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Volume: 121 No.62, February 20, 2024

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

15-YEAR-OLD BOY IS KILLED BY GUNMAN Brother watches on as younger sibling shot dead in street

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A FIFTEEN-year-old boy is the victim of the country’s latest homicide, bringing the murder count for the year to 26.

Residents identified the victim as Chester Rolle, Jr, affectionately called “Pigeon”.

61-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED OF INCEST WITH GRANDCHILD

Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings said officers at the Grove Police Station heard gunshots on First Street around 9am yesterday.

“The officers responded on foot, and once to this area, they were directed to the body of a male with multiple gunshot injuries to

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 61-YEAR-OLD man was sent to prison yesterday accused of molesting his granddaughter over a four-year period.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged the elderly defendant, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim, with nine counts of incest.

SEE PAGE TWO

PISTOL USED BY POLICE WAS ENGRAVED WITH ‘HEADSHOTS’

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net THE word “headshot” was engraved on a police gun used in the fatal shooting of two men on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway in 2017.

This was revealed as the Coroners Court inquest into the matter continued

SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAIR CHARGED WITH RUNNING BROTHEL AND PROSTITUTION

yesterday.

Richard “Buddy” Bastian and Harold “Kevin” Brown were killed on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway around 1am on December 2, 2017. Bastian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Brown later died in hospital.

Inspector Henrington Curry of the firearm section

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE THREE ONLOOKERS at the scene on First Street where a 15-year-old boy was killed by what police described as a high-powered firearm yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

BANNISTER: NO CAP ON WSC CONTRACT APPROVAL

FORMER Works Minister Desmond Bannister

of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson and five others.

Mr Bannister revealed this after claiming in court that the corporation’s board did not have a cap on contract awards.

Previous witnesses claimed that contracts over $250k required ministerial approval.

the bribery and fraud trial

SEE PAGE SEVEN

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Works Minister Desmond Bannister testified that the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (WSC) board was not legally required to refer contracts over $250,000 for ministerial approval during his last day of testimony in

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

A BAHAMIAN man and a Cuban woman faced rare charges yesterday when they were accused of operating and performing in an illegal brothel in Ardastra Estates.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Shannon Bannister, 42, with keeping a brothel.

He charged Yudith Gonzalez, 35, of Cuba, with prostitution.

Bannister is accused of allowing a brothel to be operated on his property at 14 Ardastra Estates SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, February 20, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

POLICE speak with reporters at the scene on First Street where a 15-year-old boy was killed by what police described as a high-powered firearm yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

15-year-old boy is killed by gunman from page one

MORTUARY services personnel transport the body of a 15-year-old boy who was killed on First Street yesterday.

the body,” she said.

“Information received was the victim was alongside an older sibling when a small grey Japanese vehicle pulled alongside them. A male emerged with a highpowered weapon, firing multiple gunshots and striking the 15-year-old youth.

“His older sibling was unharmed during the incident and was able to make good his escape.”

CSP Skippings couldn’t say whether the older brother was the intended target, but confirmed the victim was a resident of the area.

“I want to assure persons who are listening that The

Bahamas remains safe,” she said. “What we see happening are isolated incidents.”

“Again, it goes back to the family, when persons are not trained properly, when they are not taught to respect people’s property, and people, this is what you see spilling out.

“If persons don’t respect their fathers, their mothers, their siblings, it’s going to spill over into the community, and so that is what we see happening. Parents and guardians need to take a grip of their families.”

People believed to be relatives of the youth were inconsolable at times, adding to the sombre scene.

Officers said they would increase patrols in the area.

CHIEF Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings, flanked by Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson and Superintendent Keith Ferguson, speaks to reporters at the scene on First Street where a 15-year-old boy was shot dead yesterday.

ONLOOKERS, above and below, at the scene of the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy on First Street yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, PAGE 3

Pistol used by police was engraved with ‘headshots’ from page one of the police forensic lab testified yesterday.

During cross-examination, David Cash, the attorney for the estates, questioned Inspector Curry as to why the word “headshot” was engraved on one of the police pistols, which Mr Cash called peculiar.

Inspector Curry said the manufacturer did not put the word there, and it was unusual for it to be on police firearms.

Inspector Curry said he received seven police firearms and magazines connected to the incident

on February 13 and 14, including several 9mm Smith & Wesson and Sig Saur pistols and two revolvers – a .38 special and a magnum.

He also said he received a 12 gauge Mossberg pump action shotgun, which, according to previous testimony, was registered to Harold Brown.

He said he also received five unfired shotgun shells, two of which he fired during testing. Two shotgun shells recovered from the incident were also submitted to his lab.

He said the weapons submitted to him could fire the rounds recovered at the scene.

A fired .38 Special and a fired 9mm bullet were part of the evidence he received.

Inspector Curry agreed with Mr Cash that bullet casings from the Magnum had to be manually ejected from the gun.

He also said while it takes two hands to operate the shotgun found in Brown’s vehicle, it wouldn’t be difficult to fire the weapon while driving.

He said one could fire the weapon while driving a stick shift vehicle and agreed that a muzzle flash would show if it is fired.

Security footage of the Pressure Point bar was shown in court. When Mr

Cash highlighted an officer discharging his weapon while running toward the suspects, who were fleeing in their car, Inspector Curry said he saw something but couldn’t say if it was a muzzle flash. He said the flashes could have been from passing cars.

He also said that he could not see a muzzle flash from the vehicle of the slain men.

After viewing colour footage from a different vantage point, he said he possibly saw muzzle flashes from officers engaging the vehicle. However, he said he could not say this with certainty.

The attorney and the

MINISTER IS HOPEFUL ON PRISON ACCREDITATION

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe is hopeful that improvements to the prison’s infrastructure will help the institution get accredited, even as he awaits Cabinet’s approval of necessary construction plans for the facilities.

“The accreditation of the existing residential facilities is an ongoing process,” he said yesterday. “So we’re gonna be moving for the accreditation of the female prison, the juvenile facility, and hopefully the remand centre. We are hopeful that with the improvements that we’ve been able to make, that we stand a good chance of getting them certified as correctional facilities for the first time.”

Acting Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare admitted that the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) failed an accreditation inspection last year.

He has said he wants the BDCS to be a certified correctional facility by mid2024, pending completion of more than 200 upgrades and recommendations from the American Correctional Association.

“I’m from private practice,” Mr Munroe said yesterday. “If I were in private practice, the construction would be well underway. I’m now in the public service, so there are public service restrictions and the most that I can say is we diligently soldier on and do what is necessary to meet what the public service constructs require.”

OFF-DUTY OFFICER AMONG SIX HELD AFTER SHOOTING

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net AN off-duty police officer, his mother and four others were arrested after a shooting incident on Sunday.

The matter prompted National Security Minister Wayne Munroe to say yesterday that the Royal Bahamas Police Force is like any other organisation with “bad apples”, but that work is done to root them out.

“We have seen over time police officers charged before the courts with offences as serious as murder, and so the public can rest assured that the police investigate crimes and where then it’s appropriate, regardless of who you are, they will put you before the courts,” Mr Munroe said.

Police said a 23-yearold man who was shot in the upper body while walking was taken to the hospital, where his condition is stable.

Police were reportedly alerted to the matter around 8pm via Shot Spotter technology after shots were fired near Exuma Street and Cordeaux Avenue.

“Police and defence force officers attached to Operation Ceasefire, while on routine Saturation Patrol,

observed a vehicle fitting the description leaving the area at a high rate of speed,” police said. “Officers attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver sped off, which resulted in the officers pursuing the vehicle into the area of Bahamas Games Boulevard. It is reported that while in the area, three male occupants opened fire on the officers, resulting in an exchange of gunshots and the suspects’ vehicle crashing near the baseball stadium.”

“Two of the males were able to evade the officers initially, but officers were able to arrest one of the suspects, who received severe lacerations after attempting to scale the wall of a nearby secondary school.

He was identified as an off-duty police officer and was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and discharged; however, he remains in police custody.

A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed a loaded firearm along with a quantity of ammunition, which was seized by officers.”

The men police arrested are ages 26, 26, and 22. A 22-year-old woman was also arrested. Officers’ search of a residence in Imperial Park revealed a quantity of ammunition, leading to the arrest of the off-duty officer’s mother, a 41-year-old woman.

MINISTER of National Security Wayne Munroe.

families of the deceased became audibly upset with his responses to the questions.

No civilians or officers reported shotgun injuries on the night of the shooting.

Dr Caryn Sands, the pathologist at PMH, testified about the autopsies she performed on the two men on December 6 and 7, 2017 Dr Sands said Bastian’s cause of death was gunshot wounds to his torso and extremities. She listed Brown’s cause of death as gunshot wounds to the head, right hand and both thighs.

She said she found six gunshot wounds on

Bastian’s body and five gunshot wounds on Brown’s corpse. She said that two bullets were recovered from Bastian’s body.

She said the bullet wound to Brown’s head was the most rapidly fatal.

She said Brown had three injuries to his hand but that two of them on his left hand could have been from a single bullet.

She would not comment on the calibre of bullets that were fired at the deceased.

K Melvin Munroe represented the seven officers who are the subject of this inquest.

Angelo Whitfield marshalled the evidence.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, February 20, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Subsidies stopped for Margaritaville at Sea

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE government has stopped giving subsidies to Margaritaville at Sea after the cruise company discontinued its one-way cruise travel to and from Grand Bahama, according to John Pinder, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.

The cruise line stopped selling one-way tickets from Freeport to West Palm Beach in December after US Customs and Border Protection determined that it violated US laws.

Mr Pinder said yesterday that negotiations are continuing with Margaritaville at Sea to resolve the issue.

“This is an ongoing conversation we are having with them,” he said.

“We hope to have some

resolution in a very short time. In the meantime, all subsidies have stopped, and anything further that the government has been helping that particular company has been halted as well.”

Mr Pinder noted that the primary issue involves the interpretation of a policy from US Customs and Border Protection concerning two types of cruises initially operated by Margaritaville at Sea. “They have been acting as an open loop and closed loop cruise, which does not fall into any category that is legal on the US side,” he said.

He said the close loop cruise allowed passengers to embark, come to a destination, and disembark at the same location without an overnight stay, with just a government ID instead of a traditional passport.

“What Margaritaville at Sea was doing was having an open loop and closed loop at the same time, which is not lawful on the US side,” Mr Pinder said.

“So, when we had been abreast of this in early January, we had multiple meetings with Margaritaville at Sea to see how we can adjust their business model to see that they come into compliance with what US Customs and Border Control has interpreted their policy is, and be able to accommodate passengers from Grand Bahama.”

“We are in constant negotiations at this point trying to come with a resolution that would enable Margaritaville at Sea to accommodate their GB passengers as well as fall in the legal boundaries set by US Border and Customs

Control.”

Pinder could not say how many subsidies the government has traditionally provided the company.

He noted the arrangement began several administrations ago to encourage the cruise line to bring passengers to Grand Bahama and for some passengers to stay overnight.

Terminating the oneway tickets from Freeport is significantly impacting Bahamian travel agents and travellers.

Donna Laing-Jones, who offers travel services, said Grand Bahama residents enjoyed the convenience of travelling on the Margaritaville.

“The discontinuation of Margaritaville’s service to Freeport and any perceived discrimination against Bahamians could potentially impact travel agents

and lead to decreased demand for travel packages or bookings to the affected destination, resulting in fewer opportunities for agents to sell related services,” she said.

“It was an easy sell for travel agents. I loved to travel on Margaritaville and truly enjoyed the turnaround with family and friends; get off in West Palm Beach at 8am, do some shopping, and get back on the ship at 5pm; sit down to a nice meal, enjoy a show, and watch others gamble.”

Stacy Rolle, a straw vendor, was a frequent traveller on the cruise line’s ships.

“It is a big concern for me because I used to go over on it,” she said. “You get off in the morning and save on a hotel overnight and car rental.”

In addition to the savings,

Ms Rolle said it was a big help, especially for Grand Bahamians who used the cargo service.

“It is a loss for us because many people travelled on it for those reasons,” she said.

“When you go on Balearia, you have to come off in the night, and you would have to get a hotel and get a car.”

“I don’t know why changes were made, but I think the government should definitely try to resolve it.”

In a statement released early this month, Margaritaville at Sea said it had been serving Bahamian cruise travellers for oneway cruise travel since its inception.

The cruise ship now offers two and three-day excursions, carrying passengers from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, to and from The Bahamas.

ELEUTHERA students had the opportunity to meet Disney cast members.

A DAY WITH DISNEY FOR ELEUTHERA STUDENTS STUDENTS in Eleuthera learned about a whole new world when they met with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) cast members who spoke about careers with Disney, both on land and at sea.

DCL hosted an interactive career panel discussion with high school students in the Junior Achievement Eleuthera (JA) Job Shadow, a programme designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of their talents, interests, and values.

DCL human resources manager and local Bahamian Leslie Lopez participated in the panel

alongside cast members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Communications. Each of the panellists is part of the team supporting the opening of the cruise line’s second island destination in Eleuthera, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. They talked about their career journeys, day-to-day roles, and the maritime and hospitality industries.

“It was a privilege to be able to share my career experiences and highlight the exciting and diverse opportunities available for Bahamians with Disney,”

said Leslie Lopez, human resources manager. “Our hope is that events like this help inspire our young people to explore their interests and follow their dreams.”

Following the career panel, the students also participated in a resume writing workshop with panellists.

Junior Achievement student Jade Thompson said that during this event, she acquired valuable information to help her plan for her future. She shared, “I learned how to apply for an interview, write my resume, prepare

a business plan and other tips for my career. I plan to apply these learnings throughout my life.

It was a really positive experience.”

Another student who attended, Sobrina Louima, said she was inspired by the career panel and added: “My takeaway from this event is that you should always be open to venturing out and never limit yourself.

This initiative is part of DCL’s commitment to creating lasting, positive impact in its port communities by investing in youth education

initiatives that provide awareness, access, and hands-on learning opportunities.

“Disney Cruise Line’s support means the world to local students. It not only opens doors to new opportunities, but also instils a sense of hope and motivation,” said Clara Young, JA Eleuthera programme coordinator.

“Through their support, Disney Cruise Line is empowering our students to dream big, believe in themselves and achieve their goals with confidence.”

Opening this June, Disney Lookout Cay at

Lighthouse Point will create sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians, protect the natural beauty of the site, celebrate the Bahamian culture, and help strengthen the community in Eleuthera.

DCL is dedicated to recruiting and employing a majority Bahamian workforce at its premier island destinations in The Bahamas and has committed to creating at least 150 wellpaying operations jobs, with benefits in a range of disciplines with opportunities for advancement, at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ANDREEN ELECIA BOYD of Cowpen Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 13th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that NANCY SUE PINDER of Island’s End, Paradise Island, Nassau, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of February 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JEAN ROLAND JOSEPH of P.O.Box N-356, Golden Isles Road, Carmichael Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of February 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DAESHANEL NICOLE WILLIAMS of #102 Lakeview Manor, Freeport, Grand Bahama, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 13th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that RHODEL TIFFALO FRANCIS of #14 Domingo Heights West, Nassau, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 13th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that RITCHIE NELSON of Cowpen Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 13th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, PAGE 5

RBDF confiscate over 1,500 pounds of grouper caught since close of season

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net AUTHORITIES confiscated 1500 pounds of Nassau Grouper in the past three weeks despite the closed season for the fish, according to acting Director of the Department of Marine Resources Gregory Bethel.

The closed season for the fish is December 1 to March 1.

Mr Bethel said over three weeks, two sting operations between his department and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force tackled mailboats entering Potters Cay Dock.

“We are still engaged in the Nassau Grouper closed season and it is an offence to fish now,” Mr Bethel said. “It’s also an offence to have it for sale. The penalties are $3,000 or a year in prison or both. And so, a word to the wise is sufficient.”

Mr Bethel said penalties were recently imposed in a noteworthy case on Long Island.

“We had an incident in Long Island where two young men, they were found in possession of an excess of 400 pounds of Nassau Grouper, and that only came by way of a traffic accident,” he said.

“And when the police came on the scene, they found them in possession of all of this group.

They have since been prosecuted. They were fined $1,500. I think it was 50 hours of community work.”

The director said there had been a general decline in poaching.

“Over the years, we would have had a serious problem with poaching in the southeastern Bahamas, by mainly Dominican fishers who were poaching on a commercial basis,” he said. “In the northwestern Bahamas, we have a

THE NASSAU Grouper season closes from December 1 to March 1. similar problem with sport the Department of Marine all enforcement agenfishers going over their bag Resources and all of the cies, inclusive of the limits. enforcement agencies.

Royal Bahamas Defence “Now, over the years, the “One of the beauti- Force, the Royal Bahamas government has been work- ful things about the new Police Force and Bahaing in conjunction with Fisheries Act of 2020 is mas Customs, they’re all

considered what we call authorizing officers. They have the same powers as fisheries inspectors, and so we have broadened our catch.”

Defence Force to do integrated Marines training with Jamaican forces

and officers honoured at awards ceremony

DEFENCE FO RCE CO MMO DO RE RAYMO ND KING

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force team will soon visit Jamaica to prepare for possible deployment to Haiti, according to Defence Force Commodore Raymond King.

He said the officers will go to Jamaica for three weeks for integrated training involving other Caribbean countries committed to deploying persons to Haiti.

“We’ll bring in our partners from South America, the Argentinians and Chileans, who would provide Train the Trainer PKO training for a certain number of our instructors so we can continue to build internal capacity,”

Commodore King said.

“The government has indicated its inclination towards the maritime security posture, which is what we naturally do, but Kenya and the Republic of Haiti, I think they are in the process of signing off on an agreement which will enable the Kenyans to deploy their police officers. But Kenya is preparing to send its initial team of some 200 persons into Haiti as a part of the advance team.”

The United Nations Security Council approved a year-long multi-national security mission to Haiti in October.

However, a Kenyan court blocked the country from deploying police officers to Haiti. Kenya’s government said it would appeal the matter.

HUNDREDS Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines and officers were recognized yesterday with various awards, decorations, and medals including meritorous service decoration and distinguished service decoration. The ceremony was held at teh HMBS Coral Harbour with Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, and Commodore Raymond King in attendance.

Photos: Moise Amisial

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that REKHABEN PAREKH of P.O. Box SS-19942 Wellington Lane, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of February 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that VETARE DORIVALJOSEPH of P.O.Box N-356, Golden Isles Road, Carmichael Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of February 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that DORINE DORMEUS of Faith Avenue off Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 13th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SHANNIKA DARVILLE of 27 E Bass Lane, Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of February 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JORDANY JOSEPH of P. O. Box FH-14406, #25 Pine Barren Road, Prince Charles, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 13th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that URAL SALMON of #5 Haven Road, Soldier Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of February 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, February 20, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

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Putin waits for support for Kyiv to wither WHEN the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, some analysts predicted it might take as few as three days for Russian forces to capture the capital of Kyiv.

With the war now entering its third year, Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be trying to turn that initial failure to his advantage — by biding his time and waiting for Western support for Ukraine to wither while Moscow maintains its steady military pressure along the front line.

Putin’s longer timeline still has its downside, with the conflict taking a heavy toll on Russia by draining its economic and military resources and fueling social tensions even as the death of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny serves as a chilling reminder of the Kremlin’s ruthless crackdown on dissent.

Putin has repeatedly signaled a desire to negotiate an end to the fighting but warned that Russia will hold onto its gains. Earlier this month, he used an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to urge the United States to push its “satellite” Ukraine into peace talks, declaring that “sooner or later, we will come to an agreement”.

Some recent developments have fed the Kremlin’s optimism.

Aid for Ukraine remains stuck in the US Congress while NATO allies have struggled to fill the gap following Ukraine’s underperforming counteroffensive last summer. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss his popular military chief, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, disappointed many in the country and worried its Western allies.

And Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that he would negotiate a quick deal to end the war if elected, recently spooked NATO by saying he could allow Russia to expand its aggression in Europe if alliance members fail to increase their defence spending.

Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center said a possible Trump return to the White House would serve Putin’s goals. “He sees Trump as a figure likely to wreak destruction and believes the consequences of a second Trump presidency would be to weaken the West and deprive Ukraine of the support it needs,” Stanovaya said in a commentary.

As the Kremlin watches for more signs of crumbling Western support for Ukraine, Russian forces captured the eastern stronghold of Avdiivka over the weekend after a fierce battle in which Ukrainian forces reported an increasingly desperate shortage of munitions. The seizure set the stage for a potential Russian push deeper into Ukraine-held territory.

“While no large-scale offensive is currently taking place, Russian units are tasked with conducting smaller tactical attacks that at minimum inflict steady losses on Ukraine and allow Russian forces to seize and hold positions,” said Jack Watling and Nick Reynolds of the Royal United Services Institute. “In this way, the Russians are maintaining a consistent pressure on a number of points.”

Amid the fierce battles in the east, Russia also has sought to cripple Ukraine’s defense industries with a steady series of strikes. It has used longrange cruise and ballistic missiles as well as Iranian-made Shahed drones to saturate and overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses that are experiencing a growing shortage of munitions.

“In terms of Russian industry’s capacity to support ongoing operations, Russia has significantly mobilized its defense industry, increasing shifts and expanding production lines at existing facilities as well as bringing previously mothballed plants back online,” Watling and Reynolds said. “This has led to significant increases in production output.”

They also note that Russian arms industries continue to depend on Westernsupplied components, arguing that tighter enforcement of sanctions could disrupt this.

Some Moscow analysts acknowledge, however, that the Russian military is facing multiple challenges.

Retired Gen Yuri Baluyevsky, the former chief of the military’s General Staff, admitted that Ukrainian air defenses has effectively barred Russian

warplanes from Ukrainian airspace and often make it risky for them to operate even over Russian-controlled territory.

Baluyevsky said in a recent article that Western-supplied artillery are superior to Russian systems.

Western officials and analysts note that while the 930-mile front line has remained largely static with neither side making significant gains, Ukrainian forces have launched bold missile and drone attacks deep behind the line of contact, raising the costs for the Kremlin and challenging Putin’s attempts to pretend that life in Russia is largely unaffected by the war.

Ukraine has launched audacious attacks on oil terminals and refineries deep inside Russia, as well as its naval and air assets in the Black Sea region, in a painful blow to Moscow’s military capability.

That includes the sinking of two Russian amphibious assault ships and a missile boat along with strikes on air bases in Crimea that knocked out radar facilities and destroyed warplanes. Last month, Ukrainian troops downed a Russian early warning and control aircraft over the Sea of Azov and badly damaged a flying command post — some of Moscow’s most precious intelligence assets.

Western officials praised the efficiency of Ukrainian attacks, noting Kyiv has smartly used its limited resources to rout far more numerous Russian forces and destroy about 20% of the Black Sea Fleet, effectively ending Moscow’s maritime dominance there.

The UK Ministry of Defence said in a recent intelligence update that Ukraine’s successes forced the Russian navy to sharply limit operations in the western Black Sea, allowing Kyiv to expand its agricultural exports despite Moscow’s withdrawal from a deal brokered by Turkey and the UN that guaranteed safe shipment of Ukrainian grain.

Putin, who is all but certain to win another six-year term in the March 15-17 presidential election, has sought to consolidate public support by casting the conflict as a fight against the expansionist West that has armed Ukraine in a bid to weaken Russia. Even though he claims the public overwhelmingly supports what the Kremlin calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine, new cracks have emerged in the country’s tightly controlled political system.

Thousands of Russians lined up in freezing temperatures in many cities to sign petitions supporting the candidacy of Boris Nadezhdin, a liberal politician who made ending the war his chief campaign pledge. While Nadezhdin was eventually barred from the ballot by election officials who tossed out many signatures as invalid, the massive show of opposition sympathies clearly embarrassed the Kremlin.

But Putin has continued to project total control: Police arrested hundreds simply for laying flowers in tribute to Navalny, whose death dealt a devastating blow to the already fractured opposition.

Last summer, Putin faced perhaps the most serious challenge in his nearly quarter-century rule when mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin ordered his private military company to march on Moscow to oust top military leaders. The brief mutiny ended with a deal envisioning the mercenaries moving to Russian ally Belarus, and Prigozhin died in a suspicious plane crash two months later.

His death shored up Putin’s authority and cemented loyalty among the elite, but the episode showed the fragility of Kremlin power.

Despite challenges, Russia’s vast economic and military potential gives Putin the ability for a protracted war.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says the conflict has taken longer than expected because of Western intervention. “The special military operation may last for somewhat longer, but this can’t change the course of things,” he said.

Mark Galeotti, head of the Mayak Intelligence consultancy, said in a recent podcast that “there is no obvious resistance to Putin” because of “a strongly established and pervasive police state there to protect him.”

By The Associated Press

A DANCER from the Grande Rio samba school performs in the Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 12.

Photo: Bruna Prado/AP

Unfair to Colours EDITOR, The Tribune.

COLOURS were unfairly treated in the B category 2024 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade, said Dion Miller, Chairman of the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence.

Fancy Dancers was awarded first prize in the B category, beating out Colours by a few points amidst heavy protest.

On a recent radio talk show, the chairman said that the glaring breach of the rules that were missed or ignored by the judges and further agreed by the JCNP, Colours was disadvantaged because the penalty judges intentionally did not award any penalties to Fancy Dancers for having their entire brass section without hats, skirts,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net or shoulder pieces which is mandatory.

The judges further exasperated the misfortune by awarding the Fancy Dancers the overall costume prize even though the entire brass and other group members needed to be appropriately attired.

Colours protested vigorously on January 2, 2024, which was well within the allotted time required.

The chairman, however, did accept responsibility for the JCNP for not having any recourse, laying the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the Parade Management Team (PMT), which would have overseen

the valid protest presented promptly.

There is no excuse for the injustice done to Colours, a group that played by the rules, according to Miller.

Junkanoo should be about integrity and not about people’s personal preferences.

It doesn’t matter how many times Colours won; that does not give anyone the right to do as they wish rather than what the rules say.

Fancy Dancers should not have placed with the well-deserved penalties earned.

It is always possible to do the right thing.

IVOINE INGRAHAM Nassau, February 18, 2024.

W

Bet on web shops EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM by no means a proponent of our web shops and more so, how they came to legitimacy following a plebiscite which clearly said the Bahamian people were against them being legitimised.

The Tribune front page photo today, February 16, however, of our Prime Minister with His Excellency Sebas Bastian led me to wonder if their legitimacy may not have been divinely anointed. Today, the story is of a housing development at Love Beach, but right next to it is a story on BPL’s continuing debt of $184m, and below that is an opposition cry to maintain confidence in our health systems, and

no doubt on Monday it will be our collapsing national flag carrier, or our back to the wall Bank of Bahamas, National Insurance Board, Public Hospitals Authority and on and on it goes, not only with our government itself being continually broke, but our state-owned enterprises continue to drag our national finances into deficit.

The thought that had crossed my mind is that we don’t see bankrupt web shops anywhere, and that would suggest that these operators don’t lose money and know how to run a business. Their staff, I am sure, don’t t’ief and likely work a full day without crying about this or that that is not right in their little corner

of the world, and lunch breaks are lunch breaks and everything that is business normal is practised.

So, government and opposition, why don’t we agree that our state-owned enterprises (SOEs) should be run entirely by our web shops. We have made them, both individually and collectively, far wealthier than our own national government.

I am not suggesting that they use web shop funds to support our SOEs, but simply have autonomous authority to manage them for the Bahamian people.

Profitably.

MONKEEDOO Nassau, February 16, 2024.

An Iconique night EDITOR, The Tribune.

ON FRIDAY, February 16, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Ballet “Iconique” performance held at Old Fort Bay. Brought to The Bahamas by Covent Garden Dance Company in conjunction with the British High Commission, all who were fortunate enough to attend the two-night performances, were graced with extraordinary ballet.

Premier dancers from five different companies from around the world performed 12 pieces that ranged from the classical, Swan Lake, Act II. White

Adagio, to the whimsical, Ballet 101. Each performance was stellar.

To have this level of ballet performed live in Nassau was an artistic gift. Many I spoke to that night shared that the performance was the first time they had ever experienced the ballet.

Producers stated that they hope to return to The Bahamas next year if there is interest. If the turnout this year is any indication, there certainly is.

The organisers also said that it is their intent to involve the community more should they return.

We sincerely hope they do.

Exposing local students

and dancers to this level of ballet would provide them with an unforgettable experience and an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to the art.

Thank you to all involved in bringing “Iconique” to Nassau, to Old Fort Bay for providing an exquisite backdrop for the performances as well as a gourmet meal and especially to the dancers for sharing their talent and art with us for two magical evenings we won’t soon forget.

KELLY MEISTER Nassau February 19, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, PAGE 7

Bannister: No cap on WSC contract approval from page one An email detailing contract approvals was also allegedly sent to Mr Bannister after he assumed office in 2017, the court heard last week.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions and lead prosecutor Cordell Frazier asked the former minister about the email under reexamination and whether his view supported the guidelines outlined in the email.

In response, Mr Bannister acknowledged seeing the email and said it was “a view of the board” at that time.

He said the law did not impose a $250k limit on the WSC board or any other boards and only on government departments, which he said was separate from entities like the WSC.

He also read a section of the WSC Act and explained his interpretation in response to a question from Ms Frazier.

“Based on this, it is not written in stone that if they say something now, that they have to stick with that for future,” Mr Bannister claimed, referring to the board’s actions.

When asked whether he received a different communication from the board concerning contract approvals from what was said in the 2017 email, the former minister said he didn’t recall.

He also claimed that many contracts exceeding $250k were awarded under the previous administration before he assumed office and was not approved by Cabinet.

Earlier, Ms Frazier asked Mr Bannister about handover notes he claimed he

received after assuming office.

Mr Bannister claimed that he read the notes extensively, disputing online reports suggesting otherwise about his previous testimony.

Ms Frazier asked if the notes included any information from his predecessors.

He initially told the court that information about ministers before him would be included “if there were matters that were incomplete essentially or the decisions that were taken could’ve been controversial or problematic.”

Mr Bannister asked if she wished for an example, but the DPP declined and directed him to answer her question.

Mr Gibson’s attorney, Murrio Ducille, KC, accused her of being hostile towards the minister,

MAN DENIED BAIL OVER ACCESSORY CHARGE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was imprisoned yesterday after he was accused of being an accessory to the murder of a man in Chippingham during a car theft earlier this month.

Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged Teron Rolle, 22, with accessory after the fact to murder.

Rolle allegedly knowingly assisted a known murder suspect on February 5 and enabled him to evade the law, it was claimed.

Police said two male suspects allegedly ambushed a man outside his residence near his car that same morning on Providence Avenue. The victim was shot multiple times by his assailants, who are also accused of stealing his gold

coloured Honda Accord.

Police later recovered the vehicle.

The 31-year-old victim was unofficially identified as Geo Joseph.

The accused was told that his matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Rolle’s VBI is set for service on May 10. Keith Seymour represented him.

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS

REV DR William Thompson celebrated his 80th birthday at a Gala Ball in his honour on February 16 in the Grand Ballroom of Atlantis Resort. Celebrating with him were Governor General Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister Philip Davis; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg; Minister of State for Aviation Basil McIntosh; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Dr Raymond King; Former Prime Minister Perry G Christie; Former Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister; Jack Thompson, Permanent Secretary; Former Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson; the Rt Rev Laish Boyd; Bishop Neil C Ellis; Bishop Delton Fernander, and other Ministers of the Gospel.

PHOTO: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS

61-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED OF INCEST WITH GRANDCHILD from page one The accused allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with his granddaughter nine times between July 28, 2019, and November 30, 2023,

in New Providence.

The defendant was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His case will be moved to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment slated for service on April 17.

PAIR CHARGED WITH RUNNING BROTHEL AND PROSTITUTION from page one between December 1, 2023, and February 17.

During that time, Gonzalez allegedly earned a living as a prostitute.

While Bannister pleaded not guilty to his charge and was granted bail at $1,500 with one or two sureties, Gonzalez was informed that her matter would

be transferred to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). She will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants her bail.

Bannister will next appear before the magistrate on April 5.

Gonzalez’s VBI is scheduled for service on May 6.

but Justice Cheryl GrantThompson disagreed with his assessment.

She said they “did the same with those other witnesses and chided them for the fact that their answers were not simple and short.

They feel the need to answer in a more long way so they can get their point across.”

Ms Frazier also asked Mr Bannister about his relationship with Mr Gibson after he previously testified about his character.

“Having met Mr Gibson from 2000 present, do you know him to be a wealthy person,” she asked.

Mr Bannister said he couldn’t speak to his financial means entirely but

had an idea of some of his assets.

When asked about his assets, the former works minister mentioned Mr Gibson’s car rental company and later told the court he believed he rented from the Long Island MP during his personal visits to Long Island.

After Mr Bannister concluded his evidence, two other witnesses –– the registrar general and a manager at the Department of Inland Revenue –– gave testimony about their involvement in the case.

They testified how police requested certain information from them with respect to the trial.

Mr Gibson is charged

with WSC’s former general manager, Mr Elwood Donaldson, Jr; Ms Peaches Farquharson, Rashae Gibson, Joan Knowles and Jerome Missick.

Together, the group face 98 charges, including bribery, fraud, receiving and money laundering. They have denied all of the allegations.

Mr Damian Gomez, KC, Mr Ducille, KC, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, Raphael Moxey, Christina Galanos, Mr Ian Cargill and Donald Saunders represent the defendants.

Meanwhile, the Crown’s prosecutors are Ms Frazier, Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean and Rashied Edgecombe.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, February 20, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

CHRIS Saunders speaks as confetti falls from the sky to launch the ticket sales for the World Relays - Paradise To Paris.

Minister Bowleg: Tickets now on sale for World Relays - Paradise to Paris FROM PAGE 16 world and he also encouraged the Bahamian public to get their tickets for the two sensational evenings of competition.

Drumeco Archer, the president of the BAAA and the CEO of the Local Organising Committee, said it was a rough weekend for the LOC because either BINGO, the potcake mascot, was stolen or he ran away.

“The Bahamas will be the last leg for these exciting games where athletes will shine before the Paris Olympic Games,” Archer said. “You will be the first to this wonderful showcase of talent.

“Tickets are now available at www.worldrelaysbahamas24.org or at our box office at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

The online platform is safe and a convenient way to purchase your tickets.”

A demonstration was presented on how to use the platform. Each ticket will have a code that will

allow patrons accessing the entrance and exit of the stadium. Prices are from $10 for children and $20 for the eastern grandstand.

The finish line seats are $100, the upper gold seats are $70, silver $50 and bronze $40.

VIP platinum seats are $150, which includes food and drinks.

There will be a fan zone that will be erected on the inside of the stadium, the first time it’s been done at any major international competition. A total of 1,500 seats will be provided with live entertainment.

“We anticipate a stadium that will be filled to the brim with excitement all around us,” Archer said.

“We will have excitement all around us. We will also have a pre-game show, starting three hours ahead of the main event with the top three countries in the relays with junior athletes from the United States, Canada, as well as Central America. “We will also have a programme that will facilitate the different disabled

NACAC president Mike Sands speaks about the World Relays. groups, the masters category and also starring will be the little kids from our Kids Athletics programme, which is endorsed by World Athletics and the Olympic Solidarity.”

As for Team Bahamas, Archer confirmed that the Bahamas will be represented in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 men and women and the mixed 4 x 400m relays, which the Bahamas won

when the World Relays was last held here in 2017.

On a lighter note, Archer said there is a $1,000 reward for anyone who can find BINGO in time for the Bahamas to stage the World

Relays. Pauline Davis, the LOC deputy chair, encouraged the public to come out as they bring the worldclass sporting event back to The Bahamas.

“Through an event of this magnitude, we get to celebrate our athletes and witness first hand what years of preparation can yield as they compete on a world stage,” Davis said.

“We are a small country and the fact that we can bring this key event back home highlights the attractiveness of the Bahamas as we elevate our sports in Paradise brand on a global stage.

“In addition, the present impact of sports tourism, thanks to this event, is significant. We are pleased to have the opportunity to host athletes from 50 different countries and to have The Bahamas take centre stage once again.”

Davis encourages the Bahamian people to buy their tickets early and fill the stands as they watch the athletes chase their dreams from “Paradise to Paris.”

MIKE TROUT SAYS HE WANTS TO STAY WITH ANGELS. RENDON HUGH CAMPBELL DISCUSSES WHERE BASEBALL RANKS ON HIS PRIORITY LIST FROM PAGE 16

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer MIKE Trout discussed his future and Anthony Rendon talked about his priorities as the Los Angeles Angels stars spoke Monday when position players started workouts at spring training camps across Arizona and Florida.

Trout, a three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star who has played in only one postseason series, said he has no interest in requesting a trade as the Angels retool following two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 32-year-old Trout has spent his entire 13-year career with the Angels and signed a $426.5 million, 12-year contract in 2019.

The Angels went 73-89 last year for their eighth consecutive losing season. They haven’t reached the playoffs since 2014, when they were swept by Kansas City in the Division Series.

“I think the easy way out is to ask for a trade,” Trout told reporters, including The Athletic. “There might be a time, maybe. I really haven’t thought about this.

When I signed that contract, I’m loyal. I want to win a championship here.

The overall picture of winning a championship or getting to the playoffs here is the bigger satisfaction than bailing out or taking the easy way out. I think that’s been my mindset.

Maybe down the road, if some things change.”

Trout says he continued to lobby owner Arte Moreno and upper management for free-agent additions that can boost the

Angels following the departure of Ohtani, who signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers.

“I’m going to keep pushing as long as I can,” Trout said. “Until the season starts or until those guys sign. It’s just in my nature.”

One big free-agent move the Angels did make in recent years was the signing of Rendon to a $245 million, seven-year deal in December 2019 as he was coming off a World Series title with Washington.

Rendon, a two-time Silver Slugger winner in seven seasons with the Nationals, hasn’t played more than 58 games in any of his four years with the Angels because of injuries.

Rendon spoke Monday about how his enthusiasm for the game has remained the same throughout his career, but he also noted that baseball has “never been a top priority for me.”

“This is a job,” Rendon told reporters. “I do this to make a living. My faith, my family come first before this job.”

Rendon noted that getting married and having four kids has changed his perspective. But he also emphasized that baseball remains a priority, even if it isn’t his top priority.

“Oh, it’s a priority for sure,” Rendon said.

“Because it’s my job. I’m here, aren’t I?” OHTANI TAKES LIVE BP Ohtani took live batting practice for the first time this spring training as he returns from elbow surgery. The Dodgers posted video Monday of Ohtani homering.

LOS Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout smiles as he rounds third after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 2, 2023.

(AP Photo/Mark J Terrill) The two-way player won’t be pitching this season after surgery on his right elbow last September, but he’s hoping to be ready for the season opener as a hitter.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Ohtani won’t play in the Dodgers’ Cactus League opener Thursday against San Diego.

MERRIFIELD SIGNS Philadelphia finalized their signing of three-time All-Star utilityman Whit Merrifield to an $8 million, one-year contract that includes a $7 million salary this year and an $8 million club option for 2025 with a $1 million buyout.

Merrifield, 35, batted .272 with 11 homers, 67 RBIs and 26 steals for the

Toronto Blue Jays last season.

CONFIDENT YELICH Christian Yelich remains confident Milwaukee can continue to contend even without departed ace Corbin Burnes and manager Craig Counsell.

After the Brewers won their third NL Central title in six years, Counsell left to manage the rival Chicago Cubs. The Brewers traded Burnes to Baltimore in a deal that brought them infielder Joey Ortiz and left-hander DL Hall.

Yelich, the 2018 NL MVP, is among veterans on a team relying heavily on younger players.

“I think that we have a chance to really surprise some people with the talent

in this room,” Yelich told reporters.

“We usually always find a way to be competitive, be there at the end and give ourselves a chance.”

METS SIGN VOIT The New York Mets signed first baseman Luke Voit to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to major league camp.

Voit, 33, batted .221 with a .284 on-base percentage, no homers and four RBIs in 22 games with the Brewers last season after hitting 22 homers with the Padres and Nationals in 2022.

He has a .807 career OPS and hit an AL-leading 22 homers for the New York Yankees during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

CUBS’ RICKETTS DISCUSSES BELLINGER Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts talked about contract talks with free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger.

“There has been some discussions, but it just hasn’t become a negotiation yet,” Ricketts told reporters.

“Until they’re ready to really negotiate, there’s not much we can do.”

Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP with the Dodgers, had a bounce-back season for the Cubs last year. Bellinger hit .307 with a .356 on-base percentage, 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 20 steals in 130 games.

He then declined his end of a $25 million mutual option.

ORIOLES ACQUIRE ORT FROM PHILLIES The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-handed

had five rebounds and four steals.

In a losing effort for the Knights, Mickel Feaste scored 12 points with seven rebounds and three steals and Carlton Johnson also had 12 points with four rebounds and two steals.

St George’s 69, Greenville Gators 22: Kevaro Russell paced the Jaguars with a game high 23 points with three assists and two steals and Derly Williams had 18 points, three rebounds and two steals.

Senaj Thurston and Zyon Ferguson both scored nine points in the loss for the Gators.

Gateway Christian Academy 50, SC Bootle 27: Sherrick Ellis scored 12 points with six assists, four steals and three rebounds and Javardo Toote also had 12 points with six rebounds in the win.

Kashon Smith added eight points with three rebounds.

In the loss, Mervin McIntosh had five points with 14 rebounds and Jahreal Hepburn also had five points with three rebounds.

The tournament continues at 9am today and will be played through Thursday when the championship is slated to take place.

pitcher Kaleb Ort from the Phillies for cash.

Ort, 32, went 1-2 with a 6.26 ERA for the Boston Red Sox last season while making 21 appearances, including two starts.

He struck out 24 and walked nine in 23 innings.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, PAGE 13

POWERADE SPONSORS BAARK! POTCAKEMAN TRIATHLON FOR 10TH YEAR BAARK! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights & Kindness) is scheduled to host its eleventh triathlon at Jaws Beach on Sunday, February 25.

This year the event will welcome participants from the USA and Canada as well as many local triathletes. Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producer and distributor of Coca-Cola products, will be the presenting sponsor of the event for the 10th time with sport drink “Powerade”.

“The Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon is

delighted to be working with Powerade again as our presenting sponsor for the 10th consecutive year,” said Laura Kimble, president of Baark! and event director.

“Their ongoing support has been vital to the success and growth of our event in becoming the biggest triathlon in The Bahamas.

“Rehydration is extremely important when competing in endurance events so we are very pleased to have high quality hydration options like Powerade and Dasani available for all athletes again this year.”

“As a company we are deeply invested in the local community, aligning with Baark! was a natural fit for us,” said Jonathan Thronebury, marketing director of Caribbean Bottling Company, when asked about the company’s commitment to supporting BAARK! “Baark!s commitment to animal welfare directly resonates with our values of compassion and responsibility. Furthermore, Baark!s emphasis on education and outreach empowers communities to become proactive in animal care

CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (CBC) is the presenting sponsor of the 11th Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights & Kindness Potcakeman Triathlon for the 10th time with sport drink “Powerade”. and population control, thus creating a ripple effect of positive change.”

The Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon offers a sprint distance race consisting of a 750k swim, 21k

bike and 5k run. Athletes can choose to compete in all three disciplines for the full triathlon or form a relay team to compete with.

Following the adult race is a shortened Puppy

LeBron still committed to Paris Olympics, but health remains big key

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — LeBron James still wants to participate in the Paris Olympics this summer, sure sounds like extending his NBA career for at least a couple more seasons is an option and said he would like to see his playing days end as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Of course, not even he knows if any or all of that is possible.

James played in his 20th All-Star Game on Sunday, extending his record for appearances in the NBA’s midseason showcase, but arrived with a plan to not be on the court in Indianapolis for very long because of an ongoing treatment plan for his problematic left ankle. He had eight points in 14 minutes during the first half and didn’t start the second half, giving up his spot to Golden State’s Stephen Curry.

“The most important thing for me is definitely my health,” James said.

And that will be the deciding factor in just about all of James’ basketball decisions for the rest of his career — short-term, long-term, however long he has left on his unprecedented résumé. The first priority right now is the playoffs, with the Lakers currently 30-26 and ninth in the Western Conference even after winning six of their last seven games.

“We’re trending in the right direction,” James said.

He is 39, having played more minutes than anyone in NBA history. If he comes back this fall for a 22nd season — and he intends to — he’ll tie Vince Carter for the NBA record in that department. He insists that he doesn’t know how long he wants to play, either.

For now, it’s all about the Lakers and their postseason push. After that, he’ll decide whether to play for USA Basketball this summer. At this point, Paris is in his plans.

“I told myself before the season, when I committed to being part of the Olympic team, obviously it was all predicated on my health,” James said. “As it stands right now, I am healthy enough to be on the team and perform at a level that I know I can perform at.”

The Olympic question is a bit tricky.

The Lakers’ season could end in April, May or June. If it ends early, James will have tons of time to heal up and get ready for a U.S. training camp that starts in early July, then will have a number of exhibition games, followed by the Olympics that will end in mid-August.

But if the Lakers make a deep postseason run, it might prompt James to say he’ll value time off and getting ready for the 2024-25 NBA season over jamming another five or six weeks of

LEBRON James warms up before the start of the NBA AllStar game.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

basketball into his summer schedule.

“It’s more miles put on these tires,” said James, a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medallist. “But if I’m committed — which I am — to Team USA, then I’m going to commit my mind, body and soul to being out there for Team USA, being out there representing our country with the utmost respect and go out there and play.”

He’s 132 points away from reaching 40,000 for his regular-season career, which means he’s likely somewhere around five games from hitting that milestone.

There aren’t a lot of records left to chase; James is already the scoring king and his place in history was secured long, long ago.

He’s long said he wants to play in an NBA that has one of his sons in it and USC freshman Bronny James would be eligible to enter the draft this spring.

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left,” James said. “I know it’s not that many.”

He hasn’t even figured out if he wants a retirement tour for a final season where he’ll be saying goodbye in every NBA city or if choosing to “Tim Duncan it” — meaning going out very quietly, like the San Antonio star who never wanted any attention — will be the plan.

“I’ve never been that great with accepting praise,” James said. “It’s a weird feeling for me.”

James could also be a free agent this summer if he chooses to go that route.

He has a player option for more than $51 million for next season and most players wouldn’t pass up making that kind of money.

But James’ net worth has been estimated to exceed $1 billion already, his offcourt investments are varied, and it’s probably a safe bet that the size of the paycheck no longer is a top priority.

“I am a Laker, and I am happy, very happy, being a Laker the last six years and I hope it stays that way,” James said.

“But I don’t have the answer to how long it is, or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully, it is with the Lakers. It’s a great organisation, with so many greats with it. I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming. It’s coming for sure.”

HALIBURTON THRIVES IN SPOTLIGHT OF BUSY NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton found himself playing a new role on NBA All-Star weekend — host.

He served as Indianapolis’ unofficial ambassador.

He became a part-time concierge, offering suggestions for restaurant choices and places to visit. He promoted the NBA’s 2K esports league, even doubled as a ticket broker.

He made a video thanking local fans for their support.

And he did all of it in addition to his full-time job.

Yet Haliburton proved himself every bit as valuable, versatile and successful off the court over the past week as he’s been on it this season — and did it all with a smile.

“It’s been a zoo, it’s been a lot, but it’s been a lot of fun,” he said Saturday afternoon still in the midst of this wild, whirlwind adventure. “I’ve been told I’m kind of like the prom king of the weekend, so

I’m just doing whatever I’m asked to do.”

The 23-year-old two-time All-Star never complained.

He rarely does.

Instead, Haliburton thrived underneath the bright spotlight of one of the NBA’s biggest stages, re-introducing basketball fans to the Pacers, his new hometown and himself as potentially the next star in Indiana’s rich hoops tradition.

He shouldered everything from the seemingly endless interviews for TV and being mic’d up for the game to purchasing a luxury suite at the arena because it was more affordable to accommodate all of the ticket requests.

Many All-Star regulars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Damian Lillard, have created plans to navigate what can be a gruelling All-Star weekend schedule.

Few, though, play the starring role in front of their home fans. The closest James, Durant or Lillard came was two years ago when James, with the

INDIANA Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) carries the Championship trophy after the East defeated the West 211-186 in the NBA All-Star basketball game on Sunday.

(AP Photo/D Cummings) Lakers, returned to Cleveland. Stephen Curry might get his chance next season when San Francisco will host.

But Haliburton, the former Iowa State star who grew up in Wisconsin, got the opportunity in just his second All-Star trip.

The fourth-year pro cherished every moment — his grand entrance at

Thursday night’s inaugural Opening Celebration in a shiny, blue and gold No. 24 IndyCar; mingling with three Indiana Hall of Fame icons, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller and Oscar Robertson; cheering teammates Bennedict Mathurin and Oscar Tshiebwe in Friday night’s Rising Stars games and winning Saturday night’s skills challenge with Mathurin and Pacers centre Myles Turner before being eliminated in a tiebreaking round of the 3-point contest.

Yet none of it affected Haliburton’s play Sunday.

He opened the game by making five consecutive 3s, finished with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists on 11 of 15 shooting and went home after leaving quite an impression.

“His teammates love him, fans love him. I’m excited to watch his career going forward because I know he’s going to do some incredible things here in Indiana,” Durant said.

“But just for the game of basketball as a whole, you can tell he’s one of those

point guards that the next generation, kids in elementary school, middle school kids will be looking up to.”

While Haliburton’s hosting duties ended Sunday night, his to-do list remains long.

With 26 games to play, he’s trying to lead sixthseeded Indiana to its first Eastern Conference playoff appearance in four years and his first as a player.

If the Pacers make it, they’ll be trying to snap a franchise-record 10-game postseason losing streak and reach the second round for the first time in a decade. And if the Pacers are going to do any of it, Haliburton must lead the way.

He’s averaging a careerbest 21.8 points and leads the league for the second straight season in assists (11.7 per game), a pace that would be the league’s second best since 1995-96 in a system Phoenix guard Devin Booker said is tailormade for Haliburton and the NBA’s highest-scoring team.

Triathlon for children ages six to 14.

Interested persons can register on or before midnight on Thursday, February 22 - here: www. potcakeman.com

MIKE CONLEY AGREES TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves and point guard Mike Conley agreed yesterday to a two-year contract extension worth about $21 million that would last through his 19th season in the NBA, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not yet been finalised. The league is on a brief hiatus for the AllStar break.

The 36-year-old Conley is in his first full season with Minnesota, after arriving a little over a year ago in a trade with Utah just before the deadline. He’s currently making a little more than $24 million this season on a deal that was set to expire this summer, and this move is another signal that the club is all-in on trying to chase a title with the current core, even if it comes with a hefty luxury tax hit.

The four-time winner of the NBA Sportsmanship Award has provided the Timberwolves an invaluable dose of leadership, maturity and unselfishness for coach Chris Finch and the staff, plus careerbest 44.2% shooting from 3-point range. That rate ranks ninth in the league.

“Last year I was coming in here almost deer in the headlights. I was trying to figure it out. It was fast and fast movement and trying to really mesh with everybody’s games as well.

And now, I understand everybody on the team,” Conley said. “I understand Finch and what he wants to accomplish.”

His assist-to-turnover ratio (6.08) is the secondbest in the NBA. His reunion with former Jazz teammate Rudy Gobert has also helped unlock the big man’s fullest offensive potential after a rocky debut season.

Most of all, Conley has stayed healthy, playing in 50 of 57 games for the Western Conferenceleading Wolves (39-16). He has sat out a few times for rest, but mostly chafed at the idea when broached by the coaching staff. “I don’t know how long I’m going to play, so every time I go out I’ve got to play as hard as I can, play as good as I can, give everything I’ve got, and hopefully it’s enough to win,” Conley said.

The Wolves return from the break Friday and host Milwaukee.

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PAGE 14, Tuesday, February 20, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

SPORTS CALENDAR FROM PAGE 16

EXECUTIVES of the newly formed Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation were installed Sunday by Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.

Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation officially launched FROM PAGE 16 James Simmons, Donald Pinder, Devon Farquharson, Yelverton Williams, Simeon Farquharson, Kareem Will Dreann and Kenrico Lockhart.

The walkers included John Morley, Michael Dillett, Amanda Archer, Tasheika Morley, Liesl Hanna, Denise Strachan and Lisa Bastian.

There was also a clergy category that was won by Rev. Jerome Deleveaux, followed by Father James Palacious and Rev. Harrison Thompson.

Special thanks to ‘Downtown’ Natasha Brown, who conducted a fitness exercise routine following the race, the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials, headed by Val Kemp, for officiating the event, the nurses’ group, led by Aleta Rolle, as well as the escorts by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The federation will begin its first discipline during the weekend of April 20-23 with volleyball at a site yet to be determined.

A general meeting for all churches to outline plans is slated to be held at 10am Saturday, March 2 at the William Thompson Auditorium, Jean Street.

All churches are invited to have two members present.

ANISHKA BOWLEG, the overall female walk winner, receives her awards from Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee and Wellington Miller.

OVERALL female run winner Kara Wright receives her awards from Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee and Wellington Miller.

OVERALL run winner Jeison Contillo receives his awards.

OVERALL walk winner David Prabhu collects his awards.

on the Bahamas men’s team that played in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.

The special guest at this year’s camp will be coach Dalton Reitmeier, the head coach at Rabun Gap School USA - a four-year NCAA athlete and former player at IMG Academy.

CHESS CARICOM CLASSIC TEAM THE Bahamas Chess Federation announced that Avian Pride, Dr. Joseph Ferguson, Polina Karelina and Chika Pride will represent BCF and The Bahamas at the 2024 CARICOM Classic Inaugural Team Chess Tournament.

The event, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation, is scheduled for March 3-10.

“This tournament holds significance as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of CARICOM and our federation’s 50th year of FIDE membership,” the BCF said. “This tournament is also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and collaboration within the CARICOM region. Participating in this event offers a unique platform for our players to showcase their exceptional talent.”

FINAL WALK WITH ‘HAWK’ THE general public is being asked to take a final walk with ‘Hawk’ as family and friends pay a special tribute to the late Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson.

The public is invited to join a special celebration of the life and legacy of Finlayson on Thursday, February 29 from 7-10pm at the Crypto Isle (formerly Luciano’s) on East Bay Street.

For more information, persons are asked to contact Stanley Mitchell at 816-6619 or Quinton Curry at 565-1178.

FAST TRACK INVITATIONAL FAST Track Athletics announced that its third annual Spring Invitational will take place over the weekend of May 10 and May 11 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

The entry fee will be $10 for adults and $5 for children.

For more information, persons are asked to contact 242-727-6826 or fasttrackmanagamentoo@gmail.com

HUNDREDS SET TO DESCEND ON TAHITI FOR OLYMPIC SURFING. CAN LOCALS PROTECT THEIR WAY OF LIFE?

By DANIEL COLE Associated Press TEAHUPO’O, French Polynesia (AP) — Peva Levy said he felt a powerful, natural energy known as “mana” when he surfed Teahupo’o’s waves on a piece of plywood for the first time, rushing down a crumbling white surf in front of an untouched volcanic beach several years before the steady streams of surfers started arriving when the village got its first asphalt road over 50 years ago.

“It was a secret spot,” the surfer and Tahitian native remembered, as he stood on the pristine beaches of Teahupo’o on the island’s south side, waves crashing off in the distance. “But it was not a secret spot for a long time.”

Teahupo’o has since achieved world renown among surfers — the roaring wave garnered a reputation for its ferocious power — and will be home to the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition, scheduled July 27 to August 4.

The island in French Polynesia is an overseas territory of the European nation. The decision to host part of the Games here has thrust unprecedented challenges onto a small community that has long cherished and strives to protect a way of life more closely connected to wild lands and crystal-clear ocean than the fame promised by an Olympic stage.

And while organizers are trying to adjust their plans to conserve the local

environment, ensuring that the village of Teahupo’o stays a village is proving to be a struggle for locals.

The original proposed scale of the Olympic site – which called for new roads, housing units and even an aluminum judging tower that required drilling into the reef – caused a significant local backlash.

Environmental and surf communities banded together to protect Teahupo’o’s culture, its corals and its marine life.

“It was too much for us, a big change. And it was just for, like, one week” of competition, Levy said, who’s also a member of the local environmental organization Vai Ara O Teahupo’o.

Though it’s known throughout the surfing world, there is not one surf shop in Teahupo’o, with the town forgoing most of the development that’s usually a staple at popular surf destinations. At the end of the village’s road lies its sole snack bar which is only open for lunch and serves fish caught that morning.

Kids spend the afternoon surfing as families watch from the black sand beaches. At night, the distant roar of waves barreling down onto the reef lulls the town to sleep.

“We loved this place because it was still wild, there were not many people over here. There was a lot of fish all around, and that good mana,” Levy said.

In response to criticism, now 98% of Olympic housing will be within the homes of locals, with athletes accommodated on a cruise

A SURFER rides a wave in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, on January 13. The world-famous surf spot is set to host the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition.

(AP Photo/Daniel Cole) ship anchored nearby. The shape that the waves rely over the incident. “It was size of the judging tower on to form. “If it does crack awful for us,” said Barbara has been scaled back and and break off, there will be Martins-Nio, a senior event new infrastructure plans no more wave over here, it manager for the Paris 2024 are being drawn up to will be finished for us,” said Olympic and Paralympic minimize the need for new Levy.

Games Organization Comconstruction.

In December, local fears mittee. “Tahitians have this But concerns remain: were confirmed when a special relationship with Environmentalists and local barge razed sections of nature, with their lands, and fishers fear that drilling into coral on its way to the con- it was like a bomb for us.” the coral reef could attract struction site on the reef. A Martins-Nio said that ciguatera, a microscopic video of the damage spread their interactions with local algae that infects fish and on social media, provoking groups are now improving, makes people sick if eaten, an outcry. and the organising team has and many sustain themCindy Otcenasek, the taken a step back on several selves by what they catch in president of Via Ara o issues and are better involvthe ocean.

Teahupo’o, called the ing local groups so that Mormon Maitei, 22, destruction deeply hurtful. construction work is fully makes a living from spear“In Polynesian culture, transparent. fishing in the lagoons, gods are present everyDespite the fears, some feeding his family and sell- where, in the coral, in the on the island still see the ing what he has left over. ocean,” she said. “The Games as an opportunity.

“The lagoon is our refrig- ocean is considered to be Much of the local popuerator, it’s where we get our the most sacred temple. lation is in favour of the dinner from,” he said.

“The fish live around the Games, the economic benThe sought-after shape of corals so if we break a coral, efits it could bring and the the waves could be affected, we break a home,” she said. standing it will give their too, islanders say, if the reef Olympic organizers little corner of French were to fissure and lose the expressed their concern Polynesia.

Born and raised in Teahupo’o, Gregory Parker’s morning routine consists of watching the waves crash along the horizon from his beachfront bungalow while smoking a cigarette.

But while the Games are in town, he’s willing to sacrifice that for a bit of spare cash by renting it out.

His family owns a significant portion of properties in the village that are regularly rented out to the international surf community during the annual World Surf League competition, and he intends to do the same for the Olympics.

“I will try to live at my daughter’s house during the Games. If she also rents out her house, I have a tent,” Parker said.

“It’s not hard for two weeks, and given all the money I will make, it’s worth it.”

In January this year, just months before the Games, a small group of local surfers bobbed up and down in the water, awaiting the perfect wave, when 21-year-old Kauli Vaast, who’s competing in this year’s Olympics, spotted it forming.

He’s quick to slide his board into one of the glassy tubes, gliding out before the wave thunders down onto the reef, a monstrous spray of lapping white froth raining down behind him.

“Magical things happen here, you feel this energy and you must show respect,” said Vaast.

“It is so important to show respect in these types of places where you face mother nature.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, PAGE 15

Cory’s extraordinary journey The BTVI Story

BEFORE Police Inspector Cory Hield graduated from the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in 2022 with a certificate in Human Resources (HR) Management, he knew he would level up by studying towards a degree in the same area.

“Completing the HR certificate was an amazing accomplishment for me, but I became hungry for more knowledge and achievements. The HR certificate was the appetiser,” he said.

The fact that Cory is back in the classroom at BTVI speaks to his confidence in the institution’s product.

“The journey has been extraordinary. The rigorous programme calls for discipline, consistency and dedication. Soft skills are important in business and combining theory and practical instruction makes you even more competitive in the market. Without a doubt, I graduated better than I entered,” said Cory.

“Also, BTVI has very flexible programmes, especially for those who are working They have an awesome group of professional

PITCH YOUR IDEA TO TURN THE TIDE THE Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) is launching a new initiative, the Young Leaders Plastic Challenge, where high school students can compete in a pitch competition and win $500.

The project encourages young people to take the Plastic Tide Turners Challenge, empowering them to tackle plastic pollution at their schools.

The highlight of the project is the country-wide pitch competition, where students in grades 10-12 from schools across New Providence and the Family Islands will have the opportunity to put forth their sustainability projects.

The top three pitches will win cash prizes of $500 each to implement their projects.

Participants are required to fill out an application form and submit a project proposal outlining their idea for addressing plastic pollution by April 19, with finalists selected by April 26. Finalists will present their proposals at the Pitch Night on May 10.

Over the next four months, ORG will conduct outreach at seven schools in New Providence, engaging students in discussions about the impact of plastic pollution and inspiring them to develop sustainable solutions for their campuses.

lecturers, amongst the best in their respective fields. I have enhanced my computer skills and ability to do basic accounting and bookkeeping. These have expanded my marketability as an HR professional. Also, it’s tuition free for Bahamians who qualify, no matter what island you are on,” he added.

In fact, Cory said his most pivotal moment at BTVI was in his Principles of Microeconomics class when instructor, Kramer Taylor, was discussing opportunity cost and the importance of making prudent decisions.

“Our decisions have a residual effect on other things and people connected to us, whether positive or negative. For example, we are studying to better ourselves while sacrificing time spent with family, which is equally important when you can’t compensate for

lost time. When making sacrifices, make it count,” emphasized the 35-year-old.

With a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.00, the studious young man said time management and sacrifice are two important components to his success.

“When I think of my beautiful wife and daughter, I am so focused on being the best because of them, I can’t let them down. Failure is not an option.

The secret sauce is having a circle of people pushing you to greatness. They encourage me to stay focused on my dreams,” said the husband.

Cory considers HR to be the most important aspect of an organisation. Hence, his drive to study it.

“When you break down the term HR, it is human resources, meaning people. The better we care for our human resources, the more successful the organisation will be. My career goal is to return my expertise to the police force to help mentor, coach and develop the next generation of leaders,” he stated.

The full-time student manages to juggle school, home and work on the Royal Bahamas Police Force where he is attached to the concert and marching bands. There is no doubt that Cory has inherited his musical pedigree from his famous father, Nehemiah Hield, former lead singer of the iconic Bahamian band Bahamen. Cory skillfully plays the principal flute and piccolo with the bands and is a lead singer

as

well.

“The BTVI Story” is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals ‘Discover the Possibilities’ related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

Breakfast with love

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

STUDENTS at Cleveland Eneas Primary School received breakfast made with love on Valentine’s Day FOAM partnered with Urban Renewal Pinewood and Kingdom Gems Dance Ministry to serve breakfast to the students on Valentine’s Day. The trio served breakfast to the children and helped to foster a positive relationship between law enforcement and youth.

FOAM adopted the school in 2022 and implemented a monthly breakfast programme for all students themed “feeding is seeding”.

Khandi Gibson, director of FOAM, said she started the programme to ensure that children that may be facing food insecurity can get a hot meal. She added that proper nutrition can energise children and help them to focus on their academics.

She said: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you would be surprised how having a hot meal can give them a jumpstart and help them to function properly and concentrate on their school work.”

Anyone interested in donating to the programme can visit the FOAM community centre in Nassau Village.

MP COOKS UP A VALENTINE TREAT

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net STUDENTS and staff at RM Bailey High School were treated to a Valentine’s Lunch Date.

Lisa Rahming, MP for Marathon, who is an alumni of RM Bailey, held her second Valentine’s lunch date for over 900 students and staff of her alma mater last week.

Ms Rahming said that

the event is meant to bring cheer, love and hope to students amidst the current social climate.

She used the opportunity to bond with students and staff and to encourage students to stay focused on their school work and put God first.

The lunch date included food, music, games and treats.

Tablets were rewarded to high achievers and a cash prize was given to the best student dancer.

SPORTS PAGE 12

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024

LeBron, Page 13

Minister Bowleg: Tickets now on sale for World Relays

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

W

hile there is a search on for the missing BINGO, the mascot used in the last World Relays here in 2017, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is gearing up to field five teams, including defence of the mixed relay title, when the event returns to The Bahamas May 3-4.

And Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, in officially declaring the ticket sales for the World Relays open yesterday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, assured

the public that the renovations to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium will be completed in time for the event being dubbed “Paradise to Paris.”

Bowleg, declaring ticket sales open amidst the confetti falling, said they are delighted to be hosting the World Relays again in 2024 and they welcome the athletes and their families from around the world to the shores of the Bahamas.

“As the world comes down for Paradise to Paris, we have an unique opportunity to showcase our country to the world and the economic benefits for sports tourism is easy to contify,” he said.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg speaks about the World Relays as LOC deputy chairman Pauline Davis looks on.

“So I expect for us to have a full stadium of Bahamians coming out to cheer on these world-class sprinters and we should take

pride in seeing our very own on the track.”

Bowleg also assured the public that the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium

will be in tip-top shape and ready. He noted that Mondo is on the ground and making the necessary renovations to the track, while workmen are eagerly completing all of the necessary repairs in and outside of the stadium.

Mike Sands, World Athletics’ council member and NACAC president, said with less than 75 days to be precise, the World Relays will be returning to the Bahamas after a seven-year hiatus.

“I would like to thank, first of all, my World Athletics council members for the trust and confidence that they have placed in us The Bahamas to host one of

the most important international competitions of the year, right here where the NACAC headquarters is located,” Sands aaid.

The World Relays, according to Sands, serves as the qualifier for 14 spots out of 16 for relay teams for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26 to August 11.

“You can’t get to Paris unless you come to Paradise and that is mandatory, so that is the significance of this event.”

Sands said they are excited to celebrate this Bahamazing event in true style with the rest of the

SEE PAGE 12

Stingers on a mission for another title

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH they basically have a new team, Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers’ head coach Jay Philippe said the mission coming from Grand Bahamian is the same - to win another Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic title.

The Stingers joined the Grand Bahama teams as they made their initial appearance in the tournament yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

While the Stingers came out with an impressive 68-46 victory over the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons, the Tabernacle Baptist Falcons knocked off the CR Walker Knights 52-33 and the St George’s Jaguars routed the Greenville Gators 69-22.

GOOD START: Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers defeated the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons 68-46 yesterday in the Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic at Kendal However, Bishop Isaacs Gymnasium.

Michael Eldon came out on the losing end in their Edwin Ferguson had nine They’re a pretty good team and as many assists. Jakayo Capral all scored six. Lian Leroy Rolle scored eight opener as they were beaten points, eight assists and five from BAISS, but defen- Kemp helped out with Capral had 10 rebounds and points with four rebounds seven points.

Lavan Cooper added five and Rasheed Brennen 54-25 by the Agape Chris- rebounds and Dashawn sively we made our mark.

“We held them to 40 Agape Christian Acad- points with nine rebounds. added seven points with tian Academy Eagles out Smith nine points, three points, but we know that emy 54, Bishop Michael Blazer Elite 65, Gov- three steals and two assists. of Abaco, while the Elite assists and two rebounds.

Despite the big win, as the tournament pro- Eldon 25: Anthony Mertil ernment High 24: Tkai Tabernacle Baptist Blazers stayed alive with a 65-24 win over the Govern- Philippe said he’s expecting gresses, the competition and Canaan Davis provided Delancey scored a game Academy 52, CR Walker more from his top-ranked will get tougher. We will be a 1-2 punch to lead the win- high 14 points with seven 33: Bradleon McDonald ment High Magicmen.

UÊ iÀi½ÃÊ >Ê ÃÕ >ÀÞÊ vÊ Sunland Baptist Academy prepared for our next day ners, Mertil also had seven rebounds to pace the Blazer scored 10 points with four squad, which included a tomorrow (today). We’ll get steals, six rebounds and two Elite as they stayed alive. rebounds and three blocks the games played: Matthew Dubreus, Hin- to lead the Falcons to their Sunland Baptist Acad- whole new starting line-up some rest and come back blocks and Davis had five rebounds with three steals rich Monuma and Jhon opening game victory. emy 68, Jordan Prince from his Stingers’ team that tomorrow (tonight).”

Jordan Prince Wil- and two assists.

Cesar all scored nine to Alex Minus had nine Williams 46: Denanace won the title last year.

“We had a long day,” said liams, in a losing effort, Valdez Johnson had help out. Hakeem Henfield points and 10 rebounds Kelly poured in a game high 30 points with five rebounds Philippe, noting that they got 16 points, four assists seven points and Taysha- scored eight points with and both Gianno Murray and two steals to lead the only arrived from Grand and three rebounds from lan Clarke added six points four rebounds and as many and Joshua Williams added Bahama earlier in the day. Trevon Clarke. Broc Glin- with five steals. steals. seven points. Murray also Stingers to victory.

In a losing effort, Asiel In a losing effort as the Jason Williams had nine “We knew we had to play ton also scored 16 points points and nine rebounds, Jordan Prince Williams. with a pair of rebounds Williams and Lian and Liam Magicmen got eliminated, SEE PAGE 12

SPORTS CALENDAR TRACK PENN WINS 400M TITLE QUINCY Penn emerged as the champion of the women’s 400 metres at the 2024 SWAC Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Alabama, over the weekend.

Penn, a freshman at Alabama State, won the race in 53.60 seconds for a personal best performance and a new SWAC record. Shelby Brooks, a senior at Texas Southern, finished second in a personal best as well in 54.52.

Penn advanced to the final with the fastest qualifying time of 55.52 ahead of Brooks’ 55.96.

She also got fifth in the 200m in 24.25.

Nya Blocker, a freshman at Florida A&M, captured the title in a personal best of 23.34. Penn went into the final with the fourth fastest time out of the preliminaries in 24.25.

Feb. 2024

BASKETBALL CHANGE IN VENUE FOR NEX-GEN CAMP THE Nex-Gen Camp, which was originally scheduled to be held at the Hope Center, has been changed to the Teleos Basketball Gymnasium on Carmichael Road. Space is limited so persons are asked to book their reservations as soon as possible.

JRC Basketball Academy will stage the third annual elite training camp June 24 to July 13 each day from 9am to noon.

The camp is open to boys and girls who will be placed in groups from ages 6-9, 10-13 and 14-18.

The camp will be conducted by coach JR Cadet, owner of JRC Basketball Academy and an experienced 10-year FIBA pro basketball player who played

SEE PAGE 14

BAHAMAS BAPTIST SPORTS FEDERATION OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED OVER the weekend, the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation was officially launched.

Formerly known as the Baptist Sports Council, the new body hosted a Family Fun Run/Walk in honour of Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee, the 11th president of the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.

Then on Sunday, the executive body of the BBSF attended the 11am worship service at Rev. Dr. McPhee’s church, Mt Calvary Baptist Cathedral, where the official installation took place.

The newly formed federation is headed by Brent Stubbs, the former president of the BSC. The first vice president is Sean Bastian, second vice president Rev. Derek Munroe, third

vice president Renbert Mortimer and fourth vice president, Kendal Rolle.

The secretary general is Nicola Major.

Ariel Webb is the recording secretary and Olympia Evans is the treasurer.

Wellington Miller and Joanna ‘Mother’ Webb serve as the special advisors.

The federation, whose mandate is to provide opportunities for the members of the Baptist community to engage in holistic sporting activities, not just in New Providence but throughout the Bahamas, will engage in several sporting disciplines.

Track and field will be chaired by Renee ‘Sunshine’ Davis, volleyball by Kirk Farquharson, basketball by Sean Bastian, softball by Thomas Sears

and cycling by Barron “Turbo” Musgrove.

The family fun run/walk was the first official event for the federation.

The Saturday morning early riser saw David Prabhu and Anishka Bowleg emerge as the overall male and female winners, while Jeison Contillo and Kara Wright captured the top spots for the men and ladies in the run.

Awards were presented to the first three finishers in each age group category and a number of prizes offered by Bahamas Ferries, BTC, Colony Club, Kelly’s, Better Bodies and Bargain Wholesale on Wulff Road and East Street.

Among the winners in the run were Varon Pinder,

SEE PAGE 14