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GOVT SEEKS TO LIFT DEMOLITION BLOCK

ALICIA WALLACE: ROUTE MAP TO END GENDERBASED VIOLENCE ALREADY THERE

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

Judge asked to scrap order preventing shanty town actions By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net THE government is seeking leave to appeal an interim injunction that barred it from destroying shanty town structures across Abaco until a Supreme Court judge delivers her decision on a judicial review on the demolition of the unregulated communities. The Office of the Attorney General is also asking the court to make an order to ensure all “further

proceedings” concerning the injunction ruling “be stayed” pending the determination of their appeal. Attorney Kayla Green-Smith made the submissions on behalf of the Crown while presenting the prospective grounds of appeal they will take to the Appellate Court, if Justice Cheryl-Grant Thompson grants them leave. In June, the judge ordered her standing injunction, which prohibits the government from SEE PAGE SEVEN

CONFUSION OVER FURLOUGH CUTOFF By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

the contradictory sameday announcements made last week by Senator Ryan Pinder, the attorney general, and the Prime Minister’s press secretary. Clint Watson, giving the weekly press briefing by the Prime Minister’s Office, said the clock would start running from December 12, 2021, on the Government’s decision to extend the furlough period by an extra 90 days. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

REMEMBER CROWDS? A BUSY Downtown area yesterday with passengers from the cruise ships in port exploring and shopping.

Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS

FOURTH WAVE FEARS WILL ROYAL CARIBBEAN CLUB LEAD TO BOOSTER ROLLOUT AGREEMENT ‘OUTRAGEOUS’ LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville says the government is planning to roll out booster vaccine shots to immunocompromised Bahamians and residents before year’s

end amid mounting concerns of a possible fourth COVID-19 wave. Earlier this week, Dr Darville told The Tribune local officials were examining whether to offer third shots to Bahamians with weakened immune systems, including residents over the age of 60. SEE PAGE FOUR

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ENVIRONMENTAL group Save The Bays says the details of Royal Caribbean International’s lease for the western end of Paradise Island are “simply outrageous” and that Prime

Minister Philip “Brave” Davis should cancel the project. Tribune Business reported yesterday how the Minnis administration effectively gave RCL a minimum 150-year lease over seven Crown Land SEE PAGE SEVEN

GUNMAN KILLS VICTIM OUTSIDE HOUSE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating the latest murder which took place on Quakoo Street last night. Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters said yesterday: “Sometime after 9pm police were alerted to gunshots via shot-spotter technology on Quakoo Street. Officers were dispatched and on

A BODY is taken from the scene of last night’s shooting. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff arrival of first responders they met two males lying on

the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. “EMS was summoned to the scene and following their assessment one of the victims succumbed to his injury and the other was transported to the hospital where his condition is not known at this time. Preliminary information is that two males were standing outside a residence talking to one another when they SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

TECHNOLOGY - A NUCLEAR REACTOR FOR THE MOON?

- SEE PAGE NINE

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 3

Cabbage Beach access row nears resolution LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net TOURISM, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper says government is very “close” to resolving concerns relating to Cabbage Beach access, suggesting the matter could be concluded in the “next week or so”. He said discussions between government officials and relevant stakeholders concerning the beach’s access remained ongoing, but added there were many “teething issues” being addressed by his ministry. However, he declined to elaborate on exactly what those issues entailed. Mr Cooper made the comments when asked for an update on the matter before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. He said: “Cabbage Beach has been a vexing problem for several administrations and we are continuing discussions with the owners and the neighbours and the businesses in the area as well as the police so this is a complicated issue that’s a vexing problem and our government’s position is that Bahamians have a right to beach access.

“That is our position, and we are working through the teething issues and there are many of them and suffice to say, there is access to the beach through an alternative entry point. That continues to remain open on weekends. Bahamians can access the beach as normal and there’s one particular entrance way that’s a question... it’s an ongoing issue for the weekend and some problems in the area. “I don’t want to discuss specific problems in relation to neighbouring businesses, etc, but suffice it to say that we’re working along with the stakeholders to resolve the issue once and for all.” In June, vendors who operate on Cabbage Beach protested after an access point to the beach was closed. The group was further angered after discovering their property had been removed from the beach and stacked on the side of the road. Access Industries, the company that owns the land, said the entry point to the beach was closed for safety purposes while clearing work for a condominium hotel is being done. At the time, former Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar said he was “blindsided” by the move.

POLICE at the scene last year after Cabbage Beach vendors discovered the entrance locked and their items relocated. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff Asked yesterday if access are close to resolving the marched with protestors to homeowners to cordon off to the beach was private or issue and I believe in the remove a fence blocking the access to beaches torn down. public, the Deputy Prime course of the next week or same access point. Mr Ingraham said no Minister replied: “I don’t so, everyone will be happy.” During his last term in Bahamian should be forwant to comment any furIn 2016, former Prime Min- office, former Prime Min- bidden from going on any ther in relation to the access ister Dr Hubert Minnis, who ister Hubert Ingraham had beach as no beach in the itself. Suffice to say that we was in opposition at the time, fences erected by private country was private.

‘BRING STAFF BACK OR PAY SEVERANCE’ URGES UNION By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE GRAND Lucayan Resort.

GRAND LUCAYAN CONCLUSION ‘SOON’ LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS are hoping to soon bring a conclusion to the Grand Lucayan deal, according to Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper yesterday. “We are in the final phase of discussions with RCL in relation to the Our Lucaya matter and until those discussions are concluded, I wouldn’t want to make any further pronouncements on it,” Mr Cooper said when asked for an update on the deal. In early March 2020, the Minnis administration along with Royal Caribbean International and ITM Group signed an agreement for a $300m investment to transform the Grand Lucayan. At the time, the move was hailed as a tool to revive Grand Bahama’s beleaguered economy. However, the sale was stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according

to then Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. “I’ve indicated my view publicly as to what I think of the deal itself,” Mr Cooper said further. “RCL is a longstanding partner of The Bahamas. They’ve been here for 50 years. They’ve recently launched new ships and last week, we welcomed a new cruise liner to The Bahamas. “They have other interests in Grand Bahama and they have other interest in Nassau as well so you know when there is a marriage as long as the one we have with RCL, everyday isn’t going to be Sunday. But suffice to say the issue in Grand Bahama as it relates to Our Lucaya, in the view of this government, has gone on too long and I can tell you we’re close to resolution in relation to that specific matter.” Pronouncements of a nearly completed deal are not new. In March, Mr D’Aguilar described the sale of the Grand Lucayan as being on the “cusp” of conclusion,

however the sale was never finalised before the Minnis administration was voted out of office in September. Since being elected to office, Mr Cooper has not shied away from expressing disappointment with the agreement, which he has since called an “egregiously bad” one. Asked yesterday how confident he was in bringing the matter to a close given the fact that his predecessor had made similar comments while in government, Mr Cooper replied: “I don’t speak for my predecessor. Let me tell you that. I’ve been in office for eight weeks and we’ve begun the discussions in earnest with our partners. My approach to this job is one of collaboration and speaking with the stakeholders.” “Suffice it to say that RCL knows my position. The position of our government is very clear as it relates to the deal itself. We’ve said it publicly and RCL understands very clearly what the discussion is about.”

BAHAMAS Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union president Darrin Woods said officials are eager for employers to follow the provisions of the Employment Act once again and either give severance packages to long furloughed workers who they intend to make redundant or return those employees to work. Clint Watson, press secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed last month that the Davis administration will not continue suspending the relevant provision of the Employment Act that allows employers to furlough workers during the pandemic. Although the policy change could result in some people losing their jobs, Mr Woods yesterday said this is not a concern. “It is not a concern because at the end of the day this has been going on for almost two years now,” he said. “There is fatigue. People just want some closure to this. We just want the law to be followed and for employers to bring

finality to this whole situation with persons out on furlough so that they can move on with their lives one way or another.” Mr Woods could not say how many hotel workers are currently furloughed. “We had a meeting last week for persons to indicate how many are still out on furlough so we don’t know the numbers as yet,” he said. Mr Woods said “some (employees) want to go back (to work) and some just want to part ways” and be paid their severance package. Former Labour Director John Pinder recently said there are pros and cons to the policy shift. “Our economy shows some sign of further rebounding where businesses are now making money and if they can afford to bring back staffers it might be feasible to do what the administration is doing,” Mr Pinder said. “The extra 30 days gives them an opportunity to remodel their businesses or they have to find monies to pay those persons or make them redundant. I don’t know if the economy has rebounded to the point where businesses are booming for them to do so.”

MINISTER’S PLEA TO PRIVATE BUSINESSES TO HIRE GOVT WORKERS LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

STATE Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle has urged private sector employers to consider engaging workers who are part of the government’s 52-week job programme. Yesterday, Mrs GloverRolle reiterated her concerns about the large numbers of people being paid for work they have not done because her ministry simply has nowhere to place them. Some, she said, remain unposted because, upon assuming office, the Davis

administration placed “an immediate hold” on those hires pending a status review. Meanwhile, others are not consistently showing up for work among other reasons. The situation has resulted in a hiring freeze in the public service, which will remain in place until an audit of the service is completed in 2022. “Since July, 233 people were engaged (by the previous administration),” she told reporters before going to Cabinet yesterday. “We have 88 (workers) we would have placed on

hold because we don’t have anywhere to place them and we have about 68 that are reporting but having some issues of attendance and then we have another ten to 12 that are signing and we don’t have anywhere to place them.” Mrs Glover-Rolle conceded that it is unfair to waste the Bahamian taxpayers’ money like this and called on those in the private sector to reach out to her ministry if they’re interested in hiring some of those workers. She said ministry officials will cross-check skill sets and find those most suitable

to meet the needs of the respective employers. “I think it’s important in responsible governance that there’s accountability and transparency. The taxpayer’s money is being used to fund the salaries of these workers and they’re not providing basically a decent day’s work for the pay that they are receiving. “So, what I have sought to do, and what I’m seeking to do, is to engage some private sector employers (and) persons who may be interested in engaging our workers who are already on the government’s payroll in some

decent work and I know this will fall well with businesses that are now trying to re-open and bounce back from what may have been extended periods of lockdowns or their businesses being shuttered, so, of course, I would extend to the private sector employers that we haven’t already reached out to reach out to the public service to see if we have employees where we can place them based on their skill sets or the needs of your businesses.” Asked if this means those workers will be disengaged by the Davis administration,

Mrs Glover-Rolle said this was not the case. “No, the programme itself we have always invited private and public to engage the workers so it would mean that they would remain on the payroll but would’ve been engaged in decent work in the private sector. If the taxpayer’s money is being spent, we should ensure that decent work is engaged and that is the critical part of the process.” According to the minister, the government’s 52-week employment programme is budgeted at some $11m.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Fourth wave fears will lead to booster rollout from page one

Yesterday, he told reporters that given the imminent concerns about another virus wave hitting the country, officials decided to make the shots available to best protect those most vulnerable against the disease. According to Dr Darville, officials are now in the final stages of developing a platform to assist with the distribution of third doses. He also added the system should be launched sometime this week or next week. “We’ve clearly indicated that we’re looking now to give the third jab to the immunocompromised and the platform for that is being done as we speak and so hopefully this week or next week we will launch that platform,” the minister said before heading into yesterday morning’s Cabinet meeting. “We’re concerned about the possibility of a fourth wave and those individuals who are at high risk, we will like for them to get their third jab in order to protect them and prevent them from being hospitalised and the possibility of demise.” Asked if Bahamians can expect the shots to be rolled out before year’s end, the minister replied: “Definitely before the end of the year”. This comes after the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that it will be authorising booster shots for all adults over 18. The CDC said Americans over 50 as well as those 18 and older who live in longterm care facilities “should” get booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. All adults over 18 “may” get booster doses, according to the CDC. Recipients of Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose vaccine were already cleared

MINISTER of Health and Wellness Michael Darville. to get a booster at least two months after their initial shot. Officials in the United Kingdom have also cleared the AstraZeneca vaccine as a booster shot. Dr Darville said: “We’ve been reading the CDC reports and we realise that many countries across the world are offering the booster shots. For that, we are definitely looking at it in our consultative committee but

at this particular time the final stages are being put together in order to for us to launch the third dose for immunocompromised individuals while we beef up our vaccination campaign throughout New Providence, the Family Island and Grand Bahama for residents everywhere.” According to the government’s latest vaccine tracker, 143,434 people in The Bahamas have been

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff fully vaccinated against the virus, while 141,983 have received at least one vaccine dose. In terms of daily COVID19 infections, data from the Ministry of Health show that cases continue to trend downward, with only 223 cases still active as of November 21. The stabilised COVID-19 situation in country comes as some countries, including the US and much of

Europe, are seeing a rise in virus numbers. Yesterday, Dr Darville advised Bahamians travelling abroad ahead of the holiday season to continue adhering to the recommended health measures. He said: “For those travelling to the United States, some things are essential – mask wearing, do not take it for granted. Make sure you have a high-quality mask and make sure you

keep the mask on in public spaces.” “Make sure you wash your hands when you are in the store shopping, try to be as socially distant as you possibly can. The CDC has published some results that clearly indicate that mask wearing reduces the possibility of transmission for COVID and we encourage every Bahamian to do so locally as well as when they’re abroad.”

20,000 VACCINATED IN GB Private Funeral Service for Perrie Alfonso “Magic” Peet (Williams), 63 a resident of Mason Addition, will be held at Old Trail Cemetery, Old Trail Road, on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Antonio Beckford. Perrie was predeceased by his Parents: Radford Williams & Evangeline Peet; 3 Brothers: George Brooks, Antonio Butler & Phillmore Williams Sr.; and 1 Sister: Celeste Brown Loving memories will forever be engraved in the hearts of his Brother: Min. Trevor (Antonette) Williams; 5 Sisters: Andrea & Sharon Lockhart, Davina (Ricardo) Peters, Carol Brown & Min Gloria (Ernesto Sr.) Colebrooke; 2 Uncles: Dec. Ellis Sr. (Vernincha) & Dec. Arthur (Inez) Peet; 1 Aunt: Sylvia Russell; 18 Nephews: Kato, Leonardo, Anton, Brenardo, Robertino, Samuel, Ricardo, Julian, Anton, Ali, Reno, Trevor Jr., Jarvis, Thackray, Labosky, Phillmore Jr., Ernesto Jr. & Clint; 11 Nieces: Shantell, Vanessa, Shamika, Natanya, Katrina (Dion), Raquel, Antoneisha, Tawanna, Trevornique, Corlette & Antonya; 5 Grand Nephews: Demark, Morekeo, Morris, Moreceo & Nathaniel; 11 Grand Nieces: Shantavia, Shanbrea, Daysha, Tavarria, Camryn, Leah, Katherine, Jada, Talayea, Saria, Laneah; Cousins: Sean, Orson, Yvette, Tamia, Eva, Dianne, Gloria, Peggy, Christine, Edith, Monique, Larry, Ellis Jr., Doyle, Cyril, Vincent, Devon, Karen, Jennifer, Ruby, Renee, Linda, Carrah, Erica, Benita, Patronia, Shaherah, Verdant, Terrance & Glenroy. A host of other relatives and friends including: Anthony Thurston, Christine Smith & family, the Bain Family, Hepburn Family, Marshall Family, Buchanan Family, the Mason Addition Family, Fort Fincastle Family, The Doctors, Nurses, & Staff of PMH, especially the cafeteria staff, Pastor Diana Francis & First Baptist Family, Pastor Antonio Beckford & the New Light Ministries Family, Pastor Quinty Sears & the Prophetic Kingdom Encounter Ministry, the Brougham Street Family, Bernadette Braynen & Family. Please forgive us if we have forgotten anyone, it was not intentional. Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABOUT 20,000 persons today are fully vaccinated in Grand Bahama, but there is a concern over the significant drop-off in COVID-19 vaccinations recently on the island. Dr Freeman Lockhart, Medical Chief of staff at the Grand Bahama Health Services, said that the number of persons vaccinated is reasonable given the population of 45,000. However, he stressed that many still are not coming forward to be vaccinated. According to statistics provided by Dr Lockhart, 9,000 persons have received the second dose of Astra Zeneca vaccine; 7,000 received the second dose of Pfizer; and 2,200 the single dose of Johnson & Johnson. “So, we have about 20,000 persons in Grand Bahama who are fully vaccinated,” he said. Dr Lockhart stated that the drop-off in vaccinations is experienced not only in The Bahamas, but globally. There is a concern, he said, about a possible fourth surge in COVID-19 infections worldwide. He said this is the case because people have returned to pre-COVID behaviour and activity. Driving around the island, he stated that healthcare providers are witnessing large gatherings of persons who are not adhering to public health guidelines. “At the fish fry, the numbers there are huge, and very few persons are wearing masks, and no one is social distancing,” Dr Lockhart said. “On this island, there is

always a feeling among us as health care providers that there is likely to be another surge from COVID-19, given the behaviour we are seeing...because persons are dropping their guard.” Dr Lockhart stressed that COVID is still among us in Grand Bahama. He stated that unvaccinated persons are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and dying. He said they are now moving from the single vaccination centre, particularly at the Susan J Wallace Centre, and going out into the various communities by mobile vaccination unit. “The numbers have dropped off so much to the point where we pretty much take the vaccines to the masses,” the hospital official said. The mobile vaccination unit has travelled into West End, Eight Mile Rock, and East End. And there are plans to go to all the industrial facilities in Freeport, according to Dr Lockhart. “One of the reasons for that is because persons are just not taking advantage of stepping forward to be vaccinated. “We have seen a huge drop in the numbers of persons receiving the vaccine. What is so fascinating is that a lot of persons seem to have difficulty making up their mind.” Dr Lockhart said when there was only the Astra Zeneca, the argument was that there were not enough options available. “Whatever the reason, persons are just not stepping forward,” Dr Lockhart said. Like other vaccines, he explained that the COVID vaccine is no different and does not prevent people

from getting the infection. “Being vaccinated for COVID does not prevent you from getting COVID. It reduces the symptoms and the chances of you ending up in the hospital,” said Dr Lockhart. “Yes, we have had patients who have been vaccinated who have ended up in hospital. They developed COVID, tested positive for COVID, and became symptomatic. But by and large from our statistics, none of them have died; none of these patients have gone on a ventilator; all of those patients were discharged. “So, that is what we are trying to drive as it relates to the COVID vaccine. That is what we are trying to convince a lot of the persons who are dragging their feet about it,” he said. Dr Lockhart said vaccination is still the best treatment available. “Even now today we still don’t have a good handle or outcome for persons winding up in the hospital, and especially persons who wind up in hospital in ICU intubated. Our track record here in Grand Bahama is extremely poor as it relates to persons who wind up on a ventilator. That is why vaccinations remain the buzzword as it relates to the management of COVID19,” he said. He urged people to observe public health guidelines by wearing masks, social distancing and sanitising. “I encourage you to reach out to your neighbours and churches and schools and friends and encourage them to get vaccinated because even though the vaccine is not a cure, it is the best tool in the toolbox to fight against COVID,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 5

Moss calls for national anti-crime strategy BAHAMAS Against Crime executive director Rev C B Moss yesterday called for a comprehensive national anti-crime strategy, noting that the scourge of crime has continued to ravage Bahamian society. In a press statement Rev Moss said over the years the many strategies implemented by previous administrations have failed. He called on Bahamians to help repair the issue. “Under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has dominated the local news for nearly two years, the scourge of crime has been ravishing our society,” Rev Moss said of the situation. “This is especially true concerning homicides which today, according to our figures, is significantly more than the total for the year 2020, and there appears to be no slowing down. “In spite of assurances from official quarters it is quite obvious that a comprehensive national anti-crime strategy is desperately needed. The many police strategies implemented over the years are clearly inadequate, and have failed. “The police alone will not succeed, nor will the

politicians alone. Crime is a societal problem, and only when all sectors of society are engaged in a collective effort will we see any meaningful progress. We can do it, with strong principled leadership. “Let’s fix it.” On Sunday night police said a murder happened on Murray Street, Sunshine Park. Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters said police were following significant leads in the matter. “Police were called to Murray Street, Sunshine Park, sometime after 8pm as a result of a report received of gunshots in this community,” he said. “On the arrival of the first responders they were directed to the western side of a house where they discovered the body of a male lying on the ground unresponsive. “Emergency medical services responded and following their examination of the male he was pronounced lifeless.” Last week a man was shot multiple times in broad day light in Bimini. The man remains in critical condition in hospital and one of two men involved in the incident is in police custody.

GUNMAN KILLS VICTIM OUTSIDE HOUSE

from page one were approached by a lone gunman who discharged his weapon in their direction, injuring both, and one was fatally wounded.” ASP Peters said the men are in their mid-20s and are residents of the area. A BODY is pictured being taken from the scene of last night’s shooting. Photo: Racardo Thomas/ Tribune Staff

‘WE NEED MORE SHELTERS FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS’ By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

AS public discourse surrounding domestic abuse continues in the country, an activist has called for the establishment of new shelters for victims. According to President of Families of All Murder Victims Khandi Gibson, domestic violence is prevalent in the country for both men and women alike.

Given her experience in assisting victims, Ms Gibson said more must be done. “We don’t have anger management no more,” she said. “We can’t contain our anger. When we’re angered, someone has to feel something. Before its even getting to the hitting part, one you would’ve detected that your spouse, your mate has a violent tendency, speak early, seek counselling.

“I would want the community to start and get involved and I feel like we need to now invest in shelters. We need to invest in shelters so where women want to flee, they could flee and go to these places. “When you go to entities, they’ll accommodate for just a week or two weeks. You can’t rebuild your life or regroup or rethink in the space of two weeks. You still (are in) the grieving

process. You (are) still uncertain. You don’t know where to go. “A shelter would be four to six weeks. That gives you ample time to probably get your car on the road. That gives you ample time to put your children to different schools.” Dr Calae Philippe, Department of Gender and Family Affairs director, previously spoke about the issue of safe houses. She explained: “We also

have the challenge where you go to a safe house and it’s supposed to be safe and you calling the person and you’re exposing the safe house so it’s a whole culture if we’re going to have the safe house. Even then, it’s only about two weeks that you can stay in a safe house. Where are you going if you’re financially dependent on this person? Who is going to pay your salary – the government? Who is going to take care

of the child? The safe house is only a gap, only a time period then we must figure out what’s the next step.” Public outcry was sparked when CCTV footage showed a woman, who was holding a young child, being abused in the street earlier this month. Activists have repeatedly called for real action when it comes to curbing the occurrence of domestic violence.

WOMAN ‘THREATENED WITH SHOTGUN’ TELLS COURT SHE WANTS TO DROP CASE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of frightening his former girlfriend and their young child with a shotgun was discharged after the woman told a magistrate

she no longer wanted to go through with the case after consulting God. Jason Johnson, 41, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after he was accused of using a firearm to put his former partner and their 11-yearold daughter in fear on

WAGE MOVE ‘SOON’ LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A REASONABLE “workable” wage for Bahamian workers is “coming very soon”, according to Immigration and Labour Minister Keith Bell. Minister Bell made the statement before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting when he also told reporters that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis recommitted his government to addressing outstanding labour issues during a meeting with the country’s unions. That meeting was held early yesterday morning with Minister Bell and officials of umbrella unions along with their subsidiaries inclusive of unions representing “nurses, doctors, hotel and immigration” officers. Although Mr Bell did not want to disclose the details of that meeting, he said issues relating to overtime pay among other things were addressed. He said: “We had a meeting with the unions this morning and the... Prime Minister addressed the unions directly and indicated that this is a government which has heard their concerns, their issues and at this morning’s meeting at Cabinet we intend to

address a number of those matters. I cannot speak too much about it because I don’t want to pre-empt anything the Prime Minister would want to address today. “There are a number of agreements that have many outstanding issues – pay, issues relating to wage, hours of work, overtime, etc, and so all of those matters we will be discussing today.” In the lead up to the general election, the Minnis administration continued to face union unrest sparked by unresolved workplace grievances. A month before election, the Progressive Liberal Party signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas and Trade Union Congress promising to ensure longstanding union issues were resolved. A number of union leaders later revealed they had not been involved in the MoU and distanced themselves from it. In a tweet yesterday, press secretary Clint Watson confirmed that Mr Davis had met with the Commonwealth Trade Union Congress, saying he set the “tone that abuse of workers must end”. “He also announced a new programme agreed by Cabinet to benefit workers,” Mr Watson added.

November 19. Johnson was also accused of indecently assaulting the woman by touching her chest without her permission that same day. However, before the charges could be read to him, the woman told the court she “took the time to

pray” and “felt it would not be best” to send her children’s father to prison. The woman explained that she and Johnson had two children together and insisted he was a “good father” to them. Nonetheless, she said she would still like to have

him bound over to keep the peace and placed on child support so “he can go his separate way” and she can go hers. When Magistrate McKinney asked the woman how the accused could be considered a good father if he pulled a gun on their

11-year-old child, the woman said she never told police that Johnson assaulted anyone with a firearm. After reminding the woman that making a false report was a crime, Magistrate McKinney dismissed the case. Johnson was subsequently discharged.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Let the court decide on shanty towns THE plans for free COVID tests are coming soon. The solution to the Cabbage Beach access row is coming soon. Plans for a “workable” wage are coming soon. The Grand Lucayan conclusion is coming soon. All these promises of things that haven’t quite happened yet, so what’s a government to do? Rattle the sabre on shanty towns again! It won’t be the first government to resort to such measures – after all, back in 2017, then Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told illegal migrants to leave the country by the end of the year or they would be “aggressively pursued and deported”. Here we are, four years later, and the government is once again turning back to the same old topic, this time taking on shanty towns again. But why? After all, the court is already deciding on the matter. The government is appealing an interim injunction that barred it from demolishing shanty towns across Abaco until a Supreme Court judge delivers her decision on a judicial review on the demolition of the unregulated communities. The government position is that the judge was wrong and there were “several errors” in the court’s decision. Fred Smith, QC, doesn’t hold back in his thoughts on the move, saying it is “nothing more than an abuse of the process of the court” – and that the actual written judgement might even arrive before the hearing of the appeal, as it is currently being written. He said: “This appeal may therefore be academic and it is going to be an extremely costly appeal for the government itself, for the appellant and for the time of the judge and the Court of Appeal… What more abusive use of the court’s precious judicial resources than to persist (and) for what?” He’s right. Let the court get on with making its decision rather than wasting time on an appeal that might not be relevant by the time it’s heard. The government may win its case entirely, so let the judge decide. Of course, governments seldom lose favour by looking tough on migration, so even if it throws another bucket load of money at this case, there will be few who criticise them for doing so. What we would say however is that this is a case that does need a resolution. Arguing over the interim injunction is neither here nor there in the bigger picture – although it does affect those

caught in the middle. What we need is a decision on the larger case. There are issues of dealing with migration that need a substantial overhaul, and ensuring the law is clear so that it can be followed both by migrants and officials is a big step along the way. There is far more that still needs addressed – including the catalogue of concerns over the years about alleged abuses at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, about detainees who have been beaten, held illegally or who have gone missing. This court case is just one part in that larger picture – but for goodness sake, just let the court get on with its decision. The difference in time might be no more than a few weeks, so let us have a considered verdict, not a short-term challenge.

Grand Lucayan

Another saga that has been long rumbling is the Grand Lucayan deal. Officials are apparently hoping to soon bring that to a conclusion, with Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper saying that the government is in the final phase of discussions. These discussions are of course a year and a half after a deal was signed by the Minnis administration for a $300m investment. The pandemic has been cited as a reason for the delay – but that same deal sits there still signed. We all hope that a future for the Grand Lucayan can be secured. It can be a significant cornerstone in the Grand Bahama tourism market. But the delays and uncertainty have dragged on for a long time now. We see other hotels boasting of 90 percent occupancy this Thanksgiving weekend, and the Grand Lucayan still sits there with its future uncertain. We wish Mr Cooper well in these latest discussions – even though he calls the previous agreement “egregiously bad”. It will be interesting indeed to compare any deal he negotiates with the one he found so terrible. That said, those who will feel the difference most will be the workers of Grand Bahama if the hotel succeeds, not just the hotel staff but those in the surrounding economy. It will be a major boost for the area indeed if it can be a success, and we should all wish for nothing less.

Clarity on civil service and costs EDITOR, The Tribune. DIDN’T the new Government promise more rational approaches to governance and social responsibility? Since COVID started the Civil Service was not cut – put on shorten hours or in any manner or way had their usual remuneration, wages cut. Question: Pension for a Civil Servant is not contributory, they don’t pay – these are hard times, surely it is reality time and the honourable Civil Service who benefitted with full pay for the duration of COVID should now agree to some contribution to the costs of Government pensions

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net which in the Supplementary Budget were increased? All Civil Servants, old and new, who are on permanent staff. Does the Civil Servant pay for their Health Insurance? If not, why not some contribution is surely reasonable and there needs to be a clause which limits the policy to rush for any medical complaint to Miami for services easily provided for in Nassau? Surely this would lower the premium, heard over $100m per year — imagine if we retained 25-50% of the premium and retained

those health services claims presented by Florida or US Medical institutions... a massive impact on our Health services sector... doesn’t Government want expansion? Saw that Government, actually Customs, are seeking new vehicles — has the past use of leasing been cancelled? I see a lot of new red plates... this is something we can control and not waste where we don’t have to. Reality, Editor, not the headline after headline that misses the real story of our economy and what must be done and done now. J MOSS Nassau, November 15, 2021.

A call for collective action EDITOR, The Tribune. UNDER the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic which has dominated the local news for nearly two years, the scourge of crime has been ravishing our society. This is especially true concerning homicides which today, according to our figures, is significantly more than the total for the year 2020, and there

appears to be no slowing down. In spite of assurances from official quarters it is quite obvious that a comprehensive national anti-crime strategy is desperately needed. The many Police strategies implemented over the years are clearly inadequate, and have failed. The Police alone will not succeed, nor will the

Show us the viability of sporting events EDITOR, The Tribune. SEE the pre-event PR for the US Football Bowl on December 14th has started. Ministry of Tourism... Ministry of Sports please confirm – show the viability of sponsoring this event? The visual on ESPN or whatever Network the event is aired is empty bleachers at Thomas Robinson a positive image? Unlike the only successful sports event the Atlantis

Collegiate basketball event this Bowl event does little or nothing to boost tourism. I read that the Ministry of Sports is wasting their time trying to spend a $1m or so on the IAAF relays... again empty bleachers and few visitors... Minister, do athletes indulge in drinking and gambling? No. Unless a sporting event fills the hotels forget it. Even after we dropped IAAF the event went to Japan the stands in the

stadium were empty! If the good Minister doesn’t understand the current fiscal position of The Bahamas he better find out or someone responsibly advise him...we don’t have loose money to waste! Grand Bahama Stadium ....you got to be joking. Yes, a scrooge, but fiscally responsible. T JOHNSON Nassau, November 6, 2021.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 7

Govt seeks to lift demolition block from page one evicting shanty town residents and disconnecting services in their communities, be extended to include all unregulated communities in Abaco. She also ordered the government to “cease and desist” from “any further interference” with the respective communities until the outcome of the pending judicial review and also admonished officials for moving to demolish the structures without first getting approval from the court. Yesterday, Mrs Green Smith argued that there were “several errors” in the court’s decision. “First, the judge’s reasoning paid no regard in our humble view and is irreconcilable with the fact that the grounds of the judicial review relate to three alleged decisions and that’s the possession decision, the utilities decision and the notices decision,” she said. “Each of these alleged decisions is said to have been taken by one or more of the respondents in the period between January and August of 2018. In our humble view, the resolution of completed issues will not therefore determine or affect the legality of the actions of the government taken following Hurricane Dorian.” Mrs Green Smith said this fact proved there was “no proper legal or factual basis” for an injunction that restrained the government’s activities until the determination of the substantive issues. She said Justice GrantThompson was wrong to “balance the rights of persons living in the shanty towns with the change of circumstances,” because the rights of the people residing in the shanty towns

DEMOLITION taking place at a shanty town in Abaco last year. post-Dorian will not be appeared that the judge determined by the judicial “misunderstood the operareview. tion of the 2019 Act in a She said this meant there fundamental way.” She conwas “no logical or rational tended it was also wrong for basis for seeking to balance the judge to rule the court those historic rights that could decide when powers are in the judicial review under the DRA could be with the change of circum- exercised. stances, which by definition “The grounds of appeal was not in issue. set out are arguable “The learned judge grounds with realistic prosalso erred in considering pects of success and we also that it was appropriate to submit it is an issue of great restrain the exercise of public interest for the court powers under the 2019 to examine,” Mrs Green Act, misunderstood the Smith said. “And on these meaning and operation of grounds, we say the Court the Act and overstepped of Appeal should allow the court’s proper consti- our appeal and reverse tutional bounds in ruling the ruling of the learned that the powers under the judge.” Act could not be exercised Fred Smith, QC, the lead without the sanction of a counsel, Martin Lundy II, court,” Mrs Green Smith and others represent the continued. applicants in the matter. “In that regard, the While responding to the learned judge failed to rec- Crown’s submission yesterognise that after a disaster day, Mr Smith insisted the zone has been declared court should be “astute” under the 2019 Act, it is the in managing the resources Disaster Reconstruction of the judiciary both at the Authority which exercises Supreme Court and Court powers under that Act. of Appeal levels to “avoid The DRA is a separate and abusive, frivolous (and) independent legal entity unmeritorious appeals from the government and which have no prospect of is not a party to the judicial success on the appeal.” review proceedings.” He added: “In respect Mrs Green Smith said of the stay application, my in view of this fact, it friend rightly pointed out

ROYAL CLUB DEAL ‘OUTRAGEOUS’ from page one

acres on Paradise Island for its multi-million Beach Club project. RCL has long maintained their project would create numerous jobs for Bahamians and would prominently feature Bahamian art, culture and the work of local entrepreneurs. The company is investing $50m to develop a beach club destination, a move it expects to generate an extra $26m in visitor spending. STB said in a statement yesterday: “It is baffling that the former Minnis administration would allow mandatory renewals of Crown Land leases to foreign companies – to the tune of 150 years – to be written into any agreement. That land does not belong to the government to do with as it pleases; it is only held in trust by elected

officials, to be used for the benefit of the Bahamian people. “How can taking land away from a Bahamian entrepreneur, to give it to a foreign entity, be of benefit to the Bahamian people? How can a project that could do permanent harm to the underground water table, threaten a nearby reef system and potentially harm properties on New Providence, be in our interest? “This reckless renewal clause smacks of the notorious Bahamas Petroleum Company deal which held the nation hostage last year, using mandatory licence extensions to force elected officials into dangerous offshore oil drilling against their will. “If this deal is allowed to stand, Paradise Island should once again be known as Hog Island, as RCL seems intent upon ‘hogging up’ the birthright

and patrimony of the Bahamian people. A 150-year lease means that generations of Bahamians yet to be born will be barred from enjoying this precious oasis and natural treasure, which has been uniquely preserved despite the heavy development all around it. “Save the Bays calls on the Davis administration to bring an end to the practice of allowing foreign companies to write mandatory renewals of any lease, licence or permit into any agreement with the government of The Bahamas. Toby Smith, principal of Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club company, is currently embroiled in a court battle with the government over a Crown land lease agreement that covers land included in RCL’s lease. Mr Smith has proposed a $2m restoration of Paradise Island’s lighthouse.

STUDENTS THINK PINK TO HIGHLIGHT CANCER BATTLE ORGANISERS of the “Think Pink Initiative of Mind, Body, Soul” highlighted the importance of healthy habits and early detection to educators and staff of Ridgeland Primary School in recognition of high breast cancer cases in The Bahamas. An estimated 300-500 new cases of breast cancer are reported in The Bahamas annually, according to event organisers, and approximately 48 percent of women diagnosed with this disease are under the age of 50.

Iris Strachan, counselor and coordinator of the Employee Assistant Programme at the Ministry of Education, encouraged attendees to practice mindfulness and self-regulation as they ensure healthy and holistic lifestyles. Educator and cancer survivor Keffie Ann Duncombe, also shared a powerful story of hope in her battle against breast cancer. As she advocated for annual mammograms, she also stressed that: “(Breast) cancer is not a death sentence; early

detection can save lives.” The event on November 5, also saw JP Morgan Trust announce its partnership with the primary school. The company donated tablets to assist students as the Ministry of Education’s virtual learning platform continues. It culminated with teachers and staff showing their support for patients affected by breast cancer with donations toward the cause. The donation was presented to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas on Friday, November 12.

that one of the issues your ladyship must consider is injustice. Now the only people upon whom injustice will be visited are the poor, potentially homeless people who still have some meagre roof over their heads. And if the stay is granted, hundreds of human beings will be banished to the bush when the tractors roll in again to demolish what is left of their homes post Dorian.” Mr Smith insisted the government’s application for leave to appeal was “nothing more than an abuse of the process of the court.” He also contended that the action was “premature” as judgment was currently being written by the court. “Indeed your ladyship’s judgment on the trial of this matter may very well be delivered before the hearing of the appeal,” he stated. “This appeal may,

therefore, be academic and it is going to be an extremely costly appeal for the government itself, for the appellant and for the time of the judge and the Court of Appeal. “What more abusive use of the courts precious judicial resources than to persist (and) for what? There is no reason to pursue this application for leave at this stage because there is no crisis. There is no irrevocable harm that is going to befall the entire government of The Bahamas if it simply waits for your ladyship’s ruling which will be coming in due course.” Mr Smith said whether the Crown had good grounds for appeal, or whether it was a matter of public interest or not, did not change the fact that there was an “overriding discretion” which the court should exercise to prevent “what could be an academic” and what he believed was “certainly at this stage, a frivolous appeal.” Referring to the Crown’s argument concerning the DRA, Mr Smith noted the body did not exist when the FNM government “drove their bulldozers” through the Mud and Pigeon Pea shanty towns despite the fact there was an injunction. “It’s shocking that that administration did this and I’m surprised that this application for leave to appeal is frankly being pursued,” he said. “This ruling that the respondents seek to appeal relates to the variation of the injunction. And we

say, since the order is only interim until determination of the action and the action has now been concluded except for the judgment, we contend that any appeal would likely be heard and determined only after the judgment and effectively be moot, as the injunction would have expired by that date.” Mr Smith argued the fact that Hurricane Dorian took place did not provide the “statutory power or authority” for the executive branch of government to take the action that it did. He also insisted the deadly storm did not “give the government licence” to go to the shanty towns in Abaco and “tear up everybody’s homes” and argued it should have been a reason for them to “act more humanely” rather than “contribute to the humanitarian crises.” “In conclusion, it is easier to get forgiveness than permission,” Mr Smith stated. “That is why the respondents took the actions they did immediately after Dorian without asking the court first. And that is also why the court must rightfully, absolutely refuse the application to vary and grant the application to extend, because the government respondents have already shown their true colours despite the injunction that existed.” After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Grant Thompson said she would reserve her decision and contact both parties once her ruling was ready.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

WE NEED MORE THAN KNEE JERK REACTIONS - THE ROUTE MAP TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IS ALREADY THERE

TOMORROW is the first day of the Global 16 Days Campaign, also known as 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. This year, it comes on the heels of several upsetting new stories about gender-based violence against women and girls. Some of the stories were accompanied by video, clearly showing acts of violence and the responses of people nearby. Videos, photos, and graphic accounts draw more attention and result in more outrage than the numbers. Somehow, we can know that one in three women experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner and still go on with our lives as usual. For too many people, it takes witnessing violence or hearing a horrific account to prompt them to actually say anything about it. Getting people to take action is even more difficult. Is so much energy expended on performing outrage that there is none left for change-making work? Or are we too busy assigning that work to other people we deem responsible or better suited to it?

By Alicia Wallace

Members of Parliament, as our representatives and the people responsible for legislation, are one of the groups of people we turn to when things go wrong and when wrongs become more apparent to us. When we want change, we put our attention and demands on Members of Parliament. They need to do something about it! Fix the problem. Make our lives better. And do it now. Unfortunately, that is not the way it works. If they are pressed, we usually get statements from MPs in response to the issue being discussed. Sometimes they say what we want to hear and sometimes they get it wrong. Sometimes they get very close to what we need to talk about and the position we need them to take, but something is a bit off.

By then, the statements are out and the public is buzzing about the content. Most of the conversation about these statements is basic, surface-level observations on their positions either for or against whatever it is we think needs to happen. This one says yes to this action, this one says no. We need more than that. MPs need to offer more substantive comments and we need members of the press to ask better questions. Last week, a reporter asked MPs, starting with the women, for their positions on marital rape. Should it be criminalized? The responses were being quoted, posted, shared and discussed for a day or two as we all waited for more of them to respond. It was clear they learned from the unforgettably terrible

responses from the previous administration. At least one MP specifically said that marital rape is not a private issue, making it clear they do not take the position of former Minister of Social Services Lanisha Rolle. When the answers were all presented in a graphic, it really did not amount to much. What we saw was a list of people who said they believe marital rape needs to be criminalized. This is not to be confused with willingness and preparedness to advocate for the legislative amendment. It also does not respond to the real issues we encounters with the draft amendment bill a few years ago. Asking better questions and framing them to encourage substantive answers would actually give us clear understanding of MPs’ positions and intentions. Great, they know marital rape is wrong and they believe it needs to be criminalized. What else? It would be helpful and instructive to know whether or not they have had conversations about it. Is everyone on the same page? Do they plan to work with the draft amendment bill that was put on the back burner so that the last administration could deal with “more important” matters, much like the current Prime Minister suggested is the case now? Is anyone prepared to draft a new one? When will it be tabled? Who is going to support it? When will consultation with true stakeholders take place? What is the timeline? A position on an issue is not enough. We can all yell from the rooftops that sexual violence is unacceptable. Who is going to intervene when they witness sexual harassment? How will people safely report family members who are abusive? When will all schools include comprehensive sexuality education

in their curriculums? Where can people go when they need to leave their homes, fleeing sexual violence? We need to know what legislators and policymakers are prepared and able to do. We do not get that information when reporter ask closed questions. We do not get that information when MPs are only engaged on these issues when there are attentiongrabbing stories in the news. We will not get a full understanding of this administration’s commitment to women’s rights and children’s rights by taking a piecemeal approach. Reading and watching the news over the past few weeks, you might think we have to start from scratch. You may think we need to start writing on policies, strategies and draft legislation immediately. While there is certainly quite a lot of work to do, we already have a start. Remember the National Development Plan? There were consultations, the draft was prepared, there were presentations on the plan, the plan was printed in book format, it was clearly connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and it felt like we were going somewhere. When did you last hear anyone mention it? It is still there. Waiting. Much like the National Development Plan, there is a National Strategic Plan to Address Gender-based Violence. It dates back to August 2015 and was developed by the National Task Force for Genderbased Violence which was chaired by Justice Rubie M. Nottage (Ret.) along with Deputy Chairs Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson and Dr. Robin Roberts. The Task Force adopted the slogan “Up the awareness, better the access, push the justice: Let’s end the violence in The Bahamas,” and this is a good summary of what needs to be done at a national level. The report by the Task Force included assessments of the judicial, psychosocial and medical sectors. Its recommendations are specific to multi-sectoral coordination, institutional strengthening, psychosocial and health services, advocacy and awareness, education training, research and surveillance and crosscutting areas. It includes an implementation strategy and outlines ten “low hanging fruit” which include the creation of a unified family court system, a genderbased violence prevention programme and a sexual assault response team project. The report is available on The Government of The Bahamas’ website, so members of the public can read it, make note of the recommendations, share it with each other and use it in engagement with MPs who ought to know it exists and needs to be implemented. In 1993, The Bahamas ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which is a women’s bill of rights. In 2018, The Bahamas

submitted its sixth periodic report and went before the CEDAW Committee in Geneva to review its progress toward full compliance with the Convention. The Committee recognized the progress made since 2012, specifically noting the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2014, the establishment of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, and the Establishment of the National Task Force for Gender-based Violence. Its recommendations included that The Bahamas “accelerate the adoption of the comprehensive draft bill on gender-based violence and the draft national strategic plan to address gender-based violence.” It also recommended The Bahamas “adopt, without delay, a draft gender policy implementation plan and an associated comprehensive strategy that include proactive and sustained measures targeting discriminatory stereotypes and harmful practices in school, the mass media and public spaces.” We are not lacking in reports. We are not doomed to drift aimlessly. We have documents that have been developed by experts and practitioners from various sectors. We know the legislative amendments that need to be made, and we know where we need policy, strategy and implementation. There is no confusion on these items. It all needs to be done. The questions posed to MPs on the horrific stories of violence and their positions on issues need to, at the very least, be put in the context of our international obligations and the tools and mechanisms we have create for ourselves, then let rest on a sheet. Their responses need to remind the public of our commitments and the relevance of next steps and priority actions to those commitments. They are, after all, not ceremonial nor for the benefit of the treaty bodies themselves, but for us. Our response to the recommendations from, for example, the CEDAW Committee, is evidence of our commitment to the protection of women and girls and the recognition and expansion of their rights. Our use of the plans and strategies that have already been developed are evidence of our respect for the work already done and our commitment to creating a violence-free future for The Bahamas. As you attend and observe events during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, keep this in mind. It is not about talk, talk, talk, but about making people aware of where we are, where we need to be, and the work that has already been done and still needs to be done to get us there. Equality Bahamas has planned ten events, all virtual, during this 16 day period. Visit tiny. cc/16days21overview for the full lineup, bios of planned participants, and links to register. All events are free, will have live closed captions and will bring regional perspectives with a focus on solutions.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 9

NASA is seeking ideas for a nuclear reactor on the moon By KEITH RIDLER Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — If anyone has a good idea on how to put a nuclear fission power plant on the moon, the U.S. government wants to hear about it. NASA and the nation’s top federal nuclear research lab on Friday put out a request for proposals for a fission surface power system. NASA is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory to establish a sun-independent power source for missions to the moon by the end of the decade. “Providing a reliable, highpower system on the moon is a vital next step in human space exploration, and achieving it is within our grasp,” Sebastian Corbisiero, the Fission Surface Power Project lead at the lab, said in a statement. If successful in supporting a sustained human presence on the moon, the next objective would be Mars. NASA says fission surface power could provide sustained, abundant power no matter the environmental conditions on the moon or Mars. “I expect fission surface power systems to greatly benefit our plans for power architectures for the moon and Mars and even drive innovation for uses here on Earth,” Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, said in a statement. The reactor would be built on Earth and then sent to the

THE EARTH’s shadow covers the full moon during a partial lunar eclipse in Kansas City, Mo. NASA and the nation’s top federal nuclear research lab put out a request for proposals for a fission surface power system. NASA is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory to establish a sun-independent power source for missions to the moon by the end of the decade. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

moon. Submitted plans for the fission surface power system should include a uranium-fueled reactor core, a system to convert

the nuclear power into usable energy, a thermal management system to keep the reactor cool, and a distribution system providing no less than 40 kilowatts of

continuous electric power for 10 years in the lunar environment. Some other requirements include that it be capable of turning itself off and on without human help, that it be able to operate from the deck of a lunar lander, and that it can be removed from the lander and run on a mobile system and be transported to a different lunar site for operation. Additionally, when launched from Earth to the moon, it should fit inside a 12-foot (4-metre) diameter cylinder that’s 18 feet (6 metres) long. It should not weigh more than 13,200 pounds (6,000 kilogrammes). The proposal requests are for an initial system design and must be submitted by Feb. 19. The Idaho National Laboratory has worked with NASA on various projects in the past. Most recently, the lab helped power NASA’s Mars rover Perseverance with a radioisotope power system, which converts heat generated by the natural decay of plutonium-238 into electrical power. The car-sized rover landed on Mars in February and has remained active on the red planet. The Energy Department has also been working to team up with private businesses on various nuclear power plans, notably on a new generation of smaller power plants that range from small modular reactors to small mobile reactors that can quickly be set up in the field and then removed when not needed.

NEW MEXICO SEES TV TECH AS ONE FIX TO INTERNET DIVIDE

By CEDAR ATTANASIO Associated Press / Report for America

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Internet problems continue to slow down many students in the U.S. state of New Mexico, but a pilot project using TV signals to transmit computer files may help. On Thursday, state public education officials distributed devices to eight families in the city of Taos that allow schools to send them digital files via television. The boxes the size of a deck of cards allow digital television receivers to connect with computers using technology called datacasting. Many rural areas of New Mexico are too far from internet infrastructure like fiber cables and cell towers but do get TV reception. In October, local broadcasting affiliates of New Mexico PBS finished testing the technology to make sure they could set aside bandwidth not taken up by TV show broadcasts and dedicate it to broadcast downloadable digital files. The pilot programme in Taos relies on a broadcast from northern New Mexico

NEW Mexico Education secretary Kurt Steinhaus. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio, File)

PBS affiliate KNME, while two others are planning to roll out pilot programmes in the cities of Silver City and Portales. Remote learning during the pandemic highlighted the digital divide for New Mexico students, many of whom had to learn using paper packets while their

peers could participate in virtual lessons via video chat. Even with schools back to offering in-person classes, internet inequality persists after class when students do homework, and for students being quarantined due to virus concerns. Even where families are

in internet coverage areas, it’s not always enough for the entire household. “It’s very slow and I have a lot of students,” said Ofelia Muñoz, a mother of four in Ranchos de Taos who has a monthly subscription to a cable internet service. “It’s bad when they have to do homework.” One of her children is a university student, who takes most of his classes online, and won’t be connected through the TV broadcast. But if his younger siblings can access a virtual library of school materials through the new device, it will lower the overall burden on their bandwidth. “It’s easier when they can work at the same time,” she said. New Mexico isn’t the first state to experiment with datacasting. Some schools in South Carolina were using it last year. There are limitations to the technology that won’t allow it to replace the internet. For one, the datacasting is currently one-way and won’t allow students to send data back to schools. That means no video chats with teachers or access to email.

“Until fiber optic cables bring broadband internet to every corner of New Mexico, we’re going to need a patchwork of solutions, and it sure looks like datacasting could be one,” New Mexico Education secretary Kurt Steinhaus said. Earlier this week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishamn named an adviser for the newly formed state office of broadband. A deputy representing the adviser at the meeting said that in an optimistic scenario getting all New Mexico residents access to high-speed internet would take three years. The pandemic left education officials around the world scrambling to make remote learning possible, often in areas with limited or no internet access. Some nations — including Mexico and Thailand — broadcast lessons on public television channels but they didn’t set up ways to transmit files. UNICEF has said globally about 131 million children have missed out on three-quarters of their in-person instruction since March 2020, and nearly 77 million of them have missed almost all of it.

TECHTALK GM EXPLORING ELECTRIC BOATS, BUYS 25% STAKE IN ENGINE MAKER

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is testing the water in electric boating by buying a 25% stake in a Seattle company that makes battery-powered outboard motors. The Detroit automaker said Monday that it bought the stake in Pure Watercraft for a venture that it says will develop and commercialise battery electric watercraft. Pure Watercraft, founded in 2011, is worth $600 million after the GM deal, spokesman Gabe Johnson said. GM said its investment is worth $150 million, including cash and in-kind contributions. The companies would not disclose how much money GM is putting into the deal. Privately held Pure Watercraft makes an electric outboard propulsion system powered by a lithium-ion battery. It’s designed as a drop-in replacement for any boat with a gas outboard motor from 25 to 50 horsepower. The company also works with boat manufacturers to sell complete boats, according to its website. The two companies will combine Pure Watercraft’s marine experience with GM’s engineering, supply chain and manufacturing capabilities, the automaker said in a prepared statement.

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TOP FREE iPHONE APPS

1. TikTok, TikTok Pte. Ltd. 2. YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream, Google LLC 3. Instagram, Instagram, Inc. 4. Snapchat, Snap, Inc. acebook, Facebook, 5. F Inc. essenger, Facebook, 6. M Inc. 7. Amazon Shopping, AMZN Mobile LLC 8. Gmail - Email by Google, Google LLC 9. Cash App, Square, Inc. 10. Google Maps, Google LLC

PAGE 10, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

AT LEAST 45 DEAD AS BUS CATCHES FIRE IN BULGARIA CRASH

FIREFIGHTERS and forensic workers inspect the scene of a bus crash on a highway near the village of Bosnek, western Bulgaria, yesterday. SOFIA, Bulgaria Associated Press A BUS carrying tourists back to North Macedonia crashed and caught fire in western Bulgaria early Tuesday, killing at least 45 people, including a dozen children, authorities said. DNA tests were being carried out to identify the victims. The bus apparently ripped through a

guardrail on a highway, though authorities said the cause was still under investigation. Photos taken shortly after the crash showed the vehicle engulfed in flames as plumes of thick, black smoke rose. Daylight revealed a burned-out shell with all of its windows blown out, sitting in the median. A portion of the guardrail was lying in the road.

Seven survivors were hospitalised after the crash, which took place as a group of buses was returning from a trip to Turkey. Twelve children were among the dead, according to the North Macedonia chief prosecutor, Ljubomir Joveski. Bulgarian Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov told reporters at the crash site that he had “never in my life seen something more

horrifying” and that the identification process would take time. “The people who were on the bus are turned to charcoal,” Rashkov said. “There were four buses that traveled together, and it is possible that passengers changed buses during the stops.” Borislav Sarafov, chief of Bulgaria’s national investigation service, confirmed that 52 people were on the

Photo: Minko Chernev/BTA Agency Bulgaria via AP

bus that crashed. Among the survivors were five North Macedonia citizens, one Serb and one Belgian, according to North Macedonia’s Foreign Ministry. Albanian Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka said almost all of the dead were ethnic Albanians, but it was not clear if they were also citizens of North Macedonia. Blagoj Bocvarski, North Macedonia’s transport

minister, told reporters in the capital of Skopje late Tuesday that officials have started a procedure to revoke the transportation license of the travel company that owns the bus. He said the company has four buses licenced to carry passengers internationally, but for the bus involved in the accident “there was no record in the ministry that it possessed the licence”.

Suspect faces court after Waukesha parade deaths THE suspect in a Christmas parade crash in suburban Milwaukee that killed five people was due in court yesterday where five homicide charges were expected to be filed, a crime that can carry the stiffest penalty possible under Wisconsin law — mandatory life in prison. Other lesser charges were also expected to be filed against Darrell Brooks Jr. related to the roughly 50 additional people who were injured when an SUV barreled through the parade route at a high speed, sending people flying through the air. Brooks was free on $1,000 bail posted just two days before the deadly event, a fact that is leading to a review of what happened and renewed calls for giving judges more power to set higher bails. One pending case against Brooks included an allegation that he deliberately hit a woman with his car in early November after a fight. Prosecutors in Milwaukee County on Monday called their bail recommendation “inappropriately low” given the facts of that case and the Sunday crash, and said they would review it. Julius Kim, a defense attorney and former assistant prosecutor, said the bail could easily have been set more than twice as high. “He was accused of running over the mother of his kid, and to put it at $1,000 strikes me as low,” Kim

said. “It could have been an inexperienced attorney who happened to be reviewing cases that day.” Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Brooks, 39, was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he drove into the parade route. Brooks has been charged with crimes more than a dozen times since 1999 and had two outstanding cases against him at the time of the parade disaster. That included resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless endangering, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery for the November 2 incident. Legal experts cautioned that one extreme case should not be a reason to push for higher bail amounts that would keep poorer defendants behind bars longer while they await trial. “We don’t want to have a kneejerk reaction here and say ‘Let’s lock up a lot of people pretrial,’” said John Gross, a law professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School and also the director of its Public Defender Project. “I’m sure the district attorney’s office is going to look back at this and ask themselves, ‘Did we get this wrong?’” said Gross, the law school professor. “This is such an extreme incident… could they reasonably expect he would get behind a vehicle and run people down on a parade

route? What would have alerted you to the capacity he would have had for this kind of violence?” Some Republicans were quick to jump on the case as an example of a broken legal system. Republican Rebecca Kleefisch, a former Wisconsin lieutenant governor who is running for governor in 2022, called the killings “yet another avoidable tragedy that occurred because a violent career criminal was allowed to walk free and terrorise our community”. And Republican state Rep Cindi Duchow said she was reintroducing a constitutional amendment that would change the bail process in Wisconsin to allow judges to consider a defendant’s danger to the community when setting bail. Judges currently are only allowed to consider the possibility that defendants might not show up for a court appearance when setting bail. “He tried to run over his girlfriend with his car — that’s attempted murder,” Duchow said. “If you’re a danger to society, you should have to work hard to get out.” Thompson, the police chief, said that there was no evidence the bloodshed Sunday was a terrorist attack or that Brooks knew anyone in the parade. Brooks acted alone, the chief said. Brooks had left the site of the domestic disturbance before officers arrived,

PEOPLE gather in Waukesha’s Cutler Park for a candlelight vigil for those affected by the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy on Monday. Photo: Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP and was not being chased by police at the time of the crash, according to the chief, who gave no further details on the dispute. NBC News published doorbell camera footage that appeared to capture Brooks’ arrest. It showed Brooks, shivering in just a T-shirt, knocking on a homeowner’s door and asking for help calling for a ride. Moments later, police surrounded the house and shouted, “Hands up!”

Brooks, standing on the porch, held up his hands and said, “Whoa whoa whoa!” Hundreds gathered at a downtown park Monday night in Waukesha, Wisconsin, for a candlelight vigil in honor of those lost and hurt. A pair of clergy solemnly read the names of those who died. Volunteers handed out sandwiches, hot chocolate and candles at the vigil, which was attended by interfaith leaders and

elected officials. “We are parents. We are neighbors. We are hurting. We are angry. We are sad. We are confused. We are thankful. We are all in this together. We are Waukesha Strong,” said a tearful Amanda Medina Roddy with the Waukesha school district. Mayor Shawn Reilly described the parade as a “Norman Rockwell-type” event that “became a nightmare”.

WHITE NATIONALISTS TO PAY $25M IN DAMAGES OVER UNITE THE RIGHT RALLY CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia Associated Press A JURY ordered white nationalist leaders and organisations to pay more than $25m in damages Tuesday over violence that erupted during the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. After a nearly monthlong civil trial, the jury in US District Court deadlocked on two key claims but found the white nationalists liable on four other counts in the lawsuit filed by nine people who suffered physical or emotional injuries during the two days of demonstrations. Attorney Roberta Kaplan

said the plaintiffs’ lawyers plan to refile the suit so a new jury can decide the two claims this jury could not reach a verdict on. She called the amount of damages awarded from the others counts “eye opening”. “That sends a loud message,” Kaplan said. The verdict, though mixed, is a rebuke to the white nationalist movement, particularly for the two dozen individuals and organisations who were accused in a federal lawsuit of orchestrating violence against African Americans, Jews and others in a meticulously planned conspiracy. White nationalist leader Richard Spencer vowed to appeal, saying the “entire

theory of that verdict is fundamentally flawed”. He said plaintiffs’ attorneys made it clear before the trial that they wanted to use the case to bankrupt him and other defendants. “It was activism by means of lawsuits, and that is absolutely outrageous,” he said. “I’m doing fine right now because I had kind of accepted in my heart the worst that could happen. I had hope, of course, but I’m not terribly surprised or crestfallen.” Lawyers for the plaintiffs invoked a 150-year-old law passed after the Civil War to shield freed slaves from violence and protect their civil rights. Commonly known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, the

law contains a rarely used provision that allows private citizens to sue other citizens for civil rights violations. Hundreds of white nationalists descended on Charlottesville for the Unite the Right rally on August 11 and 12, 2017, ostensibly to protest city plans to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee. During a march on the University of Virginia campus, white nationalists chanted “Jews will not replace us,” surrounded counterprotesters and threw tiki torches at them. The following day, an avowed admirer of Adolf Hitler rammed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing one woman and

injuring dozens more. Then-President Donald Trump touched off a political firestorm when he failed to immediately denounce the white nationalists, saying there were “very fine people on both sides”. The driver of the car, James Alex Fields Jr., is serving life in prison for murder and hate crimes. Fields is one of 24 defendants named in the lawsuit funded by Integrity First for America, a nonprofit civil rights organisation formed in response to the violence in Charlottesville. The lawsuit accused some of the country’s most well-known white nationalists of plotting

the violence, including Jason Kessler, the rally’s main organizer; Spencer, who coined the term “altright” to describe a loosely connected band of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and others; and Christopher Cantwell, a white supremacist who became known as the “crying Nazi” for posting a tearful video when a warrant was issued for his arrest on assault charges for using pepper spray against counterdemonstrators. The trial featured emotional testimony from people struck by Fields’ car or witnessed the attacks as well as plaintiffs who were beaten or subjected to racist taunts.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Senior men’s national basketball team ratified By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

he Bahamas Basketball Federation ratified its senior men’s national team set for competition in the first window of the FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. The Bahamas will face Canada in a back-to-back Sunday, November 28, and Monday, November 29 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at 4pm local time. Team Bahamas is described as a cross section of veteran professional and youthful players led by national team mainstays Travis Munnings, David Nesbitt, Michael Carey Jr, Kentwan Smith, Mychel Thompson, JR Cadot and Dominick Bridgewater. Other team members include Mark St Fort, Shakwon Lewis, Radshad Davis, Willis Mackey, Shaquillo Fritz and Kemsey Sylvestre. Moses Johnson will serve as head coach, assisted by Dexter Cambridge.

“We’re excited. The atmosphere is positive and if I had to sum it up in one statement it would be simply ‘We believe,’” Johnson said. “We believe firstly that God will carry us safely over and we will be safe as we travel on land and in the air. Secondly, we believe in each other, the players believe that they can accomplish the goals set before us. We also believe that the Bahamian public will be behind us and give us that extra boost of support as we go into a foreign country to play. Against one of the top teams in the world.” Team Bahamas was drawn into Group C alongside Canada, The Dominican Republic, and The US Virgin Islands. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the first window of Qualifiers will be hosted in several designated “bubble” locations, with limited access to the general public. The Bahamas also competed under the bubble format for the AmeriCup Qualifiers in Indianapolis, Indiana, last November and San Juan, Puerto Rico, in February 2020.

“On behalf of the Bahamas Basketball Federation I would like to thank the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, Minister Bowleg and his team, the Bahamas Olympic Committee and its team, for giving us financial assistance to allow us to attend this tournament in the Dominican Republic,” BBF President Eugene Horton said. “We wish the team a safe and successful tournament.” In the second window, The Bahamas will face The USVI on February 24, 2022, and The Dominican Republic on February 27, 2022. In the third and final window, The Bahamas will have its second matchup against The USVI on July 1, 2022, and will conclude with the second matchup against The Dominican Republic on July 4, 2022. The Bahamas advanced to this month’s qualifier after a 3-0 performance at the FIBA World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers. The Bahamas opened the tournament in thrilling fashion as they rallied from an 18-point fourth

quarter deficit to defeat Cuba 89-88. In game two, The Bahamas dominated Costa Rica 75-51 and concluded play with an 87-79 win over El Salvador. Sixteen teams will compete in the Americas region, vying for seven spots. The top three teams from each group will qualify for the second round of qualifiers. In the second round, the 12 teams that qualified will be divided into two groups of six. Subsequently, the three best teams from each group, and the fourth-placed team will qualify for the World Cup. The FIBA World Cup 2023 is scheduled for August 25 to September 10 in multiple countries for the first time - Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. A total of 80 countries are left vying to be among the 32 teams at the 2023 World Cup. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will qualify teams directly for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games or through 4 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Team Bahamas back in the win column TEAM Bahamas got back into the win column at the ITF/COTECC 12U Team Finals competition. The team edged out El Salvador 2-1 yesterday in the 5-8 place reclassification round in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic. For the second consecutive day, Kaylah Fox got the team off to a promising start in singles play. She won 6-3, 6-1 over El Salvador’s Isabella Martinez. El Salvador evened the tie when Tatyana Madu lost a tough, three-set match to Paola Esperanza 6-4, 6-7 (7), 3-6. In doubles play, Fox and Briana Houlgrave gave The Bahamas the 2-1 advantage in the tie with a 6-3, 6-2 win in doubles play over Esperanza and Sofia Ugarte. With the win, The Bahamas will face Dominican Republic Team Two in the 5th place match today.

GOOD EFFORT: Shown at far right are Team Bahamas members Kaylah Fox and Briana Houlgrave at the ITF/COTECC 12U Team Finals competition in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic, yesterday.

Chanticleers open Baha Mar Hoops ‘Nassau Championship’ with victory By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net AHMARD Harvey had an opportunity to play an official game on Bahamian soil for the first time since his high school days but remains out of the rotation for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at this point in the season. Harvey received another “Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision” as the Chanticleers opened the Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship with a 64-61 win over Valparaiso last night at the Baha Mar Convention Center. Coastal Carolina improved to 2-1 on the season and advanced to take on the Toledo Rockets in today’s championship game. Tipoff is set for 8pm.

BUT AHMARD HARVEY DOESN’T PLAY IN COASTAL CAROLINA’S 64-61 WIN OVER VALPARAISO Both semifinals were decided by a total of four points. Toledo advanced with a 68-67 win over Tulane. Toledo opened the competition with a 98-86 win over the Charlotte 49ers while the Chanticleers had a bye in round one. Coastal Carolina was originally scheduled to open play against Valparaiso on opening night, but changes to the schedule were made after Abilene Christian withdrew. CCU opened the season with a win over Ferrum but lost to UNCWilmington in game two. Harvey has yet to log any minutes early in the season and was slowed by a wrist injury.

AHMARD Harvey As a freshman, Harvey played in 17 games and averaged just over

six minutes per game. As a sophomore, he appeared in 21 games and averaged 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He reached double figures twice. He finished with a career high 10 points in his team’s 103-45 win over Greensboro College and tied that with 10 points in a 90-81 win over Troy. Harvey went 5-6 from the field in just 10 minutes. Harvey, a 6’6”, 210-pound wing player joined the Chanticleers after completing his high school career with the St George’s Jaguars in Grand Bahama and the Aspire Basketball Academy Wizards in Louisville, Kentucky.

LEBRON, Page 14

1-2 MATCHUP OF GONZAGA VS UCLA HIGHLIGHTS HOOPS TOURNEY FEAST By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer THIS time of the year is all about friends and family, turkey and pie, and plenty of football to take up the days. Better make some room for some basketball, too. The rise of exempt tournaments the past few years has turned the week of Thanksgiving into a reason to give thanks for some college hoops. Just about every day is overflowing with tantalising matchups, which not only serve as Top 25 shake-ups during the early portion of the season but could act as résumébuilders when March rolls around. Whether they’re taking place in the Virgin Islands or the Bahamas, Mexico or somewhere across the US, here is a look at some of the early-season tourneys that should provide a television feast for sports fans. EMPIRE CLASSIC Might as well address the big one first: Topranked Gonzaga faced No. 2 UCLA in the Good Sam Empire Classic last night in Las Vegas, a rematch of the thrilling national semifinal won by the Bulldogs in overtime. “I was breaking down last night watching our UCLA game — they literally have their whole team back,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. “We’re definitely totally different, and to Mick (Cronin)’s credit, they used that as a springboard. They’re playing really confident and much like they played in the NCAA Tournament.” This will be the first time the Bruins have faced the nation’s No. 1 team in the regular season since December 3, 2016, when they defeated top-ranked Kentucky in Rupp Arena. “Mick and I worked really hard putting this game together,” Few said.

SEE PAGE 15

KLAY THOMPSON INSISTS IT’S TITLE TIME AGAIN FOR WARRIORS By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In due time, Klay Thompson is counting on more 37-point quarters and other scoring outbursts from himself, like the time he made 14 3-pointers in a game. Not that the Golden State Warriors star is “a numbers guy” the way he used to be, before a pair of devastating injuries. “I plan on doing that again, but who knows when? It’s tough to say,” Thompson said.

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PAGE 14, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

‘Buddy’ scores 21 but 76ers pull away in 4th to beat Kings 102-94 By MICHAEL WAGAMAN Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Callif. (AP) — Tyrese Maxey had 24 points and the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers beat Sacramento 102-94 on Monday night, spoiling Alvin Gentry’s debut as interim Kings coach. Shake Milton scored 16 points and Matisse Thybulle added 15, helping the Sixers to their second win in eight games. Andre Drummond had nine points and 23 rebounds. “Guys stepped up tonight,” Maxey said. “We really buckled down defensively in the last four minutes. We got so many consecutive stops and guys like Shake hit big shots late. It was just a team collective effort.” Sixers coach Doc Rivers was forced to juggle his roster yet again to make up for missing players. Philadelphia, already minus Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, also played without Tobias Harris (left hip) and Seth Curry (back tightness). Maxey helped the team overcome those absences despite a rough night from the floor. The 76ers’ guard shot 8 of 22 and came up empty on four attempts beyond the arc. But he had six points as part of Philadelphia’s

fourth-quarter blitz. Milton and Georges Niang also scored six during the decisive surge. “Like I said before the game, we can get it to the fourth quarter, we felt like we had a chance to win,” Rivers said. “They went up (nine), we didn’t let go of the rope. We got to the last six minutes and we didn’t know who was going to make the bucket but we played great defence and we executed offensively and the ball found the open guy. That’s a good lesson for us.” Philadelphia’s defence made the biggest difference down the stretch, limiting the Kings to 12 points in the fourth quarter. Drummond, who had three blocks, played a big role with three rebounds over the final two minutes while controlling the middle. “Staying the course is what we’re doing right now, just holding on as long as we can until everybody gets back,” Drummond said. De’Aaron Fox had 23 points and Chavano “Buddy” Hield scored 21 for the Kings. Gentry was promoted to interim coach after the Kings fired Luke Walton on Sunday. Gentry most recently served as head coach for the New Orleans

FROM PAGE 11

PHILADELPHIA 76ers guard Furkan Korkmaz (30) shoots as Sacramento Kings guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield (24) and centre Alex Len (25) defend during the first quarter on Monday night. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas) Pelicans (2015-20). He’s also had head coaching stops with Miami, Detroit, the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix. Not much looked different, however, as Sacramento again had trouble finishing. The Kings led by nine early in the fourth quarter but were outscored 25-8 over the final 9:45, extending their losing streak against the 76ers to seven games.

“Bottom line, you have to step up and make shots,” Gentry said. “We got some good looks at it and we didn’t make them. That’s where we’ve kind of struggled. We played a team that had a lot of their starters missing and we didn’t get the job done.” TIP-INS 76ers: Philadelphia matched its season low with seven turnovers that led to just six points. ... Isaiah Joe had 11 points in

17 minutes off the bench. … The Sixers have used 10 different starting lineups in 18 games. Kings: Tristan Thompson had eight points in the third quarter, including a one-handed putback dunk. … Richaun Holmes scored 10 of his 18 points in the third as well. UP NEXT 76ers: Face the Golden State Warriors tonight. Kings: Play the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.

LeBron suspended one game, Stewart 2 games for altercation By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer LEBRON James of the Los Angeles Lakers has been suspended for one game and Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart was suspended two games for their roles in an ugly incident during Sunday’s Lakers-Pistons game. The NBA announced the suspensions Monday, and both affected games yesterday. James did not play when the Lakers visited Madison Square Garden to play the New York Knicks. Stewart missed the Pistons’ home game against Miami yesterday and will miss their game tonight at Milwaukee. James will forfeit about $284,000 in salary, while Stewart will lose about $45,000. It is the first suspension in the 19-year career of James, who has won four NBA titles with three teams. The Lakers and Pistons meet again Sunday in Los Angeles, and James and Stewart will both be eligible to play. Stewart, the NBA said, was disciplined for “escalating an on-court altercation by repeatedly and aggressively pursuing ... James in an

unsportsmanlike manner.” James merited the suspension “for recklessly hitting Stewart in the face and initiating an on-court altercation,” the NBA said. The incident happened in the third quarter, starting when James and Stewart were jostling for position during a free throw. Their arms appeared to get intertwined and James swung his elbow, making contact with Stewart, who quickly had blood streaming from above his eye. James, it appeared, attempted to defuse the situation after realising he’d made contact with Stewart and drawn blood. It didn’t take long for most of the players from both teams — along with the referees, coaches and security personnel — to join the fray and try to keep James and Stewart separated. Within 25 seconds of the contact being made by James, there were at least 25 people on the floor. Referee Phenizee Ransom attached himself to James. Cooler heads seemed to prevail, for a moment. Stewart was guided away from the spot where the contact occurred by teammates and coaches, though he appeared to become

THOMPSON INSISTS IT’S TITLE TIME AGAIN FOR WARRIORS

LOS Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is ejected after fouling Detroit Pistons centre Isaiah Stewart during the second half on Sunday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Stewart eventually left “So, he was going to intermore incensed along the the floor, seeming to sprint cept him. I actually told way. He then tried to double again as he did so, and Cory that would be good.” Stewart was assessed two back — on multiple occa- there was concern that he sions — and run toward would try to head back technical fouls, James was toward the floor through assessed a Flagrant Foul James. A number of people another entry tunnel. Pis- Penalty 2, and both players again blocked his path and tons guard Cory Joseph were ejected. James has been sancmade sure the incident even headed toward that tunnel, just in case — and tioned multiple times by didn’t get uglier. Pistons coach Dwane with the blessing of referee the league in the past, Casey said Stewart needed Scott Foster, the game’s receiving fines for everything from flopping, eight stitches to close the crew chief. “After Isaiah Stewart skipping news conferences wound, adding that he did not think what Stewart did left the court, Cory was and kicking a water bottle. But the suspension is in reaction to the play mer- anticipating he may come around the back of (the) his first, and means he will ited a suspension. “His eye got cracked house and enter the Laker miss the Lakers’ lone game all the way open. He was bench from the opposite this season at Madison upset for a reason,” Casey side,” Foster told a pool Square Garden — one of reporter after the game. his favourite arenas. said.

He has resumed five-onfive, full-court scrimmaging in a key step as he makes his comeback from surgery last November for a torn right Achilles tendon following a season sidelined after having the ACL in his left knee repaired. “It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to be playing basketball again,” Thompson said after practicing at full speed yesterday. “I feel like myself. I feel great. I’m knocking shots down, I’m playing great D ... I’m playing defence. The hardest part is just simulating a game and that conditioning that goes with being a great NBA player. It’s hard, and it’s definitely a thing that takes time.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the team will have a better idea in a few weeks as to when Thompson might be ready to play again, and Stephen Curry’s Splash Brother is still hopeful that will be in the season’s first half. He realises there will be a minutes restriction initially. “He’s in a great frame of mind,” Kerr said. “The biggest thing is he hasn’t played in 2 1/2 years. While the Achilles is structurally sound, everything is strong, there’s been on ill effects, it’s just a matter of building his strength and endurance, especially the endurance part. It just takes time, it takes a while.” Thompson said for now, he plays in four-minute bursts and will increase that volume to five minutes, then six and seven over the coming weeks — and “hopefully in a month I’m playing 12-minute quarters and that’s when I’m approaching game play.” The patience will be worth it, Thompson knows, for him to return to top form. “I don’t want to come back and be a shell of myself, I want to come back like I was last time I was playing, and I was one of the best players in the world,” Thompson said. The 31-year-old Thompson didn’t play at all during the coronavirus-shortened season as he worked back from knee surgery in July 2019 after he was hurt in the deciding Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Then in November 2020, he injured the Achilles tendon playing in a pickup game in Southern California. Now, he insists, “it’s championship or bust” for the 15-2 Warriors. “And I’m not even out there yet, think about that, really think about that,” he said, emphatically putting his left hand to the podium to make his point. “I’m more motivated than ever as well. I want a championship so bad, more than anything. Now I’m just getting back in game shape. It’s really exciting and I’ve got to stay patient because I can be an over eager person to get out there and play.”

Rain delays Stokes’ comeback for England ahead of Ashes series BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — After quarantine, the rain. Ben Stokes’ return will have to wait after day one of an internal trial match between England teams was washed out two weeks before the opening test of the Ashes series. The star allrounder arrived at Redlands Cricket Club in Brisbane’s bayside suburbs yesterday ready to play for England for the first time since July in a three-day tour match against the second-string Lions squad. He didn’t get a chance. England openers Haseeb Hameed (53 not out) and Rory Burns (38 not out) put on an unbeaten 98 before persistent showers resulted in stumps being called well

ahead of schedule. Stokes, who is due to bat at No. 5 behind captain Joe Root, spent the lunch break practising his bowling. He was only added to England’s squad last month after recovering from a finger injury and from taking time away to prioritize his mental health. The three-day game in the Redlands is the first of two warmups for England ahead of the five-test series against Australia, which starts December 8 at the Gabba. Stokes was in the first group of England cricketers who arrived in Brisbane on November 6 to begin a 14-day quarantine at a luxury Gold Coast resort. The remainder of the

squad, including Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler, arrived following a semifinal exit at the Twenty20 World Cup. Australia holds the Ashes, having beaten England in Australia in 2017-18 and retaining the urn when the 2019 series in England was drawn. The Australians are coming off a victory in the Twenty20 World Cup in Dubai but have had limited preparation for long-form cricket and are uncertain over who will lead the test team. Australia will play an internal trial from December 1-3, giving Paine a chance to prove his fitness as a first-choice wicketkeeper.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 15

Burrows and Gibson post double doubles in head-to-head meeting By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net TWO teams headed in opposite directions Shamar Burrows and the Dalhousie Tigers maintained their national ranking with a three-game winning streak while Qyemah Gibson and the St Mary’s Huskies lost their third game in a row. In their first headto-head meeting of the Atlantic University Sport regular season, both players posted double doubles in the Tigers’ 87-72 win in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Burrows posted a near triple double with 15 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists in 32 minutes. He shot 6-16 from the field, made his only threepoint attempt and grabbed a team high three offensive rebounds. Gibson finished with 18 points and a season high 11 rebounds. He shot 8-24, but struggled from threepoint range and went 0-7 on the night. The Tigers went on to extend their winning streak to three games with another four-point game, an 85-70 win over the St. FX X-Men.

ATLANTIC University Sport basketball players Shamar Burrows, left, and Qyemah Gibson. With the win the Tigers remain in sole possession

of first place in the AUS standings with a 6-2 record.

Burrows finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four steals. Gibson and the Huskies lost their 3rd straight game after a 5-0 start with an 87-81 loss to the UPEI Panthers. Gibson finished with 22 points, five rebounds and a career high four blocked shots. Next up, Huskies take on Diangelo Woodside and the Cape Breton Capers (2-5 AUS) on the road November 28. Dalhousie will look to extend their win streak to four games when they host the Acadia Axemen on November 27.

KNICKS RECOVER TO BEAT LAKERS TEAM MISSING SUSPENDED JAMES By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Evan Fournier scored 26 points, Immanuel Quickley had 12 of his 14 in the fourth quarter after New York had blown a 25-point lead, and the Knicks beat a Los Angeles Lakers team missing suspended star LeBron James 106-100 last night. Julius Randle added 20 points, 16 rebounds and five assists for the Knicks, but sat for eight minutes of the fourth quarter after picking up his fifth foul. Quickley made sure that didn’t matter, hitting four 3-pointers in the period. Russell Westbrook had 31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, with 18 points in a sensational third quarter that allowed the Lakers to tie the game. But with James not in the arena, Anthony Davis struggling through an illness and Carmelo Anthony’s shot off in his old home, the Lakers never could take the lead. They beat Detroit on Sunday after

overcoming a 17-point deficit in the game James was ejected from for striking Pistons centre Isaiah Stewart in the face and drawing blood. The NBA suspended the superstar forward for one game. But the best Los Angeles could do in this one was tie it twice after New York dominated most of the first two quarters. Davis, who woke up with a fever, had 20 points on 7-for-17 shooting. Anthony was just 3 of 14 for 12 points, and the Lakers lost for the fourth time in five games. Randle went to the bench with his fifth foul with 9:18 remaining and was hit with a technical foul from there that allowed the Lakers to cut it to 90-87. But Obi Toppin scored before Quickley made a 3-pointer to push it back to eight, and it was back into double digits when another 3 by Quickley made it 105-93 with 4:58 to play. The Knicks raced to a 10-0 lead that grew to 36-15 on RJ Barrett’s 3-pointer with 1:11 left in the first quarter. It was 59-35 with under

LAKERS centre DeAndre Jordan goes to the hoop for a reverse dunk against Knicks centre Nerlens Noel guard Evan Fournier last night. (AP Photo/Jim McIsaac) 5 minutes remaining in the half before the Lakers put together a

16-2 run that trimmed it to 61-51 just before the break. The Lakers scored nine straight to open the third and cut it to 63-60, and finally tied it for the first time at 79 on Anthony’s dunk. TIP-INS Lakers: Anthony got a loud ovation when he checked in during the first quarter. ... Talen HortonTucker missed all eight shots in a scoreless outing. Knicks: New York played without backup point guard Derrick Rose (sprained right ankle) and injured centres Mitchell Robinson and Taj Gibson. MISSING OUT ON MSG Lakers coach Frank Vogel called James one of the classiest players in the league who always plays the game the right way. He spoke with James, who was disappointed to miss a 2nd straight visit to one of his favourite arenas. He was hurt last season when Lakers played at Madison Square Garden. “He wanted to play. I don’t want to get into it more than that,” Vogel said.

HERRO LEADS HEAT PAST PISTONS 100-92 WITH 4TH-QUARTER RALLY By DAVE HOGG Associated Press DETROIT (AP) — Tyler Herro had 31 points and eight rebounds as the Miami Heat rallied to beat the Detroit Pistons 100-92 last night. Miami (12-6) outscored the Pistons 27-6 in the first 8:17 of the fourth quarter to turn a nine-point deficit into a 12-point lead. “It wasn’t just Tyler. Our whole second unit turned the game around in the third quarter,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We really didn’t have any offensive rhythm in the first three quarters — and Detroit had a lot to do with that — but we put together some stops and that helped us get going offensively.” Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo each added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Heat, who won for the fifth time in six games. Kyle Lowry had 15 points, eight assists and six rebounds. “It’s easy to get assists when Tyler is shooting like that,” said Lowry, who had seven assists in the fourth. “I’d pass him the ball and he’d hit a 3.”

Jerami Grant had 21 points and seven rebounds for Detroit (4-13), which went 1-4 on its homestand. The Pistons played without centre Isaiah Stewart, who served the first of a two-game suspension for Sunday’s altercation with Lakers star LeBron James. Detroit led the Lakers by 15 after three quarters on Sunday before losing 121-116. “The game is different in the fourth quarter and we’re still learning how to handle that,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. “You can be up 10 or up 15, but it doesn’t matter because of the 3-pointer and the way teams turn it up late.” The Pistons led 53-47 at halftime, and Miami couldn’t put together a significant run in the third quarter. Hamadou Diallo’s layup with 0.2 seconds left in the period gave Detroit a 76-67 advantage going into the fourth. Herro’s back-to-back 3s cut the deficit to 77-74, and Casey called timeout with 9:58 to play. “We played sluggishly for three quarters, but we got rolling in the fourth,” said Herro, who had 14

HEAT guard Tyler Herro (14) is defended by Pistons guard Saben Lee (38) during the second half last night. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) points in the fourth. “I’ve always been the guy who took big shots, all the way back to high school, so this is the situation I love. I want to win games.”

The timeout didn’t help much, as Herro’s floater gave the Heat an 80-79 lead with 8:09 left, and Herro hit another 3-pointer on the next possession. After a Pistons miss, Dewayne Dedmon’s dunk put Miami ahead 85-79, extending the run to 18-3, and prompted another Detroit timeout. “They went to a zone and we just couldn’t get a bucket,” Casey said. “We didn’t score and we didn’t contain Herro.” TIP-INS Heat: Duncan Robinson played despite a bruised knee, extending his consecutive games streak to 165. Glen Rice holds the franchise record with 174. Pistons: With Stewart suspended and Kelly Olynyk (knee) weeks away from a possible return, rookie centre Luka Garza got his first NBA start. Garza scored seven points in 17 minutes. “Obviously, when you are a kid, you dream about doing what I did tonight,” Garza said. “It was amazing, but I wish I could have stayed out of foul trouble and been able to help win the game.”

1-2 MATCHUP OF GONZAGA, UCLA HIGHLIGHTS HOOPS TOURNEY FEAST FROM PAGE 11 “We came to realise that we need to do stuff like this because of West Coast basketball, and we’ll continue to do that moving forward. But to navigate our way to this game with these lofty rankings, whether they’re real or not — we’ll figure that out in February — should make for a fun night.” MAUI INVITATIONAL One of the premier earlyseason tournaments will be played on the mainland again because of COVID19 with No. 12 Houston joining Oregon, Wisconsin and Butler in the Maui Invitational. The games will be played at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas after they were played in Asheville, North Carolina, last season. FORT MYERS TIP-OFF Seton Hall leaped into the Top 25 at No. 21 after beating then-No. 4 Michigan last week. The Pirates

will join No. 23 Florida and Ohio State in headlining the Fort Myers Tip-Off at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS (Men) Another one of the best early season tournaments is back after COVID-19 forced its cancellation. The Battle 4 Atlantis features a series of big-time matchups right from the start today: No. 19 Auburn against No. 22 Uconn, Michigan State against Loyola-Chicago, Syracuse against Virginia Commonwealth and Arizona State against No. 6 Baylor. NIT SEASON TIP-OFF The long-time staple of the New York City hoops scene takes place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn these days. No. 25 Xavier takes on Iowa State and ninth-ranked Memphis faces Virginia Tech in the first round tonight. WOODEN LEGACY No. 24 Southern California won’t have far to go

UCLA guard Johnny Juzang (3) and guard Tyger Campbell (10) talk during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Long Beach State in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

when it faces Saint Joseph’s on Thursday night in the opening round at the Anaheim Convention Center. San Diego State takes on Georgetown the same night in the Wooden Legacy. ESPN EVENTS INVITATIONAL Fourth-ranked Kansas and No. 10 Alabama are the headliners in the ESPN Events Invitational beginning Thursday at HP Field House in Kissimmee, Florida. The Jayhawks face North Texas and the Crimson Tide play Iona in first-round games, while Belmont takes on Drake and Dayton plays Miami in the other two matchups. EMERALD COAST CLASSIC Elsewhere in Florida, LSU plays Penn State and Oregon State faces Wake Forest on Friday in the main bracket of the Emerald Coast Classic hosted by Northwest Florida State College. The championship game is Saturday.

RESILIENT CARDINALS REGAIN NO. 1 SPOT IN AP PRO32 POLL By SIMMI BUTTAR AP Pro Football Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The resilient Arizona Cardinals have done it again. For the second time in three games, the Cardinals earned a road win despite playing without starting quarterback Kyler Murray and star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as Colt McCoy led the way to a 23-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. And now the Cardinals go into their bye week back on top of the latest AP Pro 32 poll. The Cardinals received 11 of the 12 first-place votes for 383 points in balloting yesterday by media members who regularly cover the NFL. They last were No. 1 in the poll after Week 9. “(They) won twice on the road without Murray,” Fox Sports’ John Czarnecki said. “Defence remains solid.” The Green Bay Packers slipped a spot No. 2 after losing 34-31 at the Minnesota Vikings on a field goal as time expired. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers climbed three spots to No. 3 as they found their form with a 30-10 rout of the New York Giants on Monday night. Another team that seems to have overcome recent struggles, the Kansas City Chiefs, jumped six spots to No. 4 as they head into their bye week. The Chiefs beat Dallas, which was previously ranked third. The Tennessee Titans, who received the remaining first-place vote, dropped three places to No. 5 after a turnover-filled loss to the Houston Texans. Much to the chagrin of many fans across the league, the New England Patriots are back in first place in the AFC East and playing their best as the season hits the second half. The Patriots gained two places to No. 6 and they host the Titans on Sunday in a game that could have a big impact on the playoff race in the AFC. Baltimore moved up two places to No. 7 after rallying past the Chicago Bears 16-13. Similar to the Cardinals, the Ravens also relied on a backup QB to get a road win as Tyler Huntley led a last-minute five-play, 72-yard drive for the winning touchdown with Lamar Jackson ill. Dallas fell five spots to No. 8 after losing to the Chiefs and will look to regain its winning ways when the Cowboys host Las Vegas on Thanksgiving Day. The Los Angeles Rams slipped two spots to No. 9 despite being on a bye last week. The Rams will try to end their two-game slide as they head to Green Bay on Sunday. “A defence with three perennial Pro Bowl players — DT Aaron Donald, OLB Von Miller and CB Jalen Ramsey — shouldn’t be wallowing outside the NFL’s top 10,” said Rick Gosselin of Talk of Fame Network. “The Rams had a bye week to fix whatever is ailing their defence — and it had better be fixed by Sunday ... in what looms as a potential playofftiebreaker matchup. Los Angeles enters the game with a two-game losing streak and the NFL’s 12thranked defence.” And the Buffalo Bills fell five spots to No. 10. They will get an early opportunity to rebound after Sunday’s loss to the Colts as they travel to New Orleans on Thanksgiving night. New Orleans slipped five spots to No. 19.

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Offshore tourneys return in college basketball amid COVID-19 pandemic By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Kimani Lawrence and his Arizona State teammates were eager to take everything in as they arrived for a men’s college basketball tournament that was among the countless things disrupted amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the past 18 months. Just being here is a big deal, both for the eight teams in this week’s prestigious Battle 4 Atlantis and for a sport that has made a tradition of playing early season games off the US mainland. It’s a significant step with the return of numerous events in this Caribbean nation of about 700 islands to the Cancun Challenge in Mexico and the Paradise Jam in the US Virgin Islands. “A year ago, I didn’t think we were ever going to be able to get back here as fast as we have,” said Lawrence, whose team dealt with multiple pauses and cancellations due to the pandemic. Now players at Atlantis are hitting the water slides, relaxing by the resort’s many pools and heading to restaurants a year after players were largely locked down in hotel rooms -separated from each other during meals, even -- on stateside road trips and during bubbled NCAA Tournaments in Indiana and Texas. “Last year there were a ton of kids that transferred

AUBURN head coach Bruce Pearl. (AP) because they were isolated, and they were depressed,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl told The Associated Press yesterday. “And they were just being students, wanting to go to class, wanting to socially interact, wanting to be able to travel and play in front of fans. “So we survived it. And now hopefully this year, we’re in a much more normal situation and the student-athletes are the ones that are going to benefit from it the most.” The Battle 4 Atlantis begins today with sixth-ranked and reigning national champion Baylor, Pearl’s 19th-ranked Tigers and No. 22 Connecticut. It is returning from a 2020 hiatus for its 10th edition, and starts two days after the inaugural women’s Battle 4 Atlantis got its hyped 1-vs-2 title matchup between South Carolina and UConn. There are also events at the nearby Baha Mar resort in Nassau, headlined by

BAYLOR head coach Scott Drew instructs his players in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Stanford. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson) women’s games featuring No. 2 Maryland, No. 4 Indiana, No. 5 North Carolina State and No. 7 Stanford. And No. 10 Arizona begins play Thanksgiving Day in the women’s Paradise Jam. “It’s an unbelievable team-bonding experience,” Bears coach Scott Drew told the AP. “There’s something to be said when you leave the United States and then you’re in the Bahamas or anywhere ... you grow closer together, you spend more time together. But obviously you experience things you don’t normally experience.” Still, things aren’t fully back to normal. The Maui Invitational in Hawaii offers a reminder; that tradition-rich tournament is in Las Vegas this

week after behind held in Asheville, North Carolina, last year due to lingering COVID-19 concerns. Walker Kessler was a freshman at UNC last year when the Tar Heels’ Maui trip ended up being an instate trip to the mountains. Now he’s here in the Bahamas as a transfer with Auburn. “Going to this trip was so much fun: being able to fly, going with your teammates and staying in the hotel, and just being at a place like this and a tournament like this,” Kessler said, adding: “We’re super, super excited for some normalcy for sure.” Visitors entering the Bahamas had to produce negative COVID-19 tests, and teams wear masks when indoors at the Atlantis resort.

Lea Miller-Tooley, founder and director of the Atlantis tournaments, said she remained in direct contact with the 16 head coaches for the two tournaments about safety protocols for restarting one event and launching another. That included having Atlantis president and managing director Audrey Oswell involved as well, saying there was “definitely trust involved” even as she admitted feeling anxious. Now? Miller-Tooley said people are “excited to get their passports stamped.” “There’s risk in everything, but the reward so far outweighs the risk,” MillerTooley said. “We felt and still do, with the men’s teams coming down this week, we feel

Man United, Chelsea advance in CL, Barcelona made to wait By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer ENERGISED by a change of manager and another opportunistic finish by Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League with a game to spare yesterday. Another newly appointed coach sill has work to do, though, to get Barcelona into the last 16. United was led for the first time by Michael Carrick following the weekend firing of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and, just like his predecessor, the interim manager was left to be thankful for a goal by the Champions League’s record scorer. Ronaldo produced a sublime lobbed finish to put United ahead against Villarreal and a 90th-minute strike by Jadon Sancho — his first goal since joining for $100 million in the offseason — sealed a 2-0 win to secure progress as the winner of Group F. Ronaldo has scored in all five group games so far, and now has a record-extending 140 Champions League goals in his career. Another English team, defending champion Chelsea, also advanced on the back of a 4-0 win over already-qualified Juventus, which slumped to its heaviest ever loss in the Champions League. With Liverpool also qualified and Manchester City likely to join them, the Premier League will again be well represented in the knockout stage. Barcelona, now coached by former star midfielder Xavi Hernandez, has advanced from its group every season for almost two decades but a 0-0 draw at home to Benfica means the Spanish club might need to beat Bayern Munich in the final round of games to advance. All four teams in Group G are separated by three points and could still qualify heading into their

BAYERN’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates his goal against Dynamo Kyiv during the Champions League group E soccer match between Dynamo Kyiv and Bayern Munich at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine, yesterday. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) last games after wins for Lille and Sevilla over Salzburg and Wolfsburg, respectively. RONALDO DELIVERS AGAIN Ronaldo had already scored two winners and a late equaliser in the Champions League this season before his smartly taken go-ahead goal against Villarreal in the 78th minute, prompted by Fred winning the ball high up the field. And both Fred and Ronaldo featured in a counterattack that ended with Sancho smashing a shot in off the underside of the crossbar to seal the win. Carrick made a big call in his first game in charge by dropping playmaker Bruno Fernandes in a bid to set up in a more solid fashion and protect a defence that has been overrun this season. It led to a first clean sheet of the group stage. More joy was to follow as Atalanta’s wild 3-3 draw at Young Boys meant United cannot be displaced as group leader courtesy of

its superior head-to-head record against Villarreal, which is three points back in second place. Atalanta, which is a point further back, grabbed a point thanks to Luis Muriel’s 87th-minute free kick with his first touch after coming on as a substitute. BITTERSWEET FOR CHELSEA It was a bittersweet night for Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. The thrashing of Juventus, achieved courtesy of goals by academy graduates Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi as well as a fourth by substitute Timo Werner, was marred by knee injuries to key players N’Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell. Kante went off in the first half while Chilwell looked in agony as he was helped off the field in the 71st. Chelsea and Juventus, who are tied on 12 points with a game left to play, both started an American in Christian Pulisic and

Weston McKennie, respectively. They were two of six Americans to start Tuesday, a record in one night of group play. Zenit St Petersburg is assured of finishing third and going into the Europa League knockout stage after drawing 1-1 at Malmo, which will end the group stage in last place but at least has a goal to show for its efforts. NERVY FINISH Barcelona missed a string of chances at the Camp Nou and stayed two points ahead of Benfica. If Barca fails to beat Bayern away, Benfica could overtake the Spanish club with a win at home to already-eliminated Dynamo Kyiv. If they finish tied on points, Benfica would advance courtesy of their head-to-head record. Helping Barca is the fact that Bayern has little to play for — except, maybe, the chance to knock out a historic rival, albeit one that has lost its aura following the departure of Lionel Messi and other big-name

players amid financial problems. Bayern had already qualified for the last 16 before its 2-1 win at Dynamo Kyiv and the result secured the German champions first place in the group. Robert Lewandowski — with an overhead kick — and Kingsley Coman scored the goals for a threadbare Bayern squad missing nine players, with seven unavailable because either they tested positive for the coronavirus or were unvaccinated and had contact with a positive case. LILLE TOP Lille moved top of its group after Canada striker Jonathan David scored his 12th goal of the season to seal a 1-0 win over Salzburg, which dropped a point back in second. Sevilla jumped into third place, above Wolfsburg, with a 2-0 victory over the German team thanks to goals by Joan Jordán and Rafa Mir. In the final games, Wolfsburg hosts Lille and Salzburg is at home to Sevilla.

very confident about the protocols that are in place and everything that we’ve done to ensure the safety and the planning.” The completion of the women’s tournament offered the first glimpses of normalcy, to a degree. Oklahoma’s team swam with dolphins. Players for No. 15 Oregon caught some rays at one of numerous pools on the resort grounds. Teams gathered in their hotel-tower lobby to walk to Imperial Arena, passing masked resort guests on the shop-lined route to the practices and games. Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley, whose top-ranked team won the title, was out walking her dog Champ around the marina and sheepishly admitted to doing some shopping. Huskies coach Geno Auriemma said he wouldn’t hesitate to “take advantage of all their hospitality” due to his vaccinated status. And there was a big-game buzz in the arena for the Gamecocks-Huskies title tilt. The hope is, it’s just the start of making it all the way back from the pandemic. “There’s no reason to come to the Bahamas if you’re not going to enjoy the Bahamas,” Ducks forward Sedona Prince told the AP. “So we’ve been able to actually do things and go out and kind of be as a team, and take pictures and videos and memories. ... They put the tournament here for players and family and coaches to enjoy. So yeah, we’ve been doing that.”

AL-HILAL BEATS POHANG FOR 4TH ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Nasser Al-Dawsari’s goal after just 16 seconds helped Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal clinch a record fourth Asian Champions League title with a 2-0 win over South Korea’s Pohang Steelers in yesterday’s final. Immediately after kick off, Al-Dawsari picked up a loose ball just inside the Pohang half and advanced to unleash a fierce shot from outside the area that flew into the top corner of the net in front of 50,000 home fans. Moussa Marega doubled the lead in the second half. “We are the best team in Asia and we have worked hard to get here,” Al-Hilal captain Salman Al-Faraj said. “It was a tough game against a good team. We have been together a long time and we are delighted to win the title again after winning it in 2019.” Pohang, a three-time Asian champion that has been struggling domestically this season, had its best chance 10 minutes into the game when midfielder Sin Jin-ho hit the bar with a shot from outside the area and goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf saved Lim Sang-hyub’s follow-up from the rebound. “It would have been a more interesting game had that gone in and not hit the bar,” said Pohang coach Kim Ki-dong, who was a player in 2009 when the Steelers last lifted the title. “We weren’t able to follow our game plan as we conceded so early but Al-Hilal has many good players and played a good game.” Al-Hilal controlled most of the game, thanks in part to Brazilian playmaker Matheus Pereira, and got the second goal in the 63rd minute. Bafetimbi Gomis freed Marega in the area and the former FC Porto striker’s low shot beat goalkeeper Lee Jun.

PAGE 18, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Aliv: ‘Honeymoon period’ now over FROM PAGE 24

and, once that was done, we would look at profitability down the road,” Mr Gomez said. “This being a start-up, it may take seven, eight, ten before we reach clear profitability going forward. We’re excited about it, and are confident we will be able to grow the business and drive it to full profitability as well.” As previously reported by Tribune Business, Aliv suffered a near-$41m loss for the year to end-June 2021. Its revenues rose 8.5 percent year-over-year to $83.314m, compared to $76.811m for the year to end-June 2020, while operating expenses remained flat at $70.558m

for the 12 months to endJune 2021 as opposed to $70.834m in the prior year. What drove Aliv to its net loss was continued interest expense on the debt incurred to build-out its nationwide mobile network infrastructure, plus the depreciation and amortisation charges associated with this capital investment. They stood at $19.886m and $26.517m, respectively, combining to account for $46.4m worth of expenses. This compared to over $42m in 2020, but these numbers will reduce over time as Aliv increases revenues and pays down its debt. Mr Gomez, noting that Aliv’s business has rapidly matured, said: “You’re going to get a lot of the low

hanging fruit at first. The honeymoon period is over, and we have to find what differentiates us from the competition to win subscribers over to us. “There are a couple of differentiators. There’s the network, there’s the customer experience, and the people. The glue for all of this is community. We’ve already been involved in the community, but going forward we’re going to enhance that even more.” Mr Gomez said Aliv had used its fifth anniversary “celebration tour”, which has taken in every island where it has a retail store presence, to both provide gifts to customers and see how it can better provide services to them - including

THE TRIBUNE non-profit groups and government agencies. The recent Marco’s Alert tie-up, he added, was a prime example of such involvement. Describing Aliv’s progress as “on track overall with what we envisioned when we started this journey”, while “slightly ahead in some areas”, Mr Gomez said: “We’re going to double down on post-paid, we’re going to double down on the customer experience, and we’re going to double down on community service. “These are the key drivers that I think will help win this battle. The competition is fierce, and even more so that the low hanging fruit has been obtained. How do we set ourselves apart from the competition? I cannot belabour enough that then customer experience is key to winning this battle.”

Mr Gomez said Aliv started with “a clean slate” in developing its culture, thanks to its start-up nature, and was able to build the necessary “energy and excitement to run an operation like this”. He added: “The people internally are the engine that makes this thing work. If you do not have the right culture it will be very difficult to achieve some of the targets we have achieved thus far. “ Revealing that Aliv is examining its retail space to determine how best “to optimise that area of the business”, Mr Gomez said no determination has yet been made on whether to expand or shrink its footprint. The mobile operator’s stores in Palmdale and Harbour Bay are also offering

upstairs office space, fully equipped with all necessary communications, for lease to businesses and entrepreneurs as meeting rooms/ conference centres or even full-time operations. “The vision going forward is just to enhance,” Mr Gomez said. “The foundation has been set. It’s just enhancing how we drive and adapt because of the new way of working going forward. We’re using our capacity and solutions to drive that, and also the customer experience and retail offering. “How do we leverage the office space and retail space into a unique and seamless experience from the time the customer comes in to the time they leave and walk out the door?”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 19

‘FLABBERGASTED’ BY CRUISE GIANT’S DEAL

FROM PAGE 24 vice-president of private destinations, who told a virtual meeting held by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) earlier this year that the seven-acre Crown Land parcel would be returned to the Bahamian people’s ownership eventually but did not state this might take up to 150 years. Responding to a question from Ricardo Miller, he replied: “Our Crown Land lease is for 25 years with rights to renew and, yes, the land does revert back to The Bahamas.” Suggesting that Royal Caribbean “finish what they have started at the Grand Lucayan”, and “either walk away or put their money where their mouth is” before focusing on Paradise Island, Mr Smith also queried whether Town Planning Committee approval for the Royal Beach Club had been “rushed through by Minnis”. He added: “Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club is pushing ahead with all-Bahamian plans to restore the lighthouse,

which will be funded by revenues from our beach club. We’re absolutely flabbergasted that Minnis provided a minimum150-year lease to Royal Caribbean while myself, as a Bahamian project, was only offered a 21-year lease with a oneterm rollover.” This was confirmed by a November 14, 2018, memorandum written by now-Cabinet secretary, Nicole Campbell, to Richard Hardy, acting director at the Department of Lands and Surveys. “The minister responsible for lands agreed to negotiate a 21-year Crown Land lease agreement with Paradise Island Lighthouse and Beach Club for five acres of Crown Land in the vicinity of the Paradise Island Lighthouse and Colonial Beach,” she wrote. Mr Smith, who is alleging that his rival lease became valid and binding upon the Government some 16 months before it signed the rival document with Royal Caribbean, again accused the former administration of “double dealing” Crown Land that is held in trust

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE FELDEN ASSOCIATED S.A. In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, FELDEN ASSOCIATED S.A. is in dissolution as of November 19.2021 Ms. LOK Lai Yee of 22nd Floor, Hang Lung Centre, 2-20 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong is the Liquidator.

LIQUIDATOR

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that CHRISTOPHER JOHN KILVINGTON of Ocean Club Estates, Paradise Island, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 24th day of November 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MARVIN LUBIN of, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, (As Amended) NOTICE is hereby given that THE AFRICAN WALKING COMPANY LIMITED has been dissolved and that the name has been struck from the Register of Companies with effect from the 26h day of October, 2021.

MICHALE JOHN SPENCE CHAPMAN LIQUIDATOR 8840 TERRENE CT., B102, BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34135-9533

LIGHTHOUSE POINT for the Bahamian people’s benefits. Challenging whether the previous administration should have signed an agreement involving land it knew was tied-up in litigation, the entrepreneur added: “I remain confident in this new day government. Bahamians have been challenged to be brave, and in this David versus Goliath battle I sincerely hope that I am demonstrating that I am being brave. “I wish to extend my gratitude to Bahamians who stand with me directly and indirectly to support an all-Bahamian project. We shall be victorious.” Meanwhile, a prominent Bahamian realtor yesterday voiced surprise that the Royal Caribbean lease’s rental rate was not indexed, or linked, to inflation. Mike Lightbourn, Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty’s president, told Tribune

Business that long-term leases were typically tied to the cost of living so that rental rates rose in line with this. “I don’t see any longterm leases without the cost of living tied into it,” he explained. “There should be a cost of living increase in that. Every longterm lease we do that.” As revealed by this newspaper, the lease commits Royal Caribbean to paying a flat annual $140,000 rent to the Government annually for the seven acres. Over a 25-year lease, this amounts to $3.5m in total rental income with VAT at 10 percent contributing a further $350,000 to the Public Treasury. These sums pale when set aside the extra $26m in annual visitor spending that the Royal Beach Club is projected to generate, a figure that rises to $650m when

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that DEANDRA SHEAKERA SMITH of, #40 Fifth Street, The Grove, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 17th day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

extended over the initial 25-year lease term. Joe Darville, Save the Bays chairman, yesterday slammed the lease terms negotiated by the Minnis administration as “a pittance” and “deplorable”. He told this newspaper: “I cannot believe the previous administration gave them [Royal Caribbean] a lease of 150 years. That’s two lifetimes for anyone who grows as old as 70. “It’s deplorable. I don’t understand it. For God’s sake, we don’t need them that bad, and it’s an absolute pittance we are going to get for it. It’s ridiculous. I’m really dismayed that those who represent our best interests in the country can make a secret deal with a foreign entity. That aches at my heart.” Mr Darville, calling on the Davis administration to reject the Royal Beach Club, said the area targeted by Royal Caribbean could

not support a project of that nature. And he also warned Mr Smith to be careful about the environmental impact from his ambitions. Royal Caribbean has steadily amassed around 13.5 acres on Paradise Island’s western end by buying out private landowners in the area, but its efforts to lease the extra seven Crown Land acres have brought it into conflict with Mr Smith. He is seeking himself to lease two Crown Land parcels at Paradise Island’s western end, one of which involves two acres around the lighthouse and another three acres for the “beach break” element of his own $2m project. Two of the acres sought by Mr Smith are included in Royal Caribbean’s Crown Land lease. Mr Smith’s court action is alleging that he was granted a valid Crown Land lease over both parcels, including the lighthouse and the area at Colonial Beach for his “beach break” destination, which is now legally binding. This was denied by the Minnis administration. The case is based on a January 7, 2020, letter from Richard Hardy, acting director of Lands and Surveys, that was headlined “approval for crown land lease” over the two tracts he wanted. This lease was agreed before Dr Minnis signed off on Royal Caribbean’s deal.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that EMILY EDMOND of, Abaco, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 17th day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PAGE 20, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

‘GET OFF SIDELINES’ ON $200M RAISES FROM PAGE 24

given that the Deloitte & Touche accounting firm has been called in to review the proposal. The Government is also still talking to Shell North America over the planned new power plant, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, at Clifton Pier. The Shell deal is heavily tied to the bond’s placement, and the latter - at $80m - as well as the LNG facility will both seek to raise financing in The Bahamas via the capital markets. This newspaper understands that Grand Bahama Shipyard, too, is likely to seek up to $80m in financing locally to carry out preparation works for receiving two

new dry docks that are currently being built in Asia. And, with $2.4bn worth of surplus liquidity clogging the commercial banking system, and deposit rates at or close to zero, Mr Anderson argued that there was no better time for investors to shed their traditional caution and conservatism by investing in equities and the broader capital markets. “There are a couple of transactions worth $130m between them that we expect to take place in the first six months of next year,” the RF Bank & Trust chief said, declining to identify the parties involved. “We expect more of those transactions to come online as time moves on but, at the moment, we anticipate

those two transactions taking place in the first six months of 2022. “People coming to market, raising cash and starting to grow the economy..... These are integral requirements for the economy to grow again, to start to regenerate. Without capital getting put to work the economy cannot grow. We need to see more of these projects come out next year so the economy is not so reliant on tourism. “We will start to see broader economic growth take place if we get more capital deployed. If money is sitting on the sidelines, sitting in the bank, people will not do well. It’s about how we put it to work, put

money to work and get companies going again.” Asked how much will be sought from the Bahamian capital markets next year, Mr Anderson replied: “I think if we’re looking at $130m in a couple of transactions, I can imagine at least a couple hundred million. It could easily be more.” He added that it was critical to get capital into cash-starved Bahamian businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and predicted that 2022 could see increased merger and acquisition (M&A) activity at this level amid projections the economy will grow by over 8 percent.

ALIV CHIEF: MOBILE MARKET TOO SMALL FOR THIRD ENTRANT FROM PAGE 24 electronic communications sector policy. “As set out in the draft electronic communications sector policy, the Government of The Bahamas will consider whether further liberalisation of the mobile telephone market should be undertaken in the form of a third mobile operator,” URCA said in late 2020. “The policy requires that URCA provide advice and recommendations to the Government on this matter, including a feasibility and market analysis to support any recommendations made.” The “feasibility assessment” was scheduled

to begin in the 2021 first quarter and conclude by mid-year. The electronic communications sector policy previously gave URCA a 2021 year-end deadline to supply its advice and recommendations on the third mobile operator issue, while pledging that the Government would take no decision on the matter before 2022 at earliest. The policy also acknowledged that the Government is now more than two years late in deciding whether to introduce more competition into the mobile market, as this decision should have been taken by October 2019

- some three years after Aliv ended BTC’s 16-year mobile monopoly by becoming its first competitor. “The Government will further consider the feasibility of additional and expanded entry in cellular mobile services,” the policy document says. “In the previous electronic communications sector policy, the Government promoted the introduction of competition in the mobile sector, a goal realised with the launch of services in 2016 by the second mobile operator. “In the liberalisation process, the Government delayed the consideration of the third mobile operator

for a period of no less than three years after the commercial launch of the second mobile operator - October 2019. The Government will review this issue, in conjunction with URCA, during the life of this electronic communications sector policy to determine an appropriate policy position moving forward.” The policy document added that the Government will both determine whether the entrance of a third mobile competitor is warranted, “and the manner and form any such liberalisation should take”. While barriers to competition are always

THE TRIBUNE While tourism’s recovery had provided some “headroom”, Mr Anderson said it was now critical to reduce unemployment and get the private sector “back up and running” as rapidly as possible. “There’s some doubt around how quickly unemployment will be reduced, and businesses will get back into operation,” he added. “A lot of small businesses are in need of capital and have been struggling to keep afloat over the last couple of years. As the New Year starts, can we get capital into businesses and are there going to be mergers and acquisitions as people get back into business? There’s this expectation we will not fully recover until 2023 or 2024. “Next year will be the start of it, but how quickly do we get people employed? There’s a government that cannot borrow more money.

We have a government that is constrained and a country that has not had a lot of employment for a while,” Mr Anderson continued. “Things are kind of stacked up against it apart from the tourism side. There’s this one major sector which everybody is relying on to give a bit of a kick-start in the first quarter of next year going into summer.” Mr Anderson said BISXlisted, dividend yielding stocks - especially the banks, apart from Commonwealth Bank - had started to post improved results as well as continuing/resuming dividend payments yielding 3-4 percent. “It’s the smaller businesses that are going to struggle to get going again,” he said, “but most of the larger listed companies are looking good already.”

problematic, as they deny consumers the benefits of greater choice, product innovation and lower prices, a key concern - as alluded to by Mr Gomez - has always been whether The Bahamas, with its 400,000-strong population and estimated 360,000-380,000 mobile subscribers, has the critical mass to support a third mobile operator. Allowing a third entrant could result in the market being split too thinly, with none of the operators able to achieve sufficient subscriber bases to reach profitability and positive operating cash flow. The capital intensive nature of any network build-out will also delay profitability by many years.

As for investing in 5G (fifth generation) mobile networks, Mr Gomez yesterday said “it behooves” Aliv and BTC to “leverage each other’s networks” and collaborate on a potential roll-out as a means to cut costs and achieve greater efficiencies. “That’s going to be very capital intensive to go to 5G,” he added. “We are having conversations with the Government to determine how we support them and partner with them and, ultimately, the competitor. For both of us it behooves us to perhaps have conversations as to how we leverage each other’s systems and networks to benefit from 5G.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 21

Israeli ambassador meets PM, ministers ISRAEL’S ambassador to The Bahamas has met with the Prime Minister and multiple Cabinet ministers on his first visit to this nation. Zvi Tal held meetings with Philip Davis as well as Alfred Sears, acting minister of foreign affairs; Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness; and Clay Sweeting, minister

of agriculture and marine resources. He discussed the possibility of establishing a common agenda for comprehensive bilateral dialogue. During his visit, Mr Tal inaugurated a humanitarian assistance project that involved procuring and installing hurricane resistant windows at the Stronger Together community centre

H.E. Mr. Zvi Tal, Ambassador of Israel to the Bahamas (right) had the pleasure of meeting the Honourable Philip E. Davis M.P. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (left). Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

in Grand Bahama’s Eight Mile Rock community. The aid was made possible through MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, and the involvement of IsraAID, a coalition of Israeli organisations working in disaster relief and international development.

GOV’T MOVING TO RESOLVE CONFUSION OVER FURLOUGH FROM PAGE 24 was given was a 30-day window after the emergency orders would have expired for companies to make a decision and determination as to what they were going to do. Now, that 30 days would take us to December 12. “The law also provide a 90-day window, which takes us to March 12. What has to happen within that window by March 12, companies either have to disengage the persons or call them back to work. That is the law and that is the parameters that we are now working in for companies to make a decision. “So they have until, by the latest, March 12 to either disengage those furloughed workers or return them back to work and the government is standing behind the law.” However, this was seemingly contradicted by Mr Pinder in a media interview given the very same day. As the Government’s

chief legal adviser, he said the clock on the 90-day furlough extension started running from November 12 - when the emergency powers ended - and not December 12 as suggested by Mr Watson. As a result, the furlough extension would end one month earlier on February 12, 2022, based on Mr Pinder’s position. “Our advice is that the 12-week clock started November 13,” the attorney general said of the furlough extension. “Others are of the opinion that the 30-day extension that was in the emergency orders gives 30 days, plus 12 weeks.” This indicates that there are differences within the Davis administration on the issue, and the two pronouncements fail to give both employers and furloughed employees the certainty and clarity that they cherish. Sidestepping the question of who was correct, Mr Farquharson declined to be drawn on which timeframe will be adopted. “There is a

PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with the Order of the Honorable Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson made October 21, 2021, Shares numbered 2,001 to 4,000 describe in share certificate #2 in Blue Illusions Ltd. are to be sold by public auction on Friday November 26, 2021, in front of Supreme Court main Building, Bank Lane, Nassau, The Bahamas between the hours of 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm

move afoot to synchronise the two positions, and I will await the synchronisation of that,” he told Tribune Business. “Since the decision of the Government to end the emergency powers, a number of employers have sought some clarity and I suspect between now and the very near future there will be a definitive synchronisation of the position between the Prime Minister’s Office and the attorney general.” The Employment Act provisions, which require employers to recall furloughed workers within 90 days (13 weeks) or otherwise pay them due severance, were suspended under the former Minnis administration’s emergency powers in an effort to both preserve jobs and delay payment of severance packages that could have put cash-strapped firms out of business at COVID’s peak. The latest 90-day extension would take the COVID furlough period to almost two years since the pandemic’s start. Mr

Farquharson said the 90-day limit was designed to “put a lid” on employers who were placing staff on furlough indefinitely, sometimes for four-five months or longer, which enabled them to avoid paying due severance to the worker’s financial detriment. “The intent of the legislation was certainly because, prior to 2017, we had a number of hotels - particularly in the Family Islands - who would lay people off for long periods of time,” he explained of the 2017 reforms. “There was no provision in the law mandating that they bring people back after a certain period of time. The intent of the law in 2017 was to put a lid on employers who laid people off for four to five months on furlough.” Mr Farquharson said many Bahamian employers are not waiting 90 days, and have already moved to recall furloughed staff. No official unemployment data has been produced since the pandemic’s start in March 2020, making it hard to

determine how many workers remain on furlough, but hundreds - if not thousands - of hotel workers are said to still be in that status. “A number of employers have already begun the process,” the labour director told this newspaper. “A number of them are not waiting the 90 days. A number of them have taken the position to bring them back on, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector and especially in the Family Islands. “A number of properties are seeing increased occupancies and increased bookings, so they have begun the process of reengaging people who were on furlough. That’s a positive sign for the economy that the process has already begun.” Mr Farquharson pointed to Sandals Royal Bahamian’s decision to recall 850 furloughed staff for its January 27, 2022, re-opening as one such example. Dave Beckford, the General Workers Union’s first vice-president, yesterday called on Atlantis and

other employers to pay due severance to workers who were recalled but did not want to return. He added that recalled workers, who declined to go back, were in a difficult position as they could “be treated as abandoning their jobs”. Noting that some furloughed employees will have either started their own businesses or gone on to new jobs after being sent home for up to 20 months, Mr Beckford said: “What I’m advocating for is that employers like Atlantis give them redundancy packages if they do not want to return and wish to part ways. “A lot of them have moved on. The unemployment assistance (now $100 per week) has not been sufficient. A number of them do not want to go back as they’ve been furloughed going on two years. It’s a good number of them. Even when Atlantis made 700 redundant there’s still a lot of workers on furlough. Some of them want to go back, some don’t want to go back.”

PAGE 22, Wednesday, November 24, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

ELECTRIC VEHICLE RENTAL EYES 67% EXPANSION A BAHAMIAN entrepreneur’s electric vehicle rental firm is aiming to compete with international rivals through a further 67 percent expansion of its fleet as tourism shrugs off COVID’s impact. Benjamin Davis and Drive Green, the first company to receive financing from the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), used the downtime created by the pandemic to ready the zero-emission car rental company for tourism’s eventual rebound. Drive Green secured its first customer on July 30, 2018, and, less than a year later, received $200,000 in financing from the SBDC (Access Accelerator). “We were funded by Access Accelerator and two other investors in 2019. Sales were strong initially, and we were booked solid through March 14, 2020. Then the cancellations started coming in,” said Mr Davis. Only 21 years-old when he had the initial idea for

Drive Green in 2017, Mr Davis spent countless hours developing the business plan he would then spend two years pitching to investors before getting funded. The plan was not only the blueprint for his current success but also served as the final project that earned him an ‘A’ grade in one of his university classes. “I had to develop a detailed business plan for my University of The Bahamas entrepreneurship class, and I thought to myself: ‘Let’s find something that I like’,” he shared. “I’ve always been into technology and cars, and I had recently transitioned from a Nissan Note to an electric car and instantly realised how fun they are to drive.” Mr Davis moved to realise his ambitions, armed with his Business License and business plan. The journal he kept during Drive Green’s infancy contains entries such as: “July 6, 2017 - Spent the whole day at Road Traffic. July

FUNDED by the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) in late 2019, 25 year-old entrepreneur, Benjamin Davis, has grown Drive Green, his electric vehicle rental company, from two vehicles to six in less than two years. 24: picked up OT grant letter. August 21: Created a list of hotels to establish charging stations.” “I went to a few places to get funding, and it was hard at first; it was a lot of back and forth with no progress,” Mr Davis said. “Things didn’t come together until I had the Access Accelerator

funding; that’s when other investors started looking at me seriously. “One of the places I approached before Access Accelerator actually gave me funding after I went through the Access Accelerator programme.” With funding secured, he quickly

expanded his fleet from two to six vehicles. Now a UB graduate with a dual degree in music and business administration, Mr Davis works full-time at Drive Green. “In terms of the day-to-day operations, it’s just me - car washing, marketing, being the CEO,” he added. “But I do lean very heavily on my current Access Accelerator advisor, Deborah Gibbs, and my previous advisor, Phyllice Bethel. I can always call on them for strategic advice. My dad is also a key factor, and we hash through different plans to grow the business.” Drive Green is now aiming to expand its vehicle fleet from six to ten by December - a 67 percent increase. “We made it through what I hope was the worst of the pandemic. We didn’t have any issues with our loan payments, and we want to stay on our good financial track and make smart decisions now that we know the demand is there,

so we’re investing in getting additional cars in,” Mr Davis said. As more electric vehicles enter the Bahamian market, the demand for charging stations increases as well. Mr Davis has installed electric car charging stations throughout New Providence, with the Fusion SuperPlex as the most recent location. “The biggest challenge has been making connections with some of the larger businesses such as the mega resorts. Unless you know somebody, or you’re already a big name, it can be difficult to get in the door,” said Mr Davis. “Now that Access Accelerator has established its post-funding department, they are working to help facilitate connections to progress business. I am always looking for the next thing to make my business stronger.”

MINISTERS BRIEF ARBITRATORS ON PLANNED LEGAL REFORMS TWO Cabinet ministers recently briefed the local Chartered Institute of Arbitrators branch on planned legal reforms to transform The Bahamas into an international arbitration centre. Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, and Senator Ryan Pinder, attorney general and minister of legal affairs, gave an update on the planned legislation and the Government’s efforts to support alternative dispute

resolution (ADR), especially for arbitration and mediation. Potential collaboration between the Government and private sector, including the creation of a physical centre for alternative dispute resolution via a public-private partnership (PPP), was discussed. Over issues involve creating a registry of professionals trained in ADR; funding for student training; and the inclusion of alternative

dispute resolution clauses in Government contracts. The Cabinet ministers were joined by officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, including permanent secretary, Janice Miller, and arbitration consultant, Theominique Nottage, as they met with the Bahamas branch’s executive committee. Suggesting that fully-fledged arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms will further enhance The

Bahamas’ competitiveness, as the Government revamps its economic development and investment models, Mr Halkitis said: “Our transformative plans require us to make large strides towards building a viable framework in which our policies and initiatives will operate. “Businesses and investors interested in The Bahamas want to know that, should a dispute arise, there are appropriate mechanisms in place for their disagreements to be resolved in an efficient, cost-effective way. That is why it is so important for us to fully develop an empowered alternative dispute resolution professional community as we accelerate our agenda.” The Government has long talked about The Bahamas becoming an international arbitration centre to support the

economy’s diversification and expand available investment opportunities. Within months it is expecting to enact the International Commercial Arbitration Bill (2021) that incorporates the UNCITRAL Model Law, and enhances The Bahamas as a preferred jurisdiction for international commercial arbitration. “As we make progress on our slate of reforms, collaborative efforts with organisations like the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators will be the driving force behind effective policy development,” said Mr Halkitis. “We will continue to engage these important stakeholders throughout our term in office, relying on their subject matter expertise to better inform our work. We look forward

to what we can achieve together.” Founded in 2010 under the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators based in London, UK, the Bahamian branch is part of the world’s largest organisation of alternative dispute resolution professionals. The organisation focuses on education, training, networking and promoting the benefits of alternative dispute resolution. The Bahamas branch boasts a membership of more than 80 people, including 16 fellows with four members appointed as approved faculty. The local branch has served as a strategic partner for the Government over the past several years, and has been instrumental in reforming the legislative framework to support alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, PAGE 23

GOV’T IN ‘FINAL TALKS’ ON GRAND LUCAYAN By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE Government is in the “final phase of discussions” with Royal Caribbean over its longrunning Grand Lucayan acquisition, the deputy prime minister said yesterday. Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, investments and aviation, speaking ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting, said: “We are in the final phase of discussions with Royal Caribbean in relation to the Grand Lucayan matter, and until those discussions are

concluded I wouldn’t want to be making any further pronouncements on it. “I’ve indicated my view publicly as to what I think of the deal itself. Royal Caribbean is a long-standing partner of The Bahamas; they’ve been here for 50 years. They recently launched new ships. Last week, we welcomed a new cruise ship to The Bahamas. They have other interests in Grand Bahama; they have other interests in Nassau as well. “So when there is a marriage as long as the one we have with Royal Caribbean, every day isn’t going to be Sunday. Suffice to say the issue in Grand Bahama as it relates to

the Grand Lucayan, in the view of this government, has gone on too long and I can tell you that we are close to a resolution in relation to that specific matter.” Mr Cooper divulged no specifics on the negotiations, so it remains unclear just how far the Davis administration’s talks with the cruise giant have progressed. In particular, there was no mention of whether Royal Caribbean and its ITM Group partner have managed to seal the deal for Freeport Harbour with the Hutchison Whampoa-controlled Freeport Harbour Company. The deputy prime minister’s predecessor as minister of tourism,

Dionisio D’Aguilar, previously told this newspaper that completion of the Freeport Harbour arrangement was a “condition precedent” for closing the Grand Lucayan’s sale - meaning the ITM/Royal Caribbean joint venture will not close on the hotel’s purchase until talks with Hutchison reach a satisfactory outcome. The Grand Lucayan’s sale was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Minnis administration having held a much-publicised agreement signing just weeks before the March 2020 lockdown. Subsequently, Royal Caribbean/ITM used COVID to water down the terms of the agreement and reduce

the benefits to the Bahamian people - at least in the eyes of the resort’s former Board. The terms were reduced to the point where Royal Caribbean/ITM would have obtained vendor financing from the Government to fund the purchase, but upgrades to the Grand Lucayan woukld have been delayed to later in the decade. When asked whether the Davis administration is merely spouting the same rhetoric as its predecessors, Mr Cooper replied: “I don’t speak for my predecessors. I’ve been in office for eight weeks. We’ve begun the discussion in earnest with our partners.

“My approach to this job is one of collaboration and speaking with the stakeholders. Suffice to say Royal Caribbean knows my position. The position of our government is very clear as of the deal itself. We’ve said it publicly, and Royal Caribbean understands very clearly what the discussion is about.” Mr Cooper responded with “no comment” when asked whether Royal Caribbean’s Crown Land lease on Paradise Island was used by the former government to incentivise the cruise giant to complete the Grand Lucayan deal.

MINISTER DEFENDS $5M PRIVATE SECTOR SME FUNDING SLASH SWITCH EYED By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday defended the Government’s decision to slash funding for small and medium-sized businesses by $5m, arguing that this will not “interrupt” support for the sector. Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, speaking ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting, confirmed that “the plan is to have everything in place, and to have the whole supplemental Budget passed, by the first week in December to come into effect the first week in January”. However, funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) has been cut from $30m to $25m in the Ministry of Finance’s capital budget. This appeared to go against the Government’s promises to provide the sector with $50m in annual support over a five-year period for a total $250m in financing. When challenged about this, Mr Halkitis said: “We’re not interrupting anything in terms of small business development. As a matter of fact we will be looking at more ways to get more private sector involvement in small business development. “Some people say that $50m a year is not enough and, quite frankly, we agree, but we have to do what our resources dictate. If you look at it carefully there’s a lot of reallocation because of the introduction of new ministries and allocation of portfolios. You might see

some reallocations but our commitment is $250m over five years. “If it’s not with the SBDC it’s going to be with the array of organisations like the Bahamas Development Bank, the BAIC (Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation), the venture capital fund along with the SBDC, and the Government’s guarantee programmes that deal with small business. “So there is no diminution of the Government’s commitment for small business development. We feel that’s the way to go, particularly coming out of COVID-19.” Mr Halkitis also drew attention to rising inflationary pressures, and said: “Particularly as we talk about inflation, we are having certain issues with shipping and the supply chain, and all of that’s exacerbating that. “We import for everything, and so we will feel the effects. But they tend to be cyclical, and so at a certain time of the year you might see increased demand, particularly in the holiday season, but we expect that to smooth out because our inflation tends to track the US at about 3-4 percent. “But, you know, we expect that to even out, and it’s one of those vagaries of economics. In a period it would be up and then it’ll come back to normal. Admitting that there is “nothing much” the Government can do about inflationary pressures, Mr Halkitis said: “We expect all of those issues to be worked out in the New Year.”

FOR OFFICE-LESS PUBLIC HIRES

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A CABINET minister yesterday said the the Government is looking to place the 83 workers hired pre-election, but for whom it has been unable to find posts, with the private sector. Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of state for the public service, speaking ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting, suggested that these persons could be taken on by the private sector with the Government still paying their salaries. “he persons that would have been engaged in the last eight weeks, especially in the last two to three days prior to the election, we have some persons signing in at the public service and going home because they have nowhere to be placed,” she said. “And you have some persons who would have been placed and, as I do my assessment, a number of ministries and departments are saying that the people are showing up but they really don’t have anything for them to do.” These office-less public servants total about 83 workers, and range from persons with a tertiary education to those with just a high school diploma. Their hiring has been “placed on

hold” because there is no place to put them within the civil service. “We have about 68 that are reporting, but have some issues of attendance, and we have another 10 to 12 that are signing in and we don’t have anywhere to place them,” Mrs Glover-Rolle said. A minority are not showing up at all and are still being paid, and Ms GloverRolle said: “I think it’s important in responsible governance that there’s accountability and transparency. The taxpayers’ money is being used to fund the salaries of these workers, and they’re not providing

PIA GLOVER-ROLLE a decent day’s work for the pay that they’re receiving.” As a result, her ministry has sought to “engage some private sector employers” in an attempt to get some of these workers meaningful jobs. The Government will pay their salaries until their contract comes to an end, and then it will be up to the private sector employer to retain them if they wish. “We are looking to engage workers and cross check their skill-sets with the needs of the employers,” Mrs Glover-Rolle said, as she urged companies

seeking new hires to reach out to the ministry. “This is a good opportunity for us to look at the redevelopment of the 52-week programme, which we’re going to be terming ‘the public service professional engagement programme’.That name is very deliberate. We want to start engaging workers that have specific skill sets, whether that’s in finance, whether that’s in innovation and technology, and career paths such as human resources.”

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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‘Get off sidelines’ on $200m raises By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net INVESTORS were yesterday urged to “put capital to work” for The Bahamas to escape a post-COVID slump as more than $200m worth of projects prepare to come to market in 2022. Michael Anderson, RF Bank & Trust’s president, told Tribune Business that “the economy cannot grow” if companies and investors remain “waiting on the sidelines” reluctant to take advantage of opportunities in a post-pandemic recovery. Disclosing that he was aware of two offerings, collectively worth $130m, that will be released to the Bahamian capital markets during the 2022 first half, he added that such increased activity is vital if the country is to diversify away from its reliance on tourism. While predictions that increased capital-raising activity would start in 2021 have

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• Investors told: ‘Put capital to work’ in 2022 • Banker: Otherwise ‘economy cannot grow’ • $130m in deals expected during first half not materialised, Mr Anderson voiced optimism that multiple projects delayed either because of COVID or the recent general election will now move forward in 2022. “I think there are a number of transactions that were put on hold because of election issues, because of COVID economy issues that, as the economy and tourism start picking up, some of those will come to fruition next year,” he told this newspaper. “We expect to see a recovery on the capital raising

‘Flabbergasted’ by cruise giant’s deal By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamian entrepreneur with a rival claim to Paradise Island crown land sought by Royal Caribbean yesterday said he was “totally flabbergasted” by the lease terms granted to the cruise giant. Toby Smith, who is seeking a Supreme Court declaration that he has a valid, binding lease to two acres of Crown Land also wanted by Royal Caribbean, told Tribune Business he had only been offered one renewal term compared to the minimum of five given to the cruise line. The Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club principal, speaking after this newspaper revealed details of the deal signed by the former Minnis administration with Royal Caribbean on May 25, 2021, said his terms provided for an initial 21-year lease with just one extension. Royal Caribbean, though, in addition to its original 25-year lease, has been granted an initial option to renew for the same duration and “no less than four additional options” - all for a 25-year period. In effect, provided it wants to maintain its Royal Beach Club, complies with the lease terms and meets the deadline to send notice of its wish to extend the lease three months before it expires, Royal Caribbean can maintain use of those seven Crown Land acres for up to 150 years. Arguing that the lease terms “demonstrate Minnis’ favouritism towards foreigners, Mr Smith told this newspaper of the cruise line’s lease: “This is a revelation to me. I’m absolutely astounded at not only the audacity of the past prime minister, but also the audacity of Royal Caribbean in being so coy in releasing the full details of what they’re trying to do.” That was a reference to remarks by James Boink, Royal Caribbean’s

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side next year. The early signs are positive. “There’s been very little activity for the last two-and-a-half years other than the [$130m] Nassau Cruise Port transaction, which required a lot of capital to get raised. A lot of investors are waiting on the sidelines, so we anticipate next year will be when a lot of these deferred projects come back and start to move forward again.” Such projects include the $150m that RF Bank & Trust was scheduled to raise to

MICHAEL ANDERSON finance the Family Island airport upgrades, which is a project presently undergoing a review by the newly-elected Davis administration. And, while Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) proposed $535m rate reduction bond (RRB) initially appeared to have been killed-off by the new government, recent signs suggest it is not totally dead

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Aliv: ‘Honeymoon period’ now over By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ALIV’S top executive yesterday warned that “the honeymoon period” is over despite service revenues enjoying four successive month-over-month increases to hit $5m for October. John Gomez, speaking as the mobile operator celebrated the fifth anniversary of its launch, told Tribune Business he “cannot belabour enough that the customer experience is key in winning this battle” for mobile market share dominance” with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). Asserting that it was “absolutely phenomenal” for Aliv to have gained 48 percent market share in just five years since its November 2016 launch, he added that much of “the

JOHN GOMEZ low hanging fruit” had been plucked during that period and the operator now needed to differentiate itself for organic growth and an attritional fight to win more subscribers. His remarks came as he revealed that Aliv’s service revenues, generated from subscriber use of their mobile devices, had increased by 16.3 percent

$5.44

ROBERT FARQUHARSON

Gov’t moving to resolve confusion over furlough • AG, PM spokesman in different worker recall deadlines • One sets decision day February 12, the other March 12 • Labour chief says both positions will be ‘synchronised’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

over a five-month period, jumping from $4.3m in May 2021 to “just over” $5m come October this year. “Every successive month over the past four months we’ve seen an increase in our service revenues,” Mr Gomez told this newspaper, “so we continue to deploy the team to enhance network performance and the customer experience, and continue customer support.” He indicated, though, that the “capital intensive” nature of launching a mobile operator and building out its network from scratch meant Aliv could still be up to five years away from reaching profitability. “We recognised at the very outset that there would be a lot of capital required to get the network operational and the devices running on different apps

THE Government is moving to resolve potential confusion over the deadline for when employers must decide whether to recall COVID-furloughed workers, a senior official said yesterday. Robert Farquharson, the Ministry of Labour’s director of labour, confirmed to Tribune Business that “a move is afoot to synchronise” the contradictory same-day announcements made last week by Senator Ryan Pinder, the attorney general, and the Prime Minister’s press secretary. Clint Watson, giving the weekly press briefing by the Prime Minister’s Office, said the clock would start running from December 12, 2021, on the Government’s decision to extend the furlough period by an extra 90 days. Selecting that date, which was the original furlough expiration data under the Minnis administration’s COVID emergency powers, would extend the deadline for employers to decide whether to recall staff or terminate them to March 12, 2022. The emergency powers, which ended on November 12, 2021, included an extra 30 days before the furlough period ended, taking it to December 12. Mr Watson said last Wednesday: “Under the previous administration, what

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Aliv chief: Mobile market too small for third entrant By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ALIV’S top executive yesterday said the Bahamian mobile market is too small to “warrant” licensing a third operator to compete with itself and the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). John Gomez told Tribune Business there were too few

subscribers to justify permitting a third entrant that would further split market share with “two very competitive forces” in the existing operators. Acknowledging that his comments may be perceived as self-interest, he said: “My view may be a bit biased but I don’t think there’s capacity for a third operator in this market. “We have two very competitive forces in ourselves and

BTC. The sheer size of the market doesn’t warrant capacity for a third. It may sound biased coming from me, but I don’t think that it warrants it.” Mr Gomez’s comments came as the timeline for the Government to determine the “feasibility” of allowing a third mobile operator draws near. The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), in its 2021 draft annual plan,

said the earliest such a decision could be taken is 2022 once the Government is equipped with the necessary market analysis. URCA was supposed to initiate studies on the issue in early 2021, but nothing more has been heard from the communications industry regulator on the subject even though such research is required by the

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