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The Tribune
Volume:118 No.20, DECEMBER 18, 2020
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Commissioner says police spoke to billionaire but he refused to cooperate POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday that officers visited Peter Nygard’s home in Lyford Cay last year as a part of an investigation into sexual assault allegations made against him but found that he had already left the country. Commissioner Rolle was speaking in the wake of news that Mr Nygard had been arrested in Canada and had been charged in New York. He said after the visit to Mr Nygard’s home, police subsequently contacted Mr Nygard to assist with their probe but he refused to return to The Bahamas. The police chief spoke
By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net PLP DEPUTY Leader Chester Cooper yesterday accused the government of having no strategy for economic growth nor had put forward any plan for restoration in Abaco, Grand Bahama and Ragged Island. Mr Cooper’s remarks were in response to the Minnis administration’s 2020 Fiscal Strategy Report tabled in Parliament on Wednesday. Speaking about that
the Exumas
pgs 08+09
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
SEE PAGE EIGHT
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) plunged to a $63.543m net loss for the year to endOctober 2020 as it awaits permission to pay almost $94m in total dividends to shareholders. The BISX-listed financial institution, unveiling its full-year results, blamed the combined effects of a $72.747m goodwill impairment and $65.5m increase in loan loss provisions due to COVID-19 for a near-$158m bottom line reversal compared to 2019’s $94.376m net profit. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
SEE PAGE THREE
report, newly appointed Minister of State for Finance Senator Kwasi Thompson told the Senate the government’s aim is to slash $100m from both its capital and recurrent spending after 2020-2021 first quarter revenues came in $68m below projections while spending soared. Senator Thompson said some $75.8m in unplanned COVID-19 public assistance and previous lockdowns have forced the government to target $200m in extra spending cuts over the next six months. SEE PAGE FIVE
Page 15
CIBC LOSES $63M - BUT TO PAY $94M IN DIVIDENDS
to reporters on the sidelines of an event yesterday after he was asked for an update on investigations into sexual abuse claims made against the Canadian fashion designer back in July 2019. The Tribune exclusively reported last year that six women had made formal complaints to Bahamian police concerning Mr Nygard. However, Commissioner Rolle said yesterday: “I know after Nygard left The Bahamas, we received about four complaints and we dispatched officers to his residence and on arrival, we informed that he had left and we met persons loading all of his belongings into shipping containers.
COOPER SLAMS GOVT ON LACK OF ECONOMIC PLAN
SANTA PAWS
Capturing the ‘Blue Kingdom ’
‘NYGARD LEFT AND WON’T COME BACK’
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
Friday,
December 18, 2020 photography culture garden ing history interview puzzle s animals
‘TELL HER TO LIE ABOUT HER AGE’
FEARS OVER ‘SQUEEZE’ ON SERVICING DEBT BILL
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THIS image is taken from a video of Peter Nygard has emerged showing him walking on a Brazilian beach and asking girls how old they are - and at one point telling a translator to tell a girl who said she was just 15 years old to “lie about her age”. See page three for the full story. Photo: Mega Agency
THE Government was yesterday warned that “talk is cheap” when it comes to The Bahamas’ mounting fiscal and economic woes, as governance reformers demanded: “Let’s see some action.” FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
ANOTHER STEP BACK TO NORMAL By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net BAHA Mar reopened yesterday with 1,800 employees, 240 guest arrivals and the promise that business will increase significantly through the holiday season and into next year. Graeme Davis, the president of the resort, said officials and staff are excited to be back. “I reflect back to when
THE FIRST guests returning to Baha Mar yesterday. we opened in April of 2017 with the Grand Hyatt opening up, and here we are again today, hopefully
our last reopening of the project,” he said. “Grand Hyatt opens today with 1,800 rooms and our associates are thrilled to be back to work. A tremendous amount of work has been going into this.” Baha Mar closed on March 25 because of the COVID-19 crisis and committed to providing “ex-gratia payments, partial salaries, medical benefits SEE PAGE TWO
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PROTECTORS OF NYGARD CAN’T SILENCE US NOW
SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Friday, December 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
THE FIRST guests arrive at Baha Mar after its reopening yesterday.
Another step back to normal from page one and severance pay” to its staff, going “beyond what any other business has done in The Bahamas,” Mr Davis said. This effort has caused conflict between the resort and the National Insurance Board. Mr Davis said NIB recently provided unemployment benefits to its staff but only after deducting Baha Mar’s ex-gratia payments from the total. “I do know that the National Insurance Board and Ministry of Finance have made the payments to us for the difference between what we’re paying and what the minimum amount of $100 per employee is,” he said. “That is for us not the outcome that we would’ve expected. We are still waiting for the prime minister to look into the matter and give the employees the $100 that the government committed to in addition to the ex-gratia payments that we are making, not deducting ex-gratia payments and making up the difference.
BAHA Mar president Graeme Davis. We hope that the prime minister will act and support the associates in giving them their $100 per week that was committed to and treat our employees fairly and consistently with other employers that are not giving any ex-gratia payments.” Dorio Butler, 30, said it felt good to be back to work after nearly nine months off. His challenge away from work was “just trying to keep a steady head and just being hopeful that we would be able to come back
here again,” he said. A Baha Mar employee for five years, he said he has two children, adding: “It was a strain for me, but I kept it together.” Mr Butler said he last received unemployment benefits from NIB in October and concluded that he is owed about $1,000. “Honestly, to come at the last minute and (they) say unfortunately you won’t be able to get those funds because Baha Mar is already paying us is really unfair to me,” he said. Mr Davis said to date
more than $70 million has been paid to Baha Mar employees. Asked about the costs associated with maintaining a resort that is not operating, he declined to discuss specifics but said: “We’ve had significant losses in 2020…Just for electricity and utilities on an annualised basis it’s over $30 million per year when we’re opened so it’s a significant cost structure for Baha Mar.” Mr Davis said demand will dictate when Baha Mar opens its other hotels. “We feel it’s very important to have Baha Mar open and do it safely for our guests and certainly for our associates and community, but it is important to open in order to build that consumer confidence for the future demand that will be coming here to The Bahamas,” he said. “We’re starting slow. We feel confident that as the vaccine rolls out and we see the COVID surge start to decline in our key feeder market in the United States, that should increase some demand here to The Bahamas and that would be
indicators for us to start the additional phases of opening, which would be our Rosewood, SLS, and Melia. We’ve not made that decision yet. We’ll take another look after the new year and we will continue to monitor but it will be based on demand and ensuring that we can operate Baha Mar in a safe fashion.” In preparation for yesterday’s reopening, Mr Davis said Baha Mar conducted 7,000 COVID-19 tests involving “associates, vendors and contractors.” As part of a partnership with Doctors Hospital, guests will be tested on arrival to the resort with the rapid antigen test and will be isolated in their rooms for 30 minutes while awaiting their results. “Then they will be given their room keys and be allowed to enjoy the facility,” Mr Davis said. “I’m really pleased to say that we have many guests that are staying beyond the week with us. We feel quite confident that we’ve created a safe environment for our associates, for our guests, and that
certainly helps out the entire community.” Guests who test positive for COVID-19 have several options. “As they have entered from the US,” Mr Davis said, “they have purchased the health insurance through the Bahamas health visa application. One option, if they have comorbidity issues, they have the option to be medivaced back to their home city through the health insurance plan. In addition, the health insurance plan covers them to quarantine in place for 14 days and that’s another option for our guests that do test positive. “We have in the Grand Hyatt some excellent suites with kitchens. We would provide them supplies, food, and they would be isolated in that suite for the 14 days and we would obviously have Doctors Hospital and the Ministry of Health follow up as we would on a daily basis to ensure that they are doing fine and then at the end of 14 days they would go through additional testing to be released.”
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 18, 2020, PAGE 3
‘Nygard left and won’t come back’ from page one “We made contact with Nygard and he refused to return and surrender to The Bahamas and that’s the last of it so as far as we know, he’s never been interviewed by local police and all of our complaints that came in, came in after he left.” It is unclear what this means for the status of those investigations, with Commissioner Rolle referencing sub judice rules to reporters as to why he won’t discuss the matter any further even though Mr Nygard was not charged in The Bahamas’ jurisdiction. “The matter as it relates to Nygard is now sub judice and I can’t comment on those,” he said. Earlier this year, National
Security Minister Marvin Dames told this newspaper that an investigation would be launched into claims that Mr Nygard concealed his alleged sexual crimes by bribing local law enforcement officials after the issue was brought to surface in the New York class action lawsuit filed against him. Asked about these investigations yesterday, Commissioner Rolle maintained the police force has not received any official complaints of “complicity” between local officers and Mr Nygard. “We have not received any complaints about complicity of any officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force currently or present,” he said. “…But like, I said. I’m not going to go
any further with that and the matter is now before a judge and please don’t draw this Commissioner into that.” Last night Greg Gutzler, who represents women included in a New York civil action against Nygard, told The Tribune he hoped inquiries here would continuie. “We hope the Bahamas authorities will pursue justice for the victims. And while we understand the importance of doing a thorough investigation, justice delayed is justice denied. We would think it’s doubly important for the Bahamian authorities to address the allegations of government corruption as well,” said Mr Gutzler. Nygard’s arrest came months after the class
action lawsuit was filed in New York accusing him of raping numerous women, many of them Bahamians. In a statement released Tuesday, the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York said Mr Nygard was taken into custody on Monday in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by Canadian authorities at the request of US officials. According to the Southern District of New York, his alleged misconduct arises “out of a decadeslong pattern of criminal conduct involving at least dozens of victims in the United States, The Bahamas and Canada, among other locations.” He has been charged with one count of racketeering, one count of conspiracy
to commit sex trafficking, three counts of sex trafficking of a minor and by force, fraud or coercion, one count of transportation of a minor for purpose of prostitution, two counts of transportation for purpose of prostitution and one count of transportation for purpose of prostitution and illegal sexual activity. The indictment said Mr Nygard “and others known and unknown, including employees of the Nygard Group, used company funds, employees, resources, and influence to recruit, entice, transport, harbour and maintain adult and minor-aged female victims for Nygard’s sexual gratification and, on occasion, the gratification of Nygard’s personal friends and business associates by,
among other things, sex trafficking, interstate and international transport for purposes of engaging in prostitution and other illegal sexual activities, and related offences. Prosecutors allege that Mr Nygard and his associates “targeted women and minor-aged girls who came from disadvantaged economic backgrounds and/ or or who had a history of abuse.” They further allege that the purpose of Mr Nygard and his co-conspirators was to use his business, reputation and resources to conceal their racketeering activities. US police also allege that the activities occurred “at least in or about 1995, up to and including in or about 2020.”
‘TELL HER TO LIE ABOUT HER AGE’ UNEARTHED footage shows Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard walking shirtless on a Brazilian beach and ogling at young girls in bikinis, while remarking that a 15-year-old should lie about her age, a video obtained by a UK website reveals. The video posted on dailymail.com shows the indicted fashion mogul roaming Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach on what is said to be New Year’s Eve in 2007, pointing out young girls sunbathing and making lascivious remarks as he stands over them. He uses a translator to question the girls about how old they are and when told one minor was just 15, the Canadian fashion designer laughs and responds: “Tell her to lie about her age.” When told one young woman was 18, he seems pleased and says: “She’s legal.” The video was published days after the US Department of Justice charged Nygard with sex trafficking and racketeering offences, unsealing a nine-page indictment that accuses him of sweeping criminal conduct involving minors and others.
The US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York said Nygard was taken into custody on Monday in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by Canadian authorities at the request of US officials. The self-styled playboy’s alleged conduct, the Southern District of New York said, arises “out of a decades-long pattern of criminal conduct involving at least dozens of victims in the United States, The Bahamas and Canada, among other locations.” The indictment represents the gravest legal threat the long-time Lyford Cay resident has ever faced and it comes months after a class action lawsuit was filed in New York accusing him of raping numerous women, many of them Bahamians. The assertions in this week’s indictment largely mirror the allegations in the lawsuit. Nygard has been charged with one count of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, three counts of sex trafficking of a minor and by force, fraud or coercion, one count of transportation of a minor for purpose of prostitution, two counts of transportation for purpose
PETER Nygard pictured in this clip from video during his visit to a beach in Brazil, during which he suggested a 15-year-old girl should lie about her age. Photo: Mega Agency of prostitution and one count of transportation for purpose of prostitution and illegal sexual activity. The indictment said Nygard “and others known and unknown,
including employees of the Nygard Group, used company funds, employees, resources, and influence to recruit, entice, transport, harbour and maintain adult and minor-aged female
victims for Nygard’s sexual gratification and, on occasion, the gratification of Nygard’s personal friends and business associates by, among other things, sex trafficking, interstate and
international transport for purposes of engaging in prostitution and other illegal sexual activities, and related offences. Nygard has denied any wrongdoing.
FNM CONDEMN ‘HOLLOW’ RESPONSE FROM DAVIS THE Free National Movement yesterday accused Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis of issuing a “hollow” response concerning Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard’s indictment. The FNM also asked the opposition party to reveal how much the disgraced Nygard had donated to the PLP in campaign contributions over the years. “After chilling silence since the first signs of this investigation into his top donor ten months ago, Philip ‘Brave’ Davis reluctantly addressed the growing scandal enveloping the recently indicted Peter Nygard, the foreign billionaire benefactor to the PLP,” the FNM party said yesterday. “Davis had his staff do it by tweet as he spoke on the House of Assembly floor. That’s when his inadequate response went out. “His ‘hope’ for justice for the alleged victims comes as cold comfort to the Bahamian people who continue to learn more about the horrifying details of the allegations of Nygard’s reign of abuse. The PLP’s top donor is accused of using his money and influence to stay above the law. “Allegations similar to
those in the indictment were made in a class action lawsuit against Nygard in New York earlier this year. That suit mentioned the vast Nygard financial donations to the PLP. No one will soon forget that PLP leaders instructed the public to treat those reports ‘with a grain of salt’, claiming they were all ‘propaganda’. So, Davis can excuse the Bahamian people for having more questions that his staff’s short, begrudging tweet failed to address. “There are questions such as: How much did Nygard contribute to Davis and his PLP over the years? The people are well aware of the previously reported $94,000 to (former Labour Minister) Shane Gibson’s past campaign. But how
much more did Nygard give them? Was it hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions? Whatever the true total is, will Davis’ PLP pledge to contribute that money to a victims’ fund? “Justice can only truly start to become a reality when Davis takes this indictment and scandal seriously and realises his response requires more than a hollow tweet from his staff. The time is now for the PLP Leader and his party to come clean to the Bahamian people because they deserve nothing less from their elected leaders.” On Wednesday, Mr Davis said allegations against Nygard in a new indictment “are extremely serious and disturbing and should be
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pursued to the full extent of the law”. “We hope the women involved receive justice,” he said in a Twitter post. The comment came after the FNM released press
statements accusing the PLP of being silent on the matter. Mr Nygard was a benefactor of the PLP for years. However, PLP chairman Fred Mitchell in a statement on Wednesday
claimed Nygard has also contributed money to the FNM’s political campaign. He called the FNM’s earlier press statement a “distraction from the abject failures of this FNM government”.
PAGE 4, Friday, December 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
SENIOR citizens received food and Christmas gift packages thanks to Mount Olive Baptist Church yesterday.
Photos: Donovan McIntosh
Senior citizens get a Christmas gift By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
SENIOR citizens were treated to food and Christmas gift packages yesterday thanks to Mt Olive Baptist Church in Bain Town. Armed with masks and practising social distancing, the elderly waited to get their packages. Brenda Harris Pinder brought her mother, 85-year-old Cecelia Walker Harris, who has dementia. She said they have been staying at home for the most of the time during the pandemic, but she appreciated yesterday’s event due to “cabin fever” setting in. “I’ve been worried about her but actually this is probably the third time that I’ve been out of the house in a long time because I want to make sure that she’s okay and I thought it well to just bring her out because some time you get cabin fever being inside,” Ms Pinder said.
“She’s been well because I’ve been making sure you know no drop-by visits. I tell (people) I’m the boss, but she’s in charge. “With dementia, she remembers certain things and it takes her way back into history,” she explained. “Sometimes she don’t remember who I am and so having to deal with that it’s not always easy. “It’s so important too that we give back to the senior citizens because sometimes they’re forgotten and they are our gems and we have to really, really make sure that we do our part to make sure that they’re comfortable.” Ivy Charlton, 65, came to bring her neighbour and childhood friend 76-yearold Leotha Adderley from The Grove. “We were neighbours from when I was a little child, so she’s like a bigger sister to me,” the 65-yearold told The Tribune. “Whenever I could, I help (her). I try to show love
year-round. It isn’t just a seasonal thing.” Ms Adderley was appreciative of the luncheon, which was organised by Mt Olive Baptist Church and the Rotary Club of West Nassau. The Rev CB Moss, pastor of the church, said the event was not a lavish sit-down affair like years past, but it gave people a good supply of food and Christmas packages. He added: “God has been good to so many of us and the only way we can show our real gratitude is by helping others. Now over the years this was a major sit-down formal affair but with the arrival of the coronavirus the question was whether we were going to do it this year at all but we could not discontinue something that had become an institution and folks the seniors citizens were looking forward to it because it’s a major highpoint in the Christmas for them.”
ROBBERS WARNED: BREAK THE LAW AND YOU’LL GET CAUGHT By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net COMMISSIONER of Police Paul Rolle issued a stern warning yesterday for people who intend to commit robberies this holiday season, noting that if individuals persist in breaking the law, they will be caught. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Royal Bahamas Police Force Training College yesterday, Commissioner Rolle noted as the country comes closer to Christmas, police will be beefing up manpower to deal with any possible crime threats. He said: “As we move into our Christmas operations, you’d notice a lot more police presence
throughout (Nassau) as this is the time people like to take opportunities to borrow people’s things what ain’t theirs. “You would’ve seen that we had a few armed robberies and persons were apprehended within minutes. That is something I’d like to see continue even after the holiday season. So, I could say that persons who have this intent to rob, don’t take your chance because it’s very likely you will be caught. “And so, we want to make sure that the Bahamian people and our residents and our visitors are all safe and feel safe to move about during this festive season.” His comments came a day after police arrested a man suspected of committing
armed robbery in the area of Blue Hill and John Road on Wednesday. The day before, police took three men into custody who were believed to be connected to an armed robbery incident that recently occurred on the island. In a statement, police said: “Preliminary reports are that shortly before 11pm (Tuesday), officers from the Operation Unit armed with a search warrant went to a residence on Bernard Road, while there they conducted a search of a residence and a vehicle. As a result, the officers found several license plates that were associated with a recent armed robbery. Three male suspects were arrested, the vehicle was also impounded.” Monday also saw two
men being arrested for suspected armed robbery. Still, officials insist that overall crime in the country continues to trend downward, with National Security Minister Marvin Dames recently telling reporters the public can
expect to continue seeing a significant drop in serious crimes when the latest statistics are revealed. He said on Tuesday: “I think you can expect to see in 2021, it should be a better year for our law enforcement agencies and
so I take this moment to commend our law enforcement leaders… for the job they continue to do to keep us all safe and I’m proud of their efforts and I look forward to next year and a lot of things are on the drawing board.”
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 18, 2020, PAGE 5
Cooper slams govt on lack of economic plan from page one “After familiarising myself with the late, incredibly verbose and sometimes misaligned Fiscal Strategy Report, I have yet to identify a clear strategy for economic growth – which is what the government should primarily be focusing on at this time,” Mr Cooper said. “What I do see is an administration that once again runs to impose additional taxes on the Bahamian people and further starve capital works that could spur the economy. There is also no real plan articulated for restoration in Abaco, Grand Bahama and Ragged Island.” Referring to some parts of the report as “hypocritical” Mr Cooper attacked the government’s financial plans during the pandemic.
“The administration that railed against valueadded tax then raised it, is now looking to a legalised gaming industry it opposed to shore up its fiscal position,” Mr Cooper continued. “The irony is breath-taking. “That the government is still talking of cutting expenses and putting finances in order nine months into the pandemic is worrisome. This administration also takes the hypocritical position of wanting to cut $100m in spending while asking Bahamians to pay more.” Senator Thompson explained that the cuts were essential to keep the government on track for a record $1.327 billion deficit, as forecast in the May budget. He said for the remainder of this fiscal year and over the immediate term, the government will seek to maintain its current
budget deficit target of no more than $1.3 billion. In these very harsh economic times, Mr Cooper said Bahamians will now also have to change the way their finances are budgeted as they brace for not only an increase in the rates they pay for water, but the frequency at which the bills come. He also attacked the “lateness” of the Fiscal Report. He continued, “Of course, we hear no talk of taxing the winnings of foreigners who gamble in the casinos where Bahamians are not allowed to play. Increasing fares at Bahamasair (the national airline) will also hurt Family Island residents and impact tourists who wish to visit the Family Islands. “This report, which has been released outside of the legally mandated timeline, brings no real sense of comfort that we have a
clear strategy to restructure and pay down our debt, or identify significant areas of revenue the government could focus on. “It is the usual politically correct rhetoric for the international community, which has no illusions about the fiscal position of The Bahamas under the management of this current administration.” Mr Cooper, a businessman and the member of Parliament for Exuma and Ragged Island, was very critical of what he termed the government’s “mismanagement” of both Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. “I also call for a detailed accounting of the affairs of the National Insurance Board to whether the government has funded its share of the unemployment assistance via NIB or whether they are borrowing from the social
security system,” he said. “We see the term unprecedented being bandied about repeatedly by the junior minister. “The impact of Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 cannot be denied, but the government has mismanaged their response to both events and made things worse than they have to be. We acknowledge the government has accepted our recommendation to boost support to SMEs as well as the Infrastructure Fund, but the proof is in the execution.” Mr Cooper said many of the forecasts in the report “are fanciful” and will need to be further adjusted in January, however, it is unclear what two additional weeks will tell the government what it does not already know. “A report on progress of digitisation, properly fixing state-owned enterprises,
pension reform, PPPs and the IMF’s recommendation on tax reform might do well in inspiring confidence,” he said. “A progress report on the re-established Revenue Enhancement Unit might do the same. “I again call on the government to establish a debt committee with private sector contributors to manage, renegotiate and restructure debt to create savings and head room in the short term. In terms of the chest-beating over the high level of foreign reserves, we’re pleased that the level is so robust, but maintaining it through the level of borrowing that has taken place is not sustainable.” He said the PLP, the IMF and others, have asked that The Bahamas produce a credible plan, but it appears that the government still has not.
THE FLOATING billboard offshore in South Florida.
MAKING A BALLYHOO IN MIAMI OVER BAHAMAS OIL DRILLING BAHAMAS oil drilling opponents are thanking Ballyhoo Media for its “fantastic” effort to warn South Floridians of the dangers of offshore drilling, set to commence in days just a stone’s throw away from their shores. Over the past few weeks, Ballyhoo Media, a pioneering water-based multi-media company, hosted large digital billboards reading “Stop oil drilling in The Bahamas” and featuring images of the pristine beauty of the country’s marine environment, as well as the horrors of recent drilling disasters. The Miami company’s custom-built barges displayed the billboards just off some of South Florida’s busiest beaches, in
full view of beachgoers. “We thank Ballyhoo Media so much for donating these fantastic billboards,” said Casuarina McKinneyLambert, executive director of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF). “There has been an outpouring of support from people around the world who care about The Bahamas and who are standing with the Bahamians who are opposing the plans for oil drilling. “South Florida and The Bahamas are connected by ocean currents and we are glad that so many businesses in South Florida realise the risk that an oil drilling industry would pose to our shared fishery and coastal resources, and that they are taking action to
stop the drilling.” Ms McKinney-Lambert is a member of the steering committee for Our Islands, Our Future, a broad-based grassroots coalition that is opposing the current drill project by UK-based Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) and advocating for a permanent ban on all oil drilling in Bahamian territory. The group has attracted support from many local businesses, individuals and NGOs, and numerous international groups have flocked to the cause in recent months. Its petition for a drilling ban is approaching 70,000 signatures. A spokesperson for Ballyhoo Media said of the billboard effort: “We need to fight for The Bahamas. South Florida and The
‘NO SPYING COMPLAINT MADE’ By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has not received any official complaints alleging China has spied on Americans via Caribbean phone networks, Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday. He replied “no” to reporters yesterday when asked if any formal complaints had been sent to the police in this regard. The claims were first reported in the UK Guardian newspaper, which said that Chinese communications providers used BTC to conduct surveillance on Americans roaming on
their mobile phones in this country. The assertion that major security vulnerabilities exist in the Bahamian telecommunications system was based on a report by Gary Miller, a US former mobile network security executive, who was said by the UK Guardian to have “spent years analysing mobile threat intelligence reports, and observations of signalling traffic between foreign and US mobile operators”. The Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas has labelled the reports as false, painting the claims as another attempt by the United States to sow discord between China and Caribbean countries.
The report prompted strong words from the US Embassy in Nassau, with the embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Daniel Durazo saying in a statement to The Tribune: “As Secretary of State (Mike) Pompeo has said, allowing untrusted, high-risk vendors into telecommunications networks makes critical systems vulnerable to disruption, manipulation and espionage, and puts sensitive government, commercial and personal information at risk. “Countries need to be able to trust that equipment and software companies will not threaten national security, privacy, intellectual property, or human rights.
Bahamas are close neighbours and share many mutually beneficial relationships. Unfortunately, when it comes to offshore oil drilling in the narrow waters between our shores, we also share the danger of huge destruction to our marine ecology and local economy. As a waterbased small business, we are on the front lines to fight for our oceans and marine life. “Ballyhoo Media’s partnership with BREEF, Oceana and Our Islands, Our Future is meant to sound the alarm for our
community and politicians on this urgent issue. We see this as performing a service for our own community as well as supporting our friends who are fighting this in The Bahamas.” The billboards feature several striking images, including an aerial view of the Deepwater Horizon disaster which exploded in 2010 dumping 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, ruining whole ecosystems and fouling thousands of miles of coastline. Other images include a pod of dolphins swimming
near the proposed drill site on the west side of Andros Island. According to activists, studies have raised the alarm that BPC’s project could significantly impact marine mammals that use the area. Award-winning nature photographer Shane Gross contributed an image of a turtle interacting with a scuba-diver. The local dive industry, an important cog in The Bahamas’ economy, is under grave threat from the drill and dive operators have spoken out in opposition to the project.
PAGE 6, Friday, December 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
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Nygard not only one facing accusations THE long arm of the law doesn’t seem so long in The Bahamas. With the case of Peter Nygard in the headlines once more, following his arrest in Canada and indictment in New York, the question was raised again as to what the authorities here have done to investigate his crimes. Police Commissioner Paul Rolle gave his answer yesterday. He said: “We dispatched officers to his residence and on arrival, we were informed that he had left and we met persons loading all of his belongings into shipping containers. “We made contact with Nygard and he refused to return and surrender to The Bahamas and that’s the last of it so as far as we know, he’s never been interviewed by local police and all of our complaints that came in, came in after he left.” Is that it? Knock on his door, get told he’s not around then get in touch to ask him if he’s coming back and get told no? That’s the sum total of the investigation, is it? Commissioner Rolle said he would not discuss the matter further because the matter is “sub judice” – that is, it is before the courts. But Mr Nygard has not been arrested in The Bahamas so in law there are no active legal proceedings - therefore, no sub judice. What happens in a foreign country - the United States or Canada - has no bearing in law on what happens here and vice versa. And what else have the police here done? Did they approach the police in Canada to try and speak to Canada? Did they approach the FBI which raided Nygard’s offices in the US? Has the police attempted to liaise with any international agencies to ensure Mr Nygard could be quizzed about the accusations? And if not, why not? More to the point, there are a number of other allegations involving people right here in The Bahamas – the police officers and politically-connected figures who it has been alleged were involved in helping to silence accusations against Mr Nygard or otherwise enable the network he is accused of setting up to snare his victims. What about those people? Have officers knocked on those doors yet? Commissioner Rolle says the police force has not received any official complaints of “complicity” between local officers and Mr Nygard.
The lawyer representing women included in a New York civil action against Mr Nygard yesterday said he hoped inquiries here would continue, saying “justice delayed is justice denied” and adding: “We would think it’s doubly important for the Bahamian authorities to address the allegations of government corruption as well.” We would agree. Whether Mr Nygard stands in a Bahamas court to face charges or not, those around Mr Nygard must be investigated thoroughly. Here in The Bahamas, he is accused of raping women and under-age girls, and using his associates to both find his victims and cover his tracks afterwards. If we do not treat that as a matter of national concern, then it is a matter of national shame. If these crimes did indeed take place as has been detailed, then Mr Nygard is not the only one to hold to account. Knocking on one door is far from enough.
Welcome back, Baha Mar
Just as we celebrated the reopening of Atlantis, so too do we celebrate the reopening of Baha Mar yesterday. The Grand Hyatt is the first hotel back in the Baha Mar complex, with 1,800 rooms open and staff getting back to work after 7,000 COVID-19 tests were administered by Baha Mar. The first guests came through the door yesterday and yesterday resort president outlined one more precaution – with guests taking a rapid test on arrival and remaining isolated in their rooms for 30 minutes while awaiting their results. It has been a hard road to get here – not least of all for those workers waiting to get back to their jobs. One such employee told The Tribune yesterday of the struggle, saying “it was a strain for me, but I kept it together”. There are others still undergoing that strain, let us not forget. So as Christmas approaches, let us remember to keep following the safety measures we all know by now – so that more staff can get back to work, and we don’t have to go through such a big shutdown again. The end is not here yet – but it is in sight.
Praise for Fort Charlotte Road Traffic EDITOR, The Tribune. I AM so pleased to be able to write this letter about my successful experience with Road Traffic this month! I messaged RTD on their Facebook page for an appointment at Fort Charlotte for my annual car and driver’s licence renewals. Within half an hour l received a reply indicating an available spot that same day, which unfortunately l could not make, so l requested another time. Within the hour l had accepted a date for the following morning at 9.30. Leaving home early, not knowing what traffic would be like, I arrived at 9.15 and was met and pleasantly greeted at the entrance by a young man who took my name and confirmed the appointment time on his list. (NB the RTD entrance is through the corner on the western side by the Girl
Guide Headquarters, not on West Bay Street which is the exit). I was asked to drive to a spot on the line to wait my turn. He patrolled the area directing the three cars ahead of me as to when to pull up for their inspection. Although only one of the two inspection bays was operational this morning, by 9.25 l was pulling into the inspection bay, handed in my insurance papers and driver’s licence, was inspected and asked to drive out and park until l was told to go and pay by credit card at the cashier’s window. (NB only credit card payments are accepted at this location). I paid, received my paperwork, was told to return in 3 business days to pick up my new Driver’s license (which I have since done successfully), put on my decal and drove out the
exit at 9.40am!! (NB if both inspection bays had been working, l would have left even earlier!) I was most impressed with the courtesy, organization, and efficiency of the staff and wish to thank them, as well as whoever is responsible for ‘making it so’! If only all government agencies could be operated in a similar fashion! I am well known to speak my mind in letters to the press when I am annoyed by rudeness, disorganization and/or inefficiency which unfortunately happens all too often! Similarly, therefore, it is so encouraging to be able to write a positive letter praising the civil servants at Fort Charlotte’s RTD – a most welcome change! PAM BURNSIDE Nassau, December 17, 2020
We are an ocean nation EDITOR, The Tribune.
PRIME Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis recently stated that he is “totally against oil drilling in our waters” but claims the government could not get out of the contract that was signed with Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC). Following are questions that must be swiftly and accurately answered by the government: • Who signed the initial contract that granted permission to BPC to drill for oil in The Bahamas, and when was the contract signed? • Who renewed the contract, and when was it renewed? • Former PM Perry Christie said his administration “took a position that if there is going to be the exploitation of oil in The Bahamas, it has to be done with the consent of the Bahamian people.” Why was the contract signed without the knowledge and consent of Bahamians? • PM Minnis says he is “totally against oil drilling in our waters.” Why is PM Minnis vehemently opposed to oil drilling in The Bahamas, and why was the contract reportedly renewed during his administration? • PM Minnis says “the legal department” told him “the commitment and everything was signed and basically we could not get out of it.” Who in the legal department advised the Prime Minister, and why was he advised in this manner? • It is reported that Mr. Romauld Ferreira, Minister of Environment and Housing, told environmentalists and Bahamian business owners that there would be no oil drilling in The Bahamas. Did he mislead the environmentalists and business owners? Or was he misled by the government? • Mr. K. Peter Turnquest, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, told the Speaker of the House of Assembly that during a BPC discussion that he attended, BPC “indicated that there wasn’t going to be very many jobs for Bahamians.” Why has the government cozied up with an unproven foreign company that provides few jobs for Bahamians? • How much money has BPC paid the Bahamian
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net government in order to conduct business and drill for oil in The Bahamas? How has the money been allocated or spent? And how will potential revenue from oil drilling be used? • BPC claims that drilling for oil in our majestic ocean is beneficial for Bahamians and The Bahamas, yet the contract is shrouded in mystery. Why haven’t Bahamians had the opportunity to review the contract? • On December 04, 2020, Nahaja Black interviewed Simon Potter, CEO of BPC on her radio show The Hit Back. When asked if he believes the fossil fuel industry is contributing to climate change, Mr. Potter said: “I think that’s tragically a truth.” Why is BPC and the Bahamian government knowingly and willing contributing to the destruction of our country and the planet instead of investing in safe and environmentally friendly forms of energy? • In the aforementioned interview, Ms. Black also interviewed Roberta Quant, Environmental Scientist for BPC. Both Ms. Quant and Mr. Potter said that if there is an oil spill, the ocean current would take the toxic substance to Cuba. Why did the Bahamian government and BPC sign a contract knowing that an oil spill could adversely affect The Bahamas and Cuba? Is the Bahamian government responsible for compensating Cuba in the event of an oil spill by BPC? How will Cuba be compensated? • Simon Potter, CEO of BPC and Eytan Uliel, Commercial Director of BPC claim that The Bahamas could receive up to $5 billion dollars over the course of 5 to 10 years if BPC finds oil in The Bahamas. Mr. Potter also says that if there is oil, it “would only actually supply the globe for a week.” Why is the Bahamian government banking on a risky project that could damage our natural resources, our livelihoods and Cuba, for the possibility of a week’s worth of the global oil supply; and for a sum of money that may never materialize and pales in comparison to the annual multi-billion dollar revenue generated by fun in the sun?
•. How can PM Minnis shut down the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic – thereby destroying Bahamian businesses that have served and promoted The Bahamas for decades – yet he cannot get out of a risky and unnecessary venture that he and the majority of Bahamians vehemently oppose? • It is rumoured that the government has not honoured contracts or paid Bahamian business owners for work successfully completed years ago. Yet PM Minnis says the government is bound to honour a potentially dangerous contract with an unproven foreign company? How is this possible, and who is advising PM Minnis about money that the government owes to Bahamian business owners? • Why does it seem that regardless of which political party is in power, honourable Bahamian business owners and the Bahamian people are always on the losing end of the equation? Is it because the government is a breeding ground and cesspit for corruption? After all is said and done, the Bahamian government and the oil and gas industry have a reputation and a documented history of deception, destruction and corruption. Bahamians do NOT need oil in order to drill our way out of the financial crisis and political mess that we are in. Instead, we need to elect honest, creative leaders who have a viable, sustainable plan for the country, as well as the ability to protect the Bahamian people and our natural resources. The ocean is the life force, and bread and butter of The Bahamas. It is also intrinsically connected to the heart and soul of the Bahamian people, as well as anyone who is touched by her magical gifts. In the words of Eric Carey, Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust: “We are an ocean nation. We are not an oil nation.” Our lives, our livelihoods, and the lives of future generations depend on the ocean. Rise up fellow Bahamians. Rise up now and protect our country. FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD TOGETHER December 17, 2020.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 18, 2020, PAGE 7
The need for speed
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE United States Embassy in Nassau donated six Mercury Verado boat engines to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Bahamas Customs Marine Unit yesterday in a move meant to strengthen the country’s fight against drug trafficking and other related crimes following Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19’s impact. The high-performance 350HP outboard engines, estimated at over $168,000, were presented during a hand-over and commissioning ceremony at RBPF Police Training College on University Drive yesterday. During a brief ceremony, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle described the new addition to the RBPF’s fleet as a “significant weapon” that will aid the law enforcement agency in its crime efforts. Four of the engines will serve as replacements for engines on the 41-foot Apostle SAFE boat Marine Interceptor the United States donated to the Marine Support Services Unit on Grand Bahama in March 2013, while the remaining two will be transferred to the
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle (right) and US Embassy Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Garrett Wilkerson with the United States’ donation of six Mercury Verado engines. Bahamas Customs Marine its sister vessels that are sta- through its embassy for the commitment of the Royal tioned in New Providence, donation, which he said sig- Bahamas Police Force as Unit in Freeport. “This is a significant Exuma and Inagua and we nifies a strong partnership we seek to stomp out illicit weapon in our arsenal of complete the quadrant,” between the two countries. drug trafficking activities “Today’s presentation in and throughout our bormarine assets as this vessel Commissioner Rolle said. The police chief also of these engines show the ders,” he said. will now be re-deployed to Grand Bahama and will join thanked the US government depth and the level of “With the commissioning
of these engines, we are able to add another apostle marine interceptor vessel to our marine fleet. This will go a long way in assisting with the interdiction of drug traffickers as they attempt to enter and navigate Bahamian waters and perform rescue operations as necessary.” Bahamas Customs Superintendent Tyrone Sands, who also present during yesterday’s ceremony, added: “This somehow solidifies the comradery, the fellowship, the partnership that has transpired between our two agencies and so it is in this light that we are delighted.” International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Director at the US Embassy, Garrett Wilkerson noted that officials were happy to donate the engines to the RBPF and are hoping it will be a great help that benefits both nations. He said: “It is in times like these that friendship is more important than ever and indeed, the Bahamas is a neighbour and a very long-time friend and we hope that these engines will help get this big old boat back on the water helping to fight crime and helping to keep safe the people of both of our nations.”
SWEARING COSTS WOMAN $1,000 FINE OVER MARIJUANA By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 26-YEAR-OLD woman who used obscene language and resisted arrest was yesterday ordered to complete 40 hours of community service. Police arrested Leashja Grant after she was shouting profanities and acting in a disorderly manner on December 14. The prosecution said the accused also resisted arrest when officers tried to detain her that day. Grant admitted to all of the offences during a hearing before Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister. The court was told that officers, acting on information, went to the residence
of a woman who had made a complaint. While there, they saw Grant behaving in a disorderly manner as she screamed and shouted obscenities. The prosecution said officers warned the accused to stop, but she continued shouting: “Y’all (expletive) wrong, stay out my (expletive) yard.” As a result, they attempted to arrest her. When officers tried to apprehend Grant, she violently pulled away. The accused was eventually subdued and taken to a nearby station. When questioned there, she admitted to the offences, but told officers she was cursing at her sister and not them. Grant told the magistrate that after the officers
warned her that night, she tried to speak with her sister. She insisted she was “under a lot of pressure and frustration” and all the “yelling and shouting” she did was directed towards her sister. In response, Magistrate Armbrister told the accused the expletives she used did not have to be directed at a particular person for her to be charged with the offence. As a result, he granted Grant a conditional discharge on the understanding that she would complete 40 hours of community service. He warned her that she would be fined $500 or one month in prison if she failed to comply with the conditions of her release.
TEENAGE FIGHT ENDS IN COURT HEARING By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A TEENAGER who denied hurting another youngster in a fight last week was yesterday granted $3,500 bail ahead of his trial. The 15-year-old appeared before Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister after he was accused of causing harm to another teenager on Wilton Street on December 10.
During the arraignment he pleaded not guilty to one count of causing harm and the matter was adjourned to December 29 to be heard before the juvenile court. In the meantime, the accused was granted $3,500 bail. Yesterday, another juvenile appeared before Magistrate Armbrister after he was accused of acting in a disorderly manner, using obscene language and
resisting lawful arrest earlier this month. The prosecution alleged that the 17-year-old committed the offences while he was in the parking lot of Marathon Mall on December 7. During his hearing, he denied all of the allegations and his case was adjourned to December 29 to be heard before the juvenile court. The teenager was also granted $3,500 bail in the interim.
Death Notice For
Elizabeth Marion “Betty” Cole, MBE died at her residence on Sears Road on Saturday, 5th December, 2020. She was 92 years old, and dedicated her entire life to the development of Bahamian youth through sports and Guiding and her community of Sears Road. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.
By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN found with a quantity of marijuana earlier this week was fined $1,000 yesterday. Bryon Ferguson was arrested after a police dog sniffed out 24 grams of Indian hemp in his home on December 14. He pleaded guilty to one count of simple possession during a hearing before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle Davis. The prosecution said that day, officers, acting on information, proceeded to Ferguson’s Pinewood residence around 1.40am. Upon their arrival, they showed the accused a search warrant and informed him that his house would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms. The court was told that officers then deployed a K-9 dog that hinted towards something underneath Ferguson’s television stand. When the officers searched that area, they discovered 10 silver foil wraps and a clear plastic baggy which all contained a quantity of suspected marijuana. He
was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit. When he was questioned there, he told officers that he had the drugs to smoke. In court Ferguson told the magistrate that he had bought the drugs for his personal use and had no intention of selling it. Magistrate Rolle Davis accepted his guilty plea and fined him $1,000 or six months in prison. In a separate incident, a 51-year-old man who was charged with simple possession was ordered to attend drug counselling classes. Kendall Cartwright appeared before Magistrate Rolle Davis after officers found 27 grams of Indian hemp in his dresser drawer on December 13. The court was told officers, acting on information, went to Cartwright’s home around 2.45pm. When they arrived, they showed the accused the warrant before informing him that his house would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms. During their investigation, officers discovered in Cartwright’s drawer five silver foil wraps each containing a quantity
of suspected marijuana. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit. During an interview with police there, he admitted to the offence and said he had the drugs for his personal use. During the hearing, Cartwright was represented by attorney Ian Cargill. He told the magistrate his client cooperated with police from the onset of the investigation and insisted he had taken full responsibility for his actions. He also said the accused didn’t sell drugs, but bought them for his personal use as he has a smoking habit. After listening to Mr Cargill’s plea in mitigation, Magistrate Rolle Davis noted that Cartwright had two previous drug convictions. He told the accused at some point he needed to realise that he had a problem. As a result, he ordered Cartwright to attend drug counselling classes at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre. Magistrate Rolle Davis said he would defer his sentencing to March 4, after he received a drug report on the accused.
PAGE 8, Friday, December 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
’Twas the night before
Christmas
’TWAS the night before Christmas when all through the House, Every MP was stirring, from “superstar” to “louse.” The stockings were hung in the smokers’ room with care, obviously “Lanisha” didn’t decorate in there. Ministers and backbenchers avoided their beds, As visions of pay raises danced in their heads. Doc sat in the kitchen, with his brother “Boxer” square on his lap, Saying “I got couple folks I ga need you to slap, especially the one talking all that aragonite crap.” When out of the blue there arose such a clatter, Then Halston Moultrie appeared, and the whole House began to scatter. Away to the window Moultrie flew like ‘red flash’, Tore open the shutters, and prepared for another ‘bathroom’ clash. The moon peered down on Bahamaland below, as Doc gazed up wondering, “How that vibe with Peter really does go?” When, what to my wondering eyes should appear?
A Comic’s View By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA Two ex FNM MPs foil in hand, toting plates out of there. Now the PLP with a ‘Brave’ driver, who’s talks are lively and quick Popped up saying, “Don’t blame me for Nygard what he allegedly did was sick, but I’ll never see jail, FNM court cases never stick.” “Now I’m off to find oil and get rich on the slick.” Brave rode away, like the down of a thistle, Saying, “These FNMs just as guilty, so you point and I’ll whistle!” And faster than Sands had to resign,
Doc shouted, “Office of the Spouse, two years in is working just fine!” “Now Dionisio! Now Jeff! On Rennie, Carl and Marvin! “Don’t study Brave, for his leadership our people ain’t starving, and by the way nice suit Marvin” Meanwhile, peering way across the land, with tons of new popularity firmly in hand, Kolomafe shouted “The DNA is strong and we shall stand.” Freddy Mac sprung up, and said, “ I’se speak my mind son! I’ne scared a none a yinna, ‘cause most of y’all one and done.”
YOUR
Travis jumped up, and said, “What happened to da Over-da Hill plan, just asking Doc you know you still the man.” Peter was in the corner, talking his lawyers deaf. Thinking, “When my team finish, my accuser ain’t ga have nuttin left.” Doc stood up, his mouth drawn up like a bow. The new addition of Finance made his hair white as snow! He started shaking, like a bowl full of jelly, Saying, “Man, the Press still vex and stay all up in my belly!” And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself, And slowly put the Mace back on top of the shelf; The look in his eye, and a droop of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but sat down all forlorn, Then said, “Dis one called over, next election I probably gone?” Doc went to bed, and BPL turned out the light – Merry Christmas everyone, please lock your doors tight.
CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 18, 2020, PAGE 9
GOODBYE, GOOD RIDDANCE PETER NYGARD, YOUR PROTECTORS CAN’T SILENCE OR FRIGHTEN US ANY MORE
O
ne-time glorified fashion mogul Peter Nygard sits in a Winnipeg jail, claiming he is innocent of what might be the most heinous charges ever brought against a resident of The Bahamas. The history-making accusations include a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct ranging from sex trafficking to rape, including drugging victims, according to documents filed in a southern New York court, often vulnerable young girls from disadvantaged homes. The jail cell is a steep fall for a man who was once propped up by a self-made empire and a bloated ego. The object of scandalous headlines splashed across the globe must be infuriating to a man who sat on a podium supported by hangers-on, paid and otherwise.
Festival I only saw Peter Nygard once in person. I was standing with the then Managing Director of Commonwealth Brewery, a client at the time, at a festival the brewery was sponsoring in the Botanical Gardens. A security guard approached and said there was a gentleman who was trying to get into the festival without paying the $1 entry fee for him or the several men accompanying him. The Managing Director instructed the guard to tell the man he had to pay. The man turned out to be Nygard. Flanked by a platoon of guards, he strode up to the brewery boss and announced his reason for being there, seeking sponsorship money for an event he planned to host. The Managing Director sent him packing. I wished I could have done the same. The Nygard actions that directors of Coalition to Protect Clifton (Save the Bays) were treated to were more covert and insidious,
hidden behind the veil of police protection. The first was a press conference. Media gathered at the appointed venue at Jaws Beach for the announcement that Robert F Kennedy, Jr., was awarding the first Waterkeepers Bahamas licence to Clifton Bay. It was a huge honour in a growing environmental awareness climate. Next thing we know the whole lot of us is ordered off the public beach by men in dark clothing, some pointing guns. As organizer of the event and as a Bahamian,
out of line. He did nothing. His voice was flat. I hung up and grew up, all in the flash of a minute. I understood right then and there that he, too, was on the Nygard payroll. It got worse. Save The Bays was making headlines, urging passage of a Freedom of Information Act, gathering supporters, even among the most staid and conservative of environmental groups who admitted quietly that they envied the freedom with which we expressed ourselves openly because their funding placed tighter restrictions on the
PETER Nygard
I was sick, embarrassed, stunned. I grabbed my cell, called a high-ranking officer I trusted, appalled as the cameras rolled, waiting for him to call off the men who were threatening us and were clearly
stances they took. Political opposition, civic and religious leaders marched with us. Then came the night of Friday, December 5, 2014. We had permission for a Freedom of Information
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
FLORIDA GETS WIDER AUTHORITY OVER WETLAND DEVELOPMENT By BOBBY CAINA CALVAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The federal government granted Florida’s request for wider authority over wetland development, a move announced Thursday that came under immediate fire by environmentalist who worry that the country’s largest network of wetlands could be at risk of being further degraded. The announcement by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler was long sought by developers and Republican allies, who argued that the layers of regulatory scrutiny were cumbersome, expensive and unnecessary. Supporters touted the move as a step that would streamline the permitting process when property owners seek to develop wetlands. During a news conference in Washington, Wheeler said the state had met the high bar necessary to assume the role of handling the permitting process. “This action allows Florida to effectively evaluate and issue permits under the Clean Water Act to support the health of Florida’s waters, residents and economy,” he said. “By taking over this permit programme, Florida will be able to integrate its dredging and fill permitting with their traditional water quality and monitoring programs,” he said. At around statehood in 1845, the state had about 20 million acres (8 million hectares) of wetlands. By 1996, Florida had lost nearly half of that because of dredging, draining and filling. The state’s population growth has spawned a boom in development, which has prompted much of that destruction. Florida accounts for about a fifth of the country’s wetlands and includes the Everglades, among the state’s most important environmental jewels. A massive restoration project costing billions of dollars is currently underway to repair the damage to the Everglades, including the draining of huge swaths of its marshes. Wetlands serve a key role in the ecosystem, including in helping maintain water quality and absorbing flood waters. “We are passionate about our resources in the state of Florida. Whenever we can have our team of scientists and permitters issue the permits that allows us to be in the driver’s seat, that’s what we want to do,” said Florida’s secretary of environmental protection, Noah Valenstein, who traveled to Washington for Thursday’s announcement. Valenstein said the state would respect “the underpinnings and protections of law and the Clean Water Act” and would use his
AN emergent marsh reflects the sky at the Panther Island Mitigation Bank, near Naples, Florida. (AP) department’s local expertise to drive development decisions. But that worries environmental groups who say they may have fewer venues — possibly including federal courts — to challenge projects that could undermine sensitive ecosystems. “This is a parting gift to developers from the outgoing administration in Washington in coordination with the sitting administration in Florida,” said Tania Galloni, the managing attorney in Florida for Earthjustice. “The fact is that Florida’s proposed program to take over wetlands permitting doesn’t comply with federal environmental laws,” she said. “It’s about destroying wetlands faster and cheaper at a time when we need more protection, not less.” Florida officials pushed through the request ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Permitting oversight of wetlands would shift to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection just weeks before Biden’s inauguration next month. Environmentalists had hoped to delay the decision to allow the Biden administration to weigh in. Environmental groups have vowed legal challenges, arguing that the application was rushed and failed to take into account a host of issues, including the state’s ability to adequately perform the environmental analysis that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and other federal agencies had performed. “Those concerned with Florida’s environment have no reason to believe the state of Florida is prepared to manage critical wetlands permitting in a transparent, apolitical manner,” Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement. Florida becomes the third state to gain broader permitting authority of wetlands under the federal Clean Water Act. Michigan and New Jersey had been granted similar authority decades ago.
A SIGN asking ‘Who is Diane Phillips?’
rally on Charlotte Street with barricades at either end. All permits were in place. A band was playing on a platform constructed for the event. The now Minister of Environment Romauld Ferreira, the news editor of The Tribune Paco Nunez and I were walking toward the event, taking a shortcut through the old Royal Victoria parking lot when we heard a sound like offbeat Junkanoo. A flatbed truck with a ragtag band of what appeared to be heavily intoxicated men was parked across the former bus parking lot by the Post Office. They were banging on drums and makeshift instruments. It wasn’t the music that was so disturbing or that it overshadowed the sounds of the Charlotte Street event. It was the signs, hate signs like I had never seen before. Evil signs, large plywood placards deriding Fred Smith, QC, Romi Ferreira, asking “Who is Diane Phillips?” with a photo of me on the sign.
Dollars I needed to prove to myself that the hatred did not come from the heart but was inspired by rum and a fistful of dollars. I stopped, pointed to the sign and said I’m Diane Phillips, anyone want to take a picture with me? They jumped down, one guy grabbed my hand, another stood next to me. ‘Hey, take a picture with
the lady,’ one shouted to the others. They were shooting selfies and laughing, hired hands who had no idea what cause they were protesting. The incident might have ended there with little follow-up fanfare had it
“It wasn’t the music that was so disturbing or that it overshadowed the sounds of the Charlotte Street event. It was the signs, hate signs like I had never seen before. Evil signs, large plywood placards deriding Fred Smith, QC, Romi Ferreira, asking ‘Who is Diane Phillips?’ with a photo of me on the sign.” not been for what took place next. The truck with its now even more inebriated crew tried to barrel through the barricades. Families were in the street, a band onstage, a table set up for t-shirt sales. The large truck with oversize cab and long flatbed, with its drums and drunks, gained speed and came barrelling toward the barricades at the south end of Charlotte. Parents grabbed children, there was screaming. I ran from one officer to another before I finally
found one who saw the danger and refused to look the other way. The other officers knew who was behind trying to threaten the rally they believed was sponsored by funds from conservationist Louis Bacon who was in a bitter battle with his neighbour, Peter Nygard. Someone had paid for the trucking, the men, the drums, the signs. Two well-built men dressed in black said they were on Nygard’s boxing team. They said he told them to come. They spent most of the time talking with police before the attempted barricade crash.
Protection I heard later that there was going to be an attempt on my life and I was offered protection. No amount of protection could have been enough to ensure the safety of my family. I had no choice but to step down as a director of Save The Bays but to this day I have the greatest respect for Joseph Darville and Fred Smith, who remained the courageous stalwarts. So, whatever the legal outcome, I have said my piece and made my peace with one of the toughest decisions I ever had to make – to stand up for the environment and my beliefs or to remove my family from harm’s way. Family will always win out.
PAGE 10, Friday, December 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
SIX CHARGED WITH ATTEMPT TO KIDNAP GOVERNOR A FEDERAL grand jury has charged six men with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer in what investigators say was a plot by anti-government extremists angry over her coronavirus policies. The indictment released Thursday by US Attorney Andrew Birge levied the conspiracy charge against Adam Dean Fox, Barry Gordon Croft Jr, Ty Gerard Garbin, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris and Brandon Michael-Ray Caserta. They are all from Michigan except for Croft, who lives in Delaware. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, Birge said in a statement. The six were arrested in early October following an FBI investigation into an alleged plot.
SECOND VACCINE NEARS APPROVAL A SECOND COVID19 vaccine moved closer to joining the US fight against the pandemic yesterday as government advisers convened for a public review of its safety and effectiveness. It’s the next-to-last step for the vaccine developed by drugmaker Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The panel of physicians and medical researchers is expected to endorse it, followed by the Food and Drug Administration’s OK within hours or days. More shipments of the first green-lighted vaccine, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, were going out yesterday, earmarked for health care workers and nursing home residents around the country.
JOHN GILFILLAN, 7, of Binghamton, NY, makes the best of a heavy snowfall in front of his home yesterday.
Photo: Craig Ruttle/AP
‘Unbelievable’ snowfall in US GLENVILLE, New York Associated Press
THE Northeast’s first whopper snowstorm of the season buried parts of upstate New York under more than three feet of snow, broke records in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and left snowplow drivers struggling to clear the roads. “It was a very difficult, fast storm and it dropped an unbelievable amount of snow,” Tom Coppola, highway superintendent in charge of maintaining 100 miles of roads in the Albany suburb of Glenville, said Thursday morning. “It’s to the point where we’re having trouble pushing it with our plows.”
The storm dropped 30 inches on Glenville between 1am and 6am Thursday, leaving a a silent scene of snow-clad trees, buried cars and heavily laden roofs when the sun peeked through at noon. “If you do not have to be on the roads, please don’t travel,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He said there were more than 9,000 power outages, 600 accidents and two fatalities by midmorning Thursday. Nearly 40 inches of snow fell in Binghamton, where the National Weather Service said the storm sets a new two-day snowfall record, eclipsing the previous record of 35.3 inches in March 2017. In Ithaca, it took Fred
Cullin, 23, more than an hour and a half to dig out of his steep, lakeside driveway that was packed with nearly 3 feet of snow piled up by plows. “It was pretty crazy,” Cullin said. “Shoveling uphill, on ice, was definitely interesting.” Much of the Pennsylvania’s western and central regions saw accumulations in the double digits. “Williamsport Regional Airport made history,” the National Weather Service in State College said, reporting 24.7 inches of snow and breaking the previous record of 24.1 inches set there in January 1964. Boston had more than 9 inches of snow early Thursday morning, breaking the previous record for the
date of 6.4 inches in 2013. In Boston’s Seaport neighborhood, the streets were mostly empty except for an army of workers snowblowing sidewalks in front of luxury apartment buildings, stores and office towers. “It’s been a while since we have had this,” said Mark Pusung, a 33-year-old Seaport resident walking his Shar-Pei dog Muffin. “I wanted my dog to experience it because he could run around.” Xicheng Cai, 28, a consultant who lives and works in Seaport, was decked out in what he called his full polar gear including boots, windproof pants and ski goggles. “Wonderful,” he said of the snow. “This is what Christmas should look like.”
A few blocks away, Sara Boxell, 33, who lives in South Boston, was in the middle of her 4-mile run. “I love it,” she said. “Luckily, I’m working from home so I don’t have to drive anywhere.” Massachusetts’ transportation chief said it may take longer than usual to clear snow-clogged highways and streets because the coronavirus pandemic has knocked one in 10 plow drivers out of action. Hazardous road conditions caused dozens of crashes in New Hampshire, Connecticut and eastern New York. New York State police said a snowmobiler was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer on I-787 in downtown Albany at 2.30am.
‘GRAVE’ THREAT FROM HACK WASHINGTON Associated Press
Funeral Service For Mr. Gary Brando Mortimer, 59
of #74 Sequoier Street, Pinewood and formerly of Yellow Elder Gardens, will be held on Saturday, December 19th, 2020, 11a.m. at the graveside of The Old Trail Cemetery, Abundant Life Road. Officiating will be Rev. Edna Williams assisted by other clergymen. He was predeceased by his mother: Doreen Moss; father: Wendell Mortimer; daughter: Summer Mortimer; brothers: Rodney & Westmore Mortimer. Fond memories will be cherished by his family forever are his loving wife: Daphne Nicola Mortimer; daughters: Sapphire, Ashley & Julia-Nicole; siblings: Rosebud and Bridgette, Anthony, Wendell “Dave” Jr., Kendal and Craig Mortimer; mother-in-law: Ms. Ganiel Williams; sisters-in-law: Deborah Laing, Angelika Cartwright, Patricia Williams, Lossie & Denise Smith; brothers-in-law: Tyrone, 583 Sargent Cleveland Williams & Marcus Williams, Donald Smith & Superintendent of Police Dwight Smith; numerous nieces & nephews too many to mention; friends & family including: Ms. Rowena McCartney, Mount Ararat Evangelistic Temple Family, Atlantis Banquet Team, Delis Rolle & Family, The Garrie Carter Family, David Basden & Family, Oak Tree Medical & Kidney Clinic, The Steave Harris Family, Kendal Lord, Lawrence Daxon & Family, The Seventh Day Adventist Family. Viewing will be held at Clemese Suite of Rosewill Memorial, Mortuary #244 Market Street and Oxford Avenue on Friday, December 18th, 2020 from 1pm5pm. Family and friends may pay their last respects at the graveside at 11am.
Memorial Service For
Mrs. Kareen Carmeleta Finlayson Whymns, 49 of First Street the Grove, formerly of Kingston, Jamaica will be held on Sunday, December 20th, 2020 at 11am at Faith Apostolic Church, Blue Hill Road South. Officiating will be Bishop Higgins assisted by other clergymen. Left to cherish her memories are her daughters: Keifier Lubsey, Katesia Lubsey, Atecka Lubsey, Aneka Parks and her baby, Jazmyn Whymns; grandsons: Rushawn Foster, Ajani Morgan, Malcovich and Kai Allen; siblings: Paul Grant and Christopher Finlayson, Loretta Finlayson, Donna Finlayson, Diane Finlayson, Tyrica Shaw and Toyan Coleman; aunts and other friends and relatives including: Dist. Elder Shirley Redwood, Pastor, Faith Apostolic Church, Asst. Pastor, Suff. Bishop David Higgins, Sis. Loraine Walters and the Usher Board of Faith Apostolic Church, the entire Faith Apostolic Church family, Jermaine Whymns, Sandra Lawrence-Carey and Paula Simmonds. Viewing will be held at Clemese Suite of Rosewill Memorial Mortuary #244 Market Street and Oxford Avenue on Saturday, December 19th, 2020 from 10am-4pm. Family and friends may pay their last respects at the church at 11am.
FEDERAL authorities expressed increased alarm yesterday about an intrusion into US and other computer systems around the globe that officials suspect was carried out by Russian hackers. The nation’s cybersecurity agency warned of a “grave” risk to government and private networks. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in its most detailed comments yet that the intrusion had compromised federal agencies as well as “critical infrastructure” in a sophisticated attack that was hard to detect and will be difficult to undo. CISA did not say which agencies or infrastructure had been breached or what information taken in an attack that it previously said appeared to have begun in March.
“This threat actor has demonstrated sophistication and complex tradecraft in these intrusions,” the agency said in its unusual alert. “CISA expects that removing the threat actor from compromised environments will be highly complex and challenging.” President Donald Trump, whose administration has been criticised for eliminating a White House cybersecurity adviser and downplaying Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, has made no public statements about the breach. President-elect Joe Biden said he would make cybersecurity a top priority of his administration, but that stronger defenses are not enough. “We need to disrupt and deter our adversaries from undertaking significant cyberattacks in the first place,” he said. “We will do that by, among other things, imposing substantial
costs on those responsible for such malicious attacks, including in coordination with our allies and partners.” The cybersecurity agency previously said the perpetrators had used network management software from Texas-based SolarWinds t o infiltrate computer networks. Its new alert said the attackers may have used other methods, as well. Over the weekend, amid reports that the Treasury and Commerce departments were breached, CISA directed all civilian agencies of the federal government to remove SolarWinds from their servers. The cybersecurity agencies of Britain and Ireland issued similar alerts. A US official previously told The Associated Press that Russia-based hackers were suspected, but neither CISA nor the FBI has publicly said who is believed be responsible.
DEPUTY ‘PURPOSELY RAN OVER BLACK MAN’ BELLE PLAINE, Kansas Associated Press THE dashcam video captured a horrific scene: a Kansas sheriff’s deputy in a patrol truck mowing down a Black man who was running, shirtless, across a field in the summer darkness after fleeing a traffic stop. Lionel Womack — a 35-year-old former police detective from Kansas City, Kansas — alleges in a excessive force lawsuit filed yesterday that he sustained serious injuries when Kiowa County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Rodriguez intentionally drove over him during the August 15 encounter. Womack said in a statement that he hadn’t been speeding nor was he under the influence of anything when he was initially pulled over. His driver’s license, insurance and registration were up to date. “When the first officer turned his lights on, I pulled over and complied ... exactly as you’re supposed
to. But when three additional vehicles pulled up quickly and started to surround my car, I freaked out. That’s when I took off, it was a ‘fight or flight’ moment and I was going to live,” he said. “I felt like I was in danger. This was out in the country, late at night, and it was dark. So I ran for my life. That’s what you see in the dashcam video. I’m running in an open field, and I’m scared.” The graphic video is at the crux of the federal civil rights case filed by attorney Michael Kuckelman against the deputy in US District Court in Kansas. The lawsuit argues that Rodriguez used excessive force and was “callously indifferent” to Womack’s civil rights. Womack had left the police department earlier in August with hopes of growing his own security business. He was on his way back home from a business trip to California when a Kansas Highway Patrol officer in western Kansas initiated a chase over “an
alleged traffic violation”, according to the lawsuit. Sheriff’s deputies from Pratt County and Kiowa County joined in the chase. The car chase eventually ended on a dirt road, and Womack took off on foot across a nearby farm field. The dashcam footage from a Pratt County sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle shows Rodriguez using his patrol truck to catch up to Womack, who was unarmed. Rodriguez swerves his truck to hit Womack, knocking him to the ground and running over him. Womack rolls out from under the truck, his arms and legs flailing on the ground as someone on the video shouts, “lie down, lie down.” A deputy in the second patrol truck can be heard uttering an expletive as he watches what is happening. Womack alleges in his lawsuit that he sustained serious injuries to his back, pelvis and thigh as well as to his right knee, ankle and foot.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020
Sands: ‘It’s just a way to show our appreciation’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
I
n the spirit of giving back during the Yuletide season, Mike Sands took the time out to express his gratitude to the many persons who helped him to secure the presidency of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC). A light-hearted reception was held yesterday in the NACAC office at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium as Sands said thanks to all of his team members. “It’s just a way to show our appreciation for their support from our inception to this point,” said Sands, who was elected as the NACAC president in July, 2019.
“We look forward to their continued support as we strive to make NACAC the model area association with the support of those persons who assisted us.” The “us” who Sands referred to were Renee ‘Sunshine’ Davis, who was seconded from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to serve as the office manager and Nikita Thompson, the accounts manager. Joining the full time staff in providing various services to NACAC are Dwayne ‘Bayshore’ Davis, who heads the IT department, along with Donovan Gray and Trevor Moss from the National Sports Authority, Simone Robinson-Walker, the daughter of the late Tommy Robinson, who heads the interpretation department and Stephanie RahmingTaylor, who works in the
SHOWN (l-r) Renee Davis, Dwayne Davis, Mike Sands, Nikita Thompson, Stephanie RahmingTaylor and Simone Robinson-Walker. Photo courtesy of Laura Charlton technical area. With the continued support of a number of people from the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials (BACO) and
friends, Sands said he’s looking forward to 2021 in the new norm expected as a result of COVID-19. “As you very well know, a lot of events were postponed and cancelled, so we’re watching the
pandemic very closely,” Sands said. “There is a level of cautious optimism as a result of the vaccine that seems to be making the waves. But
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DAVIS AND PANTHERS GET WIN OVER MILLER JR AND EAGLES By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net RADSHAD Davis had the better individual performance and his FIU Panthers got back into the win column with a dominant performance against Franco Miller Jr and the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles. Davis scored 12 of his 16 points in the first half and also added eight rebounds while Miller went scoreless in 13 minutes off the bench in the Panthers’ 85-69 win over the Eagles last night in Ft Myers, Florida. With the victory, FIU moves to 5-1 this season, while the loss dropped FGCU to 3-2 on the year. After cancelled games against Jacksonville State (December 6) and North Florida (December 10), the Panthers suffered their first loss of the season, 80-77 to North Florida on December 12. The Panthers started the contest shooting
43.9% from the floor and 38.1% from beyond the arc while holding FGCU to shooting 31.4% from the field and just 28.6% from three. Davis is having a standout redshirt senior season averaging 14 points and a team leading 7.5 rebounds per game. He is shooting 49% from the floor, 39 from three-point range and a perfect 10-10 from the line. It was Miller’s first scoreless game of the season and in his first year with the programme, the redshirt sophomore guard is averaging 6.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. In his season low total of minutes played this season, Eagles head coach Michael Fly said the entire team struggled on the night. “I’m disappointed in our effort tonight to be frank,” Fry said. “We talked about not having a let down. I don’t think we had a sense of urgency tonight which is counter to how we’ve been playing. We’re certainly frustrated by how we played but there is the
Jamaal Greene coming to forefront as assistant coach in the NCAA By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN basketball players have been making their presence felt in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and now Grand Bahamian former player Jamaal Greene is coming to the forefront as an assistant coach. Greene, 38, became the assistant coach in 2011 for the McLennan Community College Highlanders’ basketball programme in Waco, Texas. Since joining the staff, Greene has helped lead the Highlanders to three second-place finishes and four North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Championships, including three consecutive championships from 2016 to 2018. The Highlanders earned an 8-6 conference record in 2019 to attain the programme’s 17th consecutive Region V Tournament appearance, and they finished the season with an overall record of 22-9. McLennan’s success on the
court garnered Greene the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Junior College Assistant Coach of the Year honour in 2018. In 2016, Greene helped lead the Highlanders to the programme’s first appearance at the Division I NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, since 1998. In Hutch (the well-known moniker for the tournament), the Highlanders defeated Marion Military Institute, marking the programme’s first national tournament victory. In Greene’s eightyear tenure with the Highlanders, the team has a combined record of 205-46 for an 82 winning percentage. Those teams have featured two NJCAA All-Americans and three NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete honourees. “I got into coaching after my senior year of playing college basketball in Arkansas,” said Greene, who played for Northwest College from
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RADSHAD DAVIS
FRANCO MILLER JR
positive that we have a quick turnaround with practice tomorrow and another game Friday night.” The loss began a five-game home
stand for the Eagles which continues with matchups against Webber International, Georgia Southern and North Alabama.
Blue Chips Athletics Throwers Meet Saturday BLUE Chips Athletics is scheduled to hold a throwers meet Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium 8-10 am. The meet will feature events such as the shot put, javelin and discus with
each athlete allowed just four throws in each discipline. The entry fee is $10 per athlete whether they are affiliated with a club or competing unattached. Athletes are reminded to bring along a
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GLOBAL BASEBALL TOURNAMENT COMES TO GRAND BAHAMA THE Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), along with the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) and iElite Sports Academy based out of Nassau, Bahamas, is pleased to be among the sponsors of the upcoming New Balance Future Stars Series (NBFSS) 2020 World Combine international baseball tournament, taking place at the Emera Caribbean Baseball Park in Grand Bahama later this week. The event will bring youth baseball players to
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SCOTTISH FA PARTNERS WITH UEFA TO HELP DEVELOP BAHAMAS SOCCER SCOTLAND’S Football Association partnered with the Union of European Football Association’s (UEFA) outreach programme to aide the development of the local game in the Bahamas. By way of the UEFA assist programme, the Scottish FA donated $40,000 to the Bahamas Football Association following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. According to UEFA, the donation is intended “to help the Bahamas FA rebuild its footballing infrastructure.” UEFA’s assist programme partners with its member federations to aide the global development of the sport through shared information and best practice
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mask, towel and hand sanitiser. Social distancing, as outlined by the coronavirus pandemic, will be fully enforced throughout the day. Results of the meet will count towards the upcoming 2021 season, which means that athletes will have a chance to qualify for the various international meets on the schedule.
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UB MINGOES RETURN TO PRACTICES FOLLOWING STRICT PROTOCOLS THE University of The Bahamas athletic teams have returned to practice adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols as national restrictions are eased. The university’s 11 teams have not practiced in earnest since March because of the COVID19 pandemic and the lockdown orders that followed. During the lockdowns teams had virtual practices focusing on conditioning but have only recently been able to practice in person with many restrictions. Head track and field coach Ednal Rolle said his team - like all of the teams - had to adjust. He adds that the athletic training team has been a big part of the teams returning to practice. “The athletic training team has put protocols in place to allow the teams to train safely,” he said. “Most of the time their procedures are more stringent than what is recommended but that
GREENE from PAGE 11 2000-02/2004-05: Harding University from 2004-05. “My former coach at the time offered me a position as a graduate assistant. He told me that he always saw in me as a coach and that I had the qualities to be a good coach.” Greene, who attended Bishop Michael Eldon, formerly Freeport High School, coached by Curt ‘Six’ Hollingsworth and Wayne Smith, left the Bahamas to complete his high school tenure with Coconut Creek High School in Florida, graduating in 2000. He then went on to play for Northwest College from 2000-02 before he played for Arkansas Tech University from 2003-04 and finally Northwest College. After his playing days were done, Greene spent four years as an assistant coach at Midland College. During his stint there, the Chaparrals made two consecutive trips to the NJCAA National Championships, captured three West Junior College
means they are making sure our athletes are practicing in a safe environment.” Rolle added that the protocols may actually help the team’s performance. “We are training in smaller groups where the athletes get more one-on-one attention so they benefit from that extra attention.” The athletics season starts locally with the Odd Distance Meet December 19 (tomorrow) and Rolle said the team is in good position this year. “We are actually doing the same training that we did last year,” he said. “We didn’t get to complete that season and now they are ahead of where we were last season. I’m expecting some outstanding performances this year.” Rolle is also looking at qualifying athletes for the Olympic Games and other international meets.
Athletic Conference titles and compiled a 123-13 record in four years. The Caribbean Basketball Network named Greene the 2010-11 Coach of the Year for his tremendous work with student-athletes in the region. Before moving to Midland, Greene served as a graduate assistant coach at Harding University (Arkansas). He also worked as a colour commentator for NBA-TV for two years. Greene called it a rewarding experience so far. “Just like anything in life, you have your ups and downs, but I would not trade it for anything else in the world,” he stated. “They say once you find something you love, you will never work a day in your life.” Life, however, has not been the same since the coronavirus pandemic struck in March. But like other sporting disciplines that have been affected around the world, Greene said they are trying to get through the uncharted waters. “It is new to every programme across the country and the world,” Greene
“We have some CARIFTA level athletes on the team so we are hoping to get them on that team with a chance to medal.” MEN’S SOCCER Mingoes men’s soccer coach Dion Godet runs practices with the team in small groups as well - per the protocols set by the athletic training unit. “We are practicing with small numbers and it’s a challenge,” he said. “We would usually have the full team four times a week and only group work maybe twice a week.” He said because of the lockdowns and lack of practices the team is not at the fitness level he would have preferred the team to be at. “We’ve made some adjustments because at this point in the year the team would be a lot more fit,” he said at an early morning
practice. “We didn’t get to go through our regular summer routine and pre-season camp. We are making the best of a challenging situation.” Godet adds that he feels good about the team’s progress and preparation for the upcoming season. “We should be in a position to challenge for a top spot this upcoming season,” he said. “We have gotten a number of quality players and I think we will be a strong representation for the university.” MEN’S BASKETBALL UB men’s head basketball coach Bacchus Rolle said the team is enthusiastic about being back on the court after such a long furlough from the game. When sports shut down in March, The Mingoes were in the semifinal round of the New
COACH GREENE, far right, in the huddle. pointed out. “For us here, we do a great deal of testing of our student athletes and staff. “We have certain protocols that we have to follow and maintain. We teach our student athletes to always be resilient and fight through any adversity, and so far they are doing it.” The Highlanders will not know the true effect of the programme until their season officially gets underway on January 23, 2021. “I’m hoping that we can complete this season without having to shut it down because of the pandemic,” Greene projected. “If we can stay healthy, I truly like our chances for competing in the postseason for the championship. “Moving forward in the future, I hope that this
pandemic will be the thing of the past and we all can get back to whatever the new normal is.” Once things get back to some type of normalcy, Greene said he would be looking at recruiting some Bahamian players for McLennan Community College. “I have coached a few players in the past,” Greene said. “With this pandemic, it has made recruiting very difficult all across the board.” While the pandemic has played a key factor this year, Greene said in the past the road to getting players from the Bahamas into colleges and universities in the United States has not been an easy one. “It has not been easy because of the lack of
Providence Basketball Association’s post-season. “We’ve had a long layoff and we’ve tried to do some stuff via Zoom in terms of conditioning and training but we’re just excited to be back on the floor,” he said. The team practices at the openair courts at the university and like the other teams are sticking with small groups. “Safety is the number one concern for us,” he said. “Too much caution cannot be displayed at this time given the pandemic.” The team has been focusing on one-on-one training, including dribbling drills and off-balance layup drills along with standard shooting drills. “Each player has their own ball and each player has a dedicated rim and we work in small groups,” Rolle said. “It’s been a challenge but it’s been exciting. We are happy just to have our hands back on the ball.”
exposure, lack of proper training and facilities that student athletes in America have at their disposal,” he pointed out. “If you look at the trend you are seeing with up and coming Bahamian student athletes, a lot of them have left the Bahamas at adolescent years to come to high school or prep schools here in America.” As one of those who benefitted from the move, Greene said it has helped tremendously because of the opportunities and proper training. “That has allowed them now to be on an even playing field with American student athletes,” Greene said. “We all know if you give a Bahamian an even playing field we always shine and come out on top.” Greene, who also played on the Bahamas junior national basketball team that won silver and gold medals in 1998 and 2000 respectively, was a prime example of taking advantage of the opportunities that avail any other Bahamian. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in
communication management from Harding in 2005 and a master’s degree in kinesiology from Harding in 2007. But Greene, who is now married to Kari Greene and they are the proud parents of a daughter, Jayada, and a son, Kanaan, said he would certainly like to give back to the Bahamian basketball fraternity. “I would love to have the opportunity to get involved with and be a part of the national basketball programme back home in the Bahamas,” Greene said. “I was on the junior national teams many moons ago when I was coached by legendary coach Charlie ‘Softly’ Robins where we won a silver medal in Guyana and a gold right there in Nassau. “I had some of my fondest basketball memories playing on the junior national team. I feel with my knowledge and experience, I would love to help coaches and players back home in the Bahamas.” In the meantime, Greene is trying to niche his name as a collegiate coach in the USA.
IOC accused of ignoring human rights for 2022 Beijing Games By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer A COALITION representing ethnic minorities in China is again accusing the International Olympic Committee of ignoring widespread human rights abuses as the country prepares to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Rights groups speaking for Tibetans, Uighurs and others representing Hong Kong have sent an open letter to IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC member Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, who oversees preparations for the Beijing Games. Obtained by The Associated Press, the letter says the IOC has “turned a blind eye to the widespread and systematic human rights violations being committed by the Chinese authorities.” Rights advocates are asking to see evidence — which the IOC says it has received — that China will abide by human rights commitments that it made when it was awarded the games in 2015. It also says that China has promised to allow unfettered reporting and to permit demonstrations or protests. Athletes around the world have been pressing for more latitude to express themselves at the Olympics and argue that lobbying for human rights is not a political issue. Representative of rights groups met two months ago with IOC leaders but say their requests have been largely ignored. They also sent an open letter three months ago asking the IOC to take the Olympics away from Beijing. China is widely reported to have incarcerated more than a million Uighurs, a mostly Muslim ethnic
PEOPLE line up at the Artux City Vocational Skills Education Training Service Center at the Kunshan Industrial Park in Artux in western China’s Xinjiang region, December 3, 2018. group, in the western Xinjiang region. China at first denied the existence of the camps, but now says they are training and education centres. Forced labour, torture and forced sterilisation and abortion are being widely reported in Xinjaing. The treatment of the religious minority has been termed “cultural genocide” or “ethnic cleansing.” The campaign staff of President-elect Joe Biden suggested several months ago the treatment amounted to “genocide.” “History has shown us that the IOC has made an active decision to continue with the charade of political neutrality to justify its inaction towards China’s human rights violations,” the letter said. “This willful ignorance is shameful and fails to value the
JOURNALISTS chat near the Beijing’s bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics logo after attending a media briefing at the Beijing Olympics Headquarters in Beijing, China, November 4, 2014. (AP Photos/Andy Wong) personal experiences of all of us struggling under this repressive regime.”
The IOC has repeatedly said it runs a sports event and is not responsible for
domestic policies in the host country. It repeated this in a statement to The
Associated Press. It said that human rights issues had been raised with “government and local authorities”in China. It said it had received “assurances” but offered no details as the letter requested. Beginning with the 2024 Olympics in Paris, cities will have to adhere to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. However, China is not subject to these rules because the IOC mandated the provision after picking Beijing for 2022. “For decades we have brought evidence to the IOC about the severe repression, the beatings, torture, and even death of our people at the hands of Chinese authorities, some linked directly to peaceful protests related to the Olympic Games,” the letter said. “But the IOC has failed to act on these reports.” The Olympics open on February 4, 2022. Beijing was chosen in a final vote over Almaty, Kazakhstan after several European venues dropped out over costs, or after referendums were rejected to hold the games. China and other authoritarian states have become favoured venues for Olympics and other mega-events since they never face public opposition and seldom openly question the costs. The IOC awarded the 2008 Summer Olympics to Beijing, arguing the event would improve human rights in China. The coalition has reminded the IOC that human rights conditions are worse than they were 12 years ago with China operating what it described as an “Orwellian” state.
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Friday, December 18, 2020, PAGE 13
RAIDERS LOSE QB CARR, FALL TO CHARGERS IN OVERTIME
WARRIORS guard Stephen Curry, right, goes to the basket over Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, foreground left, and Buddy Hield, centre, during the first quarter last night in Sacramento, California. Hield posted 11pts, five rebs and one assist in 30 minutes. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Buddy scores 11 in loss to Klay-less Warriors
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Justin Herbert scored on a one-yard plunge to give the Los Angeles Chargers a 30-27 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last night. The Chargers (5-9) snapped a nine-game losing streak against their AFC West counterparts. The Raiders (7-7) lost quarterback Derek Carr to a left groin injury in the first quarter. They have lost four of five, all but killing their playoff chances. Moments after Daniel Carlson’s 23-yard field goal on the Raiders’ first possession put Las Vegas ahead 27-24, Herbert found wideout Jalen Guyton streaking by cornerback Keisean Nixon for a 53-yard reception to set up for the winning score. Los Angeles improved to 1-2 in overtime games, while all four of its games against division foes have come down to the final play. Herbert, who targeted nine receivers and completed at least one pass with seven, was 22 for 32 with 314 yards an two touchdowns. He set an NFL rookie record with his eighth 300-yard game. For the Raiders, the storyline quickly changed from must-win to stay alive in the playoff hunt, to, how-to win with backup Marcus Mariota seeing his first action as a Raider. Just four days after firing their defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, plus missing four starters on defence, and having their offensive coordinator Greg Olson sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, the Raiders lost Carr when he came up lame on a thirddown scramble near the goal line in the first quarter. Carr immediately went to the locker room and did not return. Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick in 2015 by Tennessee, hadn’t appeared in a game since he stepped into the Titans’ playoff game in Kansas City on January 19. The sixth-year pro was in for one snap in each of the Titans’ three playoff games last season and hadn’t thrown a touchdown since a 24-10 win in Atlanta on September 29, 2019.
STILL THE BEGINNING FOR SOME, NBA PRESEASON NEARS ITS END (AP) — A PRESEASON that’s just beginning for some players is already ending for others. James Harden suited up in Houston for only the second time, with newcomer Christian Wood getting his first — and only — action in a strong debut. The Rockets’ 128-106 victory over San Antonio yesterday was the finale of their four-game exhibition slate, so the rest of their preparation for the regular season will have to come in practices. That’s not ideal for a rookie coach such as Stephen Silas, but it isn’t much easier even for a veteran like the Spurs’ Gregg Popovich, whose team was playing its last of three games. “I would think any coach would say he’s said he was more ready in the past,” Popovich said. The Rockets looked more ready Thursday, with Wood finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds in his first action since leaving Detroit for Houston. Harden had 20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and a pretty between-the-legs pass to his new big man, and Eric Gordon scored 23 points. It was Wood’s first game action since March but he’s not worried about needing more time to get ready. “I’m ready right now,” he said. Before, there was more time between the opening of training camps and the start of the regular season, more opportunities to schedule games. This time, with everything shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic, four tune-up games is all anyone could get, and some opted for only half that.
SANDS FROM PAGE 11 our biggest challenge at the moment is our first event, which is the CARIFTA Games scheduled to take place in Bermuda in the first weekend in April.” At their last executive meeting, Sands said they canvassed their members with the view of getting their feedback with the way forward due to a spike in the coronavirus in Bermuda. “Cancellation is not an option that we are considering,” he said. “We’re trying to find ways to host the games in the best environment.
BASEBALL FROM PAGE 11 Grand Bahama together from the Dominican Republic, Columbia, Canada, the United States and The Bahamas from December 17 to 21, 2020. “The World Combine tournament is an annual global event that attracts skilled youth athletes from around the world,” said Philcher Grant, Director Group Corporate Affairs and Government Relations at GBPA. “We worked with iElite Sports Academy to have Grand Bahama host this much-anticipated tournament. Of course, with the ongoing pandemic COVID19, 2020 is a year like no other, and the health and safety of all involved is
Popovich said that’s prevented coaches from putting in all the schemes they want, and Silas was more concerned with keeping his players healthy than strategy, anyway. He rested newcomers DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall. Wall’s old team, the Washington Wizards, got Bradley Beal on the floor for the first time but are still waiting to see Russell Westbrook, who was swapped for Wall. Preseason play ends Saturday after barely a week of action. Coaches will then have just a couple days from there to finalise rosters before real games begin. “Fortunately everybody’s in the same boat, so there’s nobody ahead of anybody else,” Popovich said. Thursday ROCKETS 128, SPURS 106 At Houston, Bruno Caboclo chipped in 12 points off the bench as Houston finished 3-1. The Rockets led by as much as 34 points. DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points for the Spurs, who finished 0-3. Rookie Devin Vassell had 18 points off the bench, Dejounte Murray added 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Patty Mills scored 16 points. LaMarcus Aldridge shot 3 for 12, missing all five 3-point attempts, and had six points for the Spurs.
“What we have done is we have canvassed all of our member federations, Carifta members in particular, that in the eventuality it cannot host Carifta on the weekend schedule, what options would they like to consider.” One of those options is to move the date with several new dates recommended. The Carifta members have until the second week in January to make their choice for consideration by NACAC. “We will pool the results with the Carifta family and the NACAC family and make the best decision for the Carifta Games, if in fact, we have to change the date,” Sands said. “I think the only other time that Carifta was not held in
paramount. To that end, the event will be closed to the general public. Only players, parents, organisers, facility workers and the media will be permitted to be in attendance during tournament games.” The event presents a vital opportunity for many of Grand Bahama’s businesses who continue to be challenged by the devastating impacts of Hurricane Dorian compounded by the effects of the COVID-19 Emergency Order. Local hotels, transportation providers, restaurants and tour operators have an opportunity to take advantage of the influx of players and families who will bring an anticipated $1 million to the island’s economy. Due to GBPC’s efforts to restore the Baseball Park, which
WARRIORS 113, KINGS 109 At Sacramento, Stephen Curry scored 16 of his 29 points in the third quarter. Curry was 6 for 13 from 3-point range and added six assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr scored 22 points for the Warriors (2-1). Harrison Barnes scored 19 points for the Kings (2-2). Hassan Whiteside had 12 points and nine rebounds, but De’Aaron Fox endured a 3-for17 shooting night en route to his eight points and 13 assists. He missed all seven 3-point attempts. PISTONS 97, WIZARDS 86 At Washington, Josh Jackson scored 17 points off the bench for Detroit. Jerami Grant scored 15 points and Delon Wright added 13 as the Pistons (2-1) led by as much as 26 points. Beal scored 10 points in 16 minutes. Troy Brown Jr. led Washington (0-2) with 14 points.
De’Andre Hunter scored 22 points for the Hawks (1-2). Trae Young shot 4 for 15 and finished with 15 points and six assists, and Clint Capela had 13 points and nine rebounds. HORNETS 123, MAGIC 115 At Orlando, Terry Rozier scored 20 points and rookie LaMelo Ball came off the bench to add 18 more. Devonte’ Graham also had 18 for the Hornets (1-2), while Miles Bridges finished with 17. Charlotte made 18 3-pointers, with Ball and Graham knocking down four apiece. Nikola Vucevic had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic. Markelle Fultz added 14 points, six rebounds and six assists.
GRIZZLIES 128, HAWKS 106 At Atlanta, Ja Morant had 18 points and 13 assists for the Grizzlies (3-0). Dillon Brooks led Memphis with 24 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Kyle Anderson had 11 points and seven rebounds as Memphis made 19 3-pointers.
TIMBERWOLVES 129, MAVERICKS 127, (Overtime) At Dallas, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points and long afterward the Timberwolves held on to win when 7-foot-4 centre Boban Marjanovic missed a potential winning 3-pointer. Malik Beasley had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves (1-2), who also got 18 points from Jarrett Culver. No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards came off the bench for 17 points. Luka Doncic had 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Mavericks, though he missed all six 3-point attempts and went 6 for 18 overall. Tim Hardaway Jr scored 18 points in the first preseason loss for Dallas (2-1).
1988 or 89 over the Easter holiday weekend because the country was unable to host it, so we moved it to another country around July that year.” It’s not a guarantee that the Carifta Games will be pushed back again, this year it was postponed because of the spread of the coronavirus. But Sands said based on the general consensus from its membership, they will make the final determination on when and where Carifta will be held next year. So far, since taking office, Sands said it’s been a very challenging process because in NACAC, they have to deal with snowfall, hurricanes and earthquakes, but no
one was prepared for Covid-19. “COVID-19 has put everything out of whack and so we have to restrategise and reorganise a lot of things,” Sands said. “So that made it that much more challenging, but also that much more exciting. “So it causes you to think outside of the box. The plus side of Covid-19 is that we have been able to establish a line of communication with our member federations that would not have normally happened to the extent that it has happened as a result of Covid-19.” By next year, Sands said they are confident that they will have a very good year in 2021, especially with the vaccine as a promising remedy for Covid-19.”
was severely impacted by Dorian, the island has a world-class facility to host the tournament. “Many of our tourism-related businesses including Pelican Bay Hotel and Taino Beach Resort, the Car Rental Association, H Forbes Charter Services and others will benefit from this much-needed trade on our island,” added Ms Grant. “We expect that food and beverage providers and retailers of all kinds will see increased business during the five-day tournament. It’s our most significant opportunity since the pandemic hit for our economy to begin to turn around.” Jeremy Booth, organiser of the 2020 World Combine Tournament, is pleased to be able to bring the event
to Grand Bahama. “We are extremely excited to hold this long-awaited event in The Bahamas. We’re thankful for the group efforts to make it happen and are excited to take this step forward together,” Mr Booth stated. “In addition, I am looking forward to exploring the possibility of building a long term relationship in Grand Bahama, as the
island’s geographical location is ideal for tournament organisers and participants alike.” “Today’s youth, including the many participating in this week’s tournament in Grand Bahama, are tomorrow’s leaders,” commented Geron Sands, president and co-founder of iElite Sports Academy. “The event provides an opportunity to reach two of this year’s key
UEFA FROM PAGE 11 guidelines. The programme has supported over 200 development projects in approximately 60 countries. UEFA assist is geared toward building capacity, developing youth football, strengthening infrastructure and supporting UEFA member associations. “The Scottish FA is delighted to provide assistance to the Bahamas FA in any way it can to ensure football is able to flourish across the country. We hope our support will not only help provide vital resources to the game but also forge a long-lasting partnership that will promote, foster and develop the game at all levels,” Scottish FA’s head of football development Andy Gould said to UEFA. com. “We recognise that our coaches in Scotland are central to providing high-quality activity and establishing a positive culture for our players, and we look forward to sharing how we have achieved this with the Bahamas FA and assisting them in developing their own coach education framework.” The funds were earmarked for equipment and the Scottish FA will also look to play a role in coaching development. Other areas of development will include strategic and operational management, retaining both coaches and players, and youth development. “We are very grateful and appreciative for the help and support we have received from the Scottish FA to help develop the game in our country,” BFA President Anton Sealey told UEFA.com. “Hurricane Dorian was obviously a setback for football in our country, but with the help of the Scottish FA, who are providing us with high-quality coaches and allowing us to obtain muchneeded equipment, this can help us to move forward. I hope that our newly formed partnership will continue to develop over the coming years.”
goals – to give children a sporting and development opportunity that they otherwise may not have, and to support the growth of baseball in The Bahamas.” Other sponsors of the NBFSS 2020 World Combine international baseball tournament include Cable Bahamas, Sanitation Services and B&B Galaxy. The event will be livestreamed on ZNS.
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PAGE 14, Friday, December 18, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
RASHFORD LEADS MAN UNITED COMEBACK AFTER WINNING FIFA AWARD SHEFFIELD, England (AP) — Hours after being honoured for his impact off the field, Marcus Rashford also delivered in front of goal. The striker scored twice to lead Manchester United’s recovery to beat Sheffield United 3-2 in the Premier League yesterday. The evening began with Rashford — in a pre-recorded segment at the FIFA Best awards — receiving the fair play accolade from world football’s governing body for his campaign to combat child poverty and pressure the British government into providing free meals. “It will have a knockon effect,” Rashford said, “because things will start to happen in other countries as well.”
His goals at Bramall Lane lifted United to sixth in the league, five points behind leader and champion Liverpool with a game in hand. “Once again we’ve done well to respond, going a goal behind, scoring three goals, and then of course, late on, if we don’t kill the game off it’s going to be tough at a place like this,” Rashford said. “Today we didn’t get anything that we didn’t expect. They fought for every ball, they wanted to win the game and they fought for 90 minutes, and in the end we managed to get the three points.” It was a familiar situation for United. For the sixth successive away game in the league, Man United fell behind before winning. But it started badly for Dean Henderson in the
United goal at the club where was previously on loan. There was no sign of danger when United captain Harry Maguire played a return pass to Henderson but he dawdled enough for Oliver Burke to close him down and flick the ball into the path of David McGoldrick to score from close range after five minutes. But Rashford raced onto a superb ball by Victor Lindelof from his own half and took a sublime touch before slotting in the equaliser in the 26th minute. It was a gut punch followed by a 33rd-minute uppercut. Paul Pogba found Anthony Martial with a clipped ball into the box and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale failed to deal with the forward’s initial
MANCHESTER United’s Marcus Rashford, left, fights for the ball with Sheffield United’s Phil Jagielka, during their English Premier League soccer match at the Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield, England, yesterday. (AP Photo/ Rui Vieira)
effort, allowing him to convert the rebound in front of the empty stand. Rashford was on target again six minutes into the second half. Pogba cut out a misplaced throw-in, turned smartly and produced a smooth pirouette to start a break from deep in the United half. Referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue when Mason Greenwood was fouled in the middle of a fine team move that ended with Rashford all too easily beating Ramsdale.
“The referee played advantage and in the end that’s probably why we get the goal, because it is a foul earlier on in the play,” Rashford said. “But from there it’s about reaction and runs and passes, and when we play one-touch like that, we can do that against every team in the league.” Sheffield United found find a way past its former goalkeeper again in the 87th minute as John Fleck swung in a corner and Lindelof’s header ricocheted back off McGoldrick into
the goal. And the hosts would have pulled off a remarkable comeback draw was it not for Henderson thwarting Mousset in stoppage time. VILLA FRUSTRATED Aston Villa was held 0-0 by Burnley despite having 27 shots as Anwar El Ghazi and Kortney Hause both hit the crossbar. Villa remains 11th and sits four points behind the top five. Burnley is a point out of the relegation zone.
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI WINS FIFA AWARD AS BEST MEN’S PLAYER By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer GENEVA (AP) — Robert Lewandowski won the biggest individual prize of his career yesterday, showing that a forward not named Messi or Ronaldo can be voted the world’s best soccer player. The Poland captain was named the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2020 after his 55-goal season lifted Bayern Munich to a sweep of international and domestic trophies. Lewandowski topped a threeplayer shortlist that included Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Voting was by a global jury of national team captains and coaches, plus selected journalists and fans. Lewandowski received 52 voting points, with Ronaldo
second on 38, Messi third with 35. Though FIFA hosted the virtual ceremony in Zurich, its president Gianni Infantino went to Munich to present the trophy in person. “It’s an incredible feeling” said Lewandowski, who at age 32 made the shortlist for the first time. Lewandowski joined Luka Modric, the Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder who won in 2018, as the only players in the past 13 years to deny both Messi and Ronaldo the victory. “Today I am among them,” Lewandowski said in comments translated from German. “It means I’ve always done the right things in my life.” Lucy Bronze was voted the best women’s player to give England its first individual victory at the FIFA awards. A Champions
League winner with Lyon, she has since joined Manchester City. Bronze got 52 points from the women’s voting jury. Pernille Harder, who helped Wolfsburg to the Champions League final, finished second with 40 points and Bronze’s former Lyon teammate Wendi Renard scored 35 points. Lewandowski is also the first men’s winner from a club outside Spain since Ronaldo won the 2008 award as a Manchester United player. A Bayern player had not won since FIFA created a world player award in 1991. The club twice saw its stars relegated to third place by Messi and Ronaldo: Franck Ribéry in Bayern’s Champions League winning year of 2013, and Manuel Neuer one year later after Germany won the World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp, who coached Lewandowski at their former club Borussia Dortmund, denied Bayern a sweep of the FIFA men’s awards by being voted the best coach for a second straight year. Klopp guided Liverpool to become champion of England for the first time in 30 years, and finished tied in votes with Hansi Flick, who took over at Bayern mid-season. Klopp won in the tiebreaker of most votes from national-team coaches. Marcelo Bielsa of English second-tier champion Leeds was third. Sarina Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the 2019 World Cup final, was voted the best coach in women’s soccer ahead of Lyon’s Jean-Luc Vasseur and Emma Hayes of Chelsea. Wiegma will take over the England team next year.
Son Heung-min’s end-to-end dribble to score for Tottenham against Burnley won the Puskas Award for best goal. Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford was honoured for his campaign to fight child poverty. FIFA made a donation of $100,000 toward his charitable work. Other awards: Best goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich); Sarah Bouhaddi (France, Lyon). Fair Play Award: Mattia Agnese, a teenage player in Italy who saved the life of an opponent who lost consciousness after a clash of heads. Fan Award: Marivaldo Francisco da Silva who walks for 11 hours to see his favourite team play in Brazil.
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THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 18, 2020, PAGE 15
Russia can’t use its name and flag at the next two Olympics By GRAHAM DUNBAR doping history is vetted for AP Sports Writer selection to the Olympics or other sporting events. GENEVA (AP) — Russian athletes and Russia will not be able teams can also retain the to use its name, flag and national flag colours of red, anthem at the next two white and blue in their uniOlympics or at any world forms at major events. That championships for the next was not possible for Rustwo years after a ruling sians at the past two track yesterday by the Court of world championships. Arbitration for Sport. Even with those conThe Lausanne-based cessions, the court’s court halved the four-year three judges imposed the ban proposed last year by most severe penalties on the World Anti-Doping Russia since allegations of Agency in a landmark case state-backed doping and that accused Russia of cover-ups emerged after the state-ordered tampering of 2014 Sochi Olympics. a testing laboratory dataWADA president Witold base in Moscow. The ruling Banka hailed the court’s also blocked Russia from decision despite its prebidding to host major sport- ferred ban being cut to two ing events for two years. years. Russian athletes and “The (CAS) panel has teams will still be allowed clearly upheld our findings to compete at next year’s that the Russian authoriTokyo Olympics and the ties brazenly and illegally 2022 Winter Games in manipulated the Moscow Beijing, as well as world Laboratory data in an effort championships includ- to cover up an institutioning the 2022 World Cup alised doping scheme,” in Qatar, if they are not Banka said in a statement. banned for or suspected of The case centred on doping. accusations that Russian One win for Russia is state agencies altered and the proposed team name deleted parts of the dataat major events. The name base before handing it over “Russia” can be retained to WADA investigators on uniforms if the words last year. It contained likely “Neutral Athlete” or equiv- evidence to prosecute longalents like “Neutral Team” standing doping violations. have equal prominence, the The CAS process was court said. formally between WADA The burden of proof and the Russian anti-dopwas also shifted away from ing agency, which refused to Russian athletes and more accept last year’s four-year toward WADA when their ban.
THE RUSSIAN national flag, right, flies after it is hoisted next to the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, February 23, 2014. (AP) The Russian agency, known as Rusada, was ruled non-compliant last year — a decision upheld yesterday by the three judges. Rusada was also ordered to pay WADA $1.27 million to cover investigation costs, plus it was fined $100,000 and ordered to pay 400,000 Swiss francs ($452,000) toward legal costs. The Russian agency can appeal the sanctions to the Swiss supreme court in Lausanne. The acting CEO of Rusada, Mikhail Bukhanov, said at a news conference in Moscow “it appears that not all of the arguments
presented by our lawyers were heard.” The judges’ 186-page ruling is expected to be published by CAS in the next few weeks. In a brief extract in the court’s statement, the judges said their decision to impose punishments less severe than WADA wanted “should not, however, be read as any validation of the conduct of Rusada or the Russian authorities.” The ruling does allow Russian government officials, including President Vladimir Putin, to attend major sporting events if invited by the host nation’s
head of state. When a fourday hearing was held in Lausanne last month, 43 Russian athletes and their lawyers took part as third parties arguing they should not be punished for misconduct by state officials not working in sports. Giving WADA the lab database by a December 2018 deadline was a key condition for Rusada being reinstated three months earlier when a previous expulsion from the antidoping community was lifted. WADA investigators in Moscow eventually got the data one month late. Evidence of doping
tests and emails appeared to have been deleted or changed, and whistleblowers like former lab director Grigory Rodchenkov were implicated. WADA investigators went to Moscow two years ago to collect the database and begin verifying evidence that would help sports governing bodies prosecute suspected doping violations dating back several years. Although Russia would be stripped of hosting world championships in the next two years, events can be reprieved. Governing bodies have been advised to find a new host “unless it is legally or practically impossible to do so.” Russia is scheduled to host the 2022 world championships in men’s volleyball and shooting. The president of the shooting federation is Vladimir Lisin, a billionaire with close ties to the Kremlin. Last year, the International Olympic Committee described the database tampering as “flagrant manipulation” and “an insult to the sporting movement.” Yesterday, the IOC merely noted the verdict, adding it would consult sports governing bodies and the International Paralympic Committee “with a view to having a consistent approach in the implementation of the award.”
RUSSIA CLAIMS VICTORY WITH LOOPHOLES IN OLYMPIC SANCTIONS By JAMES ELLINGWORTH AP Sports Writer RUSSIAN sports officials were in an upbeat mood yesterday after finding crucial loopholes in the decision to ban the country from using its name, flag and anthem at the next two Olympics. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling, which halved a proposed four-year ban to two, left Russia in full control of its roster and scrapped a plan to exclude athletes suspected of benefiting from past doping cover-ups. Russian teams won’t officially be called Russian teams at next year’s Tokyo Olympics or the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, but “Russia” will be printed on their red, white and blue uniforms. “It is a victory for Russia,” Russian antidoping agency acting CEO Mikhail Bukhanov said. “The international sports arbitration did not restrict clean athletes’ rights to take
part in Olympic and Paralympic Games and world championships.” WADA wanted Russian athletes to show they didn’t benefit from cover-ups at the Moscow laboratory before they were cleared to compete at the Olympics, Paralympics and world championship events. Russia argued this amounted to collective punishment and Bukhanov likened it to banning everyone from the roads because of one drunk driver. The most important part of the ruling, according to Russian Olympic Committee president Stanislav Pozdnyakov, was the lack of any “extra criteria” for eligibility. “Clean Russian athletes can take part in the Olympics without any restrictions and do that on a team formed by the national Olympic committee,” Pozdnyakov said. The new restrictions on Russia will be weaker than before. In Tokyo and Beijing, Russia will be able to field athletes whose files
PRESIDENT of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov attends a news conference in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) in the Moscow doping lab database were altered or deleted while the data was under the control of the Russian state. Those manipulated files — which Russian authorities deny responsibility for — made it
much harder to pursue suspected doping cases. When the “Olympic Athletes from Russia” team competed at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, it was only after the International Olympic
Committee had vetted the athletes for possible connections to doping at the Sochi Games four years earlier. Several likely medal contenders were refused a spot. Russian track and field athletes have been barred from wearing national colours at their last two world championships, so the Olympics will mark a return to competing in red, white and blue. CAS ruled that Russian government officials, and even President Vladimir Putin, can’t attend the Olympics, but workarounds are baked in. They can simply be invited by the host nation, as Putin surely would be. Russia was also barred from hosting major sporting events until December 2022, or bidding for new ones during that time, but more loopholes can be found. Hosting soccer matches during next year’s European Championship in St Petersburg is exempt — the ruling only covers world
championships, not continental events — and Russia can still host the Champions League final in 2022. Other events like scheduled wrestling, shooting and volleyball championships could yet stay in Russia if it’s “legally or practically impossible” to move them. The Russian Hockey Federation welcomed the CAS decision to cut the proposed sanction to two years, saying it will host the 2023 world championships “without any restrictions of any kind.” Russia could yet launch targeted appeals to soften the CAS sanctions further. Regardless, Russia already scored a victory on Thursday. “When the Russians are standing on the top step of the podium, everyone will know that they are Russians,” Tatyana Pokrovskaya, the coach of the country’s hugely successful synchronised swimming team, told state news agency Tass. “And probably several athletes will be singing the anthem.”