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‘Da DDy’s in heaven’ after fatal attack

Grandfather forgives killers who shot man dead in front of child

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff

Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

The little girl now tells relatives her father is in heaven, her innocence shielding her from the horror of that day, according to her grandfather.

CCTV footage of the early morning shooting sparked national outrage,

QUINTON Arnett cancelled his 50th birthday trip to Las Vegas on Sunday because he could not bear the thought of travelling while his only son lay in a morgue, the victim of a cold-blooded murder on Saturday that his four-year-old daughter witnessed.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A POPULAR DJ who feared for his safety and was later shot after filing a complaint with police about a rape incident died over the weekend after months of suffering.

Arthur Wilson was left paralysed in his lower limbs after he was shot twice in the head and once in the chest on August 28, 2024, while standing outside a building on Young Street. Earlier this year, he told the press he was shot shortly after filing a police complaint as part of efforts to help a rape victim. His mother, Alethia Ferguson-Cunningham, said yesterday that her son knew

Kelli Ingraham, daughter of former Prime Minister, dead at 45

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

KELLI Ingraham, the daughter of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham daughter, died yesterday afternoon at 45 following a brief illness. A graduate of St Andrew’s International School in 1997, she studied law at the University of Sussex and was called to The Bahamas Bar in 2005. She was an active member of The Bahamas Bar and served on The Bahamas Bar Council and The Bahamas Financial Services Board for a number of years. Between 2017 and 2021, she served as the Chairman of the

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A TOP government environment official suggested yesterday that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for SpaceX’s rocket booster landings in The Bahamas was not necessary because the company’s Environmental Baseline Assessment (EBS) was comprehensive. The comments of Dr Rhianna Neely, director of

S g ovt c A nc El S E X um A -w IdE moor Ing S l EASE dEA l

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Government yesterday abruptly terminated the Exuma-wide moorings deal amid Opposition demands that “someone fall on their sword” and fears up to 90 percent of boaters may abandon the destination. The Davis administration moved swiftly to quell the mounting controversy and public outrage over its lease agreement with Bahamas Moorings as both sides revealed they have “mutually agreed” not to proceed after their previously secret tie-up - and the involvement of persons with strong links to the Prime Minister’s Office - were exposed.

Kelli ingraham

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings meeting with the family of murdered father Quintero Ar-

to check on his daughter promising the family they will work diligently to get justice, yesterday.

Photo: Chappell whyms Jr

‘Daddy’s in heaven’ after fatal attack

especially as the gunmen continued firing while Quintero Arnett’s daughter ran for her life.

Mr Arnett said he has not watched the graphic footage, calling it too painful to bear.

He said since his 24-yearold son’s murder, every time he closes his eyes, he sees him in his dreams.

“I don’t want to see my son go out that way,” he told The Tribune yesterday.

“At the end of the day, I forgive whoever did it. I forgive them.”

On the day of the incident, Quintero was sitting in a vehicle with his daughter and girlfriend outside a business on Dunmore Street when a car pulled up. CCTV footage showed several masked gunmen emerging and opening fire.

In his final moments, Quintero opened the back door, allowing his terrified daughter to escape. She paused briefly, looking at her father as the gunmen circled him. He appeared to say one last word to her before collapsing. The girl then ran away as the gunmen continued shooting.

Mr Arnett, who turned 50 yesterday, said he raised

his son to protect his family, just as he was protected. He said his son was a devoted father who was focused on building a future for his daughter. A father of three, he said he shared a close relationship with his only son, teaching him how to be a good businessman, father, and person.

“He was my everything because he reminded me of me so much growing up,” he said. “I grew up without a father. I always said to myself when I get older if I have any children, I want them to be the better version of me.”

Mr Arnett, who owns a car rental company, said Quintero was a boat captain for Pieces of 8 Charters and did mechanic work on the side. He said his son dreamed of someday owning a boat and getting married.

He said his son had never been to jail or court and was not involved in any criminal activity.

During an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing yesterday, Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles said she was aware of claims that Quintero was not the intended target but could not yet confirm this. National Security

Minister Wayne Munroe, meanwhile, urged mothers of criminals not to be afraid to turn their sons into police so they could take responsibility for their crimes.

Mr Arnett said he was grateful police had contacted his family and assured him they would do their best to solve the case.

On the morning of the shooting, Quintero, who lived with his girlfriend, was on his day off and had planned to take her to work. Before dropping her off, the couple and their daughter stopped for breakfast at a restaurant on Duncombe Street. Mr Arnett said his son was driving one of his rental cars that morning and had planned to visit the family home after dropping his girlfriend off.

He said his wife and his son’s girlfriend were devastated by the shooting and recalled his wife screaming at the top of her lungs when she first heard the news.

The family has been rallying around Quintero’s four-year-old daughter.

“If you ask her now where daddy is, she just tell you about her daddy in the sky,” he said. “But eventually, she’s going to have to get counselling.”

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings visits the family of Quintero Arnett who was gunned down in front of his 4-year-old daughter. Skippings is seen holding the victims daughter with Quinteros father, Quinton Arnett standing to her left.

Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

Man shot after filing rape complaint last year dies

the perpetrators of the rape attack and feared for his life after receiving repeated threats.

She said the police were not sufficiently responsive to their detailed concerns, and her son continued fearing for his life even after surviving the shooting initially.

She said her son spent his final moments in and out of the hospital.

After he had developed a stage four bedsore and was told he may never walk again, his family launched a GoFundMe to support his recovery.

The GoFundMe campaign failed to raise enough funds; her family did not arrange to airlift her son to Cuba for treatment as planned.

“We was his hands and foot,” she said, explaining the care she gave him after the shooting, which resulted in him losing half of his skill.

He wore a blue protective helmet after his medical procedure. His mother wore his helmet during yesterday’s interview and explained that another piece of her son’s skull was placed in his abdomen to be preserved until it could be reattached.

She said one morning, a bullet inside him shifted, and he began having trouble breathing.

“I tell him ‘hold on,’ and he said, ‘mummy, don’t move your hand’,” she recalled. She said doctors at the hospital told him the issue was life-threatening, and her son complained about pain until he could take no more.

During his interview with Our News last month, Wilson recalled praying to God to keep him alive after the shooting and credited his mother for helping him pull through. Through tears, his mother remembered how hard her son, the oldest of her six children, fought to stay alive.

While expressing gratitude for the doctors’ efforts to save her son, she also conveyed deep frustration with aspects of his treatment. Her dismay accelerated when she learned he was scheduled for a February surgery to reattach his skull — only to be told the skull was too small for the procedure, necessitating a transfer to Doctor’s Hospital. She said many lives could be saved through proper interventions but found the exorbitant costs appalling.

She emphasised that her son was not a gangster.

“He would give you the shirt off his back, and if he don’t know you and if you don’t have no food, he’d cut that plate in half, and he’d share that with you,” she said.

Chief Superintendent Sheria King, the police press liaison, did not respond to the mother’s allegation about officers’ failure to properly react to the man’s concerns about his safety but said police would meet with them and investigate the matter.

Police had reported last year’s incident as a double shooting, with two men shot. The Tribune had reported that a 22-yearold man was arraigned concerning the case.

Kelli Ingraham, daughter of former Prime Minister, dead at 45

from page one

Straw Market Authority. She had been practising law at her father’s law firm at the time of her passing.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis extended his condolences to Mr Ingraham’s family.

“There are no words to fully express the pain of

losing a child, and I can only imagine the grief he and his family are experiencing,” he said. “Ann and I offer our deepest sympathies and pray that they find strength in the love and support of those around them during this incredibly difficult time.”

Opposition Leader

Michael Pintard said he and his family were

saddened by the unexpected passing, calling it a “profound tragedy”.

“Kelli was a shining star in her field — an emerging force whose impact was already being felt and whose potential was limitless,” he said.

“The Bahamas has lost a brilliant and dedicated professional and a loyal friend to many.”

PoPular DJ Arthur Wilson (above) and his mother Alethia Ferguson-Cunningham (top right). Pictured below are images from the families gofundme for his medical expenses.

Kelli ingraham

Clear, Hold, Build initiative has reduced violent crimes in Englerston, say officials

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNMENT and police officials believe the Clear, Hold, Build initiative, launched last October, has reduced violent crime in Englerston as murders there have dropped by 48 percent, and shootings have not been reported since.

Officials said before the initiative’s launch, from January 1, 2024, to October 6, 2024, Englerston recorded eight murders and three shootings.

From October 7, 2024, to February 16, 2025, the number dropped to two murders and zero shootings. Gunshot reports declined by 16 percent, from 50 between January 1, 2024, and October 6, 2024, to 20 between October 7, 2024, and February 16, 2025.

During a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin outlined helpful tactics, including increased police presence, additional CCTV cameras, and clearing abandoned lots with plans to plant fruit trees for community use.

The government is also helping residents with probate services and providing job training through BTVI in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and air conditioning.

“What you are hearing today is an effort by the state, by this government, to attack on all fronts issues that we believe feed into or impact issues of violence,” Mrs Hanna Martin said.” I appreciate the focus and the concentration of resources, but the approach

has been threefold – environmental, infrastructure, and human development.”

She highlighted partnerships with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and the Ministry of Works to install lighting in crime-prone areas, calling it a work in progress.

A survey of 508 residents and two town hall meetings gathered community feedback. Officials declined to release the full survey findings but said 29 percent of residents reported feeling safer, and 33 percent expressed high trust in law enforcement.

Ms Hanna Martin revealed that almost all 508 survey participants knew someone who had been murdered. Concerns were also raised about domestic violence, youth conflicts, and child neglect. She said while trust in the police varied, many residents relied on law enforcement in crises.

The initiative included training 50 community pastors in conflict resolution.

“This was re-conception of its role in conflict resolution, and the goal was to equip community leaders to de-escalate disputes before they turn violent and initiate aims to reduce reliance on police intervention for minor conflict,” she said.

Officials announced the initiative’s expansion to Nassau Village and Carmichael Road in response to gang activity identified through police intelligence.

Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles highlighted crime hotspots in Carmichael, including Cowpen Road, Jackfish Drive, and Golden Gates. Nassau Village hotspots

include Alexandria Boulevard and Sequoia Street.

In 2024, Nassau Village and Carmichael each recorded four murders and four shootings. Nassau Village had 86 gunshot reports, while Carmichael recorded 94.

Commissioner Knowles said that law enforcement will continue targeting these areas, dismantling criminal elements, and maintaining a strong security presence.

The next phase includes executing search warrants on drug shops and monitoring prolific offenders. Specialised units in the police force focusing on domestic violence, sexual offences, and missing persons will also be involved.

“We are in partnership with other government agencies but it is important for us to be partners with members of the community and that is what we have been building over the past two to three months and we see the importance of that partnership because we are now able to reach even now more people in the communities,” she said.

Officials say key stakeholders in the initiative include the Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Services, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, and Urban Renewal. Law enforcement agencies such as the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, along with community partners, including local faith leaders and civic organisations, are also participating.

Manpower shortage to bla Me for rehiring retired officers, say Munroe and Knowles

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security

Minister Wayne Munroe and Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles said a manpower shortage in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the rehiring of scores of retired officers over the past three years. They spoke after Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said 213 of the 491 retirees rehired under the Davis administration are police officers. She

said most of them attained the required years of service but did not reach retirement age. Yesterday, Mr Munroe said plans are underway to recruit 100 new officers to address the shortfall.

Mr Munroe blamed the shortage on insufficient recruitment between 2017 through 2021, which he said left the force in a “less than ideal” position. He noted that some officers begin retiring in their late 40s or early to mid-50s. Commissioner Knowles declined to say how many officers are needed.

“I want to say thanks to the officers who are not looking at the clock,” she said. “They are not watching the clock when they report for duty and I find that there are lots of officers, when we call them out, they come.”

She added: “While we see that there is a shortage in our manpower, it is not affecting the production or the productivity of the officers or our operations.”

A manpower audit released in 2018 found that the force was top-heavy and needed 791 more constables to be more effective.

Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles speaks during a press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister yesterday.

Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin speaks during a press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister oyesterday.

Photos: Dante carrer/Tribune Staff

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe speaks yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister.

EIA ‘not needed’ in SpaceX landings

from page one

the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), followed criticism from environmentalists who argue that the EBS, released last week, is inadequate and does not replace a full EIA.

Dr Neely said the EBS includes key EIA components and details the proposed rocket re-entry site.

However, environmentalists note that an EBS differs from an EIA in that it primarily compiles existing environmental data. The document outlines baseline conditions but does not typically include a full analysis of potential risks, mitigation measures, or extensive consultation with stakeholders.

The EBS, submitted in March by local consulting firm BRON on behalf of SpaceX, was made public this month alongside the company’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which outlines mitigation strategies for the 19 upcoming booster

landings in Exuma Sound. The EMP states that the landings will have no lasting impact on marine life, air quality, or water pollution. The designated landing area is a deepwater zone with sandy seabeds, meaning booster returns will not disrupt marine ecosystems. A marine traffic survey found low vessel activity, reducing the risk of interference with boats. In a worst-case scenario, where a booster breaks apart, up to 300 gallons of propellant could spill, but SpaceX deemed this a negligible hazard, as most of the fuel would burn off or dissolve. The EMP also dismissed air pollution concerns, stating that Falcon 9’s kerosene-based fuel produces fewer harmful emissions than solid rocket motors. Regarding noise, the EMP predicted that a brief sonic boom — comparable to thunder — could be heard in some parts of The Bahamas. The 100-110 decibel landing burn would remain within safe exposure limits.

Rocket debris from Blue Origin washes up on a beach in Abaco

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A ROCKET nose cone from Blue Origin, the space company owned by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, reportedly washed up on the shores of The Bahamas, but Dr Rhianna Neely, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, said no official reports were made to her department. CNN reported over the weekend that the debris, part of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, was intentionally discarded during its maiden flight on January 16 and was expected to fall into the ocean. Blue Origin clarified the situation, telling CNN: “Some minor debris from New Glenn’s fairing washed ashore in Abaco, Bahamas, over the weekend. The fairing’s landing

in the sea was planned and expected. We have sent a team out to recover the pieces.”

A local Facebook post showing the debris on the beach read: “Does anyone have any muscle power to pull this spaceship debris up onto the beach?” It also noted the danger of high tides taking the debris away and mentioned that it poses a navigation hazard, though some described it as a “historical find.”

The view from Cape Eleuthera during an event to mark the first landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on a drone ship off of Exuma on February 18, 2025.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

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Are we prepared for rocket landings?

WHEN SpaceX successfully landed its rocket on a droneship in Bahamian waters, there were still many questions unanswered.

Not to worry, said the government, we will release the environmental study relating to the agreement.

The criticism had been that here was a landing the government made a big deal about – but not a sign of any documentation on the safety of the landing for either people or the environment.

People called for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and said it should have been publicly available.

The Tribune duly asked, and the director of communications at the Office of the Prime Minister, Latrae Rahming, said the environmental study relating to the agreement would be posted.

Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, told The Tribune that the document was expected to be posted once several administrative issues were resolved, possibly within a day of being asked.

It never came.

We did get a document called the Environmental Baseline Statement (EBS), which activists said was insufficient and could not substitute for the full EIA.

A number of groups – such as BREEF, Friends of the Environment, and Earthcare – all gave the same cry: Release the EIA.

Again, it never came.

Next came an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which outlined how SpaceX would monitor and mitigate environmental risks.

Again, not the EIA.

Why is the EIA important? It includes broader consultation, independent reviews and a greater analysis of longterm risks.

And in today’s Tribune, Dr

Neely-Murphy suggests that a full EIA was not in fact necessary – because the baseline statement, the EBS, was comprehensive. That would be the same EBS that activists said was insufficient.

It looks at this point as if there was in fact no EIA at all. So much for consultation. And why on Earth did the government, when asked when the EIA would be released, not come straight out and say one did not exist.

As it is, we appear to have agreed to let SpaceX drop 20 rockets onto landing ships in our waters over the course of this year without a comprehensive examination of the environmental impact.

We also still do not know how much we are being paid to allow these rockets to land here, or the cost each landing has on our purse considering we are detailing Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels to ensure a ten-mile exclusion zone around the landing sites. Those vessels of course have duties elsewhere – not just shepherding Elon Musk’s company’s space endeavours.

We have heard that we can charge $100,000 per rocket passing through our airspace – but are we doing so? Has a bill been sent, and has a bill been paid? Even so, that is talking about the financial costs. If we have not conducted a thorough environmental study, we do not know what the environmental costs might be.

Elsewhere in today’s Tribune, you can read about a piece of space debris showing up from Blue Origin, a rival company. There has been no word of whether it is safe for people to approach debris from such vehicles or the dangers there might be. There has been much talk of these landings opening up a new frontier for tourism. On the evidence so far, it seems we are ill prepared to take any such giant leap.

This is not space tourism

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM writing to address the misconception that SpaceX’s decision to land some of its rockets in the Bahamas’ territorial waters marks our country’s entry into the space industry or space tourism. This interpretation, however enticing, is a misreading of the situation.

First and foremost, SpaceX’s selection of landing sites is based entirely on operational and logistical factors—optimal flight trajectories, fuel efficiency, and safety protocols— not on the existence of a domestic space industry. These landings are technical necessities rather than deliberate steps toward establishing a space tourism sector. Truly entering the space tourism industry would require far more than occasional rocket recoveries.

For The Bahamas to be considered a legitimate hub for space tourism, several foundational elements would need to be in place, which includes but is not limited to:

• Robust Regulatory Framework: A

comprehensive legal structure that covers safety standards, licensing, and liability issues for commercial space travel is essential.

• Dedicated Infrastructure: This would include purpose-built spaceports, recovery facilities, and support services designed specifically for space tourism operations.

• Strategic Investment and Expertise: Significant investment in research and development, along with partnerships with established aerospace companies, is necessary to build the technological and operational capabilities required for routine space travel.

• Market Demand: A thriving space tourism industry also depends on creating and sustaining consumer interest, which in turn relies on successful and safe demonstration flights. While the futuristic allure of being linked to space activities is understandable, it is important that we do not lose sight of the more immediately attainable opportunities. The Bahamas is renowned for its hospitality and tourism,

Concern at deal on moorings

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Y O u R article Bahamas Mooring Company raises many questions of grave concern including conflict of interest, lack of transparency and the wrongful use of government connections to obtain leases of the seabed of every safe anchorage from Ship Cannel Cay in the North to George Town in the South. I want to focus on what this means to the average citizen and Bahamian boater.

yet there remains untapped potential in these sectors. Our policymakers and industry leaders might find greater benefit in embracing other low-hanging fruits within the hospitality realm and addressing some of the non-attracting aspects of our current tourism stopover model. Enhancing our existing tourism infrastructure could yield significant economic benefits and elevate the visitor experience far more reliably than the uncertain prospects of a nascent space tourism market.

In conclusion, while SpaceX’s booster landings in our waters are a technical achievement, they do not signify an entry into the space industry or the birth of a space tourism sector here in the Bahamas. Let us focus on strengthening the areas where we already have a competitive advantage and invest in improvements that will make our tourism industry even more vibrant and attractive to the modern traveler.

C ALLEN JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama February 21, 2025.

As a Bahamian, I feel that I can not be silent on the issue of the Exuma mooring situation, I’m going to call it what it is: the blatant theft of crown land under the guise of the conservation of the marine eco system. Now I’ve heard a lot of B.S. in my life, but this takes the proverbial cake and raises once again officialdoms tendency towards blatant corruption and croneyism.

The government is mandated to protect Crown Land for the use of all Bahamians. The beaches, (to the high-water mark) and the waters of The Bahamas belong to the people, we have the right to enjoy these freely but

under this arrangement, negotiated in secrecy behind closed doors if we want to go to the Exumas by boat to enjoy our God given right we have to pay for the privilege to a private Company owned by elites government cronies! If the government wishes to conserve the environment, then surely any mooring balls should be owned and operated by the government for the financial benefit of the people and not for the unjust enrichment of a pirate enterprise.

The very idea that our birthright is being privatised should have us all seething! Where does it stop? Today it’s the Exumas, but will it stop there? It’s only a matter of time before these pirates take over the seabed throughout the entire Bahamas, imagine having to pay for a mooring ball or anchorage at Rose Island! Give an inch take a mile! How are we, the people, benefiting from this? The BNT Exuma Land and

Sea Park charges boaters to use their mooring balls throughout the park, but their work is genuinely for conservation, not for profit.

Bahamas Mooring Company say that they are doing this to bring order and conservation to the Exumas; really?! This greedy group has created a monopoly for profit over every safe anchorage in the Exumas. Perhaps the government should focus their attention on issues that seriously impact the marine environment such as the constant oil spills at Cliffton Pier. Every single anchorage (excluding The BNT Exuma Land and Sea Park) has been ceded to the Bahamas Mooring Company! It is important to note that the proposal includes significant fees for both mooring balls AND anchoring. So much for wanting to protect the environment! Leave the boating community alone, we want free access to our beaches, we will not pay a private company for our seabed that belongs to the Bahamian people!

PAULA BACARDI and OLIVER LIDDELL February 24, 2025.

The view from the long dock in Cherokee Sound, Abaco in 2018.

Photo: Timothy Roberts

Four men vying to represent West Grand Bahama for FNM

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FOUR men are seeking to be the Free National Movement’s candidate for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency in the next general election.

Bishop Ricardo Grant, Omar Isaacs, DaQuan Swain, and Stephan Hall were introduced as prospective candidates at a recent constituency association meeting.

Bishop Grant, 57, ran as the FNM’s standard-bearer in 2023 by-election but lost, receiving 33.89 percent of the total votes.

Three younger candidates — Omar Isaacs, Stephan Hall, and former independent candidate DaQuan Swain — have also entered the race.

Bishop Grant said he welcomes their participation.

“I encourage young people to step up and represent and be part of our democratic process,” he said. “It shows that the FNM has a lot of young men that are willing to put themselves forward for serve.”

“It is important that we

look for the best person for the job. Our ultimate goal is to ensure victory and to form the next government.”

Bishop Grant said he is optimistic about his chances moving forward.

He noted that many of the issues raised during the by-election remain unresolved, with major infrastructure problems and business challenges persisting in West Grand Bahama.

He pointed out the lack of essential services such as ambulance services, fire trucks, and proper drainage, while poor road conditions and inadequate street lighting continue to pose safety risks.

He also stressed that healthcare and education are in decline, with deteriorating schools and unfinished buildings. Additionally, the absence of policies to support business growth and job creation remains a significant obstacle to economic progress in the constituency.

He doesn’t believe his loss in the by-election puts him at a disadvantage, saying the by-election was abrupt.

He said with only a month to prepare, he was

61-year-old

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

A 61-yEAR-OLD man was sentenced to one year in prison yesterday after admitting to breaking into a woman’s home, claiming she owed him money for yard work.

Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans

pleased with his push to reach the vast electorate of West Grand Bahama and Bimini.

Meanwhile, DaQuan Swain, a 29-year-old entrepreneur in the alternative energy sector, decided to join forces with the FNM after an unsuccessful bid in the by-election.

Mr Swain, who ran as an independent candidate, received 28 votes, accounting for 0.74 percent of the total. A native of West Grand Bahama, he has contested the seat twice.

He said a major priority for him is improving street lighting along the 4.2-kilometre stretch from Bahama Beach to West End, an area with many fatal traffic accidents.

He advocates for solarpowered lighting to enhance safety and improved access to essential services such as ambulance services and fire trucks, which are currently lacking.

“I am from the area, I have built strong relationships with the people. I know them by name, understand their businesses, and am familiar with their struggles,” he said.

He said he had personally

contributed to the community through several initiatives, including free breakfast and back-toschool giveaways, providing students with free meals, backpacks, and school supplies in West Grand Bahama.

He said he also established portable water distribution hubs in various areas, including Pinedale, West End Proper, Holmes Rock, Seagrape, and Eight Mile Rock Corner, to aid residents in preparation for

hurricanes. He said he is also familiar with challenges in Bimini, having previously worked there as a banker.

“I understand their needs, and one of their biggest challenges is limited banking access, as they only have one bank on the island,” he said.

When asked whether his age might be a disadvantage, he responded that people should judge a candidate based on their track record.

“Age has nothing to do with it. I want people to focus on my track record and what I have done in the constituency privately without any government or party assistance,” he said.

Omar Isaacs, 42, meanwhile, is a businessman and native of West Grand Bahama with deep political roots in the FNM. He is the great-grandson of Garnet Levarity and the grandnephew of Warren Levarity, both of whom inspired him to enter frontline politics.

He believes he is a capable candidate, having worked closely with officials in central government, the judiciary, parliament, and the executive branch.

He said his plans include establishing three Bahamian-run non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on combating poverty, supporting the elderly, shut-ins, and disabled individuals, and empowering youth through tech initiatives, cultural programs, and sporting events.

He pledged to allocate $15,000 from the constituency allowance each year to kickstart the NGOs’ annual programmess.

man pleads guilty to breaking into woman’s home

arraigned Jason Pritchard on charges of housebreaking and stealing. Prosecutors said that between 7.40am and 8.40am on August 7, 2024, Pritchard broke into Jewel Pratt’s residence by forcing open the rear wooden glass door. While inside the enclosed porch, he stole an Echo Show 5 camera and smart display

valued at $171.98. Pritchard pleaded guilty to both charges.

Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom, the prosecutor, noted that Pritchard cooperated with police when arrested earlier this month.

In court, the defendant said he knew the complainant and had previously done landscaping

Officer accused of smuggling drugs and phone into prison

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A PRISON officer was granted bail yesterday after being accused of smuggling contraband, including drugs and a mobile phone, into prison last week.

work for her. He claimed he stole from her because she owed him $355 and that he had unsuccessfully tried four times to collect the money. Pritchard admitted to selling the security camera for $80. He also told the magistrate that he felt “victimised” and acknowledged struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. However, he conceded that “two wrongs don’t make a right.” Magistrate Vogt-Evans suggested that stealing the camera could have been a way for Pritchard to return to the house. She reprimanded him, saying that breaking in was unjustified and that there were legal alternatives to recovering his money.

She also noted his prior convictions for vagrancy and unlawfully carrying arms but credited him for pleading guilty early. Pritchard was sentenced to one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The court recommended that he be enrolled in drug and alcohol counselling during his sentence.

His trial is set to begin on June 4.

Inspector Cordero Farrington served as the prosecutor.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned Collins Rolle Jr, 31, on charges of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and taking prohibited articles into a correctional facility. Prosecutors allege that at 11.55pm on February 20, Rolle smuggled an Orbic mobile phone, two chargers, and two pairs of earphones into the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. During this time, he was also allegedly found with 14 ounces of marijuana, valued at $1,400. Rolle pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted $6,000 bail with one or two sureties.

30-months jail for having high-powered gun

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to 30 months in prison yesterday after admitting to possessing a loaded highpowered rifle at his home in Mason’s Addition last week.

Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr arraigned Keaunu Rolle, 25, alongside Tikessa Rolle, 48, Kayraeasa Miller, 32, and a 17-year-old male, whose name is being withheld as he is a juvenile, on four firearm-related charges. The charges included possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a component part of a firearm, and two counts of possession of ammunition.

During a search of the defendants’ residence on February 20, police reportedly found a black .223 rifle, 17 rounds of .223 ammunition, 19 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, and a silver and black .40 magazine.

Keaunu Rolle was the only defendant to plead guilty. The charges against the others were subsequently withdrawn.

Keannu was sentenced to 30 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Alphonso Lewis represented the accused, while Sergeant 3004 Forbes served as the prosecutor.

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Seen are the four individuals who are potential candidates for the FNM in West Grand Bahama and Bimini Constituency. From left are former independent candidate DaQuan Swain, Stephan Hall, Holmes Rolle, chairman of the FNM West Grand Bahama and Bimini Constituency Association; Omar Isaacs, and Bishop Ricardo Grant.

What the devil is ‘worst of the worst’?

A mAn shot in front of his impressionable child must not only be more horrible for the victim or the family but will leave an indelible mark on the psyche of the child forever and will contribute to the course the child makes.

“Worst of the worst” is a cop-out for not addressing these multiple gruesome murders; it is a strategy for not having the guts to make the hard decision.

We have seen enough brazen broad daylight murders in recent times that scream that the perpetrators could care less; they are not afraid since they choose the time they commit these heinous crimes, with no regard for human suffering or the effect it will have on families or society, and no fear for the repercussions.

The pattern of murders speaks to the complete

FACING REALITY

By Ivo I ne Ingraham

unconcern of the law that is displayed. People’s lives have no more value; the state seems to have little regard.

Killing two or more people at one time can’t

be that bad if we are using the retarded rationale about ‘worse of the worse”.

What is most perplexing is who came up with the term that measures how a loved one feels when they see their family’s life snuffed out by a killer. Who decides that this one is not that bad? The victim just got shot once or twice. Would it be bad if it is an AK-47, splattering the face hither and thither?

What are the criteria used?

The disgusting explanation by these “gods” who make these laws are heartless, to put it mildly, and have no family themselves.

Worst of the worst cannot mean a person being shot in the face at close range and, ultimately, making the victim

unrecognisable. Can it mean total dismemberment? How come being shot multiple times in front of a small child does not reach the threshold of “worst of the worst”?

See how cold and numb the whole Bahamas has become to human life. That is why Spousal rape means nothing and domestic violence cannot get the kind of attention and seriousness it needs.

The Bahamas has become heartless! Is the worst scenario when someone with heavy societal influence on their name meets their untimely demise, bizarrely?

Just one more question does raping a little innocent girl, killing her and leaving her body to be eaten by the buzzards reach the mark of worse case.

As long as it is not our

family, it is not important who gets killed or how they died. It doesn’t matter who’s sister, daughter or mother gets abused because we have an insatiable greed for horror. It is just another exciting movie to share with our Facebook friends. We’re cold as ice. Lord knows what the families must endure.

As a boy in the early 60s, I remember attending the Capital Theatre on market Street to see Alfred Hitchcock’s horror movies. I often wonder how someone could conjure all those bizarre thoughts to make the movie. But it seems like we in The Bahamas are now becoming insensitive to human suffering, so much so that a group of people with white wigs sit in a smoke-filled room drinking Cognac and

conclude after downing a few say, which murder is a good murder which one is not so bad and which one meets the mark. What is the measuring stick, and who does the measuring?

We must not sit idly by until the subsequent murder is our next of kin, shot with a marine-style automatic weapon at close range. There has not been enough public outcry for a change in the law. Every life has value; no one is more important than the other.

Facing reality, we cannot wait until someone with a heart has the nerve or guts to stop pussyfooting around with technicalities and being politically correct to address this unfortunate situation. Sad will be the cry when the next victim is our loved ones.

a vehIcle at the scene of the murder on Dunmore Lane Saturday, where a man was shot to death in front of his four-year-old daughter.

Photo: Dante carrer/Tribune Staff

Doubts about Trump’s Ukraine intentions

Having learnt the hard way the importance of varying the content of this column in order to retain people’s interest and avoid possible repetition, i am reluctant to return to the subject of Ukraine again this week.

But the latest developments, not least President Trump’s strangely provocative remarks about the Ukrainian president and the situation in this embattled country, have kept the issue at the top of the global news agenda. So it is worth some further analysis.

it is clear from a daily study of the UK media that recent developments, including a visit to Washington by the British Prime Minister due this week, are attracting much well informed commentary.

The serious British press is consistently accurate and objective, particularly when compared with the US mainstream media which, with its endless commercials, seems more interested in selling things to its viewers than offering serious analysis of world developments.

With new revelations almost daily about the deficiencies and over spending of the US government, it appears that millions are now applauding the new president’s audacity and courage in shaking up the US government at the federal level. But, as regards foreign affairs, there has been a discordant note this past week in relation to Ukraine that many people appear to find troubling.

People in the US and Britain and elsewhere in Europe are confused by Trump’s critical comments about President Zelensky and the actions

The Peter Young column

of European countries in relation to Ukraine.

They wonder whether what appears to be a new and different attitude on Trump’s part is due to his mercurial approach to policy-making or is a deliberate part of his strategy to keep the Russian leader at the negotiating table by making major concessions in advance. Or is it, rather, a matter of him speaking unwisely off the cuff - when, with today’s sophisticated communications, his every utterance is magnified disproportionately as the media pounces on what he says regardless of context? Following the most recent developments, including the start of direct talks on ending the war, Trump seems to have turned on Zelensky, calling him a dictator and poor negotiator who is “grossly incompetent” and banning him from the peace talks that have started in Saudi arabia - thus, effectively, making him a bystander in the future of his own country. Ludicrously, Trump has

accused Ukraine of starting the war and he has queried – inaccurately - Zelensky’s popularity poll rating and even his legitimacy as a leader because no elections have been held in war-torn Ukraine. Then, to top everything, he has demanded a stake in the nation’s mineral reserves in recompense for the US’s support.

To Western observers, some of Trump’s comments are sheer lunacy. But, as former prime minister Boris Johnson has said recently, surely none of it “is intended to be historically accurate” and should not be taken too literally. Maybe that will turn out to be too charitable and optimistic a view; but it could be significant that Trump did not take the opportunity to use his lengthy speech on Saturday at the Conservatives’ conference, CEPaC, (see separate report elsewhere on this

page) to double down on these claims. as Johnson has commented in his usual flamboyant style, “of course Ukraine didn’t start the war. You might as well say that america attacked Japan at Pearl Harbor”. What is more, “a country undergoing a violent invasion should not be staging elections”. Johnson has also been quoted as asking “when are Europeans going to stop being scandalised about Donald Trump and start helping him to end this war”. He went on to suggest that, as well as not being intended to be accurate, some of Trump’s statements were meant to shock Europeans into action.

Be that as it may, the american president is the dominant player in all this, though Putin and Zelensky are the ones who hold the cards on the ground. The

follow-up to a ceasefire and any agreement to a longterm peace will depend on Europe providing security guarantees to prevent Russia from invading again. But for this to work it will also require american backing so that the US should be a visible part of that guarantee. Whether or not Trump’s views on Ukraine have changed, what is clear is that, if Putin achieves victory, there is a danger that this aggressive dictator may strike again elsewhere in Europe. according to the latest information at the end of last week, the next major steps will be this week’s separate visits to Washington by the French president and prime minister Keir Starmer. The latter will surely want to discuss the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty – and of the pressing need to safeguard it in order to deter future

aggression from Russia. in two telephone calls with Zelensky during the week, he reiterated the UK’s “ironclad support” for Kyiv.

There has now been a large demonstration in London in support of Ukraine ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, with Starmer saying that Ukraine itself must be at the heart of any negotiations to end the war. He has stressed Britain’s commitment to securing a “just and enduring peace to bring an end to Russia’s illegal war” and added that this was a significant moment for the future of wider European security as well as for Ukraine itself. interestingly, Starmer has also made a point before his visit to Washington of conceding that Trump is right that European nations should take greater responsibility for their own security and increase their defence spending. at the time of writing on Sunday, information is coming in that Zelensky has announced that he would be willing to “give up” the Ukrainian presidency in exchange for peace ahead of the third anniversary on Monday of the Russian invasion. it was also announced that EU and world leaders were due to meet on Monday at a summit in Kyiv to show their support for Ukraine and discuss security guarantees, and a virtual g7 meeting is also due on the same day. Clearly, with developments moving quickly, there is much at stake for all parties as the chances grow of finally bringing the disastrous war in Ukraine to an end.

Gathering of US conservatives becomes international Germany moves to the right

TUning in to CPaC last Friday – the Conservative Political action Conference which is the US’s annual gathering of conservative activistsand watching President Trump bring the fourday event to a close on Saturday, was quite an experience.

With his usual self-confident and relaxed way of addressing large groups, he spoke for about an hour to an admiring audience who, despite being exposed politically to the man for such a long time, may still marvel at his sheer chutzpah – defined as extreme self-confidence or audacity. His total domination of CPaC, which he has addressed a number of times over the years, was without any doubt.

The UK press can be cruel and merciless in bringing down to size those whom it does not like. For example, in its edition on Saturday the left-leaning guardian newspaper described Trump as boasting of his victories and achievements and being contemptuous of his foes during a whole hour of talking almost entirely about himself. But, any such criticism surely just rolls off the back of a supremely confident man who displays such effortless arrogance.

This was the new president’s first major political speech since his inauguration and he adopted his typical campaign rally style which seemed to work for his loyal supporters. it amounted to a post-election victory lap in his accustomed self-celebratory mode. CPa C was founded in 1974. i ts inaugural speech was given by then g overnor of California, Ronald Reagan, who was a conservative trail blazer and, of course, went on to win the US presidency in 1980. a ccording to CPa C itself, its purpose

is to “unite conservatives from all over the world, strengthen the movement and challenge globalisation”. Domestically, the political rise of Donald Trump has transformed it into a gathering of support for his M aga movement. But this year it lived up to its declared aim of uniting conservatives around the world by hosting a number of highprofile speakers from other countries. These included the right-wing president of a rgentina, who famously declared that “new winds are sweeping through the world” and called on his country’s allies to “fight against lefties”. He also memorably displayed with Elon Musk the symbolic chainsaw with which they were, in their respective countries, cutting away bureaucracy and slashing government expenditure. it was interesting that both a former prime minister (briefly) of my own country, Britain, Liz Truss, and the leader of the opposition Reform UK party, nigel Farage, were invited to speak at this year’s CPaC. Farage noted that when he was first invited to address the gathering

13 years ago he was the only foreign speaker. now, he said, CPaC had broadened its activities and appeal in a world that was steadily moving to the right politically. i thought Farage’s ten-minute address was particularly effective, delivered as it was without notes and in his usual folksy style. Liz Truss also performed well but perhaps with less conviction given her less than successful history as the shortest-serving British prime minister in history. Both of them spokeperhaps too bluntly and starkly - about the difficulties faced by Britain under its new socialist government. The other impressive performer from overseas was giorgia Meloni, the italian prime minister, who addressed the conference in faultless English. in a revealing speech, she summed up her right-wing credentials by stressing that without being secure in their lives nobody was free, and that conservatives were getting stronger in Europe as shown in its most recent elections – and that was before conservatives were restored to power after in germany’s election at the weekend.

FOLLOWing last Sunday’s election, the conservatives in germany are celebrating their victory, with the CDU/ CSU – Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union - emerging on top with 29 per cent of the vote against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with some 16 per cent. The far-right alternative for germany party (afD) surged in to second place with 21 per cent, a record result for them.

Commentators are already pointing to the danger of a resurgence of

extremism represented by the afD’s success, with one in five voters supporting it. Meanwhile, for the outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his SDP the outcome of the election was a bitter defeat.

The leader of the centre-right CDU, Friedrich Merz, is now set to become Chancellor and will start forming a coalition government. germany is the largest economy in Europe and one of its most populous countries, and this will make him the continent’s most important leader.

There is no space today

to analyse what may happen following the success of conservatives in such a significant country as germany. But, reportedly, people are already surprised at Merz’s early statement to the effect that, since the US did not now care about Europe, the continent needed to look after itself and be independent in providing its own defence.

This was clearly a most significant election – and, while its economy is said to be struggling currently, the country’s political landscape is being reshaped.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listens during a news conference at a security summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday.

Photo: Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press/AP

niGel Farage speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Photo: Jose luis Magana/AP

Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), speaks during a news conference at the headquarters of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in Berlin, Germany, Monday.

Photo: Martin Meissner/AP

Flack, Grammy winning singer of ‘Killing

NEW YORK Associated Press

RobeRta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose intimate vocal and musical style made her one of the top recordings artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after, died Monday. She was 88. She died at home surrounded by her family, publicist elaine Schock said in a statement. Flack announced in 2022 she had aLS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and could no longer sing, Little known before her early 30s, Flack became an overnight star after Clint eastwood used “the First time ever I Saw Your Face” as the soundtrack for one of cinema’s more memorable and explicit love scenes, between the actor and Donna Mills in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” the hushed, hymn-like ballad, with Flack’s graceful soprano afloat on a bed of soft strings and piano, topped the billboard pop chart in 1972 and received a Grammy for record of the year. the record label wanted to have it re-recorded with a faster tempo, but he said he wanted it exactly as it was,” Flack told the associated Press in 2018. “With the song as a theme song for his movie, it gained a lot of popularity and then took off.”

In 1973, she matched both achievements with “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” becoming the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for best record. a classically trained pianist so gifted she received a full scholarship at age 15 to Howard, the historically black university, Flack was discovered in the late 1960s by jazz musician Les McCann, who later wrote that “her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I’ve ever known.” Flack was versatile enough to summon the up-tempo gospel passion of aretha Franklin, but she favoured a more measured and reflective approach, as if curating a song word by word.

Me Softly’, dead at 88

For Flack’s many admirers, she was a sophisticated and bold new presence in the music world and in the social and civil rights movements of the time, her friends including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and angela Davis, whom Flack visited in prison while Davis faced charges — for which she was acquitted — for murder and kidnapping. Flack sang at the funeral of Jackie Robinson, major league

baseball’s first black player, and was among the many guest performers on the feminist children’s entertainment project created by Marlo thomas, “Free to be ... You and Me.” Flack’s other hits from the 1970s included the cosy “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and two duets with her close friend and former Howard classmate Donny Hathaway,

“Where Is the Love” and the Closer I Get to You” — a partnership that ended in tragedy. In 1979, she and Hathaway were working on an album of duets when he suffered a breakdown during recording and later that night fell to his death from his hotel room in Manhattan.

“We were deeply connected creatively,” Flack

told Vibe in 2022, upon the 50th anniversary of the million-selling “Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway” album. “He could play anything, sing anything. our musical synergy was unlike (anything) I’d had before or since.”

She never matched her first run of success, although she did have a hit in the 1980s with the Peabo bryson duet “tonight, I Celebrate My Love” and in the 1990s with the Maxi Priest duet “Set the Night to Music.” In the mid90s, Flack received new attention after the Fugees recorded a Grammy-winning cover of “Killing Me Softly,” which she eventually performed on stage with the hip-hop group.

overall, she won five Grammys (three for “Killing Me Softly”), was nominated eight other times and was given a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2020, with John Legend and ariana Grande among those praising her.

“I love that connection to other artists because we understand music, we live music, it’s our language,” Flack told songwriteruniverse.com in 2020.

“through music we understand what we are thinking and feeling. No matter what challenge life presents, I am at home with my piano, on a stage, with my band, in the studio, listening to music.

I can find my way when I hear music.”

In 2022, beyoncé placed Flack, Franklin and Diana Ross among others in a special pantheon of heroines name-checked in the Grammy-nominated “Queens Remix” of “break My Soul.”

Flack was briefly married to Stephen Novosel, an interracial relationship that led to tension with each of their families, and earlier had a son, the singer and keyboardist bernard Wright. For years, she lived in Manhattan’s Dakota apartment building, on the same floor as John Lennon and Yoko ono, who became a close friend and provided liner notes for a Flack album of beatles covers, “Let It be Roberta.” She also devoted extensive time to the Roberta Flack School of Music, based in New

York and attended mostly by students between ages 6 to 14. Roberta Cleopatra Flack, the daughter of musicians, was born in black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in arlington, Virginia. after graduating from Howard, she taught music in DC-area junior high schools for several years in her 20s, while performing after hours in clubs. She sometimes backed other singers, but her own shows at Washington’s renowned Mr. Henry’s attracted such celebrity patrons as burt bacharach, Ramsey Lewis and Johnny Mathis. the club’s owner, Henry Yaffe, converted an apartment directly above into a private studio, the Roberta Flack Room.

“I wanted to be successful, a serious all-round musician,” she told the telegraph in 2015. “I listened to a lot of aretha, the Drifters, trying to do some of that myself, playing, teaching.” Flack was signed to atlantic Records and her debut album, “First take,” a blend of gospel, soul, flamenco and jazz, came out in 1969. one track was a love song by the english folk artist ewan MacColl: “the First time ever I Saw Your Face,” written in 1957 for his future wife, singer Peggy Seeger. Flack not only knew of the ballad, but used it while working with a glee club during her years as an educator.

“I was teaching at banneker Junior High in Washington, DC It was part of the city where kids weren’t that privileged, but they were privileged enough to have music education. I really wanted them to read music. First, I’d get their attention. (Flack starts singing a Supremes hit) ‘Stop, in the name of love.’ then I could teach them!” she told the tampa bay times in 2012.

“You have to do all sorts of things when you’re dealing with kids in the inner-city,” she said. “I knew they’d like the part where (‘the First time ever I Saw Your Face’) goes ‘the first time ever I kissed your mouth.’ ooh, ‘Kissed your mouth!’ once the kids got past the giggles, we were good.”

Pope resumes some work as he shows improvement, though still critical

PoPe Francis remained in critical condition Monday but showed slight improvement in laboratory tests and resumed some work, the Vatican said, including calling a parish in Gaza City that he has kept in touch with since the war there began. the Vatican’s evening bulletin was more upbeat than in recent days, as the 88-year-old Francis battles pneumonia in both lungs at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. It was issued shortly before the Vatican No. 2 led the faithful in a sombre night-time recitation of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square that evoked the vigils when St. John Paul II was dying.

“For 2,000 years the Christian people have prayed for the pope when he was in danger or sick,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin told the rain-dappled piazza. Standing on the same stage where Francis usually presides, Parolin said ever since Francis had been hospitalized, a chorus of prayers for his recovery had swelled up from around the world.

“Starting this evening, we want to unite ourselves publicly to this prayer here, in his house,” Parolin said, praying that Francis “in this moment of illness and trial” would recover quickly. the argentine pope,

who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 and doctors have said his condition is touchand-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease.

but in Monday’s update, they said he hadn’t had any more respiratory crises since Saturday, and the supplemental oxygen he is using continued but with a slightly reduced oxygen flow and concentrations. the slight kidney insufficiency detected on Sunday was not causing alarm at the moment, doctors said, while saying his prognosis remained guarded.

Francis received the eucharist Monday morning and resumed working in the afternoon.

“In the evening he called the parish priest of the Gaza parish to express his fatherly closeness,” the statement said.

For over a year, Francis has checked in daily via videocall with the argentine priest, the Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, who leads the Catholic community at the church, which during Israel’s war had served as a shelter for Palestinians. Romanelli had reported hearing from Francis soon after he was hospitalized, but not since. He had sent Francis a video, and the pope called to thank him, the Vatican said. Francis was in good spirits, was not in pain and was not receiving artificial

nutrition, the Vatican said. the work he was doing included reading and signing documents, and indeed the Vatican’s daily noon bulletin has included new bishop nominations nearly every day, even though most were decided in advance. at the Gemelli hospital, the mood was nevertheless grim. bishop Claudio

Giuliodori presided over an emotional, standingroom-only Mass in the chapel named for John Paul, who was hospitalized there many times.

Some of the estimated 200 people who attended were in white doctor’s coats or green surgical scrubs; some knelt in prayer. “We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope, let’s

hope that he makes it. Let us hope,” said a chokedup Filomena Ferraro, who was visiting a relative at Gemelli on Monday. “We are joining him with our prayers but what else can we do?” Doctors have warned that the main threat facing Francis is

a serious infection that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. to date there has been no reference to any onset of sepsis in the medical updates provided by the Vatican. at 10 full days, this hospitalization now stands as Francis’ longest as

He

removed.

RobeRta Flack performs at the Jazz at Lincoln Center benefit concert, “Here’s to the Ladies: a Celebration of Great Women in Jazz,” in New York on November 17, 2003.

Photo: Diane bondareff/AP

sepsis,

pope.

spent 10 days at Rome’s Gemelli hospital in 2021 after he had 33 centimetres (13 inches) of his colon

NuNs pray for Pope Francis in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, Sunday, where the Pontiff has been hospitalized since Friday.

Photo: andrew Medichini/AP

Foundations support 16 organisations

LYFORD Cay Foundations has awarded $84,500 in grants to 16 community-based organisations, benefiting over 1,000 students across The Bahamas. The funding will support after-school programs in areas like academic tutoring, career readiness, STEM education, sports, and mentoring on eleven islands.

The grants are part of the Foundations’ strategic focus on after-school activities, recognising the critical hours between 3pm and 6pm for youth development.

“We are pleased to support so many organisations across our islands in constructive youth programs,” said Sarah Farrington, vice-chairman of Lyford Cay Foundations.

Grant recipients include The Anglican Diocese of The

Bahamas, which will use its funding for the Power-Up programme to help at-risk 4th to 6th graders across multiple islands. The Bahamas National Sailing School will expand its sailing programme to reach more students, while the Boys Club of The Bahamas will provide uniforms, supplies, and meals for mentorship programmes.

Other grant recipients include BREEF, which will support environmental education, and the Cat Island Community Band Association, which will expand musical training. The Inagua All Age School will develop a community farm for sustainable agriculture education, and Let’s Swim Bahamas will expand its swim programme to more schools.

Corporal Jerarrd Storr, from the Cat Island Community Band Association, said: “Receiving a grant will help us make a significant impact on our youth’s future.”

Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, executive director, emphasised the Foundations’ commitment to lifelong learning, particularly in communities that need it most, stating: “ensuring children have safe, productive after-school opportunities is critical”.

Additional organisations, such as Legacy Church, S.T.R.A.W. Inc, and Sandilands Primary School, will benefit from grants aimed at supporting literacy, emotional resilience, and STEM education. The Bahamas Literacy Association will establish a tutoring program to help students with literacy challenges.

CLOSEOUT CEREMONY AFTER LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture’s Division of Youth recently held a Closeout Ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of over 40 students from nearly two dozen schools who completed their leadership programme.

Among the standout students was Tyrese Bunch from Nassau Christian Academy, who was named

Leader of the Year. He also received the Outstanding Male and Leaders Choice Awards for his exemplary performance and dedication throughout the programme.

Kasilyn Lloyd, a student from the Home School Association, was honoured with both the Outstanding Female and Leaders Choice Award. Javan Claridge, also from the Home School

Association, received the Transformation Award, while K’yeisha Andrews from St. John’s College was recognized with the Initiative Award.

Other notable awardees included Hadassah Simeon of CI Gibson, who won the Presence Award, and D’Veia Ferguson from Nassau Christian Academy, who took home the Best Portfolio Award.

HO NASH STUDENTS CELEBRATE CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

STUDENTS at HO Nash

Junior High School are celebrating Career Technical Education (CTE) Month with a unique series of weekly sessions led by successful entrepreneurs. The Business Department at the school hosts this annual event to broaden students’ understanding of the various career paths available, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship.

This year, the students were treated to an inspiring talk by Captain Theodore Thompson, CEO of Blessing Aviation Charter, who shared his entrepreneurial journey with 9th-grade business students, offering them a glimpse into the

realities of running a business. He openly discussed both the successes and challenges he has encountered since starting his company at the young age of 23.

Mr Thompson founded his company in 2016, and after 15 years of hard work, the business has grown from a single plane to a fleet of seven. He wanted to reinvent the wheel and thought about doing something that no one else was doing, which led him to aviation.

The businessman revealed that his father, also an entrepreneur, inspired him to take the leap into self-employment. Being surrounded by airplanes

gave him the motivation to create his own path. He shared with the students that being an entrepreneur is a rewarding but challenging journey, and it is one worth pursuing.

He emphasised to the students that the life of an entrepreneur is not confined to the typical 9-to-5 workday and, while it is not easy, especially in The Bahamas, the rewards can be great.

Mr Thompson also encouraged the students to avoid mediocrity and strive for excellence in everything they do, urging them to think outside the box and consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option.

THE ANGLICAN Diocese of The Bahamas will use its donatio to fund the PowerUp programme for at-risk 4th to 6th graders.

E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Eleuthera adjudications

ROCK SOUND

Governor’s Harbour

Tarpum Bay

Rock Sound Primary School students sing, dance and perform recitations, as parents and well wishers cheer, during the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Eleuthera Adjudications, on Friday. Among the highlights were rousing versions of pop songs by their choir and a Bahamian dance routine.

Photos: Eric Rose/BIS

TaRpum Bay Primary School students enter more than 30 pieces of Junkanoo art, along with singing as a choir and dramatic recitations, in the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Eleuthera Adjudications, on Friday.

Emily G Petty Primary School students represented Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, with gusto, during the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Adjudications, on Friday.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

THE 41st Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic ended last night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium with the Tabernacle Baptist Academy Falcons taking their ninth title back to Grand Bahama.

The Falcons, coached by Kevin Clarke, did it with an 89-87 overtime victory over the CI Gibson Rattlers after Dylan Morris hit a jumper with 9.7 seconds to put an exclamation mark on the final score in the game.

The Rattlers, coached by Kevin “KJ” Johnson, fell

short in the final bid just before the final buzzer.

In the final analysis, Dylan Morris had 22 points with nine rebounds and four assists, Claudius Burrows came off the bench and scored 18 points with eight rebounds, and Gianno Murray had 16 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Anthony Missick had 15 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals, Jaquan Rolle had nine points and eight rebounds and Jarius Hall chipped in with seven points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals.

For CI Gibson, Tashon Butler scored 27 points with four steals and three rebounds, Condae Smith had 26 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two assists and Darius Hanna added 15 points with four rebounds and two assists.

The game could have gone either way as Ralph Legiste came off the bench and sank two consecutive jumpers to push the Falcons up 87-85. But with 15 seconds left, Melvens Simons, who also came off the bench for the Rattlers, hit a pair of free throws for an 87-87 tie.

However, the drama unfolded down the stretch as Tabernacle went on to celebrate.

Both teams came into the game with perfect 3-0 winloss records.

The Rattlers advanced to the final with a 66-58 avenged victory over the GSSSA champions Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves in

Sunday’s semifinals, while the Falcons held off their GBSSA’s arch-rivals Sunland Baptist Stingers 59-55.

History making Tabernacle Baptist captured its first title in 1995 and repeated in 1996 under coach Norris Bain. They

regained the title in 2000 and went on another twopeat in 2009 and 2010.

After taking over the coaching reigns from his mentor, Bain, former player and assistant coach Kevin Clarke went on to ink his name as he added his third

title to his two-peat as the head coach in 2017 and 2018.

Here’s how the game unfolded in front of a fairly good crowd that included Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, Minister of Housing and Urban

KEVIN Daley emerged as the New Providence Cycling Association’s 2025 King of The Hill Cycling Classic champion at the end of Sunday’s event held around Fort Charlotte.

NPOCV president Barron

“Turbo” Musgrove extended a huge thank you to everyone who came out and participated in the event. He noted that their dedication, determination and passion for cycling made this event a huge success.

Renewal Keith Bell and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, a former player and coach who won four titles with the CC Sweeting Cobras with two repeats in 2012-2013

“Your commitment to the sport helps grow the cycling community and pushes the limits of what’s possible. Because of you, cycling continues to thrive, inspire, and get even better.”

He encouraged the cyclists to “keep riding, keep pushing, and we’ll see you at the next race.”

“To all the riders who gave it their all, the supporters who cheered from the sidelines, and everyone who contributed to making this event possible - we appreciate you,” Musgrove said.

UNCLE LOU FUN RUN/WALK THE St Augustine’s College and the Alumni Association is inviting the general public to come out and participate in the Uncle Lou Fun Run/Walk. Under the theme:

“Paint the streets red,” the event will take place on Saturday, March 15, starting 6am at SAC’s campus off Bernard Road. The route will

leave SAC’s campus and head on Bernard Road, turn onto Soldier Road to Prince Charles Drive, turn east onto Prince Charles Drive and head back to SAC. The registration fee is $20 for adults and $10 for persons under the age of 20. The first 200 participants will receive road race t-shirts. Persons can register now by logging

SEE PAGE E7

HUGH CAMPBELL CHAMPIONS: The Tabernacle Baptist Academy Falcons celebrate with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and their championship trophy last night after beating the CI Gibson Rattlers in the grand finale of the 41st Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

Lamar Taylor, Page 3

Windsor Rowing team brings home three gold medals

FROM PAGE E1

He was joined with teammates Sandor Bianchi and Andre Forbes, both grade 12, and Jabari Gomes, grade 10. Windsor had four rowers competing internationally for the first time at this event. They were Justin Li, grade 12; Olivia Alvarez, grade 9; Lily Alexander, grade 9 and Jabari Gomez, grade 10). Coaches Beatrise Bethel, David Wakulich and Rob Gibson couldn’t be more proud of the way our team conducted themselves over the course of the regatta. They earned praise from regatta officials for their sportsmanship, tenacity and polite manners while on the regatta course.

PROUD TO BE BAHAMIAN: The Windsor Rowing team with the Bahamian flag.

Lamar Taylor and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson lead the Bahamian swimmers

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LAMAR Taylor can now boast of having his name inked on both the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s men’s division one and two 200 metre freestyle relay.

Over the weekend at the Southeastern Conference Championships at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, Taylor joined his University of Tennessee Volunteers team-mate Jordan Crooks, Gui Caribe and Nikoli Blackman in clocking an impressive time of one minute and 12.80 seconds in the men’s 200-yard free relay to erase the previous NCAA record of 1:13.35 that was held by the University of Florida.

It was the first Vols’ SEC title in the event since 2001.

Before transferring to Tennessee last year, Taylor and his team-mates inked their name on the NCAA Division II 200-yard free record.

And in the final event of the SEC meet, Taylor teamed up with Caribe, Blackman and Crooks as they shattered their second NCAA record of the meet, clocking 2:42.41 in the men’s 400-yard free relay to erase the previous record of 2:42.40.

That record was set by Arizona State at last year’s NCAA Championships.

In the men’s 50-yard freestyle, Taylor won the B-final in 18.985. The A final was won by Taylor’s team-mate Jordan Brooks. Thompson had the 14th fastest qualifying time of 19.15, while Crooks topped the chart in 18.12.

And in the men’s 100yard freestyle, Taylor placed third in the B-final in 41.97. Connor Foote, a junior at Texas A&M, won the race in 42.2 with Kaique Alves, a senior at Alabama, second in 41.92. Cooks was the winner of the A-final in 40.45. Taylor had the 10th fastest qualifying time of 42.02 in the preliminaries. Taylor also teamed up with Kevin Houseman, Caribe and Crooks to add the 200m medley title to their collection in a time of 1:20.22 to tie the SEC meet record.

And in the men’s 200yard freestyle relay, Taylor swum the third leg with team-mates Jordan Crooks,

and 2015-2016. In the fourth quarter, Tabernacle took their first lead of the game as they surged ahead 52-48 with a quick 6-2 run to start the fourth that was ended up with a two-handed slam dunk by Morris. After a CI Gibson time-out, Morris drilled another dunk for a 54-48 lead in the first three minutes. On a run of their own, Butler connected on five straight points, including a steal and lay-up, a free throw and another steal and lay-up for a 57-57 tie for the Rattlers with 4:06 left on the clock. Before fouling out, Jaquan Rolle hit three free throws for a 61-57 lead for the Falcons. But with 1:59 left, Smith hit two free throws for a 65-61 deficit. He came back and converted a three-point play for a 67-64 deficit with 1:25 on the clock. With 55 seconds on the clock, Morris got a slam dunk for a Tabernacle Baptist 69-64 lead, but Smith came back and drove inside

for a lay-up for a 69-66 deficit for CI Gibson with 50 seconds remaining. On a foul with 31.7 seconds to go, Smith was fouled, canned a pair of charity shots to trim the deficit to 69-68. Then with 12.1 seconds, Claudius Burrows hit one of two free throws for a 73-70 lead for Tabernacle Baptist. And with 8.0 seconds, Smith hit the last of two free throws for a 73-71 deficit for CI Gibson. With just five seconds left, Rolle got an inbound pass and a lay-up for a 73-73 tie for the Rattlers. However, the Falcons missed a three-point attempt before the buzzer sounded for the extra four minutes in overtime.

Third quarter Tabernacle Baptist came out of the half, which featured a performance from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band, to cut the deficit to 38-33 on a consecutive three-pointer from Gianno Murray, a lay-up from Jarius Hall and a pair of free throws from Anthony Missick. After Murray hit a threepointer, Morris put in a lay-up to tie the score at

Caribe and Nikoli Blackman as they won in 1:12.80. Bahamian duo at NEC At the 2025 Northeast Conference (NEC) Championships at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio, seniors ZaylieElizabeth Thompson and Erald Thompson III made their presence felt for the Howard University Bison. Thompson placed second in the women’s 200-yard individual medal championship final in 2:02.98. Rebekka Luoto, a sophomore from Wagner College, won in 2:00.85. Thompson posted the fastest qualifying time in the preliminaries in 2:04.85 ahead of Luoto’s second best 2:05.70. Luoto and Thompson also went head-to-head in the championship final of the women’s 100-yard breaststroke with Luoto touching the wall first in 1:00.31 with Thompson trailing in 1:02.30. Luoto

went in with the fastest qualifying time of 1:02.55 in the preliminaries ahead of Thompson’s 1:03.05 for second.

And in the women’s 200-yard breaststroke championship final, Thompson was second in 2:17.48 behind Luoto’s winning time of 2:16.27. Luoto again had the fastest qualifying time of 2:19.48 to Thompson’s 2:19.96 for second.

Thompson, swimming the second leg, joined teammates Chanice Posada, Zulida Nwaeze and Kelsey Robertson in winning the women’s 400-yard medley relay in 3:43.30. And as the lead-off swimmer, Thompson helped Howard take the victory in the women’s 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:23.12.

38-38 for the Falcons with 3:25 left in the period. But Butler hit a pair of free throws and a lay-up for a 46-41 lead for the Rattlers. And with 3.0 seconds left, Butler drove inside for a lay-up to put CI Gibson up 48-46 after Murray’s jumper with 15 seconds tied the score again at 46-46 at the end of the final break of the keenly contested match-up.

Second quarter On a steal and a onehanded dunk, the Rattlers opened the period for a 21-8 lead. After Rolle put the Falcons in double figures (22-10) on a three-point play, Hanna connected on his fourth three-pointer to push the Rattlers up 25-10.

Tabernacle Baptist used a 7-0 run, highlighted by three of four free throws from Morris, to trim the deficit to 29-19 with about 1:18 left, forcing CI Gibson to call a time-out. But on goal tending, Butler’s lay-up pushed the Rattlers up 31-19 at the half.

First quarter Missick opened with a three-pointer for the Falcons and Hanna added another at the other end. He came back on a Tabernacle Baptist turnover

to can another trey for CI Gibson for a 6-3 lead.

With 4:49 on the clock, Hanna drilled another three-pointer to push the Rattlers ahead 11-3, forcing the Falcons to call a timeout. Missick responded with his second three-pointer for an 11-6 deficit.

Sparked by Smith’s steal and one-handed dunk, a jumper, a pair of free throws and a baseline jumper, CI Gibson surged out to a 17-8 lead at the end of the period.

Falling short CI Gibson and coach Kevin Johnson were going for their seventh title. They clinched their first title in 2002. After relinquishing their crown in 2003 to the Catholic High Crusaders, coached by Charlie ‘Softly’ Robins, in 2005, Johnson and his Rattlers reeled off the second three-peat in the tournament from 2004-2006.

The first three-peat came from Grand Bahama’s Hawksbill High Hawks, coached by James ‘Jimmy’ Clarke from 1992-1994.

With the title shared around, Johnson recaptured it for CI Gibson in 2014. But after a seven-year

Wagner College came in second in 3:23.60. Thompson III, also a senior at Howard University, was fourth in the men’s 200-yard IM in 1:51.08. Nikko Carrillo, a sophomore at Wagner College, won in 1:50.36. Thompson had the second fastest qualifying time of 1:52.64 behind his tream-mate Mark Brown, who did 1:51.66. In the men’s 100-yard breaststroke, Thompson III had to settle for fifth place in 55.62. The winning time was 53.65 by Adrian Andres-Moreno, a sophomore at Wagner College. Thompson III had the fourth fastest qualifying time of 55.79. And in the men’s 200-yard breaststroke championship

final, Moreno won in 1:59.02, while Thompson III came in third in 2:01.10. Thompson III had the sixth fastest qualifying time of 2:04.86.

Thompson III teamed up with Tristan Stevens, Thai Benton and Darin Johnson to win the men’s 200-yard medley relay in 1:28.49. Thompson at Patriot League At the 2025 Patriot League Championship at Burknell University, Bahamian sophomore Jack Thompson competed on the Holy Cross Crusaders men’s 400-yard freestyle relay team of junior Jack Greiner, freshman Peter Mottolese and sophomore Will Clark as they established a new team record in in 3:01.58.

drought, Johnson and the Rattlers hoisted the title again last year. In repeating as champions last year, CI Gibson became the eighth team to capture two straight. The others were the host AF Adderley Fighting Tigers in 1987 and 1988 when the school was a senior high; Tabernacle Baptist (1995-1996); Tabernacle Baptist (2009-2010); CC Sweeting (2012 and 2013); CC Sweeting (2015 and 2016); Tabernacle Baptist (2017 and 2018) and Sunland Baptist (2020 and 2023) in between the break in the competition because of COVID-19.

3 DAYS TO GO

LAMAR Taylor in action in this file photo.

ZAYLIE-ELIZABETH THOMPSON, left, with her team-mates as they celebrate their victory.

TABERNACLE Baptist Academy Falcons celebrate last night after beating the CI Gibson Rattlers 89-87 in the grand finale of the 41st Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic at Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

Andre Iguodala has his number

retired by Warriors as winner of NBA Finals MVP and four titles

By ERIC HE Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO

(AP) — When Andre Iguodala signed with the Golden Warriors in 2013, there was no guarantee that he’d be part of a dynasty. Stephen Curry was not yet an All-Star, and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were just starting their careers.

As it turned out, Iguodala’s sacrifices and foresight contributed to four championships, highlighted by an NBA Finals MVP win in 2015, when he led the Warriors to their first title in four decades.

On Sunday, they honoured Iguodala by retiring his No. 9 and raising his jersey to the rafters at Chase Center. “It’s been a wild journey, but it’s been a beautiful blessing,” Iguodala said in his speech.

Iguodala became the seventh player to have his number retired by the franchise. He joined Rick Barry (24), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Nate Thurmond (42), Al Attles (16), Chris Mullin (17) and Tom Meschery (14).

Iguodala already had an accomplished career before joining the Warriors. He had established himself as a defensive stalwart and everyday starter over nine seasons. In Golden State, he assumed the role of providing veteran leadership, recognising the talent he had around him.

“You sacrificed ego for excellence,” Curry said during Sunday’s ceremony.

Curry said Iguodala unlocked confidence, intelligence and maturity for an up-and-coming team, adding that he went from being the face of the franchise with the Philadelphia 76ers to the “glue” with the Warriors that “made it all work.”

“He wanted to join what was happening, because he saw how special it was,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr

said before Sunday’s 126102 win over the Dallas Mavericks. “That was a coup. I mean, the Warriors weren’t exactly getting a lot of free agents. So to sign Andre was obviously one of the key moves to this whole thing.”

Iguodala was 30 in his first season with the Warriors and had never come off the bench in 10 seasons. When Kerr took over the team the following year, Iguodala agreed to take a bench role.

He called it a “great, unique situation” and said that Curry, Thompson and Green made it easy on him.

“It’s rare in professional sports to see a guy that’s kind of still in his prime

kind of take a back seat, or actually willingly move out the way for the upand-coming guys,” said the 41-year-old Iguodala before the game. That resulted in a championship run in 2015, with Iguodala becoming the first player to win NBA Finals MVP after not starting every game in the series. It was Kerr who trusted Iguodala to perform on the big stage and moved him into the starting lineup trailing 2-1 to the Cavaliers in the 2015 Finals and gave him the assignment of guarding then-Cleveland star LeBron James. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds as the Warriors beat the

Cavaliers in six games.

“That was the ultimate validation of everything I’ve always believed in the game, and I do think other people recognise that,” Kerr said. “It wasn’t lost on anyone, the sacrifice and the success and everything that kind of happened together.”

Iguodala was the No. 9 pick in the 2004 NBA draft out of Arizona and played in 1,231 career games. He spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, one in Denver, six with the Warriors, two in Miami and returned to Golden State for his last two seasons. He was part of NBA championships in 2015, ‘17, ‘18 and 2022.

Iguodala said the Warriors’ core had a drive to keep going, especially after winning the first championship. “When we won the first one, it was almost like we had to do it again to prove that it wasn’t a fluke,” Iguodala said.

“And then, once you win the second one, you’re like, ‘Alright, we’ve got to do it again because nobody can touch us. “And we’ve got to do it again because we’re supposed to do it again.’”

He added: “That’s just the unique characteristics of great athletes, the ones who are never satisfied. That was in the DNA of every individual, and it just bred into the fabric of the organisation.”

By ANDREW SELIGMAN AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — The Washington Mystics accelerated their rebuild, trading two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky for the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft on Sunday. Washington also received Chicago’s second-round pick in 2027 and the rights to swap first-rounders that year.

“We are building a program to sustain a period of contention during the next era of Mystics basketball. Our ambitious return to prolonged excellence requires time, intention and difficult decisions,” general manager Jamila Wideman said in a statement. “Trading Ariel, a champion and celebrated Mystic, is one of those difficult decisions. In exchange, we are afforded another opportunity to select a young impact player at the top of the draft who can be part of our aspirational future.” Atkins helped Washington make the playoffs five times in seven seasons since the team drafted her seventh overall in 2018. She won a WNBA title with the Mystics in 2019 and was the lone remaining player from that team on Washington’s roster.

Atkins also won an Olympic gold medal with the United States in 2021. For the Sky, Atkins will bring veteran leadership to a team led by Chennedy Carter and young stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

The Sky went 13-27 and missed the playoffs last season, leading to the firing of first-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Chicago hired Tyler Marsh in November to replace the Hall of Famer.

Chicago also brought back veteran Courtney Vandersloot this offseason. The franchise’s career assists leader, Vandersloot helped the Sky win the league title in 2021.

Warriors stay hot since Butler trade, beat Mavericks 126-102

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)

— Stephen Curry scored 30 points and the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 126-102 on Sunday.

The Warriors have won five of six and improved to 5-1 since trading for Jimmy Butler, who made his home debut and finished with 18 points.

Golden State jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first and led by as many as 23 points in the second. Butler and Curry each had 14 in the first half.

PJ Washington and Kyrie Irving scored 17 points apiece for the Mavericks.

CELTICS 118, KNICKS 105

BOSTON (AP) — Jayson

Tatum scored 25 points with 10 rebounds and nine assists to lead Boston to a victory over New York.

Tatum just missed getting a triple-double for the second straight game after earning one in a victory at Philadelphia on Thursday.

Jaylen Brown had 24 points and eight rebounds, and Derrick White finished with 19 points for Boston, which won its fifth straight and improved to 3-0 against the Knicks this season.

Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 24 points and Jalen Brunson had 22. PACERS 129, CLIPPERS 111

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Tyrese Haliburton had 29 points and 12 assists for his 16th double-double of the season, Aaron Nesmith scored a season-high 19, and Indiana defeated Los

Angeles. Haliburton scored 17 points in the third quarter, when the Pacers (32-23) took a 101-83 lead. The AllStar point guard shot 9 of 14 overall with four 3-pointers. The Pacers, who are an NBA-best 16-5 in 2025, had seven players score in double digits. Indiana centre Myles Turner returned from a three-game injury absence with 17 firsthalf points.

RAPTORS 127, SUNS 109

TORONTO (AP) — Immanuel Quickley, Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett each scored 23 points and Toronto made 20 3-pointers in a victory over Phoenix. Quickley made 5 of 7 3-pointers and the Raptors were 20 of 35 overall from long range in sending the Suns — coming off a victory Saturday in Chicago — to their fifth loss in six games. Boucher also had 10 rebounds, and Scottie Barnes added 20 points for the Raptors. Toronto shot 8 for 8 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter to win for the second time in eight games. Devin Booker scored 31 points and Bradley Beal had 30 for the Suns. Kevin Durant scored 15 points, but shot 5 for 15 overall, including 0 for 5 from 3-point range.

PISTONS 148, HAWKS 143

ATLANTA (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 38 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds, and Detroit Pistons extended their winning streak to a season-high

six games with a win over Atlanta. Malik Beasley scored 24 points, shooting 6 of 10 from 3-point range. The Pistons shot a season-best 59.1% from the field en route to a season high in points. They were 20 for 40 from 3-point range. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 18 points and Dennis Schroder added 16 off the bench.

Trae Young had 38 points and 13 assists for the Hawks, who lost their third straight. Georges Niang scored 27 points and tied a career high with seven 3-pointers.

BUCKS 120, HEAT 113

MILWAUKEE (AP) —

Damian Lillard scored 28 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 23 points and 16 rebounds as Milwaukee used a strong fourth quarter to rally past Miami for their fourth consecutive victory.

Lillard, who sat out Friday night’s win over Washington with a hamstring strain, also had eight assists. Brook Lopez added 17 points, Kyle Kuzma and Gary Trent Jr. each scored 16, and Kevin Porter Jr. finished with 11. Tyler Herro had 40 points, matching a season high, and 11 assists for Miami. Bam Adebayo scored 24, Andrew Wiggins had 20 and Kel’el Ware provided 12 points and 12 rebounds.

MAGIC 110, WIZARDS 90 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner and Anthony Black each scored 23 points, Paolo Banchero added 19 and Orlando pulled away in the second half to beat Washington.

Black scored 18 of his career-high 23 points in the second half.

Jordan Poole scored 16 points for Washington, and

Richaun Holmes added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Wizards have lost six straight to fall to 9-47.

PELICANS 114, SPURS 96

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson had 22 points and nine rebounds and New Orleans overcame a 17-point deficit to beat San Antonio to open a twogame set. Kelly Olynyk had 14 points and 15 rebounds — his first double-double since the Toronto Raptors sent him to New Orleans as part of a trade for Brandon Ingram.

Rookie centre Yves Missi grabbed career-high 15 rebounds, fellow rookie centre Karlo Matkovic scored a career-high 19 points, wing Trey Murphy III scored 15 points and reserve guard Jose Alvarado added 12 points for the Pelicans. They’ve won two of their past three games since snapping a 10-gme skid just before the NBA All-Star break.

CAVALIERS 129, GRIZZLIES 123

CLEVELAND (AP) —

Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, fellow All-Star Evan Mobley had 25 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists and NBA-leading Cleveland beat Memphis.

Ty Jerome had 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland, which extended the longest active winning streak in the league to seven and is 27-4 at Rocket Arena. All-Star guard Darius Garland did not play after bruising his

left hip Friday against New York.

Memphis, which is second in the Western Conference, lost for the third time in four games. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 22 points, Ja Morant had 21 points and 10 assists, and Luke Kennard added 19 points off the bench.

THUNDER 130, TIMBERWOLVES 123 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 37 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals to help Westleading Oklahoma City beat Minnesota to open a home-and-home set. Chet Holmgren added 19 points for the Thunder, who shot a season-best 54% (19 for 35) from 3-point range. Gilgeous-Alexander reentered the game with eight minutes left and sparked an 18-4 spurt over the next 5:16 after his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, hit a 3-pointer that put the Timberwolves up 110-105. Anthony Edwards had 29 points and 10 rebounds for the short-handed Timberwolves (31-27), who wiped out a 19-point deficit in the second quarter.

WARRIORS forward Jimmy Butler III, right, celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30) after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

FORMER basketball player Andre Iguodala, right, talks to reporters before an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in San Francisco.

(AP Photo/Godofredo A Vásquez)

Deyton Albury scores 18 to help Utah State defeat

San Diego State 79-71

LOGAN, Utah (AP)

— Dexter Akanno had 26 points in Utah State’s 79-71 win against San Diego State on Saturday night.

Akanno added five rebounds for the Aggies (24-4, 14-3 Mountain West Conference).

Ian Martinez and Deyton Albury added 18 points apiece.

The Aztecs (18-7, 11-5) were led by Nicholas Boyd, who recorded 15 points and six assists.

BJ Davis added 14 points for San Diego State.

Taj DeGourville and Miles Byrd each had eight points.

Utah State led San Diego State at the half, 33-26, with Akanno (12 points) its high

scorer before the break. Martinez’s free throw with 2:57 left in the second half gave Utah State the lead for good at 70-69. NEXT UP Utah State next plays Wednesday against Boise State on the road, and San Diego State will host New Mexico on Tuesday.

UTAH State guard Deyton Albury (13) drives to the basket as San Diego State forward Jared Coleman-Jones defends in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Logan, Utah. (Eli Lucero/ Herald Journal via AP)

16.3 points and 3.5

Cincinnati puts home win streak on the line against ‘VJ’ and Baylor

By The Associated Press

Baylor Bears (16-11, 8-8 Big 12) at Cincinnati Bearcats (16-11, 6-10 Big 12) Cincinnati; Tuesday, 7pm EST BOTTOM LINE: Cincinnati hosts Baylor aiming to continue its three-game home winning streak. The Bearcats are 11-4 on their home court. Cincinnati scores 71.7 points and has outscored opponents by 6.8 points per game. The Bears have gone 8-8 against Big 12 opponents. Baylor leads the Big 12 with 11.3 offensive rebounds per game led by

MID-MAJOR PROGRAMMES CARRY THE BASKETBALL BANNER IN VIRGINIA HEADING INTO MARCH

By MIKE BARBER Associated Press

FIVE years ago, Joe Bamisile and Darius Maddox were freshmen sharing an apartment at Virginia Tech. Now they’re set to go head-to-head as the leading scorers for the top teams in the Atlantic 10 — and maybe the best in the Commonwealth of Virginia, for that matter.

The flagship programmes at Virginia and Virginia Tech from the Atlantic Coast Conference are battling to finish with winning records, making it likely this will be the first NCAA Tournament without either in a dozen years. Instead, mid-major teams like Bamisile’s VCU and Maddox’s George Mason are carrying the state’s banner as March looms.

“I wish we could have done it together, but it’s cool that in our final years, we get to be parts of programmes that we’re huge pieces at,” Bamisile said of Saturday’s meeting with Maddox, “and show what our value has always been.”

For most of Virginia’s schools, a spot in the NCAA Tournament will require winning their conference’s automatic bids. Several seem within reach.

Norchad Omier averaging 3.8. Cincinnati scores 71.7 points per game, 1.4 more points than the 70.3 Baylor allows. Baylor scores 13.6 more points per game (78.5) than Cincinnati gives up (64.9). TOP PERFORMERS: Jizzle James is scoring 12.4 points per game and averaging 3.1 rebounds for the Bearcats. Day Day Thomas is averaging 10.7 points and 2.4 rebounds over the last 10 games. Omier is scoring 15.8 points per game with 10.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists for the Bears. VJ Edgecombe is averaging 16.3 points and 3.5 assists over the last 10 games.

Going into the weekend, two state teams are alone atop their league standings: George Mason (A-10) and Norfolk State (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference).

James Madison is tied atop the Sun Belt. Two others, VCU (A-10) and Liberty (Conference USA), are in second.

Add in William & Mary, sitting in a crowded top third of the Coastal Athletic Association, and the commonwealth has no shortage of mid-major title contenders. George Mason, VCU and Liberty certainly have a chance at being atlarge bubble teams come Selection Sunday. The Rams (No. 31) and Patriots (62) had the highest NET rankings among Virginia programmes as of Friday, followed by the Flames (69).

“Being at the mid-major level and making the tournament, it’s like threading the eye of a needle,” said Liberty coach Ritchie McKay, who has led the Flames to the Big Dance twice in his 12 years in Lynchburg.

The last NCAA tournament without either Virginia or Virginia Tech was in 2013. Tony Bennett had the Cavaliers in nine of the past 10 tournaments alone. The year they missed — 2022 — Virginia Tech made it after winning the ACC Tournament for the Hokies’ fifth straight bid.

Going back to that 2013 outlier, VCU, JMU and Liberty all represented Virginia in March Madness in a scenario that could be repeated next month.

At VCU, coach Ryan Odom bristles at the

mid-major label — “There’s nothing mid-major about this place,” he said — and doesn’t spend much time comparing his programme’s trajectory to those of Virginia’s more ballyhooed ACC teams.

If he’s chasing anything, it’s the accomplishment of the 2011 Rams, who went from First Four to the Final Four. “We’re trying to run our own race,” said Odom, in his second year in Richmond. “There’s a tradition here that existed long before this current team. The goal is to try to get back there one day. We’re fighting the best we can right now, day in and day out, to do that.”

JMU, which reached the NCAAs last year under current Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington, beat Georgia State on Thursday night to move into a tie with South Alabama for the Sun Belt lead. The Dukes have won eight straight league games.

“We believed that we would be here,” first-year

coach Preston Spradlin said. “We just didn’t know how long or what that process would look like to get here. But that’s why we’re here now. Because we never wavered on that belief.” Liberty sits close behind C-USA leader Jacksonville State a game out of first in C-USA. The Flames got off to a 12-1 start, then had to adjust itself after losing Minnesota transfer Isaiah Ihnen to a knee injury.

Three of their four conference losses came in January, and the Flames have won seven of eight. None of those teams are as hot as Mason, currently on an 11-game win streak, the nation’s second longest active run. The Patriots are receiving votes in the AP Top 25 poll.

Mason’s rise resembles the programme’s iconic run to the Final Four in 2006. That team, coached by Jim Larranaga, included guard Tony Skinn, now in his second season leading the Patriots.

And while Skinn doesn’t like comparisons to the programme’s most famous squad — preferring his players’ story be their own — he also doesn’t deny the similarities.

“I get a little frustrated because that’s what everyone seems to start to inch toward, that team,” Skinn said. “What this group is doing right now, I don’t want to take away from the light of these young men, because they’re doing something special. This is new history that’s being written, but there are similarities.”

Both clubs had veteran rosters with balanced scoring and a penchant for stingy defence.

With a win against VCU on Saturday at the Siegel Center — where the Rams are undefeated this season — Skinn’s Patriots would take another step toward matching the 2006 squad with a league title.

VALDEZ “VJ” Edgecombe is averaging

assists over the last 10 games. (AP)

GEORGE Mason’s Darius Maddox (13) attempts a layup ahead of Duke’s Isaiah Evans (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., December 17, 2024. (AP Photo/ Ben McKeown)

JUST RUN BAHAMAS MEMBERS LINK UP WITH BAHAMAS ROADRUNNERS AT MARATHON IN FORT LAUDERDALE

JUST Run Bahamas

- a local running group - joined members of the Bahamas Roadrunners in attendance at the Publix

A1A full and half marathon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 16. Here’s a look at the results posted by the Just Run Bahamas Group: Marathon - 26.2 miles Z Eve Maycock-Dorsett, did not finish.

1/2 marathon - 13.1 miles Devaughn Miller1:46:35; Andrew Gardiner - 1:58:31; Tamal Beneby - 2:04:28; Kara ButlerWright - 2:05:53; David Prabhu - 2:25;04. 5K - Andrew Gardiner - 23:34; Neville McDonald - 24:04; Shirlen Godet - 24:15; Tamal Beneby - 24:51; David Prabhu - 27:04.

Kevin Daley emerges as champion of King of the Hill Cycling Classic

Here’s a look at the overall results from the one-mile timed trials event:

1st Kevin Daley1min.12 sec - 1st lap 36 sec & 2nd lap 36 sec. 2nd Barron Musgrove Jr. - 1 min.23 sec - 1st lap 42

3rd Jeff Tynes - 1min.26

HUGH CAMPBELL BASKETBALL CORRECTION

FROM PAGE E1

onto www.saintaugustinescollege.com Following the race, a health screening will take place. There will also be a souse out with chicken priced at $10, pig feet at $12 and sheep tongue at $15. Drinks will also be on sale. For more information, persons can call 242-324-1511 or email Thesacalumni@ gmail.com

IT was incorrectly stated in Monday’s Tribune that the AF Adderley Fighting Tigers were scheduled to play the Tabernacle Baptist Falcons in the championship game of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. The Falcons were scheduled to face the CI Gibson Rattlers last night and not the Fighting Tigers. AF Adderley was the host of the week-long tournament

at the AF Adderley Gym. We apologise for the error. RUGBY GAMES AT WINTON AFTER making some minor repairs to the Winton rugby pitch, the Bahamas Rugby Union is scheduled to play matches on Saturday, March 8 and Saturday, March 22.

All ages and all abilities are welcome, including men and women, ‘Golden Oldies’ teams and beginners and seasoned players.

The BRU is also inviting persons to come and try rugby this year. The

only equipment needed are tennis/cleats and PE kit.For further information, persons are urged to call (242) 812-0417.

NPA TRACK

CLASSIC THE Noble Preparatory Academy is all set to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic on Saturday, March 15 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium from 9am to 6pm. The registration deadline is March 11. Athletes can register at info@npabahamas.com SPORTS CALENDAR

KEVIN Daley emerged as the New Providence Cycling Association’s 2025 King of The Hill Cycling Classic champion on Sunday.

SIR DURWARD KNOWLES NATIONAL YOUTH SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Making a splash in Montagu Bay

THE Ministry of Works and Family Islands Affairs’ Sir Durward Knowles National Youth Sailing Championships was completed in Montagu Bay on Saturday. The winners were crowned during the awards closing ceremony by Minister Clay Sweeting, who also gave some remarks. The Exuma Sailing Club was awarded the top sailing team.

Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr