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‘SCRAPPING VISA A HUGE MISTAKE’
Minnis attacks decision to remove health visa requirement for locals FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis says the Davis administration has made a “grave mistake” by removing the travel health visa requirement for Bahamians and residents who are returning to the country from international travel. He believes the government should reconsider the decision, saying the data gleaned from the travel health visa was an important tool in contact tracing. He also said removing the requirement for returning citizens and residents opens
up the possibility of fraudulent COVID-19 tests going undetected. “The government is making a grave and serious mistake,” he said yesterday. “There is no shame in saying you were wrong, after all you’re talking about jeopardising the Bahamian economy as well as lives and (people’s) livelihood. “This is an important health tool in terms of tracing and quarantine and (removing it is) a set-up for a disaster and catastrophe. SEE PAGE FOUR
in the construction industry are sustaining losses because contracts are not being adjusted to account for the sharp post-COVID increase in building materials costs. With post-COVID demand, as well as the supply chain backlog, combining to drive construction material prices up by 40 percent “across the board”, Mr Sands said: “Contractors are suffering.” FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
PLANS by the Minnis administration to convert Ragged Island to a “green island” were nothing more than “fanciful speech to get likes on social media.” This according to Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper, who told the press on Friday that there were never any plans to support the former government’s repeated pronouncements. SEE PAGE THREE
WOMAN, 22, DIES AS CAR COLLIDES WITH POLE
MATERIAL COSTS SURGE DEVASTATING BUILDERS By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net FORMER Bahamian Contractors Association president Leonard Sands yesterday said many contractors are “on the brink of collapse” due to fixed-price contracts that exclude the impact of 40 percent cost hikes. Leonard Sands, disclosing that he himself has experienced this pain, said many
GREEN PLAN FOR RAGGED ISLAND WAS ‘FANCIFUL’
MAKING HISTORY CHANTEL O’Brian made history for The Bahamas last night as she reached the top ten of the Miss Universe competition, the first time a contestant from the country has gone so far. She doesn’t come away empty handed either, after winning the Spirit of Carnival award at the pageant’s preliminary competition. Her top ten finish was last night hailed by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who said: “Tonight, we are so very, very proud of Ms Chantel O’Brian.” See PAGE TWO for the full story.
KOMALAFE QUITS DNA - BUT NOT POLITICS By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
ARINTHIA Komolafe announced on Friday her immediate resignation as Democratic National Alliance leader. Mrs Komolafe explained candidly during a press conference the many reasons that sparked her resignation and admitted that third party politics in The Bahamas was “brutal” and
ARINTHIA KOMOLAFE “extremely difficult”. While the party was trying to improve its
performance during the 2021 general election, the DNA did not produce the results its members had hoped for. Their performance was quite the opposite and the party performed worse than in both the 2012 and 2017 elections. Her absence now leaves the DNA’s deputy leader to become interim leader, as set out in the party’s constitution.
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FOUR
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN is dead after her car veered off the road and hit a utility pole in Grand Bahama on Saturday night. While police did not release the victim’s identity, sources say she is 22-yearold Georganique Baptiste of Holmes Rock. SEE PAGE TWO
NINETY DAYS TO SWITCH VAT PRICING
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
RETAILERS have been given a 90-day transition period to deal with the repricing “nightmare” caused by the VAT rate cut, one saying yesterday: “We hope this is the last change for a very long time.” FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
INSIGHT IF THIS IS HOW WE DO BUSINESS, NO WONDER WE’RE IN A MESS
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Monday, December 13, 2021
HOST STEVE HARVEY, left, speaks with The Bahamas’ Chantel O’Brian as she advances to the semi-finals of the 70th Miss Universe pageant, in Eilat, Israel, last night and, inset, Chantel during the swimsuit stage. Photo: Ariel Schalit/AP
THE TRIBUNE
MISS BAHAMAS MAKES TOP TEN FOR FIRST TIME MISS Universe Bahamas Chantel O’Brian made history last night as she reached the top ten in the international pageant. She was the first Bahamian to reach the top ten of the competition, and posted to social media afterwards: “The Bahamas, it was an honor to walk in aquamarine, black and gold glory. I gave it my all and I believe in my heart that it was enough.” Her achievement set social media buzzing around the country, and also drew praise from Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who issued a statement. He said: “I join Bahamians around the world, who tonight are celebrating Ms Chantel O’Brian in her historic achievement in advancing to the top ten in the Miss Universe competition. “As a mentor and advocate for children’s education, she is an inspiration and role model for all Bahamians who strive for excellence. Tonight, we are so very, very proud of Ms Chantel O’Brian. Congratulations.” On Friday during this year’s preliminary competition for the 70th Miss Universe, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy presented Ms O’Brian with the “Spirit of Carnival” award. She received the award for embodying the company’s values of fun, friendship, diversity and inclusion. The “Spirit of Carnival” award presentation was featured during the Miss Universe final competition, which was broadcast internationally yesterday. As part of the honour, Ms O’Brian will join Miss Universe 2022, along with a group of other Miss Universe delegates, on a
Carnival cruise in 2022 to showcase their dedication to women’s empowerment. “Chantel has a passion for childhood education and mentorship that led her to co-founding The Leading Ladies Project, an organisation prioritising the education of underprivileged girls,” Ms Duffy said. “It was an honour to announce her as the recipient of the ‘Spirit of Carnival’ award as she joins a group of esteemed women who have served in this time-honoured role for Carnival, and we look forward to supporting her and her initiatives in The Bahamas.” Coming from humble beginnings as a daughter of a Haitian immigrant, Ms O’Brian faced many financial and academic obstacles. This sparked her passion for child education and mentorship. In addition to co-founding The Leading Ladies Project, she aims to help marginalised youth with their educational dreams. Her ardent efforts helping the youth of The Bahamas earned her the recognition as Fellow Associate by the Royal Commonwealth Society. This is the second time a Miss Universe delegate has received the “Spirit of Carnival” award. During the 2021 competition, Miss Universe Dominican Republic Kimberly Jiménez was selected and also named the godmother to the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras. Ms Jiménez was later joined by Miss Universe Andrea Meza, and Miss USA Asya Branch, for an unforgettable opportunity to be among the first to sail on Mardi Gras for a weeklong vacation in October 2021. The overall competition was won by Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu.
THE WRECKAGE of the crash.
Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
WOMAN, 22, DIES AS CAR COLLIDES WITH POLE from page one
According to reports, shortly before 10pm officers received information of a traffic accident on Warren J Levarity Highway in the area of Bahama Rock. “Upon the officers’ arrival, initial investigations revealed that a silver Honda Accord driven by a lone female was travelling west on Warren J Levarity Highway in a southwest bound lane,” police said. “The driver of the vehicle lost control and collided with the centre median, and eventually came to a rest on a utility pole on the northern side of the street.” Police said Emergency Medical Services were called, but “found no signs of life”. The victim was taken to Rand Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead by a local doctor. Yesterday, family members and friends reacted to Baptiste’s death, describing her as a “sweet, beautiful” woman who was full of life. “She was about to become a nurse and had her entire life ahead of her. Georganique was always the life of the party. Gorgeous, sweet and sassy. She was beautiful inside and out. I pray that God provides my family with strength during this time. Baby girl, you will be
GEORGANIQUE BAPTISTE missed,” one cousin wrote on social media. In September, the island recorded a traffic fatality when a man was left dead and another in hospital when the driver lost control of his car. Police said they received a call about the traffic accident on Queen’s Highway in Deadman’s Reef, West Grand Bahama. Initial investigations revealed that a red coloured 2010 Honda Fit was travelling west on Queen’s Highway, driven by a man who was accompanied by a front seat male passenger. The driver of the vehicle lost control, ran off the southern side of the street into bushes where the car overturned, police said. The passenger was ejected from the vehicle as a result of the impact. Both of them were then attacked by bees. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver was taken to hospital in serious, but stable condition.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 13, 2021, PAGE 3
Green plan for Ragged Island was ‘fanciful’ from page one Mr Cooper, the Deputy Prime Minister, was on Ragged Island to officially open the new airport terminal there. “There’s never been a plan for a green island and the former Prime Minister made a fanciful speech to get likes on social media, but it has never really been a plan made,” Mr Cooper said. “The solar forays just came into operation and has finally been connected to the grid. There’s no real tangible benefit yet to the people of Ragged Island. “I hope that we may be able to see some reduction in the rates that the people of Ragged Island enjoy. The reality of it is that we really have to develop a master
plan for Ragged Island. “There are some people who are working on one already. The descendants of Ragged Island. We are going to continue to work on an orderly, sustainable master plan for Ragged Island.” In 2017, months after the country’s general elections, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, devastated Ragged Island, destroying everything in its path except a small edifice – Holy Innocence Anglican Church – which somehow was unscathed. MP Cooper, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Aviation and Investments, reminded his constituents of the storm’s devastation and his government’s commitment to restore the island, once deemed uninhabitable
CHESTER Cooper in Ragged Island on Friday. by the Minnis administration, to what it was. “Hurricane Irma struck Ragged Island in my early days as a member of Parliament for Exumas and Ragged Island,” he said. “It
AIRPORT IS A ‘NEW DAY’ PROJECT By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
AS HE opened the new Ragged Island Airport Terminal, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Chester Cooper, branded the building a “new day” project. With a construction timeframe of eight-weeks, the deputy prime minister said the facility will serve as a model for small airports around the country. Mr Cooper, who is also the Exuma and Ragged Island MP chided the previous Minnis administration saying it could not accomplish in four years, what was done by the Davis administration in only eight weeks. The airport terminal, located in Duncan Town, consists of a large ticket counter, restroom facilities, an office, a kitchen and a storage room. “I assure you that what could not be done in four years has been done here in eight weeks,” Mr Cooper said. “This airport terminal building serves as a testament to what can be done here in Ragged Island and our commitment to you. “As I mentioned, construction started eight weeks ago and today it is finished. I want to say a special thank you to Ranmar Contractors who are not only contractors on the ground here, but they are good community people, they are good corporate citizens and when others say it could not be done in such a short period of time, they said it will be done. “This serves as a signal of hope and restoration. It shows that though you might have been out of sight, you have not been out of mind. I want you to know that this is just the beginning.” Mr Cooper, his delegates and the press, went to Ragged Island expecting to witness the official commissioning of an airport “gazebo”, but were pleasantly surprised to find a full building representing a small terminal. “I want to say how pleased I am to be here once more, not just as your member of Parliament, but as your deputy prime minister,” he said. “Today I came to open an airport gazebo,
but when I arrived, I went inside and I discovered that this is not a gazebo. This is a full out terminal building here for Ragged Island. “I am very proud of what I saw and I said to Mr Neko Davis, the family island manager, that this is going to be the model for small airports around the country. An administrator pointed to some of the furniture here under the tree, but I told him no, we don’t put new wine in old bottles. “Therefore, Mr Davis is appropriately instructed to ensure that this facility has everything that it needs as I happen also to be the minister responsible for aviation.” He reflected on of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which left the Ragged Islanders without an airport and the necessities to run the island efficiently. “Four years ago, during Hurricane Irma, you were hit hard, public infrastructure was destroyed and your homes were destroyed,” the minister said. “Irma destroyed the school, the police station, the clinic, the public administration building, water infrastructure, electrical infrastructure and the airport gazebo that you had. “The damage was so bad that the previous administration shortly thereafter threw up their hands and deemed Ragged Island uninhabitable. This is still a sore point for us here in Ragged Island and for the next years the previous administration had done very little to restore your services.
“This did not stop you, the people of Ragged Island, from surviving. You survived with little – no nurse, no administration building, no post office, no government service, no school and I recall me having to say that over and over in Parliament and I did it with great pride because I am proud to represent you.” Giving the people of Ragged Island hope for a bright future, Minister Cooper continued to remind them of where they were and how far they have come. “Children were sent away from their families to New Providence and to Exuma to be educated, causing great heartache,” he said. “And, making the trek back, was made even more difficult by the fact that with the gazebo that was here being destroyed, pilots and travellers would have had no public restrooms on their arrival. “For some time, the former administration claimed it would get to work, but lingered in restoring services and they dragged their feet in restoring the school and the clinic. But this administration will get it done.” Also, in attendance at the opening of the terminal were, Cecilia Cooper, Spouse of the Deputy Prime Minister; Senator Randy Rolle, Consultant, Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; Niko Davis, Sr, Supt Family Island Airports, Airport Authority; Bacchus Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Works and
was heartbreaking. “I connected with the people here in Ragged Island. I felt their pain and still feel their pain and as their member of Parliament, I’ve raised hell in Parliament to get attention for the people of Ragged Island. Now I have the opportunity to do something about it. “In the past eight weeks we went swiftly ahead to build the airport terminal building. This momentum is going to continue. We are going to continue all the works that started with the school and clinic.” He pointed out the plans for Ragged Island, some of which are already in motion. “The dock needs work,” he said. “All of the infrastructure here has been damaged. We are going to be opening a makeshift clinic. We can no longer wait, while people risk their lives. “This is a fishing community. It’s a construction site and the reality is that we need to have a nurse on this island and come January we will have one. “It’s not completely adequate as a clinic, but we can’t wait any longer. So, the nurse is coming. We are going to look to do something similar with the school house. The children are here and they are ready
Photo: BIS to go back to school.” He said the reality is that the Ragged Islanders will see an expediting of the restoration of their island. We are not going to give up on Ragged Island. “I made it a priority to tell my Cabinet colleagues that we cannot fail Ragged Island, the way the previous government did,” he said. “I made it a priority to say that small communities like this one around the country require us to look after them. “It is written that what you do for the least of our brothers, you do unto Christ. And, this is why we will look out for communities across the country, small ones like Ragged Island. “The Ministry of Health has secured a nurse for Ragged Island and she will be arriving next month. A decision that took them four years to make, we made in four weeks. Her living quarters is secured and almost renovated and just like we delivered in a short time here, I know we will deliver on those quarters as well.” He said the economy of Ragged Island also deserves a “new day”. He also added a call for them to grow their businesses. “We have to reignite the economy,” Mr Cooper said. “You can be the commercial fishing
capital of the south. You can have boutique resorts here. You can be the boutique salt capital of The Bahamas for table salt and salt spas. “No longer will the people of Ragged Island have to catch a plane for basic medical service. You will get that right here. Construction on the school is well on the way and I am thankful to the Minister of Works past and present for moving this project along.” “We’ve had many great, big names that have come from Ragged Island. Mr Wayne Munroe, for example, is a descendant from Ragged Island - the Maycocks, the Lockharts, the Wallaces. Ragged Island has made a lot of great professionals and I am calling on them to return to Ragged Island and help with the restoration.” Mr Cooper said people will begin to return to Ragged Island when they know they can get education and healthcare. He said he is very optimistic about the future of Ragged Island. He said he hopes to accomplish the restoration projects in the shortest possible time and indicated that there will be a monument erected in Ragged Island in memory of the four Royal Bahamas Defence Force soldiers who lost their lives in 1980.
PAGE 4, Monday, December 13, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
‘Scrapping visa a huge mistake’ from page one “The government is making a grave mistake (removing the travel visa requirement) with nothing in place and I advise them to reconsider.” Last week, Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper announced that beginning today, citizens and residents will no longer need a travel health visa to come home from abroad. The move was welcomed by Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville.
Mr Cooper said despite this change, testing requirements will remain in place and visitors with citizenship in other jurisdictions will still need a travel health visa to enter the country. Dr Minnis said he doubts officials in the health and tourism sector are on board with the change. “I find it very difficult to believe that the health professionals and tourism will agree to it, knowing the impact it will have on tourism, the economy and livelihood,” the Killarney MP said, adding that the decision will leave “our borders completely open”.
He said protocols in place under the travel visa system were there to help spot fraudulent tests. Dr Minnis said his administration dealt with the issue of people presenting fraudulent COVID-19 tests to travel, however he said officials trained personnel to crack down on this practice. He questioned if the removal of the travel visa will lead to a proliferation of fake tests possibly going undetected. “We went through that process and we did that because it was difficult to confirm the validity of the tests.
KOMALAFE QUITS DNA - BUT NOT POLITICS from page one
The plans to step down were communicated at a Central Council meeting earlier last week. “The current model upon which the DNA has been run from an operational, financial and resource perspective is unsustainable,” Mrs Komolafe said. “It is simply unsustainable to have a leader that is the main financier of the party’s operation alongside members on the leader being the main commentator on the party’s behalf writing press releases for officers and spokespersons while performing administrative functions within the organisation. “This model has to change going forward if the party is to survive.” According to her, the DNA experienced financial woes. In the most recent election, the party secured no major donors and a lot of the candidates funded their own campaigns. “Hence as leader I spent my own personal funds to the tune of six figures to fund the DNA’s campaign during the recent elections. The fact is that over these past four years the party has been plagued with financial challenges. We are grateful to members who paid their dues and to the Bahamians who have supported our fundraising initiatives, but these amounts were only significant to contribute to the operating expenses of the party which totalled at least $100,000 annually,” Mrs Komolafe said. She also highlighted that it was very difficult to find a group of dedicated and committed individuals to take a leading role in the party and function in that role. Mrs Komolafe added: “As you can imagine if one person and in our case many persons are not functioning in their roles it simply means that others must step in to fill the gap or the gap goes unfilled. Unfortunately, this has happened too many times within our organisation.” In July, the party announced that Steven Michael Nesbitt and Derek Smith were the new duly elected deputy leader and chairman respectively. The men were elected at a special congress meeting as Buscheme Armbrister stepped down effective June 30 in order to attend to “personal matters”. Omar Smith, the previous chairman, stepped down to contest the position of deputy leader, but lost to Mr Nesbitt. Mrs Komolafe also said it was very likely that she would have already been elected had she decided to run on the tickets of either of the major parties. Specifically, she suggested offers were on the table with the Free National Movement in 2017 and another in 2021 with the
ARINTHIA Komolafe on advance polling day at this year’s election. Progressive Liberal Party. However, according to Mrs Komolafe, she could not just “abandon ship”. “The fact of the matter is I was too deep in. I had done too much work and I thought the organisation deserved a fighting chance and reality is based on my moral and ethics as a captain. I could not abandon ship though the storms were raging. “Though I was being ridiculed by those who had claimed to be DNA supporters at some point I kept my head high and pushed towards the finish line.” Although she leaves her post as leader of the DNA, Mrs Komolafe said this does not mean she intends to leave frontline politics. Asked if she would consider an offer from other parties, she answered: “Everything I do in my life, I have to pray and I have to meditate about it. “For me, politics has always been a vehicle. It is a vehicle to bring forth a vision that I’ve been carrying for years—for where I feel this country should go and needs to be. “So, any decision I take in terms of frontline politics has to be an environment where I believe that vision is able to be brought to pass. I’m not just looking to be a politician. I could’ve done that long time.” As for allegations levelled against the party back in March 2021, it was decided that no further action would be taken in relation to the “bogus allegations” levied, she said Friday. Mrs Komolafe and other party officials were brought to the Central Police Station in March for questioning in relation to a March 3 protest and events that occurred later that day. They were released several hours later.
“We had that problem before, we had excess training with personnel to ensure we were not exposed to fraudulent illegitimate tests... they have not said what process they are going to utilise, the airlines can’t confirm the legitimacy of the test.” The health visa was implemented in November 2020 and had a fee attached in order to be obtained. Some people have welcomed the removal of the travel health visa requirement due to it being seen as an unneeded barrier for a person to re-enter their home country. Asked about
this, Dr Minnis said while there were one or two problem areas with the system, it was something that was applauded by other countries which asked for advice on how to implement the system in their jurisdictions. “We would have had one or two problematic areas, in any new system you encounter challenges, but you don’t dismantle it, especially when other countries are trying to model after that. So they are interested in it and The Bahamas wants to dismantle it? That is one of the most effective tools for contact tracing.” Dr Minnis said data from
the country’s first wave showed that the cases were not as a result of tourists entering this country, but Bahamians travelling home from overseas. “You have private aircrafts coming, (people) coming in on boats, the southern borders are open, how are they going to monitor all that? “The Omicron virus doubles every two to three days, Delta is still flaring up... if you watch the movement of the wave it’s moving from the north (United States) coming down to the south, it’s moving slowly towards us,” Dr Minnis said.
‘FOLLOW PROTOCOLS TO KEEP NUMBERS LOW’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
A TOP infectious disease expert has cautioned that if The Bahamas is to maintain low case numbers, COVID-19 precautions and protocols must be followed, including avoiding large gatherings this holiday season. Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/ AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health, said whether the country maintains the current picture, which includes a low positivity rate, comes down to personal responsibility. With the Yuletide season upon us, more people have been visiting popular shopping areas. Over the weekend, videos circulated of people gathered at various places and in these instances, there was little social distancing. “In general, if we want to keep cases low in the country, we have to do our part and that includes following the public health precautions and those precautions are in the realm of personal responsibility,” Dr Forbes told The Tribune yesterday.
“They include things like mask wearing, avoiding crowds, keeping your social distance — six feet apart — get vaccinated and keeping numbers low at gatherings. Outdoors is definitely better than indoors so that’s what we’ll have to do if we want to keep the cases low and manageable.” Her comments came on the heels of health officials officially launching a vaccine booster shot campaign. Dr Forbes said she was told over these past few days “the booster programme went well and was well subscribed”. The Ministry of Health said over the weekend that people 18 and older can today begin receiving booster shots. Last week, the booster shots were only available for people 60 and older. People eligible for a third jab are those who took the second dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca at least six months ago or received the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. “A booster shot will increase your body’s ability to protect you against COVID-19,” the ministry
said in a press statement on Saturday. People who want to receive a booster shot can make an appointment at vax.gov.bs. Officials said walk-ins are also welcomed. This comes as officials reported 26 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. There were 11 new cases recorded Saturday: six in New Providence and five in Grand Bahama. On Friday, 15 new cases were reported: 14 in New Providence while there was one case recorded for Grand Bahama. Eighteen new cases were recorded on Thursday. The country now has 22,907 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however only 357 of those are active. Seven hundred and eight people have died from COVID-19 while 17 people are in the hospital with the virus. Last week, Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said officials are concerned that the country’s four percent COVID-19 positivity rate has given people a false sense of security that vaccines are not needed and health protocols do not need to be followed.
URBAN RENEWAL LIGHTS UP CHRISTMAS TREE
THE LIGHTING of the Christmas tree at the Southern Recreation Grounds for an Urban Renewal event, with Santa and Ann Marie Davis, the wife of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, in attendance. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff SCORES of residents pandemic’s implications representing the Office from inner-city communi- here at home. of the Spouse, members ties gathered at Southern Among the attend- of Parliament, former Recreational Grounds on ees were Social Services Deputy Prime Minister Friday as Urban Renewal and Urban Development Cynthia “Mother” Pratt hosted its annual Christmas Minister Obie Wilch- and international donors. tree lighting ceremony. combe, Minister of State Urban Renewal was During the ceremony, in the Ministry of Social established under the Chrisattendees were encouraged Services and Urban Devel- tie administration with to show love and spread opment Lisa Rahming, a mandate of improving Christmas cheer this season Anne Marie Davis, wife and developing inner-city despite the COVID-19 of the Prime Minister communities.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 13, 2021, PAGE 5
One step closer to decision for Prospect Ridge project By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Housing is preparing its last briefing paper to present to Cabinet that will shape the final determination regarding the Prospect Ridge project’s future, according to Transport and Housing Minister Jobeth ColebyDavis yesterday. The once highly anticipated housing project for young professionals announced under the previous Minnis administration has been put on the back burner and branded nothing more than a political ploy by the Davis administration, with revelations that
its Environmental Impact Assessment was rejected due to major questions that arose. Critical steps like the feasibility study, a topography study and a master plan were not done, the minister has previously said. More recently, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called on his predecessor Dr Hubert Minnis to explain the proposed pricing for the housing lots, telling Parliament the sum was insufficient to cover the estimated price tag of infrastructure for the development. Asked yesterday if these factors and others had led the Davis administration to kill the project, Mrs
Coleby-Davis said: “My office is preparing a final briefing paper to Cabinet and a decision will be made following a discussion. “What I can say is that for the moment no further work has been completed as it relates to Prospect Ridge. As you would note from the recent supplementary budget debate, the funds allotted for the production of a master plan (have) been re-allocated to other priority projects and I am moving full steam ahead in the ministry to begin construction on various subdivisions in New Providence, Grand Bahama and other Family Islands, inclusive of Abaco and Eleuthera.
“I’ve made it clear that the focus is to produce turnkey affordable homes for Bahamians throughout the entire Bahamas.” As for the timeline of the final briefing paper, she explained that work in this regard is ongoing, adding: “They are preparing a detailed report as requested by the Prime Minister and reading through meeting minutes from the former Prospect committee.” Dr Minnis has repeatedly defended the proposed development, insisting that much work had been done to ensure his vision became a reality. Last month, he said a Committee for the Development for Young
Professionals carried out work for four months. “The committee designed the rules of the programme, including to give priority to persons based on the following criteria: the lower one’s income; the younger one’s age; if one worked for the government; and if one did not own a parcel of land,” he said at the time. “Special consideration was also given for those with disabilities. “The Digital Transformation Unit of the government built a digital application process on the MyGateway platform, which automatically weighted the criteria noted above and had the ability to rank the applicants.
Committee members held meetings with commercial banks to explain the programme and the partnership anticipated. “The commercial banks made preliminary assessments and provided letters to the committee to support the level of mortgage applicants were eligible to receive.” He said architects completed a conceptual sketch of the community and an environmentalist carried out the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan. Around 1,500 applications were received for the 300 lots offered for the development.
CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL OPERATORS STILL HOPE TO OPEN By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
OPERATORS of the Christmas Carnival are still seeking to persuade the government to allow the annual event to operate despite its request being rejected from the Ministry of Health. Their new request for approval comes after officials revealed last week that concerns about social distancing and organisers’ ability to consistently enforce current health rules had factored into the ministry’s decision to reject the holiday event. In a statement last night, carnival operators confirmed the company had re-submitted an application for approval, adding officials were “cautiously optimistic” about opening to the public soon. “The new application conforms with current health services rules,” the statement read. “The government announced last week that the carnival had been denied permission to open. Since then, (Daniel) McCafferty (owner of McCafferty Enterprises Bahamas)
said teams from the Ministry of Health have inspected the site. “McCafferty said he was unaware of the COVID-19 requirements by the Ministry of Health when he submitted the first application. However, he assured that the amusement park can operate safely,” the company’s statement said. According to Mr McCafferty, organisers have fully complied with safety measures implemented by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) during its travel throughout the United States last year. He also noted that while in operation, no COVID-19 infections were traced to the
amusement park, which he said accommodated as many as 400,000 attendees. “The amusement park did not come to The Bahamas last year as the country was not open for business,” the statement continued. “McCafferty’s amusement park has been providing entertainment and employment for Bahamians for more than 30 years. The park employs about 1,000 Bahamians. If approved to open, the carnival will remain in the country until January 25. The amusement park has brought new rides, inclusive of the largest roller coaster that The Bahamas has ever seen. If denied, McCafferty’s substantial investment will go down the drain.” When The Tribune arrived at the site yesterday, many of the attractions were still seen set up. Nor were there any indications that staff members were in the process of breaking down the equipment. The Ministry of Health’s decision to deny company officials’ original request to operate came after carnival officials brought their equipment into the country, an initiative that
was said to be quite costly. A company representative told reporters that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis gave them permission to host the event, but this was rejected by Press Secretary Clint Watson last week. “Absolute nonsense,” Mr Watson said. “The Prime Minister has never spoken about this issue, neither has he been involved in this issue. An operator says they got approval from somebody and a national leader in our country then says the Prime Minister and Minister of Health are on different pages? How can you take that based on what somebody has said outside of your country? The Prime Minister does not approve carnivals coming into the country.” Mr Watson also explained that while the operators were legally able to enter the country and set up, they never had official approval from the Ministry of Health, something he said should have been obtained first. If you express a concern, you wanna come and so forth we say these are the approvals that are required, you can go and
get approvals from various things. Included in that was, of course, the health protocol that will be required from the Ministry of Health. “I think that was the final approval they were waiting on. It’s not a matter of ‘we’re here and we’re hoping that this happens’. The agreement that is made every year is that you come into the country, you make your request to come in, we tell you the approvals that will be necessary… but at the end of the day all of the approvals have to be in place.” He added: “They never had approval from the Ministry of Health, that’s what they were waiting on…Let me explain it a different way, you can come to the country and say I want to come to try and set up shop to do something particular.” Last year, the Minnis administration decided to not allow the holiday carnival to take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year’s requests come as daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations continue to record low numbers.
MINISTRY GIVING ‘A LITTLE OVER $100’ TO PEOPLE IN NEED By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
STATE Social Services and Urban Development Minister Lisa Rahming said on Friday her ministry has been distributing “a little over $100” for those in need of social assistance. In October, Social Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe said officials were working to introduce a new food programme to replace the previous one. He was referring to a possible reintroduction of visa debit cards that were used by the Christie administration for people eligible for social benefits. At the time he
said this was “absolutely” possible. On the sidelines of an International Human Rights Day event, Ms Rahming was asked about the initiative. While she could not say exactly when the full roll out would be, the minister of state said monetary provisions would be given. Ms Rahming said: “I specifically cannot give you a date for the roll out because this portion now is not under our control. “However, we have allowed recently for persons who have applied – they’re getting more than they usually get. So, we have added them on to the programme and we consider it and I would
say somewhat permanent until we’re able to give them those cards that they expect,” she also told reporters. “What usually was given was sometimes $50, $75, $80 - depending on the family and who’s a part of the family and so we have captured a little over $100 across the board,” the state minister also said. Mr Wilchcombe had previously said the ministry had inherited about 4,000 Bahamians needing assistance, but expected that number to increase. The minister of state admitted yesterday to seeing a high demand from the public. “We’ve found an increase,” she said “There’s
a lot of persons because of the pandemic. A lot of people aren’t employed. I know from the statistics that we’ve gotten when we first came in and all the reports that we’re getting from the workers at the different centres they’re indicating there’s a high volume of persons who are asking for assistance.” She further said: “We’re doing the best with what we can. So, we’re moving funds that were allocated for this and moving here and there. So, it’s shuffling to make sure that people eat especially during this holiday time.” Meanwhile, Ms Rahming urged people to try to make a means for income to supplement the assistance from
government. “We don’t just pay your rent for you to go and live somewhere and find out you don’t have a job and then what’s going to happen then? Really it’s for persons who could somewhat assure us that they could get some sort of assistance on the
outside so they don’t always depend on the state.” As for persons who do not have a job and are in need of assistance, she explained there is a onetime payment of $1,200 the ministry gives each year while family and friends are encouraged to help.
PAGE 6, Monday, December 13, 2021
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What will we do about the tidal wave that’s coming? TWO national leaders spoke yesterday about the omicron variant of COVID-19. One, a current Prime Minister, the other a former one. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a national address in which he warned of the dangers of the new variant, saying: “No one should be in doubt – there is a tidal wave of omicron coming.” A tidal wave. And we should know from experience by now that those waves will wash around the world, and reach our shores too. It happened with the original virus, it happened with the delta variant, there’s no reason to think it won’t happen with the omicron variant. The former leader to speak yesterday was former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis – to warn that we had made a “grave mistake” by removing the travel health visa requirement for Bahamians and residents returning to the country. The reason, he warns, is that the data from the visa was an important tool in contact tracing. More than that, the system used with the visa helped to spot fraudulent tests. In other words, it helped to screen to keep the virus out – and if the virus came in, it helped to track it. As it stands, we have removed that, we have lifted lockdowns and curfews – and we have yet to put in place the promised free testing the PLP pledged on the campaign trail. We don’t have the limitations in place to stop the spread, we don’t have the visa to help tracking, and we don’t have the tests. And, as Prime Minister Johnson says, there’s a tidal wave out there. There is good news, for us at least, in that the tidal wave is not yet here. There is also good news, in that it seems that so far the indications are that omicron is less deadly than its delta predecessor, although it seems to spread more easily. This is not comforting to the extent that we can ignore it – but it does mean we have the time to prepare for when it does arrive here. So the question now becomes what are we doing to prepare for it? It seems the time has come for another national leader to explain what the plan
for dealing with omicron is, a national leader who has been fairly quiet on the issue of the pandemic so far – Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. What’s the plan, Mr Davis?
DNA change
The DNA is without a leader again. After leading the party to the same number of seats won by her predecessors – none – Arinthia Komolafe is stepping down. She describes third party politics as “brutal” and “extremely difficult” and says she put her own money into funding the DNA campaign. That campaign saw the DNA fail to win a seat, and finish far behind the FNM and the PLP, while fielding some candidates who raised eyebrows on social media for questionable policy suggestions. Mrs Komolafe has been an intelligent voice in the political world, however – but the curious thing is not just that she’s quitting as DNA leader but that she’s considering a political future having previously had offers to join the FNM and the PLP. When asked if she would consider an offer from other parties, she said she would pray and meditate on it but wouldn’t rule it out. She said: “For me, politics has always been a vehicle. It is a vehicle to bring forth a vision that I’ve been carrying for years – for where I feel this country should go and needs to be.” The difficulty the DNA has faced since its inception is that it may have created a brand but it really failed to show policies that marked it out as different from the other parties. If our political world is such that people can just move between parties and the choice of one is the same as the other, where are the real policies people are fighting for? Where are the beliefs that take a party in one direction over the other? Mrs Komolafe’s future decisions might not just show us where her politics lie, but also the state of our political landscape.
Vaccination incentives EDITOR, The Tribune. WHILE I see nothing wrong with the government using financial incentives to encourage people to get vaccinated, I object strongly to them using the exploitative proceeds from numbers gambling to do so. Numbers gambling is a blight on Bahamian society, and, in our nation’s history, in my view, its legalisation has been the single largest means of ongoing impoverisation of the already poor. Therefore, no amount of crumbs from the tables of heartless numbers house operators, who engorge themselves from the financial flesh of the needy and greedy who gamble, can
legitimise and sanitise the practice. When the crumbs have been consumed, our communities, devastated from numbers gambling, will remain devastated and will continue to be devastated by the practice. Sadly, the entire egregious enterprise is supervised by the government in contradiction to its duty to protect its people, especially the weak and vulnerable. While some are concerned that people who otherwise would not take a vaccine might be financially seduced into doing so, I think the greater concern is the ongoing effort to try to legitimise and sanitise numbers gambling in the eyes of
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the public. In 2013, Bahamian voters voted resoundingly against the legalisation of numbers gambling, but the Christieled PLP government still went ahead and imposed it on us, reneging on their word. In my view, opposition to numbers gambling has increased even more, so these efforts to try to legitimise and sanitise it are futile. A leopard cannot change its spots. May the Lord grant that we as a people, starting with our political leaders, recommit ourselves to living out the aspirations in our constitution’s preamble, so that we might be visibly marked by the values of self-discipline, industry, loyalty, unity, and an abiding respect for Christian values and the rule of law. Such values do not have a hint of exploiting the weak and vulnerable, or trying to legitimise those who do so. PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS Nassau, December 11, 2021.
It’s ham and turkey time again EDITOR, The Tribune. THE administration led by Dr Hubert A Minnis from 2017 to 2012, a mere four years, was akin to a sausage and grits (no butter) administration. His policies and initiatives did not appear to work and few ever felt any beneficial impact. In fact, with his draconian lock downs and infantile curfews, it is my opinion that he literally wrecked the national economy and few were able to eke out a living from March, 2020 straight into September, 2021. All most of you were able to afford, if anything, at all, was a little bit of sausage and a spoon full of grits. Now with the liberalisation of the policies and initiatives of the enlightened administration of the Hon Philip “Brave” Davis, QC, MP one is able to actually feel optimistic about one’s future. While we still have health and other protocols in place, the economy is now reopening and the nightly curfews have been eliminated. Taxi Cab drivers and Jitney operators are back to work. The Straw Market is about to reopen in short order. Stores downtown are seeing an increase in local and touristic business. The cruise ships and international airlines are back.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net This Davis led administration is akin to a Ham and Turkey one with all of the traditional trimmings and multiple slices of Fruit or Rum Cake. This Christmas/ Holidays will be, I predict one of the best that the unwashed masses would have experienced in many moons. The PM understands that you cannot just lock down people, willynilly, with no income and no societal outlets. Despite the dire warnings of some in the political arena and in the health care fields, there has actually been a reduction in the numbers of hospitalization and COVID related deaths since the New Day was ushered in. Now we have an economic motivational programme to get as many Bahamians who have yet to do so be vaccinated. We all know that money; sex and religion are great motivators. Persons who would have been hesitant will now rush to get their first jab of the vaccination of their choice so as to be eligible for weekly cash prizes and the big draw before the end of this year. This Holiday, unlike last year, Bahamians more than
likely will be able to purchase a Ham and a Turkey. For sure they’ll be able to afford a good seafood stuffing and cranberry sauce. Churches are opened for normal operations, subject to the usual health protocols so those who wish to attend services this holiday season may do so without being at risk for being arrested and charged for any breaches of the now extinct Emergency Powers Act. Last year December, Minnis and his people them shuttered the nation and many stores and businesses were obliged to take economic cut tail and more. This December, one is able to feel and see the contrast. happy days and money are here again under the Davis Administration which is committed to ensuring that there is a reasonably sized ham and a big turkey in most homes. If you want one, you may also be able to afford a Christmas tree. The Grinch (Minnis) and his minions have been dispatched back to the North Pole or wherever they emerged from in 2017. Merry Christmas and an even better 2022, The Lord Jesus Christ willing. Jr
ORTLAND H BODIE, Nassau, December 12, 2021.
Bad policy is an understatement EDITOR, The Tribune. HUBERT Ingraham sold BTC for effectively $148m to people who themselves valued it at $1.3 billion – after firing nearly a thousand Bahamians; he handed a captive market comprised of the population of New Providence to a monopolised commercial port that will further
enrich a small number of already rich people; and he removed the main protection Bahamians once enjoyed over preferential access to land resources, replacing it with an utterly paradoxical high price/ low tax real estate regime catering to rich foreigners – in a country that he left with a $150 weekly minimum wage.
Yet today, even with hindsight, his only reaction to accusations of “bad public policy” is to enter a picayune debate focused on one land deal in South Eleuthera. Talk about missing the big picture. ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, December 12, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 13, 2021, PAGE 7
Man guilty of threatening MP By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A MAN who denied threatening former parliamentarian Travis Robinson last year was found guilty by a magistrate on Friday. Garvin Dawkins, 47, appeared before Magistrate Kendra Kelly to learn the court’s ruling regarding the threats of harm charge brought against him concerning two videos, he posted on social media last May. Police alleged that
Dawkins threatened to harm the former Bains and Grants Town MP when he said in a video he will “drop a bombshell” on Robinson, adding “you won’t know what hit you, and I ga f**king deal with you and I will sort you out.” Dawkins has denied the charges, insisting the words used were taken out of context. While on trial, the 47-year-old also argued that his remarks were about shocking information relating to contracts issued by Robinson.
Dawkins also insisted that he had no intention to make Robinson become fearful and told the court the videos posted online were politically motivated. However, in delivering her ruling on Friday, Magistrate Kelly said she took into consideration the manner and tone in which the words were used, which she said appeared to be aggressive. She conceded that while the word “bombshell” can be interpreted in different ways, the fact that it was used in such an angry tone
followed by several expletives among other things suggested that his intent was to put Robinson in fear of physical harm. “If it was just the word bombshell that was used, then the meaning would be ambiguous. However, the defendant went on to say that … (Robinson) would not know what hit him and that he would deal with him,” she told the court. In closing, Magistrate Kelly said she was not convinced by Dawkins’ defence and reminded him that making threats of any
nature is a criminal offence and cannot be tolerated in any event. She also told the court that in this age of social media, people need to be mindful and held accountable for what they post online. As a result, Dawkins was fined $500. Magistrate Kelly told him that failure to do so would result in one month in prison. Dawkins can appeal the judge’s ruling within seven days once a sentence is imposed.
WOMAN MUST PAY BACK STOLEN $26,000 - AND $5,000 FINE By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A 44-YEAR-OLD woman who stole more than $26,000 from her employer over a three-year period was ordered to reimburse the stolen funds and pay a $5,000 fine to avoid spending a year behind bars. Magistrate Kendra Kelly handed down her ruling to Anishka Whyms, a former employee of Radiation Therapy Services, after she pleaded guilty to stealing and laundering $26,260.22 sometime between April 2016 and December 2019. Prosecutor Vernon Pyfrom told the court that on January 3, 2020, a woman reported to police that she had received information about potential theft at the company. As a result, an internal audit was conducted and
revealed several suspicious activities involving numerous charges with no receipts to verify the payments. The prosecution said this prompted company executives to request customers to come in and bring their receipts as part of their investigations. While investigating, the court was told officials found several irregularities with receipts and were later informed by customers that Whyms was one of two staff members from whom they had received the receipts. Whyms was called into a meeting with company officials where she admitted to the offence and was later arrested. In mitigation, Whyms’ attorney, Ramona Farquharson-Seymour, asked the court for leniency, saying her client, a mother of two and “devoted” wife, was remorseful for her actions and vowed to never steal again.
She further noted that Whyms, who was unemployed, had no previous convictions and did not want to be convicted as it could affect her chances to find employment. Mrs Farquharson-Seymour said her client wanted to make amends for her behaviour and was in the position to repay the stolen funds. When asked by Magistrate Kelly what led her to steal, Whyms told the court she became desperate after falling on hard times and being unable to make ends meet after she and her husband’s split. In response, Magistrate Kelly reprimanded Whyms, saying her actions were “unacceptable” as she broke her employer’s trust. The magistrate said while she commended Whyms for admitting to her wrongdoing, she could not overlook the nature of the
charges and the three-year timeframe in which she committed the offence. As a result, Whyms was ordered to repay the $26,260.22 she stole from Radiation Therapy Services and also fined $5,000. She was told failure to pay the fine would result in a one-year prison sentence. Also appearing before Magistrate Kelly on similar charges Friday was 41-yearold Indira Cleare, another former employee at Radiation Therapy Services. Cleare is accused of falsifying numerous customer accounts through omission, stealing some $20,020.24 between May 2018 and January 2020 and also laundering that amount between those dates. During her appearance before Magistrate Kelly, the accused denied 16 counts of falsification of accounts,
MORE THAN 100 MIGRANTS HELD NEAR INAGUA MORE than 100 suspected illegal migrants were picked by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in waters near Matthew Town, Inagua, last week. The group of 108 migrants consisted of 87 males, 20 females, and one minor. Ministry of Health officials in Matthew Town examined all of the
migrants and determined that they were in good health. They were subsequently turned over to immigration officials for processing and investigation. According to a press release from the Department of Immigration, a search of its database revealed that no applications were submitted in
respect of any of the migrants in custody, hence, they were all found to have landed illegally in The Bahamas, an offence punishable under Immigration Act Chapter 191. The group left Inagua for New Providence on Saturday by Bahamasair. They are expected to appear in the Magistrate’s Court early this week.
eight counts of stealing by reason of employment and one count of money laundering. Cleare was subsequently granted $9,500 bail with one or two sureties and also ordered to report to the East Street South police station on Mondays before 6pm. She is scheduled to return to court January 26 for trial.
CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE FOR DAMAGE TO ELECTRONICS By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A 22-YEAR-OLD man who admitted causing damage to a woman’s phone and television set earlier this month was granted a conditional discharge on Friday. Jonathan Griffin appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville charged with causing damage on December 2 to Joy Burrow’s iPhone and flatscreen TV, total value of $500. During Friday’s hearing, he pleaded guilty. Magistrate Serville granted Griffin a conditional discharge provided he reimburses Burrows for the damage he caused. The case was adjourned to February 1 for proof of payment.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
If this is how we do business, no wonder we’re in such a mess By MALCOLM STRACHAN WHEN Michael Halkitis took office as Minister for Economic Affairs in the new government, there were two things on his mind. The first was to stabilize the country’s finances with a national debt of $10.356 bn at the end of June and a deficit of $951.3m. The second priority he announced was to improve the “ease of doing business”. The Bahamas ranks poorly for that – the World Bank currently lists our nation as 119th in the world for the ease of doing business. Breaking that down, we are 94th when it comes to starting a business, 77th when dealing with construction permits, 81st for getting electricity. Then we take a plunge – 181st for registering property, 152nd for getting credit, 161st for trading across borders. We are also 88th for protecting minority investors, 50th for paying taxes, 82nd for enforcing contracts and 71st for resolving insolvency. For a country that so often reaches out to foreign investors, that’s not a pretty picture to paint. For Mr Halkitis, he said one of the problems the private sector always complains about was the time it takes to get permits and approvals, saying there needs to be a “holistic approach”. This sounds positive – until you see the unholy mess surrounding the arrival of the Christmas Carnival this year.
MINISTER of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis. How on Earth does it get to the stage of the carnival being set up before the operators even know whether or not it can go ahead? Think about what needs to be done to organise such an event. The equipment has to be packed, loaded and shipped to The Bahamas. Customs has to handle its arrival. The workers at the carnival have to be either hired locally or come into the country on work permits. Those permits need to be applied for, paid for and approved. The equipment needs to
PRESS Secretary Clint Watson said that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has not been involved in the carnival issue - but shouldn’t he have had a say in an event involving unvaccinated children gathering together or a business coming into the country spending large sums of money to do so?
Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
be released from Customs, from the Ministry of loaded onto trucks and Health, saying: “We say carried to the site. The site these are the approvals itself needs to be rented that are required, you can and approved. That’s before go and get approvals from even one wrench has been various things. Included turned or screw tightened in that was, of course, the on any of the health protorides. col that will be ‘How can you In the past required from week, we saw encourage the Ministry of the rides going investors or Health. I think up. Parents businesses that was the driving their final approval children past to come to they were the sight will The Bahamas waiting on. It’s have pointed if you can’t not a matter to it as their of ‘we’re here ensure there’s children and we’re gasped and a transparent hoping that asked “Can this happens’. process of we go?” The agreeSet aside obtaining permits ment that is for a moment that don’t end made every – not that year is that they are up with your you come into enterprise set up the country, unimportant – the con- the day before you make cerns about your request it is due to open COVID-19 to come in, and an event only to be denied we tell you the aimed at approval at the approvals that children too will be necesyoung to be last minute?’ sary… but at vaccinated the end of the yet. That is also part of the day all of the approvals preparation process that have to be in place.” should have been considLet’s think about that in ered before the carnival terms of ease of doing busiarrived, not a late decision ness. Seemingly, from that, to be made when every- for a company looking to thing is already on site. come into the country and Press Secretary Clint operate, they would be Watson blamed the situ- required to get a number of ation on the carnival not different approvals, withhaving the official approval out any apparent attempt
for the bodies giving those approvals to be linked up. Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis picked the hole in that when he said that under his administration: “The procedure under us was that an application to the Ministry of Finance would subsequently be referred to the Ministry of Health. Health would then send their opinion to my office, whether approval or not. That was then taken to Cabinet. Cabinet was informed and then we would approve it and I would come forward as the spokesman for Cabinet, but all agencies were involved. We want to know where the initial application went to? Who is in charge of finance? The Prime Minister.” Carnival organiser Joseph Alberts recently said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis gave permission for the event – but Mr Watson said that was “absolute nonsense”, saying Mr Davis “has never spoken about this issue, neither has he been involved in this issue… The Prime Minister does not approve carnivals coming into the country”. Why shouldn’t the Prime Minister do that? Of course, it’s entertainment, but it’s also a business. It also raises revenue in terms of fees, taxes and so on. And in the middle of a pandemic, it’s
a large event where people might gather. Why would the Prime Minister not be interested in having a say on that? And with all the people driving past the carnival as it set up on their way to the Prime Minister’s office, no one thought to mention that it didn’t have all the permits? How can you encourage investors or businesses to come to The Bahamas if you can’t ensure there’s a transparent process of obtaining permits that don’t end up with your enterprise set up the day before it is due to open only to be denied approval at the last minute? Dr Minnis tried to paint this as an issue where Mr Davis and Health Minister Dr Michael Darville were at odds and contradicting each other – and there may be something in that, but it really speaks to the larger problem of being able to give straight answers for those who wish to invest. Dr Minnis isn’t able to boast of the best record there either – just witness the mess over Crown Land promises on Paradise Island and the dispute between Royal Caribbean and neighbouring entrepreneur Toby Smith. There is nothing that companies need more when it comes to the ease of doing business than predictability. There should be no need to navigate a complicated mess of different departments, or seeking approvals from this politician, that politician and that Customs officer. Why can’t our government sort all of those things out behind the scenes when an operator approaches and then deliver a single yes, or a single no. Certainly it should never reach the stage where everything is assembled the night before opening and still no one knows if it is approved or not. If there was a functioning Freedom of Information Act in this country, requests would be being made for the government to publish all of the communications in relation to the approval or rejection of the carnival this year. As it is, we call on the government to do that anyway. Let’s see just how difficult it is to do business in The Bahamas.
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INSIGHT
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 9
The enemy within EVERY parent has a dream for their child. Some have intricate plans of what schools they should attend and what career they should choose. Others are less rigid, focusing more on the type of person they will develop into and the hope that they can find happiness along the way. The patient highlighted in today’s report is the mother of three children and her dreams for her second child, her only son, were shattered when he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 20. As a child he loved to read and play with marbles, toy cars, trucks and trains. He was also an incredibly gifted basketball player, went to basketball camp and was being watched by local and international coaches for his high potential to make it to the NBA. After successful junior and senior seasons on the court, however, his behaviour slowly started to change and in Grade 12 he began exhibiting small behavioural problems. His grades slipped, he was less attentive in class, paid less attention to grooming, he wasn’t playing ball as well as he used to and he had a lot of difficulty focusing. Because of this he never did receive a scholarship for college and instead went to work in the shipping industry. By that time his symptoms progressed and his parents noticed that he started talking to himself, he preferred to be alone and became easily agitated. Then one day while relaxing at home, his parents were startled by the sound of large rocks being hurled through every window in the house. By the time they got him to stop, every glass was broken. He was taken to Sandilands for an evaluation, diagnosed and immediately placed on a cocktail of anti-psychotic medications. He is now 40 years old and over the past 20 years he’s been in and out of Sandilands more times than anyone can remember. My patient says that sadly, many family members and loved ones abandoned them because of the stigma associated with mental illness. It left them feeling stranded and suffering alone in silence behind closed doors for many years. When retelling her story, she began to cry because the pain is ever-present. She mourns for what could have been. The ordeal has taken a mammoth emotional and physical toll on the entire family. During a particularly bad schizophrenic state, my patient’s son broke down his parents’ bedroom door and attacked them with a knife and a conch beater. His father sustained a deep laceration to his face during
By DR KENNETH D KEMP
the fight, requiring a visit to the emergency room and multiple stitches. During the one-hour long nightmare, no amount of yelling or screaming helped. He didn’t recognize them or even recalled who he was at the time. It was then that she realised the son she loved so desperately, though physically in front of her, was gone and she mourns his loss to this day. Even when he’s on his meds and is able to work and function, he is not a grown-up version of the child she once knew. He is someone else, an enemy, locked within a body that she once thought was her son. Deep down she recognises that lost somewhere inside is the person she gave birth to, but she no longer knows who that person is and loses hope with each passing day that she’ll ever see him again. She wishes he had any other sickness than this and the heart-break she feels is almost all-consuming. From that day forward she’s lived in a constant state of protection, always alert, watching and listening and ready to call the police if needed. The police have advised her and her husband to put bars on their bedroom door but they’ve so far refused to do so because they already feel like they live in a prison and doing so would simply confirm their fears and amplify their anxiety. Others have pressured them to put their son out of the home but they fear that under no supervision his episodes will worsen and he could end up killing someone. Dr E Fuller Torrey, one of the world’s leading research psychiatrists specialising in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, recounts the desperate measures many families years ago took to cure their loved ones of this condition. He believes Rosemary Kennedy, sister of former US President John F Kennedy, suffered with schizophrenia and was lobotomised in 1941 in hope it might cure her. The procedure did just the opposite, however, and unfortunately left her mentally incapacitated, barely able to speak or walk, incontinent and functioning below a Grade Three level for the remainder of her life. Her situation is widely believed to be one of the main factors that inspired her sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to start the Special Olympics in 1962. Living with a child with mental illness is a roller coaster you never disengage.
Nor with schizophrenia can you predict or prepare when it will begin to show in a child’s life, though most research findings show the average age of onset is about the same as my patient’s son, late teens to 20. One thing they have learned is their son’s episodes are more frequent when he starts smoking either cigarettes or marijuana. When he was first diagnosed, his parents had more stamina to cope with each crisis but with their advancing age, his psychiatric impairment has taken a tremendous toll on their health. They now suffer with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and are both borderline diabetic. The process to have him evaluated is also a tortuous experience. They have to physically restrain him for over an hour until the police arrive and then the police escort them to the Princess Margaret Hospital where they wait in a private room with him until he’s examined by a physician. Then and only then is he allowed to be transferred to Sandilands. The process is painstakingly long and exhausting. They worry about how much longer they can cope. If there is the tiniest sliver of sunshine, it is that they have started eating healthier and exercising, but even that is being driven by the fear that if they die soon, the burden will pass on to their two daughters. Other than a distant grand-uncle, who’s in a metal hospital in the US, there are no other family members who have a mental illness and my patient’s son does not have any other medical issues. He himself has an 18-year-old son who started displaying behavioural problems after he and his mother lost everything during Hurricane Dorian in Abaco. The message my patient is most keen to share from her story is that families with a loved one suffering from mental illness are not alone. She encourages them to seek help because you become a part of a community of shared suffering, which in turn breeds a sense of fortified resilience. The patient and her husband have joined a family-friend circle at Sandilands and the family group at the Discovery Clinic and she describes both as their saving grace. Being among others who suffer the same or similar circumstances is helping them to open up
about the secret pain that they’ve endured for so long. They are now able to talk to church members and neighbours, releasing and easing their stress. They’ve also learned coping mechanisms
like not to engage with him during one of his episodes. While that means in some ways distancing themselves from his struggles, it is allowing them, after 20 years of battling an enemy
they cannot see, to finally resume their lives and find what happiness lies ahead. • Nicknamed ‘The Prince of Podiatry’, Dr Kenneth D Kemp is the founder and medical director of Bahamas Foot and Ankle located in Caves Village, Western New Providence. He served as the Deputy chairman for the Health Council for five years and he currently sits on the board of directors for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in his role as co-vice-chairman.
PAGE 10 MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
The data’s in - Omicron is more transmissible but less severe
By HARSHA SOMAROO Public Health Medicine Specialist, University of the Witwatersrand GAUTENG is the smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces but home to a quarter of the country’s population. It is also the country’s economic power house. These factors have contributed to it becoming the epicentre of the COVID-19 epidemic. Gauteng’s COVID-19 surveillance aims to provide an understanding of the province’s experience. This also serves as an early warning system for other parts of the country. Public health medicine specialist Harsha Somaroo is part of the team analysing data for the Gauteng Department of Health.
WHAT’S YOUR DATA SHOWING ABOUT COVID-19 IN GAUTENG?
In the four epidemiological weeks (13 November to 4 December, 2021), there was an exponential rise in new COVID-19 cases. The province officially entered
its fourth COVID-19 wave on 1 December. During this period South African scientists announced they had identified a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which the World Health Organisation went on label a variant of concern and named it Omicron. Current data show that the Omicron variant is dominating new COVID-19 cases in the province. The rate of increase in new cases in Gauteng has been significantly higher compared to any other period in the epidemic in the province. The weekly rates of increase in new infections, when compared with the previous week, were 71 percent, 341 percent, 379 percent and 272 percent. That’s reflected by the steep incline in the curve for COVID-19 cases. The COVID-19 test positivity rate (the number of tests done that have a positive result) for the past four weeks, were 1.4 percent, 5.0 percent, 19 percent, and 33.9%. This reveals a rapid rise, and now widespread community transmission, of
SARS-CoV-2 in Gauteng.
WHAT DOES YOUR DATA TELL US ABOUT OMICRON?
The recent exponential rise in new COVID-19 cases, associated with the detection and domination of the Omicron variant in the province, suggests that this SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern is highly transmissible. It is also possible to understand the severity of illness better by monitoring trends and outcomes among hospitalised patients. There are two sets of data that provide insights – hospitalisations and excess deaths. Excess deaths are deaths above the number expected in a region for that point in time, and give an indication of the COVID-19 related deaths in a region. Compared with previous periods during which the numbers have spiked the latest numbers show that new daily COVID-19 hospitalisations and excess deaths have been lower than the rate of increase in
Private Memorial Service For Arthur Whymns Jr., 65
affectionately called “Arthur J. A.” of Winton Meadows will be held at a private location on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021. Officiating will be Bishop Clifford Henfield assisted by other ministers. Left to cherish his memories are his children: Roxybeth, Jenero and Artinique Whymns; grandchildren: Quincy Anderson and Antonell Ferguson; brothers: Livingston Pennerman, Tyrone, Anthony, Fabian (Phillipa) and Gregory Whymns (Telcine); sisters: Floria Whymns, Rodonna (Tyrone) Nixon, Allison Evansand Tomicka Whymns; uncle: Bishop Cliford Henfield; numerous nieces and nephews: Ashley, Lakeisha, Antonia, Kennisha, Davanya, Alexandria, Destiny, Nadia, Robert, Kishanna, Asheena, Ian, Devario, Paige, Gregory Jr., Tyrece, Shanique, Jody, Brian, Michaela, Tanya, Donell, Kim, Terrell, Michael, Milargo, Jeffery, Kimberly and Brittney and Devon Cash; adopted mother: Layoni Turner; adopted sisters: Derry, Bonnie, Diedre Henfield, Pastor Jacqueline Robins; adopted brothers: Darren Henfield, Margo, Vincent and Michael Wring; cousins: Dr. Kim Smith, Judy Williams, Dr. Marsha Bethel, Carla and Adrian, Genova, Ann and David; other relatives and friends: Mr. Junior Curry and family, Mike and Family, Baker and Family, Ms. Cloe Whymns, Mr. Ted Strachan, Beverly Adderley and family and a host of other relatives and friends.
new COVID-19 cases, suggesting that the variant may cause less severe illness. The weekly rates of new hospitalisations have been significantly high for the past three weeks (120 percent; 166 percent; and 125 percent). But this was still lower compared with previous periods in which infection numbers rose. Also, the current increase came off a very low base as admission numbers had fallen after the last COVID-19 waves in Gauteng. Another caveat, is that some patients have been admitted for other conditions, and were diagnosed with COVID-19 due to routine testing protocols in hospital, and not because they showed symptoms. Due to the number of patients for which this information is available, this proportion could lie between 7.4 percent and 52.1 percent of new COVID-19 admissions. Another difference the data are showing is that there’s a change in the age profile of admissions. Younger age categories of patients (0-9, 10-19, and 30-39) accounted for higher proportions of hospital admissions during the past month than previously. A significant proportion
of these admissions might be due to asymptomatic COVID-19 infections which were incidental diagnoses due to routine testing for COVID-19 on admission to hospital (between 7 percent and 46 percent). The average length of stay in hospital, for all age categories of patients, was lower in the past month compared to overall. Additionally, fewer patients were admitted into Intensive Care Units (5.6 percent versus 9 percent), and a lower proportion of patients required supplemental oxygen therapy (19.4 percent versus 43.1 percent) or ventilation (1.4 percent versus 8.2 percent) in the past four weeks compared to cumulatively. In-hospital mortality rates were also lower in the past four weeks compared to cumulatively (2.6 percent compared with 22 percent). However, there was still higher mortality among those over 50 years old. The early findings suggest less severe COVID-19 infections, though they should be correlated with clinical pictures and monitored closely over the next few weeks to better understand the clinical manifestations and outcomes related to the Omicron variant.
WHAT DO PEOPLE NEED TO DO IN THE LIGHT OF THIS INFORMATION?
These early surveillance findings give us some idea of the transmission dynamics and virulence of the Omicron variant in Gauteng. Trends will need to be monitored closely over the next few weeks to fully understand the impact of this new variant. The recent high rates of COVID-19 transmission, and continued higher death rates among older patients hospitalised with COVID-19, have important implications for public health measures. The following are critical to decrease the number of new COVID-19 cases: • physical distancing • avoidance of gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces • wearing of masks at all times when around other people • ensuring good hand and respiratory hygiene. All eligible people, especially those aged over 50, should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, to protect themselves against severe illness and death. They should also avail themselves for booster shots where indicated. • Originally published on theconversation.com
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
INSURRECTIONS climb the west wall of the the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Photo: Jose Luis Magana/AP
Democracy Summit missed an essential ingredient US PRESIDENT Joe Biden declared at the opening of a “Summit on Democracy”, which he convened on December 9, that “democracy needs champions”. He is perfectly right. And, he has good reason for saying so. Last year, the US - which trumpets itself as the bastion of democracy - almost became a fascist state after President Donald Trump, supported by a pliant Republican party, did everything he could to maintain power, including encouraging a mob march on the US Congress on January 6 in the wake of his loss of the presidency to Biden. It was a frightening time for the world where fascist and autocratic leaders had emerged in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America determined to rule with little regard for human and political rights, or for democratic principles generally, especially a free press and freedom of citizen expression. Had Trump succeeded, his behaviour would have emboldened the existing tyrannical leaders and spawned a few more. Tension and conflict would have escalated, dividing the world not on traditional ideological grounds, but on a contest between those that value democracy and those who regard it as a nuisance and an obstacle to their own control. Democracy in the US was undoubtedly gravely threatened by Trump’s desire to hold power at any cost; to dismantle what his onetime political adviser, Steve Bannon, described as the ‘deep state’, but which is really the checks and balances of public servants sworn to uphold the US Constitution and the law; and to threaten and coerce compliance even by elected officials in the US Congress. But that is not the only aspect of US democracy that was – and remains – a threat. The emergence of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and the wanton and unconscionable killing of black people by police and individuals, empowered by centuries of oppression and repression, are manifestations of the flawed state of democracy and human rights in the US. Justice for black people without whose enforced servitude and without whose blood, the US would never have been built (and the word “ never” is used without fear of contradiction), is the putrid sore in US society. Democracy in the US will remain flawed and human rights will continue
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
to be unserved, until, as the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr, said, “justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream”. The saving grace of the US, unlike in many countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa and a few in Europe, is the strong commitment of decent and well-thinking people to protecting and preserving the institutions of the US. Persons such as the Secretary of State of Georgia, Brad Raffensperger, who Trump told to find 11,780 votes so that he could overturn his defeat by Biden in that state, and lay claim to the Presidency. Outstanding were the judges of the US Supreme Court and state courts, including those appointed by Trump, who put upholding the law above any other consideration. The prospect of Trump returning to the Presidency in 2024 no doubt brings a shudder down the spine of many, including President Biden. So, this Summit on Democracy is not just concerned with “the global competition of the 21st century” which the President said “is one defined by democracies versus autocracies”; it is also about competition for the soul of the US and the direction it takes. The agenda of the Summit was set by the US government, even though over a hundred leaders were invited. They were each given the agenda and asked to speak on particular issues which focused on combating corruption, defending against authoritarianism, and promoting human rights. However, opening the Summit, President Biden said that “working with our Congress, we’re planning to commit as much as $424 million in the next year to shore up transparent and accountable governance, including supporting media freedom, fighting international corruption, standing with democratic reformers, promoting technology that advances democracy, and defining and defending what a fair election is”. But an essential element is missing from the US plan. It takes no account of the imperative of spending
money on correcting global economic inequities and on development. Essential to sustaining democracy globally is development. In underdeveloped countries with large pockets of poor, unemployed and discontented, political parties exploit these conditions to foster unrest and civil disturbance. So, it is all well and good to provide money to defend against authoritarianism and to promote human rights. These things are extremely important, but they are not enough. By themselves, they will not sustain democracy anywhere, including in the US. In part, it was the dissatisfaction of the poor, the unemployed and the disgruntled who responded to Trump’s coded message to “Make America Great Again”. It is also what helped to bring authoritarians to power in other parts of the world. Two days of an organised and rigid virtual meeting with a pre-planned outcome statement, and a pledge of money to fight corruption, demand transparent and accountable governance, standing with democratic reformers, promoting technology that advances democracy, and defining and defending a fair election, may send a signal to countries not invited to the Summit, but it won’t satisfy hunger, unemployment, poverty and need. If governments can’t overcome those conditions and improve the lives of their people, then no offering of democracy will cut it. We must welcome President Biden’s efforts to champion democracy, but the plan needs rethinking – this time with the involvement, rather than the attendance, of the leaders of the most vulnerable countries. • Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also a senior fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own).
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 11
PAGE 12, Monday, December 13, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Rand ‘has yet to fully recover’ warns chief By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Rand Memorial Hospital has yet to fully recover from the loss of physicians and nurses in specialty areas and hospital equipment. Dr Freeman Lockhart, Medical Chief of Staff, is experiencing a huge challenge finding necessary physicians for key positions at the Rand. He also noted that not much improvement was achieved at the health care facility in terms of increased bed capacity after major storm renovations. Dr Lockhart’s remarks came while addressing members of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama via Zoom. He was the guest speaker at a bi-monthly meeting on November 20 when he gave an update on the Rand Memorial Hospital and COVID-19. He indicated that they experienced significant losses of key nursing and medical staff after Dorian. “We lost quite a few nurses and physicians, some with subspecialty skills, which could not practice medicine, said Dr Lockhart. The Rand, he said, lost a Retinal Specialist who had joined the medical staff in the early part of 2019. “He was eager to get started, and Dorian came along and wiped out a lot of the equipment we had. He was unable to practice
persons from abroad; these are Bahamians I am talking about from Nassau. Trying to attract someone such as a resident physician to provide service is extremely difficult, given the present economic environment here.” “So, more than likely, very little is going to change in the services we offer and provide until we start seeing some rebound in the economy of GB.” Dr Lockhart indicated that the Rand remains in the same position pre-Dorian. The hospital was a 98-bed facility with all the
numerous services and several visiting specialists. Dr Lockhart noted that there were interests from many others who were knocking on the doors up to 2019, wishing to provide services at Grand Bahama Health Services. Dr Lockhart said that up to that point it was acknowledged that RMH, with its 98-bed facility, was inadequate for the northern Bahamas. He said there was much talk about expanding and building a new facility, and then along came Dorian, which compromised the entire hospital. About 30
to 40 percent of the facility was demolished. After major renovations were completed, staff moved back into the hospital earlier this year. Dr Lockhart said there is slight improvement at the facility. “We now have a 92-bed facility. The facility preDorian was inadequate and now with the renovations, we wound up with a 92-bed facility. You can see very little has changed in terms of improving the provision of health care for GB and in the northern Bahamas,” he said. He added that the recovery process was also frustrated and prolonged by the COVID pandemic early last year. However, the hospital official stated that because of the pandemic that they did acquire the Cancer Association Building, which is now retrofitted as an Infectious Disease Unit. Up to six months ago, Dr Lockhart indicated that there was quite a bit of enthusiasm concerning the second phase of the renovation to the Rand to include a four-story complex. He said: “That would have significantly and tremendously improved the health care delivery in GB as it stands now.” With the change in government, the project is now under review. Dr Lockhart stated that even though successive governments recognise that
LONDON Associated Press
that our scientists are confident that with a third dose – a booster dose – we can all bring our level of protection back up.” He announced a “national mission” to deliver booster vaccines, with pop-up vaccination centers and seven-day-aweek getting extra support from teams of military planners and thousands of volunteer vaccinators. Johnson’s December 31 target applies to England. The other parts of the UK — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — are also expected to speed up their vaccination campaigns. The UK Health Security Agency says existing vaccines appear less effective in preventing symptomatic infections in people exposed to omicron, though preliminary data show that effectiveness appears to rise to between 70 percent and 75 percent after a third vaccine dose.
More than 80 percent of people age 12 and up in Britain have received two doses of vaccine, and 40 percent of adults have had three doses. Giving the rest a booster in the next three weeks will be a huge challenge, requiring almost one million doses delivered a day. Johnson acknowledged that many routine medical procedures would have to be postponed to meet the goal. Johnson’s announcement came hours after the government raised the country’s official coronavirus threat level, warning the rapid spread of the omicron variant had pushed the UK into risky territory. The chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the 1of the highly transmissible new strain “adds additional and rapidly increasing risk to the public and health care services” at a time when COVID-19 is already widespread. They recommended raising the alert level from
THE RAND Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama. and got frustrated and left. Those are the kinds of issues, from a Human Resources perspective, we were faced and challenged with, and we have yet to recover right up to today,” said Dr Lockhart. The hospital official said the state of the economy in Grand Bahama has not made his job easy. “(The economy) is still struggling now and trying to attract talent here in GB is a huge challenge. It is a challenge to find the necessary physicians for which I am tasked as the Medical Chief of Staff at the Rand.” “I am not talking about
a new hospital is what is needed in Freeport for the northern Bahamas, he said construction of a four-story complex would take at least two to three years. “The present government has indicated that a hospital facility is needed, but they really have not given any concrete plans as yet,” he said. The hospital official said they are appreciative of the assistance that was given to the newly renovated Rand. “We are really thankful to all the NGOs, and the Rotary Clubs in Freeport that jumped on board and did a mammoth task in retrofitting the wards with beds, and equipment donated by the NGOs.” “However, a huge challenge still remains with equipment, especially for the operating room to allow some of the procedures and services that were offered prior to Dorian that were damaged or lost, to allow us to continue with services we provided up to that point.” Dr Lockhart has indicated that there is still a need for assistance to get the Rand where it needs to be. “The RMH presently still is struggling with a number of challenges, and we certainly look forward to assistance from any agency, any NGO that can provide assistance because as in bygone years we all know that the Bahamas is not in a position to assist the RMH in the way it should,’’ he said.
three to four on a 5-point scale. The top level, five, indicates authorities think the health care system is about to be overwhelmed. The doctors said early evidence shows omicron is spreading much faster than the currently dominant delta variant, and that vaccines offer less protection against it. British officials say omicron is likely to replace delta as the dominant strain in the UK within days. “Data on severity will become clearer over the coming weeks but hospitalisations from omicron are already occurring and these are likely to increase rapidly,” they said. Concerns about the new variant led Johnson’s Conservative government to reintroduce restrictions that were lifted almost six months ago. Masks must be worn in most indoor settings, COVID-19 certificates must be shown to enter nightclubs and people are being urged to work from home if possible.
JOHNSON: UK FACES ‘TIDAL WAVE’ OF OMICRON CASES PRIME Minister Boris Johnson warned Sunday that Britain faces a “tidal wave” of infections from the omicron coronavirus variant, and announced a huge increase in booster vaccinations to strengthen defenses against it. In a televised statement, Johnson said everyone age 18 and older will be offered a third shot of vaccine by the end of this month in response to the omicron “emergency.” The previous target was the end of January. He said cases of the highly transmissible variant are doubling every two to three days in Britain, and “there is a tidal wave of omicron coming”. “And I’m afraid it is now clear that two doses of vaccine are simply not enough to give the level of protection we all need,” Johnson said. “But the good news is
BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday.
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SPORTS PAGE 13
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021
Jazz: ‘I want to win MVP’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
A
fter missing out on an historic Major League 20/20 (home run/stolen base) feat this past season that was hampered by an injury, Bahamian Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm said he’s looking forward to improving in his quest to go after the Most Valuable Player award. The Miami Marlins’ second baseman and shortstop completed the season with 18 home runs and 23 stolen bases to go along with 115 hits, 70 runs and 53 runs batted in from his 464 at-bats with an average of .248. The Marlins, managed by Don Mattingly, finished with a 67-95 win-loss record for fourth place in the Nationals League East, but it wasn’t enough to get them in the postseason. Chisholm, who has been a smashing hit for the Marlins because of his flamboyant style of play, said it was good to finally be back home in two years since he cracked Miami’s line-up on September 1, 2020 and made his defensive debut that night against the Toronto Blue Jays. He was greeted at Fusion Superplex IMAX by
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, members of the Bahamas Baseball Association and family and friends in a welcome ceremony. “Welcome back home,” Bowleg told Chisholm. “I felt the injury held you back. If you had not gotten injured, I know you would have made that 20/20. So I’m looking forward to some great things from you in the future.” As the new “sheriff” in town, Bowleg promised Chisholm that anytime he returned home, he would be treated in the manner as was the case during his return on Sunday. He ensured that he could call on him at any time for his assistance. BBA president Sam Rodgers said while he and Chisholm enjoyed their friendship over the years, he was pleased to welcome him home on behalf of the BBA, which has been following his progress with a lot of interest. “We thank you for what you are doing for baseball in the world and for the Bahamas,” he said. “We’re behind you 100 percent and whatever we can do, please call us and we will make sure that you come home in style.” BBA’s secretary general Teddy Sweeting, who organised the event
WELCOME BACK HOME: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg greets Major League Baseball star Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff along with Tommy Stubbs, thanked everyone for coming out and showing their support for Chisholm. “We have a big announcement on Thursday night about the Bahamian Heritage Night in Miami for Jazz,” Sweeting revealed. “Looking forward to it and to everybody coming into Miami for that big night.” One of the special dignitaries on hand for the brief ceremony was professional boxer Tureano ‘Reno’ Johnson, who also welcomed Chisholm home.
“Congratulations on your past work and continue to work hard,” Johnson said. “You have shown a lot of resilience, especially after that injury you had. Welcome home buddy.” Javari Southard, the director of food and beverage at Fusion Superplex IMAX, said Chisholm has been an inspiration to the Bahamas and they have pledged their full support of his endeavours by allowing him access to their property whenever he deems it necessary.
Nardo Dean, representing the Ministry of Tourism, said it was a pleasure to welcome Chisholm home. “You have done a great job for our country and I’m sure our minister, I. Chester Cooper, we are proud to have you here,” Dean said. “You are a Bahamian, who has done an awesome job representing us. Welcome back. We are proud of you.” After a long day making the journey home, Chisholm thanked all of the persons who came and put a smile on his face as they continued to show him their love and support. While he said the first thing he wanted to do was “eat some cracked conch,” Chisholm said he’s going to “win the MVP. That is where my focus is. Even though I came out to hang out with my family and friends, I will be in the gym working at 7am (today). “I want to win the MVP. I know the injury kind of stopped it, but I know my potential that I have, so ain’t nothing wrong about challenging it. I’m going to go for it.” Chisholm said he’s also looking forward to participating in the fourth Don’t Blink Home Run Derby that will be staged on
SEE PAGE 18
Anthaya pops personal best, wins long jump By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ANTHAYA Charlton, joining the Bahamian connection for the Wildcats women’s track and field team, couldn’t ask for a better introduction to her collegiate career at the University of Kentucky. Competing at the Cardinal Classic on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, the freshman popped a personal best of 19-feet, eight-inches or 5.99m to win the women’s long jump at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center, hosted by the University of Louisville. In surpassing her previous best of 5.92, the 18-year-old Charlton put a short distance between her and her nearest rival, Ariel Lawrence of Louisville, who did 19-5 ½ (5.93m) for second. Displaying her versatility, Charlton went on the track where she was fourth
in 7.61 in the final of the 60 metres after qualifying with the fifth best time of 7.64. Kentucky swept the top two spots with Shadajah Ballard and Kaylyn Heath running 7.38 and 7.46 respectively. Charlton, one of three St Augustine’s College graduates competing for the Wildcats, also got eighth in the 200m in 25.31 with Kentucky again sweeping the top two spots with Kaylyn Health (23.91) and Masai Russell (23.93). “I feel like it was a great start to my collegiate career,” said Charlton, who only didn’t get to compete in the 60m, another one of her events. “There’s still room for improvement though. I expect to set big PRs this season and make it to (NCAA) Nationals.” Kentucky, by the way, is led by Bahamian head coach Lonnie Greene and assisted by “Golden Girl” Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie.
ANTHAYA CHARLTON
JAIDA KNOWLES
MEGAN MOSS
Instead of running in her speciality in the 400m for the Wildcats, Megan Moss moved up to the 500m where she clocked 1:13.21 for second place behind team-mate Alexis Holmes, who ran 1:12.59. Moss, now in her junior year, also ran the second leg of Kentucky women’s A 4 x 400m relay team of Abby Steiner, Masai Russell and Shadajah Ballard that won in 3:39.48. And Kentucky’s sophomore Jaida Knowles, limited to just relay duty
after coming off an injury that hampered her freshman year, ran the third leg on the Wildcats’ C team of Annika Williams, Bryanna Lucas and DeAnna Martin for fourth place in 3:59.13. The Wildcats will have the rest of the year off, but after the Christmas break, they will swing right back into action January 14-15 at the Jim Green Invitational in their Nutter Field House opener. Alcine soars to victory At the Kansas State Winter Invitational in
Manhattan, Kansas State, Kyle Alcine came out on top of a keenly contested battle in the men’s high jump on the countback over Kansas State’s freshman Kamvren Garrett. They both cleared 6-8 3/4 (2.05m), but Alcine, competing unattached for Kansas State, got the edge when he cleared the winning height on his first attempt. Garrett did it on his second. Kaleb Clark, a senior at William Carey, was third with 6-4 3/4 (1.95m).
F1 CHAMP, Page 20
GIORGIO BALDACCI NATIONALS SET FOR DEC. 20 THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is scheduled to hold its 2021 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals Championship at The National Tennis Centre December 20-23. The country’s talented men and women tennis athletes will compete for an opportunity to be crowned the 2021 national champions. These individuals include players who have played on the pro level, collegiate athletes and junior circuit athletes. “From this tournament the genesis of The Bahamas premier teams - the 2022 Davis Cup and Billie Jean
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MINISTER: NATIONAL SPORTS AUTHORITY HAS A ‘NEW, ENERGETIC BOARD’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE National Sports Authority has a new board and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg has mandated them to go out around the world and bring the “Sports in Paradise” brand to the various facilities under the jurisdiction for the 52 weeks of the year. Bowleg introduced the new board during a press conference on Friday in the foyer of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Calling them a “new, energetic board,” Bowleg announced the members, which include Greg Burrows Sr as the chairman, Grafton Ifill Jr as the deputy, Director of Sports Timothy Munnings (statutory member) and NSA general manager Quinton Brennen (statutory member), along with Bahamas Basketball Federation representative Moses Johnson, basketball Hall of
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Roadrunners track club awards athletes of the year By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net MALCOLM Williams and Sabriya Farquharson, two of the athletes of the year, were proud that the Roadrunners Track and Field Club brought back its annual awards and presentation banquet after missing last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The duo were among the top athletes honoured on Saturday night as the Roadrunners held the 21st edition of the presentation of awards banquet in the Imperial Room of the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island under the theme: “One Mind, One Focus, One Destination .... Success.” Among the list of dignitaries on hand were Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg,
Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations president Drumeco Archer, BAAA CEO May Miller, dedicated sponsors Harrison Petty and Timothy Ingraham, in addition to First Baptist pastor, Rev Dianna Francis, who serves as the chaplain for the club. The keynote speaker was Dr Shantell Missick, the operator of the Dynamic Healing Wellness Center. She encouraged the athletes to follow three important words - courageous, powerful and remarkable. In relating how she had to endure her own pain, struggles and disappointment to get to where she is today, Missick said she never gave up and just like she was motivated, she advised the audience to adopt her mantra in the three words she outlined as they look for their success story.
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg presents Rowlia Joseph with her awards on Saturday night. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff An array of awards from highest grade point averacademics to athletics were age. Both recipients Taleah presented to the athletes Edwards and Anthony Pedfor their achievement over ican earned an impressive the past season, including 4.0 GPA. the prestigious Dominique While Williams was Higgins Award for the named the male under-20
athlete of the Year, Farquharson carted off the female under-17 trophy. They were joined by Shankea Sands (under-7 girls), Cassidy Pratt (under-11 girls), Jasmine Thompson and Tamia Edward (co under-13 girls), Iesha Hanna (under15 girls), Rayeah Taylor (under-20 girls), Ronald Simon (under-9 boys) and Dana Rolle (under-17 boys). In winning his award, 17-year-old Williams said while he’s been a member of the club for the past seven years, he would like to make the CARIFTA team heading to Kingston, Jamaica in April. “I feel good because I have been improving where I dropped a second off my personal best 400 metre time going from 50 to 49 seconds,” said Williams, a graduate of St Anne’s School, now into his freshman year at the University of the Bahamas.
Williams, who is hoping to dip as low as 46 seconds, said he will use this award as his incentive for the upcoming season next year. “I appreciate the opportunity for us to have this banquet so everyone can get their awards,” Williams said. “Everybody can feel appreciated for what they worked for. So I think it was good that we did it this year after they didn’t have one last year.” Farquharson, a 16-year-old student of St Augustine’s College, is a multi-talented athlete who not only runs the 100 and 200m, but she soars in both the long and triple jumps. “My performances were excellent this past season. I did the triple jump in all of the meets with no injuries, so I thank God,” said Farquharson, who claimed
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PAGE 14, Monday, December 13, 2021
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CURRY CLOSES IN ON 3-PT MARK, WARRIORS LOSE TO 76ERS, 102-93 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had 26 points and nine rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers delayed Stephen Curry’s bid to break Ray Allen’s career 3-point record in a 102-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. Curry scored 18 points and shot 3 of 14 from 3-point range to move within six of matching Allen’s record. Curry’s next shot at the record is tonight at Indiana in the second game of a five-game trip. He needed nine 3s against the Sixers to tie Allen’s mark of 2,973 regular-season 3s from 1996-2014. Golden State dropped to 21-5, falling a half-game behind Phoenix for the NBA lead. Curry had one 3 attempt blocked and he had an airball on another, and was largely shut down over 36 minutes by Matisse Thybulle. Curry was 6 of 20 from the floor and the Warriors were held under 100 points for the second time this season.
CLIPPERS 106, MAGIC 104 LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Jackson hit a step-back jumper with 2.2 seconds remaining to lift Los Angeles past Orlando. Jackson — who had nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter — hit a 20-footer following a timeout after Orlando tied it at 104 on Cole Anthony’s 3-pointer with 23.6 seconds left. The Clippers held on for their third straight victory when Terrence Ross missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Luke Kennard had a season-high 23 points and seven 3-pointers for Los Angeles. Terance Mann added 16 points. The Clippers were missing Paul George for the second straight game due to a right elbow contusion. Anthony led the Magic with 23 points. JAZZ 123, WIZARDS 98 WASHINGTON (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points, Rudy Gobert had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Utah routed Washington for their seventh straight victory.
GOLDEN State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, right, goes up for a shot as Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, left, and Tobias Harris, centre, look on during the first half on Saturday in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) Hassan Whiteside added 18 points and 14 rebounds. Bradley Beal scored 21 points for Washington. The Wizards lost for the fourth time in five games and for the ninth time in 14. NUGGETS 127, SPURS 112 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists and Denver avenged an earlier loss to San Antonio. The Nuggets had a balanced effort two nights
after their most lethargic performance of the season. Denver never led and was dominated in the paint and on 3-pointers in falling 123-111 to San Antonio on Thursday night. The Nuggets were 20 for 43 on 3-pointers Saturday and matched their season high for made 3s. Lonnie Walker IV scored 16 points for San Antonio. GRIZZLIES 113, ROCKETS 106 MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dillon Brooks scored
25 points, Desmond Bane added 19 points and Memphis held off Houston. Christian Wood had 22 points and nine rebounds for Houston. Armoni Brooks provided a spark off the Houston bench, scoring 18 points. HEAT 118, BULLS 92 MIAMI (AP) — Duncan Robinson scored a season high-26 points and Miami beat short-handed Chicago. Playing in his recordtying 174th consecutive
game for Miami, Robinson shot 9 of 13 from the field, making 5 of 9 3-pointers. Zach LaVine scored 31 points for Chicago. The Bulls lost two additional players to health and safety protocols hours before the game. Guards Ayo Dosunmu and recently signed Stanley Johnson were ruled out, joining leading scorer DeMar DeRozan as well as Matt Thomas, Coby White, Javonte Green and Derrick Jones Jr.
McGee scores 21, Suns roll past Celtics 111-90 By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer
DEANDRE AYTON MISSES HIS 7TH GAME OF SEASON
PHOENIX (AP) — JaVale McGee always brings the energy. On Friday night, he also brought the buckets. The 7-footer had season highs of 21 points and 15 rebounds, Chris Paul added 12 assists and the Phoenix Suns rolled to a 111-90 win over the Boston Celtics. The Suns won for the 20th time in 21 games despite missing starters Devin Booker (hamstring) and Deandre Ayton (nonCOVID illness). Booker has missed four games in a row, while Ayton was a late scratch because he didn’t feel well at the morning shootaround. McGee picked up the slack, shooting 9 of 16 from the field and even knocking down a 3-pointer, just the 11th in his 14-year career. The big man was one of Phoenix’s most important pickups during free agency, and he’s quickly become a fan favourite because of his hustle. “Big time,” Suns forward Jae Crowder said.
“We’re down men right now and to get that out of him in a starting role was crucial for us tonight. He did a great job.” Coach Monty Williams said: “JaVale was the catalyst tonight.” The veteran is on pace to average more than 10 points per game for just the fourth time. “There’s a lot of things on this team that work for the centre position if you’re doing it the right way,” McGee said. “I pride myself on being extremely efficient with the minutes they give me.” Seven Suns scored in double figures. Cam Payne had 17 points while Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson both added 16. The Celtics have lost three straight, fell to 13-14 and lost four of five games during their West Coast road trip. This one was particularly rough. Boston’s offence looked disjointed
all night, and nobody could shoot. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points but went just 10 of 25 from the field. Marcus Smart was 1 of 13. The entire team was 4 of 26 (15 percent) from 3-point range. “It was kind of like a snowball effect,” Tatum said. “One turnover, one miss, it just built and built. Instead of moving on to the next play, we kind of let it carry over. We let our offence affect our defence and then they got rolling.” Phoenix took an 84-69 lead after the third quarter and pushed that advantage to 20 points by early in the fourth to cruise to the win. Boston was without Jaylen Brown (hamstring) and Josh Richardson (COVID-19 protocol) and, unlike the Suns’ absences, the Celtics appeared lost. Celtics coach Ime Udoka said it’s a problem, but certainly not the only one.
“You still have to play with proper respect and effort,” Udoka said. “We didn’t do that the last two games.” JALEN’S CHANCE Suns second-year forward Jalen Smith got the rare chance for extended playing time since Ayton wasn’t in the lineup. The 6-foot-10 backup finished with seven points and nine rebounds. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 draft has had a disappointing start to his career and barely played during the team’s run to the NBA Finals last season. He’s still awkward at times but did have some good moments Friday. He made a 3-pointer and threw down a powerful dunk after a smooth pass from Paul, as well as adding a steal and two blocks. TIP-INS Celtics: C Bruno Fernando (back spasms) also didn’t play. ... Smart missed his first 11 shots before
PHOENIX Suns centre JaVale McGee shoots over Boston Celtics centre Al Horford during the first half Friday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) knocking down the 12th each for Bridges, Paul and attempt in the third quarter. Crowder. It was Bridges’ Suns: Ayton missed his first career technical in four seventh game of the season. seasons. He joined Booker, F Abdel UP NEXT Nader (knee) and F/C Celtics: Begin a five-game Frank Kaminsky (knee) on homestand against the the injured list. Bucks tonight. The feisty Suns picked up Suns: Travel to face the three technical fouls — one Clippers tonight.
Durant-led Nets beat Hawks 113-105 ATLANTA (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 31 points, including a go-ahead jumper midway through the 4th quarter, and the Brooklyn Nets proved to be resilient once again, beating the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 Friday night. The Nets, protecting their slim lead over Chicago for the best record in the Eastern Conference, improved to 8-0 following losses this season. Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge, who had 15 points, were rested in Wednesday night’s 114104 loss at Houston. James Harden had 20 points and 11 assists for Brooklyn, which is 2-0 against Atlanta this season. Trae Young led Atlanta with 31 points. John Collins had 20 and Kevin Huerter added 19. BUCKS 123, ROCKETS 114 HOUSTON (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points and 17 rebounds, and Milwaukee snapped Houston’s seven-game winning streak. The Rockets led by 10 at one point and hung around until the Bucks pulled away in the fourth quarter. Bobby Portis and
Middleton added 21 points each for Milwaukee as the Bucks won for the 11th time in 13 games. Garrison Mathews led the Rockets with a season-high 23 points and made a career-best six 3-pointers. Christian Wood and Armoni Brooks had 21 apiece for Houston. RAPTORS 90, KNICKS 87 TORONTO (AP) — Gary Trent Jr scored 24 points, Fred VanVleet had 17 points and 11 assists, and Toronto won its 10th straight home meeting against New York. Scottie Barnes had 12 points and a career-high 15 rebounds and Pascal Siakam had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Raptors, who let a 20-point first quarter lead slip away but held on to win their third in four games. The Knicks’ Obi Toppin scored a career-high 19 points and added 10 rebounds, Julius Randle had 13 points and 14 rebounds, and RJ Barrett scored 19 points. PACERS 106, MAVERICKS 93 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caris LeVert scored 26 points
HAWKS guard Trae Young (11) and Nets forward Kevin Durant exchange words during the second half Friday. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) and Domantas Sabonis added 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead Indiana past Dallas. Indiana won its third straight game for the first time this season — this one coming without coach Rick Carlisle, who entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols Thursday after testing positive for COVID-19. Luka Doncic had 27 points, nine rebounds and nine assists for Dallas. Kristaps Porzingis added
22 points as the Mavericks lost for the fourth time in five games. LAKERS 116, THUNDER 95 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — LeBron James scored 33 points on 13-of-20 shooting and Los Angeles rolled past Oklahoma City. James — who sat out the Lakers’ first two games against the Thunder this season, both losses — had six assists and five rebounds. Avery Bradley added a season-high 22 points for the Lakers, who moved one game above .500. Rookie Tre Mann scored a season-high 19 points for Oklahoma City. Leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who came in averaging 21.9 points per game, finished with 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting. PELICANS 109, PISTONS 93 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 26 points and New Orleans extended Detroit’s losing streak to 11 games. Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 11 rebounds for New Orleans, which trailed by as many
as 15 points in the second quarter but led by as many as 27 in the second half. Since starting 1-12, New Orleans has won seven of 15 games. Trey Lyles scored 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting and rookie Cade Cunningham added 16 points for Detroit, which missed 19 of 24 shots in the third quarter while being outscored 29-12. CAVALIERS 123, TIMBERWOLVES 106 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jarrett Allen had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Cleveland used a fast start to cruise past Minnesota. Kevin Love scored 18 points and had 13 rebounds off the bench against his former team, and Darius Garland had 12 points and 12 assists. Cleveland had seven players score in double digits: Lauri Markkanen (19), Isaac Okoro (16), Cedi Osman (13) and Evan Mobley (11). Karl-Anthony Towns scored 12 of his 21 points in garbage time, Malik Beasley had 15 points off the bench and Anthony Edwards scored 13 for Minnesota, which has lost five straight.
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Monday, December 13, 2021, PAGE 15
‘Buddy’ scores 21 but Kings fall to Cavaliers 117-103
DURANT PUTS UP NBA SEASON-HIGH 51 POINTS AGAINST DETROIT
By BRIAN DULIK Associated Press
CAVS SCORE 81 POINTS IN 1ST HALF
CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Evan Mobley had 15 points and a season-high 15 rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers matched their team record with 81 first-half points in a 117-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Isaac Okoro scored 20 points, Jarrett Allen had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Darius Garland had 16 points and a career-best 13 assists for the Cavaliers. They held a 29-point lead at intermission and won their third in a row. “Everyone is happy for everyone else anytime one of our teammates does something good,” said Mobley, the third overall pick. “That just speaks to our chemistry. We’ve learned from the things we’ve gone through already and we’ll keep doing that.” Cleveland scored 45 points in the second quarter — one shy of its franchise mark — to take an 81-52 lead. Cedi Osman scored 13 points in the period, eight in a 50-second
burst, and had 18 in the half. Okoro had 15 points, and Garland and Mobley scored 12 apiece. “I was just trying to make the right reads and get my teammates good shots,” Garland said. “The sky is the limit because we have so much talent and we’re so young, but we also have some veterans to help lead the way.” The Cavaliers, who have not trailed in 11 consecutive quarters, shot 61.2 percent from the field in equalling their first-half record set against Portland on November 23, 2016. Their most in any half is 83 in the second at Indiana on January 15, 1993. “It was an ugly first half and our transition defence was atrocious,” Kings interim coach Alvin Gentry said. “But, hey, we’re not quitters. We’re going to keep battling our butts off to get through this. I can promise you that.” Sacramento pulled to 103-96 in the fourth on a pair of 3-pointers by Chavano “Buddy” Hield
DETROIT (AP) — Kevin Durant scored an NBA season-high 51 points in the Brooklyn Nets’ 116104 victory over the Detroit Pistons last night. Cade Cunningham had 26 and Frank Jackson added 25 for Detroit, which lost its 12th straight. The Pistons’ last win was November 17 against the Pacers, and they still haven’t won back-toback games this season. MAVERICKS 103, THUNDER 84 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jalen Brunson had 18 points and nine rebounds while starting in place of injured star Luka Doncic, leading Dallas Mavericks over Oklahoma City. It was the first time this season the Mavericks won without Doncic, who experienced a flareup of a previous ankle injury in Friday’s game against Indiana and is being held out for back-to-back games. TIMBERWOLVES 116, TRAIL BLAZERS 111 PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Minnesota snapped a five-game losing streak by beating Portland. Anthony Edwards added 24 points for Minnesota, which also ended an eightgame losing streak in Portland. The loss was Portland’s fifth straight. BUCKS 112, KNICKS 97 NEW YORK (AP) — Khris Middleton scored 24 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo has his first triple-double of the season to lead Milwaukee over New York. One of seven Bucks in double-digit scoring, Antetokounmpo had 20 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Milwaukee won its second straight game and 10th out of 12 overall. SPURS 112, PELICANS 97 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Jakob Poeltl had 24 points and 12 rebounds, Derrick White added 24 points, and San Antonio beat New Orleans. Dejounte Murray added 10 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as San Antonio won for the fifth time in nine games. White added nine assists and eight rebounds. Brandon Ingram had 27 points to lead New Orleans, while Jonas Valanciunas added 17 points and 12 rebounds.
KINGS’ Buddy Hield (24) drives to the basket against Cavaliers’ Osman. (AP Photos/Tony Dejak) and a three-point play by Damian Jones, capping an 18-2 run to start the quarter. Cleveland subsequently regained control as Ricky Rubio hit two deep 3-pointers. Hield had 21 points and Davion Mitchell had 14 points and five assists off the bench. De’Aaron Fox added 13 points and Harrison Barnes had 12 points as the Kings lost their second straight on the road. “Losing is hard, but it’s going to get better for us,” Mitchell said.
KINGS’ Buddy Hield (24) shoots against Cavaliers’ Dean Wade (32) in the second half Saturday night in Cleveland. “We’ve got to do the little things like get loose balls and win 50-50 balls. That hurt us a lot tonight.” Sacramento fell to 5-5 under Gentry, who replaced Luke Walton. It was Gentry’s 600th career defeat in 1,115 NBA games. Both teams were completing a back-to-back set. Cleveland won 123-106 at Minnesota on Friday, while the Kings lost 124123 in Charlotte when Fox missed two free throws with 2.4 seconds left. SEXTON UPDATE Cavaliers G Collin Sexton, who underwent season-ending left knee surgery on November 17, is rehabilitating in Atlanta. Sexton was averaging a team-high 16.0 points when he tore his meniscus at New York on November 7. “The most difficult thing when you’re injured is staying connected to the team, but Collin is following every game closely,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “When he’s comfortable enough to travel, we’ll get him back up here.”
TIP-INS Kings: C Tristan Thompson spent his first nine seasons with Cleveland, starting on its 2016 NBA championship team, and ranks third in franchise history with 5,393 rebounds. “Tristan has been great for us, a good strong voice in the locker room,” interim coach Alvin Gentry said. “The guys respect him and he’s a good energiser off the bench.” … F Richaun Holmes (right eye injury) missed his second consecutive game. Cavaliers: G Dylan Windler, who is no longer in the rotation, is averaging 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in two G League games for the Cleveland Charge. Windler was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2019 draft, but has been plagued by injuries since. … Cleveland is tied for the second-best road record in the East at 9-5. UP NEXT Kings: At Toronto tonight. Cavaliers: Host Miami tonight.
OLYMPIC LEADERS CRITICISE FIFA AS ACTIVISTS TARGET MEETING By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer OLYMPIC leaders aimed their ire at FIFA’s president over his push for staging more World Cups, during an IOC-hosted meeting that Tibetan students tried to interrupt on Saturday in a protest against the Beijing Winter Games. FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to stage men’s and women’s World Cups every two years instead of four was previously criticised by the IOC which put it on the agenda for the annual “Olympic Summit” debate of influential sports bodies. “The attendees voiced serious concerns over proposals from FIFA for a biennial World Cup and the impact on the worldwide sport event calendar,” the International Olympic Committee said in
a statement. Before the heated words inside the online meeting that Infantino attended, several activists from the Students for a Free Tibet group tried to get into the IOC headquarters. “We have engaged multiple times with peaceful protestors and explained our position,” the IOC said in a statement, “but we will not engage with violent protestors who used force to enter the IOC building and injured a security guard badly by doing so.” Local police were called to help block the activists who continued to sit at the front doors and hold up banners including “Boycott Genocide Games” next to the iconic Olympic rings symbol outside the building. Pro-Tibet groups are part of a wider alliance of activists fuelling opposition to the February 4-20
AWARDS FROM PAGE 13
first place in her age group in every triple jump she competed in. “This season was the first time that I jumped from the 11-metre board, although I was under-17 and I didn’t have to do it. I did it to prove that I could do it and I did. So thank God for that.” Like Williams., Farquharson too is eager to make the CARIFTA team next year. But for now, she’s just content with the Roadrunners staging another awards presentation banquet.
NSA
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Famer Keith ‘Belzee’ Smith, volleyball Hall of Famer Margaret ‘Muggy’ Albury, Felice Albury and Nicole Pratt. “This board is made up of a diverse group of young men and women, who believe have the necessary resources and assets and mindset to take this National Sports Authority to the next level,” said Bowleg, of the board he said is made up of former bankers, businessmen and women and CPAs. “The whole idea in the lounge of Sports in Paradise is to ensure that these facilities are occupied within the 52 weeks of the year by bringing the various disciplines and events to our shores that would also impact us economically through sports tourism.” Without going into any details, Bowleg said having read the controversial report of the previous board where the auditor general Terrance Bastian discovered
PROTESTERS hold protest posters during a protest against Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics by activists of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Saturday. (Jean-Guy Python/Keystone via AP) Beijing OIympics over Chi- criticised for seeming too na’s human rights record, close to China over the including treatment of its uncertain safety of tennis Muslim-minority Uyghur player Peng Shuai after she people, democratic rights made sexual assault allein Hong Kong and military gations against a former harassment of Taiwan. In senior government official. recent weeks, the IOC and Bach chaired the meeting its president Thomas Bach Saturday to discuss “subhave been more widely jects of significance for
the future of the Olympic movement.” It came two days after Bach said the IOC had no direct consultation with FIFA since the biennial World Cup proposal was formally announced three months ago. Under questioning from several delegates, Infantino explained “ongoing discussions in FIFA were broader in scope than a biennial World Cup, and that what had been presented so far was only the preliminary results, which are still under discussion,” according to the IOC statement. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The IOC has previously said doubling the number of World Cups would affect the calendar of “tennis, cycling, golf, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, Formula One and many others.”
“I thank God. It’s only him that could have brought me this far,” she lamented. “This past season was a tough year, it was all worth it when we could come here and get the awards for our accomplishments as a club. I’m thankful to God for that as well.” The most outstanding athletes selected were the following: Female - Taleah Edwards (under-7); Cataleya Vargas (under-9); Azalia Henderson (under-11); Jkalyah Rolle (under13); Tamia Taylor (under-15); Telico Seymour (under-17) and Rowlia Joseph (under-20).
Male - Logan Thompson (under-7); Avery Johnson (under9); Anfernee Garrison and Anthony Pedicab (co-under-13); Teron Davis (under-15) and Jackson Ozias (under-20). Ingraham, the general manager of Summit Insurance Company, was also the honoured guest this year. He made another cheque presentation to Roadrunners club president and head coach Dexter Bodie. Bodie, who was hailed all night for his dedicated commitment to the club, announced that moving forward, the Honour Roll award will be named in honour of
Ingraham, while the Athlete of the Year honour will be changed to the Harrison Petty award in recognition of his contribution to the club since 1999 as a sponsor. And Petty has attended just about every banquet held. Minister Bowleg, Archer and Petty all congratulated coach Bodie and his coaching staff for the stellar job they are doing with the athletes. Bowleg even went on to say that Bodie could be receiving a special award very soon for his faithfulness to his club over the years. Petty said he decided to stick with the club because he was so
proud of how they were able to develop coaches, who were not former athletes. But they have exerted themselves to become professionals in their various job vocations, he said. He encouraged the studentathletes to aspire for a job in one of the STEM groups - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - because that is where the future lies on the job market. Wayne Smith, a long-time physical education teacher and coach in Grand Bahama, came to town to serve as the master of ceremony.
some irregularities that took place financially, he’s concerned about what transpired. But while he assured the public that where any legal action is warranted, the Bahamas Government will pursue that course for those guilty. He stated that as the leader of this board appointed by himself, he will take responsibility for any infractions. He also revealed that very shortly, he intends to release the names of those persons appointed to the Sports Advisory Board that will be mandated for sports policies and how to assist the various federations and associations. As it further relates to the NSA Board, Bowleg said they will not sit back and wait for events to come to them. “The mandate of this board is to go around the world and seek events and bring them back to this country,” said Bowleg, referring to the collegiate Final Four and the various professional league’s playoffs and championships where they will set up booths to sell the facilities to entice people
to want to host their events in Sports in Paradise. Without letting the “cat out of the bag,” Bowleg said his ministry will also engage our elite athletes as sports ambassadors as well as persons in culture as culture ambassadors to assist in the promotion of the Bahamas. On Friday, the new board will get its first taste of competition when they oversee the seventh edition of the Bahamas Bowl football game between the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the Toledo Rockets at 1pm Friday at the TAR National Stadium. The game, Bowleg reminded the public, is free of charge and will be carried live on ESPN. From July 7-11, the inaugural Babe Ruth Region Caribbean Championship and International Baseball Tournament will be staged here. Bowleg, however, said the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium may not be ready, but they hope to have the two adjacent fields prepared for the event. “Myself
and the Minister of Works, Alfred Sears, are scheduled to meet with the contractor next week to get an update and get a timeline on when the work will be finished,” Bowleg said. “There’s some funding that is owed to the contractor, which we hope to get sorted out. Once that is sorted out, we will see more work being done to get it completed in a timely manner.” Additionally, Bowling said his ministry has put in a bid to have the World Athletics’ World Relays returned to the Bahamas for the seventh edition in 2025. The first three editions took place here in 2014, 2015 and 2017 before losing the fourth bid in 2019 to Japan. This year’s fifth event was staged in Poland and China has already secured the hosting of the sixth edition in 2023. “We are in competition with other countries, but it’s our intent to have it return here,” Bowleg said. Burrows, in expressing his gratitude to Bowleg on behalf of his
members for the opportunity to serve on the board, said there are events on the drawing board that they will be reviewing. With venues including boxing, softball, baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, athletics, swimming, tennis and hotrod under their portfolio right now, Burrows said they have to seek out and find the international events and other cultural and social events to take place here in the Bahamas. For those venues that are shared by sports and cultural and social events, Burrows said they will have to find a way to co-exist on a first-come, first-serve basis to ensure that they maximise the use of all of the facilities. Burrows, by the way, serves as the Babe Ruth Caribbean Region Commissioner. He is also the founder of the Freedom Farm Baseball League where many of the players in the under12 divisional championship and 15-and-under divisional invitational will be selected to represent the Bahamas.
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COVID-19 BOOSTERS ON BACKBURNER FOR MOST PROFESSIONAL SPORTS LEAGUES By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer THE push to get vaccine booster shots is not an immediate priority in most of the top sports leagues in North America even with delta and omicron variants spreading. The NFL and NHL have no current plans to follow the NBA’s lead and require players, coaches and staff to get a COVID-19 booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated under league protocols — even as cases continue to crop up. Five NHL games have been postponed so far this season, with two teams getting briefly shut down to quell outbreaks, and high-profile vaccinated stars like Joel Embiid and Ben Roethlisberger have missed action after testing positive. It is a far cry from 2020 when the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball rescheduled dozens of games, but the pandemic is still proving disruptive. NFL and NHL officials are instead touting current vaccination rates above 90 percent as the reason virus cases so far have largely been mild or asymptomatic. MLB is in a lockout that has cut off contact with players, but even before that there was no vaccine mandate or road map to add boosters. The US Centers for Disease Control has recommended booster shots for those 16 and older. None of the major four North American pro sports leagues has a vaccine mandate. “We’re not at that point yet,” NHLPA executive director Don Fehr said when asked about making boosters count as being fully vaccinated for the league’s approximately 700 players. “We’re obviously in ongoing consultation with our doctors and when and if they say, ‘Look, all things
A SYRINGE is prepared with COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic in the US. (AP) considered we think this is what should be done or needs to be done or is a good idea if individuals want to do it,’ that’s what we’ll transmit to players.” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said a plan similar to the NBA’s had not yet been discussed. The NHL has 99.9 percent of players on active rosters vaccinated and is recommending but not requiring boosters. “Obviously (boosters are) becoming more highly recommended every day, so obviously we have encouraged the clubs and the players to get boosters at their earliest possible date,” Daly said. “Whether it becomes part of the definition of fully vaccinated, I’m not sure it will or won’t. That’s going to be a decision ultimately made by the medical professionals.” New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello, whose team along with Ottawa was shut down by the NHL, said boosters were made available and the uptake was high. “Most of our players have received a booster shot at this point,” Lamoriello said. “We had no pushback on any of our recommendations with the vaccination, whatever it might have been — whether it was Pfizer, whether it was Moderna, whether it was Johnson & Johnson. Whatever their choice was, we tried to make it available.” The NBA told teams that those who do not receive an additional
vaccine dose by December 17 would be subject to stricter protocols, which can include extra testing. The league said as of this week 60 percent of NBA players and staff have received a booster shot. “If you can get it, you should get it,” said Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers, whose team has dealt with a number of COVID19 player absences. “(We should send) any good message we can send about it in doing the right thing.” The NFL, which reports 94.4 percent of players are fully vaccinated, is also not yet making a booster shot part of its protocol. “Obviously the public health guidance is moving us towards embracing the boosters,” chief medical officer Dr Allen Sills told NFL Network last week. For now, the topic is left to individual teams. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said the Seahawks scheduled a booster day for players, coaches and staff this week. “Everybody was involved and had an opportunity and they had slots if they wanted it,” Carroll said “Not everybody took advantage of it today, but a lot of people did.” Boosters also might make business sense for leagues looking to avoid disruption, according to Dr Stuart Ray, a coronavirus expert at Johns Hopkins who pointed to a recent study that shows an additional dose can cut the chances of being infected by 86 percent. “I think it’s all upside, and boosters are very safe,” said Ray, who specialises in infectious diseases. Still, Fehr said the NHL has “been able to cope” thus far by only postponing and rescheduling a handful of games. “In this crazy world, that’s pretty good,” Fehr said. Some teams have gone back to stricter protocols when a cluster
of cases emerges. The Washington Capitals, who have had four players in COVID-19 protocol this season, moved to daily testing this week. “We’re doing whatever we can, but right now we’re in it,” said coach Peter Laviolette, who added booster shots were available to players and staff who want one. “The whole world’s dealing with it.” Daly said the NHL’s evidence has shown team outbreaks are the result of community transmission and not because the virus is being passed around the locker room like last season, before vaccines were widely available to the general public. He added there’s no evidence of team-to-team transmission, either. Daly said a “relatively small minority” of NHL players received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine and not the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna shots. Ray said protection against infection, especially against newer variants, has waned more significantly with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. “The boost really does make up the gap that we didn’t know would occur when the J&J was coming out,” Ray said. “We all told people, ‘Look, the best vaccine is the one you can get,’ but now we’ve learned that the J&J vaccine’s a little less effective, but when boosted it works very well.” After returning from his COVID-19 protocol absence, Capitals centre Lars Eller said a doctor told him being vaccinated prevented his case from being more severe. In the midst of his team’s outbreak, St Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong said he was confident in that from his own experience with the disease. “It mitigates the symptoms, which is great and it’s still well worth getting it,” he said.
COVID-HIT TOTTENHAM RISKS FORFEIT AS UEFA SCRAPS RENNES GAME LONDON (AP) — Tottenham’s postponed Europa Conference League game against Rennes will not be played, UEFA said Saturday, putting Spurs at risk of having to forfeit the match and be eliminated from the competition. Tottenham said this week it couldn’t play Thursday as scheduled because of its COVID-19 outbreak that also forced the postponement of the team’s Premier League match at Brighton yesterday. The French club accused Tottenham of making an “unilateral decision” to postpone the game, and UEFA announced early Saturday that the clubs had not been able to agree on a date to reschedule the match. “Unfortunately, despite all efforts, a solution that could work for both clubs could not be found,” UEFA said. The match is the last of the group stage of the competition, with Tottenham needing a win to finish second in the group. A draw or a loss would eliminate the London club. Rennes has already clinched first place in the group. UEFA said the game will be referred to its disciplinary body for a ruling “in accordance with Annex J” of its competition regulations. Those regulations state that if a game that was postponed because of COVID-19 cases cannot be rescheduled, the team that couldn’t play on the original date will be handed a 3-0 forfeit loss.
Australia beats England by 9 wickets to open Ashes series By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — A new era of Australian cricket with fast bowler Pat Cummins leading the team and Alex Carey behind the stumps started with a familiar result for an Ashes test at the Gabba. Australia won the series opener by nine wickets on Saturday with 1 1/2 days to spare after Nathan Lyon picked up his 400th test wicket and quickly added three more to dismantle England’s bid to save the first test. England resumed Day 4 at 220-2 and Lyon struck in the fourth over, triggering a collapse that netted eight wickets for 77 runs as the visiting team finished the match in a similar vein to how it started. After restricting England’s second innings to 297, the Australians needed just 20 runs to clinch the match. They did it in 5.1 overs, for the loss of only
makeshift opener Alex Carey (9), with Marcus Harris (9 not out) hitting a boundary to finish off. Australia hasn’t lost a test against England at the Gabba since 1986, and hasn’t lost an Ashes test on home soil since 2010-11. Lyon triggered England’s demise when he dismissed Dawid Malan to end a 162-run third-wicket stand. With that, he joined retired legspinner Shane Warne (708) and retired paceman Glenn McGrath (563) as the only Australians to surpass the 400-wicket barrier in test cricket. The 34-year-old off-spinner finished with 4-91 for the innings. Carey, as well as moving up the order to open in the second innings because of David Warner’s forced relegation for not fielding on Day 3, took a record eight catches for a wicketkeeper on test debut. Cummins was elevated to the captaincy — the first fast bowler since the 1950s to get the job — when Tim
Paine quit last month following reports he’d been investigated four years by Cricket Australia for sending an inappropriate text message to a work colleague in Tasmania. Carey replaced Paine behind the stumps. “Exceptionally proud,” Cummins said of the start, noting the big contributions from Lyon, Carey and Travis Head, who cemented his place in the batting lineup with 152 in Australia’s first innings total of 425. After being dismissed for 147 in the first innings and surrendering a 278-run firstinnings deficit, England revived some hope of challenging in the first test when Malan and Joe Root defied the attack for almost two full sessions on Friday. But the defiance didn’t extend long into Day 4, with Malan (82 from 195 balls) getting an inside edge from Lyon to Marnus Labuschagne at bat-pad. Lyon took his 399th wicket in January and had to wait almost 11 months for No.
AUSTRALIA’S CAMERON GREEN, left, celebrates after taking the wicket of England’s Joe Root during day four of the first Ashes cricket test at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, on Saturday. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard) 400 because the Australians didn’t play another test in 2021 until this week. Root added only three runs to his overnight score, making it to 89 — his highest score in an Ashes test Down Under — before his 165-ball knock ended when he was caught behind off allrounder Cameron Green. Lyon dismissed Ollie Pope in the next over and, after Cummins squared up Ben Stokes (14) and Josh Hazlewood had Jos Buttler (23) caught behind, returned to collect two late wickets. Lyon removed Ollie Robinson (8), inexplicably reverse sweeping to point, and bowled Mark Wood (6) before Green had Chris Woakes (16) caught behind
to finished off England’s innings. Some critics questioned Root’s decision to bat first after winning the toss in dark, overcast conditions on Day 1, and the selection panel’s call to omit veteran pace bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad from the XI. “We have to be brave. We have to look to do things differently to previous tours,” he said. “The toss, it was the right decision, we just didn’t play well enough in the first innings. “You can’t question the guys who were out there ... (we) created so many chances, we just weren’t good enough to take them.” A power outage at the broadcast compound cut
the TV feed for at least 15 minutes on Saturday, and created another round of technology issues for the match officials. On Day 1, the TV umpire wasn’t able to access ballby-ball replays to review front-foot no-balls — and there were 12 that went uncalled in the first session. On Days 2 and 3, the technology used to register “snicks” — light contact between bat and ball — wasn’t available in the Decision Review System, either. Root said it had no real impact on the players on the field, but could understand if it was frustrating for fans. The five-match series moves to Adelaide, where a day-night test starts Thursday.
DUPONT, ALDCROFT WIN RUGBY’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
ENGLAND’s Zoe Aldcroft was named World Rugby’s women’s player of the year on Friday. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) — France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont was named World Rugby’s men’s player of the year on Friday and England lock Zoe Aldcroft won the women’s award. The stocky and explosively quick Dupont has been outstanding for France in the past two seasons, helping Les Tricolores become a competitive side once again under coach Fabien Galthie after years of mediocrity. The 25-year-old Dupont was outstanding
in orchestrating attacks as France ended the year with a 40-25 win against New Zealand to end a 14-match, 12-year losing streak to the All Blacks. He captained the side in the Autumn Series in the absence of skipper Charles Ollivon. “Shoot for the moon,” the Toulouse player wrote in English on his Twitter page, then continued in French. “A big thank you to everyone, and especially to the staff and my teammates.” The 25-year-old Aldcroft helped England
win a third successive Six Nations title this year and secure back-to-back wins over New Zealand. Dupont is the third Frenchman to clinch the award after Galthie won in 2012 and flanker Thierry Dusautoir in 2011 after leading France to the World Cup final. He beat Australia flanker Michael Hooper, England lock Maro Itoje and Australia center Samu Kerevi in the public voting. Last year Dupont was voted the best men’s Six Nations player — the first Frenchman to win the
award. He stood out with his bursts of speed from the back of the scrum, his perceptive passing and support running. Aldcroft captained England for the first time in an 89-0 win over the United States that extended the Red Roses’ unbeaten test run to 18. “It was an honour to be nominated in the first instance and I’m absolutely over the moon,” she told the Six Nations website. “Individual awards are a reflection of a team effort and I’d like to dedicate this
to all of the teammates, coaching and management staff that I work with.” She won the public vote ahead of England backrower Poppy Cleall, France scrumhalf Laure Sansus and France winger Caroline Boujard. Aldcroft is the fourth Englishwoman to win the award following winger Michaela Staniford (2012), backrower Sarah Hunter (2016) and centre-fullback Emily Scarratt two years ago. “To follow in their footsteps is an amazing feeling,” Aldcroft said.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 13, 2021, PAGE 17
4-0 loss exposes Newcastle frailty amid EPL relegation fight By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer JANUARY cannot come quick enough for Newcastle. The limitations of the squad inherited by Eddie Howe when he took over as Newcastle manager last month were exposed in a 4-0 loss at Leicester in the Premier League yesterday. The result kept Newcastle in the relegation zone after 16 games, with the team having won just once so far. And its next three opponents heading into the busy festive period? Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. Given Newcastle was recently bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Howe is likely to have plenty of money to spend in the
January transfer window to improve his squad. On the evidence of the match at King Power Stadium, it needs improving — especially the defense. James Maddison profited, in particular, in a display from attacking midfield that mixed wonderful creativity with fine finishing. He set up both of Youri Tielemans’ goals -- one coming from the penalty spot after Maddison was tripped -- and produced a stunning outside-of-theboot pass in the build-up to a tap-in by Patson Daka. Maddison scored the fourth himself, lashing home into the corner after playing a one-two with Daka, who started ahead of Jamie Vardy. Newcastle stayed in next-to-last place. “We’re in a huge fight to stay in
this division,” Howe said. “We’ll need to use the pain and feeling from today to help us in our journey this season.” WEST HAM DENIED Burnley edged a point ahead of Newcastle — but remained in the relegation zone — after a 0-0 draw at home to West Ham. West Ham couldn’t build on its win over Chelsea last weekend. Fourth-place West Ham is still in the Champions League qualification positions in the race to be the best of the rest, with the top three — Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea — having pulled well clear already. But Manchester United is only one point back in fifth after back-to-back wins under new manager Ralf Rangnick, and
Arsenal and Tottenham are within two points. HERO TO VILLAIN Demarai Gray won a game for Everton on Monday. He was partially to blame for a defeat yesterday. Gray’s sloppy pass back into his own penalty area led to Conor Gallagher scoring the first of his two goals for Crystal Palace in its 3-1 victory over Everton. James Tomkins added the other for Palace while Salomon Rondon netted for the visitors. Everton’s performance was lacklustre at Selhurst Park, so the 2-1 comeback win over Arsenal six days ago — sealed by Gray’s stoppage-time wonder goal — proved to be something of a false dawn. Palace moved above Everton into 12th place.
COVID OUTBREAK Tottenham was also supposed to play yesterday but its match against Brighton was called off on Thursday because of a coronavirus outbreak at Spurs that led to the closure of the first-team section of the club’s training ground. While Tottenham’s players have reportedly returned to training, improving the chances of its match at Leicester on Thursday going ahead, there could be COVID-19 issues at Manchester United. Some players and staff members at United reported positive tests for the virus yesterday. The people who tested positive were sent home before training and the Premier League was notified. United is scheduled to play Brentford in the league on Tuesday.
BARCELONA HELD 2-2 AT OSASUNA By JOSEPH WILSON Associated Press BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Goals from Barcelona’s latest teenage talents weren’t enough to save Xavi Hernández’s side from another letdown yesterday after a late strike gave Osasuna a 2-2 draw in the Spanish league. Barcelona was leading 2-1 after 19-year-olds Nico González and Abde Ezzalzouli scored their first goals since joining the team from the club’s youth squads this season. Nico received a pass from Gavi Páez, a player two years his junior, to put Barcelona ahead in the 12th minute at El Sadar Stadium. Osasuna’s David García levelled with a header two minutes later. Abde swept in a cross from Ousmane Dembelé in the 49th. But substitute Chimy Ávila pulled Osasuna level with four minutes to go with a long-range strike that went in after touching Samuel Umtiti.
LEVERKUSEN FALLS IN 5-2 LOSS AT FRANKFURT IN BUNDESLIGA FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Bayer Leverkusen threw away a two-goal lead to lose 5-2 at Eintracht Frankfurt yesterday and miss the chance to put pressure on the Bundesliga leaders. Leverkusen’s defeat is another boost to tabletopping Bayern Munich, which extended its lead to six points Saturday when it beat Mainz and secondplace Borussia Dortmund drew at Bochum. Two early goals from Patrick Schick briefly seemed to have put Leverkusen in control but Brazilian defender Tuta soon responded with a volleyed goal for Frankfurt before Jesper Lindstrom equalised on a counterattack. Leverkusen stays third after missing a chance to move to within a point of Dortmund, while Frankfurt rises three places to ninth.
ASTON Villa’s Ollie Watkins, left, heads the ball during the English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at Anfield stadium in Liverpool on Saturday. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
English Premier League top 3 all win to intensify title race By MATTIAS KAREN Associated Press LONDON (AP) — The English Premier League’s top three kept up the furious pace of their title race by picking up hard-fought wins on Saturday, although all three needed secondhalf penalties to do so. Manchester City maintained its one-point lead after Raheem Sterling’s 100th league goal secured a 1-0 home win over Wolverhampton in the early kickoff, and chasing duo Liverpool and Chelsea responded with slim victories of their own. Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard’s return to Anfield nearly dealt a damaging blow to Liverpool’s title hopes but Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the 67th minute secured a 1-0 win for the Reds after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez frustrated the hosts for much of the game. At Stamford Bridge, Jorginho had to convert two spot kicks — the second in the fourth minute of stoppage time — for Chelsea to beat Leeds 3-2. His first penalty in the 58th put Chelsea 2-1 up but Joe Gelhardt equalised in the 83rd. Liverpool remained in second place
with Chelsea another point back in third. City was perhaps a bit fortunate to come away with a sixth straight league win after Pep Guardiola’s team was awarded a disputed spot kick for handball when Joao Moutinho blocked a cross from Bernardo Silva with his arm outstretched. Wolves argued the ball hit his armpit, but the decision was upheld after a VAR review. Sterling calmly converted the penalty straight down the middle. “It’s a lovely achievement,” Sterling said about joining the 100-goal club. “Some fantastic players have been in there. I’m really honored to be in it now.” Manchester United also needed a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo to beat last-placed Norwich 1-0 and move into fifth place. Arsenal bounced back from two straight losses by beating Southampton 3-0 at home. ‘EMOTIONAL’ RETURN FOR GERRARD Gerrard, the long-time Liverpool captain, was back at his boyhood club in a professional capacity for the first time since leaving
in 2015 and was given a standing ovation when he entered the field for the game. “It was always going to be an emotional one. Everyone on the outside can understand that,” Gerrard said. “I very much appreciate the support and the bond I still have with Liverpool fans, but I think that’s normal because I had so many years here.” Gerrard’s defensive tactics nearly paid off as Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez frustrated Liverpool until Tyrone Mings pulled down Salah in the 67th minute, and the Egypt forward converted his 15th consecutive successful penalty. Villa appealed for a late penalty of their own when Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson flapped at a loose ball after a mix-up with Joel Matip and appeared to bring down Danny Ings, but the referee waved play on. CHELSEA ‘LUCKY’ There were three penalties in total at Stamford Bridge, as Raphinha put Leeds ahead from the spot in the first half. Mason Mount leveled for Chelsea before Raphinha conceded the hosts’ first penalty
by scything down Toni Rudiger. Leeds thought it earned a point after teenage forward Joe Gelhardt climbed off the bench to level at 2-2 in the 83rd minute but Rudiger then won Chelsea’s second penalty in injury time, when fouled by Mateusz Klich. “We deserved to win but of course it’s lucky when you have a late goal in (injury) time,” Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said. “But coming back twice is very impressive and I’m very happy we turned things around.” ARSENAL DROPS AUBA Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dropped captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang because of a “disciplinary breach” and still saw his team score three goals for the first time in seven league games. Martin Odegaard netted for a third straight game, after Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring by finishing off a flowing team move in the 21st minute. Defender Gabriel headed home the third from a corner in the second half. Ralf Rangnick earned a second straight win as United’s interim manager thanks to Ronaldo’s
penalty in the 75th minute. It was Ronaldo’s 13th goal of the season and put United in fifth place, level on points with fourthplaced West Ham, which visited Burnley yesterday. Arsenal is a point further back in sixth.
BIZARRE GOAL PREVENTS NAPOLI FROM MOVING TOP OF SERIE A MILAN (AP) — A bizarre goal prevented Napoli from moving top of Serie A as it lost 1-0 at home to Empoli yesterday. Empoli scored the only goal of the match in the 70th minute. A corner was floated in from the left, Napoli midfielder André Anguissa headed it onto the back of Patrick Cutrone’s head at the near post and the ricochet took the ball into the back of the net. Napoli slipped to fourth, a point behind Inter Milan and Atalanta, which won 2-1 at Hellas Verona. Napoli remained three points behind league leader AC Milan.
DIENG SCORES SCREAMER AS MARSEILLE MOVES TO 2ND SPOT PARIS (AP) — Senegal striker Bamba Dieng scored with a stunning acrobatic volley as Marseille won 2-0 at Strasbourg to move up to second place in the French league yesterday. Jorge Sampaoli’s team put on a solid defensive display to resist Strasbourg’s press and then broke the deadlock near the hour-mark when Dieng connected with a cross from Luis Henrique and unleashed his right-footed bicycle kick to send the ball into the back of the net. Dieng was also at the start of the move, having recovered the ball in midfield. It was Dieng’s first goal since September after he went through a nine-match goalless drought. Marseille, which boasts the league’s best defence, produced a ninth clean sheet this season. Only Liverpool has done better in the five top European leagues. Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque wasted a good chance to level from Anthony Caci’s pinpoint cross in the 76th minute but his effort from close range was too weak to surprise Marseille ‘keeper Pau Lopez. Defender Duje Caleta-Car sealed Marseille’s win in the 81st, heading home a corner kick from Dimitri Payet at the near post. The result lifted Marseille one point above third-place Rennes, 10 points behind leader PSG which later hosted Monaco at the Parc des Princes.
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Brady sets completions record, throws 700th touchdown in OT win TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Tom Brady became the NFL’s all-time completions leader and threw his 700th touchdown pass for the winning score as the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a 33-27 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills yesterday. Brady threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns, and scored on a quarterback sneak set up by the 7,143rd completion of an unmatched 22-year career that includes seven Super Bowl titles. Tampa Bay won it on Breshad Perriman’s 58-yard catch-and-run with 5:31 left in OT — the 700th TD pass of Brady’s career, including playoffs. Despite blowing a 21-point halftime lead, the Bucs (10-3) won their fourth straight game and moved closer to clinching Tampa Bay’s first NFC South title since 2007. Brady, who ruled Buffalo and won 17 AFC East titles during a two-decade stint with the New England Patriots, improved to 33-3 in career starts against the Bills. He broke Drew Brees’ record for most completions in a career late in the second quarter and finished 31 of 46 with no interceptions. Josh Allen shrugged off a slow start to throw for 308 yards and two touchdowns for Buffalo (7-6). He also rushed for 109 yards and a TD, becoming the fourth player in league history to throw for over 300 yards and also rush for 100-plus in the same game. CHIEFS 48, RAIDERS 7 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw his first two touchdown passes in nearly a month, Clyde EdwardsHelaire added two more scores on the ground, and the Chiefs forced five turnovers in rolling to a record-setting victory over the Raiders. Derek Gore’s 51-yard TD run with 7:19 left in the fourth quarter allowed Kansas City (9-4) to eclipse the largest margin of victory in a series that began in 1960 and has been played 126 times. The previous record was 35 points in 1964. Tyrann Mathieu had an interception and fumble recovery, Mike Hughes returned another fumble 23 yards for a touchdown, and the reigning AFC champion Chiefs built a 35-0 first-half lead before cruising to their sixth consecutive win. They’ve won eight of their last nine against the Raiders (6-7), outscoring them 89-23 in two meetings this season. Derek Carr finished with 266 yards passing, much of it going to Hunter Renfrow, who caught 13 of 14 targets for 117 yards and a score. But Renfrow also had one of four fumbles and five turnovers total for Las Vegas. Chiefs coach Andy Reid improved to 15-3 against the team’s most bitter rival. In doing so, the longtime Eagles coach joined Marty
Schottenheimer and Hank Stram as the only coaches to win 100 games with Kansas City. COWBOYS 27, WASHINGTON 20 LANDOVER, Md. (AP ) — Micah Parsons sacked Taylor Heinicke twice and forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, helping the Cowboys make good on coach Mike McCarthy’s guarantee of winning. Washington’s win streak was snapped at four. Dallas led 24-0 and 27-8 before Kyle Allen replaced Heinicke and led a 73-yard TD drive. Then Cole Holcomb intercepted Dak Prescott and ran it back for a pick-6. Washington’s comeback bid came to an end when Allen fumbled with 2:24 remaining. The Cowboys staked themselves to such a big lead thanks to a big firsthalf showing by their defense. Dallas forced four turnovers and had five sacks. Doran Armstrong recovered the fumble Parsons forced and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown, and Randy Gregory picked off Heinicke. He also forced Allen to fumble on a sack the day after Gregory was activated off injured reserve. The Cowboys (9-4) distanced themselves from Washington (6-7) in the NFC East. Tensions boiled over with 10:29 left when Washington rookie William BradleyKing — promoted off the practice squad in the morning because of COVID-19 absences — shoved Dak Prescott near the Cowboys’ sideline. Ezekiel Elliott shoved Bradley-King, and Dallas right tackle La’el Collins was ejected for his role in the skirmish. Parsons became the first rookie since Jevon Kearse in 1999 and third in NFL history to have a sack in six consecutive games. 49ERS 26, BENGALS 23, OT CINCINNATI (AP) — Jimmy Garoppolo threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Aiyuk to win it after San Francisco blew a big lead. Garoppolo completed five passes in the overtime drive, including a pair to tight end George Kittle, who was again San Francisco’s offensive star. On the final play, Aiyuk dived to the pylon and was initially ruled short, but a replay gave him the touchdown and San Francisco (7-6) a critical win. Evan McPherson hit a 41-yard field goal in the opening possession of overtime to give the Bengals (7-6) a brief lead, their first of the day. San Francisco’s Robbie Gould missed a 47-yard field goal with 4 seconds left in regulation that would have won it. That came after Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to claw back from a 20-6 deficit and tie the game with 1:19 left. Deebo Samuel rushed for another score for San Francisco.
PACKERS 45, BEARS 30 GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns to continue his mastery of the NFL’s oldest rivalry as the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 45-30 on Sunday night. The Packers scored the first 24 points of the second half to erase a 27-21 halftime deficit. Green Bay (10-3) took a four-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North and moved closer to its third straight division title. Chicago (4-9) has lost seven of eight. Rodgers went 29 of 37, throwing two TD passes to Davante Adams and one each to Allen Lazard and Aaron Jones. Rodgers has 61 career touchdown passes against the Bears, the most all-time against Chicago and one more than his predecessor, Brett Favre. BROWNS 24, RAVENS 22 CLEVELAND (AP) — Baker Mayfield threw two touchdown passes, Myles Garrett scored his first career TD and the Browns stayed in the thick of the playoff race. The Ravens lost quarterback Lamar Jackson with an ankle injury. Healthier than he’s been in weeks following Cleveland’s bye, Mayfield connected with Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper on first-half scores as the Browns (7-6) bounced back and beat the Ravens (8-5) after losing to them 15 days ago. Of course it helped that Jackson went out with a sprained right ankle sustained on the first play of the second quarter. The 2019 NFL MVP was unable to put any weight on the ankle; the Ravens have been overrun by injuries this season. Jackson was replaced by Tyler Huntley. Huntley spent much of the second half scrambling from trouble. However, he kept Baltimore close and the Ravens, who trailed 24-6 at half, pulled within 24-22 on Huntley’s 8-yard TD pass to Mark Andrews with 1:17 to go. Baltimore then recovered an onside kick, but couldn’t convert it into points. TITANS 20, JAGUARS 0 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans were on the other side of a turnover-fest by getting four interceptions in their first home shutout in more than two decades. Rashaan Evans, Jayon Brown, Kristian Fulton and Buster Skrine picked off passes from rookie Trevor Lawrence, who hadn’t thrown multiple interceptions in a game since his NFL debut. Tennessee dominated Jacksonville’s offensive line, sacking Lawrence three times and prompting four holding calls and a false start. All the interceptions were a direct result of pressure, but not blitzes.
TAMPA Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates as he leaves the field after the team defeated the Buffalo Bills during overtime yesterday in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio) The Titans (9-4) had Brandon McManus wore a 5-yard pass to Robby been on the other end of custom cleats featuring the Anderson to cut the lead to turnover-filled games their late Demaryius Thomas’ 29-21 with 3:11 left. previous two times out, famous mile-wide smile. The Panthers were looklosing to Houston and New The retired receiver died ing for a stop on Atlanta’s England thanks mostly to a at his Georgia home on final possession, but Ryan combined nine turnovers. Thursday at age 33. hooked up with Kyle Pitts Jacksonville (2-11) proThen, the Broncos (7-6) for a 24-yard gain on a vided the perfect remedy took the field with just 10 third-and-14 on a busted for a two-game skid. The men in honour of Thomas. coverage; two Carolina Jaguars also extended a The Lions (1-11-1) declined players collided. number of streaks of their the delay-of-game penalty. The Falcons then ran out own while failing to score in The Broncos got just the clock. a game for the fourth time their second opening-drive SEAHAWKS 33, in franchise history and first touchdown in 29 games TEXANS 13 time since 2009. The Jag- under embattled offensive HOUSTON (AP) — uars lost their fifth straight coordinator Pat Shurmur Russell Wilson threw for overall, eighth straight in with Williams scoring from 260 yards and two touchNashville, ninth consecu- 5 yards, carrying safeties downs and the Seahawks tive in AFC South play and Dean Marlowe and Jalen won consecutive games for 15th in a row on the road. Elliott across the goal line the first time this season. CHARGERS 37, with him. Seattle coach Pete CarGIANTS 21 Gordon’s 1-yard TD run roll earned his 150th INGLEWOOD, Calif after a three-and-out by regular-season win a week (AP) — Justin Herbert Detroit made it 14-0, and after the Seahawks (5-8) threw for three touchdowns the first quarter ended with beat San Francisco 30-23. and Dustin Hopkins added the Broncos holding an 11-0 He did it in front of a three field goals for the advantage in first downs sparse crowd that appeared Chargers, who improved to and a yardage disparity of to have more Seattle fans 8-5 and are a game behind 135 to minus-1. than Houston followers. the Chiefs going into ThursThe Lions got within Neon green shirts pepday night’s pivotal AFC 14-10 but coughed up the pered the stands and chants West matchup. football on the second snap of ‘Seahawks, Seahawks,’ Herbert also reached a of the third quarter when echoed through the stadium trio of milestones. He is Shelby Harris punched throughout the game. the first player to reach the ball from Godwin Wilson threw a 55-yard 30 touchdown passes in Igwebuike’s grasp and line- TD pass to Tyler Lockett in his first two seasons; has backer Jonathon Cooper the second quarter and his the most completions by recovered at the Detroit 30. 1-yard pass to Gerald Evera player through his first Five plays later, Williams ett and 2-point conversion two seasons (734); and is caught a 10-yard TD pass to Lockett made it 27-13 the second-fastest player to from Teddy Bridgewater, with about 7 ½ minutes left. reach 8,000 career yards (28 stretching Denver’s lead to Lockett had 142 yards games). 24-10. receiving to give him 1,023 The second-year signal FALCONS 29, yards this season. caller went 16 of 22 for 204 PANTHERS 21 He joins Hall of Famer yards and a touchdown as CHARLOTTE, N.C. Steve Largent as the only the Chargers took a 24-7 (AP) — Matt Ryan threw players in franchise history lead into halftime. His final for 190 yards and a touch- to have at least 1,000 yards throw of the first half was a down, Mykal Walker receiving in three straight 59-yard touchdown pass to returned an interception of seasons. Jalen Guyton. Cam Newton 66 yards for a Rashaad Penny ran for a The game was tied at 7 touchdown and the Falcons career-high 137 yards with after the first quarter before continued to play well on two touchdowns. the Chargers broke it open the road. SAINTS 30, with 30 straight points. Cordarrelle Patterson ran JETS 9 Joshua Palmer and Jalen for 58 yards and a touchEAST RUTHERFORD, Guyton — who picked down for the Falcons (6-7), N.J. (AP) — Alvin Kamara up the slack with Keenan who improved to 6-2 away ran for 120 yards and a Allen on the COVID-19 list from Mercedes-Benz Sta- touchdown in his return — each had TD receptions dium and kept their playoff from a four-game absence, in the second quarter. hopes alive. and the Saints snapped a Mike Glennon, startNewton ran for a 12-yard five-game losing streak. ing for the second straight touchdown but turned Taysom Hill ran for week with Daniel Jones out over the ball twice and was two scores and shook off with a neck injury, was 17 benched midway through a banged-up finger on his of 36 for 191 yards with two through the fourth quarter throwing hand to pass for touchdowns and an inter- for P.J. Walker. 175 yards for the Saints ception for the Giants (4-9), The Panthers (5-8) (6-7), whose skid was their who have dropped three of turned it over three times longest since Sean Payton their last four. He also ran in all and have lost eight of took over as coach in 2006. for a score. their last 10 games under Brett Maher added three BRONCOS 38, second-year coach Matt field goals and the defense LIONS 10 Rhule. stifled Zach Wilson and DENVER (AP) — BronNewton has lost his last New York’s short-handed cos running backs Javonte 11 starts as Carolina’s start- offense as the Jets (3-10) Williams and Melvin ing quarterback dating back were eliminated from playGordon each scored a to 2018. off contention. pair of touchdowns and Atlanta seemed in conThey have missed the Dre’Mont Jones had a trol and was working the postseason 11 straight seamonster game that included clock when third-string run- sons, tying the franchise’s two sacks of Jared Goff. ning back Qadree Ollison longest drought set from Several Broncos arrived fumbled at midfield and 1970-80. at the stadium wearing the Panthers recovered. It is also the longest No. 88 jerseys and kicker P.J. Walker cashed in with active skid in the NFL.
JAZZ
BALDACCI
Saturday at Atlantis, the title sponsor for the week-long event. During his stay here, Chisholm said he will be working out with his local coaches Geron Sands and Albert Cartwright, who both came to Miami when he was on the 10-day disabled list and they held batting practice for him to help him in his rehab. Having worked with him since he was eight years old, Sands said because of their close relationship, he is quite aware of his talent. “He has a lot left in the tank. But I’m just proud of him,” said Sands, making reference to Cartwright, who also played a pivotal role in Chisholm’s success. “He’s a guy that puts in the work on and off the field. That’s what you get when you put in the work like he does.”
King Cup teams - is formulated, so there’s a little more at stake as the top two in each division will automatically qualify for the two teams,” according to a press release. An invitational will be held in 2022 to complete the four-member roster for both teams. In the 2021 Davis Cup, Team Bahamas played in the promotional round and is presently ranked 78 out of 140 nations. The 2021 Billy Jean King (BJK) Cup team placed 3rd and is presently ranked 40th over more than 112 nations. The Bahamas has moved up in the rankings based on this year’s performance in Panama. The tournament director will be Everette Munroe, assisted by Steve Taylor. “The tournament is expected to be highly competitive and exciting,” said BLTA president Perry Newton. “Many persons are hoping to perform well and to be a contender for the coveted spots to represent Team Bahamas. We wish a strong performance to all the athletes and a competitive and safe tournament.”
FROM PAGE 13
FROM PAGE 13
WELCOME HOME: Major League Baseball star Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm was greeted at Fusion Superplex IMAX by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, members of the Bahamas Baseball Association and family and friends in a welcome ceremony. Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff Chisholm, however, said his youngsters hoping to follow in one of the best players in the trek through baseball would not his footsteps, Chisholm told world and you give up on your be possible without the support them to “never give up”. dreams or any dreams that of his grandparents, including “The day you give up is the you have as a baseball player, Pat Coakley, whom he hugged day you will never make it,” he basketball, football player, anyand thanked for her support. said. body, I feel that’s when it goes When asked to give some “Even though you have all down the drain. So never give words of advice to the the talent to make it and you’re up.”
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 13, 2021, PAGE 19
3 WEST INDIES CRICKETERS IN PAKISTAN HIT BY VIRUS KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Three West Indies cricketers have tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss the limited-overs series in Pakistan starting next week. Cricket West Indies said on Saturday left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell and allrounders Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers tested positive in Karachi and are self-isolating for 10 days. All three were in the Twenty20 squad while Chase was also chosen for the three one-day internationals in Karachi that follow the three T20s.
A non-coaching member of the West Indies staff also tested positive. CWI said all four members of the touring party were fully vaccinated and without major symptoms. CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said the rest of the group have continually tested negative and the tour will go on. “The risk of COVID-19 infection is impossible to remove completely from a cricket tour, in spite of the fact that many of our players have been living in bio-secure bubbles almost continuously since before the (Caribbean
Premier League),” Grave said in a statement. “This unusual loss of three players from our squad will seriously impact our team preparations, but the rest of the squad are in good spirits and will begin training today ahead of our first game on Monday.” The series of three T20s begins today. The limited-overs squad already received a blow when regular captain Kieron Pollard was ruled out due to a hamstring injury he sustained last month during the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
PAGE 20, Monday, December 13, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
RED BULL WINS ITS FIRST F1 TITLE SINCE 2013
Verstappen wins his first F1 crown with last lap pass of Hamilton By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The most dramatic Formula One season in years ended, of course, in one of the most dramatic finishes possible when Max Verstappen snatched the world championship away from Lewis Hamilton with a pass on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi GP. Mercedes filed two protests after the race. Hamilton led 51 of the 58 laps and was only five trips around Yas Marina Circuit away from passing Michael Schumacher in the record books with an eighth championship yesterday. Then a crash gave Verstappen and Red Bull one final chance. Whatever Hamilton said over his radio when Nicholas Latifi’s spin into the wall brought out the safety car was only replayed as one long bleep to cover the expletives. F1 race director Michael Masi took his
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WORLD CHAMPION: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, celebrates after winning the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, yesterday. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) time figuring out how to conclude the race before controversially settling on one final lap of racing to decide the title. Verstappen started the final lap just behind Hamilton, chasing him through the first four turns. Verstappen made his pass on the fifth turn and Hamilton had one last shot. He pulled his Mercedes even with the Red Bull in turn nine but couldn’t clear Ver- MERCEDES driver Lewis Hamstappen, who surged ahead ilton, of Britain reacts after finto become the first Dutch ishing second. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili) world champion. Verstappen and Red Carlos Sainz. He did one Bull celebrated in a cham- interview before the victory pagne soak, received hugs podium and congratulated from his fellow competi- Verstappen and Red Bull. Hamilton, who turns tors — including Hamilton and Hamilton’s father — 37 next month, won three and made his way to the consecutive races coming DJ to jump wildly up and into the finale to knock all down to the music. The 19 points off Verstappen’s “Orange Army” of Dutch lead in the standings. But fans erupted in joy and his eight wins this season fired off their traditional are the fewest for Hamorange flares. The fans also ilton since 2013, when he chanted Latifi’s name as only won once and finished fourth in the standings. they exited the circuit. He praised the effort of “It’s just insane, I mean, my goal when I was little Mercedes. “It’s been the most difwas to become a Formula One driver and to ficult of seasons. I’m so go for wins, to be on the proud of them, so grateful podium,” said Verstap- to be on the journey with pen. “When they play the them. We gave it absonational anthem, you want lutely everything, we never it to be yours and when gave up and that’s the most you stand here and they tell important thing,” Hamilton you that you are the world said. “I’ve been feeling great champion, it’s something in the car this past couple incredible and special.” Verstappen, the only F1 of months, particularly at winner to compete under the end. But if I’m honest, the Dutch flag, was congrat- we’re still in the pandemic ulated on Twitter by Prime and I just wish everyone to Minister Mark Rutte. He stay safe and have a good said the win was a “An his- Christmas with their families, and we’ll see about toric day for Dutch sport.” It was a fitting end to a next year.” The bitter rivalry season that saw the two contenders go wheel-to-wheel between Mercedes and over 22 races spanning Red Bull got the ending it four continents and arrive deserved — one that left the in Abu Dhabi tied in the victor almost speechless. “Oh my God!” Verstapchampionship standings. It marked the first time the pen screamed over his radio contenders were equal at as he crossed the finish line. “You are the world the season finale since 1974. The world The two combined for 18 champion! of the victories, with Ver- champion!” screamed back stappen winning 10 times Red Bull boss Christian — equalling the number of Horner. “Let’s do this for another wins scored over his first six seasons in F1. Verstap- 10 or 15 years!” Verstappen pen led an F1-high 652 of replied. Red Bull won its first F1 the 1,211 laps this year and title since 2013; Mercedes scored 18 podium finishes. But he’s been criticised had won every championthis year over his aggres- ship since. The mood was far difsive driving with Hamilton himself saying Verstappen ferent in the Mercedes was over the edge. The camp, where Hamilton sat two crashed three times motionless in his car for this season and Verstappen several moments as other was sent to the hospital for drivers made their way to evaluation following one congratulate Verstappen. The defeat ended his reign incident at Silverstone. Verstappen had com- of four consecutive titles plained all weekend that and denied Hamilton a he’s been treated unfairly chance to pass Schumacher by the race stewards, who as best all-time in F1. Mercedes boss Toto he believed held him to a higher standard than other Wolff was incredulous on the radio, demanding “the drivers. He repeated that he last lap be reinstated.” “Toto, it’s called a motor wanted race control to play no role in the finale, but race,” Masi tersely replied. when Masi did, it went in “We want car racing.” Hamilton received a long Verstappen’s favour with the final one lap of racing to hug from his father, who then went to the Red Bull decide the title. “I think (the track) was garage and hugged both clear, so why would you Verstappen and Verstaprun it out behind the safety pen’s father. Jos Verstappen was himcar?” Verstappen said. “When everything is clear, self a former F1 driver and you have to release the raised his 24-year-old son to track, so I think that’s a fair become a world champion. point from the race direc- It took Verstappen seven tor. Of course, now it works seasons to make it to the for me. But it also works top — he was the youngest driver in series history when against me, I know that.” Hamilton did not partici- he debuted at age 17, and pate in the post-race news the youngest winner when conference with Verstap- he won the next season at pen and third-place finisher 18.