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FAMILY FEARS POLICE RAID WAS RETALIATION

Trafﬁc victim’s relatives say ofﬁcers came one day after story aired

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ONE day after a news report highlighting the police’s apparent failure to disclose a fatal traffic accident involving their loved one, Gihano Moss, the victim’s family claims officers raided their home in what they believe was an act of retaliation. Moss, 30, was reportedly killed in a collision near Saunders Beach around 2am on January 27. Frustrated by the lack of police communication about the incident, his family publicly called for a thorough investigation in an interview with Eyewitness News. The following day, while they were grieving and planning his funeral, a dozen armed officers reportedly

ACTIVISTS CRITICISE GOVT OF BEING ‘spineless’ on marital r ape bill

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s decision not to move forward with criminalising marital rape this term has drawn sharp criticism from women’s rights activists, who see it as a betrayal of commitments to ﬁghting gender-based violence.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder revealed last week

that the Davis administration does not expect to introduce the legislation before the end of its term. When asked if the decision was motivated by political calculations, he suggested that every government grappling with this issue has faced similar concerns. The announcement comes after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham

Fire destroys beacon of hope in community

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 100 people, including over 30 children, were lined up for help when a ﬁre broke out at a community centre in Kemp Road, reducing it to ashes and leaving the community stunned.

Three residents who lived at the centre lost everything in the blaze.

The centre, located on the compound of Eljhay’s Hilltop Cottage Ministries on Sutton Street, had long served as a beacon of hope, providing hot meals, clothing, counselling, and a safe space for those in need. It was destroyed on

Thursday afternoon. Videos circulated on social media showed ﬂames spreading rapidly, shattering windows and darkening the sky with thick smoke.

The Fire Services Department reportedly received reports of the blaze at 3.19pm. Upon arrival,

Dames: Govt contracts awarded to police a dangerous precedent

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER National Security Minister Marvin Dames said the Davis administration is awarding government contracts to senior police ofﬁcers without proper parameters, setting what he believes is a dangerous precedent that

opens the door to ofﬁcers prioritising personal gain over public service.

Deputy Commissioner Anthony Rolle, whose appointment has drawn criticism from the Free National Movement, is purportedly the founder of a company, Priority Security Services, that received

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FARMERS and other Bahamian food-related businesses are voicing fears they may be forced to increase prices due to the mandates of a new health and safety regulatory regime that is now being enforced. Agriculture entrepreneurs and other food vendors told Tribune Business that aspects of the supervisory framework unveiled on Friday by BAHFSA appeared unduly onerous and bureaucratic, and could discourage young entrepreneurs from entering farming or home-based food businesses.

STANLEY Minnis searches through the rubble of Eljhay’s Hilltop Cottage Ministries which was destroyed by fire on Friday. Mr Minnis received burns to his shoulder and face during the fire. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Fire destroys beacon of hope in community

officers found the singlestorey, six-room building engulfed in flames. Firefighters extinguished the fire, but the cause remains under investigation.

Pastor Laura JohnsonTaylor, founder of Eljhay’s Hilltop Cottage Ministries, lives next door to the centre. She was taking a bath when people began banging on her windows and doors, screaming for her to evacuate.

She said when she ran outside and saw the ﬂames, she could only scream out: “Jesus, Jesus.”

Volunteers and workers at the centre noticed the ﬁre only when ﬂames began crawling up the back of the roof. At the time, they were distributing groceries and clothing to those in need.

Mrs Johnson-Taylor described the ﬁre as a major loss for the Kemp Road community, particularly for those facing hardship. The centre had operated for 24 years, offering food assistance, clothing, after-school programmes, summer camps, community events, counselling, and elderly care.

“We are like the bedrock of the community,” she said. “Whatever it is that they need, they can come to us.”

The ﬁre destroyed the centre’s bathroom stalls,

laundry room, kitchen, and storage area, along with months of food supplies. Several televisions, computers, and children’s bicycles were also damaged.

When asked how much would be needed to rebuild, Mrs Johnson-Taylor admitted she was too overwhelmed to estimate. She emphasised her non-proﬁt ministry must now start from scratch.

She recalled how her community work began in her home before the centre was built.

“The centre began in my house, but several years ago, the government decided to build a house for me right next door,” she said. “That is where I am at right now, because of my activity with the community.”

Adding to her distress, she said her husband is currently in hospital on life support, battling an aneurysm.

While the ﬁre did not damage other buildings on the ministry’s compound, smoke affected Sister Annie Thompson Preschool nearby. The school was closed on Friday to allow thorough cleaning and smoke removal.

The Ministry of Education, in a statement, said that air quality assessments and sanitation procedures would be completed before reopening on Monday.

STANLEY Minnis searches through the rubble of Eljhay’s Hilltop Cottage Ministries which was destroyed by fire on Friday. Mr Minnis received burns to his shoulder and face during the fire.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Family fears police raid was retaliation

descended on their Gamble Heights residence, claiming to be executing a search warrant.

Sharine Williams, Moss’s aunt, had obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business showing her nephew riding his motorcycle when he collided head-on with a car, sending him airborne. After days of silence from authorities, she expressed her concerns in a televised interview.

The next afternoon, as relatives gathered at their home, police ofﬁcers allegedly entered the property from multiple directions.

According to Ms Williams, one ofﬁcer approached her in the front yard and remarked: “You think I ain’t see you on the news?”

She said she responded: “Yes. I didn’t say anything wrong.”

What followed, she said, was a chaotic and distressing ordeal. Ofﬁcers allegedly ordered family members not to move, and both Ms Williams and her niece were handcuffed.

She said despite informing police that one of her sisters had a heart condition, their concerns were ignored.

Her niece, who was in the bathroom at the time, was reportedly forced outside in handcuffs before she could properly dress herself.

When she asked ofﬁcers for information, they claimed to be executing a search warrant related to stolen vehicles, drugs, and ﬁrearms at Moss’s mother’s house.

Ms Williams said police also showed the warrant to her grieving sister, whose devastation was

PRISONER

compounded by the intrusion. “My sister is mourning, but they came with a search warrant while she has a disabled child in bed,” she said.

The two women were eventually released from handcuffs after 30 minutes.

Ms Williams claimed that Moss had no criminal record and said the only family member with past legal trouble was a nephew who was convicted of housebreaking three years ago and is currently serving his sentence.

She noted that while police had occasionally visited their yard, they had never conducted such an aggressive operation. Given the timing, she believes the raid was punishment for speaking out.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which has been plagued by corruption scandals. Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles has pledged to uphold high standards of conduct among ofﬁcers.

Ms Williams said her family only learned of Moss’s accident through a passenger in the involved vehicle, not from authorities. The driver, who had known Moss for years, reportedly admitted responsibility.

While the family acknowledged that accidents happen, they are demanding a proper investigation. Ms Williams questioned why it took police so long to retrieve the vehicles involved and expressed anger that the driver has yet to offer condolences to Moss’s

mother. Following the Eyewitness News report, police reportedly scheduled a meeting with the family today at the Road Traffic Department. As of press time yesterday, police officials

STABBED TO DEATH BY INMATE WAITING TRIAL FOR P RIOR MURDER CHARGE

A PRISONER was stabbed to death by a man awaiting his murder trial, and two more were injured at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on Saturday morning.

not

Female prison ofﬁcer disciplined over barbershop ﬁght

caught on video

Police issued an alert about the fatal stabbing

Officials said Brody Fritz was killed in an altercation as prisoners disposed of their night waste under the supervision of staff members. Another prisoner was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while a third suffered injuries said to be non-life threatening. The incident reportedly took place at about 8.32am in the eastern group of the maximum security facility, and the suspected attacker, who is already awaiting trial for murder, has been put in an isolation cell.

but did not disclose the other injuries. Fritz had been sentenced to three years in prison for offences including vagrancy. His charges included seven counts of housebreaking, three counts of stealing, two counts of damage, unlawful possession and deceit of a public officer. The department offered condolences to Fritz’s family.

M AN DIES AFTER BEING STABBED IN HIS UPPER BODY AT MEADOW AND AUGUSTA S TREET

A MAN in his early 60s died after suffering a single stab wound to his upper body yesterday.

Chief Superintendent of Police Sheria King told

reporters the man lived where the incident happened - at Meadows and Augusta Street. This is the eighth murder of the year and

the second on Meadow Street. On January 26, a woman was killed there. This is also the second stabbing death of the year.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A FEMALE prison ofﬁcer has been ﬁned

$1,000 and will be ineligible for promotion for three years after being involved in a ﬁght captured in a viral video.

Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare said the punishment will take effect within seven days unless the officer appeals the decision of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services disciplinary tribunal. He also said the officer is required to undergo counselling for a period. The footage, which spread rapidly on social media in mid-January, shows the officer gripping another woman by the hair inside what appears to be a barbershop and repeatedly punching her. It remains unclear what led to the confrontation, though the officer can be heard referencing her son, shouting, “That’s my son.” A man briefly attempted to intervene, but the officer continued the altercation.

GIHANO MOSS

had

responded to The Tribune’s requests for comment.

PM: Govt in ﬁnal stage on Grand Lucayan sale

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis admin-

istration is once again suggesting that progress is imminent on the sale of the Grand Lucayan resort and the redevelopment of the Grand Bahama airport, with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis saying the government is in the final stage of negotiations.

Mr Davis’ comments came during the final night of the Progressive Young Liberal Conclave at the Grand Lucayan Resort over the weekend. Administration officials have used similar language before. In August, Mr Davis said the government was on the cusp of revealing the buyer for the Grand Lucayan hotel.

As far back as 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper had pledged that “great news” on the Grand Bahama airport was “imminent”.

“I know you are ready for the Grand Lucayan and the new airport to be signed, sealed, and delivered, and I am right there with you on both counts,” Mr Davis said on Saturday. “In fact, we consider the two to be connected.

“We are taking a holistic approach to the sale of the Grand Lucayan and the redevelopment of the airport.”

He stressed the significance of the deal, noting that securing the right agreement is crucial.

“This is big — and getting it right is important. While our agreements preclude us from making any announcements during this final stage of crossing t’s and dotting i’s, what I can say is the developer is committed to embracing the culture of Grand Bahama while creating a world-class brand that enhances the tourism product of this island.”

Mr Davis also acknowledged the importance of store owners and vendors at Port Lucaya Marketplace, calling them key stakeholders in revitalising the long-struggling hotel property.

The Grand Lucayan, comprising three resorts with a total of 1,600 guest rooms, is currently operating at just one-third capacity, with the 200room Lighthouse Pointe being the only section open and functional.

Straw vendors and merchants at Port Lucaya have faced ongoing struggles since the property’s closure in 2016 due to damage from Hurricane Matthew.

Mr Davis reassured them of the government’s commitment to their success during his address.

“We’ve heard you, we’ve felt your pain and your struggle to maintain your businesses.

The development plans include enhancing opportunities for neighbouring businesses,” he said.

Acknowledging the hardships Grand Bahama residents have endured due to the stalled sale, Mr Davis said: “Now, it’s one thing if you all want to tell me this has taken longer than you’d hoped. I agree with you, and I understand the frustrations and fears. Times have been really hard here. And you don’t care about all the hard work and negotiations — you just need results.”

Mr Davis highlighted several projects led by Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey, including plans to construct new housing units in Freeport’s Garden Villas area.

“We’re readying to demolish the old apartment buildings in Garden Villas and replace them with new housing under our Rent-to-Own Initiative,” he said.

He also mentioned the development of the AfroCaribbean Marketplace at the old International Bazaar site, which is expected to create small business opportunities for Bahamians.

He said the government’s partnership with Carnival Cruise Line will bring thousands of passengers to the island’s new cruise port this summer, generating jobs and

business opportunities.

Dames: Govt contracts awarded to police a dangerous precedent

from page one

a contract for security services from the Post Ofﬁce Department in February 2024 for $947k. It is unclear whether others were invited to bid for the contract.

On Friday, Mr Dames said during his time in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, policy emphasised that senior ofﬁcers should not get business contracts from the government. He

said the absence of clear guidelines for awarding contracts to senior ofﬁcers raises concerns about whether political considerations inﬂuence such contracts.

He claimed there is an increasing number of police ofﬁcers in high-ranking positions running businesses while juggling their duties on the force. “This is only something that has come to light in recent times, and certainly under

this government,” he said.

“The precedent that this is setting in the absence of any guideline and policy is a very dangerous one.

Because if it’s saying that as a very senior ofﬁcer, the government will give you a contract or will give you a business over other Bahamian citizens who are competing against you.”

“It opens the door to even a greater element of corruption.

“What happens now is

that when you should have your senior ofﬁcers focused on ﬁghting crime, reducing crime and crime prevention, they’re more focused on their own bottom line, which is how do I make more money?”

While Mr Dames stressed that he is not opposed to senior ofﬁcers or other senior government ofﬁcials seeking additional ways to support their families, he urged the need for clear rules governing how

contracts are awarded to those in high-ranking positions.

For his part, Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe said he did not recall renewing or granting security licenses to any senior police ofﬁcers. He said he may have granted licenses to one or two retired chief superintendents after their retirement.

He said there are no special guidelines for senior

officers applying for contracts, except that officers cannot engage in work that conflicts with their duties. He noted that a conflict of interest would only arise if an officer’s public duties were at odds with their private business activities.

“The duty of a policeman is for public safety and security,” he said.

“He can’t do anything that compromises his duty to ensure public safety and security.”

further emphasised the expansion of the Grand Bahama Shipyard as a key economic driver,

reinforcing the island’s maritime industry and positioning it as a regional and trans-Atlantic shipping hub.

“Within a handful of years, hundreds of Bahamians will have permanent jobs at the Shipyard,” he said.

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS

Activists criticise govt of being

‘spineless’ on marital rape bill

publicly expressed con-

ﬁdence in 2022 that the Davis administration would criminalise marital rape. It also follows statements from Pia Glover-Rolle, Minister of State for the Public Service, who insisted the government sees the issue as urgent and acknowledged the commitment of female parliamentarians to the cause. Other women parliamentarians, including Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin, have expressed strong support for criminalising marital rape.

The Davis administration released a draft of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill in September 2022, proposing to redeﬁne rape to include acts within marriage. However, progress on the legislation waned despite repeated calls from activists and international human rights bodies.

international human rights commitments.

Attorney and women’s rights advocate Marion Bethel said on Friday that she was incensed by Mr Pinder’s comment that the government will not act, arguing that it reﬂects a broader disregard for the safety and rights of women in The Bahamas. She criticised what she sees as the government’s prioritisation of business and commerce over fundamental human rights.

“If the government listens to voters, then they should be listening to women voters,” she said.

“The work is for us as women to have a solid, unified front to this issue. We have to work towards that because it’s clear that not every woman in The Bahamas supports it either.”

Alicia Wallace, director of Equality Bahamas, was blunt in her assessment, accusing the government of siding with rapists rather than protecting survivors.

children,” she said. “This administration, like every administration before, it is spineless and incompetent and does not deserve anyone’s votes.”

The debate over marital rape has long been contentious in The Bahamas, with religious groups exerting signiﬁcant inﬂuence. In September 2022, the Ministry of Social Services hosted a one-day symposium on the proposed legislation, but the event was dominated by religious leaders who voiced opposition to changing the law, according to Ms Wallace, who described the symposium as an attempt by the government to negotiate women’s rights without including women’s voices.

Former Minister of Social Services, the late Obie Wilchcombe, who was responsible for the Department of Gender and Family Affairs at the time, previously said the government hoped to complete consultations on the bill before early 2023. He emphasised that The Bahamas had to be mindful of its

“It is consistently shown to us as women that marriage is actually a terrible idea in this country, because all it does for us is strip us out of access to our rights, in particular, our sexual and reproductive rights and the right to pass on nationality to our

The Bahamas has faced international scrutiny for failing to criminalise all forms of marital rape, a violation of its obligations under the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which it ratiﬁed in 1993.

In 2023, Mr Pinder revealed that criminalising marital rape was the number one human rights issue countries raised with The Bahamas when the United Nations Human Rights Commission reviewed its record that year. from

AG touts new anti-corruption bill as ‘robust, transparent and authoritative’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General

Ryan Pinder touted the Davis administration’s Independent Commission of Investigations Bill, saying it offers a comprehensive and effective solution to combating corruption.

He said the bill’s broad scope would ensure transparency and accountability across a wide range of government sectors, addressing the concerns of both the public and various stakeholders.

“This new anti-corruption regime is robust, it’s transparent, it’s authoritative, and it has signiﬁcant independent investigatory authority,” he said during his remarks at the closing of the University of The Bahamas Law Society Legal Week on Thursday.

Matt Aubry, executive director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), recently told The Tribune that an Integrity Commission Bill — introduced but not passed by the Minnis administration — was still necessary to proactively prevent corruption rather than merely investigate it after the fact.

He pointed to other Caribbean models, such as Jamaica’s, where an Integrity Commission and a separate investigative body exist to address corruption from multiple angles.

However, Mr Pinder said unlike the separate Integrity Commissions seen in other Caribbean jurisdictions, his proposed bill combines investigations into security forces and public ofﬁcials under a single commission. This approach, he argued, would better streamline and strengthen efforts to tackle corruption at all levels of government.

“In some Caribbean jurisdictions, and this is notable for the topic today, you will see both an independent commission for security forces and what’s called an Integrity Commission, which is intended to investigate civil servants and politicians and parliamentarians,” he said.

“We’ve taken that approach on the broadened scope of what we are now looking to pass. However, we have integrated both the civil servant and the parliamentarian investigations and the security forces into one single commission.

“The bill establishes the Independent Commission

to be comprised of three persons, two lawyers who would hold high judicial ofﬁce and one who is an accountant.”

Addressing concerns that police investigations should not solely be handled by the police or that political figures may influence investigations, Mr Pinder said the commission would have the powers of a court to conduct investigations, summon witnesses, and review documents, with the findings forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for possible criminal charges.

Despite Mr Pinder’s optimistic outlook, critics have raised concerns about the bill’s ability to effectively address corruption. Kahlil Parker, president of the Bar Association, previously cautioned that the bill alone might not resolve the public’s concerns regarding corruption and law enforcement accountability.

He argued that while the bill grants signiﬁcant investigatory powers to the proposed commission, it does not go far enough in addressing the underlying issues of police and government accountability.

Lemarque Campbell, an anti-corruption specialist, echoed this sentiment,

Bahamasair ﬂights to Grand Bahama cancelled after union action yesterday

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMASAIR cancelled two flights yesterday after the Freeport Airport Crash and Rescue Department took industrial action. The airline planned to rebook passengers from flights 325 and 326 onto flights 315 and 316, which departed from New Providence and Grand Bahama. The Tribune was unable to reach representatives of the Crash and Rescue Department by press time. This disruption follows a similar incident last December, when hundreds of Bahamians and tourists had their travel plans upended after Bahamasair cancelled most of its flights. This was due to 75 percent of its flight attendants calling in sick and refusing to report for duty. The sickout, reportedly sparked by unresolved pay issues, led to long lines of frustrated passengers at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) and other airports.

describing the bill as a “window dressing exercise” and questioning its potential to combat corruption

effectively. He expressed scepticism about whether the bill would lead to meaningful change, pointing to

corruption measures that have not been properly implemented.

ATTORNEY AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS ADVOCATE MARION BETHEL

ATTORNEY GENERAL RYAN PINDER

the failure of existing anti-

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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Tarrifs and consequences

IT HAS been just two weeks since Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States – and already the words “trade war” are being widely used.

Tariffs, tariffs and more tariffs – they seem to be the chosen weapon to try to make other nations comply with his demands, even if the demands themselves are vague or impossible to meet.

In last Monday’s editorial, just a week into his presidency, we asked in this column how his actions would affect us here in The Bahamas. At that time, he was in a sparring battle with Colombia over ﬂights carrying migrants to that country, and imposing ﬁrst a 25 percent tariff with a threat that it would rise to 50 percent. In that case, Colombia backed down.

At the weekend, others were in his sights. He imposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexico, 25 percent on Canada, except for energy products which get a ten percent tariff, and ten percent on China. Why? Well, according to Trump it is to tackle illegal immigration and drug smuggling. This despite the fact that border crossings from Mexico are down in the past year and seizures of fentanyl near the Canadian border are low. Trump claims that Mexican cartels are operating in Canada and that enough fentanyl had been intercepted that it could kill 9.5 million Americans.

China, meanwhile, is slammed for providing a “safe haven” for criminal organisations to “launder the revenues from the production, shipment and sale of illicit synthetic opioids”.

These may be the stated reasons, but there seems to be no way out for those countries – and an economic war is unlikely to help the revenues to fund ﬁghts against such supposed problems.

Indeed, Trump has not set any goals for these countries to meet – so even if they were minded to try to come to a compromise, none is on offer.

Who will pay the cost? Well, the consumer for starters. Even Trump himself has grudgingly admitted as much, posting on social media: “Will there be pain?

Yes, maybe (and maybe not!)”

He was bombastic about it in the process, typing all in capital letters as seems to be his custom a lot of the time.

A response is of course expected – as we write, Canada has unveiled its wave of tariffs on $30 billion worth of US goods, including fruit and vegetables, dairy products, coffee and tea, clothing, alcohol, toilet paper and various household items.

The Canadian ambassador to the US last night talked of being hopeful that the US tariffs on Canadian goods would not be enacted – though her words that they were “ready to continue to talk” did not sound like an open door in current negotiations.

Turbulence in our next door neighbour’s economy is of course likely to cause more than a few ripples heading our way. The US is where a vast amount of our country’s imports come from, of all varieties, both essential and non-essential.

Take an example – this weekend is Super Bowl weekend, and at least one US outlet pointed out that if you want a Canadian beer and Mexican guacamole, you’ll be having to pay an extra 25 percent tariff on each. That would be ﬁrmly non-essential – Super Bowl fans may disagree – but count that across the board on other food items, clothing, technical equipment and you see it mounts up.

If it comes through the US, we may well ﬁnd ourselves paying that bill too –and shifting from shipping from the US to opening routes direct from Canada and Mexico is not a quick or easy change to manage, not least in the quantity of goods we would require being substantially less than being sent through the US. Historically, the three nations being targeted are the US’ top three trade partners. Canada and Mexico together account for more than a quarter of all US imports.

Their leaders may be wondering with friends like these… One thing is for certain, the rollercoaster ride has begun. Buckle up.

Where is the care for

EDITOR, The Tribune.

HERE is a matter of great concern and affects the elderly. I am a retired senior citizen living in one of the Government’s low rental apartments on Finlayson Street, I had placed in a request about three months ago for a refrigerator, but was told recently it was not approved, my present fridge hardly works. Then more recently about two weeks ago I was told following doing my reassessment for this year, that my monthly food coupon wasn’t approved

and that I can apply in six months time, I was told by my worker/officer at the Social Services Horse Shoe Drive Office, that I should take the monthly allowance I gives to my female companion and buy food and feed myself. I need this monthly food coupon, to help, fight costs, of high prices, but needs it also mainly for health reasons. I think I was treated very poorly, for I had attended a church service last year by the Social Services senior citizens division, to honour and

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Buyer’s remorse on Trump?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

NATURALLY, anyone would expect the United States to make decisions which would enhance its image and standings in the world, and which would improve the lives and general well-being of its citizens. The same is true for any country. But somehow, things seem different this time around.

As Bahamians, we cannot help but to be concerned about some decisions the (US) makes because in one way or another, our lives as Bahamians are affected by these decisions because of our proximity to the United States, and also because the (US)and the Bahamas have had a long standing big brother/small brother relationship with each other based on mutual respect. Since returning to ofﬁce, Trump’s action has raised many eyebrows around the world. He withdrew the (US) from the World Health Organisation (WHO), he has re-committed the (US) to do more drilling for oil with his “drill baby drill” policy, a move which runs counter to all global efforts to limit our carbon emotions in an attempt to slowdown global warming, which Trump believes is a hoax. He has signed an executive order stating that a child

born in the (US) is not guaranteed citizenship unless at least one parent is an American citizen. To be fair to Trump, we have a similar law here in the Bahamas, but I am no expert in these matters. So far, hundreds of illegals have been rounded up and are awaiting deportation. But this is hardly surprising when one considers Trump’s past comments about persons coming into the (US) from “S hole countries”, and adding that why couldn’t the (US) get more people from white countries like Sweden or Norway, which is a statement loaded with racial meanings. With his carnival barker, conﬁdent man persona on full display, Trump has returned with a vengeance, with a wrecking ball, and true to form, it seems he is prepared to bulldoze anyone and anything in his way. To say that his actions are norm-shattering is putting it mildly. He is threatening to redraw the map of the world with his statement about acquiring Greenland, making Canada America’s 51st, state, renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and acquiring the Panama

Canal. This “bull in a china shop” mentality, I suspect is sheer bluster because many hardliners around the world (whether true or not) view America as a paper tiger, with no stomach for that level of aggression, despite its huge stockpile of military hardware. And then there is this misnoma in some economic circles that the Bahamas does better when the Republicans are in power in the (US), a belief which is not grounded in historical facts or bourn out in statistics. Perhaps that’s one reason why many Bahamians support Trump. Based on his actions and pronouncements thus far, the “Trumpers” in the Bahamas must surely be disappointed. The one ray of hope for the (US) is that after the twelve years presidency of Franklyn Delano Roosevelt (FDR), all presidents thereafter are limited to eight years of two terms; consecutive or otherwise. So why are so many people surprised? They knew or should have known who Trump was. Maybe, just maybe, it’s a case of buyers remorse.

ZEPHANIAH

BURROWS Nassau, January 29, 2025.

show respect and care for older people, also emphasis was placed to help, and to improve the well being of older people, well, sir/ madam how can myself, a senior, and older people be treated like this? It was in great contradiction of what was preached at the Social Services church service held in late last year 2024. Hopefully my situation can be resolved quickly. Thank you.

EZRA RAHMING

Nassau, January 27, 2025.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

DR Hubert Alexander Minnis is all set to sadly divide the FNM leading up to the next general election. It seems as if he does not mind ruling over a party of utter ashes - of which he is about to instigate through his arrogant and selﬁsh drive to become the lousy leader of Free National Movement - FNM once more – in my view. Yes, he is wittingly or unwittingly on a losing

course to wreck the FNM – just to satisfy his wicked political ego – in my opinion. Well, he will holler as the FNM will not win the next election under his unwanted leadership. He is working on a political legacy of shame and disgrace for himself - in my humble assessment. He is a sore loser. As a voter in the Killarney constituency – who has supported the FNM all of my voting life, I am

all ready and set to ensure that Dr Hubert Alexander Minnis lose his seat on or before 2026. So, carry on Dr Minnis. Your time of becoming a no-seat wonder nears with the passing of each day. It will be a ﬁtting retirement gift for the politically foolish Dr Minnis – who appears not to know when to quit while he is ahead.

DENNIS DAMES Nassau, January 21, 2025.

CLOUDS seen reflected in a creek in Abaco while kayaking.

Photo: Timothy Roberts

Ministry of Health

‘remains vigilant’ after

virus spreads at Cat Island school

By E ARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

BOTH the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Wellness are monitoring an outbreak of a ﬂu-like illness at Arthur’s Town Comprehensive School in Cat Island.

Education Director Dominique Russell-McCartney said on Friday that seven teachers and 40 students had shown ﬂu-like symptoms. She noted that the Ministry of Health had begun an investigation and that there has been an increase in ﬂu-like symptoms among staff at the Department of Education.

Health and Wellness

Minister Dr Michael Darville provided an update to The Tribune from the ministry’s surveillance team, noting that all affected children, teachers, and staff had been assessed and treated appropriately and that the ministry “remains vigilant”.

Bethel Turner, the school’s principal, said the outbreak began about two

weeks ago. The school saw several students return from New Providence after the holidays with ﬂu symptoms, leading to further infections.

Some students visited the clinic and received medication. Several teachers also fell ill but have since recovered and returned to school.

Ms Turner said the ﬂu spread quickly due to the small size of the school and the close connections among students.

The school required students to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and follow hygiene protocols to curb the spread. Last week, janitors conducted a deep cleaning for two days in classrooms while students stayed at home.

Ms Russell-McCartney said education ofﬁcials called in the Department of Environmental Health.

“We did get a deep cleaning for that school, but we also sent out a missive to say that parents please keep students home who are not well if they are presenting with symptoms.”

MAN CHARGED W ITH CAUSING DEATH OF 73-YEAR-OLD CYCLIS T

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded into custody on Friday after being accused of causing the death of a 73-year-old cyclist in a fatal trafﬁc accident last summer in Eleuthera.

Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux arraigned Jevon Seymour, 40, on a charge of vehicular manslaughter. Seymour, while allegedly driving dangerously north on Queen’s Highway in Palmetto Point, struck Joseph Ducenor, who was cycling in the same direction, at 7.55pm on May 27, 2024.

The victim was transported to New Providence for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries the following day at Princess Margaret Hospital. Seymour was not required to enter a plea. He was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He will remain at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on March 31.

He was informed of his right to apply for bail through the higher court. Quintin Percentie represented the accused.

CHARGED W ITH POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED GUN AND A MMO

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for murder was remanded into custody after being accused of possessing a banned assault riﬂe near his home last week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Brinton Thompson, 36, on Friday on charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of dangerous drugs, and two counts of possession of ammunition.

Prosecutors allege that on January 28, police discovered a banned, blackand-brown, high-powered riﬂe — with the serial number erased — along with 16 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and 10 rounds of .223 ammunition in an abandoned structure near the defendant’s residence in

New Providence. On the same day, 1 1/8 oz of marijuana was allegedly found in the defendant’s home.

Thompson pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie, who served as the prosecutor, objected to the defendant’s bail, citing the risk to public safety and the existence of pending charges.

Thompson was on release awaiting trial for murder after he allegedly shot and killed Randino Pratt outside the Corner Pocket Bar on St James Road on November 12, 2011. Thompson will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his bail hearing on February 3. Ian Cargill represented the accused.

MURDER S US PECT RE M ANDED ON ACCUS ATION OF THEFT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for attempted murder was denied bail on Friday after being accused of stealing car parts and causing damage.

Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr arraigned Remeldo Clarke, 29, on charges of theft and two counts of criminal damage.

WATER AND SE W ERAGE GM QUES TIONED OVER CONTRACT S AWARDED IN 2019 AND 2020

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A DEFENCE attorney questioned Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) general manager Robert Deal on purchases made by the company in 2019 and 2020 as the trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson and others continued on Friday.

Damian Gomez, KC, who represents Mr Gibson, cross-examined Mr Deal about contracts awarded by the WSC.

Mr Deal conﬁrmed he was involved in major water restoration projects in Abaco following Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and 2020. He agreed with Mr Gomez that WSC awarded multiple contracts during that period and that he personally recommended some of them.

He further acknowledged some of those contracts exceeded $250,000.

Mr Gomez then presented a quote dated July 9, 2021, for the proposed purchase of a new piece of heavy equipment valued at $595,000, with a used model priced at $246,000.

Mr Deal said he had prepared a board brief regarding the potential purchase and noted that a 12 percent VAT would have been added upon the

equipment’s arrival.

Mr Gomez argued that VAT was not included in the brief.

Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier, one of the prosecutors, objected to this line of questioning, calling it irrelevant since the equipment was never purchased.

Senior Justice Cheryl Grant-Thomson, the presiding judge, ruled that the document was inadmissible.

When Mr Gomez suggested the purchase had been approved by the WSC board, Mr Deal responded he would need to check company records to conﬁrm. However, he

reiterated the item was never bought.

Mr Gomez also presented a payment request form for a project in Abaco with a reported cost of $258,464.94.

Mr Deal explained that this payment was part of the $15m the government approved for WSC’s restoration efforts in Abaco.

During questioning, Mr Deal acknowledged that a state of emergency had been declared in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said he could not recall the exact dates.

Mr Gomez suggested that no Cabinet papers were prepared or presented

to the board during September 2020. Mr Deal responded he would need to check records to verify that claim.

When the defence suggested that purchases over $250,000 required approval from the relevant government minister, Mr Deal said he could not recall whether that was a legal requirement at the time.

Mr Deal’s cross-examination will continue on the next court date.

Mr Gibson has been on trial since November 2023 alongside former WSC general manager Elwood Donaldson Jr, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick.

The charges stem from contracts awarded by the corporation while Mr Gibson served as WSC executive chairman.

Approximately ten prosecution witnesses remain to testify in the case.

The defence team includes Damian Gomez KC, Geoffrey Farquharson, Murrio Ducille KC, Ian Cargill, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, and Raphael Moxey.

Meanwhile, the crown’s legal team consists of Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier, Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean, and Rashied Edgecombe.

Clarke allegedly stole car parts valued at $770 from a Nissan Note and causing $450 worth of damage to the same vehicle in Kennedy Subdivisions on January 27. On that same day, he allegedly caused $500 worth of damage to a black Nissan Note in Garden Hills. After electing to proceed before the magistrate, Clarke pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution objected to his bail, noting he was already on bail for a pending attempted murder charge and was wearing a monitoring device. A prosecutor also noted that the accused had a prior conviction for escaping lawful custody. Clarke’s bail was denied, and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial begins on March 31. Levan Johnson represented the accused.

ADRIAN GIBSON

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Judge current actions, not promises for later

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

DESPITE frequent calls for legislation on the issue of marital rape from activists, Bahamian women – and even the prime minister’s wife – the attorney general has said it won’t be happening during this administration.

At an event last week at the University of The Bahamas, when asked if the government plans to table the bill before the end of its term, Ryan Pinder said: “I don’t think so. I think you would’ve heard the panel discuss about the political impacts on that.”

Political impacts? That is where the priority lies, it would seem. Mr Pinder went on to say, when asked if it was putting votes before legislation: “There’s nothing unique about this. There’s a reason why no administration has passed and every single administration has drafted a bill – every single one. I have them all.”

So much for having a leader called Brave, I guess. Back when pastor Rex Major spoke up at a national ecumenical church service in June 2023 and lamented efforts to criminalise marital rape, saying that people lie, it brought a swift rebuke from Ann Marie Davis, saying: “I like Rex Major, but I don’t agree with him.” She added: “I invite the good pastor to talk to people that this has happened to and read up on it and get a little knowledge on it, because people are in a place where because they haven’t seen it or experienced it or lived it, it

doesn’t happen, but it does happen.”

Note the words in there, “that this has happened to”. This is not some theoretical or semantic discussion – this is something that affects women’s lives. Is that really something to discount because you worry how it will affect your electoral math? What are you in government for if it’s not to make the tough decisions?

That was not the only time Mrs Davis spoke up on the issue – in December 2022 she had said: “We must agitate and hold our policy makers accountable. We want them to upgrade our laws and we really need that.

“Imagine, we are still living in a society where no does not mean no. How could that be? I tell you no and you think I mean yes. No, sir. Of course I’m talking about marital rape, right. No means no.”

Imagine.

In October 2022, some of the ﬁndings of a University of The Bahamas study was released that showed that one in 12 married women have been raped by their husbands. That would work out to about 4,000 married women in the country. Imagine where 4,000 people have been subjected to a violent, horrible, horriﬁc crime – and left with no legal path to justice.

At the time, Prime Minister Philip Davis urged victims of rape – whether married or single – to report such abuse to the police. He said: “The law takes into account the separation of persons who would have had a marriage and any assault on a woman, be it whether you call it rape, grievous harm or otherwise, the law should take its course.”

Except the law struggles to be able to take its

course – that is why there is a need for legislation, and it is legislation that we have committed to as part of international agreements. If it is too difﬁcult to bring the legislation, why did we say we would?

That university study should have been a turning point – recognising just how widespread marital rape is in our society. It turns out that we are doing what was being done before the study was released – ignoring the crimes that take place among us every day.

We should likely not be surprised – earlier that year National Security Minister Wayne Munroe that we should call marital rape something other than rape if we are to secure convictions. He also said we would have to change our divorce laws, saying: “If your spouse can withdraw consent for sex, then

adultery ought no longer be a ground for divorce.”

He added: “Will willfully refusing your spouse intercourse remain a description of cruelty or available for cruelty?”

As I noted in August 2022 in response to that, how many times does a spouse have to refuse being raped before it is deemed willfull in the eyes of the law?

It is more than a century since the ﬁrst country elsewhere in the world criminalised marital rape, back in 1922.

Our laws are a matter of international concern – in 2023, Mr Pinder revealed that the failure to criminalise marital rape was other countries’ number one human rights concern with The Bahamas during the United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review.

You might ask why those countries are demanding of us instead of attending to themselves – well, they have. By 2019, about 150 countries had criminalised marital rape, including all 50 US states. Under our laws, the deﬁnition of rape is “the act of any person not under 14 years of age having sexual intercourse with another person who is not his spouse a) without the consent of that other person; b) with consent which has been extorted by threats or fear of bodily harm; c) with consent obtained by personating the spouse of that other person; d) with consent obtained by false and fraudulent representations as to the nature and quality of the act”.

One of the arguments put forward on the law is because there would perhaps be very few cases but forward – and yet we took the time to enshrine in the law someone impersonating a spouse to fool someone into sex. Count how many times that charge has come up in court.

And as I stated in a previous column, one of the arguments put forward for not criminalising marital rape is the suggestion that because a married couple is considered “one”, one cannot deny one’s own self. Tell that to the many victims of other forms of marital violence, for which we do allow the law to intervene.

When I wrote in this column in August 2022 about marital rape, I concluded: “The way this is being talked about is exactly the way an issue gets discussed that a politician has no intention to do anything about. So perhaps this is a fool’s errand – but equally, we should not let our leaders treat us like fools.”

Our leaders have done exactly as was expected –and kicked the can down the road again, regardless of how many people have called for the law to change, regardless of how highly placed those people are in our society, and regardless of how many victims there have been – and how many more there might be. So if anyone from this current administration tells you that they will address this in future, look them in the eye and judge them by their actions now, not their promises for later.

GBPA UNVEILS NEW STATUE CELEBR ATING 70 YE A RS OF F REEP ORT

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) launched Freeport’s 70thanniversary celebrations on Friday with unveiling an 850lb Hawksbill Turtle sculpture at its headquarters on Mall Drive. Principal shareholders Sarah St George and Rupert Hayward, along with senior executives and staff, attended the event. The concrete sculpture, created by local artist Jackie Boss, depicts a Hawksbill turtle with a baby turtle swimming beside it and is installed at the main intersection in downtown Freeport.

Sarah St George, acting chairman of GBPA and Port Group Ltd, said:

“This year, 2025, is the 70th anniversary of the birth of Freeport. And it also happens that the Hawksbill Turtle gave its name to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement in 1955, which created a free trade zone that, in turn, led to the explosive growth of this new city. It made Grand Bahama the vibrant, cohesive, wonderful community that it is today.”

She added: “When you reach three score years and ten, it is a cause for

ebration. We thought

roundabout.

Ms St George praised those who have contributed

KICKING off the 70th anniversary of Freeport, the Grand Bahama Port Authority unveiled a concrete sculpture of Hawksbill Turtles, designed and created by local artist Jackie Boss, at its headquarters on the Mall Drive and Pioneers Way on Friday. Sarah St George and Rupert Hayward (center) along with Ms Boss (bending in photo) and staff at the unveiling.

Photo: Denise Maycock

Local Government election results

THE results of the local government elections have been released by the Parliamentary Registration Department.

The results do not include results for Central Eleuthera, with a note stating that no results were sent.

The full results are as follows:

North Abaco

Polling division 2

Votes:

Burrows, Deannie Janet 97

Curry, Christine 134

Laing, Marcus 73

McIntosh, Joiclen 91 Russell, Ellamae 61 Russell-Kemp, Katrina 26 Thompson, O’Keyno 73

Wells, Rosevelt 51

Central Abaco

Polling division 10, 11, 12

Votes:

Cornish, Corrinne 72

Cornish, Georgia 79

Ingraham, Cecil 142

McIntosh, Javares 115

Newbold, Faren 138

Pinder, Anitra Chantel 120 Russell, Andrew 131

Toote, Churton 132 Williams, Jyles 150 South Abaco

Polling division 10

Votes: Carroll, Leon 34

Hepburn, Lawrence Julian 59

Walker, Charles 44 Williams, Arthur 73

Williams, Israel 58 Williams, Quintence 55 Williams, Trevor 67

Polling division 11

Votes: Bain, Shenique Grace 50

Darville, Kenneth Randolph 85 Dean, Cyril Alexander 91 Jennings, Gerrard Winston 88

Knowles, Hugo McKinley 74 Sands, Darron Nathaniel 76

Swann, Frederick Altiney 36

Town committee members:

Crossing Rock: Julian Lawrence Hepburn, Arthur Williams, Israel Williams, Quintence Williams & Trevor Williams.

Sandy Point: Kenneth Randolph Darville, Cyril Alexander Dean, Gerrard Winston Jennings & Darron Nathaniel Sands

North Andros

Polling division 1

Votes:

Grifﬁn, Elias 61

Miller Jr, Donald 37

McKinney-Russell, Rochelle 65

Russell, Virgil 47

Stubbs, Alﬁe 55

Thompson, Rosevett 48

Polling division 2

Votes: Barr, Roy 74

Cleare, Brian 99

Russell, Patricia 69

Russell, Margaret 77

Storr, James 100

Polling division 3

Cooper, Tina 62

Evans, Elcid 27

Gaitor, Dorothy 21

Murphy Roberts, Sheena 29

Smith, Andrea 36

Evans, Gabrielle 95

Evans, Tammie 85

Oliver, Alysso 66

Evans, Kendall 60

Storr, Kadra 128

Sturrup, Sarah 28

Polling division 5

Votes:

Mackey, Traves 37

Pratt, Samuel 38

Rahming, Dominique 27

Polling division 6

Votes: Barr, Deandrea 27

Bowleg, Fredricka 11

Gibson, Gary 48

Polling division 7

Votes:

Mackey, Edison 18

Sargent, Carvill 22

Polling division 9

Votes: Colebrooke, Catherine 59

Pickstock, Donnamae 61

Storr, Leon 47

Storr, Loney 64

Turnquest, Wayde 37

Woodside, Lashema 34

Polling division 10

Votes:

Adderley, Timeka 21

Dean, Cerone 46

Johnson, Tadra 41

Oliver, Willard 42

Polling division 11

Votes: Oliver, Derry 28

Woodside, Dotlyn 6

Polling division 13

Votes: Marshall, Brindino 74 Porter, Suzanne 54 Whyms, Lynden 32

Town committee members: Lowe Sound: Brian Cleare, Gary Gibson, Elias Grifﬁn, Rochelle McKinneu-Russell, Margaret Russell, James Storr & Alﬁe Stubbs. Mastic Point: Cathrine Colebrooke, Cerone Dean, Mario Murphy, Elizabeth Newton, Donnamae Pickstock, Sargent Carvill & Loney Storr. Staniard Creek: Brindino Marshall, Ellen Newton, Derry Oliver, Suzanne Porter & Cassiemae Smith. Nicholls Town: Tina Cooper, Gabrielle Evans, Tammie Evans, Traves Mackey, Samuel Pratt, Andrea Smith, Kadra Storr. Central Andros

Polling division 9A

Votes: Johnson, Adonis Micheal 27 Neymour, Sheree Patricia Denice 21

Polling division 9B

Votes: Bowe, Felicia Asha 41 Bowleg, Doreen 37 Mackey, Tiska Tarran Tica 54

Polling division 11

Votes: Cleare Jr, Wayne A. 77 Douglas, Peter Guy 57 Farrington, Leonard 12 Green, Tavaris 79 Johnson, Glenroy 58 Martin, Holly 69 Penn, Cecil 50 Rolle, Gareth 43 Saunders, Delphene 39 Sweeting, Deon 72

Polling division 12

Votes: Cleare, Wayne A. 26 Edgecombe, Dewitt 12 Emmanuel, Sandra Mae 56

Forbes, Marvin 65 Hanna, Rodney 78 Hinsey, Timothy 30 Minnis, Leonard 22 Rahming, Prince 60 Rahming, Samuel 20 Wilson, Diann Melody 39

Town committee

members: Fresh Creek: Wayne A. Cleare Jr., Tavaris Green, Marvin Forbes, Rodney Hanna, Holly Martin, Prince Rahming, Deon Sweeting Behring Point & Cargill Creek: Obrian Brown, Felicia Asha Bowe, Donielle Goddard, Adonis Johnson, Tiska Tarn Ticia Mackey South Andros Polling division 1

Votes: Bain, Charmaine 11 Taylor, Bertram 24

Polling division 3A & 3B

Votes: Rahming, Joel 45 Rahming, Kavaughn 20 Rolle, Joshua 50

Polling division 3C

Votes: Smith, Jermaine Freeman 10

Tucker, Nicketa 13

Polling division 4

Votes: McKinney, Maislen 54 Smith, Abigail 59 Smith, Fairdale 51 Smith, Kaden 55 Rolle, Bernadette 33

Polling division 5A

Votes: Ferguson-Forbes, Wayde 10

Forbes, Marilyn 27 Francis, Gary 20

Polling division 6

Votes: Forbes, Locksley 12 Hunt-Duncombe, Thalia 28 Lloyd, Theron 4

Town committee members: Deep Creek & Kemps Bay: Estherlyn Holbert, Jeffery Johnson, Joel Rahming, Joshua Rolle, Lonix Smith, Bertrum Taylor, Nicketa Tucker. The Bluff & Long Bay Cays: Charmaine Ferguson, Marilyn Forbes, Thalia Duncombe-Hunt, Gary Francis, Maislen McKinney, James Pratt, Abigail Smith, Fairdale Smith, Kaden Smith

Longsworth, Marco

Uncontested (No Election Held)

Smith, Jeremiah A.

Polling division 3

Votes:

Pratt, Rodney Alonzo 8 Strachan, Stacy 48

Wilson, Erica Jenea 39

Polling division 4

Votes:

Bannister, Linda Louise 39

Brown, Harold Jermaine 4

Dorsette, Melissa 12

Polling division 5

Votes:

Adderley, Dwain Mario 41

Hanna, Joshua Caleb 50

King, Danson 35

Polling division 6

Votes: Brown, Clitus Warren Uncontested (No Election Held)

Seymour, Devon George

Polling division 7

Votes:

Young, Shenique Uncontested (No Election Held)

Polling division 8

Votes:

Francis, Desmond 21

Gilbert, Nathaniel 15

Town committee members:

Orange Creek: Marco

Longsworth & Jeremiah A.

Smith

Arthur’s Town: Stacy Strachan & Erica Jenea Wilson.

Old Bight: Clitus Warren Brown & Devon George Seymour.

The Bight: Linda Louise

Bannister, Dwain Mario

Adderley, Joshua Caleb

Hanna & Desmond Francis.

Bain’s Town, Zonicle hill & Porte Howe: Shenique

Young

Central Eleuthera

No results sent

Town committee

members:

Hatchet Bay: Patricia Bain, Carol Pinder & Sheretha Sands.

Gregory Town: Cordero

Rolle

South Eleuthera

Polling division 1

Votes: Allen, David 82

Carey, Lawrence 105

Carey, Ronald L. 119

Johnson, Jaden 143

McCartney, Shawna 118

Patram, Cranston 100

Pelecanos, Melinda 96

Taylor, Barbara 85

Polling division 2 & 3

Votes:

Bullard, Kevano 78

Culmer, Margaritta 141

Hill, Margarita 113

Kemp, Philip 107

Leary, La Shonda Shonell 143 Leary, Maxwell 115

Maynard, Danielle 152

Munnings, Shantina 92

Sands, Robert 68

Saunders, Yasmine 103

Symonette, Carla 113

Ward, Margaret 127

Polling division 5

Votes:

Collins, Craig 74

Delancy, Walter 35 Mackey, Teran 49

Smith, Daniel 44

Thompson, Clement 97

Young, McGregor James 66

Town committee members:

Rock Sound: Margaritta Culmer, Margarita Hill, La Shonda Leary, Maxwell Leary, Danielle Maynard, Carla Symonette, Margaret Ward.

Wemyss Bight Town: Craig Collins, Teran Mackey, Terika Miller, Clement Thompson, McGregor Young.

Deep Creek: Shanelle Delancy, Jackson Jolly, Julius Kemp, Franceta Miller.

Green Castle Town: Lillian Richards-Petty, Donald Wright.

Tarpun Bay Town: Lawrence Carey, Ronald L. Carey, Jaden Johnson, Shawna McCartney, Cranston Patram, Melinda Pelecanos, Barbara Taylor.

Exuma

Polling division 4

Votes: McKenzie, Preston Anthony 19

McKenzie, Sherrel Marcia 40

Polling division 6

Bimini

McPhee, Shavago 55

Polling division 11

Votes:

Johnson, Florence 23

Taylor, Nekera 57

Polling division 14

Votes: Brown, Teria Raquel 39 Patton-Curling, Keano Jamal 53

Town committee members: West Exuma: Lernis Brown, Glenn Davis, Vernice Fulford, Sherrel McKenzie, Kim Marlene McKinney, Shavago McPhee & Clayton Smith

East Exuma: Janereas Curtis, Alvarez K. Ferguson, Theophilis Gray, Olivia McPhee, Monique G. Morley, Keano PattonCurling, Glenroy Dominic Rolle, Clifford Strachan, Nekera Taylor.

East Grand Bahama

Polling division 2A

Votes: Baillou, Eric 47

Bartlett, Nolan 48 Mackey, Shanell Patrice 56 Roberts, Ericka 35 Roberts, Shavanya Eugeina 70 Roberts, Rafaleta Evelyn 55

Polling division 6

Votes: Bain, Daniel 38

Leathen, Kendal 55 Thomas, Geno Ethon 49 Ingraham, Ricardo Alonzo 37

Polling division 9B Bonaby, Craig Anthony 21 Cooper, Helena 39 Lightbourne-Edden, Valerie 38

Town committee members:

High Rock: Daniel Bain, Nolan Bartlett, Kendal Leathen, Shanell Patrice Mackey, Rafaleta Evelyn Roberts, Shavanya Eugeina Roberts & Geno Ethan Thomas.

Freetown: Helena Andrea Cooper, Valcint McDonald Cooper, Beulahmae Higg, Valerie Lightbourne-Edden

West Grand Bahama

Polling division 2

Votes:

Adderley, Jean Tristan 26 Hanna, Constance 53 Williams, Sasha 83 Polling division 3

Adderley, Keisha 104 Hield, Ericka 122

Knowles, Lena 109

Miller, Sonia 80

Sears, Anathasa 90

Polling division 4 Brown, Roy 100 Dean, Shinique Coreen 137 Rolle, Rudolp Valentino 88

Polling division 7

Burrows, Kevin 90 Davis, Lorna 91

Moxey, Quinton 49

Rollins, Sandra 71

Jones, Sellie 95 Martin, Jamael 52

Mufford, Rena 40 Russell, Edmund 98

Polling division 13

Delancy, Laurice 52 Forbes, Shantell 54 (TIE)

Gray, Marilyn 23

Hepburn, Anthony 68 Russell, Marvette 54 (TIE)

Polling division 14

Alviant, Chinica 38 Gray, Babara 16

Moore, Rhonda 27

Town committee members:

Pinder’s Point: Johnyk Bevans, Rochelle HiggsRussell, Nikia Hunt, Benedict Russell, Simone Russell, George Willie & Leslie Woodside.

Eight Mile Rock West: Roy Brown, Kevin Burrows, Lorna Davis, Shinique Dean, John Missick, Walford Carmen Rolle, Denise Russell, George Smith & Joyann Stuart. West End: Keisha

Adderley, Janice Grant, Constance Hanna, Ericka Hield, Lena Knowles, Enid McDonald, Abednego Newton, Anathasa Sears & Sasha Williams.

Long Island

Polling division 4

Votes: Knowles, Ian Vaughn 99

Knowles, Jude Augustine 90

Knowles, Kendrick George 59

Simmons, Dawn Katrina 22

Polling division 5

Votes: Burrows, Kevin 50

Rolle, Jennyilee 44

Treco, David 25

Polling division 8

Votes: Knowles, Leanthia 63

Pinder, David 52

Shearer, Nekia 50

Polling division 9

Votes: Bain, Tangela 79

Burrows, Eddington 62

Capron, Kendrick 94

Glinton, Marina Melissa 99

Smith, James Vernon 86

Acklins

Polling division 4

Votes: Virgil, Mario 59

Williamson, Garron 60 Johnson, Whitney 61 Johnson, Melissa 20

Polling division 6

Votes: Beneby, Princess 9 Campbell, Marvin 23

Town committee members: Marvin Campbell, Mario Virgil, Whitney Johnson, Garron Williamson, Eddison Rose, Marcia Forbes, Audreyanna Anderson, Renado Taylor & Donald Ferguson.

Berry Island

Uncontested (No Election Held)

Polling division 8

Votes: Roberts, Lorrick Charles 79

Robins, Elshadre Stephen Carrington 138

Rolle, Glenrick Zhivago 113

Rolle, Hyram Veto 33

Rolle Ellis, Mendezha Lynette 113

Toote McKenzie, Jeree Renett 47

Polling division 9

Votes:

Brennen, Tanaria J. 33 Lockhart, Da’rien Santino 32

Russell, Indera Gandy 63 Saunders, Kitty Jane 59 Stuart, Keojah Shiloh Leah 48

Polling division 10 Votes: Brennen, Jaquan Marcio 76 Rolle, Triska Amadine 127 Saunders, Montez Marie 114

Polling division 11 Votes: (no results listed)

Candidates: Edgecombe, Lloyd John, Deveaux, Tarri Adawnis, Robins, Dale Ambrouse, Rolle, Paul Michael, Stuart, Mattinique Isoldé Roseanne. Exuma Cays (Black Point)

Polling division 2

Votes: Black, Kendal 85 Brown, Silvanna 46

Nairn, William 62

Rolle, Alfred Loan 67 Rolle, Carlos 79 Rolle, Malachi 44 Town committee members: Kendal Black, Remon Ennis, Alfred Loan Rolle, Alfed Rudolph Rolle, Carlos Rolle, Osten Rolle & Stephen L. Miller.

City of Freeport – Central Grand Bahama

Polling divisions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 8, 9, 11A, 12, 13A & 14

Votes: Carey, Marco Antonio 349

Fertil-Saunders, Michelda 207 Jones, Shakaara Georgette 153 Prosper, Precious Quineilia 300 Sawyer, Ashley 201

City of Freeport – East Grand Bahama

3, 4, 7, 8, 9A, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16

Votes: Adderley, Rachad Ramanno 393

Curry, Jordan Alexander 417 Newton, Roland Elexander 319

Palacious, Justin Castio 298

City of Freeport – Marco City

Polling divisions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, &15

Cat Island

Murphy, Mario 54

Newton, Elizabeth 64

Newton, Pollyann 28

Polling division 2

Votes:

Votes: Collins, Collette Andrea 36 McKinney, Kim Marlene 58

Polling division 10A Ferguson, Natashia 38 Wildgoose, Larry Spence S. 41 Polling division 12

Town committee members: Norman Alfred Bastian, Kevin Arlington Wallace, Kevin Christian Wallace

Votes: Culmer II, Kendal Huartworth 631

A WOMAN shows here dipped thumb after voting in the recent local government elections.

What do Trump’s executive orders say on tariffs and how would they work?

BEACH Associated Press

WITH a trio of executive orders, President Donald Trump has almost instantly thrown the world economy and his own goal of cutting inﬂation into turmoil.

His tariffs against Canada and Mexico in order to stop illegal immigration and the illicit fentanyl trade led to retaliatory taxes by both countries on U.S. imports.

He placed an additional 10% tariff on imports from China with the stated goal of stopping the production of fentanyl.

But on a deeper level, Trump suddenly hit the U.S. economy with tax increases that, if sustained, could total more than $1 trillion in 10 years. He did so without congressional approval and by his own acknowledgement at the perilous chance of “some pain” in the form of higher inﬂation, job losses and worse growth.

Here’s an explanation of what Trump’s executive orders say and how they work: What is the International Emergency Economic Powers Act?

This is the 1977 law that helped enable Trump to declare an economic emergency in the executive orders and implement his tariffs. There are more than three dozen active emergencies, including measures taken to respond to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, human rights violations in Venezuela, nuclear weapon

development in North Korea and multiple actions taken by China and Russia. The law enables a president to freeze and block transactions in response to “unusual and extraordinary” threats outside the United States.

What are the tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China?

The tariffs would start at the beginning of Tuesday. There would be an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada, with a lower 10% charge on the oil, natural gas, electricity and other energy products. Energy products were taxed at a lower level to prevent U.S. consumers and businesses

from paying higher prices for gasoline and utilities. Mexican imports would face an additional 25% tax. China would face an additional 10% tariff.

While Trump has said that foreigners pay these taxes, the tariffs would be paid by the individuals and companies bringing in the goods — which means this would be a domestic tax increase.

Why were the tariffs imposed?

Trump’s orders say the tariffs are a consequence of illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Not everyone will agree with his reasoning, as U.S. government reports show that

unauthorized border crossings from Mexico have fallen over the past year and seizures of fentanyl along the northern border are relatively low.

But Trump’s order on Mexico says that drug trafﬁckers and the country’s government “have an intolerable alliance” that “endangers the national security of the United States, and we must eradicate the inﬂuence of these dangerous cartels.” His order on Canada says that Mexican cartels are operating in that country and claims despite the modest amount of fentanyl intercepted that it would be enough to kill “9.5 million

Americans.” The order on China says that country’s government provides a “safe haven” for criminal organizations to “launder the revenues from the production, shipment, and sale of illicit synthetic opioids.”

Those are the stated legal reasons, but Trump has expressed a deep admiration to tariffs in general, claiming that they would make the United States wealthier even though they are tax hikes that can be passed along to consumers and businesses in the form of higher prices.

Could the tariffs be increased?

Yes. The orders are very clear that the U.S. president can respond to retaliatory actions — which are already planned as Canada and Mexico have their own counter-tariffs ready for U.S. products. Should they take action, Trump “may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order.” What’s key here is that the tariffs wouldn’t increase automatically. It would still be the U.S. president’s choice.

What’s this ‘de minimus’ language mean?

This is an important clause in the orders. When people import goods worth less than $800, like say a dress bought online from a European retailer, they don’t pay customs and duties on their purchase. This is legally known as the “de minimus” treatment, which suggests that the cost of what’s being imported

is too low to merit a tariff. That exclusion would no longer apply to products imported from Canada, Mexico and China.

Can Congress stop the tariffs?

It would require a new law that Trump would have to sign, which seems unlikely based on his statements. Still, Congress will have some oversight responsibilities as the order requires the Homeland Security Department in consultation with other agencies to “submit recurring and ﬁnal reports to the Congress on the national emergency.”

How can the tariffs be lifted?

The administration has not set any benchmarks for the other countries to meet, though a senior official suggested that declines in fentanyl-related deaths would be an option. What the order suggests is that the choice would ultimately be at Trump’s discretion. It orders Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to consult with her counterparts at the State and Justice departments, as well as White House officials. This specifically refers to the post at Homeland Security, rather than Noem specifically. But she would be able to inform the U.S. president of whether “adequate steps” have been taken to address the emergencies. It would then be up to the president to determine whether to remove the tariffs.

Local Govt election results, continued

Darville Jr., Ronald Audric 574

DeGregory, Demeardi

Lamar 362

Grant, Bernard Samuel 586

Malone , Berlina Darlene 345 City of Freeport

– Pineridge

Polling divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13.

Votes: Barr, Ernie 412

Cleare-Francis, Clifton

Antonio Deion 477

Jennings, Niesha 182 Strachan, Edwin Frederick 588

Town committee members: Central Grand Bahama: Marco Antonio Carey & Precious Quineilia Prosper. East Grand Bahama: Rachad Ramanno Adderley & Jordan Alexander Curry. Marco City: Kendal

Huartworth Culmer II, Ronald Audric Darville Jr. & Bernard Samuel Grant.

Pineridge: Clifton Antonio Deion Cleare Francis & Edwin Fredrick Strachan.

Crooked Island & Long

Cay Polling division 2

Votes: Bain, Edith Rosalie 20

Cunningham, Elvie

Eloise 17

Ferguson, Reuben Nicolas 12

Town committee members: Edith R. Bain, Elvie

Eloise Cunningham, David Allington Daxon, Kenneth Millington Farquharson, Patrick Donald Ferguson, Robert Velock Gibson, Dorcas Albertha Moss

Green Turtle Cay

Polling division 7

Votes: Butler, Elvardo 166

Cash, Wade 135

Curry, William Gregory 114 Levarity SR., Rontonio 190 McIntosh, Giselle 127 Newbold, Shenna 75

Sawyer, Claudia 123

Grand Cay (North Abaco) Polling division 1

Votes: Cooper, Oliver 116

Curry, Jeremy 44 Johnson, Thomasina 49 Miller, Stacymae 72 Rolle, Gary 67 Rolle, Tony 95 Russell, George 124 Russell, Kenny 84 Russell, Lockhart Kennedy 70

Harbour Island Polling divisions 1, 2, & 3

Votes: Albury, Quinell 129 Grant, Mario Antione 421 Higgs, Gregg Michael 98 Higgs, Mayzina Amanda 205 Higgs, Justine 372 Hudson, Keishana 181 Major, Jovon 163 Percentie, Chanella S. 188 Roberts, Harvey I. 473 Roberts-Percentie, Joseph John H. W. 416 Sawyer, Jacquirria Amber 289 Wilson, Shonell-Maxcine 170

Town committee members: Mario Antione Grant, Mayzine Amanda Higgs, Justine Higgs, Chanella S. Percentie, Harvey Roberts, Joseph John H.W. Roberts-Percentie & Jacquirria Sawyer

Great Abaco Cays

Polling division 3

Votes: Albury, Sharomon Ruth 38

Alcime, Lifaite 87 Cash, Gladys 83 Cash, James Todd 52 Gale, Jeffery 46 Mernard, Junior 36 Patterson, Deborah 54 Roberts, Stephen Donald 86

Inagua

Polling divisions 11 & 12

Votes: Bain, Clarice. 148 Burrows-Archer, Andrea 96 Cartwright, Anita. 146 Harris, George. 162 Ingraham, Bertram. 149 Jolly, Fremando. 119 Lindo, Elva. 111 Moutrie, Nicolle. 177 Mullings, Dean. 138 Nixon, Gabrielle. 133 Palacious, Latoya. 190

Rolle, Kennard. 90

Rolle, Vanessa 105

Town committee mem-

bers: Clarice Bain, Anita Cartwright, George Harris, Bertram Ingraham, Nicolle

Moutrie, Dean Mullings & Latoya Palacious.

Mangrove Cay

Polling division 7

Votes: Clarke-Deveaux, Andrea 64 Johnson, Bernadette 23

Jones, Ricardo Vincent 59

Major, Maliancha 62

Smith, Christopher Byron 22

Taylor, Nicholas 62

Town commitee mem-

bers: Jordan Elizabeth

Bain, Andy Anthony Bowleg, Andrea ClarkeDeveaux, Jeffery Jolly, Maliacha Major, Stephen Herman Moxey, Nicholas Taylor.

Mayaguana

Polling division 9

Votes:

Brooks, Frenchi 27

Brown, Cleveland 35

Charlton, Ayesha 20

Farrington, Clayton 22

Polling division 10

Votes:

McPhee, Luann 16

Murphy, Melony Monique 16

Rolle, Terry Leola 8

Moore’s Island

Polling division 12

Votes: Davis, Holly 126 Johnson, Ganvia 113 Johnson, Shantell 148 McBride, Sharanda 55 Stuart, Dalson Cecil 92

Stuart, Verna Lee 62 Williams, Anthony 77 North Eleuthera

Polling division 7

Votes: Albury, Aldred 10 Sawyer, Bonnie Ann 19

Smith-Greene, Cherene 16

Polling division 9

Votes: Hasty, Arnold 51

Hudson, Emmerson 47

Polling division 10

Votes:

Bain, Elvis 76

Johnson, Damari J’Quay

102 Johnson, Dominic Troy

121

Kelly, Jacklin 99 Munroe, James 117

Neilly, Vernon 98

Town committee members: Ricardo Belle, Arnold Hasty, Damari J’Quav Johnson, Dominic Troy Johnson, James Munroe, Walter Munroe, BonnieAnne Sawyer.

Ragged Island Uncontested (No Election Held)

Town committee members: Carl Wagner Lockhart Jr., Terry Lockhart & Amal Romell Smith

Rum Cay Uncontested (No Election Held)

San Salvador Uncontested (No Election Held)

Spanish Wells Polling divisions 4, 5 & 6

Votes: Albury, Dean 60 Albury, Herbert Wilson 63 Curry, Neil 34 Higgs, Jonathan Harvey

45 Pinder, Kole Martin 62 Roberts, Robert 63 Sturrup, Dahlia Mae 84 Underwood, Esdale K. 95

Town committee members: Dean Albury, Herbert Wilson Albury, Neil Curry, Jonathan Harvey Higgs, Kole Martin Pinder, Robert Roberts, , Dahlia Mae Sturrup, Esdale K. Underwood. Sweeting Cay Polling division 1

Votes: Burrows, Princess Evone 48 Feaster, Dean 29 Feaster, Floyd Michael 45 Roberts-Adderley, Neceva 34 Russell, Gladstone Alexander 47 Tate, Bazel 41 Tate, Shervin Nelson 42 Town committee members:

Princess Evone Burrows, Floyd Michael Feaster, Gladstone Alexander Russell, Bazel Tate & Shervin Nelson Tate.

PALM

NATIONAL flags representing the United States, Canada, and Mexico fly in the breeze in New Orleans where leaders of the North American Free Trade Agreement met on April 21, 2008.

Photo: Judi Bottoni/AP

A MAN casts his ballot during local government elections in Grand Bahama.

Junior Junkanoo parade results

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

CR Walker Senior High, St John’s College, CH Reeves Junior High School, Judith P Thompson Primary and Refresher for Kids Preschool emerged as winners in various divisions of last week’s Junior Junkanoo parade.

In the Senior High School Division, CR Walker Senior High secured ﬁrst place with 1,950 points, CI Gibson Senior High followed in second place with 1,887 points, while RM Bailey Senior High ﬁnished third with 1,836 points.

CR Walker claimed the Best Group Performance, Best Group Costume, and choreography categories, while CI Gibson won in the music and banner categories.

In the All-Age School Division, St John’s College achieved the highest overall score with 1,930 points, followed by Lyford Cay International College with 1,882, and Jordan Prince William.

St John’s College also dominated the Best Group Performance, choreography, and music categories, while Lyford Cay International College claimed ﬁrst place in Best Group Costume and banner.

CH Reeves swept all categories for the Junior High School Division and placed ﬁrst overall with 942 points.

TA Thompson Junior High followed with 859 points, while AF Adderley Junior High came in third with 790 points.

Judith P Thompson Primary School secured the top spot in the primary school division with 951

points. Eva Hilton Primary School placed second with 935 points, and Carlton Francis Primary School ﬁnished third with 864 points. Judith P Thompson dominated the division, winning Best Group Performance, choreography, music, and banner categories, while Eva Hilton Primary School won Best Group Costume. In the Preschool Division, Refresher for Kids earned the highest overall score with 920 points, followed by One On One with 892 and Coconut Grove Preschool with 749. Refresher for Kids also won the banner category with 452 points.

This year’s Junior Junkanoo saw increased participation, with 29 schools and three community groups competing, bringing the total to 31 groups.

CHILDREN from Pre-school Division winners Refresher for Kids Pre-school on Bay Street Thursday.

JUDITH P Thompson Primary School captured top prize in the Primary School Division.

CH Reeves Junior High School won the Junior High School Division.

CR Walker Senior High School are the victors in the Senior High School Division.

A YOUNG drummer from One on One Pre-School.

ST John’s College High School were crowned the winners in the All Age High School Division.

TA Thompson Junior High School.

LYFORD Cay International.

CI Gibson Senior High School.

EVA Hilton Primary School.

Images from the Junior Junkanoo

The Caribbean’s moment: Catalysing growth through ‘One Caribbean’

By ILAN GOLDFAJN President of the IDB

THE Caribbean stands at a potential inﬂection point. The region faces signiﬁcant challenges around extreme weather events, citizen security, low productivity and growth, as well as food security. Yet, amidst these challenges, there is vast potential for growth by turning these challenges into opportunities, such as leveraging regional collaboration through our “ONE Caribbean” initiative to increase jobs.

Working together to seize on this potential will be a key issue on the agenda of ﬁnance ministers when they meet in Nassau today for the annual meeting of the Governors of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for the Caribbean. In many ways, The Bahamas is a perfect venue to have this debate, as the country has shown remarkable resilience and progress in dealing with these challenges and has been steadfast in implementing reforms that lay the groundwork for long term growth and sustainability.

The challenges we face

Our region is highly vulnerable to extreme

BY ILAN GOLDFAJN PRESIDENT OF THE IDB

weather events. Every year, between June and November, the region faces potential catastrophic damage from the hurricane season. Hurricanes Beryl and Elsa wreaked havoc on Jamaica and Barbados, while Hurricane Dorian alone cost The Bahamas $3.4 billion or 12% of GDP.

Low growth rates resulting from limited investment are leading to bottlenecks to boosting productivity and limiting opportunities for the private sector. The Caribbean’s dependence on imported food leaves the region subject to price shocks that raise the cost of living and undermine gains in nutrition.

Violent crime is a persistent problem that ranks top among citizen

concerns. Homicide rates in the Caribbean are three times that of the global average, according to United Nations ﬁgures, while robberies and extortion by organized crime groups hinder our region’s economic development.

ONE Caribbean: A collective vision

These are challenges that transcend borders and affect all sectors of the economy. Their magnitude is such that no country can solve them alone. Regional collaboration is key to integrating markets, reducing costs, protecting shared resources and ensuring that growth beneﬁts everyone. This is where the IDB, as the region’s main development partner, comes in by offering region-wide initiatives and solutions.

ONE Caribbean embodies that spirit. Launched in 2024, together with governments in the Caribbean, the initiative seeks to enhance climate resilience, increase growth and promote social development across the region, in line with the IDB Group’s core objectives and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative focuses on four pillars:

1. Climate Adaptation

and Resilience and Disaster Risk Management – Building resilient infrastructure and increasing the use of renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel imports.

2. Citizen Security - Strengthening citizen security improves lives while removing a key barrier to economic development. Our ONE Safe Caribbean initiative, part of our Alliance for Security, Justice and Development, is set to address this challenge collectively.

3. Private-sector development – Greater integration can yield scale and harness the varied capabilities across the region helping to spur private sector engagement. IDB Invest, our private sector wing, and IDB Lab, our innovation laboratory, are working with the Caribbean private sector to expand these opportunities.

4. Food security - Boosting domestic agricultural production and improving trade facilities can reduce costs and provide more stable supplies while providing nutritious food for all.

ONE Caribbean leverages ﬁnancing from the IDB, private sector, and other partners to maximise

impact. Our role as a strategic partner is anchored in deep experience driving successful regional projects.

The road ahead

But the IDB’s support does not stop there. Through our new approach that we call IDBImpact+, we are transforming how we work to deliver greater scale and impact across the region. This ambitious agenda includes several reforms and initiatives, designed to increase our effectiveness, align resources with measurable outcomes, and strengthen our capacity to tackle the most pressing challenges in the Caribbean and throughout Latin America.

The Impact+ include enhancing our scale by increasing our overall annual lending capacity to LAC by $5 billion (a 40% increase) to reach $19 billion by 2030, with a focus on maximising impact through clear, evidence-based metrics for reducing poverty, tackling climate change, and boosting sustainable growth. Additionally, reforms to IDB Invest, our private sector arm and IDB Lab, our venture capital arm, will drive private capital, entrepreneurship, and

innovation.

Our strategic vision positions the IDB as a knowledge partner and a bridge to global opportunities for the region. From school reforms in the Dominican Republic to initiatives boosting female labor participation in Belize, we are transforming challenges into opportunities for the Caribbean and Latin America. By aligning regional initiatives like ONE Caribbean with national priorities, we are delivering tangible results through actionable insights, technical assistance, and targeted investments.

IDB and the Caribbean - a shared vision for a more prosperous future

The Caribbean and the IDB share a vision for a brighter future. Together, we can transform obstacles into opportunities, fostering a region that thrives economically, protects its environment, and creates opportunities for all its people.

Now is the time to act. Increased regional collaboration is not just an option—it’s a necessity. By investing in our shared progress, we can ensure that our region fulﬁlls its immense potential.

Hamas: An obstacle to peace and prosperity in Gaza and the region

By EINAT KRANZ NEIGER, D esignated ambassador of Israel

to The Bahamas

THE chaotic handover of the three released women to the Red Cross—who endured 470 days of horriﬁc conditions in the tunnels of the Gaza Strip—was a grotesque spectacle in which the victims were displayed before a hostile crowd, summarising Hamas’ barbarism.

The release took place thanks to the agreement that Israel signed a few days ago with the terrorist organisation Hamas, in which the ﬁrst stage will see the release of 33 out of the 97 hostages still held in Gaza, over a period of six weeks.

This will come at a very high cost for Israel, as it will have to release around 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned for participating in and carrying out acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians.

We have reached a point where the international community must confront this reality: with Hamas, there is no hope. It is an obstacle to peace and stability, and its continued control over Gaza means ruin for both the Palestinians and the region. The evidence is there, for all to see. It is important to remember that Hamas does not represent all Palestinians, many of whom live under the oppression of this group. It is recognised in many countries as a

terrorist organisation, with a radical jihadist agenda similar to groups like ISIS. The immense brutality of Hamas was exposed on the morning of October 7, 2023. The unprecedented attack its forces launched against Israel is well known: bombing cities and towns, burning homes, raping and mutilating, killing over 1,200 civilians, and kidnapping more than 250 people, including children, babies, and the elderly.

Although the population of Israel continues to face the consequences of these acts, the suffering is not limited to them. The inhabitants of the Gaza Strip also suffer from Hamas’ government, which, while claiming to defend “Palestinian liberation”, has prioritised dictatorship and militarisation over the well-being of its people, weaponising humanitarian aid as a tool of oppression and redirecting resources towards

building tunnels and acquiring weapons.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a direct consequence of Hamas’ misrule, which reduced the Strip to a landscape of despair even before October 7. Gaza’s basic infrastructure was in ruins, the economy was in freefall, healthcare was inadequate, and unemployment was at alarming levels.

Hamas’ obsession with armed conﬂict has trapped the Palestinians in

perpetual suffering, with no vision for a future beyond war. The most ﬂagrant example is the construction of hundreds of kilometers of tunnels, where Hamas also imprisons and tortures Israeli hostages, but denies entry to Gaza’s citizens in order to take refuge.

Hamas’ dominance over Gaza makes any hope for a better future difﬁcult. For its inhabitants, this means living under a regime that prioritizes violence over

prosperity. For Israelis, it means enduring relentless attacks that disrupt lives and undermine the hope for peace. For the region as a whole, Hamas represents a destabilising force that perpetuates cycles of hostility and promotes radical Islamism and Iranian interests. In fact, Hamas’ loyalty to Iran—the so-called “Axis of Evil”—further entangles the region in turmoil, as Tehran’s inﬂuence fuels extremism and aggression.

The international community must recognise that a Gaza Strip governed by Hamas offers no path to peace, only the continuation of conﬂict, suffering, and instability for both Palestinians and Israelis. The elimination of this terrorist organization is not only in Israel’s interest, but a regional necessity. Without Hamas, Gaza could be rebuilt, and both its inhabitants and Israelis could begin to envision a future free of conﬂict.

It is imperative that the global community act decisively and support efforts to dismantle Hamas’ power structure. The continuation of this group’s rule guarantees despair for the Palestinians, fear for the Israelis, and lasting instability for the region. The world must not stand idly by; now is the time to envision and act for a future in which the shadow of Hamas no longer looms over the Middle East.

PALESTINIAN militants driving back to the Gaza strip during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Photo: Ali Mahmud/AP

A ‘Man’ for all seasons

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS from all walks of life gathered at the New Bethlehem Baptist Church to pay their last respects to the late Dwaine Stevens, who was considered a “Man’ for all seasons.

Not only did the 53-yearold Stevens make his impact as a trade unionist and a political activist, but he was a former basketball coach who helped to nurture a number of young men with the Wolverines programme and he died on January 5 as the president of the New Providence Softball Association, immediate past president of the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association and would have been a candidate for the presidency of the Bahamas Softball Federation.

Stevens, according to Minister Glenroy Bodie, the moderator for the service, was remembered for the role he played as a member of the New Bethlehem Baptist Church’s softball team.

But Bodie said while coming out to watch the team play in the Baptist Sports Council, now known as the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation, Stevens told him something that “discouraged me” from playing. Bodie, however, declined to reveal exactly what was said.

However, New Bethlehem’s pastor, Rev Tyrone Laing, a former softball pitcher, spoke on the topic of “Time,” leaving the audience with an inspiring message on why they should not waste time in getting things done. It may have been a message too late to encourage Bodie to change his mind.

During the service, Peter Outten described his days growing up in the home of Stevens’ parents Helen and Jefferson ‘Iron’ Stevens. They attended school together at Willard Patton, Primary, HO Nash Junior High and CC Sweeting Senior High.

But Outten said they both ventured into politics where they opposed each other for the ﬁrst time.

But their relationship remained tightly connected, just as it was when he and other students relied on Stevens to do their homework.

Member of Parliament for Bains & Grants Town, Wayde Watson, a basketball coach, said Stevens was a “man,” who touched the lives of so many people in their community through the game of basketball.

And Rev Leroy Major, the pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, said when he met Stevens in church, he couldn’t understand why he was called “Man.”

He suggested that maybe it was because his father was nicknamed Iron and when Stevens was born, he wanted to complete his name, so he called him “Man.” Major, who is also the MP for Southern Shores, said it was “Man” who helped him to secure his victory at the polls, so he owes him a debt of gratitude.

He assured the family that he would support them

in any way he can in honour of Stevens. Rev Clinton Minnis, the pastor of Providence Baptist Church, also spoke, bringing to light Stevens’ role as a trade unionist. Minnis, a former union member and president, said as a former government employer at various departments, he remembered how Stevens fought for Registrar Generals’ ofﬁce where he last served until he retired. During his retirement, Stevens went full force into the administration of softball.

He ﬁrst became the president of the BGDSA and added to his portfolio, the

president of the NPSA at the same time.

He relinquished his post in the BGDSA to Cara Curtis after he claimed that he didn’t feel it was right for the National Authority to charge the BSDSA to use the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, which the government workers created for their recreational activities. He remained with the NPSA and was gearing up to challenge for the presidency of the BSF, which held its election of ofﬁcers on Friday night during their annual general meeting, electing Marvin ‘Togie’ Wood as the new president, replacing Jennifer

Isaacs-Dotson, who didn’t seek re-election.

Players and administrators from the BGDSA, the NPSA and the BBSF plan to honour him during the opening of their season this month. There were also players and executives from Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Andros, Exuma and Long Island in attendance.

Stevens left behind a host of relatives, many of whom also participated in sports along with his father and siblings, including Leonardo, Darren and Thela and Tory Stevens, Rhonda Kelly, Karen Richardson and Suzette Sweeting. May

peace.

BROTHER Darren Stevens puts the ashes on the cofﬁn of his deceased brother Dwaine “Man” Stevens as the other brother and the clerymen look on.

his soul rest in

NEW Bethlehem’s pastor Rev Tyrone Laing leads the precession into Woodlawn Gardens for the late Dwaine ‘Man’ Stevens.

THE COFFIN of the late Dwaine ‘Man’ Stevens is lifted by the pallbearers into Woodlawn Gardens.

on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

LeBron James triple-double leads Lakers over Knicks 128-112

NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James had 33 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in his 10th triple-double of the season, enjoying another memorable night at Madison Square Garden and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128112 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday.

James improved to 23-8 at his favourite arena to visit, easily surpassing the 28 points per game he had been averaging in the building. He also became the seventh NBA player with 2,500 3-pointers. James made three of the Lakers’ 19, one off their season high.

Austin Reaves added 27 points and Rui Hachimura had 21 for the Lakers, who shot 58% from the ﬁeld.

Josh Hart had 26 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in his seventh triple-double of the season, but the Knicks had their ﬁve-game winning streak snapped. Jalen Brunson added 17 points and Mikal Bridges had 16.

JAZZ 113, MAGIC 99

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Collin Sexton scored 22 points and John Collins added 19 to help Utah snap an eight-game losing streak with a victory over Orlando.

Sexton also dished out seven assists for the Jazz, who won at home for just the fourth time this season.

Walker Kessler had 15

rebounds while Lauri Markkanen added 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.

Franz Wagner led Orlando with 37 points, while making a careerhigh 18 free throws. Cole Anthony added 23 for the Magic, who have lost six straight away from home and eight of their last nine games overall.

Orlando cut a doubledigit deﬁcit to 39-35 early in the second quarter behind three straight baskets from Anthony, Paolo Banchero, and Jett Howard. Utah pulled away for good before halftime. Sexton drove for a pair of layups and made four free throws to fuel a 15-3 run that extended the Jazz lead to 54-38. Utah led by double digits throughout the second half. PACERS 132, HAWKS 127 INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Pascal Siakam made a key 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter and ﬁnished with 20 points, nine rebounds and ﬁve assists to help Indiana beat reeling Atlanta.

Andrew Nembhard had 19 points for the Pacers, who have won three straight. Obi Toppin added 18 points and nine rebounds, and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and nine assists.

Trae Young scored 26 of his 34 points in the second half, leading the Hawks back from an early 18-point deﬁcit to retake the lead

midway through the third quarter. He also had 17 assists. Dyson Daniels ﬁnished with 23 points as Atlanta lost its eighth in a row. Indiana looked as if it would run away early, but the Hawks steadily climbed back and retook the lead midway through the third. The teams traded leads throughout the fourth quarter, but Indiana seized control when Siakam’s 3 with 3:20 to go spurred an 11-3 run.

NUGGETS 107, HORNETS 104

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Nicola Jokic had 28 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds for his 22nd triple-double of the season to help Denver beat Charlotte. Christian Braun added 24 points and 11 rebounds, Jamal Murray scored 20 points and Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Nuggets were coming off a 137-134 victory in Philadelphia on Friday night.

Miles Bridges had 24 points and 12 rebounds for Charlotte, and Mark Williams had 20 points and 15 rebounds. The Hornets have lost four straight. Charlotte trailed by 17 in the ﬁrst half and took its ﬁrst lead at 104-100 with 51 seconds left on Bridges’ consecutive baskets.

NETS 110, ROCKETS 98 HOUSTON (AP) — Ziaire Williams had 21

RJ BARRETT SCORES 20 AS RAPTORS BEAT CLIPPERS FOR 8TH WIN IN 10 GAMES

By IAN HARRISON Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) — RJ Barrett scored 20 points, Jakob Poeltl had 10 points and 10 rebounds and the Toronto Raptors beat the Los Angeles Clippers 115108 yesterday for their eighth win in the past 10 games.

Gradey Dick scored 18 points and Scottie Barnes had 15 as the Raptors snapped a ﬁve-game losing streak against the Clippers.

Ochai Agbaji had 12 points, Immanuel Quickley scored 11 and Ja’Kobe

Walter scored 10 as seven Toronto players reached double digits. James Harden had 25 points and Ivica Zubac scored 18 for the Clippers, who lost for the ﬁrst time in three games. Kevin Porter Jr. had 17 points for Los Angeles while Kawhi Leonard scored 14. Harden shot 7 for 20 and made 2 of 9 from 3-point range. He went 9 for 9 at the free-throw line. Before tipoff, some fans booed during the playing of the American national anthem. Similar reactions

broke out Saturday night at NHL games in Canada.

Takeaways Clippers: Harden shot 1 for 7 in the third and missed all four of his 3-point attempts. The Clippers combined to shoot 7 for 25 in the quarter, going 2 for 10 from long range. Raptors: Toronto won for the second time in 11 games this season with Quickley in the lineup. The guard returned Friday after missing eight games because of an injured left hip. Key stat The Raptors shot 8 for 9 on fast-break opportunities

points, D’Angelo Russell added 18 and Brooklyn won consecutive games for the ﬁrst time since November with a victory over short-handed Houston.

The Nets, who beat Charlotte on Wednesday night, won two games in a row for the ﬁrst time since a threegame winning streak from Nov. 24-27.

The Rockets were playing without Alperen Sengun, who missed a second straight game with a bruised calf, and lost Fred VanVleet to an ankle injury in the second quarter.

Brooklyn led by double digits for most of the night and used a big run early in the third quarter to push its advantage to 18 and cruise to the win.

Jalen Green had 29 to lead the Rockets, who lost a second straight after winning their previous four games.

THUNDER 144, KINGS 110 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Aaron Wiggins had a career-high 41 points and 14 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Sacramento Kings 144-110 on Saturday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 29 points and nine assists for the Thunder, who set a season best for points and rebounds (70), including 14 by centre Isaiah Hartenstein, 13 by Jayline Williams and 11 by Kenrich Williams. Wiggins, starting in place of injured forward

Jalen Williams, made 16 of 30 ﬁeld goal attempts and shot 6 of 14 on 3-pointers. He scored 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Lu Dort had 20 points and eight rebounds for Oklahoma City, which scored 82 points in the ﬁrst half to take control.

De’Aaron Fox had 20 points for the Kings. Malik Monk added 19 points and seven assists, and DeMar DeRozan scored 17.

WIZARDS 105, TIMBERWOLVES 103 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kyle Kuzma scored a season-high 31 points and Washington beat shorthanded Minnesota to end a 16-game losing streak.

Jordan Poole scored 19 points, Bilal Coulibaly had 14 and Jonas Valanciunas added 13 points and 10 rebounds to help Washington win for the seventh time this season.

Washington, which led by seven with under four minutes to play, turned the ball over with 11 seconds left clinging to a two-point lead. But a 3-point try by Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker rimmed out with three seconds left.

Corey Kispert grabbed the rebound and the Wizards ended a 21-game road slide.

Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 23 points and 12 rebounds — his ﬁrst career game with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Rudy Gobert had 16 points and 16 rebounds, but

Minnesota’s ﬁve-game winning streak ended. HEAT 105, SPURS 103 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Bam Adebayo hit a 19-foot jumper as time expired to cap a 30-point, 13-rebound outing and give Miami a victory over San Antonio with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama sitting out because of an undisclosed illness.

Miami guard Terry Rozier added 19 points in his ﬁrst game since being named in a federal investigation looking into unusual betting patterns surrounding his play in March 2023 while with the Charlotte Hornets. Nikola Jovic had 14 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 10. Keldon Johnson led San Antonio with 19 points. Wembanyama was ruled out 40 minutes prior to the game with an undisclosed illness. Selected to his ﬁrst All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve Thursday, he missed his sixth game this season.

Adebayo was 13 for 21 from the ﬁeld and had nine defensive rebounds as Miami won for the third time in four games.

The Spurs will not play in San Antonio again until March 2 as they embark on their annual lengthy road trip as a livestock show and rodeo is held in the Frost Bank Center.

The Spurs will host games in Austin on Feb. 20 and 21.

in the third, outscoring the Clippers 17-2. Key Moment Poeltl’s dunk with 6:48 remaining in the third kicked off a 12-2 spurt for

LOS Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) follows through on a three-point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks

Up next Both teams play on Tuesday night, when the Raptors host the Knicks and LA Clippers host the LA Lakers.

LOS Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, tries to get around Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett, top, during ﬁrst-half

basketball game action in Toronto yesterday.

Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Deandre Ayton leads Trail Blazers to 127-108 victory over Suns in opener of two-game set

By ERIK GARCIA GUNDERSEN Associated Press

PORTLAND, Oregon

(AP) — Deandre Ayton had 24 points on 11-of-12 shooting against his former team and the Portland Trail Blazers opened a two-game set against the Phoenix Suns with a 127-108 victory on Saturday night.

The teams are scheduled to meet again tonight in Portland.

Jerami Grant added 20 points for Portland, and Toumani Camara had 18 points.

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 37 points, and Kevin Durant had 22.

The Suns were on the second night of a

back-to-back after beating Golden State 130-105 on Friday.

After Portland took a 61-46 halftime lead, Booker was fouled on a 3-pointer on the ﬁrst play after halftime, sparking a personal run of 15 straight Phoenix points.

Durant’s 3-pointer — the ﬁrst non-Booker points in the quarter for Phoenix — made it 74-64, but that was as close as the Suns got in the period.

Takeaways Suns: Phoenix centre Nick Richards has made his presence felt during his ﬁrst seven games since coming over in a trade from Charlotte.

“He gives us a presence inside. A guy that can come

and block shots, rebounds and handle the glass,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Trail Blazers: Secondyear forward Toumani Camara was named to the NBA Rising Stars roster as an injury replacement Friday. “I was obviously disappointed that he wasn’t named initially,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said. “I just think, especially for coaches, we appreciate guys like him.”

Key moment

Shaedon Sharpe’s windmill dunk with 4:05 left in the third quarter put the Blazers up by 18, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Key stat Portland outscored Phoenix 66-32 in the paint.

DONCIC HEADS TO LAKERS, DAVIS GOES TO MAVERICKS IN BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

THE trade was put together in secret, with only a precious few people knowing what was happening. Luka Doncic didn’t know. Anthony Davis didn’t know. Their coaches didn’t know. Their teammates didn’t know.

And then it happened — an absolute blockbuster.

Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, Davis won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and now they’re switching teams in a move that stunned most everyone in the league.

“I thought I’d spend my career here, and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” Doncic said in a written farewell message to Mavs fans. “The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

Doncic was traded by the reigning Western Conference champion Mavericks to the Lakers for Davis as part of a three-team deal. The trade was announced Sunday morning after the teams got the required league approval.

The trade talks, which took place over about a month, were kept extremely tight-lipped by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.

Mavs coach Jason Kidd’s ﬁrst reaction? “Shock,” Kidd said, though he later added that he believes it’s the right move for his team going forward.

Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris also headed to the Lakers, while Max Christie went to Dallas.

The Utah Jazz also were involved, getting Jalen Hood-Schiﬁno and a 2025 second-rounder from both the Mavs and Lakers.

“Sports are about transformative moments,” Pelinka said. “We are inspired by these moments Lakers fans know, expect and love with a franchise that continually ushers in new eras of greatness. ... Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come. His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team.”

The trade news broke shortly after the Lakers beat the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Davis was not with the Lakers for the game; he has been in Los Angeles because of an abdominal injury that needed assessing.

Doncic has not played for Dallas since Christmas, when he exited a game with a strained left calf. The trade may come at a serious price for Doncic, who now can’t sign a ﬁve-year supermax contract extension this summer that could have been worth around $345 million.

It was never clear if the Mavs would have offered such a massive deal. Doncic also would have had an option to leave as a free agent after the 2025-26 season, and it’s certain that other teams with hopes of landing the Slovenian star would have planned for such scenarios.

“There’s other teams that were loading up,” Harrison said Sunday. “He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out. We had to take all that into consideration and I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer.”

Doncic is still eligible for an extension this

summer, with the max that the Lakers could offer him being ﬁve years at about $230 million — a $115 million difference than what the supermax could have been.

“Luka absolutely did not deserve this. ... He really respected Dallas,” Sasa Doncic, Luka’s father, said on Slovenian television Sunday.

The deal pairs Doncic with LeBron James as the new 1-2 punch in Los Angeles, while Davis would be forming a new star duo with Kyrie Irving in Dallas. And it reunites Doncic with his former teammate, Lakers coach JJ Redick.

Doncic was one of the Mavericks players on the ﬂoor when Redick came out of a game for the ﬁnal time on May 11, 2021. For the Mavericks, the decision largely came down to what Davis does on the

defensive end of the ﬂoor.

“We think defence wins championships and we’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league,” Harrison said. He added that Davis’ ability to be elite at both ends makes him “a unique unicorn” in the NBA.

“We feel like we’re built to win now as well as in the future,” Harrison said.

There was one game still going on in the NBA late Saturday night as the trade began emerging, that being Phoenix-Portland. Suns guard Devin Booker said someone in the stands told him and his teammates of the trade.

“They said Luka. I said, ‘Luka Garza?’” Booker said, referencing a Minnesota center. Booker wasn’t trying to be funny. He just thought what many probably thought — that there was

no way the Mavs would move Doncic.

“It’s crazy, man. I really don’t know what to say about it,” Booker said.

“Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again. Can’t predict. It’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. So don’t think you’re safer than you are.” Added fellow Suns star Kevin Durant: “Insane. It’s crazy. Crazy. Damn, would of never thought Luka Doncic would get traded. At his age, midseason, the NBA is a wild place, man. If he can get traded then anybody is up for grabs.”

Dallas played at Cleveland on Sunday, while the Lakers are off until visiting the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. It’s not clear when Doncic or Davis could play for their new

CADE CUNNINGHAM’S 22 POINTS AND 15 ASSISTS LEAD PISTONS

By DAVE HOGG Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) —

Cade Cunningham had 22 points and 15 assists as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Chicago Bulls 127-119 yesterday.

The Pistons overcame a triple-double from Nikola Vucevic, who ﬁnished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and

10 assists. Cunningham, named to his first All-Star team earlier this week, didn’t have his best shooting night, going 10 for 23 from the floor and 2 for 6 on 3-pointers, but created easy baskets for his teammates all game. Jalen Duren added 21 points and 13 rebounds for Detroit, while sixth-man Malik Beasley scored 19. The Pistons finished with seven players in double figures. Coby White led Chicago with 22 points, while Josh Giddey added 20 points and 11 rebounds. A 3-pointer by Vucevic pulled the Bulls within 111-104 with 6:13 to play, but Chicago couldn’t string together enough stops to make a serious run.

clubs; there is no ﬁrm timetable for their returns from injury.

Among players with at least 400 games, Doncic’s 28.6-point average is third in NBA history behind only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain — both at 30.1.

He was third in the MVP voting last season after averaging 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game, easily one of the greatest seasons in league history. Doncic — who turns 26 later this month and refers to James as an “idol” — had a 73-point game against Atlanta on Jan. 26, 2024, tying the fourth-highest scoring total ever in an NBA game. Only Chamberlain (100), Kobe Bryant (81) and Chamberlain (78) scored more. Davis, an All-Star pick this year for the 10th time in his career, turns 32 next month. He’s part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, helped the Lakers win the NBA title in the bubble in 2020, and — like Doncic — is a ﬁve-time AllNBA selection.

Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists this season. Davis is averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds. Harrison understands the risk and the anger among some in the Mavs fan base; some people protested outside the team’s arena in Dallas on Sunday. He has traded away a young superstar, someone who easily could be one of the game’s best players for the next decade, for a player in his 30s with a challenging injury history.

“I understand the magnitude of it,” Harrison said.

“The easiest thing for me to do is do nothing and everyone would praise me for doing nothing. But we really believe in it and time will tell if I’m right.”

OVER BULLS 127-119

Cunningham set up dunks for Ausar Thompson and Duren followed by Tim Hardaway Jr. and Beasley hitting 3-pointers. Takeaways Bulls: Zach LaVine missed his third straight game for personal reasons. Pistons: Isaiah Stewart returned for the Pistons after serving a one-game suspension in Thursday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks. Key moment The Pistons outscored Chicago 34-19 in the second quarter, shooting 51.9% (14-27) from the ﬂoor while the Bulls were at 31.6% (6-19). Simone Fontecchio had nine points in the period while Cunningham added seven. Josh Giddey had six for Chicago.

PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton (2) dunks over Phoenix Suns centre Nick Richards (2) during the ﬁrst half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

DALLAS Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the ﬁrst half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Tuesday, December 12, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

NPBA: Tucker Boys, Rockets and YES Giants claim wins in triple header

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

PLAYERS and coaches alike received their ﬂowers on Friday night at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium as executives of the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) presented them with the 2023-24 season awards.

Additionally, the Discount Distributors Rockets were awarded $10,000 for winning the 2023-24 division one basketball crown against the Commonwealth Giants in last year’s NPBA ﬁnals.

While the off-court festivities were exciting, the on-court action featured some competitive matchups in Friday’s triple header.

YES Giants vs TYT Rockets

The Your Essential Giants (YES) had to dig deep to pull off a 77-74 victory in overtime against the TYT Enterprises Rockets.

Matthew Saunders paced the team in scoring with a game-high 27 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. He shot 45 per cent for the game. His teammates Javon Adderley and Kenvon Farrington pitched in 14 and 19 points respectively in the narrow win.

YES Giants head coach Perry Thompson spoke about how it felt to watch the team pull off the win down the stretch against the TYT Rockets.

“I think it was important for us. We didn’t play our best game but we tried to come out with the win and we did. We had some good defensive stops that greatly assisted us in coming out with the victory.

“We have to get back to the drawing board because we haven’t practiced in a little while fully as a unit but we have some things to go work on to get back in sync. Nonetheless, I am happy with the effort,” he said.

The contest was neckand-neck between the division two teams almost the entire way.

Through three quarters of play, the defending champions had a slim 51-50 lead to start the ﬁnal quarter.

The fourth period came down the wire as both teams refused to go down without a ﬁght.

The YES Giants were behind 67-66 with 1:29 to go until Matthew Saunders had his defender leaning and drained a stepback threepointer on the left wing to steal the lead 69-67.

The Rockets’ Anthon Williams tried to retaliate

with a three to steal the game but had his miss cleaned up by Rasean Minns who forced overtime with a timely offensive rebound.

The extra period of play was once again a see-saw affair between both teams.

The game came down to late game execution and the Giants were better equipped for the task.

Farrington gave the Giants a one-point cushion (75-74) after he converted a three-point play with less than a minute remaining in the game.

With the ﬁnal 12 seconds to go, the Rockets’ Davito McIntosh attempted a three but got his shot blocked by Jeriel Francoeur.

Meanwhile, Saunders canned two makes at the charity stripe to drive the lead to 3 (77-74).

The Rockets came out of the timeout and Anthon Williams tried to force a difﬁcult three for double overtime but got his shot blocked by Tavon Scott to end the game.

Minns dropped 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks for the Rockets in the loss.

Thompson said the YES Giants will look to improve on the little things and practice more the rest of the way because they cannot take

any team for granted as the defending champions.

Rockets vs Sand Dollar

High Flyers

The High Flyers were simply outmatched by the division one champions in the second matchup on Friday’s triple header.

The Rockets shot a blistering 54.7 per cent from the ﬁeld while holding the High Flyers to a dismal 35.6 per cent shooting.

Abel Joseph led the efﬁcient scoring performance with a team-high 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. His teammate Livingston Munnings put up a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and two steals.

Head coach Barrington Carter expressed how it felt to pick up a dominant victory. “It feels good to get the win at the end of the day but we still have one or two things we need to work on. We won by double digits but I feel like if we put in a little bit more work we can do more than what we did tonight. We still came and executed despite having defensive relapses on one or two plays but down the stretch we did what we needed to do to secure the victory,” he said

The Rockets cracked open the ﬁrst quarter with a 14-6 run and closed it out in charge 18-13.

In the following period, they went up 26-15 after Ryan Turnquest nailed a three-pointer at the 7:25 mark of the second quarter.

The Rockets turned stingy defence into easy baskets in transition to emerge with a 36-21 lead at the halftime break.

The defending champions came into the second half with the same intensity to keep the High Flyers grounded.

Roosevelt Whylly scored a two-pointer to push the Rockets lead to 47-27 at the halfway point of the third period and the rest was history.

The team’s largest lead of the contest was 30 points and they led the entire way.

They dominated the paint 50-28. Additionally, their bench unit outscored the High Flyers’ 37-20. High Flyers point guard Jeremy Neely led the team with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists in the loss.

Earlier in the night, the Tucker Boys routed the division one Rebels 69-40. Randon Swaby had a team-high 14 points and ﬁve rebounds in the victory.

NPBA action continues tonight with the Tucker Boys matching up against Zulu Media & Symphony at 7pm in the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

The YES Giants will also hit the court against the Mason Rockets at 8:30pm.

Star Performers Classic produces more CARIFTA qualiﬁers

FROM PAGE 20

girls’ 200m event. She ran 23.95 seconds in the ﬁnals to go under the qualifying mark of 24.65 seconds in the event.

She spoke about how it felt to achieve the standard for a second straight year.

“I am happy and thank God for allowing me to do this once again this year. I am just happy that I was able to qualify to represent my country,” she said.

Thomas also eclipsed the qualifying mark of 1.63m in the under-17 girls’ high jump event with her leap of 1.65m.

Additionally, she qualiﬁed in the under-17 girls’ 400m ﬁnals with a time of 55.12 seconds well under the CARIFTA standard of 56.35 seconds.

Now that she has qualiﬁed in three events the goal is keep practicing leading up to the CARIFTA Trials.

“I just want to practice daily, not take any breaks like that and continue practicing and praying,” she said.

Brion Ward, representing DTSP Wolf Pack, also went under the qualifying mark in the under-17 girls’ 200m ﬁnals with her time of 24.42 seconds.

She expressed that it felt good to attain the standard and will be looking forward to the rest of the season.

“I feel good. I am very happy I ﬁnally got to qualify and go represent my country. My expectation for the rest of the season is to continue to do good and to make more international teams,” she said.

Alexandria Komolafe, of Bahamas Speed Dynamics, also joined Thomas in making the qualifying standard in the under-17 girls’ high jump event. She placed second behind Thomas with a leap of 1.63m to land right on the qualifying distance.

Jamiah Nabbie, the 2023 CARIFTA double gold medallist, ran a blistering time of 24.28 seconds in the under-20 girls’ 200m ﬁnals to go under the qualifying time of 24.35 seconds. Red-Line Athletics’ Darvinique Dean had a strong showing in the under-20 girls’ 100m hurdles. She placed ﬁrst in the event with a time of 14.65 seconds just below the CARIFTA qualifying mark of 14.68 seconds.

Annae Mackey, of Blue Chip Athletics, eclipsed the CARIFTA qualifying standard of 40.36m in the

under-20 girls’ discus throw event. She turned in a winning throw of 44.80m in the event to requalify.

CARIFTA medallists

Taysha Stubbs and Kamera Strachan both requaliﬁed in the under-20 girls’ javelin throw event. Stubbs won the event with a winning toss of 45.92m well over the standard of 39.75m.

Strachan was also in top form, ﬁnishing second with her heave of 40.04m.

Team Velocity’s Kamron Henﬁeld stopped the clock at 10.88 seconds in the under-17 boys’ 100m event.

He not only ﬁnished in ﬁrst place but shaved some time off the CARIFTA qualifying standard of 10.92 seconds.

There were a pair of CARIFTA qualiﬁers in the under-17 boys’ 110m hurdles.

Bahamas Speed Dynamics’ Jahcario Wilson and Rohman Rolle, of Fast Forward Athletics, achieved the qualifying standard of 14.87 seconds in the event. Wilson ﬁnished ﬁrst in 13.61 seconds and Rolle in 14.55 seconds.

Terrin Beckles, of Bahamas Speed Dynamics, cleared the CARIFTA qualifying mark of 6.51m in the under-17 boys’ long jump event. He soared to 6.58m for ﬁrst place.

Glenroy Stuart, of Noble Prep, was also over the standard with his jump of 6.53m for second place.

Lyndavion Storr, of Bahamas Speed Dynamics, requaliﬁed in the under-17 boys’ triple jump event. He emerged ﬁrst with a winning jump of 13.79m. Nathan Walker, of Fast Forward Athletics, placed second with his attempt of 13.70m. The qualifying distance for the event is 12.92m. Walker, who just started the triple jump two

weeks ago, was pleased to attain the standard. “I just started doing the triple jump about two weeks ago. It wasn’t really working on the track so I saw an opportunity in the jumps and I decided to take it. Last week I jumped 14m but they said it was wind-aided so this week I came back with the mindset to jump further,” he said. He was grateful to qualify this early and is looking to improve the rest of the way.

“It feels good. Firstly, I want to give thanks and praise to God. If it wasn’t for him I couldn’t do it. I feel good and hopefully I can improve at the meets leading up to CARIFTA and jump farther,” he said.

Carmeljo Woodside, of Triple Threat Throws, placed ﬁrst in the under17 boys’ shot put with a throw of 15.05m. His throw allowed him to surpass the qualifying mark of 14.03m.

David Douglas, of CH Reeves, came second at 14.83m which was also over the qualifying standard.

Ahkeel Williams along with Wyatt Cartwright both requaliﬁed in the under-17 boys’ javelin throw event. Williams posted a mark of 53.82m and Cartwright ﬁnished at 46.75m to eclipse

the CARIFTA standard of 44.95m.

Aiden Kelly and Quinton Gordon Jr, representing Tazmanian Speed Track, ran swift times in the under20 boys’ 100m ﬁnals. Kelly crossed the line ﬁrst in 10.47 seconds and Gordon trailed behind at 10.48 seconds to both shave time off the CARIFTA standard of 10.55 seconds.

Zion Davis, of Star Elite Athletics, qualified for the CARIFTA Games in the under-20 boys’ 400m finals. He finished the race in 47.39 seconds for the first position. The CARIFTA qualifying standard is 47.65 seconds.

Davis also requaliﬁed in the under-20 boys’ 400m hurdles prelims. He ran a time of 54.35 seconds to dip under the CARIFTA standard of 54.47 seconds.

Willlam Mckinney, of the DTSP Wolf Pack, cleared the CARIFTA qualifying mark once again in the under-20 boys’ triple jump event.

He secured the top spot with a jump of 15.03m which was over the qualifying distance of 14.29m. Next up on the BAAA Calendar will be the Dianna Lynn Road Runners Club Meet on February 15.

league are requested to be present as the rules and regulations will be discussed. The registration is $200 per team for a roster of 15 players in the co-ed division with no less than ﬁve women, who must be on the ﬁeld at all times.

BBSF SOFTBALL

LEAGUE

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its 2025 softball league, starting on Saturday, February 8 at the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street.

The co-ed slow pitch league will allow each team up to a total of 15 players with the registration fee of $200. Interested persons

can tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 or email 242softball@gmail. com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or emil stubbobs@ gmail.com TRACK RED-LINE DIVISIONAL WINNERS

THE Red-Line Trsck Club announced the divisional winners from its Sonja Knowles Track and Field Classic held over the weekend of January 25-26 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Trsck and Field Stadium. Youth Division Under-7 to Under-13 combined Beginners Track - 311.50 winner. Xtreme - 273.50. Kids Athletics - 199. Red-Line Rising - 196. Junior Division Under-15 to Under-20 combined

Red-Line Athletics -358 winner Bahamas Speed - 333 Fast Forward - 283 Road Runners - 154. TRACK RED-LINE ATHLETES’ FIELD EVENT CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club has announced plans to host its second annual Field Event Classic. The country’s all ﬁeld events only meet is scheduled for Saturday, February 22 at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event is set to take place from 9am to 3pm and will be open to competitors from the under-11 to open categories for men and women. All winners will receive crystals and the top three will earn medals.

Athletes can register at redlineathletics242@gmail.com or smnbutler@yahoo.com TRACK NPA TRACK CLASSIC THE Noble Preparatory Academy is all set to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic on Saturday, March 15 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium from 9am to 6pm. The registration deadline is March 11. Athletes can register at info@npabahamas.com ROAD RACE UNCLE LOU FUN RUN/WALK THE St Augustine’s College and the Alumni Association is inviting the general public to come out and participate in the Uncle Lou Fun Run/Walk. Under the theme: “Paint the streets red,” the event will take place on Saturday,

March 15, starting 6am at SAC’s campus off Bernard Road. The route will leave SAC’s campus and head on Bernard Road, turn onto Soldier Road to Prince Charles Drive, turn east onto Prince Charles Drive and head back to SAC. The registration fee is $20 for adults and $10 for persons under the age of 20. The ﬁrst 200 participants will receive road race t-shirts. Persons can register now by logging onto www. saintaugustinescollege.com Following the race, a health screening will take place. There will also be a souse out with chicken priced at $10, pig feet at $12 and sheep tongue at $15. Drinks will also be on sale. For more information, persons can call 242-324-1511or email Thesacalumni@gmail.com

TRACK DLT TRACK CLASSIC THE Roadrunners Track and Field Club is scheduled to hold its 19th annual Diana Lynn Thompson Track Classic at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field

NPBA division Co-MVP Michael “Furley” Bain was presented with his award at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium on Friday night.

A LITTLE running man at the Star Performers Classic. Photo: Rashad Evans

MARVIN ‘TOGIE’ WOOD NEW PRESIDENT OF BAHAMAS SOFTBALL FEDERATION

FROM PAGE 20

president, Stephvano Bevans from Grand Bahama as fourth vice president and Shane Albury as ﬁfth vice president.

Martha Edgecombe, also from Grand Bahama, is the secretary, assisted by Nicara Curtis. Lyrone “Corey” Burrows is the treasurer assisted by Philippa Kelly from Eleuthera.

“This is an awesome board,” Wood said. “When you say something to these members, they are on point. You don’t have to say it to them two and three times. They have bought into what I presented to them and as you can see, the results showed.”

Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera and New Providence were represented, but the New Providence Softball Association, represented by secretary Addie Finley, walked out of the meeting prior to the elections.

The NPSA, who is mourning the loss of its president Dwaine “Man” Stevens, whose funeral was held on Saturday, objected to the manner in which the AGM was held, indicating that they were not given the

14 days’ notice as stipulated in the BSF’s constitution.

The NPSA, who indicated that they will probably pull their membership from the BSF, objected as well to the treasurer’s report, as presented by Burrows, the incumbent treasurer, because they said it was not audited.

But Kelsie Johnson-Sills, the acting director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, indicated that the BSF will be given some time to have the report updated before they can receive their grant from the Ministry.

Wood, in his acceptance speech, said it’s time for all parties under the BSF umbrella to come together for the betterment of the sport. He said there’s a lot of work to do and there’s something for everyone to do.

“It feels good. It’s a long time coming. I went through the system and I did it the right way,” said Wood, who started out as a player. “It’s a learning experience. I won’t give up the experience for nothing in the world.

“I’m here to unite softball, to bring it back to the good old glory days. Right

now, it’s not where we want it to be, but our focus is to unite it.”

Wood, who also serves as the president of the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association, said his administration will hold a conclave for every organisation playing softball in the country to air their gripes and complaints to the federation as they address them head on.

Hilton Bowleg, who serves as the president of the Atlantis Hotel League,

University of Florida, soared a lifetime best of 22-feet, 10 3/4-inches or 6.98 metres to win the women’s long jump, erasing Grand Bahamian Daphne Sunders’ national record of 6.82m that she posted on February 26, 1994 in Gainesville, Florida.

The 21-year-old Charlton’s feat was posted as a world-leading mark as she also inked her name on the faculty meet record of 22-9 (6.93) and the meet record of 22-2 1/4 (6.76m), both previously held by American Olympic and world champion Tara Davis-Woodhall.

American Claire Bryant was a distant behind in second with 21-11 ¾ (6.70m).

Coach David Charlton, the proud father of Anthaya and Devynne Charlton, said to have two beautiful daughters performing on the world stage is just awesome.

“Words cannot explain or express how proud of my girls,” said Charlton, a former 400m hurdles specialist. “Obviously, I have some good gems. I’ve been there, but I’ve never attained the level that they have. But just to see them excelling further than I have, makes me a proud father.”

With the World Indoor Championships, scheduled for March 21-23 in Nanjing, China and the World Outdoor Championships, set for September 13-21 in Tokyo, Japan, Charlton said it would be a dream come true if both of them can compete in both championships.

Charlton, looking to make her first senior global competition, also showed her versatility as a sprinter with the fastest qualifying time of 7.39 to advance to the final of the women’s 60m. However, she didn’t run the final won by Jadyn Mays in a season’s best of 7.20.

Also on Friday’s opening day of the two-day meet, the 21-year-old McCoy, a junior at Florida, clocked 20.45 seconds to win the men’s 200m. His nearest rival was Tennessee’s junior T’Mars McCallum in 20.76.

“Honestly, it was a pretty great opener this meet,” McCoy said. “The indoor championships start in four weeks, so I’m looking forward to going undefeated all year, God’s willing.”

Javonya Valcourt, a 20-year-old junior at Tennessee, won her heat, but ﬁnished ﬁfth overall in the women’s 400m in 52.42.

Isabelle Whittaker, a junior at Arkansas, won the event in 51.29, just ahead of Great Britain’s Amber Anning in 51.31.

And Adam Musgrove, representing the Bahamas, was 19th overall in the preliminaries of the men’s 60m in 6.86, but he didn’t advance to the ﬁnal.

The 21-year-old Musgrove came out of the qualifying round with the 14th fastest time of 6.89. Jones and harlton at New Balance Competing in the marquee Ralph Mann Memorial Men’s 60m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix at The Track at New Balance in Boston, Massachusetts, Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones picked up a second-place ﬁnish in a season’s best of 6.57 behind American Olympian Noah Lyles, the winner in his season’s best of 6.52. Jones, 22, had the second fastest qualifying time of 6.59 coming out of the preliminary rounds.

Also at the meet, Devynne Charlton, the 29-year-old world indoor 60m hurdles record holder, was third in the women’s 60m hurdles in a season’s best of 7.85.

The two-time Olympic ﬁnalist trailed her American training partner Olympic champion Masai Russell, who won in her season’s best of 7.80. Fellow American Grace Stark second in 7.81.

On the ﬁeld, Grand Bahamian Donald Thomas, the 40-year-old 2007 world champion, failed to clear a height in the men’s high

said he’s rejuvenated to serve after he came up short in the last election in 2022. “I was called by Togie to come back and be a part of his administration and I accepted,” Bowleg said.

“I feel I have some good ideas to help the federation. I still have some energy and I think the team assembled is a good one. We just have to push.”

Stephano Bevans, the president of the Grand Bahama Softball Association, said when he got the

jump, bowing out at the opening height of 7-feet, 0 1/4-inches.

American Vernon Turner took the title, soaring a season’s best of 7-2 ¼ (2.19).

Smith triumph at the Stan Scott Invite

At the Stan Scott Invite at the Sports Performance Center in Lubbock, Texas,

Oscar Smith, a junior at Louisiana Tech, picked up his victory in the men’s 60m hurdles in 7.82 ahead of Troy Whyte, a senior at West Texas A&M, who got second in 7.86.

Smith had the third fastest time of 7.85 in the semifinals after he got the fifth best time of 7.87 in the first round.

Also in the same event, Otto Laing finished fourth in the semifinal in 7.89, but he didn’t compete in the final. Laing was sixth in the first round in 7.92.

And Philip Gray Jr, a sophomore at Louisiana Tech, was 36th overall in the men’s 400m in 48.57. Gray Jr also teamed up with Cullen Hronek, Mekhi

call from Wood to be a part of his slate, he couldn’t turn down the offer. “I see where I have the passion for the sport, so after playing it for a while, I want to help to get it back to where it used to be,” he said.

“We need to do that by getting more of the younger players involved, especially as pitchers.

“If we can get that through our junior programme, we will be alright.”

Bevans said he’s already presented his case to Wood

Gammons, Jacob Tabor as Louisiana Tech came in eighth in the men’s 4 x 400m relay in 3:14.52. In the women’s 60m, Shayann Demeritte, a junior at Louisiana Tech, was 28th in 7.65 and Amari Pratt, a sophomore at New Mexico, was 45th in 7.81. They were both ﬁfth in their respective heats. And in the 200m, Dorsett was 73th in 25.52 and Pratt was 84th in 25.82. While Dorsett was second in her heat, Pratt ended up ﬁfth in her own.

Grand Bahamian Shatanya Dorsett, a sophomore at Georgia Southern, placed third in the ﬁnal of the women’s 60m in 7.50. She trailed Reese Webster, a junior at Liberty, who won in a season’s best of 7.34 and Naj Watson, a junior at Georgia Southern, in a personal best of 7.38.

Dorsett ran her lifetime best of 7.37 for the ﬁfth fastest time in the semiﬁnals. And in the 200m, Dorsett was 14th overall in 24.07. Also at the meet, Indea

sbout having some coaches’ clinics and certiﬁcation courses for their umpires.

And Philippa Kelly, who hails out of Savannah Sound, said she’s just as thrilled to be a member of the board. “There are a lot of new young faces, not that the older ones are not needed, but we have a lot of passion for the game,” she said.

“But with this group of persons from throughout the country and not just New Providence, make up the board. So, we should have more interest in the sport on the islands. I think we are on the right track to bringing softball back to its former glory days.”

As the softball capital of the Bahamas, Kelly said her aim, through their president Brian ‘Ninja’ Neely, is to get players more interested in fastpitch softball again because right now they are playing more modiﬁed and slow-pitch. “I remember as a young child, softball was the most important thing,” Kelly said. “I have a daughter, who didn’t start playing until her senior year. But I want to see the younger kids start playing it from earlier, learning and getting into it.”

Cartwright, a senior at Liberty, advanced to the final of the women’s 60m hurdles with the third fastest time of 8.32 in the semifinal. But she didn’t contest the final.

Cartwright had the seventh fastest qualifying time of 8.42. And Olympian Ian Kerr, competing under the banner of The Bahamas, was ninth in the men’s 200m in 21.26.

Jalen Johnson, a freshman at Clemon, won the event in a personal best of 20.90.

Angel Pratt at the Mayo Invitational Angel Pratt, a senior at Western Michigan, was 11th in the semiﬁnal of the women’s 60m hurdles in 9.05, but she didn’t advance to the ﬁnal. Pratt came out of the qualifying rounds with the fourth fastest time of 8.91. In showing her versatility, Pratt also worked on her speed, clocking 25,26 for eighth in the 200m.

BIMINI native Valdez

“VJ” Edgecombe Jr and the Baylor Bears pulled off an 81-70 comeback victory against the no. 11 ranked Kansas Jayhawks in a Bahamian showdown on Saturday at the Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas. Edgecombe Jr finished the game with 14 points, five boards and one assist in 25 minutes but he left the game early in the second half with an apparent injury and never returned to action. Despite missing the services of the Bahamian freshman the rest of the way, the Bears overcame a 21-point deficit to take down AJ Storr and the Jayhawks and improve to 14-7 (win/loss record) on the season. Storr scored three points and pulled in a rebound in six minutes off the bench for Kansas.

After taking a 40-21 lead at halftime, the Jayhawks simply fell apart in the

second half of the game and Baylor’s Robert Wright IlI made sure of it. He scored 20 of his gamehigh 24 points after halftime to hand the Jayhawks their sixth loss of the season. Wright put up six straight points early in the second half to trim the Kansas deﬁcit to just 10 (42-32) with 17:10 to go in the ball game. Baylor’s offensive run continued and what was a more than 20-point hole became a tied game at 46 apiece following a pair of made free throws by Wright. Although the Bears managed to climb out of the hole, Kansas reeled off another double-digit run to advance 59-49 with 9:09 remaining in the second half.

The Bears once again got back into the game with Wright hitting another jumper to tie the game 63-63 at a little under the halfway mark. From that point in the game, Baylor took over and proceeded to outscore Kansas 60-30 in the second

half to close out the gritty win.

Hunter Dickinson scored a team-high 20 points for the Jayhawks in the loss. Despite the loss, Kansas shot 45.6 per cent from the ﬁeld while Baylor shot 43.1 per cent. The difference maker was in the rebounds category. The Bears pounded the glass for 40 boards compared to 27 grabbed by the Jayhawks.

Baylor almost made their opportunities count at the charity stripe. The team collectively made 25-of-28 free throws at the charity stripe to shoot 89.3 per cent.

Kansas shot 12-of-19 on 63.2 per cent shooting at the free throw line.

The victors also dominated the fastbreak points 15-4.

Baylor is set to take on no. 22 Texas Tech Red Raiders on the road at the United Supermarkets Arena tomorrow at 9pm.

Kansas returns to action today at home against the no.3 Iowa State Cyclones at 9pm in Lawrence, Kansas.

NEWLY elected president Marvin “Togie” Wood (centre) with his BSF’s executive team and outgoing president Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson.

SPORTS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Anthaya Charlton soars

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

The world leading Bahamian national record-breaking feat of Anthaya Charlton in the women’s long jump topped the performances by her older sister Devynne Charlton and a number of other Bahamians at various meets over the weekend in the United States.

Charlton and Olympic sprinter Wanya McCoy claimed titles at the Razorback Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in collegiate meets, while the older Charlton and Grand Bahamian sprinter Terrence Jones led the professional athletes at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.

Charlton, now in her senior year at the

PAGE 19

BBSF SOFTBALL

MEETING THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is scheduled to hold a meeting and registration for all teams wishing to participate in the 2025 Softball Classic.

The meeting is slated for 6 pm Thursday inside the federation’s ofﬁce upstairs at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street. All teams wishing to participate in the

SEE PAGE 18

Star Performers Classic produces more qualiﬁers for CARIFTA

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE 22nd Star Performers Track and Field Classic was a success as more Bahamian athletes attained the CARIFTA qualifying standards on Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

A number of athletes qualified for the 2025 CARIFTA Games at the one-day meet for the first time this season while others requalified in their respective events.

Leap of Faith’s Jazae Johnson qualiﬁed in her third event for the CARIFTA Games.

Johnson, who has qualiﬁed in the long jump and

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

MARVIN “Togie” Wood is now the new president of the Bahamas Softball Federation.

In replacing Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, who opted not to seek another fouryear term in ofﬁce, Wood was elected to the post on Friday at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture during the BSF’s annual general meeting. He did it with a landslide 13-1 victory over Angelo “Ali Barber” Dillett in the only position contested.

All of the other positions were ﬁlled by acclamation. Filling the other executive positions are Helena Cooper as ﬁrst vice president, Arthur Johnson as second vice president, Hilton Bowleg as third vice

triple jump events, dipped under the CARIFTA standard of 12.08 seconds with her winning time of 12.03 seconds in the under17 girls’ 100m ﬁnals to emerge as a triple qualiﬁer.

Grand Bahama native Keyezra Thomas made the CARIFTA qualifying standard for the under-17