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Volume: 119 No.29, January 4, 2022

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EXPLOSION

Staggering 1000 cases in two days with Omicron now running rampant

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard says the government is being too relaxed in handling the latest surge in COVID-19 cases after the country recorded an unprecedented 1,966 cases from December 27 to January 2.

This record weekly number of cases includes the two highest daily number of recorded cases since the start of the

FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands and members of his family have tested positive for COVID-19.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, the former Elizabeth MP said four people in his family got a positive test. Two babies weren’t tested but it is suspected they have the virus as well.

“There’s rampant community spread,” Dr Sands, who is fully vaccinated, said. “I think on Wednesday

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

OUT WITH A BANG

pandemic: 520 on December 30, 2021 and 477 on January 2.

Globally, health officials recommend that countries keep the COVID-19 positivity rate below five percent. In the last week, however, the positivity rate stood at 37 percent, meaning community spread of the virus is likely far higher than the already high number of daily confirmed cases indicate.

The country recorded 2,483 cases of COVID-19 in SEE PAGE THREE

DUANE SANDS AND FAMILY AMONG THOSE HIT BY VIRUS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FACE TO FACE: A SACRED PLACE SHARED BY GENERATIONS

my entire family started to feel unwell. We had been on vacation visiting family in Freeport and then some symptoms we began experiencing. We tested positive the day we got back and so everybody tested positive.

“Scratchy throat, fatigue, the babies had some fever and irritability; the difficult part has been the isolation.

It’s a holiday and you’re stuck and to hear how many hundreds of people if not thousands of people are going through the same thing, this has been a SEE PAGE THREE

A SPECTACULAR fireworks display lit up the sky above Atlantis as guests rang in the New Year at the resort’s annual Party Like A Royal New Year’s Eve event. See page two for more. Photo: Bahamas Visual Services.

FNM SENATOR’S SHOCK AS PINTARD REPEATS - MINNIS SHE QUITS FOR NEW JOB DOESN’T SPEAK FOR PARTY

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

VIANA Gardiner resigned from the Senate effective on New Year’s Eve. She told The Tribune over the weekend that she had stood down for professional reasons, adding she

will be taking on a new job.

She was appointed to the Senate last October.

In a statement on Sunday, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said: “On behalf of the Free National Movement (FNM), I wish to extend my gratitude SEE PAGE THREE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis does not speak on behalf of the FNM when it comes to COVID-19 issues.

“When he defends his

record and the record of his administration,” Mr Pintard said yesterday, “that is perfectly acceptable but at no point (do) the comments he is making represent what the Free National Movement is.

Again there’s a simple system that I mentioned to SEE PAGE THREE

BOWLEG APOLOGY FOR JUNKANOO FILM ERRORS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

AFTER complaints over the New Year’s Day virtual Junkanoo presentation, Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said errors are being corrected and a rebroadcast is planned.

Many viewers voiced their disappointment over the production’s quality.

In response, the ministry posted a statement about

the Virtual Junkanoo Experience on its Facebook page explaining it engaged a private contractor to record and produce the event.

“The company was chosen by bid on the

government’s e-procurement portal and unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, the footage was not able to be seen before the public airing,” the release xzidd.

“We are in the process of working with the contractor to address several issues that were observed.

We apologise to the public and assure that this circumstance will not occur again.”

Mr Bowleg told The SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PETER YOUNG: GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE TO ANOTHER MISERABLE YEAR

- SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, January 4, 2022

ATLANTIS LIGHTS UP FOR 2022 SCENES from Atlantis’ annual Party Like A Royal New Year’s Eve event held on The Royal Deck. The new year was welcomed with a magnificent fireworks display by Grucci Brothers International, “America’s First Family of Fireworks” – who hold the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Fireworks Display”.

Performers at the event included Bond Quartet and The Modern Gentlemen. Global pop star Doja Cat also performed on New Year’s night.

Top two photos: Bahamas Visual Services.

Bottom three photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune staff

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, PAGE 3

EXPLOSION: STAGGERING 1000 CASES IN TWO DAYS WITH OMICRON NOW RUNNING RAMPANT FROM PAGE ONE December 2021 alone.

While the rate of hospitalisation remains far lower than during previous waves, the number of hospitalised cases is gradually increasing and were reported to be 43 as of January 2. Four people are in the intensive care unit. In contrast, at the start of last month only 18 people were in hospital with the virus.

“What does concern us,” Mr Pintard said yesterday, “is the government still appears to be entirely too relaxed given the severity of this situation and are not sending strong enough signals, so one thing we would do differently is ensure that both expats and Bahamian citizens, that all of them operate according to the same rules.

“The different set of rules at the hotel unfortunately does not solve what the government hopes it would solve and it comes across as primarily and almost exclusively a business decision given the occupancy at the hotels. If the thing you hope to solve is protection of lives in the short and medium-term and the protection of livelihoods to ensure commerce is not disrupted, then you have to pay attention to what works in terms of safety and Bahamians are going in the hotels, they are checking into hotels and staying so we have to require that the safety protocols are applied to hotels.”

Although the Davis administration has placed a cap on the number of people allowed at gatherings— 20 people for indoor settings and no more than

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard.

30 for outdoor events— planned activities at hotels have not been interrupted. On New Year’s Eve, American rapper and singer Doja Cat performed at an outdoor concert at the Atlantis resort, for

example.

Mr Pintard said he does not support current rules limiting the sizes of gatherings, saying he would prefer restrictions based on the size of a place.

“We should look at a percentage in terms of the capacity of a building,” he said. “A very large church, a very large hotel property, obviously could accommodate a lot more persons as long as it could be done safely and the space can permit it.”

Health Minister Dr Michael Darville has said the government is preparing to launch its pilot free COVID-19 testing programme in New Providence. He said officials hope the programme will not cost the government more than between $40,000 to $50,000 per week.

The programme will involve rapid antigen tests, which experts say appears to be even less sensitive at detecting the Omicron variant of COVID-19 than earlier strains of the virus.

“The government has just changed, we want the government on these life and death issues to succeed on these issues so we are not providing any knee-jerk reaction,” Mr Pintard said.

“The government should get out of the business now of the pandering.

“They ought to give the facts as they are so that their credibility is not brought into question. Deliver the information straight. We know that rapid antigen tests are not as reliable. This isn’t something the government has just discovered.

The PCR test will be too expensive for them...they should just say that.”

Nonetheless, Mr Pintard said Dr Darville has committed to including the opposition in weekly EOC briefings. He said the opposition will collaborate with the government on an education campaign.

DUANE SANDS AND FAMILY AMONG THOSE HIT BY VIRUS

FROM PAGE ONE

horrific holiday season.

“There are a number of doctors and nurses out (of the health system) and people say ‘oh this is a mild problem.’ It would be mild if it didn’t have an impact on essential services and so you have major holes in the ability to provide emergency healthcare, policing, basic public services because so many people are out,” Dr Sands, a heart surgeon, said.

“The holidays made it difficult to see the impact, but as we get back to work tomorrow what will be obvious is just how many people are out, either in quarantine or in isolation and we have to empathise with people who are going through this.

Just by the sheer number of cases we cannot trivialise this Omicron variant.”

Last week, health officials acknowledged that a significant number of healthcare workers are in isolation or quarantine due to exposure from the virus.

DR DUANE SANDS

Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said officials are monitoring what’s happening around the world to make certain that adequate numbers of healthcare workers are working on the frontlines, suggesting that quarantine guidelines may be adjusted.

“It is moving in the

FNM SENATOR’S SHOCK AS SHE QUITS FOR NEW JOB FROM PAGE ONE to Senator Gardiner for her service to the Bahamian people in general and to the Free National Movement in particular.

“While serving in the Senate, she set a very high standard in her contribution to debates. Senator Gardiner also carefully and meticulously prepared for each debate. She was thorough in her research which was reflected in the content of her public comments in interviews and press releases as well as during her contributions at party meetings.

“In the short-term, Senator Gardiner has determined to serve the Bahamian people in a different capacity.

We are grateful for the assistance she rendered in the preparation of recommendations regarding legislation and policies that improved our administration’s ability to govern our country effectively during very challenging times. We will miss her extensive institutional memory and experience.

Her work as the head of the Office of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (PMDU) improved effectiveness and efficiency in the public sector.

We wish her every success with her professional pursuits and thank her family for making her available to provide national service in various capacities.”

VIANA Gardiner Mrs Gardiner’s initial appointment to the Senate raised eyebrows, with some in the FNM believing she was not a member of the party.

She was given the appointment by former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis when he was still leader of the official opposition. Mrs Gardiner was in charge of the PMDU in Dr Minnis’s administration.

Remaining FNM senators include former Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, former Pinewood MP Rueben Rahming and Maxine Seymour, all candidates for the party in the last general election.

Many in the FNM expect Mr Pintard to make changes to the composition of the Senate in the coming months.

Mrs Gardiner, an attorney, previously served as director of trade for the government and is a former deputy chief of The Bahamas Trade Commission.

direction where individuals who are vaccinated, who were exposed to COVID19 and who subsequently become positive whether it’s a rapid antigen test or RT-PCR test may be eligible to have a shorter isolation time and get back to the affairs of the hospital

in a shorter period,” he said at a press conference last week.

“We are seeing other countries around the world doing it and for us with limited healthcare resources and manpower resources we have to be innovative in our approach, but like I said before we understand the potential shortage.”

Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention slashed the number of days it recommends COVID-positive people remain in isolation—from 10 days to five if they are no longer showing symptoms.

The CDC recommends that people wear masks for another five days after that to avoid infecting others.

The health agency said the change “is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.”

However, US media reported there was backlash to the guidelines with the CDC now considering altering the advice.

According to Dr Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, the CDC is considering adding the recommendation of getting a negative test before a person ends quarantine.

PINTARD REPEATS - MINNIS DOESN’T SPEAK FOR PARTY FROM PAGE ONE you all in a press conference earlier, that we issue statements against the backdrop of collaborating about what our message is going to be as an organisation and quite frankly the persons who have been doing that, sharing information, offering guidance the times I speak on that subject have been Dr (Duane) Sands and Renward Wells.”

Since the FNM’s one-day leadership convention in November, Mr Pintard has sought to unify the party and consolidate his position in the organisation. Dr Minnis’ high visibility in the media, however, has become a major talking point within FNM circles.

Dr Minnis has continually criticised the Davis administration’s response to COVID-19, often insisting officials are not imposing enough restrictions, a view Mr Pintard does not exactly share.

“Dr Minnis’ comments are perfectly in bounds as he defends the record of his administration.

However, all substantive recommendations, while he is free to give his views, the official position of the Free National Movement are stated by myself and my comments are informed by my consultation with persons in the health field as well as Dr Sands and Renward Wells.

“Dr Minnis has not, on any occasion, provided…when I’ve solicited comments from team members in preparation for any speaking engagement, they are informed by Dr Sands and Renward Wells and I want to make it clear that he is speaking for himself, not for us,” Mr Pintard said.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, January 4, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Activist raises concerns about Equinor site area

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ACTIVIST Joseph Darville has called for more vigilance concerning the rehabilitation of the area affected by the Equinor oil spill in East Grand Bahama.

After visiting the area on Thursday, Mr Darville expressed his concern about the treated soil in that area by Equinor.

Mr Darville, a representative of the environmental group Save the Bays, was checking the progress of the clean-up.

He told The Tribune: “The area covered with that (treated) soil. I am wondering what they are going to do there now? Are they going to replant something in that area, possibly pine trees?”

Mr Darville said the area in question is probably about 150 acres, from the roadside in the front of the plant and extends north into the forest.

“They (Equinor) took up all the ground soil, including the residual oil they were not able to suck up, and transported it onto their property. They were rehabilitating it; they were trying to get rid of the oil content. They brought it back and spread it out over that area, and people who frequent the area have reported to me that it smells of petroleum,” he said.

Mr Darville has taken a sample of the treated soil for testing.

ACTIVIST Joseph Darville.

“The soil is also a dark brown colour, but I am not overly concerned with that. The Environmental Department will have to check - if they have not done so already - to see whether there was sufficient treatment and whether or not it is okay for it to be there with the rains that will come in the spring and about residual going into the water table.

“I think that it needs to be monitored very carefully by the Environmental Department and I call on them to be vigilant with the ongoing rehabilitation of that whole area.”

Mr Darville thinks that monitoring was neglected by the

previous administration.

“If it were not for Save the Bays and Waterkeepers Bahamas, we probably would not have known what was going on out there,” he said.

During his observation, Mr Darville noted that clean-up had taken place at the aggregate business impacted by the spill.

“I was pleased in one sense to see that the oil on the massive machinery and equipment was all gone and cleaned up, as well as the 50ft to 60ft high mound of aggregate covered in crude oil and the surrounding areas - that was also of concern to us.”

However, Mr Darville also noticed no cleaning had taken place on the north side of the aggregate mound.

He believes the reason was due to the massive amount of vegetation that has grown back in the area.

“It would be detrimental to destroy that much greenery,” Mr Darville said.

He added it appears cleaning has stopped, even though a large area in the forest still has oil residue on the ground.

The environmental activist reported that about 25 to 30 percent of the Palmetto Palms (also known as thatch palms) have died because of the oil spill. He said that thatch can withstand saltwater, fires, and hurricanes, but not oil.

“Many of them got oil down the hearts, and when oil enters the heart, they die. And a large

THE Equinor site in 2019. number of them died due to the oil,” Mr Darville said.

The wetland is another area that is still significantly affected, according to the activist.

“They cannot do anything with that because they would do more damage to the wetland trying to recoup the oil that has already sunk into the mud where the mangroves and swamp grasses have grown,” he said.

Mr Darville said the Bahamas National Trust has also conducted assessments in the area and expects to meet with management at Equinor to discuss their findings.

He hopes STB and WKB are invited to that meeting as well.

The issue of compensation is another area that has to be addressed, Mr Darville said.

“We (STB and WKB) have been keeping a very vigilant eye on that area. And my concern now is why the government, whether it is the previous government or present government, has not indicated to the public what compensation we would receive for the catastrophic damage to the pine forest from the oil spill of some 55,000 barrels.”

Still, Mr Darville commended the staff at Equinor for their cooperation.

“I salute the staff at Equinor.

I do not want to demean them because they were very appreciative of us, keeping their feet to the fire. They invited us frequently for an update on what was happening.

“We agreed with the process they were going on with, except I decried… the lack of our (Bahamian) personnel that could have been there originally to make sure that the thousands of acres were cleaned up more rapidly. I do not think they had sufficient manpower to do that,” he said.

The oil spill occurred at Equinor’s South Riding Point storage facility in Grand Bahama when Hurricane Dorian pummeled the northern Bahamas in September 2019.

The estimated volume of the oil spill is 55,000 barrels (2.3 million gallons).

After the incident, Equinor said it was committed to cleaning up the area and that it would establish a long-term monitoring plan of ground water and for the affected forest areas to be submitted to local authorities.

OIL SHEEN SPOTTED AT ESTIMATED SITE OF SUNKEN GAS TANKER AN oil sheen has been spotted from aerial observations at the estimated site of a sunken gas tanker, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources said on Friday.

Tar balls have also been spotted near the site.

“On 29th December 2021 a team of officers from the Ministry of Transport and Housing, Port Department, Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (Department of Environmental Planning and Protection) conducted an aerial site visit to the site of the collision of Tropic Breeze and Utopia IV and the sinking of Tropic Breeze,” the Ministry of Environment said in a press release.

“The purpose of the aerial survey was to ascertain the condition of the environment due to the potential exposure to any oil spill from the sunken vessel and to provide technical advice on remediation of any oil spill. The location of the site is approximately 15 miles north-northwest of New Providence between Whale Cay and the Northwest Passage.

“Aerial observations

indicate an oil sheen at the estimated point of the wreck, and tar balls/blobs were observed approximately three miles from the site. The appearance of a small number of tar balls were also observed in the shallow waters along the south-eastern shoreline of Whale Cay.” The ministry said a team from the RBDF and the Ministry of the Environment and Housing (DEHS and DEPP) conducted a surface investigation on December 30 and located the oil sheen.

“It is noted that (the) wreck is located in approximately 9,400 feet of ocean and that the sheen is affected by ocean currents and heavy seas,” the ministry also said.

“A report on site visits will be produced and more information will be made available.”

The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources said it will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the preservation and protection of the natural environment.

The tanker M/T Tropic Breeze was hit at 10.03pm on Christmas Eve by the M/Y Utopia IV, a 207-foot

super yacht, approximately 15 miles NNW of New Providence.

A statement issued from Maritime Management LLC, which managed the Tropic Breeze, said the 160-foot tanker was travelling on its proper watch en route to Great Stirrup Cay when it was rear-ended by the yacht.

“The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet,” the company said on December 25.

The company said the tanker’s cargo included all “non-persistent materials” – LPG, marine gas and automotive gas – “all of which are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air.”

The Tribune previously reported that the Office of the Attorney General will investigate the

11-YEAR-OLD GIRL INJURED IN SHOOTING

AN 11-year-old girl is in hospital after a shooting in Redland Acres Thursday.

According to reports, she was leaving a mini mart on Shah Drive off Goggle Eye Road at around 9pm, when a small car drove past. One of the passengers produced a firearm and fired at a group of men outside the store.

The girl was shot in the arm. She was taken to hospital by Emergency Medical Services. Her condition is listed as stable.

Investigations are ongoing.

TWO IN CUSTODY AFTER ARMED ROBBERY, SEXUAL ASSAULT AT HOME

TWO men have been arrested after an armed robbery and sexual assault at a residence in the western district of New Providence on Thursday.

According to reports, shortly before 8pm, three armed men forced their way into the home and demanded money. The family of four complied, were then separated and one of the suspects sexually assaulted a woman.

The two men in custody are assisting police with their investigation.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, PAGE 5

GOVT TO GIVE ‘AROUND’ $350,000 TO 65 FORMER URBAN DEVELOPMENT STAFF

Cruise ship with COVID cases denied entry to Ocean Cay

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE government will be giving “somewhere around” $350,000 in outstanding allowances to 65 former employees of Urban Development in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, according to Social Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe.

A statement issued by the ministry over the weekend noted the government SOCIAL Services and had settled with all former employees of Urban Devel- Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchopment in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands who combe. were “unceremoniously terminated” after the May 10, 2017 general election.

“In letters of termination, the employees were promised the requisite allowances,” the statement noted.

“These allowances were never paid. The matter was subsequently taken to arbitration at the labour tribunal.

“In consideration of all the circumstances, and upon recommendations, the government through the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development today settled the outstanding issue.”

When asked about the total amount the government is giving to the 65 former employees, Mr Wilchcombe said, “$350,000…..somewhere around that.”

He said the allowances owed are predicated upon the law and the contractual terms of the workers’ salaries.

In December 2021, Labour Director Robert Farquharson said the Department of Labour was reviewing trade disputes related to the 65 employees who were dismissed under the Minnis administration.

“There were 65 employees of Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama who were dismissed by the previous administration and they filed trade disputes,” he said last month.

“Those trade disputes were before the director of labour and... are being reviewed to make a determination.

“Those persons were fired by the government of The Bahamas and they claimed wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal.

“In my capacity as director of labour, I was reviewing the file to see if they have a valid claim.

Those matters are also before the Industrial Tribunal.

“Because they are before the Industrial Tribunal, I cannot comment on those.

“Those matters are presently being investigated.”

HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville confirmed on Friday the cruise ship MSC Seashore was denied entry by the government to Ocean Cay because of a number of COVID19 cases on board.

The ship was denied entry in the Bahamas for its call on December 29.

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed the ship was denied on the date mentioned.

“During her five-night trip from Miami, several crew members and a handful of guests were identified as positive with COVID-19,” according to reports.

“In a letter from Captain Galano, guests were informed that the Bahamian government (had) forced the vessel to cancel its call to Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.”

Asked if the vessel was denied by the government to Ocean Cay—which is the cruise line’s private island—and was it because of the COVID cases on board the ship, Dr Darville answered “yes” by WhatsApp. When asked how many cases were onboard, he said: “Not sure, but the numbers were high.”

Mr Darville yesterday also categorically denied reports from a US-anti cruise industry website - Cruise Law News - that as many as 400 COVID infections had struck Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas.

The site reported on Saturday: “Today the Harmony of the Seas finally returned to its home port in Port Canaveral after a disastrous week at sea.

“Royal Caribbean transferred over a hundred (100) crew members, who tested positive for COVID-19, to the Vision of the Seas which the cruise line is using as a quarantine facility-atsea and/or floating hospital.

“Based on dozens of messages from cruise passengers, around three-hundred (300) guests tested positive for the virus.”

Mr Darville told the Tribune yesterday when the vessel was in The Bahamas it met all local protocols.

BOWLEG APOLOGY FOR JUNKANOO FILM ERRORS FROM PAGE ONE

Tribune the ministry contracted a private Bahamian company. However, it appeared the timeframe given to the company to complete the production did not allow them to complete the work up to the standard expected.

“There were missteps and we realise the missteps and the production was not—the production quality we believe could have been better but this is a reputable Bahamian company that has done many works before up to a standard that is acceptable to many,” he said yesterday.

“We realise that the production after being placed out there… we believe that there is some improvement that could be made and those improvements are being made right now but the livestream on Facebook was very poor and those who would have watched on ZNS would have had a better appreciation because I watched on ZNS and Facebook but in (a) nutshell. . .the ministry itself has realised along with the production team what went wrong after speaking with the production team.

“They’re correcting those errors and we’re going to move forward and once those errors are corrected we (will) seek to rebroadcast that once it’s able to be done in a proper manner that it should have been done and from the get go.”

Asked when the rebroadcast will air, Mr Bowleg said: “Well I can’t say that right now…the production team gave us a deadline to have it prepared. It should be completed by the 9th of January.”

Although he was not

YOUTH, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg.

harsh towards the company, Mr Bowleg felt the company could have been more transparent.

“I think the production team should have said to us, ‘we’re not going to make the deadline’ and then the technical team aspect of the ministry then should have said to me ‘we’re not going to make this deadline’. “. . . If we had to push it back, it would have disappointed (people)… then so be it.

“It’s better to present something at your best then to just to present something to try and make a deadline,” he said.

Many people took to social media over the holiday weekend to criticise the production.

“To say it was horrible would be a compliment,” one person wrote on Facebook.

“My eyeballs and ears still hurting (sic),” another person said.

Despite the response to the production, Junkanoo Corporation of

New Providence (JCNP) chairman Dion Miller expressed gratitude.

He admitted he had not seen much of the production as he was not feeling well on January 1, but requested to see it from the ministry.

While stating it was an “awesome time and an awesome experience” for the Junkanoo groups, he noted the reactions he has received from the Junkanoo community over the production quality.

“In general, I’ve had quite a bit of phone calls.

There was disappointment in the quality of the recording of the film.

The film recording itself does not depict what the actual experience was out at the recording venue. So there’s great disappointment in that regard.”

Mr Miller added he had seen the public comments regarding the quality and he had a discussion yesterday morning with the ministry in reference to it.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture also released a statement on Sunday detailing the costs associated with the event.

The ministry said the budget for New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands amounted to $300,000.

The ministry said it provided $126,000 to Junkanoo groups as a stipend, providing grants of $11,000 to seven Category A groups and $7,000 to seven Category B groups.

“On production and advertising, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture spent $24,000 on production and $200 on audio advertising.

The remaining balance of the $300,000 will be spent on the virtual parades for Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville.

“When the ship docked in The Bahamas the numbers were below (the) threshold established for refusal and there was no interaction between guests who came off of the ship and the island staff,” he said.

US mainstream media has not picked up on Cruise Law News report.

“When the ship docked in the Bahamas the numbers were below (the) threshold established for refusal and there was no interaction between guests who came off the ship and the island staff.”

This situation comes as the United States’ Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a level 4 warning, the highest COVID-19 Travel Health Notice level, for cruise ship travel.

The CDC has urged people to “avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status” and warned that “even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants”.

Asked if his ministry is concerned about this new CDC development and whether there would be new health guidelines and restrictions in place for cruise vessels, Dr Darville responded: “Will have to check.”

Earlier in December, the minister had said he was pleased with the COVID-19 protocols put in place by the cruise line industry, while confirming a ship that docked at Coco Cay in The Bahamas suffered a virus outbreak among passengers on board.

According to reports, at least 48 people tested positive for COVID-19 on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.

The itinerary was a seven-night trip that left from Miami on December 11 and visited St Maarten; St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands; and Coco Cay, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, January 4, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

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NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

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Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Mexico saw refugee, asylum claims almost double in 2021 MEXICO CITY (AP) — The number of people applying for refugee or asylum status in Mexico almost doubled between 2019 and 2021, reaching a historic high of over 130,000, authorities said Monday.

While there was a dip in 2020, that was largely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In previous years, migrants from other countries had rarely sought protection in Mexico, preferring to make their claims in the United States. But the toughening of border enforcement and the slowdown in U.S. asylum processing has apparently led many to apply for refuge in Mexico.

The Mexican Comission on Refugee Aid, COMAR, said there were 131,448 applications filed in 2021, an 87% increase over the nearly 70,351 filed in 2019. The numbers dipped to around 41,000 in 2020, in part because the coronavirus pandemic made it harder for people to move around or even file applications.

The COMAR said the biggest increase was in the number of applications from Haitians, which grew from 5,500 in 2019 to over 51,000 in 2021.

Hondurans, who in previous years had filed the most claims in Mexico, filed 36,361 applications in 2021, a relatively more modest rise over the 30,082 they filed in 2019.

Almost 90,000 of the 131,448 requests for protection were filed in the southern Mexico city of Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border.

Migrants have complained of the extremely slow pace of paperwork

processing in Tapachula, where COMAR offices are swamped by the huge number of requests.

After migrants tried to stage mass walks out of Tapachula in 2021, the Mexican government agreed to bus some to other cities further north to file claims.

Apart from a programme to house Guatemalan refugees near the southern border during that country’s 1960-1996 civil war, Mexico has relatively little experience in dealing with so many refugees or asylum seekers.

The United States has also slowed its own asylum process under Title 42, a measure named for a public health law that allows U.S. officials to expel adults and families without an opportunity for asylum.

And the U.S. has begun reinstating the ‘Remain in Mexico’ programme, also known as the “Migrant Protection Protocol,” a Trump-era policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court.

The United Nations has urged Mexico to consider granting other, humanitarian visas to ease the overwhelmed refugee agency.

Under a pilot programme, about 200 Haitians have been offered temporary visas that would allow them to work in Mexico, and a search has been started for companies willing to hire them.

On Dec. 22, Mexico’s biggest convenience store chain, Oxxo, wrote “we are hiring migrants from Haiti, giving them an opportunity to start a new life here.”

A DOUBLE WHAMMY OF COVID CHALLENGES IN THE NEW YEAR EDITOR, The Tribune.

As the year comes to an end, governments worldwide brace themselves to face the latest COVID-19 variant. Omicron.

Thank goodness, as far as we know, it is not as deadly as its predecessor, the Delta variant.

But that does not mean we should let our guards down because, on Monday, the World Health Organisation pointed out that while the world is on high alert due to the omicron, delta is still responsible for most of the current infections globally.

With delta lingering and omicron descending, it appears as if COVID-19 challenges will be a double whammy in the New Year.

As we prepare to come out of what can be assessed as one of the worst economic periods in modern times, the Bahamas Government will have to buckle down,

bite the bullet, and find ways to create a medium between COVID-19 and the economy. Because it appears as if 2022 will be a turbulent year, but with God on our side, we can ride it out.

It’s not going to be easy, but if we cooperate with the health authorities by obeying all of the COVID protocols procedures, we will give COVID a push for our health and our money.

But if we continue to play the thing with the big ears, we will pay the price and can only have ourselves to blame.

Unlike the deadly Delta classic three symptoms of fever, cough, loss of sense of smell or taste.

It is analyzed that the top five symptoms in Omicron are: Runny nose, headache, tiredness (mild or severe.), sneezing, and sore throat.

Making it more contagious because it can be easily mistaken for the

Flu. As noted in an earlier post I am a COVID survivor and I can’t speak for the 718 departed COVID victims.

May their souls rest in peace. I can say not only did I feel like I was dying, but I also wanted to die.

That is how bad the coronavirus made me feel.

So as we prepare to ring out the old and bring in the new year.

As we renew old acquaintances and drink a cup of friendship. We are praying for the return of junkanoo and carnival.

Until then let us protect each other by adhering to all of the COVID-19 protocols, get vaccinated, and look forward to a healthy and prosperous new year.

Happy New Year God bless the Bahamas ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, December 30, 2021.

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SNOW falls at the White House in Washington, Monday, as a winter storm blows into the MidAtlantic area. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Bucket list for 2022 EDITOR, The Tribune.

2021 is gone and will not be missed too much by most Bahamians.

It was a stressful year and we saw and still are seeing the devastation of the ongoing COVID pandemic.

The economy started to sputter in the third quarter of that year and we changed the political directorate.

Minnis and his crew were shown the door and pushed out with great indignity by the bulk of the electorate.

The tourism and hotel sectors are coming along nicely. All is not well, however, in our wonderful nation.

With the symbolic exit of 2021 we have a new slate so to speak.

We are a relatively wealthy country no mind what some say for whatever hidden agenda or intent.

We have Crown Land gone to bed. Let’s start right here.

I well recall the now Most Hon. Prime Minister, Philip Brave Davis, QC, MP (PLP-Cat Island) on numerous occasions standing in The House of Assembly over the past decades, advocating for the liberalisation and timely processing of bona fides application for grants of Crown Land to the rank and file Bahamian, across the board.

Well, as fate would have it, Brave is now in place as the Minister with responsibility for Crown Land.

Surely, the Lord works in mysterious ways.

We had our political Moses in the form of the late great and deeply lamented, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, who led us along with the help of others, into Independence.

We had a glance at a pseudo Joshua in the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net

strong character and focused vision of the late Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, who should have taken us into The Land of Milk and Honey. Alas, death, in my view, took both of them too soon from us.

Former Prime Ministers the Hon Hubert A Ingraham, PC, and my brother the Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, PC, would have both left footprints on the sand shores of The Bahamian.

I am unable or unwilling to ascribe any Biblical personages to whom they may have emulated.

What we need, in my view, for 2022 to get this nation on the right track is to embrace ‘Joseph’ as The Bahamas leaps into this brand new year.

For the last years of the second Christie administration and the four years of the Most Hon Dr Hubert A Minnis akin to the Biblical ‘Pharaoh’, The average Bahamian caught eternal economic hell and dislocation.

Indeed, except for the elites, there was, truly, no corn in Egypt.

The Lord had to rise up a ‘Joseph’ to administer the entire Egyptian Kingdom, after he interpreted a series of dreams which Pharaoh had.

Eight years of plenty was ushered in by Joseph and his crew.

Who is this Bahamian Joseph of whom I have alluded to?

None other than the Most Honorable Philip Brave Davis mentioned above.

Brave is the right man for the heavy task of being Prime Minister at this time, in my opinion. 2022 gives him a stellar opportunity to demonstrate that

he actually has what it takes to take The Bahamas and her people across the Jordan into the fabled land of Milk and Honey.

A short buck list, with your permission, for 2022: 1) Introduction of National Health Insurance; 2) Introduction of Local Government here in New Providence; 3) Introduction of National Youth Service; 4) Affordable fully serviced residential lots at heavily discounted prices, say a maximum of B$25,000. The government would not, ideally, actually build any homes.

That would be subject to contract between the proposed home owner: The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation and/or the lender; 5) Expansion of The Bahamas Development Bank all of the Family Islands on a daily or weekly basis. Additional shares in BOB should be offered to Bahamians so as to shore up its capitalization and to afford concrete economic opportunities for the unwashed masses.

6) Sell of Our Lucaya Hotel & Casino over in Freeport to a Bahamian/ foreign consortium within this quarter.

And so, the above is my relatively short buck list for 2022.

You’d have noticed that I have neither asked for or sought anything for myself or immediate family.

I am convinced that this year will be the best year of my life, to date, with the ever present assistance and support of The Lord Jesus Christ.

This is why I am literally dropping my bucket deep into the well. Happy New Year!

RTLAND H BODIE, O Jr Nassau, January 1, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, PAGE 7

Privy Council rules Supreme Court must decide if man should be released

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Privy Council has ruled that the Supreme Court must decide whether a man who has been detained at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre since 1985 should be released.

Eric Stubbs was convicted of rape and housebreaking in 1984 and was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.

He appealed the verdict and in 1985 the Court of Appeal changed the ruling to guilty, but mentally ill.

The court ruled that he had to be kept at Sandilands until he received an order of discharge from the Governor General.

Last year, the Court of Appeal dismissed his application for leave to apply to the Privy Council on the basis that his confinement was

unconstitutional and a breach of his rights.

Mr Stubbs’ lawyer, Sonia Timothy, said yesterday that the error in the case concerns the requirement that her client could only be released by an order of the Governor General.

“You’re sentencing someone at Her Majesty’s pleasure or the Governor General’s pleasure; we are already independent so an independent state, it isn’t the Queen or the Governor General who decides a sentence, we have a sentence of powers and our judicial system must be independent and it is on that basis why attorneys for the Crown agreed that there has been a breach of the law and the appeal has been allowed on the constitutional basis that there has been a breach on the principle of separation of powers.”

Ms Timothy said

the Supreme Court is expected to decide if her client, who is now 60-years-old, should be released based on a psychiatric report and a “social report.”

In its ruling, the Privy Council wrote: “The parties should seek directions from the Supreme Court as to the evidence it requires, such as psychiatric and social reports to consider the following factors applicable to the question of continuing detention: (a) whether the appellant is suffering from mental disorder of a nature or degree which makes it appropriate for him to be liable to be detained in hospital for medical treatment; or (b) whether it is necessary for the health or safety of the appellant or for the protection of the public that he should receive such treatment.”

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER IN FREEPORT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 21-YEAR-OLD Freeport man was charged with murder and attempted murder in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Shemar Moss, of Weddell Avenue, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson, accused of intentionally causing the death of Torry Henfield on December 25, 2021 while being concerned with others.

He was not represented by an attorney.

It is also alleged that on the same date and place, he attempted to cause the death of Crawford Hanna.

Moss was not required to enter a plea to the charges.

The charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Christmas Day at a

nightspot on East Sunrise Highway.

The prosecutor noted that both offences fall within Part C of the Bail Amendment Act, which does not allow bail to be granted in the Magistrate’s Court.

The matter was adjourned to March 3, 2022 for a voluntary bill of indictment to be served at 10.30am.

In a separate matter, Shakerio Jones, 28, of Bayshore Road, West End, appeared before Magistrate Simone Brown charged with three counts of attempted murder. The charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred in West End on Christmas Day. Jones was not required to enter a plea to the charges and bail was denied. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correction until April 4, 2022 for trial.

NASSAU VILLAGE MAKES A CLEAN START TO 2022

THE Nassau Village constituency started out the year with cleaner streets and yards thanks to MP Jamahl Strachan and community partner 360 Waste.

Over the next two weeks, residents will be able to get rid of refuse and debris and place them in dumpsters for prompt removal.

Mr Strachan said the dumpsters have been placed throughout the constituency from Soldier Road to Gleniston Gardens; Mount Tabor Estates to Sir Lynden

Pindling Estates, and along Alexandria Boulevard.

They are prominently placed at popular locations for ease of use by all residents.

“What this does is come in line with our environmentally conscious campaign,” Mr Strachan said.

“We seek to not only revitalise Nassau Village from a psychological standpoint, but from a physical and environmental standpoint as well.”

PAGE 8, Tuesday, January 4, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

A sacred place shared by generations WHEN Joan Rolle first stepped foot on her property in Exuma it took her breath away. The panoramic views of the beautiful sea, the rolling hills… the scene was so awe inspiring she called it “a spiritual experience”.

“I was transported,” she said as she recalled the moment when she reached the top of the hill and looked around.

“It felt like you would if you reached the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, or saw the Serengeti for the first time.

All the natural wonder and beauty… I felt it was God and God alone.”

Because of that, she named the property Gye Nyame. This is an adinkra symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana, West Africa meaning “except for God” or “the supremacy of God”.

“I wanted a name that would link the land to Africa and to my ancestors. As the mystery of the land unfolded, I thought it should be something that is shared with my family and others as well.

Almost everyone who has been on this land has had the inclination that this is a sacred spot. My brother Stafford has had spiritual experiences and hair-raising encounters. A doctor from Boston who visited declared that this was indeed a sacred space. My friend Amunet had a spiritually enlightening experience here.”

I join with those who tout the mystical attributes of the untouched rolling hills of Gye Nyame. When I visited with Joan some years ago, we were sitting on her porch one evening and saw a phenomenon few humans have ever experienced. We saw two suns in the sky. The second sun was not a reflection of the first. It was likely the natural miracle known as ‘harvest moon’. Joan and I will never forget that experience.

A part of what makes Gye Nyame sacred for Joan is that this land has been handed down through generations and with it, the preservation of her family history. Joan has the blessing of being able to go back several generations – something many Bahamians are not able to do.

Joan’s ancestor David Rolle, born in 1815, bought the property in 1863, 29 years after Emancipation.

He was born into slavery in

JOAN Rolle the settlement of Ramsey, the nearest settlement to Gye Nyame. Like most of the slaves born in Exuma, he carried the last name of Lord John Rolle. David bore a son named Samuel, who became the next title holder of the property, which is known by some as Jimmy Hill. Samuel and David owned boats and they traded between Exuma and South Andros. Samuel had a daughter named Julieann, who inherited the property. She lived to be 100-years-old before she died at her residence in South Andros.

Julieann had a son named Amos, who is Joan’s grandfather. Amos was a farmer, and he worked on the Contract in America for a time. A welltravelled man, he also visited Africa. Amos was a devout Seventh-Day Adventist who was responsible for building the church in Mount Thompson. Amos bequeathed the land to his son Livingstone, Joan’s father.

With such rich history to share, Joan has constructed an earthly altar at the site with the words of Maya Angeou: “I am the hope and the dream of a slave”. The fact that she has cut a road, cleared a portion of the land, and created the sacred space Gye Nyame, she is fulfilling what her great great great grandfather David must have envisioned for his descendants – the use of the land that could serve generations to come. Joan recognizes that David saw that the power for the people is in the land.

“There is a West African saying that you do not really know yourself unless you can name at least seven

TOP: An area featuring artwork depicting great Bahamian heroes at Gye Nyame.

MIDDLE LEFT: Joan with her son, Rupert, his wife, Peta, and his son, Azariah.

MIDDLE CENTRE: Joan’s son, Michael.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Joan working on Gye Nyame in Exuma.

ABOVE: The first cabin on Gye Nyame Wellness Retreat, Exuma. generations of your bearers,” Joan told me.

She can name five and she has their names on rocks at the altar of their remembrance: David and Elisabeth; Samuel and Silvey; Julieann and Isaac; Amos and Drucilla; and her parents Livingston and Joyce. She cannot say whose David parents were, although she knows they must have been born in Africa. Her sons Rupert and Michael Missick will be able to name six generations. Her grandson Azariah, along with her grand nieces and nephews,

will now be in a position to name seven generations, thanks to the history provided by the preservation of this land in their family.

“It is a tribute, a history, a remembrance to us as a family,” she said.

“The joy is in sharing it with the people of Exuma, Bahamas and the world by turning it into a wellness heritage and retreat centre. We want to preserve the property as much as we can,” said Joan.

“My son Michael and I are working together to develop the land. We want the kind of retreat that has gentle human footprints on it, developing in ways that will not harm the land. We want to have a retreat with cottages or tents that work well with the forest – as if they are a part of the land. We want a farm to create a farm to table experience for our guests. We will have a clubhouse where we can gather.

The sunsets and sunrises are phenomenal here… and at night, the stars shine bright.

I can see constellations like the belt of Orion clearly.”

Gye Nyame lends to many wondrous experiences. There are cocoa plum patches throughout the property. There are a number of mysterious holes and caves. At one of these, there is a slab of cut stone and some rocks arranged in a semi-circle. Joan believes slaves may have been practising an African traditional ritual at that spot.

There is a cave they call ‘the crab hole’ and there, large crabs live among giant ferns which are taller than some buildings. There is an abundance of wild orchids found throughout the property. There is an area of the forest rife with beautiful gum elemi (gamalamy) trees.

More than 30 medicinal trees and plants have been identified at the property.

Joan is a veteran educator, and since retiring, she has brought scores of children to Gye Nyame for the experience. She started her career as a speech therapist before becoming a teacher at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School. She went on to become the Vice Principal of St Francis & St Joseph Primary, and then the Principal at St Bede’s. She also served as curriculum officer for the Catholic Board of Education; adjunct professor at Omega College; she does voluntary work in the Public and Oral History

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Joan’s grandparents Amos and Drucilla Rolle; Joan’s parents Livingstone and Joyce Rolle; Joan as a little girl; Joan as a baby with her mother, Joyce.

Department at the University of the Bahamas; and she is one of the co-founders of Akhepran International Academy, where she is the general administrator. She currently works at a small resort in Exuma while preparing to take Gye Nyame to the next level as a touring site then wellness and native retreat.

She is the owner and manager of Experiential Education - nature and heritage tours for children and adults in New Providence and Family Islands. Children from New Providence, Long Island and Exuma have visited Gye Nyame.

They learn about native medicinal plants, naming ancestors, Bahamian living and farming techniques, and much more. They go snorkelling and they enjoy native dishes. On one occasion, as the kids were exploring the nature trails, three children ran up to a large wild tamarind tree and together exclaimed, “Look, it’s the goddess tree!” They hugged the tree and all the other children followed after. The adults then realised that the tree was indeed shaped like a woman with outstretched arms.

When Joan was a teenager attending St Augustine’s College, she, too, had the opportunity to visit Exuma as a student. She was able to see her grandparents’ house in Mount Thompson, which was later donated to the church and turned into a hall. She wants people to have the same kind of rich experiences that island life has to offer.

Joan grew up in New Providence in the Valley - off Mount Royal Avenue, but she had her taste of island life when she went to Delectable Bay, Acklins, to her mother’s family, the Hannas.

There, she remembers bruising corn in a giant mortar and pestle to make grits.

She recalls the kerosene refrigerator, and the fact that the home’s kitchen and outhouse were separate. Island people were rich in the ways of the land.

Her grandparents in Acklins, Luther and Margaret Hanna, would send a box of goods to their children in New Providence all the time.

They would get fruits and vegetables, goat, turtle, conch, fish and lobster. From time to time, they would even send a cow, which they would keep in their yard until her father slaughtered it for their meat.

Her grandparents Amos and Drucilla did the same, sending goods to her parents, Livingston and Joyce, from Exuma. She vividly remembers receiving turkeys from them every Christmas which aided in delicious holiday meals.

In just a matter of months, Gye Nyame will begin welcoming natives and tourists to the property for a natural experience in Family Island living.

Her hope is to see the retreat become a place where others could have the soul-stirring experiences that she did – a place where you could get lost in time – but also find yourself. For more information, email rolle.joan@gmail.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, PAGE 9

Goodbye and good riddance to another miserable year FOR most people the beginning of another year is a time to take stock. As well as a general look at life, making new resolutions and taking on new commitments, they are ready to air their views about the past 12 months and prospects for the future.

Opinions always differ.

But, in the midst of much analysis of events last year here in The Bahamas and in Britain, there seems to be a consistent refrain that while the past year was widely considered to be the worst of times, it was also in some respects the best of times.

This was because, after the dark and dreary tale of the depths of the pandemic in 2020, as soon as a vaccine became available the only way was up – however long it might take.

Nonetheless, while 2020 was a year of fear, 2021 will go down as one of aching disappointment. It was the year in which the great vaccine rollout was meant to see off the pandemic only for it to strengthen its grip on the world once more last November in the shape of the new variant, Omicron – and, with it, came a return of uncertainty and a sense of continuing jeopardy.

Here in The Bahamas, other writers have already expertly analysed 2021.

So suffice it to repeat briefly today that the pandemic has had disastrous effects on families and has disrupted the domestic economy which was already in a dire state, with the national debt exceeding $10 billion and the nation continuing to depend on costly borrowing. The tourism sector, in particular, was badly affected.

After an initial wave of COVID-19 infections in 2020 followed by allenveloping lockdowns, the number of new cases gradually fell away during the course of last year so that by about the end of the summer there was even a sense that life was returning to some sort of normality. Then Omicron - said to be less virulent but more transmissible - created an explosion of new cases which, despite being milder, have put new pressure on healthcare systems.

Meanwhile, September’s general election was won overwhelmingly by the PLP in a low voter turnout - and, already, the new government seems to be inspiring growing public confidence in its effective handling of the virus crisis, with the Minister of Health providing assurances about the importance of striking “the right balance between the health crisis and the nation’s economic well-being”.

Last year in Britain, huge numbers became demoralised and demotivated, not to mention those who were struck down by the virus itself and all too often suffered the lingering effects of long-COVID as well; and, with the benefit of hindsight, any notion that 2021 would be better than the previous year was clearly unjustified.

At the beginning of the year people were in despair as the country was in its third lockdown. But, at that time - with the UK having embarked on the successful rollout of its vaccination programme the previous December - Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as “the end in sight” and “the last phase of the struggle”. The situation gradually improved to the extent that by late summer a measure of postCOVID complacency had crept in. But only months later how wrong his earlier optimism appeared. From mid-November, the number of Omicron infections rose substantially and on the first day of January this year hit a daily record of some 160,000 with another

THE ASTRAZENECA vaccine: The great vaccine rollout was meant to see off the pandemic only for it to strengthen its grip on the world once more last November in the shape of the new variant, Omicron – and, with it, came a return of uncertainty and a sense of continuing jeopardy.

GN 2652

Z Yh ^d &KZ yWZ ^^/KE^ K& /Ed Z ^d

Senior Software Developer

154 deaths.

On the broader front in Britain, towards the end of last year Mr Johnson was a much-diminished figure politically though he has a reputation for bouncing back from political adversity. In addition, the strength of the Union was under pressure from fresh aspirations north of the border about Scottish independence while the economy was further

Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness: Senior Software Developer Country: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Supporting Institution: Inter-American Development Bank Programme: Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness Project Number: BH-L1045 Loan Number: LO-4549 / OC-BH Sector: Reform / Modernization of the State Sub-Sector: E-Government Deadline: 6 January, 2022 Post: Senior Software Developer Post Location: Nassau, Bahamas Reports to: The ICT Specialist The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the consulting services of three (3) Senior Software Developers. The consulting services (“the Services”) include leading the development, testing and implementation activities while assisting in the design of software applications to meet both functional and technical requirements. The contractual position is 12 months renewable annually based on satisfactory performance.

Main responsibilities include:

BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson. undermined by Omicron after economists and bankers had already underestimated the new levels of inflation - and, following COP26, the climate change summit in Glasgow, politicians seemed increasingly to be kow-towing to the “green lobby”- not to mention that earlier in the year the Monarchy was trashed publicly by Harry and Meghan.

Amid all this, however, it is said the British people have stayed calm and have carried on regardless and now seem to be less ready to heed the panic over Omicron generated by the health professionals and advisers who are increasingly regarded as prophets of doom as they always emphasise the worstcase scenario. There now appears to be a growing public mood of scepticism rather than the resigned fatalism with which the 2020 lockdowns were accepted.

Moreover, there is room for optimism insofar as the British government has until now rejected further draconian lockdowns for England, with the Health Minister saying tighter rules would only be imposed “as a last resort”. Meanwhile, the IMF and World Bank are forecasting five percent growth for the UK and business investment is at a healthy level. But, most of all, there has been the miracle of the vaccines, with some 75 percent of Britain’s population having now been fully jabbed. This has been faster than any other European country so that by October last year it was reported that life felt a bit better and a return to a measure of normality was on the cards. But that was until Omicron struck the following month and hopes were dashed - at least for the immediate future.

SEE PAGE 10

● Managing the execution of multiple concurrent software development activities ensuring deadlines are being met, including metrics for software quality and security ● Participating throughout all stages of the software development lifecycle ● Leading the design, development and/or modification of front-end applications and integration with services ● Leading the planning, designing, developing and deploying of new applications and enhancements to existing applications. ● Leading DB analysis/design, including writing queries, views, stored procedures, and triggers ● Leading user experience and system design and specifications, programming logic and flow-charting, developing, testing, debugging, documenting, and supporting ● Ensuring and monitoring the systems security. ● Enabling the sustainability of the systems by documenting, updating and using industry standards such as version control systems, security copies, code scans or vulnerability scans of the solutions. ● API design, development, testing and documentation using SOAP or REST technologies. ● Working independently on complex programming tasks and perform code reviews of various development tasks ● Assignment of software development tasks to the Junior Developer(s) ● Providing analysis of problems and recommending solutions ● Overseeing and setting direction for the front-end team, ensuring reliable, secure software with minimal bugs ● Evaluating and suggesting industry standard tools and methods. ● Establishing and tracking metrics related to key performance objectives and service levels ● Developing, implementing and enforcing best practices and operating standards ● Identifying and escalating potential concerns and recommending viable solutions ● Maintaining proficiency with Application Security requirements and best practices ● Reviewing Software Requirements documentation and providing feedback to the Business Analysts to improve the quality of the documentation ● Assisting Business Analysts with the development of User Acceptance Tests ● Assisting Business Analysts and Testers with the execution of User Acceptance Tests Z Yh ^d &KZ yWZ ^^/KE^ K& /Ed Z ^d ● Implementing automated unit and integration tests and ensures the practice is followed consistently SoftwareTeam, Developer ● Analysing issues escalated by L2 Help Senior Desk Support recommending solutions including code fixes ● Recommending process, feature, and code changes based on analysis of recurring customer issues

● Implementing approved code changes ● Performing other duties as required

The successful candidate should have the following    ●

 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Mandatory Passing of Software Development Test Associate’s degree or equivalent in Engineering, ICT, or Applied Mathematics Excellent and demonstrated programming skills in at least one computer language.

Fast learner and quickly adaptable in a dynamic, rapidly changing team-oriented environment.

1 or more years of experience developing and trouble-shooting software for commercial public facing web applications such as MyGateway At least 3 years’ working experience with PHP, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and HTML. At least 3 years’ working experience with Linux and cloud environments Strong problem solving and analytical thinking skills.

Solid testing and debugging skills.

Ability to multi-task in a data-intensive environment with accuracy.

Talent, drive and the ability to work independently and in team settings within a deadline-driven environment.

Strong organizational skills and able to effectively prioritize work and manage projects.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Good time management skills.

Willingness to learn new languages/platforms as needed.

Working knowledge of cloud based software development Exposure to web development using React and CSS3 Familiarity with Scrum methodology or other agile development processes.

The Office of the Prime Minister now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the National Competitive Bidding Selection procedures set out in the IDB’s: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the IDB and it is open to all eligible bidders as defined in these policies. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the International Competitive Bidding Selection method set out in Selection and Contracting of Firms Policies. Only Short-Listed Individuals will be contacted.

Further information can be obtained by E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs. All CVs and qualification documents must be submitted Re: Senior Software Developer to E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs on or before 5:00 pm on 6 January 2022.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, January 4, 2022

VIRTUAL INAUGURATION AFTER NEW FLORIDA MAYOR GETS COVID ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The incoming mayor of a major Florida city will take office in a virtual inauguration ceremony after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, officials said.

Ken Welch was scheduled to be sworn in Thursday on the steps of City Hall as St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor, but that ceremony has been canceled to follow quarantine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a news release.

Welch, 57, was vaccinated early last year and received a booster in November, officials said.

He first tested positive for COVID-19 Monday morning using a home kit.

A PCR test later in the day was also positive.

“Let this serve as a reminder to all of us to get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” Welch said in a statement. “While this is disappointing, I am incredibly thankful that my current symptoms are not serious, and I keep in my thoughts and prayers all the families who have lost so much more to this pandemic.”

Welch said he will work from home until he is cleared from isolation. He expects to begin working from City Hall next Monday.

Welch is replacing Mayor Rick Kriseman, who is leaving office because of term limits.

THE TRIBUNE

HAITIAN PRIME MINISTER FLEES UNDER GUNFIRE AS HAITI RINGS IN NEW YEAR

By HAROLD ISAAC Associated Press PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti welcomed the new year with violence as Prime Minister Ariel Henry fled the northern city of Gonaïves following a shootout between his security forces and an armed group that had warned the leader not to set foot in the city.

Local media reported that one person died and two were injured in the gunfire that forced Henry and others to duck and seek shelter as they walked out of a cathedral Saturday after attending a mass to celebrate Haiti’s independence from France.

The prime minister’s office, when reached by The Associated Press, said Monday that “bandits and terrorists” made an attempt on Henry’s life and accused the group of hiding behind walls to attack the convoy and of threatening the bishop by surrounding the church.

“That is intolerable,” the office said, adding that it has issued arrest warrants.

A spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police told the AP on Monday that police had secured the area.

The incident is a fresh blow to Henry’s fragile interim regime that is struggling with deepening poverty and a surge in gang violence

HAITI’S Prime Minister Ariel Henry gives an interview at his private residence in Port-au-Prince in September.

(AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph, File)

as he seeks to create a coalition to help run the country after the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with general elections scheduled for mid-2022.

Henry referred to the incident in a tweet by thanking the bishop of Gonaïves for having held the mass “despite the tense situation that was prevailing in the city.”

The streets of Gonaïves were largely empty and so was its cathedral, Saint-Charles-de-Boromé, for the traditional independence day celebrations. Henry was unable to deliver his speech as planned after gunfire forced him out of the city.

In 2020, Moïse skipped the trip to Gonaïves amid threats of violent

protests.

In a statement in Haitian Creole shared Sunday on Twitter, Henry said, “Today, our enemies, the enemies of the Haitian people, are the terrorists who do not hesitate to use violence to kill people with all their might, or to kidnap, take away their freedom, to rape them. And do everything for money.”

Henry has pledged to crack down on gangs that authorities have blamed for a spike in kidnappings and for blocking gas distribution terminals in a move that caused a severe fuel shortage in recent months and prompted the U.S. and Canada to urge its citizens to leave Haiti.

ARE WE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO LEARN TO LIVE WITH THIS? FROM PAGE NINE

A

s regards the pandemic, the realists and cynics say there may be little or no change during the coming year in the short-term. The scourge of Omicron means the problem will be with us for some time, and then there is the danger of a fourth variant.

Perhaps the main lesson of the last two years is Omicron or other new variants could become endemic and that the world will have to learn to live with the virus as part of the normal pattern of seasonal illness like the flu. If so, politicians and health officials will be forced to abandon what has been termed by some as their “control freakery”, but which others call sensible precautions to protect people against an extreme pandemic.

The development of a vaccine, allied to a range of effective measures to limit the danger of spreading the virus, has marked a turning point leading to possible restoration of a former way

of life in the longer term.

What is more, there is now a general recognition that the key requirement should be full vaccination of as many people as possible around the world - and this means the richer countries helping to speed up vaccinations in the less developed world.

That said, since The Bahamas has ended 2021 with a surge of COVID19 cases, considerable

uncertainty remains here at home and many believe there will never be a full return to what was considered before the pandemic to be normality.

But, with a welcome resurgence of tourism to the Caribbean and interest in the country as high as ever, the financial outlook has improved with higher revenue from tourist receipts.

It is clearly important for the government to ensure a balance between the need for health and safety measures and an open and newly robust economy, including the protection of people’s livelihoods.

Even though Omicron infections are less severe, pressure on the healthcare system continues. So it is no surprise that elective surgeries have been suspended.

There is also a compelling need for stronger policing and enforcement of existing and new protective protocols and rules in connection with large gatherings, social distancing and masks. But, above all, the emphasis should be on the continuing drive to vaccinate as many

people as possible.

As for Britain, most of these considerations also apply. Some people consider that so far COVID and its variants may have found a way around the existing vaccines which protect against serious illness rather than preventing people from testing positive. But, now that the virus “is on the run”, some

commentators suggest there are reasons for optimism about the coming year.

The vaccine triumph is not only about the huge number of successful jabs in arms but is said also to concern the impressive new developments in vaccine technology which might contribute to the fight against other diseases and add to the knowledge about

the workings of people’s immune systems.

It seems most people believe confidence needs to be restored in 2022 as we learn to live with the virus.

The WHO states COVID can be defeated if countries work together to contain its spread - and that surely means vaccines must be distributed equally across the globe.

IN LIZ WE TRUSS(T) T

NEWLY-appointed UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss outside 10 Downing Street.

he term Brexit seems to have been around for ever. So, I found it interesting to be reminded that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement setting out the future relationship between the UK and the European Union, following the former’s withdrawal from the bloc, came into force only on January 1, 2021. This is not the time for a detailed analysis of how this relationship has been working over the past year. But I was struck by a public statement by the British Prime Minister over the Christmas period about the country going “further and faster” during the coming year in taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the UK’s departure.

In response to those who say such generalisations are not much more than a lot of hot air, it is noteworthy the newlyappointed Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, also posted a message on twitter at the New Year about the government’s plans internationally for 2022. Since she is regarded as a champion of what is now referred to as “global Britain” and is also currently in charge of ongoing post-Brexit talks with the EU, many people are beginning to listen to what she says. In the eyes, in particular, of the UK press, she has also become a serious contender to succeed Boris Johnson as Tory leader, if and when the time comes.

Ms Truss spoke of Britain’s role in promoting freedom, democracy and free

trade on the world stage, mentioning the country’s achievements during 2021; for example, hosting the G7 summit of world leaders in the summer as well as a global education summit in London, the climate change summit in Scotland in November and the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in December. She also mentioned the various free trade deals which she had negotiated recently with a number of different countries in her former role as International Trade Secretary.

She pledged in 2022 to continue to “deliver for Britain” during 2022 by boosting economic and security ties across the world and building what she called a global network of liberty.

She referred specifically to negotiations already underway for the UK to join the CPTPP – the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership - which includes nations like Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Mexico.

In the coming months, it will be interesting, in particular, to see how the new Foreign Secretary handles talks with the EU, not least in relation to the complex and controversial Northern Ireland protocol.

But, if - as some commentators suggest - growing pressure on the Prime Minister results in a Conservative Party leadership contest later this year, Liz Truss is clearly already someone to watch as a potential successor to the embattled Boris Johnson.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, PAGE 11

Without Kohli, India bowled out for 202 in 2nd test JOHANNESBURG (AP) — India was bowled out for 202 by South Africa on the opening day of the second test yesterday in a troublesome start for the tourists after they also lost captain Virat Kohli to injury before the game started.

KL Rahul stood in as captain with Kohli ruled out by an upper back spasm, and top-scored with 50.

But South Africa’s quick bowlers had the better of the day at the Wanderers, with Marco Jansen taking 4-31 and Duanne Olivier and Kagiso Rabada three wickets each.

South Africa was 35-1 at stumps and 167 runs behind.

Aiden Markram was out lbw for 11 to Mohammed Shami, India’s best bowler of the series so far.

India leads the threematch series 1-0 after a 113-run win in the first test in Centurion last week.

That boosted top-ranked India’s hopes of finally cracking South Africa and securing a first test series win in the country on its eighth tour.

But Kohli’s absence and the dominance of the South African quick bowlers on the opening day in Johannesburg dented those chances.

India slipped to 53-3 in the first session after an initial breakthrough by Jansen and then two wickets in two balls from Olivier, who was recalled for his first test

since February 2019. Olivier had seemingly abandoned his international career to play for Yorkshire in English county cricket and said he framed his South Africa test cap as he doubted he’d ever use it again.

With a new cap for his recall — so he didn’t have to break into his framed memorabilia — Olivier made an immediate impact on his return to remove Cheteshwar Pujara for 3 and Ajinkya Rahane first ball.

Hanuma Vihari, in the team in place of Kohli, fell to Rabada for 20 after lunch and thanks to a onehanded grab by Rassie van der Dussen at short leg.

Rahul went just before tea to a lofted hook shot and a diving catch by Rabada at square leg to leave India five down.

South Africa’s pacers ran through the last five Indian wickets for 46 runs despite a counter of 46 from 50 balls

by Ravichandran Ashwin.

Before the game, India was emboldened by a strong record at the Wanderers, where it has never lost in five tests dating to 1992, and by its own impressive pace attack.

Vihari in for Kohli was India’s only team change.

South Africa made two changes.

Olivier was recalled and Kyle Verreynne was in as wicketkeeper for Quinton de Kock. De Kock was due to miss the rest of the series

NZ 328, BANGLADESH 401-6 AT STUMPS ON DAY 3 OF 1ST TEST MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand (AP) — Captain Mominul Haque scored 88 to lead Bangladesh to a 73-run, first-innings lead over New Zealand in the first cricket test yesterday, in one of its best-ever performances away from home.

Mominul shared a 158run partnership with wicketkeeper Liton Das, who made 86, steering Bangladesh to 401-6 at stumps on the third day in reply to New Zealand’s first innings of 328.

Bangladesh has seldom been so commanding in New Zealand, where it has never won a match in any format, or anywhere outside the sub-continent.

It began the day 175-2 with Mahmudul Hasan Joy 70 not out after a 104-run partnership on the second day with Najmul Hossain Shanto (64). Joy was out early for 78 and Mominul and Liton Das then combined in a partnership which occupied the next 52 overs and saw the tourists attain a first-innings lead 20 minutes after tea.

Trent Boult dismissed both Mominul and Liton Das within four overs of each other in the final session to slightly diminish the tourists’ commanding possession. But the day belonged to Bangladesh and for the second day in a row they finished with the upper hand.

“The boys really got stuck in,” Bangladesh batting coach Ashwell Prince said. “We had a good day yesterday but we had to follow it up with another good day and the guys did exactly that.

“There will be two or three guys disappointed that they didn’t go on and get three figures. But all in all we had some good partnerships and it was a very good day.”

The partnership between Mominul and Liton Das was critical for Bangladesh who, despite their outstanding performance on

the second day when they claimed New Zealand’s last five wickets for 70 runs and lost only two wickets in two sessions, still had to consolidate their position.

They lost Joy quickly to a tired shot. He followed a ball from Neil Wagner wide of off stump and struck the ball directly to Henry Nicholls at backward point.

Had they lost another wicket quickly at that point, all of the hard work of the second day might have been lost.

But the captain and the wicketkeeper dug in and batted together for more than four hours to ensure Bangaladesh capitalised on the efforts of the bowlers and of Joy and Shanto.

It wasn’t always easy.

When he was 9, Mominul edged a ball from Neil Wagner to wicketkeeper Tim Blundell but was reprieved when television replays showed Wagner had overstepped. The South Africa-born fast bowler nursed a grievance for the rest of the day, during he failed to take another wicket, and engaged in a war of words with Mominul until his dismissal.

Mushfiqur Rahim came and went quickly, bowled

by Boult for 12 to leave Bangladesh 203. From then the day belonged to Mominul and Liton Das who were finally separated when Bangladesh was 361-5, already 33 ahead.

Mominul reached his 15th test half century from 147 balls and Das his 11th from 93 balls. His swifter scoring increased pressure on the New Zealand bowlers, who have bowled 156 overs.

Mominul finally was out, trapped lbw by Boult on 88 and Das followed, caught

by Blundell from Boult’s bowling not too far from stumps.

At stumps Yasir Ali was 11 not out and Mehidy Hasan 20. Wagner, New Zealand’s workhorse, had 3-98 from 38 overs and Boult had 3-61 from 30.

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SOUTH Africa’s bowler Duanne Olivier, 2nd from left, celebrates with teammates after dismissing India’s batsman Shardul Thakur for a duck, during the first day of the 2nd Test Cricket match at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

anyway for the birth of his first child but made a shock announcement at the end of the first test last week that he was retiring from test cricket at the age of 29.

GN 2653

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Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness: Public Relations Officer Country: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Supporting Institution: Inter-American Development Bank Programme: Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness Project Number: BH-L1045 Loan Number: LO-4549 / OC-BH Sector: Reform / Modernization of the State Sub-Sector: E-Government Deadline: 6 January, 2022 Post: Public Relations Officer Post Location: Nassau, Bahamas Reports to: The Programme Manager The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has received financing from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the consulting services of a Public Relations Officer. The consulting services (“the Services”) include assisting in the publicity initiatives of The Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness Project directed at mass audiences. The Public Relations Officer shall monitor and develop the corporate reputation of the Digital Transformation Unit, have editorial responsibility for the project executing unit’s website and all other related collateral. The contractual position is 12 months renewable annually based on satisfactory performance.

Main responsibilities include:

●

Contributing to the development of The Digital Transformation Unit’s public and stakeholder communication strategies and associated budgets with a focus on mass audiences Conceptualizing, planning, executing and evaluating The Digital Transformation Unit’s public relations initiatives (with a particular focus on audio-visual material) and events in conjunction with the parties involved and on the basis of researching, managing, and controlling all aspects including the production of any sub-contracted elements as appropriate Performing contract administration for the designated Public Relations Firm to ensure that they are performing against set performance criteria Monitoring and actively developing the corporate reputation of the Digital Transformation Unit and its attendant project (s) inclusive of building links with sectoral stakeholders Taking responsibility and advising the development for the various digital assets. This includes coordinating with the colleagues responsible for providing support services Acting as the main point of liaison and co-ordination with assigned Public Relations Firm and the Digital Transformation Unit and actively participate in the implementation of the various projects Performing crisis management on all matters related to the Digital Transformation Project Liaising with, and answering enquiries from media, individuals and other organizations, often via telephone and email Researching, writing and distributing press releases to targeted media Collating and analyzing media coverage Writing and editing in-house magazines, speeches, and articles Preparing and supervising the production of publicity brochures, handouts, direct mail leaflets, promotional videos, photographs, films and multimedia programs Devising and coordinating photo opportunities Organizing events including press conferences, exhibitions, town halls and press tours Developing written content on the organization’s website, and manage the design updates to the website.

Creating, maintaining, and managing the delivery of the relevant aspects the master project plan (and other project Z Yh ^d &KZ yWZ ^^/KE^ K& /Ed Z ^d management products (e.g. action logs, risk registers, monthly progress reports) for the assigned work stream Managing the development of creative deliverables

●

Performing other duties as required

● ●

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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The successful candidate should have the following ● ● ● ● ●

A minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism and English or Business would be considered an advantage Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in the public relations or media environment Minimum of three (3) years working knowledge of branding Specialized training in the field of media/TV/press, public relations, radio or print production/design would be considered an advantage Experience in the full management cycle of media/public relations projects, from strategic planning, concept to on-time and on-cost delivery would be considered an advantage

Competencies and Attributes ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Self-starter, ability to take the initiative and operate independently; Ability to work in a team setting with high sense of confidentiality, solidarity and flexibility; Ability to operate within a fast-moving environment and react appropriately to change; Excellent drafting and reporting skills, and the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner; Excellent oral and written English; ICT skills commensurate with the scope of the post including Microsoft packages; Excellent interpersonal skills to operate in a multicultural environment and to deal with challenging circumstances;

The Office of the Prime Minister now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the National Competitive Bidding Selection procedures set out in the IDB’s: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the IDB and it is open to all eligible bidders as defined in these policies. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the International Competitive Bidding Selection method set out in Selection and Contracting of Firms Policies. Only Short-Listed Individuals will be contacted.

Further information can be obtained by E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs. Submit all CVs and qualification documents must be submitted Re: Public Relations Officer to E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs on or before 5:00 pm on 6 January 2022.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, January 4, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

SPAIN, POLAND, ARGENTINA WIN 2ND STRAIGHT MATCHES AT ATP CUP SYDNEY (AP) — Spain, Poland and Argentina remained perfect at the ATP Cup with 3-0 wins in their matches yesterday, their second consecutive victories in the team event.

Robert Bautista Agut clinched the match for Spain by beating Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 7-6 (4) after Pablo Carreno Busta defeated Viktor Durasovic 6-3, 6-3.

Bautista Agut improved to 9-2 in singles at the team event.

“Casper is playing unbelievable tennis, (he did) an unbelievable performance last year, and today I played very good,” Bautista Agut said in his on-court interview.

“I returned very well, I made very few unforced errors and I played aggressively. “

Kamil Majchrzak gave Poland the early lead over Georgia with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Aleksandre Bakshi before Hubert Hurkacz clinched it with a 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-1 win over Aleksandre Metreveli.

“He (Metreveli) played well in the first set and things were not going my way. But I got better with each set and am happy to get the win,” Hurkacz said.

Argentina defeated Greece as Federtico Delbonis beat Michail Pervolorakis 7-6 (5), 6-1 and Diego Schwartzman came from behind for a 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The three sides then completed their victories by winning their doubles matches.

Poland and Argentina will play for a pot in the

GN 2654

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Junior Software Developer

Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness: Junior Software Developer Country: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Supporting Institution: Inter-American Development Bank Programme: Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness Project Number: BH-L1045 Loan Number: LO-4549 / OC-BH Sector: Reform / Modernization of the State Sub-Sector: E-Government Deadline: 6 January, 2022

semifinals when they meet in their final group game on Wednesday.

Majchrzak needed only 53 minutes to beat Bakshi.

“I was trying to move (Bakshi) around and I think that was the key to the match,” said Majchrzak, who is coached by former world seventh-ranked Joakim Nystrom.

“He brings me a lot of confidence and a lot of calm in my tennis so I can feel that I am improving,” Majchrzak said of Nystrom on the ATP Tour’s website.

“We are working on (developing an all-court game) but in a way that doesn’t interrupt my baseline game.

“We will take it from the practice to the matches but it takes time.”

Chile remained in contention for a semifinal place with a 2-1 victory over Serbia.

Filip Krajinov put Serbia in front by beating Alejandro Tabilo 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5) only for Chile to pull even when Dusan Lajovic retired in the third set of his match with Cristian Garin.

That set up the deciding doubles match where Tabilo and Tomas Barrios Vera beat Nikola Cacic and Matej Sabanov 6-4, 3-6, 10-7. “It was a great match with Krajinovic and I just needed to find the motivation again, once Cristian won his match,” Tabilo said after his doubles win.

The result left both teams with 1-1 records heading to Wednesday’s final group matches, where Chile takes on Norway and Serbia faces Spain.

The four group winners in the 16-team tournament advance to the semifinals on Friday and Saturday, with the winners meeting in the final on Sunday.

Post: Junior Software Developer Post Location: Nassau, Bahamas Reports to: The ICT Specialist The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the consulting services of three (3) Junior Software Developers. The consulting services (“the Services”) include participating in the development, testing and implementation activities while assisting in the design of software applications to meet both functional and technical requirements.

The contractual position is 12 months renewable annually based on satisfactory performance.

Main responsibilities include: Modifying, developing, writing and implementing software programming applications.

Analysing technical application requirements and meaningfully contribute to design reviews.

Assisting in the collection and documentation of user's requirements, development of user stories, and estimates.  Maintaining, documenting and supporting existing client websites and applications.  Resolving bugs and improving the performance of existing software.  Providing software installation and updates for various environments.  Ensuring and monitoring the systems security.  Enabling the sustainability of the systems by documenting, updating and using industry standards such as version control systems, security copies, code scans or vulnerability scans of the solutions.  Developing new features and functionalities.  Testing and debugging applications before production release.  Analysing and resolving technical and application problems.  Working on the development of internal tools.  Participating in the planning, designing, developing and deploying of new applications and enhancements to existing applications.  Developing, supporting and maintaining APIs.  Performing DB analysis, writing queries, views, stored procedures, triggers, etc.  Evaluating and suggesting industry standard tools and methods.  Collaborating on projectsZ Yh ^d &KZ yWZ ^^/KE^ K& /Ed Z ^d in an agile, team-driven environment.  Working with other team members to find innovative and efficient solutions.

Junior Software Developer  Communicating and collaborating with Support and Development teams.  Working with teammates in maintenance tasks and upgrades on existing systems.

● Providing support to senior developers and business users. ● Performing other duties as required   

The successful candidate should have the following            

Mandatory Passing of Software Development Test A minimum of an Associate’s Degree or equivalent in Computer Science or Technology At least two (2) years working experience with one or more of the following: PHP, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and HTML. At least two (2) years working experience with APIs in a Linux and/or cloud environment.

Strong problem solving and analytical thinking skills.

Solid testing and debugging skills.

The ability to multi-task in a data-intensive environment with accuracy.

Must possess the talent, drive and the ability to work independently Must be a quick and adaptable learner, with the ability to perform in team settings within a deadline-driven and a rapidly changing environment.

Strong organizational skills. Effectively prioritize work and manage time and projects.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Willingness to learn new languages/platforms as needed

Bonus Skills  At least two (2) years’ experience with Object Oriented Languages using REST services and databases.  Previous experience in Customer support.  Previous experience working on SaaS projects.  Exposure to web services development ● Any web development certifications such as AWS, MuleSoft, Oracle, Azure.

The Office of the Prime Minister now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the National Competitive Bidding Selection procedures set out in the IDB’s: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the IDB and it is open to all eligible bidders as defined in these policies. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the International Competitive Bidding Selection method set out in Selection and Contracting of Firms Policies. Only Short-Listed Individuals will be contacted.

Further information can be obtained by E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs. All CVs and qualification documents must be submitted Re: Junior Software Developer to E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs on or before 5:00 pm on 6 January 2021.

SERBIA’s Novak Djokovic after defeating Croatia’s Marin Cilic during their Davis Cup tennis semi-final match at Madrid Arena in Madrid, Spain, on December 3.

(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

No Novak yet but rest of tennis prepares for the Australian Open

By DENNIS PASSA AP Sports Writer WHILE the “will he or won’t he?” question remains for No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his participation in the Australian Open, the rest of the tennis world returns to work this week to prepare for the season’s first major beginning January 17 at Melbourne Park.

The men’s ATP Cup team event has been on since the weekend in Sydney, and there are three tuneup events being played this week in Melbourne as part of Tennis Australia’s “Summer Set” of tournaments — two WTA tournaments and one ATP. In Adelaide, there is a joint ATP and WTA tournament this week. Next week, both Adelaide and Sydney will hold joint ATPWTA tournaments.

Djokovic is still nowhere to be seen.

Australian Open chief executive Craig Tiley says there is “quite a bit to play out” before nine-time champion Djokovic shows up to play in Australia.

The top-ranked player has continually refused to reveal if he is vaccinated against COVID-19, a requirement to play in Melbourne. But there has been speculation Djokovic could apply for a medical exemption to play as he eyes a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam singles title. He is tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20.

Djokovic withdrew from Serbia’s ATP Cup team last week.

“We’ve still got a few charter flights coming in until the end of this week and then all the players will be here,” Tiley said.

“As far as the status relates to Novak, I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in the coming days otherwise it’s getting pretty late to show up and play the Australian Open. There’s quite a bit to play out and I think it will play out in the coming days.”

Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep will headline the WTA tournament in Melbourne this week while Nadal, recovering from COVID-19, is the top seed at the ATP event at Melbourne Park. Also in the ATP tournament is second-seeded Reilly Opelka,

Nick Kyrgios and Grigor Dimitrov.

In Adelaide, top-ranked and Wimbledon champion Ash Barty is the headliner, joined by Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Gael Monfils is the No. 1 seed at the Adelaide ATP tournament, while Karen Khachanov is seeded second.

At the Adelaide WTA event yesterday, thirdseeded Maria Sakkari beat Tamara Zidansek 6-2, 0-6, 6-4 in the opening round of the 32-draw tournament and Ajla Tomljanovic beat Heather Watson 6-4 7-6 (5).

Barty, who has a firstround bye, hasn’t played a tournament since losing in the third at the US Open in early September.

“In the next couple weeks I’ll have to be patient with myself, it has been awhile since I’ve played a competitive match,” Barty said yesterday.

“But I feel good. I feel ready. Now it’s just about going out there and enjoying it.”

US Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Melbourne tournament, having just come out of isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament when she won at Flushing Meadows in September, had pulled out of an Abu Dhabi tournament in late December after contracting the virus.

Two of the biggest names in tennis won’t be playing the Australian Open.

Federer is still recovering from right knee surgery.

Serena Williams’ Grand Slam title drought will officially reach five years after the 23-time major champion announced her withdrawal from the Australian Open last month due to an ongoing hamstring injury. It means she’ll miss another chance to tie Margaret Court’s all-time Grand Slam record.

Williams’ 23rd major singles title — and most recent — came at the Australian Open in 2017.

And for the first time since 1997, no Williams sister will be in action at Melbourne Park. Venus Williams, 41, hasn’t played since August because of a leg injury.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, PAGE 13

Baylor, Duke remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll with few changes

By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer BAYLOR is the clear choice for No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. And the voters seem to agree on the group of teams behind the Bears, too.

The reigning national champions kept their firm hold on the top spot yesterday, earning all 61 first-place votes for the third time in four weeks.

It also marked the second straight week that there were no new teams entering the rankings, with the poll representing another reshuffling of the same group, including an unchanged top seven.

The Bears haven’t done anything to shake voters’ confidence, either. They entered the week as the only team ranked in top five in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency rankings for offence (117.6 points scored per 100 possessions) and defence (87.5).

Baylor (13-0) has won 19 straight games going back to last year’s title run in the Indianapolis bubble. That has included double-digit margins of victory against current No. 10 Michigan State in the title game of the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas and against No. 19 Villanova.

The Bears won at No. 11 Iowa State on Saturday to open Big 12 play, tenuously holding at least a two-possession lead throughout the second half with a balanced attack, with six players scoring at least nine points.

“It shows we have a great rotation,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said afterward, adding: “Different people step up at different times, and you need that because not everybody has great shooting nights and great games.”

DUKE’S RECOVERY The No. 2 Blue Devils (11-1) remained in place for the fourth straight week behind the Bears.

They haven’t played since December 22 after having to postpone last week’s Atlantic Coast Conference games at Clemson and Notre Dame due to COVID-19 protocols.

Duke hosts Georgia Tech tonight. Coach Mike Krzyzewski sounded optimistic yesterday that the Blue Devils would play as scheduled, saying they were awaiting one test result but otherwise expected to have the entire team back together later in the day.

Krzyzewski said it “hit our programme extremely hard” while impacting both players and staff, though the retiring Hall of Famer said he hasn’t had the virus himself.

“It went through just about our whole team,” he said. “We’re not in the shape that we have been in before, so it’s going to take time to ramp up.”

THE TOP TIER Purdue, Gonzaga and UCLA rounded out the top five, followed by Kansas and USC in the unchanged top seven.

Arizona, Auburn and Michigan State rounded out the top 10, marking the Tigers’ first trip there this season.

RISING Nine teams moved up in the poll, with Providence making the week’s biggest jump of five spots to tie Kentucky at No. 16. No. 15 Alabama jumped four spots, while No. 14 Texas and Villanova each rose three spots.

SLIDING No. 24 Seton Hall took the biggest tumble, falling nine spots after Big East losses to Providence and Villanova. No. 21 LSU fell five spots, while No. 18

Tennessee slid four and No. 11 Iowa State fell three.

CONFERENCE WATCH The Big 12 and Southeastern conferences each had five ranked teams to lead the country, followed by the Big Ten and Big East with four each. The Pac-12 had three, then four leagues

Z Yh ^d &KZ yWZ ^^/KE^ K& /Ed Z ^d

Junior Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) Analyst

Post: Junior Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) Analyst Post Location: Nassau, Bahamas Reports to: The CIRT Analyst The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the consulting services of three (3) Junior Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) Analysts.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include assisting in protecting national and economic security, the ongoing operations of the Government, and the ability of critical infrastructures to continue to function. The contractual position is 12 months renewable annually based on satisfactory performance.

Main responsibilities include: ● ● ●

● ●

SOUTH Carolina remained the No. 1 team in The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll yesterday despite experiencing its first loss of the season last week.

The Gamecocks (13-1, 1-1 SEC) fell to Missouri 70-69 in overtime Thursday on a last-second shot. South Carolina, which rebounded with a victory on Sunday, still received 22 of the 30 first-place votes from a national media panel to stay the top choice in the poll.

Coach Dawn Staley’s squad has beat five top-10 teams this season, including the No. 2 team twice. Stanford remained in second place.

It isn’t the first time that a team lost and remained No. 1 in the poll. Back when Louisiana Tech was a powerhouse in the early 1980s, the Lady Techsters saw their 54-game winning streak snapped by Old Dominion. Louisiana Tech stayed No. 1 the next week.

Louisville, which received five first-place votes this week, was third and Arizona was fourth.

The Wildcats, who haven’t played since December 17 because of COVID-19 issues, got the other three first-place votes. North Carolina State followed Arizona.

Indiana moved up two spots to sixth after an overtime win over then-No. 6 Maryland. Tennessee, Michigan and Texas moved

ahead of the Terrapins, who fell to 10th.

Baylor saw its run of 137 consecutive weeks in the top 10 end, after the Bears lost to Kansas State on Sunday. That was the longest active streak after UConn’s ended a few weeks earlier. Baylor dropped to 14th in the poll. Louisville is now the active leader with 81 consecutive polls.

Missouri, bolstered by its victory over South Carolina, went from receiving no votes last week to just missing the AP Top 25.

While the Tigers fell short of making the poll, Oklahoma jumped in at No. 23.

The Sooners are ranked for the first time since 2017.

COVID-19 As of Sunday, more than 260 Division I women’s basketball game have been canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus since the season began.

A majority of those have come after mid-December.

STREAK BUSTERS It was a week that saw a few longtime streaks come to an end. Indiana’s win over Maryland was the Hoosiers’ first against the the Terrapins in 12 tries.

Baylor’s loss to Kansas State was its first in 18 years, ending a 36-game winning streak by the Bears.

GAME OF THE WEEK South Carolina at LSU, Thursday. The Gamecocks are looking up in the standings at new-look LSU with coach Kim Mulkey. The 13th-ranked Tigers (14-1) are 2-0 in the SEC so far this season.

Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness: Business Analyst Country: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Supporting Institution: Inter-American Development Bank Programme: Government Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness Project Number: BH-L1045 Loan Number: LO-4549 / OC-BH Sector: Reform / Modernization of the State Sub-Sector: E-Government Deadline: 6 January, 2022

● ●

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

●

South Carolina stays No. 1 in women’s AP Top 25 despite loss

IOWA State guard Tre Jackson fouls Baylor guard Adam Flagler during the second half on Saturday in Ames, Iowa. Baylor won 77-72.

(AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

GN 2655

●

SOUTH Carolina head coach Dawn Staley in action against Mississippi State on Sunday. South Carolina won 80-68.

(AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

— the ACC, West Coast, American Athletic and Mountain West — each had one.

STATUS QUO In all, 12 teams held their position from last week, including No. 12 Houston, No. 13 Ohio State, No. 20 Colorado State and No. 25 Texas Tech.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Reports to the CIRT Analyst.

Monitors security dashboards to view events and alerts of potential threats, intrusions and indicators of compromise.

Provides Tier I support by analysing network traffic and various logs to determine potentially malicious activity.

Proactively identify gaps and suggest possible improvements on procedures and configuration standards.

Assist with investigating cybersecurity-related incidents, forensic investigations, and incident response; collect, summarize, and chronologically document security event information.

Remediates and apply lessons learned to security incident investigation and resolution.

Support and maintain security technologies and test security solutions using industry-standard analysis criteria.

Documents security incidents in a tracking system.

Identifies and executes projects that improve intrusion detection and incident response capabilities to ensure that enterprise security risks are detected, communicated and managed.

Document and escalate unresolved security issues to the next level of support in accordance with the procedures and contractual Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Performs vulnerability assessments and health checks for Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).

Develop and deliver security awareness training to internal and external stakeholders Document, mitigate and correct security deficiencies identified during security assessments.

Works a flexible shift, which may include either working on a weekend, on a public holiday or at Z Yh ^d &KZ yWZ ^^/KE^ K& /Ed Z ^d night.

Computer Incident (CIRT) Analyst Lead cybersecurityJunior projects assigned byResponse the CIRTTeam Analyst Any other duties as assigned.

Performing other duties as required

The successful candidate should have the following ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/ICT/Engineering – Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer or any relevant area, from an accredited college/university.

Professional Certification in any related field such as CISA /Security +/ Network +/ CEH shall be added advantage.

Possess at least one (1) year of working experience in the Cybersecurity/Information Security/Information Technology Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills would be an asset.

Knowledge of cybersecurity and IT frameworks such as ITIL and COBIT, ISO 27001, CIS, NIST, CIS, CSF is preferred.

Excellent organizational and communications skills (written, listening and verbal).

Familiarity with intrusion detection and protection, log management, firewalls, and anti-virus systems.

Knowledge of a range of security concepts, protocols, and supporting security tools to analyse multiple data sources to identify indicators of compromise.

Knowledge of cyber-security threats, vulnerabilities, controls and remediation strategies in mobile devices and telecommunications infrastructure enterprise environment.

Knowledge of risk assessments and cryptographic technologies.

Demonstrates analytical and diagnostic skills.

Ability to document security events and analyse them clearly and concisely.

Self-starter who demonstrates initiative and is willing to assume responsibility.

Good interpersonal skills to interact with customers, team members, and support personnel.

Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, current cyber threats and vulnerabilities, attack methodology, and basic understanding of the cyber risk profile of The Bahamas Residence with the right to work in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is mandatory.

The Office of the Prime Minister now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the National Competitive Bidding Selection procedures set out in the IDB’s: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the IDB and it is open to all eligible bidders as defined in these policies. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the International Competitive Bidding Selection method set out in Selection and Contracting of Firms Policies. Only Short-Listed Individuals will be contacted.

Further information can be obtained by E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs. All CVs and qualification documents must be submitted Re: Junior CIRT Analyst to E-mail: DTUPROCUREMENT@bahamas.gov.bs on or before 5:00 pm on 6 January 2022.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, January 4, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

COACH CLARKE PLEASED WITH HIS FALCONS SENIOR BOYS AT ARBY’S CLASSIC

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH they didn’t have any major competition in the country over the past two years to test their skills, coach Kevin Clarke was still pleased with the way his Tabernacle Baptist Falcons senior boys’ basketball team played last week in the Arby’s Classic at the Viking Hall in Bristol, Tennessee.

The Falcons, one of the top teams in the country, returned home to Grand Bahama having lost the two games they played in their annual trip to the high school boys and girls tournament, known for its explosive talent, rich tradition and incredible memories.

But Clarke said if they had a little more exposure prior to going to the tournament, they would have been in a better position to continue on in the double elimination format in one of the premier tourneys in the USA December 27 to 31.

On Monday in their first game played on December 27, Tabernacle Baptist lost to Earl Hamilton Hurricanes 56-53 after turning the ball over 23 times,

TABERNACLE Baptist Academy’s Jadyn Pinder soars to the basket as Adam Minus looks on. compared to 16 by their opponents. The Falcons also won the battle on the boards with a 35-22 advantage.

Ashton Munsop led the way with a game high 19 points. Adam Minus paced the Falcons with 16 points, and 14 rebounds. Jadyn Pinder had 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals and Carlin Sands added 11 points with four rebounds and two assists.

The Falcons returned on Tuesday and lost another close encounter to the Twin Springs Titans 55-50. After

leading 14-11 at the end of the first quarter, the Falcons fell behind 28-23 at the half.

They turned things around in the third quarter to regain a slim 41-40 margin at the final break. But in the fourth quarter, the Titans used a 15-9 spurt to secure the win.

Again, the Falcons turned the ball over 18 times compared to 17 by the Titans.

And on the boards, they posted a 26-24 advantage to make it a keenly contested match-up.

Connor Lane and Bradley Owens provided a 1-2

TABERNACLE Baptist Academy’s Carlin Sands in action. punch for the Titans with 24 and 22 points respectively.

For the Falcons, Leano Rolle came up big with 15 points, seven steals, five rebounds and three assists.

Jarred Hall had nine points and Adam and Alex Minus both chipped in with eight points, “Both games basically went the same way for us,” Clarke said.

“In the first game, we ran out of gas, missed lay-ups and free throws down the stretch. We had a shot to win the game at the end of the game, but we fell short.

“And in the second game, we were up by about nine points in the second half, but the same thing happened. We just couldn’t close it out. With about 18 seconds left, they went up on a three-pointer from their best player. We had the ball with about four seconds left, but couldn‘t convert.”

Despite their early exit from the tournament, Clarke said they played against a number of nationally ranked teams with players who are heading off to some of the top

Providence Storm win Christmas Holiday Classic

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net AS the local sportsless 2021 year came to a close last week, the Providence Storm Basketball Club managed to get in their annual Providence Christmas Holiday Classic without any fanfare on their home court at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.

For good measure, Providence Storm got to avenge their only loss in the tournament for clubs with senior high school basketball players in New Providence by closing out the three-day event with a slim two-point victory over the International Basketball Academy (IBA) Black in Thursday’s championship game.

Carting off the most valuable player (MVP) award was James Delia of the Providence Storm.

The Island Dream clinched the consolation third-place prize.

Although he admitted that he had a very young team to work with, head coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson said he and his assistant coach Mark Hanna did a great job in keeping their players focused on the goal ahead of them – the championship title.

“They played well, but they have a lot to learn about the game and they have a lot to grow,” Johnson said. “They’re very young. We’re talking about guys 14 and 15, so they have a lot to learn, very talented, but they have to learn to play the game the right way.

“It’s a process, but I’m looking forward to coaching them for the next few years and hopefully we will have sports once this thing (COVID-19) clears up. The majority of my boys are vaccinated, so we are ready to go, I just have a few that need to be vaccinated, other than that, we’re ready to go.”

The Providence Storm had to regroup as they got over their jetlag from returning home from Las Vegas where they played in the Tarkanian Classic from December 15-21 where they finished with a 2-2 win-loss record.

Providence Storm lost their first two and came back and won their final two in the classic, now in its tenth year of existence.

A total of 110 boys and 238 girls teams entered the classic, held in memory of the late UNLV men’s basketball coach Jerry

MVP winner James Delia.

Tarkanian. He coached the Rebels from 1973-1992, leading them to four Final Fours and a national championship in 1990.

“We were a little jetlagged, but no excuse because we’re a young team,” he said. “We have to continue to get better and we will do that. Between Las Vegas and this tournament, it was good for us.

We need that.

“But we have to take care of ourselves because this new variant (Omicron) is rampant on the island, but other than that, everything went very well.”

Despite their loss, IBA head coach Denykco Bowles said his team performed really well.

“The team played hard and was really consistent,” said Bowles, who was assisted by Ricardo Pierre.

“We went undefeated until the championship, which we lost by two points (to Providence Storm).

“Overall, it was a good showing. My team showed maturity and definitely grew during the tournament and for this I was extremely proud of them.”

Serving as the tournament director, Johnson said they followed all of the safety and health protocols implemented by the Ministry of Health and Wellness by only allowing the players inside the gym for the games.

“All of the teams played hard and we completed the tournament without any hiccups. Hopefully next year, we won’t be in the same position. But if we do, we will continue to follow the health and safety protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”

PROVIDENCE Storm champions.

RUNNERS-UP IBA Black.

THIRD-place Island Dream.

• Results from the other games played in the tournament are as follows: Providence Storm def.

Timberwolves 48-34.

IBA Red def. Falcons 47-32.

IBA Black def. Island Dream 51-42.

Providence Storm def.

IBA Red 57-41.

IBA Black def. Timberwolves 57-41.

Island Dream def. Falcons 55-38.

IBA Black def. IBA Red 68-28.

Providence Storm def.

Falcons 59-44. IBA Red def. T-wolves 34-27.

IBA Black def. Falcons 40-32.

Providence Storm def.

Island Dream 52-50.

Falcons def. Timberwolves 52-42.

Island Dream def. IBA Red 52-46.

IBA Black def. Providence Storm 52-48.

Island Dream def. Timberwolves 49-27.

prestigious division one colleges and universities this year.

“Overall I was proud of the way my boys played,” Clarke said.

“Not being able to play for about two years and getting thrown into the fire in a tournament like that, I have to be pleased. I think if we have any type of basketball this year in the Bahamas, that will definitely help us playing against our local teams.”

Once they get the team back in place this year, Clarke said he will continue to work with his Falcons in a bid to get them ready for the possibility of playing in the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic.

And the Ministry of Education’s National High School Championships, if they are played this year.

Clarke said while he tips his hat off to his entire team for the manner in which they conducted themselves, he noted that tenth grader Leano Rolle got some interest from coaching scouts.

Rolle averaged about 15 points and five rebounds in the two games combined.

As a point of interest, Long Island Lutherans won the title over the Berkmar Patriots.

NFL

FROM PAGE 16 played last night at home against Cleveland, then visits Baltimore (8-8) and still could fall short.

Baltimore needs all sorts of help, but is mathematically alive and must break a five-game slide on Sunday against Pittsburgh.

The Ravens would get the nod if they finish at 9-8 with the Chargers and Colts because they swept the other teams. But if the Raiders are 9-8 along with Baltimore and Indy, Las Vegas goes for the same reason.

A Chargers loss eliminates them.

The league also switched two games from Sunday to Saturday. Kansas City, already the AFC West champion, will be at Denver, followed by Dallas at Philadelphia.

Neither of those games has the strong postseason implications of Chargers-Raiders.

The Chiefs (11-5) could get the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a victory but would need Tennessee (11-5) to lose at Houston.

Denver is out.

Dallas (11-5) has won the NFC East and Philadelphia (9-7) owns an NFC wild card.

The other games in Week 18 are AFC West champion Cincinnati (10-6) at Cleveland; NFC North winner and top seed Green Bay (13-3) at Detroit; Seattle at Arizona, which owns a wild-card berth at 11-5 and still could win the NFC West; New Orleans (8-8 and in the mix for an NFC wild card) at Atlanta; the New York Jets at AFC East leader Buffalo (10-6), who take the division with a victory; San Francisco (9-7 and also in contention for an NFC wild card) at NFC West leader Los Angeles Rams (12-4); New England (10-6), which still could win the AFC East with a victory at Miami and a Buffalo defeat; Carolina at NFC South winner Tampa Bay (12-4); Chicago at Minnesota; and Washington at the New York Giants.

There are more permutations that will make heads spin. For example: — A four-way or fiveway tie at 9-8 for wild cards is possible in the AFC. If the Dolphins and/ or Browns also get to that record, the Colts have the edge based on best conference record.

— While the Saints have the edge on the Niners for an NFC spot at 9-8 based on a better conference record, in a three-way tie with the Eagles, Philly is in with the best conference record and then New Orleans gets the other berth over San Francisco.

— Finally, there are scenarios involving ties that even some of the teams might not be sure of.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, PAGE 15

Grizzlies beat Nets 118-104, extend win streak to five games NEW YORK (AP) — Ja Morant scored 36 points and five Grizzlies scored in double figures as Memphis extended its winning streak to five games with a 118-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets last night.

Desmond Bane scored 29 points, Brandon Clarke added 16, and Jarrett Culver and Tyus Jones had 12 apiece.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 26 points on 8-for-24 shooting from the field, including 2 for 8 from 3-point range. James Harden added 19 points in 5-for-14 shooting. Nic Claxton added 11 points and Blake Griffin and Bruce Brown each finished with 10 points as Brooklyn lost its third straight.

Morant scored 18 points in the third period and had a spectacular tomahawk dunk that drew a gasp from the Barclay Center crowd of more than 17,000, which included NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, whose career is on hold after leaving the field and his Tampa Bay teammates in the Buccaneers’ win over the Jets on Sunday.

PISTONS 115, BUCKS 106 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Saddiq Bey scored a career-high 34 points and Detroit ended Milwaukee’s six-game winning streak.

Detroit owns the NBA’s worst record (7-28) but beat the reigning NBA champions and ended its recent futility in the series.

Milwaukee had won 12 consecutive regular-season matchups with the Pistons by an average margin of 16.7 points before Monday.

Josh Jackson scored 24

BOWLEG FROM PAGE 16

be organising a women’s team to participate in ICC (International Cricket Council) tournaments and also perform a women’s league.”

Additionally this year, Taylor Sr said they intend to do bilateral tournaments, starting with the Cayman Islands and Bermuda during the Easter weekend in April with competition for both the men and women.

“This year, we are looking to do a lot of cricket as we reach out to the international cricketers in the United States to come here or we can go there and play,” Taylor Sr said. “We’re trying to elevate cricket.

With the coach coming, we will be able to see some results in terms of our youth development.”

Sam Rodgers Sr, BBA president With construction still ongoing on the new baseball stadium, Rodgers Sr said a lot of their expectations for the new season will hinge on the completion of the facility, but they are just as concerned about COVID-19. “The first thing on our minds is whether the leagues will get the permission from the Ministry of Health and Wellness to start their season and that would depend on the pandemic,” Rodgers Sr said.

“We also want to see if the baseball complex would be completed to host the Caribbean Baseball Championships in July. We will try to attend two international baseball tournaments in 2022. If all goes well, we will have some local baseball clinics for some of the Family Islands and we will attend the Heritage Night for Jazz Chisholm in Miami in July.”

Algernon Cargill, BSA president Coming off what he called an exciting 2021 season, in which Grand Bahamian Joanna Evans led the way being crowned the Central American and Caribbean Female Swimmer of the Year after her performances at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 FINA Short Course World Championships, Cargill said they are eager to see what will unfold in 2022.

“2022 will shape up to be just as exciting. The highlight for 2022 will be the World Long Course

BROWN SCORES CAREER-HIGH 50 POINTS, CELTICS TOP MAGIC IN OT

points, Cade Cunningham had 19 and Trey Lyles added 11 as all three Pistons came back from health and safety protocols. Hamidou Diallo added 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Jrue Holiday scored 29. Bobby Portis had 12 points and 14 rebounds. Khris Middleton added 10 points.

BULLS 102, MAGIC 98 CHICAGO (AP) — DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points, Zach LaVine added 27 and Chicago beat Orlando for its eighth straight victory.

Nikola Vucevic had 13 points and 17 rebounds for the Bulls. Coby White came off the bench to score 17 points.

Franz Wagner led Orlando with 22 points.

Wendell Carter Jr finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic, who lost their sixth straight.

Orlando has three wins since November 17.

LaVine and DeRozan combined for 17 points in the third quarter, helping the Bulls hold off the Magic. Chicago last lost on December 11, 118-92 to Miami.

76ERS 133, ROCKETS 113 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, leading Philadelphia over Houston.

Furkan Korkmaz scored 24 points and Isaiah Joe had 18 points for the Sixers.

Garrison Mathews led the Rockets with 23 points.

The Rockets played without

MEMPHIS Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after making a three-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets last night in New York.

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger) guard Kevin Porter Jr and points and a season-high 14 of the season at three forward Christian Wood. rebounds. games.

They were suspended one Beal again started at Nikola Jokic had 27 game for bad behaviour. point guard as four others points and 16 rebounds to Both had meltdowns in a were in the NBA’s health lead the Nuggets, who had a loss Saturday to Denver. and safety protocols. He three-game winning streak WIZARDS 124, had eight assists and seven snapped.

HORNETS 121 rebounds.

JAZZ 115, WASHINGTON (AP) MAVERICKS 103, PELICANS 104 — Kyle Kuzma had a seaNUGGETS 89 NEW ORLEANS son-high 36 points and 14 DALLAS (AP) — Luka (AP) — Donovan Mitchrebounds and Bradley Beal Doncic had 21 points and ell scored 29 points, Bojan scored 35 points in Wash- matched a season high with Bogdanovic added 21, and ington’s win over Charlotte. 15 assists in Dallas’ win Utah extended its road winCharlotte (19-19), which over Denver. ning streak to nine games lost to Phoenix by a seasonDwight Powell and by beating New Orleans. high 34 points on Sunday, Reggie Bullock added Rudy Gobert had 10 was led by Gordon Hay- 15 points each for the points and 18 rebounds ward’s 27 points. Terry Mavericks, who swept a for the Jazz, who led by as Rozier scored 25 points back-to-back and matched many as 15 points in the and Miles Bridges added 23 their longest winning streak fourth quarter as Utah won

for the seventh time in eight games.

Jonas Valanciunas had 25 points and nine assists, and Josh Hart added 15 points and nine assists for New Orleans, which dropped its second straight and lost for the third time in four games. Nickeil AlexanderWalker added 13 points in a reserve role. Brandon Ingram missed 15 of 18 shots and finished with 10 points in his return from a two-game absence caused by a sore left Achilles tendon.

Championships in Japan and Joanna will be the flag bearer for the Bahamas.

She aims to specialise in three events – the 200, 400 and 800 metres freestyles and her goals are to final in all three events,” Cargill said,.

“Unfortunately, except for Arianna VanderpoolWallace’s bronze medal in the 2010 Dubai Short Course Championships, the Bahamas has not won a medal at the World Championships, but Joanna is determined to excel.”

One of the projects Bahamas Aquatics will be working on trying to secure is a male relay team for the World Long Course Championships in Japan where the top 12 teams automatically earn a spot at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

“We had a mixed relay team at the World Short Course Championships and they did very well, finishing 12th in the world,” Cargill said. “We understand that this same team will be seeking to compete at the World Long Course Championships. “So in terms of other spectacular meets, we have CARIFTA returning with Barbados again trying to host the championships, which was postponed for two consecutive years because of COVID-19.

Hopefully this year, we will have a very successful CARIFTA.” The Bahamas, of course, is the only country to have won the title in three consecutive years in swimming and water polo before the games were postponed over the past two years.

And although they have lost swimmers like Devante Carey and Lamar Taylor, Cargill said they hope to replace them with competitors such as Nigel Forbes and Marvin Johnson.

Bahamas Aquatics is also looking at the possibility of hosting the CCCAN at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Club, which would enable the Bahamas Government through the National Sports Authority to improve their facilities.

While all of that is going on, Cargill continues to serve his second four-year term on the FINA Bureau, the highest executive level in the sport. Cargill said it bodes well for the exceptional leadership in the country and the confidence in his peers in the region for allowing him to serve them.

Looking ahead to next year, Cargill said the Pan American Games in 2023 will be held just one week before the World Championships. But he said it’s important for the swimmers to compete in the regional meet, just as it is for the world stage.

Ted Miller, BSF president With the recent reduction in the COVID-19 cases, Miller said all of their member associations were looking forward to playing some softball in 2022 until they heard about the rapid increases at the end of 2021.

“The softball season starts in late February or early March and some don’t start until May and with all of the safety protocols in place, Miller said they hope that things will return to some sort of normalcy so that they can hear “play ball” again.

The federation, however, is mandated to hold its election of officers at their annual general meeting before the middle of March and while a date has not been set as yet, Miller said he doesn’t have any plans to be re-elected.

“I’m hoping that some enthusiastic persons will be willing to take it up,” he said. “I am willing to stick around and help whoever wins in whatever capacity, but I don’t intend to run again.”

With the Bahamas Games on the horizon, Miller said the associations are gearing up for their participation in that as well as the National Round Robin Championships, but all of that will be dealt with by the new administration.

There is also an invite for the Bahamas to participate in the Canada Cup, but that too is up in the air.

Everything he said will be based on how things pan out with COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Eugene Horton, BBF president In stepping up to take over from Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg as the new president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, Horton said he and his executives have a meeting planned for next week to finalise their plans for 2022.

But in outlining some of their expectations for the new year, Horton said their first priority will be “to have

“The athletes are looking forward to competing and we are hopeful that we will have results similar to that of our Under-12 girls team that qualified for the finals after finishing 2nd in their qualifying event in 2021.”

Newton noted that there are many opportunities for growth as they plan to host several coaching courses throughout the year both here on Nassau and in Grand Bahama. The key will be growth through development.

He also noted that this year’s annual general meeting is scheduled for January 29.

So the first quarter of 2022 will be very important for the association as we have significant financial obligations in preparing four teams to travel with an estimated cost of about $17,000, as well as our other fiscal responsibilities due in January rounding their 2022 first quarter cost to an estimated $25,000-30,000.

“The BLTA’s number one priority is safety, and this is spread across all of the islands, Grand Bahama Tennis Association, Eleuthera Tennis Association, and the Abaco Tennis Association,” Newton said.

“This isn’t a tennis issue as all sports, and all aspects of our society have been impacted by COVID-19 so we understand the importance of preaching protocols and endorsing vaccination.

Notwithstanding COVID19, it is important for sports and tennis to continue to move forward and be able to host tournaments, athletes have the ability to train, and training seminars be held.”

Further, Newton said the association is also planning to return our ITF International Junior Tournaments, Junkanoo Bowl, and Goombay Splash Tournaments, as well our COTECC U14 International Tournaments.

“We will be expanding our Play Tennis Programme into the communities, this allows us to reach those children who are not able to make it to the programme at the National Tennis Centre,” Newton said.

“This also fills a request by the Minister of Sports who would like to see more tennis within communities.

It is a good formula because being in the community makes the transition into the school system a little easier.”

a safe start to basketball in the country and ensure that all protocols are being followed.”

He also noted that the federation is looking to partner with corporate Bahamas to secure funding for their events as well as to stage a potential “Coaches Retreat” as they work with the New Providence Basketball Association and the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association in organising basketball in New Providence before they switch their attention to the Family Islands.

“We also want to organise youth development (miniprogammes), identifying programmes, activities, tournaments and placing on a centralised calendar.”

The federation, according to Horton, also has some major events on their agenda, including the second window of the FIBA Men’s World Cup 2023 Qualifiers in February, the second window of the Under-16 tournament in April, the national 3-on-3 basketball tournament with August 31 as the target date for the championships in all divisions as well as the Bahamas Championships during the Heroes holiday weekend in October.

Drumeco Archer, BAAA president With this month being the start of its 2022 calendar year, Archer said the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is still optimistic that they can enjoy a competitive and successful season.

“The Odd Distance Meet is still tentative for January 8. We have not gotten any cancellation, although a discussion with the Commissioner of Police and the Ministry of Health is in order coming off the Christmas break,” Archer said.

“But I’m looking forward to a very, very exciting junior programme. We’ve had an off season that has prepared the athlete sufficiently well to tackle yet another season,” he said.

“There are athletes who have missed two material years of competition for the most part, where we didn’t have any national high school track and field championships and BAISS and the GSSSA were both cancelled.”

Once their programme can get back on track, Archer said the BAAA should have another banner

MINISTER BOWLEG year at the junior level with the throwers and sprinters expected to lead the charge for the country in the much anticipated return of the CARIFTA Games over the Easter holiday weekend in Jamaica.

“Jamaica has always been the flagship of the CARIFTA Games with the Bahamas being in its perennial second place and we’re going to be in Jamaica,” he said. “So I believe that is going to be an exciting time as the Bahamas shows that it can pack a punch equal to the proportion of Jamaica.”

With the World Championships scheduled for June in Eugene, Oregon, Archer said he anticipates that reigning Olympic 400m gold medallists Shaunae MillerUibo and Steven Gardiner will emerge once again as the cream of the crop in the new stadium. ”Our senior programme continues to show signs of hope in our hurdles with Devynne (Charlton) and the long and triple jump with Tamara (Myers), Kaiwan (Culmer) and LaQuan (Nairn), so I’m expecting some really exciting performances from the Bahamian athletes.”

In addition to the prestigious World Championships, Archer said there’s the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England in August for their athletes to participate in. He commended the government for their support rendered so far and looks forward to the future once everyone is safe and healthy.

Perry Newton, BLTA president Notwithstanding the resurgence of COVID-19, Newton said they are optimistic that the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association will continue to experience growth similar to that witnessed in 2021.

“This year we are planning on fielding boys and girls teams for both the World Juniors tennis competition as well as Jr Davis Cup and Jr Billie Jean King Cup teams,” Newton said.

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored a career-high 50 points, rallying the Boston Celtics from 14 points down late in the fourth quarter in a 116-111 overtime victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night.

Brown scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, then opened OT with his fifth 3-pointer. Brown, whose previous career high was 46 against the Knicks on October 20, also had 11 rebounds as the Celtics avoided losing for the fourth time in five games. He was 19 of 29 from the field.

Marcus Smart added 17 points, seven assists and seven rebounds for the Celtics, who needed an 11-2 run down the stretch to force overtime. Dennis Schroder had 21 points and seven assists.

Terrence Ross scored 33 points for the Magic.

SPORTS PAGE 16

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022

NBA, Page 15

Minister cautions local sporting federations to wait for all-clear

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

lthough most people are eager to resume the full level of competition in the country, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg cautioned the local associations and federations to wait until the all-clearance is given by the Ministry of Health Wellness.

On March 12, 2020, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture had to shut

down the first day of competition in the National High School Track and Field Championships at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Subsequently, all sporting bodies had to cease their activities and now two years later, a lot of sporting bodies are still on hold, but many are optimistic that they will get the chance to resume competition this year.

As the various sporting bodies look forward to

2022, Bowleg proclaimed that Omicron, the fourth wave of COVID-19, has left a dark cloud over local sports, but there’s still a silver lining at the end of the tunnel.

“My expectations is that based on this Omicron virus, if it’s under control, we will commence sporting activities in all of the various disciplines,” he said.

“If we can get it under control and the protocols that are in place by the Ministry of Health are adhered to, then I could see us getting back

to keen competition in all disciplines.

“But at the same time, we have to watch this latest variant because we know that the health of the nation is uttermost important.

So we have to watch this fourth wave and see how it is operating before we can say when we will start.”

The disappointing news, according to Bowleg, is sporting bodies may have to push back their projected starting dates until the Ministry of Health is clear on the way forward for sports in the country.

• Here’s a look at how some of our national sporting leaders are approaching 2022: Greg Taylor Sr, BCA president After watching the men’s national team return to international competition last year, Taylor Sr said the BCA will be looking forward to building on what they started in November by participating in the ICC’s World T-20 Qualifier in Antigua as they resume international travel for the first time in more than 18 months.

‘Buddy’ scores 26, Kings cool down Heat

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield concluded 2021 in a bit of a shooting slump but had a resurgent performance to lead his Sacramento Kings to win in his first game of 2022.

Hield had a game high 26 points for the Kings in their 115-113 win over the Miami Heat, January 2 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

He went 9-18 from the field and made 7-14 from three-point range. The Kings have won three of their last four games and improved to 16-22 on the season, ranked No.10 in the Western Conference standings.

Hield scored in single digits in three of the last four games and shot 50 percent in just one appearance.

On December 26 he was 0-3 from the field and scored just two points in a 127-102 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

After a 21-point outing in a 117-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hield scored just 11 points, shot a combined 4-12 from the field and 2-8 from three-point range in the Kings’ back-toback against the Dallas Mavericks last week. In a December 29 win, Hield scored just three points on 1-5 shooting and followed with eight points on 3-7 shooting in a 112-96 loss.

“Teams play me differently and I just have to

HEAT centre Omer Yurtseven (77) and guard Tyler Herro guard Kings guard Chavano Hield on Sunday. The Kings won 115-113.

(AP Photo/Randall Benton)

“For 2022, we’re looking to start our cricket league in February, that is if the Omicron subsides,” Taylor Sr said.

“We’re also bringing in an international coach, Corey Edwards, to deal with our youth programme.

He will replace coach Andy Moles, who returned to South Africa. “He will come here to deal with our after-school programme by doing cricket in the neighbourhood with the young boys and girls and we will

SEE PAGE 15

NFL FINALE IS SHOWDOWN FOR THE PLAYOFFS: CHARGERS AT RAIDERS

By JOSH DUBOW and BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writers

learn how to take advantage of it,” he said. “I was able to get a few good ones early, and find a rhythm quickly. Last couple games I haven’t really been able to get really good looks because teams have been keying in and locking on me. On nights like that I have to find my teammates, set a lot of back screens and just play basketball with rhythm.”

In Sunday’s win over the Heat, Hield also added six rebounds and three assists.

“Teams know what I can do so my job as a

basketball player is to use the gravity I attract to get my teammates better shots.

“If my shots come they come, if they don’t they don’t I just have to stay ready, stay locked in, trust my work and work my tail off each and everyday,” Hield said.

“It’s always frustrating as a shooter when you can’t get the looks you want to get, but you have to be selfless and use your ability to get other teammates open.

“For me I have to get in more actions, get more easy twos, just doing things

that I know I’m capable of doing.”

The Kings were just 5-11 in November and 7-8 in December, including a stretch where they lost seven of nine games.

“Last year is behind us and I have to come with an aggressive approach to each game,” Hield said.

“It’s been mixed. We win two games then we lose two games, I just think we have to be more consistent. If we just lock into our third quarters, once we can control the third quarter and stay in the game I think we

stand a much better chance to win games. I think we put ourselves into such a deep hole in the third that we can’t make up ground in the fourth. We are a good team. I just think the third quarter has been our Achilles’ heel.”

In 38 games, with six starts, Hield is averaging 15.5 points per game but shooting just 39 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range. His field goal and three-point percentages are the lowest in his career since his rookie season.

THE NFL’s schedule changes for Week 18 will feature exactly what the league wanted: a Sunday night showdown for a playoff berth.

To finish off the NFL’s first 17-game season, the Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders game was flexed from daytime to primetime. Both AFC West rivals are 9-7 and the winner will advance to the postseason.

“Each week has a life of its own in the NFL. It’s having a life of its own since the beginning, and that’s the way we need to treat things around here,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “And the more, the longer that we’re here, the more people will realise that every week is going to feel like this coming week.”

Also in the mix for the final wild-card slot in the AFC — New England owns one of them — are the Colts, the Steelers and the Ravens. If Indianapolis wins next Sunday at Jacksonville, it’s in. Pittsburgh (7-7-1) must win out; it

SEE PAGE 14

BASTIAN RECORDS 4TH DOUBLE DOUBLE OF SEASON

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN student athletes at various levels of NCAA basketball opened their conference schedules following a series of COVID-19 related postponements.

Garvin Clarke had his second best scoring total, while Lathaniel Bastian recorded his fourth double double of the season.

In Division I, Clarke and the Akron Zips returned to the floor for the first time in just over two weeks and the Zips won their Mid-American Conference opener, 88-76, over the Buffalo Bulls.

Clarke finished with eight points, all of which came during a timely first half run that kept Akron in contention when the Bulls threatened to pull away.

The Zips improved to 8-3 on the season. Akron struggled offensively early on

LATHANIEL BASTIAN

GARVIN CLARKE

and went over 4:00 without a field goal made midway through the first half as Buffalo built a 25-13 lead.

Clarke responded with eight points on an 11-2 run.

Akron returns to play today when they face MAC rival Ohio at 6pm, broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.

The Zips had three games postponed last week in what was expected to be their true opening of conference play. The Zips were expected to host Radford on December 20, were set to travel for the MAC opener at Bowling Green on December 29 and were

expected to host their first MAC game scheduled on New Year’s Day against Northern Illinois.

The MAC will attempt to reschedule all games for a date to be determined.

Clarke is averaging 3.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 11 appearances off the bench. He scored a career high 12 points in a November 18 win over Wheeling.

Bastian continues to be a dominant force for the Angelo State Rams in Division II. The Rams lost their Lone Star Conference opener but Busatian posted 16

points and a career high 16 rebounds off the bench in a 96-80 loss to St Edward’s on December 31. With the loss, the Rams move to 9-3 overall, 0-1 in conference play while the Hilltoppers move to 8-4, 1-0 LSC. It was the Rams’ second loss to St Edwards this season.

Bastian is averaging 12.3 points and a team-leading 7.9 rebounds per game this season. He finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds in a 110-55 win over Dallas Christian, 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 77-75 loss to the Texas A and M-Kingsville Javelinas, 16 points and 11 rebounds in the November 12 loss to St Edward’s and a career high 22 points in a win over Texas A and M- International.

With Sunday’s game against St Mary’s postponed, the Rams are set to play again next week as they take on UT Permian Basin in a non-conference game scheduled for Thursday, January 6.