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TURNQUEST ADDED TO $33M LAWSUIT But judge says case lodged by billionaire appears ‘threadbare’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest was yesterday said to have been added as a defendant to a legal action involving an alleged $33.4m “bogus loan conspiracy”. Michael Scott QC, attorney for Sky Bahamas’ former financier, Fred Kaiser, and his Alpha Aviation and Advanced Aviation entities, told Tribune Business that Justice
RAINBOWL
Loren Klein has given permission for Mr Turnquest to be named as a defendant alongside Captain Randy Butler, the Bahamian airline and another company, Aviation Group Oversight. “The same judge has granted leave to add K Peter Turnquest as a fourth defendant,” Mr Scott said. Mr Turnquest, who stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister when the allegations surfaced in 2020, did not respond to messages seeking comment last night. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
THE Free National Movement may take legal action against the government on behalf of people who have lost their jobs or had contracts cancelled under the Davis administration. Former FNM parliamentarians Don Saunders and Elsworth Johnson are reviewing contracts and leading the party’s effort to gather information on those
affected, according to FNM leader Michael Pintard. While the party could not estimate yesterday how many people have been affected, Mr Johnson said they are receiving complaints on a daily basis. “We are going to put together the actual figures,” Mr Pintard said. “Our intention is to write to the substantive minister. We wish to have a gradual approach, first give the ministries an opportunity SEE PAGE THREE
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
PINTARD REMINDS TEAM - I’M OUR VOICE
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the only people who can communicate the direction of the FNM on national issues are himself and those the party selects to convey messages that are agreed upon by the party and its parliamentary caucus. SEE PAGE THREE
MOTORCADE TO WELCOME HOME MISS BAHAMAS
FNM PREPARES DOSSIER ON LOST JOBS AND CONTRACTS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ALICIA WALLACE: LET’S TRY NOT TO JUDGE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
A RAINBOW over the Toledo Rockets as they practice for the Bahamas Bowl. See SPORTS for more from the build-up to the event. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff
MISS Bahamas Universe star Chantel O’Brian speaking to The Tribune from a plane last night on her return to Nassau said she believes her achievements at the competition were for a “purpose” and not mere luck. SEE PAGE FIVE
FOLLOW PROTOCOLS AND CARNIVAL COULD JUST OPEN By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
WITH the Christmas Carnival operators awaiting an answer on their resubmitted application from health officials to open, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said he has asked an opinion from his legal section on whether it actually requires an approval. Mr Munroe was asked what law enforcement
THE CHRISTMAS Carnival. would do if the carnival operators decide to conduct business without approval from health officials. “Well, the first thing you will see from law enforcement is we will consider
whether they do need permission because we enforce the law. To enforce a law that is not extant will be the first issue. I’ve been looking at it and we’ve been discussing it with regard (to an) enforcement perspective. I know clearly that outdoor events like the carnival require certain protocols — vaccination or testing. I’ve asked for an opinion from my legal section on whether it actually
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FIVE
TECHNOLOGY DRONES PROBE OCEANS OVER CLIMATE QUALITY
- SEE PAGE NINE
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PAGE 3
from page one
FNM leader Michael Pintard at a press conference at the party’s headquarters yesterday. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff of their offices, some not who have gone through the investments in equipment, inclusion of former memable to retrieve their pos- proper process of secur- staffing and other inputs bers of the FNM and others sessions, some have been ing contracts from several to ensure business success. who now serve in some government ministries, Many have made financial capacity in their adminissent home on vacation. “While we are grateful departments, corporations, commitments based on the tration,” he said. “While we applaud this move, it for the substantive minister boards and authorities have life of the contract.” Mr Pintard said the is the mature thing to do, intervening to bring a sense had their contracts sumadministration we applaud the move to of stability in that environ- marily cancelled despite Davis ment, we believe this is a the fact that the deadline should invest in showing it engage persons who with case that we must continue for the end of some of these will not victimise ordinary or without PLP pedigree can in fact make a conto monitor and to be vigi- contracts is in the not-too- Bahamians. “Government has tribution to the national lant in ensuring that it does distant future. In some cases, these entrepreneurs invested heavily in public development. not continue. “We want to make “Thirdly, Bahamians have made substantial relations surrounding their
absolutely clear that in most cases we have seen, these are persons who have name, face recognition, substantial amounts of wealth or who can make it with or without the PLP. The best way to gauge their commitment to political maturity and willingness to assist Bahamians of all stripes is the extent to which the ordinary Bahamian worker on boards, corporations, ministries and departments are maintained in their job when they have been appropriately hired or engaged. “We have to treat hurting ordinary Bahamians with decency…We have a new Prime Minister, in a new day government, we have a new leader of opposition who is prepared to work collaboratively with this new Prime Minister. We should turn the page on that kind of discrimination against Bahamians and the PLP has an opportunity to do so right now. “We call for fairness for Urban Renewal staff members, fairness for Water and Sewerage employees waiting their promotions, fairness for Beaches & Park workers awaiting their overdue payments while parliamentarians, cabinet ministers receive their money during this season, fairness for solid waste and dumpsite management contractors whose contracts in many cases are now cancelled.”
Mr Pintard called a travel ban unfair. Dr Minnis has repeatedly said the Davis administration should not let Christmas Carnival events happen this year. However, Mr Pintard yesterday said the government should be guided by science on the issue. Mr Pintard said: “One of the questions persons ask and I intend to answer very candidly (is), who will speak about our position? I want to say clearly that former parliamentarians, Cabinet ministers, chairpersons, whether boards of corporations and other authorities or other team members,
of the caucus correcting any distortions that others may have of our record or our motivations for putting legislation or policy in place and we fully expect all of our members under my management do the same thing they did under the former leader’s management, exercise discipline in their communications.” Most recently, Dr Minnis got the headlines when he said on Sunday that it was a mistake for the Davis administration to remove the requirement for Bahamian citizens and visitors to have a travel visa to return home after international trips.
FNM prepares dossier on lost jobs and contracts to correct what is happening and then, of course, to speak with the Prime Minister. We have already started those discussions, and then (we will) take other actions which, in the fullest of time, we will be prepared to announce.” He added: “In The Bahamas as you are aware there is a tremendous amount of political tribalism that harms Bahamians and ultimately harms national development. Early signs have suggested that this administration has started off forming a pattern that is unfortunately tribalistic in their governance and Bahamians in several ministries, departments, corporations and boards are being discriminated against in several ways. “One, Bahamians hired through proper channels possessing required documents, having received their letter of placement and/or appointment, have in some cases been fired, sent on vacation, sent home with or without pay. Some have gone home with no sense of when they are able to return. “Secondly, Bahamians who are working in Urban Renewal, by all accounts performing effectively, were (allegedly) cursed out by one of the gatekeepers, an elected official, ran out
PINTARD REMINDS TEAM - I’M OUR VOICE from page one
Although Mr Pintard never alluded to his predecessor, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, observers were quick to note Dr Minnis has continued to appear in the media and share his views on national affairs, even at times contradicting Mr Pintard. Earlier this month, for instance, Dr Minnis called on the Davis administration to implement travel restrictions for travellers coming from countries in Africa affected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 while
will from time-to-time correct distortions about our record by PLP operatives and will also share about our past motivations or intentions and put forth some of the crucial decisions that have been made. “However, the new direction of the FNM will be communicated by me as leader and by our spokespersons who will communicate to the public the message agreed upon by our parliamentary caucus and the party caucus.” His comments came during a press conference at the FNM’s headquarters. After a reporter noted Dr Minnis’ continued absence
from FNM events and his recent comments in the media, Mr Pintard said the FNM is unified, both at the parliamentary level and more broadly. “We just came out of a one-day convention where the three contestants are absolutely united in our resolve to work seamlessly with each other and support each other, who accepted the results of the election and their teams accepted the result and we’re all working in tandem with each other,” he said. “In the parliamentary caucus, absolutely, today a couple of our members are travelling. Obviously, you
know a lot of events are coming for (the) end of the year, (people) have to pick up items, we have Kwasi Thompson and Iram Lewis who are not present, but send apologies. But we’re absolutely united. “Of course, in the aftermath of a change of leadership, members who held positions previously, I think they have an obligation to protect the record of the administration that they served in, that’s natural. What they do not have the ability to do is to determine the direction going forward. We want to make that absolutely clear and so we have no difficulty in members
COOPER SAYS MINNIS SHOULD ‘ENJOY HIS RETIREMENT’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis should “enjoy his retirement”, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, while dismissing the Killarney MP’s criticisms of the discontinuation of the travel health visa for Bahamian citizens and residents returning home from abroad. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper insisted the decision was made in the best interest of Bahamians and fired back at the “all powerful” former competent authority.
He also maintained not only was it an election promise fulfilled, but also a response to complaints from Bahamians that the visa process was a “nuisance”. On Sunday, Dr Minnis said the Davis administration made a “grave mistake” by removing the travel health visa requirement for Bahamians and residents who are returning to the country from international travel. “I think the former Prime Minister should enjoy his retirement quite frankly,” Mr Cooper, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, told
reporters outside Cabinet. “I think we are making decisions that are in the best interest of the Bahamian people. “We promised the Bahamian people that we would remove the travel visa. The Bahamian people, our constituents, indicated to us that it was a nuisance. “We are comfortable that the Ministry of Health is putting in place and has done a significant amount already to conduct contact tracing. They’ve beefed it up in terms of their procedures and we have ensured that we move on from the state of play where this same former Prime
POLICE SHOOT MAN IN BUTTOCKS A JUVENILE who led police on a car chase yesterday morning was shot in the buttocks by officers. Police said the incident took place shortly before 1am when officers on routine patrol in the area of Mermaid Boulevard, Golden Gates saw a silver coloured Mercedes SUV that aroused their suspicion. The driver was asked to stop, but declined to do so
and sped off, police said. A chase followed and later ended on Cox Way. As the officers approached the vehicle from behind, the driver was instructed to get out of the vehicle. Police said the officers then noticed the vehicle was reversing towards them. “Being aware of the threat against their lives, the officers discharged
their service weapon in the direction of the vehicle,” police said. “It came to a stop; an inspection of the vehicle revealed a juvenile male who was suffering from gunshot wounds to the buttocks.” The suspect was taken to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services. He is listed in stable condition. An investigation into this matter is ongoing.
MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTING A MAN is in hospital after he was shot Monday night. Police said shortly before 7pm, they were alerted to the sounds of gunshots on Ross Corner by the Shot Spotter technology.
Responding officers were told that a man was standing in front of his residence when he was approached by another man who got out of a small Japanese vehicle with a firearm. The suspect then
discharged the weapon at the victim injuring him in his upper body. The victim was taken to hospital in a private vehicle where his condition is listed as stable. An investigation is ongoing.
Minister was all powerful as the competent authority. “So, we’ve moved away from that. We thought it was bad for The Bahamas that one man is making all the decisions. We eliminated the competent authority and we now ensure that we have a collective comprehensive view of all of the stakeholders at the table to develop rules that we put in place so that we can live with COVID.” Mr Cooper said the
pandemic isn’t over, but the reality was the government was required to put sensible procedures in place to ensure there is balance. “So, we have not been loose and free as I have said before in terms of the changes that we have made but we recognise for health, for tourism, for public health and the safety of the Bahamian people we needed balance and we are comfortable that we have that balance.”
Dr Minnis has said he believes the government should reconsider the decision to scrap the travel visa, saying the data gleaned from it was an important tool in contact tracing. The removal of the travel visa requirement for returning Bahamians and residents took effect on Monday. However, persons in this category are still required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH AIRLINES OVER VISA? CALL THE HOTLINE By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
ANYONE experiencing challenges with airlines not acknowledging the removal of the travel health visa requirement for Bahamian citizens and residents should contact the visa hotline for assistance. This is according to Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper yesterday, who said his ministry was aware some people travelling back home were encountering issues.
He said while the government gave seven days’ notice of the change — which took effect on Monday — communication challenges as well as human error were at play sparking delays. “It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Tourism that there are Bahamians abroad who are experiencing some difficulties with airlines in terms of boarding their flights,” Mr Cooper said. “I want to reassure the Bahamian people that we have communicated well in advance with all airlines.
“They had seven days’ notice in relation to the travel visa removal for Bahamians returning to the country. The communication was done through IATA (International Air Transport Association) the international agency that deals with travel and communicates officially with airlines and we have notified all of our local partners that hedge all of the local airlines. “Anyone who is having an issue boarding a flight can call the travel visa number on the Ministry of
Tourism site, the typical site where you would have applied. There is a hotline number and we will ensure that we manage the queries and speak immediately with any airline where there is an infraction.” Mr Cooper said officials were told that some airlines are experiencing a slow communications process. “Every agent and every airline whether you are in Connecticut or Missouri or Ft Lauderdale, Florida needs to be appropriately advised. “We have been informed
that the systems have all been updated in all of the airlines by IATA and therefore if this is happening it’s simply as a result of human error and we ask the Bahamian traveller to call the hotline and the Ministry of Tourism will see where we can run interference to ensure that this does not recur.” The minister said he was uncertain of how many Bahamians had experienced this issue, adding: “But we do have some queries from many Bahamians who are in varying parts of
the US. Some of them far away and some of them have steady travel paths to The Bahamas. “We generally find that it’s the Bahamian who may be travelling from a place where there is not a direct service or there is not a steady travel path to The Bahamas who may be having these types of issues.” The Ministry of Tourism’s travel compliance unit can be reached at (242) 6047200; 242) 502-0829 or 1 (786) 471-5898 if you are in the US.
Ministry of Health project aims to tackle climate issues By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Health and Wellness in an effort to address climate change has developed a project set to improve climate resilience in the country’s health system. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Philip Swann made the announcement yesterday at a press conference hosted by the ministry. He said the project is a team effort. “In an effort to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, the ‘Developing a Climate Resilient Health System in The Bahamas’ project was developed,” Dr Swann said. “This project is designed to improve the climate resilience of the health systems in countries. “The ‘Developing a Climate Resilient Health System in The Bahamas’ project is a team effort between the government of The Bahamas and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs). “The organisations in The Bahamas identified to execute the projects are the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources. “This duet of ministries form the National Designated Authority (NDA). The Green Climate Fund is a primary source of funding for this project.” He said despite challenges more recently with responding to the COVID19 pandemic, The Bahamas is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, a Category Five hurricane which hit parts of the country on September 1, 2019.
Dorian caused flooding and unprecedented destruction in Abaco and Grand Bahama. In March, 2020, the COVID-19 virus was detected in The Bahamas. “This pandemic laid bare a number of deficiencies in the health system infrastructure – both from a technological and physical standpoint,” Dr Swann continued. “It threatened our ability to continue to deliver routine health services to the Bahamian public. “With the persisting waves of the pandemic, The Bahamas, like many of our sister Caribbean countries, found ourselves having to prepare and mitigate against a potential hurricane landfall amid a COVID-19 pandemic. As we revised our response patterns, guidelines for shelters and other policies several truths were evident. There is the urgent need to strengthen linkages and the need to build human, technical, physical and policy capacity that will address climate change and health issues in The Bahamas.” Dr Philippe said an early assessment identifies deficits in the following areas: climate change and health policy, climate change technical expertise in the health workforce, community/ civil society engagement, climate-resilient health infrastructure, data collection, information and technology, and financing for climate change and health issues. He said the NDA was created to work toward strengthening the country’s capacity to strategically respond to and close the aforementioned gaps. “Specifically, this particular effort of enhancing
climate resiliency through the Developing a Climate Resilient Health System project in The Bahamas will assist The Bahamas to strengthen our national organisations with human resources and technical knowledge to prepare, coordinate and respond to climate change and health matters,” Dr Philippe said. “The first action is to explore what is meant by and how The Bahamas will incorporate the idea of climate SMART health through the creation of policies and systems that promote climate-resilient health care. “The second action is to enhance the effectiveness and alignment of surveillance systems that provide information on matters that impact the public’s health.” He said this includes strengthening communication mechanisms across governmental, private and civil society agencies and building human capacity, and improving on technical and physical infrastructures to collectively and efficiently mitigate and respond to climate change effects. Dr Calae Philippe, senior medical officer at the Ministry of Health, said the Pan American Health Organization is working with the Ministry of Health on a full national adaptation plan to reduce conductors of climate change. “Our partner, the Pan American Health Organization, is working with us because PAHO has a climate change and health programme which aims to repair health systems through early warning and the implementation of prevention and adaptation,” Dr Philippe said. “We are working with PAHO to develop the first
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis” at the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow earlier this year, where he called on world leaders to take action. health national adaptation challenges. Worldwide, only also need to be safe and plan. This plan will allow considering a few health remain operational during (countries) to reduce the indicators, 250,000 deaths and soon after disasters. In emission of gases that cause per year will occur in the the Americas, 67 percent of climate change within the next decade as a result of health facilities are located health sector and other climate change.” at risk of disasters.” sectors.” She noted the role that Rising sea levels are In her presentation, she the health sector has to play expected to cause coastal laid out some key facts with in terms of climate change. erosion due to climate regards to climate change She also gave some interna- change. According to and pointed out that it tional statistics. NASA, the sea level is is not to be seen only as “The health sector has expected to increase by one a future problem, as the an important role to play to four feet by 2050. world is being affected now. in reducing greenhouse The Bahamas is expected “Here are some key gas emissions that are the to be one of the most facts. Climate change is not cause of climate change: affected countries because only a problem for future investments in greening at least 80 percent of the generations. It’s already healthcare facilities, such total land is below sea level. happening,” Dr Philippe as the use of solar panels, Dr Philippe said, “In said. “Higher temperatures energy efficient equipment The Bahamas most of our are recorded each year and waste management facilities are near the coastand more people are being must be made,” Dr Philippe line and that makes a great affected by disasters, cli- said. impact. In the last decade mate sensitive diseases and “Globally, only about 0.5 24 million people were left other health conditions. percent of multi-climate without access to healthcare “Climate change also finance has been attributed for many months because exacerbates some exist- to health projects and we of damaged infrastructure ing health threats and hope to increase that in The and we’ve seen that happen creates new public health Bahamas. Health facilities in The Bahamas as well.”
MINISTER TALKS CLIMATE CHANGE ON BRAZILIAN TV
MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Affairs Clay Sweeting.
A BAHAMAS government minister recently appeared on TV in Brazil to talk about climate change and the farming industry. Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Affairs Clay Sweeting appeared on the TV show Agro America to discuss the importance of mitigating the control of climate change, modernising the farming industry, and partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. “COP 26 was monumental from the various events hosted on the side as well as the Prime Minister’s speech calling for the grave
concern for action regarding safeguarding small island developing states such as The Bahamas,” said Mr Sweeting. He said The Bahamas is ranked in the top ten most vulnerable countries to climate change - but the air quality has been tested as the purest in the world. He said The Bahamas can do its part in assisting with climate change and hold larger countries accountable for contributions to the changes and to ensure humane actions are taken to protect more vulnerable countries. The Bahamas is the first
Caribbean country to join the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Change. Mr Sweeting recently conducted an tour of farms throughout The Bahamas and has promoted a public campaign to encourage backyard farming and self-sustainability in The Bahamas. He introduced the “Agrix” app intended to improve information exchange between farmers, officers and others throughout the agricultural sector. The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture for
a pilot project. In sponsoring the AgroMas programme, IICA representative Mari Stull said: “IICA strongly supports the minister’s efforts to increase agribusiness opportunities, self-sustainability, and a heightened awareness of climate issues in The Bahamas. “I was pleased we were able to highlight The Bahamas priorities in these areas internationally and applaud Minister Sweeting’s initiatives. Minister Sweeting’s interview on Brazil’s national TV show was well received and I believe the segment will be replayed again this week.”
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PAGE 5
Follow protocols and Carnival could just open from page one requires an approval. I’ll wait to see that. “I’ve asked for the legal section of my ministry to come out with a preliminary position as to what is required. Once they do that, I will forward that to the Office of the Attorney General.” He said he expected to have an answer from his legal team yesterday. Asked what would be the protocol if it is found that there is no permission needed, Mr Munroe answered: “And then the job of the COVID enforcement and the police will be to ensure that any protocols that are mandated by law are observed. So currently, for instance, if you were to have an indoor sporting event the law says what is required. I do believe the law says you have unlimited attendance of outside functions subject to stated protocols. I need to know exactly what the law is before the police go around preventing people from doing things.” A company representative told reporters Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis gave them permission to host its event, but this was denied by Press Secretary Clint Watson last week. It has since been revealed the PLP was given permission from the Ministry of Finance for Carnival to import their equipment into the country. Manager and coordinator of Midways by McCafferty Enterprises, Joseph Alberts said previously the company will “talk to other people in the political platform” in hopes of changing the government’s mind.
Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said yesterday a meeting was held sometime last week and carnival operators were instructed to submit another application with their intended health protocols. That application was received by the ministry on Monday and was forwarded to the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). “We understand that there will be an EOC meeting on Wednesday…. the EOC will be sitting on Wednesday and a determination will be made,” he added. He described the EOC as the “guardians for events of this nature”. “The EOC has certain protocols that they take into consideration; it’s a team of experts, medical
experts as well as people in the community,” he replied when asked why other events have been allowed. “Multiple events have gone through the EOC and I stand by the EOC. They are a well-structured body and for us because we have removed so many factors as it relates COVID-19. The only control or mechanism of control we have is to really address gatherings with large numbers and protocols must be put in place to prevent the possibility of a super spreader event. “ Despite Mr Munroe questioning the legality surrounding an approval, Dr Darville has a job to ensure that health is protected. “The legal ramification is something that anyone can
do. I’ve been tasked with a job and I’ve put a committee in place to be able to do our best to determine which events could potentially be super spreaders. We have a protocol on the way – it’s done. The legal aspect the minister can comment on that, but we’re left with a job and the job is to look objectively at events that are in the country and to determine whether the events have the potential of becoming a super spreader event and if we think it is a potential of becoming a super spreader event it is for us to ensure that the person who is responsible for the event put the necessary protocols in place and if we’re unsatisfied that they can do it the EOC usually rules against it.”
Free National Movement Senator Maxine Seymour tabled a letter in the Senate on Monday that showed the Ministry of Finance gave the Progressive Liberal Party temporary approval to import “equipment, apparatus, trailers and supplies” for the Christmas Carnival event. Dr Darville said he had no response to the document and restated his responsibility to look at events objectively. Asked if he was aware of the PLP’s arrangement, he told reporters: “I’m unaware”. Political insiders have said it is not unusual for the two major political parties to partner with the Carnival operator to bring the event into the country as a party fundraising event.
PINTARD: TELL US HOW CARNIVAL MESS HAPPENED By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard says the Davis administration should provide a chronology of events related to the Christmas Carnival debacle, one that details the communication missteps between ministries such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance. FNM Senator Maxine Seymour tabled a letter in the Senate on Monday that showed the Ministry of Finance gave the Progressive Liberal Party permission to import equipment related to the event. However, the Ministry of Health has denied operators its approval, citing COVID-19 related health concerns. The operators have since reapplied to the Ministry of Health. The PLP’s involvement in the matter was not publicly known before this week. During a press conference yesterday, FNM Senator Reuben Rahming confirmed that both the PLP and the FNM have used the carnival events as
major fundraisers for their parties when in power. “The Carnival Extravaganza started under the Sir Lynden Pindling administration and its current operator has been operating the carnival here for over 30 years,” Mr Rahming said. “ The carnival not only serves the general public, but they also provide many short-term jobs during the yuletide season. It also is a major fundraiser for the PLP and the FNM when they sponsor the arrival of the carnival. The sponsorship of the carnival falls to the political parties that are empowered at that political time. The standard contract agreement which is made with the party and not the government of The Bahamas, this is seen in approval letters that have been submitted. “As sponsor, the political party in this instance which would be the Progressive Liberal Party, their duties and responsibilities are very, very clear. One, it is to apply for and obtain all necessary grants, permits, licences to enable operators to operate carnival,
the carnival fair in New Providence and in Grand Bahama. “Another responsibility that is a part of the contractual agreement that will be made between a carnival and a political party in power is that it will include all immigration work permits and health permits. The job is also to obtain the Ministry of Finance approval for importation of equipment and that includes even the wharf privileges for the offloading of equipment for the carnival. In short, there is absolutely no way that the carnival can operate in this country without the express and direct involvement of the sponsors so I encourage us to take a look at this matter and address this matter in the public interest.” Mr Pintard said the matter raises questions about judgment. “We felt as if multiple ministries dropped the ball with respect to addressing this particular issue,” he said. “We are encouraging the government to just give a simple chronology on the sequence of events, to
admit what missteps would have been taken in assessing this entire event, what have been the miscommunication with ministries, the Health Ministry, the Finance (Ministry), Ministry of National Security, just put all those things in context.” Asked if the political parties partnering with operators represents a conflict when it is time to secure approvals from government agencies, Mr Pintard said not necessarily. “We’re a country of laws and I think one of the things you’re seeing right now is that when public servants do their job, the political party, their preferences may in fact not prevail,” he said. “So right now, we don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, politics are dynamic, but right now there is a stop order that they are unable to proceed. Now unless something is happening in a meeting that we are unaware of, it means that the public servants, the technocrats, have made a determination that they have concerns about safety protocols and there is a real possibility that this is a virus
OLYMPIAN’S HOME WILL BE LINKED TO UTILITIES
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg says Cabinet has given approval for infrastructure to be placed at Olympian Ramon Miller’s home on government gifted land, where he has lived off the grid for several years. On Monday, Mr Miller expressed disappointment that there had been no change with his dilemma since going public with it in October. Yesterday, the minister said while Cabinet had given the nod for work to begin, there was some preliminary work to complete. However, once this is finished, “work will start very, very soon,” Mr Bowleg said. “Cabinet has already given the approval for the infrastructure to commence,” Mr Bowleg said before heading into a Cabinet meeting. “I think Mr Miller just has to understand. I understand that it’s been a long time and he is running out of patience but the utilities companies
have to not just go there, but plan and ensure that they go and do the proper work that is necessary. “So, it’s just not get up and go and cut the trench and start putting down wires and pipes and all that stuff. It’s a collaboration amongst the utility companies and once they do that, I think work will start very, very soon.” He also said: “You have to go and assess the work and ensure that the plan of the of the community is set up properly so that when they go in there, where streets need to be, that’s where they start laying the pipes for the water or running the wires for the electricity, all of that is organised properly.” Asked about the same issue concerning land gifted to the Golden Girls, Mr Bowleg said he was unsure of the status of that matter. When contacted by The Tribune for an update on Monday, Mr Miller lamented that his situation had yet to be resolved. “I am still in a dilemma and still in the hole,” Mr Miller said. “I just hope
to get this situation sorted out as best as I could, but nothing has happened yet.” About two months ago, The Tribune broke the news of Mr Miller’s unsuccessful attempts to gain infrastructure to his home that was built on land given to him by the government in 2014 after he ran the anchor leg for the men’s 4x400 metre relay team at the London games. Those games were held in 2012. The home was completed in 2018, but despite following all of the necessary procedures from before the beginning of construction, he told The Tribune he encountered “roadblock after roadblock” in getting the necessary infrastructure. In November, Minister of Works Alfred Sears said it would be “sooner rather than later” for approval to be granted to fund the placement of light and water infrastructure at Mr Miller’s home. At the time, the minister suggested a Cabinet paper for the funding for the work in the subdivision was completed, adding it was just a matter left to come up on the executive branch of government’s agenda.
super spreader event... I believe that it is possible that a political organisation, though associated with a particular event, could be overruled by technocrats. In this case, it works. What happens in the future is an entirely different story.” Health officials are planning to meet today to decide on the carnival operators’ new application to open.
MOTORCADE TO WELCOME HOME MISS BAHAMAS from page one
Chantel will be welcomed home with a motorcade planned for early this afternoon when Bahamians will take to the streets from the western end of the island, to the east. The beauty queen made history Sunday night when she placed in the top 10 at the coveted Miss Universe pageant, held this year in Eilat, Israel. Chantel not only placed in the top ten, but she also managed to walk away with the Spirit of Carnival Award which goes to contestants who display the values of Carnival Cruise lines – fun, friendship, diversity and inclusion. While en route home, the dedicated queen messaged The Tribune to say she feels blessed and that her success was not just luck. “I feel blessed!” she said. “I feel humbled! I definitely feel grateful because I know that it wasn’t by chance or by luck. I know that it was purpose and I was called to do this. “I am also grateful to know that there is so much support behind me by the Bahamian people and the government. So I am just thanking God for having gotten spared for this moment and I get to celebrate it with everybody. That makes me happy.” The motorcades route is as follows: Airport to downtown, by way of West Bay to Fox Hill, to Kemp Road to East Street, to Bain and Grants Town and finally to Fusion Superplex. Chantel is a HaitianBahamian. She is an etiquette coach and a beauty queen, having also served as Miss Bahamas World in 2015 and first runner-up in Miss Bahamas Universe in 2013. On December 19, 2015, she represented The Bahamas at Miss World 2015 and she competed against 149 other candidates in Sanya, China. She was employed by Aliv as a social media coordinator from December 2016 to December 2019. She was graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in November 2019, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business enterprise. She became Miss Bahamas Universe on October 3 this year. She represented New Providence at that pageant and competed against three other finalists at the Grand Salon in Rosewood, Bahamas. At 27 years she was crowned Miss Universe Bahamas 2021.
PAGE 6, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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Will there be an end to victimisation? VICTIMISATION is a word often thrown around in political debate – but the FNM is seemingly ready to take that beyond talk and into court. The party’s new leader, Michael Pintard, said: “In The Bahamas as you are aware there is a tremendous amount of political tribalism that harms Bahamians and ultimately harms national development. Early signs have suggested that this administration has started off forming a pattern that is unfortunately tribalistic in their governance and Bahamians in several ministries, departments, corporations and boards are being discriminated against in several ways.” He said that a number of people have been fired, packed off on leave or sent home with or without pay, some with no idea when they would come back. He added that staff in Urban Renewal were “cursed out” by an elected official and “ran out of their offices, some not able to retrieve their possessions, some have been sent home on vacation”. Previously, the State Minister for Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming denied that she verbally abused employees at the social agency, saying “that’s not who I am”. She said suggestions she intimidated employees were “untrue. That is not who I am. That never happened.” Mr Pintard said other people were getting contracts cancelled despite deadlines being close to hand, with some having made significant investments to meet the needs of the contract. All of these are claims that we too often hear. From the other side of the political fence, there were concerns back in 2018 about the treatment of Financial Secretary Simon Wilson – who has been recalled to the role after the PLP’s election. In this column, concerns were also raised about a number of senior police officers who were sent on leave under the Minnis administration only to return to find themselves given new roles that did not seem to measure up to their skills and experience. Is it too much to hope that Mr Pintard’s move would start to break that apparent cycle? It is absolutely right to make sure that staff are treated fairly, and to record the instances where they are not and follow up on such matters, even to a court if necessary. It should also be the case that government jobs shouldn’t be something to be fought over between political sides, and handed out like political favours. Even during the early stages of the new government, PLP party chairman and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service said that it was imperative for party supporters to “be straight
soon” after complaints of delays in appointments to boards and key government roles. Mr Pintard said yesterday: “We have to treat hurting ordinary Bahamians with decency… we have a new Prime Minister, in a new day government, we have a new Leader of Opposition who is prepared to work collaboratively with this new Prime Minister. We should turn the page on that kind of discrimination against Bahamians and the PLP has an opportunity to do so right now.” We hope that such a thing could happen. So call the names, those who victimise others. Take them to court, whether their shirts are FNM or PLP. A truly independent civil service would be a great boon for our nation. It would be able to attract the best we have to offer, instead of the best feeling wary about accepting a government job in case they are thrown out of it five years later. If we could achieve that, that would indeed be a new day in our history.
Christmas Carnival What would be the least surprising move now in the Christmas Carnival dispute now that we find out the party now in office has partnered with the organisers? That’s right, to hear it might go ahead. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe is now apparently asking an opinion from his legal section on whether the carnival actually needs an approval from health officials. Imagine that. A whole application process having been gone through and now the National Security Minister is wondering whether that was necessary at all. We wonder how many other businesses have sought health approvals but the carnival is the one that prompts the question of whether it is necessary. Mr Munroe says that because the law says you can have unlimited attendance at outside functions subject to stated protocols, he has to find out what the law says before the police get involved if the carnival just opens up and gets on with business. Does that mean the Ministry of Health is acting in ignorance of the law if they’re telling people they can’t operate businesses if the law says they can? Does this mean anyone else can host a big open-air event the same way? Pity the poor police officers arriving in their COVID cars to decide who is or isn’t operating legally. Will the carnival whose approvals were applied for by the party now in power go ahead? What do you think?
Political parties EDITOR, The Tribune. YOU can’t take politicians or political parties seriously, particularly when they say they have the interest of the public at heart. The two main Political Parties both use their elected influence over Finance, Customs, Immigration Labour and only God knows what else, not to benefit the country as a whole but to benefit their political parties, which get a “kickback” aka “profit
share” from the Carnival profits. Not even their members and supporters get this gravy. And wouldn’t you just love to look a little deeper to see if any party payments are made to the fortunate hierarchy or even lowerarchy party members. There’s little wonder that so many registered voters stayed home for the last election and by the time we get to the next election the only people voting may be the ones who are standing
for office. What a shameful disgrace! I feel sure though, now that the cat is out of the bag, a photo op will be given, when it’s all over, by the Governing Party with a six foot long cheque showing exactly how much the Carnival might have benefitted the Bahamas Consolidated Fund, instead of the Progressive Liberal Party. MONKEEDO Nassau, December 14, 2021.
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Fox Hill incident EDITOR, The Tribune. ONCE again the families of the four persons killed on the 27th December, 2013, in Fox Hill are forced to endure another Christmas season without any resolution or closure on the murder of their family members. Once again these families must live through the loneliness and emptiness of feeling that their loved ones died in vain. And once more the Fox Hill community must wonder if their friends and family members will ever receive justice. The old adage “Justice delayed is Justice denied” is most relevant in this sad saga. Eight years after these horrific murders the families and the Fox Hill community cannot seem to receive any justice. A trial started in early 2020 was cut short reportedly because of the COVID pandemic. This pandemic gets blamed seemingly for everything in the Bahamas and gives cover to a multitude of incompetence. Preliminary evidence in 2020 at the start of the trial showed that four types of weapons were used in the mass shootings. This indicates that there may have been at least four shooters or one or two of the shooters used more than one weapon. This level of cold-bloodedness and mayhem is unheard of in the Bahamas. I assumed that this mayhem would have attracted greater priority and attention by the law enforcement institutions. The two leading law enforcement institutions in The Bahamas have been
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net almost dysfunctional and severely impaired. Both the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Attorney General’s Office/Office of Director of Public Prosecutions are fundamentally essential for law and order to prevail. In my view both have been unfortunately politicised. In the Royal Bahamas Police Force the executive branch has either sent home senior officers to early retirement or transferred officers to other government agencies. In lieu of any evidence of malfeasance it would appear the decision to remove the officers from the service of the Force was simply a political one. In the Judiciary the executive branch has appointed known political supporters to the Supreme Court bench. Moreover, lawyers who served as parliamentarians were appointed directly as Supreme Court Justices. Is there any surprise then that the turmoil in the law enforcement institutions manifests itself as retribution and violence on the streets? Some people forget that in the December 2013 incident in Fox Hill, in addition to the four persons who were murdered, seven other persons were shot. One of the wounded men was in and out of surgery for more than a year after the incident. Eleven innocent persons shot who were doing nothing more than hanging out waiting for the results of
a junkanoo parade. The wait for junkanoo results is the subject for another day. The shootings have left the Fox Hill community traumatised. Fewer people now gather on the parks in Fox Hill. The two parks are the hub and centre for most functions in Fox Hill. The Emancipation Day and Fox Hill Day activities have witnessed a decrease in the number of patrons who attend these events since the December 27th 2013 incident. The mother of one of the victims died a year or two after the murders and I have no doubt that she died from a broken heart. The mother of one of the other victims told me that her family cannot bear to remain in the Bahamas during the Christmas holidays as it is much too painful for them. This is no way for this close-knit community to live. The trauma will not dissipate unless or until justice is served. Claudezino Davis, Shaquille Demeritte, Eric Morrison and Shenique Sands and the other seven persons who were injured in the incident deserve justice so that their families could realise some bit of peace in their lives. The justice and peace they are entitled to should not be dependent on the internal machinations of law enforcement and the justice system. This has been hanging over the heads of the families in Fox Hill for far too long. MAURICE TYNES Nassau, December 14, 2021.
Who gets to use Hon? EDITOR, The Tribune. ALWAYS thought you had to be a Minister in a Ministerial appointment today or a Minister who had been a Minister to two-terms, but it seems on election as ab MP today
upstarts are using Honourable/Hon as a prefix to their names. What’s the status for Senators? Surely once named a Senator that is not a passport to use the title for life? Please quit... next letter your names will be listed.
By the way many who were MPs in the cut short Parliament used to use that prefix... even on public billboards. J HUGGINS Nassau, December 8, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PAGE 7
FOOD FOR THE HOMELESS THANKS TO ROTARY EVENT By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Rotary Club of Grand Bahama distributed hot breakfast and food care packages to the homeless community and a local homeless shelter in Grand Bahama on Saturday. The community service initiative — which covered various areas in Freeport and Eight Mile Rock — brought some hope and cheer this yuletide season to those who are sometimes forgotten. Titi McKenzie-Moss, RCGB community service chair, said the initiative was supported by members of the group and assisted by the Beacon School and The Snack Place-Caravel Beach, which contributed snack items and backpacks. President Rengin Johnson, along with several members, took a bus into the urban areas of Freeport, the downtown area, the Bazaar area, and then into Eight Mile Rock, giving homeless persons on the street hot chicken souse, a backpack filled with food items and snacks and mosquito nets. The group also went to the Home Away from Home Shelter and delivered hot breakfast and care packages for the 60 residents there. Ms Johnson commended Mervie Knowles, home administrator, for her
MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama distributing hot breakfast and food packages on Saturday.
humanitarian work in the community. “On behalf of Rotary Club of Grand Bahama, it gives us great pleasure to be able to assist the shelter – you are number one when it comes to helping humanity,” she said. Ms Knowles thanked the RCGB for its support. “This is really a blessing and it has blessed my heart just to care for them and give them a place to call home,” she said. Ms McKenzie-Moss said Rotary is all about providing service to the community. “As our motto states: service above self, and we decided to assist those who are sometimes forgotten and ostracised in the community. “The homeless population, although not large, has grown in Grand Bahama, and this is disturbing. It is important for us as Rotarians to make sure that the Rotary wheel continues to turn as we reach one, touch one. “This will not be our last interaction with the homeless community, we will continue to help them as best as we can. We would also like to encourage individuals, not just organisations to give to those less fortunate, the homeless and anyone you may encounter who needs help. It’s the humanitarian thing to do,” she said.
MAN JAILED FOR STABBING HIS CHILD'S MOTHER WITH FORK
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A 36-YEAR-OLD man who admitted to stabbing his child’s mother in the head with a fork was sentenced to nine months in prison yesterday. Geno Ferguson appeared before Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count each of causing harm and issuing threats of death
for actions he committed on October 30. Police said Ferguson assaulted and intentionally caused harm to the woman by stabbing her in the head with a fork and trying to run her over with his vehicle. At yesterday’s hearing, Ferguson pleaded guilty to the offence, telling the court he was remorseful for his actions. In response, Magistrate Allen said while he took into consideration that the
accused pleaded guilty from the onset and accepted full responsibility, it still did not excuse his actions. He also noted that the offences Ferguson committed were serious ones that the court could not overlook. He also said the court wanted to send a strong message against domestic violence. As a result, Ferguson was sentenced to six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services
for the assault charges and three months for causing harm. Magistrate Allen noted that the sentences would run concurrently and also fined him $500 for threatening to kill his child’s mother. Failure to pay the fine would result in an additional month in prison. Ferguson was told he has the right to appeal the sentences within seven days. In a separate matter, Chavette Beneby, 22, also appeared in court yesterday.
Police alleged that the accused assaulted and caused harm with a knife to Jomas Hepburn, Kenique Miller and Alexander Johnson. The court was told that the incident stemmed from a traffic dispute. During her hearing before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain, the 22-year-old pleaded not guilty to the offences and the matter was adjourned to January 18. Magistrate Swain initially told Beneby she would
be denied bail, but later granted it at $6,000 with one surety. The magistrate also ordered for the accused to be electronically tagged. Also arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday was Kingsley Hanna, 20. Hanna is accused of threatening Daeshonique Dean with harm on November 28. However, the 20-year-old has denied the charges and the case was adjourned to February 1 for trial.
ECSTASY IN HIS LUGGAGE COSTS AMERICAN $1,000 FINE By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
AN American tourist who was found with ecstasy pills in his luggage at Lynden Pindling International Airport was yesterday fined $1,000. Joseph Cheova, 27 was arrested after border control agents found the pills in his carry-on bag on December 13. He pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs during his hearing before Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr.
The court was told that sometime around 3pm that day, police received information from customs and border patrol officers about two ecstasy pills being found in the tourist’s luggage. As a result, Cheova was handed over to police and another search was carried out by officers who confirmed the discovery. The defendant was subsequently arrested, cautioned and transported to the Drug Enforcement Unit where he denied the offence. The prosecution said the
estimated weight of the pills was two grams with a value of $40. In mitigation, Cheova’s attorney, Tavarrie Smith told the court his client, who accepted full responsibility for his actions, was extremely remorseful for breaking Bahamian law. Smith said the 27-yearold came to The Bahamas for a vacation with a large group of friends who he said placed the pills in Cheova’s bag. “They weren’t purchased locally or sourced locally,” he added.
He also noted the pills were only a small amount and asked the court to consider a conditional discharge or fine, noting his client wanted to return home as quickly as possible. After accepting Cheova’s guilty plea, Magistrate Allen fined the accused $1,000 or three months in prison. Also charged for similar offences were Wilmore Dames, 40, Takeisha Carey, 34 and Terrence Rolle, 25. Police allege the trio was found with 4.5 grams of marijuana with intent to
‘PAY $1,000 FOR RECEIVING STOLEN CAR PARTS’ By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A 29-YEAR-OLD man was yesterday ordered to pay $1,000 to avoid spending three months behind bars after admitting to receiving stolen car parts earlier this year. Rashad Marshall was arrested with two other men after officers found two catalytic converters in their car which were reported stolen
on July 26. The prosecution said a man reported to police that sometime around 11am that day, he observed several unknown men stealing parts from his Nissan car which was parked at Montagu Beach. Police were called to the scene and as a result, a short chase ensued in search of the suspects. The court was told officers were able to successfully locate Marshall and while conducting their search of
the vehicle, they found the stolen items. The defendant was subsequently arrested and taken to the nearest police station, where he denied the offence. During yesterday’s hearing, Marshall changed his plea to guilty during his second appearance before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain. Marshall’s attorney Miranda Adderley told the court her client, a fatherof-three, was extremely
remorseful for his actions which she said was one of the reasons why he decided to own up to the offence. She also noted while the offence was serious, it was not a violent one and also not similar to his prior convictions and then went on to ask the court for leniency. In response, Magistrate Swain fined him $1,000, warning that failure to pay the fine would result in a three-month prison sentence.
MINISTER SAYS PHA RESPONSIBLE FOR HOSPITAL SECURITY NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe has responded to calls for more law enforcement presence at public health facilities after a patient attacked another patient at the Princess Margaret Hospital on the weekend. Officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and PMH security officers responded to the incident. Yesterday, Mr Munroe said the Public Hospitals Authority has the
responsibility for ensuring security at its facilities. “The Princess Margaret Hospital static guard is for when persons come in, who are the victim of gunshots and that type of thing,” he told reporters. “Where you could suspect that there may be people following on to have an armed response to that.” A PHA release said a male patient being treated for injuries was attacked by a second male patient,
who was accompanied by an uninjured male in the trauma area. “The attacker was restrained by Emergency Department staff, RBDF officers deployed to the Emergency Department and hospital security officers, and two knives were confiscated. No other patients or hospital staff were physically injured as a result of the incident. Police subsequently arrested the attacker,” the release said.
When asked about increased security at public hospitals and clinics, Mr Munroe said the incident showed that even the presence of a static guard does not mean people will not act violently. “That should tell you that even if you have a static guard that’s not a guarantee that people won’t act unlawfully. In terms of manpower to put static guards at every clinic that is something that is not anticipated at the moment,” he said.
supply the same on December 9. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the
offence and the matter was adjourned to February 15 for trial. Bail was granted at $5,000 each with one surety.
PAGE 8, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Let’s try not to judge just be happy and kind this holiday season By Alicia Wallace
THE holidays are quickly practicing faiths that are approaching and we are all generally not recognised, or preparing in different ways. separated from their loved For the past few weeks, traf- ones. It is not a period of fic has gotten heavier and it joy, peace and comfort for has taken more planning everyone. There are people and time to get from one we engage daily who are place to the next. Though, trying to figure out how for many people, financial they will get through this month, but resources are they are quite limited, ‘There is a way overlooked, money is being assumed to be spent. People we talk about okay. are buying spending money We may gifts, yes, but that frames it think, for also decoraexample, of tions and food as a privilege children in that make it for the rich the children’s feel like a fes- and a shameful homes, and tive season, organize to get even as the act for those gifts to them pandemic con- experiencing so they can tinues and poverty or living experience the impacts our joy of receivlives every day. pay check to ing during the Some are pre- pay check. It is season. We tending there as though they may consider is no panthe people who demic, some do not deserve benefit from are taking anything nice, or soup kitchevery precauens and give a tion possible, they do not need and most are to, in some cases, little extra to the organisers, somewhere spend money to or even show in the middle, up to serve trying to find make money.’ or distribute a balance between safe and normal. extra goodies. This is great Everyone is trying to find and we need to continue to think of people in situways to cope. The holiday season is ations of vulnerability and always complicated for their specific needs. They people in difficult situa- deserve care and attentions, whether they are tion, as well as systems that unemployed, in unhealthy work, year-round. We need to also think relationships, struggling with mental health issues, about the people around
SINGER Samantha Sands with the Christmas tree in Rawson Square. us every day — those who may never tell us what they are going through, so we assume they are just like us. The person who rushes out the door right at five o’clock to their partner waiting in the car, the cousin who makes herself busy for the duration of any family gathering, the children who refuse to separate from their siblings and the landscaper who is happy to help set up the tent, tables and chairs and disappear until it is time to pack it all away. These people, easy to overlook, may be the ones who are paying special
A Service of Thanksgiving & Reflection for the life of IRA FERGUSON, 52 of Sunset Close, will be held at Calvary bible Church Collins Avenue, Nassau, Bahamas on Thursday, 16th December, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Rob Elliot, assisted by associate ministers. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. He is predeceased Ferguson Sr.
by
his
Father:
Ira
Chris
Left to cherish his memories are his Mother: Brendamae Ferguson; His loving Wife: Karen; Kikivarakis Ferguson; Three sons: Antonio, Angelo and Erin; Brother: Shariffee Ferguson; Sister: Hazel Armbrister; Aunts: Dorothy Huyler, Maxine (Samuel) Archer, Telcine Albury, Helen Johnson; Sister-in-Law: Katie (Kyhiel, Kyle) Kikivarakis; Brother in Law: Kevin (Earnestine, Gabriella and Meghan) Grant; Uncle: Sir Franklyn (Lady Sharon) Wilson; Eric Ferguson, Cedric Deveaux; Aunt: Helen Johnson; Cousins: Orlando and Sonia Albury, Kingsley (MaeDawn) Munroe, Reggie (Olga) Munroe, Dr. Marlene Huyler, Wayde (Curlene) Huyler, Royce Huyler, Andrea (Marchelo) Kelly, Kevin (Inga) Archer, Laverne Archer Crawley, Dwayne and Charlene Huyler, Keith Rolle, Ricardo (Anna) Rolle, Delarese Rolle, Olga Culmer, Kara Culmer Wilson, Sherolyn (Hon. Frank) Smith, Frannon (Shelly) Wilson, Rosel (Dr. Beverton) Moxey, Albert and Arnold Mackey, Shavonne, Yvette, Tamara, Tahirah (Florida), Jestina, Prescola, Clarence, Minister Terry Styles, Trevor, Alfaro and Jermaine. A host of other relatives and friends including: Ms. Lisa Humes and Family, Ms. Janet McKenzie and Family, Jasmine Rolle and Family, Elder Campbell and Family, Gary Bowe, Toni Rolle and Family, Mrs. Culmer and Family, Nassau Christian Academy of 1987, St. John’s College Class of 1987, Enrico Fitzgerald and Avery Thompson, Linda Fitzgerald, Vida and Family, Mr. Goodman and Family, Mike Moss and Family, Sharon Curry and Family, Mrs. Cooper Deveaux, Charmaine Ferguson, Kelly Smith, Charmaine Smith, Sean Ferguson, Maxine Lord and Family, Charlene Shepard, Garfield Pratt, Tommy Ferguson, Peter Varella, Scott Bowe, Ken Armbrister, Barbara Pinder and family, Moe and Family, The Top Up Man, Pastor and the Members of Calvary Baptist Church and Family, Kish and Kathy and Family, Ampersam Symonette, Gregory Burrows and Family, Annabelle Curry and Family, The entire Straw Market Family, Sean Adderley and Family, Min. Leroy Major and Family, Min. McKell Bonamy and Family, Staff of The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority, Ferguson’s Industries Customers, Staff of Top Notch Construction Company, Cedric Larrimore and Family, Shara and the Staff at Medi Center, Dr. Magnus Ekedede, Dr. Davis, Prophet Stephen and First Lady Nadine Munroe and The Believers Embassy International (BEI) Family, The Nurses and Doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital, Hon. Shanendon Cartwright, Samuel Saunders and Family, Tyrone Clarke and Family, Katherine Smith and Family, Peter Deveaux-Isaacs and Hillary Isaacs; Tyrone Clarke and Family, Nicole Bethel and Family, Mama Lise and Family, Sanfra and Jada, Imogene Prince and family, Aunt Christine and Family, Carmella Cooper and Family, Darnelle Osbourne and Family, Dwayne Ellis and Family, Bishop Neil C. Ellis and Family, Clem Foster and Family, Venus and Family, Kelly Wilson and Family, Tangy Ferguson and Family, Prophet Stephen and Nadine Munroe, Bro. Neville Edwards and Family, and the Saturday Prayer Ladies. “The family apologizes for any name we may have missed during this time of bereavement. No public veiwing will be held.
attention to what we do or say, or even need us to pay attention to them.
MIND YOUR OWN MONEY
The topics of traffic and spending come up around this time of year, often tied together. “Why all this traffic on the road?” “Where are these people going?” “I thought everybody was broke, but they spending money!” “You should see these people grocery carts! Full! But ain’ gat no money!” There is no telling what people are doing on the road. Some, of course, are shopping and making preparations for the holidays. Some are just trying to get to and from work, shuttling children to grandparents’ homes, paying bills and making the most of time off. Some are the workers who make the festivities happen for the rest of us, so they are on the road collecting supplies and making deliveries. There is a way we talk about spending money that frames it as a privilege for the rich and a shameful act for those experiencing poverty or living pay check to pay check. It is as though they do not deserve anything nice, or they do not need to, in some cases, spend money to make money. There are many jobs that require, for example make-up and wellmanicured nails. Even if it is not explicitly stated, people in the service industry, especially working for tips, cannot expect higher earnings or promotions without putting significant time and some amount of money into their appearance. It is often view as vanity, as frivolous, and as an irresponsible use of money, but it is necessary for some. Should it be this way? No. Still, here we are. That aside, it is sometimes nice to simply have something that’s beyond necessities. Challenge yourself to let people have nice things in peace. There is no need to shame anyone for having a nice wig while catching the bus, or a brand name wallet when you assume there is no money in it. Whatever your opinion, you manage your money, and they will manage theirs.
GATHERINGS AND BOUNDARIES
If you decide to gather with family members and friends, try to pay attention to what is and is not happening. The past 21 months have been challenging and most of us have found coping mechanisms. Not all of them are
healthy. Most of us have endured and adapted to deal with drastic changes in our circumstances and become skilled at hiding our struggles. It is important that we do not make assumptions and aim to be kind in our speech and empathetic as we listen to others. When someone shares their negative experiences, resist the urge to one-up them or quiet them to keep things light. Acknowledge that they had to deal with something difficult. Be grateful they have been able to push through, and/or offer to help them find any resources they may need. Thank them for sharing. Do not share their story with others without their permission or put them in a position where they have to retell, explain, or be publicly embarrassed. As the pandemic continues, remember people are handling it differently and we are at different levels of risk. Some people may opt out of gatherings to protect their health and control anxiety. Some may choose to show up early and leave early, or to arrive late and stay for a short time. They may want to limit exposure by being there when there are less people. Do not think of this as an insult, but as a compromise they have made in order to spend time with you. They do not have to show up at all.
PROTECTING CHILDREN
One of the things many people look forward to during the holidays is seeing people they have not seen in a long time, especially children. It is always nice to observe their growth and the development of their personalities. Remember that children are people too. Yes, you love your nieces and nephews and have formed a certain kind of relationship with them in your head, but if they are very young and/or have not seen you in a long time, they may simply not know or recognize you. They may not be inclined to smile at you, sit on your lap, or follow you anywhere, regardless of how exciting you think it may be. Respect their boundaries and prioritise their feeling of safety, not your desire to be liked and accommodated by them. Parents, remember that teaching your children that they have bodily autonomy is important - and it starts at a young age. Do not force them to hug or kiss anyone. Understand children respond differently to strangers and people they do not
often see, so do not compare them. Your job is not to make other people happy by subjecting your children to their wishes, but to keep your children safe and feeling safe. The latter is just as important as the former. They need to know they can trust you, and that it is not okay to be forced to put someone’s feelings ahead of their own because they are in a position of authority.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
For those who are having a difficult time, do your best to focus on the things you can control. If you can avoid unnecessarily uncomfortable situations, do that. Prioritise your wellness rather than other people’s feelings or dedication to tradition. If you do not want to attend gatherings or can only manage to spend a short time, allow yourself to make those decisions. If you can, identify an ally. This person can interrupt anyone putting pressure on you to do things you do not want to do. When you say you are ready to leave, they can facilitate your departure in various ways including drawing attention to themselves so you can leave, matching the energy of the people trying to stop you, whether in volume, attitude, or word choice, and walking you to the car. This person could also be on the lookout for signs of distress, remind you of your commitment to yourself, and encourage you to take care of yourself. It tends to be easier to do what you need to do when you have support. For many of us, it will be the first time being with more than ten family members at a time. We have gone through changes in finances, relationships, weight and many other aspects of our lives. There is no need to discuss these things outside of our personal experiences. There is no need to point fingers or talk about other people’s lives. There is no need to tell anyone about their own difficulties. We do, however, need to prepare for the times when other people step out of line. Know how you will tell people that they are being inappropriate and it will not be tolerated. Know when you have had enough. Be prepared to support someone else if they need it. If we are going to be together, let it be in peace. If that does not seem possible, it is okay to opt out. We have a little over one week to envision happy holidays and plan for them with intention. Do it with joy in mind.
PAGE 10, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
VIOLENT protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol, on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington.
Photo: John Minchillo/AP
Text messages revealed behind scenes of January 6 insurrection WASHINGTON Associated Press AS A mob overran the US Capitol last January, some of Donald Trump’s highest-profile defenders in the media — and even his own son — sent urgent text messages to the White House chief of staff urging him to get the then-president to do more to stop the violence. But they did not publicly display that same sense of alarm mere hours after the deadly insurrection. And they have since joined some of the country’s top Republicans in downplaying Trump’s role in the attack — part of a larger effort to rewrite the history of January 6. Here are some of the frantic messages that Trump allies sent to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows as the insurrection was unfolding and what they’ve said publicly about the events since then: DONALD TRUMP JR “He’s got to condemn this s-— ASAP. The Capitol Police tweet is not enough,” Trump’s eldest son wrote
DONALD JOHN TRUMP JR in a text message to Meadows about his father. That’s according to excerpts read Monday by Republican Rep Liz Cheney of Wyoming, vice chair of a House committee investigating what happened. Earlier on January 6, before the violence, the younger Trump tweeted that his father “has the people!!!” over a picture of throngs of pro-Trump demonstrators who gathered in Washington. When word began to surface that the Capitol was breached, Trump Jr changed his tone, tweeting, “This is wrong and not who we are. Be
peaceful,” and “Don’t start acting like the other side. We have a country to save and this doesn’t help anyone.” But, barely a week later — and after the House impeached President Trump for inciting the insurrection — Trump Jr. began advancing the false narrative that authorities knew violence was coming on January 6 but didn’t do enough to prepare — in part because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ignored warnings about what might occur. “If these federal law enforcement agencies had prior knowledge that this was a planned attack then POTUS didn’t incite anything,” Trump Jr tweeted on January 14. “If he didn’t incite anything then Nancy Pelosi and the Dems used impeachment on yet another sham political witch-hunt.” GOP members of Congress, including House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, have since advanced similarly false claims about Pelosi delaying military assistance to
help Capitol Police officers trying to quell the attack. LAURA INGRAHAM “Mark, the president needs to tell people in the Capitol to go home,” the Fox News Channel host wrote, according to text excerpts Cheney read. “This is hurting all of us. He is destroying his legacy.” But on her show the evening of January 6, Ingraham cited false claims that the rioters included leftist provocateurs, saying, “They were likely not all Trump supporters, and there are some reports Antifa sympathisers may have been sprinkled throughout the crowd.” She added: “If you are a Trump supporter hoping to display your support for the president, well, today’s antics at the Capitol did just the opposite.” Ingraham also made a false assertion that there were “legitimate concerns” that voter fraud potentially marred the 2020 election won by Democrat Joe Biden, but she noted, “That never should have lent any license to violence or other chaos.”
Ingraham has since repeatedly downplayed the January 6 attack. In April, she said that “America’s most dangerous insurrectionists” weren’t those who participated in the mob. Instead, she said, “The real threat to our future is Biden, and the well-heeled, powerful forces who want us to lose sight of what made America great in the first place.” During a March phone interview with Trump, Ingraham asked him: “Are you concerned that the US Capitol, after January 6, has become a fortress, protecting the Capitol from the people who are supposed to actually be the ones in charge here, not the people who are sitting in the Capitol?” She then didn’t object when Trump said that the mob posed “zero threat” and suggested that authorities were “persecuting a lot of those people” for being a part of it. SEAN HANNITY “Can he make a statement? Ask people to leave the Capitol?” the Fox News Channel host wrote to Meadows about Trump,
according to text excerpts read by Cheney. During his show the evening of January 6, Hannity said those responsible for the attack “must be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” but he also quickly raised concerns that law enforcement wasn’t ready for what happened. “I don’t care if the radical left, radical right — I don’t know who they are. They’re not people I would support,” Hannity said then. “So how were officials not prepared? We got to answer that question. How did they allow the Capitol building to be breached in what seemed like less than a few minutes?” During his show on Monday, Hannity called the House committee investigating the attack a “Democrat sham” and a “waste of your time and money.” He also falsely said Trump had pushed for extra Capitol protection before January 6 but was denied by Pelosi. Meadows was a guest on Hannity’s Monday show, but neither mentioned the text messages.
HOUSE DEBATES CHARGES FOR EX CHIEF OF STAFF WASHINGTON Associated Press
THE House yesterday debated recommending criminal contempt charges against former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows after he ceased cooperating with the January 6 Committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. If approved, it would be the first time the House voted to hold a former member in contempt since the 1830s, according to the chamber’s records. But it’s the second time the special committee has sought to punish a witness for defying a subpoena. It’s the latest show of force by the January 6 panel, which is leaving no angle unexplored — and no subpoena unanswered — as it investigates the worst attack on the Capitol in more than 200 years. Lawmakers on the panel are determined to get answers quickly, and in doing so reassert the congressional authority that eroded while former President Donald Trump was in office. “History will be written about these times, about the work this committee has undertaken,” said Rep Bennie Thompson, R-Miss, the chairman. “And history will not look upon any of you as a martyr. History will not look upon you as a victim.” Rep Jamie Raskin,
D-Md, another member of the panel, began Tuesday’s debate by reading frantic texts from the day of the attack revealing members of Congress, Fox News anchors and even Trump’s son urging Meadows to persuade the outgoing president to act quickly to stop the three-hour assault by his supporters. The nine-member panel voted 9-0 Monday night to recommend charges against the former North Carolina congressman who left in March 2020 to become Trump’s chief of staff. Approval by the full House would refer the issue to the Justice Department, which would decide whether to prosecute. If convicted, Bannon and Meadows could face up to one year behind bars on each charge. Republicans on Tuesday called the action against Meadows a distraction from the House’s work, with one member calling it “evil” and “un-American”. Rep Jim Jordan of Ohio, took to the floor to praise Meadows: “Make no mistake, when Democrats vote in favor of this resolution, it is a vote to put a good man in prison.” Trump has also defended Meadows in an interview, saying, “I think Mark should do what’s right. He’s an honorable man. He shouldn’t be put through this.” And Meadows’ attorney George Terwilliger
defended his client in a statement before the vote, noting that he had provided documents to the panel and maintaining that he should not be compelled to appear for an interview. He said: “The Select Committee’s true intentions in dealing with Mr Meadows have been revealed when it accuses him of contempt citing the very documents his cooperation has produced.” Meadows himself has sued the panel, asking a court to invalidate two subpoenas that he says are “overly broad and unduly burdensome”. Meanwhile, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell told reporters “I do think we’re all watching, as you are, what is unfolding on the House side. And it will be interesting to reveal all the participants who were involved.” He added that he was not in contact with Meadows on the day of the attack. Democrats quoted at length from January 6 text messages provided by Meadows while he was cooperating with the committee. “We need an Oval Office address,” Donald Trump Jr. texted, the committee said, as his father’s supporters were breaking into the Capitol, sending lawmakers running for their lives and interrupting the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential victory.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PAGE 9
To learn about climate quality, scientists turn to ocean drones By JENNIFER MCDERMOTT Associated Press THREE ocean drones were launched from Rhode Island last Thursday and will travel along the Gulf Stream, collecting data in tough winter conditions that would be challenging for traditional ships with crews. Saildrone, headquartered in Alameda, California, makes autonomous surface vehicles powered by the wind and sun to measure climate quality data and do mapping in remote oceans for scientists worldwide. The company launched the drones from Newport, Rhode Island, on a mission to sail the strong ocean currents in the North Atlantic for six months. The goal is to gather information that’s needed to improve medium and long-range weather forecasting, and to account for how much human-produced carbon dioxide the Gulf Stream can absorb. The carbon data could help improve the models that others use to hold countries accountable for their goals for lowering emissions, said Susan Ryan, a vice president at Saildrone. Scientists from the University of Rhode Island and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts are leading the mission. The work is paid for with a roughly $1 million grant
SAILDRONE Explorer un-crewed surface vehicles, or ocean drones, are prepared for launch at a dock, in Newport, R.I., last Wednesday. (Susan Ryan/Saildrone via AP) from the philanthropic arm of Google, Google.org, and its Impact Challenge on Climate. Collecting data along the Gulf Stream is extremely challenging in the winter because of the strong currents and fierce storms, Ryan said. The carbon budget released at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow uses ocean carbon uptake estimates generated by models and statistical methods that
fill in gaps when there is no data from the site, but that can yield a variety of results and uncertainty, Ryan added. Philip Browne, a research scientist at ECMWF, said the Gulf Stream also has a big impact on weather forecasts and climate predictions, and they’re excited to use the drones to collect data from the physically and scientifically challenging region. Saildrone vehicles with
modified wings captured the first live drone video this fall inside a category 4 hurricane, Hurricane Sam, and completed the first unmanned circumnavigation of Antarctica in 2019, according to the company. The company’s first science mission was to the Arctic in 2015. One of their drones operated along the Gulf Stream in 2019 for about 18 days. “In that short period, we collected as many ocean
CO2 measurements in the Gulf Stream for the month of February as had ever been recorded in the entire history of oceanography,” Jaime Palter, a URI carbon scientist and a co-principal investigator of the mission, said in a statement. The three drones are expected to be retrieved in Newport next year. Data will be sent back to the scientists via satellite as the drones traverse the Gulf Stream.
GM EXEC: CRUISE TO START AUTONOMOUS TAXI SERVICE NEXT YEAR GENERAL Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle subsidiary plans to start running a fully autonomous taxi service in San Francisco next year. Doug Parks, GM’s product development and purchasing chief, told analysts last Thursday that he has ridden in a Cruise vehicle with no driver and the company is very close to deploying the service. “The technology is really coming,” Parks said at the Deutsche Bank AutoTech Conference. “We’re on our way, targeting commercial deployment next year.” Parks also threw cold water on speculation that the company would spin off the majorityowned Cruise, saying that GM believes the companies create more value as a combined entity. He also said that GM’s fully electric Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck will go on sale in 2023 as GM accelerates plans to roll out 30 new electric models globally through 2025. The company will unveil the Silverado E and other models at the CES gadget show in January, Parks said. Two other new electric vehicles will go on sale in 2023 as well, he said. “We’ll be off to the races at that point,” he
TECHTALK HARRIS UNVEILS PLAN FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING NETWORK By MATTHEW DALY ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration released an ambitious federal strategy Monday to build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles across the US and bring down the cost of electric cars with the goal of transforming the U.S. auto industry. “The future of transportation in our nation and around the world is electric,’’ Vice President Kamala Harris said at an EV charging facility in suburban Maryland. The $1 trillion infrastructure law President Joe Biden signed last month authorises a nationwide network of charging stations and sets aside $5 billion for states to build them, including $63 million for Maryland. The law also provides an additional $2.5 billion for local grants to support charging stations in rural areas and in disadvantaged communities. Biden’s $2 trillion social and environmental policy bill, now pending in the Senate, includes a $7,500 tax credit to lower the cost of electric vehicles. “We want to make electric vehicles accessible for everyone,’’ Harris said. “Absolutely make it accessible for everyone and easy. Just like filling up your car with gas.”
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CRUISE AV, General Motor’s autonomous electric Bolt EV is displayed in Detroit in 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
said. Parks also said that a $30,000 small electric Chevrolet SUV that will have more than 300
miles of range per charge is coming out soon, but gave no specifics. GM already has announced
that the GMC Hummer pickup and SUV will go on sale next year, along with the Cadillac Lyriq SUV.
4. Disney+, Disney 5. Teacher Simulator, Kwalee Ltd 6. Netflix, Netflix, Inc. 7. Zookemon, HOMA GAMES mazing Flying Hero, 8. A Thi Thuy Do BO Max: Stream TV & 9. H Movies, WarnerMedia 10. Roblox, Roblox Corporation
SPORTS PAGE 11
Clarke, Page 16
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
Stephen Curry new 3-point king Breaks Ray Allen’s NBA career threes record By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen Curry has shot his way to the top of the NBA record book for 3-pointers. Curry hit his 2,974th 3-pointer last night in the first quarter of the Golden State Warriors’ game against the New York Knicks, breaking the record set by Ray Allen. Curry hit the shot from the right wing with 7:33 remaining, waving his arms toward the sky as he jogged backward down court. The Warriors then committed a foul and quickly called timeout to let the celebration begin. Curry went and embraced his father, Dell Curry, who was seated along a baseline, while Bob McKillop, his coach at Davidson, stood in the stands and beamed alongside Larry Riley, who drafted Curry for the Warriors. Then came a hug from Warriors teammate Draymond Green among others and, finally, Curry trotted back across the court for a long embrace and a few congratulatory words from Allen. Curry is often considered the league’s greatest shooter, and the numbers back him up. He already owns two of the top three seasons for 3-pointers — including the only season with 400 3s — and now has the career record Allen had held since passing Reggie Miller in 2011. During a postgame interview with TNT, Miller, standing next to Allen, presented Curry with a Warriors jersey with the number 2,974 on the back. “I’ve been thinking about this number for a long time. I’ve even got it on my shoes,” Curry said on TNT. “Basketball history. This is pretty special. These two, legends. I watched them growing up and understood what it meant to shoot the ball because of them and my dad.
BAHAMAS BOWL: DEARMON SAYS BLUE RAIDERS ARE READY FOR CHALLENGE By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net RETURNING for their second appearance at the Bahamas Bowl, Middle Tennessee’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Brent Dearmon said the Blue Raiders are ready for the challenge ahead of them this year. The Blue Raiders, coached by Rick Stockstill, will be out to redeem themselves after losing their first appearance here in 2015 in the second Bahamas Bowl. In that game, the Western Michigan Broncos outscored Middle Tennessee 45-31. On Friday at noon at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, Middle
SEE PAGE 13
VERLANDER, ASTROS FINALISE $25M, 1-YEAR CONTRACT
GOLDEN State Warriors guard Stephen Curry reacts after scoring a 3-point basket during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York. Curry hit his 2,974th 3-pointer last night in the first quarter, breaking the record set by Ray Allen. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Full-circle moment, man. early-career highlights on while becoming one of the his story and how hard he’s I’m blessed. Blessed, for February 27, 2013, when biggest, most popular stars had to work, so from that sure.” he made 11 3-pointers and in the game. standpoint it transcends The record came at scored 54 points. He’s gone “I think fans are sports somewhat,” Golden Madison Square Garden, on to win two MVP awards attracted to him just where Curry had one of his and three championships because of his humility and SEE PAGE 14
HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander’s $25 million, one-year contract with the Houston Astros has been finalised, nearly a month after it was agreed to. The pitcher and the Astros reached an agreement on November 17 subject to a successful physical. While the deal was reported before the collective bargaining agreement expired December 1 and a signing freeze began, Major League Baseball and the players’ association did not approve it until this week. Verlander’s agreement incudes a $25 million salary for 2022 and a $25 million player option for 2023 conditioned on him pitching 130 or more innings in 2022. Verlander became a free agent after completing a $94 million, three-year contract with the Astros. He played in just one game in the past two seasons. He made just one start in 2020, pitching six innings on July 24 in a win over Seattle on opening day before being placed on the injured list with strained right forearm.
AYTON RETURNS, SCORES 28 PTS, GRABS 13 BOARDS IN OVERTIME WIN By ANNE M PETERSON AP Sports Writer PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) — Deandre Ayton had 28 points and 13 rebounds in his return from a non-COVID-19 illness, and the Phoenix Suns held off the Portland Trail Blazers 111-107 in overtime last night. Chris Paul, who made the jumper that forced overtime, added 24 points and 14 assists for a Phoenix team still missing leading scorer Devin Booker. Damian Lillard had 31 points and 10 assists for the Blazers, who lost their sixth straight. The Suns have just five losses this season, but one of them came the night before against the Los Angeles Clippers. Phoenix had lost two of four before facing the struggling Blazers. Cam Johnson’s deep 3-pointer gave the Suns a 107-104 lead in
overtime, but Norman Powell’s long jumper got Portland within one. Ayton’s basket kept the Suns in front 109-106. Lillard missed the first of two free throws with 11.9 seconds left and the Blazers couldn’t catch up. After trailing by 14 in the first half, Portland rallied to go up 86-81 on Tony Snell’s 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. It was tight the rest of the way. Cameron Payne’s 3-pointer briefly gave Phoenix a 94-93 lead with 2:30 left, but Lillard answered with a 3 of his own. The Suns tied it at 100 with 40.5 seconds left after Payne and Chris Powell each made a basket. Jusuf Nurkic missed the second of two free throws for the Blazers. After a jump ball, a call that was challenged by the Suns leaving them with no timeouts, Paul fouled Powell, who missed his first free throw but hit the second
PHOENIX Suns centre Deandre Ayton dribbles the ball. Last night, he scored 28 points - just shy of his career high 33 - in a 111-107 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime. (AP Photo/Ross D Franklin) to make it 102-100. Paul’s jumper tied it at 102 with 8.2 seconds to go.
Injuries have plagued Portland in recent weeks, and starting guard CJ McCollum remained out with with a punctured lung. The Suns were minus Booker again because of a hamstring injury. Booker, who sat out his sixth game, is averaging 23.2 points. Abdel Nader remained out because of right knee injury management, and Jalen Smith missed his second game with a nonCOVID-19 illness. But the Suns welcomed back Ayton, their talented big man who missed the previous two games. Phoenix went up 36-24 in the opening half after Mikal Bridges’ jumper. Portland closed to 49-43 at the break. The Blazers struggled from 3-point range in the half, making just three of 18 attempts and missing 11 straight. Portland narrowed the gap to 73-72 late in the third
quarter after Robert Covington’s short jumper and 3-pointer. He hit another 3 at the buzzer to give the Blazers the lead and cap an 11-0 run. TIP-INS Suns: It was the third meeting with the Blazers this season — the teams split the first two. The Suns swept Portland in three meetings last season. JaVale McGee picked up five fouls and went to the bench in the third quarter. Trail Blazers: It was the first of a back-to-back for the Blazers, who host Memphis tonight. Larry Nance Jr made his second start after coach Chauncey Billups moved Covington to a bench role. UP NEXT The Suns host the Washington Wizards on Thursday. The Trail Blazers host the Grizzlies tonight.
PAGE 12, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
PAKISTAN EDGES WEST INDIES IN 2ND T20 TO TAKE SERIES KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan hung in against Romario Shepherd’s late charge to beat the West Indies by nine runs in the second Twenty20 for an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series yesterday. Needing 23 off the last over, Shepherd hit Haris Rauf for 13 runs but the West Indies was bowled out on the last ball when the paceman clean bowled No. 11 batter Oshane Thomas. The West Indies was all out for 163 in reply to Pakistan’s 172-8. Pakistan was only 141-7 after 18 overs but Shadab Khan crunched an unbeaten 28 off 12 balls to give them a defendable total. It proved to be the difference. “The finish from Shadab was very good,” captain Babar Azam said. “There’s grip for the spinners in the second innings, which is why we wanted to bat first.” Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-26) had West Indies on the mat at 131-8 when he claimed three wickets in the 17th over. Odean Smith was brilliantly snapped up by a diving Asif Ali on
the edge of the boundary, Dominic Drakes, who made his debut on Monday in West Indies’ 63-run defeat, edged Afridi behind, and the left-arm fast bowler was on a hat trick when he clean-bowled Hayden Walsh off the next ball. Shepherd denied Afridi a hat trick and his career-best 35 off 19 balls surprisingly lifted West Indies to the brink of a comeback win, but ultimately he was given too much to do with too little support. “Tough one for us (but) big improvement from yesterday,” West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran said. “Felt like we lost here due to silly mistakes, irresponsible from myself, too. We tried our best to execute plans and it’s our (top order) responsibility to carry the game.” Opener Brandon King (67) scored his maiden T20 half-century but legspinner Shadab Khan (0-22) didn’t allow him to score freely in the middle overs. When King holed out in the deep in the 16th over off Rauf, he was only the fifth man down. But Afridi’s three wickets in the next over confirmed
By DENNIS PASSA AP Sports Writer
PAKISTAN’S MOHAMMAD WASIM, centre, and teammates celebrate the dismissal of West Indies Brandon King during their second Twenty20 international cricket match at the National Stadium, in Karachi, Pakistan, yesterday. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan) the momentum was back with stumped, but too many other batsmen got away. Pakistan. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored Earlier, Pakistan’s batting depth was on show again even after cap- with 38, Iftikhar Ahmed added 32, tain Babar, who won the toss and and Haider Ali made 31. However, it was Shadab’s breezy elected to bat, yet again couldn’t get going and was run out for just knock including three sixes in the 7. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein last two overs which gave Pakistan stood out for the West Indies in just enough runs. The third and last T20 is on an unchanged spell of four overs up front and had Fakhar Zaman Thursday.
Man City ruthless, Leeds woeful in 7-0 Premier League rout LONDON (AP) — Seven goals — even without a recognisable striker. A seventh successive victory. Manchester City is looking ruthless in its Premier League title defence. Kevin De Bruyne struck twice, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake also got on the scoresheet as the champions overpowered Leeds 7-0 yesterday. In a tight title race, the flurry of goals moved City within two of Liverpool’s goal difference of plus-33. “We didn’t score as many goals this season,” manager Pep Guardiola said, “but today was a good run to be close to Liverpool and Chelsea.” City has a four-point lead over 2020 champion Liverpool, which plays Newcastle on Thursday. That’s when Chelsea, which is a point further back, hosts Everton. The seven-goal defeat equalled the worst losing margin in the history of Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa’s team is five points above the relegation zone. “There is nothing positive to take away from our performance. I can’t find anything that can be valued,” Bielsa told BT Sport.
“As is natural in these cases, it is not the individuals that fail but the organisation. “There is no justification I can offer,” he continued, “the game was exactly how we thought it was going to be. We prepared ourselves to avoid everything that happened and we didn’t manage to get anything.” Guardiola had warned that Leeds’ high-tempo style would need to be countered and City did this by tearing into the visitors from the outset. “We lost five points last season playing Leeds,” Guardiola said. “We tried to prepare well and maybe the players felt it was a more serious team than people think about. We saw the game against Chelsea (a 3-2 loss for Leeds on Saturday) and they deserved to take a point with the way they fought. Maybe they were a little bit tired.” With Rodri producing one of his best performances in a City shirt, the hosts attacked at will and with great fluidity. City was absolutely relentless after Foden guided in a shot from outside the box in the eighth minute. Another goal followed just five minutes when Mahrez curled the
ASHES: AUSSIES TAKE PERFECT DAY-NIGHT RECORD TO ADELAIDE
CITY’s Phil Foden celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal against Leeds United at Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, yesterday. (AP Photo/Jon Super) ball back into the area for Grealish to head into the net. Rodri played in De Bruyne to thump in a low shot in the 32nd and the only surprise was it took City until four minutes into the second half to score again when a shot from Mahrez deflected in off Junior Firpo. De Bruyne was on target again with a ferocious long-range strike in the 62nd and Stones scored in the 74th. Ake’s powerful header
completed Leeds’ misery four minutes later. VILLA REVIVAL With four wins now in six games as manager, Steven Gerrard is transforming Aston Villa’s fortunes. The former Liverpool captain’s latest success was getting the better of the manager he replaced at Villa last month as Dean Smith’s new team, Norwich, was beaten 2-0. Jacob Ramsey played a one-two with Ollie Watkins by the halfway line and ran at the defence before firing the ball past goalkeeper Tim Krul in the 34th minute at Carrow Road. The second came in the 87th when 18-year-old substitute Carney Chukwuemeka got away down the left and squared for Watkins to tap home. While Norwich is in last place in the Premier League, Villa is up to ninth after the resurgence under Gerrard. Smith was fired by Villa after five straight losses but he quickly filled Norwich’s managerial vacancy. Norwich is three points from safety approaching the midway point of the season after picking up only five points in Smith’s six matches.
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — While there are question marks over opener David Warner’s fitness for the second match of the Ashes series, there are no doubts about Australia’s superiority in day-night tests. They’re a perfect eight from eight as they go into the pink-ball test against England beginning Thursday at the Adelaide Oval. Warner had a few reprieves on his way to scoring 94 runs in the series-opener at the Gabba in Brisbane, where Australia beat England by nine wickets. But after taking two hits in the ribs while batting, Warner didn’t field for Australia in England’s second innings. He still appeared to be in discomfort while batting in practice at Adelaide. The net session came after his teammate Travis Head, who cemented his spot as Australia’s No. 5 by scoring 152 in Brisbane, predicted Warner would play in the second test. “I flew home with him a couple of days ago. His family came into Adelaide, which was nice,” Head told Australian Associated Press. “And he felt like he was in a good space. Obviously he was a little bit sore . . . so I think for him it was just rest. I think he’s ready to go.” At least one change to the test lineup is certain for Australia, with right-arm paceman Jhye Richardson likely to return for the first time in almost three seasons to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. While Australia’s record in day-night matches is perfect, England has just one win in four attempts. The win came in its first daynighter at home against West Indies in 2017. England will get two chances with the pink ball in this series — the fifth test in Hobart, which was moved from Perth because of COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia, will also be a day nighter.
Rio favela seeks to improve kids’ lives through golf By DIARLEI RODRIGUES and MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Saturday is not a school day, so kids in Rio de Janeiro’s City of God favela fill the dirt roads playing soccer or pretending to be cops and robbers around dangerous alleys. All the while, parents are watching over them, hoping their children don’t get scouted by drug dealers seeking messengers and couriers. Another person is watching them. Marcelo Modesto was born in a calmer City of God than the infamous one of the 2002 film. He’s aiming to take some kids off the favela streets and try and turn them into professionals of a sport many Brazilians deem elitist, or exclusive to white people. Golf. A caddie for four decades, the 54-year-old Modesto has opened a golf training centre in the most violent area of the favela. Without public or private funding, from just a sheer passion for the sport, Modesto has attracted 100 kids to the ground in hope of starting some on the path to becoming professionals, or doing something to get off the favela streets. The City of God golf training ground is part of a programme that hopes to develop children from one of Brazil’s most violent favelas into budding golfers who are invited to use the course from the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. Their introduction to golf is rudimentary, at best.
The City of God training ground is only 1,600 square feet (150 square metres), which is less than the size of your average putting green. A community centre once filled the site. Interested kids, who are mostly Black, play with donated clubs and balls. Instead of holes, they hit buckets. As a warmup, they swing wooden sticks around their backs. And no matter how intense practice gets, they remain alert for any sound of gunshots. “I have friends who died, others were jailed. They didn’t have the opportunities like those I have had with golf,” Modesto told the Associated Press during a recent Saturday practice, only hours after his shift as a nightwatchman. “Once you get the ball and start swinging, you fall in love. And so have these kids.” Modesto saw golf as a good idea for City of God kids from his own introduction. When he was 20 and had just left the Army, criminals came to him as a potentially great asset; he was a young man who knew how to fight and shoot. Plus, he had a connection with the favela. “That shook me,” Modesto admitted. What changed his life was an invitation to work at a golf club. “I am very grateful to golf. It was like a second family. Club members were like the father I never had,” he said. “I learned how to speak well, I was distinguished here. I got clothes from club members, went out with the best
CHILDREN learn the basics of golf from caddie Marcelo Modesto on the grounds of the Nusacquilombo cultural centre in Cidade de Deus or City of God favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 9. Modesto, from one of Rio’s poorest neighbourhoods, works at one of the seaside city’s most exclusive golf courses, earning a comfortable living guiding wealthy patrons around the fairways and greens of the course. Now he is sharing his golf skills with kids from his favela. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) looking girls here. I became a reference.” Modesto hopes to spread the initiative into other Rio favelas so at least 60 children can go to the city’s Olympic golf course by February to take classes and be fed. Two have already been selected. Ray de Souza Teixeira, 13, is already confident he will become a professional golfer even though he started playing on a proper course only last week.
Teixeira’s grip of a club reminds Modesto of Tiger Woods. Teixeira played rounds at the Olympic course on Monday, and was suitably dressed in khaki shorts, white shirt and black sneakers. “No one had ever told me this existed in Brazil, only the rich knew about it,” Teixeira said between rounds. “I want to play a professional tournament and win so I can take my family out
of the favela. Life there is too difficult. “Whenever I hear gunshots, someone dies. Whenever there’s a police raid, someone dies. It is very bad when there’s police raids, there’s protests after that, too. Golf is my joy now.” The Olympic course has seen little action since the 2016 Games, at high risk of becoming a white elephant. Many clubs have restrictive membership, and Brazil only has about 20,000
registered players, a figure that hasn’t changed much since the Olympics. But none of that matters much to Leijane Silva, 50, who is also a volunteer with the City of God golf project. All she wants is for her daughter, Sofia, and other kids to stay away from crime. “I just want these children to be out of the streets,” she said. “They develop another perspective here, they understand sport better. I am very thankful that my daughter is here.” Jack Correa, the vicepresident of Rio’s Olympic golf course, believes kids won’t be frustrated if they don’t become professional golfers because there’s other activities around golf that can attract them. “More than 80 percent of our association today is former caddies. The bubble was burst,” Correa said. “The Olympics did push the sport forward. Now anyone can play, get to know the sport.” Modesto believes the golf project can also improve the views of many Brazilians about children coming from City of God. He has ambitions to develop additional pieces of land so he can build a course, add two tennis courts and, if possible, a swimming pool. “Golf was the light at the end of the tunnel for me,” he said. “I hope it will be just the same for some of those kids. I jokingly tell the people in power here that they will have to import workers in the future because the children of City of God will be too busy with sport.”
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PAGE 13
BECKHAM JR AMONG SEVEN RAMS TO COVID-19 RESERVE LIST By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer
Practice makes perfect ROCKETS, BLUE RAIDERS PARTICIPATE IN ‘INTENSE’ TRAINING SESSIONS By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net AFTER settling overnight, the Toledo Rockets got down to business with their first practice yesterday at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Centre in preparation for Friday’s seventh Bahamas Bowl game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. As the first two teams to return to play in the game, which is back after a year’s absence last year because of the COVID-19, the pair will square off at noon at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The game, free to the general public, will be carried live on ESPN. Back in town after coming up short by a field goal in the fifth Bahamas Bowl to FIU (35-32), the Blue Raiders are hoping that they won’t have a repeat of their last bowl appearance in 2018. After sitting at 4-5 through nine games this season, Toledo reeled off three straight wins over Bowling Green, Ohio and Akron to clinch a bowl spot. Tuesday’s practice set the stage for what the Blue Raiders anticipate will be another victory. “It went very well. Just coming out of Toledo being in the cold, being in that windy city, in that windy state, so it was a good thing to be back in the sun and getting used to this heat and weather,” said Toledo’s
BLUE RAIDERS FROM PAGE 11 Tennessee will tackle the Toledo Rockets, who represent the Mid-American Conference with a 7-5 win-loss record. Middle Tennessee, representing Conference USA, finished the season at 6-6. For Middle Tennessee, this will be their 13th alltime bowl appearance, including the ninth in its FBS era. Since its last trip to the Bahamas Bowl, MTSU fell to Hawaii in the 2016 Hawaii Bowl, defeated Arkansas State in the 2017 Camellia Bowl, and fell to Appalachian State in the 2018 New Orleans Bowl. This year, Middle Tennessee won two of its last three games to become bowl eligible, including a 27-17 victory over Florida Atlantic in the regular season finale. In preparation for this year’s game, Dearmon said the Blue Raiders’ practice yesterday at the TAR National Stadium was intense. “It was awesome out here. We are not accustomed to 80 degrees this time of year. Our guys have been more used to 45, 50 degrees back at Middle Tennessee, so getting down here and getting used to this weather has been really nice,” Dearmon said. “We practiced with palm trees in the background,
TOLEDO Rockets team members practice yesterday at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune staff redshirt freshman quarterback Dequan Finn. The scorching heat here, according to Finn, is just what is wanted for him to play in the game, his first bowl, although this is actually the second for Toledo, who suffered a 35-31 loss to the Florida International University Panthers in 2018. “This is really an eye opener. Seeing this big old Atlantis resort (where they are staying) is a humbling experience and a grateful experience for me,” he said. “Being from Detroit, I’ve never seen a lot of stuff like this, so just being out of the country is just a blessing.” As he looks ahead to Friday’s game, Finn said
beautiful stadium in the background…I thought our guys did a good job of bringing energy today.” In analysing their offensive attack this year, Dearmon said they are looking much better going into Friday’s game. “Looking back and seeing how many guys we played. We played four quarterbacks,” Dearmon said. “We have had six different offensive line match-ups that we’ve put out there with injuries and COVID-19. “Being able to see how many guys we put on the field and be in a position to win a bowl has been awesome for our guys.” Dearmon said their quarterback Mike DiLiello has more of a running back body, but he throws the ball well. “He’s more of the running quarterback who can run the nakeds and can run the bootlegs, build in some quick game with some shots for him,” Dearmon said. “Nick (Vattiato) is more of a pocket passer. He can run if he needs to, but that’s not who he is. “It’s more of a progression-based system for him, where he can drive the ball down field. The offensive line feels comfortable with either one of those guys playing. So, I’d say it’s about 50-50 percentagewise for those guys getting reps.” On the flip side of the coin, Dearmon said Toledo presents a lot of challenges for them on the defensive end.
they will continue to stay focused, watch the films and make sure everyone is locked and loaded because even though many may consider this a weekend, they are just as eager to win the game. Deonte Johnson, a junior linebacker, said he has been in constant communication with his team-mates to make sure that they remain focused on the task ahead of them. “We’re here to have fun, but it is a business trip,” he said. One of the few players returning from Toledo’s first trip here in 2018, Johnson said he was just a freshman, but he clearly remembers the experience and he’s hoping that they can reverse the decision by
taking the victory this time around. Mitchell Berg, an offensive linesman in his junior year as well, said they were able to get adjusted very quickly to the change in weather and it worked in their favour as they participated in their first practice. “We were flying around, got our assignments done at every level, so we’re pretty happy about that,” Berg said. “It’s always good to have one last practice before you play.” Although they have a chance to enjoy all of the amenities at Atlantis, Berg said the coaching staff has insisted that they are here on business. “The last time we were here, that kind of hurt us,” said Berg, who played in
the game in 2018. “A lot of guys came down for vacation, but we have taken a different mindset, especially for the guys who have been here before. We here to play football first and have fun second.” Only time will tell on Friday if Toledo, coached by Jason Candle, is here this time for vacation or business.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Receiver Odell Beckham Jr and six of his Los Angeles Rams teammates went on the reserve/COVID-19 list yesterday amid the latest expansion of their virus outbreak. Defensive backs Terrell Burgess and Juju Hughes, tight end Brycen Hopkins, tackle Alaric Jackson, injured nose tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and practice squad defensive end Jonah Williams also went on the list. Only Beckham has played regularly in a major role for the Rams (9-4) this season. Coach Sean McVay said the Rams have shut down their training complex in Thousand Oaks for at least two days under the NFL’s intensive protocols. They will conduct meetings virtually today and won’t hold a practice, although they were unlikely to hold a significant workout anyway on a short week of preparation to host Seattle on Sunday. “I am very surprised, because you feel like you’re behind it when everybody is vaccinated and you’re moving in the right direction,” McVay said yesterday before the latest round of moves had been announced. “Without a doubt, we have never experienced anything of this magnitude as it relates to COVID. This is definitely something that’s been eye-opening.” The Rams also activated tight end Tyler Higbee from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Higbee and cornerback Jalen Ramsey missed the Rams’ 30-23 victory at Arizona after being placed in the protocols hours before kickoff Monday night. Five players missed Monday’s game while in the protocols, including running back Darrell Henderson Jr and right tackle Rob Havenstein. Los Angeles overcame the absences to claim its second straight victory. Beckham had six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ win at Arizona. The midseason acquisition has been improving weekly in Los Angeles’ offence, and he has a TD catch in each of the Rams’ past three games.
BUDDY FROM PAGE 14
BLUE Raiders team members practice yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Photos: Racardo Thomas/ Tribune staff “They are sound. A lot of teams are not sound all the time, a lot of teams don’t stay in their gaps, a lot of teams have busted coverages, but they are coached really well,” he said. “They chase the ball, they run to the football well. They do a good job of finishing plays.” Redshirt senior wide receiver Jarrin Pierce said after their first practice on Tuesday, they are clicking on all cylinders. “Today (Tuesday) was amazing. It felt good just to be out there with the teammates – playing and practicing for the bowl game,” he said. “Today we got a lot of productive work done, and it just felt good to be out there.”
When asked about their off-field adventures at Atlantis this week, Pierce said it’s all that they anticipated and more. “The beach was pretty good. I’m looking forward to hitting the water slides and getting on the jet skis, and seeing the aquarium,” he said. “At least I hope they let us get on the jet skis.” And when he looked at Toledo’s defence, Pierce
noted that they will have their work cut out against them. “I know they are a good team. I know that we respect them. We will not underestimate anyone,” he said. “I know they have a good defence. We will be prepared for anything that is thrown our way.” Hopefully, they will be able to prevail with a victory this time around.
after the game, although Fox refused to comment on it and Harrison Barnes had little to say. “We’re not playing together,” Barnes said. “That’s really what it boils down to. As a group, we discussed it. That’s really all I’m going to say on that at this point.” Toronto scored the first 11 points and led 30-22 after one quarter, getting nine points off six turnovers by the Kings. The Raptors extended their lead by connecting on 18 of 27 field goal attempts in the second, one more than the Kings had in the entire first half. Toronto led 70-45 at halftime after its highest-scoring half of the season. “Obviously, the second quarter was bad all around,” Fox said. The Raptors scored 67 points in the second half of a November 24 game at Memphis. Toronto made 47 field goals in that game, its previous season high. With 40 points in the second, Toronto also matched its biggest quarter of the season Monday, equaling a 40-point second in a December 5 home win over the Wizards. The Raptors took a 93-69 lead into the fourth. UP NEXT Kings: Host the Washington Wizards tonight.
PAGE 14, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Hield scores 14 but Raptors rout Kings 124-101 By IAN HARRISON Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — Chris Boucher matched his season high with 17 points, Yuta Watanabe had 12 points and 10 rebounds for his first career doubledouble, and the Toronto Raptors used a 70-point first half to rout the Sacramento Kings 124-101 on Monday night. Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes each scored 16 points, Fred VanVleet had 12 and Gary Trent Jr added 10 as Toronto made a season-best 53 field goals and set a season high with 28 assists. Nine different Toronto players scored 10 or more points, including all five
starters. The Raptors set season highs for bench points (51) and points in the paint (68). “I thought we came out with a professional approach, set the tone early, and we were just able to control it from there,” VanVleet said. “Everybody that stepped on the court tonight contributed in a major way.” Malachi Flynn scored 14 points, Svi Mykhailiuk had 11 and Justin Champagnie finished with 10 for the Raptors, who wrapped up a 4-3 homestand — their longest of the season. “The big goal was to come out and set a tone defensively that we were there to play hard on that end and I think that was
TORONTO Raptors’ Malachi Flynn, bottom, claims the ball in front of Sacramento Kings’ Chavano “Buddy” Hield (24) during the second half on Monday night. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
a huge key by the whole team, really,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. “The first group did a great job and when the subs started coming in, they kept it going.” De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points, Chavano “Buddy” Hield added 14 and Marvin Bagley III had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings, who went 0-3 on an Eastern Conference road trip that also included losses at Charlotte and Cleveland. “I have no idea what to say,” coach Alvin Gentry said. “It was embarrassing. That’s the only phrase I think you can use.” Gentry said his players held a closed-door meeting
SEE PAGE 13
New guidelines, Booster Day looming as COVID disrupts NBA By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer DENVER (AP) — There’s no game in Chicago on Tuesday, no trip for the Bulls to Toronto for another on Thursday. Just like that, the coronavirus has disrupted the day-to-day operations of the NBA. The Bulls are shut down for what will be at least a few days with 10 players in health and safety protocols. But the impact is not limited to Chicago. Here were just some of Tuesday’s updates: The Brooklyn Nets were missing seven players for their home game Tuesday against Toronto because of the protocols; Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t play on Wednesday, also because of the protocols; and the Los Angeles Lakers cancelled practice Tuesday after at least one player tested positive. In recent days, Indiana coach Rick Carlislie has missed games, and Raptors President Masai Ujiri tested positive after hosting an event that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum attended, which forced them to undergo daily testing since. It’s not just players and executives, either, but officials and broadcast teams, too.
This all underscores what NBA officials have been saying for weeks: The pandemic is still very much a problem and that’s why Friday is such a priority. Friday is Booster Day, when the league’s most important percentage won’t be of the 3-point variety. The current data from the NBA indicates more than 60% of players have gotten their booster shots. Under the new guidelines, that potentially means somewhere around 150 players would now be subject to daily testing again. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have been urging players and staff to get their coronavirus booster shot for the past several weeks. On Friday, the latest league guidelines will be implemented. Lately, there have been plenty of stark reminders this pandemic is far from over and won’t be going away anytime soon. In addition to depleted rosters for the Bulls and Nets, along with Carlisle remaining sidelined due to health and safety protocols, Indiana and Toronto recently had to scrap some practices, just in case, and other teams have undergone additional testing to ensure that they’re safe. The Pacers and Warriors had only two officials for Monday night’s game, with the third in
health and safety protocols. The Raptors announced their broadcast team will self-isolate out of precaution after contact with someone who tested positive. James Harden was among the seven Nets who couldn’t play Tuesday night. Brooklyn only had enough players to avoid the game being postponed because Kevin Durant was upgraded from questionable. Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce succinctly summed up the current state of the pandemic while filling in for Carlisle last Friday when he said it is “always joyful when you just get to the court. ... With the state of COVID, there’s always something going on.” The NHL already postponed some games this season and on Monday, with the announcement that two Bulls games were off, the NBA joined hockey in the postponed club. The league always anticipated that postponements were possible again this season. About 30 games were moved around last season but all eventually got played. One provision of the new league booster guidelines states that a team staffer who doesn’t have their booster shot by Friday — with limited exceptions — will no longer have the ability to have
in-person access with players, coaches and referees. Plus, the staffer will be banned from joining their clubs on road trips. As for the players who haven’t received their booster, they will be subject to game-day testing again, and the league will reserve the right to impose additional testing on their respective teams as needed going forward. Ujiri announced he was among those who tested positive for the virus after he recently went to his charity event. In a statement from the team, Ujiri said: “We don’t want to live in fear of this virus, but COVID is a persistent enemy. Together, we’ll defeat it.” The Bulls’ list of players out: Zach LaVine, Troy Brown Jr., DeMar DeRozan, Matt Thomas, Coby White, Javonte Green, Derrick Jones Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, Stanley Johnson and now Alize Johnson. Players in the health and safety protocols must be sidelined at least 10 days or record two negative COVID-19 tests in a 24-hour period before they can resume basketball activities. “I guess it’s part of the world we live in right now,” Bulls center Nikola Vucevic recently said. “This whole situation with COVID, a lot of it doesn’t make much sense right now. Obviously,
the scientists and everybody around the world don’t have the answers, so I definitely don’t.” Vucevic explained that when he tested positive, he wouldn’t have even known it. He said he didn’t have any symptoms besides a “little cold, and if it wasn’t for COVID, I never even would have thought about anything more. ... “When there’s a lot of guys like this at once, it’s hard. Our only hope is that nobody else pops up positive.” Carlisle missed a game against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. Pierce stepped in and tried to keep things as routine as possible — following in the footsteps of Carlisle. It worked, with the Pacers beating the Mavs 106-93. Still, it was an anxious 24 hours for the Pacers before tipoff as they waited for all the tests to come back. “Apart from the scary, I think everyone was happy we got a day off, to be honest,” Pacers power forward/center Domantas Sabonis cracked after the win. “I was happy. I’ve been in the protocol five days. So I’ve been testing. I knew I was good. We had to make sure no one else was positive.” The NBA is stepping up its game since it’s all part of the territory — still.
SHORT-HANDED NETS FORCE OVERTIME, BEAT RAPTORS 131-129 By DENIS P GORMAN Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Patty Mills made a 3 to force overtime, Kevin Durant had 34 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Toronto Raptors 131129 last night. Durant was upgraded from questionable just before the game because Brooklyn has seven players in the NBA’s health and safety protocol, including starters James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre’ Bembry. He responded to the
last-minute add with his 14th triple-double of his career. Brooklyn won their third straight, with Mills adding 30 points, Kessler Edwards contributing 17, Nic Claxton chipping in 16 and Blake Griffin recording 13 before fouling out in overtime. The loss snapped a twogame winning streak for Toronto (12-15). Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 31. Gary Trent Jr and Pascal Siakam each finished with 25. Scottie Barnes had 23, but missed what would have been a game-winning, buzzer-beating 3 in
overtime. Trailing by 10 entering the third quarter, Toronto outscored Brooklyn 44-25 to take a 100-91 advantage going into the fourth. But Brooklyn outscored Toronto 26-11 over the first 7:18 of the fourth quarter, regaining the lead, 109-108, on a Mills 3 with 7:12 left, and his left side 3 with 4:43 left extended the lead to 117-111. It didn’t last. Barnes knocked down two 3s to tie the game, and Trent 3 with 1:21 left gave the Raptors a 120-117 lead, which held until Mills’ 3 with 13 seconds left forced overtime.
BROOKLYN Nets forward Nic Claxton (33) dunks the ball in front of Toronto Raptors forward Yuta Watanabe during the first half last night in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
CURRY
FROM PAGE 11
GOLDEN State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) hugs former NBA player Ray Allen after Curry made a three-3 basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York. Curry hit his 2,974th career 3-pointer last night, breaking the record set by Allen. WARRIORS guard Stephen Curry hugs his father Dell (AP Photos/Mary Altaffer) Curry after breaking Ray Allen’s 3-point record.
State coach Steve Kerr said before the game. Curry had been far from his best beyond the arc to start this road trip, going 3 for 14 in Philadelphia and then 5 for 15 in Indiana. But with his ability to go from slumping to surging in a hurry, Kerr predicted a breakout would be coming soon. It came quickly Tuesday. Curry hit from straightaway on his first attempt, and fans around the arena stood as he was dribbling the ball across centre court on the next possession. He launched an ugly attempt that he missed. The record-breaker came on his next shot and was vintage Curry. He gave the ball up and eventually raced back to the outside, getting the ball back and seemingly launching it in the same motion before a defender could get out to him. It’s that quick shot — whether after catching it or on the dribble — and the ability to release from so far behind the arc that’s made him a shooter unlike any before him.
“He’s the best shooter I’ve ever seen, and I think it’s clear he is the best catch-and-shoot player,” former Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki said. “But where he’s so good is off the dribble, and I think that’s something that he added, the quick 3 off the dribble. It’s one motion and his shot is gone.” None of Curry’s stardom was guaranteed when he entered the league in 2009 as the No. 7 pick from Davidson, far from one of the basketball powerhouses that usually produce the top players. But with perhaps an unmatched combination of dribbling and shooting accuracy, he led a longdistance revolution that has turned the 3-pointer from an afterthought in NBA offences into a weapon. He has led the league in 3-pointers six times and is well on his way to a seventh for a resurgent Warriors team that again has the league’s best record. And Curry could put the record well out of reach at his current pace: He entered the night making 5.4 3-pointers per game this season, best of his career.Curry, 33, is in his 789th game, with perhaps a few more seasons at the top. At the same point in his career, Allen had 1,918 3s.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PAGE 15
8 women, 17 men in BLTA Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
national tournament scheduled for next year as they work through COVID-19 protocols. THE field is complete for The rules for the tournathe Bahamas Lawn Tennis ment have been set. They Association’s 2021 Giorgio are as follows: Baldacci Open Nationals * Format will be single with a total of eight women elimination played to the and 17 men entered in best of three tiebreak sets. the week-long tourna* Feed in back draw will ment scheduled to begin be played to determine all on Monday at the National final positions. Tennis Centre. * A 15-minute default Confirmed to rule will be enforced participate on the for all matches. women’s side are * The two finalFed Cup player/ ists in both the men’s captain Kerrie and women’s draws Cartwright, fellow are eligible to serve team-mates and on the 2022 Davis collegians Sydney Cup/Billie Jean King Clarke, Sierra DonCup teams. aldson and Elana * The top four PRATT Mackey, along with players will be Grand Bahamian seeded in a 32-draw Simone Pratt and on the men’s side junior players Madand the top two dison Bowleg, Sierra players will be Rodgers and Sapseeded in an 8-draw phire Ferguson. on the women’s side. The field of 16 * Seeding will players on the men’s take the followside include Kevin ing order: 1. ATP/ Major Jr, Baker CARTWRIGHT WTA ranking 2. Newman, Marvin ITF world ranking Rolle, Spencer 3. 2021 Davis Cup/ Newman, Rodney Billie Jean King Cup Carey Jr, Donte Team positioning 4. Armbrister, Kofi National ranking, Bowe, Michael and 5. Any other Major Jr, Denali relevant informaNottage, Dentry tion. ITF rules and Mortimer Jr, Jeffery code of conduct will Thompson, Sharano MAJOR JR be in effect for all Hanna, Vontenmatches. * Players ken Rolle, Chris Godet, must complete the TournaAnthony Burrows Jr, ment to be eligible to serve Savano Hanna and Nathan on the 2022 Davis Cup/ Thompson. Billie Jean King Cup Team. The tournament, which * Players are responsible serves as a trial for the men’s for checking https://blta.net Davis Cup and ladies’ Billie for daily order of play and Jean King Cup, signifies the match times. *Decisions are diversity of the players in final as per the Referee. the programme, according to BLTA president Perry Newton. “We have a lot of veteran players returning on the men’s side. Leading that charge is Kevin Major Jr, brothers Baker and Spencer Newman, as well as veteran Davis Cup player and captain Marvin Rolle,” Newton said. “We also have Donte Armbrister and Rodney Carey Jr, who will also be involved in the pool. There is also a good core of up and coming young players who will be trying to get one of those positions. So we’re excited to put on this tournament after the break in 2020.” On the women’s side, Newton said that there are only eight, but it’s an elite group of players to watch. “Heading the field will be Kerrie Cartwright, our Billie Jean King player/captain, Sydney Clarke, Simone Pratt and Sierra Donaldson, along with some of our up and coming young players. So we’re really excited about this year’s field. “The Bahamas has moved up in the ranking in the Fed Cup and the Davis Cup based on the performances they had this year, so I think the players are all ignited so we are looking forward to a good event.” At the conclusion of the event, Newton said the BLTA should have an idea of what the teams look like going into the international competitions next year. He said the tournament will also set the stage for any
PAGE 16, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Sydney: ‘I’m in top shape to do some damage this year’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WHILE she’s excited to be back home, Bahamian collegian tennis player Sydney Clarke said she’s looking forward to having another eventful trip during her Christmas break. The 20-year-old Clarke, in her sophomore year at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has her hands full this week with her food drive for the Children’s Emergency Hostel. Next week, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s junior female athlete of the year turns her focus to the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Giorgio Baldacci National Open Championships at the National Tennis Centre. In the meantime, Clarke said she needed the break to get back home where she was a stellar performer at CR Walker Secondary High before she transferred to Windsor School and played in the Albany Tennis Academy. “It feels amazing. It’s a great feeling. I feel excited,” she said. “I’m a little bit sad because some things changed and some people I know passed away, but I’m just glad to be home with my family and friends.” In addition to her parents, Shayvon and Bernard Clarke and sister Sarai, one of the other persons she was glad to see again was her grandmother, Mary Coakley. She spent some time making up for her absence when she was away attending school in Birmingham, Alabama. Like she did two years ago, Clarke is putting on another food drive for the Children’s Emergency Hostel. But unlike the initial effort in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic forced her to cancel last year’s effort, Clarke said this year’s drive will be a little different. The food drive will be staged between the hours of 2 to 5pm at the hostel where people wishing to make a donation of food or cash can do so by passing by the home on McKinney Drive, off Carmichael Road, to make their contribution. “I expect to get a lot more support than the previous one. A lot of people have been reaching out to me and extending their help, so the response has been very good,” Clarke said. “I just hope that as it goes on, it will get better. I know I started the planning for this year’s event during the last week of exams at school, so I wasn’t able to do as much as I wanted to, but a lot of people have been reaching out to me and are coming to drop off items at the hostel on Saturday.” Immediately after she’s done her charitable chores, Clarke will be suiting up in her tennis attire to defend her title in the BLTA’s National Open Championships, starting on Monday at the National Tennis Centre. “I think I’m ready for this year’s event,” Clarke said. “I’ve been prepping, so I feel as though I’m in top shape to do some damage this year.” The 5-foot, 5-inch power-packed Clarke is expected to be among a list of eight female players signed up to compete. The others are Billie Jean King Cup captain Kerrie Cartwright and team-mates Sierra Donaldson and Elana Mackey, along with Grand Bahamian Simone Pratt and juniors Maddison Bowleg, Sierra Rodgers and Sapphire Ferguson.
BAHAMIAN collegiate tennis player Sydney Clarke is in her sophomore year at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “It will be interesting. Even though it’s only eight of us, I think the competition will be very keen,” Clarke said. “I think the field is still a very good one, so the competition is going to be very keen.” At UAB, where she has held her own, Clarke said her season got off to a rough start, but she was able to turn things around before she came home. “This was a time for me to rebuild my game going into spring and I think that is what I was able to do,” Clarke said. “I’ve seen a lot of improvement at the end of the season, so I’m really excited to pick things up for the spring season.” Once she has completed all of her duties over the Christmas holiday, Clarke will resume her season and her studies at UAB where she is pursuing her degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in mass communication.