, it will be delivered within two or three weeks. However, almost immediately after the funds are deposited or transferred to the account, the suspect discontinues communication with the victim.” The Royal Bahamas Police Force has advised people to be cautious when sending money to individuals you do not know. “Additionally, we want to caution individuals not to give their bank account and personal Identification to unknown persons through social media,” police said. “Your personal information and identification will be used in perpetuating the scam. This gives the appearance that you are also a part of the fraudulent activities.” If you were affected by such a scam, contact the Financial Investigations Branch at 356-6027.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, October 18, 2021, PAGE 3
I ran for my country only to be left behind from page one The home was completed in 2018. Despite following all of the correct procedures and seeking to have lamp poles for electricity and water infrastructure placed, Mr Miller said there has been “roadblock after roadblock”. He said there has been no movement despite him writing to former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for intervention. He said he also spoke to Dr Minnis in person on one occasion and had two in person meetings with former Prime Minister Perry Christie. He said he was also in contact with former Works Minister Desmond Bannister. He also questioned both the Water and Sewerage Corporation and Bahamas Power and Light to have utilities put in place. Due to this dilemma, he has had to have a water well installed and continuously runs a diesel generator at a cost of $250 per week. It is a sacrifice he says he makes so that his children can do their assignments, and everyone is comfortable. “I decided to go through the process of building,” Mr Miller said of the months after receiving the property. “I got all of my permits. I went through the proper channels. I got all of the documents. I got the permit number. I got the foundation approved, my
roof approved, plumbing approved. “Who doesn’t want to put their family in their dream home and, of course, utilising the gift that the government gave and go for it. Of course, I could have ventured off and bought a home, but I wanted to show the Bahamian people that I appreciated the gift that they gave me and building something here, it showed that, hey, I am making my statement here.” Initially the process was smooth sailing and at no point in time did anyone reveal there could be issues getting the needed infrastructure put in place. Mr Miller said there are homes with water and light about 200 feet away from his house. “No one said anything of that sort. I got the permit and started the building process. I built the foundation, and nobody ever came to me and said ‘I don’t think that is a good idea to build back there because it may be hard or difficult.’ But I am thinking why it should be hard or difficult if this is a gift from The Bahamas.” He continued through to completion hoping it would motivate officials to do what was needed. “But it has been roadblock after roadblock, and I have tried every avenue. “I even told them I would pay for the lamp posts and go away and see if I could bring them in instead of running a generator all the time because it’s costly. “I was
THE PROPERTY owned by Ramon Miller which is still awaiting the proper infrastructure as promised. willing to foot the cost as best as possible, but like I said roadblock after roadblock.” Recently, his main sizable generator is out of service because it needs a part, so the family has resorted to using a smaller one. “If the generator is off, the water doesn’t function well. I have a tank but the water would last about two flushes, or three flushes and we wash our hands and sanitise but it won’t last all day unless the generator is on.” The situation has left him dejected. “It doesn’t make me feel good,” he said. “I must say. Neither do I feel wanted or appreciated even though I want to pay for it,” Mr Miller said. When contacted for comment, Dr Minnis told this newspaper that a contract “was approved for infrastructure” to Mr Miller’s area. However, it is unclear why the infrastructure has not yet been put in place. Attempts to secure comments from other officials were fruitless yesterday.
CLARIFICATION IN the October 15th edition of The Tribune, under the headline “A New Day - But With Old Faces,” it was incorrectly stated that civil servants David Davis and Harcourt Brown have
been re-engaged to work in the Office of the Prime Minister by the current administration. The Tribune would like to clarify that Mr Davis and Mr Brown were re-engaged
in the public service under the Minnis administration and are not the two former senior public officials who have recently been brought out of retirement by the Davis administration.
PAGE 4, Monday, October 18, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Free testing pilot for islands most at risk By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
A State Recognized Funeral Service for
Former Senator Mr. Keith Estward Archer, 76 of Buttonwood Drive, Imperial Park will be held on Thursday, October 21st, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street. Officiating will be Fr. DeAngelo N. Bowe assisted by Canon Peter Scott, Canon Harry Ward, and Canon Sebastian Campbell. Preacher: Re’vd. Dr. James B. Moultrie. Cremation will follow. Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, masks and physical distancing are required. Cherished memories will always be remembered by his his wife: of forty-five years Mrs. Barbara Arnett Archer; children: Keith Hammond of Virginia, Delaune Archer of Chicago, Kia Jasmin Archer-Dean, Kevin Archer, DaVal Dean, Kristen Archer and Kobe Archer of Canada; son-in-law: Mr. Nolan Dean; daughters-in-law: Mrs. Denise Hammond of Virginia, Tamone Humes-Dean and Angela Lamoureux of Chicago; grandchildren: Karmelo Archer, Dmitri Moss Jr., Amora and Nolan Dean 111, Kobie, Tyreshia, and Tayla Archer, Keith, Keion and Keshai Green of Virginia; brother: Mr. Godfrey D. Archer; sisters: Mrs. Brenda Sands, Mrs. Delores Adderley, and Mrs. Beverley Mortimer; sisters-in-law: Mrs. Jandilee “Jenny” Archer, Sharon Hield of Freeport GB, Beryl Pugh, Janeen Arnett, Karen, Dora, Chantel Arnett, and Karen Arnett of Freeport GB; brothers-in-law: Mr. Cornel Mortimer, Leroy Hield of Freeport GB, Hubert Pugh, Spencer, Ricardo, Erskin, Ken and Carlos Arnett, Turhan Thompson; nieces: Bridgette Sands, Monique Archer of Freeport GB, Tia Thompson, Onike Archer, Shonette Rolle, Renee Thompson, Roshan Davis, Dayvette Pugh, Yasmin Burrows, Tiffany Colebrooke, Rashida Arnett and Jadee Farquharson; nephews: Mario Sands, Cayle and Cameron Mortimer, David Archer, Damian and Jamal Brown, Dwight Pugh, Jermaine Thompson, Dwayne Brown, and Clevon Arnett of Freeport GB; grand nieces: Biagi Cox of Texas, Brittany Newbold and Tyra, Trevona, Trevente and Tia Melissa Thompson, and Madison Sands of Texas; grand nephews: Eddie Cox of Texas, Tredeico Davis of Freeport GB, Gibran Smith of Canada, Dario Armaly, Trevor and Estward Thompson; god children: Russann Franks of Freeport GB, Cherran Weech-Obrien, Darnell Osborne, Robert (Chip) Bailey III, of Atlanta Georgia and Kendrick Albury; cousins: Sharon Archer & family, Leroy Archer (Joyann) & family, Leria McKenzie & family, Joy Archer-Demeritte & family, Glen Archer & family, Alexina Medley & family, Valentino, Keith, Sheldon, Budnell, Hatrice, Vanessa and Freanza Archer, Patricia Isaacs, Michelle Hepburn, Debbie Granger, Antionette Arahna, David & Glen Granger, Hillary Deveaux, Marie Pickering, Effie Williams, Prudence Palacious, Jane Major, Margaretta Burrows, Velma Virgil, Ruth Hield of Freeport GB, Mable Adderley, Carolyn Hood, and Elizabeth Ingraham; numerous relatives and friends: Louis Hanchell, Patrice McDonald & family, Rosie Williams & family, Dorothea Roberts & family, The Wisdom family, the relatives of the late Sylvia Johnson, Gladys Sands, the Styles family, Melony Farrington, Donald & Albert Archer, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony “Booths” (Cheri) Weech & family, Mr. & Mrs. Audley Williams & family, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Maynard & family, Sharon Martin & family, Patricia Franks & family of Freeport GB, Val Henry & family, Anishka Culmer, Nakara Miller, Dion Thompson, Garvin and Eddie Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Bullard & family, Barry Sands of Texas, Veronica Clarke, Paulette Smith of Freeport GB, Mr. Eugene & Dorothy Simon & family of Fort Lauderdale Fl. Esther Deryckere, Andrea Archer, Eddie and Jessica Minnis, Bernard Evans, Velma Burrows & family, Pastor Frederick Arnett & family, the entire Arnette Family, LaGloria Davis & family, Cyril Gardiner & family, Gail Saunders, Stephanie Saunders & family, Kenneth Albury, Stanford & Mary Culmer of Freeport GB, Kenneth Dames of Freeport, GB. Jayson & Eloise Moxey, Elaine Bannister, Barbara & Krissy Usher, Samuel “Bookie” & Inez Johnson, Andrea Knowles, Aladice Culmer & family, Georgette Dames & family, Evarista Mitchell & family, Kyron, Michaella, Zandra and Flora Strachan, Cheryl & Charlene Samuels, Vivien Shields Barrett & family, Pastor Lavado Duncanson & family, Sandra Duncombe & family, Rosita Smith Duvalier, Alma Evans & family, The Hon. Zane Lightbourne & family, Beverley Moss, Patricia Mitchell & family, Jennifer Marshall-Mackey, Inez Moss & family, Roslyn North & family, Val Cooper, Deacon Mitchel & Min, Maude Johnson & family, Mr. & Mrs. Sherleck Walkin & family of Turks Island, Michael & Ethel Laing of Freeport GB, The Carroll Family, Celeste Deveaux & family, family of the late Jane Fernander, Sea breeze Imperial Park Community especially Buttonwood drive neighbors, the Chippingham Community, Ali Campbell & family of Freeport GB, Julian Glover & family, Alfred Burrows & family, Philip Swaby & family, Willie Knowles & family, Sonny Haven & family, Roy Rodgers & family, Randy Rodgers & family, Ray & Wendy Munnings, Mario & Eddie Ford, Michael Rolle, Leonore Weech & family, Roscoe & Violet Weech, Kay Francis & Family, Willie Mays Francis, Colin Thompson, family of the late Donald Archer, Godfrey Eneas, Bernie Turnquest, Dien Bailey & family, R.H. Culmer & family & family, Bernie Fernander & family, Kendra Alicia Smith, Dashie Williams, Sandra Johnson-Archer, Karen Jervis & family, Debbie & Gurney Armstrong, Winston Sherman & family, Alfred Fountain, Lester Gardiner, Simeon and Steven Humes, Altamese & Lydia Isaacs & family, Just Us Thursday Group, Pastor Duncanson Men Prayer Group, Daltons Group, Mark & Linda Wilson & family, Shirley Taylor & family, Mr. & Mrs. Errol Bethel & family, Kenny Smith & family, Kathleen Dummit, Patricia Francis & family, Ira Swaby & Mitzi Swaby, Mr. Eddie Laing & family; caregivers: Shawn Robertson; Therapist: Sharon Clarke; physican: Dr. Beverton Moxey; Bishop Laish Z. Boyd & family, Fr. DeAngelo & Mrs. Tennessee Bowe & family, Canon Sebastian Campbell & family, Fr. James & Bernadette Moultrie & family, Canon Peter Scott, Canon Harry Ward & Family, Fr. Joseph & Mary Mycklewhyte & family, Officers & members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), BaTelCo Retires Association, BaTelCo Family especially “the Overseas crew on Poinciana Drive and Perpall Track staff, BTC family especially the Mall at Marathon store, The Bahamas Communications & Officers Union, BUSAWU Union, management & staff of the Water & Sewerage Corporation, Management & Staff of the BPL, Bahamas Power & Light Union, management & staff of ZNS, management & staff of Bahamas Air, management & staff of Mortgage Corporation, and UTEB Union, The Vestry, Officers & Members of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Chippingham, The Hon Prime Minister Brave Davis & family, Hon. Perry Christie & family, Hon. Fred Mitchell, Hon. Hubert Ingraham & family, Mrs. Leslia Brice MP for Sea Breeze & family, Officers & Members of the Progressive Liberal Party. Please forgive us if we left out your name it was not intentional but an oversight during this difficult time. May His Soul Rest in Peace! Former Senator Keith Archer will lie-in-state on Wednesday October 20th at the Senate, Rawson Square, Bay Street, from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
AMID reports of outbreaks in several Family Islands, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said the government’s free COVID-19 testing programme will be launched as a pilot in islands most at risk for spread of the virus. Health officials will also begin distributing medicalgrade masks on Family Islands currently experiencing COVID-19 clusters and are “in the process of identifying resources” to assist with the surveillance and enforcement of COVID-19 protocols as well as expanding vaccination in these communities. The statement from the Ministry of Health and Wellness came after North Andros and Berry Islands member of Parliament Leonardo Lightbourne called on his constituents to follow pandemic protocols until health officials get the community’s COVID-19 “outbreak” under control. Several Family Islands, in particular Andros, Eleuthera and Inagua, are said to be experiencing an outbreak of the potentially deadly coronavirus. A married couple and a mother and daughter are amongst COVID-19 deaths reported for Andros, among others. On Saturday, Mr Lightbourne issued a statement which said he is in talks with Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville to get the situation in his constituency under control. “To the residents of the North Andros and the Berry Islands constituencies, please note that I am aware of the present outbreak of COVID-19 in the communities,” Mr Lightbourne said. “I have spoken to the Minister of Health and Wellness Michael Darville, who is currently organising a team of health professionals and enforcement officers to be sent to the islands. “I have the most confidence in our medical professionals who will ensure that public health protocols inclusive of contact tracing, isolation and quarantine of individuals where necessary to mitigate the spread of this deadly virus are implemented.” The Tribune spoke to a
LEONARDO LIGHTBOURNE few residents of Andros who were affected by the outbreak. Cindy Rolle, a resident of North Andros, said her sister has COVID-19, but does not have many symptoms. She believes her sister caught the virus during the recent general election activities. “My sister is coronavirus positive,” Ms Rolle said. “If I didn’t see her results I would not have known she had it. She doesn’t have any symptoms like that, but she has it. She got it from one of our cousins who was walking around campaigning and even after elections they were meeting and all with each other without any mask on. “My sister doesn’t work so after the election he kept coming around her to talk about the election results and he was upset. He was going around to everyone running on about how election was and about two weeks later he was in Nassau in the hospital and he is still there. I know my sister got it from him. Every other person has COVID here. “She had a runny nose and even though it wasn’t really bothering her like that, we still told her to get a test. That’s how we found out she had COVID. So we are just thinking that the campaigning might have caused the spread. We shouldn’t have had an election, that’s what. This is a serious problem over here, it’s like everyone is catching it.” Gregory Ferguson, also of North Andros, said he is staying safe as he just recovered from a terrible bout of COVID and fears he gave it to several of his family and friends. “First I really have to thank God for sparing my life,” Mr Ferguson said. “I was really sick. I am very concerned about how many people are catching
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COVID. One of the reasons I am so thankful to God is because I have survived it. Not a lot of people can say that. People here are dying. This is very serious and the numbers are growing. “I actually got COVID when I was in Eleuthera. I will be honest. I went over there for a party. “When people get together they are drinking and eating and drinking. Even if they come to the place in a mask, they will take it off soon when the partying begins. They don’t understand how serious this Delta virus is. I honestly thought I was going to die. I thank God for life.” In its statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said Dr Darville and members of his COVID-19 technical team have visited islands in the southern and central Bahamas to conduct an urgent assessment. In addition, the ministry has dispatched COVID-19 surveillance and enforcement units to Inagua, North Eleuthera, and the Berry Islands with the intention to review COVID-19 cases, tighten surveillance protocols, and better support those who need to isolate and quarantine. “It has been clear for more than a year that widespread testing is an important tool that has been under-utilised in our country’s fight against the spread of the virus. The government is in the process of building a nationwide free testing programme; free testing will begin as a pilot programme in those Family Islands currently most at risk for community spread of the COVID virus. “The ministry will also begin distribution of medical-grade masks on those islands currently experiencing COVID-19 clusters. Additionally, the ministry is in the process of identifying resources to assist with the surveillance and enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and will expand both public education and vaccinations on these islands.” The statement said the steps outlined by the ministry are in accordance with the Davis government’s determination “to rely on a cooperative approach rather than a punitive one”.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, October 18, 2021, PAGE 5
Minnis blasts ‘disastrous’ response as 18 more die from page one Nine of the victims were from New Providence, two from Long Island, two from Inagua and one from Grand Bahama. Their ages range from 26 to 92 years old and they died between October 2 and 8. In the October 14 dashboard, also released on Friday, ten deaths were reported. However, those deaths were later clarified as being under investigation with an official saying they had been listed in error and should not have been released. In the October 15 dashboard, four more deaths were recorded, bringing the death toll to 626. The patients were all from New Providence and included one man and three women. The man, 38, died on September 8. One of the women, 56, died on October 1; a 58-year-old woman died October 2 and an 88-year-old woman died October 4. The situation drew criticism from Dr Minnis on Sunday. He said since coming to office, the new Progressive Liberal Party
administration has led a disastrous, incompetent and chaotic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The response is also uncaring and indifferent to the pain and suffering of those who are getting sick and their families,” Dr Minnis said in a press statement. “As he did in opposition, Prime Minister Philip Davis clearly does not have an understanding of, nor a plan as to how to respond to, the deadly virus, as more Bahamians are dying daily from the virus. “With mounting deaths, outbreaks on various islands and the Bahamian public frightened that the number of cases may increase in the near future, the government has failed to articulate and execute comprehensive public health measures. “The PLP promised that it had a plan and a way forward on the pandemic. Tragically, there is no plan as promised. They do not have a way forward. One of their first decisions was to relax the curfew. They promised free mass testing. What are the plans for such testing?” Dr Minnis said there are reports of rising case numbers and deaths on a
number of Family Islands, which have limited capacity to deal with severe cases. “Because of limited oxygen supplies, no ventilators and no intensive care units on our islands, except New Providence and Grand Bahama, it is critical to stop the spread of the virus as quickly as possible on the Family Islands,” the Killarney MP said. “The former government sought to balance saving and protecting lives and livelihoods. The FNM quickly put in place comprehensive measures to limit outbreaks on the Family Islands. We also regularly reported to the country through national addresses, press conferences and press statements. “What is the current government’s strategy to deal with outbreaks throughout the Family Islands? What is the capacity for airlift if the number of severe cases increase significantly throughout the Family Islands? “Is the government considering any measures or restrictions to address the increasing number of deaths in the country? “Why has the prime minister failed to address the country on the measures his administration will take to
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. remedy a variety of matters related to the pandemic?” Dr Minnis said the PLP severely criticised his administration’s response to the pandemic. He said it is now the responsibility of the Davis administration to manage and respond to the
pandemic in order to save and protect the lives of the Bahamian people. Dr Minnis said the country awaits the government’s strategy and plans on the management of the pandemic in the days and weeks ahead.
The country has now recorded 21,978 confirmed COVID-19 cases to date. One hundred and thirteen people are in hospital, 12 of whom are in the intensive care unit. Fifty-nine deaths are currently under investigation.
COFFINS BEING SHIPPED IN BULK AS DEATHS RISE
from page one
This has meant that in recent weeks funeral homes have had to order bulk shipments of caskets, he said. The industry is also grappling with casket shortages and rising costs, which are also being transferred onto families. Caskets are primarily sourced from the United States, which also has a high number of COVID-19 deaths. Funeral directors are oftentimes unable to fulfill orders as homes in the US have taken first priority over exports. Mr Ferguson spoke candidly yesterday of the challenges facing local funeral homes, giving a sobering view of how the virus has led to more
and more deaths in the country. “At this present time,” he said, “I would say we are requiring almost double the number of caskets because (of) the death rate as you see right now, and then most Bahamian families, they do consider cremation but it’s not a primary option for Bahamian families. “While cremation is still being done, they are still having funeral services followed by cremation, so the need of a casket is still in high demand and that increase has been exponentially increased over the past few months.” He also said: “We’ve been consistently seeing up to five to seven bodies come in per week in most mortuaries. Obviously, the
larger firms are doing 30 to 40 bodies per week coming in and then also there is still a backlog at the morgue so that number changes from week to week in terms of bodies being released and deaths occurring at wards and in homes.” This has translated to funeral homes having to make extra provisions for the storage of remains. Mr Ferguson also said the industry is grappling with a supply chain issue. “Unfortunately, what we’re seeing now and globally is a shortage of caskets being exported from the US based on the death rate there and we’re so heavily dependent on them. “So funeral homes are making every effort to bring in bulk shipments at this time when we are allowed
to because as it is right now, we are unable to fulfill our orders based on the US market being the first priority for manufacturers. “We’re impacted to the extent of us having to delay funeral dates and times based on the availability of caskets being imported in The Bahamas, that is (a) primary factor. “Second to that there is a cost involved where the shipping rates have gone up so in a lot of instances you see families are being mandated to pay a bit more just to accommodate the shipping in and of itself. But we do our best to keep our base prices as low as possible but circumstances right now with shipping globally is a major concern for all of us,” Mr Ferguson said. Last week, former
Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said that people are “dying in droves” due to the COVID-19 crisis. He said Bahamians need to prepare to accept that deaths will continue to increase or welcome a dramatic change in policy and behaviour. Despite this, Mr Ferguson said funeral homes want restrictions on funerals eased. “We were agitating for that from day one primarily because we were never consulted in terms of the protocols being undertaken for funerals themselves and then while we see families are now not necessarily postponing funerals for a length of time the agitation for more persons to participate in the final rites has increased.
“Families don’t abide by the protocols, but we can’t police what is being asked from the government for us to do. “We can’t police it, so whoever attends, attends and it is what it is,” he said. In July, churches in New Providence and Grand Bahama were limited to a one-hour worship service daily with a maximum capacity of 33 percent. It was also stated in July that funeral services would not be allowed, but graveside services are permitted with a maximum of 30 people, excluding the officiant and funeral workers. No funeral repasts are permitted. More than 600 people have died from COVID19 according to health officials.
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PAGE 6, Monday, October 18, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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Where do we go from here to beat COVID-19? THE baton has passed from one government to another, and so, it would seem, has the blame for the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic – if former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is to be believed. It’s not as simple as that, of course. The government of Dr Minnis had a large part in the handling of the situation. After all, his Health Minister, Renward Wells, was over optimistically talking about herd immunity potentially being achieved by August, before the election. That didn’t happen, and was one of several questionable statements by Mr Wells. So it would be foolish to pretend that the previous government didn’t play a part in getting us where we are now – the question is whether or not the new government since its arrival has made decisions that are making things better… or worse. In the immediate aftermath of the election, the new government moved to loosen some of the restrictions that had been in place under the Minnis administration. Curfew moved to midnight, while there have been changes to the travel health visa, which is no longer required for inter-island travel. Meanwhile, the other much promised measure from Philip “Brave” Davis and his team in Opposition to tackle the pandemic – free COVID testing – has yet to materialise. The first signs of that began to appear yesterday, with the Ministry of Health and Wellness announcing that the free testing programme will be launched – but only as a pilot – in Family Islands currently experiencing clusters of COVID-19 cases. Islands such as Andros, Eleuthera and Inagua are currently experiencing a significant spike in cases.
A blitz of testing in areas with high numbers of cases is good, to try to find people affected before they can unwittingly spread it to others, and use quarantine to stop the spread – but this pilot programme is significantly short of the free testing for all promised. Now it can be said of course that any new government needs to have time to find its feet, but there’s no time to do that in the middle of a pandemic. More than that, if you’re not ready to implement your plan on reducing the spread of the virus, why lift the restrictions before you’re ready to act? The outlook is grim at present. Over the weekend, there were another 18 deaths reported. That’s 18 people whose Bahamian families and friends are in mourning today. Meanwhile, another 113 people are in hospital, 12 of those in intensive care. And if all that weren’t enough, funeral directors are bringing in coffins in bulk because of the high numbers of deaths being experienced in The Bahamas right now. Some funeral directors are saying that the demand for their services is roughly double what it was just months ago. There is one criticism by Dr Minnis that is fair, and which we hope his successor will act upon. He asked: “Why has the Prime Minister failed to address the country on the measures his administration will take to remedy a variety of matters related to the pandemic?” That is a fair question to ask. Mr Davis had a plan before coming into office, we were told, and he’s been in office long enough now to be able to lay that plan out to the public. He isn’t to blame for the pandemic starting, or for it reaching our shores – but it’s time to explain what he intends to do from here. It’s time, in short, to start making good on those election trail promises.
Columbus statue EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE incident with the Columbus statue certainly sparked perhaps a record number of comments, of both genuine and questionable value. This is not a commentary about the European genocide of indigenous people and the horrific legacy of slavery spawned and perpetuated by the greed of European expansionists. That is the role of our historians. The Columbus statue prominently displayed on the steps of Government House is a tourist attraction. It will remain that, and should not be restored to its original glory. Instead, it should be made safe and an appropriate display explaining both the legacy of Columbus and last week’s defacement. Also, it should be moved to the grounds of the National Art Gallery or the Pompey Museum and replaced by an “abstract” creation representing genuine Bahamian national heroes. The Bahamas did not figure prominently in
Columbus’ experience. In a more than 3000 word letter to Ferdinand and Isabella’s treasurer, Lord Gabriel Sanchis, there are 109 words devoted to his time in what is now The Bahamas. Further, he never returned to the islands during his other three voyages. That’s how important our islands were to him. The country must move beyond elevating inappropriate people, especially those from our past — or in Columbus’ case, not really our past — to positions of honour, even if they are well-worn tourist curiosities. Let’s face it, that’s the main function of the statue: a place for tourists to take quick pictures before moving on to some other hopefully more meaningful “attraction”. Columbus has been on an elevated pedestal for too long. While we must acknowledge that he passed through our islands, our focus should be on the legacy of European expansion in this region. Perhaps most important, we should examine that legacy’s
impact on who we are as a people today and, especially, on the institutional structures and traditions we continue to perpetuate — both the good and the bad. Our energy must not be consumed by Columbus and the past but on the present and the future. There is too much work to be done if we hope to thrive as a people, from the dismantling of obsolete, even toxic, colonial legacies to meaningfully addressing challenges such as a dysfunctional system of government, crime, poverty, the over-reliance on tourism, and selling off our land to foreigners, the effects of climate change, etc, etc. We should neither relegate Columbus to the dust bin nor leave him where he’s stood for almost two centuries. Figure out how to best display him and explain why such an edifice exists. For tourists, yes, but infinitely more importantly, for ourselves. CHRIS MINNS George Town, Exuma October 12, 2021.
Govt and Crown Land EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE past PM Minnis proposed that special subdivision on Crown Land top of Prospect Ridge... they actually invited interested persons... note definite discriminatory conditions as to who qualifies. Editor the House of Assembly is full of
attorneys, but it seems none had picked up their Constitutions and read the particular articles referring to Crown Property - its granting - lease or selling. One Government gone another just sworn in and, oh Lord. ain’t nothing change... still they have not referred to The Constitution. Dear Minister
suggest you look at Article: 26 clause 8 a-b-c. Should be rather obvious as there is an obvious condition as to who qualifies and discriminates by imposing an age limit... such a fundamental in The Bahamas Constitution. H HUDSON Nassau, October 9, 2021.
What are you going to do, PM? EDITOR, The Tribune. IT’S recorded both medically and socially that marijuana is a hallucinogenic, psychosis, and addictive substance. One need only go on the internet visit Webmd.com.type in marijuana and its effect. What you find will not only make you think twice about using it but also warn others to stay away from it. Why is there not more awareness placed in the public domain on the adverse effects of its use? For the greater part the noise is about the money. And those that oppose its use are labeled old fashioned and out of tune with the buzz of today. According to the Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana the economic potential of a cannabis industry in The Bahamas is robust. I might have missed it but at no time did I hear mention of the downside of its use. It is understood that the commission consists of learned persons with diverse backgrounds. It is incumbent upon them, for the stability of the nation to combine head with heart and to base their presentation on both economic and social findings. Lay all the cards on the table. What good is wealth if you can’t enjoy it? Well anyhow if it is made legal prayerfully like with cigarettes serious warnings will be made available to the public. It has been highlighted by QC Wayne Munroe that
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net medicinal marijuana has always been available in The Bahamas. So why the hullabaloo all of a sudden? While I wouldn’t put any money down against it I believe that former health Minister Dr Duane Sands being a heart specialist knows more about the affect of marijuana than he is revealing and that is the reasons for his cautious approach. The former Prime Minister’s mantra was.”I would rather lose an election than lose a country. “ History will tell if he predicted his downfall. The onus is now on you, Prime Minister Davis What are you going to do? Listening to the talk shows, parents, other family members and persons with past Ganja experiences are pleading with the government not to proceed with the recreational use of marijuana. Most of us old enough to have experienced the horrors of the eighties are still living the nightmares. Almost everyone was affected by the use of crack cocaine. I lost four of my best friends during that time, and it’s only by the grace of God I escaped. It came in so subtly hardly anyone paid much attention and at first there was a lot of money flowing through the country. Which caused some in authority to
turn a blind eye, and before you knew it The Bahamas was known as a “nation for sale”. A prominent minister of the cloth will always be remembered for his famous quote. “Principle doesn’t put bread on the table.” Gangs, gang-wars, and violent crime are now a part of our everyday living. Turf and drug wars are prevalent throughout the country. Young men caught up in the change of time are killing each other, not knowing why. Fighting a war, they didn’t start. Killing, just killing, not knowing why. Forty years later we are now contemplating opening another Pandora’s box. Only this time it is with the blessings of the powers that be. How quickly we forget. But then again what the heck it’s mostly only going to affect the poor people in Bain Town, East Street, Pinewood Gardens, Fox Hill, Yellow Elder, and Kemp Road. Who cares. What the heck. There is already a social meltdown in these communities”. “Can you imagine yesterday in fear of being arrested I had to swallow my roach when I saw a policeman coming. Now today I could light up my bomber while drinking my Guinness right in his face and I even don’t have to hide my stash. God save our Bahamaland. ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, October 16, 2021.
Vaccine-only not working EDITOR, The Tribune. THERE is an article on the front page in one of the daily newspapers this week that reads, “Former minister says change our policy or accept frequent deaths”. Where later in the article he states that “I see a dramatic disconnect between what is happening in the clinical arena and what the public’s perception seems to be.” I agree and believe that the change of policy we need which will result in more lives being saved and more people kept from being admitted to hospital is for us as a country to adopt a three-pronged approach. Along with the push to
have people take the vaccine, we should also work on preventive medicines and then therapeutic medicines, if a person has gotten COVID-19, much like other countries are doing successfully. I believe there is irrefutable scientific evidence, for anybody who wants to look at the empirical data, that the vaccine-only approach will not get us out of this pandemic. I refer to just two of many examples, the nation of Israel, that has one of the highest, if not the highest percentage of vaccinated people, yet their hospitals are full and many are dying that are fully vaccinated, compared to Uttar Pratesh, India, that has
declared they are COVID19 free by the government because they have also promoted preventive and therapeutic medicines to their population. I am a Bahamian who had COVID-19, and have fully recovered by working closely with doctors and by implementing this approach, I want to see more of my Bahamian brothers and sisters being survivors of this COVID-19 virus, and encourage our government to adopt this approach so that we can do just that. ANDY KNOWLES Bahamas Olympic swimmer and coach Nassau, October 13, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, October 18, 2021, PAGE 7
LANDMARK MOMENT WITH FIRST NEUROSURGERY IN GB By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE first neurosurgery was performed in Grand Bahama at Rand Memorial Hospital on Saturday. Professor Dr Magnus Ekedede, a chief neurosurgeon at Princess Margaret Hospital, who travelled from New Providence, led the three-hour operation to remove a cancerous brain tumor from a 70-year-old female patient. It is the first step for future partnerships, particularly in specialty areas like neurology, between the two sister public institutions. “This is a major step for the Rand Memorial Hospital and Grand Bahama,” Dr Freeman Lockhart, medical chief of staff at Grand Bahama Health Services, said an hour before the operation. He indicated that a surgery of this kind had never been done at at the Rand or in Grand Bahama. “Professor Dr Magnus Ekedede, a chief neurosurgeon in The Bahamas for 25 years, is down on the invitation from GBHS,” Dr
FROM left, Professor Dr Magnus Ekedede, second from left, along with Dr Bain, and Dr Freeman Lockhart, Medical Chief of Staff at GB Health Services. Lockhart said. “It is a pro- the technical skills, one way gramme that has been in to get around this (challenge) the making for some time is to bring the technical skills now. The things that have to Grand Bahama, and that been happening recently is exactly what is happening as a result of the pandemic here this afternoon. pretty much brought this “What he is going to do programme forward. is pretty much a major neu“There have always been rosurgery case, and this will challenges trying to get be the first of its kind here in patients into our sister hos- Grand Bahama,” Dr Lockpital at PMH for patients of hart said. “So, hopefully, such nature that Dr Magnus we are setting the stage for was brought down here.” procedures of this nature, The main reason the sur- some of which will be neugery was done in Freeport, rosurgery and some other said Dr Lockhart, is because disciplines. For the months of the limited availability of and years ahead, hopefully, ICU beds at PMH. this is a partnership we can “That has been a major establish with PMH.” challenge and it is one thing Dr Ekedede performed the pandemic has brought to the surgery in RMH’s newly the forefront. Since we have refurbished state-of-theICU beds available in Grand art operating room with a Bahama, but we don’t have medical team of about 10.
He said a lot of effort and mobilisation had to happen to get it done. “It has not been easy, I know what I had to do to mobilise the instruments here,” he said. “This surgery is the first of its kind here. It does not matter how it goes because we never abandoned the mother. Not because she is 70 (years old) she has to die. “The patient’s son is very glad that we have not abandoned the mother. It has been really a severe problem. It is a cancer, and we want… to give additional quality life for her,” the surgeon said. “When I was asked to do this a lot had to be done to move me here, and a lot of effort. But Minister Darville and the prime minister too, they wanted to make it happen because…whatever Nassau people enjoy, Freeport people should enjoy also, and it is the same for Abaco, and the other Family Islands,” he said. “Because of COVID and the situation, we don’t have many ICU beds disposable for any patient. And this is giving us a lot of problems in
terms of service. I know we have been trying to get this kind of an approach down for 25 years, but for one reason or the other it has not fallen in place. And because of COVID, it has to happen because people are drying right, left, and centre, and we can’t allow that to happen.” Dr Ekedede said the Rand still needs a lot of medical instruments for those kinds of operations. “One thing I am going to do is a fact-finding mission. After the surgery, I am going to write a couple of things they will need to put in place for future cases. “I am happy to be here. I have been seeing patients from Grand Bahama for 25 years, he said. “This is the second city with the second-highest population. It is a beautiful place, and over the years a lot of cases have come from Grand Bahama, and I have the statistics. I believe that if we can have something like this, not all cases – no separation of siamese twins, major aneurysm cases, but this is a major tumor case. If we can do it once in a
while, and get more instrumentation and bring it here, I definitely think it is possible. “There are some people here who are not able to travel either because of their age, income, or resources and we can bring the technology here. And there is no better way to start than now.” Dr Lockhart said although renovations are completed at the Rand, the hospital is still not yet fully occupied. “The Rand is back in operation. We are well aware of where the Rand has come from and where we are now,” he said. “Even though we have not 100 percent occupied the renovated facility yet, a lot of clinical areas and spaces have been re-occupied. “The operating room was damaged and devastated and has been refurbished since Dorian with a lot of stateof-the-art equipment. But it is not just the equipment that makes it possible, it is the personnel working – the nurses and technicians who assist the surgeon,” he said.
NINE PEOPLE HAVE POLICE RECORDS EXPUNGED FOR MINOR OFFENCES By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE police records of nine people in Grand Bahama have been expunged for minor offences and Emergency Order violations. The announcement was made at a recent press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Freeport. “Today is a great day for Grand Bahama, we have the first woman minister for Grand Bahama and today the first nine applicants who are getting their lives re-started,” Dudley Seide, a representative of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee, said. “The mandate of the new minister is to help young persons who have been arrested for a small quantity of marijuana and all the Emergency Orders.” Mr Seide said the committee met last Tuesday and agreed to expunge police records of nine applicants—eight men and one woman—for offences such as possession of a small amount of marijuana, grievous harm, and one conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. He said 28 applicants were reviewed. “Nine were expunged, and two applicants had applied too early. We have one we asked to seek counseling, and two of the applicants’ records were
referred to the Prerogative of Mercy,” he said on Thursday. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Amendment) 2015, people who have committed murder, manslaughter, treason, armed robbery, rape or possessed dangerous drugs with intent to supply cannot have their records expunged. After five years, however, most others are eligible if they are first-time offenders or were younger than 21 at the time of their first conviction. Mr Seide said that he is pleased that those who had their records expunged are now able to restart their lives and find employment. “They always look at Nassau, but today we are dealing with Grand Bahama,” he said. “I am overjoyed to assist the young men and one young lady.” As a member of the committee, Mr Seide oversees the northern district that includes Abaco and Bimini. “We have ten applicants in Bimini and I want to tell them to hold on, we will get back to you in short order,” he said. “There are a lot of folks who were arrested under the Emergency Orders and paid fines, and did not realise it went on their record until they applied for a police record,” Mr Seide said. “And so there are a lot of persons whose lives have been altered and can’t get a visa.”
MAN IN COURT OVER $872 HE FOUND INSIDE WALL By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
A MAN charged with stealing by discovery has been sentenced to probation after admitting to taking $872 he found at the Churchill Building, which is being demolished, according to press liaison officer Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters. Reports on social media that the man found $800k are false.
Mr Peters confirmed that police apprehended the man, Leslie Bodie, 49, when he attempted to exchange the damaged notes that he had found for new ones. Magistrate Shaka Serville sentenced Bodie to three months probation. The matter will not appear on his record if he avoids legal trouble during the probation period. However, he will be fined $500 if he violates the terms of the probation, ASP Peters said.
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Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey thanked the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee for the work its members have done. “I want to congratulate those who are a part of the programme and who
are having their records expunged. This administration believes in second chances. And so there have been so many people impacted by these police records that are being expunged. They cannot get
jobs, cannot carry on their lives, and we are excited that this day has come for many in Grand Bahama,” she said. “We also believe in continuing the programme. There have been so many records based on these
Emergency Orders, and today we are once again stating that we intend to continue to expunge records that Bahamians have received based on these emergency orders,” she said.
PAGE 8, Monday, October 18, 2021
Graveside Service For Claude Dorlceus, 39 of Blueberry Hill, Fox Hill and formerly of Port-a-Piment, Haiti, will be held on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Fox Hill Cemetery, Fox Hill Road. Officiating will be Pastor Kimsley Ferguson of Pinewood Gardens Baptist Church. Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, masks and physical distancing are required. Left to cherish his legacy are his fiancé: Stacey Knowles; daughter: Shakera; son: Narrio; mother: Cephita Dorlceus; father: Michelet Jean; sister: Elmina Dorlceus; aunts: Sultah Jeanty Simon, Celanta St. Gille, Mona Jeanty, Vierge St. Gille; uncles: Pastor Benito Jean Phillipe, Samson Dorlceus, Cefinord Dorlceus; cousins: Ronald LaFleur, Frantzy Germain, Berny Bigot, Eliezaire Jean Philipe, Papou Bigot, Wendel Florestal, Alaine Saint Gille, Thustan Simon, Eden Simon, Brenden Simon, Dieunite Dorlceus, Ymatha Dorlceus, Fiana Dorlceus, Alina Dorlceus, Julaine Dorlceus, Juline Dorlceus, Micheline Dorlceus, Magdala Dorlceus, Lonise Sama, Dieumese Sama, Sanese Sama, Deborah Dorlceus, Roselaine Dorlceus; friends: Sgt. 464 Kevin Greenslade & Family, Sn. ACP Ashton Greenslade, Tony (Madeline) Saintil & Family, Sgt. 2735 Raphael Miller & Family, Sgt. 80 Kevin (Lindsey) Louis & family, Lorraine Knowles & Deborah Knowles, Audley Ward & Family, Cpl. 1726 Alinda Moss & Family, WPC 4079 Carla Burrows, Krystle Cooper, Gretha Faustin & family, WPC 3653 Andrea Duncanson & family, June Burrows & family, Patricia Carey & family, Marie Sumner & family, Coralee Rigby Johnson & family, Mariezette Petitfrere & family, Chantel Petitfrere & family, WPC 4084 Mona Moss, Ketlene Monsieur & family, Rosette Ettienne, Andrew Jackson, Walter Pierre, Eliber Pierrelus, Francisco Ortis, Simeon Saintil, Robert Anthon, Denis Anthon, Thomas Saintil, Junior Heribert, Preval Roberta, Franntzy Tereus, Paul Charles, Emmanuela Ernest, Van Hanna, Tony Etienne, Gerald Bethel, Tarlene Pierre, Kieron Sturrup, Levita Charite, Markso Almerus, Wiseman Anthon, Denis Tenor, Vilio Joseph, Lady John, Rosie & Family, Ch/Supt. M. Edgecombe & The Financial Crime Investigations Branch family; numerous friends of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and Immigration Department, Coworkers at Uplift Auto, Pedro, Sonia Brown, Gary Cooper, Central Finest Chat Group, Carmichael Seal Team 6 Tier Chat Group, Carmichael Road family, Blueberry Hill and the Fox Hill community family, Joy Bosfield and Family, Supt. Frederick Taylor & Family, Dr. Sanns, Dr. Albert Francois, Staff at PMH, Nurse Johnson of Bacardi Road and too many to mention friends and family to mention. May His Soul Rest in Peace! Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street, on Monday October 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Public Notice Lighthouse Point
The public is advised that the Construction Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Disney Cruise Line’s project at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, The Bahamas, is now available for review. The EMP has been submitted to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) and reviewed by DEPP and third-party international firm Black & Veatch, under DEPP’s direction. The development, a Cruise Ship Destination, will include an open-trestle pier and marina that don’t require dredging, open-air buildings and other structures, walking paths, a new public roadway, service roads, and back-of-house support areas. The development will utilize 16% of the 758-acre site, with Disney donating 25% of the site to the people and Government of The Bahamas. Bahamian residents and citizens will have access to the site. Information about the project and a downloadable version of the EMP are available at http://www.lighthousepointbahamas.com. The EMP is available to the public for review at DEPP offices in Nassau and the Eleuthera Administrator’s Office in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, during normal business hours. The public is invited to send written comments to
inquiries@depp.gov.bs no later than 14 days after the public posting of the EMP or October 28, 2021, by 5:00pm.
THE TRIBUNE
Social services team to focus on older people in GB By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Department of Social Services is observing National Older Persons Month with a number of activities and events that focus on senior citizens here in Grand Bahama. Charlamae Fernander, a senior social worker, said this year’s theme is: “Digital Equity for All Ages.” “Seniors are often left behind and this year we want to ensure that they are not, particularly in this digital environment that we are in,” she said. It has been extremely challenging when they do not have the means or knowledge to access the digital world.” Ms Fernander said Social Services classify elderly citizens as a special group of clients. She said a Senior Citizen’s Division was created at the department to cater specifically to seniors. “We tailor services specifically to meet the needs of older persons because… they have special needs,” she said. In addition to the food assistance programme, Ms Fernander said they also provide a burial assistance programme. The Department also steps in and assists seniors with accessing services from other government agencies, such
as the National Insurance Board and some private corporations. Ms Fernander said the department also assists seniors with resolving any issues they face. “Many do not get proper care or have proper housing, and their needs are not being met. We may assume, that families look after the elderly loved one, but that is not always the case.” She said this year they have planned a number of events to highlight older persons in the Grand Bahama community. Mrs Brenamae Cooper, manager of the senior citizen’s division, announced that Older Persons Month was launched on October 13 with a church service at Pro-Cathedral. She said seniors at various residential care facilities attended the service. Ms Cooper said that next week they will hold a virtual forum on October 21, titled Equity in the Digital World. She stated that many seniors are not familiar with social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. “There is a need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by our older persons,” Ms Cooper said. “During our digital forum we will be focusing on how seniors can better
cope in the changing world of COVID-19 and the restrictions which have significantly impacted the older person population,” she explained. Another area they will be focusing on is how to better prepare seniors for planning their final wishes. An attorney speaking on how to prepare a will. In our culture, it seems to be taboo when we speak about death and planning for death. We want to assist and better equip our seniors on how they can make this aspect a little easier for their loved ones who are often left to deal with all planning and arrangements.” She said seniors will also hear about the benefits at the National Insurance Board for older persons. On October 28, Ms Cooper said there will be a Grand West to East Tour for seniors. She said the tour will move from West End, Eight Mile Rock, Freeport, and onto East End. “On the bus ride we will be singing and doing some story-telling, and giving away lots of treats. It will be a fun ride to McClean’s Town,” she said. Afterward, seniors will be hosted to a meal in Freeport. Seniors who are interested are asked to contact the Department of Social Services.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, October 18, 2021, PAGE 9
FOR CARIBBEAN, RELATIONS WITH US AND CHINA IS NOT ONE OR THE OTHER World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
ON October 12, more than a dozen representatives in the US Congress sent a letter to the US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, asking for immediate attention to what they describe as “the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in both Latin America and the Caribbean trade and economic development”. The US Congresspersons have come to this realisation years after Caribbean representatives in Washington – me included – have been saying to successive US Governments and Congress that the US has been absent as a meaningful contributor to the Caribbean development for almost two decades. The vacuum that the US left has been filled by the Peoples Republic of China, and it would be unreasonable for the US government or Congress to expect Caribbean countries to defer or delay their urgent development needs, waiting for the US to refocus its attention on the region. Further, the terms of China’s loans to many Caribbean nations have been far more concessionary even than World Bank and IMF loans to lower and lower middle-income countries, and China does not use per capita income as a criterion for disqualifying high income but vulnerable and underdeveloped Caribbean countries, from eligibility for loans and grants. US Congress persons and US government policy makers should take these realities into account when they say, as they did to the US Trade Representative, “Economic prosperity and solidified trading relationships is slowing, becoming a matter of national security”. Caribbean countries do not regard the loans and other economic arrangements they have with China as a threat to US national security, and no member state of CARICOM has put any policies or programmes in place that affect US national security. Indeed, CARICOM countries have remained faithful to importing goods and services from the US, even though US assistance and investment in the sub-region has steadily declined. Here are a few facts of which the 13 US Congress persons, who signed the 12 October letter, appear to be unaware. First, with the exception of Haiti (which for the US is a special case), the 14-nation independent states of the Caribbean Community have been at the bottom of US official development assistance for decades. In 2019, for instance, total US foreign assistance globally was US$47bn, of which all CARICOM countries received US$338m or 0.7%. For emphasis, that is less than 1% of the global total. Haiti alone received US$268m of that US$338m delivered to all 14 CARICOM states, leaving the other 13 to share US$70m only. For 9 of the 13 countries, the sum provided did not amount to US$1m. On trade, the US remained the dominant trading partner of CARICOM states, enjoying a trade surplus of US$6.5bn. So, while it is factual that trade between Caribbean countries and China has increased in recent years, no trade in goods with the US was displaced, and certainly no trade in services. And, on foreign assistance to the region, if China is now delivering more to the Caribbean than the US, it should hardly be a
matter of complaint by the US. Among the references made about China is that its representatives use sharp practices in negotiating contracts with Caribbean countries which could lead to seizure of vital infrastructure should defaults occur on repayment of loans. These references suggest that representatives of Caribbean countries lack the skill to negotiate contracts that are in their interest – an assertion most CARICOM governments would reject. It also suggests that CARICOM countries have not encountered similar practices from other countries that have led to uneven contracts – the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union collectively and each CARICOM country individually being a case in point. What US policy makers should regard as undeniable is that China is giving more scholarships to Caribbean students to upgrade their knowledge and capacity than the US. In fact, the US poaches Caribbean doctors, nurses and teachers – trained at great expense by Caribbean taxpayers. In the end, if the US continues this practice, they will have only themselves to blame if the Caribbean professionals and influencers of the future know China better than the US. To be sure, the 13 Congress persons who wrote to the USTR were more concerned about China’s relationship with the bigger countries of Latin American than they were about the Caribbean. The Caribbean is usually a forgotten appendage to Latin America among most US policy influencers, including its think-tanks. It is that concern about loss of trade benefits and influence over Latin American markets that caused them to say, “We believe that it is of the highest priority for the US to keep its relationships strong with our neighbours in the Western Hemisphere. Before long, China will be significantly positioned to completely dominate Western Hemisphere economics, as China is already the top trading partner for practically all of Asia, Oceania, Eastern Europe, Africa and, as stated, most of South America.” If China comes to dominate Western Hemispheric economics, it will be because of a long period of US neglect and the slow process to recognising that the US must re-engage Latin America and the Caribbean in genuine cooperation and not with one-sided strategies that are long on words, but short on allocation and delivery of funds. In any event, Latin American and Caribbean countries, concerned about improving their economies and advancing the social and economic conditions of their peoples, do not subscribe to a rivalry between China and the US in their region and hemisphere. They would all declare that there is ample room for economic and other forms of mutually beneficial cooperation with both China and the US. • Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own).
PAGE 10, Monday, October 18, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
17 US missionaries kidnapped in Haiti
ARMED forces secure the area where Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry placed a bouquet of flowers in front of independence hero Jean Jacques Dessalines memorial in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday. Photo: Joseph Odelyn/AP SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico United States is in touch three-day protest. Another Associated Press with Haitian authorities to protest is scheduled for try to resolve the case. Monday to decry the lack of A GROUP of 17 misHaiti is once again security. sionaries including children struggling with a spike in “Political turmoil, was kidnapped by a gang gang-related kidnappings the surge in gang vioin Haiti, according to a that had diminished in lence, deteriorating voice message sent to vari- recent months, after Presi- socioeconomic conditions ous religious missions by dent Jovenel Moïse was — including food insecuan organisation with direct fatally shot at his private rity and malnutrition — all knowledge of the incident. residence on July 7 and a contribute to the worsening The missionaries were on 7.2-magnitude earthquake of the humanitarian situtheir way home Saturday killed more than 2,200 ation,” BINUH said in its from building an orphan- people in August. report. “An overstretched age, according to a message Gangs have demanded and under-resourced police from Ohio-based Christian ransoms ranging from a force alone cannot address Aid Ministries. couple hundred dollars to the security ills of Haiti.” “This is a special prayer more than $1m, according On Friday, the UN alert,” the one-minute mes- to authorities. Security Council voted sage said. “Pray that the Last month, a deacon unanimously to extend the gang members would come was killed in front of a UN political mission in to repentance.” church in the capital of Haiti. The message says the Port-au-Prince and his wife The kidnapping of the mission’s field director kidnapped, one of dozens missionaries comes just is working with the US of people who have been days after high-level US Embassy, and that the field abducted in recent months. officials visited Haiti and director’s family and one At least 328 kidnapping promised more resources other unidentified man victims were reported to for Haiti’s National Police, stayed at the ministry’s base Haiti’s National Police including another $15m while everyone else visited in the first eight months to help reduce gang viothe orphanage. of 2021, compared with lence, which this year has No other details were a total of 234 for all of displaced thousands of immediately available. 2020, according to a report Haitians who now live A US government issued last month by the in temporary shelters in spokesperson said officials United Nations Integrated increasingly unhygienic were aware of the reports Office in Haiti known as conditions. on the kidnapping. BINUH. Among those who met “The welfare and safety Gangs have been accused with Haiti’s police chief of US citizens abroad is one of kidnapping school- was Uzra Zeya, US under of the highest priorities of children, doctors, police secretary of state for civilthe Department of State,” officers, busloads of pas- ian security, democracy, and the spokesperson said, sengers and others as they human rights. declining further comment. grow more powerful. In “Dismantling violent Meanwhile, a senior US April, one gang kidnapped gangs is vital to Haitian staofficial, speaking on condi- five priests and two nuns, bility and citizen security,” tion of anonymity, said the a move that prompted a she recently tweeted.
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FATHER OF SUSPECT IN MP KILLING ‘TRAUMATISED’ LONDON Associated Press
THE father of a man held for the fatal stabbing of a British lawmaker during a meeting with local voters has told British media that he was shocked and “traumatised” by his son’s arrest, as police continued questioning the suspect under terrorism laws. Harbi Ali Kullane, a former adviser to Somalia’s prime minister, said British counter-terrorism police had visited him. “I’m feeling very traumatised. It’s not something that I expected or even dreamed of,” he was quoted as saying. British authorities have not released the name of the suspect in the killing of 69-year-old Conservative lawmaker David Amess Friday, but British media reported the suspect was Ali Harbi Ali, 25, believed to be a British citizen with Somali heritage. Amess, a long-serving lawmaker, was stabbed multiple times during a regular meeting with his constituents at a church in Leigh-on-Sea. The Metropolitan Police has described the attack as terrorism and said early investigations suggested “a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism”, without giving details. Police have been granted
extra time to question the suspect, who was arrested on suspicion of murder but has not yet been charged. The BBC and others reported that the suspect was referred to a government program aimed at preventing people from supporting extremism some years ago, but said he was not a formal subject of interest for security services. It is unclear what, if any, the suspect’s connection to Amess was and why he targeted the lawmaker. The meeting with voters was public and open to all. In north London, police investigating the killing continued to search an apartment and another address, as officers stood guard outside. Friday’s killing renewed concern about the risks politicians run as they go about their work. The attack came five years after Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was killed by a far-right extremist in her constituency in West Yorkshire as she was on her way to a meeting with voters. Home Secretary Priti Patel said yesterday that officials are reviewing security arrangements for lawmakers, and the measures being considered include police protection during regular meetings, known as “surgeries,” between lawmakers and constituents.
SPORTS PAGE 11
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021
BABE Ruth executives tour the new national baseball stadium with Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg.
It’s all systems go for Babe Ruth tournament By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
WITH the assurance from Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis that the new national baseball stadium will be completed in time, Babe Ruth Caribbean Region Commissioner Greg Burrows Sr confirmed that all systems are go for The Bahamas hosting the inaugural Babe Ruth Region Caribbean Championship and International Baseball Tournament. Scheduled for July 7-11, 2022, the championships will feature the under-12 division with about 10-12 teams participating in the Babe Ruth Region Caribbean Championship and ten teams in the 15-andunder division for the International Baseball Tournament. Burrows revealed following a series of meetings in person and virtual, courtesy calls and inspection of the new stadium over the weekend that there are about 4-5 countries who are expected to field a team in both divisions, including the Bahamas, Curacao, US Virgin Islands, Mexico and Puerto Rico. A number of Babe Ruth Caribbean Region executive, including the vice president and national commissioner, as well as the director for the World Series of Babe Ruth and representatives from Mexico and Puerto Rico were in town to meet with Burrows and his executives as well as the Bahamas Baseball Association as they discussed the way forward to Davis and Minister of Youth, Sports
COMMISSIONER Greg Burrows and Babe Ruth executives with Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg. and Culture Mario Bowleg. Over the weekend, the first Caribbean Zone Championships meeting took place via zoom with representation from Jamaica, Aruba, Bonaire, Antigua and Barbuda, St Martin and the Bahamas to deal with the logistics of the tournament coming here. “The Prime Minister expressed high interest in the Caribbean Championships and he charged us to get ready for the championships because he want to use it as the official opening of the new stadium,” Burrows stated. During a visit to the South Beach Swim Complex on Friday, Bowleg stated to the members of the press that his ministry is doing a full investigation on why Woslee Construction has ceased work on the stadium over the past few weeks. “No work has been
done to the Andre Rodgers Stadium (new baseball stadium),” Bowleg said. “We’ve spoken to the contractor, myself, along with the Minister of Works (Alfred Sears) and we will be meeting soon with his PS (Permanent Secretary) and mine to see how we can pay the outstanding arrears that is due to the contractor and once that is done, hopefully he will get back on track and getting the work completed. “It’s not a hope, That will happen and we want to make sure that the facility is completed in the quickest time possible.” The original Andre Rodgers National Stadium, located in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, was constructed in 1966 adjacent to the old Thomas A Robinson track and field stadium. However, when the Bahamas Government decided to build the new Thomas A
Robinson National Stadium with the People’s Republic of China, the Andre Rodgers Stadium was destroyed in 2006. Originally, construction on the stadium began in August 2016 and was to be completed by November 2017. The actual cost for the construction is still unknown as the price tag continued to increase with each delay and stoppage since the work commenced. Whenever it is completed, the stadium is expected to have a seating capacity of 4,500 for baseball games, but could swell to 8-9,000 for concerts and other events. It will also include 17,000 square feet of office space. On their visit to the stadium, Burrows said they were assured by the contractors that once they get everything they need,” the timeline is no problem, so
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis with Greg Burrows Sr and Babe Ruth Caribbean Region Tournament executives. Burrows said they are going the country., He noted that full stream ahead with plan- while Greg Burrows Jr will ning the championships. be in charge of the 15-and“I no plans of making any under team, Clarence contingency plans for the McKenzie will have the reachampionships,” Burrows sonability for the under-12 stated. team. “We will have the stadium Both managers will have ready. My plan is to have their coaching staff, who a second supporting field will collectively select the ready also. That is quicker “best players” in both to build tan the national sta- divisions to represent the dium. We also want to redo country. the Baillou Hills playing Burrows Sr said it’s field for the 12-and-under expected that players will division.” come from New ProviBased on what transpired dence and Grand Bahama. from their series of meet- If there are players eligible ings and visitation to the on the3 Family Island, they new stadium, Burrows said will be considered for team he’s eager to continue the selection. preparation for the Babe “We have to pout our Ruth Caribbean Region best foot forward,” Burrows Championships next year. said. With The Bahamas host“We might come up short, ing the event, Burrows but we will put our best foot said the management staff forward. Whoever we can for the two local teams are finds to play, we will select also looking at the poten- the best team to represent tial available to represent the country.”
JONQUEL UNANIMOUS PICK FOR ALL-WNBA TEAM By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
JONQUEL Jones received her final award of an accolade filled 2021 WNBA season. The veteran Connecticut Sun forward and reigning league MVP was unanimously selected to the 2021 All-WNBA First Team. Jones was named to the All-WNBA First Team on all 49 ballots in voting by a national
JONQUEL JONES panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. It was the first time Jones
received First Team honours. She was previously named to the Second Team twice. The First Team also included Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, and center Brittney, alongside Seattle Storm forward Breanna, and guard Jewell Loyd. Behind Jones, the Sun posted the highest winning percentage in franchise history (.813) and finished the regular season with 14 consecutive victories for
the fourth-longest winning streak in WNBA history. Connecticut also earned the league’s best record (26-6) and the No. 1 seed in the WNBA Playoffs 2021. They lost in the semifinals to the eventual WNBA Champion Chicago Sky. The Sun were the first No.1 seed to not advance to the WNBA finals since the league revamped the playoff format in 2016. For the series, Jones produced three double doubles and averaged 16.3
points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game. Over the course of the regular season, she received 48 of 49 first-place votes and 487 total points from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters to win the league’s MVP. In her fifth WNBA season, she averaged 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.26 blocked shots, and 1.26 steals in 31.7 minutes in 27 games. The 6’ 6” forward led the WNBA in
rebounding and defensive rebounding (8.7 per game) and ranked fourth in scoring and 10th in blocks. Her efficiency rating of 25.4 was second only to Griner. She also reached the 2000 point plateau for her career. Jones, 27, won the WNBA Peak Performer Award as the league’s top rebounder for the third time in five seasons. She also led the WNBA in rebounding in 2017 and 2019. SEE PAGE 13
PAGE 12, Monday, October 18, 2021
THE TRIBUNE MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg during a tour of the Blue Hill Boxing Complex.
Bowleg: We can do a lot more with sport facilities By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net NEWLY appointed Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg got a firsthand view of some of the sporting facilities that come under his jurisdiction over the weekend and from what he’s seen, there’s a lot more that could be done to enhance them. “As the new Minister, I want to check all of the facilities to make sure that they areas that they are in the right position in order for us to move sports in the right direction,” said Bowleg, who was accompanied by a number of his sporting executives, including Permanent Secretary Eugene Poitier and Director of Sports Timothy Munnings. His tour with the media came on Friday when he started his visit at the South Beach Pools and ended up at the boxing and softball park at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. “The South Beach pools have been under utilised over the last several years and it makes no sense to have these pools here and they are not utilised,” Bowleg said. “We live in an archipelago and there are many young Bahamians out there who don’t know how to swim. “We also need to address the Ministry of Education and try to make sure that they encompass swimming in their programmes and that they utilise these pools, even if it only means the schools in the southern district. But it should be utilised more.” At present, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force have occupied some of the office space as they beef up their fight against the migration of foreigners
from other countries such as Haiti and Cuba. Bowleg said there’s no reason why the Ministry of Sports should not have a stronger presence at the site. “They need more supplies to ensure that the pools are well kept and they have an old pump that is failing and needs to be replaced,” Bowleg said. “We want to make sure that the environment for the staff is one that they can live with and come to work on an eight-hour shift and they are comfortable.” Bowleg said his ministry intend to bring back the swimming summer programme because like every sport, there are “diamonds in the rough” and hopefully with persons in the inner city, who can’t get into the established swim clubs in Bahamas Aquatics, can come to South Beach and hone their skills so that they can become the next gold medalist in the sport. “My job as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture is that with every
facility that we have, that we can bring forth a young athlete that can be another representative of this country at the highest level. We have to make sure that we find them and the only way we can find them is if we utilise our facilities.” As the immediate past president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, Bowleg congratulated Grand Bahamian Jonquel Jones on winning the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Most Valuable Player of the Year award. To solidify that honor, over the weekend, Jones was the only unanimous choice for her first All-WNBA first-team selection. As he had a chance to talk to her on her return home, Bowleg said his only regret that her Connecticut Sun’s team was not able to advance to the championship after posting the best regular season, only to get knock out in the post-season semi-finals or Eastern Conference finals by the Chicago Sky.
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg tours South Beach Swimming Pool Complex alongside South Beach MP Bacchus Rolle. Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
And now as all attention is switching to the National Basketball Association (NBA) with three Bahamians participating – Grand Bahamian Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield is now in his sixth season with the Sacramento Kings, DeAndre Ayton in his fourth year with the Phoenix Suns and Kai Jones in his rookie season with Charlotte Hornets - Bowleg wished them all a successful year. With Frederick King playing in the NBA Academy in Mexico and Samuel Hunter, now playing with the Ole Miss Running Rebels men’s basketball team, Bowleg said the future is bright for basketball and for more Bahamian players to enter the NBA. “We can’t find another Jonquel Jones. We are still looking for that person,” said Bowleg, who coached in the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association (WNBA) as well as the St Andrew’s Hurricanes and CC Sweeting Cobras’ senior boys basketball teams and the men’s national basketball team. “But as far as the male aspects are concerned, we have about two more prospects who make it in the NBA within the next three years.” After completing his tour of the South Beach pools, said he’s looking forward to viewing the other facilities to see what conditions they are in and what recommendations are being made to get them back in tip top shape. At present, there are about five members of staff from the Ministry of Sports and Michael Clarke, the superintendent for the facilities said there is an urgent need for more activities at the park so his complement of six staff members can enhance their duties on a regular basis.
“We’ve been doing a great job maintaining (the pools). We have our challenges, but we have a full staff,” he said. “We have the technical staff, we have some staff who can deal with electrical and they’ve been here for years and so they are very familiar with the system.” Bacchus Rolle, the Member of Parliament for South Beach, was also on hand to view the facilities. He thanked Bowleg for including him on the tour and indicated that they have some ideas for a learn to swim programme for the young children and adults in his constituency. “When you look at primary school students throughout the southern region and whether or not they are bussed in here, to learn to swim either competitively or just to swim because every Bahamian should know how to swim,” Rolle charged. “He noted that the South Beach Park holds so much potential, especially for summer camp and I’m excited about it,” he said. “I spoke about it during my platform and so we’re just so happy that the opportunity to be here for us to be involved and to have a real presence in South Beach.” At the National Boxing Gym, Bowleg got a chance to step into the ring where he put on a fully clothed exhibition with former Bahamian Commonwealth Games’ bronze medalist Stevie’ the Heat’ Larimore, turned coach and consultant at the ministry. Boxing coaches Valentino Knowles and Keishno Major were among those persons present for the tour. “I know a couple months ago, the boxing stadium was in a worse condition than it is now,” Bowleg said. “I’m glad to see that some renovations have been done
in partnership with NSA (National Sports Authority) to bring it up to the standard that it is now. It’s still not where we want it to , but it’s much better and we will continue to work to bring it to a world class standard where we can continue to produce world class athletes.” Before he left the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, Bowleg was given an assessment of the Bankers Softball Field by superintendent Andy ‘Smudge’ Ford and supervisor Michael Laing. Among some of the issues discussed were the lighting fixtures and the construction of a new scorer’s booth and concession stand. “We will do all in our power to ensure that whatever necessary work needs to be done in the arena, will be carried out in the shortest space of time. “We know we can’t do everything at once, but we will do all that we can to make it a much better training facility for the boxers. We know that they also want to host some local competition there, so we will work with them in getting the necessary work completed.” Like the baseball fraternity, who is still looking for the completion of the new national baseball stadium with the previously named after Andre Rodgers, softballers are also looking forward to construction of the new national softball stadium, the old one being named the Churchill Tener Knowles National Stadium. Both the old Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and the Churchill Tener Knowles National Stadium were demolished when the Chinese came to town to start construction on the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, adjacent to the old TAR Stadium.
HEROES V VILLAINS EVENT AIMS TO BRING BOXING BACK By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
FORMER top notch amateur boxers Valentine Knowles and Keishno Major are collaborating their efforts as coaches in the newly formed Aftershock Boxing Club to help bring the sport back on the local scene. The club will host their first show dubbed “the Heroes versus the Villains” on Saturday, October 30, at the National Boxing Gymnasium in the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, starting at 6pm. Knowles said the show will provide the public to view some of the top senior boxers like Lennox Boyce and a number of up and coming boxers who will be appearing on the card. “We have invited all of the boxing clubs to come out and participate,” said Knowles, who noted that they have received confirmation from Southside Marlins, Bangers Boxers
Club and Meacher ‘Major Pain’ Boxing Club. “We are trying to bring boxing back. We had boxing on the international circuit, but we were not getting any recognition locally,” Knowles said. “So we’re trying to bring boxing back in our backyard.” At least ten bouts are expected to be showcased on the card sponsored by Y-Cares Fashion and Howard Nelson ‘Chippie Chipman.’ Entry fee is $5 for children 12 years and under, $15 for general admission and $25 for platinum. “We have a lot of novice starters, who are just beginning to box, who will be competing,” Knowles said. “We had a number of boxers who were in the programme over the summer and they put in a lot of work. “But after the summer, a lot of them just dropped by the wayside because they didn’t have any transportation. That was why I went
into my community and I was able to get a lot of boxers from there.” Coming out of the Kemp Road Community, Knowles said he’s been able to attract a number of delinquent young men to provide them with some wholesome activity to get involved in. He noted that he was able to use his public service transportation to pick up and drop back off a number of youngsters out of Kemp Road to enable them to get the opportunity that he was presented with a number of years ago. Knowles, who was introduced to boxing by coach Ray Minus Jr at his Champion Amateur Boxing Club, represented the Bahamas at the Carifta Games and the Junior Olympic Games. After moving to Havana, Cuba, to train for two years, Knowles went on to win a silver medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India. That same year, he made history asd the first Bahamian
to win gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico. Shortly attempting to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games, Knowles turned pro. But two years later, he was assaulted and shot five times. “The injuries sustained during my life-threatening ordeal would be a gamechanger for my future as those injuries prevented me from continuing my career as a professional athlete,” Knowles said. “During my despair, I realised my true purpose: to give back to the youth of my community by mentoring, training, and teaching them the art of boxing. In 2015 I founded the Aftershock Boxing Club.” The club is currently the home to 25 students, both male and female. The mission of the club is to transform the sport in The Bahamas once again. “We hope to teach skill and discipline and detour our youth from negative
influences by renewing a pure mind, body, and soul,” Knowles said. “The Aftershock Boxing Club is dedicated to preparing youth for the future of amateur boxing in the Bahamas, and we look forward to grooming and nurturing great athletes.” Also joining Knowles as a coach is Major, another outstanding amateurf boxer, who started boxing at the age of 15 under the tutelage of Minus Jr. Major went on to represent The Bahamas in competitions in a number of regional competitions in Jamaica, Martinique, Guyana, and St. Lucia. He captured a medal at the Jr Olympics and the Bahamas Games, one of the major events held in the country. One of the highlights of my career was defeating Armond Sands in a boxoff that led to me meeting the Olympic qualifications in both Argentina and Azerbaijan. “The passion I have for
the sport allows me to give back to my community by teaching the inner-city youth the art and technique of the sport,” Major said. “It is a reward to mentor kids who may not have many positive role models in their lives. Being a role model for impressionable minds is not only a privilege but a responsibility to make good choices in life.” Both coaches Knowles and Major indicated that the Aftershock Boxing Club will provide young people in the country with the training and discipline needed to become professional athletes and the tenacity to excel in any area they may pursue. Once this show is finished, Knowles said they’re looking at teaming up with Carl Hield, who is training in Florida, to bring in a number of amateur boxers probably in December to put on a Bahamas vs the United States Amateur boxing show at the National Boxing Gymnasium.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, October 18, 2021, PAGE 13
A MINGOES player, wearing number 1, battles for the ball in the team’s first game in almost two years.
MINGOES ARE BACK IN ACTION IN their first match in almost two years, the University of the Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer lost to Johnson University 3-0 to open its 2021/2022 soccer season. Johnson University, playing in its ninth game of the season, proved to be too much for the young Mingoes squad. The Mingoes put up quite a fight; however, travelling with a team made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores who were engaged in their first intercollegiate match. Despite travelling with
only 12 players, the Mingoes hung tough. UB assistant coach Harvey Mullings said he was proud of the effort; however, indicated that he’s looking for the team to clean up on some technical and strategic errors as the team gets ready for its second game. • The University of the Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer dropped the second game of it’s two-game swing at Johnson University in Orlando, Florida on Saturday losing 2-0. Coach Harvey Mullings
THE MINGOES team lined up for their second game, above, and in action, right. said Saturday’s game was a much better match for the Mingoes as he saw improvements from Friday’s match. He says the team will now get back to work on some weaknesses and get ready for its second international trip October 27-30.
A MINGOES player slides in for a tackle against Johnson University in the team’s first game in two years.
STRACHAN SHINES IN BREAKOUT GAME FOR THE GOLDEN RAMS By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
PRINCE Strachan had a breakout game of the season on senior night for his John Carroll High School Golden Rams. The senior wide receiver finished with Eight receptions for 100 yards and three touchdowns in his Golden Rams’ 21-19 loss to Orlando Christian Prep. Through four games this far he has totaled 20 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns. The Golden Rams had a delayed start to the season and have also missed the previous two weeks due to several scheduling issues which have included whether delays and cancellations due to COVID-19 protocol. On opening day, Strachan led his offense with eight catches for 158 yards in his team’s 27-9 win over Calvary Christian. He also had three receptions for 61 yards in his team’s 20-0 win over the South Fork Bulldogs in week four. The 17-year-old dual sport athlete who also runs the 400m, emerged as a star on the gridiron for the
Golden Rams as a junior. He has already also garnered several additional NCAA offers this offseason including Lenoir Rhyne, St. Thomas, and Notre Dame College. Strachan has previously received an offer from the Charleston Golden Eagles and has also drawn interest from the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The younger brother of Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, Mike Strachan, Prince said he hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps en route to a collegiate and professional career. It’s a great experience, it’s a dream come true,” he said of watching his older brother suit up in the NFL. The younger Strachan was recently named to the ESPN West Palm Top 63 List for the class of 2021, has picked up several NCAA offers at various
JONQUEL UNANIMOUS PICK FOR ALL-WNBA TEAM from page one
levels and alongside Mike, had an opportunity to workout with Colts quarterback Carson Wentz in the offseason. “That was one of the best moments of my life. Just to be able to train and catch
passes and learn from a pro quarterback, it was one of the best experiences of my life,” Prince said, “I want to be the best in Florida. I want to show what I can do, make my team, and family proud. Senior year is a lot of pressure on me, my team has a lot of high hopes for me so I just want to live up to those. Last season, he finished with a team-leading 33 receptions for 633 yards and eight touchdowns last year. His yardage and touchdown totals were second on the team. He also averaged 18.6 yards per catch and 57.5 receiving yards per game.
She scored at least 20 points in 12 of 27 games, including a career-high 31 points vs. the New York Liberty on June 5 and again at Washington on August 31. She also grabbed a careerbest 17 rebounds at New York on July 11. Jones finished the season with 18 double-doubles (points-rebounds). She was also named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for May, August, and September. She was also named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team, the Associated Press Player of the Year and AP First-Team Honours. On WNBA All-Star night Jones delivered an MVP caliber performance in a historic win for Team WNBA and a second place finish in the MTN DEW 3-Point Contest. She finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocked shots in Team WNBA’s 93-85 win over the United States Olympic team at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In June, Jones took a brief hiatus from the Sun to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 38th FIBA’s Women’s Eurobasket Championships. The Sun went 2-3 without her in the lineup, but Jones said the experience leading the country to historic success,
changed her perspective and outlook on her ability to dominate in the WNBA. “You go out there and say I’m about to play, I’m about to give my all no matter what, you do it and it feels so seamless it feels very effortless and it just feels like you through and through. I think having those games there took me to the next level,” she said, “I was already confident in the WNBA. I was already putting up the numbers and starting off the season well. But to be able to take that against another group of women, another league, essentially another style of play and see my game thrive it just gave me an added boost of confidence and I started to think it was really me against me. Once I came out with the right mindset it would be tough to stop me.” Jones opted out of the shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns but returned in 2021 to deliver the best season of her career. “It’s the work I put in that gave me that confidence and carries over on the court. My teammates back me 100 percent, my coaches back me 100 percent and the organisation backs me 100 percent and that allows me to flourish,” Jones said at the MVP award ceremony, “I think that is what makes an MVP - the work, the opportunity and the combination of everybody being behind you and pushing you to that level of greatness.”
PAGE 14, Monday, October 18, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
NEWCASTLE fans pose for a photo outside St James’ Park before the match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Photo: Jon Super/AP
Hope and conflicted morality as new era starts for Newcastle NEWCASTLE, England Associated Press
WEARING a mock Arab headdress, Chris Greenslade, between swigs from a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale, was proudly embracing his club’s new status as one of the richest in world sports. “We’re Saudis,” the 41-year-old Newcastle fan said. “We can afford anything.” The gloating and celebrations from fans were only before Sunday’s match against Tottenham at St James’ Park, as the new era under Saudi ownership was heralded, before reality set in. Callum Wilson put Newcastle ahead after only 107 seconds before the hosts collapsed to lose 3-2 and remain in the relegation zone. Much spending will be needed on players, along with a new manager as the crowd was demanding. To receive the investment, Newcastle fans have to — reluctantly in many cases — accept their long-underachieving club becoming embroiled in a sporting moral maze of the ethics of ownership by a
state. Embracing the riches of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund to remove a long-despised owner means an unwelcome attachment with the murkier side of a kingdom. “You’re going to get stuff like that along there,” Greenslade says, pointing out a vehicle emblazoned with the name “Jamal Khashoggi” alongside an image of the journalist murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. There was also a photo of the Saudi crown prince implicated in the gruesome plot: Mohammed bin Salman. “Is there any evidence?” Greenslade said. “Is it nailed on?” US intelligence services said they believe the killing of the US-based Saudi journalist came at the orders of the crown prince who heads the Public Investment Fund now owning 80 percent of Newcastle. Planes owned by a PIF company are said to have been used by the Saudi assassination squad. Prince Mohammed denies wrongdoing. As the van circled St James’ Park again, Adel Al-Shammari, a Saudi
studying at university in Newcastle, was watching in bemusement. “It’s fake news,” he said. “Believe me.” When the fate of Khashoggi, his body and the findings of investigators was raised, Al-Shammari was uneasy. “I know the story. It’s not like you think,” he said. “It’s a different story. It’s hard to explain.” This corner of northeast England is the latest extension of the Saudi state’s efforts to enhance its image through sports investments. “Just visit Saudi Arabia, ask the people there,” AlShammari said. “You will find the truth.” For now it is regular Saudis in England doing the talking, albeit not the new non-executive chairman of the club, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who uses the title His Excellency and sits as governor on the PIF board dominated by Saudi ministers. Abdulrahman Alshmasi traveled to Newcastle from the central English city of Birmingham where he is studying to watch the club he started supporting when the protracted buyout was
completed less than two weeks ago. “It’s the richest club in the world now,” he said. “Hopefully they’ll become one of the best European teams.” That is the hope of local fans after 14 years of limited investment under the ownership of retail tycoon Mike Ashley, desperate not just for a first trophy since the 1955 FA Cup but just to be competitive on the field. Matty Ward gave up his season ticket after being fed up with the lack of cash spent on the team and returned on Sunday after three years. “It’s just brilliant, I’m really happy,” the 18-yearold Ward said, wearing an imitation of the red-andwhite checkered headdress mimicking Saudis. “To have a bit of hope in your club, that’s what football is about … to be able to believe in your club again.” Fans like Ward may try not to get too deep into the Saudi controversies highlighted by activists like Amnesty International who tried to block the deal. “Human rights is obviously a concern. If anything is proven then I expect it
to be dealt with properly and thoroughly,” Ward said. “But as long as there is clear separation between that and the club, I don’t see the problem.” To approve the sale that stalled last year, the Premier League said it received “legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club”. The corporate ownership structure of PIF counters that, although the Premier League won’t discuss that or why the guarantees are required. Amanda Staveley, who brokered the deal and now owns ten percent through an investment vehicle, has defended the new ownership and was at Sunday’s game with Al-Rumayyan, who was introduced to the crowd to cheers. One complicating factor for allowing the buyout was the Premier League pursuing legal means to shut down a television piracy operation linked to Saudi Arabia that was bootlegging footage from Qatari-owned beIN Sports. The thawing of the wider Gulf diplomatic dispute this year led to beIN being
informed it was no longer banned in Saudi Arabia, removing an obstacle for the change of ownership. How long it will be until footage of Newcastle celebrating a trophy will be beamed around the world remains unclear. The spending can’t begin until the January transfer window to strengthen a team in nextto-last place with three points from eight games and a manager in Steve Bruce who fans chanted will be “sacked in the morning”. Fans like Greenslade, who had stopped coming to games a decade ago, hold out hope that better times are now coming, and the search is on for tickets that are hard to come by again. He says just coming to the stadium on a matchday is enough to start getting excited — “after 14 years of absolute dross” — about the prospect of exciting times ahead. He is prepared for a slow rebuilding as the squad is reconstructed. “It can take ten years as long as it comes,” he said. “What are (players) going to come for? Only the money at the moment.”
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER WONDER GOAL FOR MO SALAH THERE seemed to be no route to goal for Mohamed Salah when he received the ball at a standing start just inside the area with three opponents around him. The Liverpool forward is in the form of his life, though, and after a series of feints, deft touches and shoulder drops, Salah somehow created enough room to give himself a sight of goal on his trusty left foot. That he was going to finish off another staggering individual goal was never in doubt. “Come on, we all see it. Who is better than him right now?” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp posed about Salah after his star player’s latest wonder strike in a 5-0 thrashing of Watford in the English Premier League on Saturday. “We don’t have to talk about what (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi did for world football, and how long they were really dominant. But in the moment it’s clear there is nobody better than him (Salah).” Salah in this kind of form — he has scored in each of his last eight games for Liverpool — is the last player Ronaldo and his current team, Manchester United, will want to face given the sad state of its defense. United will head into next weekend’s match at Old Trafford against archrival Liverpool reeling from a 4-2 loss at Leicester
Brentford. Manchester City also won, 2-0 over Burnley, to stay in third place.
FIRMINO’S HAUL
LIVERPOOL’s Mohamed Salah in action against Watford. photo: Tess Derry/PA via AP something of an overhaul in that raised more questions about the direction the his side. “We have had too many team is heading under Ole games where we have lost Gunnar Solskjaer. In its last seven games in points, so we need to look all competitions, United has at the whole set-up and balwon just twice — and they ance of the team,” Solskjaer came courtesy of winning said, “and maybe somegoals in the 89th minute in thing has to give”. A four-point gap has one and the fifth minute of opened up between United, stoppage time in the other. Solskjaer suggested which dropped to fifth, the loss at King Power and second-placed LiverStadium, thanks to late pool, which remained a goals by Jamie Vardy and point behind Chelsea after Patson Daka, could spark its hard-fought 1-0 win at
The magnificence of Salah’s 54th-minute goal — first there was a deft touch, then a roll of the ball with his studs, before a dummy to set up space for a ruthless finish into the bottom corner — was comparable to his solo strike against Manchester City before the international break that was regarded as one of the Premier League’s great goals. It managed to overshadow a hat trick scored by Roberto Firmino against Watford to add to the opener by Sadio Mane, which arrived following an outside-of-the-boot pass from Salah. It proved to be a tough first game in charge of Watford for 69-year-old Claudio Ranieri, who took control of his fourth English club last week.
STREAK OVER
Man United’s record 29-game unbeaten run away from home in the Premier League came to an end against Leicester. United had just made it 2-2 in the 82nd minute through fit-again Marcus Rashford, on as a substitute for his first appearance of the season, when Vardy scored within seconds of the restart with a fierce shot
into the top corner. Daka then scored his first Premier League goal in stoppage time as United lost away for the first time since January 2020. United went ahead in the 19th through Mason Greenwood’s long-range strike that flew in off the post, only for Youri Tielemans to equalize with an exquisite chip into the far top corner. Çaglar Söyüncü put Leicester in front for the first time with a close-range effort to spark a frantic finale that saw four goals scored in 13 minutes.
BATTLING WINS
Man City and Chelsea were forced to work hard for their latest wins. Goals by Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne were enough for City to beat Burnley, which had lost 5-0 in each of its last four trips to Etihad Stadium but put up a better fight this time. In the late game, Chelsea weathered a late bombardment on its goal by Brentford to hold out for a victory secured by Ben Chilwell’s rising shot in the 45th. Brighton makes up the top four after moving a point ahead of United thanks to a 0-0 at Norwich.
WOLVES’ RECOVERY
Wolverhampton produced the comeback of the day, scoring three times from the 80th minute to beat Villa 3-2
from 2-0 down. Southampton beat Leeds 1-0 in the other game, earning its first win of the season.
MOYES ANNOYED
WEST Ham manager David Moyes was thankful for Angelo Ogbonna’s 74th-minute headed goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over former club Everton but annoyed that his side had not scored more before then. Centre back Ogbonna flicked home a header late on for a Premier League high 29th set-piece goal — excluding penalties — since Moyes returned to West Ham for his second spell in charge in December 2019. It was only the Scot’s third league victory over former Merseyside adversary Rafael Benitez. “I was annoyed because I thought our play warranted more goals from it or even if we had clear opportunities created from it,” said Moyes. “But credit to Everton, they defended the box well when we got there and we didn’t show enough in the final third.” Benitez was unhappy with Michail Antonio’s challenge on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford which led to the corner and ultimately resulted in the winning goal. “I have a problem because I am from Spain and normally in Europe, the six-yard box is to protect the ‘keeper,” Benitez said.