Daily Archives: January 25, 2021

After a year defined by calls for change in policing, will the Legislature take action? – The Topeka Capital-Journal

Posted: January 25, 2021 at 4:25 am

As cries of "no justice, no peace" and "Black lives matter" once again rang out in streets across the country this summer, policymakers were faced with the most intense calls yet to increase racial equity in policing.

Kansas was not immune to those discussions in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis, Minn., police. Protests followed in Topeka, Wichita and scores of other communities, as residents again sought changesin their backyards and across the state.

Whether state legislators will consider advancing aggressive reforms favored by those activists, however, remains unclear. And some changes, like alterations to how police departments are funded, can only be pursued at the local level.

But there are things that could be done statewide if lawmakers so choose.

A panel formed by Gov. Laura Kelly in the wake of Floyd's death published recommendations late last year for changes that could be taken, both by state agencies and by legislators.

Some of those reforms, such as a ban on no-knock warrants, might be a bridge too far for the Republican-controlled Legislature. Others may be workable but could get lost in a hectic session that is at perpetual risk of being affected by COVID-19.

But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle appear open to a discussion on the issues.

"I just want to ensure that we hold every aspect of society to a standard of equity and civility," said Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City, Kan. "There should be an opportunity to employ better policing and those tactics that are less likely to result in harm."

Perhaps the most significant of the recommendations from Kelly'sCommission on Racial Equity and Justice was curbing the use of no-knock warrants, which are warrants issued that do not need to be served with any sort of warning for residents inside.

Many local governments barthe use of no-knock raids already. Topeka Police Department, for instance, has not used no-knock warrants for "many years," according to Chief Bill Cochran and Topeka City Council passed a measure putting that ban into city law over the summer.

But the practice has gained renewed scrutiny after Louisville resident Breonna Taylor was killed by police executing a no-knock warrant in March. Scores of municipalities began considering an end to the practice, although many law enforcement agencies defend it as necessary in cases involving potentially dangerous individuals.

Activists counter that they can be used with deadly force against people of color, such as in Taylor's death. Haley said he planned to formally introduce legislation to ban the practice in the coming weeks.

"We need to re-evaluate what is legal and underscore what is illegal before any police officer puts on a uniform and wears a badge," Haley said.

Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, a member of the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission, said he was surprised to learnthe discretion available to law enforcement in determining if a no-knock warrant was necessary.

He said he was hesitant to remove a tool from the toolbox of law enforcement but was open to revisiting the practice more broadly.

"Adding some oversight? I think there is room for that conversation," he said.

Other states have begun looking at ways to better share personnel records forofficers, reducing the odds that someone with a record of using force or other infractions can slip through the cracks and gain employment in another agency.

This is less of an issue in Kansas than in other states. A 2019 law requires that prospective officers applying for a job must sign a waiver allowing records from their prior employment to be shared between agencies.

But the Commission on RacialEquity and Justice's recommendations encourage barring fired officers from being re-hired elsewhere. The proposals also suggest requiring review of those personnel files, as well as making the process easier and more transparent.

Currently, theKansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training investigates officer misconduct, which generally involves cases of officers themselves breaking the law for everything from drug dealing to arson.

The number of cases investigated by CPOST has increased in recent years thanks to funding increases but still is a small minority of all law enforcement personnel in the state. Their reports are available to hiring agencies who seek them out.

But Rep. J. Russell Jennings, R-Lakin, said there could be some merit to the idea of expanding that database to include reports from individual agencies, whether they are state or local, to give hiring personnel a fuller idea of a prospective employee's background.

"I think that is a fair conversation to have," said Jennings, who chairs the House Corrections Committee.

Owens agreed, noting that it could be a tool for giving police chiefs and sheriffs the ability to make the right hiring decisions.

"There is room to look at making sure that our chiefs and our sheriffs have the information they need and access to it to make sure they are making good hiring decisions," he said.

Another practice that gained scrutiny over the summer was the use of chokeholds and neck restraints by law enforcement, even by law enforcement agencies that had supposedly banned them as being too dangerous.

Some activists pushed more departments to ban neck restraints, citing them as low-hanging fruit that could prompt immediate change.

Others pushed for larger-scale reforms, pointing out thatFloyd's death occurred after an officer kneeled on his neck, despite the fact that the Minneapolis Police Department had banned the practice for many years.

Haley said he is still looking at introducing legislation banning chokeholds statewide. That would mean more departments would join law enforcement agencies in Topeka, Wichita and Hutchinson in either banning or sharply limiting the practice.

One area that could create a bipartisan consensus is expanding training for law enforcement agencies on racial bias and when to use deadly force. That could be supplemented by creating better standards for ongoing training curriculum.

Jennings noted that some of this does not even require legislation. The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, he said, could unilaterally elect to change or heighten training standards on its own.

The Commission on Racial Equity and Justice also noted that CPOST, the entity which certifies officers, could also work with the Attorney General's Office to incorporate racial bias into the certification process.

But there are areas that would require legislative action. Officers could be required to completeKLETC training before being allowed to carry a firearm in the line of duty, and other professional development requirements could be expanded, as well.

Law enforcement agencies themselves have not weighed in on this change, although Owens said he believes they would be open to more training in an effort to ensure they can carry out their duties in as effective a manner as possible.

"No matter what profession you are in, but especially law enforcement, you want to be better at your jobs, we want to be better at what we are doing," he said. "More training, more opportunity to learn ... will certainly be very beneficial and I don't think there is opposition to doing that from within law enforcement."

That could focus on interacting with an individual in a mental health crisis.

"How do you engage in de-escalation in situations with any number of folks?" Jennings said. "Whether that is race issues, is it potentially a mental health issue. How do you deal with someone experiencing some sort of a psychotic breakdown ... the response to people in crisis is not a cookie-cutter kind of thing. And I think our officers need to be well-trained in a variety of methodologies for effective interventions and de-escalations short of having to get to a point of use-of-force."

Some have criticized more training as a Band-Aid thatdoes not substantively change the broader law enforcement system. Haley said he understands that point but still feels it is a discussion worth having.

"I certainly want to see training as a part of it and the expectation that the training is heavy on response or procedure, how to respond to unfolding events in the pursuit, questioning and apprehension of any individual," he said.

The Commission onRacial Equity and Justice report included a host of other recommendations, ranging from limiting qualified immunity, allowing officers to be subject to civil lawsuitsfor their actions,to developing better ways of responding to calls involving an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.

But whether any of these will actually gain traction in the Legislature remains unclear.

In a session where members are keenly aware that a rash of COVID-19 cases could send them home at any moment, legislators acknowledge worthy issues might not get the attention they deserve.

"If there is some sense of urgency, we absolutely will try to get to them," Jennings said. "But it is like an alternate universe in here right now."

He noted that there are a host of recommendations from the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight thatare broadly agreed to but did not advance in 2020 due to the pandemic. Moving those first will be a priority, he said.

But Owens said there was still room for the issue to come to the forefront.

"The conversations are there," he said. "It certainly isn't going to be at the bottom of the barrel."

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After a year defined by calls for change in policing, will the Legislature take action? - The Topeka Capital-Journal

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Former Brexit Party MEP dies in diving accident near Bahamas home – LBC

Posted: at 4:24 am

24 January 2021, 20:51

A former Brexit Party MEP and father-of-four has died in a diving accident near his home in the Bahamas.

Robert Rowland, 54, represented the South East of England at the European Parliament from July 2019 until December 2020.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force said it was "conducting inquires" after "received reports of a drowning incident" on Saturday.

Nigel Farage announced the death of the father-of-four, who was born in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, on the website of the Reform Party, the new name for the Brexit Party.

He said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Robert Rowland, after a diving accident near his home in the Bahamas.

"Following a successful career in the City, Robert was an enthusiastic Brexit Party MEP and larger than life character. He leaves a wife, Lisa Marie, and four children.

"On behalf of myself, and all those who were involved with the Brexit Party, I extend our sincerest condolences to his family."

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Former Brexit Party MEP dies in diving accident near Bahamas home - LBC

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Bahamas Announce New Series Live To Tape, Set To Feature Appearances From The 400 Unit, Lucious, Secret Sisters And More – mxdwn.com

Posted: at 4:24 am

Sara Thompson January 24th, 2021 - 10:16 PM

A new online series entitled Live To Tape has been announced by indie-folk artist Bahamas. The online episodes can be found on the Bahamas YouTube channel, and they feature Bahamas performing remotely with a stellar assembly of musicians and artists. The lineup includes the likes of Lucius, The Secret Sisters, Gus Seyfort (Beck, Adele), and Bob Glaub (Jackson Browne, Rod Stewart).

The first episode has Bahamas playing with esteemed group The 400 Unit and was released on January 16, though the artists work together appeared as a three-song set which aired on CBS Saturday Morning last December. Others to appear on the series are Wylie Gelber, Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes, The Teskey Brothers, Joey Waronker, Russ Kunkle, Russ Pahl, Dave Roe and Gene Chrisman.

Lucius is also set to perform as part of the series, and Bahamas new project is not the only series in which the artist will appear. Forevergreen: A Vermont Adventure In Music included Lucius in the last episode of 2020.

The 400 Unit is the band of Jason Isbell, touring as Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, and has had a productive few months with their October performance in Tennessee before their set at a drive-in concert in Alpharetta, Georgia. The group is also set to perform at the in person festival Moon Crush in the spring of this year.

Bahamas has just finished an excellent year with the release of their widely embraced album Sad Hunk, their first album since the release of Earth Tones in 2018.

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Hailey Baldwin says everythings better in the Bahamas as she poses in tiny bikini – Fox News

Posted: at 4:24 am

Hailey Baldwinis keeping it casual with her latest bikini look.

The 24-year-old model took to Instagram on Friday to share several black-and-whitepictures of herself posing in a tiny two-piece.

She paired her look with Chanel loafers and sunglasses, while her hair was wrapped in a towel.

"Everythings better in the Bahamas @490tx," she captioned the snapshots, which appear to be from a past shoot.

HAILEY BALDWIN POSES IN TINY BIKINI AS SHE ENJOYS A 'COZY WEEKEND'

Hailey Baldwin took to Instagram on Friday to share several black-and-whitepictures of herself posing in a tiny two-piece.
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

In a separate post, Bieber is seen rocking a white top along with a matching oversized button-down, a black bucket hatand the same designer loafers. However thistime she added a pair of white socks featuring a heart-printed design.

Baldwin captioned the smiling photo with a simple red heart emoji.

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Earlier this month, Baldwin and her husband Justin Bieber took a trip to Hawaii, sharing pictures of their getaway to social media.

"Heart = full," Baldwin captioned the photos at the time, which featured a picture of the couple in nature, a selfie of Baldwin as well a snapshot of her in the ocean.

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Bieber, 26, and Baldwin briefly began dating in 2015 before splitting shortly after. They reconciledin 2018 andhave since married.

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Bert Bell, a Legend and Pillar of Bahamas Swimming, Has Died – SwimSwam

Posted: at 4:24 am

Hall of Fame swim coachAlbert Bert Bell has died. He was 75 years old.

Bell, the head coach of the Freeport Aquatics Club Sharks, was a central figure in swimming in the Bahamas. Among the Olympians that he coached includeAllan Murray,Alana Dillette,Joanna Evans, Elvis Burrows, andGarvin Ferguson.

Ferguson briefly held the Olympic Record in the mens 50 meter freestyle. His 24.25 from heat 1, lane 1 at the 1988 Olympic Games, which was the first Olympics where the 50 was held, stood for 3 heats, when Canadas Mark Andrews broke it with a 23.64.

Bell represented the country at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympic Games. In 1996, he became the first-ever Bahamian swimmer to reach an Olympic final. He placed 12th overall, tied with Gustavo Borges, in teh B final at that meet.

The more contemporary names on that list, Dillette, Evans, and Burrows, combine to hold 15 Bahamian National Records in long course alone, including relay records.

Evans was the highest finisher among that group, placing 13th in the womens 400 free at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Burrows, who swam collegiate at the University of Kentucky, trained under Bell from the age of 5 through high school, and when he was home during the summer thereafter.

Pretty much 100% of Grand Bahamas Olympians all swam for Mr. Bell at one point, Burrows said of Bells impact. He has a very high percentage of world-class swimmers that have come through the program, and that kind of discipline he instilled in us allowed us to reach these heights.

Shortly before his death, Bell announced his retirement from swimming coaching, and the local swimming community began a campaign to start a fund for Bell into his retirement and to name something bigger than sports after him. The director of the YMCA where Bell coached proposed naming a highway after him.

Dillette, as part of that presentation, talked about what Bell did for her not just as an athlete, but as a person.

He caught me commitment, discipline, he taught me grit. He taught me all of the things as an athlete, obviously, they do make you a well-rounded athletes, but a well-rounded person. Ive managed to use those qualities now, even today in my life in my life in the role that I have as a professor.

I know that Mr. Bell had that impact on so many people, beyond me. Its not just about me or the other Olympians or other swimmers that he coached. He was an educator, he was a leader, he was a friend, a coach within our community.

Bell is a member of the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame, recognized not just for his work in swimming, but also as a coach and administrator in cycling, triathlon, rugby, and even rugby. Besides the FAC, he worked as a teacher and coach at Eight Mile Rock High School for over 25 years, beginning in the 1970s when he relocated there from London.

Bell died in his home on January 16 after complications with his prostate and kidney caused by an illness. A motorcade and homegoing service will be held next weekend in Grand Bahama in celebration of the life and legacy of Bell. Local businesses have been asked to put royal blue or aqua colored ribbons on their doors to pay tribute to Bell.

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Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas celebrates its 12th anniversary virtually – Bahamas Tribune

Posted: at 4:24 am

THERE is no shortage of benefits when it comes to participating in races.

It is a great way to stay active throughout the year while working on your personal best.

2020 was an unusual year for road racing. Marathon Bahamas wanted to keep its constituents engaged with a 12th edition of Marathon Bahamas events - marathon, half marathon and four-person relay - Marathon Bahamas Virtual.

Although participants were unable to compete next to hundreds of competitors, they were able to achieve the Marathon Bahamas race distances, possible personal records and their running/walking goals.

Additionally, as the race was virtual, it did still foster a sense of community for fellow runners who participated in teams - generating tons of camaraderie and fellowship.

Participants ran at their preferred location, at their own pace, outdoors or on a treadmill, alone or with group of friends (during a nine-day period) - continuing the annual participation tradition with this wonderful new racing option.

Marathon Bahamas Virtual 2021 had participants from 25 countries, 15 United States, 4 Canadian Provinces and far-reaching tentacles throughout The Bahamas.

Four charities benefit from the proceeds: Cancer Society of The Bahamas, Cancer Association of Grand Bahama, Sister Sister Cancer Support Group and the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Sunshine Insurance is lead organiser for Marathon Bahamas.

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Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas celebrates its 12th anniversary virtually - Bahamas Tribune

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ORG looking to reach 500 MSMEs in northern Bahamas – EyeWitness News

Posted: at 4:24 am

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) is seeking feedback from 500 entrepreneurs on Grand Bahama and Abaco on the challenges being faced by the dual crisis of Hurricane Dorians impact and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Last November, ORG launched a survey on the two islands, specifically, as part of a wider collaborative effort with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

It has since received up to 350 survey submissions, but program organizers said they are still looking for more.

ORG Education and Program Consultant Tiffany Bain- Saunders said: We have called local businesses, emailed and texted some as well. Grand Bahama response has been very strong, but we are still in need of more Abaco feedback.

We encourage all business owners to speak to our representatives or to visit our website your voice is so important in this.

She added: It goes without saying that micro, small and midsize enterprises (MSMEs) are responsible for driving economic activity throughout the country. Being aware of their challenges is critical data that can be used to set policy and discover growth trends as well.

In The Bahamas, 90 percent of all business owners fall into the category of small or medium-sized enterprises, with a significant number of them impacted negatively by the current economic conditions, according to ORG.

Saunders continued: The dual crisis has forced many businesses to lay off staff, reduce their hours of operation, or worse. While we are all anecdotally aware of the challenges our economy has faced, we need MSME data recorded to make sure future decisions any Government makes on how to help them is directed properly.

The survey, which can be accessed by clicking this link, engages business owners on a wide range of issues like the impact of COVID-related restrictions, challenges with access to supplies after the hurricane and how the government has supported or hindered their capacity to remain open.

The survey is estimated to take 15 minutes, with anonymity for all companies.

Once compiled, the report of results will be presented to the Ministry of State for Finance and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to aid in future policies and legislation. The compiled information will also be shared utilizing ORGs relationships with the SBDC, local Chambers of Commerce and NGOs.

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Discover MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay – Travel Weekly UK

Posted: at 4:24 am

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As the board wobbles gently beneath me, I manage to clamber to my feet and paddle off across Ocean Cays calm lagoon. My stand-up paddleboarding skills are functional rather than stylish I can get around, and love doing it, but its hardly graceful. You can see the effort. Im the opposite of the proverbial swan that glides along elegantly without showing that its paddling furiously beneath.

Unlike me, Ocean Cay itself is very much the swan of cruise lines private islands. On the surface, its all about low effort, maximum reward. Expansive white beaches are lined with loungers; bars right on the sand dispense giant cocktails; and theres a secluded spa, where you can have a massage in a shady cabana as the sea breezes ruffle your hair.

If youre trying to tempt cruisers back onto the water, this is the way to do it.

Operation clean-up

Theres a lot more to Ocean Cay than meets the eye, however. This swan has had to paddle like hell to get where it is today after starting off as rather an ugly duckling.

Large areas of coral have been replanted, replacing and creating reefs to enrich the marine ecosystem.

When MSC Cruises leased the site from the Bahamian government, it wasnt a particularly pretty prospect. Formerly a sand-mining facility, the island resembled a rubbish dump. I snorkelled here before we cleaned it up, and you couldnt see the seabed for tyres and cables, says Michelle McGregor, Ocean Cays manager.

The clean-up operation was massive. Chemical spills were remediated, and more than 1,500 tons of scrap metal was removed. Then 5,000 trees and 75,000 plants and shrubs were introduced. Perhaps most significantly, a 64-square-mile marine reserve was created around the island. Large areas of coral have been replanted, replacing and creating reefs to enrich the marine ecosystem.

Sustainable sailing

All trace of Ocean Cays industrial past is gone. Now, visitors will find a pristine island with two miles of platinum beaches lapped by clear, Bahamas-blue water the only clue that it hasnt always been this way is the somewhat diminutive height of the palm trees, and these wont take long to grow.

The chance to reverse Ocean Cays ecological fortunes was all part of the appeal for the cruise line. It would have been simpler and cheaper to lease an untouched island where nature thrived intact, but this was a chance to make good on the lines commitment to sustainability, which has seen it make marine operations carbon neutral, develop LNG-powered ships and set a target to eliminate single-use plastics.

With cruise operations suspended for the best part of a year, the ecosystem around Ocean Cay has had even more time to rebound, ready for visitors to see it at its best.

Ocean Cays radical recovery programme has turned a site that had almost no value either to tourists or wildlife and resurrected it, to the benefit of both. And with cruise operations suspended for the best part of a year, the ecosystem around Ocean Cay has had even more time to rebound, ready for visitors to see it at its best.

Environmentally, the process isnt over. An onisland research centre is being developed that will give scientists and students a permanent base from which to work, monitoring local marine populations and undertaking a study into supercorals tougher strains that can survive the effects of climate change.

Lifes a beach

While Ocean Cays environmental credentials are key for MSC Cruises, guests can choose how much attention they wish to pay to the green agenda. On the island, drinks are served in reusable glasses, straws are biodegradable, and reef-friendly sunscreen is encouraged, but beyond that, visitors wont find sustainability shoved in their faces.

Food trucks and bars on almost every beach mean sustenance is always just a few steps away, though theres a lively main bar and a central buffet for more choice.

The main focus is relaxation. There are eight beaches, including one dedicated to families, a secluded stretch of sand near the spa, and a private beach with butler service for Yacht Club guests, alongside their own stylish clubhouse. Food trucks and bars on almost every beach mean sustenance is always just a few steps away, though theres a lively main bar and a central buffet for more choice and a buzzier atmosphere.

Active guests will love the watersports on offer, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to snorkelling and scuba diving. As the sun sets, a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo Parade with costumed dancers stretches around from the main bar to Ocean Cays striking red and white lighthouse. When its fully dark, theres a spectacular light show the tower itself flaring up, illuminated by 23,000 bulbs. Theyre energy-efficient LEDs, of course

Island activities

Chill

Spice up your sunbathing by hiring a cabana, a floating beach mat or an inflatable raft.

Cruise around with minimum effort on an electric pedalo, or take a boozy boat trip on a rum-soaked catamaran excursion.

In the evening, book a sunset beach picnic or champagne cruise, then finish up with a beachside stargazing session.

Thrill

See how the environment has bounced back with a snorkelling trip in the marine reserve, where you glide over a sunken shipwreck populated by tropical fish, endangered corals, stingrays and a resident pod of dolphins.

Take a guided trip by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or rent equipment and go it alone.

Scale the 165 steps to the top of the candy-striped lighthouse for the ultimate sea view.

The action doesnt have to stop when the sun goes down rent a special stand-up paddleboard fitted with LED lights and you can glide around the lagoon under the stars.

Book it

All MSC Cruises ships sailing from Miami and Port Canaveral will call at Ocean Cay as part of their Caribbean itineraries. In winter 2021-22, this includes MSC vessels Armonia, Divina, Meraviglia and Seashore, and for summer 2022, Divina and Seashore. Prices start from 369 for a seven-night sailing (cruise-only).msccruises.co.uk

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Check it out! Hailey and Justin Bieber have some fun in sun in the Bahamas – HOLA USA

Posted: at 4:24 am

Hailey Bieber and her man Justin Bieber look like had a beautiful vacation in the Bahamas. The hot couple has been sharing photos of their trip on Instagram and they look happily in love. Its unclear when exactly the couple was there but the photos seem to be from a trip they went on earlier this year with friends. Check out the fun photos theyve shared including bikini pics and one of the cutest outfits Hailey has ever worn.

Justin shared the first photo on Thursday with blue skies and blurred green palm trees in the back and captioned the pic, The best part of my day .

On Friday, Hailey began sharing photos on her Instagram. The first post was a black and white set of two photos showing off her toned bikini body with sunglasses and small hoop earring. She wrapped her hair up in a white towel and struck a fierce pose. The model captioned the pic, Everythings better in the Bahamas. The second photo is a head to toe pic that shows off her shoes. Instead of pairing her bikini look with heels or sandals she finished off the look with Chanel loafers. The quirky outfit was something only a hard 10 could get away with wearing.

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Star Wars: Why There Aren’t Many Clones Outside the Republic Army – Screen Rant

Posted: at 4:23 am

Cloning was already an established practice in Star Wars when the clone army was commissioned from Kamino, so where are all the other clones?

Dexs comment about the quality of Kaminos work suggests there are multiple cloners to choose from, and Kaminos reputation means that they must have done enough cloning work to establish themselves as the finest in the business. Despite this, few clones are ever seen outside of the Republic Army. The Empire and the Sith also continue cloning through The Mandalorian and the sequel trilogy, long after the Republic Army was gone. Though the cloning business may have taken a significant hit from the Clone Wars, it doesnt seem the practice completely went away in these later years, givenhow easy it was for the Empire to collect scientists capable of cloning Emperor Palpatine.

Related:Star Wars: Every Character Who Knew About Order 66

Yet, if cloning is a common practice, where are all the other clones? The answer could lie in how they're used. Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas and the Sith quickly turned to the Kamino cloners as a solution to their military needs, and the Kaminoans seem to have some experience in growing an army that would be obedient and efficient. Even in the sequels, Kyle Ren bitingly suggested a clone army might be easier for Snoke to control than his Stormtroopers. Clone armies are likely a common use for clones, though not armies the size of the Republics. Smaller clone armies could be used as planetary or private security forces.The Republic didnt have amilitary before the clone army, but lesser governments and powerful individuals would have plenty of use for small-scale batches of clone soldiers.

The expansive Republic Army was only possible through the dark money the Sith secretly provided Sifo-Dyas to pay for the commission and later through the deep pockets of the Galactic Republic government. Its unlikely anyone besides the Sith or the Republic would have the treasury to pay for a large army, so cloners probably earn their keep off of small commissions. Aside from security forces, wealthy individuals may hire cloners for more personal reasons, such as alternative means of raising a child, similar to Jango Fetts request for serving as the clonetrooperstemplate. In this way, many people in the galaxy could be the product of cloning, though only those with considerable means would be able to afford this process, particularly on a large scale.

It may seem like the Republic Army and the Sith strandcasts are the only uses of cloning in Star Wars, but clones are probably scattered throughout the galaxy in various roles. The movies and shows have yet to deeply explore cloning beyond its immediate relationship with the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire and First Order. Given that other clones would be cast from different templates and far less numerous than Jango Fetts clones, they could even appear in the story without acknowledgment. The Clone Wars may be long over, but the world of cloning still has a lot of story potential for Star Wars to explore in the future.

Next:Star Wars: Why Kamino Wasn't in the Jedi Archives

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Christy Box is a features writer for Screen Rant. When shes not writing about Star Trek, shes a linguistic anthropologist and researcher. Her experience in TV production as a director, producer, and camera operator has made her passionate about the work that goes into bringing a story to the screen. She is fascinated by science fiction, monsters, slow-burn suspense, complicated female leads, and faithful book adaptations. In her free time, she writes fiction and reads everything she can get her hands on. She has also written for Ranker and Factinate.

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