03042024 NEWS AND SPORT

FEARS O F BPL

PRIVATISATION

Unions and FNM raise concerns at possible PPP deals

By RASHAD ROLLE AND LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporters

CONFLICT looms over the future of Bahamas Power and Light as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis vows reforms and

head of the Baha-

Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) pledges resistance.

Concrete information about the Davis administration’s intentions is elusive, but Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard claimed yesterday that the government plans to privatise the utility company. He claimed during a press conference that

CABINET STILL CONSIDERING AMENDMENTS TO N ATIONALITY AC T

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

AS many mark March as Women’s Month, it remains unclear when the Davis administration will amend the law to equalise citizenship access for men and women, although Prime Minister Philip “Brave”

Davis said yesterday that Cabinet is reviewing amendments from the Office of the Attorney General. “The attorney general has brought to Cabinet some of the steps that we are considering, and Cabinet is still considering those amendments,”

After unprecedented murder numbers in January, rate slows in February

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News

Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

AFTER an unprecedented start to the year, the murder rate dropped significantly last month, though

the country still recorded 29 per cent more killings than it did in February 2023. Seven people were murdered in February 2023 compared to nine last month. Thirty have been murdered this year.

Police and Davis administration officials have stressed that most killings have been retaliatory, not random. Dismantling gangs is part

Plans to remove Potter’s cay derelict boats

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell says plans are underway for the removal of derelict boats from Potter’s Cay Dock, stressing that the boats are a safety hazard.

Mr Campbell said on Friday that there have been

A $200K HELPING HAND

ongoing conversations about the redevelopment of Potter’s Cay Dock. His comments came after a fire on Monday destroyed five vessels at the dock. Asked about the investigation into the fire, Mr Campbell told reporters that the investigation was still active. He said several

A $200k helping hand from Atlantis

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of the donations included the Caribbean Bottle Company, ZAMAR Group, and Soil Limited, which each donated $25,000.

“We’re proud of the role we’ve played and will continue to play in the health, growth, and prosperity of the most beautiful welcoming place on earth,” said Audrey Oswell, Atlantis’ president.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis recalled how transformational it was when Atlantis Royal Towers opened in 1998.

“It was an inspiring and glamorous occasion,” he said. “Bahamians enjoyed the new opportunities.”

“Celebrities flocked to our shores to share in the excitement. And the Atlantis brand paved the way for what would be a new era for tourism in The Bahamas. If there were any doubts before, this new development, which was the region’s largest hospitality property at the time, signalled to the world that we were establishing ourselves as a global tourism mecca. Paradise Island itself was completely transformed.”

Roodolph Meo, divisional commander of the Salvation Army Bahamas and Turks and Caicos said the $55,000 donation will give much-needed relief to the organisation.

“Since COVID, we have been hit very hard,” he said. “This donation is very helpful and comes in at the right time when we are just recovering from COVID and all the demands that are increasing daily at our services.”

Bahamas National Trust executive director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle said the donation would help the organisation manage the national parks.

MAJOR Roodolph Meo (left of Prime Minister Davis) accepts a donation on behalf of The Salvation Army during a charity event at Atlantis in celebration of The Royal’s 25th anniversary held at Cafe Martinique yesterday. Photos: Dante Carrer

Fears of BPL privatisation

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responsibility for power generation will be given to a company “known to this administration very well, and some would go as far as to say, is headed by an ardent supporter of the Progressive Liberal Party”.

He also claimed the government is talking to another company about taking over the transmission and distribution side of BPL.

“It appears to be privatisation, that if you take your entire generation component and you make that available to another company to execute and you take your transmission and distribution and turn that over to another company, it appears the reason for your existence has been made available for somebody else to execute on your behalf,” he said.

Mr Pintard, who spoke about the deal as though it has already been settled, asked how the arrangement could reach this point without competitive bidding. He complained that the administration had not engaged local stakeholders about plans that have likely been in the works for months.

“Who will ultimately own

the assets in this reconfiguration?” he asked.

Mr Davis denied the privatisation claim.

“We will bring in some strategic partners for the purposes of being able to find the necessary funding that we, the government, don’t have to arrest some of the issues that we have, and it’s a lot of money that’s required to fix BPL, and we have to find an innovative and creative way to get that done,” he told reporters after an event at Atlantis.

In a letter yesterday, BEWU president Kyle Wilson expressed disapproval of the administration’s efforts to reform BPL, calling it an egregious decision “that strips Bahamians of ownership opportunities and undermines job stability for Bahamians, which dilutes the sovereignty of our nation”.

Mr Wilson told The Tribune that the proposed deal is expected to be rolled out within three months and have an 18-month closeout period.

Although Mr Davis met BEWU, Electricity Utility Managerial Union (BEMU) and Trade Union Congress (TUC)

executives on Saturday to assure them that staff will be secured and all industrial agreements will be honoured, Mr Wilson said he believes the proposal will put union members at risk.

“No one give me a paper to show me nothing, to show what they saying is true,” he said. “How do I know it’s true, man? I ain’t born this big man, and I don’t have two long ears and a long tail.”

Mr Davis met union officials after Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis met Mr Wilson and others two weeks ago.

He said officials told him the deal involves a company called “Pike”, though he had no further details.

Pike Electric Company, a company based in the United States, previously expressed interest in a transmission and distribution contract. According to its website, it “specialises in the engineering, construction, maintenance and upgrade of transmission, distribution and substation infrastructure”.

Mr Wilson suggested the administration’s ambitions are broader than when the Christie administration contracted PowerSecure

Plans to remove Potter’s Cay derelict boats under way

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell says plans are underway for the removal of derelict boats from Potter’s Cay Dock, stressing that the boats are a safety hazard.

Mr Campbell said on Friday that there have been ongoing conversations about the redevelopment of Potter’s Cay Dock. His comments came after a fire on Monday destroyed five vessels at the dock.

Asked about the investigation into the fire, Mr Campbell told reporters that the investigation was still active. He said several factors could have contributed to the start of the fire. “Luckily in the fire that took place there was no loss or injuries of anybody,” Mr Campbell said on the sideline of an event

where the Chinese Embassy donated produce to his Centreville constituency.

“But it just goes to highlight the fact that we do have a pressing issue with boats. People go on those derelict vessels they sleep there in the nighttime. They use them as a sort of makeshift home, sometimes using candles or lanterns. Any number of things could have contributed to that.”

The number of abandoned boats at Potter’s Cay Dock has been a longstanding concern. Many have complained the boat is a safety hazard to the environment and has become an eyesore.

Last week, Ornanique Bowe, president of the Potter’s Cay Dock Fish, Fruit and Vegetable Vendors Association, believed Monday’s fire was caused by derelict boats in the area.

Mr Campbell said the first step in removing the derelict vessels is determining

which vessels are seaworthy at the dock. He explained he wants to allow boat owners to redeem their boats themselves before officials have to take action to remove them.

He added that he intends to meet next week with Acting Port Controller Berne Wright to address the longstanding concerns of derelict vessels at Potter’s Cay. “The first thing is to determine whether or not any of them are seaworthy. And then if they aren’t we want to move them out of that area because not only does it pose a risk in terms of the health and safety to the persons, but could you imagine the marine life,” he said. “So, we have to do everything in our power to ensure the health and wellness of humans and the animals.”

Two separate fires in November and December of 2023 resulted in the loss of three vessels and three stalls at Potter’s Cay Dock.

to manage BPL in 2016, an arrangement the Minnis administration cancelled in 2017.

“Now you telling me you splitting up the company

into different entities and one set of company have it one way,” he said. “They ain’ managing. They taking over. They call it a partnership but they ain managing

the Bahamian people, they taking over the assets. They taking over generation. They bringing in they own generators. They bringing in their own people.”

AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell says plans are under way to remove derelict boats from Potter’s Cay dock.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Davis: Cabinet still considering amendments to Nationality Act

from page one

he told reporters.

His wife, meanwhile, said she wants to see the laws changed.

“I want to see the equality laws improved, definitely, which

will be the epitome of inclusion,” Ann Marie Davis said after Atlantis’ Royal 25 Anniversary charity luncheon.

Last year, the Privy Council affirmed that people born out of wedlock to Bahamian men are

Bahamians at birth regardless of their mother’s nationality. However, children born outside of the country to a Bahamian woman and a foreign father are not automatically granted Bahamian citizenship. Bahamian

women also do not have the same rights as men in getting citizenship for their foreign spouse.

“We have to correct that,”

Mr Davis said in December.

“Wherever inequality and

equities exist, it is my mission to ensure they are eliminated, and so what is necessary to eliminate all inequalities amongst our citizenry will happen. That too will be part of our legislative agenda.”

PM says there is ‘some misinterpretation of allocation of funds’ for $100k travel expenses

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said criticism of how his administration used $100,000 in travel expenses before last year’s by-election was the result of “some misinterpretation of allocation of funds”.

According to the midyear budget performance book, a $50,000 allocation dated November 29, 2023, was for “prime minister and delegation travel to the Family Islands”. Another $50,000 allocation, dated December 4, 2023, was for “per diem and accommodations for PM and delegation travel to the Family Islands”.

Mr Davis told reporters yesterday he would not speak about the matter,

but said more may come out about it during the mid-term budget debate, which begins this week.

“I mean, who are they to accuse me of such things?” he asked, referring to the FNM.

FNM leader Michael Pintard has called on the police and the Office of the Auditor General to investigate how public funds and resources were used in the lead-up to last year’s by-election.

The Office of the Prime Minister dismissed criticism of the travel expenses last week, saying: “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.”

“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? Who precisely would that have served? This attempt to generate controversy defies common sense.”

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and his wife Ann Marie Davis at the Atlantis non-profit donation event yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS

After unprecedented murder numbers in January, rate slows in February

from page one

of the government’s plan to curb the killings.

However, the longpromised anti-gang legislation has still not been released.

In January, National Security Minister Wayne

Munroe said proving someone is a gang member is challenging. He said: “The starting issue is this: How do you prove someone’s in a gang? There’s issues about the burden of proof. One of the most vexing things is your relationships are

often known by the person themselves who are in a relationship.”

On February 3, a man on bail charged with illegal firearm possession was gunned down in Yamacraw.

MINISTRY OF WORKS INVESTIGATES NEW SHANTY BUILDINGS ON GLADSTONE ROAD

On February 4, a man was shot and killed near Matthew Street, Nassau Village. The next day, a man was killed on Providence Avenue off Boyd Road.

POLICE on the scene of a murder on Hospital Lane in January.

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Works is investigating a developing shanty town in Gladstone Road, according to building control officer Craig Delancy.

The Tribune visited the emerging community, located in bushes behind residents’ homes, on Friday.

Several wooden structures, water bottles, cooking pots, piles of wood, and wild chickens were present. Only two people were observed.

“I don’t think anyone would like to have an unregulated community next door to them where they’re not disposing of sanitation waste properly. They don’t have building permits,” Mr Delancy said.

The government has demolished structures in three shanty towns in New Providence –– Kool Acres, All Saints Way, and Area 52. It is not clear where the displaced residents have gone. “We’ve been asking them to try to locate homes in regulated areas and not just go willy-nilly finding another spot. It’s still

illegal,” Mr Delancy said. “So that’s why we’re asking them to please go into regulated areas.”

He said residents shouldn’t fear that shanty towns will be built in their neighbourhoods.

In an interview with Eyewitness News last week, Gladstone Road residents complained after noticing smoke coming from the back of their yards.

One woman told Eyewitness News that after seeing the smoke, they suspected a new shanty town was being

built because they “would see a lot of Haitians going in the back” despite high bushes and trees.

When residents cut down the trees, they discovered the developing shanty town.

One male resident complained there was a foul stench in the area. He said the smell got so bad that neighbours closed their windows for months.

“I clearing it down because like Pindling say, if you don’t fight for your land, strangers will take it,” he said.

Another man was shot dead on Cambridge Lane

on February 6. On February 19, a 15-year-old boy was killed on First Street.

On February 25, a man was shot and killed through Wilson Track and

Cordeaux Avenue. A man was shot dead at a nightclub on Harbour Island the next day. A double homicide of two teenage boys also occurred on February 26.

THE EMBASSY of The People’s Republic of China donated produce to Agriculture and Marine Resources Minster and Centerville MP Jomo Campbell for his consistency on Friday. Pictured sampling the donated produce on the right: Michael Toote pastor of the Centreville Seventh Day Adventist Church, centre: Centreville MP Jomo Campbell and left: Chinese Ambassador Dai Qingli.

Photo: Moise Amisial

More details needed for proposed PPP with BPL

shake-up of Bahamas Power and Light.

In fact, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson was in no uncertain terms when he said: “We’re not going to allow another BTC to happen, another Wartsila to happen, we are saying no in its entireity.”

It is fair to say the suggestion of some form of private public partnership (PPP) at BPL is not being welcomed with open arms.

The suggestion is that in the coming months, BPL will sign two PPP agreements, one for power generation and the other for transmission and distribution. This will leave what is left of the company to handle such things as customer service and sending bills.

Concerns have already been raised that if the power generation is stripped out, and the network of cables and power distribution is also farmed off, what does the company have left in the way of assets?

We do not yet know the shape of the deal, whether it will be outright ownership or a management agreement, but already BPL workers are uneasy, to say the least. One company, Pike Corporation, is already being mentioned. Its chairman, Eric Pike, is connected to the Jack’s Bay development of Sir Franklyn Wilson.

FNM leader Michael Pintard has also added his voice to those raising concerns – notably asking who will own the assets and how such a deal can have gone so far already without being put out to a public bidding process.

Three months out from the deal, Mr Wilson meanwhile says that officials “refuse to turn over any documentation”, adding: “We don’t believe that it’s done in accordance with the various laws and acts that govern electricity and national assets. We have not heard from URCA, we do not know what’s going on and you’re telling me in three months you’re just going to put the assets of Bahamians into foreign hands.

“These entities were put about by the visionaries and forefathers to be people driven, now they are being profit driven. So we are saying no.”

There was also criticism yesterday when the Minister of Energy, JoBeth ColebyDavis, addressed the speculation about the deal – by posting on social media about it.

Heaven forbid that a minister make a statement about an issue that affects a sizeable number of workers in a forum where follow-up questions could be asked, rather than vague, bite-size, bland posts on Twitter.

The Office of the Prime Minister also issued a statement saying that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis had met union representatives. The statement said there would be no layoffs and that agreements and worker benefits would be kept.

Notably, the statement said that the sector is to undergo a “much needed change”.

Few would disagree with the need for change at BPL. Year after year, it has been a source of frustration, between power cuts and, last year particularly, eye watering bills to pay to keep the lights on.

The political wrangling over BTC will come back to haunt this process –with comments made back during that deal likely to resurface for a number of politicians.

That can hold true for the Opposition too – who will be asked if they supported BTC then why would they not support a similar process for BPL.

What concerns most at this stage is how clouded the process already is. With only a few months until the deal, it would appear to be signed, sealed and delivered rather than being conducted with an open process.

For BPL staff, the concerns will be whether their jobs are safe and their deals will be honoured.

For BPL customers, they will want to know if such a deal will make the supply of electricity more dependable and cheaper. Private companies will want to make a profit, though, on top of the costs already having to be borne.

The government is going to need to reveal much, much more if it is to convince people that this will be to everyone’s benefit rather than for the pockets of a few. And if the process is as far along as it seems, they had best reveal that now.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

HEY little brother do you remember me? We met at this same bus stop several years ago while you were on your way to school.

Do you remember our conversation when you told me why you are not a part of any gangs? About how hard your mom, a single parent, works to take care of you and your siblings. And you were more afraid of her than any gang members.

You told me how it would break her heart if you let her down by becoming a gang member.

Remember what you said about the dream you had about your Grammy? How she is in heaven watching over your mom and her children.

About how she is bragging to the angels about what a great-grandson you are turning out to be.

It’s been almost five years since we had our conversation that day.

But I can see you are still holding on to your promise to your mom and your Grammy.

Hey, look at you, you have your little brother and sister with you, and from the way

things are looking, you are growing them up the way your mom brought you up. In the last couple of weeks, several youths have been murdered, gunned down in the streets. A sixteen and seventeen-year-old (about your age) were killed at the same time. My mind ran across you because I have been praying for you every day since we met. And here you are standing in front of me. Beaming, you are a work in progress. Great things lie ahead for you. So to help your mom out you are working after school as a packing boy at one of the food stores. She drops you off and picks you up to and from work each day. Sounds good to me.

But that does not mean you do not have your challenges. Almost every day you are being enticed to become a gang member. But it does not stop there because every so often you are picked on. All around you, there is mayhem with guys carrying weapons fighting and cursing.

Yep, I can understand

what you are going through, the whole nation can.

And we are praying for you. Just three weeks ago the Prime Minister declared a national day of prayer. It was all about you.

Stay strong, stay positive.

You are amazing.

So you plan on working in the hotel when you graduate, but what about college? Don’t you want to go to college? Ok, you will work at day and go to UB at night.

You plan on being the first in your family to graduate from college.

Hey, baby brother, you are in a storm, and all around you the water is raging. But you reached this far on the wings of your mom and with God’s help, you will be a beacon for your siblings.

God is on your side.

Oh, oh here comes your bus. Stay strong and remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you and if God is with you who can be against you?

You are going to make it and others will follow.

God bless our youth.

God bless the Bahamas.

EDITOR, The Tribune. `

EACH February is Black History Month in the United States. This is the month Americans reflect on the significant contributions of African Americans and the struggle for equality, from the Civil War era to the civil rights movement in the twentieth century.

Recently, it was brought to my knowledge that the late Baptist preacher Jerry Falwell, Sr, was actively engaged in fighting against adherents of the civil rights movement and Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. When the federal government under President Ronald Reagan declared that every third Monday of the month of January would be Martin Luther King Day, Falwell was adamant in his opposition to honouring the fallen civil rights icon with a national holiday. I had always admired Falwell for his conservative and evangelical ideas. I didn’t know that he founded Lynchburg Christian Academy as a segregated private school, in his opposition to the Supreme Court Brown vs the Board of Education ruling in 1954. While Lynchburg Christian Academy would accept ethnic minorities two years after its founding, it is deeply troubling to this writer that the founder of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Liberty University and the Moral Majority was prejudiced against Blacks.

It is also deeply unsettling to this writer that iconic individuals within the evangelical community in North America, such as J Gresham Machem, John R Rice and Lewis Sperry Chafer of Dallas Theological Seminary, may have also harboured racist views towards ethnic minorities.

I understand that prominent African American Pastor Tony Evans was not allowed to enroll at Dallas Theological Seminary because of the colour of his skin in the 1970s. Whatever one’s views are regarding King and his theology, no one within the evangelical community can deny with a straight face that his contributions to the US are seminal. This is a sobering fact that even the Southern Baptist Convention has begrudgingly accepted. I think we as Black Bahamians can learn from this development regarding the prejudices we hold for the defunct United Bahamian Party and Sir Stafford Sands. Black Bahamians must accept the historical fact that it was Sands who was the architect of the financial services sector and tourism -- economic pillars

of the modern Bahamas that we as Black Bahamians rely on. Indeed, Sir Stafford is the father of tourism. Period. End of discussion.

It is not Sir Clement T Maynard, as claimed in his well-written 2007 memoir “Put On More Speed”. While no one can deny that Sir Clement made significant contributions towards enhancing the tourism sector, it would be a classic case of historical revisionism to state that he is the father of modern tourism. Maybe by adding the qualifier “modern” to the word tourism, historical revisionists are attempting to distinguish the tourism model Sands implemented from the one Maynard tinkered with. This cannot work for the simple reason that both Sands and Maynard were contemporaries. Maynard was born in 1928, which was just 15 years after Sands’ birth in 1913 in Nassau. Moreover, when Sands died in England in 1972 at age 58, Maynard was about 44 years-old. Both were actively involved in frontline politics during the 1960s. Therefore it is disingenuous to label Sir Clement the father of “modern” tourism. The tourism we see today is the model Sir Stafford crafted in the 1940s and 1950s. It was Sands who transformed the once seasonal tourism industry into a year-round industry. And no one can state with a straight face that Sir Milo B Butler is the father of finance as one former Cabinet minister claimed a few years ago. That distinction belongs to Sir Stafford, who is also credited for overseeing the transition from the British shillings and pounds to dollars and cents in the 1960s as finance minister. I had chosen to preface this opinion piece with the documented views of certain White evangelicals regarding King because I see a correlation between that and the attitudes of certain prominent Bahamian clergymen towards the UBP and Sands.

A Brethren pastor from a Family Island was furious that a young mother had sent her kids to church donning Free National Movement T-shirts shortly after the 1982 general election. The kids were sent home. The pastor was a dyed-in-the-wool Progressive Liberal Party supporter. Coincidentally, that was the year PLP

writer Michael A Symonette published his The New Bahamians. Symonette mentioned the UBP elements within the FNM. Most Bahamians back then were extremely hostile towards the FNM because they saw it as party fronting for the UBP. In addition to the aforementioned Brethren pastor, this writer recalls the deeply disparaging remarks expressed by a Church of God of Prophecy pastor about the FNM leadership of the 1970s and 1980s. I also recall similar views expressed by a Holiness church preacher. According to her, a vote for the FNM would be a vote for UBP elements. Bahamians would recall the ruckus caused by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham when he announced that Sir Stafford’s image would be placed on the $10 banknote in 2000. This move was vociferously opposed by the then Opposition PLP. This move reminds me of Falwell’s opposition to MLK Day.

When the PLP achieved majority rule on January 10, 1967, Sir Stafford would resign from the House of Assembly as Nassau City MP and relocate to Spain. According to Bahamianology, Sir Stafford sold his City Markets franchise to Winn Dixie in 1967. The former UBP Cabinet Minister was a successful businessman and attorney who would represent Wallace Groves, the founder of Freeport. It was Sir Stafford and the UBP who played massive roles in the crafting of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. He would also oversee the introduction of casino gambling to The Bahamas -- a move the PLP, owing to its pandering to the Baptist Church, would oppose. The PLP would then have a change of heart once in the government, much to the annoyance and disillusionment of Carlton Francis, who would serve as finance Minister in the Cabinet of Sir Lynden O Pindling from 1967 to 1973. Was Sands a racist? According to the late PLP MP Edmund, he wasn’t. While we may not agree with his sore loser attitude after losing to the PLP, it would be unethical of educational and political stakeholders to continue perpetuating the myth that finance and tourism were established by individuals other than Sir Stafford Sands. We may not like him, but he’s an integral part of Bahamian history.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama. February 25, 2024.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaks with Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of Atlantis during a charity event at Atlantis in celebration of The Royal’s 25th anniversary held at Cafe Martinique yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Abaco hurricane shelter scheduled for November completion despite some delays

THE new Hurricane Shelter and Community Centre, currently under construction in Central Pines, Abaco, is scheduled to be fully completed by November 2024 despite some inherited delays.

Contractors add that the dual Shelter/Community Centre, which is anticipated to be a prototype for the future design and construction of shelters in The Bahamas, will have an “occupied date” of early summer, meaning that the facility should be available to host those persons requiring assistance at that time, if the need arises. This is good news as the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ccontinues through November 30. Abaconians, however, will continue to have access to a number of other approved shelters throughout the island, and not have to rely on the prototype alone.

Disaster Risk Management officials further say the dual Hurricane Shelter and Community Centre will be “one of a kind” in

the region in terms of its construction and design.

The building is being constructed under “a new building code,” that calls for its structure – doors, window, roof - to withstand hurricane force winds of up to 250 miles per hour (Category 5 Hurricane and higher).

Its mechanical systems are designed to accommodate diverse loads, including an industrial kitchen, communication systems, air-conditioning system, male and female bathrooms and showers, office spaces for emergency personnel, in addition to storage areas.

Standby generators to ensure continuity with communications, water, sewerage, air-conditioning, refrigeration, safety and security, will be installed in order to mitigate the impacts of disruptions in power.

A ramp, not included in the original design, was added to allow persons with disabilities and the elderly –– considered two of the more vulnerable

population sectors, particularly during natural disasters such as tropical storms and/or hurricanes –– easy frontal access to the facility under the protection of a canopy.

“Construction is going very well, particularly now that we are back on schedule,” said Chris Symonette, Project Manager. “We had lost almost a year due to some faults that we found in the ground, and in the foundation, we met in place when we assumed responsibility for the project. These corrective measures took us about nine months to resolve.

“The building is one of a kind in the region. As a matter of fact, this will be the first 250 miles-per-hour hurricane shelter design in The Bahamas. We had to exceed the ratings while ensuring that we have redundancy upon redundancy,” Mr Symonette added.

Raeh Williams, a director with Wilkem Solutions, a Bahamian-owned entity that specializes in

development, civil works and waste management, among other services, said the construction team has been “pushing every day” to ensure that they meet the projected dates. The company took over construction operations a little over one year ago. “We met a lot of

challenges that were a real test of our skill and tenacity because there were caves, holes and a lot of other issues that basically caused us to have to perform a lot of corrective work to get us where we are today,” he said. “The scheduled completion date is November 2024, but we

are anticipating having an occupied completion by June/July which is right at the beginning of the Hurricane Season so that if there is some need to use the shelter, it will be available. That is our push and we are pushing every day to make sure that we stick to that.”

NORTH Abaco MP Kirk Cornish, Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder and Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis inspected progress at the Abaco hurricane shelter currently under construction.

Photo: BIS

Promise of Haiti election good - if it can happen

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

IS Haiti finally seeing some progress? The news that Prime Minister Ariel Henry has agreed to hold general elections is either a positive sign – or a concession to pressure at both home and abroad.

A quick reminder – Ariel Henry is a prime minister without a mandate. He was not elected, he has not presented a platform to the people, and there is not a single elected official still in office in the country.

The country has been torn apart by gangs – and continues to see gangs control vast areas of the country, both in territory and major road routes, while the only official organisation standing between them and completely overrunning the country is a police force that is short in numbers and facing daily danger just to do their jobs.

In that sense, a move towards general elections is essential – though it is an open question how soon such a goal would be achievable.

Mr Henry has given himself time – both practically and politically. The election date is to be some time in 2025, giving a full year at least to try to make it possible. Putting the election tentatively on the calendar stops some of the pressure Mr Henry is facing as a result of the repeated calls to carry out a vote, and restore democratically elected representatives to Haiti to restore the processes of society.

All of this comes if it can be made to happen. And that if is a big one.

The news of the election promise came at a CARICOM gathering, at which our own Prime Minister, Philip “Brave” Davis, summed up the situation

in Haiti as “truly terrible”, adding: “Haiti is haemorrhaging … we are deeply concerned about the continued deterioration of the security situation.”

The next step will be a meeting in Jamaica of Haitian stakeholders – but barriers remain to actually carry out efforts to move to an election.

There has long been talk of a multinational force –including Bahamian troops – to go to Haiti to help

quash the gang violence in the country.

That talk has seemed to focus little on what our troops would actually do, while some might argue that if The Bahamas is struggling to stop its own gang violence, what will our troops be able to do over there on unfamiliar territory.

The multinational force is facing its own difficulties too – it was due to be led by Kenya, which agreed

to send police officers to Haiti only to run into a constitutional challenge over whether it is legal or not for the country to deploy police outside of its own borders.

On Thursday of last week, Mr Henry flew to Kenya to try to salvage that plan – which would see 1,000 Kenyan police officers deployed.

Simply flying to Kenya isn’t going to solve anything on its own. Mr Henry was apparently there at

the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto to finalise agreements for the deployment – but Mr Henry’s presence frankly should not make an impact on the decision of the courts. They ought to be deciding whether the matter is or is not constitutional – the visit of a foreign leader should not change that. There is substantial opposition to the Kenyan deployment, with an opposition leader there arguing that the prime minister lacks the legitimacy to sign such a deal, and the police officers are needed at home anyway to deal with extremists linked to al Qaida and high crime rates.

For many of us on the outside, it also seems as if some of the big players are taking something of a back seat.

Why is Kenya the one at the front, especially if it has constitutional difficulties following through?

Should those thousand officers be the ones leading the way, or should nations such as the US, the UK, France or Canada be taking point?

Haiti has a measure of distrust to overcome when it comes to foreign intervention too – a United Nations mission has been blamed for a cholera outbreak in the 2010s that led to nearly 800,000 being infected and more than 9,000 dying.

A United Nations team along with others from the US and Canada will be created to help Haiti prepare for those hoped-for elections.

CARICOM meanwhile has issued a statement,

saying: “CARICOM heads expressed their deep concern over the continued deterioration of the security, humanitarian and political situation and the continued delay in overcoming the political stalemate, which have blocked the possibility of free and fair elections.

“CARICOM heads underlined the critical and immediate need for a clear political path forward which should be participatory and inclusive.”

There are a few simple things to say. Haiti needs intervention of some sort. It is clearly struggling to find its own path unaided. At present, its democracy is, at best, suspended. Further delays could see it tilt towards dictatorship with whoever seizes control long term.

The Haitian people deserve better than that. The Haitian people deserve to have a chance to choose their leaders.

CARICOM has its own self-interest in this situation too. Anarchy in Haiti will only contribute to greater numbers of migrants, and an open sore of crime and smuggling of guns, drugs and people to affect the region.

The promise of new elections is only welcome if they can be achieved. If it is nothing more than putting down a marker to give the current prime minister more time without reaching the stated goal, it will leave Haiti no better.

Haiti needs deliverance from the chaos that has long affected its society. But how we get there is still unknown.

A DEMONSTRATOR holds up an Haitian flag during protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

WORLD OBESITY DAY Choose healthy eating and lifestyle practices

By DR BRITTNEY JONES Pan-American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO /WHO)

FOOD is an integral part of Bahamian culture. Families and friends often gather for lavish Sunday dinners, holidays, birthdays, graduations, other social occasions.

But often amidst the festivities, little thought is given to how the food we eat, and the ingredients used to prepare meals could have a harmful impact on our lives.

The foods that make it on to our plates are often high in salt, sugar and fat, which makes for an unhealthy diet. Coupled with sedentary lifestyles, poor diets and insufficient physical activity are the perfect recipe for obesity.

Obesity is a major public health issue across all ages.

According to The Bahamas 2019 STEPS Survey, 72 percent of adults were overweight and 44 percent obese. It underscores the fact that The Bahamas is among the countries with the highest occurrence of obesity in the Region of the Americas. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the Americas, having almost tripled since 1975. Additionally, in the Caribbean, one in three children are living with overweight or obesity.

Consider the daily morning commute to work. It is not uncommon to see children eating salty snacks and sugary beverages on their way to school. While this practice may seem harmless or convenient, it could have a negative impact on children’s overall health, academic performance and quality of life. More concerning is that children who are obese are more likely to continue unhealthy eating habits and become adults

who are obese.

Obesity, which is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the human body is one of the main risk factors for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and stroke, as well as several types of cancer. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in The Bahamas which make the fight against obesity an urgent one.

Monday, March 4, is being observed by the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) as World Obesity Day, and all people are encouraged to consider how their lifestyle choices around food and physical activity impact their chances of having healthier bodies and living longer.

“Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, reducing the consumption of sugary, salty and fatty foods and beverages, and increasing physical activity are critical to achieving a healthy weight and quality life. Obesity is a health condition that requires a multi-dimensional set of actions to support and sustain healthy lifestyle changes” said Dr Brittney Jones, PAHO/WHO technical officer for noncommunicable diseases, risk factors and mental health. The fight against obesity goes beyond eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Practices such as managing stressful life events; increasing the duration of quality sleep; and paying attention to food labels to avoid high salt, sugar and fats in foods are some of the things that people of any age can do to fight against obesity in their lives.

In addition to the physical

NOTICE

Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of March 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that

JALOMEY GENEVE PINNOCK BROOKS of P.O Box CR-55750

Carmichael Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying

health impacts of obesity, there is also a social impact. Weight discrimination and stigma can also have significant negative consequences, making it critical for people struggling with obesity to be well supported with compassion on their weight loss journey.

To curb obesity, we must all get involved in individual and collective healthy lifestyle practices. Whether taking the stairs instead of the elevator, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into traditional dishes, swapping fried foods for baked or boiled foods, reducing the sugar and salt in favourite recipes, introducing fitness breaks during work meetings, or starting a walking club in communities, these little habits can make a big difference. Children are also encouraged to develop healthy habits like joining adults on the afternoon walks, preparing healthy meals, and getting routine health checkups.

World Obesity Day is observed at the beginning of March each year and provides an opportunity to set new health goals, or to recommit to the health goals set at the beginning of the year.

PAHO/WHO is actively engaged in raising awareness and supporting The Bahamas and other countries in the region with implementing effective strategies, and interventions to prevent and combat obesity. The perfect recipe to fight against obesity is in partnerships among individuals, communities, governments and other stakeholders to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. We are all encouraged to organise and engage in initiatives that support healthier cooking and eating habits, and active lifestyles.

AN AD from PAHO highlighting health labls for food items.

The geographic and economic roots of our crime problem

By TIMOTHY ROBERT S

ALL people are created equal in the sight of our maker; equal in dignity and value. This is an unquestioned value espoused by most of western society and often enshrined in the constitution.

However, we are not all born equal – we, through no fault or effort of our own, find ourselves placed in this world either in riches or poverty; in comfort or in misery; in ease or in struggle.

And these conditions we find ourselves in play an enormous role in shaping our lives in negative and positive ways.

As we consider the crime and violence issues we face in The Bahamas it is imperative that we look at the root causes and factors that impact the course of the lives of our youth and consider what we can do to change or at least interrupt the negative.

As we looked most recently at the Citizen Safety Diagnostic report done by Marlon Johnson in 2004 we know that the majority of crimes, and particularly violent offenders were from urban areas, typically young men 18-35 (though now more likely 16-35), challenging academic environments and poor financial status.

A noticeable part of the issue we find here is that where a child is born and grows up has a major impact on their life. Thinking particularly of Nassau, we know, for instance, areas like Over the Hill have more young men involved in crime.

So, the question now becomes, how do we interrupt this, and change the negative paths for so many young people?

I recently spoke with businessman Andrew Wilson who is doing his part to break such cycles.

Mr Wilson said: “You know, some of our children are really prisoners of geography in that if you live in a certain community that’s surrounded by gangsters, you could easily be inducted into gang activity, not as a matter of choice,

but as a matter of survival.”

He said considering potential solutions: “One of the most impactful things I think that can be done with 700 islands - just looking at our family islands, Mayaguana, Inagua, etcetera - building boarding schools where at-risk kids can have an opportunity to get a fresh start, and get out of that environment during those critical years.”

He said if we don’t try to change those environments it will cost us much more to continue to expand our prison and criminal justice system.

He said by building boarding schools and getting our kids into a complete change of environment through student exchange programmes both inter-island and with some of the countries that we have diplomatic relations with, we can save lives through opportunities for children to have a fresh start for those critical adolescent and teenage years.

Mr Wilson talked about how he was inspired during his time in China, just noting the stark differences in the culture to other poor countries.

“I marvelled that though China was thought of as a poor country and talked of in a similar manner as we think of Haiti, in one generation it has become perhaps the most immensely successful country on earth,” he said.

He said he noticed several things in China. “In many of the malls that I visited in China, there were businesses, there were enterprises and products that catered to the development of children, like science clubs, music schools. And one could not help but notice the ever-present parent who hovered not too far behind their children like guardian angels. And it occurred to me that my generation has failed. We have failed miserably in preparing our children for the future.”

He said he made a vow at that time “that I would utilise my remaining years, time, and resources to improve the condition of our children”.

“I speak about children here in The Bahamas and the children in our ancestral homeland of Africa,” Mr Wilson said. “And I say that because when I compare my observation of the care and protection of children in China, I return home to The Bahamas where we see children walking the streets unattended at all hours of the night, and I then reflect on my travels in Africa where I see children sleeping on the sides of the street like the lower animals. So, for me, it’s, you know, I can think of nothing more urgent than making whatever effort I can to make sure that my children are safe, and with whatever resources I have, to be able to improve the condition of our children, one child at a time.”

Mr Wilson also through his business has sought to help young people. In hiring young people to work at his businesses he seeks to ensure they are focused on their education and empowerment.

“So, we build their work schedule around their school schedule. And over the years there’s really, literally been hundreds of kids that have passed through my stores. They go off to university. When they go off to university, they come back during the summer and the holidays and work. And so, I’ve built a relationship with them that I’m very proud of,” he said. He said, “there is no question that we are blessed to live in a country that provides so many opportunities for individuals to accomplish their goal be it in business, be it in a profession, we are overflowing with opportunities and resources and it just starts with the mindset that I had when I first came back home in 1980.” He said he continued his tradition that he started while in New York of being a street vendor where he would go out into the marketplace on Saturdays and Sundays with a folding table and sell his crafts. He said, “One of the most important messages that I have for young aspiring entrepreneurs is not to be

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A noticeable part of the issue we find here is that where a child is born and grows up has a major impact on their life.

afraid of failing - it allows you to start over. In The Bahamas sometimes people try to weaponise our failures, but I learnt as a young man that my failures were really great opportunities in disguise and so over the years I probably tried at least a hundred businesses, most of them failed, but I did not feel bad, because I started over, and I learned from the last one and kept going.”

A lot of research in recent years backs up the belief that where you are born and grow up impacts your life, your education, and your opportunity to find financial success.

Research on brain development and cognitive function indicates that growing up in such neighbourhoods can shape adolescents’ brains. Exposure to stressors in these environments can alter communication between brain regions involved in planning, goal setting, and self-reflection. These brain changes may impact cognitive function and overall well-being.

The brain during childhood and adolescence is particularly plastic, meaning it is susceptible to change based on experiences. Exposure to negative or stressful conditions, like ‘neighbourhood disadvantage’, may lead to developmental miswiring in the brain, which is associated with mental health issues.

Also, growing up in a poor or disadvantaged neighbourhood can significantly impact a child’s educational development. A study shows it can significantly reduce the chances of a child graduating from high school. The longer a child lives in such an environment, the more harmful the impact on educational attainment.

While a positive home and school environments can mitigate some of these negative effects, good parenting and schooling also play a crucial role in supporting children growing up in challenging neighbourhoods.

While not directly related to education, there is evidence that ‘neighbourhood

disadvantage’ can also influence criminal behaviour. A Harvard study found that the extent of exposure to harsh environments during childhood correlates with higher chances of incarceration in adulthood. Poverty and adverse neighbourhood conditions can contribute to criminal involvement later in life.

So, between government and their agencies, and the business community and society at large, more people engaged in the disruption of the effects of young people growing up in disadvantaged neighbourhoods can lead to more positive outcomes not simply in the reduction of crime, but in providing better lives for more people.

The cumulative result of raising levels of mental well-being, education and economic opportunities and standing will see an effect on future generations that will not just slow the advancement of crime, especially violent crime, but there is hope we could see a reversal.

PM advocates for food security, climate financing and Haiti’s stability

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis called for food security, climate finance, and stabilizing Haiti at the recent 46th Heads of Government press conference in Guyana.

In a continuation of his advocacy for justice for Small Island Developing States, Mr Davis called on the support of CARICOM leaders ahead of SIDS4 and COP 29.

“He urged leaders of the region to band together to activate and provide financing for the United Nations Loss and Damage Fund, which would release financial support for countries, like The Bahamas, who have experienced losses due to extreme climate events, like hurricanes,” the Office of the Prime Minister said in a press statement.

“The fund, though established at COP28, has yet to be fully operationalized due to a lack of nominations to its Board by developed country groups. The Prime Minister enjoined his colleagues to urge developed country partners to promptly submit their nominations stating that, ‘though the fund’s establishment is crucial, it is for nought without a robust, driven board and effective financing provisions’.”

Mr Davis noted the issue of stability in Haiti, pressing for a timeline for the election to be held in the country.

“In response to this call and the urgent need to make progress in Haiti’s security, the CARICOM Heads resolved to hold a meeting with Haiti stakeholders facilitated by the Eminent Stakeholders Group within two weeks in Jamaica.

“They furthermore resolved to assemble an Electoral Needs Assessment Group by 31 March, facilitated by CARICOM, Canada, USA, France, and OAS.”

Additionally, Guyana pledged its commitment to collaborate with The Bahamas to address the nation’s farming age and gender gaps as the majority of farmers are over the age of 60 and the challenge of attracting women and new generations to the industry.

Mr Davis accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle, Leon Lundy and Leslia Miller-Brice attended the event from February 25 to February 28.

The delegation engaged in a robust schedule of bilateral meetings with The United States, The United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Lesotho, The Republic of Ghana, and The Commonwealth Secretariat.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaking at the 46th Heads of Government press conference in Guyana. Photo: OPM

Hundreds of inmates flee after armed gangs storm Haiti’s main prison, leaving bodies behind

PORT-AU-PRINCE Associated Press

HUNDREDS of inmates

fled Haiti’s main prison after armed gangs stormed the facility in an overnight explosion of violence that engulfed much of the capital. At least five people were dead Sunday.

The jailbreak marked a new low in Haiti’s downward spiral of violence and came as gangs step up coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince, while embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry is abroad trying to salvage support for a United Nations-backed security force to stabilize the country.

Three bodies with gunshot wounds lay at the prison entrance, which was wide open, with no guards in sight. Plastic sandals, clothing and electric fans were strewn across normally overcrowded concrete patios that were eerily empty on Sunday. In another neighbourhood, the bloodied corpses of two men with their hands tied behind the backs laid face down as residents walked past roadblocks set up with burning tires.

Haiti’s government urged calm as it sought to find the killers, kidnappers and perpetrators of other violent crimes that it said escaped during the outbreak of violence.

“The National Police is taking all measures to find the escaped prisoners and arrest those responsible for these criminal acts as well as all their accomplices, so that public order can be restored,” the Communications Ministry said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Arnel Remy, a human rights attorney whose nonprofit works inside the prison, said on X that fewer than 100 of the nearly 4,000 inmates remained behind bars. Those choosing to stay included 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of working as mercenaries in the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. On Saturday night, several of the Colombians shared a video pleading for their lives.

“Please, please help us,” one of the men, Francisco Uribe, said in the message widely shared on social media.

“They are massacring people indiscriminately inside the cells.”

On Sunday, Uribe told journalists who walked breezily into the normally highly guarded facility “I didn’t flee because I’m innocent.”

In the absence of official information, inmates’ family

members rushed to the prison to check on loved ones.

“I don’t know whether my son is alive or not,” said Alexandre Jean as she roamed around the cells looking for any sign of him. “I don’t know what to do.”

The violence Saturday night appeared to be widespread, with several neighbourhoods reporting gunfire.

There were reports of a jailbreak at a second Portau-Prince prison containing around 1,400 inmates. Armed gangs also occupied and vandalized the nation’s top soccer stadium, taking one employee hostage for hours, the nation’s soccer federation said in a statement. Internet service for many residents was down as Haiti’s top mobile network said a fiber optic cable connection was slashed during the rampage.

In the space of less than two weeks, several state institutions have been attacked by the gangs, who are increasingly coordinating their actions and choosing once unthinkable targets like the Central Bank. After gangs opened fire at Haiti’s international airport last week, the US Embassy said it was temporarily halting all official travel to the country. As part of coordinated attacks by gangs, four police officers were killed Thursday.

The epicenter of the latest violence Saturday night was Haiti’s National Penitentiary, which is holding several gang leaders. Amid the exchange of gunfire, police appealed for assistance.

“They need help,” a union representing police said in a message on social media bearing an “SOS” emoji repeated eight times. “Let’s mobilize the army and the police to prevent the bandits from breaking into the prison.”

The clashes follow violent protests that turned deadlier in recent days as the prime minister went to Kenya to try and salvage a proposed

UN-backed security mission in Haiti to be led by the East African country. Henry took over as prime minister following Moise’s assassination and has repeatedly postponed plans to hold parliamentary and presidential elections, which haven’t happened in almost a decade.

Haiti’s National Police has roughly 9,000 officers to provide security for more than 11 million people, according to the UN They are routinely overwhelmed and outgunned by gangs, which are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.

Jimmy Chérizier, a former elite police officer known as Barbecue who now runs a gang federation, has claimed responsibility for the surge in attacks. He said the goal was to capture Haiti’s police chief and government ministers and prevent Henry’s return.

The prime minister, a neurosurgeon, has shrugged off calls for his resignation and didn’t comment when asked if he felt it was safe to come home.

A POLICE aims during clashes with gang members in Port-auPrince, Haiti on Friday. Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

SPORTS

WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Devynne breaks her own world record in the 60 metre hurdles

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DScotland.

As the curtain came down on the three-day championships at the Emirates Arena, Charlton highlighted the race that included Charisma Taylor, while there was a climax at the end of the heptathlon for national record holder Ken Mullings that dropped him from the podium to fourth.

Shining brightly in another perfect race from start to finish, Charlton separated herself from the rest of the field as she powered over the five flights of hurdles in 7.65 seconds to shatter the previous mark of 7.67 that she established on February 11 at the Millrose Games in New York.

The time was matched a week later by American Tia Jones at the USATF Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But while Jones was not in Glasgow for the ultimate showdown, Taylor got some of the spotlight with sixth in 7.92.

And in the absence of the much anticipated match-up

against Jones, defending champion Cyrena SambaMayela of France emerged with the silver in 7.74 and Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland claimed the bronze in 7.79.

“I felt blank on that one.

I can’t tell you what happened,” said Charlton to reporters after the race in the mixed zone. “I knew that I had that time in me.

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

RASHIELD “Raw” Williams moved into another realm of his young professional boxing career, winning the National Boxing Association welterweight title on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida.

The 34-year-old Williams achieved that feat at the Hilton Tampa Hotel when he took care of American Andres Vieras one minute

It was just about executing the perfect race.” As for the record and the gold, Charlton admitted that she didn’t like the fact that she shared the mark with Jones, so her goal was to lower it and, in the process, walk away with the gold.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “Can’t wait to get home to celebrate.”

no match for his opponent from the first bell rang.

“He was a very strong competitor. He started off strong, but I just stood my ground and when I started to trade back, I noticed that he couldn’t take much so I went to work,” Williams said.

“His eyes started to get puffed up and his face was swollen. I just started to throw the upper cut and worked on his body and so I just knew it was only a matter of time before the fight would be over. He couldn’t handle the pressure.” If he had to give a rating for his performance, Williams said it would be an A-plus. The native of Port Howe, Cat Island, said he didn’t celebrate, but he

Charlton’s feat placed The Bahamas in a sevenway tie for ninth place on the medal chart with Australia, Burkina Faso, Canada, Commonwealth of Dominica, St Lucia and Switzerland.

The United States topped the field with 20 medals, including six gold, nine silver and five bronze. For her efforts,

the 28-year-old Charlton earned a total of $90,000, which included a $50,000 bonus for the world record and $40,000 for her victory. She previously got $10,000 from the Bahamas Government for the first world record. What will be the figure for the gold and record feat as she brings

SEE PAGE 16

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

BAHAMAS JUNIOR DAVIS CUP TEAM WINS FIRST TITLE

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Junior Davis Cup team of Jerald Carroll, Jackson Mactaggart and William McCartney made history over the weekend by winning The Bahamas’ first Junior Davis Cup Championship at the Junior Billie Jean King Cup/ Junior Davis Cup North, Central American and the Caribbean Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Junior Billie Jean King Cup team finished their tourney experience ranked fourth out of 13 nations.

SEE PAGE 17

CR WALKER KNIGHTS CELEBRATE ANOTHER GSSSA WIN

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE CR Walker Knights celebrated their seventh straight Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) Track and Field win in the senior division on Friday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

The Knights joined the CH Reeves Raptors, who won their fourth straight championship last Thursday, as the newly-crowned champions of track and field.

After trailing by a slim margin on day one of competition, the Knights managed to run away with a total of 567 points for first place in the overall standings.

The CV Bethel Stingrays were 31 points behind with

SEE PAGE 16

Mar. 2024

BASKETBALL NPWBA ACTION

AFTER taking an unexpected break after only playing their opening night last month at the DW Davis Gymnasium, the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association returned to action with a double header on Saturday night.

Christine Sinclair scored a game high 17 points with nine rebounds and five assists as the Shift Lady Eagles held off the Sand Dollar Lady Flyers. Garcia Hanna added 13 points and 10 rebounds and Ashlee Bethel had 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.

In a losing effort, Shadell Williams scored 16 points with five steals and three rebounds and Britinique Harrison added 15 points, 12 rebounds and three block shots.

In the opening game, the Elite Ballers blasted the Foxxy Defenders 68-50 as Shenell Stewart scored 14 points with six rebounds and Riccara Beadle had

10 points, four rebounds and two steals. Tiffany Wildgoose led the losers with 14 points and 12 rebounds, Chrishandra Rahmng had 14 points and eight rebounds and Roberta Quant added 10 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Action will resume at 7pm on Tuesday when Sand Dollar Lady Flyers will take on the Elite Ballers, followed by the Shift Lady Eagles against the Lady Defenders.

TRACK CARIFTA QUALIFICATIONS

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has announced the following resolutions for its final CARIFTA Games trials for selection to Team Bahamas to compete in Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend: 1. If there are two or more qualifiers in the 100m or 400m, athletes will be added to complement a relay team.

SEE PAGE 18

was

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, of The Bahamas, crosses the finish line to win the gold medal, ahead of second placed Cyrena SambaMayela, of France, left, in the women’s 60 metres hurdles final during the World Athletics Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

RASHIELD WILLIAMS

CR WALKER KNIGHTS CELEBRATE ANOTHER GSSSA TRACK AND FIELD WIN

FROM PAGE 15

their total of 536 points for second position. The RM Bailey Pacers locked up the third place trophy with 369 points.

Aikia Rose, head coach of the Knights, credited hard work for the success the senior school experienced for the seventh consecutive year.

“We worked hard and tried to practice as much as we could and we tried to get them mentally prepared for this track meet. If it wasn’t for God we wouldn’t have been here today. I am so happy for the kids, it was a really good day and they really did well,” coach Rose said.

She acknowledged the close race for first between her school and the Stingrays but gave praises to God for helping them to pull off the win.

“I want to thank God for the victory because without Him we wouldn’t have made it because we had a little bump here and there but through God we got it done and it feels really good to be up on top again,” she said.

The Knights had the most points in the U17 male division with 167 points. The Stingrays secured second with 118 points and the Pacers paced themselves for 114 points. CR Walker also took two second place finishes in the female U17 and U20 divisions with scores of 156 and 155 respectively.

Both the Knights and Stingrays dominated on the final day of competition but it was the Knights who would prevail.

In the individual events, CR Walker hauled away victories in the U17 girls and boys 200m finals, the U17 boys and U20 girls 3000m events.

Brey’elle Cooper gave the Knights bragging rights in the U17 girls 200m finals. She crossed the line in first place with a time of 25.34 seconds.

Synia Lockhart, who was awarded top female performer in the U17 division, came second for the Stingrays in 26.38 seconds. Her teammate Teavia Wright finished in 27.21 seconds.

For the boys, Johnathan Higgs performed the best clocking 22.59 seconds.

CV Bethel’s Denim Stuart trailed behind for second with a time of 23.01 seconds. Samuel Thomas, representing CC Sweeting,

stopped the time at 23.12 seconds for third. Placing first in the U20 girls 3000m finals was multifaceted athlete Raynia

Russell. She ended the race with a time of 14:18.06. The Government High School’s Sirtaria Mackey came second and CV Bethel’s Marquell Hall settled for the third spot. Gabriel Johnson made the Knights look good in the U17 boys 3000m finals. He bested competitors with a time of 10:27.44. Crossing the line behind him was teammate Brian Burrows who clocked 11:32.56. CI Gibson’s Sergio Bain wrapped up third in 11:37.92.

Johnson and Burrows were also in the top three of the U17 boys 800m finals on day three. The former placed first in 2:13.10 and the latter finished behind CV Bethel’s Jaydian Lewis for the third podium spot.

The quartet of Cooper, basketball player Shamarajah Cummings, Jasmine Bain and Dahija Mesidor got the job done in the U17 girls 4x400m relay event. Collectively, they notched a time of 4:28.93. CV Bethel got second place and CI Gibson took third.

Sidney Corneille, of CR Walker, mailed in a jump

WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

of 1.74m for the U17 boys high jump event. As for the Stingrays, they did not go down without a fight. They emerged victorious in the U17 boys and U20 girls 4x400m relays.

Additionally, Lockhart not only won the U17 girls 400m hurdles but also set a GSSSA meet record in the event.

She clocked 1:11.69 to pace the way and take down the former record of 1:13.67 set by Angel Butler in 2017.

Andrew Rolle helped

CV Bethel to make it two for two with his win in the boys’ event in 1:03.59.

Marquell Newbold, the highest point earner in the U20 girls division, grabbed a victory in the U20 girls 400m hurdles in 1:12.08.

Tahj Brown, representing RM Bailey, amassed the most points in the male U20 division and was successful in the 200m finals and 400mH.

The Raptors and Knights are the reigning champions for the junior and senior division of the 2024 GSSSA Track and Field Championships.

Devynne breaks her own world record in the 60 metre hurdles

FROM PAGE 15

the curtain down on the indoor season and prepares for a medal at the Olympic Games in Paris, France in August? In the semifinals earlier on Sunday, Charlton booked her lane in the final by winning the first of three heats in 7.72 for the fastest qualifying time, well ahead of second place finisher Skrzyszowska, who ran a personal best of 7.78.

Charlton was right on target as she breezed through the first round of the heats on Sunday night, winning her heat in 7.93 for the seventh fastest qualifying time.

Double sixth place for Taylor Taylor, rushing from one event to the next, had an eventful day on Sunday, but she was up to the challenge, as she advanced through the rounds of both the women’s triple jump and the 60m hurdles, earning $8,000 for her pair of sixth places.

Taylor came through in fourth in heat five in 8.05 for 17th place overall to advance to the semifinal. On Sunday, she ran a lifetime best of 7.91 for second place in the last of three heats to get into the final.

She trailed American Masai Russell, who won the heat in a season’s best of 7.79. With her performance, Taylor ended up with the sixth fastest qualifying time for the final.

In the final, Taylor finished sixth in 7.92 as she

watched and celebrated with Charlton for her second world-record breaking performance. Not bad for a debut for Taylor in her first global senior international appearance. In the triple jump, Taylor also had to settle for sixth place overall with her season’s best performance of 46-3 1/2 (14.11m) on his sixth and final attempt. Her previous series of jumps were 45-8 (13.92m), 45-0 1/4 (13.72m), 43-9 1/4 (13.34m), 44-4 (13.51m) and 46-0 3/4 (14,04).

Mullings led from start to finish After leading at the end of the first day, Mullings had a disappointing performance in the pole vault, which knocked him into second place. However, he closed out the seven-event competition with ninth in the 1,000m with a personal best of 2:49.35 place, dropping him to fourth place overall for $8,000. His total points of 6,242 was short by just two points of getting his first global medal for the Bahamas in any multiple event. Simon Ehammer captured the gold with 6,418, Sander Skothem of Norway got the silver with 6,407 and the bronze went to Johannes Erm of Estonia with 6,340. Mullings went into the championships with the leading performance.

“I kind of let it get to my head instead of being aggressive. I don’t know what happened. I had the

lead and I had a chance to get a medal and I just let it get away from me in the pole vault.” To start the final day of competition, Mullings equalled his personal best of 7.76 for second place in the last of the two heats of the 60m hurdles on Sunday morning for 1,043 points to keep him on top of the standings with 4,680. But he slipped to second in the pole vault with a leap of 15-feet, 1-inch or 4.60 metres for 10th place for 790 points for his worst outing in the guelling, seven-event competition.

He came back to close out the competition in the 1,000 with his ninth place for 917 points, but it was just a little too short of getting on the podium.

After the first day of competition on Saturday, Mullings emerged on top of the leaderboard with 3,637 points after he soared 7-1 (2.16m) for a personal best in the high jump with 953 points.

In the first three other events on the day, Mullings was third in the 60m in 6.83 for 944 points; third in the long jump with 25-2 3/4 (7.69m) for 982 points

and third as well in the shot put with a heave of 47-6 1/2 (14.49m) for 758 points.

Veteran 29-year-old Thea LaFond earned Dominica’s first global gold medal with her world-leading mark of 49-6 1/4 (15.01m). Cuba’s Leyanis Perez-Hernandez got the silver with 48-10 3/4 (14.90m) and Ana Peleteiro-Compaore did 48-4 3/4 (14.75m), both season’s best performances.

Thomas ninth in high jump Grand Bahamian Donald Thomas, despite being the oldest competitor in the field at 39, was hoping for one of the only two medals that has eluded him in his long and illustrious career as a former basketball player who switched to the high jump on a “dare” from one of his team-mates.

But the world outdoor champion in 2007 ended up ninth with his best of 7-0 1/2 (2.15m) in the men’s high jump final. His best showing at these championships came in Birmingham, England in 2018 when he got sixth place.

His other goal will be the Olympic medal in Paris, France in August. His best performance in the games came in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016 when he was seventh. New Zealnad’s Hamish Kerr took the gold with a world-leading height of 7-8 3/4 (2.36m), the silver went to American Shelby McEwen with 7-5 3/4 (2.28m), the same height for Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo

for the bronze on the countback on knockdowns.

Nairn 15th Commonwealth Games champion LaQuan Nairn had a best leap of 24-11 (7.59m), but it was only good enough for 15th place in the final of the men’s long jump held early Saturday morning.

He posted 23-6 (7.16) on his first and 24-9 3/4 (6.56m) on his third attempt.

Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece, winner of every international meet, took the gold with 26-11 3/4 (8.22m) in the countback over Mattia Furlani, the 19-yearold rising star from Iralty. Jamaica’s Carey McCleod was the bronze medallist with a season’s best of 26-7 3/4 (8.21m).

Strachan missed final

Anthonique Strachan, still looking for her first individual medal at a major senior international meet, advanced to the semifinal of the women’s 60m on Saturday, but finished eighth in the first of three heats in 7.59 for 23rd out of a field of 24 competitors.

Earlier in the day, she moved out of the preliminaries with a second place finish in 7.24 for the 20th best performance overall.

NCAA sprint queen Julien Alfred, 22, made history winning the first global title for St Lucia in the final of the 60m in a world-leading time of 6.98, followed by Ewa Swoboda of Poland in 7.00 for the silver with Zaynab Dosso of Italy in 7.05 for the bronze.

CR Walker Knights pulled ahead on the final two days of the 30th GSSSA Track and Field Championships to win their seventh title in the competition.

TOP THREE: The CR Walker Knights totaled 567 points for first place, the CV Bethel Stingrays earned 536 points for second and the RM Bailey Pacers came third with 369 points at the 2024 GSSSA Track and Field Championships Photos: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, of The Bahamas, poses on the podium after winning the gold medal in the women’s 60 metres hurdles final during the World Athletics Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

FROM PAGE 15

finals as Carroll and Mactaggart refused to drop a singles match to remain undefeated in tournament play. Prior to the finals, The Bahamas defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in the opening round and knocked off top seed Guatemala 2-1 in the semifinals to complete their quest to a title.

Coach Newman zeroed in on attitude, effort and focus with the juniors all week long and was happy to see it pay dividends against Trindad and Tobago.

“I am delighted to say that we won the event here but this is just the start. The boys just took care of business. The attitude, effort and focus all week long was outstanding and led us to the result we were looking for. Those three things led us to the promised land along with the boys’ ability to compete and overcome any unforeseen hurdles that we were talking about at the beginning of the week. We stayed ready so we didn’t have to get ready and ended up getting the job done so well done to the boys,” he said.

Carroll, former junior national champion, wrapped up his tournament experience in top form. On Friday, he was matched up against Trinidad’s B’Jorn Hall and defeated him 6-2, 7-6 (2).

Up next was Mactaggart who accomplished a similar feat against Trinidad’s Kalle Dalla Costa with a 6-2, 6-3 victory in straight sets to earn the hardware.

“Jerald and Jackson didn’t lose a match all week and William snuck a win in there in doubles earlier in the round robin stage. Everyone did their part and everyone did a great job. I am happy to say we got the mission accomplished and that is what we came to do,” coach Newman said.

Next up for the Junior Davis Cup team will be the Jr Davis Cup Qualifying Tournament in upcoming months. .

Junior Girls

The Billie Jean King Cup team of Takaii Adderley, Tatyana Madu and BreAnn Ferguson fought hard in the third place match against Guatemala but fell 2-1 on the final day of competition.

Adderley was dominant in the tournament and did not lose any of her six singles matches played. She dropped Guatemala’s Margaux Botran 7-5, 6-4 in tightly contested sets.

Ferguson then went up against Alison Oliva and came up short 1-6, 0-6. In the junior girls’ deciding

match, Adderley and Madu went down in consecutive sets 1-6, 2-6 to conclude ranked fourth overall.

Larikah Russell, head coach of the Junior Billie Jean King Cup team, was impressed with the performances of the girls.

“I was majorly impressed with the overall performance and combined efforts of the girls throughout the tournament. Our purpose going in was to change the script. The last few years The Bahamas’ teams achieved lower end results in the BJKCJR. This became my mission after the coaches’ meeting which was held the Saturday morning before the tournament began.

“A picture was projected on the screen that showed the rankings of the top 4 girls’ teams. When I did not see The Bahamas, I was instantly bothered as we were always the team to beat. I showed them that same picture. I wanted them to see that our absence

would change this week and that they would be the ones to change it with my guidance. The effort that the girls put in did exactly that,” coach Russell said.

Adderley played a pivotal role for the junior girls during their playoff run. She routed competitors from Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Puerto

Rico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala in singles action to remain unbeaten. Coach Russell was proud of Adderley for the grit and determination

she displayed for Team Bahamas.

“Takaii Adderley was truly the driving force for Team Bahamas. She is the ultimate team leader, humble, coachable, fierce, mentally tough and a fighter.

“Her consistent high quality performances were exceptional.”

No matter which giant she faced, she was always locked in and ready for the task at hand. Takaii not only played hours of tennis throughout the week, but played a gruelling nine sets of tennis on Thursday.

“I was wondering how in the world she was still going on the final day. I was just so amazed by her determination and grit to always get the job done,” she said.

The BLTA congratulated both teams for great competition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Next up for tennis will be the World Juniors Championships (14U) March 2-10 in El Salvador.

RASHIELD Williams is surrounded by officials and his team after his victory.

AN HISTORIC FEAT: The Bahamas’ Junior Davis Cup team of Jerald Carroll, Jackson Mactaggart and William McCartney won the country’s first ever Junior Davis Cup Championship taking down Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 over the weekend in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

GREAT EFFORT: The Bahamas’ Junior Billie Jean King Cup team of Takaii Adderley, Tatyana Madu and BreAnn Ferguson finished in the top four out of 13 nations over the weekend in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Shannon Hanna ends up 5th at the Pan-Am Olympic qualifier

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ONE week after earning

The Bahamas’ first international medal for wrestling at the Pan American Wrestling Championships, Shannon Hanna II came up short of an Olympic qualification in the semifinals of the Pan-Am Olympic Qualifiers in Acapulco, Mexico.

Competing at just the second international competition of his career, Hanna bested familiar foe Albaro Rudecindo 4-2 in the quarterfinals of the 65kg freestyle category. The 22-year-old then matched against two-time Olympic and world medallist Alejandro Valdes in the 65 kg semifinals and lost 11-0 to finish fifth.

Despite not finishing in a position up to his standards, the Pan-Am bronze medallist found a silver lining in it all.

“That whole trip was just amazing around that environment. I was in Mexico for two weeks between the Olympic Qualifiers and regular Pan-Am Games.

Being around that wrestling environment with people from different countries and some of the best wrestlers in the world was just amazing. I have a lot of gratitude and I am very grateful just to have that opportunity,” he said.

Although he was a bit disappointed with the outcome in Mexico, the two-time Southern Conference champion intends to come back even stronger.

“I didn’t win the tournament but I did learn a lot. It does suck because I am a competitor and I want to win all the time but I

learned a lot and I am going back to the drawing board. I know what I gotta do to come out on top next time,” he said.

As for the matchups, Rudecindo and Hanna battled one week prior at the Senior Pan-Am Championships and the result was the same.

The Campbell University graduate student narrowly took down his opponent 11-9 last week. He was aware that the older competitor would make some adjustments but was ready and confident in his abilities to advance.

“The first match I already wrestled the kid in the last tournament and I beat him in a close match. I was confident that I could beat him again and during the match I could tell he made a few adjustments because he wrestled a bit differently. He is 27-yearsold and has been wrestling on the international scene for a while.

“I knew he was gonna make some changes but I also made some changes as well. I was just thinking I can do this and I reminded myself that God gave me this opportunity and there was no reason to be nervous and I got the job done,” he said.

Hanna would advance to face Cuba’s more experienced wrestler in the semis who he admittedly had some challenges against.

“I started getting into a groove and he put me in a hold squeezing my neck and I went unconscious. I was unconscious for the last 10 seconds of the match and was confused after the match. Once it hit me that I lost the match it wasn’t a good feeling but I am grateful for the

opportunity and I know my time is coming and I know one day I will be number one and that was not when it was supposed to happen,” the bronze medallist said.

After wrapping up both international competitions in Acapulco, Mexico with a 3-2 win/loss record, the graduate student is ranked 26th in the world in the 65kg freestyle division. His rank comes on the

heels of an historic bronze medal finish at the Pan-Am Championships.

Hanna defeated two out of three opponents en route to the third place finish. It was a moment from the last two weeks that he will never forget.

“It was a really cool feeling and special, just all the support I got from back home and everyone congratulating me. I think it’s huge because the ultimate

goal is to grow the sport. It is not the biggest sport in the world but it is going in the right direction. I think that making history for The Bahamas is something that could really help to grow the sport as well and kids can see me and think I can do this too,” he said.

Hanna now has his sights set on the 2024 World Qualification Tournament to be hosted in Istanbul, Turkey, May 9-12.

MAN CITY’S 3-1 WIN AGAINST MAN UNITED PROVIDES REALITY CHECK FOR JIM RATCLIFFE

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Good luck trying to knock Manchester City off its perch.

With new investment and renewed hope, Manchester United fans have been encouraged to believe the good times will return.

That great revival felt as far away as ever after a humbling 3-1 loss to City in the Premier League, which could have been even worse yesterday if not for a spectacular miss from Erling Haaland and a series of saves from United goalkeeper Andre Onana.

“This team is legendary,” City manager Pep Guardiola said afterward. The same cannot be said for United after a 16th defeat in all competitions this season and its 11th loss in the league. The latest setback delivered another blow to Erik ten Hag’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification, with his team in sixth and 11 points off fourth-place Aston Villa.

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

FROM PAGE 15

2. If an athlete qualifies in college but cannot make it to the trials, and we have a total of three qualifiers in that event, the two highest marks will be accepted.

VOLLEYBALL BBSF TOURNAMENT

THE newly formed Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is inviting all churches interested in participating in their volleyball tournament to attend a meeting at 6pm on Saturday, March 9 at the William Thompson Auditorium,

City, meanwhile, marches on in its threepronged defence of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. “Don’t forget — City, at this moment, is the best team in the world,” Ten Hag said.

Such words are likely to offer little comfort to United fans after another defeat to its cross-city rival. The 192nd Manchester derby is also likely to have been a chastening experience for Jim Ratcliffe, who recently bought a 27.7 per cent stake in the club and vowed to end City’s domestic dominance.

under the regime of British billionaire Ratcliffe whose investment has secured him control of the club’s soccer operations.

BRITISH billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. (AP)

Despite leading at halftime through a stunning goal from Marcus Rashford, United had no response when Phil Foden struck twice in the second half and Haaland made amends for an earlier miss from point blank range to seal the win. This had been a chance to make an early statement

Jean Street. At the meeting, plans will be revealed for the staging of the tournament April 24-27. All churches interested in participating are urged to have at least two members present.

SPARTANS TRACK CLASSIC

THE Noble Preparatory Academy Spartans will hold their annual Track and Field Classic on Saturday, March 16 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event will run from 9am to 2pm. The registration fee is $15 per athlete. The entry fee will be $15 for adults in the VIP stand and

Instead it highlighted the gulf between the rivals. Ratcliffe’s mission statement to knock City off its perch was a nod to former United manager Alex Ferguson’s vow to do likewise to a once dominant Liverpool. United has fallen a long way behind both City and Liverpool since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, having failed to win the title since then.

By contrast, City, which is backed by the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and guided by Guardiola, has gone on to become one of the most powerful teams in world soccer. It has won five of the last six league titles and last year won the Champions League for the first time. City looks well-placed to defend all of its trophies, with victory against

$8 for children. The general admission will be $10 for adults and $6 for children.

TRACK

RED-LINE Field Classic

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club will hold its Field Events Classic on Saturday, May 18 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event, designed for competitors in categories of under-13 to open, will run from 10am to 8pm.

FAST TRACK

INVITATIONAL

FAST Track Athletics announced that its third annual Spring Invitational will take place over

United extending its current unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions. If United had hoped to dent City’s pursuit of a record fourth-straight Premier League title, instead it only served to boost its rival’s morale ahead of next week’s top-of-the-table clash at leader Liverpool, which beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Saturday to stay out in front.

“It is about us. We can’t control what Liverpool or Arsenal, Aston Villa or other contenders do, it is about us,” Guardiola said.

“We do what we have to do to win today, next Wednesday and Sunday.”

Ten Hag has a job on his hands just to try to salvage the season after losing for a fourth time in five games against City since being hired by United in 2022.

Despite an encouraging first year in charge, he has endured a troubled second season. The FA Cup is United’s only realistic chance of silverware, while Champions League qualification is looking increasingly unlikely. Ten

the weekend of May 10 and May 11 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. The entry fee will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, persons are asked to contact 242-727-6826 or fasttrackmanagamentoo@ gmail.com

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

CELTICS ROUT WEARY WARRIORS 140-88

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 29 points, Jayson Tatum had 27 on his 26th birthday and the NBAleading Boston Celtics had the third-largest winning margin in franchise history, drubbing the weary Golden State Warriors 140-88 yesterday.

Payton Pritchard added 19 points to help Boston extend its season-best winning streak to 11. The Celtics who set an NBA record with their third win this season by 50 points or more. They led by a franchise-record 44 points at halftime and pushed it to 51 early in the third quarter before coach Joe Mazzulla went to his reserves.

KNICKS 107,

CAVALIERS 98

CLEVELAND (AP)

— Josh Hart had a tripledouble, Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points and New York regrouped to beat Cleveland after losing AllStar guard Jalen Brunson in the first minute with a left knee injury.

Hart finished with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in helping the Knicks cope for one night without Brunson, their latest starter to get hurt.

CLIPPERS 89, TIMBERWOLVES 88

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

— Kawhi Leonard had 32 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Minnesota in a physical and defensive game between two of the top four teams in the Western Conference.

Norman Powell matched a season-high with 24 points, and Paul George added 15 points, but shot just 5 of 16 from the field and was 3 of 11 from 3-point range.

76ERS 120,

MAVERICKS 116

DALLAS (AP) — Tobias Harris scored 28 points, Tyrese Maxey added 24 and Philadelphia beat Dallas Mavericks 120-116 on Sunday.

Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 of his 21 points after the fourminute mark of the third quarter to help the 76ers win consecutive games for the second time in the 14 straight games Joel Embiid has missed.

SPURS 117, PACERS 105

Hag, though, believes there have been positive signs.

“This year we are really progressing and you have to get some points back. Everyone can beat everyone and things can quickly turn around,” Ten Hag said. “We have to go into another final and we have to try and get closer to them.”

There are expected to be a number of changes under Ratcliffe, with Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth expected to be brought in, while former City executive Omar Berrada has been hired as CEO.

There has been no indication from United that Ten Hag’s position is under threat, but Ratcliffe has made his ambitions clear.

“Every time you don’t win a game it is a damage at this club,” United captain Bruno Fernandes said. “We know what this club demands and we want to win the games we are involved in. We didn’t get the three points today but there’s still a long way to go.”

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.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had 31 points and 12 rebounds to lead San Antonio Spurs past Indiana.

Wembanyama added six blocks, six assists and a steal while going 3 for 4 on 3-pointers. Malaki Branham had 18 points, and Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each had 17.

MAGIC 113, PISTONS 91 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 29 points for a second straight game and Orlando beat Detroit for a four-game season sweep. At 35-26, the Magic surpassed last season’s victory total with 21 games left. Orlando has won 11 of 14 games.

RAPTORS 111, HORNETS 106

TORONTO (AP) — Immanuel Quickley scored 22 points and matched his season high with 11 assists, RJ Barrett had 23 points and Toronto beat Charlotte, Gary Trent Jr. added 17 points and Ochai Agbaji had 13 points and a careerhigh nine rebounds.

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.

BAAA AWARDS POSTPONED

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has announced that the awards banquet has been postponed until the weekend when the BAAA hosts its Senior National Championships. Details will be forthcoming from the committee.

VALIANT EFFORT: Shannon Hanna II fell to Cuba’s Alejandro Valdes 11-0 in the semifinals of the Pan-Am Olympic Qualifier in Acapulco, Mexico, over the weekend.

GLENN ‘NASSAU’ PRATT TO BE INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter

GLENN “Nassau” Pratt, one of the youngest Bahamians to turn professional at the age of 20, will become the latest Bahamian to be inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame.

The 20th edition of the Hall of Fame Leadership Conference, Golf Skills Camp & Tournament, Reception, Awards Dinner Celebration, Auction” & “14th African American Collegiate & Youth Golfers Hall of Fame” hosted by Inner City Youth Golfers’, Inc. will be held in Palm Beach County, Florida, May 23-27.

The mission of the event is “to celebrate and honour the history and achievements of African Americans and other significant supporters who have contributed to growing the game of golf since the early 1800s.

But Pratt, who now serves as the president of the Bahamas Professional Golfers Association, hopes to use his induction as an opportunity to further advance the opportunities for more Bahamian professional golfers to become employed at the various golf courses in the country.

“The person who nominated me was a golf pro from Jackson, Mississippi, Jesse Allan, who could be considered the last of the mohegans when it comes to the older guards or professional golfers in the African American Professional Golfers Association in the United States.

“He plays everywhere with Michael Jordan. He goes everywhere with Michael Jordan. He and I were on the road for about 11 years playing together when I was in the United States about 20-30 years ago.

“I forgot about all of the things I did back then until I was told he nominated me to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

As an advocate for junior golf during his stay in various communities in the United States, Pratt said he wanted to give back his expertise free of charge because he was one who benefited without paying a fee when he was in The Bahamas.

He recalled being among a list of golfers that includes Vernon Lockhart, Wayde Bethel, Michael Rolle, who were all a part of the public school system, but they went on to excel as some of the top amateur golfers in the country back in the 1970s and eventually went on to earn golf scholarships to colleges and universities in the United States.

“It was because the professional golfers here had a relationship with the professional African American professional golfers in the United States,” Pratt recalled.

“They came here every November for what was considered the start of the professional golf season for a tournament at the South Ocean Golf Course and a lot of us like Greg Maycock, Michael Rolle, Vernon Lockhart, Shane Gibson, Eric Gibson Jr, and Quinton Gray, got opportunities to go to college.”

He commended Georgette Rolle-Harris with her Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy and the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Golf Association, for the tremendous job they are doing to advance the programmes they are operating for the young golfers to improve their game.

But since returning home from the United States about six years ago, Pratt said he’s been advocating for more local golf pros like Chris Lewis and Raquel Riley to get the chance to be employed at the various golf courses as professional pros so that they can further enhance the development of the sport in the country.

“At the professional level, we need to start producing hundreds and hundreds of scholarships to supplement what is being done with the young golfers now playing the sport,” he stated.

“We don’t want to get all of these young golfers all enthusiastic about golf and then when they hit 17 and 18 and there’s nowhere to go. The parents invest all of their time and resources into their kids and the door is shut on them because they can’t afford to pay to play golf and there’s no public golf courses for them to improve their game.”

While the BGF’s Driving Range is a public facility, Pratt noted that a nine-hole golf course is best suited for recreational and amateur golfers to play on, but the more professional golfers need to utilise the other properties to develop their game.

“My intention is not only to be inducted into the African American Professional Golfers Association Hall of Fame, but to become an active member and eventually to sit on the board of that Hall of Fame,” he said.

“I’ve already decided that I’m going to find a way to make that happen because the goal is to create a Professional Golfers Hall of Fame here in The Bahamas, so what better way to do it than to partner with the African American Golfers Association and to create an environment where we start having major golf events here in the Bahamas.”

That would allow the professional golfers to be able to partner with Rolle-Harris and Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, who spearheads the BGF’s junior golf programme, to provide more opportunities for scholarships for the local golfers.

“I was there when the late Sir Clement Maynard hosted the South Ocean Golf Tournament every year when we brought in golfers from Canada and the United States,” he pointed out.

“That was the biggest professional golf tournament in the Caribbean. But those connections opened the doors for many of our amateur golfers to go to college. I didn’t go because I wanted to play professional golf and that was what I did. But the opportunities were there.”

Prartt, the only Bahamian to be inducted this year, joins the Class of 2024 that includes Arthur L. Johnson, Jacksonville, Fla; Brandon Johnson, ASGCA, Sanford, Fla; Craig Kirby, Washington, DC; Major Robert McNeil, Cincinnati, Ohio; Marsha G. Oliver, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla; Madeline A. Quintyne-McConney, North Babylon, NY; Jeffrey T. Sammons, Ph.D., Monmouth Beach, New Jersey; Vernell E. Williams, Madison, Fla and Tracy & Philip Raoul, Chicago, Illinois.

Additionally, the Par Four Golf Club, Inc., Pensacola, Fla; Pitch & Putt Golf Club of Baltimore, Md Sisters Across America, Inc., Orlando, Fla and Southern Association of Amateur Golfers, Jackson, Mississippi will be inducted as well for the role they played in the contribution to golf.

In the past, a number of persons, including Agatha Delancy, the first female president of the BGF, along with the Poop Deck Eagles organisation that included Fred Lighbourne and Fred Sturrup were recognised for their philanthropic contributions in The Bahamas.

“When you are recognised for the challenges that you face to help people, it is quite rewarding, especially when you are doing it from your heart,” said Lightbourne, the proprietor of Poop Deck Sandyport.

“I don’t ever do it for name recognition. That is why you don’t see it blasted all over the newspapers. It would be nice if my own house recognises me and not a house across the pond.” Pratt said it would be nice for The Bahamas to create its own professional Hall of Fame induction because there are so many persons who have made their contribution to the sport over the years and not been recognised.

He mentioned the fact that persons like Roy Bowe have not been given the recognition that he deserves

as one of the most accomplished professional golfers in the country. But for him to be inducted into the African American Hall of Fame is special.

“I’ve spent all of my days as a professional golfer in the United States when I left here at the age of 20,” Pratt stated.

“So it represents all of the great things the other Bahamians are doing all around the world. It puts you in a class with Bahamians who are being hailed as pioneers and setting the tone for future generations. So that is important for me to be an example for future generations to want to follow.”

Pratt is calling on the Bahamas Government to

intervene to ensure that the professional golfers in the country like Lewis and Riley get the opportunity to become employed with the local golf courses.

“It was mandated under the late Sir Lynden Pindling that every golf course shall have a resident Bahamian professional golfer employed at every golf course,” he said. “I was a young man who advocated for this, but I feel guilty because I left the country at an early age and I’m just coming back to fight for it. Most of the guys here are not as proactive as I am. So I’m going to fight to see that we get it done.”

He applauded RolleHarris, who is a head pro at Baha Mar and Keno Turnquest is an assistant at Albany, but he said there are so many more jobs that should be available for the other local pro golfers.

While the golf courses have made significant contributions to junior golf in the country, Pratt said they appreciated the support they got from the Ocean Golf Club in providing their course free of charge for the hosting of the professional golf tournament last year.

“I’m not fighting for myself. I’m trying to put things in place so that the next generation of golfers who aspire to become golf directors are not faced with the same challenges that we are experiencing now,” he said. In 1982, Pratt turned pro at the age of 20. He was the national amatuer golf champion and he was the youngest Bahamian at age of 17 to shoot a record 6-under-par 66 on Paradise Island. As a master golf instructor with more than 40 years of experience, now employed at Triton Global Petroleum, his accomplishments are well-documented and include the following: 2009 President/CEO, International PGA, Ltd.; 2009 Member, Board of Directors for the United States Golfers Teaching Federation; 2006-2009 President, Bahamas Professional Golfers Association and 1995 Founding President, Minority Professional Golf Development Association (MPGDA) – based in Chicago, Illinois. He established the AJAG, LLC, Chicago, Illinois in 2000 and he served on the Professional Golf

Circuit, United States of America from 1982-1993.

Pratt was also the Bahamas professional champion of the Shell Bahamas Open; champion of the The Bahamas Professional Golfers Association Championship in 1993; champion of the JC Goosie Mini Golf Tour, Orlando from 1982-1984; champion of the Bahamas National Golf Championship in 1982 and the champion of the Bahamas Junior National Golf Championship in 1978.

At the present time, he heads the BPGA along with Marcus Pratt as vicepresident and Riley as the secretary, Kethen Stuart as treasurer and Georgette Rolle-Harris and Keno Turnquest as captains in charge of any of the BPGA events.

GLENN PRATT