Bite into the Double Cheeseburger
Volume: 122 No. 59, February 17, 2025
Family says man’s death ‘suspicious’
Curtis’ burned body found near car police ruled ‘traffic fatality’
By lE aNDra rollE Tribune Chief reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE family of 46-yearold Frank Curtis, who was reportedly found burned a short distance from his vehicle in Eleuthera over the weekend, is calling for a thorough investigation into his death, insisting the circumstances surrounding the incident don’t add up.
Police reported the incident as a traffic fatality, saying officers discovered the scene while responding to reports of a burning vehicle on Queen’s Highway Saturday night. Upon arrival, they found a green Jeep fully engulfed in flames in a bushy area, with a snapped utility pole nearby.
rBdF sea M an Brown rushed to aid tra FFic accident victiM
By lE aNDra rollE Tribune Chief reporter
CALVIN Brown didn’t hesitate when he saw 80-year-old Edna Tinubu lying in pain next to her vehicle after a violent crash last week. As onlookers stood by — some recording — he rushed to help.
The retired nurse had reportedly slammed into a utility pole off Bethel’s Highway last Thursday and died in hospital days later. Police did not report the incident and only confirmed the woman’s death after inquiries from The Tribune yesterday. Mr Brown, a Royal
Johnson, Rolle and Ferguson plead not guilty to bribery charges
By EaryEl BowlEg Tribune Staff reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Chief Superintendent of Police Michael Johnson, attorney Bjorn Ferguson, and Police Sergeant 3726 Deangelo Rolle pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court on Friday to charges related to a bribery.
Foul play suspected For Man Found dead in Fire
By KEIlE CaMPBEll Tribune Staff reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
FOUL play is suspected in the case of a Haitian grocery store worker found dead after a fire on Wulff Road near Windsor Park last week, The Tribune understands, though police declined to confirm or deny this yesterday as they await autopsy results Ken Donathan, a member of the family that owns the building, told The Tribune he was alerted by his nephew who lived upstairs about the fire.
“They were alerted that something was amiss, the floor felt hot and then they saw smoke coming up so they immediately got out of the building,” he said.
Johnson denied stealing $90,000, allegedly taken from the $1.475m stolen during an airport bank security heist. He appeared before Justice Gregory Hilton on Friday alongside Ferguson and Rolle.
Johnson pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to
Former head of CID Michael Johnson.
attorney Bjorn Ferguson arrives at Supreme Court on Friday. Ferguson, former CID chief Michael Johnson and Police Sargeant Deangelo Rolle all plead not guilty to bribery charges.
Coast Guard returns 31 people of mixed nationalities to Bahamas after
US Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell’s crew returned 31 people of mixed nationalities to The Bahamas on Friday, following three interdictions in US waters east of Miami. Four suspected smugglers were transferred to Homeland Security custody for potential prosecution.
Photos: USCG
Johnson, Rolle and Ferguson plead
not guilty to bribery charges
commit bribery, stealing, and receiving. Prosecutors allege he conspired with others between November 3 and November 30, 2023, to solicit an advantage from Michael Fox Jr as a
reward for performing or refraining from his duties as a public servant. He is also accused of stealing $90,000 from Akeil Holmes and receiving the money from Rolle on November 3, 2023, knowing it had been
obtained through theft. Ferguson pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. Prosecutors allege he conspired, without lawful authority or reason, to offer an advantage to a public servant as an inducement or
reward for performing or abstaining from his duty. Ferguson and Johnson also denied being accessories after the fact to conspiracy to commit stealing. They are accused of assisting Fox between November 3 and
November 30, knowing he was involved in the conspiracy to commit theft, with the intent of helping him evade due process. Meanwhile, Rolle pleaded not guilty to abetment to stealing. Prosecutors allege he
Top RBDF officer raises alarm over primary school students being recruited to gangs
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
A TOP defence force officer has raised alarms over primary school students being recruited into gangs, carrying weapons, and selling drugs on school campuses, warning that early intervention is critical to curbing the trend.
Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Commander Delvonne Duncombe, known for his role in the government’s controversial Shock Treatment programme, said the issue requires a disciplined approach to youth development, as traditional parenting methods such as corporal punishment are no longer as effective.
“In the primary schools, we have vaping, we have hypersexual students,” he said during a Rotary Club of East Nassau meeting on Friday. “Students are selling drugs. Primary school students are carrying weapons. Gangs are now
recruiting primary school students grades five and six. What that means now is we must take a hardnosed approach when it comes to our youth programmes.”
Cmdr Duncombe stressed that many young
people resort to violence because it is all they know. His Shock Treatment programme follows a military-style approach, beginning with a “breaking” phase meant to strip away negative influences, followed by a rebuilding
phase that offers mentorship, counselling, and structured training. Officers are also undergoing additional mental health and conflict resolution training to better assist struggling youth.
He pointed to the RBDF’s HYPE programme, which promotes discipline and character development in young children before they reach their teenage years.
“If we want to see successful youth programmes, we must embed discipline into the core fundamental foundations of those programmes,” he said. “If we want to create lasting change, we must be willing to break and rebuild. Because where there’s discipline there’s success, and where there’s no discipline, failure is inevitable.”
The issue of gang recruitment among
schoolchildren has drawn national attention. In February 2024, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis directly warned gang leaders to stop targeting young people.
“To the gang leaders, let me make one thing perfectly clear: keep your hands off our school children,” Mr Davis said during a community meeting in Fox Hill. “Our young people are off-limits. If you dare to recruit or harm them, we will use the full force of the law to come after you. You will find no safe haven, no quarter, and no mercy from my administration.”
During the question period at Friday’s Rotary meeting, a guest asked Cmdr Duncombe how young people today can learn conflict prevention and resolution, given that corporal punishment — once widely accepted — is now considered by some to be borderline abuse.
Cmdr Duncombe acknowledged that while corporal punishment may have kept past generations in line, today’s youth require a different approach — one rooted in communication and authenticity.
“Culturally, that was accepted in our country, and it was not seen as abusive because it got the results it needed for that dispensation or that time,” he said. “That’s why I said in this time, for this time, you now need to lead with information.”
Recalling his own experience as a father, he admitted that his views on corporal punishment had shifted over time.
“I can remember
spanking my son and he wouldn’t cry,” he said.
“I said you going to cry today, and I just keep going harder and harder. But then I have to now change. I had to change that approach. I had to understand that this is borderline abuse.”
A November 2024 study by the University of The Bahamas reinforced concerns about the long-term effects of corporal punishment. Researchers Theresa E Moxey-Adderley and William J Fielding found a troubling link between childhood corporal punishment and adult aggression. Their internet-based survey of 5,351 Bahamians revealed that those who experienced more frequent corporal punishment as children were more likely to display aggression as adults. The study also found that adults who intended to use corporal punishment on their own children had higher aggression scores and had typically experienced more corporal punishment themselves. Researchers suggested that ending the practice could lead to less aggression in society. While Cmdr Duncombe did not outright condemn spanking, he said parents must be mindful of how discipline is delivered.
“We have to sensitise parents to that,” he said, adding that past generations disciplined children with “authenticity” to teach them right from wrong. However, he acknowledged uncertainty about corporal punishment’s place in today’s society.
aided and abetted Johnson in committing the offence. The men are scheduled to return to court on February 17 for the transfer of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment to Justice Dale Fitzpatrick.
Attorney Bjorn Ferguson
Former CID ChIeF mIChAel johnson
rBDF CommAnDer Delvonne DunComBe
‘Immigration irrelevant to Freeport’s economic issues’
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
PROGRESSIVE Liberal
Party (PLP) chairman Fred Mitchell rejected claims that immigration controls in Freeport have stifled economic growth, saying the issue is “irrelevant” to the city’s economic challenges, which he attributed to the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) current leadership. His comment came after GBPA (GBPA) executive director Rupert Hayward said at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook last week that excessive red tape, strict immigration policies, and regulatory changes have hindered Freeport’s investment growth while also expressing frustration with the slow pace of government approvals for projects in the pipeline.
Mr Mitchell, responding to questions from The Tribune, suggested Mr Hayward’s comments were inapprorpiate.
that new reality.”
Mr Hayward had expressed frustration with the slow pace of government approvals for major development projects, despite the GBPA’s efforts to facilitate access to key agencies like the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA), the National Economic Council (NEC), and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP).
However, he emphasised that while public disagreements exist, the GBPA maintains a cooperative relationship with the Davis administration behind the scenes.
owned what. The results crippled the city’s development, and it has not recovered from that time to now.”
“The present incarnation of shareholders appears either unwilling or unable to provide what is required to carry out the basic functions of supporting and promoting the city. What you see here today, as there is an upward trajectory in the city’s fortunes, is entirely due to the work and money of the government.”
rebuild. That will be taxpayer’s money. The hotel is being subsidised by taxpayers as well.”
Mr Mitchell maintained that immigration controls are consistent across the country, noting that other islands are experiencing growth under the same policies.
While Mr Hayward had also asserted that the GBPA’s relationship with the Davis administration is better and more cooperative behind the scenes than public statements suggest, Mr Mitchell pushed back.
“Our understanding was that neither side would seek to poison the well. Once again, the GBPA is not respecting the process by Mr Hayward’s public comments.”
“The PLP’s position mirrors that of the prime minister. The GBPA, in its present incarnation,
“There is presently an arbitration on issues between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority,” he said.
appears not to have the ideas or the money to carry out the functions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. The question of immigration controls in Freeport is irrelevant to that issue. Those issues were settled by agreement and constitutional amendments in 1969. The Immigration Act was subsequently amended to reflect
Mr Mitchell dismissed immigration concerns as the root cause of Freeport’s stagnation, pointing instead to the GBPA’s management following the deaths of former chairmen Edward St George and Sir Jack Hayward.
“The city flourished post that period until the death of Edward St George and Jack Hayward,” he said.
“There was a public fight between the successor shareholders about who
“The GBPA has developed a reputation in the city and island of extracting profits, liquidating assets, and enjoying the fruits of these profits along with expert public relations.
The GPBA, for example, is unable to complete the bridge to Taino Beach in Freeport that has had limited use for months. They paid no attention to its maintenance. They dumped the hotel Grand Lucayan on the government of The Bahamas. They offloaded the airport on The Bahamas government for one dollar, but it will take $250 million by one estimate to
“I would like to assure the Bahamian and Grand Bahama public that contrary to the insinuations of Mr Hayward, whether he is a friend of the prime minister’s wife or he likes the prime minister, there is no private arrangement behind the scenes to deal with this straightforward public policy issue,” he said. “His comments in that regard are again irrelevant and offensive.”
“The government remains committed to continued sustainable growth in Grand Bahama.”
Coleby-Davis: Emphasised ‘personal accountability’ over recent maritime incidents
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Chief Reporter
TRANSPORT Minis-
ter JoBeth Coleby-Davis, responding to a string of maritime accidents, said many accidents are preventable, emphasising that
“personal accountability and responsibility must also take a lead in safeguarding the industry”. Her comments to The Tribune yesterday followed the drowning of a 46-yearold man in Bimini over the weekend after his jet ski overturned, leaving him
struggling to stay afloat. Videos of the man being carried ashore and lying unresponsive circulated widely on social media.
The incident is the latest in a series of maritime accidents. Earlier this month, police reported a boating collision that
severely injured a US marine who was free diving near a Naval Base in Andros. A white openhull boat with two 150HP outboard engines struck the diver and failed to stop. He was assisted to shore and later airlifted to the United States for treatment.
On Friday, a man was bitten after jumping into the water to swim with sharks after docking his boat in Exuma. He was taken to New Providence for treatment with non life-threatening injuries.
Mrs Coleby-Davis said several measures have been introduced to improve oversight and regulation following years of complaints about poor enforcement in the sector.
Last year, the government amended multiple maritime laws, including the Boat Registration Act, which now requires a
surveyor’s report before a vessel can be licenced. The minister said this change was prompted by a series of boating accidents and is intended to identify structural issues before vessels are approved for use.
Additionally, she confirmed that a 74-page safety manual for jet ski operators and other maritime activities was launched last year. The manual outlines protocols for watersports, emergency procedures, required safety equipment, warnings about carbon monoxide poisoning, and hurricane preparedness tips.
“Further, the Port Department continues to engage directly with jet ski and boat operators on safety issues on a regular basis,” she added.
“As minister, I also wish to add that there must be a level of personal accountability and responsibility.”
“We encourage jet ski operators to always wear life vests. We check for it as part of safety checks, however, operators must ensure they wear it. Further, we continue to warn operators to be mindful of operating watercrafts and boats near the shoreline.” Concerns about safety in the industry have long been raised. In December 2023, former Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) president Robert Sands announced the association would establish a task force to examine watersports and beach activity concerns. In November, he said the task force had made progress in identifying compliance issues, licensing requirements, insurance matters, and vetting problems affecting the sector. However, he did not provide specifics.
Doctor’s Hospital’s new 25-beD facility expecteD to be complete by enD of summer
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune
Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
DOCTORS Hospital’s brand new 25-bed facility is expected to be completed by the end of summer in Grand Bahama, according to chief financial officer Dennis Deveaux.
The West Mall Drive, Freeport project, estimated to be between $20m and $25m, will serve as a fully equipped private medical facility with full diagnostic
capabilities.
“We are happy with the progress of construction,” Mr Devaux said at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook held at the Grand Lucayan Resort last week.
Doctors Hospital, through a clinic in Freeport and Eight Mile Rock, currently employs about 90 people.
In 2022, Doctors Hospital partnered with Lucayan Medical Philanthropic Ltd to complete the acquisition of the First
Commercial Center. The entity is backed by a trio of wealthy investors, including Pietro Steffanutti, principal of Pharmachem; Gregory Paton-Ash, and S Kent Rockwell, who hails from a noted American industrial family.
Doctors Hospital is also expanding in the Family Islands, with plans to open a full urgent care centre in George Town, Exuma, and another new medical facility in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.
Foreign AFFAirs Minister Fred Mitchell
Family says man’s death ‘suspicious’
from page one
After extinguishing the fire, officers discovered a burned body a short distance away. A doctor later visited the scene and confirmed the victim’s death.
Curtis, a father of one, was later identified as the deceased.
His sister, Mary Sands, told The Tribune last night the family doesn’t believe it was simply a car accident.
She said her brother knew the road well, as he drove it daily to his job site less than two miles away.
She questioned how such a severe accident could have happened on a familiar route, believing he may have been chased.
“Knowing Frank, someone was chasing him and more than likely, he was trying to get away.”
She also found the wreckage scene unusual, noting the absence of brake marks on the road and that the passenger seat was missing.
The family is particularly troubled by the distance between his body and the vehicle, saying it raises further questions about what truly happened.
“We were there on the scene,” she said. “If I had a measuring tape, I could probably tell you how much feet he was found. It’s like five houses down
“He had a tool box and the tool box wasn’t even burned and the welding machine ain’t even burn so it’s like make it make sense.”
According to his grieving sister, Curtis’ death came just two months after he celebrated his birthday. She described him as a loving, vibrant person who had a special bond with his nieces and nephews.
Ms Sands said his loss is an even heavier blow for the family, who are still
mourning the murder of their younger brother in Bimini last year.
“For six months apart for two brothers, it’s a blow. It’s a pill we can’t stomach right now and we consider this as a homicide,” she added.
“Right now, we need answers because the whole Eleuthera is mourning because no one sees it as an accident,” she said.
Curtis, who was out on bail, had previously been charged with firearm offences, according to The Tribune’s records.
RBDF Seaman Brown rushed to aid traffic accident victim
from page one
Bahamas Defence Force marine seaman, said he was on his way to work on Bethel’s Highway when he came upon the scene of a serious crash.
What he saw immediately alarmed him. He said a woman lay flat on the ground beside her wrecked vehicle, which had slammed into a utility pole.
“I just basically do what any person would do, any marine would do. I initiated first aid. I would have assessed the scene. I noticed that she had a deep laceration to her right leg, and bleeding was uncontrollable at the time,” he said.
“I made a makeshift tourniquet out of materials that were in her backseat, so I just tore it and tied around her leg to stop the bleeding.”
After urging onlookers to stop recording, Mr Brown called for assistance, and two men stepped forward.
He said he instructed them to keep Ms Tinubu elevated while he contacted EMS for help.
Even after EMS arrived, Mr Brown refused to leave her side.
“I held a hand through
everything. I let her know that everything is going to be all right,” he said. “It’s just something about this specific scene
that touched me, because it could have been your mom, my mom and it really touched me.”
He said he followed the ambulance to the hospital, and when he later saw a flyer requesting blood for Ms Tinubu, he rushed to donate — only to learn she had passed away. He called the moment heartbreaking, saying it initially made him feel like he had failed.
However, he said her family was grateful for his actions, and he now takes comfort in knowing he helped prolong her life, even if only for a few more days.
In a Facebook post, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force praised him for his heroic response, calling it a testament to the dedication and selfless service of the men and women committed to protecting The Bahamas.
from the jeep – that’s how far Frank was down.”
Frank Curtis
rBDF Marine seaMan Calvin Brown
eDna tinuBu
The Tribune Limited
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“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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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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Dealing with Trump’s indecisions
IF there were doubts about the seemingly haphazard nature of President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting, the news that his administration is scrambling to bring back the fired workers whose job it was to work on the nation’s nuclear weapons programmes is confirmation of reason to be concerned.
Up to 350 employees of the National Nuclear Security Administration were laid off late on Thursday, with some losing access to their emails before they learned they were fired. Some only learned when they arrived at their offices to find themselves locked out.
Among those fired were employees at a plant in Texas whose job it was to reassemble warheads.
The Trump administration fired the people who were looking after the nukes.
On Friday, a memo was sent out rescinding the firings. Oops. Never mind. Sorry. Could you look after the nukes again?
It will come as no surprise to learn that some were not enthusiastic to return when who knows if they could be fired again tomorrow, next week, or whenever the whim strikes next.
The cutbacks hit the Food and Drug Administration this weekend.
That would be the people whose job it is to ensure the safety of food, medical devices and tobacco products. It was not clear whether those who review drugs were exempted.
Over at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1,300 people are reportedly to be laid off.
Given where the majority of our products come from, it is clear how this might have the potential to affect us.
How will we deal with the prospect of such changes?
It would be hard for any administration to deal with changes at the pace that are happening – but plan we must.
Bank choice
In a curious note in today’s Tribune Business story about Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) and its financial results, its chief executive, Gowon Bowe, says that the government has been encouraging new civil service hires to “bank with a particular bank”.
Mr Bowe did not say which bank –it was not his – but did say that as the largest employer in The Bahamas, the government has “an obligation to promote competition”.
He says it very politely. Frankly, it is none of the government’s business who any citizen chooses to bank with.
A choice of bank is made for many reasons – from personal preference, to efficiency of the bank, from incentives associated with the account to perhaps because that bank is where you have a loan or mortgage.
None of those are any business of the government of any particular day – and people should be allowed to choose which suits their own purposes.
The government can choose where it wants to bank, but it also should not be in the business of giving commercial preference to one institution by insisting on its staff banking there too. If the bank is good enough and enticing enough, it will get the customers on its own.
Mr Bowe said that other banks are unable to obtain salary deductions and are unable to initially bank with their chosen bank.
He said: “That’s a policy government needs to consider as competition. It has a role as an employer, and can make decisions on payment efficiency and effectiveness, but as the largest employer in the country it has an obligation to promote competition.”
Mr Bowe is right – and we hope such policies are remedied. Promptly.
Dating advice for Trump as he courts Canada
EDITOR, The Tribune.
WE all know how much The President of the United States loves Canada. So much so that he wants to make us their 51st State. During this time of romantic celebration we should look at the indicators suggested by The American Association of Psychology that this is true love and affection.
What couples should do while in a relationship... Should write letters to each other communicating often: Presidential decree’s galore have flown from the Oval Office Desk this past week. Usually not very good for Canadians. Trump expresses a selfish love.
Give small thoughtful gifts: The President is offering citizenship to the greatest nation on earth, America. Who could reject such a gesture?
When together put away your phones and electronic devises: Now this is difficult for the Donald. He has so much to say, and do. Plans that will expand upon our relationship like perhaps annexation.
Stay open and vulnerable in conversation: There is a lot of diplomatic talk, but unfortunately closed
minds set upon continental expansion will not relent. Spend time together outside: Sure there are photo shoot opportunities but back room politics is much more his style.
Holding off on physical intimacy: The “Taco Man” has little time and puts in little effort respecting those females around him. Its an attitude developed over many decades in business. After all what are women for? Right?
Doing stuff together: President Trump and his manager Elon Musk work together in secret, planning the future of the New America - the New World Order. Seems like and independent Canada is not part of this order unless it is part of America. Calling and not texting: The President texts every 3-5 minutes, often while in compromising situations. Artificial Intelligence and the Donald are one, united by the grand master Elon Musk. Face to face communication with the President is difficult to manage, so most Canadian Diplomats need to communicate with the administrations minions.
Dress your best: The President does try to
impress, but usually you see him in the same power suit or gulf attire. It seems you are what you wear, boring conservative and power hungry.
Be a gentleman always: Well Webster’s defines a gentleman as a “chivalrous, courteous and honorable man”. While he is behaving himself this term, the real man will surface soon. Canadians need to realize they are facing a eco-political force with great power and we are in his sights.
Who among you would like a relationship with President Trump? Called the most power man on the planet, transforming America into a conservative arcade of traditionalism and balancing the budget or else mentality, friend to all billionaires, Princes and Dictators alike. Appealing anyone?
Once Canada is married to America, it will be difficult getting a divorce, so be sure what you want. History may take your choice away from you, so be diligent, aware and be prepared to fight the good fight.
STEVEN KASzAB Bradford, Ontario February 14, 2025.
On BPL and Pike be transparent
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS concerned citizens of The Bahamas, we feel it is our duty to raise awareness about the ongoing issues surrounding Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), its partnership with PIKE, and the overall management of our nation’s power company. These matters impact every Bahamian, from the quality of service we receive to how taxpayer dollars are spent. It is time for the government, BPL, and PIKE to provide the transparency and accountability that we deserve.
1. BPL and PIKE Partnership: There have been widespread reports that BPL and PIKE have parted ways. If this is true, the Bahamian people need a clear explanation. What led to this decision? Was PIKE unable to meet its obligations, or did BPL fail to uphold its side of the agreement? We believe the government and the management teams at both companies must come forward and explain the circumstances surrounding this situation.
2. Financial mismanagement and lack of proper bookkeeping: We are particularly alarmed by the reports that BPL’s financial books were not kept properly. As a publicly owned utility company, BPL is accountable to the Bahamian people. If there have been any financial irregularities or mismanagement, this is a serious breach of trust. We demand that
an independent audit be conducted and that the findings be made public. The people have a right to know how their money is being spent, and if there has been any wrongdoing, those responsible must be held accountable.
3. Workforce reductions and severance packages: It has come to our attention that hundreds of BPL employees were either sent home or took severance packages as part of a restructuring process. Many of these staff members were dissatisfied with the terms of their departure. It is concerning that such a significant workforce reduction occurred without adequate communication and that employees were forced to accept packages they were not fully satisfied with. We demand answers: What were the terms of these packages, and were the employees treated fairly? Were these layoffs necessary, or were they the result of poor management decisions?
4. Government accountability: We call on the government of The Bahamas, particularly Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and the Minister of Works, to come clean about what is really happening at BPL. As citizens, we deserve full transparency on these matters. The
government must stop leaving the Bahamian people in the dark. If there are challenges within BPL or issues with its partnership with SPIKE, the government needs to address them headon and provide a clear plan for the future of our power company.
Call for action: We, as concerned citizens, are calling on the following actions: Full disclosure: The government, BPL, and PIKE must provide a comprehensive statement addressing the state of their partnership, the financial health of BPL, and the impact of the staff reductions.
Independent audit: An immediate and independent audit of BPL’s financial operations must be conducted, and the results should be made public to ensure transparency.
Public engagement: We urge the government to hold a public forum or town hall to allow citizens to ask questions and get direct answers regarding the situation with BPL and PIKE. The power supply is a basic necessity for all Bahamians, and we should not be left in the dark— either figuratively or literally. It is time for those in charge to be fully transparent, take responsibility for any mismanagement, and work toward a sustainable solution that benefits the Bahamian people.
CENTREVILLE GUY Nassau, February 11, 2025.
DPM needs to be wary of Musk
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Mr DPM, I beg you to be extremely careful with this space X landing, yes, environmental concerns are important, but, that Musk man, in my opinion nobody should trust him. What revenue are we getting directly from the landing in our waters?
Please Mr Cooper, come clean with the whole Space X situation, from A to Z, like Mummy would say, even if you come ruff dry. Now Mr Cooper, you are
constantly bragging about high numbers, but there are some things that need attention. Do we have one native night club in this island? Where is it, that I can go and watch fire dance, limbo and see the guests getting involved, where? Where can you as a Bahamian go to an eatery to sit and have a local meal, or, take a visitor to share a local meal? Could the straw workers use fish scales, shells and raffia in their handiwork
again please. Let the web shop tycoons have permission to open a bank, they will help the locals better than these foreign banks, I think. We talk the talk about Bahamianisation, now walk the walk, they collectively have the money, let’s make it happen Mr PM Minister Of Finance. That move is long overdue … action please.
THE INDEPENDENT Nassau, February 13, 2025.
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Windsurfers enjoying the winds at South Beach, in Nassau.
Photo: stephen strachan
Foul play suspected for man found dead in fire
from page one
He praised fire services’ prompt response within 15 minutes, preventing structural damage, particularly highlighting Corporal Gittens.
“Cpl Gittens was totally professional and courteous in his handling and interaction with me,” Mr Donathan said. “He and his team rallied and contained the situation that could’ve escalated to a far more damaging and dangerous situation because of how close the buildings in the area are situated and the population density of that area.”
Mr Donathan noted that firefighters used a portable exhaust generator to clear smoke from the building and confirmed that while the upstairs residential area was unaffected aside from smoke exposure, further assessments would determine if any interior damage, including to the ceiling, occurred.
Homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. CID and CSI units were on site and the body was removed later that evening.
Supreme Court sides with church, orders woman to vacate land
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A SURPEME Court judge has sided with a church and ordered a woman to remove a shed and other belongings from a disputed piece of land on Honeycombe Street.
Senior Justice Deborah Fraser determined that the First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of The Bahamas Islands, which purchased the land in 2002, retained continuous possession and that McPhee’s use of the Angela Mcphee’s use of the property — including placing a shed and a clothesline — was insufficient to claim ownership.
The legal battle centred on a portion of land that the church alleged Ms McPhee had unlawfully occupied since 2005. The court was asked to decide whether Ms McPhee’s presence amounted to trespass or whether she had acquired the land through adverse possession, a legal principle that allows someone to claim ownership after 12 years of exclusive, uninterrupted possession. The court found that Ms McPhee’s mother, Melena Rolle, had lived on the property for decades, and Ms McPhee continued to reside there after her mother’s death in 2020. However, the church never relinquished its claim to the land. In 2005, the
church constructed a foundation on the property, showing clear intent to maintain possession.
In 2020, Ms McPhee attempted to sell her home to the church for $72,000, and an Agreement for Sale was signed. However, the deal collapsed because Ms McPhee’s title was defective, meaning she could not legally transfer ownership.
Court documents revealed that the church offered financial assistance to help Ms McPhee apply for a Certificate of Title, which would have allowed the sale to proceed. However, negotiations broke down after Ms McPhee’s son demanded an upfront deposit, which the church refused.
The court noted that Ms McPhee’s attempt to sell the land contradicted her claim that she had possessed it exclusively for 12 years — a requirement for adverse possession.
To prove adverse possession, Ms McPhee needed to show that she had physically controlled the land and had the intent to exclude the rightful owner.
However, the court ruled that Ms McPhee’s use of the land — placing a shed, storing personal items, and hanging clothes — did not amount to true possession. Justice Fraser found that these acts were not significant enough to establish legal ownership, nor did they show an intent to permanently exclude the church.
Additionally, the church had taken formal legal action in 2020, issuing a notice of encroachment to Ms McPhee and demanding that she vacate the land within 90 days. The judge ruled that this action prevented the statutory 12-year period required for adverse possession from ever commencing.
Property dimensions also played a role in the case. Ms McPhee’s property was listed as 3,168 square feet, while the church’s survey indicated it was 2,450 square feet — raising boundary concerns.
The judge ruled that despite the discrepancies, the disputed area legally belonged to the church,
reinforcing its claim of ownership.
Having determined that Ms McPhee was trespassing, the court ordered her to remove her shed, clothesline, and personal belongings within three months. She was also permanently prohibited from occupying the disputed land and ordered to cover the church’s legal costs. The church retains the right to seek damages for trespass in the future.
With the ruling, the church successfully defended its legal ownership, while Ms McPhee’s claim of adverse possession was rejected due to insufficient evidence of exclusive and continuous control.
The scene at Adley Liquor Store on Wulff Road where the body of a man was discovered after firefighters extinguished a fire which engulfed the building on Thursday.
Photo: Dante carrer/Tribune Staff
Governor General, Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt received Jerome Sawyer, Hope Shelley Anne Ratliffe, and Ricardo Knowles in a courtesy call at Government House on Wednesday. Photo: letisha henderson/BIS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025
Can immigration be a solution for Freeport?
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
TALKING about easing immigration rules in
The Bahamas is dangerous territory – yet that is where Rupert Hayward ventured last week.
During the Grand Bahama Business Outlook, he spoke of Freeport being held back by excessive red tape, strict immigration policies and regulatory changes, as well as the slow pace of government approvals for projects in the pipeline.
It was the immigration talk that caught the headlines, but overall it was a considered contribution for a man who has been persistent in speaking up for Grand Bahama.
Hayward is an executive director of the Grand Bahama Port Authority – so speaking up for the island is something that should be expected – but he continues to ask questions and raise points that put the island’s needs front and centre.
Recently, he talked about there having been missed opportunities to restore Freeport. He said: “Freeport, unlike other islands, was and needs to be an international, commercial hub for diverse foreign direct investment, which is why ‘ease of doing business’ is important.”
That need could hardly be more timely. Our international landscape is shifting, with US President Donald Trump’s fondness for using tariffs as a blunt tool to get what he wants likely to affect our cost of living here.
A Tribune article last week noted the obvious outcome for example of a rise in the cost of egg prices – with bakeries looking to pass on the increased costs they face to consumers as well. One high price inflates another, and another and so on.
The cost of eggs is not coming from tariffs, but from a shortage caused by cases of bird flu. But it is a daily pointer to the consequences of the effects of price rises. Wait until those tariffs on Mexico and Canada
kick in and see the effect on a range of goods that we import that originate from those nations and pass through the US before coming to us.
If Grand Bahama had developed into that thriving international hub, we would have had some measure of insulation from such turbulence, as well as the extra opportunities that such a port could offer. We’re not there – but maybe we should be.
As for the immigration aspect, Grand Bahama has singular potential that other islands do not.
There is land, there is a measure of infrastructure that would allow significant new construction – but what is notably lacking is the quantity of manpower that major new businesses would need.
Is it such a bad thing to consider bringing in wholesale entire industries? Offering Grand Bahama as a perfect location for remote or outsourced working?
And if we do not have the technical skills in our workforce, permitting the
necessary immigration while ensuring Bahamians can make the most of offering a support structure and put in the building blocks education-wise to fill such roles in the future?
It’s not an easy question – people might say fine to a handful of permits, but what if it took thousands to launch such businesses? Economically, that might kickstart the island financially, but politically, it might kickstart a riot.
According to Mr Hayward, despite the vocal disagreement between the GBPA and the government, there is a lot of word going on together. He said: “I think politics is often a lot of fanfare. And I think behind the scenes there is a willingness collectively to turn Freeport around.”
He did, however, think it “important that people see big stakeholders in Grand Bahama working together – not just behind the scenes, but also in public”. These are not words being said for the first time – but have been
spoken over and over. Potential. Close cooperation. Removing regulatory hurdles. It’s not new.
In 2023, in an editorial article, Mr Hayward talked of creating “a regulatory framework capable of attracting new large investments and generating countless employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the island”.
He said: “This abundance of new jobs and opportunities would draw thousands of Grand Bahamians currently living away back home, in turn reversing the notorious ‘brain-drain’ that has cost the island so much in terms of lost skills and initiative”.
He added: “A larger population would mean more people to share the cost of running the island, meaning lower fees and taxes for all. This would attract even more new businesses and licensees, residents and large developments, leading to even more jobs for workers and more tax revenue for the island, not to mention a vibrant marketplace for
Grand Bahamian products and services, in a self-reinforcing loop of ever-increasing prosperity and opportunity.”
As it stands – and this is not a single government to blame – Grand Bahama has been dwindling. Sure, there are spikes of opportunity, but it is a long way from the Magic City it once was. Economically and, importantly, culturally, it is not the force it once was, or the force it could be. Being our second city does not mean it should be a second-class city.
As a society, we have a strange relationship with immigration. How many of us have or know family or friends who have a Haitian gardener, say, or a Filipino cleaner, and so on? And yet despite our regular dependence on immigration to fill such roles, we talk hard about clamping down on migration to make sure Bahamians get the opportunities, even those they are not interested in.
If some changes in our approach to immigration could unlock more
opportunities for Bahamians, is that better than not having those opportunities at all, or is it so politically unpalatable that we cannot consider what could be if we loosen the reins just enough?
The answer may be no, but the conversation is well worth having. What has been happening for Grand Bahama over many years is not enough – so asking the hard questions and working out how we can truly turn the island around is not just welcome, but necessary.
We are not getting anywhere by continuing to pour money into the Grand Lucayan while waiting, waiting, waiting for the next promise on a buyer. We are not getting anywhere by an approvals process that operates in slow motion. We are not getting anywhere with the drip-drip of slow sales to straw vendors. Ask the big questions. Not just Mr Hayward, but all those who say that Grand Bahama is important to them, politicians and business people alike.
Grand Bahama Cruise Port.
CARICOM nations should give unified response over new US policies
Two executive orders issued by US President Donald Trump have sparked concern across the Caribbean, much as they have in Central America and beyond. one mandates the removal of illegal migrants from the US, while the other shutters the US Agency for International Development (USAID), an institution that has long been a symbol of American foreign assistance.
The alarm within the 14 independent Caribbean Community (CARICoM) nations arises from the belief that they will suddenly face an influx of deported nationals from the US, many perceived as hardened criminals. This prospect raises concerns among governments and citizens alike about their capacity to absorb these returnees. However, as this commentary will later illustrate, this problem may be more imagined than real.
Another source of anxiety stems from the recent actions of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE), led by Elon Musk, which has closed down USAID—an agency established in 1961 by President John F Kennedy to provide aid and development assistance to
World View
By SIR RONALD
foreign nations. In reality, apart from Jamaica, USAID’s role in CARICoM has not been significant for many years, as will be detailed later in this commentary.
Dealing first with the removal or deportation of non-detained CARICoM nationals in the US.
These CARICoM nationals are not hardened criminals. If they were, they would be detained, not “non detained”. All of them would be classified as having broken US law and, in that sense, to have committed crimes. Among these crimes would be remaining in the US beyond the time that their visas allowed, or for offences committed while they were in the US illegally. Among these offences would be possession of prohibited drugs or being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The deportation of such individuals is not a recent
development; it has been an ongoing practice since the obama administration. Governments have been compelled to accept their deported nationals or face the prospect of tighter visa issuance restrictions for all their citizens, including businesspersons and government officials. This policy did not commence with President Trump’s tenure; it has been in place for over a decade. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces a significant challenge: while they possess lists of individuals residing illegally in the US, compiled from immigration records and law enforcement encounters, they often lack precise information on these individuals’ whereabouts. Moreover, even if apprehended, ICE does not have sufficient facilities to detain all of them. This logistical reality means that mass
4,856 are distributed among the other 12 CARICoM countries. Importantly, these individuals cannot be deported all at once; each must be located, apprehended, brought before a court, and detained until repatriation. Moreover, ICE’s priorities lie elsewhere. Countries like Honduras (261,651 non-detained individuals), Guatemala (253,413), Mexico (252,044), and El Salvador (203,822) have far higher numbers of undocumented nationals in the US. Since President Trump’s second-term inauguration on January 20, mass deportations have targeted these nations: Mexico (4,094), Colombia (306), Guatemala (265), and Ecuador (80). Notably, these 4,856 individuals were already in detention awaiting removal.
CARIC o M countries have the opportunity to proactively plan for the return of their nationals. Governments should initiate these plans now to prevent strain on social welfare systems and rising unemployment. Additionally, while recognising the US administration’s right to deport illegal immigrants—an action they themselves undertake— CARIC o M nations must insist that this process is conducted lawfully, with respect for human dignity and without discrimination.
Regarding the closure of USAID and its impact
on CARICoM countries: In the 2023 fiscal year, USAID disbursed approximately $44 billion across 160 countries and regions worldwide. Ukraine was the top recipient, receiving over $16 billion. Israel received more than $2.2 billion, while Ethiopia and Jordan each received over $1 billion. other major beneficiaries included Somalia, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In contrast, CARICoM countries were not significant recipients of USAID funds. In 2023, U.S. assistance to CARICoM countries, including contributions from USAID, totalled approximately $456.2 million - representing just about 1% of USAID’s total disbursements that year and less than 0.1% of the total aid programme of the U.S. government. Haiti was the primary beneficiary, receiving $393.8 million. Jamaica followed with $26 million, and Belize with $19.8 million. Beyond these, US assistance contributions sharply declined: Dominica received $86,000; Suriname, $371,000; St Vincent and the Grenadines, $474,000; and Antigua and Barbuda, $558,000. Notably, the aid to Antigua and Barbuda was specifically allocated for combating drug trafficking, primarily targeting narcotics destined for the US market.
Therefore, while USAID’s assistance has
been valuable, it was not invaluable; nor was it evenly distributed—some countries benefited more than others. Caribbean leaders in government, the private sector, and the labour movement should now adjust their strategies to address the closure of the USAID agency, and any meaningful assistance it may have provided.
The shuttering of USAID as an agency does not mean aid from the US will end. However, with the resources and functioning of USAID being transferred to the US State Department, the disbursement of aid will become more political than in the past.
But it should be noted that in 2023, the US benefited from a trade surplus of $7.45 billion with CARICoM countries. This indicates that CARICoM nations effectively financed the $456.2 million they received in US aid through their substantial purchases of US goods, accounting for over 60% of their imports. The trade and aid figures underscore that CARICoM counties have room for negotiating a continuing mutually beneficial relationship between the US and CARICoM countries, provided they act together.
The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com
SANDERS
US President Donald Trump.
Photo: AP
One wish
In his popular motivational speeches, best-selling author and self-help guru Tony Robbins often says that “a healthy person has a thousand wishes but a sick person has only one”. And as simple as it may at first appear, there’s a reason why the business strategist and nY Times favourite repeats it. It’s the same reason why those who hear or read it, listen. Its bold, harsh reality leads to a truth so raw that denial is impossible and the normal reaction is a hollow emptiness. The more it resonates, the more powerful it becomes. I still remember the first time I ever heard Tony Robbins say it and the resounding bullet hole it soon bore.
I didn’t know then why it meant so much to Robbins, but I suspect it hit me like it did because I’d known too many patients who felt the same and would give (or have given) absolutely anything to be healthy again. Since medical ailments often sit at the ethos of life’s greatest challenges others will likely agree. Growing old, as most who have done so know all too well, is not for the feint of heart. Then again neither is being human. Life is complicated, puzzling at best, and fraught with fear when the unknown lands at your doorstep, an unknown
like being afflicted with a condition that’s relatively unheard of.
There are many lesserknown medical disorders and unlike the common diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, they do not arouse the same public empathy. Even those closest to the patient, do not relate, leaving the patient to suffer in silence and without the compassion and support of their surrounding community. Today’s report lifts the veil on one such condition.
Have you ever heard of acromegaly? My patient, hereafter referred to as Hannah, certainly didn’t and she never imagined that she’d be diagnosed with something so pervasive that it would change her life forever.
Hannah was born in the early 70s when high-waisted jeans, bell sleeves and platform shoes were all the rage. Disco was nearing its peak and black families gathered religiously every week to watch television shows like The Jeffersons.
Hannah smiles when talking about her childhood. She was raised by a village of loving aunts and uncles and she describes that time in her life as blessed. She vividly recalls going to the beach often with her brother and travelling to Abaco with her cousins to visit her maternal grandmother’s family at every given opportunity.
After high school, she leaned toward a career in hotel management. Unfortunately, job opportunities in this market were scarce so she supplemented her income by assisting her aunt with selling lunches. This is where she met her husband. She later took on a management position with a wholesale jewelry company and began working closely with straw vendors and a number of aspiring craft entrepreneurs.
Her passion for jewelry and dressing people for elegant events eventually led to running her own jewelry business which would not have been possible without the support of her husband.
By Dr Kenneth D Kemp
They dated for six years before getting married and this year they will celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary.
Hannah had her first daughter at the age of 30. not long after, she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition where cysts develop along the outer edge of the ovary and can cause complications like infertility, miscarriage or premature birth, Diabetes and endometrial cancer. Those complications were mitigated by taking medication and Hannah had two other daughters without issue. At that point, as her time became more strained by family responsibilities in addition to managing her own medical care, she gave up her business and went full time into the hospitality industry.
In 2020, however, her life was upended when she was looking at old pictures on Facebook and barely recognised herself. The person staring back at her in the mirror and the person in the pictures were not the same. Hannah was frightened by how much her features had changed and with no conscious realisation as to when or why those changes occurred. Her nose was visibly more enlarged, there was notable gapping between her teeth, her tongue looked swollen, her lips fuller and both her forehead and lower jaw had increased in size.
When asked if she’d had any medical issues prior to that she indicated that the only things she can recall was that her body often itched all over and her hand sometimes felt so stiff that there were times when she couldn’t get it to move. Getting into bed, for example, was a challenge. She also found it more difficult to multi-task at work but the symptoms were so transient that she simply attributed it to her high-pressured job. She eventually told a close friend who advised her to see a doctor but the pandemic started and Hannah was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March 2020, just days after the lockdown was announced in The
Bahamas. Even after she gradually recovered from COVID19, Hannah’s symptoms intensified. At first, she said she didn’t look or feel like herself. Then she began to notice swelling in her hands and feet. She had recurring headaches and pain in her hand and wrist. She also felt weak and more tired than normal. Hannah knew she couldn’t delay things any longer and tele-visited Dr Omala Ablack, a renowned local internal medicine physician who immediately diagnosed her with acromegaly – a relatively rare condition where the body makes too much growth hormone. The main cause is from an adenoma (pituitary tumor) which in Hannah’s case was later confirmed via blood work and an MRI.
The news shocked her.
Looking back, hearing it felt like waves rolling through her stomach and chest then to her brain and crashing back down to her feet. She became emotional telling her husband and, for the both of them, the uncertainty heightened their dismay.
From there, Hannah was referred to an endocrinologist, Dr Ariane Davis-Simmons, who still monitors her condition. Dr Davis-Simmons then referred Hannah to a specialist in the US who could surgically remove her tumor, which was fortunately benign. Hannah’s tumor was excised in September 2020 without issue.
The surgery cost $75,000 so having dual insurance coverage offered through her and her spouse’s job attenuated her concerns.
Hannah couldn’t see her husband for the four days she was in the hospital but was able to recover with him at a friend’s house in the US. Touching her heart, she summarises this part of her life as the ‘I will make a way chapter’ in reference to Isaiah 43:19. Hannah says this was the most amazing part of this entire ordeal. They had nowhere to stay in the US but a customer at her husband’s job at the last moment offered his home to them. In an act of incredible kindness that she will never forget, they transported them to appointments, cooked them three meals a day and housed them for three weeks.
Despite the success of her surgery, Hannah requires lifelong treatment. She
has to have routine blood work and an MRI performed every two years. She takes oral medication daily and gets an injection once a month to regulate her hormone levels. Each injection costs $3,600. She walks regularly for exercise now and consumes a better diet but the uncertainty of life remains ever present. Both her heart and brain are enlarged because of this condition and there is no medication or surgery that can reverse that. The actor Paul Benedict who was best known for his role in The Jeffersons playing the English neighbour Mr Bentley died from a brain hemorrhage in 2008. He was diagnosed with acromegaly in his midtwenties. Tony Robbins was diagnosed with acromegaly at the age of 31. With her daughters now grown and tears long dried, Hannah is focused on forming a support group in The Bahamas for other acromegaly patients. During the height of her medical trials, she never told her family what was happening because she didn’t want to be a burden but, in retrospect, she realises how much it would have helped having a community of people sharing the same experience as her, much like the village that supported her growing up.
When Hannah was asked what her one wish was, she replied that every test is a testimony and if she can help others during their tough times then her survival will not be in vain. She’s created an email for anyone with acromegaly who’d like to contact her (readyforthenext2020@ gmail.com) and she’ll pioneer this new frontier like she has before, with her husband, kids, family and friends by her side. She doesn’t have to wish for anyone to care for her because that wish already came true and she couldn’t be more grateful.
This is The KDK Report.
• Nicknamed ‘The Prince of Podiatry’, Dr Kenneth D Kemp is the founder and medical director of Bahamas Foot and Ankle located in Caves Village, Western New Providence. He served as the deputy chairman for the Health Council for five years and he currently sits on the board of directors for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in his role as co-vice-chairman.
How to find climate data and science the Trump administration doesn’t want you to see
inFOrMAtiOn on the internet might seem like it’s there forever, but it’s only as permanent as people choose to make it. that’s apparent as the second trump administration “floods the zone” with efforts to dismantle science agencies and the data and websites they use to communicate with the public. the targets range from public health and demographics to climate science.
We are a research librarian and policy scholar who belong to a network called the Public environmental data Partners, a coalition of nonprofits, archivists and researchers who rely on federal data in our analysis, advocacy and litigation and are working to ensure that data remains available to the public. in just the first three weeks of trump’s term, we saw agencies remove access to at least a dozen climate and environmental justice analysis tools. the new administration also scrubbed the phrase “climate change” from government websites, as well as terms like “resilience”.
Here’s why and how Public environmental data Partners and others are making sure that the climate science the public depends on is available forever.
Why government websites and data matter
the internet and the availability of data are necessary for innovation, research and daily life. Climate scientists analyse nAsA satellite observations and national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather records to understand changes underway in the earth system, what’s causing them and how to protect the climates that economies were built on. Other researchers use these sources alongside Census Bureau data to understand who is most affected by climate change. And every day, people around the world log onto the environmental Protection Agency’s website to learn how to protect themselves from hazards — and to find out what the government is or isn’t doing to help. if the data and tools used to understand complex data are abruptly taken off the internet, the work of scientists, civil society organizations and government officials themselves can grind to a halt. the generation of scientific data and analysis by government scientists is also crucial. Many state governments run environmental protection and public health programs that depend on science and data collected by federal agencies. removing information from government websites also makes it harder for the public to effectively
participate in key processes of democracy, including changes to regulations. When an agency proposes to repeal a rule, for example, it is required to solicit comments from the public, who often depend on government websites to find information relevant to the rule.
And when web resources are altered or taken offline, it breeds mistrust in both government and science. Government agencies have collected climate data, conducted complex analyses, provided funding and hosted data in a publicly accessible manner for years. People around the word understand climate change in large part because of Us federal data. removing it deprives everyone of important information about their world.
Bye-bye data?
the first trump administration removed discussions of climate change and climate policies widely across government websites. However, in our research with the environmental data and Governance initiative over those first four years, we didn’t find evidence that datasets had been permanently deleted. the second trump administration seems different, with more rapid and pervasive removal of information. in response, groups
involved in Public environmental data Partners have been archiving climate datasets our community has prioritised, uploading copies to public repositories and cataloging where and how to find them if they go missing from government websites.
As of February 13, 2025, we hadn’t seen the destruction of climate science records. Many of these data collection programmes, such as those at nOAA or ePA’s Greenhouse Gas reporting Programme, are required by Congress. However, the administration had limited or eliminated access to a lot of data.
Maintaining tools for understanding climate change
We’ve seen a targeted effort to systematically remove tools like dashboards that summarize and visualize the social dimensions of climate change. For instance, the Climate and economic Justice screening tool mapped low-income and other marginalised communities that are expected to experience severe climate changes, such as crop losses and wildfires. the mapping tool
was taken offline shortly after trump’s first set of executive orders.
Most of the original data behind the mapping tool, like the wildfire risk predictions, is still available, but is now harder to find and access. But because the mapping tool was developed as an open-source project, we were able to recreate it.
Preserving websites for the future
in some cases, entire webpages are offline. For instance, the page for the 25-year-old Climate Change Center at the department of transportation doesn’t exist anymore. the link just sends visitors back to the department’s homepage.
Other pages have limited access. For instance, ePA hasn’t yet removed its climate change pages, but it has removed “climate change” from its navigation menu, making it harder to find those pages.
Fortunately, our partners at the end of term Web Archive have captured snapshots of millions of government webpages and made them accessible through the internet Archive’s Wayback
WASHINGTON Associated Press
President donald trump on Friday signed an executive order formally creating a national energy dominance Council and directed it to move quickly to drive up already recordsetting domestic oil and gas production.
trump’s administration also announced it has granted conditional export authorization for a huge liquefied natural gas project in Louisiana, the first approval of new LnG exports since former President Joe Biden paused consideration of them a year ago.
And trump said he has directed interior secretary doug Burgum to undo Biden’s ban on future offshore oil drilling on the east and West coasts. Biden’s last-minute action last month “viciously took out” more than 625 million acres offshore that could contribute to the nation’s “net worth,” trump said. trump also vowed to
revive a cancelled pipeline that would carry natural gas from Pennsylvania to new York, saying it could slash energy prices in the northeast by as much as 70%. taken together, the actions underscored trump’s commitment to increase Us energy production, particularly fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, and remove regulatory barriers that may slow that down. trump said the United states is blessed with “liquid gold” and has urged energy companies to sell more oil and gas to allies in europe and around the globe.
“We’re going to make more money than anybody’s ever made with energy,’’ trump said at an event Friday in the Oval Office. the United states has “clean energy, very clean beautiful energy. We’re lucky to have it. i call it liquid gold under our feet. And we’re going to utilize it.” the new council, to be headed by Burgum, will be
granted sweeping authority over federal agencies involved in energy permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation and transportation, with a mandate to cut bureaucratic red tape, enhance private sector investments and focus on innovation instead of “totally unnecessary regulation,” trump said.
trump also said he would roll back efficiency standards for dishwashers and other appliances. And Lee Zeldin, administrator of the environmental Protection Agency, said he would work with Congress to repeal a waiver Biden’s ePA granted allowing California to impose strict air pollution standards on cars and trucks.
Biden said in January 2024 that he was delaying consideration of new natural gas export terminals in the United states, even as gas shipments to europe and Asia have soared since russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Biden’s election year
decision aligned him with environmentalists who fear the huge increase in LnG exports is locking in potentially catastrophic planet-warming emissions, even as the democratic president pledged to cut climate pollution in half by 2030.
But the move infuriated the oil and gas industry and republicans, who called it a betrayal and a “broken promise” to Us allies who depend on LnG imports for home heating and other needs.
trump has repeatedly called to undo Biden’s action, and an executive order he signed on the first day of his new term lifted the delay. energy secretary Chris Wright, appearing with trump at the White House, said he granted a conditional approval to Commonwealth LnG in Louisiana. the company has said it will export 9.5 million tons of LnG per year at a new facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. By signing the conditional export approval, Wright said he was “unpausing the pause in action” imposed by Biden.
exporting American
LnG strengthens the Us economy and supports American jobs while bolstering energy security around the world, and i am proud to be working with President trump to get American energy exports back on track,” Wright said.
Commonwealth LnG, owned by Kimmeridge texas Gas, hailed the administration’s actions, saying in a statement that they “demonstrate that President trump is prioritising the American energy industry.”
Wright’s approval is subject to a final order by the independent Federal energy regulatory Commission, but the company said it was confident the panel would approve the project this summer.
Commonwealth anticipates reaching a final investment decision in september, with the first LnG production expected in early 2029, said CeO Farhad Ahrabi.
Biden, in blocking new offshore oil drilling two weeks before his term expired, said he was using authority under the federal Outer Continental shelf Lands Act to protect
Machine. the group has done this after each administration since 2008. if you’re looking at a webpage and you think it should include a discussion of climate change, use the “changes” tool” in the Wayback Machine to check if the language has been altered over time, or navigate to the site’s snapshots of the page before trump’s inauguration.
What you can do
You can also find archived climate and environmental justice datasets and tools on the Public environmental data Partners website. Other groups are archiving datasets linked in the data.gov data portal and making them findable in other locations. individual researchers are also uploading datasets in searchable repositories like OsF, run by the Center for Open science. if you are worried that certain data currently still available might disappear, consult this checklist from Mit Libraries. it provides steps for how you can help safeguard federal data.
Narrowing the knowledge sphere
What’s unclear is how far the administration will push its attempts to remove, block or hide climate data and science, and how successful it will be.
Already, a federal district court judge has ruled that the Centers for disease Control and Prevention’s removal of access to public health resources that doctors rely on was harmful and arbitrary. these were putback online thanks to that ruling.
We worry that more data and information removals will narrow public understanding of climate change, leaving people, communities and economies unprepared and at greater risk. While data archiving efforts can stem the tide of removals to some extent, there is no replacement for the government research infrastructures that produce and share climate data.
• Originally published on www.theconversation.com.
offshore areas along the east and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and portions of Alaska’s northern Bering sea. the order does not affect large swaths of the Gulf of Mexico — where most Us offshore drilling occurs — but would protect coastlines along California, Florida and other states from future drilling.
Biden’s action, which protects more than 625 million acres of federal waters, could be difficult for trump to unwind, since it would likely require an act of Congress to repeal. the 72-year-old law that Biden cited allows the president to withdraw portions of the outer continental shelf from mineral leasing, including leasing to drill for oil and gas, if the areas are deemed too sensitive to drill.
“the amount of money that (Biden) took off our balance sheet was incalculable,’’ trump said Friday. “He just wiped it out. that’s a major part of the ocean and he just gave it away, he took it away.” trump said he was confident the order could be undone “in a very legal procedure,” adding: “now it’s back in our balance sheet.”
scientists at NOAA collect and provide crucial public information about coastal conditions that businesses, individuals and other scientists rely on.
DonalD Trump speaks at a campaign town hall in Philadelphia in October 2024.
Photo: alex Brandon/AP
E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications continue in Eleuthera
StudentS at Wellington Preparatory School showcase their talents in the visual and performing arts, in the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Eleuthera Adjudications, on February 11, 2025. Among the highlights included the students singing and dancing to KB’s “I’m a Boatman”.
Photos: eric Rose/BIS
Rubio leading US delegation for talks with Russia on Ukraine in Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON Associated Press
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia for direct talks with Russian officials in the coming days to seek an end to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, a US official said Sunday.
Also expected to take part in the talks in Riyadh about Russia’s February 2022 invasion is national security adviser Michael Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to the official, who was not authorized to discuss the talks and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The official added that what the administration sees as early-stage negotiations remain fluid and who ultimately ends up at the table for the anticipated talks could change.
The trip follows last week’s telephone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Trump said they “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.” The call upended years of US policy, ending the isolation of Moscow over the Feb. 24, 2022, invasion. Trump also spoke separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
It wasn’t immediately clear if any Ukrainians would take part in the talks. A Ukrainian delegation is in Saudi Arabia to pave the way for a possible visit by Zelenskyy, a
Ukrainian official said. Trump on Sunday told reporters Zelenskyy “will be involved,” but did not elaborate on the role he’d play in the talks. Zelenskyy has said he wouldn’t accept any negotiations about Ukraine that don’t include his country. European governments have also demanded a role.
Speaking to Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” program, Witkoff said he and Waltz will be “having meetings
at the direction of the president,” and hope to make “some really good progress with regard to Russia-Ukraine.”
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, a first deputy prime minister, didn’t clarify whether there is a link between Zelenskyy’s possible trip and previously announced US-Russia talks. In a Facebook post, she said the Ukrainian delegation’s focus is on strengthening economic
ties as Kyiv “prepares to sign important economic agreements with countries in the region.” She didn’t say anything about when Zelenskyy might go to Saudi Arabia and with whom he might meet.
Andriy Yermak, a top Zelenskyy adviser, said earlier Sunday there was no possibility of Ukrainian and Russian representatives meeting directly in the immediate future. In a Telegram post, Yermak said the
Ukrainians weren’t planning to do so “until we develop a plan” to end the war and bring about a “just peace.”
Mykhailo Podolyak, another Zelenskyy adviser, on Saturday denied that Ukraine will participate in any planned US-Russia meetings in Saudi Arabia. “There is nothing on the negotiating table that would be worth discussing,” he told Ukrainian television.
Svyrydenko’s remarks
came within hours of Witkoff’s statement that high-level meetings were imminent in Saudi Arabia.
Witkoff didn’t specify with whom they would be meeting and what they would discuss, but he said that he was leaving for Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening.
Russian officials and state media took a triumphant tone after Trump jettisoned three years of US policy and announced that he would likely meet soon with Putin to negotiate a peace deal in the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s announcement created a major diplomatic upheaval that could herald a watershed moment for Ukraine and Europe.
Putin has been ostracized by the West since the war began. In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader.
In his TV interview, Witkoff didn’t directly respond to a question about whether Ukraine would have to give up a “significant portion” of its territory as part of any negotiated settlement.
“Those are details, and I’m not dismissive of the details, they’re important. But I think the beginning here is trust-building. It’s getting everybody to understand that this war does not belong continuing, that it should end. That’s what the president has directed us to do,” he said.
Israel’s Neta N yahu sIgN als he’s mov INg ahead w I th t rump’s Idea to tra Nsfer palest INI a Ns from gaza
JERUSALEM Associated Press
ISRAElI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday signalled that he was moving ahead with US President Donald Trump’s proposal to transfer the Palestinian population out of Gaza, calling it “the only viable plan to enable a different future” for the region.
Netanyahu discussed the plan with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who kicked off a Middle East visit by endorsing Israel’s war aims in Gaza, saying Hamas “must be eradicated.”
That created further doubt around the shaky ceasefire as talks on its second phase are yet to begin. Rubio, in his upcoming stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is likely to face more pushback from Arab leaders over Trump’s proposal, which includes redeveloping Gaza under US ownership. Netanyahu has said all emigration from Gaza should be “voluntary,” but rights groups and other critics say that the plan amounts to coercion given the territory’s vast destruction.
Netanyahu said he and Trump have a “common strategy” for Gaza. Echoing Trump, he said “the gates of hell would be open” if Hamas doesn’t release dozens of remaining hostages abducted in the militant group’s attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that triggered the 16-month war.
The ceasefire’s first phase ends in two weeks. Negotiations were meant to begin two weeks ago on the second phase, in which Hamas would release dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces
Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News that “phase two is absolutely going to begin” and he had “very productive” calls Sunday with Netanyahu and officials from Egypt and Qatar, which serve as mediators, about continuing talks this week. He also said hostages to be released include 19 Israeli soldiers and “we believe all of them are alive.”
Netanyahu’s office said Israel’s security Cabinet
would meet Monday to discuss the second phase.
Trump later told journalists it is “up to Israel what the next step is, in consultation with me.”
In another sign of closing ranks, Israel’s Defense Ministry said it received a shipment of 2,000-pound (900-kilogram) MK-84 munitions from the United States. The Biden administration paused a shipment of such bombs last year over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.
Resuming the war could doom hostages This week marks 500 days of the war. Netanyahu has signalled readiness to resume the fighting after the ceasefire’s current phase, though it could be a death sentence for remaining hostages.
Rubio said peace becomes impossible as long as Hamas “stands as a force that can govern or as a force that can administer or as a force that can threaten by use of violence,” adding, “It must be eradicated.”
Hamas reasserted control over Gaza when the ceasefire began last month, despite suffering heavy losses.
Netanyahu has offered Hamas a chance to surrender and send top leaders into exile. Hamas has rejected that scenario and insists on Palestinian rule. Spokesman Abdul latif al-Qanou told The Associated Press the group accepts a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic committee to run Gaza.
Netanyahu instructed negotiators to leave for Cairo on Monday to discuss further implementation of the ceasefire’s first phase, as issues over delivery of shelter materials continue.
The Israeli military, meanwhile, said it carried out an airstrike on people who approached forces in southern Gaza. The Hamasrun Interior Ministry said it killed three of its police officers while they secured the entry of aid trucks near Rafah on the Egyptian border.
‘If someone has a better plan ... that’s great’ In an interview last week, Rubio indicated that Trump’s Gaza proposal was in part aimed at pressuring Arab states to make their own postwar plan that would be acceptable to Israel.
Rubio also appeared to suggest that Arab countries send troops to combat Hamas.
“If the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great,” Rubio said
Thursday on the “Clay and Buck Show.”
But “Hamas has guns,” he added. “Someone has to confront those guys. It’s not going to be American soldiers. And if the countries in the region can’t figure that piece out, then Israel is going to have to do it.” Rubio wasn’t scheduled to meet with Palestinians on his trip.
Arabs have limited options
For Arab leaders, facilitating the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza or battling Palestinian militants on behalf of Israel are nightmare scenarios that would bring fierce domestic criticism and potentially destabilise an already volatile region.
Egypt hosts an Arab summit on Feb. 27 and is working with other countries on a counterproposal that would allow for Gaza’s rebuilding without removing its population. Human rights groups say the expulsion of Palestinians would likely violate international law.
Egypt has warned that any mass influx of Palestinians from Gaza would undermine its nearly half-century peace treaty with Israel, a cornerstone of US influence in the region.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia also have rejected any mass displacement of Palestinians.
The UAE was the driving
force behind the 2020 Abraham Accords in which four Arab states — Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco and Sudan — normalized relations with Israel during Trump’s previous term. Trump hopes to expand the accords to include Saudi Arabia, potentially offering closer US defence ties, but the kingdom has said it won’t normalize relations with Israel without a pathway to a Palestinian state.
Rubio won’t be visiting Egypt or Jordan, close US allies at peace with Israel that have refused to accept any influx of Palestinian refugees. Trump has suggested he might slash US aid if they don’t comply, which could be devastating for their economies.
Rubio is also skipping Qatar.
Arab and Muslim countries have conditioned any support for postwar Gaza on a return to Palestinian governance with a pathway to statehood in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories that Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel has ruled out a Palestinian state and any role in Gaza for the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, whose forces were driven out when Hamas seized power there in 2007.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tours Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, in Jerusalem, Israel, yesterday. Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/AP
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands during a news conference at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem, Israel, yesterday.
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
GSSSA BEST-OF-3 BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS:
FOUR WINNING SCHOOLS GET THEIR TROPHIES
FROM PAGE 20
Bethel Stingrays, the defending champions, 38-28 in game three to emerge as the new titleholders.
The Rattlers’ senior boys were not as fortunate. The Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves avenged last year’s finals loss by defeating the defending champions 83-65 to complete a two-game sweep.
Junior Girls
After falling in an 0-1 hole to start the series, the Raptors rallied behind junior national basketball team player Tajhanique Morley the next two games en route to their third consecutive championship.
Raptors head coach Varel Davis was very impressed with the resilience and dedication of her players.
“We have been working since October of last year every Saturday nonstop. This is our three-peat and I told the girls today if you want it you have to go get it. These girls proved themselves today. I am so happy for them, especially Tajhanique Morley and Andrewnique Smith because this is their last year. I am happy for this one, to God be the glory for the great things he has done for CH Reeves and our programme,” she said.
CH Reeves had a close game at halftime, leading 18-14 at the break.
The team tipped off the third period with a 6-0 run, highlighted by Morley hitting a layup at the 3:09 mark to push the lead to double digits (24-14).
The Royals’ Makia Bowles helped to cut into the deficit (27-18) with a three late in the third.
The Raptors eventually gained control of the game 34-20 in the final quarter and ran out the clock the rest of the way.
The MVP honours went to Morley, who finished the game with 23 points.
Bowles was the top scorer for DW Davis with a team-high 16 points.
Senior Girls
The CI Gibson Lady Rattlers were left out of the ‘big dance’ last season while the Stingrays hoisted the championship hardware.
One season later, the Lady Rattlers sent the champions packing.
Rattlers head coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson expressed how it felt to see this group of girls win it all.
“It feels pretty good. We worked extremely hard all year to get to this point. Those girls locked in from September and worked. We felt like conditioning was the key to our success also because they were a little tired so were able to force some turnovers and score some easy baskets,” he said.
The Lady Rattlers struck the first blow against the Stingrays in the first half.
The team had everything going their way and enjoyed a 22-10 advantage with 1:01 remaining in the second quarter.
The score was 22-13 at the intermission.
Coach Johnson revealed the key to the Rattlers’ game three victory.
“Defensively, we were locked in and we were able to really lock down CV Bethel’s best players Riccarra Beadle and Nevaeh Albury. They are two of the best players in the country when it comes to girls’ basketball but we just wanted to make it difficult for them,” he said.
The Stingrays managed to shave the Rattlers’ lead down to just seven (28-21) with 2:05 left to go in the third but CI Gibson never let up.
The Lady Rattlers once again led by double digits (38-27) after Tamisha Reckley nailed a pair of free throws at the charity stripe. Reckley was named the MVP and finished the win with a game-high 16 points.
Riccarra Beadle dropped 10 points for CV Bethel in the tough loss.
Senior Boys
It is no secret that there is an ongoing rivalry between the Rattlers and Timberwolves. However,
this chapter belonged to the Anatol Rodgers senior boys. The Timberwolves buried the Rattlers with the three-ball all game long. Derek Francis and Cavalle Ferguson got it going from behind the arc to combine for 11 made threes. Anatol Rodgers got out to a 17-10 run in the first quarter with 2:03 to go. CI Gibson mounted a late surge and won the quarter 18-17. The Timberwolves rebounded nicely in the second quarter to outscore the Rattlers 25-17. They were in charge 42-35 at the halftime break.
Francis, who was named MVP, drained back-to-back threes in the third quarter to give the Timberwolves a 57-43 lead with 2:35 remaining. The game was a foregone conclusion at that point. Ferguson pitched in a game-high 26 points and Francis dropped 22 points in the championship win. The Rattlers got a teamhigh 21 points from Mario Rolle.
Junior Boys
The DW Davis Royals flexed their championship experience against the Raptors to claim their eighth straight title over the weekend.
Head coach Mark Hanna said it was a wonderful feeling to see how hard work pays off once again.
“It is a wonderful feeling when you put so much time into it all summer and all Easter. It feels great when they work hard to see the guys develop. “A ring, trophy or coaching award doesn’t move me anymore, after all these years these guys are my trophies. When I see them doing well in the classroom, in the community, going to senior school and going to colleges I sit down and smile because I know I am invested in real life,” he said.
The Royals made it look easy in the first half to lead 32-24 through two quarters of play but the Raptors did not go down without a fight. The Raptors continued to chip away at the Royals’ lead in the third. The team eventually got within six (34-28) with 3:44 to go. CH Reeves’ Tristian Rahming connected on a jumper in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 46 apiece. The Raptors battled hard down the stretch but Dario Musgrove split a pair of
at the charity
to
the win for the Royals.
Wright scored a game-high 28 points to be named MVP. Devante Crawl scored a team-high 21 points for the Raptors. Next up on the GSSSA schedule will be the Track and Field Championships slated for March 12-14.
shots
stripe
seal
Joevardo
SENIOR BOYS CHAMPIONS: The Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves won their senior boys series 2-1 to upset last year’s defending champions the CI Gibson Rattlers in the 2025 GSSSA best-of-three basketball championships.
THE CH Reeves Raptors junior girls repeated as champions in their division. The Raptors sent the Royals’ junior girls home with a 35-23 victory in game three to win their third straight championship with a backdoor sweep.
THE CI Gibson Rattlers’ senior girls upset the CV Bethel Stingrays, the defending champions, 38-28 in game three to emerge as the new titleholders.
Swimmers compete in open water CARIFTA qualifier
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
OVER 50 competitors braved the chilly waters of Goodman’s Bay on Saturday to try and claim a spot on the Bahamas Aquatics’ five-kilometre open water team to represent the Bahamas at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships.
While Malcolm Menzies and Alanna Murray topped the field in the male and female divisions, Bahamas Aquatics, according to president Algernon Cargill, will review the results and those posted in Grand Bahama before they select the open water team that will travel with the swim team to the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Trinidad & Tobago over the Easter holiday weekend.
“This was our first open water swim for the year in Nassau. It’s a CARIFTA qualifier and with over 50 swimmers competing, it was a good sign,” Cargill said. “There is an increased interest in open water swimming and we had a good number of female swimmers participating.
“The course was a bit choppy, but nonetheless, these swimmers persevered so I was happy with the results.”
Cargill stressed that based on the top three finishers in the two open water swims here in New Providence and the one previously in Grand Bahama, they will then select the team for the CARIFTA open water swim.
The top three competitors in the 12-13, 13-14 and 15-18 age group will be selected to compete.
In making their strong case for the team selection, Menzies, competing in the 15-18 age group category, topped the field in one hour, 10 minutes and 47 seconds. He was followed by William Farrington in 1:12.43 and Alexander Murray, competing in the 14-15 category, was third overall in 1:12.50.
“It was great, but the conditions of the water
particularly at the end, was quite hard. I couldn’t really see the buoys, but I managed to get the job done,” said Menzies, an 11th grader at Windsor Academy and a member of Black Marlins.
“I’m happy with it. I came here to do what I wanted to do, so I’m happy with it. I’m looking forward to CARIFTA. I just want to go for it.”
Last year, Menzies was the first Bahamian to finish the event here in Nassau where he placed seventh overall. He hopes to improve on that performance in Trinidad.
For 15-year-old Farrington, a 10th grader at St Andrew’s and a Mako Aquatics member, he was just as thrilled with his performance.
“The conditions weren’t fairly, the waters were a bit happy, but I was still able to get it done,” Farrington said. “It was a very good race, very fierce between three or four of us in the pack for most of the race.”
Murray, a 14-year-old Black Marlins’ member, said he was definitely pushed to his limit.
“The race was very long. My arms got really tired when I was on the second lap,” said Murray, a ninth grader at Aquinas College. “But it was a pretty good race. I think it was my best time ever. The competition was a lot of fun. I had a lot of people to race with next to me.”
His older sister, Alanna, pulled away from the field to easily win the female segment of the race in 1:20.44. There was a close batter for the next three spots with Siann Isaacs getting second in 1:22.30, Barracuda’s Madison Gilbert in third in 1:22.29 with Mako’s Gillian Albury coming in fourth in 1:22.33 and Alpha Aquatics’ Samirah Donaldson was fifth in 1:22.57.
“It was good. I felt sick today, but I still got through it. It was tiring,” said Murray, a 16-year-old 10th grader at Aquinas College and a member of Black Marlins. “I am really looking forward to
competing in CARIFTA this year. Hopefully I will get to do very well.”
Isaacs, who competes for Alpha Aquatics, said it was a good race. She said if selected, she intends to compete even better. “We tried to stick together, but it was good that I was able to get the edge at the end,” said the 14-year-old ninth grader at Windsor Academy. “I know it will be tougher at CARIFTA, so I have to be ready.”
Gilbert, a 13-year-old 10th grader at Queen’s College, said the third time around competing in the open water was much harder than the previous two. “This time the waves were a lot worse than they were the first two times,”
she pointed out. “But it wasn’t so bad. It was good for us to push each other coming to the end of the race.”
Last year she competed in both the open water and the pool competition and she’s hoping to duplicate that feat again this year.
Albury, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Windsor Academy, said it was chaotic at the finish because “everyone was racing” to finish, but she was glad she got through it. “I felt like I swam a good race. I started out fast to try to separate from the pace,” she said.
“I kept my pace steadily to stay with the girls in the front and they finished fast, but I was able to secure the second finish in my age group.”
Donaldson, a 14-yearold 10th grader at Queen’s College, said it was the first time she tried the open water, but she didn’t have as much expectations as the rest of the girls she competed against.
“I think I did very well,” she said.
“I wanted to be right there with the other girls, but I was getting choked and then they pushed in the middle.
“But I tried my best to stay in my place and hold on.”
Bahamas Aquatics, according to Cargill, is also in the process of finalising its swim team as the Bahamas aims to bring home the seventh straight title from the championships in Trinidad and Tobago.
BAHAMAS PICKLEBALL FEDERATION
BAHAMAS Aquatics Federation Open Water Invitational was held on Saturday at Goodman’s Bay.
Here’s a look at the final results posted:-
Girls 12-13 5k Open Water - 1, Grey, Blue S, MAC, 1:35:54.00. 2, Brueckner, Sophie, MAC, 1:43:53.00. Girls 14-15 5k Open Water - 1, Isaacs, Siann E, AAC, 1:22:30.00. 2, Albury, Gillian C, MAC, 1:22:33.00. 3, Donaldson, Samirah E, AAC, 1:22:57.00. 4, Fox, Madison E, AAC, 1:27:42.00. 5, Black, Summer R, LSC, 1:30:02.00. 6, Saralegui, Violet A, LSC, 1:30:22.00. 7, Clarke, Christin-Alyssa C, BSC, 1:31:58.00. 8, Brueckner, Ella, MAC, 1:35:50.00. 9, Huille, Alice H, BMSC, 1:36:04.00. 10, Van Der Riet, Mia I,BMSC, 1:38:24.00. 11, Mackey, Jayda T, BMSC, 1:46:44.00. --, Pratt, Noel S, BSC, DNF. Girls 16-18 5k Open Water - 1, Murray, Alanna T, BMSC, 1:20:44.00. 2, Gilbert, Madison R, BSC, 1:22:29.00. 3, Zatarain, Alexia C, LSC, 1:27:28.00. 4, Carter, Imani X, BSC, 1:34:33.00. 5, McKinney, Summer, AAC, 1:46:28.00. --, Shouldice, Grace K, BMSC, DQ DQ. --, Mortimer, Sarea A, MAC, DNF. Girls 19 & Over 5k Open Water - 1, Chaplain, Jenna, UN, 1:37:57.00. --, CulmerMackey, Sienna A, UN, DNF. Boys 12-13 5k Open Water - 1, Thompson, Blair E, MAC, 1:21:30.00. 2, Murray, Kyle A, BMSC, 1:27:19.00. Boys 14-15 5k Open Water - 1, Murray, Alexander J, BMSC, 1:12:50.00. 2, Williams, Kaylan K, MAC, 1:12:57.00. 3, Singh, David A, BSC, 1:14:41.00. 4, Russell, Trace K, MAC, 1:18:30.00. 5, Menzies, Lauchlan X, BMSC, 1:20:38.00. 6, Pratt, Ta-naj, MAC, 1:21:20.00. 7, Ferguson, Kaalen A, AAC, 1:23:28.00. 8, Deleveaux, Aindriu H, Blue Waves, 1:25:04.00. 9, Ferguson, Anthony A, AAC, 1:29:26.00. 10, Thompson Jai E, AAC, 1:29:44.00. Boys 16-18 5k Open Water - 1, Menzies, Malcolm P, BMSC, 1:10:47.00. 2, Farrington, William B, MAC, 1:12:43.00. 3, Johnson, Kevin L, Blue Waves, 1:15:12.00. 4, Saunders, Myles A, MAC, 1:16:30.00. 5, Fox, Michael A, AAC, 1:18:28.00. 6, Bethell, Daniel N, MAC, 1:19:53.00. 7, Adams, Chad D, MAC, x1:21:12.00. 8, Daniels, Maxwell P, MAC, x1:23:13.00. 9, Burrows, Keron D, BMSC, 1:23:32.00. 10, Ferguson, Luke, AAC, 1:24:26.00. 11, Moss, Orion A, BMSC, 1:27:16.00. 12, Walkes, Cameron A, AAC, 1:29:25.00. 13, Bain, Ayden T, MAC, x1:32:34.00. 14, Dorsett, Christopher A, LSC, 1:38:26.00. --, Butler, Damari K, MAC, DNF. Boys 19 & Over 5k Open Water - 1, Cordova, Ragh E, LIT, 1:24:20.00
The event commenced with the Caribbean Championships February 6-7, showcasing individual and team talents across various age groups.
The Nations Cup followed on February 8-9,
THE Bahamas Pickleball Federation achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the silver medal in the senior division at the inaugural Caribbean Pickleball Champions Cup, held February 6-9 at the Pickleball Cayman facility in Grand Cayman, along with several gold medals. The tournament featured teams from the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda.
where national teams competed in both 18 and under, under 50 and senior (50+) divisions. In the senior division, the Bahamas demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, culminating in a second-place finish behind the Cayman Islands, with Bermuda securing third place. The under-50 division also witnessed intense rallies and strategic plays, highlighting the depth of talent across the participating nations. Notably, the youth category (18 and under) showcased impressive performances, underscoring pickleballs’ rapid growth and its potential future inclusion in the Olympic Games.
The spirit and enthusiasm displayed by all players were truly inspiring, creating an atmosphere that exceeded all expectations. The Bahamas Pickleball Federation expressed immense pride in their athletes’ achievements and looks forward to building on this success in future competitions.
As pickleball continues to gain momentum globally, the Bahamas’ strong performance at this inaugural event signifies a promising future for the sport within the nation. For more information on upcoming pickleball events and how to get involved, please contact the Bahamas Pickleball Federation.
GOOD JOB TEAM BAHAMAS: The Bahamas Pickleball Federation team.
TOP three female finishers, from left to right, Siann Isaacs, Alanna Murray and Madison Gilbert.
TOP three male finishers, from left to right, William Farrington, Malcolm Menzies and Alexander Murray.
Athletes qualify for CARIFTA at Diana Lynn-Thompson Classic
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter
JUNIOR athletes hit the qualifying mark on the track and field for the 2025 CARIFTA Games at the 19th Diana Lynn-Thompson Classic hosted by the Roadrunners Track and Field Club at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Saturday.
A few athletes made the CARIFTA standards in the field events while the athletes on the track had to battle with windy conditions.
ON THE FIELD
Keely Deveaux, representing Fast Forward, had a CARIFTA-qualifying performance in the under-17 girls’ long jump event. She soared to 5.63m, well over the qualifying mark of 5.45m and good enough for first place.
Team Velocity’s Johnell Marshall came second at 5.16m.
Rihanna Kellman, of Noble Prep, came third with a jump of 5.12m.
CH Reeves’ Kaiden Kemp cleared the CARIFTA standard of 41.64m in the under-17 boys’ discus throw event.
He came first with a heave of 43.55m. Carmeljo Wooside, representing Triple Threat Throws, settled for second at 36.65m.
The third spot went to David Douglas, of CH Reeves, with a toss of 34.91m.
Carlin Archer, of PVS Sports, made the qualifying mark in the under-20 boys’ triple jump event. He leaped to 14.74m to eclipse the qualifying mark of 14.29m.
Landon Moxey, representing Red-Line Athletics, posted 13.88m for second place. Nicholas Knowles, of Jumpers Inc, settled for third at 13.43m.
ON THE TRACK
Alexis Roberts, of RedLine Athletics, dipped under the CARIFTA qualifying standard of 24.35 seconds in the under-20 girls’ 200m finals. She stopped the clock at 24.34 seconds for first place. Her clubmate Darvinique Dean ran a time of 24.43 seconds for second place.
Makaiah Hitchman, representing Tazmanian Speed, got the third spot in 24.96 seconds.
Jasmine Thompson, of Roadrunners, clocked a wind-aided time of 14.48 seconds in the under-17 girls’ 100m hurdles event. Her time was lower than the CARIFTA standard of 14.65 seconds but the wind reading for the event was +4.8 (mps).
Red-Line Athletics’ Bayli Major suffered the same fate in the under-20 girls’ 100m hurdles event. She posted a wind-aided time of 14.55 seconds for first place. The CARIFTA qualifying mark for the event is 14.68 seconds but the race had +4.1 wind reading.
Jamiah Nabbie came close to the qualifying standard of 55.40 seconds in the under-20 girls’ 400m finals. She crossed the finish line in 55.62 seconds for first place. Roberts trailed for second in 55.78 seconds and Dean dropped to third at 56.17 seconds.
Red-Line Athletics’ Brianna Bootle ran a windaided time of 12.00 seconds for first in the under-15 girls’ 100m finals. Her time was under the qualifying
standard of 12.08 seconds but the event had a wind reading of +2.3 mps.
under-17 girls’ 100m finals. She ran a time of 11.99 seconds well under the CARIFTA qualifying mark of 12.08 seconds but her
time was wind aided.Additional results from the 19th Diana Lynn-Thompson
hard work that I have been putting in consistently. Consistency and hard work is key for making this happen,” he said.
The 2001 World Outdoor relay gold medallist finished fourth in the event.
Keon Williams, of Tazmanian Speed, crossed the finish line first in 48.47 seconds.
Dennis Williamson, representing the University of The Bahamas, secured a second place finish in 49.41 seconds.
Foltain Robinson, of Tazmanian Speed, was third overall, posting a time of 49.82 seconds.
Munnings said he was confident in his ability to finish the race strong despite a rough start by his standards.
“There aren’t any local masters athletes running in the 400m so I always run in the open category with persons that are less than 25-years-old. I am running with the young guns so the competition is always stiff but I have never been afraid of competition and it is really only making me better,” he said.
“I was confident that I put in enough work to be
somewhat competitive. I got out and struggled initially in the first part of the race and had to work a little hard on the back but I was able to fight through and was still in good position with a record at the end of the race.”
The Bahamian Olympic bronze medallist has consistently shaved some time off his numbers at the local track club meets.
Last month he dipped under the 21-year-old Masters World Record of 52.24 seconds set by American
Charles Allie at the World Masters Championships in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on July 12, 2003.
Although he is outrunning “father time” one track meet at a time, he admitted that running against younger competition pushes him to compete harder.
“Running with the young athletes definitely helps me. Although I am not an elite athlete as I once was, I always still feel as though I should be winning. They are really pulling me along,
THE 12th Annual Tour De Grand Bahama cycling competition, sponsored by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), turned out to be a very successful event over the weekend in Grand Bahama. Now officially branded the “Grand Bahama Port Authority
event
and
from the University of Florida in Gainesville, two teams from Tampa, Florida, a contingent from Turks and Caicos, as well as competitors from Canada, Nassau, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands, participated. The competition started on Saturday with a 3.7-mile time trial – a race against the clock designed to test speed and endurance. The second stage is a closed-circuit race lasting
one hour, plus three laps, where strategy and pacing will be crucial. On Sunday, the event culminated with the gruelling open-category road race - an 80-mile test of stamina and skill starting and finishing at the GBPA headquarters. Female cyclists rode a 60-mile course, while juniors did 40-mile races. The overall winners are as follows: Junior category - 1st Livingston Duncombe. 2nd Ayden Bain.
making me better and that is why I keep breaking these records. I hope in the same process I am causing them to really try harder to qualify for CARIFTA and other events this year. I enjoy competition. I am not afraid of it and I like it,” he said.
He offered a special thanks to coach Bernard Newbold and the talented sprinters he trains with every evening.
“Each session I am pushed to extreme limits as I try to keep pace with
them. Meanwhile, they push the pace to make sure I don’t get confused. It’s really good to know that I am the undisputed fastest
400m masters athlete in the world. This reinforces The Bahamas’ reputation as a sports powerhouse,” he said.
The Bahamian ageless wonder had winning performances at the 2024 World Masters Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden last August.
He won a gold medal in the men’s 55-59 400m and intends to do the same at the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Gainesville, Florida, March 23-30.
“I got messages that they are sending their best to challenge me. I am ready and I am ready right now to go. Last year I won the World Outdoor Masters Championships so now I intend to win the World Indoor Masters Championships next month,” he said.
Under 23 category - 1st Cadin Oliver, University of Florida; 2nd Barron Musgrove Jr. Open male category1st Kevin Daley; 2nd Jay Major; 3rd Marc Saulnier. Masters Category - 1st Devaughn Williams Turks and Caicos; 2nd Lee Gibbs, Freeport; 3rd Sean Rodgers Turks and Caicos.
Overall Winners - 1st Oliver Cadin, Florida University; 2nd Kevin Daley; 3rd Jay Major.
Brion Ward, of DTSP Wolfpack, came first in the
Classic meet can be found at www.tekresults.net
ANOTHER WORLD RECORD: Timothy Munnings flanked by his support team when he broke the world record the first time.
JUNIOR athletes in action at the 19th Diana Lynn-Thompson Classic hosted by the Roadrunners Track and Field Club at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Nikia Charlton
Photo: Patrick Hanna
Photo: Patrick Hanna
STRONGWOMAN CALEA JACKSON SETS NEW NATIONAL RECORD
19.02m that was set by Acacia Astwood at the Mountain West Championships in Albuquerque on February 28, 2020.
“I felt content honestly,” said the 19-year-old Jackson on her new record. “I know I still have more to give so I wasn’t necessarily too happy. I still feel like I haven’t hit that big throw so it was expected.”
Jackson’s nearest rival was Britannia Johnson, a freeman at Purdue University with 63-9 ¼ (19.45m) on her third attempt for second.
Donna Douglas, a freshman at the University of Tennessee, was third with 63-4¾ (19.32m).
“I felt good about it. I expected it because I practiced hard. I knew I could do it,” Jackson said. “I just hoped that it be at the right time and it was.”
Jackson, in her series of throws, scratched her second attempt but came back with 61-4 ¾ (18.71m) in the third round. She also scratched the fourth and threw 58-5 ¼ (17.81m) on the fifth, only to scratch the sixth and final throw.
She will now prepare for the Atlantic Coast Conference Indoor Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, March 1-3.
Olympic 4 x 400m mixed relay team member Valcourt, in her junior year at the University of Tennessee, lowered her personal best in the women’s 400m to 52.09.
Valcourt also ran a 50.88 split on the anchor led to power Tennessee to a second place in the women’s 4 x 400m relay in 3:27.60 as they trailed Cique Elite to the finish line in their victory in 3:25.73.
“I’m feeling really great about my performances so far,” Valcourt said. “I’ve been heading in the right direction lowering my times in the 400m meet after meet and seeing those results makes me excited about what I can do outdoors.
“The race today (Saturday) went great. I ran PRs in both events, my individual 400m and then ended up the evening with a really fast split of 50.88 in the 4 x 500m relay, which makes me hopeful for what’s to come in two weeks.”
Valcourt, a 20-year-old former student of Queen’s College, is referring to the Southeastern Conference in College Station, Texas, from February 27 to March 1 where she is ranked number seven.
The aim of the graduate of Montverde Academy, a boarding school
in Montverde, Florida, is to run even faster to make it to the final and possibly win a medal and qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships in Virginia next month.
Also at the meet was versatile Olympian Charisma Taylor, who was entered in the women’s 60m hurdles. She was 20th overall in 8.30.
American Amber Hughes took the victory in a season’s best of 7.94.
Tyson Invitational
McCoy, a junior at the University of Florida, was on pace for another good showing in the men’s 60m invitational at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas. But he didn’t take it all the way to the end as he didn’t contest the race.
Competing against some collegiate and professional athletes, McCoy advanced to the final with the third fastest qualifying time in the semifinals in 6.63 after he posted the fourth fastest time of 6.65 in the preliminaries.
“This meet was a training meet honestly. I wasn’t expecting to run any crazy fast times here because the (NCAA Indoor) championship season is in two weeks. I’m just taking it one week at a time.”
American ZaChaeus Beard won the final in 6.74. The NCAA Indoor Championships is set for March 14-25 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Also at the meet, Archer, a junior at the University of Central Florida, produced her lifetime best of 7.64 for 18th place overall in the women’s 60m. Tacoria Humphrey, a senior at Illinois, ran her PR of 7.42 to win the event.
Archer, a 20-year-old graduate of Queen’s College, also placed 26th in the
200m in 24.21. The winning time was 23.00 by Adriana Tatum, a senior at Arizona State.
And St Augustine’s College’s Oscar Smith, a 23-year-old senior at Louisiana State, finished fifth in the men’s 60m hurdles invitational in 7.86. He had the eighth fastest qualifying time of 7.85 in the semifinals, the same position and time he got in the preliminary rounds.
Zachaery Extine won the final in 7.67.
On the field, Nairn, back in action this year after recovering from an injury, made his presence felt in the men’s long jump invitational. He soared 25-10 3/4 (7.89m) on his third attempt for third place.
Nairn, the 28-year-old 2022 Commonwealth Games champion, was leading the field until Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle took the title with his leap of 26-9 (8.15m) on his fifth attempt. Nikaoli Williams, a senior at Oklahoma, came through as well on his fourth attempt to move into second with 8.02m (8.02m).
“It was a great testament of stepping out on faith and doing things differently,” said Nairn of his season opener. “It meant a lot to me because I’ve been struggling to get my approach right for years now.
“I was able to get it on the runway and be free and just run to the board without doubt. I expected to jump world lead. But nevertheless, it was a great opener and I know there is much more to come.”
Next week, Nairn said he will be back to compete in Arkansas where he hopes that he will achieve the qualifying standard for the World Indoor championships, scheduled for March 21-23 in Nanjing, China.
College.
Mile Roch, Teleos, Kingsway Academy an Gateway Academy. Pool three - Sunland, CC Sweeting, Queen’s College, CR Walker, Patrick J Bethel and Doris Johnson. Pool four - Tabernacle Baptist, RM Bailey, Charles W Saunders, SC Bootle, SV Bethel and South Andros.
Here’s a look at the schedule of games on tap for the first two days: Today’s games - 4pm - Westminster vs Jordan Prince Williams, 5pmSt John’s vs Teleos, 6pm - Queen’s College vs Doris Johnson, 7pm - CV Bethel vs CW Saunders
Tuesday’s games - 4pm - Kingsway Academy vs Greenville, 5pm - Winner game four vs RM Bailey, 6pm - Winner game three vs. CC Sweeting, 7pmWinner game one vs CI Gibson.
BASKETBALL HIGH SCHOOL
RANKINGS AS the senior boys’ high school basketball teams get ready to compete in the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic that starts today at the AF Adderley Gymnasium, Ossie ‘the Sports Insider’ Simmons has released his top 12 rankings.
Here’s how they stack up:
1 - Tabernacle GBSSAA
champions
2 - Anatol - GSSSA
champions
3 - CI Gibson - GSSSA
4 - Sunland - GBSSAA
5 - CC Sweeting - GSSSA
6 - St George’s - GBSSAA
7 - St John’s - BAISS
champions
8 - RM Bailey - GSSSA
9 - Agape - Abaco champions
10 - Gateway Academy - Bimini
11 - Queen’s College - BAISS 12 - Teleos - BSSA champions SOFTBALL
BBSF SEASON
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will now start its first team competition for 2025 with its co-ed slow-pitch softball season on Saturday, February 22, at the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street. Teams have until Saturday, February 15, to register. The registration fee is $200 per team. Interested teams are urged to contact tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 or federation president Brent Stubbs at 426-7265.
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 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
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
RUGBY GAMES AT WINTON
AFTER making some minor repairs to the Winton rugby pitch, the Bahamas Rugby Union is scheduled to play matches on Saturday, February 22, Saturday, March 8 and Saturday, March 22. All ages and all abilities are welcome, including men and women, ‘Golden Oldies’ teams and beginners and seasoned players. The BRU is also inviting persons to come and try rugby this year. The only equipment needed are tennis/cleats and PE kit. For further information, persons are urged to call (242) 812-0417.
Prince Williams, Bishop Michael Eldon and Westminster
Pool two - Anatol Rodgers, St John’s, Greenville, Eight
NEW NATIONAL RECORD: Calea Jackson in action in the women’s weight throw.
TUNNEL VISION: Wanya McCoy getting ready to run.
JAVONYA Valcourt on the anchor leg of the Tennessee women’s 4 x 400m relay team.
Tyler Herro edges out ‘Buddy’ Hield to win 3-point contest
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
WHILE he’s still waiting on his first National Basketball Association’s All-Star game selection, Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield of the Golden State Warriors gave it another gallant effort, but fell short by one shot in winning his second Starry 2-Point Contest trophy.
Tyler Herro, in becoming the fifth Miami Heat player to win the award, edged out Hield 24-23 on the 2025 State Farm All-Star Saturday night in the Chase Center in San Francisco, highlighted by his pair of starry three-point balls to seal the deal.
Hield, who made history tying his team-mate Stephen Curry’s record 31 points in the first round, needed to convert all of his five money balls on the final of the fifth rack to out-last Hero.
Instead, he hit the first three, missed the fourth and completed the round with the fifth, only to fall short by one point.
Herro, who led off the three-man final round, opened up with 24 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Darius Garland, the other finalist, followed with 19 and was eliminated.
That set the stage for Hield as he attempted to add to his title he won in 2020 as a member of the Sacramento Kings in a 27-26 thriller over Devin Booker.
The 32-year-old Hield, who came into the league as the sixth pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans out of the University of Oklahoma, got off to an ice-cold start,
missing all five of his shots on the first rack.
Hield then missed the first two on the second rack before he converted his first three, including the money ball. He hit the starry ball and canned three of his five shots, including the money ball on the next rack.
After he missed his second starry ball, he hit three shots, including the money ball on the third rack and completed the money rack with four of his five shots for a total of 23 points.
Hield, competing after New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and ahead of twotime defending champion Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, erupted for 31 points in the first round to tie Steph Curry’s all-time record.
On the first rack, he hit three of his five shots, including the money ball for four points. On his second rack, he hit four of five, including the money ball for nine points. He knocked in the first of the two starry balls for three more points.
He hit three of five, including the money ball for another four points on his third rack.
After hitting his second starry ball for three more points, he hit all five shots on the fourth rack for 25 going into the final rack.
All he did then was hit the final three money balls on the final rack for 31.
The other competitors in the three-point shootout were Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, New Jersey Nets’ Cam Johnson and Los Angeles Clippers’ Norman
Powell, who all along with Brunson and Lillard, got eliminated in the first round.
Despite his loss, the 32-year-old Hield earned a pay cheque of $40,000, while Herro carted off $60,000.
WARRIORS guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield reacts after finishing his last round during the 3-point contest at the NBA basketball All-Star Saturday night festivities. (AP Photos/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
GOLDEN State Warriors guard Buddy Hield shoots during the 3-point contest at the NBA basketball All-Star Saturday night festivities on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in San Francisco.
SPORTS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025
World record
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
Less than a month after unofficially setting a new record in the masters 55-59 (outdoor) 400 metres event, Bahamian Olympian Timothy Munnings lowered his previous time at the 19th Diana Lynn Thompson Road Runners Track and Field Classic on Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium. Munnings stopped the clock at 51.18 seconds in
the men’s 400m open to officially become the fastest man in the masters 55-59 (outdoor). His latest time was well under his previous mark of 52.04 seconds, achieved at the DTSP Wolfpack/Mike Sands Track Classic last month. The 58-year-old quarter miler was pleased to set another masters world record in the 400m event.
“It really feels good to come away with the record again. I think it speaks volumes to the amount of
SEE PAGE 17
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
February
HUGH CAMPBELL CLASSIC WITH all of the champions decided in the various high school leagues, it’s team for the clash of the titans in the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic
that starts 4pm today at the AF Adderley Gymnasium. Here’s how the teams stack up in the four pools: Pool 1 - CI Gibson, St George’s, Agape, Jordan
SEE PAGE 18
RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE: Bahamian
posted a time of 51.18 seconds in the men’s 400m open event at the 19th Diana Lynn Thompson Road Runners Track and Field Classic to emerge as the undisputed fastest man in the masters 55-59 (outdoor) 400m event. Roadrunners’ head coach Dexter Bodie enjoys the moment.
GSSSA: Four basketball champions crowned
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
By
The CH Reeves Raptors junior girls and DW Davis Royals junior boys repeated as champions in their division.
The Raptors sent the Royals’ junior girls home with a 35-23 victory in game three to win their third straight
THE 2025 Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) best-of-three basketball championships closed out with four champions crowned in the junior and senior divisions over the weekend at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.
championship with a backdoor sweep.
The Royals returned the favour against the Raptors junior boys with a narrow 53-51 win in game two for their eighth consecutive championship.
The CI Gibson Rattlers’ senior girls upset the CV
Olympian Timothy Munnings, right,