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DAVIS: FNM IS PARTY OF ELITES

PM says Opposition divided with election on country’s horizon

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis taunted the Free National Movement during a Progressive Liberal Party meeting last night, highlighting Dr Hubert Minnis’ continued outsider status in a party he once led.

Dr Minnis told reporters this week that his party’s leaders have not “tapped” him on his shoulder, a cheeky reference to Michael Pintard’s comment that people who have participated in the party’s mandatory training session have been tapped to build support in

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

BERRY Islands residents have expressed disappointment over what they describe as a lack of transparency in the island’s local government election nomination process. They claim many aspiring nominees were hindered by short notice about the process. Velenzo Miller, a resident, told The Tribune that he and a group of other residents were only made aware of the nomination deadline hours before via a WhatsApp group, describing the timing as impractical.

Church arrest on viral video ‘after disturbance reported’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE arrested a man at a church in Grand Bahama on Sunday after the pastor reported a disturbance, an incident that was captured in a viral video. The short video raised questions about police protocol among observers who

were uncertain about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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?”

80 people have crimiN al

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

EIGHTY Bahamians, including people charged with curfew violations during the pandemic, had their criminal records expunged last year after applying to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee.

Reverend Ronald Campbell, the committee’s chairman, told The Tribune yesterday that the committee anticipates an increase in applications this year,

“I understand,” the man ‘No surprise’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister last night asserted it was “no surprise” that Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from the 15 percent minimum global corporate tax amid fears this move may hit The Bahamas’ competitiveness. Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs said that even though the former Democratic treasury secretary had committed the US to the G-20/OECD initiative it was still likely to have encountered headwinds in becoming law due to Republican control in Congress.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis took time at a PLP meeting to taunt the FNM over their training sessions and former PM Hubert Minnis’s status as an outsider in the party.

Sandals Foundations helps 1,000 Smiles Project deliver free dental services

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 1,000

Bahamians, including children, seniors, and prison inmates, will receive free dental care in New Providence and Exuma over the next two weeks.

The Sandals Foundation, in collaboration with Bahamasair, is supporting the non-profit organisation Great Shape! Inc to launch its free dental services.

The organisation’s 1000 Smiles Project, which started on Monday, will run until January 31. Over 160 volunteer dentists from around the world have joined the initiative to provide dental care.

Volunteers, including dentists and hygienists, will offer free fillings, extractions, cleanings, X-rays, dental sealants for children to prevent cavities and oral health education. Root canals, dentures, and other extended treatments may also be available.

During a press conference yesterday, Delino Moss, hotel manager of Sandals, highlighted the foundation’s longstanding commitment to bringing life-changing initiatives to The Bahamas. Mr Moss explained that the free dental clinic began on Monday, serving members at Sandals, The Bahamas Department of Corrections, and Sadie Curtis Primary School. Pat’s Senior Citizen Home and Anatol Rodgers High School will also receive dental care in the coming days. Additionally, some volunteer dentists are travelling today to Exuma Medical Center to provide services on the island.

Wilfred Munnings, sales

executive at Bahama-

sair, announced that the national carrier is providing complimentary round-trip flights for the volunteers offering free dental care to residents. This is the first time that Great Shape! Inc’s 1000 Smiles Project is being held in The Bahamas. The project has previously benefited communities in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Turks & Caicos. Joseph Wright, an executive with Great Shape! Inc, emphasised the importance of making dental care accessible.

“If we can save a young teenager’s front tooth from losing it, we can change the trajectory of that child, especially in a tourismoriented economy,” Mr Wright said. “So, when we save the smile, we don’t just save the tooth. We save a life.”

He added that the services also provide relief to those struggling with toothaches.

He praised Bahamasair for providing free transportation for the volunteers, noting that no other airline had done this for them in the last 22 years of operation.

“Our goal for The Bahamas project here will be roughly 1,500 clinical patients,” he said. He added that if they could arrange logistics for oral health education in schools during the two weeks, they hoped to reach 2,000 to 3,000 children with educational materials such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

“If all goes well, maybe 3,000 to 4,000 people will be impacted,” he said. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education also praised the initiative.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority donates items to two Grand Bahama food banks

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter, has donated food items to two local food banks and distribution centres on Grand Bahama.

In recognition of Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day and the sorority’s “We are One” AKA Day of Service observed on January 15, chapter members presented non-perishable food to the Christ the King Anglican Church and the Freeport Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Carleta Jones Carolina, assistant director of the Evangeline Jervis

Community Service and Distribution Center and Hurricane Shelter at the Freeport Seventh Day Adventist Church, was grateful for the muchneeded support.

The centre provides monthly food packages to over 1,500 needy individuals and families here on the island.

“We have been operating for 13 years, providing nonperishable food items to the entire Grand Bahama. We currently have over 1,650 plus people registered. They come from requests, and sometimes Social Services send them here,” she said.

According to Ms Carolina, the food packages cost about $3,000 a month to

prepare for the recipients registered in their system.

The food bags include toilet paper, soap, rice, grits, cream, noodles, and tuna.

“We are hoping to increase the number of items in our bags in 2025 and also expand the variety of items to include cooking oil and tomato paste,” she added.

She said the centre would start serving breakfast on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is the oldest Greek-letter organisation established by African American college-educated women. The organisation celebrated its 117th Founders’ Day on January 20.

JOSPEH Wright of Great Shape! Inc speaking on the importance of visiting the dentist twice a year and applauds the Bahamas for having excellent dental offices during launch of 1000 Smiles dental Clinics at Sandals Resort yesterday.

Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

MEMBERS of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter donated non-perishable food items to two local food banks and distribution centres in Grand Bahama on Monday.

Davis: FNM is party of elites

from page one

constituencies.

While addressing PLP supporters in Pinewood last night, Mr Davis painted the FNM as fractured and ineffectual.

“Poor Minnis say nobody tapped him on the shoulder,” he said. “Well, PLPs, let me tell you — he might be waiting a long time for that tap because it looks like they’re tapping everybody except him!

“Imagine, their former leader, the man who they paraded around as their standard-bearer, can’t even make it through their training sessions. Training sessions!

“You mean to tell me that Minnis, who was Prime Minister just a few years ago, now needs to sit in class to learn how to run?”

Mr Davis also touted what he called progress in infrastructure development, economic reform, and efforts to lower the cost of living.

“We’re building hospitals, raising wages, promoting workers, and delivering results for the Bahamian people,” he said.

He highlighted initiatives to ease financial pressures on Bahamians, including reducing VAT on essential goods, overhauling the energy sector to lower electricity prices, and diversifying supply

chains by importing goods directly from countries like Brazil.

“The same beef and other products that we currently buy from the United States, we’re going to make it easier to bring them in directly from Brazil or wherever, and cut out the middleman,” he said.

“We’re going to stop unfair business practices that make it hard for new businesses to succeed.”

He urged PLP members to remain united, emphasising the importance of solidarity as the party heads into what he described as a pivotal election.

He accused the opposition of being silent on the issue of monopolies and failing to prioritise the economic well-being of ordinary Bahamians. He suggested, without evidence, that the FNM’s failure to comment or address these issues is tied to their financial backers.

He framed the PLP as the only party capable of driving meaningful reform and delivering a more equitable economy.

“Change is coming,” he promised, adding that lower prices and increased competition would benefit all Bahamians, not just a select few.

“If one person or one set of people own everything, all the time, then they can charge what they like.”

Bahamas Doctors Union defends stance on overtime compensation

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Doctors Union (BDU) president Dr Camille Glinton-Thompson defended her union’s stance on overtime compensation and timetracking requirements, pushing back against Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ recent comments that suggested doctors are resisting accountability measures.

Dr Glinton-Thompson’s remarks came during an appearance on Morning Blend on Guardian Radio 96.9, in which she noted that the BDU’s industrial agreement expired in 2017 and the union has spent more than two years negotiating an updated pact with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), only for talks to collapse last year when officials introduced a new article concerning time and attendance just before the planned signing.

“We had a date that we were going to meet at the OPM office and sign,” she said. “Then I got a call at about nine o’clock the night before saying we can’t go. There’s a new article that we inserted that you guys need to sign.”

Dr Glinton-Thompson insisted that doctors are not opposed to recording their attendance but want guarantees in writing that they will be compensated for all overtime — particularly the long, consecutive hours they work on call.

She noted that if a clock-in system is introduced, costs could be exorbitant given the amount of hours doctors work.

Swiping, she said, is not the issue.

“The issue is that in order for us to do this, it needs to be clear and it needs to be signed off and agreed upon that this is the manner,” she said.

“Because if I’m working 32 hours, which I do every week, I want to be paid the additional hours that I work.”

Dr Glinton-Thompson comments follow industrial action by healthcare workers, which drew criticism from Mr Davis last week.

He said healthcare workers “have resisted calls for a time-tracking system, making it difficult for the government to approve their overtime demands”. Dr GlintonThompson countered this view, emphasising that doctors meticulously document every patient

encounter and procedure in medical dockets, which she believes should already substantiate hours worked.

“Oh, I was very disappointed and sad,” she said of Mr Davis’ comments.

“We stand on that, like I said, as when we enter the hospital from the first patient we see, we’re making notes from the first from any phone call. Everything is documented, everything that a physician, that any physician, it has to be signed off on. This is a person’s life.”

During the radio interview, Dr GlintonThompson also noted the union’s concern about the strain on the public purse, suggesting a middle ground where the government and doctors can compromise on fair compensation without incurring excessive costs.

“Let’s go to the table and let’s figure out a middle; let’s figure out a way where there can be compensation in some form without exhausting the public purse because the hours are ridiculous,” she said.

Last night, during a speech at a Progressive Liberal Party constituency association meeting, Mr Davis underscored his appreciation for

medical professionals but doubled down on the need for time-tracking protocols.

He praised the strides made with nurses — citing better pay, benefits, and additional support as proof of his administration’s commitment to healthcare workers — and noted his personal gratitude for doctors, recalling how they saved his life when he battled COVID19. Still, he stressed that signing in and out is not about distrust, but rather “safety and fairness,”

ensuring hospitals remain secure and overtime hours are correctly documented.

“I’m ready to sign a deal,” Mr Davis said, calling for continued dialogue to finalise a fair agreement for both sides.

Meanwhile, the Medical Association of the Bahamas’ president, Dr Gemma Rolle, has expressed concern over what she views as unfair portrayals of doctors, saying negative characterisations undermine the profession’s real dedication to patient care.

In a statement yesterday, she said depicting doctors as greedy overlooks the personal sacrifices they make, often working long hours and facing heavy emotional burdens to preserve lives.

She called for respectful dialogue and mutual empathy from the public and government, arguing that effective communication is essential for resolving longstanding issues and maintaining quality healthcare services.

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS

Sandals still securing approvals but expects work to begin soon

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS are still working on securing the necessary approvals for the construction process to rebrand Sandals Emerald Bay into a Beaches resort, according to Chuck Roberts, managing director at Sandals Resorts Bahamas.

However, he said construction should begin soon.

The closure of Sandals Emerald Bay in August was a blow to the Exuma community, affecting around 425 employees. Some were redeployed to Sandals Royal Bahamian and Beaches Turks and Caicos, while others were assisted in finding new jobs at an August job fair.

The project’s timeline has shifted over time. In August, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper estimated a six to eightmonth construction phase for the rebranding to the Beaches resort chain. However, Sandals representatives later indicated that construction would take up to 15 months. Jeremy Mutton, general manager at Sandals Emerald Bay, told

Tribune Business that the resort would begin its 12 to 15-month rebrand once it received the necessary permits that fall.

“The project is ready to start shortly,” Mr Roberts told reporters on the sideline of another event yesterday. “We’re waiting with the particular governments and stuff to get all the approvals.”

Mr Roberts also noted that the resort had performed well in bookings for the winter season and predicted continued solid occupancy into the summer.

Sandals Emerald Bay temporarily closed on August 15 to facilitate its redevelopment. The resort plans a $100m transformation to become Beaches Exuma.

Former Labour director John Pinder criticised the government for not persuading Sandals to keep part of the Exuma resort open during its redevelopment.

“The government ought to have put measures in place or negotiated with Sandals on how best to keep some of the establishment open,” he said, expressing concern that some staff might be laid off during the rebranding process due to Sandals’

history.

Trade Union Congress President Obie Ferguson argued that the Ministry of Labour did not sufficiently involve itself in Sandals Emerald Bay’s decision to temporarily

close, which impacted about 425 workers at the resort.

The rebranding aims to make the resort more family-oriented rather than a couple’s destination.

Berry Islanders frustration at local govt nominations

He claimed that many residents were caught off guard by the announcement and were unable to file in time.

“Even the island’s chief councilor didn’t file in time, so I don’t know how the information is being moved through the island,” he said. “It always seems that nobody knows what’s going on. It’s never no transparency.”

Mr Miller claimed only three people submitted nominations, including the person behind the community’s WhatsApp account, while dozens were unable to do so.

“Berry Islands is the only island that don’t have five nominations and that’s sad to be honest with you,“ he said. “For us to not be able we can’t find five people to nominate and represent us, to stand up for us. That’s sad and all because of no one not knowing what’s going on.”

Nomination Day was held on January 6, with local government elections scheduled for January 23.

The nomination process includes a declaration of residency, a declaration of qualification, a $50 fee, and other requirements.

Mr Miller said he met all the requirements but could not change his residency in time due to being given the runaround.

He explained that he had all the necessary information to change his constituency from New Providence, but found the office closed with no signs directing him elsewhere. He said when he tried a different location, they told him they couldn’t handle the change and that it was the responsibility of the island administrator. He

was left wondering why this information hadn’t been communicated beforehand.

Erica Knowles, another Berry Island resident who wanted to apply as a local government candidate, shared similar concerns about the process.

Ms Knowles said she was away when she heard about the nomination deadline.

After returning, she tried to do a residency transfer but learned at the administrator’s office that it was too late.

She questioned why the information was shared so late but was told it had been circulated in other channels.

She noted that during general elections, residents are typically informed in advance of the upcoming election and reminded to register by a certain date if they want to run or vote in a specific division. She pointed out that this time, no such notification was provided.

She said there is no transparency and that decisions are always made behind closed doors.

Mr Miller noted that numerous individuals have returned home and become occupied with their daily routines and work, making it unlikely for them to focus on upcoming local government events or elections months in advance.

Works and Local Government Minister Clay Sweeting did not respond to requests for comment from this newspaper up to press time yesterday.

A new government bill tabled last year will establish a fixed election period for local government, to be held every three years on the third Wednesday in June.

CHUCK ROBERTS, managing director at Sandals Resorts Bahamas.

HER Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt, Governor General (centre), was in attendance at the Bahamas Red Cross Platinum Awards Reception at Government House, Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

80 have criminal record expunged including COVID-19 curfew violations

particularly as the election approaches — a period when people typically make more requests.

“Already, we have about ten to 15 applications that we’re looking through for this year and, of course, we have applications from last year that we haven’t dealt with this year,” he said, attributing the delays to waiting on reports from other agencies.

He said the committee reviewed over 100 cases last year involving people convicted of offences such as assault, fraud, disorderly behaviour, and minor drug-related matters.

Of this group, 26 had their records expunged for curfew violations, 21 were referred to the

Prerogative of Mercy, 18 applied prematurely, and one was recommended for counselling.

“We had numerous persons,” he said. “Most of our cases was marijuana, stealing but marijuana topped the list.”

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, people who have committed murder, manslaughter, treason, armed robbery, rape, etc, cannot have their records expunged. After five years, however, most others are eligible if they are firsttime offenders or were younger than 21 at the time of their first conviction.

In July, the government amended the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act to allow people convicted

of certain Emergency Order violations to apply immediately to have their records expunged.

Yesterday, Reverend Campbell claimed that people convicted of curfew violations will no longer need to apply to the committee, suggesting a blanket expungement for those in this category.

“The persons who were charged with curfew matters, this year in 2025, those matters would’ve been spent, so whatever month they were charged whether it be June, July, August or September, when that time come, their time would’ve been finished,” he said. We’ve reached the five-year limit, so just minor offences now can come to the committee.”

Church arrest on viral video ‘after disturbance reported’

answered as congregants watched.

Yesterday, Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle said: “That male that you see in the video was not a member, neither is he a pastor. He was creating a disturbance in the church.”

Police said the man had been warned to leave the church.

At the end of the video, a woman attempted to kick the disrupter –– not the police, according to ASP Rolle.

Earlier yesterday, Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) president Delton Fernander released a voice note saying the council was

trying to ascertain the circumstances. Without more information, he found the arrest “very much out of bounds.”

“We wish to vindicate any party that if it is brought to our attention that this had to be executed, and it is to a point that it had to be done in this way, these facts need to be made known,” he said.

For his part, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe also noted earlier yesterday that while there are definite rules about not affecting arrest within the precinct of Parliament when the House of Assembly is in session, he was uncertain if those rules extend to a church setting.

Vybz Kartel upcoming concert has secured all permits and approvals, says event management company

EVENT management company International Events & Production (IEP) announced that it has officially secured all required permits and approvals for the upcoming Feel the Vybz Bahamas Weekend, a three-day celebration anchored by the return of Jamaican dancehall legend Vybz Kartel.

The highlight of the festivities will be The Evolution: Vybz Kartel & Friends concert, set for Saturday, March 29.

Known by some as “The King of Dancehall,” his track record includes popular songs such as “Clarks,” “Ramping Shop” (featuring Spice), and “Fever.” According to IEP, this upcoming concert aims to reflect not only his musical influence but also his progression as an individual.

“We’re highlighting and focusing on his evolution, his plans to continue spreading love, and his ability to inspire, not only in his home country but

around the world,” IEP said in a press statement.

Organisers emphasise that the event will deliver a world-class production experience, complete with local Bahamian DJs, vendors, and a lineup of performers to capture the lively spirit of the Feel the Vybz Bahamas Weekend.

“This concert is more than just entertainment — it’s a celebration of evolution and inspiration,” IEP said. “Fans from The Bahamas and

neighbouring countries are eagerly anticipating this event, which highlights how Kartel continues to spread love and positivity worldwide.”

“Our four-member team has 30 years of combined experience in music, marketing, and event production; the four people who make up IEP have, at some point,

worked individually or collectively on different projects together, executing successful concerts, festivals, and parties,” IEP said. “Each person possesses expertise in different areas and is respected for their unique contributions.”

REVERAND RONALD CAMPBELL

SCREEN capture from viral video of arrest in GB church.

BAHAMAS CHRISTIAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT DELTON FERNANDER

VYBZ KARTEL

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effect will Trump’s climate stance have on Bahamas?

AND so the Trump era (part two) has begun.

The first day of President Donald Trump’s second term in office saw a flurry of executive orders – and landed the new agenda right on the doorstep of The Bahamas.

How so? Well, there is obviously the talk of immigration raids and what that will do, especially given the solicitation by his transition team seeking the deportation of illegal migrants to our shores, whether they came from here originally or not.

However, there is a more meaningful impact for the Davis administration particularly.

What is the number one policy issue for The Bahamas?

You all might have different answers. Crime, perhaps. The economy. Tourism? Certainly not transparency. Maybe tackling the cost of living.

But the government has made clear in the past what is top of its list.

Says who? Well, back in November, Foreign Affairs Minister clearly stated that the number one issue for The Bahamas is climate change.

During the opening of Diplomatic Week in Grand Bahama, he said the country had to address climate change – and warned that severe sea level rise could leave 70 percent of New Providence underwater by 2100.

He said: “It’s existential for us. With 80 percent of our land mass within a meter of the sea, and here on Grand Bahama, the highest point on this island is 48ft above sea level.”

He added: “We just come from the Pacific Islands and the predictions there are equally dire.”

His is not the only voice to have sounded such a warning. Prime Minister Philip Davis has built his reputation around the world on sounding the warning alarm over climate change – and on trying to make industrialised nations pay for the damage they have caused in terms of global warming.

In October 2021, he called climate change “the greatest existential threat that The Bahamas has ever faced” – and his predecessors have been singing from the same hymn sheet over the years.

In 2019, Dr Hubert Minnis, when referencing the impact of storms, asked the United Nations General Assembly: “How will we survive, how can we develop, how will we continue to exist?”

In 2015, Perry Christie talked in Paris

of an “existential threat to the survival of small island developing states”.

In 2009, Hubert Ingraham warned that climate change “is a serious threat to our economic viability, our social development and our territorial integrity”. Administration after administration has warned of the perils facing our nation from climate change.

And now, on day one of the Trump administration, the new president has set about tearing up the ambitions or protections in place.

He signed documents to say he will formally withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreements. That is a repeat of what he did in his first term in office – but which was reversed by his successor, President Joe Biden.

The Paris climate pact set a goal of trying to reduce global warming – it sought to keep long-term global temperatures from warming 1.5C above pre-industrial times, and if not that, then well below 2C.

It would do this by cutting emissions from coal, oil and gas.

The US is not the only United Nations country not to be a part of the agreement – it joins Iran, Libya and Yemen.

Trump also declared an “energy emergency” – which will give additional powers. The goal is to produce more coal and, as Trump said in his inauguration speech: “We will drill, baby, drill. We will be a rich nation again and it is the liquid gold under our feet that will help us do it.”

He talked of using fossil fuels to “export American energy all over the world”, even though the US is already a net exporter of fossil fuels, producing more oil and gas than any other country in the world.

Add to that Trump’s opposition to laws requiring appliances to be more efficient, and emissions are only going one way, both literally and figuratively – up. What does that do for The Bahamas’ number one policy? The horse has bolted – and we are left trying to secure the stable door.

If this is the signature policy of the Davis administration, it has just suffered a sizeable blow.

The US, of course, is not the world – and other countries have said they intend to persist with the Paris agreement. But it does not make the task any easier.

Why Trump is better for us and Caribbean

EDITOR, The Tribune.

T RUMP ’ S policies better for the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Here are some reasons I believe the Trump administration will be better for the Bahamas and the Caribbean:

1. An ideology based on a biblical world view which includes.

A. Recognises two sexes only- male & female

B. Traditional family values - one man and one woman in marriage

C. No males competing in women sports

D. No more LGBTQ sexual perversion being pushed on our school children

E. Accountability at the UN, WHO, CDC, FDA

F. Exposure on the cover-up of the COVID19 mRNA vaccine injuries and the role that big Pharma and the media played in those injuries

G. No LGBTQ flags flying at the US embassy

H. A recognition of Christianity above other religions

2. Not a part of the World Economic Forum, that wants to see a one world government and a one world currency, that will take away a nation’s sovereignty that includes all of our individual freedoms of choice.

ANDY KNOWLES Bahamas Olympic swimmer and coach Nassau, January 17, 2025.

Davis contradicts himself

EDITOR, The Tribune. THIS faltering administration has hit a new low—the Prime Minister is now contradicting his own Minister of Finance, who happens to be himself.

Prime Minister Davis dismissing the IMF’s warning on a slowing economy is unbelievable, especially when it matches the very projections he himself, as Minister of Finance, just presented in the budget.

The Budget projects real economic growth of 1.7%, 1.7%, and 1.5% for this and the next two fiscal years—almost identical to the IMF’s 2025-2027 forecast of 1.7%, 1.6%, and 1.5%.

Last June, Prime Minister Davis forecasted a slowing economy, and in November, Central Bank Governor Rolle echoed this, predicting slower growth in 2024

and an even “more subdued” 2025. Even if Prime Minister Davis doesn’t trust Minister of Finance Davis, he should have at least heeded the Governor’s warning. Is the Prime Minister suffering from amnesia?

The record reflects that I admonished the government during the June 2023 budget cycle that the Bahamian economy was slowing down, given global macroeconomic trends at the time. He ignored the warnings, then quietly slashed his own growth projections by 80% during the ensuing mid-term budget —proving the Opposition was right all along. Indeed, the current budget reflects the same forecast for slowing economic growth

and prospects highlighted by the IMF and the Central Bank.

The Prime Minister refuses to level with the Bahamian people about the real state of the economy, and it is costing us dearly. While his administration maxes out Central Bank borrowing, government vendors and civil servants are still waiting on money they are owed, caught in what we understand is a prolonged cash flow crisis. As Bahamians continue to struggle, we have a Prime Minister who either can’t remember his own economic forecast or is deliberately misleading the public. So, which is it—incompetence or deception?

MICHAEL PINTARD MP Leader, Free National Movement January 21, 2025.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PIA Glover-Rolle, Minister of Labor and the Public Service, has claimed credit for regularising approximately 700 individuals under the renamed 52 Weeks programme.

The process to regularise the 1,200 individuals on the 52 Weeks programme began on July 1, 2021, under the FNM administration. When the PLP assumed office in September of that year, Minister Glover-Rolle used her authority as Minister to halt the ongoing efforts for what now appears to be self-serving political reasons. Minister Glover Rolle is aware that the Cabinet directed the Ministry to confirm over 1200 individuals in the program beginning July 2021.

The regularisation process was started as directed in August 2021. However upon coming to office in September the Minister directed the professionals in the Ministry of Public Service to discontinue

the confirmation process hence individuals have been in limbo for the past three years.

The FNM would like to inquire whether the Minister ensured that the individuals she boasts about were made permanent and pensionable as of July 1, 2021, as their appointment date will significantly affect their pension calculations as governments are supposed to be continuous.

Furthermore, Minister Glover-Rolle must clarify what happened to the remaining 500 individuals whose regularisation process had commenced in July of 2021. As former employee of the Public Service, Minister Rolle is quite aware that the delay in regularisation has significantly impacted not only the financial stability of these individuals but has also hindered their professional growth and development. Many of these participants have been in limbo for years, unable to plan their

futures or make significant life decisions due to the uncertainty surrounding their employment status.

It appears that Minister Rolle and the PLP deliberately stopped the confirmation process so that they could take credit for this action. This is wrong and totally unacceptable, and Minister Rolle should do better. The public deserves transparency and accountability from their leaders. We call on Minister Glover-Rolle to provide clear answers and to take immediate steps to rectify the situation, ensuring that all 1,200 individuals are treated fairly and given the opportunities they deserve and to ensure fair treatment for all participants, regardless of their political affiliations.

BRENSIL ROLLE

Former Minister of Public Service & National Insurance Nassau. January 21, 2025.

CRAIG Ferguson II competes in opening day of the KPMG Youth Winter Championships off the

Montagu Foreshore Saturday January 11, 2025. Competitors from throughout The Bahamas, aged 8 to 18 years old, assembled for the two-day event in the Optimist Green & Championship, Sunfish and ILCA 4 & ILCA 6 classes.

Photo: Tim Aylen/Bahamas Visual Services

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN with two pending murder charges was denied bail yesterday after he was accused of failing to sign in at his local police station 30 times last year.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney arraigned Derico “Sparky” Bowe, 31, on violation of bail conditions yesterday.

Bowe was on bail after

he was charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He allegedly murdered Andrew Mackey and tried to kill Dentry Williams on May 4, 2022, in New Providence.

He also allegedly killed Arison Pratt on April 30, 2022. While on release for these charges, the defendant allegedly failed to sign in at his local police station on 30 separate days

HES

between September 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Inspector Deon Barr, who served as the prosecutor, objected to the defendant’s bail, citing the severity of the charges and noting that the defendant was charged with prior bail breaches.

Bowe was denied bail and will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial begins on March 12.

M AN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OF WOMAN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman earlier this week.

Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly arraigned Julian Kahyfud Seymour, 39, on indecent assault and damage. The defendant allegedly inappropriately touched an adult woman’s private parts on January 18 in New Providence. He also allegedly damaged the woman’s property.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded into custody yesterday after he was accused of robbing two men at gunpoint while they were playing poker on East Street South last week.

Smith calls out insurance companies for avoiding paying Dorian claims

He was also warned not to interfere with the complainant or any witnesses in this matter.

Seymour’s trial begins on March 17.

Alphonso Lewis represented the accused.

Prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom raised no objections to his bail, which was set at $3,000 with one or two sureties. The defendant must sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station by 7pm the first Monday of every month.

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Jamal Maycock, 24, on two counts of armed robbery. Armed with a handgun, the defendant and accomplices allegedly robbed Darius Daxon of $500 and Roland Brown of $1,500 while the pair were engaged in a poker game at a tyre repair shop on January 15. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a black Japanese vehicle. The defendant was not

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

required to enter a plea and was informed that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Maycock will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on April 3. Geoffrey Farquharson represented the accused.

TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS JAIL FOR HOUSEBREAKING CHARGED

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to two and half years in prison yesterday after admitting to a recent housebreaking crime in New Providence.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney arraigned Antonio McCartney for housebreaking, stealing, and receiving. The defendant reportedly broke into a residence and stole a sum of cash from the property owner. The defendant pleaded guilty to the housebreaking and stealing charges; the receiving charge was subsequently withdrawn. McCartney was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for the break-in charge. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $200, return the stolen cash or risk an additional month in prison. Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.

KINGSLEY Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Grand Bahama, has expressed strong concerns over the refusal of some insurance companies to pay claims in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, describing it as a significant issue that continues to erode consumer confidence in the industry.

Speaking at an event marking the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas’ expansion to Grand Bahama, Mr Smith stressed the critical need for consumer protection and fair business practices in the insurance sector.

“Many of you, like myself, have heard the horror stories, especially after Hurricane Dorian. Some of these issues linger to this day,” he said.

“Insurance companies have found every avenue or excuse to avoid paying claims — whether true,

impactful, or not. This behaviour hinders confidence in the industry and leaves consumers with no other options.”

Mr Smith commended the Insurance Commission, led by Superintendent Dana Mullings Gray, for its decision to expand to Grand Bahama and create additional new jobs.

He emphasised the commission’s role in combating negative perceptions and fostering a sound insurance marketplace.

“I hope your presence here combat the negative narratives; that your presence promotes good business practices, protects consumers where their rights and interests are concerned, and develops insurance consciousness, if not in existence yet among the general public,” he said.

Mr Smith charged the commission to safeguard consumer interests.

The Insurance Commission was established in 2009. Its function is to maintain surveillance over the insurance market, promote sound and prudent insurance management and business practices, advise the Minister on insurance-related matters, and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering legislation.

Executives of the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas, including Rodney Bain, Manager, Communications, Business Intelligence and Consumer Awareness; Bionca Fountain, Assistant Legal Counsel, Office of the Superintendent; Dana Munnings-Gray, Superintendent of Insurance; Dr. Dee Allen, University of Cambridge; Aanica Scavella, Manager/Human Resources and Employee Relations, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey on Monday.

“You must help to protect consumers and their rights. That is my message and charge to you,” he said.

KINGSLEY SMITH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY IN THE MINISTRY OF GRAND BAHAMA

Focus and community amidst changing times

THERE is a meme, circulating with great frequency, in which a person begs to live through some “precedented times”. Living in unprecedented times is exhausting. At this point, it seems endless. The world is constantly on fire, literally and metaphorically.

For some, it is easy to dismiss what is happening outside of The Bahamas as irrelevant and of no consequence. Many of us know better. Many of us have watched the trends and have seen the impact of North American politics on our realities in The Bahamas and across the Caribbean. Those of us working toward social justice and full access to human rights - especially with a focus on women, girls, and LGBTQI+ people - know the tactics of the anti-rights movement and how they gain footing beyond their places of origin. It is not hard to see, especially now, with the current US president, back for a second term.

Some will insist that nothing that is happening politically and socially in the US should matter to us. They claim the laws, policies, and executive orders mean nothing beyond US borders. They are wrong. Many of them are lying—to other people and to themselves. Some want to believe what they say, and some want us to believe what they say so that we can put our guards down. We, however, have to remain alert and we have to be awake to our reality.

In The Resilience Myth, Soraya Chemaly makes a distinction between optimism and a decided delusion.

“[…]Resilience often requires us to feel discomfort, sit with it, and parse what it means. Adapting positively involves accepting the unsettling feelings and engaging in the careful listening. It takes changing and accountability. Instead, “if it doesn’t feel good, you can choose not to feel it” has somehow come to

By Alicia Wallace

define resilience. Learned optimism suffers from a similar slide into denialism. In theory, learned optimism takes acknowledging both negative and positive experiences, but in practice and nomenclature, that distinction is easily lost in favour of looking away from difficult truths. In this thinking, positivity means minimizing truth, history, the advantages of power.”

Chemaly goes on to make the connection between optimism support systems. It is much easier for people to have a bright outlook when they have family, friends, and resources they can rely on in difficult times. She also notes that there is a positive correlation between optimism and wealth. “Circumstances,” she notes, “are why some of us struggle more than others with being positive and use pessimism and pragmatism to move forward.”

Optimism has been sold as a positive and motivating force, but we can see, from Chemaly’s study of it, that it can be disabling. It can prompt us to close our eyes, relax, and be overtaken by whatever is in store. In the state of exhaustion so many of have been experiencing for years, especially following Hurricane Dorian and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is tempting to stop and to believe that all will be well, no matter what. We must, however, know what has been exhausting us from the very beginning. It is, of course, partly the burden of work and the everyday struggle to survive; what is often overlooked is the shortage of people engaged in the work of changing the world for the better.

Tired by Langston Hughes

I am so tired of waiting, Aren’t you, For the world to become good

And beautiful and kind?

Let us take a knife

And cut the world in two—

And see what worms are eating

At the rind.

Even for those who are tired, there is work to do. There is no celebration, of course, that we must continue and that the world-changing work is almost entirely undertaken by the people who are burdened by the current and persisting inequalities and violence that benefit the people who refuse this work. It ought to be an embarrassment to those who refuse to join us.

As Audre Lorde, told us, “Without community, there is no liberation.” Community, in this sense, is not just a group of people in close proximity to one another, nor is it a group of people with the same identity or identities. It is not a group of people taking similar action. Community is intentional, and it is rooted in care. We have a gargantuan task ahead of us because building community is not easy. While we do that work and in contribution to that work, we are tasked with survival.

1. Pay attention. It can be tempting to look away. Do not give in to that temptation. It is important to know what is happening. Be attentive to what is happening in your community, in your country of residence, in your region, and beyond. Trace the trends. Know that what happens at the global level has impact at the local

level. Anticipate, prepare, and watch for the ripple effect.

2. Talk about what is happening. Refuse silence. Your information will almost always be incomplete. By having conversations with others, you give yourself the opportunity to fill in the gaps. Choosing not to talk about what is happening all around us does not make it go away, and it definitely does not make it easier for us to manage. Increase the awareness of others. Be willing to teach and to learn from others.

3. Control what you can. While you cannot change the behaviour of others, you are in complete control of your own behaviour. Make a difference for yourself, and for others, through your actions. The way you speak to people, the way you spend your money, the places you occupy, and the people you surround yourself with all matter. Participate in the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement in support of Palestine. Avoid giving your money to businesses that exploit workers. Make an effort to support small businesses and local businesses. Volunteer with nongovernmental organizations that are focused on making a difference in areas that are important to you. Be intentional about the way you use your resources, including your time, money, and community.

4. Feel your feelings. Fear is a normal reaction to (threats) of violence and tremendous loss. There are times when we fear for our lives. It is important, especially for people who are Black, who are women, who are lesbian, bisexual, trans, or queer, to remember that, as Audre Lorde put it, “we were never meant to survive.”

Excerpt from A Litany for Survival by Audre Lorde

For those of us who were imprinted with fear like a faint line in the

centre of our foreheads learning to be afraid with our mother’s milk

For by this weapon this illusion of some safety to be found the heavy-footed hoped to silence us for all of us this instant and this triumph we were never meant to survive

5. Manage your media consumption. Being informed is critical. It is also important to moderate the consumption of news and news commentary. This does not mean it should be completely cut out, but it is important to find a balance in accessing information, processing and responding to information, and engaging lighter activities. It may be necessary to limit news consumption to a discrete time of day. The amount of time spent watching, listening to, and reading the news may need to be limited. It may also be necessary to do something after consuming news to create and/or mark the shift in energy for the day. It could be body movement, listening to music, having a cup of tea, or anything else that can serve as a pivot point.

6. Build trust and nurture healthy relationships. We need one another. We have to actively, intentionally reject the idea that we must do everything for ourselves and by ourselves. We are interdependent. We need people who can hold our truths, who can care for our children, and who will answer when we call. We need people to be in conversation with us, to challenge our ideas, to help us reach more people, and make it possible for us to rest.

7. Imagine the world we need. It is important for us to envision the world we need to create together. It is easy to get bogged down in the mess of today and all of the forces that are against peace and equality. We are not, however, just working against or dismantling. We are working toward and

creating. Get clear on what the destination is, both for yourself and for the people with whom you are working.

Angela Y Davis recently said: “If we look back at struggles for justice and equality, we find that there aren’t often propitious moments for those struggles. We’ve always confronted waves of conservatism, and while we cannot create the conditions for the struggles in which we engage, we can bring our determination, we can bring our vision for a better future. It was Dr King who said that we cannot capitulate to finite disappointments, and what we do is confront those finite disappointments with infinite hope.”

8. Create your own resistance. Everyone does not resist in the same ways. For some, it is social media content to educate people who do not have access to the same information. For some, it is directly engaging with people to change their hearts and minds. For some, it is creating, whether paintings, music, books, or other media. For some, it is organizing workers. For some, it is challenging people in positions of leadership. How can and will you push against the systems that are normalizing violence and inequality? What can you access, who can you influence, and what resources do you control? Find your power, and use it.

A Question of Climate by Audre Lorde I learned to be honest the way I learned to swim dropped into the inevitable my father’s thumbs in my hairless armpits about to give way I am trying to surface carefully remembering the water’s shadow-legged musk cannons of salt exploding my nostrils’ rage and for years my powerful breast stroke was a declaration of war.

TRUMP HIGHLIGHTS OVER $500B INVESTMENT IN AI PARTNERSHIP

WASHINGTON Associated Press

PRESIDENT D onald Trump on Tuesday is announcing investments worth up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenA I , Oracle and S oftBank.

T he new entity, S targate, will start building out projects needed for the further development of the fast-evolving A I in Texas, according to the White House. T he initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum.

Joining Trump for the announcement fresh off his inauguration will be Masayoshi S on of S oftBank, S am Altman of OpenA I and Larry E llison of Oracle. S on, a billionaire based in Japan, already committed in D ecember to invest $100 billion in U S projects over the next four years. T he head of S oftBank previously committed to $50 billion in new investments ahead of Trump’s first term, which included a large stake in the troubled office-sharing company WeWork.

While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout in data centres and electricity

plants needed for the development of A I , which holds the promise of increasing productivity by automating work but also the risk of displacing jobs if poorly implemented.

Last October, the financial company Blackstone estimated that the U S would see $1 trillion invested in data centres over five years, with another $1 trillion being committed internationally.

T hose estimates for

investments suggest that much of the new capital will go through S targate as OpenA I has established itself as a sector leader with the 2022 launch of its ChaptGP T a chatbot that captivated the public imagination with its ability to answer complex questions and perform basic business tasks.

T he White House has put an emphasis on making it easier to build out new electricity

New York governor proposes banning cellphones in schools starting next fall

NEW YORK Associated Press

STUDENTS throughout New York state might have to give up their cellphones during school hours starting next fall under a proposal announced Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The plan, which would require legislators’ approval, would take effect in the next academic year and force students to disconnect from their phones and other personal devices while at school, including in class, during lunch and in hallways.

Hochul, a Democrat, has for months hinted at a potential ban and said limiting access to smartphones during school would help students focus in class and improve their mental health.

“We’re not developing the skills we need because kids are distracted with the cellphones,” Hochul

said at a news conference in Albany. “And how hard is it for our teachers, trying to teach algebra and geography, and they’re competing with viral dances and messages from their friends and sometimes threats, bullying. How do you pay attention to the subject at hand when this is going on?”

At least eight states have enacted measures banning or restricting cellphones in schools, and several others have encouraged districts to enact restrictions or provided funding for equipment to store phones. At least three other governors have recently proposed similar school cellphone restrictions.

I n N ew York, schools would have some flexibility over how to implement the proposal, with districts deciding how to store students’ devices and other rules,

according to the governor’s office. S tudents who need access to devices for medical reasons, to help with learning disabilities or because they don’t speak fluent E nglish would be exempt.

Hochul announced the plan as part of her budget proposal for the coming year and said the state would provide $13.5 million to help schools implement the cellphone bans.

Legislative leaders in Albany appeared open to the proposal. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, and Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Democratic Senate majority leader, said students should be focused on learning and not distracted by cellphones, though both added that they understand parents want to be able to contact their children in case of emergencies.

Cellphone restrictions

generation in anticipation of A I ’s expansion, knowing that the United S tates is in a competitive race against China to develop a technology increasingly being adopted by businesses.

S till, the regulatory outlook for A I remains somewhat uncertain as Trump on Monday overturned the 2023 order signed by then-President Joe Biden to create safety standards and watermarking of A I -generated

AUTO-FOLLOWED T RUMP ON FACEBOOK? It’s l Ikely because you prev Iously l Iked the potus account

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Some Facebook and Instagram users were surprised to find themselves automatically following the accounts of President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance this week after the president was inaugurated — but that’s likely because they had previously followed official U.S. government accounts.

Meta spokesman Andy Stone said in a Threads post that the official POTUS and White House accounts are managed by the White House and “change when the occupant of the White House changes.”

content, among other goals, in hopes of putting guardrails on the technology’s possible risks to national security and economic well-being.

CB S N ews first reported that Trump would be announcing the A I investment.

The same goes for accounts for the U.S. vice president and first lady.

After the new president is sworn in, the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the previous administration are archived and the posts, as well as followers, are preserved. These followers are then transferred to the new official accounts. As of Tuesday morning, Joe Biden’s archived POTUS account had 11 million followers on Facebook, as did Trump’s official POTUS account. To unfollow an account you don’t want to follow, click the ellipsis on the profile page and click “unfollow” or “block.”

Trump supporter E lon Musk, worth more than $400 billion, was an early investor in OpenA I but has since challenged its move to for-profit status and has started his own A I company, xA I . Musk is also in charge of the “ D epartment of Government E fficiency” created formally on Monday by Trump with the goal of reducing government spending.

Trump previously in January announced a $20 billion investment by D AMAC Properties in the United Arab E mirates to build data centres tied to A I

elsewhere have often run into opposition from parents who argue that they need to be able to reach their kids during emergency situations.

New York City, which has the largest school

district in the country, was considering a school cellphone ban last year but abandoned the plan due to concerns from parents.

In a statement, Melinda Person, president of the New York State United

PRESIDENT Donald Trump talks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, yesterday in Washington.

Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

Teachers union, endorsed the proposal and said a restriction on phones during the school day “is the best way to ensure students are able to learn in a distraction-free environment.”

THE PS 175 Henry Highland Garnet School serves as a voting centre on Election Day in New York, November 5, 2024.

Photo: Frank Franklin II/AP

Frigid storm drops rare snow on Houston and New Orleans as Florida readies snow plows

NEW ORLEANS

Associated Press

A RARE frigid storm charged through Texas and the northern Gulf Coast on Tuesday, blanketing New Orleans and Houston with snow that closed highways, grounded nearly all flights and cancelled school for more than a million students more used to hurricane dismissals than snow days.

The storm prompted the first ever blizzard warnings for several coastal counties near the TexasLouisiana border, and snow plows were at the ready in the Florida Panhandle.

Snow covered the whitesand beaches of normally sunny vacation spots, including Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida. The heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain hitting parts of the Deep South came as a blast of Arctic air plunged much of the Midwest and the eastern US into a deep freeze.

Nearly 2,000 flights to, from or within the US were cancelled Tuesday, with about 10,000 others delayed, according to online tracker FlightAware.com. Both Houston airports suspended flight operations starting Tuesday.

Alvaro Perez was hunkering down at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday after his flight to El Salvador, to visit his girlfriend for her birthday, was cancelled. His new

departure is scheduled for Thursday.

“I’ll just ride it and stay here,” said Perez, of Hockley, Texas, about 35 miles (55 kilometres) away.

Nearly every flight was cancelled at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, though officials said the airport itself would remain open “as long as the conditions are safe.” Most airlines planned to resume operations Wednesday. It has been more than a decade since snow last fell on New Orleans, where schools are closed through Thursday. Bundled-up onlookers checked out the strange sight of Bourbon Street in the snow, including a snowcapped memorial to those killed in the New Year’s Day truck attack. With more than 5 inches (13 centimetres) of snow already in parts of the city Tuesday, New Orleans has surpassed its record — 2.7 inches (6.8 centimetres) on Dec. 31, 1963 — according to the National Weather Service. There have been unofficial reports of 10 inches (26 centimetres) of snow in New Orleans in 1895, NWS meteorologist Christopher Bannan said. The East Coast was blanketed in snow while people from the Northern Plains to the tip of Maine shivered in bitter cold from an arctic air mass that plunged temperatures well below normal.

In New Orleans, 65-yearold Robert Hammock donned a beanie and rallied himself and his border collie Tillie for a snowy morning walk.

“She loves the snow,” Hammock said, as Tillie sprawled happily in the slush on the sidewalk. “I’m from south Alabama, so I hate the snow.”

Winter storm warnings Tuesday extended from Texas to North Carolina, with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain expected to move eastward through the region into Wednesday. Meanwhile, a state of emergency was declared Monday night across at least a dozen counties in New York as heavy lake-effect snow was expected around Lake Ontario and Lake Erie through Wednesday — with 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimetres) possible — along with extreme cold temperatures.

Snow on the Gulf Coast

Ahead of the storm, governors in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and even Florida — the Sunshine State — declared states of emergency and many school systems cancelled classes Tuesday. School closures were planned in some coastal communities in North and South Carolina.

The NWS said up to 4 inches (10 centimetres) of snow fell in metro Houston.

Texas transportation officials said more than 20 snow plows were in use across

nearly 12,000 lane miles in the Houston area, which lacks its own city or county plows.

It’s the first time Houston has seen snow since a winter storm knocked out power to millions and killed more than 200 people across Texas in 2021, according to meteorologist Hayley Adams at the NWS in Houston.

Snow is rare in Texas’ largest city. In February 1895, a two-day storm dropped a record 20 inches (50 centimetres) on metropolitan Houston.

Officials said one person has died from hypothermia in Georgia. Forecasters say snowfall could stretch from north Georgia, through Atlanta, and into southern portions unaccustomed to such weather.

Parts of the Florida Panhandle were coated white Tuesday. Tallahassee, Florida’s capital, last saw snow in 2018 — just 0.1 of an inch (0.25 centimetres), according to the weather service. Tallahassee’s highest snowfall on record was 2.8 inches (7 centimetres) in 1958.

“Believe it or not, in the state of Florida we’re mobilizing snowplows,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Mobile, Alabama, hit 5.4 inches (13.7 centimetres) and counting Tuesday, topping the city’s one-day snowfall record of 5 inches (12.7 centimetres), set on Jan. 24, 1881, and nearing its all-time snowfall record of

6 inches (15.5 centimetres) in 1895, the weather service said. The blizzard warning in effect until midday Tuesday was the first issued by the office in Lake Charles, Louisiana, according to meteorologist Donald Jones. Strong winds with heavy snow reduced visibility, and areas across the Gulf South that rarely see snow were expecting recordbreaking snowfall, Jones said.

Louisiana transportation agency workers worked through the night to prepare bridges and roadways. Nonetheless, Louisiana State Police said they have already responded to more than 50 crashes Tuesday, and pleaded for people to stay home. In Baton Rouge, where snowfall hit 6 inches (15 centimetres) by midday Tuesday, city officials and state police said the low visibility caused by the snow was making roads hazardous. It was the first snowfall in the capital city since 2018.

Return of the Arctic blast Frigid cold persisted across the eastern two-thirds of the country with multiple record lows possible through midweek, especially across the Gulf Coast and portions of the Southeast, the weather service said. Normal temperatures were only expected to return slowly by the end of the week.

Wind chills were expected to reach minus 30 to minus 50 degrees (minus 34 C to minus 46 C) at times across the Dakotas and into the Upper Midwest, posing an extreme risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Subzero wind chills were forecast from the Central Plains eastward through Wednesday night. The NWS issued cold weather advisories across the Great Lakes region. This latest cold snap comes from a disruption in the polar vortex, the ring of cold air usually trapped at the North Pole.

Santa Ana winds expected to return to Southern California In Southern California, where blazes have killed at least 27 people and burned thousands of homes, dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds remained a concern. How will the cold front affect The Bahamas? Meteorologists here predict cooler temperatures for the weekend – and some brisk winds. Today should see minimum temperatures of 70-77F, but up to 84F during the day. The weekend could bring the coldest temperatures this week, with minimum temperatures of 64-75F on Saturday, and 63-72F on Sunday. Next Monday could go colder still – with minimum temperatures possibly hitting as low as 59F.

ICE is formed on the nose of the 1900 Storm memorial sculpture during an icy winter storm yesterday in Galveston, Texas.

Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle/AP

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025

Ayden Johnson joins Oakland As

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) International Signing Period is already off to a prosperous start for Bahamian baseball players looking to make a leap in their baseball careers.

Ayden Johnson, 16, became the third Bahamian to ink a professional contract during the International Signing period after he officially signed with the Oakland Athletics on Monday at the Bahamas Harvest Church.

The right-handed shortstop admitted that his baseball journey did not initially start because of his own interest in the game, but because of his older brother Paris Johnson and his connection to the sport.

“I want to thank God for guiding me on this incredible journey and giving me the strength to stay focused through all the ups and downs. I had no initial interest in baseball or any other sport for that matter.

“My journey began not out of personal ambition but through the inspiration of my brother. His passion, zeal and unwavering love

for the game ignited a connection in me that has only deepened in me over the years,” Johnson said.

The 2025 Bahamian prospect’s journey to the Oakland Athletics’ minor league system began at the age of six-years-old with Freedom Farm.

Johnson, who is ranked no.12 on the MLB’s Top International Prospects Rankings, left Freedom Farm at 12-yearsold before joining the Fortuna Training Facility (FTF) for more than two years in Plant City, Florida.

He thanked the coaches at Freedom Farm along with his FTF family, his immediate family and friends for their continued support up to this momentous occasion.

“The road hasn’t always been easy. There were challenges along the way but my mother consistently reminded me to place my trust in God who has the ultimate plan and to trust the process.

“I wouldn’t have made it this far without the people who inspired and encouraged me to keep going, my parents, my brother, my friends, the FTF Family and my trainer and mentor

SEE PAGE 14

Mario Ford Baseball Camp resumes

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Mario Ford Baseball Camp resumed its Saturday morning sessions at Windsor Park over the weekend.

The camp, which is geared toward equipping boys and girls alike with the basic fundamentals of baseball, catered to the youth between the 4-15 age range with the goal of developing their raw talent.

Camp director Mario Ford spoke about the various skills passed on to the youth to kick off the first Saturday session of 2025. “We did the basic

fundamentals with long throws, short throws, routine workout in the infield and outfield and teaching the kids the proper throwing techniques, fielding techniques and hitting drills. We usually practice in-game situations with a scrimmage so that we can see where they are at and what they need to work on in practice,” he said.

The weekly camp usually runs from January to December with a brief break for the summer and winter periods.

The Mario Ford Baseball Camp plays a pivotal role in providing the youth in inner city communities

SEE PAGE 12

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 15

LET’S SWIM BAHAMAS GOING INTO ITS 17TH YEAR

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER hosting the most successful swim club - Swift Swimming for more than two decades - the husband and wife team of Andy and Nancy Knowles launched the “Let’s Swim Bahamas” programme in 2008 to cater to the primary school students.

Two years later, Let’s Swim Bahamas formalised an agreement with the Ministry of Education to promote free swimming lessons in four primary schools with Thelma Gibson and Sandilands Primary at St Andrew’s School and Adelaide and Gambier at Lyford Cay.

With the help of a private donor, the Let’s Swim Bahamas Foundation was formed as an integral success of the Let’s Swim Bahamas programme.

Now going into its 17th year, Let’s Swim Bahamas is presently working with 13 schools with sessions being staged daily during the morning hours of school at the University of the Bahamas, Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex and the South Beach pools.

While the latter two sites are under review due to renovations taking place, the participants are being bussed this year to and from their schools to the University of the Bahamas.

Joining Andy and Nancy Knowles are a group of certified coaches from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, who have all passed their SwimAmerica programme, one of the most successful tried-and-tested learn-to-swim programmes.

Tito Hanna, one of the physical education teachers

– PAGE 15

BACK ON TAP: The Mario Ford Baseball Camp resumed Saturday morning sessions over the weekend at Windsor Park from 9am to noon.

CLIMBING THE RANKS: Oakland Athletics signee Ayden Johnson alongside Fortuna Training Facility (FTF) coach Jose Fortuna.

Mario Ford Baseball Camp is back in full swing

with a positive environment to nurture and develop their skills.

Ford spoke about why the programme is beneficial for kids interested in the game of baseball.

“It is very important because it is a positive thing to do instead of being on the streets every Saturday morning or every other day. They come here and learn to interact, learn discipline and the baseball game.

“A lot of these kids go down into different organisations to play, high schools, college or potentially in the pros. We are working on keeping them

in a positive recreational activity and this is also a way out,” he said.

The camp director, who is an alumnus of Tuskegee University, has collaborated with his alma mater to arrange up to six scholarship opportunities for local baseball players.

“This year I have about five or six scholarships that my former college is giving out. I am looking at some of the guys in high school who are graduating and once they get all of their paperwork together they will be able to go off and play college baseball,” Ford said.

Zion Pinder, 16, is a regular participant of the Mario Ford Baseball Camp and admitted that

the learning experience is second to none.

“It is a good learning experience. It has helped me to better my understanding of baseball. It has helped me to understand catching and just the overall experience of playing the sport,” the catcher said. He outlined what he hopes to achieve while working with Ford.

“I hope to achieve just bettering myself overall. I want to continue working on my hitting, catching, fielding and throwing… basically working on the basics to improve my game,” Pinder said. Lucas Jolissaint, 15, plays as an outfielder and is grateful

for the fundamentals he has picked up at the camp so far.

“It has been a great experience so far. We have been learning basic fundamentals including fielding, hitting, catching pop up, knowing what to do when you hit the ball, good defence and good offence.”

“My goals with the Mario Ford Baseball camp is to practice more, hit more and field some more,” he said.

Individuals interested in registering for the Mario Ford Baseball Camp can contact 556-0993 for more information.

The Saturday sessions run from 9am to noon at Windsor Park each week.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and veteran left-hander Martín Pérez have finalised a $5 million, one-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2026.

The sides agreed to the deal about two weeks ago, and the team announced it yesterday. Chicago designated right-hander Ron Marinaccio for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. The 33-year-old Pérez debuted with Texas in 2012. He was an All-Star in 2022 and helped the Rangers win the World Series in 2023. Pérez pitched for Pittsburgh and San Diego last season, going 5-6 with a 4.53 ERA in 26 starts. He is 90-87 with a 4.44 ERA in 314 major league appearances, including 269 starts. Pérez was on the injured list with a left groin strain from May 28 to June 28. He pitched six scoreless innings in his final start for Pittsburgh before he was traded to San Diego on July 30. He finished strongly for the Padres, going 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA in his last 10 starts. He did not pitch in the postseason for San Diego, which was eliminated by the Dodgers in an NL Division Series.

Marinaccio made 16 relief appearances for the New York Yankees last season, going 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA. The White Sox claimed him off waivers on September 23. Chicago is looking to rebound from a terrible 2024. The White Sox went 41-121, setting a post-1900 major league record for losses in a season.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: DJOKOVIC BEATS ALCARAZ, GETS CLOSER TO A 25TH GRAND SLAM TITLE

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

MELBOURNE, Aus-

tralia (AP) — Novak

Djokovic refused to let anything stop his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam trophy in the Australian Open quarterfinals. Not a problem with his left leg. Not an early deficit. And not the kid across the net, Carlos Alcaraz, who was making things difficult and eyeing his own bit of history.

Djokovic overcame it all, just as he has so often along the way to so many triumphs, moving into the semifinals at Melbourne Park for the 12th time with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alcaraz in a scintillating showdown last night between a pair of stars born 16 years apart and at opposite ends of their careers.

“I just wish that this match today was the final,” Djokovic said. “One of the most epic matches I’ve played on this court. On any court.”

The action was non-stop, the shot-making brilliant, even as the encounter stretched on for more than 3 1/2 hours and nearly to 1 a.m. — never more so, perhaps, than when Alcaraz saved a break point in the fourth set.

The 33-stroke exchange was the longest of the evening, and when it ended with Djokovic sailing a forehand long, the capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena went wild. Djokovic reached

for his bothersome leg and yelled toward his entourage; Alcaraz, his chest heaving, leaned on a towel box and grinned. Turned out that only delayed the final result. With his wife, son and daughter cheering in the stands — Dad joked about the late hour afterward — the No. 7-seeded Djokovic prevailed thanks to the sort of remarkable returning and no-mistakes-made groundstrokes against Alcaraz that Big Three rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dealt with for years.

“I felt like I was controlling the match, and I let him get into the match again,” Alcaraz said. “When Novak is at this level, it’s really difficult.”

Djokovic enjoyed some of his own best efforts in the latter stages, pointing to his ear or blowing kisses or spreading his arms while puffing out his chest. There was the forehand winner on a 22-stroke point that earned the break for a 5-3 lead in the third set. There was that set’s last point, which included a back-to-the-net sprint to chase down a lob. Alcaraz wasn’t shy, either, shouting “Vamos!” and pumping his fists after one particularly booming forehand in the fourth set.

When the match ended, Djokovic yelled toward his team’s box, before giving his coach, Andy Murray, a hug. Then Djokovic applauded for No. 3 seed Alcaraz as he left the court.

“I’m sure we are going to see a lot of him,” Djokovic said. “Maybe not as much as I would like.”

On Friday, Djokovic’s 50th major semifinal will come against No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev, a twotime runner-up at majors who beat No. 12 Tommy Paul 7-6 (1), 7-6 (0), 2-6, 6-1.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC, of Serbia, reacts during his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. (AP

Djokovic said he hopes he can recover in time to face Zverev at full strength. This was the eighth Djokovic vs. Alcaraz meeting, but the first at the Australian Open — and the first that wasn’t in the semifinal or final. Zverev called it “a clash of generations” between “two of the best players that probably ever touched a tennis racket.” Hard to find the hyperbole. At 37, Djokovic is undoubtedly past his prime, yes, but no man has won more Australian Open championships than his 10 or more Grand Slam singles titles than his 24. At 21, Alcaraz is unlikely yet to have reached his peak,

yes, but no man ever had reached No. 1 in the rankings as a teen until he did or collected major trophies on three different surfaces by his age.

Alcaraz hasn’t been shy about hoping to complete a career Grand Slam by adding a victory in Australia to the two he owns from Wimbledon — beating Djokovic in the finals in 2023 and 2024 — and the one apiece from the U.S. Open and French Open. Djokovic made getting an Olympic gold medal for Serbia his priority in 2024 and succeeded at the Paris Games last August — beating Alcaraz in the final — and otherwise cares mainly about the majors.

“Every time that we play against other, I think a show is guaranteed,” Alcaraz said. “I’m just lucky I get to live this experience.”

Djokovic had something else on his mind lately: He was angry about insulting on-air remarks made by an Australian TV commentator, and refused to speak to the host country’s official tournament broadcaster on Sunday. Djokovic got the apologies he sought from the channel and its employee on Monday, and made it known he was ready to focus on facing Alcaraz.

But at 4-all, Djokovic grabbed at his thigh and crouched down after stretching for a shot. He

finished that game but lost it, before taking a medical timeout. When play resumed, his left thigh was taped, and Alcaraz served out that set. Anyone who thought Djokovic might go gently into the night is not familiar with his game. He began attacking Alcaraz’s serves relentlessly and, soon, the second set was his. Alcaraz acknowledged after the match he was distracted by Djokovic’s injury and regretted not trying to push him to the limit.

“If I lost that second set, I don’t know if I would continue playing,” Djokovic said, crediting painkillers from the tournament doctor with helping him feel better. There was nary an empty blue seat in the stadium, and fans repeatedly cried out between points, drawing a stern, “Enough. Thank you,” from chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore.

While the ball was in play, though, it got quite quiet, the hush pierced only by the squawks of seagulls flying overhead or the squeaks of sneakers or the “Aaahs” and “Ooohs” of impressed ticket-holders during electric exchanges. Djokovic and Alcaraz showed off their skills as the temperature dipped below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius) and wind gusted at 30 mph (nearly 50 kph), rippling Djokovic’s blue shirt (although not Alcaraz’s tighter-fitting sleeveless number).

Both tracked down shots they had no business getting to. Both went from defence to offence and conjured up winners out of nowhere. Both did much more, too, such as Alcaraz’s well-disguised drop shots or Djokovic’s marvelous returns, including two winners that closed the second set.

But it was Djokovic who was better on this memorable night.

BACK

FULL SWING: The Mario Ford Baseball Camp resumed Saturday morning sessions over the weekend at Windsor Park from 9am to noon.

MARIO FORD

Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Let’s Swim Bahamas going into its 17th year

FROM PAGE 11

at the Eva Hilton Primary School, said each year their students have improved and there is a lot of interest from the parents.

“You can see the progress with some of the children going from being scared to even out their faces in the water to them doing a lot of swim techniques on their way to swimming, so that in itself is progress.”

Ricardo Belle, a 10-yearold fifth grader from Eva Hilton, said in the year that he’s been a part of the programme, he’s certainly learned how to swim.

“These coaches are eager to push us to swim well and hopefully go on to swim at the Olympics,” said an “energetic” Belle, who participates in all sports at his school.

He noted that when he entered the programme, he didn’t know how to swim, but from stage one, he’s progressed so well that he’s now on stage six.

There are 10 stages to the programme, which includes the following:

1 - Bubbles; 2 - floats and glides; 3 - kicking; 4crawl stroke; 5 - freestyle; 6 - backstroke; 7 - breaststroke & butterfly; 8 - turns; 9 - lifetime strokes and 10individual medley.

Duranique Lightbourne, a woman marine at the

RBDF, said when Knowles approached them about coming and joining the programme, she was excited to assist.

“The programme is good. With me being able to teach the kids, I also learn a lot,” Lightbourne said. “It teaches you different methods on how to teach the kids.

“For some kids, it’s better to show them than to tell them, so you have to learn the different methods and ways to communicate with them. It’s been a good experience so far for me.”

While she’s only been a part of the programme for one year, Lightbourne said it’s good to tap into the primary school system to teach the younger children how to swim, considering the fact that we are surrounded by water.

Said William Lunn, who adds a different dynamic to the coaching core as a trauma counsellor and basketball coach who works primarily with adverse youth:

“I look for opportunities to teach young men and women why they are here through sports,” he pointed out.

“So working here with Andy and Nancy came out of a desire to win souls for the kingdom of God.

“Andy decided to bring that same concept to swimming and he asked me to

help out and that is why I am here. It’s so necessary to help these children to learn how to swim.”

At the end of the sessions, Lunn said his goal is

that the students will not only learn how to swim, but they will gain a better perspective of “who they are as citizens of the kingdom of God.”

Through the programme so far, Andy and Nancy Knowles have helped to instruct more than 5,000 primary school students in over 40,000 free lessons.

COULD PATRICK MAHOMES’ ACTIONS LEAD NFL TO JOIN THE NBA AND NHL IN CRACKING DOWN ON FLOPPING?

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

NFL officials were heavily scrutinised for some of the flags they threw in the four divisional round games that saw the Chiefs, Bills, Eagles and Commanders advance to next weekend’s conference championships. Yet, it was one play that didn’t draw a flag that could prove a most consequential non-call if the NFL decides to join the NBA and NHL in seriously cracking down on floppers, as ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman suggested during the Texans-Chiefs game.

NFL players can be penalised for the big umbrella “unsportsmanlike conduct” infraction, but there isn’t an official rule against flopping, and Aikman urged the league to address that during one of his several conversations with Joe Buck over the officiating in the Chiefs’ 23-14 victory. On the same possession where he benefited from his late slide that caused two Texans players to crash into each other, drawing a widely panned unnecessary roughness flag, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes appeared to try to deke referee Clay Martin’s officiating crew into throwing

another flag to aid Kansas City’s drive, which ended with a touchdown that put the Chiefs up by eight in the fourth quarter.

Scrambling to his left, Mahomes pulled up just as he went out of bounds. When linebacker Henry To’oTo’o tapped him, Mahomes threw himself dramatically to the ground but failed to fool the officials — or impress Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback who earlier took umbrage at the roughingthe-passer call against Houston.

“He’s trying to draw the penalty. Rather than just run out of bounds, he slows down,” Aikman protested. “And that’s been the frustration, and I get it. I understand it. That’s been the frustration for these defensive players around the league.”

Earlier in the drive, Aikman said he “could not disagree” more with the roughing penalty called on To’oTo’o and defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who smashed into each other and made incidental contact with Mahomes, who was underneath them after his late slide.

When Martin announced the penalty, Aikman interjected, “Oh, come on!” “He’s a runner. I could

not disagree with that one more, and he barely gets hit,” Aikman said, noting that Mahomes shouldn’t have been afforded the extra protections provided quarterbacks in the pocket once he started running on the play.

“That’s the second (questionable) penalty now that’s been called against the Texans. … It was a late flag, and it was Clay Martin who threw it.”

“They’ve gotta address it in the offseason,” Aikman added.

ESPN’s rules analyst Russell Yurk concurred that no flag should have been thrown on the play.

After the game, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans suggested that his team expected the Chiefs to benefit from the officiating: “We knew going into today it was us versus everybody. And when I say everybody, it’s everybody.” Yurk also disagreed with a roughing-the-passer flag on Texans pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. in the first quarter that erased a

three-and-out by Kansas City, which went on to score a field goal on that drive: “It looked like that first contact was to the upper chest area. I didn’t see anything there that supported a foul,” Yurk said. Martin, the referee, told a pool reporter after the game that on the Anderson penalty, “I had forcible contact the face mask area,” and on the To’oTo’o infraction, when the quarterback slides, “he is considered defenceless. The onus is on the defender. I had forcible

contact there to the hairline, to the helmet.” Walt Anderson, the longtime NFL senior vice president of officiating who moved into a new role as the league’s rules analyst and club communications liaison last year, said Sunday that both calls were correct under the current rules. Anderson said in an appearance Sunday on the NFL Network that it might be up for debate about whether there was forcible contact on the roughingthe-passer flag in the first quarter, but he emphasized that the league’s rulebook calls for officials to throw the flag if there’s any doubt whether roughing has occurred.

As for the second foul, where Mahomes slid late, Anderson said the two Texans defenders who crashed into each other made incidental contact with Mahomes once he was on the ground, so replay assist couldn’t be used in that circumstance to pick up the flag. Anderson noted that the league’s competition committee could revisit either infraction and tweak the rules this offseason.

Aikman, for one, would like to see the league crack down on flopping, as well.

Several of the swimmers have joined junior sailing programmes, joined competitive swim clubs and water polo teams and have become lifeguards.

KANSAS City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates following an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans on January 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

THE SWIMMING sessions are being staged daily during the morning hours of school at the University of the Bahamas, Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex and the South Beach pools.

LET’S SWIM BAHAMAS, now going into its 17th year, is presently working with 13 schools.

Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

Deandre Ayton and Simons lead Trail Blazers to 116-107 win over Heat

MIAMI (AP) —

Anfernee Simons scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Miami Heat 116-107 last night.

Ayton also had a steal and two assists, Jerami Grant finished with 18 points and Deni Avdija added 16 for the Blazers, who lost by 60 the last time they played in Miami on March 29.

Shaedon Sharpe had 12 points while Scoot Henderson and Dalano Banton finished with 11 each.

Rookie Kel’el Ware had 20 points and 16 rebounds and Duncan Robinson finished with 22 points for the Heat, playing without leading scorer Tyler Herro, who missed his first game of the season because of groin tightness.

Jimmy Butler contributed 13.

The Blazers extended a six-point lead early in the third period with a 21-8 run.

Ayton scored eight points during the surge that put Portland ahead 86-63.

Down 21 early in the fourth, the Heat narrowed the gap with a 19-4 run.

Jaime Jaquez’s two free throws with 1:58 remaining got Miami within 112-105 before Grant made three of four free throws to give Portland a 115-105 lead with 35 seconds left.

Takeaways Trail Blazers: Didn’t commit their first turnover until Henderson’s errant pass with 8:11 remaining in the third quarter. It was the first time they didn’t commit a turnover in a half since Jan. 16, 2019 against Cleveland.

Heat: After making 5 of 7 3-pointers in the first period the Heat then missed 19 straight from behind the arc. Ware’s 3-pointer with 3:13 remaining in the third quarter ended the drought.

Key moment Grant’s 3-pointer and Ayton’s layup in the final minute of the first half gave the Blazers the lead for good at 61-55.

Ayden Johnson joins the Oakland Athletics

Jose Fortuna. I am profoundly thankful to the Athletics organisation, particularly Steve and the scouting team, for recognising my potential and giving me this incredible opportunity to begin my career as a professional baseball player,” he said.

Steve Sharpe, director of scouting for the Oakland Athletics, spoke highly about Johnson being ranked top 15 on the MLB’s International Prospects List and commended his parents for raising a star on and off the baseball field.

“It obviously speaks to his talent, the work ethic, the adaptability — all the great characteristics of a star. He is a direct reflection of everything you have done for him. Thank you for the foundation you have built. We could not be happier with this guy. He has got that interior foundation to really achieve some amazing things. I wish you success beyond your wildest dreams,” he said. The newest Oakland Athletics signee had one of his biggest inspirations - Paris Johnson - in attendance to offer kind words of encouragement and support.

“You have always had this fire inside you and I have seen how much you have grown not just as a player but as a person. You have taught me a lot and honestly I think I have learned just as much from you as you have from me. Today is a big day but this is only the beginning. There are so many more chapters to write and I am excited to see what comes next.

“This is a huge accomplishment and I could not be prouder of you. Keep grinding, keep dreaming and always know I have got your back. Remember to continue to trust in God and trust the process,” the older brother said.

Johnson is set to commute down to the Dominican Republic to play with the Dominican Summer League Athletics, the rookie-level affiliate of the Oakland Athletics in the minor league.

TOWNS AND BRUNSON CARRY KNICKS TO WIN OVER NETS

NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 16 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored eight points down the stretch and finished with 17 as the New York Knicks beat the Brooklyn Nets 99-95 last night.

OG Anunoby scored 20 points and Precious Achiuwa had 11 points off the bench as the Knicks won their second straight game.

D’Angelo Russell finished with 23 points and 10 assists and Cam Johnson scored 16 for the Nets, who have lost four straight games and nine of their last 10.

New York had a double-digit lead in the third quarter before the Nets rallied and moved out to a one-point lead at 88-87 on a 3-pointer by Keon Johnson with 5:18 left.

The Knicks battled back and took the lead 91-90 with 2:18 left on a jumper by Brunson, who ended up making three straight shots, including a step-back

jumper with 1:25 to play to put the Knicks ahead 95-92. Russell answered with a 3-pointer to cut the Brooklyn deficit to 97-95 with 52 seconds left. Johnson then missed a 3-poin try before Brunson sealed the win with a pair of free throws.

RAPTORS 109, MAGIC 93

TORONTO (AP) — Scottie Barnes had 17 points and 11 rebounds, RJ Barrett scored 19 points and Toronto overcame a 21-point deficit to beat struggling Orlando.

Gradey Dick scored 17 points and Bruce Brown had 15 as Toronto snapped a four-game losing streak against Orlando.

The Raptors won for the first time this season when trailing at halftime. Toronto came in 0-23 in such games. Dick had 10 points in the third, including two dunks, as the Raptors outscored Orlando 40-20 to turn a five-point halftime deficit into a 15-point advantage. Paolo Banchero had 26 points and 12

Key stat The Trail Blazers made six of 12 three-pointers in the third period that helped build the largest lead at 92-65.

Up next The Trail Blazers visit Orlando while the Heat

play at Milwaukee - both games are on Thursday night.

PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton goes to the basket over Miami Heat guard Alec Burks (18) during the second half of an NBA basketball game yesterday in Miami.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

rebounds

Orlando, which couldn’t hold on after taking leads of 10-0 and 32-11 in the opening period. The Magic have lost four straight.

BROOKLYN Nets guard Tyrese Martin (13) defends New York Knicks guard Miles McBride during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in New York.

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL TEAMS PERFORM WELL IN TAMPA

FOUR teams represent-

ing the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) made incredible strides at the 2025 USA Flag Football World Championships hosted January 16-19 in Tampa, Florida.

The BYFFL fielded four teams to compete in the 8U, 10U, 14U and 16U divisions.

The Bahamas All-Stars 16U squad, who was ranked number one in the division, had a great tournament

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. com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or email stubbobo@ gmail.com.

RED-LINE

SONJA KNOWLES

CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club will hold its fifth annual Sonja Knowles Classic over the weekend of January 25-26 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The meet, sponsored by Slim Jim and Mahatma, will begin at 10am on Saturday, January 25 and conclude on Sunday, January 26, starting at 1pm. Meet director Tito Moss has indicated that they will offer some awesome customised medals for top three finishers, customised crystal awards for MVPs 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. 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

experience but ultimately fell 27-0 against the second ranked Bulls Mexico in the championship round on Sunday. Prior to that, the team overwhelmed the Lockdown Legends Elite (Silver) 27-2 in their tournament opener.

The team followed up this performance with a slim 27-21 victory against the no. 9 Texas Lonestarz.

The team then matched up against the no. 4 Florida Elite Colts in the semis and

up to a total of 15 players with the registration fee of $200. The deadline for team registration with rosters and team payment is Saturday, January 25, 2025. Interested persons can tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 or email 242softball@gmail.com or Brent Stubbs at 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.

prevailed 7-6 to make it to the final round.

The 16U team showed great determination and willpower as it was the 15U division squad playing in an older age group.

The Bahamas All-Stars 14U team were knocking on the door of the semifinals but wrapped up their competition with a 7-6 loss against the no. 2 ranked Rush in the quarterfinals.

The visiting team pulled off a dominant 14-0 victory

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 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, 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.

So far this season, Tabernacle Baptist and St George’s have beaten each other once and St George’s and Blazer Elite have also beaten each other once.

But the teams from 5-10 have not beaten any of the top four teams all year.

BASKETBALL

GBISA SEASON

THE Grand Bahama Independent Sports Association wrapped up its basketball regular season yesterday 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 Thursday, January 23 with

against K7 in their division opener. This win was followed up by a lopsided loss against the Goon Squad 22-6.

However, the team rebounded in the next game against the no. 7 ranked Mad Dogs Elite to pull off a 20-13 upset.

Over in the 8-and-under (8U) division, the Bahamas All-Stars won one out of three games in their first appearance at the tournament. The team triumphed

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 the 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.

over the Rock Sports Raiders 12-6. They kept it close in the previous game against the 808 Local Vibez team but fell 7-6. In their final game, the team went down 12-0 against the no. 18 ranked MGPD PAL Untouchables 12-0.

The Bahamas All-Stars 10U team went winless in their division. The team got blanked by the Rock Sports Raiders 16-0 in the division opener. In the following

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. Isaack Missick, Blazer Academy, 42 pts; 9. Zhyon Lewis, JC Academy, 41 pts; 10. Joseph Sturt, JC Academy, 40 pts; 11. Romero Adderley, Blazer Elite, 37 pts; 12,

matchup, they had a tough time against the Centex Spartans and dropped the game 34-6.

The 10U squad had a better showing against the no.7 ranked TeamRockout but in the end the latter won 18-6.

The league remains proud of the achievements of all four teams that competed and will continue to find ways to assist with the development of the youth across all age levels in 2025.

TEAM EFFORT: Team members representing the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League at the 2025 USA Flag Football World Championships in Tampa, Florida.

Khenti Morris, Blazer Elite, 36 pts; 13. Cameron McIntosh, Bahamas Jaguars, 34 pts; 14. Lian Carroll, Greater Heights, 33 pts; 15. Stephano Pinder, Hampton Academy, 30 pts.