03012024 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

‘POLICE WHO BEAT ME MUST BE INVESTIGATED’

Man calls for officers to be held to account after trial thrown out

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A MAN whose armed robbery trial was thrown out after a judge refused to accept the prosecution’s evidence of his confession, wants the officers who allegedly tortured him to be investigated and held accountable, saying it is not enough that the charges against him were dropped.

Javis Smith said after he

was arrested on October 31, 2018, police beat him with a cutlass on his buttocks, put a fish bag over his head, and poured hot sauce in his eyes so he would confess to armed robbery.

In a recent court ruling, Justice Gregory Hilton refused to allow the confession to be submitted as evidence, saying the prosecution did not fulfil its burden to prove that the

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PAYMENT plans and amnesty periods for people who owe substantial amounts of real property taxes are over, acting director of the Department of Inland Revenue Shunda Strachan said yesterday as her department prepares to execute its power of sale

s top the InsanI ty oF boaters FlushIng In our waters page nIne FRIDAY HIGH 79ºF LOW 71ºF Volume: 121 No.70, March 1, 2024 THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1 Established 1903 The Tribune CARS! CARS! CLASSIFIEDS TRADER OBITUARIES Biggest And Best! LATEST NEWS ON T RIBU NE 242.C O M

against scores of delinquent accounts.

FamIly

‘Invest

BOWLEG

stands at about $900m. After years of plans that provided little fruit, including the hiring of private collectors, the govt says amnesty Is over For del Inquent real property tax TANYA DEMERITTE SEE PAGE SEVEN SEE PAGE FIVE SEE PAGE T HREE SEE PAGE FOUR SEE PAGE FIVE FOR sprinter Ty’Nia Gaither, who will turn 31 on March 16, the end of her track career has arrived and she admits that she feels like she can walk away from the sport with her head held high for all the accomplishments she has made. See SPORTS for full story.

‘I don’t know how I got In

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter

A WOMAN who accepted a plea deal in the criminal trial of Adrian Gibson and others said she was surprised when police charged her with fraudrelated offences because she did not know how she “got in this mess”.

Tanya Demeritte continued her testimony yesterday as Senior Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson presided.

thIs mess’

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration misused public funds when $100,000 was spent to cover travel for Family Island trips that included events encouraging people to vote for the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate in the West

Ministry of Youth programme to mentor young boys and men

FROM help with homework to limbo lessons, sound engineering, conflict resolution, construction technology, auto mechanics and small engine repairs, boys in the Centreville community enrolled in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s (MOYSC) All Boys Afterschool Programme are being exposed to learning opportunities to enrich their lives.

Now into the second week, the programme for boys in the Centreville community is the continuation of an initiative for boys started in 2023 by a men’s mentoring network. It is sponsored in collaboration with Gang Reduction Intervention Prevention, The Brotherhood and Overtown Centreville Neighbourhood Watch.

“It’s about taking our young men/boys and moving

them into paths to become positive young men in our community. We hope that this would be a preventative programme from getting our young boys involved in gangs. Instead of going to a gang after school they are coming to a positive gang and that’s what the programme is all about,” said Henry Higgins, Administrative Cadet at MOYSC.

“We’ve pulled together a number of organizations that focus on boys to help us put programmes in the various communities.”

Forty-eight boys ranging in ages from 5 to 20 have registered for the sessions held 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday through Friday, at Marjorie Davis Institute for Special Education, Deveaux Street. “We will have a limbo class every Tuesday and Thursday.

Limbo is a dying art in our country. There are only three limbo dancers in The Bahamas now,” said Mr Higgins. “We also have a sound engineering class where they will learn how to be DJs and sound engineers.”

The boys will also dabble in small home repairs, how to fix generators, weed whackers, lawn mowers, repair and service vehicles, healthy life skills, hygiene, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, [learn about] gender-based violence, drumming and Junkanoo craft.

“All of these things are packed into the 13-week programme. We also will be teaching them how to make Junkanoo supplies that can be sold. We will try to make them young entrepreneurs/ businessmen as early as

possible.

“Everything is practical; they can use their hands. Some of them, they will learn how to make wooden banks and some will learn how to make chairs and tables from pallets,” said Mr Higgins.

Why boys?

“Because there is a fallout of boys in our nation. Most people don’t recognize the fact that we have more boys born in The Bahamas than girls. By the time they get 15/16 we lose them – we thought it was important to bridge that gap and catch the boys before we lose any more [that is when] you see there are more girls,” said Mr Higgins.

“We see the fallout of boys in education, we see the fallout of boys who are getting involved in gangs. In MYSC. This is actually one of our

preventative programmes to save our boys.”

Mr Higgins noted that the boys will be rewarded for performance, attendance and improvement.

“We give rewards based on their accomplishments. Once they do something well we reward them,” he said.

“We just read The Story of Christ to them. They have to take the book home and tomorrow they will do a test on the story. Those who do well will be rewarded and those who improve will be rewarded. We try to give a

reward system so they will see that being here is worth it.”

Moreover, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is also planning to offer parenting sessions. “We’re hoping by next month to do a monthly parenting programme where we meet with the parents to share their child/children’s progress and have a time to talk with them about parenting. Once we recognize the boys who have short attention spans, etc., we want to help them [parents] work in these areas,” he said.

ALL Boys After School Programme provides lessons on a variety of subjects including auto mechanics.

Michael J. Cunningham is on a mission to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors in April of this year. The Abbott Marathon Majors

‘Investigate $100k travel expense at by-election’

from page one

Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election.

“We must remind them that Article 131 of the Constitution stipulates that sums taken from the Consolidated Fund can only be used for public purposes as approved by Parliament,” Mr Pintard said in a statement yesterday.

“This is further amplified in Section 53 of the Public Finance Management Act 2023, which states that no sum can be charged on the Consolidated Fund outside of legally mandated and approved expenses. We have witnessed an unapologetic misappropriation of public funds. The prime minister has once again demonstrated a lack of public ethics and flagrant disregard for the law and the Constitution.”

Mr Pintard said the police and the Office of the Auditor General should investigate the use of public funds and resources in the by-election for political purposes.

The Office of the Prime Minister dismissed criticism of the spending yesterday.

“During the Prime Minister’s visits to West Grand Bahama and Bimini in October and November of last year, he inaugurated a new government complex with multiple services, he visited children benefiting from his school breakfast programme, he signed a $100m Ocean Cay expansion Heads of Agreement, he reviewed current and new infrastructure projects, including major airport and road improvements, and he led a Cabinet meeting focused on Family Islands development,” OPM said in a statement.

“On days during which he conducted official

business and then at night met with Bahamians in his capacity as leader of his party, should he have flown back to Nassau, then returned on another flight paid for by the party? Whom precisely would that have served? This attempt to generate controversy

FNM LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD

defies common sense.

“The prime minister and his team have generated more than $2bn in new investments in our Family Islands, launched major infrastructural improvements, and are working to expand solar energy on multiple islands, so the

prime minister plans to continue travelling to our islands to oversee these and other initiatives, and to visit with and hear from Family Islanders. Bahamians will decide for themselves if the progress they see justifies the cost of his visits.”

Pintard criticises impending launch of cargo and facility management deal with JDL

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard criticised the impending launch of JDL Cargo Management, which will provide cargo and facility management services. He called on the government to cancel the operation.

Management to provide cargo and facility management services.

“Clearly, what is reported cannot be defended,” he said. “It simply cannot be that the government has signed on to a $25m plus arrangement outside of its own procurement law that would require an undertaking like this to go to competitive bidding. “It cannot be that the Customs Management Act is being breached by allowing an entity to

manage landed goods outside of the prescribed legal framework.” Mr Pintard criticized the Davis administration for adding increased prices to the already “burdensome” customs processing fees.

“We in the Opposition categorically reject this arrangement and we demand that it be cancelled immediately,” he said. “Any necessary upgrades

‘I don’t know how I got In thIs mess’

from page one

She disagreed when Mr Gomez suggested she would say anything to save herself from going to jail. “Why would I want to do that, sir?” she asked. “I don’t want to go to prison, so why would I say anything, and I don’t know nothing?”

Ms Demeritte said she shouldn’t have been involved in “this foolishness” and that she was only helping Alexandria Mackey, Mr Gibson’s ex-fiancée.

She had previously testified that Mrs Mackey asked her to become a director of Elite Maintenance, a company to which WSC awarded several contracts when Mr Gibson was executive chairman.

Asked how long she had known Mrs Mackey, the witness said she had known her family for about 20 years, but had no relations with her.

“It was me and her mom who had the relationship,” she said.

She also claimed that Mrs Mackey’s mother, her spiritual advisor, paid her a compensation fee to WSC as part of her plea deal.

Mr Gomez asked if she had ever spoken with Mrs Mackey about her testimony yesterday.

Ms Demeritte said no, claiming she didn’t even know where Alexandria was.

“Did Mr Cash advise you what to say?” Mr Gomez asked, referring to her former lawyer, David Cash.

No, she replied.

Mr Gomez also questioned the witness about the validity of her police statements.

“Do you recall on the 20 of April 2022, having told police that you were at Water and Sewerage Somerset house building situated on University Drive, that for the very first time you met a slim five foot six-inch tall dark woman?” he said.

Ms Demeritte interrupted him, saying she was confused at the time.

“So you made up a story,” Mr Gomez said.

She replied that she was confused.

When asked if the woman to whom she had referred was Mrs Mackey, Ms Demeritte said: “No, I was just making it up.”

Mr Gomez showed her the witness statements, where she named Mrs Mackey as the woman she allegedly met at WSC for the first time.

“You would accept, would you not, that your statement to having met Alexandria Mackey for the very first time in this statement was untrue?” Mr Gomez asked.

Ms Demeritte repeated that she was confused.

Mr Gomez added: “But in that very statement, you told the police, is it not so that a strange lady who you came to know as Alexandria Mackey asked you to go on some yard cleaning site that she only paid you $300 to $400. Do you recall telling the police that?”

The witness said she didn’t remember what she said because she was “confused” and “scared” at the time.

“You’ll say anything if you’re sitting (with) police with all these questions,” she added.

to the airfreight facilities should be funded from the fees Bahamians already pay.”

“It’s bad enough that this PLP government is using your money to fuel their lavish and wasteful spending - it’s worse that they expect you to give up even more of it to undisclosed private interests in what may very well be an illegal arrangement.”

Mr Gomez pointed the witness to other statements she had made to police and suggested she told a series of lies.

“Because I confused,” she replied. “I said that. I can’t take it back.”

Mr Gibson, the MP for Long Island, is facing several charges concerning his tenure as WSC executive chairman under the Minnis administration.

The charges stem from Mr Gibson’s alleged failure to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the WSC.

The FNM politician is charged with several others, including Mr Elwood Donaldson, Jr, former WSC’s general manager, Peaches Farquharson and others.

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

In addition to Ms Cordell Frazier, the Crown’s lawyers include Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean and Rashied Edgecombe.

TANYA DEMERITTE

GOVT signed a $25m plus deal with JDL Cargo

Govt says amnesty is over for delinquent real property tax

from page one

Department of Inland Revenue issued a power of sale notice concerning 108 accounts in newspapers last Thursday, 77 relating to vacant land or properties without any improvement and 41 commercial properties.

A 30-day notice allows people to pay off their accounts, but Ms Strachan said: “There are no payment plans. There are no more amnesties. All of those things have passed, and now we’re seeking to recover the full tax amount that is due on those accounts.”

Ms Strachan noted that the government must collect $195m in real property taxes to meet its budgetary target for this fiscal year. By the end of February, about $95m was collected.

One hundred and twentytwo thousand, one hundred and fifty-eight properties are registered with the Department of Inland Revenue, $75,712 of which have zero balance and no issues.

However, Ms Strachan said 42,492 accounts have more than $500 tax arrears. Thirty-eight thousand have more than $1000, 19,000 have more than $5000, 12,000 have more than $10,000, and 7,884 have more than $20,000.

Ms Strachan said her department is open to receiving property bids until April 2nd at 4pm.

Haiti’s prime minister arrived Thursday in Kenya to try to salvage a plan to have the African country deploy 1,000 police officers to the troubled Caribbean nation to help combat gang violence.

Kenya agreed in October to lead a U.N.-authorized international police force to Haiti, but the Kenyan High Court in January ruled the plan unconstitutional in part because of a lack of “reciprocal agreements” between the two countries.

The office of Haitian

Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was traveling at the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto to “finalize modalities” for agreements between the countries on the deployment, which would send 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti.

It was not immediately clear how, or if, the agreements could circumvent the court’s ruling, which also said that Kenya’s National Police Service cannot be deployed outside the country.

Ruto and Henry met Thursday at the State House in Nairobi.

Ruto said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Kenya associates itself with the people of Haiti because of a common heritage. “We are offering the experience and expertise of our police” for the proposed Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, Ruto said.

Ekuru Aukot, an opposition leader who has challenged the deployment in court, has said that even if the Kenyan government

establishes an appropriate agreement with Haiti, its prime minister lacks the legitimacy to sign the document on behalf of the country.

Henry has repeatedly pledged to hold elections since being sworn in as prime minister and interim president after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, but he and other officials say gang violence has not allowed them to move forward on those promises.

Caribbean leaders said late Wednesday that Henry has agreed to hold general elections by mid-2025.

Aukot says he also opposes the deployment because Kenya is facing security challenges that require police intervention. Among them are the Somali-based al-Qaidalinked extremist group al-Shabab who have been carrying out retaliatory attacks since 2011 on Kenya for sending its troops to Somalia to fight the militants. He also has cited high rates of crime, including cattle rustling in Kenya’s northwest. Human rights groups also have noted that the Kenyan police have been implicated

for years in human rights abuses, including extrajudicial executions.

In Haiti, gangs have grown more powerful and political instability has increased since the assassination of President Moïse, who had faced protests calling for his resignation over corruption charges and claims that his five-year term had expired.

More than 8,400 people were reported killed, injured or kidnapped in Haiti in 2023 — more than double the number reported in 2022. The gangs continue to fight over territory, and are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.

ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND REVENUE SHUNDA STRACHAN

PRIME Minister of Haiti Ariel Henry.

Photo:Craig Ruttle/AP

BCC president urges parents: steer children from crime

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander is urging parents to intervene when they see their children going down a criminal path.

“If you see your child or young male moving into a life which is not what you want to see in your household, you have to partner with the schools, the church, and youth programmes and make a decisive effort to change the course of direction,” he said yesterday.

“Even if you have to report your child as unruly.” Bishop Fernander said there is deep concern about the young men who are being killed in the country. His comments came after a double homicide claimed the lives of two male teenagers who were

‘Police who beat me must be investigated’

confession was obtained willingly and not under duress. The prosecution consequently withdrew its charges because the confession was the only evidence in the case.

Claims of torture for confessions are not new, with defence lawyers saying for years that it is a human rights problem for the country.

“All of them know the things their co-workers do to people while in their care, but everyone just goes along with them and remains silent,” Mr Smith said yesterday.

Mr Smith, who is represented by attorney David Cash, said he thought he would die in police custody.

“They locked me up and carried me to the police station, then CDU came for me, and then I went to CDU, and they asked me all kinds of questions and things,” he said.

“The first day I went, I told them I didn’t know what they were talking about and then after that, they started beating me, telling me all types of things. I thought the beating was gonna never stop.”

“I try to figure out like, why me? Why is this happening to me? But, thank God, I made it through.”

Mr Smith said he endured

verbal abuse in police custody: “I ain’t ga lie they tell me, they so many hurtful things.” “They tell me so many things. I ain’t ga lie they tell me so many hurtful things,” he said yesterday. Justice Hilton identified several concerns with the prosecution’s defence of its efforts to submit the confession as evidence.

“After having considered the evidence of the Crown,” he wrote, “I am concerned that there was no satisfactory explanation for the accused who was arrested and interviewed on 31 October 2018 and 1st November 2018 not to be taken to court until 5th November 2018, particularly as there was what purports to be a full confession by the accused on 1st November 2018.”

“What is the reason for the accused being kept in custody for that length of time? I am considering this in the context of the accused’s allegation that he was being beaten with a cutlass to his buttocks, and being kept in custody for the length of time would lessen any visible signs of injury.”

Justice Hilton also alluded to a Privy Council ruling last year where the appellate judges expressed “deep concern” after finding that a man was languishing in prison for over 12 years based on a confession

that should not have been admitted as evidence. The Privy Council highlighted the improbability that an appellant would voluntarily confess, without a lawyer, to several crimes absent independent evidence.

Justice Hilton wrote: “In addition to the fact that in the present case, the accused was subjected to interviews on four separate offences within the space of eight hours and voluntarily confessed to all of them without a lawyer and without being confronted with any independent evidence, there is the fact that for the present offence, he has made a complete denial less than twenty-four hours earlier in a Record of Interview conducted by Cpl. Walkes, without any reason proffered by the police for him to make a full confession the next day.

“It is inherently improbable that the subsequent records of interview and statement could be obtained in circumstances that were not oppressive.”

Mr Smith said yesterday that when cases like his are thrown out in such circumstances, officers should be investigated, and their prospects for growth should be stalled.

“They can’t keep getting away doing wrong to people,” he said.

at a residence north of Carmichael Road on Faith Avenue on Monday. He mentioned that gangs continue to prey on young men, resulting in many of them becoming involved in a life of crime. He noted that some boys are even joining gangs from the young age of

primary school.

“We need to pay attention to our boys,” Bishop Fernander stressed. Bishop Fernander said sometimes young men live a double life.

“The challenge is that the child in your house is different than the child at

school,” he said. “We have to have a community that can speak to our children even when we’re not there. I know it seems old-fashioned, but we’ve got to have permission as adults in the community to help change the course of our young men.”

BAHAMAS CHRISTIAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT BISHOP DELTON FERNANDER

The Tribune Limited

SIR

RT

Publisher/Editor

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Public funds for party travel rightly queried

standard visit to another country, but communications director in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming saying that travel costs were covered by the PLP.

best.

The statement was in response to the allocation of $100,000 for Family Island trips that included events encouraging people to vote for the PLP in the byelection in West Grand Bahama and Bimini.

FNM leader Michael Pintard has responded by pointing out that the Constitution says that money from the consolidated fund can only be used for public purposes approved by Parliament, and that the Public Finance Management Act goes on to say that no sum can be charged to that fund outside of mandated and approved expenses.

The OPM responded with a statement dismissing criticism, listing events that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis made to West Grand Bahama and Bimini such as the opening of a government complex, a cabinet meeting, a visit to children taking part in the school breakfast programme, the signing of a $100m heads of agreement at Ocean Cay and so on.

The statement itself, however, then goes on to say that “on days during which he conducted official business and then at night met with Bahamians in his capacity as leader of his party, should he have flown back to Nassau, then returned on another flight paid for by the party? Whom precisely would that have served?”

Well, first of all, the prime minister it would seem should count himself lucky that by pure coincidence public events happened to be organised on the exact same days as party events. What a fluke!

Of course, those party events did not need to be organised on the same days that the leadership was travelling on the public dime, but here we are, blessed by such a happenstance.

The point is that government resources should not be used to benefit the party in power. The FNM did not get public funds to cover travel to campaign on the ground, nor did the COI, nor did independents such as Terneille Burrows who presumably had to dig into their own pockets rather than benefit from catching a ride to an official ceremony then staying for a rally afterwards.

Recently, of course, there has also been questions asked about why funds were reshuffled from the public purse, especially those assigned to a disability commission in order to pay for a memorial to Obie Wilchcombe, whose passing led to that by-election.

Then back in 2022, there was a debate over who paid for a trip to Bermuda by a delegation that saw the Prime Minister speaking at a political convention for that nation’s ruling Progressive Labour Party.

Questions were raised over who paid for the trip, with Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell saying it was a

A copy of a $24,000 cheque was later released, but the full trip’s cost was just under $60,000. In January of the following year, it was announced that the PLP had fully reimbursed the treasury for the cost of that trip.

Keeping public funds from being used to benefit one particular party is to ensure a level playing field. And quite frankly if one party is entitled to public funds, why aren’t they all? And, conversely of course, if one is not entitled, then none should. Great caution must be taken to make sure that no party in power is given a financial advantage through public funds – and suggestions that well, they were there anyway so why not have an event to encourage votes does not hint at great care. Anything but.

Small part causes big problems

There is an old saying, often said wistfully, that goes “For the want of a nail …”

The longer saying comes from a proverb about a battle. For the want of a nail in a horseshoe, the horse was lost, then the rider was lost, then the battle was lost, and then the whole kingdom.

While no kingdoms were lost, The Tribune battled its own frustrations for Thursday’s edition for the want of a part that cost a few dollars.

An electrical problem meant that our printing press could not run –which led to a curtailed version of our regular paper.

Unfortunately, our Obituaries section had to be split over two days – the second of those sections is in today’s edition, and with it our religion coverage carried over to today instead.

Throughout the night, a determined team tried to solve the puzzle, and yesterday the final piece – that part costing a few dollars – was put in place, and the printing press roared into life once more. Still, queries came in from a number of readers wondering what had happened, and so we thought it best to share this glimpse behind the scenes.

While out and about recently, a sign caught our eye at a store undergoing some upgrades saying “Apologies for our appearance while we are making improvements”.

We shall take a leaf out of their book and make our apologies for our appearance following the disruption of Wednesday evening.

We are delighted to say, however, that readers can expect business as usual with the repair now completed.

We thank you for your queries, too, which are always appreciated.

POLL RESULTS

At the time of going to press, the majority of those voting, 91 percent, thought it was indeed time for the board to reviewed.

Nine percent were against the idea.

Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation and vote in our polls on tribune242.com.

Physical punishment is no answer

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE crime concerns have caught the attention of many, both at home and abroad. There is enough blame, and everyone has become an expert in crimesolving problems. But if we look in the mirror, converse with ourselves, and be honest, we may find the solutions.

We have all contributed to where we are. Our lack of respect for the law, finding ways to circumvent it, and our kisses going by favour that we have practised over the years took its toll. Parents who are unable or unwilling to converse are the brunt of the criticism, and even the breakdown of the family structure can be part of the problem. The church’s inability to genuinely show the moral side has not helped. The moral compass has gone out of whack.

Living a double standard life has confused the issues more than not.

A law for the rich and a law for the poor does very little to create confidence in the system, and the appearance that influence can determine who’s charged with crimes still lingers. Bahamians have held on to those traditions, behaviours, and past practices that still determine where they came from or even where they worked. But because it was the norm, they used it and swore by the gods that it was effective.

In times gone by, history would confirm that the enslavers used physical force to strike fear in us to keep control. They punished us with violence to cause us to think twice about disobeying their orders or any attempt to run away.

While many families have not experienced this personally, it was ingrained in our subconscious through the generations that if we defied the master, we would feel pain. So, this is a learned behaviour.

In our ignorance, we have adopted this method to strike fear in our children and cause most of them to be subservient and succumb to our orders even if they object.

Parents struck fear in our minds and hearts, and we walked in lockstep with our parents’ orders. We did not

have a sense of our own. We were free physically, but in bondage mentally, unable to think clearly. We were never encouraged to have a mind of our own.

In recent decades, in their ignorance, our parents and grandparents carried the tradition of “spare the rod, spoil the child.”

Parents who lied and pretended to love us beat us across our heads and used leather belts and buckles across our backs because we dared to offer our opinions. The mentally disabled parents called it “back talking.”

It was customary for a parent to whip the behind of an infant or toddler and call that love. Black families took pride in brutalising us and bragged to their peers about how they did it. Whippings were commonplace.

It was clear that uneducated, highly insensitive parents continued the practice of this primitive, senseless behaviour. Many tell the stories that they were beaten so severely they threw up.

Sadly, a simple conversation could prevent these torturous practices from happening for trivial things.

But a person who did not have a formal education or never knew what rationale resorted to the baseball bat and two by four on the heads and backs of the children they claim to love.

I heard an inmate say that his father plait the electric wire and wailed his behind until he passed out.

Worse of all, a teacher who had marital problems came to school and took out her frustrations on the children, beating them black and blue.

For those who suggest that teachers must administer corporal punishment, the question is, who measures the punishment? How can we justify permitting a stranger to rain blows on our innocent five-year-old because he wet his pants in class? Is there a psychoanalysis for teachers? How do we explain to our impressionable children that we love them when we sanction someone else to take advantage of them?

We did not protect our children from harm, and we missed all opportunities to show love to our children, who look up to us for protection from harm and illness.

Now, after we destroy trust with our children, and they become adults, what do we expect of them, since we planted in their subconscious that if anyone said or did anything, we do not like to pick up a piece of iron and whap them with it.

How can we justify him as being such a criminal when we trained him how not to resolve differences or conflict resolution? We must grab a piece of two by four and smash it over their heads like they did us.

How can we honestly not say that our children are acting out from what they have experienced throughout their childhood by a heartless teacher, parent and grandparents, who used profound ignorance to rear us?

While some may strain to justify the beating that made them better people, I dare say that most who endure the blows are introverts and afraid or unable to express themselves because of the planted fear of being tortured.

Everyone who brags about being beaten as a child is a sadist or still brainwashed that if they behave, they will be given special privileges by their master.

Unfortunately, abused children are abusing their parents.

Corporal punishment is abuse and should be treated like any other crime.

No parent or teacher should beat a child within one inch of their life and not be held accountable.

Life is too precious to be squandered by an unadulterated ignoramus.

Communicating with each other will get better results, rather than physical force or verbal torture.

The Buddha said, “One who, while seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other living beings who also desire happiness will not find happiness, hereafter”.

A word to the wise is sufficient. IVOINE

A TELEPHONE pole burns from the Smokehouse Creek Fire, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Canadian, Texas. Photo: David Erickson/AP

By PAVEL BAILEY

from page one

people to follow their bail conditions.

Justice Gregory Hilton made the order against Jasmine Thompson and Oreantheia Mackey after their cousin, Shelton Thompson, failed to appear on the second day of his murder trial last week. Thompson was accused of the fatal stabbing of

19-year-old Richard Bremmer following a traffic accident on April 13, 2009.

Ms Thompson said she had last seen the defendant during the holidays and was unaware that his trial was approaching. Ms Mackey similarly said she had not seen the defendant recently and had only spoken to him over the phone some time ago.

Neither of the sureties claimed to have been in

contact with the defendant since his disappearance, nor had they reached out to his former attorneys. Justice Hilton ruled that they must each pay half of the $15,000 by June 30, finding that neither had provided sufficient reasons for their failure to ensure Thompson’s appearance at trial. An arrest warrant for Thompson remains outstanding.

WOMAN WITH KNIFE AT COCO C AY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

A MAN was granted bail after he allegedly threatened a woman with a knife on Coco Cay last month.

Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged Deron Wells, 40, with assault with a deadly weapon. Wells was accused of assaulting Jade Miller with a knife at Coco Cay, Berry Islands, on January 19.

Following his not-guilty plea, Wells was granted bail at $3,000 with one or two sureties.

The defendant is

M AN ACCUSED OF TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER DENIED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was denied bail yesterday while awaiting trial for two charges of attempted murder. Justice Gregory Hilton considered the application of

PAVEL BAILEY

product recall issued for fratelli beretta products

Alfred Lloyd, who appeared from prison and was represented by Ian Cargill. Lloyd allegedly tried to shoot and kill Leron Knowles and Jason Cleare on Stanton Street in Blue Hill Heights on December 31, 2023. After reviewing Lloyd’s

bail submissions, Justice Hilton rejected his application, but informed him of his right to reapply. Lloyd will remain on remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court makes a decision on his bail.

45 bottles of alcohol.

erty, including a Samsung S21 phone, $200 in cash and

was notified on February 21 that some

After pleading guilty to the charge, Brown was sentenced to three years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He was further ordered to fully financially reimburse the complainant or risk an additional month in prison.

Creating Lifelong Learners

IT IS a common thought to see all learning as equal. We can see the differences in how teachers, instructors, and professors approach learning based on the age of the learners.

Still, it is not always clear that two different systems of instruction exist, with certain methodologies based on the age of the learner.

There is pedagogy, which is instruction designed for children. While scholars can argue about who is centred in this type of instruction (teacher versus student), what is key to know is that pedagogy is rooted in the awareness that children are often learners who depend on others (teachers) for instruction or direction.

Also, because children do not choose to attend school, society requires it, and the motivation to attend comes from the outside. Therefore, teachers have to engage students in a way that encourages learning because the children “did not sign up for this”.

Andragogy, on the other hand, relies on student motivation to learn and is rooted in their own desire and aspirations as they are the ones registering themselves to take courses and classes. Most instructional methods include learning intake strategies, which require independence and high levels of personal discipline. Discipline, which society has assumed, is just built into adulthood.

Why the masochism?

As an adult, I would be so bored taking classes and attending workshops. I

By Tiffany Bain

of One Eleuthera Foundation

would ponder, why do we choose to bore ourselves when we are completely in control of how instruction can happen? There are several ways to teach, instruct, or drive learning, but we frequently choose the least entertaining way possible. The rationale for the

limitation is that “you chose to be here”, and therefore, you will endure. But what if we applied pedagogy to all learning?

Where did we bridge the gap?

Working in nonprofit

education has made me aware of all the ways that students are underserved throughout their academic lives. Varied learning styles, skill-gap needs, limited access to resources, and the need for more time or instructional differentiation all present as reasons why adults are not always capable of being the independent and motivated learners that andragogy needs them to be. Wanting to learn does not automatically make adults able to overcome the obstacles to learning they developed throughout their lives and never overcame.

Bringing out the child in everyone

I do not know who wrote the social rule that adulthood had to be so serious. Almost every hallmark act of adulthood is rooted in a lack of joy and laughter, limited novel experiences, and lots of quietness. This is especially true for adult education spaces. As a designer of learning experiences and a teacher, I prioritise all of the senses in the setup of my lessons. My professional self is aware of the cognitive impact of using the five senses to learn skills and acquire knowledge and how this approach enhances the brain’s ability to retrieve and use that information later.

The kid in me knows from my own practice the way that certain stimulants make me automatically recall specific memories and details. The smell of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, the cereal I ate for breakfast while in the eighth

grade, makes me automatically recall details from the book “The Pearl,” by John Steinbeck. I think of Kino’s passionate attempt to save his whole world right after he seemingly got a windfall from finding a valuable pearl. Actualisations like these have constantly motivated me to push pedagogical style lessons, even for adult learners.

In a recent professional development workshop where I taught the fundamentals of Project-based Learning (PBL), I started by guiding a group of teachers through the experience of a PBL unit through the eyes of the student. The sheer joy, intrinsic motivation, and personal investment that the teachers put into their projects affirmed the impact of pedagogy on adults. While andragogy is the prescribed methodology for adults, fewer people are motivated to learn than teachers having to “go to work” on the first day of a mid-term break.

I taught an entrepreneurship class at the Harbour Island Trade School, the northern satellite school of the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI), where I serve as the Dean of the School. I applied a (PBL) approach to the instruction, putting the adult current and aspiring business owners in the seat of emerging entrepreneurs who solve local problems using data, explore the ideation phase using chart paper and crayons, and use their imagination and creativity to create businesses and investment pitches. This made light and created ease around

the process that they, when given the chance to replicate the experience for their own personal business development process and presentation, were able to do so with the comfort and confidence of experienced business owners accustomed to presenting themselves before investors.

What if every course or class we took as adults harnessed the same magic that we use to wow and bring wonder to the learning experiences of children? Could it make lifelong learners of us all? Perhaps if the presentation of learning for adults did not depend so much on the social pressure to know more, gain academic influence, or promote career climbing, we would be more invested in growing our knowledge of the world from a place of joy. It certainly would not hurt and maybe we would all be inclined to become lifelong learners.

Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a non-profit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmes email: info@oneeleuthera. org.

TIFFANY BAIN, Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI).

ADULT learners rediscover the joy of learning in CTI’s Entrepreneurship Class on Harbour Island, taught by Tiffany Bain.

Stop the insanity of boaters flushing effluent in our waters

But leisurely sailing is also a way of life that should be about protecting the waters and the life that depends upon their health.

It’s a very big deal to to marine life and beach-goers

SOMETHING sicken -

ing is happening before our eyes, endangering marine resources and water quality and we are acting like it is no big deal.

I t’s a very big deal.

Sailboats that once tied up at marinas are now discovering the pleasure of dropping anchor in N assau harbour, spreading to M ontagu Bay to the east and past Arawak Cay to the west. Anchoring is free. Some complain that the holding ground is not good. O f course it is not.

I t was never intended to be a place to tie up. You were supposed to traverse it, not live there on your way to E xuma or wherever.

I t’s free for you, but we pay the price or will pay the price in the long run.

Dropping anchor would not be a problem if the boats were tied to a mooring buoy so they could not drag anchor and destroy what is left of any coral reefs or disturb the natural environment.

Dropping anchor to the east and west of the main channel would not be

By Diane Phillips

a problem if the boats used their holding tanks and macerators and if we had proper pump-out facilities or vessels that provided a mobile pumpout service. Anchoring would not be a problem if we monitored specific fecal coliform bacteria after maceration. I love sailing, don’t get me wrong, it’s just that I love the marine environment even more. T he turtles we saved from near extinction and now are so friendly I worry that they are not afraid of people, the small reef fish from sergeant majors to clownfish, wrasse to gobys, the unsold conch that vendors from M ontagu tie together and store overnight. T hey are the rightful residents of M ontagu Bay, protected

by law from fishing in the harbour -- but unprotected from untreated floating or sinking human waste or breathing gray water from showers, laundry and galley sinks.

Just the thought of dozens of vessels a day pumping raw sewage overboard makes me ill.

T here are laws for everything, surely there must be a law against this, you say.

T here is a law, of course, but it does not apply to vessels of the size filling M ontagu Bay and the waters off Arawak Cay.

T he Bahamas M aritime Authority M arine N otice

59, an 11-page document that is an amendment to the I nternational Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, the M ARP O LA I ndex I V,

is very clear about commercial vessels and ships. But it says painfully little about recreational vessels or any vessel which carries fewer than 15 people for non-commercial purposes. T he Act has been amended several times since being introduced more than 50 years ago, the same year T he Bahamas gained independence. T he Bahamas M aritime Authority has been very clear in what it will and will not allow Bahamian ships, including cruise ships registered in T he Bahamas, to do in Bahamian waters, but unless I skipped a whole chapter, I do not see anything about what visiting yachts can or cannot do with their raw sewage or sludge discharge in Bahamian waters.

I n the United States, a vessel caught flushing overboard or failing to have a holding tank with adequate capacity, a functioning macerator and working connections faces stiff penalties.

O K, I have railed on long enough about a subject that invokes anger

so please let me share the sweeter side of what I am seeing when I drive by and see all those boats, mostly sailboats, at anchor. I think of all those fortunate people who are living the dream. I love sailing, everything about it. E ven when things go wrong, it’s better in the boat than on land.

E ven when the boat is too small or the wind and tide are against you or it’s too choppy to light the stove and put the old tin coffee pot on to perk, it’s better on the boat.

Almost nothing in the world can compare to the inner sense of peace and perfection on a broad reach with a steady, brisk wind, flying a well-set full main and genoa, gliding silently, surrounded by a horizon of soft blue waters under a bright blue sky.

Sailing brought me to T he Bahamas 42 years ago. I met the man who would become my husband at a regatta in Abaco. When he wanted to leave a corporate job to work at his passion, designing, building and

repairing sails, I was all for it. For years, we spent weekends sailing. For years, we spent a Sunday or a weekend a month racing with the Bahamas Yacht Squadron.

I am older now and racing is a sport for the young. But leisurely sailing is also a way of life that should be about protecting the waters and the life that depends upon their health. To those of you lucky enough to live aboard or spend a week sailing through the E xuma cays, please, please sail and visit responsibly, just like you would in your own waters.

Just remember this, I love boating, but I love the marine environment even more and that is what we have to leave for coming generations of Bahamians. I am far from alone in wanting to protect the most precious treasure we have other than our people. So please, hear this plea and heed these words. E njoy our waters, but for G od’s sake, don’t fish them out and don’t you dare destroy them.

Tynia Gaither retires

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

One of the hardest things for any athlete to do is to retire. But it’s so easy to do when you know that you have given it your all and there isn’t anything left in the tank.

For sprinter Tynia Gaither, who will turn 31 on March 16, the end of her track career has arrived and she admits that she feels like she can walk away from the sport with her head held high for all the accomplishments she has achieved. Her only regret is that she didn’t earn a medal at any of the major senior international meets, including the Olympic Games and World Championships, but she admitted that it’s something she

will live with. “I’m done,” were the first few words from Gaither as she spoke to The Tribune yesterday from Austin, Texas, where she resides.. “I am officially done now.”

In relating what led to her decision, Gaither said she tried to come back from an injury, but her body was not the same and her training was not the same. “Then my little brother, Hashim, passed away at the end of July and that was around the time that I was trying to catch myself,” she stated. “With all that I’ve been dealing with mentally and physically, I just thought it was time for me to retire. “I’m not going to try to force anything. I just think it’s time for me to explore different things in my life right now.”

After carefully praying about her decision and talking to the people close

to her, including her parents Sabrina Johnson and Tony Gaither, Gaither said she knew it was time, even though she tried to make a comeback over the past two seasons.

“I just had to figure it out for myself and be content with my decision,” said Gaither, a late bloomer who only started competing in the ninth grade of high school.

During her career, Gaither was a Youth Olympic Games 200 metre silver medallist and member of the gold medal 4 x 100m relay team in 2010 in Singapore, a Pan American Games bronze medallist in the 200m in 2019 in Lima, Peru and NACAC Championship 200m silver medallist and a member of the women’s 4 x 100m relay team at her home in Grand Bahama in 2022.

But the two-time eighth place finisher at the World Championships in 2017 in London, England and again in 2019 in Doha, Qatar, will also be remembered as a six-time national champion in the 100m (2016, 2017, 2021 and 2022) and 200m (2016 and 2017). She leaves with her lifetime achievements of 7.14 in the 50m (in Gainesville, Florida in 2011), 7.23 in the

SEE PAGE 12

30TH GSSSA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

FOUR STRAIGHT! CH Reeves Raptors are junior champions

PRINCIPLES OF EXCELLENCE IN BASKETBALL SPORTS PERFORMANCE TRAINING

GREETINGS, seekers of athletic mastery and enthusiasts of the courtly ballet! Dr. Kent Bazard here, your guide through the labyrinth of sports science.

Today, we delve into the nuanced artistry of sports performance training for basketball - a realm where speed, jump height, strength, explosiveness, and durability intertwine with the latest sportspecific principles and techniques.

Crafting the Complete Player In the crucible of basketball, where the hardwood stage demands excellence, the quest for a complete player unfurls. Sports performance training is the forge where athleticism is honed, and the nuanced dance of skills is refined.

As we embark on this journey, let us explore the principles that propel

players from mere mortals to court virtuosos. In the relentless pace of modern basketball, speed is the rhythm that orchestrates success. Acceleration, deceleration and change of direction form the staccato beats of this symphony. Here, the science of rate of force production comes into play - a parameter meticulously measured and monitored. The ability to explosively generate force, like a sprinter bursting from the blocks, defines the elite player.

The Symphony of Speed Recent studies, such as those in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, unravel the intricate interplay between force production and oncourt speed. From agility ladder drills to resisted sprints, the training toolbox aims to

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

WORLD ATHLETICS INDOORS: ‘ALL EYES’ ON DONALD THOMAS

AS the world gears up for the highly anticipated World Athletics Indoor Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, March 1-3, all eyes will be on Donald Thomas - the Bahamian high jump sensation who has consistently dazzled audiences with his remarkable talent and unwavering determination.

Hailing from Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Thomas has long been revered as one of the most electrifying athletes in the world of track and field. His journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by countless hours of dedication and perseverance in pursuit of excellence.

SEE PAGE 12

JUNIOR DAVIS CUP TEAM ADVANCES TO FINALS

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas’ Junior Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams performed brilliantly at the Billie Jean King Cup/Junior Davis Cup North, Central American and the Caribbean PreQualifying Tournament in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, yesterday. Yesterday, both teams advanced to the semifinals after knocking off Costa Rica but only the Junior Davis Cup team booked a ticket to today’s final.

BOYS Team Bahamas faced a tough challenge against the top seed Guatemala in the semifinals.

Jerald Carroll was up first in the number two singles position and won comfortably in straight sets 6-1,6-3. William McCartney, who played in the number one

SEE PAGE 13

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

SPRINTER Tynia Gaither has officially retired.

CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE: The CH Reeves Raptors emerged as victors of the 30th GSSSA Track and Field Championships for the fourth consecutive year with

points

the junior division.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 15

Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

‘ALL EYES’ ON HIGH JUMPER DONALD THOMAS AT THE WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP

FROM

Even after the most recent loss of his brother, Thomas is even more determined to succeed. His resilience and strength in the face of adversity serve as a testament to his unwavering spirit and commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on his upcoming participation in the World Indoor Championships, Thomas expressed his excitement and determination, stating, “I am honoured to represent The Bahamas on the global stage once again. The World Indoor Championships present a tremendous opportunity for me to showcase my skills and compete against the best athletes in the world. I am fully prepared to give my all and make my country proud.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Thomas has

amassed an impressive array of accolades, including multiple gold medals and record-breaking performances. His ability to soar to new heights has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport.

As Thomas prepares to embark on his latest quest for glory in Glasgow, Scotland, the entire nation of The Bahamas stands firmly behind him, rallying around their champion with unwavering support and enthusiasm. His journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and resilience, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the globe.

As Donald Thomas prepares to attend the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, he will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of athletics.

Tynia Gaither officially retires

FROM PAGE 11

60m (Seattle, Washington in 2015), 11.02 in the 100m (Miami, Florida in 2-021), 10.7 hand timed in the 100m (at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in 2022), 22.14 in the 200m (Grand Bahama in 2022) and 54.20 in the 400m (in Houston, Texas in 2019).

“It was a great run. I have many great experiences that I will take with me forever as I move into the real world,” she stated. “Whatever comes for me next.

I’ve learned a lot from track and field.

“It’s been my saving grace for many situations in my life. It’s kept me on the straight and narrow path. I could have ended up in so many different situations, but the sport I would say, saved me from a lot of disasters.”

As she glances back to the pages of her career, Gaither acknowledges that she couldn’t ask for a better performance than she had in her final competitive season in 2022.

“That season, I made the Diamond League Final, I ran some great PBs (personal best times), being a part of coach Bailey’s training camp was a successful decision of mine and I had a great time,” Gaither stressed.

Her low point was listed as her coming out year as a professional in 2016 when she graduated from the University of Southern California after she transferred when she completed her first two seasons at the University of Georgia.

Prior to attending primary and junior high school in Grand Bahama, Gaither

completed her high school education at Osceola High School in Orlando, Florida where she began running track. “The transition was rough because it was a lot I felt I was prepared for,” she pointed out. “Personally, I just jumped into things with no clear direction as to where I wanted to go and this is what needs to happen.

“I just wanted to be comfortable when I was making my decisions back then, but it was showing in the times that I was running. So it was

a different transition for me.”

In summary, Gaither said while her career was without a major medal in her two appearances at the Olympics in Rio in 2016 and again in Tokyo in 2021, once at the World Indoors in Portland in 2016 and three World Championships in London in 2017, in Doha in 2019 and in Eugene in 2021, she’s still thrilled by what she was able to achieve.

“Everything that was supposed to happen, happened for me,” she stated.

“It happened the way that it was supposed to happen. I’m not the narrator of my story, but I think all of my successes were what was meant for me.

“I had some small medals, but didn’t get any of the big ones. But I met some great people in the sport and that will be enough for me to move on.”

Nowadays, Gaither has found herself a job as a real estate agent in Austin, Texas, where she also operates a small business. But her aim and goal is to one day return home to host some clinics for the next generation of athletes in the country.

“I haven’t really had the opportunities during my

career to be involved in track and field, especially in Grand Bahama, as I would have liked to,” Gaither said. “But I want to help to grow the sport in the future.”

She indicated that she’s looking forward to obtaining some financial support from the public to help her accomplish this goal at least twice a year to provide some guidelines to the youngsters on what they need to know to get ready for college and what they need to be successful.

Persons who are interested in connecting with Gaither to provide some assistance can e-mail her at tgaither13@gmail.com

With so much talent on the horizon in the Bahamas, Gaither said she enjoys witnessing all of the successes that the athletes are producing on a yearly basis.

“I will be praying for everyone with the success of their careers and cheering them on each step of the way,” she stated. “So just keep fighting each step of the way.

“I really believe in us as a small country. I know that this coming Olympics (in Paris, France in July), we will have some medallists. I

MINGOES TRACK BRILLIANT IN INTERNATIONAL OPENER

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA — The University of The Bahamas track and field team picked up five second-place finishes and a third-place finish among a slew of personal best performances at the St. Thomas University Elite Invitational.

“This is our first international meet and I am really pleased with the fact that we had a lot of our athletes in the top three spots at the competition,” head coach Ednal Rolle said.

“I think this means we will have a great season this year. It’s a small team this year but it is a really strong, quality team and that’s what I’m really focusing on going forward as we rebuild the track and field programme at The University of The Bahamas.”

Brianique Strachan lead the charge for The Mingoes with two second-place finishes. She took silver in the women’s 100 metre event

in 12.19 seconds and then came back to pick up the 200m silver in 26.00 seconds.

“I felt good out there today,” Strachan said. “I really want to improve on my finishes, especially in the last 20 metres of my 200.”

Despite being in a slower heat, Dennis Williamson also picked up a silver in the men’s 400m event in 49.64 seconds.

The men’s 4x400m team of Williamson, Donya Roberts, Lhevinne Joseph and Trent Strachan battled with Lynn University’s “A” team for much of the race but UB was edged out at the end by a second.

Mingoes finished in three minutes 21.14 seconds and Lynn University took the top spot in 3:20.17.

In the women’s 100m hurdles event, Candace Murphy took the silver spot in 15.18 seconds to round out the second-place performances for The Mingoes.

Joseph ran a season’s best in the 800m event for third place in 1:55.44. Quartermiler Donya Roberts stepped down to the 200m for the meet and turned in a season’s best 22.53 for fourth place in the men’s event.

George Minnis and Rashaa’d Farquharson both ran personal bests in the men’s 100m event to take 5th and 6th spots respectively.

Minnis turned in a time of 11.26 and Farquharson ran 11.30.

In the women’s 400m, Fridline Augustin won her heat - the slower of the two heats - in 1:05.08 but didn’t have enough push.

She still turned in a season’s best 1:05.08 for fifth spot.

Trent Strachan ran 1:00.06 in the men’s 400m hurdles for 8th place.

The Mingoes next compete in The Island Relays next month in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

can feel it in my heart. I won’t be there in person, but I will be there in spirit.”

She admitted that she will miss training, travelling and competing in that order.

But with all of the connections she has made, she feels it will suffice as she takes care of the mental aspect of her life moving forward.

As she pulls the curtain down on her career, Gaither thanked coach Dexter Bodie, who took her under his wings at the beginning of her career, Ravanno Ferguson, who made an impact near the end and, in between, persons such as Laura and Dave Charlton, coach Geeorge Cleare, NACAC president Mike Sands, Sandra Laing, Dionne Britton, coach Rupert Gardiner, coach Fritz Grant, former BAAA president Rosamunde Carey and Kermit Taylor.

Without God, her parents, family, friends and her sponsor for eight years Adidas, as well as the Bahamas Olympic Committee, the BAAA and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Gaither said she would not have been the athlete she was.

SPRINTER Tynia Gaither, shown here in this photo collage, has officially retired.

AS the world gears up for the highly anticipated World Athletics Indoor Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, March 1-3, all eyes will be on Donald Thomas - the Bahamian high jump sensation who has consistently dazzled audiences with his remarkable talent and unwavering determination.

Junior Davis Cup team advances to the finals

FROM PAGE 11

singles position, fought hard but lost to Guatemala 2-6, 0-6. The teams were locked at 1-1 but the duo of Jackson Mactaggart and Carroll threw the final blow to secure a spot for The Bahamas in the finals.

The tandem prevailed 6-4, 6-4 in the tightly contested doubles match.

Spencer Newman, coach of the junior boys, spoke about the team’s mindset going into today’s finals.

“Jerald has been playing lights out all week and was able to do so again in the afternoon. That takes a lot of pressure off our other players in matches and we hope to see that continue on going into tomorrow’s finals match. It was nice to see the boys compete in the doubles where we won 6-4, 6-4 in the deciding match to send us into the finals.

“The boys are doing a great job with their focus, their effort and their attitude. Going into the finals we are going to be focusing again on those three things - focus, attitude and effort - and willingness and ability to compete and finding ways to win. We feel good about our level and our games. The boys are sharp and ready to go,” Newman said.

Earlier in the day, the Junior Davis Cup team took down Costa Rica 2-0 to advance to the semifinals.

GIRLS

The Junior Billie Jean to the semifinals to face Honduras after defeating Costa Rica 2-1.

Takaii Adderley was electrifying in the singles matchup where she

emerged victorious 6-2, 6-0.

Tatyana Madu put up a valiant effort against Costa Rica in her singles matchup but fell 1-6, 2-6. However, the doubles team of BreAnn Ferguson and Adderley propelled the team to the semifinals with a victory in the final match. They fell 4-6 in the first set and regained their composure 7-5, 10-3.

Adderley kept the momentum going in singles action against Honduras. In a match that lasted over three hours, the top junior dropped the first set 6-7 (8) but then made a 6-1,6-2 comeback for the win.

Honduras’ Alyssa Sucrovich bested Madu 6-1, 6-1. She then teamed up with Ana Alvarado to defeat Team Bahamas.

The junior girls dropped set one 4-6 and came back 6-2 but it was all Honduras in the tiebreak set 11-9.

BFA CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL SOCCER COACHING COURSE IN ABACO

THE Bahamas Football Association proudly hosted the Abaco D License Soccer Coaching Course February 21-22 in Abaco.

This intensive course, led by esteemed technical director Bruce Swan, offered local coaches an invaluable opportunity to enhance their understanding and skills in soccer coaching, with a specific focus on youth and grassroots development.

The course was structured into theoretical and practical sessions, designed to cover essential aspects of coaching, including understanding the roles and responsibilities of a grassroots children’s coach, player needs and team characteristics, and creating a healthy and safe environment for players.

Coaches participated in activities aimed at designing and executing training sessions with specific objectives for grassroots and children’s environments, as well as preparing and managing game plans.

Participants included educators and coaches from local schools and clubs, such as Vanaillan Walker, Sheala Felix, Villard Fenelus, Max Thervil, Leonardo Romer, Abishai Adderley, Leonardo Romer, Leonardo Cornish, and Felicia Cartwright.

Each brought their unique experience to the learning environment, representing a diverse group committed to advancing soccer in Abaco. These individuals span a range of coaching experiences, from novices to those with several years under their belts, all actively involved in coaching different age groups from youth to seniors.

Participants also engaged in a practical demonstration session, allowing them to apply the knowledge gained during the course in real-life coaching scenarios. Additionally, an important

UNITED in their passion for the game,

Technical Director

component of the course was the emphasis on safeguarding children, with coaches required to complete an online certification in this critical area. This D License Course is part of the BFA’s ongoing commitment to elevate the standard of soccer coaching in The Bahamas, ensuring that coaches are well-equipped to nurture and develop the next generation of Bahamian soccer talent.

The success of this course in Abaco is a reflection of the BFA’s dedication to promoting soccer across the nation and creating an environment where the sport can thrive at all levels.

For further information on future coaching courses and other initiatives by the Bahamas Football Association, please visit our website or contact the BFA Secretariat.

the significance of vertical prowess. Sports performance training zeroes in on enhancing jump height, turning mere mortals into aerial acrobats. Plyometric exercises, emphasizing the stretch-shortening cycle, form the cornerstone.

Studies in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance delve into the minutiae of jump training, dissecting parameters like ground contact time and take-off velocity. As we navigate these realms, the goal is not just to leap higher but to land with the grace and control that minimise injury risks.

Strength as the Foundation

The physical chess match of basketball demands a robust foundation - a tapestry of upper body strength that weaves through every dribble, pass and shot. The weight room becomes the atelier, sculpting shoulders, arms, and core strength with precision.

From bench presses to pull-ups, the principles of strength training converge with the demands of the game. My experience at Empire Sports Medicine, coupled with insights from the Strength and Conditioning Journal, reinforces the idea that strength, when tailored to basketball’s intricacies, becomes a silent architect of on-court dominance.

Explosiveness: The Unseen Force

Bursting through defences, evading opponents - these are acts of explosiveness, an attribute often overlooked but deeply intertwined with success. In the symposium of Sports performance training, exercises like medicine ball throws and box jumps serve as the crucible for cultivating explosive power.

As an advocate for evidence-based practices, I draw from research in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. The intersection of speed, strength and explosiveness creates a triumvirate that propels players toward excellence, mirroring the synergy of elite NBA teams.

Durability: The Unsung Hero

A player’s longevity on the court is a testament to durability - a quality often eclipsed by more glamorous attributes. Yet, it is the bedrock that sustains a career. Principles of injury prevention and recovery protocols are woven into the fabric of sports performance training.

Drawing insights from the British Journal of Sports Medicine and combining them with the practicalities of my tenure at Empire Sports Medicine, I advocate for training regimens that not only enhance performance but fortify the body against the rigors of a gruelling season.

In conclusion, the pursuit of excellence in basketball is an art form, an amalgamation of science and skill. As we navigate the principles of sports performance training, let us not merely seek athletic prowess but aim to sculpt complete playersindividuals whose on-court virtuosity resonates with the poetry of the game.

Join me on this odyssey toward basketball excellence, where the court becomes a canvas and the player the brushstroke of brilliance.

Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine.

Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

Contact Empire Sports Medicine at: 242-364-2001.

the dedicated participants of the Abaco D License Soccer Coaching Course stand alongside

Bruce Swan, marking a significant step forward in their coaching journey under the bright Bahamian sun.

EAGER young players engage in soccer drills under the watchful guidance of Abaco D License Course participants, who apply their newly acquired coaching skills to nurture the next wave of Bahamian soccer talent.

TEAM EFFORT: The Bahamas’ Junior Billie Jean King Cup team advanced to the semifinals on Thursday but came up short against Honduras 2-1 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

FINALS BOUND: The Bahamas Junior Davis Cup team will play in the finals today against Trinidad and Tobago after defeating top seeded Guatemala 2-1 yesterday.

Triathletes overcome windy conditions in ‘successful race’

THE Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon returned triumphantly for its 11th edition on Sunday, February 25 at Jaws Beach. Athletes braved challenging windy conditions and choppy waters, showcasing their resilience and determination in support of Baark!’s vital spay, neuter and education efforts for animal welfare in The Bahamas.

Said race director Lori Roach: “Despite the tough conditions, this year’s Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon was a resounding success, showcasing the unwavering dedication of our athletes and supporters.”

In the men’s division, a thrilling battle unfolded between Launy Duncombe and Malcolm Menzies, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Duncombe just clinched victory with a time of 1:01:36, closely followed by Menzies in second place with a time of 1:01:40, while Jorge Marcos secured third place with a time of 1:08:43.

In the women’s category, Kami Roach dominated the competition for the second consecutive year, completing the race in 1:23:14, followed by Barbara Kiraly finishing at 1:25:24 in second place, and Laura Morley securing an impressive third place with a time of 1:25:51 in her first triathlon.

The oldest participant Richard Ballance, 66 years

young, showcased the timeless spirit of athleticism. The relay event saw Team Trivincible triumphing in the all-female category, while Too Kool to Tri emerged victorious in the mixed team division, and Eastside Eagles claiming top spot in the all-male category. They featured Justin Higgs representing Bahamas Wholesale Agency and their longstanding support for the event who expressed his enthusiasm, labeling the event as his favourite and best triathlon in The Bahamas.

Photos: Ronnie Archer

BWA also very generously donated all proceeds from bar sales to the fundraising total. Adult finishers were treated to a burger or hot dog from the renowned Rotary Burger Van, accompanied by a White Claw hard seltzer. Children received a delicious Dunkin’ donut.

The FYP Junior and Puppy races added a fun family-friendly atmosphere dimension to the day, engaging participants as young as age six.

The raffle draw marked the culmination of the event.

And the top prizes included a bike courtesy of Cycles Unlimited and an iPhone 15 from Aliv.

Jonathan Thronebury, marketing director of presenting sponsors Caribbean Bottling Company, emphasized their commitment to supporting the event for the 10th consecutive year.

“Aligning with Baark! and this event was a natural fit for us. Their commitment to animal welfare resonates with our values of compassion and responsibility in the community.

“Rehydration is extremely important when competing in endurance events and we were

delighted to provide highquality hydration options like Powerade and Dasani to all athletes.”

Laura Kimble, the president of Baark!, offered a special thank you to the volunteer race crew and their early morning start.

“The 2024 Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon demonstrated the strength of community spirit and commitment to animal welfare. We’re proud of our whole team, grateful for the invaluable support of our sponsors, event providers and look forward to seeing

all participants again in 2025 ,” she added.

Event Sponsors: Powerade, JS Johnson , Subway, Albany, Modernistic, FYP, Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty, Purina, Freak Show, Caves Vet, PWC.

Event Providers: Bahamas Waste, Ronnie Archer Photography, Rotary East Nassau, Red Cross BASRA, Polar Ice, Nassau Rowing Club, LCIS, Windermere Day Spa, Dasani, Graham Real Estate, Dunkin Donuts, White Claw, Cycles Unlimited.

Ronnie Archer Photography was on hand to capture stunning images of the event, preserving the memorable moments for participants and spectators alike.

CH REEVES RAPTORS DOMINATE TO WIN 4TH STRAIGHT GSSSA TRACK & FIELD TITLE

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE 30th Government

Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) Track and Field Championships victory was signed, sealed and delivered to the CH Reeves Raptors yesterday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

The Raptors secured their fourth straight track and field title in dominant fashion with a final score of 891 points after leading both days in the junior division.

The SC McPherson Sharks trailed the Raptors by 383 points but managed to overtake the HO Nash Lions for second place with 508 points. The Lions dropped one position in the team standings to finish third with 490 points overall.

Varel Davis, head coach of the Raptors and GSSSA president, was overjoyed to bring another GSSSA track and field trophy back to CH Reeves. “I always say CH Reeves is a blessed school. God has been good to us in terms of us getting kids who want to perform at the highest level. The

coaches as well, we put our time into these kids and we pour in love and attention. This year we are very short and me and Mr Thurman Johnson worked very hard tirelessly from September. “I am very proud of them, our hardworking coach Mr Johnson, our system that we had with our teachers this year as well. Every time we come out here we do not come to participate, we come to win and so that’s the mentality my kids have,” coach Davis said. Her athletes started training for the track season in October of last year and hoisting the 30th GSSSA Track and Field championship made the process worth it.

“CH Reeves started training from last year October. We also were the GSSSA cross country champions so the same athletes I have been training from last year are basically the same children we have here today performing very well for us.

“We never stopped training. We trained straight through on weekends, we had midterm break and these children came out and performed really well,” she said.

Juniors

The Raptors put on a show in the relays for the second straight day, winning five out of the six events. They emerged victorious in the U13 girls and boys 4x400m relays, U15 girls and boys 4x400m relays and the U17 boys’ 4x400m relays.

Mckaya Rahming was one of the school’s top performers on day one and she showed up once again on Thursday.

Rahming bested competitors with a time of 25.62 seconds in the U13 girls’ 200m finals. Samaya Taylor and Sierra Adderley placed second and third

respectively for the LW Young Golden Eagles.

Raniyah Smith gave the Raptors the advantage in the U15 girls’ 200m with a time of 27.46 seconds to lead the way. Her teammate Mariah Joseph came second in 27.76 seconds and Tia Thompson, of SC McPherson, crossed the line in third place.

Janae Bain came in hot in the U15 girls’ 75m hurdles event, clocking 13.59 seconds to win it for CH Reeves.

Keilesha Saunders, of HO Nash, got the second position in 13.83 seconds and Thompson once again placed third for the Sharks.

Brittany Flower and Dayshon Moss were in the top two spots for the Raptors in the U17 girls’ 100m hurdles. Flower clocked 19.22 seconds while Moss stopped at 19.78 seconds. Savannah Brice, of HO Nash, settled for third in 19.81 seconds.

Devonte Crowl, representing the Raptors, took bragging rights in the U15 boys’ 800m finals with a time 2:17.72.

The Raptors also won the U13, U15 and U17 boys shot put, U17 girls’ javelin throw and U17 boys’ discus throw field events.

Seniors

The CR Walker Knights, the reigning champions, swapped spots with the CV Bethel Stingrays after trailing on day one. The Knights are now ahead of the pack with 292 points. The Stingrays are 16 points behind with 276 and the RM Bailey Pacers are staying within striking distance with a total of 231 points.

The Knights prevailed in the U17 girls’ javelin throw, U20 girls’ high jump and the U20 girls’ discus throw.

The GSSSA Track and Field senior champions will be crowned today. The meet begins at 9:30am.

RED-LINE YOUTH TRACK CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club’s third annual Red-Line Youth Track Classic is set for 9am to 5pm May 25-26 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The entry deadline is May 15 with a fee of $19 per athlete and $10 per relay team.

CHESS

CARICOM CLASSIC

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

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

BASKETBALL

NEX-GEN CAMP

THE Nex-Gen Camp is scheduled to be held at the Teleos Basketball Gymnasium on Carmichael Road. Space is limited so persons are asked to book their reservations as soon as possible. JRC Basketball Academy will stage the third annual elite training camp June 24 to July 13 each day from 9am to noon.

TOP THREE: The CH Reeves Raptors placed first, second was the SC McPherson Sharks and the HO Nash Lions fell to third in the 30th GSSSA Track and Field Championships. Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

BRAZIL'S FINANCE MINISTER PROPOSES GLOBAL TAX ON THE SUPER-RICH AT G20 MEETING IN SAO PAULO

By ELÉONORE HUGHES

Associated Press

BRAZIL'S finance minister told his peers Thursday at a G20 meeting in Sao Paulo that countries should implement a global tax on the super-rich in an effort to tackle rampant tax evasion.

Fernando Haddad said tax evasion can be resolved through international cooperation so that "these few individuals make their contribution to our societies and to the planet's sustainable development."

He added that Brazil is pushing for a declaration on international taxation by G20 members that he hopes would be ready in July. But in a press conference at the end of the meeting, he recognized the path would be far from smooth.

"There will be a lot of debate about this, which is absolutely natural, especially because not every country feels the same way about this problem that was brought to the G20 by Brazil," he said. Brazil currently has the presidency of the 20 leading rich and developing nations and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has put issues that concern the developing world – such as the reduction of inequalities and the reform of multilateral institutions — at the heart of its agenda.

"Brazil has a role to play, a legitimacy to use on the issues that need to be addressed and that are not always represented in the G20," Haddad said,

pointing to environmental, social and fiscal issues.

According to a 2023 study by advocacy group Tax Justice Network, countries around the world could lose up to $4.8 trillion in tax revenue over the next decade due to tax havens. And a report earlier this year by the EU Tax Observatory cited by Haddad, found that billionaires worldwide have effective tax rates equivalent of between 0% and 0.5% of their wealth.

In recent years, scandals such as the Panama Papers Leak and the Paradise Papers have shone a light on the pervasiveness of tax evasion and avoidance in business practices.

Meanwhile, the gap between the super-rich and the bulk of the global

population has been supercharged since the coronavirus pandemic, according to anti-poverty organization Oxfam International.

"There are fewer taxes on assets today than two or three decades ago. The global movement has tended towards reducing taxation on companies and wealth," said André Vereta-Nahoum, a sociology professor at the University of Sao Paulo.

But with inequalities soaring, more are calling for higher taxes on the wealthy – including U.S. President Joe Biden, who has pushed for a billionaire minimum income tax although the likelihood of Congress passing that proposal is minimal.

In a sign of growing global consensus on the matter, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution late last year backing stronger international tax cooperation to "make it fully inclusive and more effective."

"The difficulty is no longer putting the issue on the table, the data is there.

The difficulty is arriving at a common document," said Carla Beni, an economist from the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university and think tank.

California governor pushes back against criticism of fast food minimum wage law

By ADAM BEAM Associated Press

CALIFORNIA Gov.

Gavin Newsom's administration has denied a news report that he pushed for an exception to the state's new fast-food minimum wage law that benefits a wealthy campaign donor.

California's minimum wage is $16 per hour. But

starting April 1, most fastfood restaurants in the state must pay their workers at least $20 an hour under legislation Newsom signed last year to much fanfare. It doesn't apply to restaurants that have on-site bakeries and sell bread as a standalone menu item.

That exception puzzled some industry watchers and was never fully explained by Newsom or other supporters of the law. But Bloomberg News on Wednesday reported it was connected to opposition from Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn, whose company owns 24 of the restaurants in California and has donated to Newsom's campaigns.

"This story is absurd," Newsom spokesman Alex Stack said Thursday.

Stack said that the governor's legal team believes Panera Bread is not exempt from the law. They said to be exempt from the minimum wage law as a bakery, restaurants must produce bread for sale on site. The Governor's Office said many chain bakeries, such as Panera Bread, mix dough at a centralized off-site location and then ship that dough to the restaurant for baking and sale.

Since last year, Panera Bread has been reported as a restaurant exempt from the law and Newsom's office has not said otherwise, even when the governor was directly asked why the chain was exempt.

A message left with Panera Bread about their baking process were not immediately returned.

Stack said the governor never met with Flynn about the law. A message left with the Flynn Group was not returned on Thursday. Flynn told Bloomberg he did not play a role in crafting the exemption.

The Bloomberg story, citing anonymous sources, says Flynn urged the governor's top aides to consider whether chains such as Panera should be considered fast food. It does not say that Newsom and Flynn spoke directly about the law.

The Flynn Group and Flynn Properties operate 2,600 restaurants and fitness centers across 44 states, according to the company's website. Campaign finance records show Flynn Properties and Greg Flynn — the founder, chairman and CEO — have donated more than $220,000 to Newsom's political campaigns since 2017. That included a $100,000 donation to Newsom's campaign to defeat a recall attempt in 2021.

The minimum wage law passed in 2023. In 2022, Flynn had publicly opposed

a similar proposal, writing in an op-ed in Capitol Weekly that it would "effectively kill the franchise business model in the state."

Republican leaders in the state Legislature on Thursday criticized Newsom for the possible connection.

"Put simply, campaign contributions should not buy carveouts in legislation," Republican state Senate leader Brian Jones said. "It's unacceptable." Assemblymember James Gallagher, the Republican leader in the assembly, said Attorney General Rob Bonta or another entity responsible for investigating conflicts of interest should look into the matter.

"This exemption, there is no explanation for it. Someone had to push for it," he said.

The law was authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden, a Democrat from Pasadena. Holden told reporters Thursday he was not involved in the negotiations over the bill's final amendments, which included the $20 minimum wage increase and the exemption for bakeries. He said those talks happened between the business community and labor unions — groups Holden said were brought together "through the governor's leadership." Holden said he did not know Flynn or his status as a Newsom campaign donor. He declined to discuss if there were any legitimate policy reasons for exempting bakeries from the law.

"I'm not going to try to start parceling every individual group," Holden said. "The way that the bill moved forward, everyone who's in is in."

The law represented a compromise between labor unions and business groups. Tia Orr, executive director of the Service Employees International Union California, said the law was "a transformational step toward an economy that works for all, not just billionaires."

"Like all transformational initiatives, it addressed difficult questions around its scope, including what constitutes a fast-food restaurant as opposed to a bakery, for example, and it involved literally hundreds of businesses in discussions," Orr said. "But the big picture is clear: a half million fast food workers in our state now have the power to improve their workplaces."

Dan Schnur, who teaches political communications at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley, said the issue has the potential to damage Newsom, much like when Newsom went to dinner at the French Laundry during the pandemic at a time when he was urging people to avoid public gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. That issue gave momentum to an effort to recall Newsom from office, which eventually qualified for the ballot in 2021 but was ultimately unsuccessful.

"The last time the governor got in the middle of a restaurant-related controversy, his hesitation to address it turned a small problem into a much bigger one," Schur said. "It's more than possible that there is a perfectly reasonable substantive policy-based reason for this exception. But if that reason exists, the governor is obligated to share it with the people of California. Otherwise they'll assume that he did a big favor for a big donor."

Lawmakers are considering more exemptions for the fast-food minimum wage increase. On Thursday, the state Senate approved a bill that would exclude fast-food restaurants in "airports, hotels, large event centers, theme parks, museums, gambling establishments, corporate campuses and certain public lands."

CALIFORNIA Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill surrounded by fast food workers at the SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Republican leaders in California are calling for an investigation into why a new state law requiring a $20 minimum wage for fast food workers includes an exemption for restaurants like Panera Bread. Photo:Damian Dovarganes/AP

BRAZIL’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad speaks during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo:Andre Penner/AP

EPA to delay rules for some power plants until after November election

By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

THE Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it is delaying planned rules to curb emissions from existing natural gas plants that release harmful air pollutants and contribute to global warming.

The agency said it is still on track to finalize rules for coal-fired power plants and new gas plants that have not come online, a key step to slow planet-warming pollution from the power sector, the nation's second-largest contributor to climate change.

But in a turnaround from previous plans, the agency said it will review standards for existing gas plants and expand the rules to include more pollutants. The change came after complaints from environmental justice groups, who said the earlier plan allowed too much toxic air pollution which disproportionately harms low-income neighborhoods near power plants, refineries and other industrial sites.

"As EPA works towards final standards to cut climate pollution from existing coal and new gasfired power plants later this spring, the agency is taking a new, comprehensive approach to cover the entire fleet of natural gas-fired turbines, as well as cover more pollutants,'' EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

He called the new plan a "stronger, more durable approach" that will achieve greater emissions reductions than the current proposal. It also will better

protect vulnerable frontline communities suffering from toxic air pollution caused by power plants and other industrial sites, Regan said.

Still, the plan was not universally welcomed by environmentalists, who the said the new approach will likely push rules for existing gas plants past the November presidential election.

"We are extremely disappointed in EPA's decision to delay finalizing carbon pollution standards for existing gas plants, which make up a significant portion of carbon emissions in the power sector,'' said Frank Sturges, a lawyer for the Clean Air Task Force, an environmental group.

"Greenhouse gas emissions from power plants have gone uncontrolled for far too long, and we have no more time to waste," he said.

Other environmental groups hailed the decision, saying the new plan would ultimately deliver better results.

"We have always known that the fight for a clean power sector wouldn't be a quick one.,'' said Charles Harper of Evergreen Action. "EPA's first order of business should be finalizing strong and necessary limits on climate pollution from new gas and existing coal plants as quickly as possible.''

"We are glad that EPA is committed to finishing

the job with a new rule that covers every gas plant operating in the U.S.,'' Harper added.

"Tackling dirty coal plants is one of the single most important moves the president and EPA can make to rein in climate pollution,'' said Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice. "As utilities propose new fossil gas plants, we absolutely have to get ahead of a big new pollution problem."

EPA issued a proposed rule in May 2023 that called for drastically curbing greenhouse gas emissions from existing coal and gas-fired plants, as well as future gas plants planned by the power industry. No new coal plant has opened in the U.S. in more than a decade,

MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference continues to make strides in data acceptance

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Wri ter

JESSICA Gelman sharpened her basketball skills in pickup games at YMCAs growing up in suburban Chicago, rocking her black sneakers just like Michael Jordan and the rest of the Bulls. Sure, the future cofounder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference wanted to play like Jordan — and Gelman developed into the kind of Ivy League standout that saw her burst into a 1,000point scorer and co-captain at Harvard — but her appreciation of his greatness stretched beyond the court.

Like Jordan, Gelman wanted to separate herself from the field.

“So I did a behind-the back dribble,” she said, laughing, “which was not a thing that girls did in the ‘80s and ‘90s.”

She tried to break barriers ever since, Gelman’s love of numbers and sports leading her to not only rub shoulders with some of the more notable thinkers, entrepreneurs, innovators and front office deal makers in the industry, but rise to

become a prominent executive herself in the analytics movement. She teamed with Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey to not only found Sloan, but guide it into the preeminent forum for number-crunchers — yes, the term “stat nerds” gets tossed around — all while fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of sports, entertainment and beyond.

In some fashion, Sloan is Gelman’s professional behind-the-back dribble.

“Once I got into the business world, it was analytics,” she said. “It’s not necessarily what people were into. But there was a different way of engaging and being differentiated.” The Sloan conference runs Friday and Saturday in Boston, having exploded from a one-day, on-campus affair in 2007 that attracted barely 200 people to the Super Bowl of Stats that will host a sold-out crowd of 2,500 people (plus a wait list) at a downtown convention center.

“The rise of the conference in many ways has risen with the increasing adoption

of analytics,” Gelman said. “While people are investing in analytics and want to be doing it, there’s so much more to go. We’re still in the very early days.”

Actor Rob McElhenney, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are among the scores of celebrity heavyweights speaking on the main panel forums that will be livestreamed, in large part to drive education and offer a free alternative to a ticket price that tops $1,100.

Michael Rubin, the CEO of Fanatics, is a speaker this weekend on multiple Sloan panels, including one on sports disruptors — much like he believed has been Gelman’s role as she drives the discussion around sports and analytics

“I’ve just always been beyond impressed with her in both her strategic thinking and her ability to make an impact in so many parts of the business,” Rubin said. “It’s hard to start these things. I go there out of a respect for her because she puts such a special group of people together.”

MIT Sloan students help plan and run the conference

— Rubin was among the business leaders who used Sloan as a networking and recruiting event. “We didn’t conceive it would become this,” Gelman said. A sampling of topics at Sloan include The Future of AI in Sports, David vs. Goliath: The Underdog Mindset, Investing in the Future of Women’s Sports Media and the Evolution of Basketball Analytics: 20 Years of Nerds, Data, & Efficiency.

“AI is obviously huge,” Gelman said. “I think most organizations at this point in time do not have the foundational data sets to truly use it in the right way. I don’t think organizations are using it for anything mission critical at this point in time because of needing better safeguards and guardrails.”

Gelman and Morey — who met when they taught a course at MIT Sloan on sports analytics — grew Sloan it into such a behemoth in the sports world that it hosted former President Barack Obama as the keynote speaker in 2018, all while trying to stay true

while dozens of coal-fired plants have closed in recent years in the face of competition from cheaper natural gas. The Biden administration has committed to create a carbon pollutionfree power sector by 2035.

The EPA proposal could force power plants to capture smokestack emissions using a technology that has long been promised but is not used widely in the United States.

If finalized, the proposed regulation would mark the first time the federal government has restricted carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants, which generate about 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas pollution, second only to the transportation sector. The rule also would apply to future electric plants and would avoid up to 617 million metric tons of carbon dioxide through 2042, equivalent to annual emissions of 137 million passenger vehicles, the EPA said.

Almost all coal plants — along with large, frequently used gas-fired plants — would have to cut or capture nearly all their carbon dioxide emissions by 2038, the EPA said. Plants that cannot meet the new standards would be forced to shutter.

Much of the EPA plan is expected to be made final this spring and is likely to be challenged by industry groups and Republicanleaning states. They have accused the Democratic administration of overreach on environmental regulations and warn of a pending reliability crisis for the electric grid. The power plant

rule is one of at least a halfdozen EPA rules limiting power plant emissions and wastewater treatment.

The National Mining Association warned of "an onslaught" of government regulation "designed to shut down the coal fleet prematurely" when the EPA proposal was announced last year.

Regan has denied that the power plant rule is aimed at shutting down the coal sector, but acknowledged last year that, " we will see some coal retirements."

Coal provides about 20% of U.S. electricity, down from about 45% in 2010. Natural gas provides about 40% of U.S. electricity. The remainder comes from nuclear energy and renewables such as wind, solar and hydropower.

Peggy Shepard, cofounder and executive director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a New York-based group, said she was pleased that the concerns of environmental justice communities will be factored into EPA's rulemaking.

"The power sector is one of the top sources of carbon emissions and pollution,'' she said. "With this pause to take a deeper dive into developing the most comprehensive and thoughtful rulemaking for existing gas plants, we have an opportunity to do this work correctly and effectively to protect the human and environmental health of the most overburdened, neglected and vulnerable people across the country.''

The EPA's revised plan was first reported by Bloomberg News.

of sports analytics.

“There’s been an acceptance of analytics,” Gelman said, “but there’s still fear of it. I think people who want to understand it, they’re coming to the place where many analytics folks have kind of built their careers.”

Yes, analytics, a term that still draws derision from critics that haven’t fully grasped the statistical deep dive that has propelled numerous teams to championships — and changing sports from the field to the front office in ways not necessarily seen on the “Moneyball” big screen, such as through ticket purchases and fan engagement.

“Being mad about analytics is like being mad about gravity,” Morey said. “It’s the thing that pushes you toward winning, essentially. If the thing that pushes you toward winning, because of the rules, makes it more boring, that’s really nobody’s fault.”

Gelman, a minority partner in the Utah Royals of the National Women’s Soccer League, has played hardball with numbers since she earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and — after an overseas basketball career — worked for the Kraft family and the New England Patriots. She is the CEO of KAGR (Kraft Analytics Group) that uses data management and analytic approaches to engage customers and boost business operations for such companies as Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and the NCAA.

“I think that data analytics, from my view of the world, is mostly powerful and provides more information than not,” Gelman said. “I would say, selfishly, as a woman in the industry has really enabled me to have a different voice, a different perspective that’s maybe not just, this is what I think because I’ve been doing this a very long time.” Her rise as a power broker in strategic consulting and data management has been recognized across the sports landscape.

“If she didn’t work for the Krafts, I’d have her work for Fanatics,” Rubin said. “She’s super smart, super strategic, asks all the right questions and she has great relationship skills.”

Gelman said understanding analytics helps increase access for the often underrepresented populations in the industry. She said about 50% of the speakers last year at Sloan were women or minorities, a raised priority for the conference after it took some knocks in the past for its exorbitant ticket prices and male-dominated list of guests.

“I think it’s a passion for everyone who works on the conference,” Morey said. “It’s traditionally been very male. Actually, our minority is more gender than racial. Providing more opportunities for young women to break into sports analytics has been a big focus. We also look at racial diversity, as well, as a big focus. It used to be very, very, very — many very’s — percent men. Now, we’ve made a lot of progress there.”

ENVIRONMENTAL Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan waits for a speech by President Joe Biden about supply chain issues in the Indian Treaty Room on the White House complex in Washington, Nov. 27, 2023. The EPA said Feb. 29, 2024, it is delaying planned rules for existing natural gas plants that emit harmful air pollutants and contribute to global warming.

Photo:Andrew Harnik/AP

THIS March 2023 photo provided by the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference shows Sue Bird, center, posed with Jessica Gelman, left and Daryl Morley, right, after presenting Bird with the Lifetime Achievement Alpha Award at the 2023 Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston. Jessica Gelman has become an influential leader and innovator in the sports industry. She cofounded the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. She teamed with Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey to not only found Sloan, but guide it into the preeminent forum for numbercrunchers.

Photo:Jeff Pinette/AP to its roots as a leader in the role

Wall Street climbs to close another winning month with more records

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

U.S. stocks climbed to more all-time highs Thursday as Wall Street closed its latest winning month.

The S&P 500 rose 26.51 points, or 0.5%, to 5,096.27 to top its record set last week. The Nasdaq composite led the market with a gain of 144.18, or 0.9%, to 38,996.39 and surpassed its all-time high that had stood since 2021. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished just below its record set last week after rising 47.37 points, or 0.1%, to 38,996.39.

In the bond market, yields eased after a closely followed inflation report showed prices across the country rose pretty much as expected last month.

That calmed worries that had built on Wall Street that the inflation data could show a discomforting reacceleration. Earlier reports had shown prices rose more than expected in January at both the consumer and wholesale levels.

"While inflation was hotter than it's been in a while, it may be more of a flash in the pan than the start of something worse," said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.

Thursday's report kept intact hopes that the Federal Reserve may begin cutting interest rates in June. Such a move would

relax the pressure on the economy and boost investment prices, and the Fed has indicated several cuts may be coming this year. The Fed's main interest rate is sitting at its highest level since 2001 in hopes of grinding down inflation by dragging on the economy through more expensive mortgage and credit-card payments. Hopes for coming cuts to rates helped launch the U.S. stock market's big rally in late October, and the S&P 500 just closed its fourth straight winning month. Relief on rates, though, would come only if the Fed sees additional convincing data that inflation is sustainably heading down toward its target of 2%.

Traders have recently been pushing back forecasts for when the Fed may begin cutting rates. A series of strong reports on the economy have pushed expectations out from March. On Thursday, another report showed fewer U.S. workers filed for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. It's the latest signal of a remarkably resilient job market.

In the meantime, the hope is that a solid economy will fuel growth in profits for U.S. companies, even if it means a delay to rate cuts. Salesforce.com became one of the latest companies

to report better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected on Wednesday evening. The customer-resource management software company also said it plans to begin paying a quarterly dividend to its investors, but it gave a forecast for revenue this upcoming year that was a bit below analysts' expectations. Its stock climbed 3% after flipping between gains and losses in the morning. Hormel Foods led the S&P 500 with a 14.6% leap after it reported stronger profit and revenue than

expected. It cited broadbased growth across its brands, including Skippy peanut butter, Chi-Chi's salsa and Corn Nuts snacks. Nvidia climbed 1.9% to recover losses from a backto-back drop, a rare blip in what's been a monster run amid Wall Street's frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology. Because it's one of the biggest stocks on Wall Street, Nvidia was one of the strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. C3.ai jumped 24.5% after the software company reported a smaller loss

HUMANOID ROBOT-MAKER FIGURE PARTNERS WITH OPENAI AND GETS BACKING FROM JEFF BEZOS AND TECH GIANTS

By MATT O'BRIEN AP Technology Writer CHATGPT-maker

OpenAI is looking to fuse its artificial intelligence systems into the bodies of humanoid robots as part of a new deal with robotics startup Figure.

Sunnyvale, Californiabased Figure announced the partnership Thursday along with $675 million in venture capital funding from a group that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as well as Microsoft, chipmaker Nvidia and the startup-funding divisions of Intel and OpenAI.

Figure is less than two years old and doesn't have a commercial product but is persuading influential tech industry backers to support its vision of shipping billions of human-like robots to the world's workplaces and homes.

"If we can just get humanoids to do work that humans are not wanting to do because there's a shortfall of humans, we can sell millions of humanoids, billions maybe," Figure CEO Brett Adcock told The Associated Press last year.

For OpenAI, which dabbled in robotics research

before pivoting to a focus on the AI large language models that power ChatGPT, the partnership will "open up new possibilities for how robots can help in everyday life," said Peter Welinder, the San Francisco company's vice president of product and partnerships, in a written statement.

Financial terms of the deal between Figure and OpenAI weren't disclosed. The collaboration will have OpenAI building specialized AI models for Figure's humanoid robots, likely based on OpenAI's existing technology such as GPT language models, the image-generator DALL-E and the new video-generator Sora.

That will help "accelerate Figure's commercial timeline" by enabling its robots to "process and reason from language," according to Figure's announcement. The company announced in January an agreement with BMW to put its robots to work at a car plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but hadn't yet determined exactly how or when they would be used. Robotics experts differ on the usefulness of robots

shaped in human form.

Most robots employed in factory and warehouse tasks might have some animallike features — a robotic arm, finger-like grippers or even legs — but aren't truly humanoid. That's in part because it's taken decades for robotics engineers to develop robots that can walk effectively on two legs or reliably manipulate small objects.

Whitney Rockley, cofounder and managing partner of Toronto-based venture capital firm McRock Capital, said she understands the appeal of humanoids because they're relatable, evoking emotions and starting conversations.

In practice, however, she said they're still awkward and pose huge technical challenges, which is why she's sticking to investing in non-humanoid robots.

"We look at robotics and automation really practically and say, 'What kind of timeline are we willing to commit to in order to really see commercial liftoff and deployments and applications?'" Rockley said. "And

I think that the groups that are backing a lot of humanoid solutions right now,

they're in there for the long haul, which is great because you need that, but it's going to take decades upon decades."

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at a renewed interest in robotics in a podcast hosted by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and released early this year in which Altman said the company was starting to invest in promising robotics hardware platforms after having earlier abandoned its own research.

than analysts expected and stronger revenue. They helped offset a 5.4% drop for Bath & Body Works. The seller of fragrances, body lotion and three-wick candles reported better profit than expected, helped by a strong holiday season, but it said sales may weaken this upcoming year. Even though it nearly doubled analysts' fourthquarter profit projections, the cloud-computing company Snowflake tumbled 18.1% after a surprise announcement that CEO Frank Slootman was

retiring effective immediately. Slootman will be replaced by Sridhar Ramaswamy.

Chemours tumbled 31.5% after it put its CEO and two other top executives on administrative leave while the audit committee of its board conducts a review. The company said it needs more time to complete its year-end reporting process, and it delayed the release of its quarterly results, which was earlier planned for Wednesday.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.25% from 4.27% late Wednesday.

The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, dipped to 4.63% from 4.65%. It had been near 4.70% shortly before the morning's release of the inflation data.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 dipped 0.1% after data showed factory output falling in January at the fastest pace since May 2020, though retail sales were stronger than expected.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.2%, while stocks in Shanghai jumped 1.9%. The smaller index in Shenzhen surged even more after regulators released new measures to support markets including closer oversight of financial derivatives.

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AI engineer Jenna Reher works on humanoid robot Figure 01 at Figure AI’s test facility in Sunnyvale, Calif., Oct. 3, 2023. ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is looking to fuse its artificial intelligence systems into the bodies of humanoid robots as part of a new

HOW YOU CAN PROCURE IMPROVED COST SAVINGS

Every business providing goods and services must pay close attention to the sourcing of materials needed in the business process. Procurement involves every activity involved in obtaining the goods and services a company needs to support its daily operations, including sourcing, negotiating terms, purchasing items, receiving and inspecting goods as necessary, and keeping records of all the steps in the process. Procurement involves researching, selecting, ordering and paying for these raw materials required for ensuring the business succeeds. This week we focus on five tips for effective procurement:

Inland revenue ‘confident’ of hitting property tax goal

FROM PAGE A24

government’s overall revenue,” said Ms Strachan.

“As of the end of January, the department had collected just about $68m.

As of February, we have so far collected just over $95m. So by and large, we have another $100m to go if we are going to meet our target.

“There are 122,158 properties registered on our real property tax, 75,912 of those property owners have a zero balance. We’re at just about $900m in real property tax arrears, and we have more than 42,000 property owners that are in arrears with more than $500.”

She said that the owners of the properties listed for sale have 30 days to pay their tax bill in full and that the agency is no longer offering payment plans or amnesties to those persons.

She said: “Those property owners have been notified, so if they own properties, they’ve been notified, they’ve been given their 30 days notice.

“They have a 30-day span to come in, and to pay off their account. There are no payment plans, there are no more amnesties, all of those things are past and now we’re seeking to recover the full tax amount that is due on those accounts that are listed in the power of sale notice”

She said that the DIR is has shifted to more

National

aggressive means of collections to ensure that the meet their allotted targets.

Ms Strachan said that the DIR also plans to sell liens on properties that are in arrears and the investors that purchase those liens and sell the properties themselves.

She said: “We’re going to meet the target, and that’s really why we’ve moved to other avenues of collection. Previously, we were relying on collection initiatives like calling persons, writing persons. We’re done with amnesties now we’ve had so many of those. We’ve offered persons plans and easy payment plans and the like but now we’ve moved to more aggressive means of collecting, because we will make that target. We expect that we will make it.

“Power sale is just one thing that we’re going to utilise, it’s in the act, it’s always been in the act, it’s nothing new, it’s just that we didn’t use it before.

“We also plan to sell liens, that’s a new thing that’s never been done before. The plan is to put a group of properties that are in arears in a bucket and offer it for sale. You have investors who will be interested in purchasing the lien. In that case that investor who purchases the lien will purchase the rights that we would have had over that property to exercise certain things like the power of sale.”

debt up as spending rises faster than revenue growth

FROM PAGE A24

to $60m during the quarter with net purchases from government growing to $184.7m and net sales to commercial banks reducing to $100.4m.

“The seasonal reduction in external reserves moderated to $60.0 million or 2.3percent from $588.6 million or 18.4percent in 2022.

In the underlying developments, the Central Bank’s

net foreign currency sales decreased to $80.6m, from $376.1m in 2022,” said the Central Bank. “In particular, the net purchases from the Government advanced to $184.7m from $3.7m a year earlier. Further, the net foreign currency sales to the commercial banks reduced to $100.4m from $266.2m in the previous year. However, the net sales to public corporations mainly for fuel purchases extended to $164.9m from $113.6m in the preceding year.”

1. Hire a procurement specialist. Procurement is not the same thing as accounting. Hiring a procurement professional is one of the best investments you could make because it can keep you from losing money through your procurement department. A procurement professional evaluates vendors and conducts negotiations. Even if you are tied up with the wrong vendor in a longterm contract, they can help you renegotiate your deal and use good procurement practices to save money.

2. Streamline your procurement process. You need to streamline your procurement process and make it more transparent or automated. While you

might think that spending money on a procurement automation platform is only increasing your costs, choosing the right solution will help you save time and money in the long run.

3. Build strategic partnerships with suppliers There are many suppliers out there, but not all of them are a great fit for your company. Once you find a supplier you have a great relationship with, make sure you keep them close. Strategic partnerships get you opportunities to discuss your procurement needs and budget, and enable you to negotiate the price with suppliers.

4. Associate yourself with other companies to increase

buying power. A small business, which relies on technology, has improved its procurement process and has strong strategic partnerships with suppliers, can still fall short of optimal savings simply due to its relatively small size. Inevitably, small businesses have less purchasing power due to lower volumes. A solution to this challenge comes in the form of purchasing consortiums. Partnering with other small businesses can yield volume discounts and achieve savings.

5. Report on a regular basis. Providing reports on what you are spending on a quarterly basis will make your team more effective in finding ways for additional cost savings. For

example, reporting could reveal that you are buying office supplies from two different vendors, with the conclusion that it would make sense to consolidate into one vendor.

a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organisations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@ coralwave.com

PINTARD HITS OUT AT JDL AS OPERATIONS TO BEGIN

FROM PAGE A24

“We are excited to share that over the next 14 to 18 months, our facility will undergo major renovations and construction to elevate the standard of our cargo handling capabilities. Our vision is to offer a world-class air cargo facility that meets and exceeds the expectations of our clients and stakeholders.”

Last year, it was revealed that government planned to outsource LPIA freight terminal to private sector developers and operators. Documents accompanying the 2023-2024 Budget, in an annex detailing privatepublic partnerships (PPP), lay out the “justification to design, finance, build and operate a new air freight terminal”.

“The purpose of this proposal is for the government

to transfer the property consisting of the Air Freight Terminal to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) owned by the Government, and then to lease that property to JDL in order to design, finance, build and operate a new air freight terminal,” the Budget documents state.

A $25m deal was struck with JDL for the renovation of the cargo terminal and concerns have been raised that the company will implement a 40 cent per pound cargo fee.

Opposition leader Michael Pintard said that they are “distressed” that the government chose to hand over the management of airfreight to a company with “no track record”.

He said: “We are distressed to learn via a memorandum being circulated to Air Freight brokers and dealers that the Davis

administration has executed a deal to hand over the handling of airfreight coming into LPIA to a new company, JDL management - an entity with reportedly no track record whatsoever in operations of this nature.

“Worse, if the initial reports are true, the value of this contract is some $25m to be paid by an extra fee attached to every Bahamian bringing in any item shipped by air.”

Mr Pintard said that the Davis administration did not conduct the required bidding process before signing the deal with JDL and questioned how the private entity will work with customs personnel to ensure that goods are properly accounted for. He said: “As far as we are aware, there was no bidding for this work. Despite the massive sums that this

Court upholds order to pay former NIB director benefits

FROM PAGE A24

is entitled to retain the $25,684 Ms Bethel made in contributions via monthly salary deductions plus some $130,217 paid by the Office of the Prime Minister to “bridge” her pension.

The ruling also determined that NIB will pay Ms Bethel interest at the statutory rate from the date of judgment to the date of payment and the cost of her legal fees.

Justice Diane Stewart’s ruling last year, found that NIB “negligently misrepresented” to Ms Bethel that she could participate in its staff pension plan as “an inducement” to encourage her to sign a three-year contract to become its most senior executive in July 2013.

The verdict recorded how Ms Bethel “made clear” to ex-prime minister Perry Christie, and then-minister responsible for NIB, Shane Gibson, that taking the top job at the social security system depended on her receiving an NIB pension. However, it was only after she chose not to renew her contract - following “a breakdown in her relationship with key individuals at NIB” - that Ms Bethel was told she was not entitled to any pension payouts.

This was because the NIB pension scheme’s rules

stipulated that persons on a fixed-term contract such as Ms Bethel, who was formerly the Ministry of Finance’s in-house legal adviser, did not qualify for any pension entitlement. Ms Bethel, asserting that she was never informed of this prior to agreeing to become NIB’s chief executive, initiated legal action seeking damages for “breach of contract or, alternatively, misrepresentation” after she received no pension for seven years.

Justice Stewart, in finding for Ms Bethel, awarded her damages equivalent to the monthly $8,207 payment she had chosen to receive as pension benefits upon her departure.

Ms Bethel alleged that NIB made monthly $713.44 deductions from her salary as pension contributions after she signed a three-year deal to become its top executive on July 31, 2013. In March and April 2015, she was purportedly enrolled in the staff pension scheme that was managed by CFAL and provided with a pension account.

Enrollment in the scheme was said to have been critical because of a medical condition that Ms Bethel faced, and her need to financially plan for the future because of it. The pension was “a key reason for

her accepting employment with NIB, as it allowed her access to the scheme in order to meet anticipated medical care costs for the condition”, and this was made clear to all prior to her signing the contract.

Ms Bethel decided not to renew her initial three-year contract upon its expiry due to a combination of “deteriorating health” and breakdown in relationships with other key NIB staff. Her departure was mutually agreed, and she received a letter on July 13, 2016, saying her pension benefit was being calculated.

NIB then write to her again on September 20, 2016, giving her two choices by which to receive payment - a monthly $8,207 payment or a $282,913 initial lump sum followed by lower monthly payments of $6,616.

Ms Bethel chose the first but it was only after she wrote to NIB on October 22, 2016,

brand-new company will be paid, and even though it will undoubtedly inflate the cost for thousands of everyday Bahamians to bring in goods, not one Minister or other elected official has said anything about this looming multi-million dollar burden.

“Enquiring minds want to know: Will the government address how the Customs Department and other government agencies factor into the new and unfamiliar arrangement? Do they have an answer to the growing security concerns surrounding the cross-border movement of freight involving a private operator? Is this just another inconvenience that Bahamians will be expected to navigate without the full and complete picture?”

saying she had received no payments that she was informed her fixed-term contract made her ineligible for an NIB pension.

After the Minnis administration took office, Ms Bethel alleged she met twice with Brensil Rolle, the thennew NIB minister, in a bid to resolve the matter. She was told at the second meeting he had spoken to Father James Moultrie, NIB chairman during Ms Bethel’s tenure, and then-chair of the Public Service Commission, who “assured” she was entitled to an NIB pension and that he had given the necessary instructions for this.

NIB, though, rejected her claim and argued that she “accepts she is not eligible for participation in the pension plan”. Ms Bethel, though, argued that it was “a clear, factual warranty” that she was entitled to participate by virtue of clause 15 in her contract, which stipulated: “You are eligible for participation in the Board’s occupational pension plan.”

National debt up as spending rises faster than revenue growth

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Central Bank revealed yesterday that the national debt grew by $206m over the last quarter.

The regulator yesterday released its quarterly economic review as at December 2023 and revealed that during the first quarter of the new fiscal year the government’s deficit “widened marginally”.

Central Bank also noted that external reserves declined over the period in line with seasonal demands.

“Preliminary estimates revealed that during the first quarter of FY2023/2024, the government’s overall deficit widened marginally, vis-à-vis the comparative quarter of FY2022/2023,” the Central Bank said.

“Contributing to this outturn, the rise in aggregate expenditure outstripped the growth in total revenue.

By FAY SIMMONS

Budgetary financing was obtained largely from internal sources and included a combination of long and short-term debt

“Further, in line with the seasonal demand for foreign currency, external reserves declined over the review period, albeit a moderation vis-à-vis the same period last year.” The regulator said that government contingent liabilities reduced by $7.5m and the National Debt grew by $206m and the debt to GDP ratio decreased to 84.2 percent.

“The government’s contingent liabilities reduced by $7.5 million or 2.1percent over the quarter, and by $39.3m or 10.1percent, year-on-year, to $350.9m. As a result, the national debt which includes contingent liabilities grew by $206m or 1.8percent over the three-month period, and by $352.2m or 3.1percent on an annual basis, to $11,778.9m at end-2023;” the Central Bank report said.

“As a ratio to GDP, the Direct Charge decreased by an estimated 3.9 percentage points on a yearly basis, to 81.7 percent at

end-December. In addition, the national debt-to-GDP decreased to an estimated 84.2 percent, compared to 88.6 percent in 2022.

“For the quarter endedDecember 2023 the Direct Charge on government grew by $213.5m or 1.9 percent over the September quarter, and by $391.5m or 3.5 percent, on an annual basis to $11,428m. The end December breakdown by currency, revealed that Bahamian dollar debt represented 53.3 percent of the total, while

to begin

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Inland revenue ‘confident’ of hitting property tax goal

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter

SHUNDA

acting director, said the agency has collected $95m in real property tax as at February and is confident that they will reach the $195m target.

Speaking at the Office of the Prime Minister’s weekly press briefing yesterday, Ms Strachan said there are more than 42,000

property owners that have tax arrears greater than $500 that the agency has begun to execute its power of sale to collect the $900m in arrears owed by tax delinquents.

“In the 2023/2024 budget estimates for revenue, in particular real property tax, it is estimated that the Department of Inland Revenue should collect just over $195m in this fiscal period. That should represent about 5.9percent of the

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

IN A widely circulated memorandum yesterday, the chief operations officer of JDL Cargo Management said that effective February 19 the company was to commence operations within the Lyndon Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

The memorandum also advised operators they will be required to obtain an operational license within the next 14 days and that “major renovations and construction” will be done over the next 14 to 18 months.

“To ensure a seamless and efficient operation within our facility, each operator will be required to execute an operational licence within the next 14 days. This licence is pivotal for granting access and use of the facility under the governance of established guidelines and protocols,” the memorandum said.

“It is designed to maintain the highest standards of service, security, and safety for all stakeholders. It will cover information related to insurance and deposit requirements (where applicable), tariffs, waste management and the operation of heavy machinery inside an outside of the facility.

SEE