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Volume: 119 No.9, December 2, 2021
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CIVIL SERVANTS BLOCK AUDITOR
Officials holding back documents stopping full probe of finances By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Government’s top financial watchdog has renewed complaints that some civil servants are breaking the law by obstructing his office’s efforts to uncover misuse of taxpayer monies. Terrance Bastian, the Auditor General warned that his staff’s work “continues to be impeded” by officials in several ministries and departments. While the guilty parties
were not identified by Mr Bastian, he reiterated failing to hand over necessary files and documents violates the Financial Administration and Audit Act 2010. And these barriers are also helping some public officials evade accountability for the waste and mismanagement of increasingly scarce Bahamian taxpayer funds, the Auditor General wrote, in the wake of the economic effects of COVID-19 and Hurricane Dorian. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Aeropost purchase, pledged it will offer the “lowest bar entry” for businesses looking to sell products and services to Bahamian consumers online. Mr Bastian acquired Aeropost in October 2021 via Click Partners LP, a British Virgin Islands (BVI) domiciled limited partnership. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
‘WE’LL BE A REPUBLIC EVENTUALLY’
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell says he is still committed to seeing The Bahamas become a republic. “As many of you may know, I too am committed to a republic, in making The Bahamas a republic,” he said yesterday, as Barbados made the transition to a republic this week, parting with the Queen of England as its head of state. SEE PAGE THREE
SEBAS LAUNCHES NEW AMAZON-TYPE VENTURE By NEIL HARTNELL and YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporters SEBAS Bastian raised nearly $19m from investors to finance the acquisition of an e-commerce platform he yesterday said will become an “Amazon-like” presence in The Bahamas and the region. The Island Luck cofounder, unveiling his
FRONT PORCH: WHAT’S THE ACTUAL PLAN FOR VACCINE BOOSTER SHOTS?
LET IT RIP BRYSON DECHAMBEAU, of the United States, tees off on the first hole of a Pro-Am tournament ahead of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club yesterday. See SPORTS for the full story. Photo: Fernando Llano/AP
LETTING VACCINES EXPIRE ‘EMBARRASSING’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said a terrible message will be sent to the international community if Johnson & Johnson vaccines expire at the end of the month before the shots go into arms. He said The Bahamas will likely struggle to get additional vaccines if this happens. His comment came after
DR Hubert Minnis yesterday. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/ Tribune Staff Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said on Tuesday that 20,000 J&J vaccines are
set to expire at the end of this year. Nonetheless, Dr Darville said yesterday that the vaccination committee believes vaccinations will increase during the holiday season and it is working on a “community and social mobilisation” to boost vaccine uptake. Dr Darville said The Bahamas has reached the point where it is clear that those strongly interested SEE PAGE FOUR
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
CENTRAL BANK HIT BY STAFF SICKOUT
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A NUMBER of Central Bank workers called in sick yesterday to protest unresolved grievances with management. According to president of the Union of Central Bankers, Theresa Thompson, chief among workers’ concerns is an outstanding industrial agreement that has yet to be finalised. She said the agreement expired in January of this year and added that workers were still negotiating with bank officials. SEE PAGE FIVE
STATESIDE JUSTICE NOT EASY IN POLITICAL COURTS
- SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Thursday, December 2, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
GIBSON SLAMS BREADBASKET VAT RISE By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson has taken the Davis administration to task about its plan to impose 10 percent value added tax on items that were once zero-rated. The reimposition of VAT on these items comes as the government moves to decrease VAT from 12 percent to 10 percent. During debate in the House of Assembly this week, Mr Gibson called an amendment to VAT legislation a “steak and caviar Bill”. “I was taken aback as I read the proposed amendments to the VAT legislation,” Mr Gibson said. “Remove VAT of two percent off high-end items and increase and apply VAT of 10 percent on everything. “Some would call that smoke and mirrors. The buying habits of the poor are far more frequent than
the buying habits of the rich and middle class. “When the public heard the PLP’s platform – which asserted that VAT was being decreased to 10 percent – they took it at face value; many persons believe that this meant that this reduced VAT rate took into account the zero-rated items and that the same would remain as such. “Many believed that the VAT burden on all other goods and services would be reduced to 10 percent, not the across the board increases we see today. This is not what Bahamians were led to believe would occur.” Mr Gibson said while the government of Trinidad and Tobago recently introduced VAT-free food staples and bread basket items on November 1, the “New Day” government of The Bahamas has gone in the opposite direction and applied VAT on previously zero-rated staples. He said he regards this as the government paying for its promised VAT reduction on the backs of the poor,
most vulnerable and struggling families. “Much like the much ballyhooed mortgage relief, the promised free electricity to a certain segment of BPL customers... This too turned out to be a great PLP hoax,” he said. “We should remind every mother, every parent in this country, to think about the promise of the new government to make things easier... as they change diapers... now made more expensive to feed their hungry children... again soon to be more expensive. “When calculated out of 100 percent, that two percent represented 17 percent. In other words, the rich got a 17 percent tax reduction and the poor a 100 percent tax increase to pay for it. Imagine this. Water - gone up! Bread - gone up! That’s your average loaf — hamburger bread, hotdog bread, coconut tart and other tarts — as flour is now 10 percent as well.” At this point Mr Gibson removed items from a bag he brought to Parliament
as he continued to itemise food products that he said would be increased in cost due to the VAT change. He continued, “Rice and grits and flour — gone up! Tuna, mackerel and sardines — gone up! Baby food — gone up! Spaghetti and soup in the can — gone up! Soap and detergent — gone up! Mustard, tomato paste, mayonnaise, cooking oil — gone up! Medicine — gone up! Insurance — gone up! Chicken in the bag — gone up! “They used to say tags on everything — well it’s now VAT on everything! He said the roadside vendors and fast-food chains will all now have to pay more for items like bread, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and relish. “The cost of living has just increased. It is no wonder that the government is hoping to set off its increase to the cost of living by raising pensions, by raising the minimum wage. “How can this minimum wage ever be felt if the poor still have to take it and
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ADRIAN Gibson in Parliament yesterday. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff spend it on paying higher medical insurance now that taxes just to eat? Home it will increase by at least insurance is already expen- 10 percent? How many sive. How many people will people will die because they now opt not to have insur- had no insurance coverage, ance coverage on their having to choose which of homes just so they can pay the suddenly more expento eat? sive life options to take, “How many families will food or home insurance or now take the gamble and go life insurance or medical without already expensive insurance?”
PINDER TABLES CITIZENSHIP PROOF By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
CENTRAL and South Abaco MP John Pinder II yesterday tabled a certificate confirming the loss of his United States citizenship, which was approved more than a month before the September general election. The certificate of loss of nationality of the United States was submitted to the US Embassy in Nassau on July 20 and stamped for approval on July 29. It disclosed that Mr Pinder was born in Denver, Colorado, on January 19, 1983, and he resided in the US from 1999 to 2010. Mr Pinder now resides at Centreline Road, Hope Town, Abaco. The certificate further confirms that he acquired US citizenship because of his birth in America, adding his entitlement to Bahamian citizenship came by virtue of being born to Bahamian parents. The renunciation was carried out in the presence of Danielle Myers Hoke, consul at the Embassy. She certified the certificate. A separate oath/affirmation of renunciation of nationality of the United States confirmed he was born in the city of Aurora in Colorado. The oath noted: “A renunciation of the United States nationality/citizenship is effective only upon approval by the US Department of State, but when approved the loss of nationality occurs as of the date the above oath/affirmation was taken.” Both documents were signed by Mr Pinder and the consul. As he tabled the document, Mr Pinder, who is also the parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, said: “Recently there has been an article questioning my dual citizenship. This is the same pot that was stirred during my campaign. It was empty
then as it is empty now. “I will tell you this, I have never thought of myself as anything more than Bahamian. Immediately after ratification as PLP Central South standard bearer, I started and then completed the process to (renounce) my other citizenship. “I table the document and show it was approved July 29, 2021. “This is serious business we do here in the House of Assembly. The business of the people. I am only here to speak for my fellow Abaconians and help in any way I can for the betterment of The Bahamas. My duty is sound, my loyalty is clear. “After Dorian I lived in a tent and continued to help my people survive and rebuild while building my house with my two hands. I know firsthand the needs of my fellow Abaconians and never has my purpose been more defined as to bring Central and South Abaco back better than before.” Last month, Mr Pinder defended himself against allegations that he did not renounce his American citizenship as is required by law when a person runs for public office. During the general election campaign, there were rumblings from the now opposition Free National Movement on the dual citizenship of Mr Pinder and the fact that he had to renounce his US nationality to be in compliance with Bahamian law. In November, The Tribune reported that his name did not appear in the US Quarterly Publication of Individuals Who Have Chosen to Expatriate on federalregister.gov. The notice, posted November 15, contains the name of each individual losing United States citizenship “with respect to whom the Secretary received information during the quarter ending September 30, 2021.” At the time, Mr Pinder said as he had gone through the renouncement exercise in July, his name would not be included on that list.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, December 2, 2021, PAGE 3
MOTHER OF FORMER US AMBASSADOR SHOT DEAD AT BEVERLEY HILLS HOME MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell has sent condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and the government regarding the shooting death of the mother of a former US Ambassador to The Bahamas. “The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs notes with sadness the tragic shooting death of Jacqueline Avant, mother of former United States Ambassador (Nicole Avant) to The Bahamas from 2009 to 2011,” Mr Mitchell said in a statement. “On behalf of the Prime Minister Philip Davis and
the government, I convey condolences. “I express those condolences to the Avant family and to the Embassy of the United States in The Bahamas.” According to the Associated Press, Jacqueline Avant was fatally shot at her home in Beverly Hills,
California early yesterday. Mrs Avant, a Los Angeles philanthropist, was the wife of legendary American music executive Clarence Avant and mother to Nicole Avant. “Police and paramedics arrived at the home after a 2.23am call to find Jacqueline Avant, 81, with a
gunshot wound, Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said at an afternoon news conference. She was taken to a hospital, but did not survive,” AP reported. “The suspect or suspects were gone when police arrived. No one has been arrested and the motive
Plans in the works for new Post Office home By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net TRANSPORT and Housing Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis told Parliament yesterday there were plans in the works for a permanent home to house the General Post Office. “In the first quarter of next year I will bring further information as it relates to providing a modern structure and finding a permanent home for the Post Office,” she said. The Town Centre Mall currently houses the Post Office. The announcement raises questions about her previous statement last month that to break the current lease for the General Post Office before it ends in 2024 would be too costly. In November, she told
Members of Parliament the Davis administration was “not be able to move forward at this time” with any plans to relocate the facility due to the lease terms and rates the Minnis administration agreed to on July 12, 2019 with owners of the building, which include former Cabinet minister Brent Symonette. Speaking as she tabled the lease document in Parliament last month, she said: “Even if the government were to find a more suitable and cost-effective location, due to concerns about duplicated costs and the amounts already expanded, we would not be able to move forward at this time. “Those are the facts. I will allow those within earshot to form their own conclusion regarding whether they believe the
government received value for money or not.” The General Post Office’s annual rental rate was set at $632,952 over the five-year period for 52,746 square feet. This equates to $12 per square foot per annum, with the monthly rental figure pegged at $52,746. Thus, the total gross rental income received by the Town Centre Mall’s owners over the five-year period will be $3.165m. The true annual payments by the Post Office/ government actually total $820,053. There is also $75,954 in VAT The government must pay on the lease, at a rate of $6,330 per month, plus $111,177 per year to reimburse Mr Symonette and the other Town Centre Mall owners for financing a $500,000 upgrade to accommodate the facility.
Yesterday, the Elizabeth MP also revealed that approvals were given for housing construction to begin in New Providence and Abaco. “The government has already approved housing work to begin in Grand Bahama and in Carmichael Road and after our recent site visit to Abaco and Eleuthera we expect work to begin as early as possible for those islands in 2022. “Our visual assessment has evidenced the fact that there are many lots in subdivisions toured where there is infrastructure in place. The people of these communities will soon benefit from the fruits of our labour.” There are also plans to improve the way the Department of Housing conducts its business.
Mrs Coleby-Davis said officials were working on establishing a consumer complaints section and customer service unit. A team was also dispatched to Abaco to address issues of “disorganisation” and “dysfunction” that have lingered in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, she said. Another area of focus will be the Road Traffic department. “We have also recently reviewed potential building designs and renderings for a new Road Traffic Building which will include a bus terminal and inspection passageway for small motor vehicles and separate inspection passageway and inspection area for heavy trucks.” She said more detailed information will follow once a review is completed by Cabinet.
PINTARD: WE WON’T BE SPOKEN TO LIKE CHILDREN By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net MARCO City MP Michael Pintard was adamant yesterday that the Official Opposition would not be spoken to like children amid a lengthy back and forth with government members of Parliament. The exchange began when Elizabeth MP JoBeth Coleby-Davis voiced support for House Speaker Patricia Deveaux who came under scrutiny for her tone in addressing opposition parliamentarians during Monday’s sitting. The events of that sitting spilled over into yesterday’s meeting. “I just also wanted to give you some support,” the Elizabeth MP said. “As a woman I am proud of you. I am proud of you and your role as a leader of this House.” The MP continued, referring to issues that arose between former House Speaker Halson Moultrie and Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin in 2018 under the former Minnis administration. “I did not see the fight (then) that I saw against you and so I give you my support and stand with you,” she said. This led the Marco City MP to stand, insisting Mrs Coleby-Davis’ remarks injected a “gender-based”
position by members opposite. This was fiercely rejected by the Elizabeth MP. Again, Mr Pintard stood insisting it was not an issue of gender. “There are no misogynists on this side. There are no chauvinists on this side and I don’t believe in this House or that members opposite are misogynists. So, any subtle attempt by the other side to inject that the exchange between Madam Speaker and any member on this side has nothing to do with gender. It has to do with a basic appeal for no bias against us, the appropriate tone to be used when speaking to us and that is all we desire.” Chiming in, West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe noted there had been no attempt to protect Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin from what was described yesterday as former Speaker Moutltrie’s “egregious conduct”. Still Mr Pintard maintained that while he disagreed with certain actions by the former Speaker “none of them rose to the level that he was prepared to vote against the Speaker” in a vote of no confidence in early 2018. For her part, Mrs Hanna Martin pinpointed what she
SIX MORE CONFIRMED DEATHS FROM COVID THE COVID-19 death toll has risen by six after several unclassified deaths were added to this category on Tuesday. The nation’s death toll from the virus is now 677, with 58 other deaths under investigation. The deceased — three men and three women — were all New Providence residents. Their ages range
from 48 to 85. They died between August 26 and September 12. Health officials also said 11 new COVID cases were recorded on Tuesday, with 22,802 cases now confirmed since the start of the pandemic. According to the latest data, 23 people are in hospital with the virus.
OPPOSITION Leader Michael Pintard in the House of Assembly yesterday. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff called “hypocrisy and dis- the governing side was Coleby-Davis to resume her ingenuous” positioning on only requesting that the budget contribution. same patience shown to the matter. She said: “I think while Mr Moultrie back then be you didn’t see something rise shown to Speaker Deveaux. “We are very patient,” to the occasion, the nation did. You were late in finding Mr Pintard said in response. that out, but all of a sudden “What we are impatient now you take some right- about is being spoken to like eous positioning on positions children. We’re not going taken by the Speaker and to tolerate that. What we’re the only point being made is impatient about is when we there appears to be a level of are accused on that side the hypocrisy and disingenuous microphones are turned off and the public cannot hear positioning on the matter...” The opposition leader our response. That is what suggested that former we’re impatient about.Other Speaker had engaged with than that, we respect the Mrs Hanna Martin the way Speaker and we will support he did as she had been the the Speaker as I have stated.” This triggered much heckmost vigorous defender of the former Christie ling from seated majority MPs and a call from the leader of administration. The Englerston MP said government business for Mrs
remains unclear, Stainbrook said. Nothing was stolen from the house, and no one else was injured,” an AP report said. Nicole Avant was appointed as US Ambassador to The Bahamas in 2009 by former US President Barack Obama. She served until 2011.
‘WE’LL BE A REPUBLIC EVENTUALLY’ from page one
“It is my life’s work toward deepening our democracy, but try as I might over my lifetime I have been unable to fire up the succeeding generations on this issue. Perhaps they have more important things to do.” Mr Mitchell told The Tribune he believes The Bahamas will eventually become a republic. “I suspect that there will be a cascading effect since Barbados - arguably the most conservative of CARICOM societies - has done so,” he said. “The whole question of whether or not a republic is impatient of debate, but the political reality is that unless the younger generation buys into it, it will go nowhere.” Mr Mitchell said he congratulated St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves “for an excellent letter on the subject to (Barbados Prime Minister) Mia Mottley”. Among other things, Mr Gonsalves wrote that one of the saddest days of his political life was when residents of his country rejected constitutional reforms that would have replaced the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice as the final appellate court and removed the British monarch as the Head of State, replacing her with a “home-grown, non-executive president”. Mr Mitchell said: “The referendum which it requires for us as it did for him will often fall victim to opportunistic politics… just to stick the incumbent government in the eye, just as the last one on gender equality failed on the altar of dishonest political opportunism. “So, I was heartened this morning when one of our younger PLP politicians said he would take up the battle. I will support him from the back to build consensus on this matter. “(Transitioning to a republic) is not the official policy of the government, but in a democracy we must always seek to build a consensus for change and where I am now positioned both in time and space, I do not have the luxury of dithering.”
PAGE 4, Thursday, December 2, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
PAHO: Don’t panic over Omicron strain By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
PAN American Health Organisation officials have urged countries in the region to not panic over the new Omicron strain but instead to focus efforts on redoubling virus surveillance and expanding vaccine coverage in view of the new threat. Speaking during PAHO’s weekly webinar, the organisation’s director, Dr Carissa Etienne said while it’s only a matter of time before the strain spreads throughout
the region, there is no need for people to become fearful. This comes as officials in the United States announced the strain had been confirmed in California, becoming America’s first detected case. The person, who is experiencing mild symptoms, had been vaccinated against COVID-19 and recently returned from South Africa, AP reported. Dr Etienne said the same preventative tools used in the past to safeguard against previous COVID strains are just as effective
today and encouraged all to continue following the public health safety measures. “Canada and Brazil are the only countries in our region where the Omicron variant has been detected, but it is likely that other countries will begin seeing this new variant in circulation soon,” she said yesterday, before news broke about America’s first case of the strain. “That’s why it’s important that countries redouble their surveillance efforts, share sequences with the Genomic Surveillance
Network of the Americas and report any Omicron cases to the WHO (World Health Organisation). Speed and transparency are especially critical at this time. But above all, we urge people not to be frightened. “The most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to get vaccinated and to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus. This can be done by wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, frequent hand washing, and avoiding crowded spaces, especially indoors. It is important to note that these measures are effective against all variants, including Omicron.” Regarding the potential impact of the new strain, Dr Etienne said it was too early to determine the virus’ severity or contagiousness as there was still little data known. “It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible than other variants, or if it causes more severe disease but researchers around the world are actively conducting studies to better understand this variant so we have the best available evidence to guide our actions,” she said. “The virus still needs to be isolated to conduct neutralisation tests, and this process will take some time. Until these tests and other laboratory assays are completed, we will not have enough evidence to determine the degree of transmissibility or severity of the Omicron variant, or to assess the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines against it.” In the meantime, she said PAHO will continue to closely monitor other variants in the region, including the Delta variant which she said remains the dominant
DR CARISSA ETIENNE Caribbean to increase the strain in the Americas. Concerns about the vac- information, communication cine’s efficacy against the and the mobilisation of their newly discovered Omicron population to get vaccinated. strain comes as vaccine The Bahamas has asked uptake in many countries, COVAX to purchase the including The Bahamas, vaccines that corresponded continues to wane. to 20 percent of their popuAccording to Dr Etienne, lation and The Bahamas has only 54 percent of people already received 158,000 in Latin America and the doses that corresponded to Caribbean have been fully this 20 percent. vaccinated against COVID“And now using funds 19, making these regions from donations from “especially vulnerable”. Canada and from Columbia “As I’ve said before, vac- and using also the national cine inequity is prolonging resources, we have persons the COVID crisis,” she on behalf of The Bahamas added, “and this is exactly using the alternative by what we’re seeing with the direct purchasing through arrival of Omicron. The to the revolving fund and more COVID-19 circulates, another 96,000 doses will the more opportunities the probably arrive in Decemvirus has to mutate and ber and (another) 48,000 to change. That’s why it is in the first quarter next crucial that we expand vac- year so The Bahamas, we hope that you achieve that cinations to all.” The push for vaccinations more than 40 percent using comes as the government a combination of having prepares to ramp up its more access to vaccines and public education campaign, also explaining and having with officials eyeing a goal a good communication of 200,000 fully vaccinated strategy to invite people to come to be vaccinated to citizens by year’s end. Yesterday, PAHO’s assis- save lives.” According to the govtant director Dr Jarbas Barbosa said he hopes the ernment’s latest vaccine country achieves this goal tracker, 146,441 people and added that more vac- have been fully vaccicine doses are expected to nated, while 143,217 people arrive in The Bahamas in have received at least one vaccine dose (excluding the days ahead. He also said: “We are the Johnson & Johnson working with countries in the vaccine).
LETTING VACCINES EXPIRE ‘EMBARRASSING’ from page one
in getting the vaccine have gotten it already. Some people, he said, are on the fence while others are strongly opposed and will not get vaccinated. “That’s what every country is facing,” he said. “With the social mobilisation we are going for those individuals who are on the fence and what the country will see is new innovative ways to get people to come forward. We believe that by partnering with the private sector to give away gift certificates and going into a situation where we could have draws. “One of the ways you target the groups is by offering incentives where they come to the centre, they get vaccinated and they get a gift certificate. Maybe a phone card, maybe food or it may be something else.
And then combine with that we’re planning to offer the ability for their name to go into a pool and then there is a drawdown where you determine who is the winner. This is very important and has proven to be very effective in other parts of the world.” For his part, Dr Minnis insisted officials have not heeded his warnings about the implications of the slowing vaccination rate and did not have contingency plans in place. “If we have to discard vaccines it sends a terrible message to the international community, the Americans and others who I’m certain are monitoring our vaccine utilisation and I am certain it would be very difficult moving forward for us to obtain vaccines,” he said. “When the J&J vaccines were purchased, they were purchased by the African platform in conjunction with CARICOM and we paid a deposit of $45k. The aim was for the vaccine to be utilised, especially in the Family Islands, the prison, detention centre and facilities like that. “My records would reflect that they were only utilising about 30 per week, which meant that if you did the calculation they were doing about 4.2 J&J vaccines per day. Just reviewing that would inform them that they would run into serious problems.” Davis administration officials say they met great reluctance to the J&J vaccine when they entered office, saying people preferred to get the Pfizer shots. Dr Minnis said: “If they were monitoring this properly, they would’ve made contact with other nations that have J&J, see where their expiration dates are and do an exchange as opposed to throwing away the taxpayers’ money, with us having already paid $45k as deposit and that was only 15 percent deposit, with more outstanding monies to
be paid and possibly 20,000 vaccines to be thrown away. “I think that’s very embarrassing to the government and it sends a terrible message to the international arena that The Bahamas whose vaccination rate is probably about (less than) 50 percent is about to throw away or discard vaccines. I would hope they are in communication with some other territory that utilises J&J and see whether they can do an exchange and subsequently extend the vaccination period.” Dr Minnis also said he is concerned that the Davis administration is permitting Christmas Carnival activities this season. He said the government would be ill-advised to allow the fair to take place, considering many patrons will be children who are too young to be vaccinated. “What alarms me as I drive past Clifton Park coming to Parliament, I see that carnival is being set up,” he said. “The government must be very careful in allowing such close contact with Omicron being in the US. It’s only a matter of time before it comes here and it’s still under review, but it appears it is very infectious and young people who will be utilising the carnival facilities, those young people are not vaccinated. “It’s very ill advised and I don’t know whether the government has consulted the medical fraternity on a decision on the carnival. I think it’s ill-advised, especially noting that countries are locking down and Omicron is moving throughout the world very swiftly.” Dr Darville, however, said carnival representatives are meeting the Ministry of Health’s protocols and that officials will increase oversight to ensure their rules are followed. “We’re trying to encourage commerce and it’s a very difficult thing to do,” he said. Dr Darville said there will be consequences if protocols are not followed.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, December 2, 2021, PAGE 5
Private companies to take on govt workers By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
STATE Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle yesterday. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
MORE than 40 people who were being paid by the government but could not be placed because of a lack of vacancies in the public sector will be engaged by private companies. State Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle gave the update in Parliament yesterday, while making her contribution to the 2021/2022 Supplementary Budget debate. “In recent weeks I have mentioned that there were a number of people that were improperly engaged by the previous government and did not have
placements,” she said. “These people were the victims of political hiring gone wrong. “Unfortunately, it is difficult to accommodate many of them within the public service. However, we are understanding of this situation. It wasn’t at all their fault. “So, a week ago I reached out to the private sector and so far over 40 of these people will now be working in the private sector.” The state minister assured the workers that despite their placement outside of the public sector, the government supported them. Last month, she revealed that 233 people were
approved by the former government for employment in July 2021, just two months before the September 16 general election. Of that number, 85 remain un-posted because upon assuming office, an immediate hold was placed on those hires pending a status review. Mrs Glover-Rolle also told Parliament yesterday a special unit was being formed to look at the backlog of promotions in the service and clear them up. “While ensuring that we never face a backlog of this magnitude ever again. That is being accomplished under this budget.” She added: “We are also using the existing budget
to accelerate the digitisation of human resources processes and document management across the public service. “Altogether government recurrent expenditure has increased by $53.3m largely influenced by increases in public service pensions, COVID-19 unemployment benefit assistance and public service promotions and increments to the tune of $19,620,583. “As minister of state for the public service I am happy to directly and indirectly facilitate these initiatives in any way that I can knowing that the Bahamian people will greatly benefit as this new budget is rolled out,” the minister said.
PROMOTIONS SUSPENDED? NOT FOR SOME AT WSC By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH the Davis administration initially said it would suspend staff promotions given under the previous government, the incoming Water and Sewerage chairman has admitted promotions have been recently given to certain staff. Corporation chairman Sylvanus Petty, along with members of his board, were officially appointed in a ceremony at the Ministry of Works yesterday. Prior to this, a WSC source said the people who were promoted recently were not on the list presented before the election
which the corporation has refused to honour. The source also said those who are thought to be Free National Movement supporters are being victimised and held back from promotion. Mr Petty, in a swipe at former WSC executive chairman Adrian Gibson, said the recent promotions were decided by the board and executive staff. “We did have a promotion exercise, but the board decided on all promotions,” Mr Petty said. “I am not the former chairman who does everything himself. I have executive members and now I have a board. “We met with (union leader Dwyane) Woods and then went through the executives for the promotions so
there was no victimisation. Like I said we have a lot of work to do and we have the right people in place. We are not playing politics. We are all Bahamian and we all have to work. “At the end of the day if you are good at what you do, it doesn’t matter if you are a PLP or FNM. The process was followed.” In the past, there was a tumultuous relationship between WSC and the unions representing its staff; Mr Petty indicated that this will change. “One of the things that we initiated was to take Mr Woods for lunch,” Mr Petty said. “I want to establish a friendship so it does not have to be contentious. We all have differences and we have to be mature enough
to handle our differences. At the end of the day it’s about compromise.” He also addressed the matter of mass disconnections saying this will be replaced with incentives to encourage Bahamians to pay their water bills. “There will be no mass disconnections, but we do encourage people to pay their water bills,” he continued. “We have a lot of people who will be in Walmart next week shopping for Christmas, who could afford to pay their water bills. “We are putting something in place to encourage Bahamians to pay their water bills. We are going to have some commercials come out in a week or two. We are going to be creative
CENTRAL BANK HIT BY STAFF SICKOUT from page one
Asked how many people did not show up to work, Ms Thompson could not say, but noted the numbers were “a lot”. It is also not clear how long workers intend to take action. She said: “A lot of people are out from work today. They are in negotiations with the bank and they are still at an impasse. That’s all I could say at this time.” In June, members of the Union of Central Bankers walked off the job in a
show of frustration, insisting “enough was enough”. The group had also received support from National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTU) president, Bernard Evans, and former Bahamas Electrical Union Workers chief, Paul Maynard. “The bank is unilaterally changing the terms of our industrial agreement in that a wellness bonus that we normally (receive) — that has been in our contract for about 15 to 20 years — they decided that they will not be paying it,” Ms Thompson said at the time.
“If it’s in your contract— no one decides that. They have to come and discuss that with the union which they have not. Then they are coming with new performance management. The next thing is that while 80 to 90 percent of us work from home, the expenses for COVID have shifted from the bank to home. Here it is you have to pay more light, more water... everything is now more at home. So all we are saying is that we need a higher stipend. “The last thing is that our industrial agreement has expired from January
and we were in negotiations and we are not getting anywhere so we had to file trade disputes with regard to those matters.” Last week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis recommitted his government to addressing outstanding labour issues
and encourage people to pay their water bills.” Minister of Public Works and Utilities Alfred Sears officially named the new board and was asked about what was going to happen to contracts awarded under the previous board. “With respect to the conduct of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, the legal process is that the board is now fully constituted, the board will review the affairs historically and also currently and will determine as the law requires the conduct of the corporation,” Mr Sears said. “As the responsible minister certainly reports will be made to us and we will weigh in. It will be premature without the board
having the facts to reach a conclusion about this allegation or the other allegation. “As you know even with BPL we would have determined that there be rapid assessment which has been recently undertaken by Deloittes. So I think we must give the board an opportunity to be briefed and to sit together as a governance body and determine the way forward. This is rather than going in with an idea.” The new WSC board includes Mr Petty, an electrical engineer; Kele Isaacs, who currently serves as the chief financial officer at the Island School in Cape Eleuthera; and Alvin Sargent, a sports business consultant.
during a meeting with the country’s unions. Immigration and Labour Minister Keith Bell, who was present at last week’s meeting, told reporters: “We had a meeting with the unions this morning and the... Prime Minister addressed
the unions directly and indicated that this is a government which has heard their concerns, their issues… there are a number of agreements that have many outstanding issues – pay, issues relating to wage, hours of work, overtime, etc.”
PAGE 6, Thursday, December 2, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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What is being hidden from the Auditor General? THE role of the Auditor General is not an easy one – but it is straightforward in what he or she is supposed to do. The Auditor General is required to examine and inquire into the accounts of government. The Auditor General is a watchdog, set to guard our public monies from abuse, to independently assess the efficiency of government spending and the fairness of government finances. It is a role detailed in the Constitution of the country (Section 136, for anyone who wishes to look it up). It is no small matter. Who then feels they have the right to ignore the requests of the Auditor General, presently Terrance Bastian, when he asks for documents and files? This appears to be the case – and worse, it’s not just one person or two people, but involving both individuals (plural) and institutions. Mr Bastian says his staff’s work “continues to be impeded” by officials in several ministries and departments. Let us be clear. Mr Bastian is a public servant. The people he is asking for documents are also public servants. They have no place to say no to him, they work for us, not for any higher power that would allow them to reject his requests. Mr Bastian says that such obstruction both violates the law, and helps public officials evade accountability for the waste and mismanagement of funds. These people plainly are not acting as public servants – they should be drummed out of their posts. What do they have to hide? What makes them think they have the right to say no to the auditor? Who are they protecting? Mr Bastian, regrettably, does not name those who have been obstructive – which is a shame, because perhaps a spot of bright daylight might make them more compliant. They should be named. More, if they have indeed violated the Financial Administration and Audit Act 2010, they are breaking the law and should be treated accordingly. Even if that means being brought to court. As if that wasn’t enough, Mr Bastian is being asked to operate with one hand
tied behind his back because of a shortage of staff. There has been some contract hiring and outsourcing, but the office should be fully and properly funded and staffed. This office exists to protect our money. It exists to make sure our funds aren’t frittered away or misappropriated. It shows us the sectors that are bursting their budgets, or not accounting for funds properly. In short, it exists to protect you. Anyone ignoring it is ignoring you. Why should the funding of government be hidden from you, from any of us? The answer is that it shouldn’t, and the very first step for any government committed to transparency should be to hand over the documents it is asked for. That should change, right now.
COVID deaths The news of six more confirmed deaths from COVID-19 is sobering. Although it is the reclassification of deaths from August and September, it is a reminder that we should still be taking the virus seriously. The emergence of the Omicron variant is a cause for concern, if not panic while the data continues to be gathered about the new variant’s effects and how easily it is transmitted. There may be a knock-on effect soon on travel too, with the US considering new limitations. Even if the US does clamp down on travel, it is likely given how far the variant has spread already that we may well have to deal with it sooner or later as well. Nearly 700 have died of COVID-19 in The Bahamas already, we can’t take chances as we face the risk of adding to that. We know what we have to do. We seem to have come through the third wave, and we need to keep being disciplined. You know what that means – social distance, wearing masks, using sanitiser. The hardest thing will be avoiding large gatherings as we head into Christmas – but be careful, keep your distance as best you can, and be safe. Not just for your sake, but for your family and friends. It’s not over.
Those in need? EDITOR, The Tribune. THE act of giving… simple charity is a wonderful act which must be encouraged and supported, but persons who are far from in need must not take advantage of ‘free this and that’ especially at this time when we still have suffering people in our community. The News video of the church giving for thanksgiving was a perfect example… were all those who put out their hands really in need? Free is the most enticing word in the English language, but NGO’s - Social
Services - Churches must be disciplined that what is given to be distributed is only given to the needy. I am reasonably sure in the height of COVID many hundreds – could be more – took absolute advantage of Social Services. There is a video on local social media showing a person pushing a wheelchair to their usual spot for pan handling/begging .... Editor in my opinion the person is not handicapped and is begging, I suggest, under false pretences ... of so, where are the Police?
We also have to be careful in our public comment against the foreign community who donate millions to NGO’s and Charities to support those NGO programmes millions annually for which we all must be very thankful for their generosity. Thanks. Too many who deserve and need go without whilst imposters with full bellies and refrigerators put out their hands! J MURPHY Nassau, November 27, 2021.
Wear a mask, PM EDITOR, The Tribune HAVE to give kudos to PM Davis for his advice as to our need to comply and maintain all the COVID protocols - But please do not say one thing and practice the opposite, you lose face, Sir…quickly. Photos of the PM with Barbados PM, show no masks in a country where COVID’s cases are over 180-250 daily. Too many Ministers are interviewed by our TV journalists and none wear
masks. Few exceptions kudos to those who do for their example. New variant on the block, please comply with the protocols… wear masks even when your friends visit….wash hands and distance. Oh, this Bowl event…. the admittance that The Sport Authority will encourage residents to attend free of charge, totally confirms the event does not produce even the barest of return….even with free seating, obviously
to try to avoid the cameras, scanning the empty bleachers, still probably would not work. Doesn’t the Sport Authority understand that if you do not have a multiplier of six-eight times your expenses cancel because you are wasting your time and scarce funds. Hope Sports will rethink, and ensure when they spend $1.00 they will get at least $8.00 back! STEPHEN MOSS Nassau, December 1, 2021.
Environment legislation EDITOR, The Tribune. THANK you for giving me space to express my concerns about a situation that is unfolding that is deeply disturbing. I have heard numerous rumours since the new administration has taken over that the 2019 Environmental Planning and Protection Act and the 2020 Biological Resources and Traditional Knowledge Protection and Sustainable Use Act will be repealed. For decades, The Bahamas has been pillaged by certain foreign and local entities and businessmen because we lacked the legislative framework to properly protect and manage our natural resources. For decades, technical experts within and outside the Government have called for the Members of Parliament and Senators to fill these enormous holes in our laws. It was a great sense of relief and pride for me, as a person who has worked in the environmental sector for more than 25 years, when these laws were finally enacted. The draft National Development Plan (which by the way has yet to be approved by any administration) recognised the critical role of the environment as a pillar of the development of this country. Ensuring the sustainability of the Bahamian environment requires a number of steps: 1) Policy – National Environmental Policy approved in 2005. 2) Legislation – The aforementioned legislation enacted in 2019 and 2020;
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net more is needed for issues like climate change. 3) Implementation of policy and legislation – It has started with the creation of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP). 4) Dedicated funding – It is just beginning, but much more is needed including earmarking of the existing Environmental Levy. To repeal these critical pieces of legislation would set us back decades. The 2020 Biological Resources Act puts The Bahamas on the world stage as a beacon of progress. We are only the second country in the world to enact such legislation. We will be a model for other countries. To repeal that Act says to the world that we do not view ourselves as capable of being a beacon, and that we are not up to the task. So rather than being considered small and mighty, we would be just small and weak. Many who have called for repeal of the Acts complain of long delays in reviews and approvals. In 2005, The Bahamas went through a National Capacity SelfAssessment (NCSA). That assessment indicated that any Department formed to manage the environment across an archipelago of 13 major island and hundreds of cays would need a minimum of 80 full-time staff members. Today, DEPP has about six technical staff members. Six people to do the work of 80. Think about that.
Prime Minister Davis, if you and your Government truly have the country’s best interest at heart, I implore you to keep these Acts in place and give DEPP the staff it needs to be efficient. A fully-staffed Environmental Department is vital to implementing these Acts as they should be. Please do not allow yourself to be bullied by people who do not care about the environment, by people who do not care about the future of this country and its sustainability, or by people who cannot see beyond their own self-interest. Be the Leader we need who does what is right for the country and its people rather than what is easy. I would love for these rumours to be proved false and my concerns to be unwarranted. I would love for the Government to demonstrate it is working to do everything in its power to protect and sustainably manage the natural resources for the people of The Bahamas. Repealing or gutting this legislation is not the path. Is this a New Day or back to the Old Ways? I encourage you to be brave enough for this moment. I encourage you to be braver than your predecessors. I encourage you to summon the courage, ingenuity and determination to help this country succeed in protecting and managing its natural resources. STACEY MOULTRIE Environmental Planner Nassau, November 29, 2021.
Who did VAT cut help? EDITOR, The Tribune. PRIME Minister/Minister of Finance confirmed that advice from IMF to the Minnis regime was to raise VAT to 15%. What benefits happened when then Minister of Finance Turnquest raised 7% to 12%? Accepted they blocked VAT on Bread basket items. The upper middle and wealthy folks took that 5% and spent it outside of the supermarket so VAT revenues increased…small man at end of economic pole did
not have to pay VAT on his supermarket purchases well those items exempted…he still didn’t pay his BP&L - W&S - if liable Property Tax: nor for the past twoyears Car Licence. If Minnis had gone with VAT at 15% who would have benefitted this time with the increase? Rather obvious the additional 3% would have given the middle to wealthy folks more spend and, yes, as probably the IFM wished prayed for an increase big boost to revenue…BP&L W&S - property Tax - Car
Licence still would not have been paid. Headwind…hmm good description…but Most Honorable Mr Minnis everything outside of the supermarket would now carry 15% VAT… All taxes are paid for by Joe Blow… could the lower income grouping swallow that increase? Good try, sir, but thank God our hands were guided on September 16th… MARCUS SMITH Nassau, November 30, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, December 2, 2021, PAGE 7
$2,000 FINE FOR HAVING 150 IN BAR
‘Families still in need’
A BAR owner who was initially cited more than $40,000 after officers found at least 150 people congregating at his establishment in violation of the emergency orders earlier this year was yesterday fined $2,000. Cacique Bar and Lounge manager Thomas Barnett was charged with operating a prohibited business in July after officers found over 100 guests at his establishment who failed to wear masks or practise social distancing. He denied the allegations when he first appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt Evans and the matter was adjourned for trial. When Assistant Superintendent Keith Ferguson gave evidence yesterday, he said that around 9.40pm on July 12, officers attached to the curfew unit proceeded to Cacique Bar in the Saunders Beach Plaza, where they noticed a large number of vehicles parked outside. “They were playing loud music,” ASP Ferguson testified. “Upon entering, I also noticed a large crowd of about 150-250 persons, most of whom were not wearing masks or socially distancing themselves.” The officer said he also noticed a large crowd around the bar who appeared to be consuming beverages. He said he then made inquiries to locate the owner and manager and was later led to Barnett. “Officers then informed him that he was in breach
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
of the emergency orders by operating a prohibited business and Barnett responded that he knew he was over the prescribed capacity at his establishment,” ASP Ferguson said. “We then cited Barnett for operating a prohibited business in the amount of $47,000. The seating capacity under the emergency orders at max was 100 persons. In my observation, he was over 100 percent capacity.” At no time did Barnett mention if his customers were fully vaccinated, the court was told. When he took the stand, he said his restaurant was in a plaza and noted it was situated right next to a “number of other establishments’’. He said this was the reason officers noticed so many cars when they arrived. “We’re in a very popular spot and a number of people outside had nothing to do with the people inside our place,” he said. “The officers who wrote my fine did not have an actual count of how many people were inside, so the number (they’re citing me for) is arbitrary.” Barnett insisted his bar tried to maintain “all laws and orders”. He also said they regulated where people could sit and did not offer any indoor dining services. Magistrate Vogt Evans said she found that the Crown proved that Barnett operated a prohibited business, but failed to establish the evidence to support the citation as it related to 150 being fined $300. She fined Barnett $2,000, $500 of which was paid yesterday. He must pay the balance by January.
CHILDREN’S HOSTEL CASE ADJOURNED By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE trial of six women charged with child cruelty in connection with the beating of a number of wards at the Children’s Emergency Hostel was adjourned once again yesterday. In February Eloise Canter, Carmetta Woods, Natasha Pratt, Occonelle Gordon, Sabrina Smith and Shawn Seymour appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with 11 counts of cruelty to children. A surveillance video showing children being beaten in the care home went viral on social media in January. After the footage became public, a number of employees were “relieved of their duties” pending the outcome of a police investigation.
The former staff members are accused of unlawfully physically abusing nine boys and two girls in a way that caused them unnecessary suffering on September 22, 2020. Seymour is further accused of failing to report the abuse of the minors — who range from ages seven to 11 — to the appropriate officials on the day in question. All of the women denied the allegations and although the accused were told to return to court yesterday, the matter was further adjourned to December 16. At that time, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt will determine where the case will be heard. Canter, Woods, Pratt, Smith, Seymour and Gordon all had their $9,500 bails extended until that time.
ACCUSED TOLD NOT TO GO NEAR GIRLS By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 22-YEAR-OLD man accused of indecently assaulting two young girls has been banned from going within 300 feet of them until his trial. Prosecutors alleged David Lightbourne indecently assaulted a 13-year-old girl on November 26. They further alleged he committed the act on a tenyear-old girl that same day.
When he appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt Evans, he pleaded not guilty to both counts and the matter was adjourned to February 4, 2022 for trial. Lightbourne was granted $7,000 bail. He was also ordered not to interfere with any of the witnesses involved in his case. Magistrate Vogt Evans said the accused must also stay 300ft away from the alleged victims or his bail will be revoked and he will be remanded in custody.
TEEN DENIES DEADLY DRIVING CLAIM By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A TEENAGER was charged with killing in the course of dangerous driving yesterday. Police said Halleyandrea Feliz, 18, caused the death of Wilbur Duvalier on August 1 when she drove her vehicle west along Queen’s Highway, Exuma in a manner that was dangerous to the public. The teen is also accused of driving without a valid driver’s licence and without being covered by third
party risk insurance. Feliz denied the allegations during her arraignment before Senior Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans and the matter was adjourned to March 10, 2022 for trial. The accused was granted $10,000 bail until that time. As part of the conditions of her release, she must sign in to the Carmichael Road police station weekly on or before 7pm. If she fails to comply, she could risk having her bail revoked and being remanded until the start of the proceedings.
MAN DENIES HAVING LOADED GUN By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who denied having a loaded gun was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial. Moses Almonor was accused of being found with a 9mm Taurus pistol with 12 live rounds of ammunition on November 28.
He pleaded not guilty to unlicensed firearm and illegal ammunition possession when he appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney and his case was adjourned to February 2022 for trial. In the meantime, Almonor was granted $7,500 bail. Leading up to his trial, he must sign into his nearest police station three times a week.
AN official from a local charitable organisation said while the need for food assistance has decreased, there are still about 9,000 families or 36,000 individuals in dire need of help. “Prior to the end or right up to the end of the government’s Food Distribution Task Force, the entire country or all of the groups that were involved, there were six of us, were servicing 18,000 families… 72,000 individuals,” Bahamas Feeding Network Executive Director Philip Smith said yesterday. “So I would imagine that that would’ve probably decreased today by probably 50 percent and so I imagine there are still probably 9,000 families or 36,000 individuals that are still in dire need of assistance,” he told reporters. The national task force has been disbanded and its work absorbed into the Ministry of Social Services. Mr Smith said he was not aware of how the government was handling the
programme, but he said food assistance needs to continue in earnest. “At this point, I don’t know what the government is doing, but I would like to implore them to get the programme going and I think in Grand Bahama they have it going already. There’s not a whole lot going on in Nassau here from the government standpoint that I can see, but I think it’s imperative that it gets going as quickly as possible because there are still a lot of people that are in need of food, not as many as when the pandemic started or even three months ago, because people have gone back to work. “But I think it’s imperative to assist those persons who are still experiencing hunger... because a lot of people are still affected by the pandemic and we need to get something going.” He spoke on the sidelines of an event where BFN and the Rotary Clubs donated $35,000 to 11 organisations — six of which got $5,000 and five received $1,000 each. The recipients include The Salvation Army and Bilney Lane Children’s Home.
Mt Olive Baptist also received a donation. The church’s pastor Rev C B Moss runs the Feeding Bain and Grants Town Project, which recently suffered a blow as thieves have stolen food and equipment from a storage facility. He told The Tribune that he faced a $10,000 bill to cover the cost of the damage, stolen items and food that the culprits made off with. Jacqueline Dorsett, of the church, expressed gratitude for the donation. “The donation comes in time when it is really needed. We have lost thousands of dollars in food items plus other tangible things. We’ve been doing this on our own from donations through Bahamians you know who have helped us even for the past 20 years,” she explained Ray Nairn, administrator of the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home, said the donation will help the home which houses 24 children ages 11-18. “We surely make sure it goes a long way for keeping the children satisfied, fed, and well-nourished over the next few months or as long as it lasts,” he said.
MILLER WARNS OF PLASTICS SMUGGLING By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ENVIRONMENT Minister Vaughn Miller said some businesses are illegally smuggling plastics into the country, prompting the need for greater oversight. “The plastic ban came into effect January 1, 2020,” he told the House of Assembly yesterday. “The plastic ban is still in effect. These banned items are extremely detrimental to our natural environment and our human health and in some instances when left
out of control they can lead to death. They were seen as being necessary for removal from society and from the waste stream. “We have been made aware from concerned citizens that some businesses across the country have found ways to smuggle in plastic bags and styrofoam containers. In the coming days my ministry will double down its inspection efforts to ensure that any illegal item be removed from circulation and we’re asking persons, if you know of any such (activity), please call us.” The Environmental Protection
(Control of Plastic Pollution) Act, 2019 prohibits single-use plastic foodware and non-biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable and biodegradable single-use plastic bags; prohibits the release of balloons; and regulates the use of compostable single-use plastic bags. If convicted under the law, a first-time offender faces a fine not exceeding $2,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, $500 for each day the offence continues. A second or subsequent offence will be met with a fine not exceeding $3,000, and further fine of $700 for each day it continues.
PAGE 8, Thursday, December 2, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
PEOPLE lined up to recieve COVID-19 vaccines in October.
A FRIEND recalls a in schools. recent exchange with an In Europe, Greece has employee of a utility com- now joined Austria in pany who came to read a requiring vaccines for citimeter at his home. Asked zens, who now face financial by the friend if he was vac- consequences for refusing cinated, the utility worker vaccines. Both countries are replied: “No, I don’t believe experiencing stalled vacciin that stuff.” nation programmes and a What does he not believe surge of infections. in? Is it the SARS-COV 2 This past Tuesday, the virus and its variants? Is it Hellenic nation required vaccines? Or other reali- that those over 60 must be ties of the pandemic? There vaccinated by mid-Januare many around the world ary or face monthly fines. and at home who will never Greece is the first EU coununderstand basic science or try targeting an age group. the nature of a pandemic. About 83 percent of There are quite a number older Greeks are vacciof people who prefer to nated. But the remaining get sick rather than vacci- percentage, amounting to nated. A colleague recounts approximately half a million a young lady who said that people, remain at greater those promoting vaccines risk because of their age. should stop pushing someSpeaking to his cabithing so dangerous. net in a televised meeting, This very same young Greek Prime Minister lady in her mid-20s, who Kyriakos said of the new suffers from obesity, got sick requirement: “It’s not a from COVID. She lost her punishment. I would say boyfriend and an aunt to it is the price for health. It the disease. Yet she refuses is also an act of justice for to get vaccinated because the vaccinated. It’s not right of the misthat they information ‘When might booster are with which deprived of she has shots for the general health care been inun- public begin? How services dated and many Bahamians because her lack others of under- and eligible residents stubbornly are due for booster standing refuse to of general shots? For those do the science. obvious.” who received the Scores Individuof people AstraZeneca COVID-19 als who in the 21st vaccine, what are the have sufcentury fered a car are pre- best booster shots? accident scientific or a heart A number of studies and pre- suggest the Pfizer shot. attack or Enlightenstroke or ment. This How many Pfizer shots are in need is one of are there in-country? of critical the reasons Why can’t we begin health serthat vaccine vices, all of giving Pfizer shot mandates whom are will be nec- boosters as soon fully vacessary to cinated, as possible?’ address the should not reoccurring be deprived and crippling waves of the of life-saving measures and pandemic. beds because of unvacGovernments will have cinated individuals who to continue to be aggres- refuse free vaccines. The sive with mandates and responsible should not die other measures to get more because of the selfishness of citizens vaccinated and the the irresponsible. pandemic under greater Sadly, there is no amount control. Childhood vac- of reason, rationality or cination mandates work facts that will persuade because there is little room those incapable of graspfor personal discretion or ing basic concepts like waffling by parents who what is a virus or a vacwant their children enrolled cine. Then there are others,
NASSAU
conspiratorially minded, who will go to their graves railing against vaccines. Vaccine mandates, booster shots, mask wearing, social distancing and other measures are vital for reducing the incidence of death and dying around the world. There is an urgent need for vaccine equity, which may help to reduce the number of new variants. But even as access to vaccines improves, a number of developing countries are struggling with other issues such as vaccine hesitancy, as well as logistical and communications challenge in getting citizens vaccinated. South Africa, which enjoys a very sophisticated virology monitoring programme, has so many Johnson & Johnson vaccines in-country, that it has delayed receipt of additional J&J vaccines in order to avoid spoilage. Vaccine hesitancy, including among the immunocompromised, such as individuals with HIV, is playing a role in the emergence of new variants. Vaccine equity and reducing hesitancy are both critical fronts in the pandemic. Here at home, we have a good supply of vaccines. But the hesitancy and fear remain, even after the painful and punishing Delta wave. There are certain dynamics of the virus. When a country removes various restrictions the virus circulates more, as it is currently in The Bahamas, where there is no curfew, few restrictions and a laissezfaire mentality by some in the political directorate, along with many people giddy and complacent during a holiday season in which many will let down their guard. Those who believe the worst of the pandemic is over might look to Europe for what is possible next year. Though the alarm bells are being rung, the Christmas bells and other noise are drowning out the warnings. Magical thinking and wish-fulfilment have their own rationale for those whose eyes see what they want and whose ears
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WHAT’S THE ACTUAL PLAN FOR VACCINE BOOSTER SHOTS?
ignore what is inconvenient. Despite what we have experienced over the past two years, we have not experienced the worst of the pandemic as have other countries. Trinidad and Tobago has gone through hell, with repeated high numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Despite our hard mouths and bravado, Bahamians are in many ways very fragile people. If we go into a deep shock and trauma like other countries, and things become dire, it is uncertain how Bahamians will respond. By example, Princess Margaret Hospital bent, but did not collapse during previous waves. Even when they were running low, we maintained oxygen supplies Suppose we run out of oxygen? Suppose PMH has to shut its doors to incoming patients? Suppose bodies have to be left in homes for days because they cannot be recovered for some time? Suppose hospitals, in
the triage process, have to decide who is likely to live or die because of infection from COVID? This is all possible. It has already been the reality in many countries. There now seems to be a reluctance, perhaps because of a fear of political costs, to communicate more aggressively about vaccinations and the pandemic in general. With the coming waves there is likely to be a similar fear in imposing restrictions. A major test is coming for the current administration, which seems ill-prepared. The government is already being tested. Health and Wellness Minister Michael Darville has announced 20,000 Johnson and Johnson vaccines will likely expire at the end of the month. This is a terrible sign, especially for a developing country such as ours that was trying desperately to source vaccines. Has there been any decision on exchanging these vaccines with another jurisdiction so that they do not go to waste? Another test: what are the plans for booster shots? Noting the advice of the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC), the Bahamas Government has said it will roll-out booster shots for the immunocompromised. That is good, but it is not the most current advice. The CDC has announced that: “Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot.” The CDC advises: “Although COVID-19 vaccination remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination becomes less effective over time,
especially in people aged 65 and older, and at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms.” When might booster shots for the general public begin? How many Bahamians and eligible residents are due for booster shots? For those who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, what are the best booster shots? A number of studies suggest the Pfizer shot. How many Pfizer shots are there in-country? Why can’t we begin giving Pfizer shot boosters as soon as possible? Those who have been responsible in getting their previous vaccines should not be disadvantaged by the recalcitrance of the antivaxxers, the hesitant and the conspiracy theorists. What are the best booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccines produced by other manufacturers? The Government has an obligation to communicate thoroughly and effectively on its plans for booster shots, especially given that another wave could come early next year. Dr Darville notes that his ministry has a goal of 200,000 fully vaccinated people by the end of the year. We will see if this target is met. During the lull we are in, this is a vital opportunity to plan for and put in place the measures we need to address the ongoing pandemic, which still has a long way to go. We will be in a “forever” pandemic unless we fully vaccinate approximately 90-plus percent of our population, along with administering booster shots! Yet, we remain unprepared and in many quarters, unaware.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, December 2, 2021, PAGE 9
FINDING JUSTICE IS NO EASY THING IN COURTS WHERE POLITICS RULE AMERICAN politics and jurisprudence are supposed to be separate. In court cases, especially criminal cases that develop into public-relations festivals, juries are always enjoined to keep extraneous considerations out of their minds. That’s an important reason juries can be sequestered, away from media and the influence of public opinion. These days, Court TV is in many courtrooms and included in numerous cable television packages. Proceedings in certain highprofile cases are shown live on major cable networks. The separation of politics and jurisprudence is getting quite blurry. Many judges are elected, potentially making some of them simply politicians who wear black robes at work. Even at the pinnacle of the American legal pyramid, Supreme Court justices are nominated by the nation’s chief executive and senior politician, and they are subject to confirmation by a US Senate consisting of 100 more politicians. This pattern cascades down the extensive US federal legal structure. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has often boasted that his proudest achievement has been the conservative tilt he has encouraged in the American federal judiciary. And it’s not just the Republicans who are politicising the law. Barack Obama’s team pushed hard to install liberal judges throughout the country. It was then-Democratic Senate majority leader Harry Reid who, impatient with Republican recalcitrance in confirming Obama’s judicial choices to the federal bench, lifted the 60-vote barrier for Senate confirmation of judges. That basically removed the need for bipartisanship in federal judicial confirmations and opened the door wide for McConnell and his GOP majority during Donald Trump’s presidency, most notably with the confirmation of three new Supreme Court justices.
STATESIDE
with Charlie Harper
Still, most Americans American social fabric. The Charlottesville trial believe in the rule of law, and that the law should be was brought by a well-estabobjective and not politically lished American civil rights subjective. This belief helps group. At its end, the jury to hold the country together. concluded that more than And it explains why several a dozen prominent white recent court cases were so supremacists and miscellaclosely followed, and why neous neo-Nazi and other developments in those hate group leaders had concourtrooms were always spired to commit racially - and ethnically- motivated “breaking news”. In Charlottesville, Vir- violence and other offences ginia, a milestone was at the rally. There were 16 reached last week in a days of testimony in this highly-watched court case that trial, where emerged from the defendthe racially ‘The separation ants played to - and ethni- of politics and an audience cally - charged jurisprudence of sympathisevents at a ers across the 2017 Unite is getting quite country who the Right rally blurry. Many that turned judges are elected, could tune in to the proceedviolent and fatal. It also potentially making ings on a public access line. signalled to some of them The wisdom many that simply politicians in the old then-President adage that “a Donald Trump who wear black man who repwas either robes at work.’ resents himself fundamenin court has a tally bigoted himself or was hopelessly fool for an attorney” was unable to comprehend the certainly reinforced in this significance of the social courtroom. Some defendjustice movement in the ants represented themselves, United States. Either and indulged at the trial option was dismal, and to in noxious hate language some observers, Trump’s and glib satisfaction at the grip on the presidency chaos and misery they had started to slip with that wrought. This outrageous behaviour apparently won incautious tweet. In what may come to be them no support on the jury. The jury awarded over regarded as the most ignominious moment of his $26m in damages to the presidency until the Janu- plaintiffs. Many hope the ary 6 assault on the US awards will hold up under capitol building earlier this appeal and will not only year, Trump tweeted after cripple the hateful haters the Charlottesville rally but also put permanently that “there are a lot of fine out of business their sinister people on both sides” of organisations. Two other cases caught what appeared to most Americans as a chilling national attention during reminder of the obduracy the last half of November. of racial and ethnic hatred One was in Brunswick, that remains part of the Georgia. The other was
in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Brunswick is a second-tier Atlantic Ocean port set in marshland midway between much busier rivals to the north in Savannah and the south in Jacksonville. Brunswick sits at the gateway to wealthy playgrounds like Sea Island, Georgia, but no one would confuse the two. Parts of Brunswick are gritty and hardscrabble, as are parts of Kenosha, Wisconsin’s fourth-largest city that is located on Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee. Brunswick and Kenosha were appropriate settings for the trials that took place there, as they in some ways represent the current racial and social woes that beset the US. And both trials hinged on defendants’ claims of self-defence as they faced murder charges. In Brunswick, in a dispiriting echo of past transgressions, three white men – a father and son and one of their neighbours – were accused of using a pick-up truck in broad daylight to block the path of 25-year-old black jogger Ahmaud Arbery in their neighbourhood and, after a brief altercation, shooting Arbery to death at close range with a shotgun. The defendants claimed selfdefence in that they were seeking to make a “citizens’ arrest,” thinking Arbery was responsible for recent home break-ins in the area.
The jury convicted the defendants of felony murder, among other charges. They face life in prison without parole. But the local prosecutor only charged the defendants ten weeks after the murder took place, when a video of the event, ironically taken by one of the defendants, appeared on the internet, essentially forcing the authorities’ hand. Until then, local authorities apparently believed “nothing to see here”. “I don’t want to be a spoilsport, but what if that video had not come out several months later?” an observer told reporters after the Arbery verdict was announced. “A young black man would have been taken from his family and community with no one held responsible. The killers almost got away with it. That part, I can’t ignore. So, I’m happy justice was served.” Coming as it did during the uproar over the murder by Minneapolis police of George Floyd, the Arbery case garnered national attention. And the significance of the verdict was underlined by the presence with Arbery’s family of Rev Al Sharpton, the longtime civil rights activist who has evolved from tour manager for legendary R & B singer James Brown to become host of his own national radio and TV shows. Sharpton has essentially replaced his one-time mentor, Jesse Jackson, as the newsworthy presence at black funerals and protests around the country. In Wisconsin, some pundits and citizens argued after the Kenosha verdict that justice was denied. The case involved the shooting death of two white men and injuring of another by a white teenager. The
shootings occurred at a rally in August 2020 protesting the shooting of a black man by a white local policeman. The defendant, a white teenager named Kyle Rittenhouse, was drawn to the scene by a desire to protect local businesses from the protestors. He had been associated previously with organizations supporting local police and law and order. He carried an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, as Wisconsin law permitted him to do. At one point, Rittenhouse became involved in arguments with the victims, who chased him. Threats were made and shots were fired by both sides. Claiming selfdefence, Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges. This case likely gained its national notoriety, as did Arbery’s, because of its occurrence in the wake of the Floyd murder. After the verdict, the basics of the case were lost in political demagoguery. Once the verdict was issued, Rittenhouse and his mother visited Trump in Florida and posed for photos with him. Trump told reporters Rittenhouse “called and wanted to know if he could come over and say hello”. Trump told Sean Hannity on Fox News that Rittenhouse is a “really a nice young man” and a “really good young guy” who should “not have had to suffer through a trial” for the Kenosha shootings. Subsequent polling showed that 75 percent of Democrats thought Rittenhouse should have been convicted. Maybe Trump was right. These three trials were all different, all with different circumstances and different outcomes. But whatever were the legal realities, politics quickly obliterated them. That’s just the way it is in America now.
PAGE 12, Thursday, December 2, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Abortion rights in spotlight as Supreme Court weighs in WASHINGTON Associated Press IN THE biggest challenge to abortion rights in decades, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Wednesday signaled they would allow states to ban abortion much earlier in pregnancy and may even overturn the nationwide right that has existed for nearly 50 years. With hundreds of demonstrators outside chanting for and against, the justices led arguments that could decide the fate of the court’s historic 1973 Roe v Wade decision legalising abortion throughout the United States and its 1992 ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed Roe. The outcome probably won’t be known until next June. But after nearly two hours of arguments, all six conservative justices, including three appointed by former President Donald Trump, indicated they
would uphold a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. At the very least, such a decision would undermine Roe and Casey, which allow states to regulate but not ban abortion up until the point of fetal viability, at roughly 24 weeks. And there was also substantial support among the conservative justices for getting rid of Roe and Casey altogether. Justice Clarence Thomas is the only member of the court who has openly called for overruling the two cases. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, asked whether the court would be better off withdrawing completely from the abortion issue and letting states decide. “Why should this court be the arbiter rather than Congress, the state legislatures, state supreme courts, the people being able to resolve this?” Kavanaugh asked. “And there will be different answers in
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Mississippi and New York, different answers in Alabama than California.” Abortion would soon become illegal or severely restricted in roughly half the states if Roe and Casey are overturned, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organisation that supports abortion rights. Legislatures in many Republican-led states are poised for action depending on the Supreme Court’s ruling. On Wednesday the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit vacated previous rulings that had blocked a Tennessee law that included banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected — about six weeks — and ordered a rehearing by the full court. People of colour and lesser means would be disproportionately affected, supporters of abortion rights say. The court’s three liberal justices said that reversing Roe and Casey would significantly damage the court’s own legitimacy. “Will this institution survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the Constitution and its reading are just political acts?” Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked. In unusually strong terms for a high-court argument, Justice Stephen Breyer warned his colleagues they “better be damn sure” before they throw away the established abortion decisions. Public opinion polls show support for preserving Roe, though some surveys also find backing for greater restrictions on abortion. Among the conservatives, Chief Justice John Roberts appeared most interested in a less sweeping ruling that would uphold the Mississippi law but not explicitly overrule Roe and Casey. “That may be what
ANTI-abortion protesters surround abortion rights advocates as both groups demonstrate in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington yesterday. Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP another Trump appointee, Casey “haunt our country” they’re asking for, but the thing at issue before us suggested the lack of a rig- and “have no basis in the today is 15 weeks,” Roberts orous alternative might be a Constitution.” He compared those decisaid, alluding to Missis- reason to overrule Roe and sions to Plessy v Ferguson, sippi’s call to overturn the Casey entirely. “You emphasised that if the infamous Supreme broader cases in addition to 15 weeks were approved, Court ruling from 1896 that upholding its own law. More than 90 percent of then we’d have cases about justified official segregation abortions are performed in 12 and 10 and 8 and 6, and before it was overruled by the first 13 weeks of preg- so my question is, is there Brown v Board of Educanancy, well before viability, a line in there that the gov- tion 58 years later. “We’re running on 50 according to the federal ernment believes would Centers for Disease Con- be principled or not,” years of Roe. It is an egreGorsuch asked Solicitor giously wrong decision that trol and Prevention. About 100 patients per General Elizabeth Prelogar, has inflicted tremendous year get abortions after 15 the Biden administration damage on our country and weeks at the Jackson Wom- lawyer supporting the Mis- will continue to do so and take innumerable human en’s Health Organization, sissippi clinic. “I don’t think there’s any lives unless and until this Mississippi’s lone abortion clinic. The facility does not line that could be more court overrules it,” he said. The Mississippi clinic provide abortions after 16 principled than viability,” Prelogar said. argued that those two cases weeks. Supporters of both sides were correctly decided and Even upholding the 15-week ban would mean in the abortion debate have been relied on by rejecting the decades-old filled the sidewalk and women and their partners viability line. Abortion street in front of the court, for nearly a half century, a rights supporters say that their dueling rallies audible point also made by Justice would effectively overturn even from inside the build- Elena Kagan. The abortion decisions Roe and leave no princi- ing. Opposing signs read pled line for when abortions such sentiments as “Her are “part of the fabric of Body Her Choice” and women’s existence in this might be banned. Justice Neil Gorsuch, “God Hates the Shedding country,” she said. of Innocent Blood.” The Barrett approached the court stepped up security issue of women’s reliance measures, including closing on the abortion rulings off some streets around the from a different vantage building. point. She suggested Perhaps in recognition that so-called safe haven of the gravity of the issue laws in all 50 states that before them, the justices allow mothers to relintook the bench at 10 o’clock quish parental rights mean without any smiles or the women can’t be forced into private jokes they some- motherhood, which could times share. limit employment and other The case came to a opportunities. court with a 6-3 conserva“Why don’t the safe tive majority that has been haven laws take care of that transformed by the justices problem?” she asked. named by Trump — GorBarrett, with a long such, Kavanaugh and Amy record of personal Coney Barrett. opposition to abortion, A month ago, the justices acknowledged the court still also heard arguments over has to deal with the issue of a uniquely designed Texas forcing women to remain law that has succeeded in pregnant against their will. getting around the Roe and She described such a pregCasey decisions and banned nancy as “an infringement on abortions in the nation’s bodily autonomy, you know, second-largest state after which we have in other conabout six weeks of preg- texts, like vaccines”. nancy. The legal dispute In its earlier rulings, the over the Texas law revolves court has rooted the right around whether it can be to abortion in the section of challenged in federal court, the 14th Amendment that rather than the right to an says states cannot “deprive abortion. any person of life, liberty, or The court has yet to rule property, without due proon the Texas law, and the cess of law.” justices have refused to put Same-sex marriage and it on hold while the matter other rights, based on the is under legal review. same provision but also The Mississippi case not explicitly mentioned poses questions more cen- in the Constitution, could tral to the abortion right. be threatened if Roe and State Solicitor General Casey fall, the administraScott Stewart said Roe and tion argues.
SPORTS PAGE 13
Top golfers tee off in Hero World Challenge By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
T
he field of golfers in the 2021 Hero World Challenge had their first opportunity to take the course for this year’s event at yesterday’s Pro-Am, now all attention shifts to the main event when the first of four rounds tees off. The four-round, 72-hole stroke play event features a $3.5 million purse, a $1 million winner’s prize and Official World Golf Ranking points awarded. It now features 20 of the top golfers on the PGA Tour after the field was expanded from its traditional 18. Collin Morikawa, winner of the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 Open Championship, will make his tournament debut. “Yeah. Obviously, it’s really nice to be in The Bahamas. Was able to have a great practice round with Dr Munjal from Hero today,” he said. “Look, it’s the last event of the year and it’s weird to think about that because we’ve played so many times. It’s a good feeling, but I’m here to win and we’re here to play golf. You can look at it as a vacation, but at the end of the day, I still want to come out here and play really well. And obviously,
WASHINGTON NATIONALS CLAIM LUCIUS FOX OFF WAIVERS By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net LUCIUS Fox is on the move again this offseason and was claimed off the MLB waiver wire for the second time in as many weeks. The 24-year-old infielder was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals and joins the fifth franchise of his MLB career. He immediately became the No.25 ranked prospect in the Nationals’ farm system, according to MLB Pipeline, and joins the team’s 40-man roster. On November 20, the Baltimore Orioles claimed Fox off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. Over the course of his minor league career, Fox has played 386 games at shortstop, 46 games at second base, nine games at third and eight games at centre field. Fox is expected to contend in middle infield position battles against Alcides Escobar, Luis García Carter Kieboom, and the recently signed Cesar Hernandez this spring. Last season, he rose as high as No.26 in the Royals’ prospect pipeline and spent the bulk of his season at the AAA level with the Omaha Storm Chasers in the International League. Fox had a strong conclusion to the season with a 10-game hit streak and produced six multi-hit games
SEE PAGE 16
MLB, Page 16
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021
FIRST ROUND 11:05am - Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton 11:16am - Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns 11:27am - Webb Simpson, Daniel Berger 11:38am - Harris English, Tony Finau 11:49am - Patrick Reed, Abraham Ancer Noon - Henrik Stenson, Viktor Hovland 12:11pm - Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele 12:22pm - Collin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy 12:33pm - Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka 12:44pm - Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth over the past, you know, month and-a-half it’s been some pretty good golf and hopefully, we can just lead that on to finish off this year and head into 2022.” Morikawa credited tournament host Tiger Woods for helping to expand the focus of the PGA Tour to locations like The Bahamas. “That’s what’s been cool is that we’re able to
DOUBLE DOUBLE DEMON: AYTON CANS 24 IN WIN By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net DEANDRE Ayton’s improvement over his Phoenix Suns’ franchise record streak of 17 wins has been one of the forces to propel the team to the top of the Western Conference standings. Ayton finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in a 104-96 win over the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday night. “I’m being aggressive, but taking what the defence gives me,” he said. “Nothing really changes, just putting pressure on the rim, being more of a threat down low, trying to get to the line, putting baskets up when our plays are going well. Trying to get a foot
COLLIN MORIKAWA, of the United States, studies his putt on the 18th hole during yesterday’s Pro-Am tournament ahead of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) travel, we’re able to come to places like this, even though it’s gorgeous, how do you just make that impact,” he said. “I think you look at a guy like Tiger, who’s done his entire career pretty much on the PGA TOUR, and he’s made that impact, right? At 24 it’s thinking how do I make that impact in five years, in 10 years, but even, you know, in a
month or in a year? How do you make that impact so young?” Xander Schauffele returns to Albany following his gold medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. He looks to continue his recent momentum on the Albany course and cement his status among the game’s elite on the tour. “Well, I said I need to play my best
golf against the best players in the world, but for me I need to play against the best in order to be the best and wherever that is, is where I will go. Right now the PGA TOUR has the best players in the world, so I’m playing on the PGA TOUR, it’s pretty simple,” he said. “It’s an interesting thing to think about. Yeah,
SEE PAGE 18
D-backs add Robinson to 40-man roster By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net KRISTIAN Robinson’s path to a possible return to the field just became a bit clearer for the 2022 season. The Arizona Diamondbacks added Robinson to their 40-man roster and he will be protected from selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft. For international players signed in the 2017 class, they became Rule 5 Draft eligible this year. Teams also set their Triple-A rosters and any players not protected or named to either roster are eligible for their respective portion of the Rule 5 Draft. Unprotected players are eligible to be taken by the other 29 teams when the draft takes place at the conclusion of the Winter Meetings. The Rule 5 Draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too
many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to have them play in the majors. Off the ROBINSON field issues sidelined Robinson in 2020. Ranked No.2 in the Diamondbacks organisation, Robinson was arrested on April 5, 2020 and charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer in Arizona, according to the Associated Press. According to The Athletic, he completed his community service obligations as a part of his plea deal. The 20-year-old outfielder said in a statement that he was struggling
with mental health issues at the time. “Like so many, last year I was struggling to manage the stress of my personal life, the shutdown of the game I love and the overall global pandemic,” Robinson said in a statement. “While struggling with my mental health I acted out of character and I was involved in an incident that I take full responsibility for. I would like to apologise to Trooper Lough and to my family, teammates, coaches and the D-backs organisation, who I am extremely grateful to for supporting me through this very difficult situation.” Robinson began the 2019 season at the Class A - Short Season level with the Hillsboro Hops. In 44 games with the Hops, he hit .319 with 52 hits, 10 doubles, scored 29 runs, 35 RBI, nine home runs, an OBP of .407, OPS of .966, and slugging .558 with 14 stolen bases.
SEE PAGE 18
JUNIOR PAN AM GAMES: ATHLETES ON TRACK SWIMMERS continued their success in the pool while athletics opened competition at the inaugural Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia. Lamar Taylor had a top three finish in the B Final of the 50m freestyle in 23.61 seconds at the Hernando Botero O’Byrne Complex. Nigel Forbes finished fourth in the B Final of the 200m individual medley in a season’s best time of 2:09.43 and the men’s 4x100m medley relay team finished fifth in the final with their time of 3:49.92. On the track, Carlos Brown Jr advanced to last night’s final of the 100m. He finished fifth in 10.47 at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium. Erick Cardoso of Brazil finished first in 10.33, followed by Neiker Sanchez of Colombia second in 10.36 and Franco Florio of Argentina was third in 10.37. In the preliminary round, Brown ran 10.66 to finish fourth. Gabriel Curtis ran a personal best time of 14:33.00 in the final of the 5,000m.
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PAGE 14, Thursday, December 2, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Stephen Curry, UConn star Azzi Fudd team up on SC30 brand By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry has made Azzi Fudd his Splash Sister. Curry is bringing the star Connecticut freshman into his SC30 Inc. brand in a unique, wide-ranging partnership that will support her successes both on and off the court as the nation’s top recruit builds her collegiate career — a multidimensional name, image and likeness contract. Golden State’s reigning NBA scoring champion, with two young daughters, has long been dedicated to helping women shine and vowed to do more for the women’s game. In 2018, Fudd participated in Curry’s elite camp as one of two women invited to take part and she and Curry have continued to build their friendship since. Curry also held an all-girls camp that summer. Fudd’s involvement with SC30 — the athleterun organisation handling Curry’s off-court business
— will entail far more than strictly a sponsorship deal, too. Curry plans to personally mentor the 5-foot-11 guard from Arlington, Virginia, who played at St John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., as she balances school, basketball and the demands of being a face for female athletes. He wants to help Fudd show the world who she is through not only her personality and passions but by also providing a platform and financial backing to share her values and ideas. “Azzi Fudd is the best choice to start a brand relationship like this because she is the next face of women’s basketball and has been a part of SC30 Inc. and the Curry Brand family since she was an invitee to the All-American Camp,” Curry said. Two-time MVP Curry and his SC30 team plan to give Fudd guidance through professional services and growth opportunities to develop her brand. That will mean
UCONN’s Azzi Fudd (35) looks on during an NCAA college basketball game at Atlanta Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, on November 21, 2021. (Donald Knowles/Bahamas Visual Services via AP) chances to host and attend appreciation of blessings events and be part of new in your life,” Curry said. brand partnerships, and to “For me, this is the right deliver her personal social time because I have idenimpact initiatives while tified the platforms that additionally promoting and I have, aligning purpose being involved in some of over profit, and the abilthose dear to Curry and ity to collaborate with the his family. “Our values right partners for the right are aligned when it comes opportunities. I want to to family, and in terms be able to unlock that for of hard work and for the Azzi, and for other talented
athletes and influencers that see the world the same way I do. It is my hope that we can inspire the next generation of athletes and non-athletes who want to do amazing things.” College student-athletes can now be compensated, and Fudd’s UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, received a deal from Gatorade on Monday. For Fudd, like Curry, this could just be the start. “Since I first met Steph at his camp a few years ago, I’ve stayed connected to him and have always admired his incredible talent and accomplishments, but also his humility and the impact he has on people,” Fudd said. “As I continue to focus on becoming the best player and student I can be while in college, I also look forward to broadening my understanding of business and life beyond basketball. This partnership with Steph and his SC30 team will help me do that. I’m really excited about everything we’ll do together in the future.”
UCONN’S BUECKERS SIGNS NIL DEAL TO REPRESENT GATORADE STORRS, Conn. (AP) — UConn sophomore guard Paige Bueckers is the first college athlete to represent BUECKERS Gatorade, announcing Monday a multiyear name, image and likeness deal. Terms of the deal with PepsiCo Inc. were not released. “I know this is just the beginning of our partnership and can’t wait to get to work with Gatorade to drive impact in the community and on the women’s game,” Bueckers said in a statement. It is the second NIL deal announced for Bueckers, who also has a partnership with sneaker marketplace StockX. Bueckers is a former Gatorade high school player of the year. Last year’s national player of the year, Bueckers is averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 assists and five rebounds a game for No. 2 UConn (3-1).
HEAT CENTRE BAM ADEBAYO NEEDS STUDY: WNBA AGAIN EARNS A-PLUS THUMB SURGERY, WILL MISS WEEKS GRADES IN DIVERSITY HIRING By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo needs surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and is likely out until at least mid-January. It’s the first major injury of Adebayo’s five pro seasons. He is averaging a career-best 18.7 points for Miami this season, along with 10.2 rebounds per game. Adebayo, an Olympic gold medallist this summer, was injured in Monday’s loss to Denver. He underwent tests Tuesday and yesterday to determine the full scope of the injury, and it was determined that he tore the ulnar collateral ligament. He shrugged off the injury after the game, insisting it was nothing. “I’m all right,” he said. Turns out, he was anything but. The timetable for his return isn’t expected to be finalised until after surgery, which is scheduled for Sunday.
ADEBAYO The initial prognosis from the team calls for him to miss around six weeks. Such a timeframe would have Adebayo — who already was playing through a bone bruise in his knee — missing somewhere between 20 and 25 games. “Bam is one of the most dynamic, unique players in the league,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “There’s not going to be one solution for that. It’s going to take some unique solutions and some thought and we’ll figure it out. There’s going to be some things we have to do differently. There’s no way that we can make it look the same. He’s an absolute hybrid on both ends of the court, one of the
most unique players in the entire association.” Adebayo’s thumb injury is a huge blow for Miami, which already is dealing with a depleted frontcourt because of Markieff Morris’ neck injury. Wednesday’s game against Cleveland was the 12th that Morris missed since he was injured in a dustup with Nikola Jokic in Denver last month, and there remains no timetable for his return. Dewayne Dedmon is the only other big man on the Miami roster who has logged considerable minutes at centre this season. The Heat have others who can play the spot, including 41-year-old Udonis Haslem and power forward P.J. Tucker, who is only 6-foot-5. Adebayo was one of three players who started all six games for the US at the Tokyo Olympics, where the Americans won gold. He led the team in rebounds, averaging 5.7 per game, plus averaged 6.3 points on 57 percent shooting at the Games.
By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer
A DIVERSITY report has awarded the WNBA earning high grades again when it comes to racial- and gender-hiring practices. The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at Central Florida yesterday issued an A-plus to the WNBA for the league’s overall, racial and gender grades for the 2021 season. The letter grades matched the previous season’s report and marked the 17th straight year that the league earned at least an A in all three categories. The numerical score for overall (97.6) and racial (98.3) both increased from last year, while the gender score (96.8) fell slightly. The study notes that the gender decline of 1.2 points was at least partially attributed to a change in grade calculation. TIDES director Richard Lapchick, the lead report author, said the WNBA’s history as a young league (founded in 1996, with play beginning the following
year) offered an example of how diversity hiring could improve being emphasized as a starting point. “It’s easier to build up the infrastructure from the ground up like that … rather than when you go in say the late 1980s with the other leagues and they already have 1,000 employees each and the numbers were what the numbers were, “ Lapchick said in an interview with The Associated Press. “So to change them is harder. “But when you start by saying, ‘We’re going to hire the best people and bring in the best candidates,’ you’re going to end up with what the WNBA has. I’m convinced of that.” The league earned an A-plus for race in numerous categories, including team owners, head coaches, assistant coaches, team professional staff and the league headquarters. The lowest racial-hiring grade was a B for vice presidents. The league received an A-plus for gender in four categories, including the
NO. 17 UCONN HOLDS OFF MARYLANDEASTERN SHORE 72-63
No. 2 Purdue uses scoring combination to KO Seminoles 93-65 By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — One day after matching the highest ranking in school history, No. 2 Purdue wanted to show it’s second to none. Jaden Ivey scored 18 points and matched his career high with four 3-pointers, Brandon Newman added 13 points, and Purdue overwhelmed Florida State 93-65 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Tuesday night. “I give coach (Matt) Painter a lot of credit for assembling the most complete team I’ve played against in a long time,” Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton said. “Sometimes, you’ve got to call it like it is — this team has Final Four written all over it.” Perhaps this will be the squad that ends Purdue’s 41-year Final Four
drought. It’s certainly been a different kind of start. Purdue improved to 7-0 for the first time since 2015-16 and the seventh time since 1940. The Boilermakers have shot 50 percent or better in all seven games this season, their longest streak since an eight-game span in February and March 1987. And with a little help, they just might ascend to the first No. 1 ranking in school history. “I thought our ability to make some shots and then blend in some postups was big,” Painter said. “Any time we can have that complement of good decision-making, making 3s and using our size, we’re going to put people in some binds.” Losing starting guard RayQuan Evans and starting centre Tanor Ngom didn’t help Florida State. Ngom sat out with a right knee injury and Evans
was in Montana to attend the funeral for his brother, Tye Oldelk Lafranier, who died November 20 from a rare and aggressive form of leukemia. But Hamilton didn’t think it would have made any difference Tuesday. Florida State (5-2) was led by Caleb Mills with 22 points and John Butler with 10 as its four-game winning streak ended. It didn’t take Purdue long to take control on the way to its seventh straight home win in the annual clash between the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference. The Boilermakers started pulling away with an early 6-0 run, later scored eight straight to make it 27-14 midway through the first half and headed to the locker room with a 48-32 advantage. Florida State slashed the deficit to 59-51 with 11:43 left, but the Boilermakers
assistant coaches and the league office. Lapchick highlighted the racial-hiring gains for assistant coaches, in particular. That score increased from people of color filling 54.2 percent of positions last year to 61.3 percent in 2021, which he said bodes well for the future as those assistants develop into head coaches either in the WNBA or elsewhere. In a statement, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said it remains a priority to remain “one of the most inclusive and progressive leagues,” and that the TIDES report card reflected that emphasis. “We are focused on creating opportunities across every level of the WNBA and will hold ourselves accountable for upholding a strong culture of diversity,” Engelbert said. TIDES issues annual report cards for professional leagues such as the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, as well as hiring and graduation rates in college sports.
PURDUE forward Trevion Williams (50) celebrates a defensive stop against Florida State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in West Lafayette, Ind., on November 30. Purdue defeated Florida State 93-65. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) answered with 12 straight points to make it 71-51 and continued pulling away over the final 8 1/2 minutes. “I think it just comes from all the hard work we put in in practice and
buying in to what the coaches tell us,” Ivey said. “Then when the game comes, it’s executing perfectly. I think it we do that we can be a really good team. We already are.”
HARTFORD, Conn (AP) — With the rest of his team struggling or injured, UConn guard R.J. Cole took it upon himself to carry the Huskies past an opponent they were expected to handle easily. Cole, a transfer from Howard, scored 25 points and No. 17 UConn survived a challenge from MarylandEastern Shore to win 72-63 on Tuesday night. Tyler Polley added 14 points for the Huskies (7-1), who jumped five spots in the AP Top 25 after a third-place showing over the holiday weekend in the Battle 4 Atlantis. UConn was sluggish for much of the night against UMES, which entered as a 33-point underdog, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. “I felt like we were just lackadaisical out there,” Cole said. “So just being a leader of the team, it was on me to spark some energy and eventually, throughout the game, coach just told me I had to take over.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, December 2, 2021, PAGE 15
It won’t be easy for Cowboys nor Saints in Big Easy By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer YES, it has been a strange year on the field, with visiting teams 90-87-1, not counting two neutral-site games in London. And this week’s betting lines are further proof home field isn’t necessarily an advantage. Take a look, and you will find eight visitors as favourites, including tonight’s matchup in the Big Easy. Which won’t be easy for either side. The Cowboys, losers of three of the past four, have COVID-19 issues that will sideline coach Mike McCarthy among others. They also have slumped recently, though life in the NFC East has allowed them some leeway. “It’s like anything; we are far enough into this that everyone understands what we need to get done,” McCarthy says of the disruptions caused by virtual meetings and various protocols. “I feel good about the prep. I think with all the change going around us, it is making our team focus tighter.” The focus for the Saints likely will be at quarterback. Since Jameis Winston’s season ended on October 31, they’ve been in scramble mode at the position and have dropped four straight games. Taysom Hill, the do-everything playmaker who had success (3-1) in 2020 when Drew Brees was hurt, figures to see more action now that he’s recovered from a foot problem. “There’s nothing like playing quarterback in this league, and so certainly that requires an additional amount of energy and responsibility,” Hill says. “You have a greater ability to affect the outcome of a game.” No. 10 Dallas is a 4 1/2point favourite over No. 23 and fading New Orleans, according to FanDuel SportsBook. We like Hill’s chances of keeping it close, but ... COWBOYS, 23-20
KNOCKOUT POOL: Baltimore didn’t play very well, but did enough to keep its survivor pool supporters going. This week, we need to go with KANSAS CITY, which seems to have turned it around. No. 26 New York Giants (plus 4 1/2) at No. 21 Miami The Dolphins are on a roll and their defence is for real. Tua might be, as well. BEST BET: DOLPHINS, 24-13 No. 4 New England (plus 2 1/2) at No. 7 Buffalo, Monday night AFC East title possibly on the line here. Go with history ... UPSET SPECIAL: PATRIOTS, 23-21 No. 6 Baltimore (minus 4) at No. 20 Pittsburgh Pro Picks can’t find a reason to back the spiraling Steelers right now, even though the Ravens aren’t close to top form. RAVENS, 22-16 No. 12 San Francisco (minus 3 1/2) at No. 28 Seattle Pro Picks can’t find a reason to back the spiraling Seahawks — and the Niners are close to top form. 49ERS, 26-13 No. 16 Denver (plus 10) at No. 5 Kansas City As we said above, the Chiefs seem to have found their mojo — particularly on defence. CHIEFS, 26-17 No. 18 Minnesota (minus 7) at No. 32 Detroit Minnesota makes a habit of not finishing, but Detroit has perfected that art. VIKINGS, 30-18 No. 1 Arizona (minus 7) at No. 27 Chicago We think the Cardinals are for real. Chicago’s 4-7 record shows how real it is. CARDINALS, 26-17 No. 3 Tampa Bay (minus 11) at No. 24 Atlanta Isn’t this about the time in 2020 when the Bucs took off toward the championship? BUCCANEERS, 31-15 No. 13 Indianapolis (minus 9) at No. 30 Houston The Colts won’t forget the running game this
AP PRO PICKS: Think Cowboys edge out Saints Thursday Night
Eight visitors are favorites in this week’s NFL slate, including Thursday night’s matchup in the Big Easy. Dallas, No. 10 in the AP Pro32, is a 4 1/2 point favorite over No. 23 and fading New Orleans, according to FanDuel SportsBook. GAME
STORYLINE
PICK
DAL at NO
We like Taysom Hill’s chances of keeping it close, but ...
DAL 23-20
NYG at MIA
Dolphins on a roll and defense is for real, Tua might be too
MIA 24-13
NE at BUF
AFC East title possibly on the line here, go with history ...
NE 23-21
BAL at PIT
Can’t find a reason to back spiraling Steelers right now
SF at SEA
Can’t find a reason to back spiraling Seahawks right now
SF 26-13
DEN at KC
Chiefs seem to have found their mojo – particularly on defense
KC 26-17
MIN at DET
Minnesota makes a habit of not finishing, Detroit has perfected that art
MIN 30-18
ARI at CHI
We think Cardinals are for real, Chicago’s 4-7 record shows how real it is
ARI 26-17
TB at ATL
Isn’t this about the time in 2020 when Bucs took off?
TB 31-15
IND at HOU
Colts won’t forget running game against leaky Texans
IND 33-14
PHI at NYJ
After a stinker in Meadowlands last week, expect more from Philly here ...
PHI 22-17
LAC at CIN
Bengals have rough schedule ahead, so they desperately need this
CIN 28-27
WAS at LV
Both in playoff mix, though loser here will be straining to get there
JAC at LAR
A lot of points to lay on a team that has lost three straight, but ...
BAL 22-16
LV 30-28 LAR 27-10
NAUGHTY’S NFL PICKS - WEEK 13 LAST WEEK: 8-7 SEASON: 118-61-1 I MUST admit I haven’t seen a swoon like this in relation to my NFL picks in years. What a topsy turvy, up and down (mostly down) experience the last three weeks have been. No time to cry over spilt milk or missed picks in this instance. Time to get back on the horse and pick some winners. Here’s who I like this week : NFL WEEK 13 SCHEDULE Teams on bye Browns, Packers, Titans, Panthers THURSDAY NIGHT 8:20PM COWBOYS AT SAINTS The Cowboys will be getting four key starters back, two on offence, in the form of wide receivers Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. And two on the defensive side of the ball with the return of defensive linemen Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory. Big win for the ‘Boys down on the bayou. COWBOYS 31 - Saints 23 SUNDAY 1:00 PM COLTS AT TEXANS The Texans will try to play spoiler at home, all to no avail. They have no answer for Colts RB and MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor who will have another monster day in the Colts win. COLTS 27 - Texans 20
Sunday against the leaky Texans. COLTS, 33-14 No. 22 Philadelphia (minus 6 1/2) at No. 29 New York Jets After that stinker in the Meadowlands last week, got to expect more from Philly this time. EAGLES, 22-17
CARDINALS AT BEARS Cardinals no matter who starts in Chicago. CARDINALS 34 - Bears 24 CHARGERS AT BENGALS Bengals at home, I’m convinced the Chargers are a bipolar bunch! BENGALS 34 - Chargers 30
VIKINGS AT LIONS Vikings win on the road, despite the absence of star RB Dalvin Cook. VIKINGS 27 - Lions 23 GIANTS AT DOLPHINS The injury bug continues to bite the Giants, setting the Dolphins up for their fifth win in a row. DOLPHINS 27 - Giants 17 BUCCANEERS AT FALCONS Throw the records out in this one in what should be a big NFC South shootout. Take Brady and the Bucs in this one. BUCCANEERS 31 - Falcons 23 EAGLES AT JETS The Eagles are the least injured with a healthier QB. EAGLES 30 - Jets 23
No. 14 Los Angeles Chargers (plus 3) at No. 9 Cincinnati The Bengals have a rough schedule ahead, so they desperately need this. BENGALS, 28-27 No. 19 Washington (plus 2 1/2) at No. 15 Las Vegas Both teams are in the playoff mix, though the
SUNDAY 4:05 PM JAGUARS AT RAMS Rams get right at home! RAMS 27 - Jags WASHINGTON AT RAIDERS SUNDAY 4.25 PM RAVENS AT STEELERS Ravens run wild in this heated division rivalry. RAVENS 27 - Steelers 20 49ERS AT SEAHAWKS The Niners keep the streak going in Seattle against the Seahawks who are snake bitten. 49ERS 31 - Seahawks 20 SUNDAY 8:20 PM BRONCOS AT CHIEFS Chiefs continue their resurgence at home, exposing the Broncos in the process. CHIEFS 27 - Broncos 17 MONDAY 8:20 PM PATRIOTS AT BILLS Patriots are for real .... the Bills TBD! PATRIOTS 27 - Bills 24 OT
loser here will be straining to get there. RAIDERS, 30-28 No. 31 Jacksonville (plus 13) at No. 11 Los Angeles Rams Those are a lot of points to lay on a team that has lost three straight. Then again ... RAMS, 27-10
2021 RECORD Last Week: Straight up: 11-4. Against spread: 9-6. Season: Straight up: 114-65-1. Against spread: 101-76-2. Best Bet: Straight up: 6-5-1. Against spread: 8-4. Upset Special: Straight up: 10-1. Against spread: 10-1.
EAST ASIA SUPER LEAGUE AIMS HIGH, FROM STARTUP TO BIG 3 By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer ONE is the so-called Golden Boy of the Philippines. Another is the first 100 million-yen-a-season basketball player in Japan. The East Asia Super League is set to launch next October featuring some of the region’s biggest domestic clubs. It’s banking on Asia’s home-grown talent to grow from an invitational event to the world’s thirdbiggest basketball league. Anything is possible — Asia offers a vast audience. Players like Terrence Romeo (aka Golden Boy) and the 5-foot-6 (1.67metre) point guard Yuki Togashi, the Japanese league’s first million-dollar man and reigning finals MVP for Chiba Jets, already have big and growing followings. The 2022-2023 season will start out with the winners and runners-up from each of the Japan, South Korea and Philippines leagues, plus the P. League champion from Taiwan and a Hong Kong-based club called the Bay Area Chun Yu Phoenixes, featuring free-agent players from across the region including mainland China,
as the Greater China representatives. Ex-NBA stars Metta World Peace, Baron Davis and Shane Battier are on board as brand ambassadors. And each club will be allowed two foreign imports plus an extra Asian import in 12-man rosters for each EASL game. But there’ll be a big emphasis on tapping local talent. The debut season will feature eight clubs playing home and away and run concurrently with the domestic leagues. There are plans for expansion to a 16-team competition in season three. And the Chinese Basketball Association is in close proximity. “To date, we’ve never seen a regional club to club league, such as EASL,” the league’s CEO, Matt Beyer, told The Associated Press. “And so, we believe that this is really the start of exposing a larger amount of players to this type of a larger platform. “Our mission is to be East Asia’s premier basketball league, with a vision to be one of the top three leagues globally by 2025 in terms of fan base and commercial revenue.”
Hong Kong-based Beyer said “Asian fans go crazy over competition with their regional rivals,” which was the inspiration in 2017 to launch a single site event at Macau. By the 2019 edition, he said, the event had 117 million viewers on 36 broadcast and digital networks. With the transition to a home-and-away format, there’s greater expectations. For the first season, the clubs will be split into two pools of four for the homeand-away section, with two from each group advancing to elimination Final Four playoffs. The championship game is set for March 2023. The FIBA-backed regional club competition is being promoted as an extra prong of the sport’s development. The CBA has long been considered the strongest league in the east, producing high-profile Chinese players including the nowretired NBA All-Star Yao Ming, formerly of the Houston Rockets. For Shinji Shimada, chairman of the Japan’s top-flight B.League, the inaugural EASL season is a chance for other leagues to showcase their talent.
JAPAN’S YUKI TOGASHI, left, competes against China’s Zhang Zenlin during their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers Group B match on November 27 in Sendai, northeastern Japan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) “China has been one of for the players could be general manager, coach and the top powerhouses in matched by the extra player. EASL organisers are Asia for a long time. Chi- exposure to international nese players are taller and markets for the domestic establishing the Phoenixes to showcase Chinese basphysically better than Japa- leagues. The Phoenixes are ketball talent on and off the nese players, but in terms of the ability of individual expected to unveil an elite court. “This team will be very players, I feel that (Japa- head coach. Before the launch special in the fact that it nese players) are as good as Chinese players,” Shimada Wednesday of the EASL, travels around the region, it Liu Quansheng was con- will go pan-regional, you’ll said. “We believe that par- firmed as manager for the be seeing them showing up for exhibition games in ticipating in the EASL is start-up team. “This one-of-a-kind Europe, Australia, other the first step to becoming one of the top basketball Bay Area Chun Yu Phoe- parts of Asia,” Beyer said. nixes franchise will bring “There’s a lot of excitnations in Asia.” For Korean Basketball together the best talent in ing things on the horizon League commissioner Kim Greater China in one club,” which this team will do, Heeok, the benefits of the said Liu, who has high-level which have never been seen higher level of basketball experience in the CBA as a before.”
PAGE 16, Thursday, December 2, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Hero World Challenge Pro-Am
JUSTIN ROSE, of England, studies his putt during a Pro-Am tournament ahead of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour.
COLLIN Morikawa of the US reacts to his putt on the 18th hole during a Pro-Am tournament ahead of the Hero World Challenge.
RORY MCILROY, of Northern Ireland, centre, speaks with members of the media.
JUSTIN ROSE, of England, reacts after a round of golf in the ProAm tournament.
HENRIK STENSON, of Sweden, signs autographs for fans after a round of golf of the Pro-Am tournament.
JESSICA KORDA, of the United States, watches the ball after hitting it from the sand trap on the 9th hole.
ABRAHAM ANCER, of Mexico, practices his putt after a round of a Pro-Am tournament ahead of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club yesterday. (AP Photos/Fernando Llano)
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER, of the United States, chips on to the 9th green during yesterday’s Pro-Am tournament.
NATIONALS CLAIM LUCIUS FOX OFF WAIVERS FROM PAGE 13 with three home runs in that timespan. In 57 games with the Storm Chasers, Fox hit .245 with a .353 OBP, .729 OPS, 56 hits, five home-runs, 24 RBI, 44 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases. Earlier in the season, Fox became the eighth Bahamian to join a Major League Baseball roster for the regular season. His brief call-up lasted just a single game when the Kansas City Royals announced his promotion on July 30, hours ahead of a 6-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, Canada. Fox did not make his official debut on the field in the contest and the following day, he was optioned back down to the Storm Chasers. Fox was the marquee prospect of the San Francisco Giants’ International Signing Class in July 2015 In August 2016, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays along with Matt Duffy and Michael Santos in the deal which sent left-handed pitcher Matt Moore to the Giants. In four years with the Rays, he received numerous accolades in the farm system, including a 2017 selection to the MLB Futures Game. Fox was traded for the second time in his young baseball career in August 2020 when he was traded away from the Rays to the Royals in exchange for outfielder Brett Phillips. In five minor league seasons, Fox is hitting .244 with a .339 on base percentage and a .332 slugging percentage.
To the Max: Scherzer, Mets finalise $130m, 3-year deal By JAKE SEINER AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Mets owner Steve Cohen promised a max effort bringing a World Series back to New York. Enter Max Scherzer, the newest ace in Queens. The Mets and the threetime Cy Young Award winner finalised a $130 million, three-year deal yesterday, a contract that shattered baseball’s record for highest average salary and forms a historically impressive 1-2 atop New York’s rotation with Jacob deGrom. Scherzer said he was convinced during a video call with Cohen last month that the second-year owner was going to do whatever
it took to build a winner in Flushing. “You don’t hear that from owners too much these days,” Scherzer said yesterday. “When you hear an owner wants to do what it takes to win, obviously that piqued my interest.” Of course, Cohen put his wallet behind his words. The 37-year-old Scherzer will earn $43.33 million per year, 20 percent higher than the previous mark, the $36 million Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is averaging in his $324 million, nine-year contract signed prior to the 2020 season. Scherzer has the right to opt out after the 2023 season and become a free agent again. The eight-time All-Star was 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA
THIS still image from video shows New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer during a news conference yesterday. (AP Photo) last season with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers, who acquired him on July 30. He didn’t lose a game after
May 30 and was as dominant as ever in his first nine starts with LA, going 7-0 with an 0.78 ERA. The right-hander ran out of steam following heavy usage in the postseason, though. He was unable to start Game 6 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta as planned due to arm fatigue. The Dodgers lost that game to end the series. Scherzer said he took about two weeks off before resuming throwing. He’s back on his normal offseason programme, and he said the arm has turned a corner and felt better over the past two weeks. “I needed to see where my arm was at, make sure there wasn’t any damage, and there wasn’t,” he said.
“I just needed time. I overcooked my arm, I worked past my work capacity and what it was built for. “From a long-term standpoint, structural standpoint, health standpoint, I’m ready to go.” Scherzer struck out 236 and walked 36 in 179 1/3 innings, averaging 94.4 mph with his fastball in the final season of a $210 million, seven-year contract that included $105 million in deferred money payable from 2022-28. This deal will raise his career earnings to at least $370 million. “Max is one of the best pitchers of this or any generation,” Cohen said. “It’s a great day for the New York Mets. It’s an even better day for our fans.”
MLB HEADED TO 1ST WORK STOPPAGE SINCE ‘95 AS DEAL EXPIRES By RONALD BLUM and STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Baseball Writers IRVING, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement expired last night, plunging the sport toward a management lockout that will end labour peace after 9,740 days over 26 1/2 years. Players and owners had successfully reached four consecutive agreements without a stoppage, but they have been headed for a confrontation for more than two years. Talks ended when management negotiators left the union’s hotel about nine hours before the deal lapsed at 11:59 p.m. EST. Players said MLB did not make any new central economic proposals this week. The union demanded change following anger over a declining average salary, middle-class players forced out by teams concentrating payroll on the wealthy and veterans jettisoned in favour of lower-paid youth, especially
among clubs tearing down their rosters to rebuild. “As players we see major problems with it,” New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer said of the 2016 agreement. “First and foremost, we see a competition problem and how teams are behaving because of certain rules that are within that, and adjustments have to be made because of that in order to bring out the competition.” Eleven weeks remain until pitchers and catchers are to report for spring training on February 16, leaving about 70 days to reach a deal allowing for an on-time start. Opening day is set for March 31, and a minimum of three weeks of organised workouts have been required in the past. Management, intent on preserving salary restraints gained in recent decades, rejected the union’s requests for what teams regarded as significant alterations to the sport’s economic structure, including lowering service time needed for free agency and salary arbitration.
Many clubs scrambled to add players ahead of a lockout and an expected signing freeze, committing to more than $1.9 billion in new contracts — including a one-day record of more than $1.4 billion Wednesday. “It did feel like at least certain groups of free agents were moving more quickly the last few days,” Pittsburgh general manager Ben Cherington said. Two of the eight members of the union’s executive subcommittee signed big deals: Texas infielder Marcus Semien ($175 million) and Scherzer ($130 million). “This is actually kind of fun,” Scherzer said. “I’m a fan of the game, and to watch everybody sign right now, to actually see teams competing in this kind of timely fashion, it’s been refreshing because we’ve seen freezes for the past several offseasons.” Much has changed since the 232day strike that cut short the 1994 season, led to the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years and caused the 1995 season to start late. That stoppage ended only
when a federal judge — future Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor — issued an injunction forcing owners to restore the work rules of the expired labor contract. The average salary dropped from $1.17 million before the strike to $1.11 million but then resumed its seemingly inexorable rise. It peaked at just under $4.1 million in 2017, the first season of the latest CBA, but likely will fall to about $3.7 million when this year’s final figures are calculated. That money is concentrated heavily at the top of the salary structure. Among approximately 1,955 players who signed major league contracts at any point going into the regular season’s final month, 112 had earned $10 million or more this year as of August 31, of which 40 made at least $20 million, including prorated shares of signing bonuses. There were 1,397 earning under $1 million, of which 1,271 were at $600,000 or less and 332 under $100,000, a group of younger players who shuttle back and forth to the minors.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, December 2, 2021, PAGE 17
BRITISH TENNIS PLAYER JOHANNA KONTA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
SERBIA’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik during a Davis Cup quarter final match between Serbia and Kazakhstan at the Madrid Arena stadium in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Djokovic wins twice to lead Serbia to Davis Cup semifinals By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — After having to play in an empty arena in the group stage, Novak Djokovic relished being in front of Davis Cup fans again. Djokovic fed off the energetic crowd from the start yesterday, leading Serbia into the semifinals with a 2-1 comefrom-behind win over Kazakhstan at the Madrid Arena. The top-ranked Djokovic kept Serbia alive in the quarterfinal by defeating Alexander Bublik in straight sets in his singles match, then teamed up
with Nikola Cacic in the deciding doubles for a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 win over Andrey Golubev and Aleksandr Nedovyesov. Serbia had played its group-stage matches without fans in Austria, because of the coronavirus pandemic. “It makes a huge difference,” said Djokovic, who was constantly turning to the crowd to celebrate during his matches. “Fans are one of the reasons why professional tennis exists. Playing in front of the fans is very important. They give us great energy, they give us a lot of motivation to try to play our best on the court.
WOMEN’S TENNIS TOUR SUSPENDS CHINA EVENTS OVER PENG CONCERNS By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer IN the strongest public stand against China taken by a sports body, the head of the women’s professional tennis tour announced yesterday that all WTA tournaments there would be suspended because of concerns about the safety of Peng Shuai, a Grand Slam doubles champion who accused a former government official of sexual assault. Peng dropped out of public view after raising the allegations about former vice premier Zhang Gaoli in a November 2 social media posting that was quickly taken down by Chinese authorities. “Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this very serious issue in any credible way,” WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon wrote in a statement distributed by the tour. “While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe, and not subject to censorship, coercion, and intimidation.” Simon has made repeated calls for what he termed Wednesday a “full and transparent investigation — without censorship” into Peng’s accusations. He said the move to put a halt to his tour’s play in China, including Hong Kong, came “with the full support of the WTA Board of Directors.” “In good conscience, I don’t see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault,” Simon said. “Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022.” China is supposed to be the site of several tennis tournaments next year,
including the prestigious season-ending WTA Finals, which are scheduled to be held there until 2030. The nation is a source of billions of dollars in income for various sports entities based elsewhere, from the WTA (whose headquarters are in St Petersburg, Florida) to the NBA (run out of New York) and the International Olympic Committee (Lausanne, Switzerland). “I applaud Steve Simon and the WTA leadership for taking a strong stand on defending human rights in China and around the world,” Billie Jean King said. “The WTA has chosen to be on the right side of history in defending the rights of our players. This is yet another reason why women’s tennis is the leader in women’s sports.” Beijing is set to host the Winter Games beginning on February 4, and IOC President Thomas Bach said on November 21 that he spoke with Peng — a 3-time Olympian — on a 30-minute video call. The IOC did not release video or a transcript of the exchange and said only that Bach reported that she said she was well. The IOC said in a statement that Peng appeared to be “doing fine” and said she had requested privacy. The IOC did not explain how the call was arranged, although it has worked closely with the Chinese Olympic Committee and government officials to organise the upcoming Games. Critics have suggested that Peng would not have called the IOC if she was truly free to speak. The European Union said Tuesday it wants China to offer “verifiable proof” that Peng — a 35-year-old who used to be ranked No. 1 in doubles and won titles at Wimbledon and the French Open — is safe. “Her recent public reappearance does not ease concerns about her safety and freedom,” an EU spokesperson said.
In Innsbruck we didn’t have fans so it was a completely different atmosphere.” Serbia reached the last four for the first time since 2017 and will face Croatia, which got past Italy on Monday. Serbia broke serve at 2-2 and 5-3 in the third set of the doubles to seal its fifth semifinal appearance in the team event. Serbia made it to the last eight as one of the top two second-place finishers from the six groups. It was second to Germany in a group that also included Austria. Serbia lost to Russia in the quarterfinals of the first edition of the Davis Cup Finals in 2019. Its only title came in 2010 in a final against France, and it was runner-up to the Czech Republic in 2013.
Djokovic had to win his singles match after Mikhail Kukushkin defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in the opener. Djokovic broke serve once in each set against the 36th-ranked Bublik to win 6-3, 6-4 and extend his singles winning streak in the Davis Cup to 17 matches. He comfortably won his first two matches in this year’s edition of the revamped team competition. Djokovic had 11 break points in total in the match that lasted 1 hour, 18 minutes at the Madrid Arena. The 182nd-ranked Kukushkin needed more than three hours in his 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (11) win over No. 69 Kecmanovic. He saved four match points, including two in the decisive tiebreaker. Kukushkin was a break up in the second set but
Kecmanovic came back by winning four straight games to even the match after converting his fifth set point. Kecmanovic got off to a fast start in the decisive set but couldn’t capitalise on his five break opportunities to take a 4-0 lead. He then squandered two match points at 5-3 before being pushed into the tiebreaker. The Serbian needed medical attention at 5-4 but was able to continue. Kukushkin saved another pair of match points in the tiebreaker before converting his fifth opportunity to clinch the win. “This is why we love the Davis Cup,” Kukushkin said. “I’m just honoured to play for my country and get the win for Kazakhstan. It was important for us. I’m super excited.”
DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR
LONDON (AP) — British tennis player Johanna Konta announced her retirement yesterday, saying: “I just ran out of steam.” The 30-year-old Konta reached a high in the rankings of No. 4 and was a four-time title winner on the WTA. She became the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon semifinals in 39 years when she got to that stage in 2017. She was also a semifinalist at the Australian Open (2016) and French Open (2019). Konta made her announcement on social media, saying she was grateful to have been able “to live my dreams.” In an interview on the WTA’s website, Konta said she didn’t have the energy to put in the hard work to stay at the top of the sport. “For me, it’s just about putting my emotional, mental, physical well-being in the position to put that energy and work in to be able to do that,” Konta said. “It’s that link of being able to convince yourself to be in pain. I just ran out of steam for it.” In her own statement, Konta said “all the evidence pointed towards me not ‘making’ it in this profession.” “However my luck materialised in the people that came into my life and impacted my existence in ways that transcended tennis,” she wrote. “I am so incredibly grateful for these people. You know who you are.” The Australia-born Konta ended the year ranked 113th.
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THE TRIBUNE
With a shot at No. 1, Bahamas no holiday for Collin Morikawa By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — The Hero World Challenge has all the trappings of a working vacation on a Caribbean island with a 20-man field, no cut and warm tropical air in December. It just doesn’t feel that way to Collin Morikawa. An historic year for the 24-year-old Californian can still get better. At stake for Morikawa this week at Albany Golf Club is a chance to reach No. 1 in the world in only his 61st tournament worldwide as a pro. That would be the second-quickest ascent to the top of the world in golf behind Tiger Woods (21 starts). None of this seems to faze Morikawa, not after a year in which he won his first World Golf Championship, his second major at the British Open and became the first American to be No. 1 on the European Tour when he won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai two weeks ago. And to think it was just over 18 months ago that he picked up his business degree from the University of California at Berkeley. “I wouldn’t call it surprised,” Morikawa said after a pro-am round that included cricket legend Brian Lara. “I set a lot of
lofty goals and they’re reasonable goals — they’re not unreasonable — but I set a lot of high goals and that’s just the standard I live up to. It always has been. I just keep pushing myself.” At the moment, there appears to be no limit for a game already renowned for pure irons and a repeatable swing that rarely gets him too far off course. U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm chose not to play the holiday event hosted by Woods. According to projections, Morikawa would have to win to reach No. 1, and then the two-year rolling formula would return Rahm back to No. 1 a week later. Still, just getting there is a big deal. And with this tournament offering world ranking points, this would be as good a chance as any. Besides, hit-and-giggle is not Morikawa’s style. “I’m here to win and we’re here to play golf,” he said. “You can look at it as a vacation, but at the end of the day I still want to come out here and play really well. And obviously, over the past month-and-a-half it’s been some pretty good golf. And hopefully, we can just lean on that to finish off this year and head into 2022.” The field includes Rory McIlroy, who had a chance to win in Dubai until a bad break and frustration that led to bad shots cost him down the stretch.
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MORIKAWA (AP)
SCHAUFFELE (AP)
MCILROY (AP)
ANCER (AP)
STENSON (AP)
BURNS (AP)
Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are playing in the Bahamas, this time 72 holes instead of the 12-hole TV exhibition in Las Vegas. They aren’t paired together and might not even see each other this week if they can help it. Jordan Spieth plays his first tournament as a father after his wife gave birth to a boy. Spieth and McIlroy can relate to Morikawa’s rapid rise. McIlroy was 21 when he nearly won the Masters, set the U.S. Open scoring record a year later and then added the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island for two majors at age 23. Spieth nearly won the Masters at age 20 in 2014, his first full year as a PGA Tour member. The
following year, he won the Masters and U.S. Open, was one shot out of a playoff in the British Open and was runner-up in the PGA. The challenge can be sustaining great play. McIlroy has gone through his share of rough patches, along with injury. Spieth went more than three years without winning and nearly fell out of the top 100 before he got back on track. “It’s just about resetting your goals, just trying to keep improving as a player, try to not let complacency creep in at any point,” McIlroy said. “I think at times when you get successful and you maybe enjoy a little bit of that success, that complacency can creep in.”
The biggest knock on Morikawa, aside from occasional putting lapses, is that his best game has been absent during the PGA Tour postseason each of the last two years. That’s more about the fickle nature of golf than any complacency. He said he doesn’t wait until the end of the year to raise the bar. That could be after a tournament (usually a win), but the target is always moving, always within reasonable reach. “If I had set the bar of saying at 20 years old I wanted to win two majors by the time I finished my career, I’d be complacent, right? I’d just be OK with myself,” he said. “But I’m not. I want to keep winning. I want to keep beating these guys out here.”
BLOCKED SHOT AT BUZZER GIVES CELTICS 1-POINT WIN OVER 76ERS BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 26 points with a career-high 16 rebounds, shaking off a hard fourthquarter fall to lead to lead the Boston Celtics to a 88-87 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Tatum scored 11 points in the fourth. Robert Williams III blocked Georges Niang’s shot at the buzzer to give the Celtics the victory. Joel Embiid had 18 rebounds for Philadelphia, adding 13 points on 3 for 17 shooting. Seth Curry had 17 points and Shake Milton came off the bench to score 16. MAGIC 108, NUGGETS 103 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Cole Anthony scored 24 points, Wendell Carter Jr. added 18 points and Orlando rallied from an early 16-point deficit to defeat Denver and end its seven-game losing streak. The Magic took their first lead of the night at 106-103 when rookie Franz Wagner drilled a step-back 3-pointer with 1:45 to play. HAWKS 114, PACERS 111 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Trae Young made two crucial free throws in the final seconds of the game to help Atlanta fend off Indiana. Pacers rookie Chris Duarte came up with a steal late in the game, but was unable to convert a contested layup. Young was fouled and made the final two of his 33 points. Young also had 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Hawks. Kevin Huerter finished with 19 points, and John Collins scored 14 for Atlanta.
HERO
76ERS guard Shake Milton (18) drives past Celtics forward Jayson Tatum yesterdat in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 27 points. Domantas Sabonis scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Myles Turner had 17 points and nine rebounds. WIZARDS 115, TIMBERWOLVES 107 WASHINGTON (AP) — Montrezl Harrell scored 27 points and Bradley Beal added 19 to lift Washington over Minnesota. Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns had to leave the game with 2:14 remaining after injuring himself on a dunk. Towns scored only two of his 34 points in the final period — and that was when he got free along the baseline for a dunk. After slamming the ball through, his momentum caused his body to fall horizontally and he appeared to land on his tailbone. Daniel Gafford had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards, who were back home after a four-game road trip.
CAVALIERS 111, HEAT 85 MIAMI (AP) — Kevin Love scored 22 points to help Cleveland snap a 20-game losing streak in Miami. Jarrett Allen added 19 points and 11 rebounds and Darius Garland finished with 16 points for the Cavaliers, who had not won on the Heat’s home court since January 25, 2010. The Cavaliers also got a doubledouble from Evan Mobley with his 17-point, 11-rebound outing. Tyler Herro scored 21 points for Miami. Dewayne Dedmon started at centre in place of Bam Adebayo, who learned yesterday that he’s likely out until at least mid-January with a torn right-thumb ligament. MAVERICKS 139, PELICANS 107 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 18 of his team-high 28 points in the first quarter and dished out 14 assists in 27 minutes to power Dallas over New Orleans. Doncic went 7 of 8 from the floor in the Mavericks’ 41-point first quarter — their highest-scoring period of the season. Dallas shot 73 percent from the floor (16 of 22) in the period and finished 57 of 83 for the game (69 percent), their hottest shooting game of the season. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and 10 rebounds for Dallas, which had lost five of its previous six games. New Orleans, which entered having won three of their last four games, was paced by Brandon Ingram with 29 points.
AYTON
FROM PAGE 13 seal down low and trying to get a good shot.” Ayton shot 11-19 from the field and took advantage of mismatches against a smaller Warriors frontline. “We played teams like this before, just attacking mismatches [against] smalls. I had a good experience in the playoffs seeing that type of team and type of coverage they play on us. It’s just sealing and ducking to give my teammates a good target for a good entry pass.” The Suns will go for their franchise record 18th win against the Detroit Pistons tonight. “We have some young guys who know how to play basketball but at the same time we are willing to take that constructive criticism and not take it personally, but just willing to learn,” Ayton said. “That season where we only won 19 games, it wasn’t really disappointment it was just a lesson learned that we never want to get back to that ever again and that’s what we’re showing.” Suns head coach Monty Williams said the team has seen improvement in Ayton’s game, asserting himself on the offensive end of the floor. “I just think our guys are looking for him more but he’s a bigger
I’d say I’m amongst the top players in the world, I feel comfortable saying that based on ranking or feeling or just being out here with the guys like an office environment. Yeah, I’m pretty comfortable. This is my fifth or sixth year on Tour so I’ve become more and more comfortable out here and I still haven’t accomplished a lot of things I want to do. As I said, wherever that may be is where I’ll go.” The Hero World Challenge, which began in 2000, was hosted at Grayhawk Golf Club in Arizona. It then moved to Sherwood Country Club in Los Angeles, where it enjoyed a 13-year tenure. The following year, it moved to the Isleworth Country Club in Florida before its most recent shift to The Bahamas. Rory McIlroy has previously competed at the event in Sherwood and compared the experience to what he expects in The Bahamas. “Yeah, I liked it at Sherwood. It feels like Christmastime. The Christmas trees were up and it sort of felt like the holidays, The Bahamas is a different feel and it’s certainly different here at Albany, but it’s nice,” he said. “I haven’t played this event in a while and I felt while I was starting to feel like I was getting my golf game back and playing well, I wanted to play a little bit and this is another opportunity to play well and just build on, I guess build on the good play that I’ve seen over the last couple of months.” Past champions in the event have included Bubba Watson, Jon Rahm, Rickie Fowler, Hideki Matsuyama and most recently, Henrik Stenson.
target than he was last year or earlier in the year when teams would go to a switching defence. DA is planting himself in the restricted area, catching it, and finishing around the basket. We all get on him when he fades, he has a smaller guy and he shoots the fade when we know he can get to the basket,” Williams said. “He’s so much better this year, there’s an effort to get to the front of the rim and dominate. And it doesn’t necessarily mean he has to score the ball, he can be dominant on the offensive boards.” Ayton is averaging 16 points and 11.5 rebounds per game on the season. “I just think he’s imposing his will in a number of ways. He realises how much stronger he is, especially against smaller guys. He generates a lot of offence with his dives - whether it’s against the typical NBA defence or against switches on smalls,” Williams said. “When a small has to battle him down there I think that can wear you out. DA is pretty efficient and unselfish. I like his understanding of his role now, he can shoot the ball but he’s imposing his will in the paint and that’s helping us a ton.”
LIVERPOOL ENTERTAINS AS EPL’S TOP 3 ALL WIN TO STAY CLOSE LONDON (AP) — Only two points separate Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. There’s no doubting who the entertainers are with the most high-powered attack. Liverpool hit four goals for a third consecutive game by beating Everton 4-1 yesterday, taking the team’s scoring tally to 43 in 14 games — the most in a major European league so far. Jürgen Klopp’s 2020 champions remained in third, but with another 24 games to go that’s far from a concern. “The performance of all of the boys was absolutely outstanding,” Klopp said. On a rare occasion when the front-runners were playing at the same time, Manchester City won 2-1 at Aston Villa to stay a point ahead of Liverpool in second and Chelsea remains a point better off at the top after beating Watford by the same score. “We’ve had an incredibly tough first part of the league,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “We are there one point behind. The important thing is the way we are
performing. The way we are performing is a high level.” The top three pulled away from fourth place after West Ham was held 1-1 by Brighton. Leicester and Southampton also drew 2-2, while the meeting between Wolverhampton and Burnley was goalless. SALAH DOUBLE Salah is fronting Liverpool’s scoring charge and he now has 19 goals in as many appearances this season in all competitions after his double at Goodison Park. After captain Jordan Henderson gave Liverpool the lead in the Merseyside derby by shooting from the edge of the area, Salah’s first goal was a curling shot across goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 19th minute. Everton had the chance of a comeback after Demarai Gray pulled a goal back just before halftime. But Salah seized on bad error by Everton captain Seamus Coleman to race from halfway before striking into the net in the 64th. “I think we know each other more now,” Salah said. “We are together for five or six years. Last
CHELSEA goalkeeper Edouard Mendy makes a save during the English Premier League match against Watford at Vicarage Road, Watford, England, yesterday. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP) season we had a few injuries. The season before we were playing really well, we won some titles together.” Diogo Jota beat Pickford’s near post for Liverpool’s fourth as Everton’s winless run extended to eight matches, with just two points from a possible 24. Some Everton fans streamed for the exits after Jota’s goal. Others stayed and directed their anger toward the directors’ box after the final whistle. There were
chants of “sack the board” as well as boos at the final whistle. NO GERRARD FAVOUR Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard couldn’t help out his old team in his third game in charge of Aston Villa. Bernardo Silva’s volley from Gabriel Jesus’ cross followed Ruben Dias’ goal for Manchester City in the first half at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins reduced the deficit in the 47th with a first-time finish off a corner to the near post
but City held on, helped by the second-half introduction of Jack Grealish — the boyhood Villa fan and former club captain who left for a British-record fee of 100 million pounds (then $139 million) in the offseason. ZIYECH OFF MARK Hakim Ziyech scored his first league goal of the season to clinch Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Watford in a match that was halted for 32 minutes in the first half after a spectator suffered cardiac arrest. The substitute converted a cross in the 72nd from Mason Mount, who had put Chelsea in front in the first half before Emmanuel Dennis equalised. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was surprised by what he called a “very sloppy” performance. “I have to get the team ready and obviously I didn’t prepare them for what was coming because for the first time we were completely underperforming as a team,” he said. “We did not cope well with the first balls, we did not cope well with the pressure and we did not cope well with the second balls.”