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VOLUME:118 No.07, DECEMBER 1ST, 2020

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WOMAN: CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET DURING COVID

FAMILIES PILE ON DEBT MOUNTAIN Overdue loans and mortgage arrears soar $58m in one month

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

MORTGAGE and consumer loan delinquencies increased by $58m during October with a senior banker warning it may take five to seven years to recover from COVID-19’s “true fall-out”. Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive, speaking as the Central Bank unveiled data exposing the extent of households’ inability to meet their obligations as payment deferrals come to an end, said the

October data represented neither “the beginning” nor “the end” for commercial banks and their borrowers. With the sector’s “end game” focused on “how we manage our loan portfolios to get to the other side”, Mr Bowe said Bahamas-based institutions were now likely facing a similar scenario to the 2008-2009 financial crisis and subsequent recession when it took some borrowers between six to seven years to recover and get back on track with their repayments. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

government of The Bahamas dismissed a private loan arrangement with a foreign finance firm in favour of an international bond offering, the bi-weekly tabloid, The Punch, has launched a relentless attack on me and the Ministry of Finance,” Mr Turnquest said in a statement yesterday. “The rationale for the decision made, following extensive analysis by technical experts at the ministry, were fully and objectively explained in Parliament. Yet the personal attacks continue. One has to wonder why.” SEE PAGE THREE

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Insurance Board Minister Brensil Rolle admitted yesterday that he did not take Nicola Virgill-Rolle seriously when she revealed in a conversation last Wednesday that she was considering resigning after more than two years as NIB’s director. Once her decision was made official in writing over the weekend, Mr Rolle said the board sought to dissuade Mrs Virgill-Rolle, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Mrs Virgill-Rolle’s resignation was announced yesterday in unusual fashion, with her new employer making public her new post before an official government statement was released. She will leave NIB to become the next executive director of Lyford Cay Foundations, a release from SEE PAGE THREE

EMERGENCY ORDERS TO BE EASED ON ELEUTHERA

TURNQUEST TURNS HIS GUNS ON THE PUNCH

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net FORMER Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest has fired back at tabloid “attacks” against his reputation and term in office, which he suggests is motivated by the Minnis administration’s dismissal of a private loan agreement. His statement came after The Punch carried a front-page report and headline that contained several new allegations against the former Cabinet minister. “Ever since the

NIB DIRECTOR RESIGNS TO TAKE ‘MORE STABLE’ ROLE

RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE ELSADA Hield is on the road to becoming a millionaire - before the age of 30. Read all about the secret of her success - and how she found a way to thrive during the pandemic, in her interview with Felicity Darville on page eight.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has announced that COVID-19 restrictions on Eleuthera have been relaxed with immediate effect. While speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new government subdivision in the Carmichael area yesterday, Dr Minnis acknowledged the “stress and strain” Eleuthera residents have endured due to emergency protocols over the past several weeks. He said restrictions on the island would be relaxed, including easing the nightly curfew from 6pm to 10pm and allowing restaurants to permit indoor and outdoor dining. SEE PAGE FOUR

LYFORD RESIDENTS’ FURY AT AMERICANS’ PARTY LYFORD Cay residents have been left fuming after an American couple arrived in the gated community last week and hosted a 40-strong party that has led to a number of COVID-19 cases. The Tribune understands Cynthia and Bernard Curry arrived at a residence from New York last Monday and the following day hosted an event at the property The following day, Mrs Curry is believed to have

LYFORD CAY attended Lyford Cay Hospital where she was subsequently confirmed as COVID positive. Police and government officials have been unable

to provide any details to The Tribune on exactly what transpired. Sources say at least six people who attended the party have now tested positive. Residents also told The Tribune that “COVID police” attended the party and that a number of onthe-spot fines were handed out. Police were unable to provide any comment on their involvement.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FOUR

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME... BUT FOR HOW LONG?

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Activist anger at litter dump By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A LOCAL environmental activist is disgusted by the enormous amount of litter discarded by residents in the area at the waterway at Port of Call Drive, Freeport. Joseph Darville, of Save the Bays and Waterkeepers Bahamas, was shocked and dismayed at the deplorable condition he and volunteers saw during a visit in the area last week. “Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save the Bays come out regularly to tour the canal system in Freeport and Grand Bahama to pick up trash along the shoreline of the canals. And we saw all this incredible amount of trash all over the place,” he said. Mr Darville said they collected 12 six-gallon bags of trash, but ran out of bags and could not continue due to the overwhelming amount of trash in the area. “We found everything from condoms to even pregnancy test kits that were left here, he said. How could this be tolerated?” The area – which is a dead-end at Port of Call – is a popular party spot for locals. There is also a boat ramp to the canal/waterway for fishermen and boaters. Mr Darville believes that it is very irresponsible that persons would just discard their trash in the area,

which is also near to the canal and shoreline. “Debris was absolutely everywhere and there was everything imaginable here on the ground, right next to the canal,” he said. With heavy winds from the southwest, Mr Darville said that trash on the ground will be blown into the canal system and taken out to sea when the tide ebbs and pollute the coral reefs. “It is absolutely despicable and reprehensible, not one inch of the ground is free of garbage,” he said. Mr Darville said he has sent videos and pictures of the truckload of garbage they picked up in the area to the DEHS. “I didn’t even get an acknowledgment from them,” he stated. “We had to give up (cleaning the area) because we had to clean the canal system. So, what we are planning to do as an organization is to get some bins and put Waterkeepers GB and Save the Bays on them, and station them in that area.” “But we got to teach our people before we begin to punish them because they don’t know what this does,” he said. Mr Darville explained that plastics and litter discarded in the area takes a long time to disintegrate. “I think there has to be an environmental tax that punishes companies that bring in all these things and

then distribute them,” he said. And as you can see here they are still using a whole lot of plastic bags that have been prohibited which means that some companies are still using these bags,” he said. Mr Darville said that monitoring is needed in the area. In the meantime, he said the area has to be cleaned up. He recommended that the Ministry of the Environment hire persons, many of whom are unemployed in Grand Bahama, to clean the area. “We cannot tolerate this. So, definitely, it has to be cleaned up, and the Environmental Department and GB Port Authority should both see to it that it is cleaned up.” An official at DEHS said they are aware of the situation and had sent officers to investigate. “We looked into the situation, and our officers found litter there, and it has to be cleaned up,” said Mr Cohen. He noted that obtaining receptacles is very costly, and DEHS would normally get donations for receptacles to be placed out there. Those are very expensive, and BORCO would normally donate bins to us,” he said. When asked about monitoring, Mr Cohen said: “We used to monitor the areas, but we have not done it for a while

JOSEPH Darville with some of the garbage. because of transportation constraints.” Nakira Wilchcombe, chairman of the Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee, an environmental arm of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, said the area is private property. “We have assisted (in that area) from time to time. I have alerted our crew about it, and they will go out there and deal with the matter. Those persons who use it are not only trespassing but also littering,” she said. Mrs Wilchcombe stated that the KGBC continue to appeal to the public and

to persons who use the resources for their enjoyment about the importance of protecting the environment at the same time. She stressed that persons who litter think that it is someone else’s responsibility to clean it up. “We don’t want to be constantly cleaning up after people. I know there is one receptacle in the area, and we will have to look at that tomorrow, but people have to be responsible and develop a sense of pride. “I can’t blame it on COVID-19; I think, unfortunately, in our society we feel that it is someone

else’s responsibility. I know how much effort and funds we spend to keep our city clean,…so it is not for lack of trying.” “We have placed signs, and while we put up signage, it still doesn’t, unfortunately, resonate enough. It all boils down to enforcement and being able to catch persons in the act, and also residents reporting individuals to the authorities as well,” Mrs Wilchcombe said. She noted that litter and indiscriminate dumping in undeveloped areas is a big challenge in Freeport and Grand Bahama.

‘MY WIN ISN’T JUST FOR ME - IT’S FOR THE BAHAMAS’ By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

LOCAL environment activist Kristal Ambrose has won a 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize for her work, which she credits as a win for The Bahamas and black women of the Caribbean. Ms Ambrose, 29, convinced the government of The Bahamas to ban single-use plastic bags, plastic cutlery, straws, and Styrofoam containers and cups. The ban was announced in April 2018 and went into effect in January of this year. The Goldman Environmental Foundation, the world’s foremost award for grassroots environmental activists, announced six recipients of the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize yesterday. “It is not just a win for me, but a win for The Bahamas, for the children that I work with, for the cause against plastic pollution and ocean protection and

KRISTAL AMBROSE conservation in The Bahamas,” said Ms Ambrose of her win. “This is a win for the black women in the marine sciences, black women in the Caribbean who were taking up space and pushing this work forward. So I’m very humbled and proud and motivated to continue doing the work.” The Goldman honour is awarded annually to environmental heroes from the six inhabited continental regions. The Goldman Environmental Prize honours the achievements and leadership of environmental activists, while inspiring all of us to take action to protect our planet. The prize was founded in 1989 in San Francisco by

philanthropists and civic leaders Rhoda and Richard Goldman. This year marks the tenth death anniversary of founder Mr Goldman. “These six environmental champions reflect the powerful impact that one person can have on many,” said John Goldman, president of the Goldman Environmental Foundation. “In today’s world, we witness the effects of an imbalance with nature: a global pandemic, climate change, wildfires, environmental injustices affecting those most at risk, and constant threats to a sustainable existence. “These are six of those environmental heroes, and they deserve the honour and recognition the Prize offers them—for taking a stand, risking their lives and livelihoods, and inspiring us with real, lasting environmental progress.” Winners of the Goldman Award are usually awarded in-person at a ceremony at the San Francisco Opera House in April, but this year, due to the COVID19 pandemic, they were

awarded virtually. Once, while working at an aquarium Ms Ambrose spent two days helping to pull plastic out of a sea turtle that had internal blockage. After this experience, she took up the cause to have plastic banned from the country. At age 22, Ms Ambrose joined an expedition to study the Western garbage patch, the mass of marine debris that is part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific Ocean. When examining the waste, she realised that all the debris were things that were found in the home – plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic cutlery, straws. She returned from the expedition inspired to tackle plastic waste and, in 2013, founded the Bahamas Plastic Movement to develop solutions to plastic pollution and educate the youth of the country. A native of Eleuthera, Ms Ambrose, through the Bahamas Plastic Movement, created numerous programmes to engage,

empower, and educate local youth, including tuitionfree youth camps to train the country’s next environmental leaders. While in the camp, students conduct surveys of plastics on beaches, trawl on boats measuring micro-plastics on sea surface, dissect mahi-mahi fish to determine stomach plastic content, and learn how lifestyle on land impacts ocean health. “It’s not something that I applied for,” Ms Ambrose said of the process to winning her prize. “Someone nominated me secretly and after a six-month process then I was contacted. They go through all these judges and they really look at your background and the essence of your work and you have to get strong character references and they put it before a jury and the jury selects you. “When I found out I got the award, I cried, because it was a powerful thing and it was realisation that the work has not gone unnoticed; that it hasn’t been in vain. And, it wasn’t a moment to spot, but it was

hearing that I was being recognised, it was motivation to move the goal post and keep this work going even further.” Asked how she felt about being a global “environmental hero”, Ms Ambrose admitted that she was just beginning to feel the joy of the win. “To sum up how I feel about it, it still hasn’t totally hit me yet,” she said. “It’s starting to hit me now, because when I found out I was like, ‘Okay great, but back to work’. “Now as the press is rolling in and people are rolling in and seeing it as a win for The Bahamas, it makes me very humbled, very grateful and very proud. Those are the three emotions that I resonate with. I am very grateful to be acknowledged by this organisation on this platform, on this international stage.” Ms Ambrose spoke to The Tribune from Sweden, yesterday, just hours before accepting the Goldman Award. Other winners this year include residents from Mexico, Ecuador, Ghana, Myanmar, and France.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 1, 2020, PAGE 3

MINISTER SAYS ‘WE ARE A COUNTRY OF LAWS’ AFTER MAN WAS LOCKED UP UNLAWFULLY FOR MORE THAN SIX YEARS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson said “we are a country of laws” after the Supreme Court awarded a record amount in damages to a Kenyan who was unlawfully detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for six-and-a-half-years where he endured cruel and inhumane treatment. “The courts are there to

protect us, to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to at all times and the fundamental dignity of the human person is protected at all times,” Mr Johnson said when asked yesterday about the case. “To the extent that the court has made a decision, that’s just what it is. “If the Attorney General in his wisdom after analysis determines it’s something they may want to appeal, that’s the way it’s done. Other than that, that’s how

this works.” Asked if anyone is currently at the detention centre beyond the statutorily required period, Mr Johnson declined to comment. “I think the law is clear and all and sundry that live and work in The Bahamas are subject to the law,” he said. Immigration Director Clarence Russell did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment yesterday.

For his part, Attorney General Carl Bethel said: “I will be guided by the advice of counsel who appeared in the case.” Justice Indra Charles awarded Douglas Ngumi $641,950 in damages, the largest award of its kind in the country’s history. The award included $386,000 in damages for false imprisonment, assault and battery, $105,000 in constitutional damages by way of compensation and vindication, $100,000

in exemplary damages, $50,000 in aggravated damages and $950 in special damages. In assessing damages, Justice Charles relied heavily on the case of Atain Takitota, a Japanese national who was arrested by immigration officers in 1992 and spent eight years in the maximumsecurity wing of the Fox Hill prison without charge. He attempted suicide at least three times and was awarded some $500,000 in

damages by the Court of Appeal in 2006. Mr Ngumi was at the detention centre from January 2011 to 2017. He said during his time there he was severely beaten, tear gassed and contracted tuberculosis. He said he lost his documentation at the detention centre. Attorney Fred Smith, QC, represented Mr Ngumi in the case. Mr Smith has said he has dozens more cases like Mr Ngumi’s before the court.

Turnquest turns his guns on The Punch from page one “What motivates or is the publisher’s special interest in this particular transaction above all of the other financing transactions the government has issued since coming to office?” Asked yesterday by The Tribune if he intends to bring court action against the tabloid, Mr Turnquest did not confirm or deny, but said he is going to defend himself. “The front page story in today’s edition of the tabloid is a continuation of that attack,” Mr Turnquest continued in his statement. “The allegations contained in the article are false and completely misleading and I condemn and deny them in the strongest terms. “Today’s attack article and false claims follow an equally damaging article

printed in the Thursday, November 26, 2020 edition of the tabloid, which reported that I purchased two apartment units in Bayroc Condominiums, Nassau, Bahamas and received allowances from the government of $10,000 per month for living accommodation in said units.” Mr Turnquest said the allegations were intentionally placed to cause public speculation, ridicule and to further damage his reputation and integrity. He said the allegations are equally false and easily disproved. Last week, Mr Turnquest resigned from Cabinet nearly a week after the East Grand Bahama MP was named in a Supreme Court lawsuit relating to an alleged $27m fraud. In a statement of claim, Alpha Aviation Limited and Advanced Aviation Limited

alleged that Randy Butler and Mr Turnquest conspired “wrongfully and with intent to injure” their companies and/or “to cause loss to them by unlawful means and/or to enrich themselves.” Plaintiffs alleged that Mr Turnquest and Captain Butler used “some 39 fraudulent invoices and/ or book entries, and for no adequate consideration” drained away some $3.8m paid by Alpha Aviation to Aviation Oversight Group via 39 separate cheque payments between February 2008 and July 2016. They claimed that a further $3.026m was also alleged to have been siphoned off “as at December 31, 2017”, to AOG Maintenance Ltd, a company that owned Sky Bahamas’ maintenance hangar at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest. Mr Turnquest was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit and maintains his innocence. His former Sky Bahamas partner, Captain Butler, has also said he is innocent of the accusations in the suit.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

Last week, Mr Turnquest said he resigned in the best interest of his constituency and his party. However he said he will discuss the circumstances of the allegations against him and those who perpetuated

the claims at a later date. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was sworn in as interim minister of finance yesterday. Dr Minnis has said he will name a substantive minister of finance soon.

NIB DIRECTOR RESIGNS TO TAKE ‘MORE STABLE’ ROLE from page one

the foundations said yesterday. The release made no mention of her tenure with NIB. Mrs Virgill-Rolle was appointed director of NIB July 1, 2018. She declined comment when contacted yesterday. “She indicated that she found a more stable offer,” Mr Rolle told The Tribune yesterday. “She made a commitment to go and I wished her well in her new venture. “I’m happy for her. I’m happy she’s found something that she claims is more long lasting. She did a good job at NIB and I just wish her well at her new job.” Mr Rolle explained how Mrs Virgil-Rolle’s resignation unfolded.

“She told me last Wednesday that she was considering it. To be quite honest I did not at that time think she was serious. “Once she put that in writing over the weekend then I realised that yes she was serious and we sought to persuade her to stay, change her mind, but she made a commitment I guess.” Mr Rolle told The Tribune the search for a new director is expected to begin today. “(Prior to then) we’ve not looked out as yet. We couldn’t because like I said we were seeking to persuade her to stay actually.” Despite Mrs VirgillRolle’s resignation, the minister said NIB would continue to improve with a clear road map to chart the way forward.

PROBE LAUNCHED INTO RBDF PLANE INCIDENT By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net AN Air Accident and Investigation Department (AAID) official yesterday confirmed a probe is underway into an incident involving a Royal Bahamas Defence Force caravan aircraft. Delvin Major, the department’s chief investigator, told The Tribune that details were sketchy, adding that a team began looking into the incident after seeing claims circulating on social media. “It wasn’t reported as it should have been so we just started our investigation into it and we’re speaking with the director of civil aviation as well as the defence force to find out what took place,” Mr Major said yesterday. “We only were going on what we saw on social media and that’s what

prompted us to start the full investigation. So, that’s where we are in the process. We are still contacting the relevant RBDF and civil aviation (officials) to see if they were aware of it or if they received any report of it and whatever information they have that they can pass it on to us.” Sources within the RBDF told The Tribune yesterday the incident happened in Exuma as the aircraft’s pilot attempted to land on the runway. Due to some form of difficulty, the plane collided with a tree, this newspaper was told. It is not clear if the aircraft was carrying any passengers or if there were any injuries. The RBDF did not provide official comment yesterday when contacted. However, an internal board is looking into what transpired, The Tribune can confirm.

“We have set out a fiveyear strategic plan, which really sets out the footprint as to where we will go and what we need to do to make the work of NIB better and to offer the services at NIB up to the standard that we believe is necessary. “So we have set out a plan, that’s one of the good things about her working with us because we had the opportunity to really set out a road map of where NIB should be and what we need to do to get it to where it needs to go.”

As news spread of the director’s departure, claims circulated that it was a fitting end to what is said to have been a tumultuous relationship with NIB’s board of directors. Asked about this, the minister said: “I’ve heard that. All I say is in any relationship it’s not going to be 100 percent all the time, so I don’t know that it was tumultuous. The good thing about it is we have a good board and sometimes they may conflict, but there was never any time when things

did not go right.” In a statement yesterday, the foundations said they were pleased to welcome Mrs Virgill-Rolle. Felicity Humblestone, the Lyford Cay Foundations’ current executive director, will end her tenure there on December 31, 2020. Dr Virgill-Rolle is a former director of economic development and planning in the Office of the Prime Minister, where she was responsible for the creation of the country’s National Development Plan, the

Sustainable Nassau Plan, Andros Masterplan and for the creation of an Over-theHill Revitalisation Strategy. She is also a former director of financial services, where she oversaw the development and implementation of a 10-year Financial Services Strategic Vision for the country. She is also a former economic attaché of The Bahamas’ Embassy in Washington, DC, and a former deputy manager for policy at the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis defends trips to the Family Islands By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has defended his continued travel to the Family Islands in the face of criticism that it is not safe to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic and calls from the Official Opposition for there to be equal opportunity for interisland travel. Over the weekend, the Prime Minister and his wife visited Rum Cay and Cat Island where he assessed buildings and was also said to be relaxing. On Friday, Dr Minnis was also in Exuma for the official opening of the Barraterre Dock and a tour of Bahamas Striping’s asphalt plant in George Town. Earlier in November, Dr Minnis travelled to San Salvador and was photographed running on a beach there. Critics of the Prime Minister have also contended that he should not be travelling at a time like this, when officials have urged residents to stay at home as much as possible to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Asked about criticism of his island-hopping in recent weeks, Dr Minnis said: “From I came into office I’ve been travelling through the Family Islands. That has never stopped so it’s just a continuation. “When I came in, I promised the Family Islanders that I would visit them regularly and keep them abreast of what’s happening in The Bahamas, especially after budgets (and) after COVID they must be informed.” Pressed further on whether continuing to do this was responsible, Dr Minnis quipped: “I had my test. We had our test. I know that’s what you want

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis being sworn in as Finance Minister yesterday after the resignation of Peter Turnquest.

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS

to ask, yes my wife had her test.” Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell raised the issue in a voice note to party supporters Monday morning. He questioned the Prime Minister’s travel, which he described as “campaigning” and claimed the PLP had been denied the same privilege. “Most PLP branches are

legal basis are the private citizens travelling with the Prime Minister. “We ask for equality of treatment. The PLP was told only parliamentarians could be given the special permission required, so I guess all is not fair in love and war. “But we are fighting the battle and we will win,” Mr Mitchell said.

in the middle of the candidate process, some are quite close to the end and they’re making their recommendations as to who will be the standard bearers for the party in the next general election,” Mr Mitchell said. “We continue to be hampered in our ability to travel up and down the country to campaign and organise during this

period. “Now we’re not seeking any special favours, but equality of treatment.” He continued: “So here’s the example: the Prime Minister and his wife are travelling with two private citizens, a business friend of the Prime Minister (and) his wife together and they were in Exuma, Cat Island and Rum Cay this weekend.

“It is curious that the visits were part official but also said to be relaxation and the Prime Minister chose to do so in PLP constituencies. This is campaigning, no more or less.” Mr Mitchell went on to question the basis for which private citizens are allowed to travel domestically with the Prime Minister. “The question is on what

EMERGENCY ORDERS TO BE EASED ON ELEUTHERA from page one

On Sunday, November 8, Prime Minister Dr Minnis announced movement restrictions and tighter curfews for the island where 117 COVID-19 cases had been recorded at the time. Domestic flights or sea vessels travelling into or out of Eleuthera were prohibited in early November, except in the case of an emergency, and police presence was increased on the island to enforce the rules. Eleuthera has had 148 COVID-19 cases to date. • The Ministry of Health recorded 24 new COVID19 between Sunday and Monday. Eleven cases were recorded yesterday while 13 were recorded on Sunday. Monday’s breakdown includes four cases in New Providence and seven in Grand Bahama. Regarding Sunday’s those cases, five were in New Providence, six in Grand Bahama and two cases are listed as locations pending. These figures pushed the nation’s COVID-19 toll to 7,541. Eighteen cases are in hospital as of yesterday, all of whom are said to be moderately ill. This is a slight decline from Sunday’s figures, which showed 20 people in hospital and two in intensive care. One hundred and sixtythree people have died from COVID-19 in the country. To date, 43,593 tests have been completed.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

TOTAL CASES

TOTAL DEATHS

7,541 163

NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES MONDAY 11 CASES GRAND BAHAMA NEW PROVIDENCE

SUNDAY

7 4

13 CASES

GRAND BAHAMA 6 NEW PROVIDENCE 5 PENDING 2

TOTAL TESTS

43,593

HOSPITALISED

18

CASES IN ICU

0

RECOVERED

5,889

LYFORD RESIDENTS’ FURY AT AMERICANS’ PARTY from page one

The Tribune contacted the Currys on Sunday but received a curt “no comment” before the call was disconnected. The whole affair has infuriated a large number of residents within Lyford Cay many of whom are elderly and have ridden out the pandemic believing themselves safe within the estate so long as they adhered to the government’s strict protocols. “These Americans flew in for Thanksgiving and brought the virus with them,” said one trusted Tribune source. “As I understand it the police did their job but it was too late by the time they arrived. “Now it seems there has been an explosion of cases. What was a safe place for many of us has been replaced by panic and fear. You have to be so careful. Now, I’m really scared.” Another Lyford Cay resident said the matter exposed the loophole in not testing visitors on arrival at Lynden Pindling Airport. “It crazy holding an event like this. It was just plain reckless and incredibly selfish.” A third source added: “Everyone here is absolutely furious. We’ve all been so careful, keeping our distance, wearing masks, away from our families for weeks on end – and now this. It really is very bad and will take a long time to forget, let alone forgive.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 1, 2020, PAGE 5

Milestone for cruise port By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Nassau Cruise Port reached another major milestone yesterday with the commencement of its sheet-piling operations, which marks the start of the port’s marine construction. The move follows the demolition of the former Bahamas Customs Warehouse and Festival Place at Prince George Wharf, which was described by officials earlier this month as “two very significant monumental events” on its own. Speaking to reporters at the site yesterday, director of projects and facilities for Nassau Cruise Port Ltd Lionel Turnquest hailed the project’s progress, while revealing that more works are in the pipeline to facilitate the port’s transformation. “Today, we are commencing the piling operations for the entire project so this will be the first set of piles going down. What you will see today is the first set of piles going down for the guides, the main piling operation and so there will be two piles going down instead of guides placed on top of it,” he said. “And these will be used to set the rest of the piles in as they start the major piling operations.”

With construction at the port now in full swing, Mr Turnquest sought to address noise pollution concerns locals may have as it relates to the sheet-piling process. “Today, they will not be using what we call the hammer. They will be using a vibratory hammer so it’s not as loud as what the normal hammer would be so it would be more of a rumble rather than a bang… It’s annoying rather than noisy I would say. “But we find that that’s been working appropriately for this sort of operation and as we move into other parts of the operation, obviously different parts of the equipment will come out and we’ll use them as necessary. “This operation will take us about half an hour to get these piles in as these are the guide piles and not the actual main sea pile walls and therefore, they don’t go as deep as the sheet pile wall.” Asked yesterday about the possibility of downtown businesses feeling vibrations due to construction in the area, Mr Turnquest said it was possible. “They could depending on what type of strain of rock we hit. Obviously again, in The Bahamas everyone knows we’re predominantly limestone. We do come across other strains of rock and you may start

THE UNVEILING of the next phase of the Nassau Cruise Port work yesterday. feeling a difference in the frequencies and then you start feeling vibrations.” Last year, the Minnis administration signed a Heads of Agreement for a $250m project with Global Ports Holding to redevelop and manage the Nassau Cruise Port. The project is designed to act as a catalyst for downtown Nassau’s revival once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. It is also expected to transform the cruise port experience for passengers and residents,

and revitalise the waterfront for businesses and tourists. The redevelopment will include improved retail facilities, the construction of a new terminal building, the creation of an event and entertainment area, and new food and beverage facilities. It will also include a waterfront park, a harbour village, new inner harbour, amphitheatre and a Junkanoo museum. Yesterday, Mr Turnquest said the project is

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

less than ten percent complete, adding that officials are hoping to speed up major works in the months ahead. “Well, the project is in its very early stages and we’re less than ten percent complete. It’s basically the demolition works, but we are moving expeditiously. We have procured all of our piles for all the marine works and all the tiebacks, etc, for them,” he noted. “We’re already to put everything in place and the orders have been placed for

the remainder of the pier’s furniture, including fenders and the like which will be arriving early next year so everything is in motion as we’re pressing and we continue to press.” “What you will see over the coming months, the pace of the works will increase as we introduce more equipment and more teams and we hope to get up to three piling teams at the height of the works so we can get through this piling operation as quickly as possible.”

GROUND-BREAKING FOR NEW GOVERNMENT SUBDIVISION PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis took part in the official ground-breaking ceremony for a new government subdivision yesterday that when fully developed will accommodate 365 lots for home construction. The Carmichael Village Subdivision, located west of Lazaretto Road, will accommodate single and multiple-family housing, and additional lots will be used to construct community parks and other common areas for residents. This new development is part of the government’s effort to ensure that more Bahamians, in particular, young Bahamians, have greater access to land, and by extension affordable homes, said Prime Minister Minnis. “We determined that we would pursue a policy of ready-to-build serviced lots as a strategy to help accomplish our objectives,” Dr Minnis said. The serviced lots initiative has three prongs. It provides land at prices far

THE GROUNDBREAKING at Carmichael Village yesterday. below market value so the and less than $10,000 on the land may be used as collat- Family Islands. eral; ensures that the land Serviced-lots owners has infrastructure; and are also eligible to benprovides concessions to efit from concessions under enable Bahamians to build the Access to Affordable at considerably reduced Homes Act, 2018, includcosts. ing exemption of customs The price tag for govern- duties and excise tax on all ment serviced lots start at necessary building materi$15,000 on New Providence als for construction of their

Photo: Donovan McIntosh home. “Today’s groundbreaking here at Carmichael Village is another example of my government fulfilling our commitment to meet the needs of Bahamians,” said Dr Minnis. He announced at yesterday’s ceremony that 10 percent of the serviced lots

in the Carmichael Village Subdivision will be allotted for Bahamians with disabilities. The development will be constructed in four phases. As part of phase one, 107 lots will be allotted to Bahamians beginning early 2021. Lots in phases two, three and four are expected to become available shortly thereafter. The first phase will be made up of 70 newly constructed homes and the remainder will be used as serviced lots only. The Ministry of the Environment and Housing is beginning the preparation of commitment letters for approved applicants in Carmichael Village. Approved applicants are expected to receive their letters before Christmas. The Carmichael Village development is the benchmark for further government subdivision departments in The Bahamas, Dr Minnis said. Another strategy to provide land to Bahamians is the granting of

government-owned land to Bahamians, including Crown land held by other government agencies. Under the land grants initiative, approximately 130 grants have been finalised for Bahamians, said Dr Minnis. These grants were given in Inagua, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Eleuthera, Exuma, New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco. Additionally, two 60-acre parcels of lands have been transferred to the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA). Homes for approximately 400 Abaconians will be provided. Also, 49 lots were transferred to the DRA for the construction of homes for Abaconians. Additional land is being identified on Abaco, Andros and Eleuthera, with other islands to follow, the nation’s leader said. “We believe that access to land and the opportunity to own land are among the greatest ways to generate and to build wealth across generations,” Dr Minnis said yesterday.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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The financial legacy of COVID-19 WHILE there is good news in the fight against COVID-19, with cases here in The Bahamas still trending downwards and the prospect of a vaccine moving ever closer, the financial fallout from the pandemic has barely begun. In today’s lead story, we report that mortgage and loan delinquencies went up by $58m in the month of October alone. That represents a vast number of people who just don’t have the money to pay those bills. Bankers say that for each month of a missed repayment, it adds three months to the life of a loan – and some people have been unable to pay those bills for months now. That spike in October shows it’s getting worse, not better. The knock-on effect will affect those who haven’t defaulted too – with banks receiving less money in repayments, there might well be less money available for others to loan to. Gowon Bowe, of Fidelity Bank, says that the effects of the recession in 2008 were such that bankers were still managing it in 2015. For us now, that would take the effects through to 2027. For those who have been furloughed from their jobs since March, Mr Bowe believes they would likely face three years being added to the life of their mortgage or loan. Three more years of payments. Three more years of carrying that debt onwards. It can be a hard path for borrowers – but we’re not making it easy for them with our banking system either. Take a drive past any bank these days and you will see long queues outside as people are left waiting sometimes for hours to deal with their banking business. That has to affect communication – and anyone who has banked abroad will know the speed with which banks there are in touch with customers to resolve any issues or to discuss an unpaid bill. With some banks announcing closures of branches, that makes them even more inaccessible. There may be a push to increase the use of online banking, but that doesn’t help the person who needs

to speak to a manager to make arrangements for more time on a bill. As much as we hope that people are able to get back on their feet – and are given the time they need to do so – after this crisis, we also would hope that banks could better serve their customers. Too often we hear of phones going unanswered, or banks that are open but with hardly any tellers to deal with customers. The effects of the pandemic will be with us for a long time. But banks themselves also need to step up to make it easier to do business – for all of us.

Tabloid claims

We are not surprised to hear that Peter Turnquest, the now former Deputy Prime Minister, has fired back at The Punch over allegations carried in that paper. Indeed, seasoned journalists with an understanding of the laws of libel were astonished to see some of the allegations printed in the tabloid yesterday, without publishing any evidence to back them up. Earlier claims were at least included in court papers – but these latest have no such backing. Mr Turnquest did not confirm or deny whether he would take court action against the tabloid, but he did say he was going to defend himself. Such court cases are often undertaken as a way of seeking recompense for damage to reputation – and so the unwritten rule is that you only sue those with money. Mr Turnquest seems to want to clear his name rather than to get a pay day. If The Punch has proof of its allegations, it is surprising indeed that it wouldn’t publish that evidence to prove its words to its readers. Anyone could claim anything – but if you don’t have the proof to back it up, such an allegation isn’t worth a thing. The Punch seemed very gleeful about landing a “KO” on Mr Turnquest. We suspect that fight is not yet over.

Rules are not working EDITOR, The Tribune. WE HAVE spent the winter months in The Bahamas for several years since my wife and myself retired. Every year we look forward to coming back and escaping our harsh winter here on Long Island east of New York city. A short trip by air and we are in warm Bahamas. However this year it is looking more doubtful due to your Government’s difficult rules. I was very surprised to read in your edition today the comments from one of your doctors of fears about the arrival of visitors. None of your medical professionals need to worry. The entry rules are so harsh that few of us,even those most interested in coming like ourselves, can fulfill them. Where the people will come from to fill the hotels and other accommodation should be the Government’s main concern. Surely for the economy and the jobs of local people a more positive attitude should be shown. If we are not well, we will not be coming.

The spike in virus cases after you opened in July was mostly the fault of Bahamians travelling to Florida and New York and not the few tourists who actually were able to comply with the rules. Before visitors arrive they must have a COVID19 PCR test. Here, this will cost us $250 each. If our son and his wife bring their three children we are quoted $1,000. Most people simply do not have the money for such tests on top of the airfare and accommodation just to come for a holiday. With tourism the main part of your economy I do not see why such tests could not be done upon arrival at a lower cost. We note that, although we always purchase travel health insurance before coming, you are now forcing us to purchase your own insurance as well to cover the COVID-19 situation. So if people test positive they are either sent back home on the next available flight or sent to special lodgings both covered by your insurance.

How any of us are expected to take the test, await the results, send them to Nassau for approval and be there at the Nassau airport within five days is unbelievable. Our own travel agent has given up on sending people to The Bahamas. They have no bookings at all for The Bahamas whereas last year it was the most popular of all Caribbean destinations. Where is the proper balance between the need about health concerns and the urgent need for the Bahamian economy to recover? It is not evident at the moment. Ideas that when the main resorts reopen there will be a rush of tourists is a complete fantasy. For those of us who have loyally come to The Bahamas we are very frustrated and disappointed with the intransigence of your Government in doing all in its power to shut down your most vital industry. DAVID T MacDONALD Bellport New York, November 30, 2020.

Go home, BPC, you’re not wanted EDITOR, The Tribune. BAHAMIANS have tried to diplomatically convey that we have nothing to gain and everything to lose by drilling for oil in The Bahamas. Nevertheless, Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC), which is not Bahamian, refuses to listen. So here we go again. “A BPC shareholder” recently wrote “Views Of An Oil Shareholder” to the Editor of The Tribune. This is a response to the letter. BPC shareholder: Thank you for your letter. We are happy to hear that you and your family have visited The Bahamas. We hope you had a wonderful time. Although your letter is insulting, hypocritical, self-absorbed, and all about money, we appreciate hearing your perspective about your company drilling for oil in our country. In your letter you ask: “How many of the influencers and financial backers of the campaigns to stop exploratory drilling and eventually production, are connected to The Bahamas? Do they have conflicts of interest? Are they attempting to delay the drill or financially hurt BPC and its shareholders for personal gain? Based on the timing is there malice involved? And for those vocal objectors who are Bahamian, is it really about the environment or merely a conduit for political protest?” BPC shareholder, WE ARE BAHAMIAN. Our families have been here for many generations. We have endured an endless supply of empty promises, lies and corruption by government and foreign investors. We have watched our people and our country suffer; and we are sick of it! We are not “influencers” or “financial backers

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net of the campaigns” and we do not have “conflicts of interest.” We are not trying to “financially hurt BPC and its shareholders for personal gain.” Ironically, however, in your quest to make money, you want to drill in Bahamian waters even though an oil spill would be catastrophic for our country. We want to protect the ocean. It is the crown jewel and golden goose of The Bahamas. The ocean provides us with everything and more. Our desire to stop oil drilling is not “a conduit for political protest,” as you suggest. This is about our lives, our livelihoods and our responsibility to protect our country. Why is that so difficult for you to understand? You write that you question the political leaders in your country and you participate “in informed debate” to make your nation “a better place and a fairer place to live.” Are we not allowed to do the same? BPC shareholder, you also write: “In the extremely unlikely event of an accident that cannot be contained, the ocean currents off northern Cuba head to Florida and not The Bahamas anyway.” Are you really this ignorant and callous? Do you realise that the northern part of The Bahamas is a stone’s throw from Florida? Besides, we do not want the people of Florida or Cuba or anywhere else to be affected by an oil spill. And we certainly do not want to risk damaging the environment that countless amazing animals and life-forms depend on. You acknowledge that we have had “the dire misfortune of having to

deal with a terrible hurricane and pandemic.” So surely you understand that drilling for oil in an area prone to hurricanes is a very bad idea, and that we have no desire to add “oil spill” to the list of our dire misfortunes. And as for the BPC trolls like “ColumbusPillow” and “Bahama7,” your posts in the “Comments” section of oil related articles are rude and condescending to Bahamians who oppose oil drilling. Furthermore, referring to “Porcupine” as “Porky Pie” and writing that “Voltaire” is “IRRELEVANT in the grand scheme of things” is not only arrogant but also reinforces our distrust of BPC. Since being polite and professional has not worked when expressing our desire to stop oil drilling in The Bahamas, let’s explain it in Bahamian dialect fa da foke at Bahamas Pe-troleum Conpany: BPC, we dun talkin nice wit yinna peeple who tink eryone dum n’ currup in da Bahamas. You ain’t care ‘bout us. So why we shud care ‘bout you? We ain’t want ya penny stock or ya nappy add-tude. Is time ta carry ya hip, carry ya boongie, an carry ya earl rig n’ ting outta our country. In plain English for the folks at BPC: GO HOME. Go home now and take your oil rigs with you. And while you are at it, remove the word “Bahamas” from the name of your company. BPC is not Bahamian. It is registered in the Isle of Man and primarily run by foreigners who care about money instead of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people. We are Bahamian. We are many. You are few. Go home BPC. FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD, TOGETHER Nassau, November 30, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 1, 2020, PAGE 7

ON the Official Visit to Long Island, Governor General CA Smith and Lady Clara Smith on Friday toured North Long High School, where he made a presentation of electronic tablets to Acting District Superintendent Melinda Pratt. Along with Long Island MP Adrian Gibson, watching the governor speak above, the Governor General visited the Columbus Monument at Seymour’s and the Newton’s Cay Bridge, also in Seymour’s. Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS

Jamaican women caught with $10k drugs By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO Jamaican women who were caught with nearly $10,000 worth of marijuana were each fined $4,000 yesterday. Police arrested Tarcy Shields, 43, and Nicole Russell, 44, after they found them with $9,555 worth of Indian hemp on November 26. The prosecution argued the accused imported the drugs into the country on the day in question and conspired to import and possess the drugs sometime

between November 20 and 26. They also alleged Shields and Russell had plans to sell the drugs in the country. The court was told around 2.41pm on November 26, officers on mobile patrol, acting on information, went to Kennedy Subdivision where they noticed the two defendants riding in a grey Honda in a suspicious manner. As a result, they beckoned for the car to stop and informed Shields and Russell they would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. When they searched the car, they

found a box containing ziploc packages with over six pounds of suspected marijuana. Both defendants were subsequently arrested and transported to the Drug Enforcement Unit. In an interview with police they admitted picking the box up from a courier service, but denied having any knowledge of the drugs inside. During the hearing, both women were represented by attorney Ian Cargill. He told the magistrate his clients were “nothing more than the couriers” and insisted they were both extremely remorseful for

their actions. He also stated that Shields was a motherof-four while Russell had two children. In response, Magistrate Forbes said the small role Shields and Russell were purported to have played did not excuse the conduct they were engaged in. He added the fact both defendants were mothers should have prompted them to make responsible decisions since they were supposed to be role models. As a result, he fined them $4,000 each and told them they would spend 15 months in prison if they failed to pay the fines.

In a separate incident, a teenager was fined $1,000 after police found him with over 100 ziploc bags containing suspected marijuana last week. Trevor Mackey, 18, was charged with dangerous drugs possession with the intent to supply after he was found with a pound of Indian hemp on November 23. The court was told officers on mobile patrol around 5.45pm that day, observed Mackey look in their direction before acting in a suspicious manner. As a result, they attempted to approach the

defendant but he ran away. When the officers pursued Mackey, they observed him throw a bag into a nearby bush. When they retrieved and examined it, they discovered the illegal drugs. During the hearing, Mackey pleaded guilty. After accepting his plea, Magistrate Forbes told him he should find something more constructive to do since most people in the drug business ended up dead or incarcerated. He subsequently ordered the defendant pay a $1,000 fine or spend one year behind bars.

MAN GUILTY OF $350 FRAUD By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 28-YEAR-OLD man who defrauded his former employer of $350 was yesterday ordered to pay back the money he stole. Police said Albert Rolle possessed and uttered a forged Royal Bank of Canada cheque which he drew from the account of Marvin’s Safe and Reliable LP Gas Services on August 24. The prosecution argued when the defendant committed the acts, he unlawfully obtained $350 from Marvin Bethel’s RBC account by means of false pretences. During the hearing

before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes yesterday, Rolle pleaded guilty to all of the charges. The court heard Mr Bethel told police one of his former employees had stolen several cheques from him sometime between May and August of this year. The prosecution said Rolle was in possession of one of the cheques and cashed it at a local supermarket, despite the fact that Mr Bethel never issued the cheque to him or gave him permission to cash it. The court was told officers who investigated the matter arrested the defendant a short time later. In an interview with police, he declined to

comment. During the hearing, Rolle’s attorney Devard Francis told the magistrate his client’s crime had “no hallmarks of violence”. He also insisted Rolle understood his actions were wrong and claimed he only received $100 after cashing the $350 cheque. Mr Francis said Rolle was contrite and craved the court’s indulgence in tempering justice with mercy. In response, Magistrate Forbes said there appeared to be a proliferation of these types of offences in recent times. As a result, he convicted Rolle of the crimes and ordered him to compensate Mr Bethel the money he defrauded.

TEENAGER ACCUSED OVER PISTOL By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGER was remanded to prison over allegations he was found with an unlicenced firearm and quantity of illegal ammunition last week. Laron Frazier, 19,

appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after police said they found him with a black .40 pistol and 28 unfired rounds of .40 ammunition on November 26. The prosecution argued Fraser planned to sell the ammunition and also accused him of having

marijuana in his possession. During the hearing, the accused denied the allegations and the matter was adjourned to March 9, 2021 for trial. In the meantime, Frazier was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

56-YEAR-OLD IN INDECENT ASSAULT CASE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 56-YEAR-OLD man who denied indecently assaulting a woman was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial. Hiram Kelly appeared before Deputy Chief

Magistrate Andrew Forbes after he was accused of indecently assaulting a woman on November 26. The prosecution argued that the accused also assaulted a man the same day. During the arraignment, Kelly denied both allegations and the matter was

adjourned to March 3, 2021 for trial. In the interim, the accused was granted $2,500 bail. Magistrate Forbes also banned Kelly from having direct or indirect contact with either of the complainants while the matter is before the court.

BAHAMIAN AND 11 MIGRANTS DETAINED By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN man and 11 undocumented Haitian migrants were apprehended in waters near Grand Bahama on Sunday. The group was discovered onboard a vessel some 18 miles east of

Lucayan Harbour, according to the Department of Immigration. Reports are that sometime around 2.30pm on Sunday, officers of the Immigration Department, assisted by officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Grand Bahama, acting on information received intercepted the

vessel, with nine Haitian males and two females. Adhering to all health and safety protocols in the execution of their duty, the officers arrested and detained the migrants, along with one Bahamian male. They were brought to shore for processing and screened by Ministry of Health personnel.

Funeral Service For

Hershal Roy Albury, 75 of Sea Breeze Estates, Nassau, The Bahamas died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday, 26th November, 2020. A Private Graveside Funeral will be held at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road, Nassau on 4th December, 2020 at 3.30p.m. Mr. Earl Pinder will officiate. Hershal was born in Cherokee Sound, Abaco on 2nd May, 1945 to Roy and Marjorie Albury. He grew up and went to school in Cherokee, where he was very popular with his friends. At age 13 he obtained his school leaving certificate and began working on a fishing boat. He eventually became captain of a freight boat called The Nassau Bottler. In 1966, he met and fell in love with a girl from Nassau, Nancy Malone, whom he married in 1967. He got a job in Nassau at Pepsi Cola and worked his way up to Warehouse Manager. Later, he transferred to the Vending Department and eventually became Manager. In 1970 he became the proud father of a daughter named Charmaine. In 1976, Hershal successfully obtained his private pilot’s license and for many years he did volunteer work – flying for The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA). He spent many hours in the air searching for missing people, boats, and planes. He was awarded a citation and a pin from BASRA for many successful rescues. When Pepsi Cola closed down, he began working at Claridge Marina (which was then owned by JBR Building Supplies). When the Marina was sold he was transferred to JBR, where he worked until he retired, fixing power tools and lawn mowers. He became a proud grandfather on 25th June, 2005 to a girl named Rebecca Alexis Roberts. Near the end of 2017, Hershal began having health issues and had to retire. Over the next three years his health deteriorated more and more. On 18th August, 2020 the family was forced to put him in a Senior Citizens Home so that he could receive the care he needed. Hershal was there for three months and one week; he became unresponsive and subsequently was rushed to the hospital and died on the same night of 26th November, 2020. Hershal is survived by his loving wife Nancy; daughter Charmaine (Darin) Roberts; grand-daughter Rebecca Roberts; sister Joy (Cedric) Albury; brother Garth(Marina) Albury; cousins Sidney (Margaret) Pinder; Hartis (Greta) Pinder; Rex (Iva) Pinder; Catherine (Craig) Roberts; Roosevelt and Billy Pinder. Numerous family members and friends including: Marsha and Cheryl Lowe, Alice Key, Jackie (Douglas) Robb, Patsy (Darryl) Collins, Helen (Richard) Weindoff, Steven (Jackie) Eldon, staff of JBR Building Supplies, The Good Samaritan Senior Citizens Home staff, especially Dr. Sinymae Capron, Indika Euwing and Sandra Bain. Viewing will be at Kemp’s Funeral Home on Thursday, 3rd December 2020 from 4.00-6.00p.m.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Right place, right time, brings Elsada rich rewards ELSADA Hield is on the road to becoming a millionaire - before the age of 30. A mixture of all the right ingredients came together to bring her to success - timing, sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, wit and tons of passion. While women in America were home because of the pandemic, many were focusing on things they neglected before - like self care. They were taking the time to do things like take proper care of their skin. This is where Elsada was in the right place at the right time - she

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

was on social media with her Natural Glow skin care line. Elsada’s popular Instagram page is known for having real life testimonials from her customers. They send her before and after

photos of their skin, showing dramatic results. Once Americans started ordering her products, they referred family and friends to try and in just a few months, Elsada reached a million dollars in sales. She decided to share her story with me so that she could serve as an inspiration to the many young people who are disillusioned and losing focus because of a crippled economy and lack of opportunities during the pandemic. “I want them to know that if I can do kit, they can do it,” she said. “I made sure I had a good product. I made sure I had inventory. I connect personally with my customers, offering free skin consultations. I decided to show the real me on my Instagram page. Some people said it wasn’t a good idea, but in the end, people really related to it, because I showcased my personality. Some of my customers in

Private Funeral Service For Clarence Rolle Sr., 74

of Water Street, Big Pond, and formerly of Mt. Thompson, Exuma, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at Western Cemetery, Nassau Street. Officiating will be Rev. Heuter Rolle. He was pre-deceased by his parents: Edwin Joel Sr. & Aurelia Rolle; brothers: Silas, John and Edwin Joel Rolle II; sisters: Catherine Ferguson and Georgianna Rolle.

He is survived by his wife: Irene (nee Musgrove); sons: Shawn, Clarence Jr. and Claydon; daughters: Sharmaine Sinclair, Chilean Burrows, Ellerie Seymour, Samantha Knowles and Alicia Adderley; daughters-in-law: Dianne and Demetria Rolle; sons-in-law: Anthony Burrows Sr., Hamlyn Roger Seymour, and Ranrick Adderley; grandchildren: Shaniqua Rolle, Deshawn, Shawndia and Kamrhawn Rolle, Ricardo Sinclair Jr., Anthony Burrows Jr., Alexandria and Andre Rolle, Paige Davis, Travon, Roger and Elron Seymour, Saniyah Knowles, Shiloh and Malaysia Adderley; grand daughter-in-law: Crystal Sinclair; great grandchild: Samaya Sinclair; sisters: Savaletha and Miriam; sistersin-law: Victoria (Vera) Rolle, Carmetta Rahming and Gloria Dorsett; brothers-inlaw: Charles Rahming and Lionel Dorsett; nieces: Bloneva Rolle-Kelly, Brenda Maycock, Nurse Barbara Adderley, Corporal 1759 Inez Miller, Nurse Eddiemae Gibson, Ethel Ferguson, Cynthia Russell, Kim Valente, Nahkeisha Williams, Jacqueline Brown, Diane Jones, Patricia Ireland, Viviar Dorsett, Tamala Sweeting, Deidre Seymour; nephews: Neville and Captain Patrick Rolle, R/ASP Kipling Rolle, Harcourt Jr., Zacharius, Roland and Anthony Rolle, R/Inspector Drexel Armbrister, Dion and Dominick Rolle, Oran and Joel Rolle, Hugh Owen Rahming, and Camelio Dorsett; and a host of other relatives and friends including: Ms. Eloise Thompson, Ms, Vernie Rolle, Mrs. Michelle Cartwright, Mr. Rudy and Stephanie Stuart, Mr. David and Ivis Moss, Ms. Christine Sweeting, Reverend Edris Bowe, Ms. Ena Mae Rolle and family, Ms. Maryilee Rolle, Mr. Desmond Sr. and Camille Rolle, Deacon Simeon McPhee, Mr. Selden Sr. and Lycetta Adderley and Family, Mr. Alvin Sr. and Jackie Rolle, Reverend Garth Rolle and family, Pastor Heuter Rolle and Family, Mr. Wilmore Sr. and Michelle Dames, Mr. Perry Rolle and family, Mr. Wilford Lloyd and family, Leon and Una Flowers and Family, Wesley and Lucille Flowers, Ms. Cathy Flowers, Mr. Ricardo Sinclair Sr., Mr. Sidney Curry, Nurse Dawn AlburyGaitor, Ms. Lisa Deveaux, Ms. Denise McKinney, Ms. Carol McDonald, Ivoine and Portia Ingraham, Mr. Aiden Burrows Sr. and family, the Patton, Smith, Bowe and Dawkins Families (Big Pond), the Curry, Lloyd, Humes, Rolle and Ferguson Families of Exuma, Pastor Stephen and Rachael (Jackie) Duncombe and family, Ms. Linda Marshall and Family, The Salem Union Baptist Church Family, the Kingdom Life Church Family, the Legacy (Epic) Church Family, the Miriam Bullard/Lamp Lighters Circle, Commodore, Officers and Staff of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Staff of Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism, Department of Social Services, Department of Gender and Family Affairs, and Jet Blue Airlines, the National Scholarship Committee, the Big Pond Association, the Descendants of Mt. Thompson, Exuma, Dr. Robin Roberts and the staff of Urology Associates, Dr. Patrick Cargill and Staff of the Cardiovascular Care Center, and many more too numerous to mention.

America downloaded whatsapp just to be able to reach out to me for a consultation. Once they tried the products and they natural glow. worked, others wanted People would come up them too. In January, to her and ask her what she before the pandemic, I was was using on her skin Her seeing about a thousand cli- acne scars had disappeared ents a month. During the and she was sporting beaupandemic, sales increased tiful, smooth skin. even more.” What started out as Today as sales continue Elsada making products to increase and Elsada to help family and friends reaches a wider market, she solve their skin problems says it’s “scary” but she is turned into a full-fledged ready for the challenge. business. “I had to keep going Her Dark Spot Correctto the bank to change my ing Kit is wildly popular expected monthly income,” online. Men and women she told me. are touting it as a miracle Now, she wants other formula which has cleared Bahamians to know that their skin when other top they can achieve their goals of the line products have in the same way: “Back failed to deliver, especially in the day, we had to rely on darker skin. on in-person That’s sales, sonour ‘Back in the day, because Elsada reach was limputs love into ited. Today, we had to rely on her products. we have the in-person sales, She wants eveinternet and sonour reach ryone who uses the world is our them to be able marketplace.” was limited. to have the Elsada Today, we have confidence she made her the internet and did when she million withwas successful out all of the the world is our in clearing up professional marketplace.’ her own skin. presentation “Our face is and marketing involved. the main thing people recShe opened a PayPal ognize on us, Elsada said. account and an American “When our face looks great bank account because her naturally, we feel good products were in demand. about ourselves. It boosts She is now taking the steps our confidence and gives us necessary to take her busi- the courage to go out and ness to the next level. face the world and conquer In addition to her skin all of our goals. Everycare line, Elsada is an aes- one deserves that kind of thetician, well known for confidence.” her successful laser techWhen Natural Glow niques in removing hair, entered the US market, dark marks, tattoos and sales began to climb as more. more and more people When Elsada Hield was began raving about the researching and testing success of her products on natural products with her their skin. Some saw results mother in the kitchen to in as little as three days of find the solution for her use, reporting an even skin acne-prone skin, she came tone, faded marks, and skin up with a treatment that that has been calmed from cleared up all her bumps acne irritation. and gave her a beautiful, Now, Elsada’s mission to help people feel good through her products will reach thousands more as her international fan base grows. This humble island woman was born in Freeport, Grand Bahama to a mother of Haitian descent and a Bahamian father. She learned the value of hard work at an early age as one of six siblings. Today, Elseda is in a position to help her family through the products she spent countless

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. ELSADA in Paris learning beauty techniques.

ELSADA HIELD

hours and sleepless nights working on right in their kitchen. She also wants Natural Glow to stand as a testament to the fact that young Bahamians can make it big on the world stage by believing in themselves and their dreams, and being consistent. “I made a lot of sacrifices to make it here,” Elsada said. “My business really took off to the next level through E-commerce – reaching new clients in the United States. I want young Bahamians to know that if I can do it, they can do it too.” Her first big step in expanding her business was moving to Nassau, the capital. She didn’t know anyone and she was leaving the comfort of home and the success she experienced in Freeport. She was staying in a motel by herself with nothing more than passion and prayers that her business would be successful. She says she heard the voice of God tell her to take a leap of faith and move to the capital, and it turned out to be the right choice for her business. Today, Elsada has two spa and laser hair removal centers - one in Freeport and one in Nassau. This beauty boss even had a new spa centre on the island of Abaco, but Hurricane Dorian left devastating damage on the island - Natural Glow included. Despite that, Elsada still found a way to give back and help some of the residents who had lost everything. She rises above every challenge because she has found purpose in her calling. It’s the joy seen on the faces of her patrons as they look and feel their best is her inspiration to keep growing and expanding her business to meet even more skin care needs. Elsada is a certified Aesthetician and she has trained around the world, including New York City, Paris and Dubai. Her technical knowhow and business savvy is backed by a strong appreciation for her culture and heritage. Her secret ingredients were developed with the knowledge handed down by generations of island women who appreciate the value of soft, glowing skin. Now, her dark spot correcting kit is one of her biggest sellers. US-based customers are already leaving reviews about Natural Glow. “It was God who told me to expand my business into the United States,” she said. “It is as scary for me as it was when I first moved to Nassau three years ago, but I am trusting in the process and I am confident that my products work”. The US distribution company working with her orders more products as quickly as she fills them. Beauty experts are watching her and pinning her for an exponential rise in success with her Natural Glow line. She commits herself to her clients by using only the best ingredients and proven techniques to deliver amazing results. For more information, visit her Instagram page @Elsadahield, or on Facebook.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 1, 2020, PAGE 9

Charity begins at home - but let’s hope only for a short while The Peter Young column

BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson. THERE seems to be a general view in Britain that the provision of monetary aid directly to other countries is unpopular with the public. During periods of relative national prosperity, that may not manifest itself because overseas aid tends not to be an issue for most people. But, in the midst of today’s coronavirus crisis and consequent economic emergency, it perhaps comes as no surprise that opinion polls show the majority of British people favour a substantial reduction of the nation’s foreign aid budget. The issue has come to the fore following last week’s UK spending review in which the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Minister of Finance equivalent) announced a temporary

cut in overseas aid from 0.7 to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) which would provide an annual saving of the equivalent of about $5 billion. According to official figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Britain is the world’s third biggest contributor to international aid and development – much of it channelled through the UN, multilateral agencies and non-governmental organisations – behind the US and Germany; and even after the 0.2 per cent cut it would be in fifth place. The background to this is interesting. In 2015, a Conservative government led by the then Prime Minister David Cameron enshrined in UK law a commitment to meet the UN target of

spending 0.7 per cent of GNI on overseas aid, and a pledge to that effect was included in the Tory manifesto for last year’s election. He himself is on record as saying there was a moral imperative for a wealthy country like Britain to lend a hand to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable when it possessed the means, the tools and expertise to do so – and he maintained it was also in his country’s national interest to help address underlying causes of misery, disorder and instability like poverty, disease and lack of opportunity, both for reasons of humanity and decency as well as in order to prevent conflict. All that is admirable. It fits with the notion of “noblesse oblige” and the contention that – both at

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL FROM what I have heard, more and more people are wondering about developments following all the excitement in reaction to the Pfizer BioNTech announcement earlier this month that a COVID-19 vaccine was imminent. This vaccine, together with others, will surely be a game changer, so the official explanation here at home last week about extending the government’s emergency powers and the possibility of further restrictive measures seemed strangely defensive and pessimistic. But, whatever is happening with Pfizer and the other US manufacturer, Moderna, there is positive news coming from sources in Britain about a separate vaccine – and it may be helpful to explain the details. In a statement last week, the British Prime Minister spoke enthusiastically and optimistically about the coronavirus vaccine being developed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca – with its headquarters in England - in collaboration with Oxford University. He said the vaccine, whose development had been partly financed by British taxpayers, had been shown to be highly effective in clinical trials but there were more tests to be done. Subject to approval by regulators across the world, the signs were that it could be available in the near future and be both affordable and easy to use – and the good news is that it has been reported separately in the UK press that National Health Service hospitals have apparently been told to prepare for a rollout of the vaccine within the next month. In a press release last week, the director of the Oxford vaccine group confirmed

that trials showed the vaccine produced in collaboration with AstraZeneca was effective at preventing COVID-19 and offered a high level of protection. It would save many lives by preventing infection in up to 90 per cent of people and should therefore be as successful as Pfizer’s and Moderna’s product; but, unlike them, this vaccine can be stored in normal refrigerated conditions. It has also been stated that, since it will be affordable and available globally, it should have an immediate impact on the public health emergency. Reportedly, Oxford and AstraZeneca are aiming for global manufacture and distribution and a key element of their partnership is their joint commitment to provide the vaccine on a not-for-profit basis while the pandemic continues across the world. For its part, AstraZeneca is quoted as stating it was engaging with governments, multilateral organisations and collaborators around the world “to ensure broad and equitable access to the vaccine at no profit for the duration of the pandemic”. The British Health Secretary has hailed this vaccine as a major development. But production timetables for it and its two US rivals may mean a delay of months before all who want and need a vaccination actually receive one. Its development is surely a significant achievement by this British company in collaboration with such a famous university. If it leads to mass vaccination by early next year, could it mean that an end to the long nightmare of the coronavirus crisis is in sight and that, at last, there is now a real prospect of a return to some sort of normality?

TIMES HAVE CERTAINLY CHANGED LAST February, I wrote about a row at the heart of the British establishment involving a much publicised clash between a sitting Home Secretary (Minister of Interior equivalent) and the most senior civil servant in the department. The minister, Priti Patel, had been accused of bullying and belittling staff in breach of the ministerial code requiring such leaders to “treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect”. One might have reasonably thought something of this nature could have been sorted out amicably in grown-up fashion over a cosy drink after hours. But no, the Permanent Secretary not only resigned in a huff, complaining of a “vicious and orchestrated campaign” against him when he challenged the alleged mistreatment of civil servants, but he is now taking the government to a tribunal for alleged constructive dismissal.

Much ado about nothing, some might say. But it all came to a head last week with the finding at the end of an official inquiry into the matter that Ms Patel had indeed violated the ministerial code by bullying civil servants but had done so unintentionally. Despite that, the Prime Minister declined to take any action, let alone sack her as some had demanded – and many believe this was the right approach. Apparently, she is known to yell and even swear at individuals – and that is rude and regrettable for sure. But can it really be called bullying which implies an insidious and persistent campaign of intimidation against an individual? What is more, perhaps she is even justified in raising her voice against underperforming officials who may also be trying to thwart her policies as a government minister. The hilarious BBC TV programme called Yes, Minister in which officials

attempt to do just that is nearer to the truth than some have assumed. In the Westminster system, it is essential that ministers - who as elected politicians are widely known to the public and are subject to intense scrutiny for their actions – should be in charge of policy. It is they, not unelected and unaccountable civil servants, who have the right and duty to set policy in accordance with the government’s priorities and should not allow themselves to be frustrated in this endeavour by officials. So, perhaps Ms Patel might be forgiven for a degree of irritation in the face of a department which was infamously described by a former Home Secretary as “unfit for purpose”. But she might also do well to acknowledge the old adage that – as in life generally – civility, politeness and calmness, rather than discourtesy, rudeness and anger, are likely to be more effective in getting one’s way in the longer term.

home and on the world moment and a moral, strastage - the rich and privi- tegic and political mistake leged have a duty to fulfil to break Britain’s promise certain social responsi- to the poorest of the world bilities towards the less and that this cut could have fortunate. However, in a devastating effect on the UK at present Boris the lives of millions in less Johnson’s government is developed countries. responding not only to a Others say the UK’s health emergency but an annual aid budget of some economic one, with huge $15 billion is a tremendous extra public achievement of expenditure ‘Boris Johnson’s so-called “soft related to coro- government is power”, so a navirus that cutback would has created a responding not be a dismal national debt only to a health start to Britain’s bigger than emergency but chairmanship of the economy the G7 and its which is fore- an economic hosting of the cast to shrink by one, with huge upcoming UN some 11 percent climate change extra public this year. conference. In these cir- expenditure Charity leaders cumstances, it related to in the UK say is hardly surnow is not the prising many coronavirus that time to renege consider there has created a on international is a compelling national debt aid commitcase for divertments, and ing a proportion bigger than to do so risks of overseas aid the economy.’ damaging the to much needed UK’s standdomestic priorities in an ing globally as the nation effort to keep the economy defines its role in the world afloat. In such an unprec- post-Brexit. edented time of crisis, there The arguments about cuts is wide agreement that, in are finely balanced and this order to keep tax rises to a will have been a difficult minimum, every penny of decision for Mr Johnson public expenditure should who only recently was laudcome under close scrutiny ing the creation of a new so that a temporary and department – the Foreign, relatively small cut in aid Commonwealth & Develspending should be seen opment Office – in order not only as reasonable but to link bilateral aid more prudent and responsible. closely to foreign policy Nonetheless, this deci- objectives. But, despite sion has been opposed by all this, public opinion at some and could even spark a time of crisis cannot be a rebellion among Tory ignored and a government’s MPs – even though, with first duty is towards its own a lower GNI because of citizens. Moreover, as I the virus, spending would mentioned in a column last anyway have been down. June, the Prime Minister Mr Cameron himself had earlier commented that has described it as a sad UK overseas aid was being

treated much like a “giant cashpoint in the sky” and there needed to be greater transparency and accountability in relation to poor and misdirected disbursement of public funds overseas. In light of this, I imagine the reduction will apply mainly to direct programme aid for particular countries and will not affect Britain’s emergency aid in response to disasters worldwide, especially humanitarian assistance to fellow members of the Commonwealth. A good recent example of that on our own shores was, of course the highly effective UK government response to last year’s devastating Hurricane Dorian. It is also the case that earlier this year the UK’s aid budget was adjusted to respond to the virus pandemic, including a pledge of some $975m to help stop its spread and to help to develop a vaccine – with an emphasis also on tackling the increased risk of famine in developing countries in an effort to help the world’s poorest people. In summary, the current cut is relatively small and it is temporary, but it has been deemed necessary as a contribution to helping the nation get back on to some sort of even economic keel. Public reaction to severe economic conditions has been predictable. But, assuming the new vaccines do their job and Britain’s and other countries’ economies recover, attitudes may change and it is unlikely any UK government would seriously reduce its aid commitments in the longer term. So there is little doubt that Britain will remain a major and generous donor nation for the foreseeable future.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

A HEALTH care worker directs a person to use a swab for a self-administered test at the Miami-Dade County Youth Fairgrounds on Sunday. Photo: David Santiago/Miami Herald via AP

Americans face new COVID-19 restrictions after Thanksgiving AMERICANS returning home from Thanksgiving break faced strict new coronavirus measures around the country yesterday as health officials brace for a disastrous worsening of the nationwide surge because of holiday gatherings over the long weekend. Los Angeles County imposed a stay-at-home order for its ten million residents, and Santa Clara County, in the heart of Silicon Valley, banned high school, college and professional sports and decreed a quarantine for those who have traveled more than 150 miles outside the county. In Hawaii, the mayor of Hawaii County said transPacific travelers arriving without a negative COVID19 test must quarantine for 14 days, and even those who have tested virus-free may be randomly selected for another test upon arrival. New Jersey is suspending all youth sports. The outbreak in Santa Clara County “is like a high-speed train”, health officer Dr Sara Cody said. “Our projections tell us that we are on target to derail by around the third week of December if we don’t apply the brakes right now with all our collective might,” Cody said. Health experts had pleaded with Americans to stay home over Thanksgiving and not gather with anyone who didn’t live with them. Nevertheless, almost 1.2 million people

passed through US airports Sunday, the most since the pandemic gripped the country in March, and others took to the highways to be with family and friends. Now they’re being urged to watch for any signs of illness and get tested right away if they experience symptoms. Pinkey Patel, 24, is isolating at her parents’ home in San Antonio after visiting friends over the weekend and coming down with a sore throat. Patel, who works in public health in New York City, said she had been careful, wearing masks in public and staying out of restaurants and bars. But she went to a vineyard and a friend’s home in Texas over Thanksgiving. “I’m an extremely extroverted person and there is just so much time I can spend with my parents at home,” said Patel, who will stay away from her parents, both of whom have preexisting medical conditions, and wear a mask inside their home for the next 14 days. Kate McPherson, who lives in Washington, is getting tested after spending time in her home with friends who were in town over the holiday, though they all had been tested before arriving. Her family did not gather for Thanksgiving after her brother had an exposure scare. “I try to be very safe,” said McPherson, who stays out of crowded venues.

She lives near her parents and gets tested every two weeks, “for their sake, but also for the sake of the community”. Health officials are urging people to remain vigilant until a vaccine becomes widely available, which is not expected to happen for at least a few months. On Monday, Moderna Inc said it will ask US and European regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection. Pfizer is also seeking approval for its vaccine and hopes to begin administering shots in the US in December. The virus is blamed for over 267,000 deaths and more than 13.4 million confirmed infections in the US. The country on average is seeing more than 160,000 new cases per day and over 1,400 deaths — a toll on par with what the nation witnessed in mid-May, when New York City was the epicenter. A record 90,000 people were in the hospital with the virus in the US as of Sunday, pushing many medical institutions to the limit. West Virginia Gov Jim Justice said hospitals across the state will reduce elective surgeries to ensure there is room for coronavirus patients. The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 jumped 29% in the past week. Rhode Island’s hospitals reached their COVID-19 capacity on Monday.

FRENCH PROTESTS OVER BAN ON VIDEOS OF POLICE PARIS Associated Press

FRENCH activists fear a proposed new security law will deprive them of a potent weapon against abuse — cellphone videos of police activity — threatening their efforts to document possible cases of police brutality, especially in impoverished immigrant neighborhoods. French President Emmanuel Macron’s government is pushing a new security bill that makes it illegal to publish images of police

officers with intent to cause them harm, amid other measures. Critics fear the new law could hurt press freedoms and make it more difficult for all citizens to report on police brutality. “I was lucky enough to have videos that protect me,” said Michel Zecler, a Black music producer who was beaten up recently by several French police officers. Videos first published on Thursday by French website Loopsider have been seen by over 14 million viewers, resulting in

widespread outrage over police actions. Two of the officers are in jail while they are investigated while two others, also under investigation, are out on bail. The draft bill, still being debated in parliament, has prompted protests across the country called by press freedom advocates and civil rights campaigners. Tens of thousands of people marched on Saturday in Paris to reject the measure, including families and friends of people killed by police.

BIDEN BREAKS FOOT WHILE PLAYING WITH DOG PRESIDENT-elect Joe Biden will likely wear a walking boot for the next several weeks as he recovers from breaking his right foot while playing with one of his dogs, his doctor said. Biden suffered the injury on Saturday and visited an orthopedist in Newark,

Delaware, on Sunday afternoon, his office said. “Initial x-rays did not show any obvious fracture,” but medical staff ordered a more detailed CT scan, his doctor, Kevin O’Connor, said in a statement. The subsequent scan found tiny fractures of two small bones

in the middle of his right foot, O’Connor said. “It is anticipated that he will likely require a walking boot for several weeks,” O’Connor said. Biden sustained the injury playing with Major, one of the Bidens’ two dogs.

SPORTS PAGE 11

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

Bahamas blows late lead, loses to Puerto Rico 91-85 By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

HIGGS SCORES CAREER HIGH 32, WINS IN SPAIN By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

disastrous fourth quarter collapse saw Team Bahamas squander a late lead to Puerto Rico and finish winless in the second window of the FIBA Americup 2022 Qualifiers. The Bahamas went scoreless in the final 5:43 of the game and was outscored by 10 in the fourth quarter of a 91-85 loss to Puerto Rico yesterday at the Indiana Convention Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana. D’Shon Taylor scored a game high 25 points to lead four Bahamians in double figures. Kentwan Smith finished with a double double - 10 points and 12 rebounds - Willis Mackey posted 18 points and seven rebounds and Nashad Mackey scored 12. Godfrey Rolle also added nine points off the bench while Mychel Thompson scored seven. Jaysean Paige led Puerto Rico with 19 points while Gilberto Clavell scored 18 and Emmanuel Andujar scored 16. Taylor’s jumper gave the Bahamas an 85-76 lead with 5:43 left to play and the Bahamas appeared well on its way to a split after Sunday’s loss to the United States. What followed for The Bahamas was a series of miscues that allowed Puerto Rico to erase the eight-point deficit and close the game on a 15-0 run. The Bahamas’ final possessions of the fourth over the course of the final 5:43 featured six turnovers, including four on consecutive possessions, 0-5 shooting from the field and four missed free throws. In an evenly played first quarter, Puerto Rico opened the game on a 6-0 run before the Bahamas came back to tie the game at 12 on a Taylor three pointer. After a Paige layup, Rolle would give The Bahamas their first lead of the game with his three on the ensuing possession and the teams eventually took a 17-17 tie into the second. The Bahamas had its best scoring period in the second when they outscored Puerto Rico 30-24. Willis Mackey’s three gave the team a 32-25 lead with 5:31 left to play in the half.

PAGE 13

D’SHON TAYLOR (9) scored a game high 25 points.

Photos courtesy of FIBA Jaron Cornish made a three as time expired and The Bahamas took a 47-41 lead at the break. The lead reached nine early in the third when Taylor made a trio of free throws for a 50-41 lead at the 9:45 mark. Puerto Rico answered with a 12-2 run capped by Andujar’s layup to take a 53-52 lead. The Bahamas still managed to take a 71-67 lead into the fourth. The lead reached as much as eight in the fourth quarter. Puerto Rico outscored The Bahamas 20-5 on fastbreak points, 24-11 on points from turnovers, 44-26 on points in the paint, and 32-13 on bench points. Mackey and Smith were both unavailable for Sunday’s game against the United States but made an immediate impact as the Bahamas’ roster increased to 10 players against Puerto Rico. “We just need to learn to stay with what we were doing. The whole game we were doing a lot of good things, running our sets pretty well, and I think at the end we just kind of

WILLIS MACKEY posted 18 points and seven rebounds.

KENTWAN SMITH finished with a double double - 10 points and 12 rebounds.

SEE PAGE 14

LASHANN Higgs produced her professional basketball career high to help lift the Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM to just their second victory this season in the Spanish Ladies’ League. On Friday night at the Angel Nieto Pavilion in Zamora, Spain, Higgs canned 32 points with four blocks and a pair of rebounds and assists as Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM knocked off the Quesos El Pastor Zamarat, 78-68. “I felt good about the game. I found a rhythm and I maintained it throughout the entire game and I was more aggressive,” said Higgs as she surpassed her previous career high of 28 in a loss to Cadademont Zaragoza back on October 11. In 30 minutes of play, Higgs shot 14-of-17 from the field for an 82.4 percentage, while connecting on just one attempted threepoint and going perfect at the free throw line with her three attempts. The 2019 graduate of the University of Texas said it was just a matter of being in the right moment at the right time. “I just tried to remain as aggressive as possible and played as hard as I could,” she said. “To score 32 points reminded me that I am capable and need to play with that sort of intensity regardless of whether or not I score that much.” You can say that she definitely found her groove. “When the vibe of the game felt different, it is at that point I realised that I had a good groove in the game,” she said. And it couldn’t come at the right time for the 24-year-old, 5-foot-9 point guard. The performance enabled Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM to reel back in the groove from their eighth-straight loss, pushing their record to 2-10 for 15th place in the standings. The Harbour Island native, who left the Bahamas in 2013 to continue playing basketball in the Frank Rutherford Elite Programme in Houston,

SEE PAGE 14

Radshad Davis cans career high 28 points in victory By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net RADSHAD Davis joined the Florida International University Panthers as a graduate transfer expected to have an immediate impact on the programme with his experience. Through two games he has done just that and has already produced a career high scoring effort on the opening weekend. Davis scored a career high 28 points to lead FIU to an 82-75 win over the Division II Flagler Saints, in the second matchup between the schools across a three-day span. In the best shooting night of the career, he shot 10-12 from the field and was 7-9 from three-point range.

He also added nine rebounds, five steals and two assists in 27 minutes. “In the second half I just stuck with what we practiced and did what we do, go out there, compete and let everything else handle itself,” Davis said. “I just want to come here and do what I do which is go out there and compete everyday, play hard and make my teammates better.” In the two games against Flagler, Davis averaged 21.5 points, eight rebounds and four steals per game. He shot 62.5 percent from the field and 58.8 from threepoint range. Panthers leading scorer Antonio Daye Jr said Davis has been a welcomed addition to the programme. “Radshad hit some big shots. I kept telling him

RADSHAD Davis scored a career high 28 points to lead the FIU Panthers to an 82-75 win over the Division II Flagler Saints.

during the game and on the bench that he’s a baller,” he said. “This is my first year playing with him obviously and I love it. He makes my job so much easier coming off screens and just him being there I know he will hit shots, play hard and rebound the ball, so I love it.” FIU is scheduled to continue their five-game homestand tonight at 7pm when they host the Central Michigan Chippewas. Davis transferred to the Panthers in Conference USA after a two-year stint with the Texas - Arlington Mavericks in the Sun Belt Conference. Ahmard Harvey is currently a sophomore for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the Sun Belt. He made his season debut with

six points and two rebounds in just eight minutes of his team’s 117-68 win over North Carolina Wesleyan. “We played very well from start to finish, and we knocked down shots from the inside and outside,” said Coastal head coach Cliff Ellis. “I was pleased with what I saw. We are a deeper team than we were last year.” Coastal’s next contest will be December 3 at home against Columbia International. Harvey has played sparingly in his freshman season with the Chanticleers. He averaged 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in 17 appearances. He posted a season high seven points in a November 30 matchup against Delaware State.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Ready or not, NBA training camps set to open once again By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer FOR the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, it was the shortest offseason ever. For the eight teams that haven’t played since March, the offseason dragged for longer than most seasons last. And for all 30 clubs, questions are far more prevalent than answers these days. Ready or not, the NBA is back. Training camps open around the league today, though on-court sessions will be limited to individual workouts and only for those players who have gotten three negative coronavirus test results back in the last few days. Mandatory “group training activities,” another way to describe what would otherwise be called practice, will begin in some cities Friday and for most clubs Sunday, the league said. “I feel like a kid getting excited for the first day of school again,” Atlanta guard Trae Young tweeted. As is the case with school, there will be tests in NBA camps. Lots of them. Players and coaches will be tested for coronavirus

daily around the league, and a positive test at this point would likely derail someone for most of camp and probably into the preseason. The rules are so strict that clubs cannot even hold a team dinner on the eve of training camp; the NBA isn’t allowing those to take place until at least December 11, or the start of Phase 4 in the league’s fivephase plan for health and safety. “We’re all going to have to be very nimble, first of all keeping guys safe and healthy,” Utah general manager Justin Zanik said yesterday. “We’ll get an idea of the schedule, how travel is, how the pandemic affects us. ... No one in the NBA, other than a three-month bubble, has ever gone through what we’re about to go through.” Preseason is less than two weeks away, starting December 11. The regular season starts December 22, three weeks from Tuesday. A schedule for the first half of the shortened 72-game regular season could be known in the coming days, and many teams are still deciding if they can begin the season with fans in their arenas or not.

THE NBA logo is displayed at centre court during an NBA firstround playoff game between the Rockets and Thunder in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (AP Photo/Mark J Terrill)

BLACK Lives Matter is displayed near the NBA logo in an empty basketball arena in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NBA training camps open around the league today, though on-court sessions will be limited to individual workouts and only for those players who have gotten three negative coronavirus test results back in the last few days. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) The NBA champion Lakers have already said they aren’t having fans in their building to start the season; Charlotte and Oklahoma City announced yesterday that they will begin their home schedules the same way. “This is going to be a challenging season for us,” Phoenix general manager James Jones said. “We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that we try to stay COVID-free and try to stay healthy. With 72 games

in a condensed season and more or increased backto-backs means that we’ll have to manage our time appropriately.” For nine coaches — Tom Thibodeau in New York, Steve Nash in Brooklyn, Billy Donovan in Chicago, Doc Rivers in Philadelphia, Nate Bjorkgren in Indiana, Stan Van Gundy in New Orleans, Stephen Silas in Houston, Mark Daigneault in Oklahoma City and Tyronn Lue with the Los Angeles Clippers — this

week marks the formal start of their on-court tenures with their clubs. It’ll also be the first training camp as head coach for J.B. Bickerstaff in Cleveland; he took over as coach of the Cavaliers in February. Some teams haven’t played since March 11. Others saw their seasons resume in July, then end in August or September. And for the Lakers and the Heat, the NBA finalists, the season went until

USA CLINCHES AMERICUP BERTH, BEATS MEXICO 94-78 By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer USA Basketball went into a bubble and emerged with a berth in the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup. Yante Maten scored 21 points, Josh Maggette added 19 and the US topped Mexico 94-78 yesterday, moving to 4-0 in Group D qualifying and securing a spot in the tournament that serves as the championship of the 44 teams in the FIBA Americas zone — comprised of nations from North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. “It means a lot because I get to represent for my country,” Maten said. “I think everyone can represent in a different way and I represent mine through basketball. I’m very honoured to

be here and to be able to say that I helped accomplish something big.” John Jenkins scored 16 points, Travis Trice had 14 and Levi Randolph added 12 for the Americans, who ended their weeklong stay in Indianapolis — inside a bubble, where players and coaches were all tested often for the coronavirus and fans were kept away — with a pair of wins in two days under coach Mike Fratello. As has been the case throughout qualifying, the US used a team of players with primarily G League experience for the games. NBA training camps are starting this week, and some members of this team will have invites to join rosters in the coming days. But many players on the US

roster face uncertain futures, and Fratello told them before Monday’s game to play as if it would be their final game for a while. “I wanted to be part of helping the United States move on and qualify for the next thing,” Fratello said. “The fact we were able to do that was very rewarding to me. I love to see young guys get together, form a team, work together, play defence together, pass the ball together and then have success. That’s what this week, these last two weeks, have been all about.” The US, which has won the AmeriCup gold medal seven times in nine previous attempts, is the second country to clinch a spot in the 12-team final field. Brazil is the other nation that has

clinched; there are 14 teams left to vie for the 10 remaining spots in the tournament that is scheduled for September 2-11, 2022 at a to-be-determined site. All the Americans needed to clinch a spot was to finish in the top three places of their fourteam qualifying group. They got that done with ease; Mexico is now 2-2, while Puerto Rico and The Bahamas are both 1-3 — Puerto Rico rallied in the final minutes to beat The Bahamas 91-85 earlier yesterday. In their first three games of AmeriCup qualifying, the US never trailed. That wasn’t the case yesterday; the Americans trailed on three occasions, all of them in the first quarter, for a total of 77 seconds. By halftime, they were in control. The US lead was 27-26 midway through the second quarter; a 25-8 run over the next five-plus minutes pushed the margin out to 52-34 at the break. The lead grew to as much as 26 in the second half before Mexico got within 11 midway through the fourth quarter, but the outcome never seemed in much doubt. Lucas Martinez led Mexico with 17 points. “We finished the game tough,” Mexico coach Paco Olmos said. “For us, this was really important.” The final qualifying games are in February. Mexico plays Puerto Rico and the US faces The Bahamas on February 18; then on February 21, Mexico meets the US again and The Bahamas will play Puerto Rico. For the Mexicans, Bahamians and Puerto Ricans, those games will decide their AmeriCup fates. For the Americans, they’ll be little more than scrimmages. It’s unclear if Fratello will remain as the coach for the last two qualifying games; his NBA broadcasting commitments may keep him away. The AmeriCup qualifying is part of the complex qualifying system for nations to reach events like the 2023 Basketball World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Only the host nations — the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia for the next World Cup, and France for the 2024 Olympics — automatically qualify for those tournaments. All other nations must graduate through a series of other tournaments, such as the AmeriCup, to make those fields.

mid-October. Not even two months later, it’s time to play again. “I think it’s fair to say that coming into the season, given everything that’s going on in the country relative to COVID and the effects that it’s having on everybody both locally and nationally, this is going to be a pretty unique season,” Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti said. “We’ve never been through a season like this before. No team has.”

BOGUT RETIRES, CALLS IT QUITS ON HIS BID FOR OLYMPIC MEDAL (AP) — Andrew Bogut is calling quits on his bid for an Olympic medal and has decided to retire after 15 years in professional basketball. The 36-year-old Australian had earlier cited back and ankle injuries, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent postponement of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo as potential reasons to retire. Yesterday he made it official. Bogut, a 2005 No. 1 draft pick by Milwaukee and who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015, had been planning to retire after playing for Australia at the Tokyo Games. Those games have been delayed until July 2021. “I just can’t physically and mentally get to 2021 with the way the body has been,” Bogut said on his “Rogue Bogues” podcast. “I mean, I could, on a lot of painkillers and with a lot of physical and mental anguish, but it’s just not worth it at this point in my career.” Bogut played for Sydney in the National Basketball League the past two seasons, winning the NBL’s MVP in 2019 and leading the Kings to a grand final last season. “The last two years have been a real challenge for me just to get out of bed in the morning some days, let alone go to a training session or a game,” Bogut said. “The body, probably from 2018 onwards, was hanging by a thread. “It was real challenging and from the 2019-20 season that thread was completely frayed and in little pieces. It was real frustrating for me.” Bogut played a key role in Australia’s fourth-place finish at last year’s World Cup in China and has been on the Australian team’s roster since the 2004 Athens Olympics. The Melbourne-born Bogut was named The Associated Press college basketball player of the year in 2005 while playing for Utah, just before being chosen No. 1 in the NBA draft by the Bucks.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

PG Lashann Higgs scores career high 32 FROM PAGE 11 Texas, after the death of her mother, Romilly Higgs, hopes it’s the beginning of something great for Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM. “I pray that God will continue to sustain my teammates and I from any injuries, most importantly, and that we continue to improve, work hard and prepare to the best of our

abilities in practice,” she stated. Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM will be back in action on Saturday at home when they take on the league-leading, undefeated (13-0) Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca. “We just want to continue to improve and continue to play as hard as we possibly can,” Higgs said. “Hopefully we can continue to win more games.”

LASHANN Higgs produced her professional basketball career high to help lift the Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM to just their second victory this season in the Spanish Ladies’ League. Higgs canned 32 points with four blocks and a pair of rebounds and assists as Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM knocked off the Quesos El Pastor Zamarat, 78-68, at the Angel Nieto Pavilion in Zamora, Spain, on Friday night.

ON THE REPLAY: A disastrous fourth quarter collapse saw Team Bahamas squander a late lead to Puerto Rico and finish winless in the second window of the FIBA Americup 2022 Qualifiers. The Bahamas went scoreless in the final 5:43 of the game and was outscored by 10 in the fourth quarter of a 91-85 loss to Puerto Rico yesterday at the Indiana Convention Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photos courtesy of FIBA

Bahamas blows late lead, loses to Puerto Rico 91-85 FROM PAGE 11 forgot what were doing that was successful at the beginning,” Mackey said. “But I think that will be an easy adjustment for us in the next window - running our stuff and realising what’s working.” With the loss, The Bahamas dropped to 1-3 at the group stage of the qualifiers and moved into a tie with previously winless Puerto Rico. In the next window of qualifiers, The Bahamas faces The United States

on February 18, followed by a February 21 matchup against Puerto Rico. The Bahamas would need a win over Puerto Rico or two losses from Mexico to have an opportunity to qualify. The Bahamas holds the tiebreaker over Mexico by the aggregate score of the first window last February. The top three teams from each group will qualify for the FIBA AmeriCup 2022. AmeriCup is the FIBA Americas championship. The US won the last edition of the event in 2017.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2020, PAGE 15

Fulham fixes penalty woes to beat Leicester, Villa’s VAR woe By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer THE first ballooned over the crossbar. The second was a dreadful attempt at a “Panenka” that flopped into the goalkeeper’s arms. The third flew off target because of an unfortunate slip. Three embarrassing penalty misses have summed up Fulham’s miserable start to life back in the English Premier League, so hopes weren’t exactly high when the team was awarded another against Leicester yesterday. This time, no mistake. Ivan Cavaleiro — one of the spot kick culprits from previous matches — stepped up and curled his effort high into the net for a goal that ultimately proved the winner at King Power Stadium. A 2-1 victory was only Fulham’s second in 10 games since promotion back to the top-flight and it lifted the team out of the relegation zone. It also ended Fulham’s penalty nightmare. “I didn’t feel pressure,” said Cavaleiro, who slipped before shanking a penalty over the bar in last week’s 3-2 home loss to Everton. “That happens in football and the manager just gave me confidence to take it and I did.” A penalty proved to be pivotal in yesterday’s late match, with Aston

ASTON Villa’s Trezeguet receives medical treatment during the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at the London stadium in London, England, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Villa striker Ollie Watkins hitting minutes, drawing lines on the the bar with a second-half effort to screen. “We’ve had a goal disalallow West Ham to hold on for a lowed for a part of the body that 2-1 win at its Olympic Stadium and can’t score a goal anyway,” Villa climb to fifth place. manager Dean Smith said. Watkins also had a stoppageLeicester missed the chance time goal ruled out by the video to move level on points with assistant referee when his out- first-placed Tottenham and secstretched arm was adjudged to ond-placed Liverpool. Villa could have made him offside before he have jumped into the top four with turned in a cross from the left. a win. It was an agonising wait for Watkins and Villa’s players as DIOP TRIBUTE the VAR deliberated over the After one of the team’s goals, narrow decision for nearly three Fulham’s players paid tribute to

former player Papa Boupa Diop following his death. Ademola Lookman went to the touchline and held up Senegal’s No. 19 jersey worn by Diop after scoring the 30th-minute opener at King Power Stadium with a low shot thanks to being played through by André-Frank Anguissa. Diop, fondly nicknamed “Wardrobe” during his time at Fulham, played for the southwest London team from 2004-07. His death was announced on Sunday. Cavaleiro added a second goal for the visitors in the 38th after Christian Fuchs tripped Bobby De Cordova Reid. Leicester struggled to break through the worst defense in the league, with an 86th-minute goal from substitute Harvey Barnes all the team could manage. SLEEPY VILLA West Ham took advantage of Villa’s slow starts in each half to score their goals. Angelo Ogbonna headed home inside the first two minutes from a corner by Jarrod Bowen, who scored the second less than a minute into the second half by flicking in a header from halftime sub Said Benrahma. Jack Grealish scored with a deflected shot between those goals for Villa, which dominated the second half.

FRAPPART PICKED AS FIRST WOMAN TO REFEREE IN MEN’S CHAMPS LEAGUE NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA appointed Stéphanie Frappart yesterday as the first female referee for a men’s Champions League game. The French official will take charge of Juventus hosting Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday. Frappart is regarded as the top referee in women’s soccer and was picked by FIFA for the 2019 Women’s World Cup final in her home country. She awarded a penalty after a video review that was scored by Megan Rapinoe to give the United States the lead in a 2-0 win over the Netherlands. Weeks before the tournament, Frappart was the first woman to referee a game in the French men’s top-tier league. Frappart handled her first men’s game for UEFA at the 2019 Super Cup, between Liverpool and Chelsea, and was picked for her first Europa League game in October.

DAWID MALAN’S 55 SETS UP T20 SERIES VICTORY FOR ENGLAND PAARL, South Africa (AP) — England beat South Africa by four wickets in the second Twenty20 on Sunday to clinch the series as Dawid Malan hit a halfcentury and captain Eoin Morgan took his team home in a low-scoring game on a difficult pitch at Boland Park in Paarl. Morgan was 26 not out and his partnership of 51 with Malan (55) for the fifth wicket was key in seeing England to victory and a 2-0 lead in the three-game series. England was chasing 147 to win and got there with a ball to spare,

finishing on 147-6. Chris Jordan hit the winning runs with a four over square leg. It was reasonably comfortable for the tourists in the end, but England had to fight in its pursuit of that low target on a pitch where batsmen struggled to work out the pace and time their shots. Jos Buttler (22), Jonny Bairstow (3) and Ben Stokes (16) fell in quick succession and England was 83-4 in the 14th over and left with work to do. Malan, who started slowly, got going with Morgan at his side and

his half-century with seven fours and a six put England on course for the win. It was no coincidence that Malan adjusted to the pitch best out of the England batsmen having played provincial cricket at Boland Park early in his career. He was eventually out to a fabulous catch by Reeza Hendricks on the long-off boundary. The fielder leaped high, took the catch, then lobbed the ball up as he fell over the boundary and recovered to complete the catch. Malan had hammered a straight

six down the ground in the same direction to bring up his 50 the ball before. By the time he was out, England was on course, needing just 13 runs from the last 13 balls. The tourists cruised home from there despite Sam Curran falling for 1 in the last over. Legspinner Adil Rashid took 2-23 for England to stop South Africa in its tracks as Hendricks (16) and Faf du Plessis (11) fell in the space of 10 runs in the Proteas’ innings. Heinrich Claasen’s dismissal to Curran left South Africa on 95-5 in the 14th over

and struggling. George Linde’s 29 from 20 wasn’t enough to revive the innings. England’s tour was organised on short-notice to give both teams a chance to play some cricket after the international schedule was affected by the coronavirus pandemic. England will play three T20s and three one-day internationals, all in Cape Town or the nearby city of Paarl to limit travel and allow both teams to stay in a bio-bubble at a Cape Town hotel because of the virus.