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The Tribune
Volume: 118 No.240, November 9, 2021
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Bella’s death sparks calls for greater child protection measures By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PEOPLE living near the major subdivision apartment where four-year-old Bella Walker lived with relatives alleged she was living in a volatile environment, marked by constant fighting between adults in the home. Yesterday, neighbours
THE Davis administration plans to amend the Public Disclosure Act to include campaign finance reform with a view of prosecuting those “who run afoul of the law,” Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday.
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
AG SEEKS AXE FOR AFRICAN LAWYERS By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
expressed guilt and remorse at not doing enough to get the relevant authorities to intervene on the child’s behalf. Bella died at Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday after being brought to the facility unresponsive with several injuries about her body. Police said a man and woman were in custody SEE PAGE THREE
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said he has requested the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to terminate the contracts of two non-Bahamian lawyers who were appointed to senior posts in the SEE PAGE FIVE
SCHOOLS RESTART IN EARLY JANUARY
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM ON AGENDA By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FACE TO FACE: A HELPING HAND FROM A MAN I’LL NEVER FORGET
Mr Halkitis, leader of government business in the Senate, highlighted the move as a part of the government’s plans to bring wide sweeping changes to every sector in Bahamian society, “starting with the government itself.” He told senators: “We will make amendments to the Public Disclosure Act to SEE PAGE FIVE
By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
ALL schools in the country will reopen for inperson instruction in the second week of January with just a few exceptions, according to Minister of Education and Technical FOUR-year-old Bella Walker who died in hospital on Friday.
SEE PAGE FOUR
PLP CORRUPTION TRIALS COST $1.1M
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder revealed yesterday the Minnis administration paid some $1.1 million on the failed “political” prosecutions of former Cabinet minister Shane Gibson and former
SHANE GIBSON outside court during his trial.
PLP Senator Frank Smith. Mr Pinder made the revelation while delivering his first contribution in the
Senate, where he roundly criticised his predecessor’s performance in office and also castigated certain spending practices made by the Office of the Attorney General under the previous government. The minister told senators that because of past decisions made by his SEE PAGE TWO
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PETER YOUNG: DO POLITICIANS EVER LEARN?
- SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Jet ski stakeholders urged to stay within COVID-19 protocols By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net WITH the reopening of the jet ski sector set for next week, officials are urging stakeholders to work within established protocols to minimise any potential COVID-19 clusters arising from the sports. Officials said protocols regarding the sector will be adjusted if COVID19 infections are tied to the watersports industry through contact tracing. This came as officials held a seminar for jet ski owners and operators at Holy Trinity Activities Centre yesterday. Transport and Housing Minister JoBeth ColebyDavis said they are trying to get the watercraft industry to be fully operational by November 15. “We collaborated with the minister of health and wellness in bringing them all together under one roof and doing a one day seminar,” she told reporters. “So, we have the port department here. We also have the Ministry of Health representative. We have the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the police force,” she said. “They will be speaking about safety protocols, about COVID and operating under a safer environment so that they can get back to work, but also ensure that they abide by the protocols that they implement today. So they’ll be presented with protocols and they’ll also be provided with certificates.” Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the Ministry of Health will attempt to find a “workable balance and to mitigate the risk associated with COVID-19” while
allowing jet ski operators to function and work. “We are asking and as a matter of fact we’re pleading to you to stay within the parameters of the protocols,” he said. “I’m asking you to abide by the rules. Your livelihood depends on it because if we begin to see signs where we begin to find clusters of COVID-19 infections that through our contact tracing is tied into the water sport industry there will be adjustments to the rules and if we adjust the rules it can affect your bottom line. So we’re asking (you) to be very vigilant in following the rules so that your guests or customers will not be writing to the Ministry of Health citing violations to the rules.” He also said “….We realise that the secret ensuring that our numbers are low is directly related to the business community in following the rules. Let’s follow the rules. Let us work together. If we find that certain things are not working well in the industry, like I said that rules are not fixed, they are flexible, and if we see that you’re doing an excellent job and we don’t get those reports coming back to us there’s a possibility that things may even be better.” The minister pointed to proposed amendments to the Health Services Act Section 29 paragraph 231 laid in Parliament last week. In the amendments, the Ministry of Health has devised two sets of rules to control the spread of COVID and manage the pandemic. When speaking to reporters, he noted that the last report recorded that about 40 percent of the population has been vaccinated.
TRANSPORT and Housing Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis and Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville speak to jet ski owners and operators yesterday. PHOTOS: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune staff
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder speaking in the Senate yesterday.
BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna
PLP CORRUPTION TRIALS COST $1.1M
FROM PAGE ONE predecessor, he now has “a lot to fix.” “I would be remiss not to say that if I had made the decisions in the private sector that my predecessor did while he was the Attorney General I would most definitely be found to have committed malpractice and certainly would have been fired by my clients. Madam (President), I guess his clients, the Bahamian people did in fact fire him and his colleagues on September 16,” Mr Pinder said. “… Unfortunately, there are several anomalies and questionable decisions by my predecessor that upon taking office, in just seven short weeks as Attorney General, have come to light that I think the responsible thing to do is to let the Bahamian people know.” Speaking on the former government’s legal expenses, Mr Pinder disclosed the Minnis administration had expended nearly $3.5m in legal fees. However, this was not alarming, he added. “Between November, 2017 and August, 2021, the Office of the Attorney General, under the prior Attorney General, spent some $3,457,688.18 in legal fees with its two primary foreign law firms in the United States and the United Kingdom.
FRANK Smith outside court during his trial. “This isn’t really alarming as the government of The Bahamas has a need to source legal advice from all over the world,” he said. “What is alarming, Madam President, is the amount of funds expended on the failed political prosecutions.” Pointing to the prosecutions of Mr Gibson and Mr Smith, Mr Pinder revealed some $1.1m of Bahamian taxpayers’ money was spent by the former administration to carry out the “political” prosecution exercises. The majority of those funds was spent on Mr Gibson’s prosecution case, according to Mr Pinder. He said: “The former Attorney General spent $807,755 of the Bahamian taxpayers’ dollars with foreign lawyers on the prosecution of Shane Gibson and $290,903 on the prosecution of Frank
Smith, two political prosecutions that failed. Added together, Madam Speaker, the former government spent approximately $1.1 million on failed political prosecutions. “This is an astonishing 30 percent of all of the fees paid to the government’s primary foreign law firms over a four-year period on all matters in the country. “Thirty-two percent, unconscionable. This is in addition to the time taken by the respective attorneys from the Department of Public Prosecutions whose time clearly would have been better served prosecuting legitimate criminals in The Bahamas.” Calls requesting the costs of cases to be made public were made after Mr Gibson and Mr Smith were both acquitted of bribery charges in 2019. Mr Gibson was acquitted of 15 counts of bribery after being accused of allegedly soliciting and accepting thousands of dollars from Jonathan Ash to expedite payments the government owed the contractor. Meanwhile, Mr Smith was acquitted of charges of allegedly abusing his position as Public Hospitals Authority chairman to demand and receive bribes from Barbara Hanna over the award of a 2016 cleaning contract.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, PAGE 3
BELLA’S DEATH SPARKS CALLS FOR GREATER CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES FROM PAGE ONE
assisting with the investigation. There has been no confirmation of a cause of death and authorities await an autopsy. The tragedy has sparked outrage across the nation, triggering an outcry from many, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who called the matter “distressing.” In the aftermath of the situation, one elderly woman claimed there were two occasions when the girl was left alone in the apartment while the adults went to work. She recalled that the child had not been living at the residence for the majority of the more than two years that her relatives lived there. “On the first occasion the child was left home all by herself,” the elderly woman said. “She was sleeping and then got up and came over here. “My adopted son was coming (to) me and the child was in the road. He brought the child in and no one knew who she was. “I said if I don’t see anybody come round looking for this child, I would keep her for couple of hours and I would call the police
“Should this not be a wakeup call to us all? Should we sit idly by and allow something else to happen without making and ensuring there is some action?” Social Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe and inform them. Low and behold she came in she said ‘Mama you have any apple? You have any juice? Any biscuit?’ “I said ‘no baby’ but I sent my daughter to get two (biscuits) and I sat her right down there and we gave her something and told her don’t make no dirt.” The woman said that Bella stayed with her for more than an hour before a woman relative came home. She claimed the woman “never even came over to see” where the child had been “or to say thank you.” On another occasion, the resident told The Tribune that Bella had gone to another neighbour’s house when both adults left. She said upon their return, the female relative “raised all kinda hell” with that neighbour and allegedly spanked Bella for leaving the house. A man living nearby said another situation arose where an adult woman in the home asked him to call the police. “She said she was tired of this man hitting up on her and her daughter in there,” the man alleged in an interview yesterday. “I made several attempts to talk to them, but it made no difference. She always went back and they always fought.” In hindsight, neighbours now wish they had done more to help. They expressed fears that similar things may be happening at two other
“Let us do all that we can to ensure that no other child suffers the same fate. It goes far beyond what our laws can achieve and to the very idea of who we are.” Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis households in the area. “You know we think something like this is happening in two houses, but what can we do? If we call, word may get out that it’s us who made the report and these new set of guys living round here seem to have nothing to live for,” a neighbour claimed. Another told this newspaper: “If I had known it was like that, I would have definitely reported them. I felt so bad about it and hurt. I said, my Lord this just ain’t fair for this little girl. She didn’t deserve this. “But had I known she had no one here I would have tried to reach out to them and say come for this child. This is so disturbing to me and I feel guilty.” Mary Grant, Bella’s great grandmother told The Tribune on Sunday that relatives in Grand Bahama where she lived until recently felt that “we sent her to her death.” The little girl was living with her great grandparents from the time she was two weeks old until about two months ago when she was sent to stay with a relative in Nassau. Yesterday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the matter was “distressing.” In a statement he said: “That a child should die in the circumstances being reported rightly stirs up the most profound feelings of disbelief, revulsion, and profound sadness. “As we grieve with her family and do all that we can to ensure that justice is served, let us honour her memory. Let us find ways to cherish how she lived, that her name means more than just the way that she died. “Let us do all that we can to ensure that no other child suffers the same fate. It goes far beyond what our laws can achieve and to the very idea of who we are.” “There are those in every society whose transgressions defy comprehension. Our job is to do what is necessary to prevent it,” Mr Davis said. Social Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe said people’s failure to be their brother’s keeper has come to light. The minister said: “Whatever the circumstances are, obviously something went totally wrong and while the police investigate it’s troubling. “Should this not be a wakeup call to us all? Should we sit idly by and allow something else to happen without making and ensuring there is some action? “This tells you that we’re a society that’s gone to sleep. We have to be alarmed by it and recognise and show our love for children.”
Office of the Spouse seeks greater protection for the nation’s children ANN-MARIE Davis has committed the Office of the Spouse to working closely with the government, local non-profit groups and her CARICOM counterparts to bring more awareness and legislative proposals to offer greater protection for the nation’s children. The pledge came in a statement released by Mrs Davis in view of the tragic death of four-year-old Bella Walker who died in hospital last week. Police said the child was brought to the Princess Margaret Hospital with injuries last Friday, from which she died. An autopsy will be held to determine her cause of death. A man and woman are assisting police with their investigation. “It is unfortunate that it took the alleged heinous circumstances surrounding the death of four-year-old Bella Walker to spark public outrage, condemnation and a renewed focus on the issues of child abuse and child protection,” Mrs Davis said. There is more than sufficient blame to go around for our societal failings in this regard. I express heartfelt condolences to the family of young Walker as they struggle and pray to make sense of this apparent senseless and unspeakable tragedy. My thoughts and prayers and that of the Prime Minister are with the affected family during this difficult period.
Authorities “I remain confident that the relevant authorities will thoroughly investigate and secure swift justice for young Bella Walker. “I commit the Office of the Spouse to working closely with the government, local NGOs and my CARICOM counterparts to bring sustained public awareness, in addition to policy and legislative proposals designed to offer greater protection to our young and the most vulnerable among us. “Bahamians everywhere are encouraged to be agents of change by lending their collective voices of outrage, intolerance and advocacy in support of our children and the vulnerable,” Mrs Davis said. The chairman of the Free National Movement (FNM) issued the following statement: “The recent death of
ANNE Marie Davis (File photo)
four-year old Bella Walker is both gravely disturbing and saddening, and can only be described as any parent/guardian’s worst nightmare. It was very painful for the country to learn about the details surrounding this incident. The series of events that led to Bella’s death are certainly indicative of the many families, communities, and even a nation steeped in crisis. This horrific act perpetrated against young Bella is just a dreadful reminder of the scores of children that find themselves in violent and painful home environments. “We in the Free National Movement are disheartened and in a state of shock to learn that an innocent child, described as being loved by all whom she encountered met her untimely demise in such an unfortunate and horrific manner. We detest all forms of violence in our society, especially against women and children and it is our fervent hope that the person(s) responsible are brought to justice as soon as possible. “One thing is certain, that there exists far too many instances of violence in our homes and communities. While incidents such as this should never take place, we are hopeful that it sheds greater light on such a vexing issue, and moves persons to be more vocal and forthcoming about such matters. We are heartbroken to learn of this news, and we empathize with Bella’s family and loved ones at this time. While mere words certainly will never be sufficient to relieve you of your pain after experiencing such a terrible loss, it is our prayer that you find peace during your time of bereavement. On behalf of our party leader, Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, officers and members of the Free National Movement, we offer you
our sincerest condolences, and may the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles continues to be with you as you struggle to overcome this most difficult challenge at this time. Local non-profit group Rise Bahamas said Bella’s tragic death and “atrocities like this shed light on the inadequate preventative measures and laws we have in respect to child protection in The Bahamas.” “We need better ways to prevent, detect, and punish crimes against children,” the group said in a statement.
Legislation “. . .There are a number of social development agencies and civil society groups helping to fill the gaps within our communities. These groups need to be an integral part of informing new legislation and initiatives. This is the only way to ensure efforts are not duplicated.” Rise Bahamas urged people not to turn a blind eye to abuse. “Anyone that wants to report child abuse can call child abuse hotlines at Child Protection Services (242) 397-2550, or Social Services’ national 24 (hour) hotline, toll free for Family Islands (242) 322-2763 or (242) 422-2763.” “Organisations that support this statement include the Bahamas Crisis Centre, Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), Silent No More, Rights Bahamas and Smart & Strong Sisterhood (SASS).” The Bahamas Christian Council said in a statement that it was outraged, shocked and saddened at Bella’s death. “As pastors who are also fathers and mothers, we are heartbroken
AN IMAGE created by the family in tribute to Bella Walker. and devastated to learn of the alleged experience that this precious little girl was made to endure,” the Council said. “The Bible teaches that our Lord and Saviour has a special place in his heart, most especially for children. By extension, as a church we are compelled to also see about and care for the welfare of children, not only within our congregation, but also within the communities that our churches are planted. “The Bahamas Christian Council continue to stand with all concerned citizens and residents, the Government as well as members of law enforcement in calling for sturdier measures and a greater national initiative to ensure the safety and protection of our children. “We must also join forces as a society to create stronger safety nets that ensure that the innocence as well as the lives of our children are protected. “We also believe that the time has come for us to return to a period where as a community we served as surrogates and custodians of each other’s children if parents had to work or faced an emergency. In this vein, we also encourage those within communities that if you sense and see any signs of abuse, most especially with children, to alert the authorities.” “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of this precious child and will as a body continue to cover this family in prayer as well as the families of all children within our country who have suffered as a result of abuse or neglect. “As a church our hearts as well as our doors remain open and available to assist the victims as well as the families of victims of abuse of any kind most especially the most vulnerable.”
PAGE 4, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
ATTORNEY ASKS ELIGIBLE BAHAMIANS TO CONSIDER ADOPTION A LOCAL attorney is urging eligible Bahamians to consider adoption as a means to positively impact children in need of stability and the support of family. Nadia-Hope Adderley, adoption advocate, issued the call in view of World Adoption Day, which is observed today. “Adoption, by my definition, is an opportunity to positively impact the lives of children,” Ms Adderley said. “It is an act of love to assume responsibility and to provide stability for the future generation.” She added: “Adoption can transform the lives of the children. As citizens, we must be our brothers and sisters’ keeper and let us begin to think of others as we strive to change our world one act at a time.” In The Bahamas, eligible adults are able to adopt children in the care of the Department of Social Services or privately, meaning children not in the care of Social Services. The application process to adopt through Social Services involves being approved by a board and once you are eligible, a child is eventually placed with the pre-adoptive applicant for six months. Once Social Services grants final approval, adoption proceedings can begin. All adoption matters are processed in the Supreme Court. An attorney files the necessary paperwork and provides legal representation at the court hearings. The court appoints a guardian to investigate the applicants through a home study, interview the applicants and finally to interview those who provide character references. Finally, an adoption order is granted.
THE TRIBUNE
Dr Fauci urges Bahamians to continue to be vaccinated By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
DR ANTHONY Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to the US President, says the end to the COVID-19 pandemic will see levels of infection that no longer disrupt societies across the world. Ideally, Dr Fauci said officials are eying next spring as a timeline for considerably lower virus cases, particularly in the US where an estimated 70,000 new infections occur each day. He said officials there want less than 10,000 daily cases. And as the holidays approach, Dr Fauci urged Bahamians to continue to be vaccinated, insisting: “It would make it much safer for you to do that if you get vaccinated.” He was a guest, via Zoom, on Guardian Radio Talk Show “Morning Blend” with host Dwight Strachan yesterday. “We are still in the pandemic phase but there are multiple phases,” Dr Fauci said in response to a question regarding what could be expected from the World Health Organization to signal the end of the pandemic. “You go from the pandemic phase, which means it’s somewhat out of control, which it is. We know that globally. Then you get a deceleration of cases and the pandemic is over, but then you get to control
DR ANTHONY FAUCI, Chief Medical Advisor to the US President. (AP Photo)
and there is variable levels of control, so the WHO could be clear that it’s over as a pandemic when you get down to a certain lower level of infection throughout the world but that doesn’t mean that we’re done with it because if you get really, really good control then you have very, very few cases. “Right now, in the United States even though the cases are coming down we are still averaging about 70,000 cases a day. So, we are not done with it. We are still in a phase that is causing a disruption of our society. “We need to get the cases down to very, very low, well below 10,000 a day before we can say we have any kind of a good control or maybe
even much lower. So, you can declare a pandemic over but you could still have a lot of cases in the community. We want to get as low-level control as we possibly can.” He also said: “What we’re hoping is that when we get through this winter and go into the spring that we will then have a lower level that it is not disrupting society, but that will depend very much on how many people throughout the world we get vaccinated.” According to Dr Fauci, there is compelling evidence to support the efficacy of vaccines. “Just look at what the data shows. If you are vaccinated versus unvaccinated, you have about a six times
greater chance of getting infected if you’re unvaccinated compared to vaccinated. “You have over a ten times greater chance of getting hospitalised and over ten times greater chance of dying if you are unvaccinated compared to vaccinated. “The data (is) very clear. You don’t have to believe any individual person. “…The facts are in favour of people getting vaccinated.” He also responded to critics who argue the need for COVID19 boosters puts into question how well the jabs work. “There are many vaccines that we have that require more than one or two doses,” he said. “Take a look at the Hepatitis vaccine. It has a very similar profile. You get vaccinated. You get a booster about a month later and then six months later you get another booster and then you are good to go. “Same way with childhood vaccines. When we get measles, mumps, rubella all of those vaccines there are always multiple doses. So, the idea that you require two or three or more doses is not unusual for vaccines – that doesn’t tell you that the vaccines are not effective. “What it does tell you (is) to get maximum efficacy you may need a regimen which will require multiple doses.”
SCHOOLS RESTART IN EARLY JANUARY FROM PAGE ONE and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin. She said the learning model is expected to be hybrid instruction at first. She made the announcement at a press conference yesterday where she also updated the public on repairs to schools around country. “The procedures and policies for schools reopening as mandated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which we expect to be hybrid in the first instance gradually leading to full face-to-face instruction,” she said. “Based on advice from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, I am gratified to be able to announce the reopening of classrooms nationwide, including New Providence in the second week of January 2022. “We are in a pandemic and the (ministry) has been fully guided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as to when face-to-face instruction may resume
MINISTER of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin. PHOTO: Racardo Thomas/Tribune staff and the safety protocols in the classroom and on school premises to facilitate
Graveside Service For Bruce Edward Bain, 56 of St. Albans Drive will be held on Wednesday, 10th November, 2021, 2:00pm at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Officiating will be Pastor S. Jerome Farquharson. He survived by his wife: Marlene Bain; children: Jane Elizabeth Bain, Hamilton Joseph Bain, Jane, Brunae, Torry, Bruceann Bain, Tanza Candio; adopted daughter: Juliet; 3 grandchildren: Tycaine, Pattaysha and Daguaisha Candio; 5 brothers: Joseph Rigby of Freeport, Carl, Whitney & Franklyn Bain Of Turks & Caicos, Vincent Bain of Australia; 2 sisters: Shelia Bain and Debbie WillaimsHurdle of Turks & Caicos; 4 sisters-in-law: Carla Rigby of Freeport, Judy & Cythain Bain of Turks & Caicos, Stacey Bain of Australia; 1 son-in-law: Patrick Candio of Turks & Caicos; 1 brother-in-law: Mark Hurdle of Turks & Caicos; uncles: Sonny Rigby, Jay Rigby, Thomas Ewing, George Cunningham, Frank Cunningham of Turks & Caicos); aunts: Sharon Thompson, Helen Simms, Marion Williams, Cecilyn Ewing, Florence Ewing, Erma Rigby of Turks & Caicos, Carmen Bain of Freeport; nephews: Franklyn Bain Jr., Alpheuis Smith, Karmado, Kadeem, Karmadio Bain, Whitney Bain Jr., Troy and Divanio Bain of Turks & Caicos, Joshua Rigby of Freeport, Josh Edward Bain of Australia and Wellington Bain; nieces: Carmella Bain, Sasha Bain, Alexandra Smith, Kerchelle Bain, Katanna Bain, Suleiny Bain, Conell Hurdle, Damae Hurdle, Domeil Hurdle, Makadia Hurdle of Turks & Caicos, Zendaya Bain and Valentina Bain of Australia, and a host of other relatives and friends including: Hon. Premier Washington Missick, Floyd Hall, Elaine Lightbourne, Hon. Vincent Peet.
face-to-face instruction.” She noted it has been almost two years since normalcy has been in classrooms and that due to this many children have not been consistent in their learning. “Over the last almost two years since the first COVID case in The Bahamas, there has been tremendous disruptions in our children’s education and significant gaps in learning have occurred,” she said. “And we have discovered that a significant number of children have either not been on consistently or not at all during that entire period. “All of the research shows that learning loss of that nature has a serious impact on the child’s personal development, which also has an impact on the national development. If you have masses of people who have been set back in this way, it’s something that we will all pay a price for. As a result of that, we have been speaking with our technical people to see what strategies have to be implemented to catch up. “Part of that will include a testing of the children once we get them back in the classroom so that we are able to make an assessment of the extent of loss which we hope is not extensive. Thereafter channeling the children in appropriate
remediation programmes to see catch up.” There are many children who should have graduated high school in 2020 and 2021, but were categorised as incomplete. Mrs Hanna Martin said there will be assistance for them as well. “Additionally there is a second category of students who would have normally graduated last year and normally would have graduated this year,” she said. “Many of them have not been online at all. “We consider them to be dropouts and so we are seeking to identify those children and channel them through programmes at BTVI and National Training Agency to ensure that they are able to make up for lost ground as best as possible. “We are actively looking at the issue and we are committed to do all that we can to make up as much as humanly possible the loss of learning during this crisis.” She said getting the children back on track will have to be an effort to include principals, administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and the wider community, the Ministries of Education and Health and Wellness, Social Development and Urban Renewal. On the subject of school repairs, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training has
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spent some $20 million dollars thus far. “Several primary, junior and senior high schools throughout the country are being repaired as we speak,” the minister said, continuing. “These repairs range from what may be called minor to major structural repairs. “As it relates to those schools undergoing major repairs, several will likely not be ready for in-person classes. “We are very disappointed that this is the case. We are working closely with the Ministry of Works as they oversee the various contractor works to assure diligent attention to completion.” She said the following schools are now under repair and will likely not be ready for face-to-face instruction in January, 2022: L W Young Jr High School; Yellow Elder Primary; Sybil Strachan Primary; Ridgeland Primary; Uriah McPhee Primary; S C McPherson Jr High; Centre for the Deaf; C W Sawyer Primary; Carlton Francis Primary; Columbus Primary; James Pinder Primary; and Gambier Primary. She said the children who attend the affected schools will also enjoy face-to-face learning. “As it relates to the students of these schools, the Ministry is devising alternate plans to facilitate face-to-face and that these children will be in school,” she said. “I repeat, these children will also be in face-to-face instruction. The bottom line is that these students will be in school.”
PEDESTRIAN DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY CAR A pedestrian is dead after he was struck by a car on Sunday night in New Providence. Police were called to the scene in the area of Eastlyn and Village Road shortly before 11pm on Sunday. Investigations revealed that a male driver of a grey 2015 Honda Accord was travelling south along Village Road when a vehicle that was overtaking in a northerly direction caused him to swerve, resulting in him colliding into a lamp pole and a male pedestrian, police said. Emergency Medical Services visited the scene and pronounced the pedestrian dead. The driver was taken to the hospital by EMS as a result of his injuries. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Traffic Division will continue investigations into this matter.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, PAGE 5
AG SEEKS AXE FOR Govt ‘will not support GB AFRICAN LAWYERS electricity rate increase’
FROM PAGE ONE
Department of Public Prosecutions under the former administration. Controversy surrounding the hiring of the two foreign attorneys was recently reignited after a Supreme Court judge ruled in October that a rape accused’s voluntary bill of indictment was invalid as it was signed by African prosecutor, David Bakininga, who was denied practice at the Bahamas Bar. The ruling could potentially impact “160 odd cases”, the Court of Appeal was told last week. Mr Bakibinga, a Ugandan, was hired as assistant director of public prosecutions along with Nigerian Nikiruka Jones-Nebo, deputy director of public prosecutions, in 2019. However, neither of the African prosecutors have been approved by the Bahamas Bar Association to practice at the Bahamas Bar. Yesterday, Mr Pinder suggested the former government erred when appointing the two to senior posts, noting that Bahamians could have easily filled the roles. “First and foremost, I have no brief against them personally, there is nothing to indicate that they are bad persons or are not qualified attorneys in their home jurisdiction,” Mr Pinder told senators yesterday. “The mischief lies in the decision that there were no Bahamians qualified to be senior prosecutors in the Department of Public Prosecutions, despite the director being Bahamian and scores of senior and qualified Bahamian lawyers who have gone through the Department of Public Prosecutions and who are currently either at the department or at the Office of the Attorney General. In fact, many of the justices currently sitting have experience being prosecutors in the Department of Public Prosecutions. “I want to be clear on our philosophy as the PLP, it has been our philosophy since the party was formed, we in the PLP believe that Bahamians are qualified, Bahamians are smart and Bahamians can hold positions throughout the government and the country.” Despite Bahamians being qualified for the senior positions, Mr Pinder said the Minnis administration still went on to extend the contracts for the two Africans, a decision he said was “flawed” and reflective of their attitudes towards ordinary Bahamians. He said: “The former Attorney General, knowing the controversy, knowing the lawyers in question were unable to be called to the Bahamian Bar, knowing the position of the Bar Council and, I may say, the profession, knowing that their actions were subject to judicial review, extended their contracts just a few months ago for another two
years. This decision-making process is clearly flawed and an indictment of the attitude of the former administration towards Bahamians.” As a result, the AG said he has requested the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to terminate the men’s contracts. And in view of the incident, Mr Pinder also revealed his plans to restructure the public prosecutions department to ensure that those hired are not only qualified, but given the recognition they deserve. He said: “Madam President, I, as the sitting Attorney General have requested of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to terminate these contracts, again not because I have a brief against the individuals and their competency in their home jurisdiction, but because of the circumstances, the Bahamian people are not getting value for dollar. “I have also embarked on a reorganisation exercise of the Department of Public Prosecutions where qualified Bahamian prosecutors will be elevated throughout the department to be able to more effectively prosecute trials, this includes Bahamian prosecutors being recommended for the deputy director of prosecutions and assistant director of prosecutions, the two positions held by the lawyers in question,” the minister added. Yesterday, Mr Pinder also went on to speak about his priorities while in office, noting plans to construct a new “state of the art” court complex and enact legislation “that will enable the lawful exploitation of the cannabis industry” among other things. He said: “The Governor General rightfully proclaimed that our government is committed to executing good governance, established on the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability. As such, the Office of the Attorney General is committed to the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. We are in the process of relocating the FOI into a suitable location where the mandate of the legislation can be properly fulfilled. “Madam President, this seems like a minor step, but if you would see the location in which they are trying to operate, there’s no way anything could be accomplished in those types of facilities. As part of the implementation process, ten entities, government agencies have been identified as part of the pilot programme of the rollout of the Freedom of Information. “Madam President, we are committed to implementing this as an example of transparency and good governance consistent with the charge given in the Speech from the Throne,” Mr Pinder added.
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey has reiterated that the government will not support any rate increase for electricity on Grand Bahama at this time when many residents are still struggling after two major crises. Her comments came last week during her contribution in the House of Assembly thanking the Governor General for reading the Speech from the Throne. “It is our firm position that the people of Grand Bahama should not be further burdened on the heels of the economic stagnation caused by Hurricanes Matthew and Dorian, which was compounded by the global pandemic,” said Ms Moxey. Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) officially made an application to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for a rate adjustment. According to a statement on the power company’s website, “the average increase to the
GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey. all-in rate for all customers is projected to be 4 percent, as compared to inflation rates in The Bahamas of 8.4 percent over the past several years. Not all customers will see a rate increase and, in fact, a decrease in base rates is proposed for a segment of residential customers.” Ms Moxey indicated that the Davis administration made immediate inquiries, expressed its deep concern, and took swift action. She said many residents also expressed their frustration with the thought of being further burdened in
a time that they can barely afford to keep their lights on. “Madame Speaker, we made it clear that while we understand that the filing is a part of an established regulatory framework, we will not support any rate increase on any portion of the customer base on Grand Bahama island at this time,” she stressed. “I want to let the people of Grand Bahama know that this administration will ensure that our policies demonstrate a level of compassion for the plight of our people and businesses; and will encourage corporate Grand Bahama to do the same.” Turning her attention to East Grand Bahama, Ms Moxey said residents “will finally experience relief after being neglected for four and a half years from an administration that they gave five seats to in 2017.” She recalled her visit to the area two weeks ago with a delegation. Following the tour of communities of East End that were ravaged by Hurricane Dorian, Ms Moxey said she was “disheartened.” “It was disheartening to
view firsthand the horrible conditions and disrepair of so many of the public facilities, including schools, and to speak directly to residents and local government officials who echoed the need for immediate intervention. “We are committed to assisting to rebuild their communities and to ensure that the people of these areas receive the attention that they so rightfully deserve from our caring government.” She said that the Davis administration’s Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) Amendment will allow persons who lost their vehicles during the storm to import a replacement vehicle duty-free, as well as transport their vehicles to other islands without having to pay custom duties. “With this amendment, persons whose applications were previously approved but were not used before the expiration date, can now use this approval to import their vehicles duty free. In addition, new applicants on Grand Bahama Island can apply at the Ministry for Grand Bahama,” she stated.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM ON AGENDA FROM PAGE ONE
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis. BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna
include campaign finance reform with prosecution of those who run afoul of the law. “We understand that it’s not just important for the rule of law to be observed but it also must be seen to be observed. “Many members of the public feel that the application of justice depends on the socio-economic background of the accused. “Whether there is truth to this or not, it’s problematic that members of our society feel this way and we are putting in place the framework to ensure that when those at the top break the rules, they are held accountable. “Our anti-corruption legislation will enforce higher standards of conduct for officials. Senior officials will be called on to lead by example. This idea that there are different rules for the political class and the common man must be done away with,” the minister added. He also said the Davis administration will ensure procurement policies will be more transparent and efficient, “ensuring that all government engagements and purchases are done in accordance with the higher standards.” “This may not be the highest profile or exciting policy issue, Madame President, but it is very important that we put an end to inconsistent discretionary procurement procedures,” he continued. “Fairness must be the order of the day. To complement these reforms,
we will also bring greater transparency to public financial management so that it is clear who is receiving government funds and that the government is getting value for money.” Promises to amend the Public Disclosure Act “to include campaign finance reform and to make provision for direct referral to an independent prosecutor” were also made by the Free National Movement in its 2017 manifesto. While the Minnis administration passed a Public Procurement Act earlier this year, legislation on campaign finance reform was never brought to Parliament and the public disclosure promise was not fulfilled. Yesterday, Mr Halkitis told senators that in addition to reforming government operations, the Davis administration also intended to embark on an ambitious “social change agenda.” He said: “We will be establishing a national skills registry and aligning training programmes with this registry. “Through this effort, we can respond to labour market demand by filling skills gaps identified in our labour force. “We will make the necessary expanded investments in technical and vocational training.” He also revealed that the government has extended its national unemployment programme to December, with a $500 lump sum payment expected to be made to recipients in the same month.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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An insider’s look at the Glasgow climate summit Young people poured into the streets of Glasgow on Nov. 5, 2021, angry and impatient as the first week of the U.N. climate summit ended. Their anger is matched by anxiety in the conference halls as the enormity of what has to be achieved in such a short period of time hovers over a complex process that can become sclerotic. I’ve been involved in the climate negotiations for several years as a former senior U.N. official and I am in Glasgow now. At the start of the second week, here’s what I’m seeing and hearing, both inside the negotiations and outside. A shift from 2050 to 2030 goals To slow climate change, every part of our economies will transform, and that is reflected in the conference sessions running in parallel to the formal negotiations and in the constituencies that turned out in real strength the first week – executives from central banks, CEOs of global banks and institutional investors, young people, indigenous peoples leaders, faith communities, advocacy groups and the world’s media. There has been a shift at this year’s summit, from making pledges to reach net zero emissions by 2050 to a focus on actions to cut emissions by 2030. Research shows the world needs to cut global emissions 45% by 2030 to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F) compared to pre-industrial times, an aim of the Paris climate agreement. The Energy Transitions Commission, a coalition of businesses and nongovernmental organisations, calculated that if the commitments made at COP26 are delivered, it will cut the gap between today and the 1.5 C trajectory in half for carbon dioxide emissions and by almost 40% for methane. In total, the world would be about 9 gigatons closer to the 22 gigatons of emissions reductions needed. That’s a start. Big deals, big claims The first week of COP26 was about building momentum – big deals and big claims outside the negotiations, with different coalitions of countries, companies and others, pushing action forward. Some of those pledges will likely collapse like a souffle in the weeks and months that follow, when a company’s board balks at some of the details or when they re-run the numbers under greater scrutiny. But there were notable coalitions announcing pledges on cutting methane, ending deforestation and diverting international public finance away from fossil fuels and into clean energy. The international financial community formed a broad alliance of firms committed to net zero, attracting accusations of greenwashing. The U.N. secretary-general announced an expert group to propose clear standards for companies and others making net zero commitments. The formal negotiations intensify At this point in the negotiations, the U.K. – which holds the COP26 presidency – will drive efforts to wrap up some remaining parts of the rulebook for implementing the Paris climate agreement. It will also be pushing for agreement on a “cover statement,” which will include a whole raft of issues. At this point, it is a long list of
issues ranging from human rights, youth engagement and a just transition to more technical and procedural issues, such as how to recalibrate countries’ climate commitments and actions each year and how to ensure finance flows to adaptation, not just mitigation. A “High Ambition Coalition” is emerging, led by the Climate Vulnerability Forum, a group of around 20 countries facing high risks and sometimes existential threats from climate change. They have called for a Climate Emergency Pact that would include: a plan to deliver finance to help them adapt to climate change over the next few years, an agreement to increase those funds beyond that period, progress on finance involving loss and damage from climate change, an agreement on carbon markets, and a process for raising countries’ commitments each year until the world is on track. Now, in the second week, government ministers from the around the world are becoming personally involved in loosening log jams and taking over from their negotiators. Joining the inside and outside The gulf between what’s happening inside the negotiations, and what press releases from events outside the negotiating rooms are saying could widen. Inside, negotiators cannot agree on billions of dollars in climate finance expected to flow from wealthy countries to help poorer countries. Yet on the outside, press releases discussing trillions of dollars in private investment committed to netzero emissions imply the problem is fixed. And on the outside, while some analysts tally commitments to see if each gets the world closer to a trajectory that keeps warming under 1.5 C, inside discussions on transparency and reporting on climate progress are stalled. But the atmosphere is not all bleak. There is optimism that agreement on carbon markets may be found after painfully elongated talks at the summits two years ago in Madrid and three years ago in Katowice. Ultimately, the Glasgow conference can only be called a success when emissions start to slow and reverse and wealthy nations are able to put finance and real support behind poorer communities’ adaptation so they can become more resilient to the climate driven crises still to come. Opportunity for talent While all of this is resolved, think about this: In every meeting I have been in – with green banks in developing countries and their micro-entrepreneurs, Silicon Valley CEOs, finance chiefs, management consultancies and mayors – there is an additional concern that goes beyond the need for better policy, new regulation and a braver political class. Their concern is about the talent pipeline, or its absence. As every country, company, fund and bank shifts to a net-zero pathway, the world will need engineers, data analysts, policy experts and planners to plot the course and lead. The transition is underway, Glasgow needs to deliver, and the world needs to train and prepare for the sprint to 2030 in a race to zero emissions. (This article is by Rachel Kyte, Tufts University, for theconversation.com)
It’s time for us all to wake up EDITOR, The Tribune
I recently read – and I am sure it was in The Tribune – that despite the danger to our planet – there was still talk of oil in our waters and the possibility of drilling for it. I thought I must have been reading it wrong, especially when I recall that the oil spill clean up at the Equinor South Riding Point facility in East Grand Bahama was slowed down because of COVID-19. And our Prime Minister has just returned from speaking at a Climate conference in Scotland to determine how the countries of the world can control climate change to save our planet from extinction. “We cannot outrun your carbon emissions, we cannot outrun the hurricanes which are growing more powerful and we cannot outrun rising sea levels, as our islands disappear beneath the seas,” he told the conference as he pleaded for our future and begged for the reduction of their excessive carbon emissions. This would very much include the drilling for oil! I recall many years ago when an expedition came to the Bahamas searching our waters for what they called the “Lost Atlantis”. As the story goes Atlantis sank to the bottom of the ocean,
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net never to be seen again, but the myth has kept later generations searching for what might or might not have been true. I remember when I was a child sitting cross-legged around the old folks as they told old tales – you know the kind – “de monkey chewed tobacco and spit white lime!” Well one of the old tales was that the name Bahamas came from the Spanish word “bajamar” meaning shallow sea — and these islands were called Bahamas because over time as the waters receded, they slowly rose to the surface. And the fear today is that if mortal man does not reduce the world’s carbon emissions, we, and others like us will sink to the bottom of the ocean and once again be no more. An old wives tale for another generation of children? Unless we listen carefully and act, mankind is rapidly destroying our planet and there will be no future generations to tell the tale. I remember Christmas, many, many years ago when our parents would drive us out west to what was then known as the Pine Barrens
to select our Christmas tree. Selection made, it was chopped down, strapped to the roof of the car as we slowly made our way home. It was also the coal burners paradise where many women would burn the trees into charcoal for sale. It was the charcoal that was put in the old Goose iron to heat it for the ironing of our clothes. How many of us are old enough to remember the old Goose? No one had ever heard of the electric iron in those days. However, with the modern devices, the old days of burning in the Pine Barrens eventually ended, having done much damage to the atmosphere and contributed to the dire situation that we face today. However, that calamity, thank God, I hope, is no more. If a trace of it still continues, it should be stopped immediately - and completely. It is now time for us all to wake up, try to understand the problem, and having understood to be among those who will put their shoulders to the wheel to help save the planet for future generations. N OLD TIME A BAHAMIAN Nassau, November 8, 2021
Salvage what tourism is available EDITOR, The Tribune I am the owner of travel agencies in the Rochester and Syracuse area of New York State. Our family are also winter residents of The Bahamas. Over the past month you have featured stories with tourism officials in Nassau all painting a rosy picture of a rebound in tourism. Quite frankly the government officials have done their best in the past year and a half to discourage tourist arrivals by insisting on cumbersome and expensive Health Visas which have depressed bookings. Even the new Government changed its mind and is keeping them. We have now very few bookings for your country in my agencies which is quite disturbing considering it was such a popular destination in the past. People cannot be bothered going through all the hassles for entry when we can and are booking them to nearly all other southern destinations without all your requirements. Another disturbing trend has been your emphasis on cruises. They do not really provide much revenue for The Bahamas compared to hotel stays. Developing the
out islands for responsible tourism would be more effective. Currently we are having a difficult time convincing anyone to go on a cruise. Most people if they are going to travel want to stay on land. Your vaccination rate in the population remains low and this is also hindering people from booking. Travel warnings and advisories against travelling to The Bahamas in the U.S.A.,Canada and the U.K. are not helping the situation. You need to salvage what tourism is available. The first process in this regard would be to abolish the Health Visa and allow entry with a vaccination certificate at airline check in counters and a return to the easy rules of the past which were successful. For your economy’s sake and jobs for Bahamian workers I hope the mindset of Government officials changes immediately. RICHARD J HANSON 275 Sagamore Drive Rochester, New York 14617 U.S.A. November 4, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, PAGE 7
MARINE TELLS COURT HER HUSBAND ‘THREW GARBAGE AT HER’ AND ‘PUNCHED HER REPEATEDLY’ By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A FEMALE marine yesterday testified how her spouse threw garbage at her before punching her repeatedly and accusing her of contaminating their marital home. The husband of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer is currently on trial before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain for allegedly causing grievous harm to her. Both of their names have been withheld to protect the complainant’s identity. When the woman gave evidence yesterday, she said she and her husband have been married for one year but were currently living separately. She said on the night in question, she arrived home around 8.30pm and found her husband in the shower. She said when she went to their room to get clothes so she could shower after him, the accused told her she was contaminating the room and that he did not want her in it. “I left the bedroom to go to the front room and place my clothes on the couch,” she told the court. “I remember he took the bathroom garbage and threw the bag at me. He said I was nasty.” The woman said she threw the garbage bag back at her husband and told him to stop. She said he then grabbed a can of Lysol and began to spray her in her “face and all over her body” while accusing her of “contaminating” their house. She said the spray burned her eyes and caused her to cough, but when she tried to leave, her husband followed her to their room and continued to spray the disinfectant on her. “I left the room and went to wash my face,” she continued. “He told me I was too close to him. From
there he said he did not want me to touch him or be near him. We ended up having an argument.” The woman said she did not do anything to cause the accused to act the way he did. She said he then punched her in her face at which point she went back to their master bedroom to “try to escape.” She said when she closed the door behind her, she had to put her weight against it while she called 911 because the accused was “trying to push himself in the room.” “He barged through the door, took my cell phone and started to punch me about my body again. I tried to defend myself so I hit him back and grabbed his balls so he could let me go. We ended up on the bed and he punched me again.” The woman said while they were on the bed, her husband put his arms around her neck. She said she was about to fall so she grabbed hold of him and told him she was going to call the police. She said when she asked him for her phone, he told her it was under the bed but when she looked it was not there. “I went to CID that night. The police officers took me to Doctors Hospital and I was seen by doctors and admitted overnight. I had morphine drips and swelling in my eye. The nurses took pictures.” The court was told that the altercation was not the first time the accused became physically abusive with his wife. She said she had also reported him to police on another occasion which resulted in a “be on the lookout” poster being issued in his name. When she was crossexamined, the woman did not agree that her husband sprayed the Lysol because he had fears of contracting COVID-19. The case continues December 2.
MAN ACCUSED OF BURGLARY AND INDECENT ASSAULT By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 50-YEAR-OLD man accused of burglary and indecent assault was yesterday denied bail. Police said Alutus Newbold broke into a woman’s Cat Island home on November 2 and kissed a 13-year-old boy who was living at the residence. He was not required to enter a plea and his case was fast tracked to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He returns to court December 16. In the interim, he was denied bail and taken into custody; however, he has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail. Meanwhile, another man was also remanded to prison over allegations he had sex with a minor last week. Chanton Butler, 20, is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl on November 2. Due to the nature of the charge, he was not required to enter a plea during his arraignment before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain. As a result, his matter was adjourned to December 16 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). In the meantime, he was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He also has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
TWO-AND-A-HALF YEAR SENTENCE IS AFFIRMED By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE Court of Appeal has affirmed the two-and-ahalf-year sentence of a man who was caught riding in a car with two loaded firearms three years ago. In August 2018, an unmarked police vehicle observed a silver coloured Chevy Cruze speeding down Montrose Avenue. As a result, officers pursued the car and ordered all four of its occupants to get out when the vehicle came to a stop. Jason Ferguson, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was one of the men police arrested that morning. When officers searched the car, they found two .45 Glock pistols and 30 .45 ammunition rounds in the
centre console between the driver and front passenger seats. Sometime later, Ferguson and his co-accused, Hubert Mackey, who was driving, were each charged with two counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition with intent to supply. In February, Ferguson was found guilty and sentenced to two-and-a half-years imprisonment and fined $10,000 or an additional year behind bars. He later appealed his conviction and sentence on the grounds the magistrate was wrong to find that he acted along with another person. He further argued that the magistrate erred when he failed to call the other two defendants to answer the charge; a fact he asserted made his conviction unsafe and SEE PAGE 10
Senators welcome St Augustine’s College students WHILE the Senate was in session today, Senators welcomed Grade 12 students of St. Augustine’s College in a courtesy call. President of the Senate Senator Lashell Adderley addresses the students in Parliament Square (above) and stands with them for a photo inside the Senate (below). (BIS Photos/Patrck Hanna).
PAGE 8, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
A helping hand from a man I’ll never forget
REV Timothy Stewart
H
E was the shepherd of one of the oldest Baptist churches in The Bahamas and longest continuing Baptist church in the Caribbean. He presided over an entire convention of churches across the United States and the region. He was a nation builder and community leader. He was a husband, father, uncle and friend. He was many things to many people. But to me, he was a stranger. He was a man I did not know, who went out of his way to help me, making such an impression that I never forgot him. He didn’t have an audience to impress. He didn’t have the judging eyes of those who expect so much. With nothing to prove, Reverend Dr Timothy Stewart demonstrated every virtue a spiritual leader should have. I only recall meeting him once, but in that time, he proved that he didn’t just talk, but he walked his Christian faith. On October 1, 2021, a state-recognised funeral was held for Reverend Dr Timothy Stewart: Pastor of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church; 21st President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc, USA; former Chaplain of the Honourable House of Assembly; and Moderator Emeritus, Bethel Baptist Association. Officiated by Rev Dr Ivan F Butler and Rev Dr Reuben Cooper, Jr, the funeral brought together many of the nation’s leading pastors, politicians and dignitaries, who praised Rev Stewart for his exemplary service to his God and people. Tributes came from near and far. My testimony of him was not one grand enough to be told from a podium. But it is important enough to declare in this space. When I came face to face with Rev Stewart, it was nearly 20 years ago. I was walking along Meeting Street with three small children. I was walking on the southern side of the road with the intention of stopping under the big silk cotton tree by St John’s Native Baptist Church where my great grandmother Blanche Hanna Thurston is buried. I didn’t make it there that day. Although it was sunny and the skies were clear, it started to rain very lightly. I didn’t know if the rain might come down harder, but I didn’t want the children getting wet at all. I noticed a man across the street who appeared to be the pastor coming out of Bethel Baptist Church and getting into his car. I said ‘Lord, what am I going to do?’ The man pulled right up alongside us and offered us a ride. My children and I got into the backseat. Long story short, we enjoyed a light, hearty
REV TIMOTHY STEWART, left, with Former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, and his mother, the legendary Rev Lavinia Stewart. conversation. He took us to our destination and when we arrived, it wasn’t raining anymore. As we were coming out of the car, he gave me a $100 bill, and said I should buy lunch for the children. He had no idea the money was needed. God supplied my need that day through Rev Stewart because he walked in the Spirit. He did not judge me based on my appearance. He could tell I was Rastafari at the time, with my long dress, irie colours, and long dreadlocks tied in a scarf… and three children with locks. He did not open a religious debate with me or try to win me over to his beliefs. He looked past the flesh into the soul. By doing that, we surpassed any divide the physical world could create, and simply spoke in genuine love. We spoke about life, country, and the blessing of having children. He has a son named Gardner who is in set with my children. I ended up meeting Gardner in recent times. He is a genuinely nice young man, displaying good moral character, just like his father. Meeting Rev Stewart was a once in a lifetime experience – literally and figuratively. Although I did not see him again, I never forgot his genuine kindness and generosity. His prayers to God for wisdom, discernment, compassion and a Christ-like nature were sewn into good soil, and bore good fruit. This encounter should be mirrored throughout the world anywhere those who say they profess to walk in the footsteps of Christ exist. Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis called him a “giant in the international religious community, a consequential national leader,
a community leader and builder and a supporter of the progressive movement.” “Rev Stewart provided a global platform for the collective voices of The Bahamas and the Caribbean to be heard on not only religious matters, but secular issues affecting the developing world,” PM Davis said. “He is noted and widely celebrated for his civic and humanitarian work in over-the-hill communities, especially the iconic community of Bain Town and Grant’s Town. His passing brings to an end an important era in servant leadership.” Rev Stewart served as Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church for nearly 39 years. It was 229 years ago that freed slave Prince Williams, Sharper Morris and Sambo Scriven became the architects for what is now Bethel Baptist Church. They purchased lots 20 and 21 in Delancy Town, Nassau and erected a wooden chapel which they called “Bethel Meeting House.” Prince Williams, who is listed on the deed as the carpenter, served as the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church for 44 years. In 1833, Prince Williams departed from Bethel and established St Johns Native Baptist Society, and Sharper Morris then became pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church. Fast forward to November 3, 1982, Rev Stewart was elected as Pastor at the tender age of 26. He was 21-years-old when he was ordained at Mt Zion Baptist Church. He received a Bachelor’s degree from the American Baptist Theological Seminary and attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Later in life, the Eastern Theological seminary conferred on
REV Timothy Stewart with his wife, Sharon Stewart (nee Williams), and sons Timothy, Henry and Gardner.
IN the USA attending a Progressive National Baptist Convention event: Rev and Mrs Stewart along with (standing, left to right) Dr Veronica McIver, Elaine Pinder, Albertha Bartlett, Michael Stewart, Gandhi Pinder, and Gardner Stewart. him the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Humane Letters in Lynchburg, Virginia. Bishop Neil Ellis of Mt Tabor Church called Rev Stewart “a powerful and prolific prophet, pastor, preacher, a mighty man of valor and one of this nation’s finest sons.” Georgia State Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock said that Rev Stewart “leaves a legacy of prophetic activism and a model for civic and community engagement that will inspire so many others for years to come.” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also sent her condolences to the family in a letter from
REV Stewart and Lady Sharon in Bethel Baptist Church. Capitol Hill, where a flag was flown on October 18 in Rev Stewart’s honour. As President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) Inc, Rev Stewart led thousands of Baptists in an organization founded in 1961. Member churches include those across the United States, in Africa, Europe, Haiti and Cuba. Rev TM Chambers was elected as its first President. Leadership from across the United States joined the Progressive Baptist family and spawned the Progressive National Baptist Movement. Issues of freedom, civil and human rights, and progressive ideas became the cornerstone for the convention. The PNBC became a new Christian movement which included an array of social and political concerns embodied in its founding principles of “Fellowship, Progress, Service and Peace.” The PNBC movement supported Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’s struggle for freedom for African Americans. It was the PNBC that provided a denominational home for him and many of the Baptist leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. Rev Al Sharpton of the National Action Network pointed out that even before Rev Stewart was the International President, he helped “keep the organization in the tradition of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, of Dr Gardner Taylor and of Dr Wyatt Tee Walker.” “Dr. Stewart was not one to covet the limelight,” said Rev Sharpton. “He found solace in lighting the path of others to progress responsible and prophetic ministry. Most importantly, he took seriously his calling, while
steering clear from profiteering.” PNBC General Secretary, Dr A Wayne Johnson made a special presentation to his wife, Sharon Stewart, and sons Timothy, Henry and Gardner during a memorial service at First Baptist Church Highland Park, Maryland, where he gave them the flag flown at Capitol Hill in Rev Stewart’s honour. There, lady Stewart said that 10,000 tongues could never express how much he meant to them: “You were always the priest of our home and we loved and respected you. You taught us how to be Godfearing, kind and loving. We were a strong team. You embraced your nieces and nephews like your own sons and daughters. Everybody knows that Gandhi was your celebrity niece. You were the patriarch of our family. A true leader and shepherd, you extended your love to (your church family) and they became a part of us too.” Rev Dr Timothy Stewart was born on October 30, 1956 to Reverends Henry and Lavinia Stewart in Nassau. He was the ninth child of 11. His father served as pastor of the Salem Mission Baptist Church in Kemp Road with his mother at his side as a faithful partner in ministry. Young Timothy was nurtured in the Christian faith, both at home and in church, and professed his hope in Christ at a tender age. In the latter years of his pastorate, Rev Stewart emphasized the theme, “In Pursuit of Wholeness,” with a special focus on “The Promotion of Unity” in 2021. He passed away on September 17 leaving behind a legacy in the world that won’t be forgotten. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, PAGE 9
Do politicians ever learn? I
T IS said journalists and diplomats have a great affinity. Both are scribes. Journalists tell the public what is happening by the moment and comment on it and diplomats report back regularly to their governments. The reporting by journalists is sometimes over dramatised and opinionated because that sells newspapers, while diplomats must stick strictly to the issue at hand and be objective without frills or exaggeration. Such considerations struck me this past week while watching the reaction of the US mainstream media to the extraordinary political events in the US when the Republicans not only won the gubernatorial race in Virginia but nearly prevailed in New Jersey – a traditional Democrat stronghold – as well. Reportedly, Glenn Youngkin was elected because of his conservative values and what Americans call his “folksy” charm, as well as his promises about education, including his opposition to the teaching of critical race theory. Added to that was the election of Virginia’s first Afro-American female lieutenant governor against a Democrat challenger. Meanwhile, in Minnesota a move to dismantle the police department was overwhelmingly rejected by voters. In reaction to all this, commentators on TV
GLENN Youngkin won the gubernatorial race and Winsome Sears was elected as Virginia’s first Afro-American female lieutenant governor.
channels like CNN and MSNBC seemed to spend most of their time condemning the Republicans rather than debating the issues and analysing whether – after the elections in Virginia – it might be time to change tack on what most agree has become the Democrats’ socialist agenda. Moreover, instead of considering whether these latest developments might potentially result in a serious threat to the government in next year’s mid-term elections, extremist Democrats like the outspoken Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have said that the party is too moderate and needs policies that are even more liberal. She is one of the leaders trying to push through a progressive agenda that does not seem to be acceptable to a majority of Americans, and
Republican critics are now calling her the “most tonedeaf person” in the country. Other Democrats maintain they would not have lost in Virginia if President Biden’s two key pieces of legislation – the infrastructure bill and the separate spending bill – had already been passed. But by choosing not to debate any of this and simply to repeat the anti-Republican criticism, commentators on CNN and MSNBC have shown yet again that, rather than practising real journalism, they have become essentially little more than a mouthpiece for the Democrats. It is important, of course, that new governments, who win office on the basis of a published manifesto, should not waver at the first hint of opposition. Thus, many argue that a
recently-elected government should stick to its guns, not just on ideological grounds but also out of loyalty to its supporters whose votes it will need in the future. One example of this in Britain’s political history was the Labour government under Clement Attlee which won the 1945 general election. Despite the poor state of the country in the aftermath of the Second World War and President Truman’s abrupt termination of Lend-Lease, the new government pressed forward with its socialist plans by creating a welfare state and nationalizing key industries like electricity, coal and steel as well as the country’s transport system – and the welfare state, in particular, enjoyed wide public support.
A more recent example on the other side of the debate was the UK’s 2019 general election which Boris Johnson’s Conservatives won with a thumping majority and it became clear that, if the Labour Party continued with its extreme policies under its left-wing leadership, it might never win a general election again. So, this time it was argued that in the long-term interests of the party it was time to change direction. Returning to the current situation in the US, it has become clear President Biden is far from being the unifying figure he has claimed to be. The evidence shows he has lost control of the Democrats whose radical progressive left is dominating the Party and imposing extremist
measures as part of a socialist agenda that seems to be out of step with public opinion – to mention just two examples, in relation to education and defunding the police. Meanwhile, the havoc at the southern border continues and gas prices and inflation are rising; and the fallout from the disaster of the Afghanistan withdrawal persists. No doubt Biden will continue to try to unite his party but that looks to be less and less achievable. It may be premature for the Republicans to rejoice after the Virginia successes, but suddenly commentators are suggesting a resurgence of conservative values could even herald a realignment of US politics – and interest in next year’s mid-term elections grows by the minute.
SOMETHING ELSE TO CELEBRATE H PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis at COP26.
COMMANDING PERFORMANCE
T
he talk of the town in recent days has been the masterly performance by Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis who gave a powerful and impassioned speech at the Glasgow climate change conference a week ago today. His address has attracted wide international interest and praise, both for its content and its excellent delivery by an accomplished public speaker. It was clear, interesting, stimulating and to the point in what was by any standards a thoroughly polished presentation. The speech can be found online, of course, and it is surely a must-see for everybody to appreciate this memorable contribution to the debate on climate change – and, what is more, excerpts from it are being quoted around the world. As a result of what the Prime Minister said and the manner in which he spoke, he was invited to take part in a range of media interviews in the margins of the conference and had meetings with a number of prominent organisations such as The Nature Conservancy and The Green Climate Fund. An extract from his speech was also chosen by the global media heavyweight Bloomberg as its “Quote of the Day.” Mr Davis talked to Prince William and, as he explained at a press conference on his return to Nassau, he also had a series of significant bilateral meetings with other world leaders – both in Glasgow and London – in particular to explore ways of securing technology transfer and financial support to improve infrastructure and defences against the adverse effects of climate change as well as financial assistance in dealing with the nation’s current fiscal situation and management of its debt. It seems to me the Prime Minister’s use in his speech of imagery about the discipline, drive and hard work to succeed against the odds
shown by the two Bahamian 400m gold medallists at the Tokyo Olympics was notably effective in getting the message across about the need for immediate action to win the race against time and deal with the impact of climate change. As he said: “Every leader before us has postponed until tomorrow what needed to happen yesterday and now tomorrow is here – today – and countries like mine are out of time.” He also stated firmly that The Bahamas was not creating the problem but was being forced to pay the price as one of the world’s top 10 island states most vulnerable to climate change and global warming. To my eye, points about The Bahamas having the cleanest air in the world – according to a recent study – and the country’s seas having the effect of reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, may have particularly impressed other delegates at the conference. His description of the devastating consequences of the 2019 Category 5 Hurricane Dorian was equally telling. Indeed, the evocative wording – “we cannot out-run your carbon emissions; we cannot out-run the hurricanes which are becoming more powerful; and we cannot out-run the rising sea-levels as our islands disappear beneath the seas” – was the Quote-of-the-Day used by Bloomberg. So, all in all this was a most impressive performance which will surely have increased the prospect of international financial and other co-operation and support. In light of this, it is strange that, reportedly, the previous government had decided not to attend COP26 or even prepare for it. But it is comforting to know that this new government will henceforward be fully involved in the followup to a conference that has been described as a pivotal moment in the struggle to control climate change and global warming.
AVING written three weeks ago about Grand Bahama-based Coral Vita being named as one of the winners of The Earthshot Prize for its innovative work leading to the restoration of coral reefs, it is a pleasure to follow up today with news of its attendance at the Glasgow climate change summit. According to the Prize’s official wording, Coral Vita’s award was for its innovative approach to coral farming by growing coral on land and then replanting it in the ocean where it can grow fifty times faster than using traditional methods. Its goal is said to be to establish a global network of coral farms to grow a billion corals annually. Last week, in his capacity as Earthshot’s founder Prince William introduced the first-ever winners, and finalists of this prestigious Prize to world leaders in the main Plenary Hall at COP26. It was said to be a powerful moment, highlighting the need for global innovation and collective action to repair the planet. Coral Vita’s co-founder Sam Teicher is quoted as saying he and his colleagues were proud to attend the summit and to meet our own Prime Minister there as well as John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Mr Teicher described COP26 as a crucial opportunity to protect and restore vital ecosystems like the world’s coral reefs through what he said should be “decisive climate action, creating impactful economic opportunities.” He went on to stress that Coral Vita was committed to “restoring dying coral
BRITAIN’S PRINCE WILLIAM, centre, and U.S. businessman Michael Bloomberg, second right, stand with Earthshot prize winners and finalists from left, Vidyut Mohan for Clean Air, Vaitea Cowan for Fix our Environment and Sam Teicher for Revive our Oceans at the Glasgow Science Centre on the sidelines of the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool) reefs in The Bahamas which will ensure that the Bahamian people and the economy continue to benefit from reefbased eco-tourism, coastal protection from storms, and healthy fisheries that feed families and pay the bills.” It is heartening to learn The Earthshot Prize, created by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, led an unprecedented global search for the most inspiring and innovative solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing the planet. This makes Prince William’s words in introducing the winners and finalists at COP26 that much more significant. He
said: “Two weeks ago in London, we announced the first five winners of The Earthshot Prize and awarded each 1 million pounds to scale their solutions. Our finalists are bursting with energy, ideas and ambition. “Their ingenuity is amazing. Their potential is off the charts. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the real superstars in this room today.” With such words ringing in the ears of all concerned, the achievement of Coral Vita as one of the five winners is all the more worthy of high praise and will have surely made Bahamians proud.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
SANDILANDS STAFF FRUSTRATED OVER DELAY IN PAYMENTS By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
Immigration officers promoted at National Training Agency MORE than 150 immigration officers were promoted at a ceremony at the National Training Agency yesterday. At the event, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said after assuming office in September, his administration met a number of backlogged promotions dating back to 2017. “That was simply unacceptable,” he said. He added that his administration “went to work from day one to clear this backlog” to give immigration officers the promotions they deserve. Officials have said that a number of police officers are also expected to get promotions by the end of this year. Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune staff
A NUMBER of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre employees gathered outside the facility yesterday in frustration over outstanding honorarium payments, according to Bahamas Public Service Union President Kimsley Ferguson. Mr Ferguson noted concern that the Public Hospitals Authority is making “every effort” to discipline people and cut salaries, but are not making the same effort to ensure people get what they “rightly deserve.” “This morning we are here in reference to the fact that the PHA has issued a release indicating that they were in the final stages of the honorarium payment and the persons you see behind me this morning are those individuals who were not captured in the honorarium payment at all,” Mr Ferguson said. “Prior to them issuing this particular release, I would’ve spoken with management reference to this category of persons behind me which is the recreational therapy, security officers, grounds department, the registry, operating room, and a number of other areas that would not have been captured and asked that they would submit these particular names to corporate office so that these persons can receive some form of compensation,” Mr Ferguson said. “I was advised that was done hence today nothing has been forthcoming for these persons and we are now being made aware that they have reached the final point of payment in relation to the honorarium.” In an October 27 article, PHA Deputy Managing Director Lyrone Burrows told The Tribune that the monetary award for remaining honorarium payments would come by the following week through cheques. The payments were initially to be made in October. He confirmed the delay after an internal memo dated October 25 sent to employees said the honorariums would not be paid out as part of the October pay package. The BPSU leader said they are hoping not to have to resort to industrial action to get their issue resolved. Mr Ferguson said: “We are hopeful this morning that this administration will look into this honorarium situation. We’ve
had persons working in the administrative area who worked remotely from home who received honorarium and the security department in particular they were mandated to come. “They were mandated to work eight hours and they did not have a choice but they did not receive any form of compensation.” When approached by reporters on the matter, Health Minister Dr Michael Darville urged workers to remain level headed as officials work through the issue. He added: “We are being advised that those individuals who have received honorariums and the balance that is on the list fall within a parameter that is outlined in a Cabinet conclusion from the former administration. We’re reviewing that and we realised that there’s quite a few people not only at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, but also at the Rand Memorial and some of our clinics that are affiliated or run by the PHA and we’re looking at it and so we’re asking everyone to just be level headed. “It’s an issue that is ongoing. “The first thing was basically to honour those whose names were on the list and then take into consideration the other individuals. “It is something that we need to discuss around the table because the Cabinet conclusion is very clear of the parameters for the honorarium, but with that being said there are individuals who believe they should be a part if it and we have to take that into consideration which we’re doing but that decision does not lie specially with me. It lies with a policy decision we need to take going forward,” Dr Darville said. Mr Ferguson said he understands that this is a new administration and the union is being very diplomatic. The union leader added the new government must be given an opportunity to sit in the chair properly and to make an assessment of what the concerns are and how they’re going to move forward and meet with unions. Asked what will the union do if nothing happens, Mr Ferguson said: “We’ll have to take our conversation to another area with the view to ensuring the outstanding concerns are addressed. Now what form that’s going to take – surprise.”
TWO-AND-A-HALF YEAR SENTENCE IS AFFIRMED FROM PAGE SEVEN unsatisfactory and his conviction too harsh. After reserving their decision, Justices Sir Michael Barnett, Jon Isaacs, and Milton Evans dismissed Ferguson’s appeal and affirmed both of his sentences. In their judgment, delivered by Justice Isaacs, the panel noted the evidence relating to the two rear seat passengers was “limited to mere presence.” “Neither admitted to knowing anything about the firearms and ammunition; and while clear knowledge of the firearms and ammunition could be imputed to the appellant and Mackey due to their positioning in relation to those items,
there was nothing shown in the evidence of the witnesses for the prosecution that the rear seat passengers could see the items from their vantage point,” Justice Isaacs stated. “Section 5(b) of the Firearms Act empowered the magistrate to impose a sentence of up to 10 years in addition to a $10,000 fine on each count faced by the appellant. “The magistrate has imposed the maximum fine allowable; however, he has ordered that his sentences are to run concurrently. “I do not find that in the circumstances of this case the sentences and fine imposed by the magistrate are unduly severe as to cause the court to intervene.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, PAGE 11
US reopens to international travel, allows happy reunions By ELLIOT SPAGAT and CAROLYN THOMPSON Associated Press
FORMER U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit.
OBAMA CONFIDENT ON CLIMATE PACKAGE By ELLEN KNICKMEYER, ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL AND SETH BORENSTEIN Associated Press GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Barack Obama expressed confidence at U.N. climate talks Monday that the Biden administration will ultimately get its $555 billion climate package through Congress, and faulted U.S. rivals China and Russia for what he called a “dangerous lack of urgency” in cutting their own climate-wrecking emissions. As nations complained of lagging trust and progress in the climate talks, Obama, one of the leaders who paved the way for the historic 2015 Paris climate deal, threw in a touch of his trademark hope but admitted that “images of dystopia” were creeping into his dreams. “There are times where the future seems somewhat bleak. There are times where I am doubtful that humanity can get its act together before it’s too late,” Obama said at the two-week-long negotiations. “(But) we can’t afford hopelessness.” His comments came as conference leaders acknowledged Monday that many key sticking points exist after a week of talks. A trust gap between rich and poor nations has once again emerged and developing countries used the word “disappointing” when leaders talked Monday about the progress to date in the talks. The U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, is the former American president’s first since he helped deliver the triumph of the 2015 Paris climate accord, when nations committed to cutting fossil fuel and agricultural emissions fast enough to keep the Earth’s warming below catastrophic levels of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). That celebration has been replaced by worry. Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris accord. And while President Joe Biden put America back in the climate deal the Trump move set back U.S. efforts. Other top polluters — including China, India and Russia — are moving far more slowly on fighting climate change than scientists say is needed. “1.5 C is on life support now, it’s in ICU,” said Alden Meyer of E3G, an environmental think tank. Obama’s appearance sought to remind governments of the elation that surrounded the Paris accord and urge them to announce more immediate, concrete steps to put the 2015 deal into action. Optimism and unity is required to save the planet, he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat if your Florida house is flooded by rising seas, or your crops fail in the Dakotas, or your California house is burning. Nature, physics, science – they don’t care about party affiliation,” Obama said. “We need everybody – even if we disagree on other things.” Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate wrote Monday on Twitter that she was 13 when Obama was part of rich nations who promised $100 billion a year to poor countries to help them fight global warming, but said those nations broke the promise. Nakate told The Associated Press that she wasn’t attacking the former president “but that is me speaking the truth.” “This money was promised, but it hasn’t been delivered,” she said, adding that the $100 billion a year was the “bare minimum” for climate finance.
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Parents held children born while they were stuck abroad. Long-separated couples kissed, and grandparents embraced grandchildren who had doubled in age. The U.S. fully reopened to many vaccinated international travelers Monday, allowing families and friends to reunite for the first time since the coronavirus emerged and offering a boost to the travel industry decimated by the pandemic. The restrictions closed the U.S. to millions of people for 20 months. Octavio Alvarez and his 14-year-old daughter zipped through a pedestrian crossing in San Diego in less than 15 minutes on their way to visit his mother-in-law in California. “It’s a big feeling,” said Alvarez, 43, who lives in Ensenada, Mexico, a twohour drive from San Diego. Prior to the pandemic, his family would visit California twice a month. The emotional cost of the border restrictions were “very high,” he added. American citizens and permanent residents were always allowed to enter the U.S., but the travel bans grounded tourists, thwarted business travelers and often keep families far apart. Travelers must have proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test. “I think a lot of people have been waiting for this day,” said Eileen Bigelow, area port director for Vermont for Customs and Border Protection. “They look at it as a light at the end of the tunnel for some return of normalcy.” There were lots of prolonged hugs at airports from coast to coast. At Newark International Airport in New Jersey, Nirmit Shelat repeatedly embraced his girlfriend, Jolly Dave, after she arrived from India, ending their ninemonth separation. She was on the first flight out of the country to the United States. “I can’t even explain in my words how happy I am,” Dave said. Gaye Camara, who lives in France, last saw her husband in New York in January 2020, not knowing it would be 21 months before they could hold each other again. “I’m going to jump into
PEOPLE applaud and take pictures as MaKensi Kastl greets her boyfriend, Thierry Coudassot, after he arrived from France at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., Monday. The couple has not seen one another in person for over a year due to pandemic travel restrictions. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) his arms, kiss him, touch him,” said Camara, 40, as she wheeled her luggage through Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, where the humming crowds resembled those before the pandemic, except for the face masks. On the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada, where traveling back and forth was a way of life before the pandemic, the reopening brought relief. Malls, restaurants and shops in U.S. border towns were devastated by the lack of visitors from Mexico. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, flanked by U.S. and Mexican officials at a celebratory news conference at the San Ysidro crossing, said the economic losses were hefty and the cutting of family ties “immeasurable.” Retail sales in San Ysidro fell about 75% from preCOVID levels, forcing nearly 300 businesses to close. Edith Aguirre of Tijuana took off work to go shopping in San Diego. Bubbling with laughter, she accepted a gift bag from a duty-free store at the San Diego border crossing. She was a regular at SeaWorld in San Diego and last came to the U.S. to celebrate her 50th birthday at Disneyland in February 2020. “It was very draining,” she
said of the interruption to her cross-border life. Sales dropped in half at David’s Western Wear shop in Nogales, Arizona, which manufactures boots popular among Mexicans. Owner David Moore hopes his specialty products lure back customers, but he said it won’t happen overnight. Many Mexicans are still trying to get expired visas renewed amid a backlog. Those who do come may be disappointed to find shelves empty because of supply chain problems. “I really don’t think Mexican shoppers are going to come across in hordes because they have now gotten used to buying a lot of products they need in Mexico,” he said. David Jerome, president and CEO of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce on Mexico’s border in Texas, said: “It won’t come back as quickly as it was shut off.” Still, “we feel like we’re getting our neighbours back and we’re glad to get people going back to work,” Jerome said. Along Canada’s boundary, cross-border hockey rivalries were upended by the travel restrictions. Churches that had members on both sides of the border were suddenly cut
off from each other. But on Monday, border traffic quickly returned. At Vermont’s busiest international crossing with Canada, U.S. border agents said they began to notice the uptick in border crossing shortly after midnight. By mid-morning, traffic appeared steady. Travellers at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York, one of the northern border’s busiest crossings, found a 2½-hour wait at 2 a.m., officials said, though within a few hours traffic was flowing more freely. The bridge typically handles about 2 million passenger vehicles from Fort Erie, Ontario, yearly, many of them bound for the region’s shopping malls, ski slopes and sporting events. Volume dropped by more than 90% during the pandemic. River Robinson’s American partner wasn’t able to be in Canada for the birth of their baby boy 17 months ago. She was thrilled to hear about the U.S. reopening and planned to take the child to the U.S. for Thanksgiving. It’s “crazy to think he has a whole other side of the family he hasn’t even met yet,” said Robinson, who lives in St. Thomas, Ontario.
Airlines are preparing for a surge in activity — especially from Europe — after the pandemic and resulting restrictions caused international travel to plunge. The 28 European countries that were barred made up 37% of overseas visitors in 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Association. As the reopening takes effect, carriers are increasing flights between the United Kingdom and the U.S. by 21% this month over last month, according to data from travel and analytics firm Cirium. In a sign of the huge importance of trans-Atlantic travel for airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic celebrated the reopening by synchronising the departures of their early morning flights to New York on parallel runways at London’s Heathrow Airport. Maria Giribet, 74, who lives on the Mediterranean isle of Majorca was headed to San Francisco where she planned to “suffocate” her twin grandchildren with hugs after missing half their lives. Gabriel and David are now 3½. The U.S. will accept travelers who have been fully vaccinated with any of the shots approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization, not just those in use in the U.S. That’s a relief for many in Canada, where the AstraZeneca vaccine is widely used. But millions of people around the world who were vaccinated with Russia’s Sputnik V, China’s CanSino or other shots not approved by the WHO will not be able to travel to the U.S. Testing and quarantine requirements remained obstacles for others. A mobile testing truck was parked near the Peace Bridge in New York, promising results in 30 minutes for $225 and nextday results for $160. Marcela Picone, 39, of the Buffalo suburb of Williamsville, has been waiting for the day her fiancé and father of her 2- and 3-yearold children can visit from Stoney Creek, Ontario. But his 15-year-old son would have to miss school to quarantine upon their return if they traveled. “He’s a dad to two American kids,” she said. “He should have had the right to come into this country the entire 19 months.”
‘A MASS LOSS OF CONTROL:’ ANSWERS SOUGHT IN HOUSTON CONCERT By JUAN A. LOZANO and JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) — When rapper Travis Scott’s sold-out concert in Houston became a deadly scene of panic and danger in the surging crowd, Edgar Acosta began worrying about his son, who wasn’t answering his phone. He called hospitals and police, who told him his son was not on the list of victims from the Astroworld festival. They were wrong: Axel Acosta Avila, 21, was among the eight people who died Friday night at the outdoor festival that was attended by some 50,000 people and is now the focus of a criminal investigation. On Monday, authorities released the names of the dead as they continued looking into what went wrong when a crush of fans pressed forward after Scott took the stage. Houston’s police chief said Monday he had met with Scott before the rapper’s performance on Friday about safety concerns but did not elaborate about what, specifically, concerned him. “They told me, Mr. Acosta, your son is not on the list so you don’t have to worry about anything. He’s not on the list of dead people or injured people” said Edgar Acosta, whose family is among those suing organisers of the festival. “I told them, ‘Well, he didn’t spend then night at his hotel, so I’m worried about him.’” Houston police and fire department investigators have said they would review video taken by concert promoter Live Nation, as well as dozens of clips from people at the show that were widely shared on social media. Investigators also planned to speak with Live Nation representatives, Scott and concertgoers. Live Nation said in a statement Monday that it has provided authorities with all footage from surveillance cameras at the festival, and that it had paused removing equipment at the request of investigators who were walking the grounds. The promoter said full refunds would be offered to all attendees. Scott, who founded the Astroworld festival, said he would cover
TWO people who knew an unidentified victim of a fatal incident at the Houston Astroworld concert embrace at a memorial on Sunday. (AP Photo/Robert Bumsted) funeral costs for the victims. The “It’s not the crowd’s fault at all, 56-page operations plan, obtained dead were between the ages of 14 because there was no way you could by AP, states “the potential for muland 27 and were from Texas, Illi- even move, it was just like a mass tiple alcohol/drug related incidents, nois and Washington, according to loss of control,” said 19-year-old fes- possible evacuation needs, and the Harris County authorities. They tivalgoer Ben Castro. He returned ever-present threat of a mass casuincluded high schoolers, an aspiring to the venue Monday to leave flow- alty situation are identified as key Border Patrol agent and a computer ers at a makeshift memorial that concerns.” science student. included notes, T-shirts and candles. The plan instructs staff to “notify Over 300 people were treated at He said he didn’t know anyone had Event Control of a suspected a field hospital on site and at least died until the next day. deceased victim utilising the code 13 others were hospitalised. HouMedical examiners have still not ‘Smurf’.” It goes on to say, “never ston Police Chief Troy Finner said released the causes of death, which use the term ‘dead’ or ‘deceased’ his meeting with Scott before the could take several weeks, said over the radio.” It’s not clear show included the rapper’s head of Michele Arnold, a spokeswoman whether the protocol was followed. a security. But Finner did not go into for the Harris County Institute of None of the people listed in detail about their conversation in Forensic Sciences. charge of managing Astroworld’s a statement released by the police Contemporary Services Corp., security and operations have department. headquartered in Los Angeles, was responded to requests for comment. “I asked Travis Scott and his team responsible for security staff at the There is a long history of similar to work with HPD for all events festival, according to county records catastrophes at concerts, as well over the weekend and to be mindful in Texas. The company describes as sporting and religious events. of his team’s social media messaging itself online as being “recognized In 1979, 11 people were killed on any scheduled events,” Finner worldwide as the pioneer, expert as thousands of fans tried to get said. “The meeting was brief and and only employee owned company into Cincinnati’s Riverfront Colirespectful, and a chance for me to in the crowd management field.” seum to see a concert by The Who. share my public safety concerns as Company representatives have not Other crowd catastrophes include Chief of Police.” responded to emails and phone mes- the deaths of 97 people at a soccer Investigators were also inter- sages seeking comment. match in Hillsborough Stadium viewing witnesses and planned to Astroworld’s organisers had laid in 1989 in Sheffield, England, and examine the design of safety barri- out security and emergency medi- numerous disasters connected with ers and the use of crowd control at cal response protocols in festival the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi the event. plans filed with Harris County. A Arabia.
PAGE 12, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
PARALYMPIC GAMES WHEELCHAIR TENNIS CHAMP NICK TAYLOR RETIRES
INDIA’S RAVINDRA JADEJA, centre, and teammates celebrate the dismissal of Namibia’s Stephan Baard during the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup match between India and Namibia in Dubai, UAE, yesterday. (AP Photo/ Aijaz Rahi)
INDIA BOWS OUT OF T20 WORLD CUP BEATING NAMIBIA BY 9 WICKETS DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — India farewelled coach Ravi Shastri with a win after ending its Twenty20 World Cup campaign beating Namibia by nine wickets yesterday. Out of semifinals contention, India made sure there was no slipup with a complete performance: Limiting Namibia to 132-8 and overhauling that with 136-1 in 15.1 overs. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja (3-16) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3-20) starred in the first half of the last Super 12 match, then Rohit Sharma — dropped by Michael van Lingen at short fine leg in
the first over — and KL Rahul smashed half-centuries in the second half. Sharma made 56 and Rahul an unbeaten 54 off 36 balls. The match was also the last for India bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar, while Virat Kohli captained India for the 50th and last time in T20s. “Big thank you to all those guys,” Kohli said of the team staff. “They’ve done a tremendous job all these years … they were an extended part of our bigger family. They’ve contributed immensely to Indian cricket as well.” Tournament host India, the favourite for the title, finished
third in its group after losing both of its opening games to eventual semifinalists Pakistan and New Zealand. “I know we have not gone far in this World Cup, but we have had some good results in T20 and enjoyed playing together,” Kohli said. “It’s a game of margins … you talk about two overs of cricket with intent in the first two games and things could have been different. We were not brave enough.” Namibia had a campaign to be respected, and earned a solitary win against Scotland in the Super 12s.
Jadeja and Ashwin spun out the top order as Namibia slipped to 72-5 and then 94-7 in the 16th over. David Wiese top-scored with 26. Captain Gerhard Erasmus tried seven bowlers to stymie India to no avail. Jan Frylinck got the consolation wicket when Sharma top-edged a slower delivery and was caught at point. “Quick turnarounds between games, so we haven’t been able to really soak in the experiences,” Erasmus said. “Only once we go back we’ll be able to realise we played an awesome level of cricket. We can take a lot of positives.”
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Three-time Paralympic wheelchair tennis champion medallist Nick Taylor has announced his retirement. Taylor, an American who turns 42 this week, won 11 Grand Slam doubles titles with David Wagner — seven at the U.S. Open and four at the Australian Open. At the Paralympic Games, they won gold medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012, along with a silver in 2016. Taylor also won the quad singles bronze in 2012. The pair played together at an event at the USTA National Campus in Orlando over the weekend, Taylor’s farewell to competition. Taylor, who is from Kansas, has been ranked No. 1 in quad singles and doubles. He now aims to make it to the 2024 Paris Paralympics in a new sport, boccia.
Italy loses 2 more midfielders ahead of Swiss qualifier FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Italy lost another two midfielders ahead of the key World Cup qualifier against Switzerland in Rome on Friday, as the Swiss injury list also lengthened. Coach Roberto Mancini, already without regular starter Marco Verratti through injury, said yesterday that Nicolò Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini would return to their club Roma. Pellegrini has a knee injury while Zaniolo has a left calf issue. Both also missed Italy’s victorious European Championship campaign through injury.
Switzerland had already been without captain Granit Xhaka and forward Haris Seferovic to long-term injuries. The Swiss team also lost winger Steven Zuber yesterday as the fourth player to drop out injured from the squad that was selected last week. Italy and Switzerland have 14 points atop Group C with the European champion having the tiebreaker advantage on goal difference of two goals better. Only the first-place finisher gets a direct spot into next year’s finals in Qatar.
The second-placed team goes into the playoffs in March.They need to advance past two opponents to reach the World Cup. Mancini has called up Matteo Pessina and Danilo Cataldi to replace Zaniolo and Pellegrini. Pessina won Euro 2020 but has only just returned from injury, coming on as a stoppage-time substitute in Atalanta’s 2-1 win at Cagliari at the weekend. The 27-year-old Cataldi has never played for Italy and the Lazio midfielder received his only previous call-up to the squad five years ago.
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolò Barella should recover in time to play for Italy despite being substituted in Sunday’s derby against AC Milan after picking up a knock. Juventus defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are also fit after missing the Serie A match against Fiorentina on Saturday. “It’s an important match so we mustn’t feel the pressure as we prepare,” Mancini said. “We have to be as calm as possible. Normally matches against Switzerland are always difficult
and Friday’s match will be too,” he added. Italy’s world record 37-match unbeaten run was ended last month by Spain 2-1 in a Nations League semifinal. After Switzerland, Italy plays Northern Ireland in Belfast next Monday. The Swiss finish by hosting Bulgaria. Italy beat Switzerland 3-0 in Rome in the group phase of Euro 2020. The teams drew 0-0 in Basel in September in the World Cup qualifiers.
CARIFTA FROM PAGE 16 Complex. This will be the 49th edition of the games and it’s expected to be held at the Jamaican National Stadium in Kingston. As the perennial champions, having secured the past 34 titles after losing two straight to the Bahamas in 1980 in Bermuda and 1981 in the Bahamas, Sands said the reputation of Jamaica as the powerhouse of the competition speaks for itself. “We understand that the planning of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations and the hosting of the CARIFTA Games all come under the Minister of Sports’ portfolio, so this was a natural fit,” he said. “We look forward to the return of the games next year.” To their member countries in the NACAC region, who are a part of the competition, Sands urged them to prepare their athletes for the biggest competition that the majority of them will ever get to compete in. “I’m of the view that every child within the Caribbean involved in track and field has their goals and aspirations is to make their country’s CARIFTA
ELAINE THOMPSON-HERAH, of Team Jamaica, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women’s 200-metre final at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images Games team because of the significance of the event in the region,” Sands said. “In some instances, this might be the first and only national team that they get
to compete in and with the opportunities available to receive athletic scholarships to colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, they are more than eager to compete.” However, having lost the past two years of competition, Sands said he’s uncertain what impact that will have. But with the date and venue confirmed for next year, Sands they are just keeping their fingers crossed that everything will work out after they painfully had to cancel the past two years because of COVID-19. “There’s no question in my mind that any form of layoff will have some form of negative impact, but it also now costs the coaches to step up their game and to start thinking outside of the box and ensure that their athletes will be ready,” Sands said. “We know that some athletes would have been affected because of the age difference since the last event was held in the Cayman Islands in 2019, but there are those who are still eligible and so it’s up to
the coaches to ensure that their athletes are ready to compete come April 2022.” NACAC Athletes of the Year As reported by Terry Finisterre, a member of the NACAC Sports Journalists Working Group, chaired by Kwame Laurence and consisting of Katya Lopez, Eyleen Rios Lopes, Gisele Ericher, Javier Clavelo, Andre Lowe, Brent Stubbs and Dean Greenaway, Thompson-Herah and Crouser stood out among all of the other athletes in the region this year. The group selected the pair as the NACAC Female and Athlete of the Year for their stellar performances in 2021, a decision that got the approval of Sands on behalf of the NACAC family. “Their performances qualify them and they deserve to be called the Athletes of the Year,” Sands said. “Their performances spoke for them. I don’t think anybody can deny that they performed consistently on the world stage this year.”
Writing on behalf of the group, Finisterre revealed that Thompson-Herah’s 2021 season will go down in history, as she produced one of the greatest runs of excellence of all time. Within the span of just over three weeks, between the end of July and late August, she won two individual gold medals at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Her 100m win came in an Olympic record time of 10.61, while her 200m victory then yielded a national record time of 21.53 seconds. Shortly after her double Olympic triumph, which she topped off by winning the sprint relay with Jamaica, Thompson-Herah lined up at the Prefontaine Classic, in Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, USA. She stamped her class with a run of 10.54 seconds, a new national record - and like her 200m Olympic win - the fastest time in the world since Florence GriffithJoyner’s World record in 1988. Thompson-Herah would go on to take her third Diamond League title, winning
the women’s 100m final in Zürich with a time of 10.65 seconds. It was the seventh Diamond League title for Jamaica in the women’s 100m. Only five women this century have ended a season with the fastest times in both the 100m and 200m. Coming into the season, four of those five were Jamaican. And this season, Thompson-Herah became the first woman ever to repeat that feat following her 2016 success. In the process, Thompson-Herah went under the 10.80-second barrier 15 times. Only her compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has more such runs. But Thompson-Herah is the queen of sub-10.70 runs, with four such, more even than Flo Jo. Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson completed the Tokyo women’s 100m medal podium, and the three Jamaicans have combined for 34 runs under 11 seconds this year. Crouser, on the other hand, owns both world records, resetting the men’s shot put standard indoors and out this past season. The 28-year-old American champion also captured the NACAC Indoor Male Athlete of the Year, which he followed up with gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and the Diamond League trophy. Both Thompson-Herah and Crouser have been listed among the stars for end of the year awards by World Athletics, the governing body of the sport. They have been joined by a few other athletes in the region, including Bahamian female Olympics’ 400m champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo. Sands said it’s good to see the NACAC region holding its own among the other member associations around the world and its just a testimony of the fantastic athletes that they have produced and they will continue to push for their rightful places on the global stage. World Athletics is scheduled to announce its Athletes of the Year later this month.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, PAGE 13
Lathaniel Bastian and Rams look to become surprise contender in NCAA By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net LATHANIEL Bastian heads into his first year with the Angelo State Rams men’s basketball as the programme looks to become a surprise contender in NCAA Division II’s Lone Star Conference. The Rams were projected to finish seventh overall when the LSC announced the results of the Preseason Coaches’ Poll at its virtual media day. The Rams were selected seventh overall in the coaches’ poll after coming off a fifth-place finish a season ago. Rams head coach Cinco Boone said Bastian is one
of several new additions that has the programme excited about the future. “With our new additions they are some guys that we are excited about and we will recruit from all over, different levels of high school kids, JUCO players and four-year players,” he said. “Tanny Bastian is a player out of Trinity Valley that comes in with experience in the JuCo national tournament.” The Rams begin their season on the road, competing at the RMAC/LSC Challenge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, beginning November 13. Bastian, who spent the last two seasons with the Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals at the
BASTIAN JuCo level, is a member of the Rams’ highly-touted incoming recruiting class. As a sophomore with the Cardinals last season, Bastian averaged 5.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He also finished with 19
blocks, 11 steals and 14 assists on 53 percent shooting from the field. “If I have said it once, I have said it at least 20 times that [Tanny’s] motor on the glass reminds me of Dennis Rodman,” said Rams head coach Cinco Boone on the school’s athletic website. “He really pursues the basketball on both ends of the floor from a rebounding standpoint. He also has a good frame to him and has good skill straightline driving the basketball and finishing around the basket. He is strong and athletic and really has a charismatic personality. He played for an outstanding junior college programme in Trinity Valley Community College and played
for great coaches in coach Furr, coach Sikes and coach Leslie. They had a terrific season during 2020-21 as they reached the national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Tanny played an important role in their success and we look forward to him making his mark on the Rams programme immediately.” The Rams finished last season 8-10 and were eliminated by Texas A&MKingsville in the opening round of the Lone Star Conference Tournament. The 6’7”, 240-pound forward played locally with the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins programme at the high-school level before continuing collegiately in the United States.
RANDLE LEADS KNICKS PAST SHORT-HANDED 76ERS, 103-96 By AARON BRACY Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Julius Randle scored 31 points, including eight straight during a key fourth-quarter stretch, to lead the New York Knicks to a 103-96 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers last night. Philadelphia was without four-time All-Star Joel Embiid and three others due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, which are for players who have tested positive for COVID19 or been in close contact with someone who’s tested positive. RJ Barrett added 15 points for the Knicks, who won their second in the last five. “He was a monster all the way around, the way the game started, the energy he was playing with, he set the tone defensively,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said of Randle, who also had 12 rebounds. “When he plays like that, it makes us a different team.” Andre Drummond started in place of Embiid, and had 14 points and 25 rebounds. Furkan Korkmaz added 19 points for Philadelphia, which had a six-game win streak snapped. The Knicks led by as many as 19 points in the
first half and looked on their way to a blowout, but Philadelphia used a 25-14 third quarter to pull within 72-69 entering the fourth. The 76ers got within one on multiple occasions in the final period, the last on a 3-pointer by Georges Niang with 5:01 left that made it 89-88. Then Randle took over. He converted a driving layup and then a pair of 3-pointers, the second giving the Knicks a 97-91 lead with 2:54 left. “Just took what the game gave me,” Randle said. “Those are the moments I want.” New York took a comfortable 100-91 lead on Kemba Walker’s threepoint play with 2:19 left. “The game could’ve gotten away from us in the first half and it didn’t,” 76ers coach Doc Rivers said. “We hung in there.” EMBIID OUT ESPN, citing sources, reported earlier Monday that Embiid tested positive for COVID-19. Neither the 76ers nor Rivers would confirm that. Rivers said before Monday’s game that Embiid was “struggling.” “It’s not going great. He’s struggling with it. Similar to Tobias (Harris),” Rivers said. “It clearly is a concern.” Embiid is the fourth member of the Eastern
NEW York Knicks’ Derrick Rose, left, reacts past Philadelphia 76ers’ Andre Drummond, centre and Furkan Korkmaz after making a basket during the first half last night in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Conference-leading TRAINER’S ROOM three straight games and 76ers sidelined during Knicks: Walker returned scored eight points. … to COVID-19 protocols, to the lineup after missing TIP-INS joining Harris, Matisse Sunday’s 126-109 home Knicks: It was the first Thybulle and Isaiah Joe. loss to Cleveland due to win in Philadelphia in Rivers said an unnamed rest. He had eight points. nine games, the last vicstaff member was also out. … Mitchell Robinson (hip) tory coming April 8, 2016. Embiid, who missed his didn’t play. … Nerlens Knicks have won both second game of the season Noel (knee soreness) left games against the 76ers this Monday, is averaging 21.4 with 4:16 left in the second season (112-99 Oct. 26) and points and 9.4 rebounds. quarter and didn’t return. will meet twice more, on Embiid also sat November He had six points. Feb. 27 in New York and 1 for rest. 76ers: Harris sat for the March 2 in Philadelphia. In addition to Drum- fifth straight game, Thy76ers: Retired U.S. mond and Korkmaz, bulle for the second in a women’s soccer star Carli Philadelphia’s makeshift row and Joe missed his Lloyd rang the ceremonial starting five included third consecutive contest. Liberty Bell prior to the Danny Green, Seth Curry … Green (left hamstring) game. Lloyd is from nearby and Tyrese Maxey. returned after missing Delran, New Jersey.
BULLS PULL AWAY IN 4TH QUARTER WIN 118-95 TO SNAP NETS’ 5-GAME RUN By JOHN JACKSON Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) — DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points, Zach LaVine added 24 and the Chicago Bulls used a 42-point fourth quarter to pull away for a 118-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets last night. Rookie Ayo Dosumnu had 15 points and played a key role in the late rally as Chicago snapped a twogame losing streak. Kevin Durant, who entered as the NBA’s leading scorer with a 28.6 average, had 38 points but Brooklyn had its five-game winning streak snapped. LaMarcus Aldridge added 19. The Nets had played Sunday in Toronto and appeared to run out of gas late. Brooklyn held a 78-76 edge entering the final quarter. Aldridge hit a pair of free throws to open the scoring in the fourth, but Chicago responded with 13 straight points to take command. DeRozan had back-toback jumpers to tie the score at 80 and Dosunmu put Chicago back on top
with a free throw. Dosunmu then converted a threepoint play on the next possession to make it 84-80. Chicago stretched the lead to 89-80 before Durant scored the Nets’ first field goal of the fourth with 7:46 remaining. Alex Caruso countered with a 3-pointer to stretch the lead to double digits for the first time at 92-82. Nikola Vucevic added 11 points and 13 rebounds for Chicago, which had dropped back-to-back games to the Philadelphia 76ers. Unlike the previous three games, Chicago got off to a fast start and took a 35-27 lead after the first quarter. The Bulls were up 47-45 late in the second quarter before Brooklyn took control with 10 straight points, sparked by two 3-pointers by Joe Harris, for a 55-47 lead. The Nets led 57-51 at halftime, with Durant and Aldridge leading the way with 15 points apiece. TIP-INS Nets: They scored just 17 points in the fourth quarter. ... James Harden had 14 points and Blake Griffin had just two points
CHICAGO Bulls’ Derrick Jones Jr (5) gets airborne on a head fake by Brooklyn Nets’ LaMarcus Aldridge during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/ Charles Rex Arbogast) ... Aldridge came off the bench to go 7 for 8 from the field in the first half. Bulls: G Coby White (offseason left shoulder surgery) has been cleared to practice. “(Sunday) we had him work with some of the player development guys and (he) went through some contact,” coach Billy Donovan said. “He came out of that really good. He will practice with us tomorrow and he’ll make the trip with us out West.” There’s no timeline for when White will be ready to play in games.
GIBSON REBOUNDS IN WEEK 2 AFTER SLOW START By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net QYEMAH Gibson struggled offensively on opening weekend but rebounded in week two to lead his St Mary’s Huskies to a 4-0 record early in the Atlantic University Sport basketball season. Gibson finished with 22 points, six rebounds and two steals in the Huskies’ 80-59 win over the UNB Reds on November 5. He shot 9-16 from the floor, including 3-9 from threepoint range. In the second game of the back-to-back, Gibson had his first double double of the season with 21 points and 12 rebounds in a 93-82 win. He made a pair of threes and added two blocked shots in 40 minutes. Next up, the Huskies will host the St FX X-Men on Wednesday, November 10 and Saturday, November 13. Through four games, the third year forward is averaging 14.3 points and seven rebounds per game. On opening weekend, the Huskies had two comfortable wins over the Acadia Axemen. In game one, Gibson finished with six points and five rebounds (2-11 field goals and 1-6 from three-point range) and in game two nine points (3-10 shooting and 1-5 from three-point range). In year two, Gibson led the team in scoring and was seventh in the league at 15.4 points per game. He was also eighth in rebounding at 6.5 rebounds per game and was named a Second Team AUS Tournament All-Star. The Huskies have moved into first place because Shamar Burrows and the Dalhousie Tigers suffered their first loss of the season. In game of the weekend series, Burrows finished with five points and eight rebounds in just 20 minutes of the Tigers’ 84-77 over the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers. Burrows did not play in game two, an 85-72 win for the Panthers. Through three games he is averaging 12.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
PAGE 14, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Grizzlies rally to top Timberwolves in OT, 125-118 By CLAY BAILEY Associated Press MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant scored 33 points and Brandon Clarke had 20 points and nine rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies put together a furious fourth-quarter rally before defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-118 in overtime on Monday night. Memphis trailed by as many as 16 with 7:30 left in regulation but a 21-4 rally erased Minnesota’s advantage. The Timberwolves forced OT with a 39-foot 3-pointer banked in by Karl-Anthony Towns as regulation expired. But Memphis pulled away in the extra period, keyed by a rebound by Clarke with 22.7 seconds left. De’Anthony Melton had 19 points for the Grizzlies,
Jaren Jackson Jr. had 14 and Kyle Anderson and Desmond Bane added 12 each. It was Minnesota’s sixth straight loss. D’Angelo Russell, who missed the previous two games with a sprained right ankle, led the Timberwolves with 30 points. Towns had 25 points and 13 rebounds. Anthony Edwards, who entered the game shooting 30% from 3-point range, connected on 4 of 9 from outside the arc and ended up with 27 points. Memphis struggled in the third quarter to stop the Timberwolves — especially Russell, who scored 13 points in the frame, including connecting on 3 of 5 from outside the arc. Minnesota had an 11-point lead after the third quarter, which swelled to 16 in the fourth before the Grizzlies rallied.
MEMPHIS Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) passes the ball ahead of Minnesota Timberwolves centre Naz Reid (11) in the second half yesterday in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) TIP-INS his 200th career offensive Memphis lost to the Wiz- soreness and didn’t play. Timberwolves: Had only rebound in the second ards by 28 points on Friday. UP NEXT: played one road game this quarter. Are 4-1 at home. Have won Timberwolves: Play at season before Monday’s Grizzlies: Are now 8-2 seven straight over Min- Golden State on Wednesgame, which was the start in games after losses of nesota. Rookie F Ziaire day night. of a four-game road trip. … 19 points or more, dating Williams was listed as quesGrizzlies: Host Charlotte …G Josh Okogie grabbed to the start of last season. tionable with right wrist on Wednesday night.
Doncic, Mavericks overcome slow start, beat Pelicans 108-92 By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Sports Writer DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 25 points, Tim Hardaway Jr and Jalen Brunson added 17 apiece and the Dallas Mavericks overcame a sluggish start for a 108-92 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans last night. Still without Zion Williamson because of a broken right foot, the Pelicans went up 11 in the first quarter but didn’t lead again after the first few minutes of the second quarter in a seventh consecutive loss that dropped them to 1-10. With Doncic watching to start the fourth, Brunson and Hardaway led a 12-0 run that gave the Mavericks a 93-71 lead. Hardaway was 4 of 5 on 3-pointers as the Mavericks shot better than 50% for a second straight game after starting 2 of 12.
Kristaps Porzingis picked up three fouls in just 77 seconds in the second quarter after hitting consecutive 3-pointers late in the first to start a 22-4 run for a 38-31 Dallas lead. The 7-foot-3 Latvian left with nine points and didn’t score again until a late 3 that helped turn away a New Orleans surge after the game appeared out of reach. Porzingis had 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting and eight rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Josh Hart scored a season-high 22 for the Pelicans, who were coming off a 41-point loss to Golden State. New Orleans lost by double figures each time on a four-game trip that matched its longest of the season. TIP-INS Pelicans: Besides Williamson, the Pelicans were
without Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones. Ingram missed his fifth consecutive game with a right hip contusion. Jones was out for a third in a row with left ankle soreness. ... Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 points but was just 2 of 11 from 3. ... Devonte Graham had a season-high 10 assists. Mavericks: F Maxi Kleber missed his fourth straight game with a left oblique muscle strain. ... Reggie Bullock scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting. ... Brunson had six assists to five for Doncic. UP NEXT Pelicans: Oklahoma City visits Wednesday. The road team has won the past five games in the series. Mavericks: At Chicago on Wednesday to start a stretch of six out of seven games on the road. The Bulls have a three-game winning streak against the Mavs.
MAVERICKS centre Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots over Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) in the first half last night in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
BAARK: MINISTERS LENDING FULL SUPPORT TO INAUGURAL POTCAKE GOLF TOURNAMENT FROM PAGE 16 The tournament will be a two-man scramble with a $250 registration fee. Every dollar will be needed to assist BAARK when they receive a donation from a mobile clinic from a private donor to increase their spaying or neutering of animals on a yearly basis. Organisers are also encouraging persons to represent their respective islands or countries of birth or where they are descendants to make it more interesting. However, each island or country must have three teams of two persons. A minimum of three scores from each island or country will be added together with the best combined scores taking the floating trophy. It’s anticipated that there will be a full flight of 120 golfers participating, but organisers are not discouraging those persons and companies from just lending their financial support, even if they don’t participate. In addition to Aliv, the other sponsors include Odyssey, Think Simple,
Graham Real Estate, RBC Royal Bank of Canada, Simplified Lending, Tropix Express, Purina and Compass Solar and gold sponsors, Lennox Paton and Caribbean Bottling Company Limited as green sponsors, Insurance Management as the hole-in-one sponsors and Aquapure and Pet Food Institute as the other sponsors. Royal Caribbean is donating a seven-day cruise for two, while Comfort Suites has a three-night, two-day stay at their resort on Paradise Island, Albany Golf Club is offering golf and lunch for four, SuperClubs Breezes has a two-night stay, Sapodilla Restaurant will provide dinner for two and Tropic Ocean Airways is giving away two return flights from Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, Graycliff will provide cigars with custom labels, Ocean Golf Club will issue a round of golf for four, Bahamas Ferries has four round trip tickets to Harbour Island, along with various prizes from other corporate sponsors. Interested persons can contact 427-SPAY for more information.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, PAGE 15
Prince Strachan and Rams headed to the playoffs By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net PRINCE Strachan and his John Carroll Catholic High Golden Rams are headed to the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs. The senior wide receiver caught a 33-yard touchdown in the regular season finale - a 41-7 win over Melbourne Central Catholic in Port St Lucie, Florida. The Rams are listed as the No.5 seed in Class 2A, Region 4, and will face off against the No.4 seed True North Classical Academy
Titans, November 12 in Miami, Florida. Strachan led the Golden Rams in every receiving statistical category as the team concluded a shortened season at 5-2. In those seven games, he finished with 29 receptions for 623 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 21.5 yards per reception, with a long of 70 and 89 yards per game. Strachan had two multi touchdown reception games, three games with over 100 yards receiving and three games with at least five receptions. On opening day, Strachan
led his offence with eight catches for 158 yards in his team’s 27-9 win over Calvary Christian. Some of his other top performances included eight receptions for 79 yards and three touchdowns in a 21-19 loss to Orlando Christian Prep on October 15, three receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown in a 56-14 win over St John Paul Academy II on October 22 and five receptions for 162 and three touchdowns in a 42-14 win over King’s Academy on October 29. Last season, the Rams were eliminated in the Class 3A regional final and
finished the season 9-2. As a junior he had key contributions in both playoff wins. He finished with four receptions for 62 yards and one touchdown in a 33-27 win over First Academy in the opening round and followed with a 27-yard touchdown pass in a 48-13 win over the Holy Trinity Tigers in the semifinals. In 11 games of his junior year, Strachan finished with a team-leading 34 receptions for 633 yards and eight touchdowns. His yardage and touchdown totals were second on the team. He had just one game with over 100
WIDE receiver Prince Strachan caught a 33-yard touchdown in the regular season finale in Port St Lucie, Florida. receiving yards and two multi-touchdown games. He was also named to the ESPN West Palm Top 63 List for the class of 2021 and has picked up several NCAA offers at various levels, 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.
Odell Beckham Jr waived by Browns, can be claimed By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — Odell Beckham Jr is up for grabs. The challenging wide receiver, who has battled injuries the past few seasons, was waived yesterday by the Cleveland Browns and can now be taken by any NFL team at a $7.25 million price tag for the rest of the season. Beckham essentially forced his exit last week from the Browns, who traded for him 2 1/2 years ago but reached a point where they wanted to get out of the stormy relationship as badly as he did. The 29-year-old Beckham can be claimed on waivers — the Detroit Lions (0-8) get the first crack — but any team that takes him would have to pay his remaining salary. The Browns and Beckham’s agent agreed to restructure his deal last week by eliminating the two non-guaranteed years that were left. If Beckham clears waivers by Tuesday at 4pm, he’ll be a free agent and can sign with any team. In that case, the Browns will have to pay him $4.25 million for this season, $3 million less than they’d pay if he stayed on the roster.
CLEVELAND Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr (13) walks off of the field prior to the start of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 31 in Cleveland. The star wide receiver was excused from practice on November 3, a day after his father caused a stir before the trade deadline by sharing a video of quarterback Baker Mayfield not throwing passes to his son. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin) Lions coach Dan Campbell said the franchise, led by general manager Brad Holmes, is not interested
in claiming Beckham. “Our ears and eyes are open to everything and if there was a certain way to make
things work, we’d be open for just about any player if it made sense,” Campbell said Monday.
There are only ful teams with salary-cap space on Beckham’s
a handenough to take contract
this season, so it’s likely he won’t be picked up. Beckham thought playing in Cleveland gave him his best chance of getting to a Super Bowl, so it’s obvious he’ll want to join a contender. He’s not the playmaker he once was, but he can still stretch a defense. But there’s much more that comes with Beckham, who remains one of the league’s most popular players despite a dip in productivity. He had just two 100-yard games out of 29 with Cleveland. On Friday, the Browns announced their intention to release him, ending a strange week that began with his father, Odell Beckham Sr, posting a social media video of plays in which Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t throw the ball to his son. Mayfield was “surprised” by the public attack but said after Sunday’s win in Cincinnati that he had no hard feelings toward Beckham. “I wish him well,” Mayfield said. “From a personal standpoint, he’s a good friend of mine. We still haven’t talked, but that doesn’t change things. I wish him the best in his career, but I’m worried about the guys in our locker room.”
BOSWELL’S LATE FIELD GOAL LIFTS STEELERS PAST BEARS 29-27 By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer PITTSBURGH (AP) — Chris Boswell hit a 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds to go as the Pittsburgh Steelers held off the sloppy, mistake-prone Chicago Bears 29-27 last night. Boswell’s third field goal capped a frantic fourth quarter in which the Bears rallied from a 10-point deficit to take the lead, only to watch Ben Roethlisberger respond with the 50th game-winning drive of his 18-year career. Pittsburgh (5-3) appeared to have things well in hand, leading 23-13 midway through the fourth quarter. Then Chicago’s DeAndre Houston-Carson returned Ray-Ray McCloud’s fumbled punt return 25 yards for a touchdown, and Justin Fields found Darnell Mooney for a 16-yard strike with 1:46 remaining to give the Bears a 27-26 lead. It didn’t last. Roethlisberger directed the Steelers 52 yards in seven plays — aided by Chicago’s 12th penalty of the night — to set up Boswell for the winner. The Bears (3-6) made it to midfield as time wound down, but Cairo Santos’ 65-yard field goal attempt into the closed end at Heinz Field was well short. Rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth caught two touchdown passes for the Steelers, and rookie
on the franchise’s win list behind Chuck Noll. Tomlin has 150 victories, one more than predecessor Bill Cowher, who joined Noll in the Hall of Fame over the summer. Fields and Chicago’s offense struggled for three quarters before coming alive in the fourth. The 11th overall pick in this year’s draft passed for 291 yards and a score and ran for another 45 but it wasn’t quite enough. The Bears hoped the return of David Montgomery from a knee injury that sidelined Chicago’s leading rusher for more than a month would take a little bit of the pressure off Fields to try and do everything for the league’s worst offence. Nope. While Montgomery looked fresh, the Bears remained largely a disjointed mess until the fourth quarter. Fields seemed to spend as much time before the snap pointing his teammates in the right direction as he did surveying the defense. The result was another shaky performance for a team now in a four-game freefall.
PITTSBURGH Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the first half last night in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J Puskar) running back Najee Harris found the end zone for a fifth straight game as the Steelers won their 20th
straight home game in the NFL’s Monday night showcase. Freiermuth hauled in a 4-yard scoring pass from
Roethlisberger in the first quarter and added a leaping 10-yard grab in the third. Roethlisberger completed
21 of 30 passes for 205 yards without an interception to help coach Mike Tomlin move into second place
UP NEXT Bears: Are off next week, then welcome Baltimore to Soldier Field on Nov. 21. Steelers: Host Detroit next Sunday. Pittsburgh has won its last five meetings with the Lions.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021
CARIFTA Games set for Jamaica By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
A
fter a two-year hiatus, the CARIFTA Games - the region’s top junior track and field competition - will return to Jamaica over the Easter holiday weekend next year for the eighth time since its inception in 1972 to the island that has dominated, winning the overall crown all but five times.
The games were scheduled to be staged in Bridgetown, Barbados, next year to commemorate the 50th anniversary, but because of the absence of the three-day competition over the last two years because of the coronavirus pandemic, those celebrations have been pushed back. The last games took place at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town, Cayman Islands, in 2019. On Saturday at the North American, Central
American and Caribbean (NACAC) Special Congress, it was confirmed by the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association president Garth Gayle that the 2021 CARIFTA Games will take place from April 16-18 as a part of the plans for Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee of Independence. At the same time, it was confirmed that Jamaican sprinter Elaine ThompsonHerah and American shot putter Ryan Crouser were named as the NACAC’s Female and Male Athletes
of the Year by the sports writers in the region. NACAC president Mike Sands was elated that the pressure is now off in terms of where and when they will see the return of the CARIFTA Games and he’s even more appreciative of the JAAA and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange for agreeing to stage the event. “As you may be aware, I went down with the NACAC secretary general Keith Joseph and we met
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, Page 15
with the JAAA and the Minister of Sports and we pleaded our case because we were looking for a host and they agreed to do it following consultation with the Cabinet,” Sands said. “They came to the forefront to make it happen.” Jamaica first hosted the third edition of the games in 1974 back then on Independence Park. When they hosted the 40th edition in 2011, it was staged at the Montego Bay Sports
SEE PAGE 12
BAARK: MINISTERS LENDING THEIR FULL SUPPORT TO INAUGURAL POTCAKE GOLF TOURNAMENT
ORGANISERS of the inaugural Potcake Golf Tournament are pictured with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Clay Sweeting, tournament chairman Mario Carey, and Aliv CEO John Gomez. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net NEITHER may be able to be competitive on the course, but both Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Clay Sweeting are lending their full support to the inaugural Potcake Golf Tournament. Scheduled for December 12 at the Ocean Golf Club, the two newly appointed Progressive Liberal Party ministers joined Aliv’s chief executive officer John Gomez to help raise
$100,000 for Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK). Aliv is the title sponsor and according to Gomez, they are ready to ensure that the event is a success. Tournament chairman Mario Carey said their goal is an ambitious one for a tournament that has never been held before, but when they heard about the needs of BAARK, they jumped at the opportunity to assist with their tireless work of protecting and controlling the dog and cat population in the country. In partnering with Louisa Holowesko, Mark Carey and Rachel Hale,
Carey said funds raised will be used towards operational costs, including veterinary staff, supplies and ongoing outreach efforts. Garden Hills Member of Parliament Bowleg, who indicated that he intends to bring along former MP Leslie “Potcake” Miller to participate, said it’s important to bring awareness to the rights of animals as this initiative also proves that sports plays a vital role in various aspects in this country. “This first annual International Potcake Golf Tournament will assist BAARK with executing
their spay/neutering programme,” he said. “Pets are a major part of The Bahamian family. I too was once a pet owner of a potcake named Sally. “I am happy to know that these lovely animals are now finding homes in Canada and the United States.” Although he admitted that he may not be able to hit the golf ball as he would shoot a basketball, Bowleg said he will be in attendance to assist BAARK in achieving their goal and he encouraged business owners, all golf lovers and supporters to be a part of the inaugural event.
As the MP for Central and South Eleuthera, he said the island he now represents has seen tremendous support from BAARK even before he was elected. He noted that he’s excited that they will be back to continue their work on the island in December. He congratulated BAARK and the organisers of the tournament and noted that while he may not be able to hit the ball too far, he will be there to lend his support and his ministry will be behind him 100 percent.
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INCREASING VIRUS CASE NUMBERS DISRUPTING SPORTS AGAIN IN GERMANY KASSEL, Germany (AP) — Sports in Germany are facing a new wave of disruption caused by the coronavirus as the infection rate rises, with soccer games and the national boxing championships facing postponement. The German Boxing Association said yesterday it was moving next month’s national amateurs to April because local regulations would mean the event could be open only to people who have been vaccinated or are certified as having recently recovered from an infection. The association said it was postponing the championships so that any boxers who aren’t vaccinated would have enough time to get both doses of a vaccine before competing. Vaccine or recovery will still be required for the new dates. The announcement came on the same day that the national disease control centre, the Robert Koch Institute, said Germany hit a new record high infection rate of 201.1 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days. Also yesterday, a thirddivision men’s soccer game between Würzburg and Eintracht Braunschweig was postponed because of an outbreak at Würzburg, which said five players tested positive for the coronavirus. A second-division game was postponed last week over 18 cases among players and staff at Sandhausen. No fixtures in the Bundesliga have been postponed yet, unlike last season. Outbreaks among top clubs have generally been small, though Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann and Wolfsburg forward Wout Weghorst each missed Champions League games last month following positive tests.
PETION AND BUTTERS LEAD EAGLES TO DOMINANT WINS IN NAIA BASKETBALL By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net A PAIR of St George’s Jaguars alumni have teamed up at the collegiate level and have led the Williams Baptist Eagles to dominant wins on the opening weekend of the NAIA basketball season. Franklyn Petion and Shackeel Butters have led the Eagles to a margin of 30.5 points per win in their first two games of the season. In his debut with the programme,
Petion, a sophomore guard, had an immediate impact with a team high 20 points off the bench on 7-7 shooting from the field in a 107-72 win over the Champion Christian Tigers. Butters, a 6’6” senior forward, finished with seven points, five rebounds and three assists. In game two, Butters led the team with a double double - 13 points and 11 rebounds - in a 105-79 win over the Ecclesia College Tigers. Petion scored 11 points off the bench.
The Eagles continue their homestand today when they host Arkansas Baptist. Petion came to the Eagles following a twoyear stint with BUTTERS the Missouri State University - West Plains Grizzlies at the JuCo level. As a true freshman, he appeared in 29 contests and averaged 7.3 points per game. In
year two, he averaged 5.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in 12 appearances with one start. Butters has been a stalwart at the pivot spot for the Eagles after averaging double doubles in three consecutive seasons, and is one of two seniors on the roster. Last season, he was twice named American Midwest Conference Player of the Week and averaged a double double - 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. His junior season got cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Butters played in all 14
games, averaging 12.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. In his sophomore year, Butters received honourable mention AllAmerican and made the second team All-AMC. He averaged 11.9 rebounds and 11.7 points per game and shot 60 percent from the field. Another Jaguars alumni, Christopher Johnson, made his debut for the CCBC Catonsville Cardinals. Johnson finished with 13 points and eight rebounds in the Cardinals’ 75-64 win over the Bryant and Stratton College Bobcats.