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SANDS WARNS NEW WAVE IS ON ITS WAY
Former minister pleads with those who refuse the vaccine to take jab LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday cautioned local officials to “get ready” for a potential increase of COVID-19 cases, insisting a fourth wave of the disease was imminent. Speaking to The Tribune Dr Sands stressed that now is not the time for Bahamians to let their guard down despite current low case numbers. Pointing to rising infection rates in the United States and Europe, the former member of
Parliament said experience has often shown what happens to neighbouring countries “is a reasonable predictor” of what is to come here. He said: “Let me say that I am absolutely grateful for the reduction in the number of confirmed cases that we’ve recorded over the last weeks and the reduction in the number of hospitalised patients, but already I think we’re starting to see some movement in the other direction in terms of the number of cases presenting to the various facilities.” SEE PAGE FOUR
BAHAMAS Federation of Retailers co-chair Tara Morley yesterday that the Christmas shopping season will be “make or break” for many merchants, adding: “We’re just rolling with the punches.” She said that apart from COVID-19’s continued impact, the greatest challenge facing the retail sector as the festive season are the “gaps” on many shelves due
to inventory/product shortages caused by the global supply chain crisis. Describing delivery times and freight costs as “all over the place”, with the impact varying between different merchants, she added that a successful Christmas shopping season is critical to enabling Bahamian retailers to “get back on their feet” following a trying 21 months of dealing with the pandemic’s fall-out. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
GOLDEN GATES CHURCH ROW SIMMERS ON By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER defendants in the Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries case said the recent ruling of Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder, which was favourable to them, is still not being followed, more than a month after the judgement was handed down. In 2020, Archbishop Ros Davis announced he had appointed his son, Trent Davis, as new senior pastor of the Carmichael Road church. SEE PAGE SEVEN
CHRISTMAS ‘MAKE OR BREAK’ FOR RETAILERS By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
FRONT PORCH: WHY DON’T THE UNVACCINATED LISTEN? MORE WAVES ARE COMING
SURVIVORS RECOUNT ABUSE HELL
‘SO PROUD’
CARINA Ferguson holds her award for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Business Awards yesterday. Miss Ferguon, of Pure Limited, said she was “honoured and humbled” by the award. See PAGE FIVE for the full story. Photo: IsleLens Media
VACCINES WHILE YOU SHOP AT SUPERVALUE By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
SUPER Value’s principal yesterday said he will be “very disappointed if thousands” of shoppers fail to get COVID-vaccinated at two of his stores this weekend, adding: “We must get to 100 percent.” Rupert Roberts told Tribune Business that his Golden Gates outlet, as well as Quality Supermarket’s
RUPERT ROBERTS South Beach location, had partnered with the Ministry of Health, the National
Vaccination Committee and Rotarians to bring COVID vaccines closer to the people in a bid to reverse declining vaccination rates. Revealing that the initiative could extend to the 14-store chain’s other outlets if this weekend is successful, and there is a sufficient vaccine supply available, he added that he had been promoting the inoculation drive on social media. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net DAVINA Smith was only 13 years old when she conceived a child by her molester. The now 33-year-old remembers enduring the abuse at the tender age of six. “Basically, almost every day as far back as I could remember at the age of six, he would come into the room and he would start touching me.” SEE PAGE THREE
STATESIDE FRIENDS, FOES AND GLOBAL STRATEGIES
- SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
A WARM WELCOME FOR VIRGIN FLIGHT
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper welcomes the Virgin Atlantic flight as it arrives at Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday.
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net Photo: Racardo Thomas/ Tribune Staff
TOURISM officials welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s passengers at Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday in celebration of the airline’s new twice weekly service from the United Kingdom to The Bahamas. Director General of Tourism Joy Jibrilu said Bahamian officials were “truly delighted” to welcome the flight with over 120 travellers from the UK. “The atmosphere on the flight coming over was electric,” she told reporters, “filled with people excited to be making their first long haul trip since the start of the pandemic.” Lee Haslett, Vice President of Global Sales at Virgin Atlantic, said the airline was emerging stronger from the pandemic and more committed to the Caribbean region “than ever before”. “Our customers want experiences from their holidays,” he said. “They want to relax in resorts but they want to try something new every day and The Bahamas offers that to our customers. The Bahamas has it all in abundance and I can’t wait to see our customers arrive and explore this beautiful destination.” Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper revealed that forward bookings for this winter season are “steady” and the “absolute priority” is to return tourist numbers to pre-COVID levels. The increased airlift brought by Virgin Atlantic will “undoubtedly help us achieve this mission,” he said. “This inaugural flight could not have come at a
more critical exciting time, as we usher in a new day for airlift even as we continue to aggressively forge ahead in our rebound and recovery efforts following the devastation from Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 effects,” Minister Cooper said further. “International travel has been significantly impacted and it is indeed a pleasure to see Virgin Atlantic join the growing number of air carriers that are restoring connection between travellers and the warm, welcoming people of our country.” The minister added: “Statistically, the United Kingdom represents our third largest source market and we value every single visitor from your shore whose arrival contributes towards the building of our economy and therefore improving the lives of many. Visitors by air are of crucial importance. We estimate that they spend significantly more, 28 times in fact, more than cruise visitors.” Mr Cooper highlighted that tourism numbers have been on an upward trajectory since November/ December 2020, when the COVID protocols and requirements for international travellers were “stabilised”. “Bahamas stopover tourist arrivals are now approaching 2019 and exceeding, in fact in some months, 2019 levels for the corresponding period. In fact, from some key source markets, the numbers are well beyond what we saw in 2019 levels. “In September 2021, total international stopover arrivals to The Bahamas from our key source markets were only 12.1 percent below September 2019 figures,” the minister said.
JAMAICAN IN DRUG ARREST BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
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A JAMAICAN male resident was arrested in Grand Bahama following the discovery of a quantity of marijuana in the Freeport area. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle reported that a joint operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Unit, Bahamas Customs Investigation Unit and the K9 Unit on Tuesday shortly after 1pm. He said officers acting on information went to the Grand Bahama Highway, where they conducted a search of an adult male for
possession of dangerous drugs but found nothing. The suspect then directed officers to an apartment complex, where he told them he lived, but couldn’t provide any proof of residency. While conducting a search of a wooden structure at the rear of the property, officers found a Jamaican passport in the name of the suspect. ASP Rolle said that a black plastic bag containing a quantity of suspected marijuana, with an estimated street value of $720, was also found. He said that an adult male was arrested and is assisting police with their investigations.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 25, 2021, PAGE 3
HUMAN SMUGGLING PROBE
Survivors recount abuse hell from page one “That’s how it started,” she recalled yesterday. “Then it started from touching to being penetrated at the age of six and after he was done, he would then say don’t tell anyone it would ruin the family.” Ms Smith said she remained silent until the age of 15 when she already gave birth to her daughter and had enough of the molestation. It was enough to run away from home. Ms Smith was among other women with similar stories of molestation who told their stories to The Tribune at Rawson Square yesterday following a demonstration that called for better laws and protections for women and children. It was a collaborative effort with other organsations to take a stand, according to Women United Founder and President Prodesta Moore. “We’re here in solidarity. We have people here sharing their stories of abuse. We want to sensitise the nation that this happened. We want to let people know that you are not alone. That
it’s okay to tell your story,” Ms Moore said. “Talk to other people. When you see a child or someone being abused, call the hotline. Be a neighbour to that individual or that person that is being abused. Lashan Robins first spoke of her abuse when she was “maybe 20, 21” by confiding in a pastor. At around the age of seven or eight her abuse started, she said, up until about the age of 13. She told this newspaper that her suffering came at the hands of relatives with more than one perpetrator. It started with touching and escalated to sexual assault – sex being one of the acts. Ms Robins, 34, said: “When I got older and it’s not that I had much more to say. It was just maybe because I was older that they decided to stop.” She reflected on the various aspects that the ordeal affected. “I never wanted to be home. I was always labelled as being rude as a child because I didn’t want to be home. I didn’t want to be inside. I would always rather stay outside. I rather stay with other families and I just wanted to guard
LASHAN Robins said she was abused from the age of seven or eight.
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ASSISTANT Superintendent of Police Audley Peters said police are investigating a human smuggling ring that resulted in the arrest of 32 people, including seven Bahamians. Also arrested were nine Cubans, eight Colombians, two Romanians and six Jamaicans. Police reported that officers were alerted to a suspected human smuggling operation in progress behind a lodging
building on West Bay Street shortly after 8pm on Monday. On arrival, first responding officers observed five vessels at the dock. Two of the boat operators saw the officers and cast off, making good their escape by sea. The remaining people fled on foot. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday: “As the migrant smugglers seek to evade the RBDF and Coast Guard, they will find that the RBDF is versatile, coordinated and up to the challenge.”
BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
accident involving a grey vehicle that crashed into utility pole. Mr Rolle stated that initial investigations revealed that a lone male driver of a grey vehicle was travelling west on Bay Street, Marsh Harbour, when he lost control of the vehicle. He said EMS personnel responded to the scene and examined the victim but found no signs of life. ASP Rolle said the victim was later transported to the Marsh Harbour Clinic, where a doctor pronounced him dead. Investigations are continuing.
MAN KILLED AS CAR HITS POLE
DAVINA Smith speaking to The Tribune yesterday. Photos: Keval Williams myself from that environment. So, by the time as I went to school I wasn’t focused. I couldn’t focus on my studies. I didn’t study when I was home because of things that was going on,” she explained. “I didn’t know if it was normal or if it was abnormal. I just knew that there was something that was happening to me and I was told to be quiet. I forgave them and I forgave myself because a part of me felt responsible for not saying something. For not putting boundaries. For not speaking out for myself.” Similarly, Ms Smith was misunderstood when she ran away from home. “My aunt found me, they took me to the station. When I went to the station, the police told me I wanted to be bad, rebellious. So, I slept in the cell that night. I went to court the next day and told the judge what had happened, why I ran away from home, and they sent me to Sandilands.
“I don’t know why they sent me to Sandilands. I stayed in Sandilands for about six months in the adolescents centre,” she explained. She believes one shocking revelation forced her mother to believe what had happened to her. “I was in my early twenties when she really believed me,” she recalled. “I went to my mother’s house and I told her ‘what are you going to do? You have other girls here. You have my sisters here. “To abuse your children and to abuse me?” “I said ‘You know what he did to me” and then he shouted ‘No I didn’t do anything to you. You’re lying’ and so my little sister said ‘Yes, I saw you’.” Ms Smith and Ms Robins’ stories and the thousands of others are reason enough, Ms Moore said, to ensure the country saw to it that that offenders get death sentences and stiffer penalties are enforced.
ABACO Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident on that island yesterday when a male driver collided with a utility pole. The incident occurred shortly after 11am on Wednesday in the area of Arches Boulevard in Marsh Harbour, according to police reports. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle said officers at the Marsh Harbour Police Station received a report of an
MAN ADMITS THREATENING MOTHER OF HIS CHILDREN By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 45-YEAR-OLD man who initially denied threatening to kill the mother of his children changed his plea to guilty yesterday. Police arrested Jason Cooper after he shouted death threats at his former girlfriend in January. When he first appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney, he denied the allegation. However, before his trial began yesterday, Cooper opted to renounce his “not guilty” plea and
own up to the offence. His attorney, Wendawn Fraser, told the court her client shared two children with the complainant. She also said Cooper was remorseful for his actions and insisted he and his children’s mother “have since reconciled”. After listening to her plea in mitigation, Magistrate McKinney placed Cooper on 18 months’ probation. He warned that if he were to be convicted of an offence within that time frame, he would be fined $3,500 or nine months in prison if he could not pay the money.
PAGE 4, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Sands warns new wave is on its way from page one
“Experience has shown us what happens in Europe and what happens in the United States is a reasonable predictor of what is likely to happen in The Bahamas and so, as goes the rest of the world, I believe we’re going to see a fourth wave and it beholds us to learn the lessons that other people have learned with horrible consequences. “And so, the methods should be let us get ready, let us hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst and that means to get vaccinated, adhere rigidly to the disciplinary approaches that work social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitisation, avoiding large crowds, etc, you know the drill.” The former Cabinet minister spoke after the Ministry of Health confirmed 15 new cases on its November 23 dashboard, bringing the nation’s total count to 22,696. Despite low double digits being recorded, Dr Sands
DR DUANE SANDS said it’s important that Bahamians remain alert and not ignore the signs of a potential uptick. “We have 15 confirmed cases for yesterday that was reported today but the challenge is once you start to see this uptick, don’t ignore it,” Dr Sands cautioned. “Don’t believe that somehow this is a flu. We saw the dip to three and four cases a day but now it’s in the double digits. With what’s happening in the United States to our north and
what’s happening in Europe and Great Britain, we ignore this at our own peril.” Dr Sands also explained that battling a fourth wave when the nation’s healthcare system has barely recovered from its third fight with the disease could result in negative impacts. “Our healthcare system has been badly battered and now needs some time using the Bahamian vernacular ‘to catch itself’ and if we don’t have that time to catch itself, then battling
that fourth wave when people are battle weary… you’re talking about a different battle now,” he said. Concerns about a fourth wave come as the Davis administration continues to further reopen the Bahamian economy. Since being elected to office, the government has eliminated the national curfew and allowed businesses that were ordered closed at the onset of the pandemic to re-open among other things. Asked if he thought officials may have acted too soon in view of concerns about another surge, Dr Sands did not directly answer, but agreed they should take a cautious approach. “I think that my language has been very consistent that we cannot afford to let our guards down and we have seen this before,” he said. “We have seen this movie before so let us avoid getting giddy with increasing numbers of tourists and so forth. That is incredibly important and economic activity is necessary if we’re going to survive but let’s do
it smart. “Let’s do it in a disciplinary way and let’s demonstrate to the world what best practices for COVID means. I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time, but I think just to the casual observer, if you look out there now the appearance is there is no real COVID issue in The Bahamas. It’s like we have taken the approach that ‘hey, COVID gone’ and that is the furthest thing from the truth.” He continued: “It’s a very challenging balancing act. How do you restore confidence and how do you rev up an ailing economy? How do you encourage investment? How do you get businesses to have a level of optimism that they’re willing to take risks again and invest? But you have to balance that as always with the very real issue of COVID coming back with a vengeance the way it is in Europe and the way it is in the United States.” Dr Sands also commented on the declining vaccination rates, noting it
as a major concern. He also said it would be a” horrible scene” if vaccine doses were to expire before being administered to the public. “We are a under-vaccinated country right now with fully vaccinated people accounting for only 40 percent. The number of people that have been vaccinated over the last four, six to eight weeks – except for one week – was below 10,000,” he added. “There has a been steady reduction in the number of people vaccinated since September 25 and so if you’re only immunising 5,000 people a week, you do the arithmetic. With the number of doses that we have and are scheduled to receive, we could find ourselves in a situation where we end up wasting or discarding vaccines that many countries are not fortunate enough to have access to.” The latest vaccine tracker says 143,434 people in The Bahamas have been fully vaccinated against the virus, while 141,983 have received at least one vaccine dose.
DARVILLE: WE’RE WORKING ON INCREASING MANPOWER By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville says his ministry is working on plans to increase manpower in public health and improve infrastructure of medical facilities on the Family Islands. Dr Darville made the comments when asked about the matter in view of a shooting at Bimini last week that resulted in a man being airlifted to New Providence for medical assistance due to limited resources on the island. Dr Darville, who was on
Bimini at the time of the incident, was able to assist the victim who sustained serious gunshot injuries. Photos of the victim being taken to the clinic on the back of a truck circulated on social media, reigniting public concern. Bimini and West Grand Bahama MP Obie Wilchcombe told reporters the victim had to be taken for medical care on the truck because the island’s ambulance had been out of order. Mr Darville told reporters on Tuesday: “Well, you know Bimini like all of the Family Islands are in need of infrastructural upgrades to the clinics and more manpower resources on
the ground. The incident in Bimini was very unfortunate. A lot of socially related issues need to be addressed at all levels, at the community level, at the government level and even at the churches. “But I say to all the residents in the Family Islands, the time has come for the government to look very closely at the services being provided and ensure there is equity in the system. At some of our far-flung southern islands, we need to do a lot more and we are definitely working towards that.” “We are now in discussions with architects, not to the contractor level but architects and quantity
surveyors to try to determine what our next step is going to be and how we’re going to move swiftly to repair a lot of those clinics and improve the manpower resources on our island so that we can deliver a better quality healthcare and for it to be on par with the type of healthcare we give on Grand Bahama and New Providence,” the minister also said. Healthcare workers stationed on the Family Islands have long been calling for additional resources and upgrades to infrastructure in public health. Earlier this year, The Tribune reported that nurses in Abaco called in sick in protest of the lack of safety protocols, security
and unsanitary conditions at the Marsh Harbour Clinic. Since being elected to office, Dr Darville has maintained the government remains committed to improving healthcare in the country. He also revealed his ministry’s plans to expand services on Abaco and Exuma. “In The Bahamas, we have 91 clinics,” he said earlier this week. “We are a unique country with an archipelago that extends almost a thousand miles and we have to duplicate healthcare services on all these islands that are populated. It’s a very costly thing to do and we believe that by putting the right logistics in
place, we would be able to deal with very serious cases rapidly and save lives. “But we’re working at our two mini clinics – the clinic in Exuma and in Abaco - and trying to determine how to utilise those clinics more effectively rather than flying the individual to Nassau. There are some cases that can actually go to our mini clinics and get access to services and to be able to go right back into the community swiftly and reduce the cost of air ambulance service throughout the country so a lot of things we’re looking at as it relates to the logistics and how we can better manage healthcare delivery systems particularly in our southern islands.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 25, 2021, PAGE 5
Pintard alarm at Urbal Renewal ‘abuse’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net MARCO City MP Michael Pintard said he is concerned by reports that employees of Urban Renewal have been verbally abused and intimidated at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Renewal. “Over the past several weeks, I have been bombarded by deeply concerning stories of scores of Urban Renewal employees who have alleged that they have been subjected to acts of verbal abuse and intimidation,” he said in a statement. “Our team is currently in the process of fully investigating the reports raised by the staff at Urban Renewal, which include expulsion from offices, changed locks, and discontinuation of services to the public. “Subsequent to my inquiry into the aforementioned grievances, I was afforded the opportunity to meet with the substantive Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon Obie Wilchcombe,
who shared his commitment and early actions to ensure that these concerns are addressed urgently. The minister has guaranteed that proper processes will be carried out as it regards to any staffing adjustments or review of employment contracts.” Mr Pintard said Mr Wilchcombe assured him that the ministry will reverse the decision to remove people from their work stations and/or place them on vacation leave. In the lead-up to the Free National Movement’s leadership convention, Mr Pintard has spoken out strongly against the “bullying” culture within politics and acts of victimisation. “I am pleased with the tenor of Minister Wilchombe’s commentary on this matter,” he said in his latest statement. “He made it clear that he intends to guard against arbitrary acts against Government employees that are motivated by naked political considerations, that all too often result in disrespect of staff, disruption of the provision of
public services to citizens, and the disenfranchisement of Bahamians who are diligently working to feed their families and help their communities. “We will continue to monitor this situation as well as any others that may arise throughout the public service. We will remain very vigilant on matters such as these, with a view to working with officials across Government Ministries and Departments to ensure fairness and equity in the workplace.” The FNM, meanwhile, released a code of conduct yesterday, the purpose of which is to “promote conditions that are conducive to free and fair elections and a climate of tolerance in which electioneering activity may take place without fear or coercion, intimidation or reprisals during the campaign and process for and associated with the election for the post of Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM).” The code calls for a political environment that is free of violence, coercion and intimidation and for conditions that are
“conducive to free, fair and democratic elections conducted through a secret ballot in a climate of democratic tolerance in which political activity may take place without fear of intimidation or reprisals.” According to the code, delegates must be able to “choose and vote for a candidate freely, without interference, fear, undue influence or bribery that candidates as well as their surrogates, and their supporters accept others have the right to present their political principles and ideas in a peaceful environment without intimidation or fear of reprisal, and must respect that right.” Mr Pintard participated in a thanksgiving service at Bahamas Harvest Church yesterday. The event comes as the Free National Movement prepares to host its one-day leadership race on Saturday. Mr Pintard, along with Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, is vying to be the party’s next leader.
Speaking at yesterday’s service, Mr Pintard said: “Tonight, I am here to worship because the truth is if any of us on the 27th and those that will run February, if we are going to be useful to our country, our lives have to be better than it is.” “We need a personal walk with God and for me, I know that at my last moment, no matter what anyone thinks of me and they think of you, it is our relationship with God that will matter where we spend eternity and for me, no matter how many times I’ve struggled. I’ve always had an abiding faith and desire to be a better human being. “It’s the only way that we are going to be the vessels, be the true vessels in which God can manifest His desire in this realm and that’s what I want to be a better father, to be a be a better husband and to be a better leader and I’m happy that we’re all here tonight so that we can minister to each other and hear the word of God and be responsive to what He has to say and do in and throughout our lives.”
AWARDS FOR GB BUSINESSPEOPLE By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey has indicated the government is committed to rebuilding and revolutionising the island of Grand Bahama and its economy. And she called on major stakeholders on the island to also help bring about success for Grand Bahama. “We must unite and work together to build alliances for… the ultimate goal of ensuring that GBI is a success - we are all in this together,” Minister Moxey said at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce ninth annual Business Awards ceremony yesterday held at Pelican Bay Resort. She commended businesses that have remained open in Grand Bahama following Dorian and the onset of the COVID pandemic. “As a Grand Bahama business owner, I can attest to the challenges we have faced over the past decade,” Ms Moxey said. The minister noted the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, followed by the onset of the pandemic, strained Grand Bahama’s already fragile economy. “The Davis administration is also aware of the
challenges that GB has faced in the past decades. Nonetheless, we will deliver on our commitment to recover, rebuild and revolutionise our island, our economy, and usher our people into a ‘new day’.” Minister Moxey commended the Chamber for its role and the support and assistance it gives to businesses in Grand Bahama. “This year’s event under the theme, ‘Celebration of Excellence,’ acknowledges and highlights businesses on GB that have stayed the course,” she said. “This kind of recognition is a beacon of hope for our local business owners who have faced and overcome some of the most challenging circumstances that we have encountered in our island’s history.” She promised to live up to the pledge made on November 1 in the House of Assembly “to do the people’s business and utilise every resource at my disposal to get the job done for GB”. “I plan to do this through partnerships for developments,” she said. She said the success of these partnerships for the island is dependent on efforts between government ministries, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, GB Chamber, Hutchison
Port Holdings, industry stakeholders, and the business community. “I thank all businesses represented here today that have kept their doors opened and our people employed. To all business excellence award nominees, I congratulate you, be encouraged, and know that your efforts have not gone in vain. Carina Ferguson, of Pure Limited, won the “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award. She was nominated in two categories “Businessperson of the Year” and “Entrepreneur of the Year”. “I am honoured and humbled,” Miss Ferguson said. “It was not expected.” Pure Limited is a bottled-water and packaged ice company. Ms Ferguson explained the business initially started as an extension of another business on another island. When the opportunity presented itself, she purchased it. “I have a partner in the business and without him, we would not be where we are,” she said. “I do have support and I have made it this far after Dorian and COVID because of the support system I do have between my partner, family, and friends, the GB community. As much as I try to support the community, they have very much supported me as well.”
CHAMBER President Greg Laroda (left) presenting Leslie Baptista, vice president of Paint Fair, with President’s Award, along with Minister Ginger Moxey, right. She encouraged other entrepreneurs to “stay the course”. “It is not easy, and there are many days where you will want to say ‘no, thank you.’ There are days when you are going to want to bow out because it is rough, it is hard. It is not easy, especially as a female in business. But you have to stay the course,” said Miss Ferguson. Other winners were: Rebecca and Tim Tibbits of Flying Fish Restaurant who won the Philanthropic Business/Persons of the Year Award; Company of the Year Award A went to Coral Vita; Company of the Year B Award (for larger companies with 50+ employees)- Pelican Bay Hotel; Lifetime Achievement Award – Joseph Darville; Outstanding Business Person of the Year Award – Mr Rodney Derverman of Dernavco Construction. The President’s Award
went to Leslie Baptista, vice president of Paint Fair. Chamber president Greg Laroda commended Ms Baptista for her outstanding work in the business community and at the Chamber. “She has always stood out as an outstanding individual, and she represents a company that has served this community well, especially during the recovery of Hurricane Dorian and this past year during the lockdown, he said. She continued to do great work and was the driving force behind the various surveys that the Chamber conducted after Dorian and during COVID.” Mrs Baptista said it is up to everyone to make Grand Bahama grand again. “We are all in this together,” she said. I got involved in the Chamber and hope everyone will become involved because Grand Bahama is meant to be grand – let’s all commit to making that happen,” she said.
SUSPECT IS ACCUSED OF POSSESSION OF PISTOL By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A COURT was told a police officer discovered a loaded gun under an abandoned vehicle behind which a suspect was hiding in an attempt to evade arrest. Stephon Sands was accused of being found in possession of a 9mm Glock pistol with seven live rounds of ammunition on January 7. He denied the allegations when he first appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney and his case was adjourned for trial. When Inspector Jamal Adderley testified yesterday, he said around 6.45pm on the night in question, he and a team of officers on mobile patrol headed to a bar on West Street after receiving information concerning a man with an unlicensed firearm. Inspector Adderley said when they arrived, they noticed Sands, who matched the description of the suspect given to them. “When he noticed the police car he suddenly turned and ducked behind an abandoned white van,” the officer told the court. “We then subdued him before informing him that he would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms (but) our search came back with negative results.” Inspector Adderley said although he did not find anything illegal on Sands, when he “made a check” under the left tyre of the abandoned vehicle behind which the accused was hiding, he found the loaded pistol. The officer said when the accused was cautioned and arrested, he told police: “That’s for my protection. If I don’t have that they are going to kill me.” During the hearing, Sands was not represented by an attorney. When he cross-examined Inspector Adderley, he alleged that he was found with drugs on the night that police searched him. He also claimed officers “ended up charging him for a firearm he never had.” Nonetheless, when the suggestion was put to him, Inspector Adderley denied the allegations. The case continues on January 19, 2022.
PAGE 6, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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Rating your home’s climate risk AS CLIMATE change fuels largescale natural disasters, the real estate mantra of “location, location, location” is taking on new meaning. In 2021, homeowners have contended with threats including paralysing cold, wildfire evacuations and flooding. Buying a house is complicated enough in a market that has become supercharged in many US cities. Emerging climate change risks will further complicate those decisions. Investors will be less likely to regret their decisions if they do due diligence in researching local climate risks. Mortgage lenders will face less risk of borrowers defaulting, and insurers will face fewer losses, if they factor climate risks into decisions on loans and insurance policies. I see the emergence of a climate risk analysis industry for real estate as a promising development, but believe the federal government should set standards to ensure that it provides reliable, accurate information. Home prices reflect implicit judgments about whether properties are good investments – including the house and the area around it. For example, the current median home value in California is nearly US$720,000 – more than twice the national median. This difference reflects a judgment that California offers a desirable climate, lifestyle and job opportunities. People who buy property in California are betting that the state will continue to be a great place to live in the future. If climate change devastates large portions of it, buyers could regret their investment. Recent research studying USreal estate shows that flood risk and fire risk are reflected in current housing prices. Properties that are perceived to be riskier sell for a lower price – but it’s not clear whether these climate price discounts fully compensate buyers for the risks they are exposed to. Concern about emerging climate risks varies, due partly to the partisan divide. It’s fair to assume that some buyers will be eager to purchase homes in locations that others view as too risky. When people disagree about the probability of a bad outcome, the more optimistic bidder is more likely to purchase the asset. Climate change is making extreme weather events, such as tropical storms and flooding, more frequent and intense in many places. Will people’s risk perceptions shift along with these changes? Studies show that many people
underestimate climate risks to housing. As Nobel laureate economist George Akerlof has shown, asymmetric information in markets – when sellers know more about a product than buyers – can impede trade. Buyers rightly fear getting stuck with a “lemon,” whether it’s a used car or a house that floods with every big storm. In the auto market, rating systems like Carfax help level the playing field; in the real estate industry, climate concerns are creating an opportunity for a nascent industry of climate risk screening modelers offering similar service for homebuyers. Just as Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s rate private companies’ creditworthiness to help inform investor decisions, a growing set of firms seek to assess spatially refined climate risks, ranging from flooding to extreme heat and wildfire risk. Climate risk raters use recent natural disasters to compare the geography of recent flood events to what their model predicts. Typically, they combine peerreviewed research in climatology and hydrology with a climate change model to generate risks maps. Like any emerging industry, spatially refined climate prediction has grown unevenly. Some models are scientifically sound and highly precise, while others are lower quality. In a normal market, consumers would select the winning products through market competition – but for climate risk forecasts, it may take years to assess which offerings are most reliable. I believe the federal government should play a role in screening the new generation of climate risk products. Regulators could work with the National Science Foundation to create a jury of experts to evaluate the new products. One way to quality-check these offerings would be to foster a competition in which teams post forecasts about the likely locations of disasters in 2022, and then are ranked early in 2023 based on how well they predicted actual outcomes. This kind of annual review could nudge participants to upgrade their models regularly. One potential example is algorithmic trading competitions in financial markets, in which contestants develop new models to accurately predict how the stock market will respond to large trades. By Matthew E. Kahn USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Originally published on theconversation.com
Why be thankful? EDITOR, The Tribune.
THIS week Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving in the USA as a national holiday. Traditionally it is a day when they celebrate and thank God or whichever deity that they worship. They celebrate the birth of the USA way back in 1776 and spend time with immediate family and close friends. There is usually an uptick in travelling by air, car or rail to different parts of that country. It is also a magnet for sales and giveaways by stores and other commercial outlets. Even though we here at home in our wonderful nation do not celebrate all American holidays, many of us who have friends and relatives over in the USA or who may have attended school over there will tend to travel to that country for a few days. Thanksgiving is definitely one of those USA holidays which we embrace with gusto. With the ongoing pandemic and the efforts to rebuild Abaco and Grand Bahama along with high unemployment figures some Bahamians may well ask what is there
to be thankful for? With your leave may I suggest some of the myriad reasons why we should be grateful and thankful? We have survived the ravages of Dorian. Recovery and rebuilding has been a bit slow, but progress is being made. Of course, the reaction of the then Minnis administration towards that killer hurricane was dismal and pathetic at best. He and his people seemed to be unaware of the extent of the physical damage wrought and the exact extent of loss of human lives. His Minister of State for Disasters & Recovery, the Hon Irma Lewis (FNM-Central Grand Bahama) was, in my considered opinion, an on the ground disaster himself and never seemed to find his stride. They sought to manage the pandemic by what I consider to be ill conceived and even worse implementation of arbitrary curfews and inordinate lock downs both of which decimated the economy and sent thousands of Bahamians to the poor house. All in all the past four years of the Minnis administration were
not too good for the average Bahamian. I am thankful that the people of this wonderful nation rose up in droves and voted Minnis and his people out. They could take no more of his draconian policies and arrogant politics. With the ushering in of the Davis administration, even though things are still challenging, there is a sense of optimism and renewal. The Emergency Powers Act has been allowed to fall away and normal personal and commercial activities have resumed. A new day, indeed, is here. Even better news is that there are more than enough vaccinations on hand to ensure that every Bahamian and resident who so desires is able to receive at least one jab of the vaccination of choice. Churches have resumed full services while continuing to observe health protocols. Indoor dining is available and everything is looking rosy. Let us all give thanks daily and not just at the traditional Thanksgiving. ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, November 24, 2021.
Mitchell and his propaganda EDITOR, The Tribune. PLEASE allow me space in your column to express my views on a story that appeared in your Tuesday, November 23, 2021, edition under the headline, “Mitchell says Minnis should go quietly”. The story writer states that the Most Hon Dr Hubert A Minnis, MP for the Killarney Constituency and Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, was speaking at the Free National Movement’s Church Service in Freeport when he told those attending that he made the decision to call an early election recognising that tough times were coming for the country and his administration needed a new mandate to make difficult decisions. The leader went on to say, “Many still ask the question why was the election called, we have some headwinds that are coming… In order to manage those headwinds that we see coming it was essential to have a new mandate because very, very difficult decisions have to be made. We were determined to obtain that mandate so that we could make those difficult decisions and built a better Bahamas.” The story writer contacted Fred Mitchell Progressive Liberal Party Chairman for comment. He had this to say, “this is not a matter for the Progressive Liberal Party to comment on, but Dr Minnis would have to live with knowing he is recorded in history as the only Prime Minister that did not last one full term in office. He sat in the chair and the constitution gave him the authority.” Now I thought Mitchell did well up to the point that he said that this was not a matter for the Progressive Liberal Party to comment on; he should have stopped right there! Everything said
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net afterwards is hogwash. In 1997, an election was not due until August, but the then Prime Minister did not complete the full term, he called the election in March. I mean prior to Independence and post the majority rule victory of the PLP the then Premier Lynden O Pindling called an election just one year into his term so to say the least Mitchell is no doubt here truly misleading. The second point is, what does he mean by Dr Minnis should go quietly? Has Mitchell lost his mind? Dr Minnis is the former Prime Minister and presently leader of Her Majesty’s Official Opposition and the MP for Killarney elected to serve in the Parliament for the next five years. Dr Minnis has absolutely nowhere to go but to the Parliament and in this Parliament, he will be everything but quiet! He has already told this administration this much at the 50th anniversary church service in Nassau. Dr Minnis’ duty is to hold this Administration’s feet to the fire and stand up for the rights of not just Killarney constituents, but for all Bahamians. I think I get it, Mitchell fears a strong voice for the people in the Parliament so he seeks to silence him with lies and a narrative that is not representative of the truth; would someone please remind Mitchell that Dr Minnis has a whole term in ahead of him.
The third point is he went on in his comments to state that the Minnis Administration’s handling of the Pandemic was a failure. Mitchell, Mitchell the elections are over you won, no need to attempt to perpetuate your propagander, sorry we know better. Even the people who supported the PLP conceded that the Dr Minnis Administration did a stellar job handling the pandemic. Face it Mitchell your administration is only able to relax restrictions because of the yeomen’s job done by Dr Minnis and the FNM in handling this pandemic. Be reminded when you speak publicly you are not at Gambier House, here in the public domain you have people who can think for themselves. Lastly everyone, even me, would like to give you and your government a fair opportunity to begin to implement your agenda and show that your new administration is up to the task. But my tolerance is drawing quickly to an end for these silly statements and your lackluster performance. I can only ask you to focus on getting your programmes started and stay away from FNM business as it does not come before you. Mitchell. If you are not aware the FNM is no longer the government you and the PLP are, so get a move on it! A word to the wise is indeed sufficient! THE COUNCILMAN Nassau, November 24, 2021.
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THE TRIBUNE
Golden Gates church row simmers on from page one Several church members who were executive committee members reversed that decision through a resolution and elected Pastor Alan Strachan, acting president of the church. Archbishop Davis and other members of the executive committee subsequently took the matter to court. Last month, Justice Winder ruled it is up to members of the church to choose the make-up of the church council, which would in turn elect the executive committee that manages the church. However, yesterday Archbishop Davis released a statement disclosing a meeting has been called for the discussion of the election process. During a press conference yesterday, Pastor Strachan said: “We want to be very clear, the pastors wish that the court’s recommendation – that the church vote to select the executive council – be followed. And from all indications, the Davis family do not want the correct process to be followed and are still disregarding the decision of the court as handed down by the Hon. Justice Ian Winder.” “The court noted and advised that Pastor Trent was not properly installed as bishop, did not and still does not have the power/authority to appoint his son. The court deemed his appointment invalid. This, in fact, is what led to the total breakdown between the Davis family and the board of pastors.” Pastor Strachan said he and others have written to Bishop Davis and called him several times to request a meeting, first with the pastors and then with the church membership to “correct the wrongs and position the church for unification.” He claimed Bishop Davis has not responded to their outreach. “Pastors and members are still locked out of the church and are not permitted to participate in the activities of the church,” Pastor Strachan said. “The pastors are determined to see this process to its completion and the church set in order. On this Friday evening, the pastors will lead a meeting with the members and will update all with the facts as it relates to what
THE PRESS conference held yesterday. transpired, the present position and forward movement of the church.” Pastor Strachan said nothing about the debacle has been easy for the pastors. “This has not been easy for any of the pastors,” he said. “And this was probably some of the first time that we have ever been in a court setting, and to know that it takes going to the court for vindication. But we did not gloat about the whole aspect of the court ruling and all that because I think it was out for all to read for themselves.” Yesterday afternoon, Archbishop Davis released a statement acknowledging Justice Winder’s ruling, adding that notice was given to the surviving subscribers of the church that a meeting would be held to discuss the election process. The statement did not mention when the meeting was called or whether all stakeholders were notified. Archbishop Davis also pledged to make public the outcome of the meeting. “We have taken advice from Mr Damian Gomez, QC, following the ruling and order of the Hon. Justice Winder delivered on October 8, 2021,” the press statement said. “The advice given closely reflects the ruling of the Supreme Court of the Bahamas and the Articles of Association of the non-profit company called the Golden Gates Assembly and World Outreach Ministries. “We have been advised that the only members of the said non-profit company are the surviving subscribers, namely Commissioner Paul Rolle, Rev Dr Mary E Nairn, Attorney Anginette Pyfrom, Pastor Althea Davis and yours truly (Archbishop
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Photo: Keval Williams Ros L Davis). “Upon that advice, we have called a meeting of the said members and have issued the requisite notice for such a meeting. “The agenda of that meeting is set out in the notice and includes the following: Discussion and Election process of Executive Council and Committee members and charting the way forward. We urge the members of the church to read the ruling of Justice Winder and to conform with the law, in order that we may move forward in an orderly fashion. “Following the general meeting of the non-profit company, we will disclose the results of that meeting to the entire membership of the church body.” Recognising that the process has been long and hard, Archbishop Davis said all were anxious to put this chapter behind them. “We intend at our earliest opportunity to meet with the entire church body to formulate a representative church constitution that will further regularise our church, but in the absence of such, we must proceed in this manner. “In the meantime, the membership of the church ought to resist the temptation of disruptive behaviour which only serves to bring our ministry into further disrepute. “Now that the ruling has been given, I look forward to our reinstitution of Holy Communion beginning Sunday, December 5, 2021, at a special service of Healing at 6pm. “I firmly believe that with God and a collective mind to work for His Kingdom, we can and we will put this era behind us and continue on to greatness as is God’s purposed intention for us as a community of faith.”
Thursday, November 25, 2021, PAGE 7
MAN ADMITS HAVING GUN AND DRUGS By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 21-YEAR-OLD man who was caught with a quantity of ammunition and drugs must pay $3,200 to avoid spending nine months behind bars. Police arrested Ricardo Clecidor on September 10 after they found 84 marijuana silver wraps on him, along with nine live rounds of ammunition on September 10. The court was told that around 1.45pm that day, a team of officers went to the John Road community to execute a search warrant on the Clecidor’s home. Upon their arrival, they identified the accused, who upon noticing the officers, tried to run away. The prosecution said as police pursued Clecidor,
they noticed him throw a Kool-Aid box from his hand while he was running. They eventually apprehended Clecidor and examined the box, which they later found to contain several marijuana foil wraps and a white sock with bullets inside. When police searched the immediate area where the box was thrown, they also discovered more marijuana foil wraps. Clecidor was subsequently arrested and charged. During his arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney, he pleaded guilty. As a result, he was fined $2,000 for the drugs and another $1,200 for the ammunition. If he fails to pay the fines, he could risk spending nine months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
TOURIST ARRESTED OVER MARIJUANA By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
AN American man’s first visit to The Bahamas ended on a low note after he was arrested for attempting to travel back to his home country with $170 worth of marijuana. Carlton Djam was arrested after American customs officers found 17 grams of Indian hemp in his luggage when they searched it at the Lynden Pindling International airport on November 23. He pleaded guilty to one count of simple possession during his arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney. The prosecution said that around 6.10pm on the day in question, officers
were summoned to the US Border protection office at LPIA. When they arrived, an American officer pointed out Djam, who he said was attempting to board a JetBlue flight to Florida with a jar containing a quantity of marijuana. The court was told that Djam was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit, where he declined to comment during an interview with police. Yesterday, Djam did not say much when the the magistrate gave him an opportunity to speak, but he did admit that it was his first time travelling to the country. He was subsequently fined $400. If he doesn’t pay the fine, he could risk being locked up in The Bahamas for two months.
PAGE 8, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
WHY DON’T THE UNVACCINATED LISTEN? MORE WAVES ARE COMING AND HUNDREDS ARE GOING TO DIE world facts and affairs. The tsunami of misinformation on social media controls the worldviews, attitudes and decisions of most Bahamians.
IGNORANCE
“By the end of this winter everyone in Germany will either be vaccinated, recovered or dead. … Freedom means taking responsibility, and there is a duty to society to get vaccinated.” - German Health Minister Jens Spahn AFTER the punishing Delta wave and now with much lower case numbers and deaths, there is a lulling complacency setting in yet again throughout the country about the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no all-out urgency in promoting the vaccine. The vaccine rate has dropped precipitously. There is a distancing by some in the political directorate from highlighting at every opportunity the need for Bahamians to get vaccinated. Are we at risk of having to discard some vaccines? We have a very long and painful way to go in the pandemic, with more suffering and heartbreak and long-term illness. With many restrictions now removed, including curfews, a coming season of dying is going to be punishing and debilitating. In a new wave, there is the possibility of terrible community spread in the Family Islands, with a good number of residents dying because of a
lack of intensive care units and other tools in these communities.
UNPREPARED
With approximately only 36 percent of Bahamians fully vaccinated, we are unprepared for the next major onslaught of the virus, which is going to kill and make seriously ill many more Bahamians, many of whom who are living in a state of make-believe and unreality. A number of those who are now frolicking, happily making Christmas preparations and enjoying themselves at various events, are going to be dead sometime next year because they have not been vaccinated and are not taking precautions. Look around the Christmas festivities and table this year. A number of those who are unvaccinated will not be there next Christmas! The virus has resulted in multiple deaths in families. There are more of these to come. The obituaries in the dailies will continue to spill over into the broadsheets, with funeral homes and mortuaries enjoying banner profits because some refuse a free vaccine that may save their life. There is a free Christmas gift we can give ourselves and those we
love: a lifesaving vaccine courtesy of the Government of The Bahamas. Among those converted to the need for a vaccine are some who were rabid anti-vaxxers, who caught the most highly vaccinated the disease, suffered ter- countries in the world, new ribly, and are now among waves continue to assault the more pro-vaccine. They the unvaccinated. This are fortunate because they includes various countries lived to share the story of in Europe with full vaccination rates of 60 percent and their conversion. Despite the many deaths over. For context, from the Delta we have enough variant, the tervaccines on rible illness, ‘In a new hand to make us and anxiety and wave, there is one of the more fear, many have the possibility vaccinated retreated into developing magical think- of terrible countries in the ing. Many are community world. Quite blithely una- spread in the a number of ware there are developing more waves on Family Islands, countries desthe way, believ- with a good perately desire ing the worst number of more vaccines. has passed. Sadly, despite There will residents dying quantity be an increase because of a lack the in vaccine of intensive care of vaccines we have, there is uptake, which mass complawill only likely units and other cency on many come after the tools in these levels. When next wave, with communities.’ shopping or many frightgoing about ened that they will die. Then after that this Christmas, remember wave kills many Bahami- the vast majority of others ans, there will be another are unvaccinated and have lull, with people going back no intention at this time to receive a vaccine. to business as usual. There is a lack of disciThen the next wave will come, with an increase in pline and seriousness in uptake. This cycle could go The Bahamas in the best on for some time. Even in of times. In a difficult time such as a pandemic, these mindsets exacerbate the crisis at hand. This is compounded by the reality that most Bahamians have an exceedingly limited appreciation of how the pandemic is affecting other countries. Most Bahamians do not read newspapers or watch news broadcasts of substance. Most have no general knowledge of basic
While there is some limited awareness by Bahamians of COVID-19 in the US, there is a pervasive general ignorance of how the pandemic is affecting many other countries. A good friend recalls a conversation at the beginning of the pandemic with an associate. The former noted to the latter that several hundred people were dying every day in Italy. The associate stated: “You mean that’s the number of people who have died all together so far.” The response: “No, that’s the number of people dying every day.” The vast majority of Bahamians are unaware of how the disease is now ravaging much of Europe again, including warnings about the hundreds of thousands of unvaccinated Europeans who will die between now and February of next year. According to a report in the UK Guardian, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that: “Total deaths across Europe from COVID-19 are likely to exceed two million by March next year.” The pandemic has become the leading cause of death regionally. “Reported deaths have risen to nearly 4,200 a day, double the number being recorded in September, the agency said, while cumulative reported deaths in the region, which includes the UK, have already surpassed 1.5 million.” Austria is in such dire straits that the country is in a new lockdown, and will mandate that citizens are vaccinated as of February next year. Germany is experiencing its highest infection rate since the beginning of the pandemic, recently reporting in a 24-hour period, 30,643 new infections, which was 7,000 more than the previous week. The country now has one of the highest infection rates in
the world. Alas, this makes no difference to most Bahamians, who do not know what is happening in Austria or Germany nor are concerned about what is happening in other countries relative to the pandemic. Imagine being repeatedly warned there is a Category 5 hurricane headed for The Bahamas, more powerful and dangerous than Dorian. Most people would make various preparations to avoid death or injury. Yet, many if not most Bahamians, are not prepared nor do they intend to be prepared for the coming storms cum waves of COVID-19. What makes our situation depressingly tragic and depressing is we know what is coming. We know how to prevent illness and death. We have vaccines. Yet, there is a madness throughout the country. The likely result: hundreds more easily preventable deaths on the horizon. With our low vaccination rate, we are going to keep experiencing wave after wave after wave, with the virus mocking our stupidity, our ignorance, our insanity and our carelessness. The same magical and wishful thinking that has been present throughout the near two years of the pandemic continues, despite the hundreds of Bahamians and millions of people globally who are dead! Quite a number of Bahamians who remain unvaccinated are still not moved to get vaccinated, even though many personally know family members, friends and colleagues who have gotten sick or who are dead. As we approach Advent and Christmas, we are reminded of how the light of hope can penetrate the seemingly most impenetrable darkness. Continue to lovingly encourage others to get vaccinated. The greatest gift one may give this Christmas is the gift of life by encouraging the unvaccinated to get vaccinated so that they may be here next Christmas and for more birthdays, anniversaries and holidays to come.
PAGE 10, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
A PAINTED mural of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia, where the 25-year-old man was shot and killed in February.
Photo: Sarah Blake Morgan/AP
Arbery killers guilty BRUNSWICK, Georgia Associated Press
THREE men were convicted of murder yesterday in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, the Black man who was running emptyhanded through a Georgia subdivision when the white strangers chased him, trapped him on a quiet street and blasted him with a shotgun. The February 2020 slaying drew limited attention at first. But when video of the shooting leaked online, Arbery’s death quickly became another example in the nation’s reckoning of racial injustice in the way Black people are treated in their everyday lives. Now the men all face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The judge will decide whether their
FROM left, Travis McMichael, William “Roddie” Bryan, and Gregory McMichael. sentences are served with dropped her head and qui- the 25-year-old Arbery or without the possibility of etly pumped her fists. after seeing him running “He didn’t do nothing but outside the Georgia port parole. As the first of 23 guilty run and dream,” Marcus city of Brunswick. Bryan verdicts were read, Arbery Sr said of his son. joined the pursuit in his Arbery’s father had to leave Outside the courthouse, own pickup and recorded the courtroom after leap- dozens of Black supporters cellphone video of Travis ing up and shouting. At the hugged and cried. McMichael fatally shooting The jury deliberated for Arbery. reading of the last criminal count, Arbery’s mother about ten hours before conThe father and son victing Greg McMichael, told police they susson Travis McMichael and pected Arbery was a neighbor William “Roddie” fleeing burglar. But the Bryan. prosecution argued that The McMichaels grabbed the men provoked the guns and jumped in a fatal confrontation and pickup truck to pursue that there was no evidence
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Arbery committed any crimes in the neighborhood. “We commend the courage and bravery of this jury to say that what happened on February 23, 2020, to Ahmaud Arbery — the hunting and killing of Ahmaud Arbery — it was not only morally wrong but legally wrong, and we are thankful for that,” said Latonia Hines, Cobb County executive assistant district attorney. Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski added: “The jury system works in this country. And when you present the truth to people and they see it, they will do the right thing.” Travis McMichael, 35, stood for the verdict, his lawyer’s arm around his shoulder. At one point, he lowered his head to his chest. After the verdicts were read, as he stood to leave, he mouthed “love you” to his mother in the courtroom gallery. Greg McMichael, 65, hung his head when the judge read his first guilty verdict. Bryan, 52, bit his lip. Speaking outside the courthouse, Ben Crump, attorney for Arbery’s father, repeatedly said that “the spirit of Ahmaud defeated the lynch mob”. Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, thanked the crowd gathered for the verdict and said she did not think she would see this day. “It’s been a long fight. It’s been a hard fight. But God is good,” she said, adding that her son would now rest in peace. Travis McMichaels’ attorneys said both he and his father feel that they did the right thing, and that they believed the video would help their case. But they also said the McMichaels regret that Arbery got killed. “I can tell you honestly, these men are sorry for what happened to Ahmaud
Arbery,” attorney Jason Sheffield said. “They are sorry he’s dead. They are sorry for the tragedy that happened because of the choices they made to go out there and try to stop him.” They planned to appeal. Bryan’s attorney, Kevin Gough, said his team was “disappointed with the verdict, but we respect it.” He planned to file new legal motions after Thanksgiving. Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley did not immediately schedule a sentencing date, saying that he wanted to give both sides time to prepare. In a statement, President Joe Biden said Arbery’s killing was a “devastating reminder” of how much more work the country has to do in the fight for racial justice. “While the guilty verdicts reflect our justice system doing its job, that alone is not enough. Instead, we must recommit ourselves to building a future of unity and shared strength, where no one fears violence because of the color of their skin,” Biden said. Though prosecutors did not argue that racism motivated the killing, federal authorities have charged them with hate crimes, alleging that they chased and killed Arbery because he was Black. That case is scheduled to go to trial in February. The disproportionately white jury received the case around midday Tuesday. Soon after returning to court Wednesday morning, the jury sent a note to the judge asking to view two versions of the shooting video — the original and one that investigators enhanced to reduce shadows — three times apiece. Jurors returned to the courtroom to see the videos and listen again the 911 call one of the defendants made from the bed of a pickup truck about 30 seconds before the shooting. On the 911 call the jury reviewed, Greg McMichael tells an operator: “I’m out here in Satilla Shores. There’s a Black male running down the street.” He then starts shouting, apparently as Arbery is running toward the McMichael’s idling truck with Bryan’s truck coming up behind him: “Stop right there! Damn it, stop! Travis!” Gunshots can be heard a few second later. The graphic video emerged two months later, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case, quickly arresting the three men. Defence attorneys contend the McMichaels were attempting a legal citizen’s arrest when they set off after Arbery, seeking to detain and question him after he was seen running from a nearby home under construction. Travis McMichael testified that he shot Arbery in self-defense. He said Arbery turned and attacked with his fists while running past the truck where McMichael stood with his shotgun.
SPORTS PAGE 13
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Rockets win Nassau Championship title By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
C
oastal Carolina Chanticleers head coach Cliff Ellis left the Baha Mar Hoops with his 800-win milestone, but needed win 801 to claim the Nassau Championship. The Toledo Rockets erased an early deficit and completed their run to the Nassau Championship with a 79-70 win over the Chanticleers at the Baha Mar Convention Center last night. Toledo improved to 4-1 on the season while Coastal Carolina fell to 3-2. Ryan Rollins was named tournament MVP after he scored 35 points in the finale. Grand Bahamian Ahmard Harvey played sparingly in the closing moments of the title game. The Chanticleers opened the game on a 7-0 run and opened a 17-9 lead midway through the first half. The lead grew to as much as 14 before the Rockets erased the deficit with a late half run of their own. Rollins’ three pointer tied it at 34 with 31 seconds left and the teams headed to the half even. Tied again at 63 with under five minutes left to play in the second half, Rollins split a pair at the line and followed with a layup and a jumper for
his own personal 6-0 to put the game away for the Rockets. Rockets head coach Tod Kowalczyk said the game was a testament to his team’s resilience. “Not many teams could have started the way we did and end up winning by nine points,” he said. “It speaks volumes about our leadership and ability to execute after a rough start.” With Coastal Carolina’s 64-61 win in the semifinal round it gave Ellis his 800th career win as an NCAA Division I coach, becoming just the 13th coach in NCAA history to have 800 career wins. In game one, Toledo defeated Charlotte 98-86. They advanced to the final with a 68-67 win over Tulane. Harvey, a 6’6”, 210pound wing player, joined the Chanticleers after completing his high school career with the StGeorge’s Jaguars in Grand Bahama and the Aspire Basketball Academy Wizards in Louisville, Kentucky. 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. The event now shifts to its other tournaments, the
SEE PAGE 16
TRIATHLETE Ralph Wood III and several members of the swim team will be the first Bahamians to participate in their respective disciplines when competition begins at the inaugural Junior Pan American Games this week. The country will be represented in five disciplines (athletics, swimming, rowing triathlon and wrestling) featuring thousands of the best youth athletes across the region, November 25 to December 5. Wood will set out amongst a field of 30 athletes in the individual male event, set for 10am tomorrow morning local time at the Calima Lake Yacht Club in Cali, Colombia. Wood, the 2019 Bahamian triathlon national champion in the elite men sprint, will be coached by Dorian Roach. Rhanishka Gibbs and Nigel Forbes will be the first members of the swim team to take to the pool tomorrow morning at the Hernando Botero O’ Byrne Aquatics Complex. Gibbs will compete in the 100m breast while Nigel Forbes competes in the 200m butterfly. Later in the competition, Gibbs will also compete in the 50m free, 200m IM and mixed 400m free relay while
10TH BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS TIPS OFF AT IMPERIAL ARENA By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net HEAD coaches of several of the top NCAA Division I men’s basketball programmes in America had a similar message for their players headed into the 2021 Battle 4 Atlantis enjoy the amenities of the Atlantis resort and what the Bahamas has to offer, but treat the star-studded tournament like a “business trip. The 10th edition of the tournament tipped off yesterdayand featured a double overtime thriller and several finishes decided in the game’s closing moments at the Imperial Arena. With three nationally ranked teams in the bracket, the next two days of competition have the potential to impact the polls, making it the most competitive early season tournament on the calendar. The UConn Huskies (American Athletic Conference) will make their third tournament appearance while the defending NCAA champion Baylor Bears (Big 12), Syracuse
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CHAMPIONS: Toledo Rockets players celebrate with their championship trophy last night after defeating the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 79-70 to win the Nassau Championship at the Baha Mar Convention Center.
Triathlete Ralph Wood III all set for inaugural Jr Pan Am Games By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
NFL PICKS, Page 15
SEVERAL SWIMMERS WILL BE THE FIRST BAHAMIANS TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISCIPLINES Forbes will swim in the 200m IM and 100m fly. Other members of the swim team include Davante Carey (100m Fly, 100m Back, 200m Back, 100m Free, Mixed 400m Free Relay), Lamar Taylor (200m Free, 100m Free, 50m Free, 100m Back and Mixed 400m Free Relay), William Russell (100m Breast, 200m Breast), Shawn Neely (Mixed 400m Free Relay), and Rachel Lundy (200m Free, 100m Free, 50m Free, Mixed 400m Free Relay). Travano McPhee is the head coach. The athletics competition will run from November 30 to December 4. Team members include Lacarthea Cooper (100m/400m), Carlos Brown Jr (200m) Tarajh Hudson (discus), Antoine Andrews (200m), Tre Buchanan (400mH), Gabriel Curtis (5000m /10000m) and Kyle Alcine (High Jump). Hudson will be the first team member in action on November 30. The coaching staff includes David Charlton, Kennord Mackey and Dione Britton.
RALPH Wood III Breanna Gayle competes in Rowing (Oar W1x) on December 4 and is coached by Karianne Kulig. Chigozie Ijeoma will compete in wrestling in the freestyle 97kg division on December 4 and is coached by Clinton Burke.
When the team was ratified last week, BOC President Romell Knowles applauded the wide cross-section of sporting disciplines represented by the country. “We are putting a strong focus on the small sports federations because our focus is to get as many people from as many disciplines as possible to compete at the Olympic Games, and this is a step in that right direction,” he said. “We just want to be as diverse as possible when we’re talking about representation for The Bahamas.” The Junior Pan Am Games multi-sport target athletes in the region ages 17-22. The motto is: ‘Ready To Give’ #AllForYou. “More than 3,500 athletes from 41 countries will arrive in Valle del Cauca along with about 10,000 people in general, including family members of the athletes, journalists, international volunteers, leaders and coaches of the multiple delegations. We want to receive all of them with the warmth and friendship with which all Colombians are known for,” said Cali 2021 executive director, Jose Luis Echeverry.
AYTON AND SUNS HOLD OFF CAVS FOR 14TH STRAIGHT VICTORY CLEVELAND (AP) — Devin Booker scored 35 points, Chris Paul had 12 assists and made four free throws in the final 8.8 seconds and the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 14 games, holding off the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-115 last night. Deandre Ayton had 16 points and nine rebounds. Phoenix’s run started with a victory over Cleveland on October 30, coming after a 1-3 opening for the defending Western Conference champions. The Suns have been perfect since and improved the NBA’s best road record to 7-1. Paul finished with 17 points, and JaVale McGee added 13 points and 12 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench. Phoenix’s winning streak is the thirdlongest in club history, matching a 14-gamer by the club in 1992. The Suns won 17 straight during the 200607 season. The young Cavs gave the Suns everything they could handle, and if not for Paul, a couple calls that could have gone either way and Cleveland’s Ricky Rubio missing three free throws in the final seconds, the streak might have ended. Jarrett Allen had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Cedi Osman added 23 points for Cleveland. The Cavs have lost five in a row.
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PAGE 14, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Thanksgiving week: A good time to look at ‘NFL unfortunates’ By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer AND the meek shall inherit the first draft pick. Or not. When the Jets visit the Texans on Sunday, there are no playoff implications — or even dreams. Both teams are 2-8, deservedly so. Yet the winner might eliminate itself from competition for the top overall spot in next April’s draft. Consider that Detroit and Jacksonville also are tailenders with a solid shot at the NFL’s worst record, and either the Jets or Texans will move ahead of the other, barring a tie. Regardless, neither rookie coach, New York’s Robert Saleh nor Houston’s David Culley, is looking past the weak opposition this weekend. Because, of course, their clubs are equally feeble. “We’re 2-8. We played well enough to win, but we didn’t play as well as we need to play moving forward to win,” Culley says. “We’re not looking down on anybody. “It happens to be the Jets; the next team is the most important. You always want the win. You get the win, the thing is to get the win. That’s all we’re thinking about right now.” Houston actually got its second victory last week at AFC South leader Tennessee, which was plagued by injuries and turnovers. The Jets have a win over the Titans and one over the Bengals, both playoff contenders. Their other
TEXANS quarterback Tyrod Taylor, top, leaps over Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) for a touchdown in the first half on Sunday. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) showings have ranged from somewhat competitive to downright dismal. Saleh looks at veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor as a threat. “Tyrod’s back and, you know, when Tyrod’s been the quarterback, they beat Jacksonville. I think they put 37 on them,” Saleh notes. “They were 14-14 at halftime with Cleveland in Week 2 before he gets hurt. He comes back against Miami and struggled a
little bit, but then they beat Tennessee, so he’s clearly winning — and they’re winning football games with him under centre. He is a problem.” As if the Jets don’t have enough of those. Ditto for the Texans. The traditional Thanksgiving Day games have Chicago (3-7) at Detroit (0-9-1), followed by Las Vegas (5-5) at Dallas (7-3). The night contest is Buffalo (6-4) at New Orleans (5-5).
Off this week are Arizona (9-2, the NFL’s best record) and Kansas City (7-4). Los Angeles Rams (7-3) at Green Bay (8-3) At the other end of the standings spectrum from the Jets and Texans, two of the contenders for the top spot in the NFC meet at Lambeau Field. The Rams have lost three straight just once during Sean McVay’s five-year coaching tenure. In Cooper Kupp they have the league’s
most productive receiver. Kupp has 85 catches for 1,141 yards to lead the NFL in both categories. His 10 touchdown receptions are tied for the lead with Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans. Aaron Rodgers is bothered by a toe injury, and the Packers are down to a third-string left tackle, Yosh Nijman, because of injuries. But the Packers join the Buccaneers as the only NFL teams that are undefeated at home this season.
Green Bay has allowed just 44 points at Lambeau, the lowest total yielded through the first four Packers home games of a season since 1969. Tennessee (8-3) at New England (7-4) The Titans’ impressive winning string ended in the awful weather last weekend, while the Patriots extended their run to five straight wins by routing Atlanta. New England has a profitable habit of meeting opponents who are undermanned, and that could be the case again in this one. No team has come close to the 82 players who have been in at least one contest this season for Tennessee. Being on the road doesn’t seem to bother Tennessee: The Titans are 4-1 away from Nashville in 2021 and 13-3 over their past 16 road games. The Patriots are allowing a league-low 16.1 points per game. They have finished top 10 in fewest points allowed in each of the past nine seasons, the longest current streak. Tampa Bay (7-3) at Indianapolis (6-5) Anyone think Tom Brady is smiling at this matchup? Brady has tormented the Colts, going 15-4 with 38 touchdown passes, all with New England. He’s second in the NFL with 3,177 yards passing and has a leaguehigh 29 TD passes. One remedy for Indy: Jonathan Taylor. He’s the league’s first 1,000-yard runner this season and has
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AUSTRALIA GETS ‘PREFERRED’ STATUS FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP IN 2027
AUSTRALIA’S NIC WHITE, right, avoids a tackle from Wales’ Josh Adams as he runs to score a try during the rugby union international match between Wales and Australia at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
LONDON (AP) — The men’s Rugby World Cup looks to be heading back to Australia for 2027. Australia was awarded “preferred candidate” status by World Rugby, the sport’s global governing body, yesterday. The country last hosted the event in 2003. A final decision will be made in May next year.
The announcements come after a review of the selection process for host countries for World Cups. “The new Rugby World Cup model will see World Rugby take more direct responsibility for the delivery of the pinnacle events,” the governing body said. The next men’s World Cup will be held in France in 2023.
England was selected as the preferred candidate to host the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025. World Rugby also said it will enter what the governing body described as “exclusive targeted dialogue” with the United States about hosting the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031. That would mark the first time the event would
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be held in North America. Ross Young, chief executive of USA Rugby, called it a “positive next step.”
“This targeted dialogue opens a new door for collaboration and progress, ultimately fuelling an
optimistic future for USA Rugby and the global game,” according to Mr Young.
World Rugby to allow players to switch national teams DUBLIN (AP) — World Rugby has relaxed its eligibility rules to allow national team players to switch countries as of January, the governing body announced yesterday in what it described as a “landmark” change. Players can change allegiances if they were born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent born there. They can switch only once and there’s a stand-down period of three years from international rugby. The “birthright amendment” was approved by the World Rugby Council and stands to benefit Pacific island countries in particular. International players such as England’s Billy and Mako Vunipola could represent Tonga, as could New Zealand’s Charles Piutau, who won the last of his 17 caps in 2015, making him eligible to switch country allegiance next year. World Rugby said the amendment “follows requests by emerging nations” and consultation with member unions and players about changing the existing rule that
NEW Zealand All Blacks winger Charles Piutau runs down field during a rugby test match against Argentina in Christchurch, New Zealand, on July 17, 2015. (AP Photo/SNPA, Ross Setford) permanently locked a player to a country once they had played test rugby except for specific circumstances related to the Olympics.
“Approval of this landmark regulatory change is the culmination of detailed and widespread modelling and consultation across the game,” World Rugby
chairman Bill Beaumont said in the announcement. The change recognises “the modern professional rugby environment without compromising the integrity of the international game,” he added. “We believe that this is the fairest way to implement progressive change that puts players first while also having the potential to support a growing, increasingly competitive international men’s and women’s game,” Beaumont said. As of January 1, any player meeting the criteria can make an immediate transfer application, which must be approved by World Rugby’s regulations committee. The move could prove significant for countries like Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, among others. “Many players across the world will now benefit from the chance to represent the country of their or their ancestors’ birth, serving as a real boost to the competitiveness of emerging nations, which in turn, will benefit the game as a whole,” Omar Hassanein, chief executive of International Rugby Players union, said in the announcement.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 25, 2021, PAGE 15
Traditional Thanksgiving Day games are tricky for Pro Picks By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer IT’s difficult enough choosing winners and pointspread coverers and upsets when there is one Thursday night game each NFL week. As for three, well, c’mon. Short breaks between games is ridiculously tough when there is only that one contest. And don’t get us started on how we feel about Thursday nighters overall. However, it’s Thanksgiving, and tradition calls for a feast at the table and a feast on the field. Except that there’s barely anything tasty on the menu for the early matchup of winless Detroit hosting Chicago. No matter, says Lions coach Dan Campbell, who has played in the holiday game for both Detroit and Dallas. “I do believe our guys still look at it as it’s a special thing,” he says. “Everybody is watching this game and everybody’s got their families at home and they’re all circled around the TV, they just ate or they’re going to eat afterwards. I think it still rings true that it is special. “And yeah to your point, to be able to get a win on that day — look to get a win, period — is going to be freaking outstanding. But yes, to get it on Thanksgiving would make it that much more special.” We’ll, uh, bite. The Lions, 0-9-1 and ranked 32nd in the AP Pro32, are a 3 1/2point favourite — yes, they are favoured over the No. 27 Bears (3-7). LIONS, 17-16 KNOCKOUT POOL Pro Picks took another Canelo-like shot to the jaw with the Titans. If you care, we’d favour BALTIMORE this week. No. 26 Seattle (plus 1) at No. 23 Washington, (Monday night) The Seahawks leave the state of Washington to lose near the city of Washington. BEST BET: WASHINGTON, 23-20
NFL
FROM PAGE 14 tied the NFL record with eight consecutive games of 100 yards from scrimmage and at least one touchdown. Last week at Buffalo, he stormed for 185 yards rushing, 204 yards from scrimmage and five TDs against the NFL’s No. 1 defence. The Colts also lead the NFL with 76 first-quarter points and 98 points off a league-high 25 takeaways. Coincidentally, Bucs coach Bruce Arians won the first of his two NFL Coach of the Year Awards in 2012 as Colts interim coach following Chuck Pagano’s cancer diagnosis. Cleveland (6-5) at Baltimore (7-3) As the Browns try to find their mojo, they head to the wrong place. The Ravens have dominated this series since the team moved from Cleveland, and Baltimore coach John Harbaugh is 22-4 against the Browns. Cleveland has dropped 10 of the past 13 against Baltimore, with two of the wins coming in overtime. However, the Browns have replaced the Ravens with the league’s most dangerous ground game. And standout right tackle Jack Conklin could be back after missing three games with an elbow injury. Lamar Jackson should be OK to start after missing
No. 11 (tie) Los Angeles Chargers (minus 2 1/2) at No. 22 Denver We finally missed on an outright win by an underdog. Maybe the Broncos will start a new winning string for Pro Picks. UPSET SPECIAL: BRONCOS, 24-23 No. 20 Las Vegas (plus 7 1/2) at No. 8 Dallas, Thursday The Raiders are in freefall, and the Cowboys will be undermanned. Still ... COWBOYS, 27-16 No. 10 Buffalo (minus 5 1/2) at No. 19 New Orleans, Thursday night Buffalo is almost in freefall, and a loss here would put its playoff chances in danger. BILLS, 23-15 No. 9 Los Angeles Rams (plus 1) at No. 2 Green Bay A toss-up game and potentially a look at the NFC championship matchup. PACKERS, 20-17 No. 5 Tennessee (plus 6) at No. 6 New England Funny how the Patriots wind up facing a lot of injury-ravaged opponents. PATRIOTS, 24-19 No. 3 Tampa Bay (minus 2 1/2) at No. 11 (tie) Indianapolis Both teams come off big weekends. Can the Bucs stop that runaway train named Jonathan Taylor? BUCCANEERS, 27-26 No. 14 Cleveland (plus 3 1/2) at No. 7 Baltimore A good time for the Browns to get out of Cleveland. A bad time to go to Baltimore. RAVENS, 23-15 No. 17 Pittsburgh (plus 4 1/2) at No. 13 Cincinnati We’re beginning to believe the Bengals have some lasting power. BENGALS, 19-17 No. 18 Philadelphia (minus 3 1/2) at No. 28 New York Giants We began feeling positive about the Eagles a few weeks ago. That will continue. EAGLES, 26-24 No. 31 New York Jets (plus 3) at No. 29 Houston the win at Chicago with an illness. In his previous game, he was overwhelmed by Miami’s blitzing. Myles Garrett leads the NFL with 13 sacks and the Cleveland club record is 14. The Browns lead the AFC with 29 sacks. In a scheduling quirk, the AFC North rivals will meet twice in three weeks. Pittsburgh (5-4-1) at Cincinnati (6-4) Cincinnati is trying to sweep Pittsburgh for the first time since 2009, but the Steelers are 32-20 at Cincy. The Bengals have won the past two meetings, including a blowout victory two months ago. Before that the Steelers had won 11 straight going back to 2014. Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell has never missed a field goal against the Bengals (23 for 23) and just one extra point (32 of 33). They’ll need Ben Roethlisberger to continue his recently improved performances. The 39-year-old quarterback has a 104.3 passer rating over his past five games, throwing nine touchdowns against no interceptions. The Bengals have five of their last seven games at home. Los Angeles Chargers (6-4) at Denver (5-5) Look for a concentration on the run game for both sides. LA’s Austin Ekeler is the only player in the AFC with 500 or more rushing yards (573) and 400-plus
AP PRO PICKS: Going with Lions to get first win on Thanksgiving
It’s Thanksgiving and tradition calls for a feast at the table and a feast on the field. Except that there’s barely anything tasty on the menu for the early matchup of winless Detroit hosting Chicago. The Lions, 0-9-1 and ranked 32nd in the AP Pro32, are a 3 1/2 point favorite over the No. 27 Bears (3-7). GAME CHI at DET
STORYLINE
PICK
Lions celebrate Thanksgiving with first victory
DET 17-16
SEA at WAS
Seahawks leave state of Washington to lose near city of Washington
WAS 23-20
LAC at DEN
Finally missed outright underdog win last week, new winning string here?
DEN 24-23
Raiders in free-fall, Cowboys will be undermanned, still ...
DAL 27-16
BUF at NO
Buffalo almost in free-fall, loss here puts playoff chances in danger
BUF 23-15
LAR at GB
Toss-up game and potentially a look at NFC championship matchup
GB 20-17
TEN at NE
Funny how Patriots wind up facing a lot of injury-ravaged opponents
NE 24-19
TB at IND
Can Bucs stop that runaway train named Jonathan Taylor?
TB 27-26
LV at DAL
CLE at BAL
Good time for Browns to get out of town, bad time to go to Baltimore
BAL 23-15
Beginning to believe Bengals have some lasting power
CIN 19-17
PHI at NYG
Began feeling positive about Eagles a few weeks ago, that continues ...
PHI 26-24
NYJ at HOU
Never feel positive about either of these tailenders
NYJ 15-13
PIT at CIN
MIN at SF
SF 30-28
Winner will be in prime position for an NFC wild-card spot
CAR at MIA
Hard to believe Miami will win a fourth straight
MIA 23-19
ATL at JAC
Matt Ryan has no weapons left, not that Trevor Lawrence has many either
JAC 16-13
NAUGHTY’S NFL PICKS - WEEK 12 LAST WEEK: 9-6 SEASON: 110-54-1 YET another week where certain teams didn’t get the memo, and lost games they should have won. Messing up my picks % in the process I might add. Well one thing’s for sure I won’t let anyone of them, including my Cowboys, mess up my Thanksgiving feast. It’s giving thanks, family, food and then football - in that order in my house. In addition to the turkey and the oncoming turkey leftovers, here’s what I also like in the gridiron. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. NFL WEEK 12 SCHEDULE BYE WEEK TEAMS: Chiefs, Cardinals THANKSGIVING GAMES Bears at Lions - 12:00PM The ‘Red Rifle’ Andy Dalton, the Bears backup QB, steals the show on turkey day. BEARS 24-Lions 23 Raiders at Cowboys - 4:25 PM Cowboys right the ship feasting on the Raiders first, then the turkey. The Cowboys serve up extra helpings of RB’s Zeke Elliott and Tony Pollard in this one. COWBOYS 31 - Raiders 20 Bills at Saints - 8:20PM Which of the real Bills and Saints teams will show up? Both have been We never feel positive about either of these tailenders. JETS, 15-13 No. 15 Minnesota (plus 3) at No. 16 San Francisco The winner will be in prime position for an NFC wild-card spot. 49ERS, 30-28
Falcons at Jaguars Coin flip ... Falcons off the bye week for the win. FALCONS 20 - Jaguars 13 Buccaneers at Colts The ‘UPSET BIRD’ is flying high in this one! Colts win at home behind RB and MVP candidate, Jason Taylor. COLTS 31 - Buccaneers 24 Jets at Texans Another coin flip .... Texans at home in Tyrod we trust. TEXANS 24 - Jets 20
roller coasters lately, up then down then up then down. BILLS 24 - Saints 17 SUNDAY GAMES - 1:00PM Steelers at Bengals Youth is served in this one. Bengals at home. BENGALS 34 - Steelers 27 Panthers at Dolphins Coin toss .... Panthers get their growl back clawing the ‘Fins PANTHERS 23 - Dolphins 20 Eagles at Giants Why must I pick this game in the first place. Eagles are clinging to life in the Wild Card race, while the Giants are done. EAGLES 23 - Giants 17 Titans at Pats Patriots head coach Bill Belichick schools yet another former assistant. PATRIOTS 24 - Titans 20
No. 21 Carolina (minus 1 1/2) at No. 24 Miami Hard to believe Miami will win a fourth straight. DOLPHINS, 23-21 No. 25 Atlanta (minus 1) at No. 30 Jacksonville Poor Matt Ryan has no weapons left. Not that
BUCCANEERS head coach Bruce Arians looks on during the second half against the New York Giants on November 22. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio) receiving yards (405). to lead each of their first He had four touchdowns 10 games by at least seven last week in the win over points. Pittsburgh. Early leads will be Denver’s RB duo of important against a Niners Melvin Gordon II and squad that has come alive rookie Javonte Williams behind the work of dynamic have combined for 221 car- receiver/running back ries for 1,036 yards and six Deebo Samuel and tight touchdowns. Gordon has end George Kittle. with five touchdowns, WilThe 49ers have opened liams has a 5-yard rushing the game with an 18-play average. TD drive and 20-play FG Minnesota (5-5) at drive the past two weeks. San Francisco (5-5) Philadelphia (5-6) at Not quite a wild-card New York Giants (3-7) elimination game, but close The Giants fired offenenough for late November. sive coordinator Jason The Vikings have lost 10 Garrett this week; his unit, of the past 11 road games in despite some talented skill the series, with the only win players, has been abysmal. in that span coming in 2007. A sign, sort of, that They’ve won their past two emphasizes those struggles: matches this month and tackle Andrew Thomas showed, at last, an ability to caught at 2-yard TD pass, close. becoming the Giants’ first Also, the Vikings are the offensive lineman to catch a 18th team since the merger TD since 1960.
SUNDAY - 4:00PM Chargers at Broncos Chargers keep their momentum going avoiding a let down on the road against the noise makers in Denver. Vikings at 49ers The Niners make it three straight with a win at home. NINERS 27 - Vikings 24 Rams at Packers UPSET BIRD flies again. RAMS 31 - Packers 23 SUNDAY NIGHT - 8:20PM Browns at Ravens Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is back and the Ravens continue their winning ways. RAVENS 27 - Browns 24 MONDAY NIGHT - 8:20PM Seahawks at Washington Last coin flip of the week ...WFT at home. WFT 23 - Seahawks 20
Trevor Lawrence has many, either. JAGUARS, 16-13 ___ 2021 RECORD
Season: Straight up: 103-61-1. Against spread: 91-70-2. Best Bet: Straight up: 5-5-1. Against spread: 7-4.
Last Week: Straight up: 9-6. Against spread: 10-5.
Upset Special: Straight up: 9-1. Against spread: 9-1.
Philly has found the offensive firepower on the ground. The Eagles have 870 yards rushing in the past four games. They’ve rushed for 200-plus yards in consecutive games for the first time since 1978. Last week, Philadelphia rushed 50 times, its most since October 5, 1997, against Washington. With Jordan Howard out, Miles Sanders and Boston Scott should get most of the work, along with versatile QB Jalen Hurts. Seattle (3-7) at Washington (4-6), Monday night Russell Wilson’s return from finger surgery hasn’t helped the Seahawks. He was 14 of 26 for 207 yards and was sacked four times in the loss to Arizona. Seattle is off to the franchise’s worst 10-game record since 2009. That said, Seattle’s .711 winning percentage on Monday night is the best in the NFL. The Seahawks have won 11 of their past 14 Monday night games. Since throwing two picks in a loss at Denver before the bye week, Washington’s Taylor Heinicke has completed 77.8 percent of his passes for 462 yards and four TDs in back-to-back victories. Heinicke put up a career-best 141.3 QB rating in the win at Carolina. Atlanta (4-6) at Jacksonville (2-8) The Falcons have allowed 100 yards on the ground in
five consecutive weeks and eight times in 10 games this season. Good news perhaps for Jags RB James Robinson. The Falcons have won three straight in the series, slightly more than doubling Jacksonville on the scoreboard in those games. The most recent loss is part of the Jaguars’ worst stretch in franchise history against the NFC. Jacksonville has lost 14 consecutive games, 0-3 this season, and is 7-44 in its past 51 games versus the NFC. Atlanta’s gone 130plus minutes and 26 offensive possessions without a touchdown, going consecutive games without a TD for the first time since 1987. Carolina (5-6) at Miami (4-7) Another team struggling to stop the run is Miami, which has won three straight anyway. Good news for Panthers Christian McCaffrey, who when healthy is as effective as any NFL running back. Since 2018, McCaffrey has averaged 134.1 yards from scrimmage per game, the most in the NFL. His 11 career 100-yard receiving games are the most by any NFL running back in history, too. Flags could fly here. Carolina is the NFL’s most-penalised team through 11 weeks, flagged 81 times. The Dolphins have 75 penalties, one more than in all of 2020.
PAGE 16, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
NBA
WISCONSIN OUTLASTS SAINT MARY’S 61-55 TO WIN MAUI TITLE By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — Wisconsin has its youngest team in two decades after losing six seniors from last year’s NCAA Tournament team. The unknowns kept expectations low, had coach Greg Gard thinking it would take some time for them to gel. Winning their first Maui Invitational — in Las Vegas, no less — is a good sign the Badgers should be just fine. Johnny Davis scored 20 points, Tyler Wahl added 18 and a key block, and Wisconsin outlasted Saint Mary’s 61-55 yesterday to win the Maui Invitational. “The grit and the resilience, that’s always a good starting point,” Gard said. “When your guys play hard, you can live with mistakes. The grit and resolve with this group, I’ve seen that from the beginning.” The Badgers (5-1) had reached the Maui title game once in four previous tries, losing to North Carolina in 2016. They had a fight on their hands against the Gaels, battling through a physical second half filled with collisions and tumbling players. Wisconsin delivered the final blows after trailing by 10, the biggest Wahl’s jumper and two free throws after blocking Dan Fotu’s shot with 30 seconds left. Three days of facing adversity in one form or another, one gigantic trophy for a team picked to finish 10th in the Big Ten. “There’s something about this group, from the first day of practices we compete,” Wahl said. Saint Mary’s (6-1) nearly made its first Maui Invitational appearance a memorable one, keeping the Badgers within reach into the final minute. Not being able to finish it off hurts, but the Gaels appear to be back after being relegated to the NIT last season. Alex Ducas led Saint Mary’s with 13 points. “That’s why you come to this, the best college basketball tournament in the country, to play against really good teams,” Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett said. “We got to and tonight we didn’t come out on top, but I thought we played a good game against a well-coached team and group of guys” The Maui Invitational was forced to shift east for the second straight year due to the pandemic. Las Vegas has become a college basketball hotbed during March Madness and has added early-season tournaments to its hoops résumé. Las Vegas is known as the ninth Hawaiian Island, but the vibe just isn’t the same — bright lights and big arenas instead of island chill and the quaint Lahaina Civic Center.
FROM PAGE 13
MICHIGAN State forward Malik Hall (25) looks for an outlet as Loyola-Chicago forward Tom Welch (10) defends during an NCAA college basketball game at Paradise Island, Bahamas, yesterday. (Tim Aylen/Bahamas Visual Services via AP)
VIRGINIA Commonwealth guard KeShawn Curry goes to the basket over a Syracuse player yesterday.
ATLANTIS FROM PAGE 13
Orange (ACC), Michigan State Spartans (BIG 10), and Virginia Commonwealth Rams (A10) will make their second appearance, The remainder of the field includes the Arizona State Sun Devils (PAC 12), Auburn Tigers (SEC) and LoyolaChicago Ramblers (Missouri Valley Conference) making their B4A debut in the 2021 field. The field includes six teams who made the NCAA Tournament last year. The Spartans opened the tournament with a 63-61 win over the Loyola Chicago Ramblers. Malik Hall led Michigan State with a perfect 9-9 shooting day from the field while Marcus Bingham Jr scored 11 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked seven shots. Bingham finished an alley oop from Tyson Walker with five seconds remaining to lift the Spartans to the opening day win. Lucas Williamson led the Ramblers with 17 points. “Anytime you can travel together and spend time together and do some things together...it’s always a positive,” said Spartans head coach Tom Izzo. “Three games in three days is very difficult on a coaching staff but it’s even more difficult for the players. What we can pick up for this...you won’t be able to measure it. It’s really going to help you later on, win, lose or draw.” In the first matchup of ranked opponents, the No.22 ranked Huskies needed two extra periods to win 115-109 win over the No.19 Auburn Tigers. Adama Sanogo led the Huskies with 30 points, while RJ Cole and Tyler Polley each scored 24. KD Johnson led the Tigers with 27 points and Jabari Smith added 22. “This is an opportunity to play three great teams. It’s an opportunity to build or destroy your résumé. It’s an opportunity to play against the best teams in the country and to get tested in all the different ways that you’re going to be tested,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “This is a business trip. There’s not going to be a lot of swimming with the dolphins. This is not a cultural summer tour. We won’t be visiting many museums or
CONNECTICUT guard Tyrese Martin (4) shoots as Auburn forward Jabari Smith (10) defends yesterday. spending much time on the beach. Now we’ll enjoy the climate, we’ll enjoy a beautiful setting, and the guys will get a chance to see that. But we’re here for business.” Huskies coach Dan Hurley has the unique opportunity of possibly facing off against his brother Bobby Hurley - head coach of the Sun Devils. UConn and Arizona State are on opposite sides of the bracket so they have the possibility of meeting in the championship game if both teams win out. “I would prefer, in a perfect world, if we played in the championship game, That would be, I think, something we would both sign on for out here. That’s the goal for both of us,” Dan said. “Obviously it would take a ton of work to get to that point. We would both be really happy to meet in the championship game. That means that we both had an unbelievable run in this tournament with the quality that we’d have to beat to get there. So we would love that if that were to happen.” UConn’s appearance in the 2021 Battle 4 Atlantis is the third for the Huskies at the event. UConn finished third in the 2011 Battle 4 Atlantis, which was the first year of the event, and the Huskies finished fourth in the 2015 tourney. UConn’s overall record at the Battle 4 Atlantis is 4-3. “The times that we can interact and see each other throughout this week is going to be positive,”
Bobby said. “We’re really tight. We’re brothers and we love each other. And so we’ll be rooting for each other and supporting each other.” In game three, the VCU Rams scored a 67-55 win over the Syracuse Orange. Syracuse is making its second appearance on Paradise Island in The Battle 4 Atlantis. The Orange claimed the 2015 title in its last visit. Levi Stockard II led three VCU players in double figures with 15 points and Marcus Tsohonis added 12. Buddy Boeheim finished with 20 points while Jimmy Boeheim added 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead Syracuse. “This is obviously a huge tournament, having some of the best teams in the country here,’ said Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. “No matter what, when we come down here, we’re trying to win the tournament. We’re trying to win games and play well. It’s not a vacation. They’re not outdoors. They’re not going swimming. You come down here, you go to practice and you get ready for the games….Once Wednesday comes they’re right there, bang, bang, bang. Three days. You don’t have time to do anything else. They want to play games and play well.’’ In their return to Atlantis, the top ranked team in the field, the No.6 Baylor Bears had the most dominant performance of day one. They won 75-63 over Arizona State. LJ Cryer led five Bears in double figures with 15 points and Matt Mayer scored 14. Baylor returns to Atlantis for the second time. The Bears won the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis with victories over VCU and Michigan State and a comeback from 22-down to defeat Louisville for the title. “You leave here, you know what your team needs to work on to get better. Areas you didn’t know you needed to work on get exposed. So, you leave a better team, and coaches all like that. There are no bad losses, just quality wins in tournaments like this.” Baylor head coach Scott Drew said: “I know our staff has great memories of this tournament the last time we were here. It’s a real blessing for your team to see the beauty here and obviously everything in the Bahamas.”
LAKERS 124, PACERS 116 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — LeBron James made the tiebreaking 3-pointer in overtime and followed with a back-breaking 3 in his return from the first suspension of his career to help Los Angeles beat Indiana. James finished with 37 points on 13-of-29 shooting and had six assists and five rebounds, with the Lakers playing without Anthony Davis because of flu-like symptoms. On Sunday night in a victory at Detroit, James was ejected from for striking Pistons centre Isaiah Stewart in the face and drawing blood. The NBA suspended him a game and he sat out the Lakers’ loss at New York on Tuesday night. Malcolm Brogdon led Indiana with 28 points. NETS 123, CELTICS 104 BOSTON (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 21 points to pass Allen Iverson and move into the top 25 on the NBA’s career scoring list, and Brooklyn beat Boston. Patty Mills added 23 points, and James Harden had 20 points and 11 assists for Brooklyn, which has won four in a row, seven out of eight and 12 of its last 14 games. LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and nine rebounds. Marcus Smart had 20 points and eight assists for Boston. BUCKS 114 PISTONS 93 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points, Bobby Portis added 28 and defending champion Milwaukee beat Detroit for its fifth straight victory. Milwaukee has won 12 in a row against Detroit, dating to 2018. That is tied for the third-longest current winning streak by one NBA team over another. Jrue Holiday added 22 points for the Bucks. Trey Lyles had 19 points and seven rebounds for Detroit. HORNETS 106, MAGIC 99 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Terry Rozier scored 27 points, and LaMelo Ball added 22 and Charlotte beat Orlando. Kelly Oubre Jr had 21 points and six rebounds of the bench. The Hornets won for the seventh time in eight games. Mo Bamba had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Orlando.
ROCKETS FROM PAGE 13
TOLEDO Rockets players celebrate with their championship trophy after defeating the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 79-70 to win the Nassau Championship at the Baha Mar Convention Center last night.
Bahamas and Pink Flamingo championships. The “Bahamas Championship” will feature four elite programmes played November 25-27 and led by the Maryland Terrapins, Richmond Spiders, Mississippi State and the Louisville Cardinals. The “Pink Flamingo Championship” will also be played November 25-27 and will feature several elite women’s programmes led by the defending NCAA National Champion - Stanford Cardinal. Six of the seven participating teams have played in last season’s NCAA Tournament. Other teams include Maryland, North Carolina State, Indiana, Washington State, Miami and South Florida. All seven games of the Pink Flamingo Championship will be broadcast on FloHoops.
Spinners put Sri Lanka close to victory against West Indies GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — West Indies collapsed to 18-6 in its second innings before ending the fourth day on 52-6 as Sri Lanka took complete control of the first cricket test. Spin bowlers Ramesh Mendis and Lasith Embuldeniya moved Sri Lanka close to victory yesterday after the hosts declared their second innings at 191-4 and set West Indies an unlikely 348 runs to win. Sri Lanka is just four wickets away from victory on a turning pitch at Galle International Stadium, with West Indies needing another 296 runs to win, or
trying to bat out the final day. Sri Lanka won the toss and scored 386 in its first innings. West Indies replied with 230 — conceding a 156-run lead — after resuming yesterday on 224-9. Sri Lanka then declared its second innings early. Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne scored 83 runs to follow his 147 in the first innings. Angelo Mathews hit two sixes and six boundaries for 69 not out. West Indies’ secondinnings collapse began when offspinner Mendis trapped West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite lbw without scoring in the
fourth over. Mathews took a brilliant catch diving forward at mid-on to dismiss Jermaine Blackwood (9) off left-arm spinner Embuldeniya. When Mendis bowled Jason Holder in the first ball he faced with a delivery that went straight on, the West Indies plummeted to 18-6. Nkrumah Bonner (18 not out) and Joshua Da Silva (15 not out) shared an unbroken 34 runs for the seventh wicket when play closed early because of bad light. Mendis had bowling figures of 4-17 while Embuldeniya took 2-18.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 25, 2021, PAGE 17
GOOD EXPOSURE: Shown (top left) are Team Bahamas members Tatyana Madu, Kaylah Fox, Briana Houlgrave and their coach Marion Bain. The Bahamas’ 3-member team finished 6th in the U12 TITF/COTECC Team Finals Competition in the Dominican Republic. Mexico emerged as the winners after their teams faced each other in the final.
Bahamas finishes 6th in COTECC Team Final TEAM Bahamas finished 6th in the U12 TITF/ COTECC Team Finals Competition in the Dominican Republic. Team Bahamas had two major wins at the prestigious event over Dominican Republic Team 1 and El Salvador. This event featured the top teams in the Caribbean and Central American region. Mexico emerged as the winners after their teams one and two faced each other in the final. The Bahamas was the only Caribbean representation in the girls’ event. Team Bahamas included Tatyana Madu, Kaylah Fox,
Briana Houlgrave and was coached by Marion Bain. On the last day of the competition, Fox was victorious over Valeria Santana of Dominican Republic 6-0, 6-2. It was her fourth straight singles win. Fox went undefeated in all of her singles matches, and did not surrender a single set. She gave up 12 games in total over the four matches which was very impressive. Madu played in the No.1 position and won two singles matches and remained competitive in her other matches. In the three set singles matches against El Salvador, Madu played for
over three hours and experienced leg cramps in the second but continued to play. She went on to lose the third set but showed a tremendous amount of grit and determination to represent her country. Houlgrave also played tremendously well and won quite a few singles to help The Bahamas advance to the Team Finals. She teamed up with Fox against El Salvador to give The Bahamas a win in that tie. Said Perry Newton, president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association: “All of the young girls made their presence felt and let their
lights shine brightly as they proudly represented the country. We could not ask for anything more. This is a positive reflection on the hard work that the girls and their parents and coaches have put in over the past years. The BLTA will continue to ensure these opportunities are available for them.” “This is the first representation on behalf of Team Bahamas for each of them and they were undaunted by the fierce competition, they stood firmly and played exceptional tennis. We know this is only the beginning of great things to come.”
KAYLAH Fox in action at the COTECC competition.
NO NADAL AS ALCARAZ ERA BEGINS FOR SPAIN IN DAVIS CUP By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Spain is set to begin its title defence at the Davis Cup Finals without Rafael Nadal, and with all eyes on the teenager touted as his heir. The 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz will be attracting attention when Spain starts on Friday against Ecuador. Spain is looking to triumph again two years after winning the inaugural edition of the revamped nations’ competition. The tournament wasn’t played in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Coming off a title at the Next Gen ATP Finals, Alcaraz will be making his first Davis Cup appearance alongside Pablo Carreno Busta and Albert RamosVinolas, who are both more than 10 years older than him. Alcaraz wasn’t even born when another member of Spain’s team, 40-yearold Feliciano López, began playing on tour. “For me it’s a dream come true to be here,” the No. 32 Alcaraz said yesterday. “I watched this tournament since I was a kid and I always wished to be here representing my country, so I’m really excited to be with the team.” Nadal went undefeated in singles and doubles when Spain won the title in 2019, but the 20-time Grand Slam champion isn’t playing this year because of a left-foot injury that ended his season early. “It’s true that we had a big advantage. If you have Nadal in your team you go straight to being the favourite because he is the best
“It’s the strongest team,” Bruguera said. “It’s the most complete team, with Medvedev probably the most in-form player right now, so it will be our most difficult rival.” Spain’s team took a hit when No. 19 Roberto Bautista Agut had to be replaced by No. 45 RamosVinolas at the last minute because of an abdominal injury. The 18-team event was held entirely in Madrid over seven days in 2019. This time, it will also take place in Innsbruck, Austria,
SPAIN’s Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to United States’ Sebastian Korda during the ATP Next Gen final tennis tournament in Milan, Italy, on November 13. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) player in the history of the in 29 Davis Cup ties and “And he’s adjusting very Davis Cup,” Spain captain debuted in the competition well. He’s happy. The vetin 2003, the year Alcaraz erans are very good friends Sergi Bruguera said. “He’s not here, we cannot was born. “I haven’t seen already and Carlos is like think about this. We con- many players like Carlos in fresh air in the team. It’s nice.” tinue to have a very strong the past.” López was in Spain’s team Spain is facing a difficult team. “Four players were there back in 2018 when Alcaraz task trying to retain the in 2019 when we won so was a 14-year-old fan in the title, though, as the other they are prepared for this, stands of a tie against Ger- team in Group A is a Rusand now we have a new many in Valencia, hoping sian squad featuring two younger star who is bring- one day he could be the one top-10 players in No. 2 ing a lot of things to the on the court representing Daniil Medvedev and No. 5 his country. Andrey Rublev. team.” “It was really amazing,” Also in the team is OlymAlcaraz is capping an impressive season that Alcaraz said. “Since that pic silver medallist Karen included a quarterfinal moment I wished ... to be in Khachanov and 2021 Australian Open semifinalist appearance in the US Open (that) position.” Bruguera said Alcaraz Aslan Karatsev. and victories over top-10 Russia will be called the players Stefanos Tsitsipas has helped bring new life to the team with his great Russian Tennis Federation and Matteo Berrettini. (RTF) during the event “It’s very rare to see an character. “Carlos is an unbeliev- amid an ongoing doping 18-year-old kid behaving like he does on the court,” ably nice guy, he’s very suspension from internasaid López, who has played humble,” Bruguera said. tional sports.
and Turin, Italy. The competition was extended to 11 days after criticism from players and fans over late-night matches in mostly empty arenas and not enough rest between matches. Each matchup on indoor hard courts is a best-ofthree series featuring two singles and one doubles match. The six group winners plus the two second-place teams with the best records based on sets and games will advance to the quarterfinals.
PAGE 18, Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
ATLÉTICO MADRID IN DANGER AFTER LOSING TO MILAN By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — A late goal by a 30-year-old Brazilian making his Champions League debut kept alive AC Milan’s hopes of advancing and left Atlético Madrid on the brink of elimination. Junior Messias scored in the 87th minute to hand Milan a 1-0 victory at Atlético on Wednesday, giving the Italian club hope after a winless start to its campaign in the European competition. The result left Atlético and Milan tied on four points in the last two positions of Group B, with Atlético in last place on goal difference. Porto was a point ahead after a 2-0 loss at group-winner Liverpool. Atlético will need to win at Porto and finish with a better goal difference than Milan if the Italians defeat Liverpool at home. Milan needed the victory to avoid elimination. It had won only one of its last 11 Champions League games and once in its last seven road games in the competition from group stage to final. Atlético was coming off consecutive losses to Liverpool and had to avoid defeat against Milan to stay in contention to reach the
round of 16 without having to depend on other results. “The Champions League is unforgiving,” Atlético coach Diego Simeone said. “You have to deserve to be able to go through and we are going to go after our spot in the game we have left.” Atlético had won three in a row against Milan in the Champions League, including 2-1 in Italy in their first match this season. Atlético struggled to impose its game at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and Milan looked like the more dangerous team during parts of the match. Messias, who began his professional career only a few years ago, got the winner with a header from the six-yard line after a cross from the left flank. “I saw the ball, I didn’t think twice and fired it home,” he said. “I dedicate this goal to my family and friends in Brazil, and to those at Milan who believed in my qualities. “It’s the biggest success of my life, but I need to carry on with balance,” he said. Atlético had lost only twice in its last 31 European games at home. The Spanish club has advanced to the last 16 in nine of its last 11
AC Milan’s Junior Messias, right, scores the opening goal during a Group B Champions League soccer match against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium yesterday. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) group-stage appearances, reaching the quarterfinals or better in five of its last eight campaigns. It was eliminated by eventual champion Chelsea in the first knockout round last season. Atlético has won only two of its last 11 Champions League matches, failing to score in four of its last seven games in the competition. Milan advanced past the group stage in its last 11 Champions League campaigns, with five of the last
six ending in the round of 16. It was Atlético that halted Milan’s previous appearance in the last 16 in the 2013-14 season. “I believe we’re on the right path and tonight the team showed their growth,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said. “My players had a great game, they deserved to win. We had quality, mentality and it’s great to celebrate together.” Simeone was able to count on Antoine Griezmann after UEFA reduced
the player’s suspension for a red card against Liverpool from two games to one. He had already served the first game of the suspension. Defender Felipe didn’t play because of his red card suspension. Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who came off the bench in the 66th, remained two goals away from scoring his 50th Champions League goal from group stage to final. He scored his first more than 19 years ago.
BENZEMA GETS ONE-YEAR SUSPENDED SENTENCE IN SEX-TAPE CASE VERSAILLES, France (AP) — France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema was given a one-year suspended jail sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros ($84,000) yesterday in a sex-tape case that rocked French soccer and put the talented striker’s international career on hold for more than five years. Benzema was found guilty of being involved in an attempt in 2015 to blackmail France teammate Mathieu Valbuena. In addition to the fine, Benzema was ordered to pay Valbuena 80,000 euros ($89,700) in damages. Benzema’s lawyers said he will appeal. Benzema was charged with complicity in the blackmail attempt over a sex tape thought to have been stolen from Valbuena’s mobile phone. The Versailles court decision is unlikely to affect Benzema’s immediate sporting future. The forward is regarded as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award on November 29 in Paris following an impressive season with Madrid.
European powers joined by Sporting in Champs League last 16 By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer THE parade of European powers advancing to the Champions League knockout stage yesterday was disrupted by Sporting Lisbon completing a stunning turnaround to join them. Manchester City and Real Madrid are back in the round of 16 after beating teams they lost to in September. Paris Saint-Germain also goes through despite its 2-1 loss at City after leading when Kylian Mbappé scored early in the second half. Madrid’s 3-0 win at Sheriff — avenging a 2-1 home defeat to the champion of Moldova two months ago — included a goal for Karim Benzema on a day of legal trouble for the forward and ensured Inter Milan also advanced from Group D by beating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0.
Three-time European champion Inter returns to the round of 16 after a 10-year absence, though Sporting ended a 13-year wait by beating Borussia Dortmund 3-1. Pedro Gonçalves scored twice. Sporting seemed overmatched in September when routed at home by Ajax then beaten in Dortmund, but three straight wins lifted the surprise Portuguese title-winner to advance with a game to spare. “Teams grow,” Sporting coach Rúben Amorim said. “It’s great, good for the project, but we still have a lot to do.” Ajax and Liverpool extended their dominating group-stage campaigns with fifth straight wins. Ajax’s 2-1 win at Besiktas came thanks to two goals from record-setting forward Sébastien Haller, who came on as a substitute. Haller has now scored in his first five career Champions
League games and is the fastest player to get to nine goals in the competition. Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win over Porto and moved an astonishing 10 points clear of the Portuguese team in second place in Group B that promises a tense final round on Dec. 7. AC Milan is still in contention after finding an 87th-minute goal from a 30-year-old Champions League debutant to win 1-0 at Atlético Madrid. Junior Messias’s goal left both teams on four points with Milan next hosting Liverpool and last-place Atlético going to Porto. Leipzig was missing American coach Jesse Marsch, who tested positive for COVID-19, yet overwhelmed Club Brugge 5-0 in Belgium in their battle to finish third in Group A behind Man City and PSG. Third-place teams in Champions League groups earn a ticket to the second-tier Europa League
MANCHESTER City’s Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring his side’s second goal during the Champions League group A soccer match between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, yesterday. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) knockout playoffs in February. Dortmund and Sheriff will be among them. UEFA makes knockout draws in all three European
club competitions on December 13. CITY AT SUMMIT Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Neymar. PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino was able to pick his superstar forward line to face Pep Guardiola’s Man City without a typical centre forward or Kevin De Bruyne because of a COVID-19 infection. City still had enough despite failing to turn firsthalf dominance into goals and falling behind to Mbappé’s goal in the 50th. Raheem Sterling struck with a classic City tap-in goal in the 63rd and, after Neymar wasted a clear chance, Gabriel Jesus won it in the 77th with a scuffed shot that beat PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Pochettino eliminated City from the Champions League in the same stadium as Tottenham coach three seasons ago, and there is speculation he could be back in Manchester soon as United coach. Both Manchester teams have won their groups and will be seeded in the Round of 16 draw. INTER IN, MILAN SURVIVES Inter Milan is heading to the Champions League knockout stage for the first time in 10 years. AC Milan can still join its city rival by extending its first Champions League campaign in eight years. Milan went to Atlético with only one point from four Group B games and would have been eliminated with a loss. The late goal from onloan Brazilian journeyman Junior Messias was “the
biggest success of my life,” he said. Inter had an easier time at San Siro against Shakhtar, with veteran forward Edin Džeko scoring twice in a six-minute spell midway through the second half. HOT STRIKERS The top scorers in the Champions League this season are three superstars, a newcomer and an uncapped striker. Sébastien Haller, in his first season in the elite competition at age 27, joined Robert Lewandowski on nine by scoring both Ajax goals at Besiktas. The former Eintracht Frankfurt and West Ham forward is now the fastest ever to score nine goals at the start of his Champions League career. Haller has taken just five games, two fewer than Erling Haaland needed across two seasons for Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund. Christopher Nkunku also scored twice yesterday and now has seven this season for Leipzig, one more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally for Manchester United and Mohamed Salah for Liverpool. It’s been a breakout season at this level for Nkunku, who at age 24 has not been selected for the France national team. Haller was born in France, like Nkuku, and played for the under-21s but later switched eligibility to represent Ivory Coast. Salah now has 17 goals in all competitions this season after getting Liverpool’s second at Anfield against Porto.