The Tribune
SaxonS make hiStory with fourth victory
This marks their second ‘four-peat’ as the group celebrates six decades
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Shell Saxons Superstars did it again, pulling off a fourth consecutive win of the Junkanoo season by unofficially clinching the 2025 New Year’s Day parade with a theme celebrating six decades of achievement and resilience. This marks another historic “four-peat” for the group, which previously accomplished the feat by sweeping the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades from 1998 to 2000, according to
An enthusiAstic member of the Shell Saxon Superstars rushes on Bay Street during the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade as the group captured their fourth straight Junkanoo title making history.
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Former
officer and attorney arrested and interviewed in voice note probe
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
OUTGOING Police
Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police arrested and interviewed a former high-ranking officer and an attorney at the centre of a major corruption investigation involving leaked voice recordings.
Mr Fernander said both men were released pending
further inquiries as his office awaits the Director of Public Prosecutions’ review and recommendation in the matter.
He suggested the investigation’s scope was broader than initially revealed, saying: “It’s not just the voice note. It goes beyond the voice note.”
The investigation surrounded voice notes that
Murder rate up 8% over prior year
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
THE country recorded 119 murders in 2024, an eight percent increase from the 110 homicides in 2023, according to The Tribune’s records.
Former officer and attorney arrested and interviewed in voice note probe
purported to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer, a lawyer and two murdered men, Michael Fox Jr and Dino Smith. The conversation
centred around a $1.5m airport bank car heist in November 2023. Fox Jr and Smith, both of whom are now dead, were suspects in that matter but were never charged.
Two other men, Oral Roberts, 34, and Akeil Holmes, 26, were charged in connection with the robbery. Roberts was killed in Fox Hill last year. The police chief’s comments to reporters followed the resignation of Michael Johnson, the former head of the
Central Investigations Department. Mr Johnson had taken garden leave last year while authorities investigated the case. He was questioned two weeks ago as part of the probe, according to Commissioner Fernander.
Asked if Mr Johnson was pressured to resign based on the findings of the police investigation, Commissioner Fernander said he could not comment on what led to his decision to leave the force. He told reporters that police could not discharge Mr Johnson because the investigations were still ongoing. In a statement on Tuesday, Commissioner Fernander confirmed that he had referred matters involving other officers uncovered in the investigation to the incoming deputy police commissioner, who will be responsible for discipline. Pressed for more details yesterday, the commissioner revealed that more than four officers were implicated.
“That’s why we continue to say that we don’t investigate in the media and the investigators took our time and that’s how we got to where we are today,” he said. “We want to throw the net at the end of the day, not only looking at one individual but as we probe the investigation, we find that a number of other officers were implicated in the matter.” Commissioner Fernander had promised to report to the public on the matter before the end of last year.
He said police were satisfied with their investigation after completing their due diligence into what he described as a “complex” probe. He added that he hopes the DPP will provide her recommendation “in a reasonable time.”
Former Police SuPerintendent michael JohnSon
Murder rate up 8% over prior year
January was the deadliest month, with 21 murders, followed by July with 14. December recorded the lowest number of killings, with five. The final homicides of the year occurred on December 21, when gunmen opened fire at a barbershop in Fox Hill, killing two men and injuring three others, including a seven-year-old boy.
Despite the increase, the 2024 figure remains lower than the 128 murders recorded in 2022. Outside New Providence, Grand Bahama reported the highest number of murders with seven, followed by Abaco with three. Eleuthera and Bimini each had two murders, while Andros recorded one. Earlier in the year, The Bahamas’ crime rate drew international attention. Bahamian tour
operators and excursion providers reported significant declines in business, with some estimating a 50 percent drop as tourists expressed fear of venturing beyond their hotels or
First traffic fatality recorded for 2025
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
A TRAFFIC fatality, two separate stabbing incidents, and two boating incidents occurred over the New Years Day period.
A Dominican man died in the early hours of 2025 following a collision on University Boulevard, the first traffic fatality of the year.
Police said the accident with two vehicles happened shortly after 5 am.
The deceased was heading west in a blue Honda Fit when he collided with a black Toyota Passo, occupied by a male and female, travelling east.
The pair sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital by ambulance, where they remain in serious condition. The foreign national suffered
severe injuries and succumbed to them in the ambulance while en route to the hospital.
As The Tribune was going to press, there were reports of another traffic fatality in West End, Grand Bahama.
A child was reported to have died in a vehicle collision. However, police did not confirm details of the incident last night. Meanwhile, a Canadian tourist was injured in one of two boating incidents, though police did not specify which.
The first incident occurred near Arawak Cay, off West Bay Street, before 1 pm when a white boat carrying three men struck a 34-year-old man who was snorkelling and fled.
The victim suffered serious injuries to his upper and lower limbs and was taken to the hospital in an
ambulance, where he is receiving medical care.
The other incident occurred at a wharf off Bay Street when a vessel capsized, resulting in the passengers and crew members falling into the water. No injuries were reported.
A teen boy and a 30-yearold man were victims of two separate stabbing incidents.
The 17-year-old was attacked and stabbed in the upper body by an unknown just after midnight at Arawak Cay, off West Bay Street. He received medical treatment and is in stable condition.
The second incident occurred just before 1.30am off Bethel Avenue in Millennium Gardens. The adult male was stabbed by an unknown assailant and was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle. He is in stable condition.
Man charged with child stealing
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 34-YEAR-OLD man was imprisoned earlier this week after being accused of absconding with his daughter to the United States without the child’s mother’s consent.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned the man, whose name is being
t
wo
withheld to protect the child’s identity, on charges of child stealing. The defendant allegedly took his nine-year-old daughter to the United States without her mother’s permission on March 1, 2024. He was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
The Magistrate’s Court lacks the jurisdiction to grant him bail, and he was advised to apply for bail through the higher court.
The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on April 11. Inspector Cordero Farrington served as the prosecutor.
accused of string of ar Med robberies
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
TWO men denied involvement in a string of armed robberies in New Providence that occurred last summer.
Senior Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson arraigned Thomas Johnson and Claude Gaitor on charges of armed robbery. Johnson appeared virtually from the Bahamas
Department of Correctional Services, while Gaitor appeared in person while out on bail. Johnson faced an additional armed robbery charge.
The pair, while armed with a handgun, allegedly robbed a man of $1,000 on June 30. Johnson is also accused of robbing Alfred Johnson at gunpoint of $150 and a Honda Fit valued at $5,000 on June 14.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Johnson claimed he was being framed for the offences.
Both accused requested court-appointed attorneys.
Justice Grant-Thompson reminded Johnson not to take his bail conditions lightly after he appeared confused about his next court date.
The cases were transferred to Justice Jeanine Weech-Gomez for trial.
Man charged with housebreaking spree
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded into custody on Tuesday after being accused of a spree of housebreakings in western New Providence over the past two months, leading to the theft of over $9,000 worth of property.
Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs arraigned Jeffrey “Spider-Man” Etienne, 39, on charges of trespassing, four counts of housebreaking, and four counts of stealing from a dwelling house. Etienne allegedly broke into four homes across West Bay Street and western New Providence, stealing property and cash valued at $9,527 between November 26 and December 25. The defendant also allegedly trespassed on a woman’s property in Columbus Cove, West Bay
cruise ships. Many of the killings earlier in the year were believed to be tied to gang-related retaliation.
In response to the US travel advisory, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis reassured visitors that The Bahamas is a safe destination. He urged tourists to continue visiting, emphasising that their safety would be ensured while in the country. He downplayed concerns over the advisory, suggesting it would have little impact.
Davis noted that travel advisories are issued by many countries, including The Bahamas, to warn their citizens about potential risks abroad. He described such alerts as subjective and primarily
aimed at raising awareness about surroundings.
In February, he criticised the local press for its prominent reporting of violent crimes, suggesting it was negatively affecting tourism. He said the coverage was deterring hotel guests from exploring the community, visiting restaurants, and sightseeing as they once did.
The prime minister called on the press to consider its role in preserving the country’s reputation, pointing out that other nations tend to minimise the prominence of crime reporting.
The prime minister’s comments drew criticism, with opponents highlighting the Progressive Liberal
Party’s decision to erect billboards around New Providence ahead of the 2012 general election. The billboards, which prominently displayed the more than 490 murders recorded under the Ingraham administration, were criticised at the time for potentially discouraging tourists.
The Davis administration tabled long-anticipated anti-gang legislation in the House of Assembly in April, introducing measures that include up to 25 years in prison for gang members. The legislation outlines how gang membership can be proven, using evidence such as clothing, tattoos, body markings, signs, or codes in an individual’s possession.
BAARK reports increase in animal abuse, neglect and cruelty cases
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK) has reported an increase in animal cruelty, neglect, and suffering cases from 2023 to 2024.
BAARK animal traffic coordinator Stephanie Kesten said the organisation, along with the Bahamas Humane Society, is struggling with insufficient resources and funding to address these issues.
“We have run out of fosters and facilities to house these abused animals.
What rescues we have are inundated with animals,” she said.
Ms Kesten described cases involving intentional poisoning, machete slashes, deliberate burning with hot oil or water, starving animals tied on short leashes, and animals hit by cars and left to die.
She also highlighted issues with backyard breeding, where animals are kept in filthy conditions, abandoned, or left with embedded collars.
Street, on November 30. Etienne pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Bowles objected to bail, citing Etienne’s prolific criminal history involving similar offences.
Magistrate Isaacs denied him bail. Etienne will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial begins on March 20.
“There are animal cruelty laws in place, but they are not enforced because we cannot act without citations. We are under the impression that the citations have been gazetted but not printed,” she said. In October, concerns arose after a dog was rescued from South Beach, where it had been chained near the remains of other dogs.
Ms Kesten said international groups have started to take notice of these issues.
Ms Kesten said BAARK continues to spay, neuter, and release animals, but many are later poisoned despite education efforts. She criticised the lack of enforcement of animal cruelty laws, explaining that without citations, even willing police officers are unable to act.
‘No significant change’ in LGBTI+ support expected as Trump takes helm
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
AS The Bahamas prepares for a US republican administration, local human rights defender
Alexus D’Marco expressed confidence that US advocacy for vulnerable communities, including LGBTI people, will remain steadfast.
Ms D’Marco highlighted the long-standing partnership with the US Embassy, which has provided technical assistance and resources for local initiatives. She said the collaboration has continued through various US administrations, even amid funding cuts.
“We don’t expect any significant change to the work that we’re about to carry out in 2025 and beyond,”
Ms D’Marco said. “The US Embassy has always been a partner with us. They’ve always opened their doors to us.”
She pointed to initiatives such as the Leadership Visits (LV) programme,
which connects LGBTI advocates across the Caribbean and globally, as examples of sustained US support. Under past Republican administrations, she noted that while there were funding reductions, critical programmes and training opportunities were not significantly affected.
“Under the last administration, we always had
support for the work that’s being done in The Bahamas as it relates to vulnerable communities,” she said. “The US Embassy has always been a partner with us as it relates to providing technical assistance, providing spaces, or paying for spaces that we can do workshops and transition training.”
Ms D’Marco acknowledged, however, that
anti-transgender rhetoric in US politics could influence policies in the Caribbean. She said Bahamian leaders to take greater responsibility for advancing LGBTI rights instead of relying solely on international allies.
“What I’m hoping for is that we leave no one behind as it relates to access to healthcare, access to education, access to employment, and access to justice,” she said.
Ms D’Marco also noted progress in the visibility of LGBTI people in Bahamian society, particularly in the arts, sports, and professional careers.
“We’ve seen them through the arts. We’ve seen them through the crafts, doing well in sports, and excelling in their professional careers,” she said.
“It takes not just relying on US foreign policy, but it takes our own community members, our own governments, and our own political will to get the work done here in the country.”
nurses union looks to improve working Conditions and Complete new industrial agreement this year
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
WITH the new year underway, Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) president Muriel Lightbourn said the union is focused on addressing several critical issues affecting nurses, including improved working conditions and finalising negotiations for a new industrial agreement.
Vybz Kartel set to make long-awaited return to Bahamas
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
Speaking to The Tribune on Tuesday, Ms Lightbourn outlined unresolved concerns the union hopes to tackle in 2025. She highlighted the rising number of nurses retiring due to age or dissatisfaction with the current working environment and pointed to delays in confirming nurses as a major issue. She said: “We still have nurses in the Department of Public Health who are going out doing home visits. Some of them are working in the Family Islands and all this other stuff, but they are not appointed. So, looking and seeing our minister speak about bringing in other nurses, that is very troubling to me.”
Ms Lightbourn questioned why the government could hire international nurses quickly while local nurses were left waiting for appointments. She called on the Public Service Commission to improve the issuance of confirmations and appointment letters, saying: “I just pray and hope that we can do better in 2025. We need these nurses.”
Ms Lightbourn also addressed the continuing trend of nurses leaving The Bahamas for better opportunities abroad. She emphasised the importance of retaining nurses by addressing issues such as overdue promotions and poor working conditions. She added: “We need to find a way. I mean, seriously, we need to sit down with our nurses and have that real talk to find out what we can do to keep them here.”
Looking ahead, Ms Lightbourn said the union aims to conclude a new industrial agreement, as the current one expires in October. While she did not disclose specific terms, she expressed optimism that the new contract would be “progressive.”
She also thanked the government for renovating the Accident and Emergency Department at Princess Margaret Hospital but acknowledged that it does not resolve space issues.
“I hope our government in this new year will look towards preventative measures, see how we could reach the masses, and encourage healthier lifestyles. That’s what I think we need to do to eliminate some of the problems at Princess Margaret,” she said. The Davis administration has emphasised plans to build a new hospital as a critical infrastructure project. However, medical workers have raised concerns about staffing to operate the new facility.
VYBZ Kartel’s longawaited return to The Bahamas is set to take place at a concert organised by International Events and Production, with corporate sponsorship from Aliv and Bahamasair.
The event has been in planning since September 2024, with a team of promoters bringing over 30 years of experience to ensure its success.
A spokesperson for the company said that Vybz Kartel is excited to return to what he described as his “second home” and is looking forward to connecting with his Bahamian and international fans.
The company expressed confidence in its ability to deliver a successful event, citing its track record of organising major concerts and its marketing team’s efforts. The organisers said they have taken steps to address challenges such as crowd management and
security, working closely with local authorities to ensure an enjoyable experience for attendees. Fort Charlotte was selected as the venue for the concert. The organisers said the location was chosen for its capacity and parking facilities. They did not provide details on the number of tickets available but assured that measures are being implemented to manage the expected crowd.
The organisers believe Vybz Kartel’s years in incarceration and his recent acquittal have only heightened anticipation for the event. A spokesperson said the artiste’s continued influence on dancehall and his legacy are driving excitement and interest among fans.
The concert, which has been months in the making, marks Vybz Kartel’s return to The Bahamas and is expected to attract widespread attention from fans eager to see the artiste perform live.
Five Bahamians receive King’s New Year Honours
FIVE Bahamians have been recognised by His Majesty King Charles III in the 2025 New Year Honours for their contributions to business, religion, youth work, and community service. According to a press
release from Government House, Governor General Dame Cynthia A Pratt announced the recipients on December 31, 2024. Demetrious George Mosko was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
for his contributions to the field of business.
Two Bahamians were named Members of the British Empire (MBE).
Reverend Diana E Francis was honoured for her work in religion and youth development, while
Bishop Godfrey Randolph Williams was recognised for his service to religion and community work.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) was conferred on Bishop Hensel Ruthnell Kemp and Dr
Inez Rolle for their contributions to religion.
The honours are part of an annual recognition of people across the Commonwealth whose work has made a significant impact on their communities.
The announcement noted that the awards were granted on the occasion of the King’s New Year Honours, in recognition of the recipients’ dedication and service.
Conditional disCharge for man who admitted to
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted a conditional discharge on Tuesday after admitting to threatening and assaulting his ex-wife at Sir Lynden Pindling Estates last week.
threats and assault of wife
Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr arraigned Shawn Russell Jr, 35, on charges of threats of harm and assault. An additional charge of assault with a dangerous instrument was withdrawn.
Russell reportedly threatened and assaulted his ex-wife during a verbal altercation at her home on December 29.
The defendant pleaded guilty to both charges and apologised for his actions. Magistrate Allen granted him a conditional discharge, requiring him to maintain good behaviour for six months. During this time, Russell must also attend anger management classes.
Failure to comply with either condition would result in a three-month prison term. Russell is scheduled to return to court on June 30 for a progress report.
Vybz Kartel
alexus D’Marco
Saxons make history with fourth victory
the government’s records dating back to the 1950s.
Kendenique CampbellMoss, the group’s public relations director, described the dual victory as a major triumph, recalling times when the group didn’t finish in top positions.
“We look forward to bringing you more culture and more junkanoo and I would say to our comrades who are in the A and B category, keep showing up,” she said.
“We went through seasons of drought as well. Nobody can win forever and we want people to understand that Junkanoo is an evolution.”
With a score of 89.50, the Saxons dominated multiple categories, including best music, best choreography, best performance, best lead costume, and best free dance.
Their energetic performance paid tribute to living legends who shaped the group over the past six decades and highlighted customs from past winning themes, thrilling the crowd.
The spectacle was elevated by a warrior-themed choreography performed by the Saxons’ colourful dancers.
Wielding trident-shaped props, they mimicked throat-cutting and handchopping gestures to symbolise victory.
Songs like “Sweet Caroline” echoed through Bay
Street, with spectators enthusiastically joining to sing along with the group. As the Saxons moved through the parade route, many Junkanoo goers stood on their feet, chanting: “Who are we? The Saxons!”
The group’s MC frequently engaged the crowd, asking dancers to give them a 360-degree view of their costumes.
As for the other group performances, Roots took second place with the theme “America’s Game: Welcome to the NFL” and also secured the best overall costume category. The group placed second in the Boxing Day parade as well.
The World Famous Valley Boys placed third with their “Bible Stories” theme, a repeat of their Boxing Day placing. The group won the best stepdown and best Shirley Street categories.
One Family placed fourth with the theme “Nuggets, Gems, and Jewels of Black History,” while Genesis, with the theme “Exodus: A Promise Fulfilled,” finished fifth.
The Music Makers and the Prodigal Sons were disqualified for failing to meet the eligibility requirements.
In the B category, Colours was declared the unofficial winner with 83.70 points, marking a strong comeback after their second-place finish in the 2024 Boxing Day parade.
Fancy Dancers placed
second with 79.78 points, while the Immortals took third with 75.83 points. They were followed by the Body of Christ and the Mighty Eagles.
JCNP officials expressed pride in the successful New Year’s Day parade, which appeared well-managed despite a 20-minute delayed start.
While the parade initially appeared to lack full attendance, the crowd grew later on, and the energy on Bay Street was palpable.
Outgoing Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander reported no criminal incidents at the time he spoke to the press after 5am. However, The Tribune observed two men being escorted by police through the crowd towards the nearby police station.
This year’s parades took place amid the Valley Boys dispute, which saw the group split into two factions.
Mrs CampbellMoss noted that this Junkanoo season had been exhausting, given the heavy focus on drama.
“We have to evolve past them. If they cannot get their personal business together, that has nothing to do with the Junkanoo community,” she said.
“This is 2025. We have been inundated, disrupted and disrupted by this one group. It has to come to an end. We’re tired of it.”
• For more photos of Saxons and Colours see pages 21-24
Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis rushes on Bay Street with the Shell Saxon Superstars during the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Colours Junkanoo group won New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade Division B yesterday.
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Progress in corruption probe
A PROMISE was made that there would be an update on the investigation into leaked voice notes that purported to suggest corruption in high places –and an update there was, just before the end of the year.
When passing on the news of the update in the corruption investigation to a colleague, they answered with the question: “Which corruption probe is that?”
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, to have one corruption investigation may be regarded as a misfortune, to have two looks like carelessness.
This is the one involving voice notes that purported to capture a discussion between a senior police officer, a lawyer and two men who have since been murdered, Michael Fox Jr and Dino Smith. It was prompted seemingly by a bank car heist at an airport, in which $1.5m was taken. Fox Jr and Smith were suspects in that raid, but were never charged.
Two other men were charged – Oral Roberts and Akeil Holmes. Roberts has also been murdered, he was killed in Fox Hill last year.
Michael Johnson, who was head of the Central Investigations Department, took garden leave as the investigation got under way.
He has now resigned from the police force, Commissioner Clayton Fernander told reporters, and the file on the case is with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The commissioner also told reporters that the police force could not discharge Mr Johnson because investigations are still ongoing. This seems slightly odd, because over in the other corruption investigation – the US indictment that alleges a wide-ranging cocaine
smuggling conspiracy – officers have been discharged.
The investigation into the first corruption allegations, the voice notes case, has also led to matters involving other officers being uncovered, the commissioner said, and those will be referred to the incoming deputy police commissioner, who has responsibility for discipline.
The matter now sits in the hands of the DPP, who we hope takes the appropriate time to consider any possible charges and acts accordingly. There should be neither rush nor dawdle, simple the due amount of time.
If there is appropriate evidence for charges to be brought, then brought they should be, regardless of who may be charged. This case shook the nation and its faith in the police. To restore that faith, the correct action should be taken. By that we mean to say there should be no pressure beyond that which should be evident in all cases – to tell the truth and to bring any wrongdoing to light. Simply put, justice.
There is a possible link between the two corruption cases – and that we hope will also come to light. The officer in charge of the airport division was one of those indicted in the US in the second investigation. Whether the $1.5m heist’s location at an airport has any connection, we do not know – but we hope that too will be revealed, one way or the other.
Restoring faith in the force is down to ensuring that the public believes that any who betray the force and its oath will be held to account like any other. That includes being cleared if appropriate.
The new year has started. We await the next step.
High cost of living in our nation
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS A mother of two children, married for eight years, and a working Bahamian who is doing her best to make ends meet, I am writing to express my deep concern over the unbearable cost of living in The Bahamas. Like many families in this country, my husband and I both work full-time jobs that pay above minimum wage, yet we are still living pay cheque to pay cheque. We are not living beyond our means and we are not spending frivolously. We live modestly, making every effort to stay within our budget. Yet, the reality is that the cost of living in this country is far too high for the average Bahamian family to live comfortably and with dignity. As we enter 2025, I believe that the government’s most urgent priority must be addressing the skyrocketing cost of living. As a concerned citizen and voter, I am looking to see what the government will do to ease the financial burden on the middle class. This issue goes far beyond simply reducing taxes. The
problem is much larger and more complex. For starters, the prices at local stores for basic necessities, especially food items, are unaffordable for many families. The high cost of groceries makes it increasingly difficult for families to feed themselves properly. But it doesn’t end there. The cost of construction is prohibitive, making homeownership a distant dream for many Bahamians. Even renting a home has become an insurmountable challenge for the average person. Additionally, local banks have tightened their lending policies, making it harder for working Bahamians to access credit, whether for a home, a business, or even just to handle an emergency. Meanwhile, major companies in this country are reporting record profits year after year, on the backs of ordinary Bahamians who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The government must take a stand on behalf of the people and push for real, substantive change to lower the cost of living across the country. This is not just about reducing taxes,
Sir Franklyn deserves our respect
EDITOR, The Tribune. PLEASE allow me space to give a glimpse into a man who everybody knows but very few know of. As a Grants Town boy, we have had many success stories of those who made it to unprecedented heights from this small community of old. Some whose names will still live on long after they have passed.
though that may be part of the solution. We need to see significant reductions in the prices of food, transportation, gas, electricity, medical bills, and the cost of borrowing.
The PLP likes to boast that it was instrumental in building the Bahamian middle class. But now, in 2025, it is time for the government to fight for its survival. The middle class is struggling, and if this trend continues, we risk seeing an even greater divide between the wealthy and the rest of the population. It is no longer enough to simply talk about progress; it’s time to deliver real solutions that make life more affordable for the hardworking citizens of The Bahamas.
As a mother, a wife, and a Bahamian citizen, I am calling on the government to take immediate and decisive action to ease the burden on middle-class families. We deserve to live with dignity, and the government must fight on our behalf to ensure that this becomes a reality.
A BAHAMIAN MOTHER January 1, 2025.
But I want to talk about someone who, thank goodness, is still with us. This man has been knighted by the late Queen, and lives up to that honour. Although knights are usually of some nobility and their training matches the role they are to play. But this man came from humble beginnings and has gone on to set unprecedented records in business, humanity and philanthropy. Most know him from stories they have heard or the media, but he’s much more than that. I got a chance to see the real Sir Franklyn Wilson up close and personal while in Orlando. He’s a dedicated family man, humble and loved deeply by his family and close friends. Yes, he was honoured as an International Man of Honour during a lavish gala event in Orlando last September. But the human and compassionate Sir Franklyn was shown after the events of the weekend.
One of Sir Franklyn’s granddaughters flew in to Orlando from School in Connecticut to celebrate with her grandfather on this special occasion; she had just celebrated her 18th birthday. And because she was away to school her family could not be there for this milestone in a child’s life.
Although everyone was getting ready to leave Orlando, Sir Franklyn wanted to host a special 18th birthday party that Sunday morning.
Despite the crush for everyone to leave, checkout the hotel and head to the airport, they all came down to the restaurant where Sir Franklyn was having this birthday party for his granddaughter, Melissa Smith.
What took place at that party is worth recording for history to basically show the kind of man that Sir Franklyn is. For one his family will always love him, not for the things he gives, but the love that he shows. The parents of young Melissa, Mr and Mrs Frank Smith could not hold back the tears, as Sir Franklyn demonstrated his love for his family and his friends. And they all reciprocated by staying through breakfast and lunch to show support for him as he celebrated his granddaughter’s birthday, despite having to leave, that in itself was awesome.
The 18th birthday party for young Melissa was so special that everyone took part in the celebration.
Sir Franklyn surprised his family with this move, but he made everyone in
attendance to be aware that love of family is a top priority.
There is no doubt that Melissa will remember that weekend for the rest of her life. And we all will remember the love that was shown in a family.
Sir Franklyn who just celebrated 30 years as chairman of Sunshine Holdings, is an established businessman, who has shown the world that a small group of eight friends could start a business and still be more than successful 50 years later.
As a philanthropist, Sir Franklyn has poured millions into education, the church, Junkanoo and the country as a whole. So many people benefit from his philanthropy that some don’t even know it.
I am proud of Sir Franklyn Wilson and I want the world to know that The Bahamas has been blessed for a visionary and compassionate man who loves His God his family and his country.
Thank you Sir Franklyn, May God continue to bless you and your family!
TY OLANDER Nassau, December 31, 2024.
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FIREWORKS explode over the Chapel Bridge and Old Town to mark the New Year in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Photo: Urs Flueeler/Keystone via AP
Photos: Dante Carrer/tribune
Photos:
Photos: Dante Carrer/tribune
Redland Soldiers
Photos: Dante Carrer/tribune
Christian love and social justice vs Christian triumphalism
A friend recalled a harrowing story of love and lost. Some decades ago a friend of his, an African American gay man then in his late 40s, who lived in the US, recalled the worst and most heartrending day of his life.
His beloved male partner of many years, with whom he intended to spend the rest of his life, left their apartment to go to the corner mom and pop store, a mere three minute walk, within sight of the front entrance of their apartment building. His partner promised that he would be right back.
He began to grow concerned because his partner was taking a long time to return from the convenience store. Then he heard police sirens. He went down to the front entrance of the building and saw a small crowd gathering at the store. He hurried over.
Lying on the ground dead in a pool of blood was his life partner, accidentally shot during an armed robbery of the store. “He was the love of my life”, exclaimed the surviving partner, who had no legal right to identify his partner’s body or to settle his partner’s estate because they could not marry.
There is a moral arrogance of those who believe that heterosexual love is somehow superior to the love of a same-sex couple, whose love is seen by some as an abomination, as sinful, as inferior. This arrogance extends to the belief that civil marriage should be the sole preserve of heterosexuals in a democratic society.
Was the man who was grief-stricken by his partner’s murder any less real because they were gay? Was the hole in his heart any less real? Were his memories less precious? is he not as human as anyone else?
His love deserved no less respect because he may have been born gay. The blood that flowed from his partner’s body was not gay or straight blood. it was human blood from someone made in the image and likeness of God, a fundamental dimension of which is the capacity to love and to be loved in return.
After the failed equality referendum in 2016, a group of pastors proclaimed victory, boasting that they had stopped the gay agenda from advancing in The Bahamas in the form of same-sex marriage, of which they bizarrely thought that question four was a stalking horse. for some pastors and others who claimed that their main concern was question four, the defeat of the other three questions was welcomed, even though they could not boast as loudly about their not-sohidden agenda of misogyny and sexism.
for these individuals, including many women, a woman will never be equal to a man, because their Bible and supposedly God have told them so in no uncertain terms.
The glee of a good number of clerics on the number four question was amusing and odd. Their imagined victory was not even Pyrrhic.
it was hollow, empty, shallow. After the referendum, then President of the Court of Appeal, dame Anita Allen, outlined in a reasoned and cogent presentation on the possible constitutional grounds which may allow for same-sex and non-traditional marriage. it was refreshing to have an intellectual and intelligent argument based in law, in marked contrast to the antiintellectual, unintelligent and wild-eyed arguments by homophobes and bigots dedicated to the demonisation of gays and lesbians.
dame Anita spoke on her own behalf, did not indicate how she might rule on a case or cases involving traditional marriage and also offered a brief understanding of the international, cultural and sociological context of
contemporary marriage. during her address entitled, “Law in a Changing Society: reconstructing Marriage”, delivered as the 8th Annual eugene dupuch distinguished Lecture for the eugene dupuch Law School, dame Anita noted: “The juristic nature of marriage in The Bahamas may not simply turn on whether there is a definition of marriage in the Marriage Act, or whether the english Common Law definition of marriage was received as a part of our law, but that it may ultimately turn on whether marriage is a constitutional right guaranteed to all.”
dame Anita added: “Logically, any debate on the issue should sensibly and pragmatically center on one principle and one only: equality of treatment under the law.”
She stated: “This issue of the recognition of non-traditional marriage i know, may be blasphemous to some and uncomfortable for others, but given our changed society as noted, our belief in the freedom of the individual and equal protection under the law, can we in good conscience continue the ambivalent stance of accepting these principles as pertaining to some on the one hand, and on the other, opposing their application to others?”
Unsurprisingly, dame Anita was quickly attacked for her remarks. Supposedly she is a part of the worldwide conspiracy to advance the supposed homosexual agenda.
Law School principal Tonya Bastian Galanis, also supposedly a part of the conspiracy in the minds of some, had to write a letter to the editor explaining the facts about the timing of the lecture and to refute the “fallacious” notion of a “hidden agenda”.
The rabid homophobes who see the colors of the rainbow everywhere they look, claim that there is a worldwide gay agenda. There is one. it is the same agenda dame Anita referenced when she invoked the spirit and legacy of the brilliant eugene dupuch: a fierce commitment to social justice and equality.
The agenda of the fundamentalists is a Christian triumphalism in which their read of and proof-texting of mostly the Hebrew Scriptures, often aided by pseudo-science, should trump reason and civil law.
The so-called gay agenda is a profoundly human agenda, shared by minorities who sought civil rights and women seeking equal rights. This agenda is one of human dignity, of securing basic rights and freedoms, including the right to marry; of protection from discrimination and violence and to be treated as full citizens.
The mostly young gay men and women massacred at a gay night club in Orlando in 2016, only wanted to be left alone, to enjoy themselves with friends and loved ones. Some of the killed were parents, whose children now grieve their loss.
There is a continuum between the hate-filled, unloving and dehumanizing rhetoric of those, including an abundance of religious
leaders, whose words can incite others to brutal rhetoric and violent actions toward gays and lesbians.
Some years ago, a prominent Bahamian religious leader declared that he would blow up Parliament, Gay fawkes-style, if samesex marriage was approved.
Tellingly, his incitement to violence was not publicly rebuked by most religious leaders, including those hellbent on casting gays and lesbians as profoundly other and not embracing them as fellow citizens.
Those Bahamian pastors who give vent to their seething homophobia should be more careful in their rhetoric and preaching.
Thankfully, increasing numbers of those in the LGBT community and their families are no longer cowed by the hate and bile of certain pastors. They are expressing and voicing their love in committed relationships. it is extraordinary the degree to which many pastors only or mostly fixate on the sexual aspect of the love between gays and lesbians. Curiously, it is amazing the degree to which certain pastors become so excitable about same-sex relationships.
Like heterosexuals, gays and lesbians in loving
relationships have many dimensions to their human love. That they now seek the right to marry and to invest their love in such a committed relationship is good for them and for society.
in the end such love and equality under the law will prevail. After this battle for equality is eventually won, The Bahamas will be just fine and we will be a much better country.
Next Week: Person of the Year 2024
• This column first appeared in 2016. It is reprinted with some changes.
Ambassador-nominee Walker could be a benefit to Bahamas
As we look ahead to a new year full of promise and peril, a recent announcement has stirred up quite a bit of local discourse. That announcement originated from a seaside estate in Palm Beach.
Two weeks ago, president-elect Donald Trump declared his intention to nominate Herschel Walker to serve as his ambassador to The Bahamas.
Assuming he is confirmed by the Us senate sometime around the middle of this year, Walker would be the first American ambassador to our nation in over 13 years.
(The last Us ambassador here was Nicole Avant, an accomplished film producer and member of American entertainment royalty whose father was Clarence Avant, known as “The Black Godfather”. Clarence Avant was, among many achievements, chief executive officer of Motown Records. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. And Nicole Avant has been married for 15 years to the CEO of Netfilx.)
The New York Times reported the news of Walker’s appointment matter-of factly: “Mr Walker has no previous diplomatic experience, and no obvious ties to The Bahamas, an island nation of about 400,000 people just off the coast of Florida.
“That is not unusual for those appointed as ambassadors to smaller or less politically significant assignments, which often go to top donors, party officials, business leaders, star athletes or other highprofile figures. They are then usually supported in their overseas missions by career diplomats from the state Department.”
Events and politics have conspired to leave us without a Us ambassador for these past 13 years, but it’s fair to say that the career diplomats mentioned by the Times in its report have reflected the care given by the Us state Department to the stewardship of its embassy here.
While many Bahamians have taken umbrage at Washington’s inability to get the Us senate to confirm any of its numerous nominees for ambassador here, the overall quality of American charges d’affaires has been high. We shouldn’t feel neglected.
New ambassadorial
nominee Herschel Walker was one of the most accomplished collegiate American football players of his or any generation.
STATESIDE
After leading the University of Georgia to its first undisputed national collegiate football championship in 1980, he won the Heisman Trophy as America’s best college football player in 1983. A prodigiously accomplished running back, he was named to sports Illustrated’s all-time All-America first team five years ago. Walker has known and obliged himself to Trump for over 40 years. His relationship with Trump began when the football star joined the upstart New Jersey Generals, a United states Football League team then owned by Trump.
The UsFL was one of several would-be competitors over the years to challenge the behemoth of American sports – the National Football League.
The UsFL represented an attempt by its owners to force the NFL to accept some new members from a group including Trump who hadn’t gained entry into one of the world’s most lucrative and exclusive clubs: NFL team ownership.
To gain credibility, the UsFL signed some of the biggest American college football stars. The most
glittering was Herschel Walker. He signed with Trump’s team. A lengthy friendship began. (The UsFL collapsed after just a couple of years of operation, but Walker landed on his feet with the Dallas Cowboys.)
Nearly 40 years later, Trump endorsed Walker early in the Us senate campaign in 2022 in Georgia, despite concerns from some Republicans about Walker’s background and experience.
Trump’s endorsement boosted Walker to the GOP nomination, but he lost in the general election to incumbent Raphael Warnock, who had won a special election for the seat in 2020 and who has been the pastor at Martin Luther King’s Atlanta church for twenty years.
That brings us up to the present. some members of our community feel insulted that the Us has named someone without diplomatic or much political experience to head its large embassy here. Others are celebrating the assignment for many reasons including Walker’s fame and ethnicity.
Amid many streetcorner and coffeehouse discussions, there is a fair
representation of local opinion in the letters to the editor of this newspaper.
Here are some samples, many penned by frequent contributors to the public discourse:
In support: “This nomination bodes well for our wonderful nation. I have long advocated that once a Republican administration is in place that The Bahamas is respected and treated in a dignified manner. Bahamians, in the main, are colour blind but as a majority black nation, it is more than appropriate that Mr Trump would nominate someone who is probably better suited to interact and relate as a ‘down home boy,’ an electrifying personality like brother Herschel.
“With this proposed appointment, presidentelect Trump is sending a very strong signal to The Bahamas that despite the occasional flare ups, he and the American people continue to have an unbreakable bond with The Bahamas.” skepticism: “The cushy appointment of Herschel Walker as Us Ambassador to the Bahamas is simply Trump doing some payback for Walker’s unwavering loyalty. Trump
knows absolutely nothing about the Bahamas and its struggles. Walker himself shows no empathy or sympathy for his fellow Georgians, so it is highly unlikely he will have any positive feelings towards Bahamians.
“Absolutely nothing of benefit to the Bahamas will come of this appointment. Walker’s appointment is a sad indictment of just how far we have fallen as a nation.”
Overview: “Here are three things of paramount importance to Trump:
1. Drugs coming into the Us
2. Illegal immigrants coming into the Us
3. Chinese influence in the region
“The appointment of a Us ambassador to the Bahamas is a clear signal that these issues will be addressed in the coming months. The Bahamas had better be ready!”
As Walker’s nomination makes its doubtless tortuous, laborious way through the political and bureaucratic thickets of Us senate protocol, perquisite and prerogative, we will likely hear snippets of information about its prospects and timing of a confirmation. The process is likely to take at least half a year.
As we have seen since 2011 and not infrequently before, nominations to serve as Us ambassador here have often been controversial for one reason or another. We’ll be subjected to rumors and reports both in favor of and opposition to the nomination.
Eventually, absent the revelation of particularly damaging information, Herschel Walker should be confirmed by a GOP-dominated Us senate.
Here’s what it will likely mean for us, and why his confirmation would represent a potential advantage for The Bahamas.
The Us maintains over 250 embassies and consulates all around the world, a number second only to the overseas representations of China. At the great majority of those diplomatic and consular missions, routine business is conducted mostly out of the headlines and in businesslike fashion. Nothing particularly special or spectacular.
Here in The Bahamas, however, the Us maintains a large presence, driven by factors such as various aspects of bilateral and even multilateral law enforcement cooperation and the millions of American tourists who visit us every year. Embassy staff handle routine matters in these areas.
However, during Trump’s second term in office (and Walker’s prospective tenure here), history informs us that there may be a few occasions when circumstances oblige the two neighbour nations to work closely, even urgently, to address exigencies that may occur.
Maybe a hurricane like Dorian changes course at the last moment and decides to visit us. We all know all too well the devastation and damage that one of these meteorological monsters can inflict.
Maybe a crisis in Haiti or elsewhere in our region provokes a sudden exodus of refugees hoping to reach the United states, and their path leads them through our immense territorial waters. This will elicit in both Nassau and in Washington a sharp concern about the social and economic burdens of such an unexpected influx of desperate people.
Or maybe in halls of the multilateral bureaucracies in Brussels, Geneva, New York or Washington a concern arises about international banking or financial compliance, and a questioning finger is pointed in our direction.
On such exceptional occasions, we may need a Us ambassador who can call his or her president to cut through all the bureaucracy and help us navigate a crisis.
If Herschel Walker or any other American ambassador can do that, we should be satisfied and grateful.
Senate candidate Herschel Walker speaks during the Save America rally in Perry, Georgia, October 27, 2021.
Photo: Ben Gray/AP
with Charlie Harper
Ayton scores 12 points in loss to 76ers
PORTLAND, Oregon
(AP) — Joel Embiid had 37 points and nine rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 125-103 on Monday night.
Tyrese Maxey added 23 points for the Sixers. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 15 points and eight steals, and Guerschon Yabusele had 16 points off the bench.
Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting. Deni Avdija had 17 points but also 10 turnovers.
Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara and Deandre Ayton each scored 12 points.
Ayton also contributed two blocks, three assists and six rebounds but he committed three turnovers in 30 minutes on the floor.
Takeaways Trail Blazers: The Blazers struggled shooting the 3, going 8 for 36 from long range (22.2%) as a team.
76ers: The Sixers won comfortably despite Paul George being limited to just 22 minutes due to foul trouble. George finished with nine points on 4-of-9 shooting.
Key stat Philadelphia scored 36 points off Portland’s 26 turnovers while limiting the Blazers to 21 points on their own 19 turnovers.
Photos/Howard Lao)
Key moment With the game tied early in the second quarter, the Sixers went on a 13-0 run over three minutes to pull away from the Blazers, who never caught up. Up Next Ayton and the Blazers visit Los Angeles today.
Poole scores 30 as Wizards beat Bulls
WASHINGTON (AP)
— Jordan Poole scored 30 points to continue his strongest stretch in a Washington uniform as the Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls 125-107 last night.
Poole — who joined Washington from Golden State prior to the 2023-24 season — made six 3-pointers and topped 25 points for a fifth straight game, the first such stretch of his career.
Rookie Alex Sarr added 11 points and 10 rebounds as one of seven players in double figures to help the last-place Wizards to their largest win of the season.
Zach LaVine scored 32 points for the Bulls after he sat out Monday’s win in Charlotte with toe soreness. Coby White added 17 points, and Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and 13 rebounds for Chicago, which committed 20 turnovers and trailed throughout the final three quarters.
HEAT 119, PELICANS 108
MIAMI (AP) — Tyler
Herro scored 32 points, Bam Adebayo flirted with a triple-double and Miami beat New Orleans.
Adebayo finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists for Miami, which got 17 points from Duncan Robinson.
Trey Murphy III scored 34 for the Pelicans, who played on the same day that at least 15 people were killed in New Orleans when
a truck drove into a crowd of New Year’s revellers on Bourbon Street in an attack that President Joe Biden described as “despicable.”
The Pelicans — who never led — lost for the 29th time in their last 32 games and are 1-20 in their last 21 contests.
RAPTORS 130, NETS 113
TORONTO (AP) — Scottie Barnes had 33 points and 13 rebounds and Toronto Raptors snapped an 11-game losing streak by beating Brooklyn.
Immanuel Quickley returned to the lineup for Toronto and contributed 21 points and a season-high 15 assists. He played for just the fourth time this season, returning after missing 22 games because of a torn ligament in his left elbow.
Gradey Dick scored 22 points and Ochai Agbaji added 14 as Toronto won for the first time since a home win over Indiana on December 3.
Cam Johnson scored 24 points and D’Angelo Russell had 22 in his return to Brooklyn but the Nets lost their third straight and 11th of 14.
Keon Johnson scored 17 points and Nic Claxton had 16 points and 10 rebounds as the Nets lost their second straight on the road.
KNICKS 119, JAZZ 103 NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 31 points and 21 rebounds,
Josh Hart notched his second straight tripledouble and New York won their ninth straight game, beating Utah Jazz despite playing without leading scorer Jalen Brunson.
Hart finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists to become the first Knicks player since Michael Ray Richardson in 1981 with consecutive triple-doubles. Hart has four this season and became the fourth player to have 10 triple-doubles with the Knicks.
Mikal Bridges scored 27 points and OG Anunoby had 22 for the Knicks. Brunson missed the game with right calf tightness and was replaced by Cam Payne, who finished with eight points and nine assists.
Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton each scored 25 for the Jazz, who lost their fifth straight.
PISTONS 105, MAGIC 96
DETROIT (AP) —
Jaden Ivey sustained what appeared to be a serious leg injury after scoring 22 points in Detroit’s victory over Orlando.
With 10:07 to play and Detroit leading 84-79, Ivey and Orlando’s Cole Anthony were going for the ball when Anthony slipped and fell.
His momentum carried him into Ivey’s planted leg, and the 22-year-old immediately fell to the floor,
grabbing his left shin in obvious agony.
After a lengthy delay, Ivey was placed on a stretcher and wheeled off the floor.
The Magic had scored the first four points of the quarter, but Tim Hardaway Jr. scored nine points in the next 6:30 to give the Pistons a 99-90 lead.
Cade Cunningham added 19 points and nine assists for the Pistons, who have won four of five. Jalen Duren added 18 points and 11 rebounds to help
Bahamas Aquatics to hold elections on January 11
FROM PAGE 20
will be headed to Trinidad and Tobago to defend our titles and repeat as CARIFTA champions. “We also anticipate the regional water polo programme to revive as CARIFTA water polo will be exciting in Trinidad and Tobago.” Cargill said they were pleased to see that Lamar Taylor became the first Bahamian to advance to the semifinals at the World Indoor Championships in
Budapest, Hungary, last year since Arianna Vanderpool Wallace.
“We expect him to have a breakout season as he is now in a super competitive programme at the University of Tennessee,” Cargill said. “He will compete at the World Championships in Singapore in July 2025.”
Several Bahamians, according to Cargill, are on swimming scholarships and we expect more to use this gateway for academic success.
“Marvin Johnson will join the Florida Gators at the University of Florida, and he is one of the top recruited swimmers in the USA this year,” Cargill said. “He had multiple full ride offers and chose Florida because of the reputation of the programme and its global success.
“Rhanishka Gibbs and Nigel Forbes are swimming extremely well at Texas Christian University and Nigel particularly is setting many personal bests at
TCU. Emmanuel Gadson is at Cornell University in his first season and is already the number one ranked breaststroker on Cornell’s team.”
Subject to Bahamas Government approval, Cargill said Bahamas Aquatics will host the Goodwill Games with the two-time defending champions going for a three-peat at home. Hopefully they can build on what the swim team has accomplished so far at CARIFTA.
Detroit overcome 24 turnovers. Jalen Suggs had 24 points for Orlando, and
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 21. The Magic have lost six of nine.
WASHINGTON Wizards guard Jordan Poole dribbles the ball down the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls yesterday in Washington. The Wizards won 125-107.
(AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton, right, dunks the ball over Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid, left, during the second half on Monday night. (AP
PHILADELPHIA 76ers centre Joel Embiid, right, shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton, left, during the first half.
TRIBUNE SPORTS NAMES THE COACHES OF THE YEAR
given to the Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach Chris DeMarco of the National Basketball Association and Andy Moles, a coach with the Bahamas Cricket Association.
But, as neither are Bahamians, both were excluded, although they played pivotal roles in the success of the men’s national basketball team and the Bahamas national cricket team respectively.
While DeMarco coached the men’s basketball team to the final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, falling short in the final of advancing to the games in Paris, France in July, Moles guided the men’s team to victory as they qualified for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s T-20 World Cup Regional Americas Qualifier.
Credit, however, must be given to the Bahamian coaches, who worked tirelessly in getting our athletes to perform at their highest level of competition.
Leading the way was Greene, who served as the head coach at the University of Kentucky where he had the opportunity to work with Devynne Charlton.
Greene prepared Charlton for the trek to Glasgow, Scotland, in March where she dominated the women’s 60 metres, winning the gold medal and setting the world record in the process.
On the heels of the indoor season, Greene also prepared Charlton for the Olympic Games where she
PAGE 20
Road to Village Road, turn around and head back on Bernard Road to the church.
The registration fee is $10 for men and women in the under-15, under-20, under-40, under-60 and 60-and-over age groups. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers/Deacons category. Medals will be presented to the first three finishers in each age group and trophies to the top male and female finisher.
Immediately following the race, a souse out will take place for $10 each. There will also be a time for persons to engage in a free medical check up.
Interested persons can contact Eric
ANTOAN RICHARDSON
made it back to the final of the women’s 100m hurdles, placing sixth for the second consecutive trip. However, Greene also serves as the coach for American Masai Russell, a product of Kentucky. He was responsible for placing two women in the final.
McPhee headed the coaching staff for the CARIFTA Swim Championships here at home at the refurbished Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex over the Easter holiday weekend. McPhee and his staff that included Camron Bruney,
Sweeting at 376-7211 or castellsweet56@hotmail. com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or stubbobs@gmqil. com for more information.
TRACK AND FIELD
T-BIRD CLASSIC
THE T-Bird Flyers Track and Field Club will hold its 2025 Track Classic over the weekend of January 10-11 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. There will be two sessions starting on Friday, January 10 at 2pm and concluding on Saturday, January 11 at noon for age groups from under-7 to the open division. The deadline for registration is January 6 and all clubs and schools can register by emailing Sandra Butler at smnbutler@ yahoo.com or coach Foster Dorsett at fdillet@gmail. com
TRACK AND FIELD
DTSP WOLFPACK
CLASSIC
THE DTSP Wolfpack Track Club will hold its “I Come To Get Me” Track Classic on Saturday, January 18 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. This year’s meet will honour icon Michael Sands, the president of the North American, Central
SWIMMING coach Travano McPhee (wearing shades inset) gives some instructions to Rhanishka Gibbs at the Paris Olympics.
David Del Cuato, Mancer Roberts Jr. and Allan Murray, captured the title for the sixth consecutive year. It was the greatest accomplishment by any country in the competition and is starting to rival the start of Jamaica’s dominance in the CARIFTA track and field competition.
McPhee’s achievement didn’t stop there as he was selected to coach his first Olympic team in JulyAugust in Paris, France, where he worked with
American and Caribbean NACAC) and is a former public relations and president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA).
Sands is a standout sprinter for Penn State who went on to two Olympic Games in 1972 and 1976. He has held several national records, including the men’s 400m. Meet director Larry Clarke said they are delighted to honour this living legend for his contribution to the sport. He indicated that the track meet will be one that people will not forget.
TRACK AND FIELD
RED-LINE CLASSIC
THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club will hold its fifth annual Sonja Knowles Classic over the weekend of January 25-26 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet, sponsored by Slim Jim and Mahatma, will begin at 10am on Saturday, January 25 and conclude on Sunday, January 26, starting at 1pm. Meet director Tito Moss has indicated that they will offer some awesome customised medals for top three finishers, customised crystal awards for MVPs
national record breaker Travano McPhee and collegian Rhanishka Gibbs. Also making an appearance at the Olympics was Maycock, who worked with javelin thrower Rhema Otabor in her Olympic debut after coming off her first trip to the World Championships in 2023. Maycock, who was serving as the president of the Bahamas Track and Field Coaches Association, was also a coach on the CARIFTA team that went to St George’s, Grenada where
U7 to U20 boys and girls. He also noted that they will offer more events for the under-7 to under-13 age groups, but they expect that the under-15 to the open and masters categories will be very competitive with heats and finals in all sprint events. The entry deadline is January 19. Interested persons are urged to send in entries to redlineathletics242@gmail. com and smnbutler@yahoo. com or contact Tito Moss at 425-4262.
ROAD RACE
BBSF RUN/WALK
RACE
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation, now in its second year of existence, will hold its annual Family Fun Run/Walk race on Saturday, January 25. The dual event, opened to the general public, will get started at 6:30am from the Bahamas Baptist College/Charles W Saunders High School on Jean Street. The run will begin from Jean Street and head south to Prince Charles Drive. It will travel east on Prince Charles Drive to Fox Hill Road. On Fox Hill Road, the route will head north to Bernard Road, west on Bernard Road and south on Jean Street back to the
several field athletes, including throwers Tayshan Stubbs, Dior-Rae Scott and Amae Mackey all shined. For Richardson, it was a little different. He already made history as the first Bahamian to coach in Major League Baseball, occupying first base for the San Francisco Giants from 2020-2023 after his playing days were over.
In November, 2023, he was acquired by the New York Mets to be their new first base coach and he did a stellar job, helping the
finish line. The walk will leave Jean Street and travel north to Bernard Road, head west on Bernard Road to Soldier Road, travel south on Soldier Road to Prince Charles Drive, head east on Prince Charles Drive and back to Jean Street and the finish line.
The categories for both the male and female in both events will be under-15, under-20, under-40, under60 and 60-and-over. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers/Deacons category.
Medals will be presented to the first three finishers in each age category, while the top finishers in each event will be presented with a trophy. There will also be a trophy for the church with the most finishers.
The registration fee is $10 per person and there will be a souse out priced at $10 for chicken or turkey.
Interested persons are urged to contact Ann Thompson at 425-3557 or email ann837609@gmail. com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or email stubbobo@ gmail.com.
TRACK AND FIELD STAR PERFORMERS
MEET THE Star Trackers Track
Club will hold its 22nd Star Performance Track and
team to reach the National League Eastern Division before they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to win the World Series over Bahamian third baseman Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and the New York Yankees. It would have been a grand ending if Richardson and the Mets had booked their ticket to face Chisholm Jr and the Yankees in the World Series. It didn’t happen, but kudos to Richardson for his team’s gallant effort.
Field Classic on Saturday, February 1 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event, powered by Baker/ Greyco Limited, will be held from 9am to 5pm. The registration deadline is on Friday, January 24 at 10pm at www.coachoregistration. com
Meet director Dave Charlton promises that the athletes and spectators will enjoy a very competitive meet that will be contested on time.
SOFTBALL
BBSF SOFTBALL
LEAGUE
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its 2025 softball league, starting on Saturday, February 8 at the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street. The co-ed slow pitch league will allow each team up to a total of 15 players with the registration fee of $200. The deadline for team registration with rosters and team payment is Saturday, January 25, 2025. Interested persons can tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 or email 242softball@gmail. com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or emil stubbobs@ gmail.com
COACH Corrington Maycock and Rhema Otabor at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
COACH Rolando Greene shares a special moment with Devynne Charlton at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2022.
Pro Picks: Lions will beat the Vikings in showdown for the NFC’s No. 1 seed
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
THE NFC’s No. 1 seed, two division titles and two playoff spots are on the line in Week 18 of the NFL’s regular season.
Game No. 272 on Sunday night between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings is a showdown for the NFC North and the conference’s top spot. The loser drops to the No. 5 seed. The Lions hold the tiebreaker in case the teams tie.
The NFC South will go to the Buccaneers or Falcons. The AFC North will be decided Saturday. It’ll be the Ravens or Steelers. Both teams are in the playoffs either way. The Broncos are in control of the AFC’s final wild-card spot. The Bengals and Dolphins hold onto slim hopes.
Pro Picks predicts the final week of regular-season games.
Houston (9-7) at Tennessee (3-13)
Line: Titans minus 1
The playoff-bound Texans are underdogs because they’re locked into the AFC’s No. 4 seed. But coach DeMeco Ryans plans to play his starters after Houston was embarrassed by Baltimore on Christmas Day. The Titans have the second pick in the draft at the moment and could move up to No. 1 with a loss.
BEST BET: TEXANS: 27-12
New York Giants (3-13) at Philadelphia (13-3)
Line: Eagles minus 3 Saquon Barkley’s pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s 40-yearold rushing record would make this game watchable. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni hasn’t decided yet if Barkley and the starters will play because his team is locked into the NFC’s No. 2 seed. The Giants already potentially cost themselves the No. 1 pick by beating the Colts.
UPSET SPECIAL:
GIANTS: 22-20
Cleveland (3-13) at Baltimore (11-5)
Line: Ravens minus 17 1/2
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens need a victory to clinch the AFC North and the No. 3 seed.
The Browns have lost five in a row, currently hold
By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer
THERE’S never quite been a division like this season’s NFC North and there has never been a wild-card team like whoever loses the division title showdown between Detroit and Minnesota.
Led by the Lions and Vikings, both 14-2, the NFC North is set to be the winningest division since the NFL realigned to eight divisions of four teams each in 2002, with 43 wins for the four division teams with two head-to-head games remaining.
The only other divisions to combine for 43 wins since 2002 were the AFC North last season and NFC East in 2022. The NFC North will top that barring two Week 18 ties when Detroit hosts Minnesota and Green Bay (11-5) hosts Chicago (4-12).
The NFC North teams combined to go 33-11 in non-division games, with the .750 win percentage tied for the second best ever behind the .775 for the 1984 AFC West.
The Week 18 showdown between the Lions and Vikings will feature the first matchup ever in the regular season between teams with at least 14 wins. There have been only five postseason games between teams that won at least
the third pick in the draft and have a chance at No. 1 if the Patriots and Titans win.
RAVENS: 30-13
Cincinnati (8-8) at Pittsburgh (10-6)
Line: Bengals minus 1 1/2
The Steelers have lost three in a row and could be eliminated from the division race by kickoff. If the Ravens beat the Browns, Pittsburgh will be either the fifth or sixth seed. The Bengals need a win and the Broncos and Dolphins to lose to sneak into the playoffs.
BENGALS: 24-20 Carolina (4-12) at Atlanta (8-8)
Line: Falcons minus 8 1/2
The Falcons lost control of their NFC South hopes by losing to Washington. Atlanta only gets into the playoffs with a win and the Buccaneers losing to the Saints. The Panthers have improved over the second half, but were routed in Tampa Bay. They hold the sixth pick in the draft currently.
FALCONS: 27-17
Washington (11-5) at Dallas (7-9)
Line: Commanders minus 4 1/2
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led an impressive turnaround in Washington, taking the Commanders to the playoffs. They’ll be either the sixth or seventh seed in the NFC so coach Dan Quinn can rest his starters. The Cowboys got destroyed in Philadelphia after an upset win over the Buccaneers.
COWBOYS: 23-20 Chicago (4-12) at Green Bay (11-5)
Line: Packers minus 9 1/2
Caleb Williams and the Bears haven’t won a game since losing on a Hail Mary pass to Daniels and the Commanders. They could snap that 10-game losing streak if Packers coach Matt LaFleur rests his starters. Green Bay can finish no higher than the sixth seed in the NFC.
PACKERS: 24-20
Jacksonville (4-12) at Indianapolis (7-9)
Line: Colts minus 5
With their playoff hopes on life support, the Colts couldn’t even beat the woeful Giants. The Jaguars currently have the fifth pick in the draft and would be better off losing.
COLTS: 26-16
14 regular- season games, with Kansas City beating Philadelphia in Super Bowl 57, New England beating Pittsburgh in the 2004 AFC title game, Denver beating Atlanta in Super Bowl 33, Atlanta beating Minnesota in the 1998 NFC title game and San Francisco beating Miami in Super Bowl 19. The loser of the game in Detroit on Sunday night will drop all the way to the No. 5 seed as a wild-card team and have to open the playoffs on the road against a team that will have at least four more losses. There has never been a wild-card team with at least 14 wins, with the previous high coming in 1999 when Tennessee went 13-3 and lost the AFC Central to Jacksonville. The Jaguars lost two games in the regular season that year — both to the Titans — and also dropped the AFC title game to Tennessee. If Detroit has to hit the road to start the playoffs, the Lions at least have comfort in the fact that they went 8-0 away from home this season. They were the 10th team to go 8-0 or better on the road, with three of the previous nine winning the championship: New England in 2016 and San Francisco in 1984 and 1989. Only two of those teams had to play a road game in
Buffalo (13-3) at New England (3-13)
Line: Bills minus 3 Josh Allen’s MVP résumé is complete and the Bills are locked into the No. 2 seed so coach Sean McDermott plans to rest some starters. Allen will start his 115th consecutive game and give way to Mitchell Trubisky. The Patriots have the No. 1 pick in the draft and shouldn’t jeopardise that. Benching Drake Maye is an option for New England, which could benefit from trading that top pick for more draft capital.
BILLS: 23-17
New Orleans (5-11) at Tampa Bay (9-7)
Line: Buccaneers minus 13 1/2
The Buccaneers are one win away from their fourth straight NFC South title. Baker Mayfield still has an outside chance to lead the NFL in TD passes. The Saints are wrapping up a nightmarish season and then will begin their search for a new coach.
BUCCANEERS: 34-17
Kansas City (15-1) at Denver (9-7)
Line: Broncos minus 10
The Broncos need a victory to clinch their first playoff appearance since winning a Super Bowl nine years ago. Standing in their way will be a bunch of backups led by Carson Wentz filling in for Patrick
Mahomes. The Chiefs clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed and will be home for the playoffs to continue their three-peat quest.
BRONCOS: 26-23
Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) at Las Vegas (4-12)
Line: Chargers minus 5 1/2
Jim Harbaugh plans to play to win even though the Chargers are assured either the fifth or sixth seed in the AFC. The Raiders have won two in a row to fall out of the running for Shedeur Sanders unless they trade up in the draft.
CHARGERS: 24-17
Seattle (9-7) at Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
Line: Seahawks minus 3
The NFC West champion Rams will be the third or fourth seed. Sean McVay has rested starters in similar situations before and likely will do so again. The Seahawks could finish with the same number of wins as the division champs but already lost the tiebreaker.
SEAHAWKS: 25-16
San Francisco (6-10) at Arizona (7-9)
Line: Cardinals minus 4
The Cardinals were in good shape in the NFC West at 6-4, but lost five of six to miss the playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons. The 49ers couldn’t overcome too many injuries and inconsistency and won’t be defending their NFC title. CARDS: 26-20
the playoffs, with the 2014 Cowboys losing a divisional round game at Green Bay and the 1934 Bears losing the NFL title game to the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds. The Chiefs also lost the Super Bowl to Tampa Bay in the 2020 season in the Buccaneers’ home stadium in what was officially designated as a neutral-site game. Greener pastures When Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold were teammates for Carolina in 2022, they combined to throw 13 TD passes for a seven-win team that fired coach Matt Rhule early that season.
The two former firstround picks from the 2018 draft are having far more success this season. Mayfield has thrown 39 touchdown passes in his
second season in Tampa Bay and has the Bucs in position to win the NFC South with one more win. Darnold has thrown 35 TD passes for the Vikings.
There was only one other time in NFL history, according to Sportradar, that two players who appeared in at least one game in the same season for one team both went on to throw at least 35 TD passes for another after leaving.
The 1950 Baltimore Colts featured Hall of Famers Y.A. Tittle and George Blanda. That version of the Colts folded after that season, while Tittle went on to throw 36 TD passes for the Giants in 1963 and Blanda had 36 for the Oilers in 1961.
Turnaround coach Jim Harbaugh’s turnaround skills had another
By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa was limited in yesterday’s practice as the Miami Dolphins quarterback deals with a right hip injury that sidelined him in Week 17. Tagovailoa did not do much during the portion of practice that was open to reporters. He stretched, jogged and tossed a football a few yards to backup quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley.
Coach Mike McDaniel said Huntley will get more practice reps this week than Tagovailoa with a game at the New York Jets coming up that the Dolphins need to win to have a chance at the last AFC wild-card spot.
Miami (8-8) at New York Jets (4-12)
Line: Dolphins minus 1
The Dolphins could go into a must-win game with Tyler Huntley again instead of Tua Tagovailoa, who has a hip injury. The Dolphins would make the playoffs with a victory if the Chiefs beat the Broncos. The season can’t end soon enough for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
DOLPHINS: 20-17
Minnesota (14-2) at Detroit (14-2)
Line: Lions minus 3
This is the game Dan Campbell and the Lions have waited for since losing to the 49ers in last season’s NFC championship game. Getting the No. 1 seed has been Detroit’s goal and it’ll come down to beating Sam Darnold and the Vikings, who have been the surprise of the NFL this season. A tie also gets the job done for the Lions. Despite a shorter week after playing at San Francisco on Monday night, Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and the rest of the Lions have come too far to slip now. Detroit has been depleted by injuries, especially on defence, and keeps winning. Minnesota has won nine in a row and defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ unit presents a difficult challenge for the Lions’ dynamic offence.
LIONS: 30-26
success story in his first year coaching the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh clinched a playoff spot when Los Angeles beat New England 40-7 on Saturday after going 5-12 last season. This is the second time Harbaugh has taken over a team with a losing record and gone to the playoffs in his first season, having San Francisco go from 6-10 in 2010 before he arrived to 13-3 in 2011. Harbaugh is the first coach in the Super Bowl era to take over two teams that had losing records the year before he arrived and take them to the playoffs in his first season. Harbaugh also had an immediate impact in college, helping Stanford improve by three wins in his first season in 2007 and Michigan improve by five wins in 2015.
Harbaugh has gone to the postseason in four out of five seasons as an NFL coach, a rate exceeded only by four coaches with at least four seasons in the Super Bowl era: Nick Sirianni (4 for 4), Sean McDermott (7 for 8), Tony Dungy (11 for 13) and Matt LaFleur (5 for 6).
Under pressure Caleb Williams hasn’t had nearly as much success as Harbaugh in his transition from college to the pros.
“Today, I’m approaching it as I think Snoop is starting today,” McDaniel said yesterday. “Obviously the team — it’s very easy for us to adjust as the week progresses. But I think you have to approach it a certain way, and then it’s an easy adjustment that we’re definitely open-minded to, considering our timeline last week.” Miami needs to win and have the Broncos lose to the Chiefs — who have the AFC’s top seed wrapped up and will start Carson Wentz at quarterback — to earn a playoff berth.
“That’s what our focus has been firmly on,” McDaniel said of the upcoming matchup, “and I just really like the way our football has progressed during the season. And this game is another opportunity to put our best foot forward, and we absolutely have an opportunity to play in the playoffs. We know our part of the bargain. That opportunity doesn’t exist unless we take care of it.”
Tagovailoa has not been ruled out of Sunday’s game. He was hurt when he took a shot outside the pocket at Houston on Dec. 15, and he aggravated the injury against San Francisco the next week. It is the same hip that Tagovailoa dislocated while in college at Alabama in 2019, which required season-ending surgery, but it is not the same injury, McDaniel said Monday.
Huntley would make his second straight start if Tagovailoa is unable to play. It would be his fifth start for the Dolphins, who signed Huntley off Baltimore’s practice squad.
The No. 1 overall pick by the Chicago Bears is enduring a rough rookie season, losing 10 straight starts headed into the season finale.
The only other QB picked first overall to lose that many consecutive starts as a rookie was Troy Aikman, who went 0-11 for Dallas in 1989. Williams has been sacked 67 times thanks to a shaky offensive line and his inability to get rid of the ball quickly. He is nearing the record for most sacks taken in a season, with only three QBs taking more. David Carr was sacked a record 76 times as a rookie in 2002 for the expansion Houston Texans, Randall Cunningham was sacked 72 times in 1986 and Carr took 68 more sacks in 2005. The Bears have lost 10 straight games in a season for the second time in franchise history, having also dropped the final 10 games in 2022.
24TH PROVIDENCE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Rattlers and Eagles win
The CI Gibson Rattlers had to hold off a man-shortened CC
Sweeting Cobras to retain their senior boys’ title in the 24th edition of the Providence Basketball Tournament on Monday at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
And in a showdown between two Abaco teams in the junior boys’ division, the Agape Christian Academy Eagles
repeated as champions as well, pulling off a 55-43 win over the SC Bootle Dolphins.
The Rattlers brought the curtain down on the four-day tournament that started on Friday with a 60-52 win over the Cobras just after the Eagles soared past the Dolphins 55-43 on the final day of competition.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
ON THE REPLAY: PLAY ACTION: Senior and junior basketball players in action during the 24th Providence Basketball Tournament at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
BAHAMAS BOWL THIS
SATURDAY
FROM PAGE 20
The Liberty Flames will be making their inaugural bowl appearance in The Bahamas.
Latia Duncombe, director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism said: “Hosting the Bahamas Bowl underscores our position as a premier destination for world-class sporting events. With attendees enjoying the excitement on the ground and millions tuning in on ESPN, this event showcases The Bahamas’ stunning beauty and exceptional hospitality to a global audience, leaving lasting impressions both on and off the field.”
WACO, Texas (AP) —
V.J. Edgecombe scored 19 points, three other Baylor players had 15 and the 25th-ranked Bears led throughout in an 81-56 win over Utah on Tuesday in the Big 12 opener for both teams.
Baylor (9-3) scored the game’s first 11 points in just over five minutes, including two layups by Jeremy Roach.
Miami transfer Norchad Omier had 15 points and 14 rebounds for his seventh double-double this season and 75th of his career. He is the NCAA leader among active players with those double-doubles and his 1,446 rebounds.
Duke transfer Roach and freshman Robert Wright II both also had 15 points.
Hunter Erickson had 13 points for league newcomer Utah (8-4), which played its first Big 12 game and faced Baylor for the first time since 1960.
Mason Madsen had 10 points.
Takeaways
Utah: The closest Utah got after Baylor’s opening surge was 15-12 on a 3-pointer by Madsen. But the Utes ended the half with seven assists on seven made field goals (on 33 shots) and seven turnovers, and trailed 37-17 in their lowest-scoring first half of the season.
Baylor: The Bears have won four in a row since a four-point loss at two-time
The Bahamas Bowl forms part of the country’s broader ‘Sports in Paradise’ initiative, which aims to position the nation as the premier destination for sports tourism. This multi-year partnership will help solidify the country’s status as a leader in hosting world-class sports events and bring even greater international attention to the islands. The Bahamas Bowl is one of 17 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, and it has traditionally featured teams from the MidAmerican Conference and Conference USA. Past champions of the event include UAB in 2022, Middle Tennessee in 2021 and Buffalo in 2019. For more information, including travel packages, game day details, and how to secure tickets, please visit www.bahamasbowl.com
defending national champion No. 11 UConn. Key moment Omier dodged a defender and found Edgecombe for a two-handed slam early in the second half. Edgecombe returned the favour 18 seconds later off a Utes turnover with a lob pass to Omier for a layup.
Key stat Utah starting point guard Miro Little, a transfer from Baylor, was scoreless in 25 minutes in his return. He was 0-for-9 shooting, including five from 3-point range.
Up next Utah is home against Texas Tech on Saturday. Baylor, 2-3 against ranked opponents, plays at No. 3 Iowa State the same day.
BAYLOR guard VJ Edgecombe is fouled as he attempts a shot past Utah guard Mike
centre, and forward Jake Wahlin, left, while teammate Baylor forward
Josh Ojianwuna and Utah guard Hunter Erickson look on during the second half of an
college basketball game on Tuesday.
UTAH guard Gabe Madsen and Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe reach for a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Waco, Texas. (AP Photos/Jerry Larson)
SPORTS
Swimming ‘going to the polls’ Jan. 11
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
As we usher in a new year, Bahamas Aquatics, coming off another productive year, is preparing to go to the polls on January 11 during their annual general meeting at the Balmoral Club. And as expected, incumbent president Algernon Cargill said he’s eager to seek another four-year term in office. He went unopposed during the last election held in 2021. “I have served from 2003 and
will pass the mantle on to a successor and will continue as a certified official post my term,” stated Cargill.
“During this final term, and if re-elected that is, I plan to expand the network of our federation, attract more corporate sponsors, create opportunities for our athletes to advance their studies and swimming career, and ensure that Bahamas Aquatics’ Corporate Governance remains impeccable.”
It’s not certain who else will be running for office as the nominations closed at midnight and the results were not available up to press time.
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
ROAD RACE MACEDONIA
WALK RACE
AS a part of its celebrations for their annual Men’s Anniversary, Macedonia Baptist Church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill will hold a Family
However, looking back at 2024, Cargill said Bahamas Aquatics enjoyed another banner year and they are looking forward to building
on that success going into 2025. “Bahamas Aquatics had a very successful 2024 and we are excited about the outlook for 2025,”
Cargill said. “Building on our 2024 Carifta Aquatics 6th consecutive victory, we
PAGE 15
January Bahamas Bowl this Saturday
Fun Walk race on Saturday, January 11. The event, open to the general public, will get started at 6:30am from the church grounds and head west on Bernard
SEE PAGE 16
FOLLOWING a oneyear absence, the Bahamas Bowl, the longest-running international bowl game in college football history, returns to Nassau for its eighth edition on Saturday, January 4.
Kickoff is at 11am ET at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium and will be televised live on ESPN. This historic edition of the Bahamas Bowl marks the first time the game will be
played in January and, for the first time ever, it will take place on a Saturday.
In celebration of this exciting event, fans can now pick-up complimentary tickets at John Watling’s Distillery, Delancy Street, offering a unique opportunity to experience the thrilling atmosphere of The Bahamas Bowl for free.
Fans are encouraged to get their tickets while supplies last.
The two teams competing in this year’s Bahamas Bowl are the Buffalo Bulls (8-4), representing the MidAmerican Conference, and the Liberty Flames (8-3), representing Conference USA.
The Bills, who are no strangers to the event, will also make a return to The Bahamas after having won the 2019 Bahamas Bowl.
PAGE 16 VJ, Page 19
TRIBUNE SPORTS’ COACHES OF 2024
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE year came to a close on Wednesday, but Tribune Sports couldn’t help but get the new year started by honouring those coaches who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and rarely get the credit they so rightfully deserve. In the selection for Coach of the Year, it came down to a close choice between swimming coach Travano McPhee, track and field coaches Rolando “Lonnie” Greene and Corrington Maycock as well as baseball coach Antoan Richardson. Consideration was
ALGERNON CARGILL
Shell Saxon Superstars
New Year’s Junkanoo Division A Champions
Shell Saxons Superstars win a historic fourth straigtht parade as they compete at the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade downtown yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Shell Saxon Superstars at New Year’s Junkanoo Parade.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Photos: Dante Carrer/tribune staff
Colours in action during the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade downtown yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff