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MINNIS: I WILL RUN IN NEXT ELECTION

Former PM has not taken part in FNM candidate training

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minis-

ter Dr Hubert Minnis has set himself on a collision course with the FNM’s current leadership by declaring yesterday that he plans to run in the next election despite not completing the party’s mandatory

training sessions for aspiring candidates. FNM’s leaders have insisted that as part of the party’s selection process, all potential candidates participate in a training module including its former standard bearer. Dr Minnis acknowledged that he had not attended a

POLICE: NO COMMEN T O N VIDEO OF ARREST IN CHURCH

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE declined to comment yesterday after a video purporting to show the arrest of a man during a church service went viral.

One prominent pastor noted that it is unusual for police to arrest people during a church service, with authorities usually waiting until after.

The origins and setting of the incident could not be conﬁrmed up to press time.

The Tribune understands that representatives of the Bahamas Christian Council reached out to the police and were told an internal inquiry was launched.

$300m Four Seasons development promises over 200 permanent jobs

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences broke ground yesterday for its $300m luxury development over

on Paradise Island, promising to provide roughly 1,000 jobs during construction and 200 permanent jobs after completion.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the project would provide $715 billion over the next 20

years. “This multi-million dollar development is extra special because it marks the 60th anniversary of the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons resort here on Paradise Island,”

DAVIS DISMISSES ECON OMY SLOWDOW N CLAIM

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AFTER an IMF report warned that the country’s economic growth is expected to slow, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis dismissed those conclusions yesterday, saying his administration does not foresee an economic slowdown just “right yet”.

“That is their predictions,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

“There are some headwinds for us, but it’s not in the economy. It’s the obligation that have been incurred over the years that is holding us back, but we see the observations made by them, but we will ensure… that our economy

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis

FROM left, head of construction Peter Darrell, Access Industries representative Annie Wickstrom, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Aviation Chester Cooper, Two Roads managing partner Taylor Collins and Two Roads Development partner and president Brad Meltzer during the groundbreaking ceremony for Four Seasons Residences on Paradise Island yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

AG extols retiring Court of Appeal president

Isaacs as example of issuing timely decisions

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOR the second time this month, Attorney General Ryan Pinder has highlighted the importance of judges issuing timely decisions, praising retiring Court of Appeal President Justice Jon Isaacs as an example to follow.

Speaking yesterday at a special sitting in honour of Justice Isaacs at the British Colonial Hotel, Mr Pinder said: “He has never been the subject of public or private criticism that he takes too long to deliver his judgments. This is something to be commended, an example that current judges should emulate.”

Mr Pinder’s comments drew nods of approval and murmurs from the crowd.

They come after he raised similar concerns earlier this month at the opening of the Legal Year 2025, where he urged judges to deliver decisions “more promptly” to prevent “prejudicial” delays for those seeking justice.

“We are still experiencing delays in receiving decisions and judgments that in some instances may be prejudicial to those who are looking for justice,” he said at the time.

Mr Pinder praised Justice Isaacs’ career yesterday, saying: “He had an amicable career and was not shy of giving his direct opinions on a variety of matters.”

He recalled how Justice Isaacs, when Chief Magistrate, voiced strong views on what the new Magistrates’ Court should look like and where it should be located.

“And just last week, we

note the pointed and unapologetic comments that he had on capital punishment and the establishment of a high court,” he added, referring to Justice Isaac’s defence of capital punishment and view that the country should reconsider the Privy Council’s position as the ﬁnal appellate court.

“We value these inputs and I am sure that we will not lose them as a result of this transition.”

Justice Isaacs is retiring after more than 40 years of service, having moved from the Attorney General’s Ofﬁce to Chief Magistrate in 1997, then to the Supreme Court in 2002, and ﬁnally to the Court of Appeal in 2014. He was sworn in as Court of Appeal President in July 2024.

In his remarks, he reﬂected on his achievements, including creating a monthly digest where cases are sent to the Chief Magistrate and Chief Justice for dissemination to all judicial ofﬁcers.

“I’ve tried my best at all times to be fair and just to all who appear before me,” Justice Isaacs said, crediting his success to family and friends. “Of course, part of me is excited to embark on my new life while another will miss the repertoire in engaging in legal discussions with the justices of the court.”

Justice Milton Evans will succeed him as Court of Appeal President. Justice Evans pledged to maintain the efﬁciency of the appellate court, which currently has no backlog. He also cautioned against casual adjournments, urging counsel to arrive fully prepared with their submissions.

JUSTICE Jon Isaacs exits the chamber after a special session of the Court of Appeal to mark his retirement as president and to welcome incoming president Justice Milton Evans at the British Colonial hotel yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Minnis: I will run in next election

session, claiming the mandate goes against the party’s procedure.

“That has never been the procedure, so I have done neither of any,” he said.

FNM leader Michael Pintard recently said more than 100 people have completed the training modules and been “tapped on their shoulder to get in the ﬁeld and compete”.

Dr Minnis alluded to his reference yesterday, jokingly telling reporters that nobody had tapped him, adding: “Unless you want to tap me on my shoulder.”

Dr Minnis’s future in the FNM has been uncertain since he lost during the party’s one-day convention in June; Mr Pintard decisively won the leadership race, securing 486 votes to Dr Minnis’s 163.

His relationship with the party’s leadership has not signiﬁcantly improved since then.

When asked if he is conﬁdent about running under the party’s ticket again, he said he answers to God and the people who guide him.

For his part, FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands told The Tribune that Dr Minnis, like anyone else, was entitled to his views. However, he emphasised that the party believes its current procedure is robust and appropriate.

“I think we’ve been very clear about the qualiﬁcations for candidacy and I have nothing further to add,” he said.

Davis dismisses economy slowdown claim

page one from page one

grows and not slows.”

The IMF’s full 2024 Article IV report on the Bahamian economy

highlighted concerns despite hailing The Bahamas’ “remarkable” post-Dorian and post-COVID economic and tourism recovery.

According to the report, growth is “expected to slow” to around 1.5 percent — this nation’s historical average — as “capacity constraints in

the tourism sector become binding”. This refers to a shortage of new hotel rooms under construction, with supply unable to meet demand.

The IMF also described The Bahamas’ ambition to achieve a 50 percent debt-to-GDP ratio by 2030-2031 as a useful “anchor” for fiscal policy, but expressed scepticism about reaching this target purely through improved tax enforcement and compliance — suggesting

that additional measures, including new or increased taxes, might be necessary. The Fund further warned that the government’s “public debt and gross financing needs” remain high, creating a “rollover risk” — the danger that a major institutional investor might refuse to refinance existing debt and instead demand full repayment of the principal owed. Additionally, the report

revealed that as of October 2024, the government had reached its legal borrowing limit with the Central Bank, a situation stemming from increased reliance on that funding source while private capital is deployed elsewhere. When asked about this yesterday, Prime Minister Davis responded: “Again, that is another issue between the fiscal authority and the monetary authority and we’re dealing with that as well.”

FORMER PRIME MINISTER DR HUBERT MINNIS

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS

$300m Four Seasons development promises over 200 permanent jobs

Mr Cooper said.

“This project is a testament to the long-lasting and mutually beneﬁcial relationship between the government of the Bahamas and the Ocean Club.”

Scheduled for completion in 2028, the development will feature 67 high-end residences and world-class amenities, including a gym, spa, pools, and beachfront dining venues.

Mr Cooper highlighted the enhanced opportunities the project will bring for Bahamian vendors and small businesses.

“Cabbage Beach, one of our most beloved spots, will remain open to the public during construction,” he said.

“Post-construction will also see an improved public access through a permanent, irrevocable easement agreed with the government of The Bahamas, and further, Bahamian-licensed vendors will be able to set up stalls for authentically Bahamian goods and

services, helping small businesses to grow and empowering Bahamian entrepreneurs.”

Mr Cooper emphasised the developers’ commitment to “collaborative and positive vendor relations”, ensuring the project will be a “win-win for all concerned”.

John Conway, General Manager of the Four Seasons Resort and Master of Ceremonies for the groundbreaking event, outlined the project’s commitment to enhancing public access to Cabbage Beach.

“The public will enjoy a new, beautifully landscaped 15-foot-wide beach access path, and vendors will have upgraded, modern stalls available for rent at a monthly cost of $1,” he said.

During the ceremony, environmental commitments were underlined, with Ocean Club ofﬁcials acknowledging their responsibility for environmental preservation and sustainability. Mr Conway highlighted efforts

to restore dunes, remove invasive species, and plant trees native to preserve the natural beauty of Paradise Island.

During the ceremony, Bishop Valentino Williams also prayed for the project’s adherence to sustainable practices, asking for divine guidance to “adhere to strict environmental guidelines”.

Mr Cooper emphasised the cultural focus of the development.

“It will blend luxury with Bahamian art, music, and cuisine. It will be a perfect mix of elegance and heritage,” he said.

Dan Wicks, Head of Hospitality at Access Industries, said: “We want them to experience the art, cuisine, culture, and hospitality that this wonderful place is all about.”

The project also prioritises partnerships with local entrepreneurs to ensure Bahamian culture is authentically represented, creating opportunities to promote local art, cuisine, and craftsmanship.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Police: No comment on video of arrest in church

The video shows an ofﬁcer talking to a man

dressed in a robe, saying: “You are an elderly man. I respect my elders. Do not disrespect. Do you

understand me?” “I understand,” the man answered. At the end of the video,

a woman attempted to kick the ofﬁcer as he removed the man from the church. from page one

Two separate allegations of sexual assault investigated

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

AUTHORITIES have launched investigations into two separate incidents of alleged sexual assault, both involving male suspects known to the victims—one of which reportedly involved a victim being sexually assaulted over a span of at least three days.

In the ﬁrst case, police have launched an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving an adult female at a residence on Miami Street.

According to reports, the victim was allegedly

held against her will and assaulted multiple times by a man she knew. The ordeal reportedly spanned three days, beginning Friday, January 17, and concluding on Sunday, January 19. Law enforcement ofﬁcials stated they are pursuing signiﬁcant leads in this matter, however, no arrests have been announced at this time as the investigation continues. In a separate and equally troubling incident, two men, ages 26 and 24, are currently in police custody following allegations of sexual assault and robbery at an inn on Kings Road early Sunday morning. Preliminary reports

reveal that around 4am, the victim was asleep when she was awakened by a man known to her. Police alleged he sexually assaulted her and then robbed her at knifepoint.

Ofﬁcers executed a search warrant at the inn, leading to the arrest of the two suspects who are now assisting with the investigation. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about either case to come forward as investigations remain active.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Grand Bahama Police at 919, 911, or their nearest police station.

Man accused of Boxing Day rape of 19-year-old woman

By PAVEL BAILE Y Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 23-YEAR-OLD man was remanded into custody yesterday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old girl on Boxing Day.

Sweeting will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Serviced until his VBI is potentially served on April 25. Sergeant 2257 Wilkinson served as the prosecutor.

Wendawn Miller-Frazier represented the accused.

Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned Denavco Sweeting on Rape. The defendant allegedly had sexual intercourse with the teenage complainant without her consent on December 26, 2024. The accused was informed he was not requested to enter a plea at this time. He was told that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

THREE CHARGED WI T H GUN AND AMMO POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILE Y Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THREE men were granted bail yesterday after allegedly having a loaded gun in their car and leading police on a chase on West Bay Street last week.

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Michael Smith, 23, Romeo Cooper Jr, 21, and Garet Rolle, 24, on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition. The trio were reportedly seen driving a grey Jeep suspiciously on West Bay Street on January 14, 2023. They allegedly tried to flee at high speed, during which a black Springfield 9mm pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition were thrown from the car before police stopped the suspects on Hay Street. Officers later recovered the firearm and ammunition.

All three accused pleaded not guilty. Bail for the defendants was set at $7,500 each, with one or two sureties.

Under the terms of their bail, they must sign in at the Central Police Station every Friday by 7pm and wear electronic monitoring devices.

Their trial is set to begin on March 11.

Tonique Lewis and Levan Johnson represented the accused.

ACCUSED OF ATT EMP T TO EX TOR T FROM WOMAN

PAVEL

BAILE Y Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail yesterday after being accused of attempting to extort $1,500 from a woman by threatening to leak sensitive information.

Magistrate Samuel

McKinney arraigned

35-year-old Charlton Nottage on a charge of attempted extortion. He allegedly threatened to release explicit images of a 36-year-old woman to force her to pay him $1,500 on November 15, 2023. Nottage pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor Inspector Deon Barr did not object to bail, noting that Nottage had no prior convictions. He was granted $3,000 bail with one or two sureties and warned not to interfere with the complainant or any witnesses. Nottage’s trial will begin on April 28.

M AN REMANDED FOR BREACHING BAIL 13 T IMES

By PAVEL BAILE Y Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail for an armed robbery charge was denied release yesterday after allegedly failing to sign in at his local police station 13 times last year. Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned

29-year-old Shacardo Culmer on a charge of violating bail conditions. Culmer was initially granted bail after being accused of armed robbery and receiving. While on release, he allegedly failed to sign in at his local station 13 times between November 1 and November 29, 2024. Culmer pleaded not

guilty to the charge. Sergeant 2257 Wilkinson, prosecuting, objected to bail, citing the number of alleged breaches. Culmer was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his status hearing on January 24. He was represented by Mark Penn.

SCREEN captures from an online video show the officer warning a man inside a church (on the left), and a woman trying to kick the officer s he leaves with the man.

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-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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Stage set for confrontation in FNM?

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is planning to extend his stay in the House of Assembly as an MP – and stirring up the prospect of a rift in the FNM in the process.

The party has been in the process of selecting its candidates for the next election – with FNM leader Michael Pintard saying that people had been “tapped on their shoulder to get in the ﬁeld and compete”.

Dr Minnis jokingly noted that his shoulder remained resolutely untapped so far.

In addition, the party has set up mandatory training sessions for wouldbe candidates. Dr Minnis has not completed those.

If that sounds to you like the current leader and the former leader are not seeing eye to eye, it will not exactly be breaking news.

Dr Minnis did, after all, challenge Mr Pintard for the leadership of the party at the last convention – and there have been long rumblings of discontent between the pair.

The stage is now set for a possible confrontation – over whether Dr Minnis is selected to run, and if he is not, whether he will run against the FNM ticket.

Dr Minnis lost his leadership race by a sizeable margin – and lest we forget, he also lost the last election, again by a large amount.

His appetite for continuing as an MP remains undiminished, however, and when asked if he is conﬁdent about running under the party ticket, he said he answers to God and the people who guide him.

Party chairman Dr Duane Sands was blunt on the matter, saying: “I think we’ve been very clear about the qualiﬁcations for candidacy.”

It certainly does not seem as if all sides are pulling in the same direction. Watch this space. Meanwhile, an advertisement in yesterday’s Tribune brought a response from the current prime minister, Philip Davis.

He posted to social media in the wake of the advertisement in yesterday’s edition – and it is of course only fair to publish his response.

He said: “I’ve been made aware of a political ad placed in today’s Tribune which appears to suggest a challenge to the Deputy Prime Minister’s position. To address this directly: the Deputy Prime Minister continues to have my full conﬁdence and support as the Deputy Prime Minister and as the Deputy Leader of our party.”

Mr Davis added: “The innovative work he is doing to revitalise our tourism industry is central to our plans to expand our economy. The Minister of Energy and Transport is doing excellent work in her ministry, driving forward our country’s ﬁrst nationwide, comprehensive energy reforms, to bring down electricity prices and strengthen our grid for reliability and resilience.

“Our Cabinet is working together as a team, united in purpose, tackling the hardest problems our country faces –problems that have been neglected for too long. We are focused on delivering results during difﬁcult times. We have important work to do, and we’re doing it together.”

Concerned over treatment of Skippings

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS a Seventh-day Adventist and a dedicated member of our Bahamian community, I feel compelled to express my deep disappointment regarding the treatment of Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings by our government and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. While I wish to remain anonymous due to concerns about victimisation in our small island nation, it is essential to voice my concerns publicly.

Chief Superintendent Skippings has served our community with exceptional dedication and

integrity for many years. Despite her qualifications and professionalism, it appears that she has been overlooked in her career progression. This is not only disheartening for her but also sends a troubling message to the many young women police officers who look up to her as a role model. They are left questioning whether hard work and education genuinely lead to success in our society. This situation reflects a broader issue within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas—one where merit is overshadowed by favoritism and injustice. It is a sad commentary on our

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Te crazy need to get treatment

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BAHAMAS Outlook this week principle speech was interesting… to me it substantiated the failure of the PLP from 1967 through 2025 to create an all-inclusive ethnically broad-based economy.

Criticise all you like the remnants of the old UBP have been very successful in succession not just

one generation but in most cases two... an enormous economic business success but why couldn’t that be recognised? To be a big player you have to be able to access capital… the majority of us had no chance for 10-12 years after 1967 and even then difﬁcult even with people like Vesco and more recently Sam Brown/FTX… giving out large cash gifts.

values and aspirations as a nation. If we are to strive for improvement, we must ﬁrst hold ourselves accountable and stand against the injustices that undermine our progress.

I’d like to ask all rightthinking Bahamians to reﬂect on this matter. Injustice to one is an injustice to all. When will we collectively decide to end the cycle of victimisation? It is time for us to foster an environment that uplifts and supports those who serve our community with honour.

ANONYMOUS Nassau, January 16, 2025.

How many of the Vesco era are still in business? None might be one. The content of the speech begs the question - is what was said the truth or just political rhetoric? Adviceleave the commercial sector alone sir unless you want an upheaval and catastrophe.

T HIGGINS Nassau, January 18, 2025.

WHILE I hold myself out, with justification, if I may say so, to be all things to all fellow human beings, I am not a trained psychologist or a home grown head shrink, may I suggest that for far too long, we as a people have ignored; marginalised or simply locked them up in a closet at home, if they display overt signs of mental illnesses. In extreme cases family members may seek medical attention but otherwise, if you are, in fact crazy, you are on your own.

The PM bemoaned the fact that there is too much alleged and actual “abuse” of our children and vulnerable members of society by parents and guardians. I agree with him 100 percent and would opine that this is due to the parents or guardians themselves being stressed out. The main factor, however, in my opinion, is that too many of them are themselves challenged by societal norms and cultural experiences. We have literally children having children. To add to this, too many Bahamians have lost income opportunities; lost their homes or been evicted from apartments following and during COVID-19.

Our social services has fallen down badly and the collective church is nowhere in sight!! Empathy is, apparently, a thing of the past. Most of us are no longer our brother’s keepers much less the Good Samaritan. We have evolved into a dog eat dog world where the law of the jungle and the principles of the strongest of the fit prevails. It is no longer the phenomenon of the

least that you do for one of these, you do for me. Yes, there are multiple instances of the average Bahamian actually being crazy, mentally, but he/she is incapable or unwilling to acknowledge the same. We have been admonished to get wisdom, which many of us profess to have but we do not, alas, possess or ask for “understanding”. Without knowing the principles of the Kingdom of God and applying them we have evolved into a society, culturally, where the blind are leading the blind and most of you all are doomed to fall into the proverbial ditch! It is unfortunate that the vast majority of our societal leaders, especially legislators; the executive and the wider church are themselves “challenged” mentally, in my opinion, do not care to learn about, much less empower themselves with Kingdom building principles that we are very close to falling off the cliff. In less than 18 months the New Day PLP and the Prime Minister, will have to come back to the people for validation and an opportunity, which is available, for a second consecutive term, if handle appropriately. There are ministers and parliamentarians who will have to be jettisoned at the earliest junction. We love most of them but, clearly, some of them are beyond political redemption and are doing a grave disservice to their constituencies and portfolios. The PM must read the

Riot Act to some of these misguided and high on the donkey operatives who regard public service as a ways and means to get rich while “fleecing” the unwashed masses and the ‘silent’ majority. Are there real crazy people in The Bahamas and do some of them need electrical shock treatment? I, of course, have no problem with so-called crazy people but when it is manifested in the church and the Halls of Parliament we have a massive societal and economic problem. To administer the affairs of a relatively small society like The Bahamas should Not require rocket scientists. All they need, I submit, is to humble themselves and to seek the face of God. This is why we need more Kingdom Builders to step up to the plate. I love the PM, beyond measure, save and except for his immediate family. Those with whom he has surrounded himself with are, in more cases than might be desirable, mere shuckers and jivers. I make no apologies about this stance. They must over the course of the next 18 months, either fish; cut bait or be thrown the hell out of the boat. The PM has a date with destiny and either those who might be or consider themselves crazy need to be subjected to medical or political treatment. Are there crazy people in the nation? To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, January 19, 2025.

Photo: Ron Lightbourn

Education signs MOU to engage senior high schoolers in agriculture and marine science

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday to launch an Agriculture and Marine Cadet Programme, which will target senior high school students beginning next month.

The initiative aims to engage students in agriculture and marine science, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to pave the way for post-secondary education and career opportunities in these fields. It will be

OFFICIALS from the Ministry fo Education and the Ministry of Agriculture sign an MOU at One Montagu Place as their respective Mministers, Glenys Hanna Martin and Jomo Campbell, look on.

implemented in schools within New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma, Cat Island, and

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

Long Island, starting with 20 students per school. Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell outlined the programme’s key

features, focusing on its integration into the school curriculum to provide both theoretical and practical learning. Students will participate in workshops, field trips, and internships with farmers, fishermen, and conservation organisations, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

“By introducing students to the diverse range of career opportunities available in agriculture and marine sciences, we can inspire them to pursue further education through BAMSI and ultimately contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of our nation,” he said.

“So as we sign this memorandum of understanding today, let us commit ourselves to building a robust framework that supports our students and empowers them to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future. Let us invest in their potential, knowing that by doing so, we are safeguarding not only our lands and seas but also the wellbeing of future generations.”

Education inister Glenys Hanna-Martin expressed her support, noting that the programme provides students with real-world experience and highlights the vast potential of the agriculture and marine sciences sector.

Romeo Josie, the Agriculture Cadet Coordinator, is spearheading the initiative. He revealed that teacher training would begin on January 24, with student recruitment starting January 27. The programme’s launch is scheduled for February 24, during which students will showcase their projects. He said: “A lot of them grow up on the boat with their grandparents. A lot of them grew up in the field with their grandparents and love what they’re doing, but it’s not shown to be something that they can get into and thrive from. So, this is the opportunity for that to happen.”

BA M SI SEES RISE IN STUDENT ENROL M ENT AS IT LOOKS TO EX PAND TO A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has had a surge in student enrolment since its inception, with nearly 200 students enrolled for the current spring semester, up from its early days when enrolment ranged between 50 and 60 students. Dr Raveenia RobertsHanna, BAMSI’s president, said that as of September, the institution will begin

offering four-year degree programmes. Currently, BAMSI offers two-year programmes with a ﬂexible hybrid model of in-person classes and online certiﬁcations tailored to the needs of full-time, part-time, and working students.

Haitian student wins oratorical competiton two years after being unable to speak English

By DENISE MAYCOCK

STEVE Tilus, a Haitian student from Jordan Prince William High School, captured ﬁrst place in the third annual Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest.

Tilus, who arrived in The Bahamas two years ago and was unable to speak English, surpassed 14 other students to become the top orator. The win marked the ﬁrst time a Jordan Prince William student won the contest,

earning Tilus a cash prize of $500 and securing the ﬂoating trophy for his school.

Two Grand Bahamas students, Vashanique Kemp of Summit Heights Preparatory School, was second and received a $300 cash prize, and Imani Price of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy was third, receiving a $200 cash prize. The competition, organised by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in The Bahamas, was held on January 10 and consisted of students from grades 11 and 12 representing high schools in

New Providence and Grand Bahama. This year’s topic was “The Time is Always Right to Do What is Right.”

The Bahamas Alphas, which consist of three chapters, including the Iota Epsilon Lambda, Sigma Beta Lambda, and Phi Mu, formed The Bahamas Alphas Educational and Leadership Foundation to hold such events.

The contest was judged by Toastmasters International to ensure fairness, with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) serving as the ofﬁcial statisticians.

“If I can say one good thing about the pandemic is that it really brought people into realization that we really need to feed ourselves, and so the interest has grown since then,” said Dr Roberts-Hanna. Dr Roberts-Hanna said

BAMSI is also building international partnerships to bolster its programmes, such as an upcoming collaboration with Stanford University for an agriculture initiative.

“Our students are exposed to cutting-edge,

real-time research,” she said. “Also, all of our credits transfer so wherever in the world that they apply, they go in, they get into it. And so that speaks to the integrity of our training and our curriculum, and that we are very proud of.”

POTTERS CAY VENDORS COULD SEE WORK BEGIN ON ELEC TIC AL SUPPLY AS EARLY AS THIS WEEK

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

VENDORS at Potter’s Cay Dock may soon have access to electricity as the government moves to address longstanding infrastructure issues that have forced many businesses to rely on generators. Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources

Jomo Campbell told reporters yesterday that he has been in discussions with Minister of Energy JoBeth Coleby-Davis regarding the electriﬁcation of Potter’s Cay Dock. He described the initiative as long-coming and said vendors could expect to see ofﬁcials as early as this week. In May 2013, The Tribune reported that vendors at the dock were frustrated with the government’s failure to provide electricity. While vendors at Arawak Cay have access to power, those at Potters Cay Dock rely on noisy, costly generators to run their businesses, discouraging customers from visiting the area.

One vendor at the time, Kenneth McKenzie, owner of McKenzie’s Authentic Bahamian Foods, said: “We need to have power current so we don’t have

to have all this noise. The government and other businesses could make money from providing us with electricity as well. I must have bought about ten generators since I’ve been here. This is a real place for Bahamians to come and chill out after a long, hard day. The potential is greater. We just need the utilities.” Yesterday, Mr Campbell also highlighted ongoing improvements at Arawak Cay, where the lack of a proper sewerage system had affected the area for years, contributing to an unpleasant appearance and odour.

Last year, $130,000

Fort Fincastle vendors still open despite water tower renovations

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

STRAW market vendors are still working at Fort Fincastle, despite ongoing repairs to the historic 126-foot water tower.

In July 2024, the Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) posted a notice announcing the closure of the main gate on July 5, which led to complaints from vendors who felt displaced by the repairs.

However, Bacchus Rolle, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works, clariﬁed yesterday that the vendors were never moved from Fort Fincastle. They have remained there throughout the repairs. Mr Rolle explained that work is currently focused on the tower’s interior, with plans to extend to the exterior as soon as possible. The timeline for completing the repairs remains uncertain.

Mr Rolle added that once work begins on the

tower’s exterior, vendors will be relocated to another area of Fort Fincastle. He said this move is necessary due to safety concerns; falling concrete has posed a risk near the vendors.

“While we work to repair the exterior, we don’t want any catastrophe to happen,” Mr Rolle said.“We’re trying to move a certain number of the vendors from that area, to relocate them right on Fort Fincastle at the site, just to a different area. Then once the work is completed, the expectation is that they will go back.”

Although the exact timing of the relocation is unclear, Mr Rolle emphasised that no move would take place until the Straw Market Authority, AMMC, the Straw Vendors Association for Fort Fincastle, and the Ministry of Works reach an agreement.

SJK Construction and Engineering is handling the restoration, with the project valued at $3m.

The work, which started in early July 2024, is expected to take eight months.

The tower, standing 216 feet above sea level, is the highest point in New Providence and holds historical signiﬁcance. It served as Nassau’s water supply until 1970 and became inoperable in 2002 due to safety concerns.

In July 2024, Mr Rolle apologised for the miscommunication between all parties involved, adding that a notice posted by Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation announcing the closure of the facilities was premature. He said a meeting was going be held for all stakeholders and allow an opportunity for communication and give “clear direction” on the next course of action. He noted that the government was committed to creating spaces for vendors that will be proﬁtable while acknowledging their displacement in the coming weeks.

was allocated to upgrade Arawak Cay’s sewerage and pipe infrastructure, increasing water ﬂow to meet peak demand. The upgrades were carried out by the Water and Sewerage

Corporation (WSC).

“The pipeline renovation system for us was of utmost importance, because how many of us go to Arawak Cay,” Mr Campbell said. “That

process was truly remarkable. Hats off again to the WSC, who worked hand in hand with us to ensure that we are providing optimum service for the Bahamian people.”

Tribune Freeport Reporter

ALGERNON Cargill (far left), a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; is pictured with three winners Imani Price, a student of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy; Vashanique Kemp, of Summit Heights Preparatory School, and Steve Tilus, of Prince Jordan William High School.

Facing the reality of social inequality

IT is high time for all of us, even those who have been avoiding the truth like an ostrich, to “face reality”, is not a matter we can afford to ignore any longer. The urgency of this issue demands our immediate attention. Sooner or later, we all have to confront this fact.

Our society has a pattern of social inequality, a fabric that everyone has contributed to by omission or commission. For instance, the gender pay gap, where women earn signiﬁcantly less than men for the same work, racial discrimination, which can be seen in the disproportionate incarceration rates of people of colour, and lack of access to quality education, where students from low-income families often receive a subpar education, are all manifestations of this inequality. Over time, we have systematically deviated from the simple principles of equality and respect that, when combined, keep our society civilised.

We have “divided and conquered” by ostracising people, causing some to feel inferior. This strategy, often used in warfare to weaken the enemy, has been applied to our social structure. It has led to a hierarchy where some intentionally manipulate the system to feel and be superior, while others feel marginalised and inferior.

The qualiﬁcations system, a tool of injustice, has separated us by spelling out who is competent and who is not. These measuring sticks contribute to who gets paid big money and who must settle for minimum wage. But it is clear some times that the most qualiﬁed is not the most competent. Promotion is the most mysterious exercise because the deserving always get left out for the well connected.

The demarcation line is drawn and marked on the sub-consciences of our children, leading to a cycle of inequality. There is no excuse for antisocial behaviour, but we must dig deeper to see the root cause, which often lies in the lack of equal opportunities and resources.

It is a system that works against those not part of the privileged few. For instance, the legal system often favours those with ﬁnancial resources, making it difﬁcult for many to even

start a legal process. This is just one of the many ways the system is designed to beneﬁt the few at the expense of the many. Only a select few fraternise and are invited to the lavish events, while the marginalised are left to watch in awe, wishing and hoping to be included.

The system even goes further by making it difﬁcult for many to be under pressure to get

started because lawyers set the rules where they are needed to execute the most straightforward documents.

The playing ﬁeld has been ﬁxed, and the majority of the population is made to beg for their rights and opportunities while the wealthy are called and given the lion’s share.

The same people are given all of the awards, noticed or elevated. The same people are given the many stale King’s honours, the same family of relatives over and over.

When will “all-inclusive” become a reality? The time is now. By “all-inclusive”, we mean a society where everyone is valued, regardless of their background or social status. It’s a society where relationships are not given preferential treatment, and unsung heroes are shown gratitude for their contribution to nation-building. This is not a distant dream but a reality we can create together, where everyone feels they belong and are valued, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.

The teacher who taught many people riding high on the hog should be recognised for helping instil the values. The civic leader who mentored young girls and boys in their formative years, the unassuming school and Sunday school teachers who deposited moral values in our young minds should be remembered—the more people appreciate them, the higher their selfesteem and, thus, a happier community.

The unsung heroes are many and not asking for much, just a tiny “thank you”. But this “thank you” is not just a formality, it’s a recognition of their invaluable contribution to our society. Let’s not overlook their efforts, but instead, let’s celebrate and honour them for their selﬂess service, making them feel appreciated and respected, fostering a sense of gratitude and respect.

If we pay attention, some men who fell through the cracks would do better if we showed our humanity and extended a hand rather than always putting

them down. There are still many who are crying out for our attention. Let us come from behind the gated communities and do our community work to help build. We are not safe if we continue to discard our youth. The gates cannot help us unless we plan to remain behind them forever. We need to listen rather than belt out instructions. Maybe we would hear what we need to begin to ﬁx a broken society.

Rebuilding this country and returning to some semblance of normalcy will not happen by magic.

It cannot happen with the police’s best efforts alone, because the problem is deep in our subconscious and requires systemic change. The police, like many other institutions, are part of the system that needs to be reformed for true social change to occur.

It will take some undoing of the mindset planted over decades. People behave like they are better, and society contributes by how people are treated.

It is time to erase the

demarcation line that separates the haves from the have-nots. It is time to change the perception that there is one law for the connected and one for the less fortunate. Roadblocks placed only over the hill and in gated communities because criminal activity could happen anywhere by anyone. Move the stereotype. There could be some stunning results if the playing ﬁeld is levelled.

This new year; let us stop the hypocrisy and stop taking people for fools. Surveillance should be everywhere, including the fast boats and yachts. Check all; we would be surprised.

We must all be equal and not have members of parliament behave as if we are their subjects and not them as our servants. Greed may have consumed us, people are more valuable than things, while respect is becoming obsolete. We must all be equal and make an equal contribution. Oh yeah, it is time to face reality; you’d have to sooner or later, and that’s a fact.

UB IGNI TE HOSTS TWO-DAY LEGA L AID W ORKSHOP FOR MEDIUM AND SMA LL BUSINESSES

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

UB Ignite, a University of the Bahamas (UB) North programme, hosted a two-day Legal Aid Workshop for MSMEs in Grand Bahama, offering free legal advice to entrepreneurs and residents.

Joy Ritchie, UB Ignite project coordinator, said the workshop was part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year with the Eugene Dupuch Law School.

On Friday, participants received guidance on starting and running a business, including company incorporation. On Saturday, residents accessed free legal advice on various matters.

Attorney Keenan Johnson, a presenter from Eugene Dupuch Law School, covered key topics such as incorporation, intellectual property, contracts, and risks.

“This came out of an MoU signed last January between UB Ignite and the Eugene Dupuch Law School. One component is hosting these seminars and workshops for both UB Ignite participants and the Grand Bahama community,” Ms Ritchie said.

She emphasised the importance of legal knowledge for entrepreneurs. “A big part of starting and sustaining a business is the legal aspect, and this free programme gives participants and the wider community beneﬁcial information,” she said.

Ms Ritchie expressed interest in continuing the workshops. “We’d like to have more, involving the wider community.”

Mr Johnson highlighted the importance of understanding entrepreneurship’s legal foundations. “People need to know the process of starting a business. Many want to start a business but lack guidance or ﬁnancial resources. This free initiative is a win-win,” he said.

Shemia Williams, of Borderless Creative Group, praised UB Ignite’s support. “I’ve been part of UB Ignite since cohort two, and they’ve always provided services, workshops, and resources for entrepreneurs. The legal clinic enhanced my experience in more ways than I can imagine,” she said.

Ms Williams added that UB Ignite’s continued support helps broaden her understanding of expanding and improving her business.

ATTORNEY KEENAN JOHNSON, of Eugene Dupuch Law School, was a presenter at the UB Ignite’s Free Legal Aid Workshop for MSME’s at the UB North downtown campus in Freeport on Friday and Saturday.

Next step for hostage deal?

DEVELOPMENTS in Gaza have dominated the world’s news reporting for some time now with extraordinarily extensive coverage. So everyone is surely aware that, despite uncertainty and delays right up to the last minute, the ceaseﬁre between Israel and Hamas started as planned on Sunday. During the hours of these delays, Israel continued hitting Gaza and there were more civilian casualties.

At the time of writing over the weekend, three hostages who had been held by Hamas for 15 months are back in Israeli territory and there has been a limited military withdrawal. Hamas says that for every hostage released 30 Palestinian prisoners will be freed from Israeli jails. Meanwhile, displaced people in Gaza are returning to the homes they ﬂed - or, because of the massive destruction, at least to the areas where they had been living.

For those with a hazy memory of the events that precipitated the war, it is worth recalling that Hamas mounted an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages. The attack triggered a massive Israeli offensive on Gaza in a bid to destroy Hamas operatives, supporters and its buildings, causing heavy loss of life and severe damage. According to ﬁgures produced by Hamas, nearly 47,000 Palestinians have died. The result is that Israel has exacted a terrible revenge by killing so many, including large numbers of civilians, and leaving the territory in ruins.

Last week, the Israeli government approved the Gaza ceaseﬁre and hostage deal with Hamas which is an extended agreement that comes into force in phases.

The details have been so well publicised that they do not bear repetition here, apart from saying that, selfevidently, the ﬁrst phase is Sunday’s exchanges together with the granting of permission for hundreds

The Peter Young column

of aid lorries to enter Gaza.

A total of 33 hostages and more Palestinian prisoners will be released over a period of six weeks. This will be followed by release of the remaining hostages together with a full withdrawal of Israeli troops. Then, the ﬁnal phase will involve reconstruction of Gaza and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies and agreement to administrative arrangements for governing Gaza in the longer term.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has needed to retain the support of the far-right of his fragile coalition government, which reportedly is always threatening to bring his government down. So, he has insisted that the ceasefire is temporary and that he reserves the right to break it, if any of its terms are breached or not implemented by the other side, and “finish the job in Gaza”. What is more, a joint operations room with representatives from Egypt, Qatar – the middle men in the negotiations –and the US will be set up to monitor compliance and implementation in order to ensure the ceasefire holds.

From a study of the UK press, it is clear that, mixed with satisfaction that the hostages are being freed, there also exists widespread scepticism amongst critics of this deal. There are those who, after the horrors of October 7,

refuse to countenance any deals with Hamas whom they vilify as a murderous terrorist group that is proscribed by the US, UK and others, including Israel of course. For Israeli ultranationalist politicians, in particular, this is said to be a major problem for they ﬁnd it repugnant to negotiate with terrorists who murdered huge numbers of Israelis in October. But Netanyahu’s government, under pressure from the US and the hostages’ relatives, insists that Israel’s priority is to liberate all of them and therefore a deal has to be made even with terrorists. There is also anxiety for the remaining hostages and their families that the deal really will be seen through to the end and that they will be brought home eventually.

President Biden set the ball rolling for the ceaseﬁre plan with his proposals in May last year. A draft agreement was ﬁnalised earlier this month in Doha, the site of the peace negotiations, broadly based on this plan. But, according to reports, it was not until President Trump came on the scene that real progress was made in reaching

agreement. Apparently, in mid-December the dynamics of the talks shifted decisively and the pace changed. Hamas became increasingly isolated after some of its leaders were killed by the Israelis, Hezbollah in the north had been forced separately into a truce and Assad’s Iranbacked regime in Syria was swept away.

This new piece on the chessboard in the shape of the President-elect had sent messages to the effect that he wanted to see a settlement before his inauguration, famously warning that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released by then. He increased pressure on both the Israelis and Hamas, sending an envoy to see Netanyahu who was said to be obstructing the deal. Reportedly, the Israeli prime minister was subjected to some serious “strong-arming” with the result that the Trump camp persuaded him to set aside his reservations.

Trump’s envoy then apparently returned to Doha for more talks and spent time with Biden’s own envoy in what some US ofﬁcials claimed to be a “new unprecedented

Signifcant visit to Ukraine

BARELY six months after comfortably winning a general election, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is being criticised at home for making too many overseas trips. For example, the UK newspaper The Guardian recently shrilled that Starmer “always seems to be abroad”. But, given Britain’s prominent position in the world and the need for a leader of government to be involved in a wide variety of international issues, it is hardly surprising that he has to travel a good deal. I do not know whether a claim that such travel is excessive can be remotely justiﬁed. But surely no one could reasonably complain about the prime minister’s visit last week to Ukraine. During it, Britain and Ukraine announced a landmark 100-year ‘Partnership’ formalizing the two countries’ enduring friendship and a strengthening of their collaboration in a range of different spheres. In Western capitals and in Kyiv itself there is concern that once Donald Trump is installed as the new US president he will reduce Washington’s aid and support to Ukraine. At the same time, he is likely to try to broker a peace agreement with Russia that may involve what Kyiv will doubtless consider unhelpful concessions because he wants to bring the Ukraine war to a swift conclusion. Such concessions could include ceding parts of the east of the country to the Russians. This view is based on his public pronouncements on the subject and on his known attitudes to NATO – and it is worth noting that Trump has already indicated that he wants, early in his presidency, to meet Putin.

It has therefore come as no surprise that Germany and other European

countries are considering what security guarantees they can provide as a part of any peace agreement that Trump may push for. It is now clear that that was the context of Starmer’s visit. It was his ﬁrst to Ukraine since becoming PM in July last year and came just days before Trump’s inauguration.

The premier underlined to President Zelensky Britain’s continuing support of his country by offering with allies robust security guarantees following the possible negotiation of a ceaseﬁre. The 100-year partnership agreement which he signed was to support Ukraine in a variety of ways and deepen security and cultural ties – and, with a dose of reality, the signing ceremony was punctuated by a loud explosion that turned out to be Ukraine’s air defences shooting down

a Russian drone above the presidential palace.

Later, Zelensky announced that Britain had undertaken to provide Ukraine with more than $3 billion in new military aid and that the 100year pact would include a variety of spheres, like technology and education, that would contribute to the country’s development.

At a press conference, Starmer said that the UK would look at “practical ways to get a just and lasting peace… that guarantees your security, your independence and your right to choose your own future”. He also added that Britain would “play its full part” in contributing to a potential peacekeeping force.

President Zelensky referred to possible NATO membership but Starmer stressed publicly the importance of the immediate need to ensure Ukraine was in the best possible shape to ﬁght the Russians now in 2025 as they continued to advance in the east. Britain had already provided some $15 billion in military and other aid. Although dwarfed by the US ﬁgure of $63 billion, it was nonetheless a considerable sum and the new 100-year pact demonstrated Britain’ s ongoing commitment in the face of uncertainty coming from Washington.

Clearly, this was a successful and worthwhile trip to Ukraine by the prime minister. The unprecedented 100-year plan demonstrated Britain’s commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine, and it should constitute a major step in supporting the country’s long-term security.

So, perhaps the response to The Guardian should be that yes, prime minister Starmer does travel a good deal… but invariably to good effect!

transition effort in American diplomacy”. In reports in the UK press, Hamas officials have commented that they “could not have imagined a deal could have been reached without pressure from the incoming US administration led by President Trump”. So, the general view amongst the UK media seems to be that Trump is justified in claiming much of the credit, though Biden’s contribution should equally be recognised. The considered judgement of experts is that the long-overdue ceasefire is a considerable diplomatic achievement but some analysts are saying that the repercussions of so much death and destruction during the last 15 months will be felt for at least a generation. Sadly, however, even though it should stop the immediate violence and put a stop to the enormous suffering and bloodshed, it will not end the overall conflict which is as bitter and intractable as ever. The first challenge will be to make sure the ceasefire is maintained. The Gaza war has had consequences across the Middle East but has not

led to a general war in the region. It is likely that the new president will seek to expand the Abraham Accords, negotiated during his first administration, under which Israel’s diplomatic relations with the United Arab Republic, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco were normalised. According to reports, extension of these to Saudi Arabia, which is the most powerful Arab state and leader of the Sunni Muslim world, was also on the cards. But, of course, that did not eventually happen. Many believe that it is impossible to achieve a long-term solution to the broader conflict in the Middle East unless a twostate solution is put in place. They also believe that Israel’s objective of completely destroying Hamas is unattainable. This is because as soon as one terrorist is eliminated another anti-Israeli ideologue will step up to replace him. Hamas’ infrastructure can be destroyed and the threat it poses can certainly be reduced. But it must be the case that there will always be new recruits convinced of the justification of Hamas’ aim to destroy Israel.

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Defense, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 24, 2023.

Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

BRITAIN’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stand in front one of the drones, built in Ukraine with funding from Britain, in Kyiv, Ukraine Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Photo: Efrem Lukatsky/AP

Emboldened Trump returns to White House after unprecedented comeback

WASHINGTON Associated Press

DONALD Trump was sworn in as the 47th president Monday, returning to power with a promise to end America’s decline and to “completely and totally reverse” the actions of the man who drove him from ofﬁce four years ago.

Trump overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, and he planned to act swiftly after the ceremony. Dozens of executive orders were prepared for his signature to clamp down on border crossings, increase fossil

fuel development and end diversity and inclusion programs across the federal government.

The orders from the incoming Republican president will begin the process of unravelling the Democratic agenda of Joe Biden, whose term ended at noon, moments before Trump took the oath of ofﬁce.

Declaring that government faces a “crisis of trust,” Trump said in his inaugural address that under his administration, “our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced.”

Trump claimed “a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible

betrayal,” promising to “give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom.”

“From this moment on,” he added as Biden watched from the front row, “America’s decline is over.”

The executive orders are the ﬁrst step in what Trump calls “the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense.”

Other goals will prove more difﬁcult, perhaps testing the patience of supporters who were promised quick success. Trump has talked about lowering prices after years of inﬂation, but his plans for tariffs on imports from foreign

countries could have the opposite effect.

Frigid weather rewrote the pageantry of the day. Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the ﬁrst time that has happened in 40 years — and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a downtown arena. Trump supporters who descended on the city to watch the ceremony outside the Capitol from the National Mall were left to ﬁnd other places to view the festivities.

At the Capitol, Vice President JD Vance was sworn in ﬁrst, taking the oath read by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on a Bible given to him by his great-grandmother. Trump followed, using both a family Bible and the one used by President Abraham Lincoln at his 1861 inauguration. Chief Justice John Roberts administered his oath.

A cadre of billionaires and tech titans — including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai — were given prominent positions in the Rotunda, mingling with Trump’s incoming team before the ceremony began. Also there was Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who is expected to lead an effort to slash spending and federal employees.

Stopping at the White House on their way to the Capitol, Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted by Biden and ﬁrst lady Jill Biden for the customary tea and coffee reception. It was a stark departure from four years ago, when Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory or attend his inauguration.

“Welcome home,” Biden said to Trump after the president-elect stepped out of the car. The two presidents, who have spent years bitterly criticizing each other, shared a limo to the Capitol. After the ceremony, Trump walked with Biden to the building’s east side, where Biden departed via helicopter to begin his post-presidential life.

Trump followed Biden’s departure with freewheeling remarks to supporters, revisiting a litany of conspiracy theories about voter fraud and grievances against perceived enemies such as former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, whom he called “a crying lunatic.”

He spoke for even longer than in his inaugural address, saying, “I think this is a better speech than the one I gave upstairs.”

Trump’s inauguration realized a political comeback without precedent in American history. Four years ago, he was voted out of the White House during an economic collapse caused by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump denied his defeat and tried to cling to power. He directed his supporters to march on the Capitol while lawmakers were certifying the election results, sparking a riot that interrupted the country’s tradition of the peaceful transfer of power.

But Trump never lost his grip on the Republican Party and was undeterred by criminal cases and two assassination attempts as he steamrolled rivals and harnessed voters’ exasperation with inﬂation and illegal immigration.

Trump used his inaugural address to repeat his claims that he was targeted by political prosecutions, and he promised to begin “fair, equal and impartial justice.” He also acknowledged that he was taking ofﬁce on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which honours the slain civil rights hero. “We will strive together to make his dream a reality,” he said.

Now Trump is the first person convicted of a felony — for falsifying business records related to hush money payments — to serve as president. He pledged to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution from the same spot that was overrun by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. He’s said that one of his first acts in office will be to pardon many of those who participated in the riot, and he referred to them as “hostages” on Monday.

“It’s action, not words, that count, and you’re going to see a lot of action,” Trump said.

Eight years after he ﬁrst entered the White House as a political newcomer, Trump is far more familiar with the operations of federal government and emboldened to bend it to his vision. Trump wants to bring quick change by curtailing immigration, enacting tariffs on imports and rolling back Democrats’ climate and social initiatives.

He has also promised retribution against his political opponents and critics, and placed personal loyalty as a prime qualification for appointments to his administration. With minutes to go before leaving office, Biden issued preemptive pardons to his siblings and their spouses to shield them from the possibility of prosecution. Earlier in the day, he also pardoned current and former government officials who have been the target of Trump’s anger. Biden said “these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing.”

Trump has pledged to go further and move faster in enacting his agenda than during his ﬁrst term, and already the country’s political, business and technology leaders have realigned themselves to accommodate him.

Democrats who once formed a “resistance” are now divided over whether to work with Trump or defy him. Billionaires have lined up to meet with Trump as they acknowledge his unrivalled power in Washington and his ability to wield the levers of government to help or hurt their interests.

Long sceptical of American alliances, Trump’s America First” foreign policy is being watched warily at home and abroad as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will soon enter its third year, and a fragile ceaseﬁre appears to be holding in Gaza after more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. Trump, who had promised to end the Ukraine war even before he was sworn in, did not mention the conﬂict in his inaugural address.

Trump said he would lead a government that “expands our territory,” a reference to his goals of acquiring Greenland from Denmark and restoring US control of the Panama Canal.

He also said he would “pursue our manifest destiny into the stars” by launching American astronauts to Mars. Musk, the owner of a space rocket company with billions of dollars in federal contracts, cheered and pumped his arms above his head as Trump spoke.

DONALD Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump holds the Bible during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington yesterday.

Photo: Morry Gash/AP

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025

Robinson eliminated

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Devaughn Robinson was so disappointed in his performance at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at the Abaco Club that he didn’t mince his words.

“Frustrating,” was the ﬁrst word he used to describe his two-day total of 77-78-155 that left him in 138 spot and out of the rest of the competition for the second leg of the Korn Ferry Golf Tournament in the Bahamas.

The first leg of the tournament was moved to the Ocean Club on Paradise Island land last week because of renovations to the golf club in Exuma. Cameron Riley, a native of Grand Bahama now living in Orlando, Florida, represented the Bahamas in the first leg of the tournament, but he didn’t make the cut for the final two rounds.

American Hank Lebioda led from day one and held on for a -18 with his rounds of 67-62-67-66 for his total of 262 to capture the title in the first tournament for the Korn Ferry Tour’s 2025 season. With the final leg of the tournament in the Bahamas being played in Abaco since Sunday, Robinson said he “struggled” off the tee and was never able to make an impact on the rest of the field.

“It’s a second shot golf course and if you’re not in position of the tee, it’s an

uphill battle,” Robinson said. “My entire battle was uphill.”

At the end of the first two rounds, Christo Lamprecht led the list of qualifiers who made the cut for the final two rounds with his scores of 68-65 for a total of 133.

Half of the ﬁeld will move on to play the ﬁnal two rounds today and Wednesday, while the other half was eliminated, including Robinson, who felt he was out of contention from day one.

When asked about the level of competition from the players around the world in the tournament, Robinson was quick to admit that it’s “as good as they come.”

Now that he’s done, the 37-year-old Robinson said he will return to his home in Houston, Texas, and “re-evaluate and ﬁgure out” what he will do next.

Robinson, an architect by profession, was playing in his second straight appearance in the Abaco Classic. He also represented the Bahamas three times in the Exuma Classic in 2020, 2023 and 2024. This time in Abaco, using a “good friend” of his from Houston as his caddie, Robinson pointed out that the playing conditions were “tough, but fair.”

He just didn’t get to hit the ball off the tee the way he should and he paid for it in his performance through the two days of competition on Sunday and Monday.

Jeffrey Cooper and Mario Coakley emerge as the overall winners

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE ﬁfth annual Bains and Grants Town Dr Bernard Nottage Family Fun Run/Walk concluded on Saturday with Jeffrey Cooper and Mario Coakley as the overall winners. Cooper and Coakley were the respective winners of the walk and run held to and from the Southern Recreational Grounds during the early morning hours in honour of the late Dr Nottage, the former Member of Parliament for

the twin constituency of Bains & Grants Town.

“It was a good experience for my ﬁrst time. I didn’t know it was that long and it required that much work,” said 19-year-old Cooper, who is a member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

“This was my ﬁrst time doing it. The route was kind of long, but I didn’t think about it because it seemed kind of short.

“But I hope to be back next year to defend my title.”

SEE PAGE 13

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

BAHAMAS OPEN HOUSE

SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is preparing to hold their open house on Dolphin Drive on February 4, 11, 18 and 25 and everyone is invited to attend any session.

Every Tuesday during the month of February, 2025 between the hours of 10am and 3pm, Special Olympics is iinviting the general public along with family and friends to visit our ofﬁce at #24 Dolphin Drive to view our Wall of Fame. While there, they are asking for guests to sign their Visitor’s Register and leave a phone contact for an opportunity to receive one of their “Special” Red Balls.

“Shake hands with our athletes and chat with one of our stars,” said a press release. “Join the Inclusion Revolution today.”

Donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated during the open house dates. BAHAMAS BAPTIST SPORTS FEDERATION FUN 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

PAGE 14

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club, gearing up for their “most anticipated” track meet for the year this comiong weekend, had a “great showing” this past weekend at the Carl Lewis High School Invitational.

A 21-member Red-Line Athletics team attended the three-day meet in Houston, Texas, where they had a number of personal best performances in the various events they competed in, according to head coach Tito Moss.

“We were very pleased with the performances of the kids,” Moss said. “In the 60m, we had Macnair Beneby, a ninth grader, who ran 7.73 seconds in the 60m for a new indoor PR.

“We had Madison Moss with a 60m indoor PR of 8.13; Tamia Edwards in 8.39 and Dahje Mackey in 8.70. We also had Kersch Mackey Jr, who PRed in the 60m hurdles, as well as Bayli Major, who made it all the way to the ﬁnals of the 60m hurdles and placed fourth overall in a PR of 8.82.”

THE Bahamas has a number of talented tennis players who have received athletic scholarships and who are contributing to their respective tennis teams.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) invites you to follow the collegiate players as they get set to heat up the courts this tennis season. The players range from freshmen to seniors and we pray for their success and safety.

The BLTA extends best wishes to the returning players and new players to the collegiate tennis arena. You can follow the teams and the players on the colleges’ social media platforms.

Let us look at our players on the collegiate circuit: 1. Kaylee Kanuka - Seton Hill University Pirates 2.

– PAGE 14

Moss, assisted by Mike Sands, Alexis

and Moss, felt the 200m was just as impressive as Shavano Nixon (22.97), Tyler Frazier (23.72), Kersch Mackey Jr (25.06) and Landon Moxey (25.19) all posting PR times. On the girls’ side in a ﬁeld of more than 200 competitors, Alexis Roberts was 16th

All ﬁve of the guys competing in the 400m, posted PRs, led by Shevano Nixon, 13th in 51.00; Tyler Frazier, 76th in 54.27; Arjay Roberts, 107th in 56.83;

Roberts

Tamaia Edwards, 84th

Jade Ferguson, 120th in 27.55 and Dahje Mackey, 161st in 28.29.

Tahje Johnson, 112th in 58.91 and Aiden Brown, 113th in 59.07.

DEVAUGHN Robinson in action in this ﬁle photo.

SOME of the winners of the 5th annual Bains & Grants Town Dr Bernard Nottage road race.

HALL OF FAMERS: All the hard work, time and sacrifice finally paid off, according to Jean ‘Bubbles’ Minus in response to the group of women who were inducted into the Bahamas Softball Federation’s Hall of Fame.Minus’ comments came at the end of the ceremony held on Thursday night at Government House. Eleuthera’s Roscoe Thompson gave the response on behalf of the men inducted. Under the theme: “Honouring Our Legends, Bridging The Gap,” the ceremony was held under the patronage of Governor General Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, an inductee herself. Pratt made the presentation to the inductees along with BSF president Jenny Dotson and Kelsie Johnson-Sills, the acting director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Dotson and Johnson-Sills were the first women to fulfil their respective roles, while Pratt was the first sportswoman to assume the highest position in the country.

Collegiate tennis players to look out for this season

FROM PAGE 11

State University (SMSU) Mustangs.

9. Rachel ThompsonColombia College Koalas

10. Savano Hanna- University of Illinois Chicago Eagle Rays

11. Sierra Rodgers - Mercyhurst University Lions

12. Dentry Mortimer JrCoppin State Eagles

The BLTA applauds the players who have worked hard to hone their craft. They have obtained scholarships through their consistent tennis play.

“We continue to see more and more players receiving tennis scholarships and taking advantage of the opportunities that have come through the sport,” the BLTA wrote.

“We pray God grant them good health and many strong performances on the collegiate circuit this season.”

Jeffrey Cooper and Mario Coakley emerge as the overall winners

Current MP Wayde Watson said since the inception of the event, they have seen an increase of the participants, although they would like to have more participants from the community.

continue to honour his predecessor, but his only wish is that more members of the community would come out and show their appreciation.

Portia Nottage, the wife of the late Dr Nottage, said she’s seeing the growth of the event and she’s happy that her husband’s legacy lives on.

GAUFF AND SABALENKA MOVE CLOSER TO AUSTRALIAN OPEN REMATCH

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

MELBOURNE, Aus-

tralia (AP) — Coco Gauff still hasn’t lost a match or even at set at the Australian Open — or, actually, this season. She moved into the fourth round at Melbourne Park with a straightforward 6-4, 6-2 victory over 2021 U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez on Friday night.

While there have been plenty of surprises in the men’s bracket so far, most of the top women have progressed through the draw without an issue. That includes wins on Friday for No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is the two-time defending champion in Australia, No. 3 Gauff, No. 11 Paula Badosa and No. 14 Mirra Andreeva.

However, No. 7 seed Jessica Pegula was ousted by world No. 55 Olga Danilovic in two sets.

The Serbian player beat the U.S. Open runner-up 7-6 (3), 6-1 after she hit 28 winners and saved all six break points she faced. It was Danilovic’s third career win over a top-10 player. Naomi Osaka, a twotime champion in Australia, stopped playing because of a strained abdominal muscle after dropping the ﬁrst set of her match against Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Belinda Bencic.

Men’s winners in thirdround action included No.

2 Alexander Zverev, No.

3 Carlos Alcaraz, No. 7 Novak Djokovic, No. 12 Tommy Paul and No. 15 Jack Draper. Djokovic — who won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open — overcame some mid-match breathing trouble to dismiss No. 26 Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 at night. “I think I played really well,” Djokovic said. “I’m very happy with my game.”

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had a much more difﬁcult path, coming back from two sets down for the second match in a row and saving two match points to sneak past 19-year-old Jakub Mensik 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-2. Davidovich Fokina is the ﬁrst man since 2005 to win twice in a row in Australia after falling behind 0-2 in sets.

“In all these years I had a lot of up-and-downs,” Davidovich Fokina said. “I had decided this year to ﬁght every point.”

Alcaraz’s next opponent will be No. 15 Jack Draper or Aleksandar Vukic.

A year ago, 2023 U.S. Open champion Gauff had her best run in Melbourne, getting to the semiﬁnals before bowing out against Sabalenka, who extended her winning streak at the tournament to 17 matches by eliminating Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 6-4 on Friday. Like Gauff, Sabalenka is unbeaten in the early going in 2025. They could meet in the semiﬁnals again this time around next weekend.

differently from driving in their cars,” Bastian said.

“So we will continue with this route and to see what we can take out or add to it moving forward.”

Bastian said he was quite pleased with the turnout.

“Every year it’s getting better and better,” Watson said. “We had representation from all of the armed forces that Dr Nottage would have been in charge of as the former minister of national security, with the exception of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. We know that they just had a change in the leadership and they are going through their transition. But all of the other forces showed up and Mrs Nottage was very pleased with the turnout.” Watson said as long as he serves as the MP for Bains & Grants Town, he will

“I’m just disappointed that the residents of Bains & Grants Town don’t see the need to participate,” she said. “Nevertheless, we had a great event and it’s growing.”

She thanked Watson and his community for their support in staging the event every year.

Sean Bastian, who heads the steering committee for the event, said it was more than they had anticipated.

“We were able to award ﬁrst-place winners in each category their ﬁrst place trophies,” he said.

“They all seemed very excited and pleased with their performances, so I would say that we did extremely well this year.”

Bastian said they hope to continue with the change in the route.

Nurses from Fleming Street Clinic conducted health screens and a rafﬂe.

Female walkers

17-and-under winnerKaydence Dennis.

“What I’m hearing is that the route is a very scenic one and, for the ﬁrst time, they are able to see things

20-and-under winner - Jeymani Humes. 40-and-under winnerEyromo Mackey.

60-and-under winner - Willamae Cooper. 61-and-over winnerStephani Johnson.

Male walkers 20-and-under winner - Jeffrey Cooper.

40-and-under winnerKevin St Vil

60-and-under winnerDeon Davis.

61-and-over winner - Larry Bodie.

Overall walk winner - Jeffrey Cooper.

Female runners 20-and-under winnerShaniah Forbes.

60-and-under winnerDenise Oliver.

Male runners 20-and-under - Chavargo Munroe.

40-and-under winnerMario Coakley.

60-and-over winnerEdward Frazier.

61-and-over winnerWarren Bain.

Overall male run winnerMario Coakley. FROM PAGE 11

SHOWN above are the tennis players to watch on the collegiate circuit - Kaylee Kanuka, Anthony Burrows, Shay’Tonya Missick, Donte Armbrister, Jacobi Bain, Genesis

Missick, Michael Major Jr, Peyton Anderson, Rachel Thompson, Savano Hanna, Sierra Rodgers and Dentry Mortimer Jr.

RED-LINE ATHLETES HAVE ‘GREAT SHOWING’ AT CARL LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL

And in the girls’ 400m, Darvinique Dean ran a lifetime best of 56.14 for third in the preliminaries, but came back for fourth in the ﬁnal in 56.65. Daveigh Farrington was 36th in 1:00.90 and Mkyaha Johnson was 105th in 1:09.20.

Arjay Roberts led the ﬁeld in the boys’ 800m in 2:16.61 for 44th and Aiden Brown did 2:27.97 for 53rd, both PRs, while on the girls’ side, Daveigh Farrington ran a PR of 2:28.28 for 11th and Cierra Delancuy did 2:41.86 for 33rd.

And on the ﬁeld, Bayli Major led the way in the girls’ triple jump with her leap of 38-feet, 113/4-inches or 11.88m for fourth and Caitlyn Smith did 35-0 (10.67m) for ninth, both PRs.

Landon Moxey was also ninth in the boys’ triple jump with 43-05 (13.3m) and he was also 14th in the long jump.

Jade Ferguson was 15th in the girls’ pole vault with 8-06 (2.59m). “We had very good results in the short

sprints, the quarter-mile, 800m and several ﬁeld events that we contested,” Moss pointed out. “We’re excited and we’re looking forward to being able to take another contingent over there next year, God spare ourselves. But

more speciﬁcally, it points to the conditions of the kids, some of them are far ahead of where they were last year this time.”

“Last year, Darvinique Dean ran 36.34 in this meet and this year she ran 56.14 and Madison Moss ran 8.22

The Poitier sisters are ‘destined for greatness’

PRIME Minister Philip

‘Brave’ Davis hosted the Poitier sisters - Zaire and twins Zion and Zeden - to a courtesy call at his ofﬁce and he encouraged them with a special token as they prepare to travel to the United States for their ﬁrst tournament this year. Accompanied by their mother, Denise Poitier, the sisters are preparing to travel to the Pinehurst Local Tour US Kids Tournament in Pinehurst, North Carolina, from January 25 to February 2.

Fox Hill Road, the route

will head north to Bernard Road, west on Bernard Road and south on Jean Street back to 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.

The Poitier family has established a gofundme page entitled: “Empower PoitierGirlsGolf @ US Kids Golf Pinehurst Tournament” where persons can make a contribution.

Their mother, Denise, thanked Davis for entertaining the girls and making a contribution towards their trip. She’s encouraging the Bahamian public to support her sisters, who are destined for “greatness.”

Following the tournament in Pinehurst, the

com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or email stubbobo@ gmail.com. RED-LINE SONJA KNOWLES CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athlet-

ics 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 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.

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

Poitier sisters will be competing at the Bahamas Junior Nationals at the Ocean Club; the US Kids Local Tour in The Bahamas; the T&T Tour in Trinidad and Tobago; the PGA Drive Chip & Putt in Miami, Florida; the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida; the World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina and the Holiday Classic in Naples, Florida. The nine and eight-yearold sisters do it all while being homeschooled.

and this year she ran 8.13 in the 60m.”

Now that they are back home, Moss said their focus is on the 5th annual Red-Line Sonja Knowles Track Classic, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the original Thomas A.

Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

He noted that it’s the most anticipated event on the calendar with heats and ﬁnals in every sprint event and prizes from medlals to trophy cups for the winners in all age group categories

for men and women. The meet is scheduled to run from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday. It’s being held in honour of the former long-time principal of St Augustine’s College, Sonja Knowles.

Deandre Ayton has double double in Trail Blazers’ win over Bulls

By ANNE M PETERSON AP Sports Writer

PORTLAND, Oregon

(AP) — Scoot Henderson had 25 points and the Portland Trail Blazers snapped ﬁve-game losing streak with a 113-102 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night. Deandre Ayton contributed a double double - 15 points and 13 reboundswith two blocks and two assists for the Trail Blazers. Zach LaVine had 27 points for the Bulls. They have lost ﬁve straight.

Portland stretched its lead to 97-82 on Shaedon Sharpe’s 3-pointer with 7:36 left. Patrick Williams’ dunk got the Bulls within single digits at 110-102 with 1:26 left. Deni Avdija answered with a layup for Portland to end the threat. Sharpe came off the bench for the Blazers after coach Chauncey Billups told him his defence needed to improve to return to a starting role. Sharpe ﬁnished with 23 points.

The Bulls led by as many as 15 points in the ﬁrst half. Henderson made back-toback 3-pointers that got the Blazers to 43-42.

Portland tied it at 45 on Jerami Grant’s 3 and it was even at 53 going into the break. Portland, playing the second of a back-to back, pulled ahead early in the second half, leading by as much as 65-57 on Avdija’s 3-pointer. Ayo Dosunmu made a 3 for the Bulls that tied it at 75 but Chicago wasn’t able to pull in front. Avdija ﬁnished with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

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 426-7265 or emil stubbobs@gmail.com

LOVE AND ROMANCE ROAD

RACE AT 6am on Saturday, February 8, Love and Romance will take to the asphalt at our 3rd annual couples, Valentines-themed 5k Fun, Run Walk Push. Hundreds of couplesadorned in their red and white sports outﬁt - will be running, walking, skating and biking together from Arawak Cay to Go Slow Bend and back. They will traverse along scenic West Bay Street, while being entertained with romantic instrumental music, local artists singing and civic groups cheering them on along the route. They return to the valentine-themed Race

Village where they will receive awards, prizes and surprises.For more information, persons are asked to contact Marcel Major at 242-804-8595.

TRACK AND FIELD

STAR PERFORMERS

MEET

THE Star Trackers Track

Club will hold its 22nd Star Performance Track and 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.

BASKETBALL

GBISA SEASON THE Grand Bahama Independent Sports

Association will wrap up its basketball regular season on Tuesday with all teams playing a total of 10 games. Going into the final two days of the regular season, Blazer Elite Academy sits on top of the team standings 9-0, JC Academy is 7-2, Greater Heights is 4-5, Bahamas Jaguars is 4-5, Dark Knights is 1-8 and Hampton Academy is 1-8. The playoffs will start on January 23 with the first two seeds getting a bye in the first round. The third seed will play the sixth seed, while the fourth seed plays the fifth seed in a one-game elimination. The semi finals will showcase the top seed against the remaining lower seed and No.2 seed will take on the highest remaining seed in a best-of-three series.

The championships and the consolation third place game between the ﬁnal four teams will also be played as a best-of-three series.

The top scorers so far in January are as follows: 1. Leroy Hyman, Blazer Elite, 106 points; 2. Widley Dereus, JC Academy, 93 pts; 3. Liam Carroll, Greater Heights, 81 pts; 4. Johnecio Kemp, Dark Knights, 69 pts; 5. IKsais Sejour, Blazer Elite, 68 pts; 6. Carlens Louis, Blazer Elite, 50 pts; 7. Cedric Johnson, Dark Knights, 46 pts; 8.

11.

Greater

13.

14.

Academy, 30

15.

BASKETBALL GRAND BAHAMA HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS AS the Grand Bahama high school basketball teams get full drawing into their season, here’s how the Blazer Elite Sports Academy ranks the teams from one to 10. 1. Sunland Baptist Academy, 2. Tabernacle Baptist Academy, 3. St George’s, 4,

So far this

Tabernacle Baptist and St George’s have beaten

Isaack Missick, Blazer Academy, 42 pts; 9. Zhyon Lewis, JC Academy, 41 pts; 10. Joseph Sturt, JC Academy, 40 pts;

Romero Adderley, Blazer Elite, 37 pts; 12, Khenti Morris, Blazer Elite,

pts;

Cameron McIntosh, Bahamas Jaguars,

pts;

Lian Carroll,

Heights,

pts;

Stephano Pinder, Hampton

pts.

Blazer Elite, 5, Sir Jack Hayward, 6. JC Academy, 7. Bishop Michael Eldon, 8. Eight Mile Rock, 9. Study Hall, 20. Summit Heights/ Hampton Academy.

season,

OPEN HOUSE: Special Olympics Bahamas is preparing to hold their open house on Dolphin Drive on February 4, 11, 18 and 25 and everyone is invited to attend any session.

RED-Line Athletics Track team in Houston, Texas.

PRIME Minister Philip Davis with sisters Zaire, and twins Zion and Zeden, along with mother Denise Poitier at his ofﬁce.

PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton, left, shoots against the Chicago Bulls during the ﬁrst half on Sunday in Portland, Oregon. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

Marine cadet scheme launched

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter

A NEW programme aimed at empowering students across The Bahamas is set to address critical issues of food security while providing valuable handson training in agriculture and marine resources.

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, ofﬁcially launched the Agricultural and Marine Cadet Programme, offering high

school students opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge needed to secure the future of these vital industries.

The initiative, which will be rolled out across several islands including Long Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, North and South Andros, Cat Island, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and New Providence, offers a diverse range of educational opportunities. Students will participate in workshops, ﬁeld trips, and internships with local farmers, ﬁshermen, and conservation organisations, gaining

CALLING YOUNG SCHOLARS

EXCEPTIONAL students are invited to apply for the 2025 Nsouli Scholars Programme, a groundbreaking global initiative offering full scholarships to support the education of outstanding individuals at any of Inspired’s renowned schools around the world.

With 118 campuses to choose from, including King’s College School in The Bahamas, the programme provides a unique opportunity to access world-class education at state-of-the-art institutions designed to foster academic and personal growth.

The Nsouli Scholars Programme offers full coverage of day or boarding fees for students starting in September 2025. This scholarship adds to the 2,200 scholarships and bursaries already available globally across Inspired’s schools. Beyond academic excellence, the programme places a strong emphasis on holistic development, integrating academics, sports, and the performing and creative arts to cultivate well-rounded individuals.

King’s College School in The Bahamas, one of the 118 campuses worldwide, offers a campus that is designed to encourage dynamic learning. Students beneﬁt from cutting-edge technology, a world-class curriculum, and an environment that fosters intellectual and creative growth.

ﬁrst-hand knowledge of the industries.

The Cadet Programme follows the Career and Technical Education (CTE) model, which focuses on developing students’ practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By participating in the programme, students will gain the skills necessary to pursue post-secondary degrees in agriculture and marine sciences or ﬁeldbased careers, while also fostering teamwork and leadership abilities.

Glennys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education

and Technical Vocational Training, spoke about the growing interest among students in agriculture and marine sciences, noting that the programme provides an essential avenue for those passionate about these ﬁelds.

“This programme offers students the opportunity to explore various scientiﬁc and technical skills, including horticulture, animal husbandry, and marine resource management,” she said.

“Many students are already excelling in these areas, and the cadet

Applications for the 2025 Nsouli Scholars Programme close on April 30, 2025. Successful candidates will be announced on May 30, 2025. Students who are passionate about achieving academic excellence and personal development are encouraged to apply for this transformative opportunity.

INSPIRED EDUCATION’S FOUNDER, chairman and CEO Nadim Nsouli (centre) with his children, who attend King’s College School.

programme now offers a focused approach to further develop their knowledge and passion.”

Hanna-Martin also emphasised the importance of catering to the diverse interests of students.

“Young people have varied passions, and it is essential for our education system to provide them with avenues to pursue those interests,” she explained.

“This programme ensures that students have the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture and marine resources, areas that are vital to our

nation’s economy and future.”

The Agricultural and Marine Cadet Programme is expected to leave a lasting impact on the students who participate, equipping them with not only the skills to contribute to the future of food security but also the conﬁdence and leadership abilities to excel in their chosen ﬁelds.

Through this initiative, the youth of The Bahamas are being given the tools to help secure a sustainable future for the country’s agriculture and marine industries.

PORTAL OPEN FOR FOUNDATIONS

THE Lyford Cay Foundations online scholarship application portal opens on Friday, February 14, for students seeking to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or technical and vocational training outside of The Bahamas.

Thanks to the generosity of its donor community, Lyford Cay Foundations offer a select number of scholarships to Bahamian citizens, enabling them to complete their studies at institutions in Canada, the Caribbean, the US, and the UK — regions that are commonly chosen by Lyford Cay Scholars.

This scholarship process is highly competitive, and applicants must demonstrate ﬁnancial need, academic excellence, and a clear vision of how their education will beneﬁt The Bahamas.

The foundation strongly encourages Bahamians pursuing post-secondary education internationally to apply, particularly those who will be the ﬁrst in their families to attend college, students in ﬁelds of study not available at the University of The Bahamas or the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, and those who have thoughtfully considered how their future careers will enrich the nation.

Applicants must also have an acceptance letter from an international college or university where they plan to study full-time in Fall 2025 and must have at least one year remaining in their academic programme. Scholarships range in value and are renewable each year, contingent on maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average and fulﬁlling other eligibility requirements. Applications are reviewed by independent committees that include a diverse cross-section of the community, including past scholarship recipients. The online application portal will close at 5pm on March 15, and all applications must be submitted by this deadline.

DOMINIQUE BOWLEG

D’ALO FARRINGTON