03222023 NEWS AND SPORT

Bahamas joins lawsuit demanding US gun makers...

‘PAY UP $10BN’

Case holds manufacturers accountable for harm caused by their products

THE Bahamas has joined a $10bn lawsuit to hold US gun manufacturers to account for the spread of firearms throughout the region, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said last night.

Mr Davis issued a statement in which he said the government was joining an appeal in the United States Court of Appeal in the First Circuit in support of Mexico “to hold US gun manufacturers liable for the harm caused by their products”.

Also joining in the amicus curiae brief (friend of the court) were Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the

Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The defendants in the $10bn suit include seven major gun manufacturers and one gun wholesaler and distributor.

The case was dismissed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts in September last year, finding that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act barred such lawsuits, but the Mexican government in its appeal “maintains that the arms industry should be accountable for how their products are distributed and

TWO BIMINI MEN MISSING AT SEA

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE family of two men who went missing on Sunday while travelling from Grand Bahama to Bimini are praying they will be safely found.

James Toote, Jr, and Nazar Robins, were travelling to Bimini at about 2.30pm on Sunday. According to family, Mr Toote had recently purchased the

PI LIGHTHOUSE ‘OVERSUBSCRIBED’ BY 300 PERCENT SMITH SAYS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMIAN entrepreneur seeking to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse yesterday revealed his financing needs have been “oversubscribed by more than 300 percent”, as he urged the Government: “Make good on our deal.” Toby Smith, Paradise Island Lighthouse and Beach Club’s principal, told Tribune Business his proposed investment has been “upped” from $2m to $3m and stands “ready to go” at “a stroke of the pen” once Prime Minister Philip Davis KC signs-off on the approvals that remain outstanding.

‘THERE’S BEEN NO FINAL DECISION’ ON RCI PI PROJECT

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg says Cabinet has not approved Royal Caribbean International’s Paradise Island project. His comment was in response to Glenys Hanna Martin’s vocal opposition to the project, which critics say breaks the procedure that ministers present a united front on Cabinet decisions.

“There’s been no final decision made on that deal, so I don’t even know why it’s up for discussion right now,” Mr Bowleg said before a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “It’s again a deal

vessel in Grand Bahama and Mr Robins was “catching a ride” to their hometown in Bimini.

Renee Robins, the

mother of 24-year-old Nazar Robins, told The Tribune yesterday that she

Lots of socks were on display yesterday as the PM and Ginger Moxey showed support for Down Syndrome Day

YESTERDAY was World Down Syndrome Day and this year the community is calling for people and organizations around the world to be “With Us, Not For Us.” To mark the day, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Minister of Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey and members of the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association donned colourful socks to raise awareness of this genetic condition. It is caused by an extra chromosome which usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues. #worlddownsyndromeday2023 #lotsofsocks Photos: OPM

Officers who assaulted two Haitian migrants on paid leave pending investigation results

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE immigration officers who attacked two Haitian men in a barber shop last month are on paid administrative leave.

Immigration Minister Keith Bell said yesterday the investigation into their matter is ongoing and will take “as long as necessary” to ensure the right outcome.

He said putting the officers on paid leave is the appropriate procedure, adding: “People are innocent until proven guilty.”

A video went viral last month showing the immigration officers assaulting Gary Philius, 33, and Wilfort Senatés, 38, Haitian work permit holders who work at Adam’s Barbershop in

the Bacardi Road area.

Mr Philius and Mr Senatés filed a complaint with the police after the officers slapped them multiple times.

In the video, two immigration officers walked into the barber shop and struck the men, hitting one so hard that he fell to the ground.

Mr Bell expressed hope on February 15 that the investigation would conclude by the end of the following week, but that did not happen.

Asked yesterday if he is concerned by the officers’ actions, he demurred, saying: “There is a process. The investigation is being done. The officers concerned who have been identified have been placed on administrative leave and until the investigation is concluded I don’t think it is appropriate to comment any further.”

PROPER ACTION WAS TAKEN NOT TO LAND THOSE PERSONS IN OUR COUNTRY’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

KEITH Bell says immigration officials correctly denied two Moldovan models entry to The Bahamas in a case that has sparked international headlines.

Ina and Darina Pinzaru claim immigration officials mistook them “for hookers” and recently deported them without explanation.

The women told the Daily Mail and the New York Post they were “put through hell” at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Hal “Nuby” Sears, a wealthy developer, said the matter disrupted his plan to propose to Darina on a yacht anchored in The Bahamas.

He requested an apology from the Bahamian government and said he

filed a complaint with The Bahamas Embassy in London.

However, Mr Bell, the Minister of Immigration, said no official complaints reached him.

“I saw the reports,” he told reporters before a cabinet meeting yesterday. “I have spoken with the Director of Immigration and I am satisfied, for reasons which I am not able to disclose, that the proper action was taken not to land those persons in this country.”

He later told The Tribune that thousands of people are denied entry to the Bahamas in similar circumstances each year.

“We have to ensure they are coming in for the reasons they claim,” he said.

“Immigration can, for any number of reasons, refuse a person entry. If a person doesn’t have enough money or if we see something that arouses

suspicion, we don’t have to land that person.

“This incident wasn’t unusual. It happens thousands of times each year when people are put back on a flight to return to where they come from.

“When you look at how emotive we are as people, we don’t say the number of persons immigration don’t land, but some of these are people with very serious convictions or who are wanted in other jurisdictions or they are persons known to be involved in fraud.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, your network, your net worth, or the colour of your skin. As long as we are satisfied that, for whatever reason, you are not to be landed, you will not be landed.

“What this case demonstrates is that the Bahamas immigration department is doing its job.”

BELL RESPONDS TO HUMAN RIGHTS CRITICISMS ON IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION

Minister Keith Bell is satisfied that laws governing immigration and citizenship issues in The Bahamas are strong despite criticism from the United States.

In its latest human rights report, the US highlighted statelessness and discrimination against women in nationality laws.

The report said the government has made little progress in advancing legislation to address statelessness. It also noted that even though Bahamas-born people of foreign heritage can apply for citizenship during a 12-month period after their 18th birthday, applicants sometimes spend years awaiting a response from the government.

Reacting yesterday, Mr Bell said: “To the extent to which we ensure that our immigration laws - and particularly our constitution, which empowers the government to bestow

citizenship on an individual - I’m satisfied that our laws are strong and

we are following them.”

Advocates and some government officials

have long bemoaned delays in responding to citizenship applications,

and successive administrations have sought to change citizenship laws

that they view as unfair and unequal. Mr Bell, however, appeared to offer some defense of the status quo.

“To the extent to which we will take our time to ensure that whoever comes to this country may be granted citizenship, that is the responsibility and the authority of the government and we will ensure that we do our due diligence,” he said.

“We are not going to be rushed by virtue of someone remaining in this country for a significant period of time, particularly given the fact that we do have a number of persons who come to the country illegally and it is a very topical debate at this time.”

“The laws are currently under review. The Nationality Act, in due course there will be widespread consultation with the Bahamian people to ensure that who we wish to make citizens in this country,

is consensus among our population.”

‘THE

there

GARY Philius and Wilfort Senatés, Haitian migrants with work permits working at Adam’s Barbershop in the Bacardi Road area, were assaulted by two immigration officers for no apparent reason last month. The officers are on paid administrative leave and Minister of Immigration Keith bell says the incident is still under investigtion.

DARINA and her sister Ina Pinzaru were denied entry to The Bahamas, interrupting the plans of Hal Sears, a wealthy developer, who was waiting on their arrival to propose to Darina. In addressing the incident Minister of Immigration Keith Bell did not shed any light on why they were denied entry, but said that ‘the proper action was taken not to land those persons in our country.’

MINISTER of Immigration and Labour Keith Bell yesterday said he is ‘satisfied that our laws are strong and that we are following them’ when asked about criticisms of the country’s immigration and citizenship issues in the latest human rights report. The report said the government has made little progress in advancing legislation to address statelessness.

THE Blue Flamingo Literary Festival will be held this week, from Thursday until Saturday - with the opening lecture to be given by Patricia Glinton Meicholas.

University of The Bahamas, at 10am tomorrow. It will also be streamed live on Facebook. This is the sixth annual festival.

BAHAMAS JOINS LAWSUIT

DEMANDING US GUN MAKERS ‘PAY UP $10BN’

sold,” Mr Davis noted.

He said in a statement last night: “The guns used in the commission of violent crimes in The Bahamas are not manufactured here, but instead, are manufactured abroad and illegally trafficked across our borders. A critical element of the government’s effort to reduce violent crime in our country is cracking down on the proliferation of firearms, with particular focus on strengthening borders and entry points and on interrupting networks of illegal smugglers.”

The legal brief states: “Unlawful trafficking of American firearms must be curtailed at its source: the US gun industry. The gun manufacturers and distributers from a single nation must not be permitted to hold hostage the law-abiding citizens of an entire region of the world,” and notes that the governments of the participating countries “have a solemn duty to protect the lives, health, and security of their citizens.”

The brief added that the United Nations has shown that “firearms are key enablers of high homicide levels,” and notes that despite comprising less than 1% of the world’s population, the Caribbean records 23% of all homicides.

The brief argues that US gun industry practices,

Pilot Club donates bicycle helmets, promoting brain safety in Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

including the bulk sales of guns to dealers who are known to engage in practices correlated with illegal weapons smuggling, have caused significant harm to the countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

It points to the increase in gun violence in The Bahamas, including unintended victims, such as children caught in the crossfire. It also points to the use of firearms by Haitian gangs in violent crimes and kidnapping, which has led many Haitian migrants to flee their country.

The legal move calls for reducing violence abroad by adopting retail practices, including committing to only work with dealers who take measures to stop guns being sold to criminals, and changing how guns are made to reduce the harm they cause.

Last year, Mr Davis argued at the United Nations that gun smuggling was having a major affect on The Bahamas. Speaking in September, he said: “We do not manufacture guns in our country, and yet they illegally find their way to The Bahamas, and within days, can be connected to some criminal activity.”

He added at the time: “We believe more manageable and effective efforts can be made at the source, to ensure that a right to bear arms does not quickly and easily translate into a right to traffic arms.”

THE Sunset Pilot Club of Grand Bahama will be distributing 50 bicycle helmets to pre-schoolers on Grand Bahama through an initiative called “Brain Power”. The organisation hopes to help raise awareness among children about the importance of brain safety.

Franklyn McCoy, president of the Sunset Pilot Club of Grand Bahama, said the month of March is designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month. He said brain safety is a major focus of Pilot International.

As a result, he said they would be distributing 28 helmets to students at the Hugh Campbell Primary Pre-school Department.

Mr McCoy, who also celebrated his birthday on February 21, hosted a President’s Respite Day at Hugh Campbell Primary. The students were treated to pizza, sweet treats, popcorn, juice, water, popsicles, party bag, water, a bouncing castle, and spent time with various cartoon characters. They also participated in the BrainMinders programme, a signature of Pilot International to teach safety to children to help prevent brain injuries.

Mr McCoy and his members talked about various brain injury prevention topics applicable to pre-

participated in fun learning activities, such as a helmet colouring exercise, and presented students with BrainMinders certificates.

He said they are also in the process of building some tricycles to present the students as part of their helmet distribution initiative.

The SPCOGB club, along with their Compass Club (for college students), went to the GB Children’s Home to spread the message about brain injury prevention and safety.

Brain Safety and Health is a major focus of Pilot International, which is dedicated to preventing injuries in children. The mission is to educate children about safety, promote awareness about injury prevention and provide support for those who have suffered from traumatic brain injury.

Toni Hudson-Bannister, project chair, said it is reported about 40 percent of all bicycle-related deaths are due to head injuries.

“Three-quarters of all bicycle-related head injuries occur among children ages 14 years and under; and many children are simply unable to protect their heads while bike riding because they don’t have access to quality, affordable safety helmets. This international signature project allows Pilots, ‘The Helmet People’, to place safety helmets on the head of many youth as possible,” she said.

MEMBERS of the Sunset Pilot Club of Grand Bahama will be distributing bicycle helmets, promoting brain safety through initiative called ‘Brain Power’. The group will donate 28 helmets to Hugh Campbell Primry School’s preschool department. The members spoke to students, and participated in fun learning activities and present them with BrainMinders certificates.

DR FITZCHARLES NAMED DIRECTOR OF OPERATING THEATRE NOTICE

Bahamas Electrical Utilities Managerial Union (BEUMU)

Will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM)

On Friday 31 March 2023 at 4:45 p.m. in Classrooms 1 and 2 of the E. Cobourn Sands Building, Big Pond Complex, at The Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited

To receive:

• The Treasurer’s Report

• The President’s Report

All Financial Members and Officers are asked to attend and be on time.

PRINCESS Margaret Hospital (PMH) has appointed Dr Colleen Fitzcharles as director of operating theatre. Dr Fitzcharles was the first Bahamian female surgeon at PMH and Doctors Hospital. She obtained her medical degree at the University of the West Indies campus and further training at Dalhousie University/Queen Elizabeth II hospital in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is well recognised for her contributions to hand surgery in The Bahamas and started a hand clinic here. Dr Fitzcharles has expertise in reconstruction surgery but also performs burns surgery and cosmetic procedures.

Reminder - Reminder - Reminder

John Templeton memorial Scholarship re-established to benefit three graduate students up to $40K

THREE graduate students eager to advance human flourishing will be eligible for up to $40,000 annually for two years through a re-established Sir John Templeton Memorial Scholarship offered by the Lyford Cay Foundations.

Lyford Cay Foundations and Templeton World Charity Foundation officials announced the relaunched of the scholarship yesterday in the office of the late Sir John Templeton, the noted investor and philanthropist who supported academic pursuits and projects promoting human and spiritual flourishing.

Basil Goulandris, chairman of Lyford Cay Foundations, said the relaunched scholarship is now one of the organisation’s largest available awards and will be accessible to eligible students in time for the 2024 scholarship cycle. He said the criteria for the scholarship aligns with the virtues Sir John promoted.

Applicants will be asked to reflect on their laws of life and themes connected to human and economic development.

Eligible applicants must be accepted into an accredited graduate programme at a competitive university. Screeners will

prefer applicants enrolled in PhD studies in the sciences and the humanities.

“The relaunch of the Sir John Templeton Scholarship represents a doubling of Templeton’s commitment to helping people achieve their dreams through education,” Mr Goulandris said.

“Deserving students previously received up to $20,000 each per year through this scholarship, helping them earn graduate degrees and become leading professionals in their fields.”

“With the re-established Sir John Templeton scholarship, as many as three students will now be eligible for up to $40,000 each for up to two years. The cost of a college education is increasing around the world, so this substantial investment, one of the largest that the Lyford Cay Foundations administers, will help scholars comfortably focus on their studies without financial stress or hardship.”

Dr Andrew Serazin, president of the Templeton World Charity Foundation, said: “Since 2009, the Sir John Templeton Memorial scholarship has supported 34 scholars with over $1m in scholarships to pursue their studies at higher education institutions

‘THERE’S BEEN NO FINAL DECISION’ ON RCI PI PROJECT

from page one

that is in the making and when the final decision is made those responsible for that will make the notation on what it will be.”

Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis has said he expects ground to be broken on the project “almost immediately”.

Likewise, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, responding to Mrs Hanna Martin, said last week: “My only comment is that Cabinet approved the RCI project.”

Critics may see Mr Bowleg’s comment as the latest attempt to soften the Davis administration’s position on the project, the approval of which has sparked complaints from Atlantis and environmentalists.

An Office of the Prime Minister’s press statement over the weekend referred to a “draft deal” for the

project.

Mr Bowleg said Mrs Hanna Martin has not broken Cabinet procedures.

“Glenys Hanna Martin, as each and every one of us as Bahamian citizens, has rights on our own opinion,” he said.

“And as a member of the Cabinet, you know, we all support each other and Glenys Hanna Martin is one who also supports us and everything we do and say.

“At the end of the day, she said what she said and the Cabinet supports her on her personal views. But again, the decision, like I say, has not been made on this matter, finalised.

“And when that happens, the minister responsible, which is the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister, will make mention of what the decision will be. And whatever the decision would be, I assure you the Cabinet will support it.”

TWO BIMINI MEN MISSING AT SEA

from page one

remains hopeful that her son will return home in good health.

“I am praying for the best,” she said yesterday. “I am praying for whatever and that God is in charge.”

Ms Robins said: “I don’t know what transpired. One of my other sons informed me that the boat was overdue.

“It (the boat) was supposed to leave Freeport at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon and about 1.30am that morning, he (my son) came and told me and my husband after they was calling around trying to see where they were or if they were still in Freeport or what. My

BASIL GOULANDRIS, chairman of Lyford Cay Foundations, said the relaunched scholarship is now one of the organisation’s largest available awards and will be accessible to eligible students in time for the 2024 scholarship cycle.

in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each year, over $100,000 will be made available to three deserving doctoral candidates in the sciences and humanities for their studies. These scholarships represent, for us, not only an opportunity to invest in the best and brightest minds in The Bahamas, but also to support the foundation’s long-term strategic vision to advance the science and practice of human flourishing through rigorous, scientific research. The Lyford Cay Foundation has likewise demonstrated a commitment to excellence

with its scholarship programme and we look forward to the expanded focus of the awards.”

Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, executive director of Lyford Cay Foundations, said: “We are seeking to attract graduate scholars who are exploring themes around human development, human potential and human flourishing as a means of achieving meaningful development, human progress and improving the quality of life for individuals and societies through their research, knowledge creation and scholarly practice.”

DR NICOLA VIRGILL-ROLLE, executive director of Lyford Cay Foundations, said: “We are seeking to attract graduate scholars who are exploring themes around human development, human potential and human flourishing.”

husband got up and went to the police station and made a report.”

Ms Robins said her son is a father of one, calling him a “community guy”.

She said the family has sought assistance from the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA), the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the United States Coast Guard, along with private vessels for rescue efforts from Monday onward. Officials did not comment further up to the time of going to press.

Scores of family and friends took to social media to bring awareness to the matter, pleading with the boating community to provide additional assistance.

DR ANDREW SERAZIN, president of the Templeton World Charity Foundation spoke of the John Templeton Memorial Scholarship and it’s dedication to investing in the best ad brightest minds in The Bahamas.

Photos: Moise Amisial

The Tribune Limited

Taking the guns off our streets

THE news that The Bahamas is joining forces with other countries to take US firearm manufacturers to court is to some extent startling – but very welcome.

Here at The Tribune, we have counted the rising tide of murders over the years – and time and again, access to guns is a key part of that violence.

We do not make guns here in The Bahamas. There is no mystery over where the guns that are used in the murders that take place on our streets are coming from. The majority come having been brought into the country from the US.

When looked at by gun deaths compared to population size, The Bahamas ranks towards the top. In 2019, we ranked sixth in the world, with 21.52 gun deaths per 100,000 residents.

Mexico, the country that initiated the legal move against gun manufacturers, ranked tenth in that year, with 16.41 gun deaths per 100,000 residents.

There are significant numbers of gun deaths across the US too – not just shootings in crimes but a sizeable number of suicides with firearms.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Elsewhere in the world, in countries such as Japan, the UK, Australia and others, gun deaths are rare. The difference?

Those countries have legislation to decrease the number of guns in circulation. Fewer guns, fewer deaths – it’s not rocket science.

That the US chooses collectively not to do more to clamp down on guns in order to prevent such deaths is one thing in regard to its own citizens – but it spills beyond the country’s borders to affect others. Not just ourselves. Not just Mexico. But across the region.

This lawsuit may be a forlorn hope –it has already been struck down in one court and we join the effort as it goes to

appeal – but there is strength in standing together and saying no, we cannot simply accept this over and over, year after year, gun after gun and death after death.

The US does not seem to have the impetus to do more to stop gun violence. December marked the tenth anniversary of the Sandy Hook school shootings – and there have been many more school shootings since. If children being murdered with guns in schools isn’t enough to prompt change, then it is hard to know what will.

This lawsuit targets the manufacturers of the guns. It tries to press for greater controls over who the guns are sold to – to stop them falling into the hands of criminals, of smugglers.

It shouldn’t seem hard to convince someone that if a person is a known criminal, or there is strong evidence that they might supply guns illegally elsewhere, then they should not be sold a gun.

And if those guns are found – as they are too often – to have been used in criminal acts outside the US, including here on our streets, then should the makers be held accountable if they did not take measures to secure their distribution?

The US has the right to bear arms –but as American business magnate John D Rockefeller said, every right implies a responsibility.

Where then lies the responsibility for what is done with such weapons?

We applaud our government for standing up and saying no. We applaud those others who have joined with the Mexican government in its endeavour. Will it succeed? Perhaps not. But it is long past time to press our neighbour to do more, and in doing so, to save lives. Win or lose, the court battle is worth fighting.

Should PLP sell GB to US?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

A POLITICAL operative on Facebook claimed that a Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook blamed the island’s protracted economic depression on the COVID-19 pandemic, which is patently false. Grand Bahama has been in the economic doldrums since 2001, the year of the terrorist attacks on the US by Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda.

Grand Bahamians are understandably pessimistic about the news of the $200m redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport by a firm out of the United Kingdom and a $300m eco-resort development in West Grand Bahama by Tourism Minister Chester Cooper.

The announcement of $1 billion worth of investments in the pipeline amounts to nothing more than a promise. And Grand Bahamians know all too well that a promise is a comfort to a fool. If the PLP and the Free National Movement have been unable to end Freeport’s economic depression over the past 23 years, what is there to think that the current government will do so in the three and half years left in its tenure?

At this juncture I am

Tit-for-tat over FTX

EDITOR, The Tribune. GREETINGS. And thank you for the space in your daily publication to proffer up these several points Of view.

As I reflect on this now tit-for-tat that seems to be taking place, on the one hand this man called John Ray & his American lawyers said to be representing FTX Digital Marketing Inc, versus ‘The Bahamas’ Supreme Court appointed liquidators, chaired by Attorney Brian Simms, KC. And remarks of impropriety alleged by John Ray and others, it doesn’t ever stop, does it?

But, as my grandmother used to remind us, children you cannot beat the law, just too many Of them, therefore, you must join them, quote/end quote.

What am I saying? Glad you’ve asked.

everything, but the love of money is the root of all evil. I didn’t say that, Father God did, so please do not hold me in, no bad blood please.

Powers that be, I have been reading up on all of the various opinions regarding FTX, some of it legal, others of it personal, much of it with no basis in the laws to compel compliance.

And the preponderance of it from the American side, merely hiding under Jurisdictional complexities. But why?

And what has me concerned is that if a company was so embroiled in being operated as a criminal enterprise, why is that company’s doors still open and staffers still working under the umbrella of FTX Digital Marketing Inc?

visit Americans being held in our prisons, should be supervised visits... to ensure that no electronic devices were exchanged, etc (and for these devices ‘usage in our prisons were against the law)?

And for it is unlawful for any dignitaries to try and broker the release of a prisoner, who were awaiting to be processed for other crimes, not suggesting that took place.

Many Bahamians want to know what was the quid pro quo, if any, that brought about Sam Bankman-Fried release and subsequent departure by executive travel means to the US, still haunts us?

done criticising both political parties. What I would like to do instead is to offer an outlandish proposal that I believe will revolutionise Grand Bahama.

Instead of criticising the Port Authority or the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, why not sell the island of Grand Bahama to the US government?

The US currently has five permanently inhabited territories: American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The first three territories are in the Pacific Ocean while the remaining two are in the Caribbean. The US purchased the Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John and Saint Croix from Denmark in 1917 or thereabouts for $25m.

Under Denmark, these islands were dubbed the Danish West Indies in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The US government wanted a presence in the Caribbean. Grand Bahama is just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. It could serve as a military buffer between the mainland North America and thousands of Haitian refugees fleeing their impoverished

homeland.

Under US jurisdiction, I am sure that Grand Bahama would experience phenomenal economic growth, similar to what is occurring in the Florida Keys. The government should put this proposal to a referendum to the people of Grand Bahama. Let them decide if they want to align themselves with the US or remain citizens of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

With Grand Bahama becoming a territory of the US, American citizenship will inevitably follow for the residents of the island, in addition to possibly millions of Americans relocating to the island. Granted, it will be emotionally difficult severing national ties with The Bahamas. After all, Grand Bahamians are Bahamians.

But after two plus decades of an economic depression coupled with the continued vibrant economy of New Providence, Abaco, Bimini, Exuma and other Family Islands, Grand Bahamians are at their wits end with the unbroken promises of prosperity that seems only to elude their island. They’re fed up with being treated like stepchildren.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, March 21, 2023.

As little children, whenever we ventured over to play with the big boys, the message always got to my grandparents, but since grandfather had had a stroke and consequently confined to a wheelchair, it was my grandmother that did discipline...so guess what? we got our beating for not playing with children our ages, and especially for crossing the divide, what the writers are referring to?

In this global arena, you have the super-rich countries, the populace in hundreds of millions of people, you also have countries with weapons of mass destruction quote/end quote. And there are the smaller countries like The Bahamas, who must learn to play with other countries their own sizes, otherwise you’ll soon-find out what being super countries meant?

Rolling right along, this FTX debacle, I just hope that it has taught the Bahamian politicians, others a lesson, that everything that glitters, isn’t gold, holds true and does apply in this scenario.

A foreign individual and his company flirting with huge sums of money, as if money had had no value, antennas should have gone up, but you know greed, and gullibility is serious business. sacred scriptures answer the money question this way: Money answereth

Did you not know that I have this gift of discernment, coupled with 25 years plus, as detective & policeman and I will tell you that something is just not right with this John Ray now chief executive officer of FTX, he looks like and sounds like a Fed, the way he connects his adjectives, the various storyline, etc?

Another point, Mr Ray, and the company’s lawyers, seems to be moving this criminal probe in the opposite direction. But what is most egregious about it, the authorities appear to be listening, taking their directives, if only in part from them, why?

And to the local authorities, including the highest court of the land, when we had the leverage we circumvented that authority, that jurisdiction and allowed unlawful influence to prevailed... had we used sensible and good legal judgement, securing, ensuring that the proceeds from the dealings of FTX domiciled within the Commonwealth Of The Bahamas, had been sent to the Central Bank Of The Bahamas (for-safekeeping), we would have had those funds in our jurisdiction.

Secondly, the court has ruled that Sam BankmanFried would have had to re-appear sometime in February, 2023, I believe it was.

And while US Embassy personnel had the prescribed right by whatever article of association, to

Now you see just how ungrateful those people are; referring to government officials as corrupt and attempting to strip The Bahamas of any and all matters pertaining to FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried, etc. And I supposed that in its truest sense, we deserved it, we sowed it, and now we must reap it, sorry to say, but it shows the consequences dealt by those of us Bahamians.

Finally, why do you vex?

In my judgement, this is a matter that The Bahamas cannot win, and therefore, I encourage the powers that be to let it go, otherwise bad blood will prevail or someone will have to pick up the tab at the endof-the-day, and always the Bahamian taxpayers, but why?

Let it go, there will be other times, and our position will be, please do not talk to me, because I am not listening... but my hands are listening to talk to the hands.

While you are at it, strengthen the laws. And cancel the treaties with America (after all these legal pieces of conveniences are a violation of the Constitution of The Bahamas-and-therefore, ought-to-fall-away) if anyone domiciled in this country that they may or might need, tell go to hell and watch Father God come to our aid... for God is a defender of the poor, watch Him?

Thank you, editor, I appreciate it.

FRANK GILBERT Nassau, March 21, 2023.

A WOMAN washes utensils outside her house in a slum area on the eve of World Water Day in Mumbai, India, yesterday.

Photo: Rajanish Kakade/AP

COURT CLERK FACES FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAGISTRATE’S

Court clerk was in tears yesterday as she faced 20 fraud-related charges - with prosecutors alleging she abused her court position for profit and gain.

Prosecutors say that between January 30 and March 9 this year, Cruzel Nottage, 33, forged and was found with various fake court payment sheets and receipts.

The documents, intended for illicit use by two courts at the Magistrate’s court complex, represented $14,620.

Nottage also allegedly obtained $5,000 from Eric Rolle through unlawful means on March 9 while he was trying to pay a fine.

That same day, she allegedly fraudulently obtained $350 from Georgina Rolle, money intended for

another person. While acting as a jury assistant around that time, Nottage also allegedly falsified accounts to show a fine of $9000 was paid in full when only $50 was paid.

Officers arrested Nottage on March 15, seizing $865 they suspected to be proceeds of crime. She faces one count of money laundering, one count of falsification of accounts, two counts of fraud by false pretences, two counts of extortion, seven counts of possessing forged documents and seven counts of uttering a forged document.

She pleaded not guilty to all charges. Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt granted her $8,000 bail on condition that she signs in at the Wulff Road Police Station every Monday and Wednesday. Nottage cried with a relative after her arraignment.

WOMAN FINED AND MUST REPAY EMPLOYER OVER STOLEN MONEY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A GAS station worker was fined $1,800 yesterday after she admitted to stealing $572.83 from her place of employment on Prince Charles Drive.

Rashandra Davis, 28, faced Magistrate Kendra Kelly on five counts of stealing by reason of employment.

Between February 25 and March 3, while employed at the Esso On The Run Service Station on Prince Charles Drive

Police engage armed robbers leaving one hospitalised

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THREE men known to police were arrested on Friday after an armed robbery led to a chase and a shootout between police officers and suspects.

Around 2.30pm on Friday, a woman at a banking institution in western New Providence was robbed of a deposit bag at gunpoint, Police Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters on the scene.

CSP Skippings said:

“Officers from Operation Ceasefire were on routine saturated patrols on Gladstone road, when they observed a white 2022 Suzuki XL, traveling at a high rate of speed south on Gladstone Road.

“A chase ensued, which ended in the Jubilee Gardens area, with the vehicle crashing into a wall after the suspects realised that they were totally surrounded by police,” CSP Skipping said.

from a mill in the eastern district of New Providence. So we are continuing our investigation into this matter.

She continued: “Let me also say today, one of the suspects, actually both of them, like I mentioned, had on EMD (monitoring device). One of them in their quest to evade being monitored, had their ankle bracelet totally covered with foil, totally covered with foil, unacceptable. We will not tolerate it as a law enforcement agency.”

we will do what it is that we are mandated to do as a law enforcement agency. And so if you stand up to the police be prepared for the police to take quick and decisive action with you,” CSP Skippings said.

“So for those persons who seek to engage in criminal activity, I said once again, be prepared. We are here to police this country, and we are going to protect the good citizens of this great nation,” she said.

and Fox Hill, Davis is accused of stealing a total of $582.83.

In court, the accused pleaded guilty to all five charges. She was ordered to fully financially compensate her former employer, and was further ordered to pay a fine of $1,800 or risk six months in jail.

Before her release, Davis is expected to pay $200 of her compensation with the remaining $372.83 having to be paid before the court on April 11.

WOMAN SEXUALLY ASSUALTED AFTER ACCEPTING CAR RIDE

A WOMAN was sexually assaulted after accepting a ride on Monday, police reported.

Officers said the woman was walking in the area of Bacardi Road at about 9am when she accepted a ride from a man driving a burgundy vehicle, with the licence plate AH9084.

Officers said he drove the victim to a residence in the Coral Harbour area and parked, leaving the victim inside the vehicle. He then returned moments later, produced a handgun and sexually assaulted the woman. She then made her escape and reported the matter to police, officers said.

• A man in Freeport has been arraigned after two people were reportedly attacked by six pit bull dogs on Balao Road on Friday. The victims were treated for serious injuries at Rand Memorial Hospital. Elliot Hepburn, aged 63, was accused of two counts of suffering a dangerous dog to be at large, two counts of unlicenced dogs, one count of negligently causing harm, and one count of negligently causing grievous harm.

Mr Hepburn pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of $2,000. His case was adjourned until June 19.

• Police reported that a large quantity of suspected marijuana was

confiscated in the area of Joe Farrington Road yesterday at about 3.30pm.

Officers attached to the Internal Security Division and Police Dog Section found the drugs in an unfinished building in a shanty town area. The weight and value was unknown last night. In a separate incident, 27 packages of suspected marijuana were found underneath a heap of leaves on Monday near a car wash on Bahama Avenue. No arrest was made.

• Armed robbery suspects are being sought after an incident on Monday at about 8pm when a man and his female companion were parked in a vehicle outside the driver’s residence on Jean and York Street when two men in dark clothing and masks approached. One allegedly produced a handgun and demanded the victims exit the vehicle, which the culprits then used to speed off south on Jean Street. The vehicle was later recovered in the Village Road area.

• A quantity of suspected marijuana and cocaine was found on Eleuthera on Monday, shortly after 10pm, by officers attached to Operation Spring Break. The drugs were found at a residence on Colebrook Street. Two arrests were made.

“The suspects exited the vehicle. Two of them were armed with handguns. They engaged the police, the police engaged them which

resulted in one of the males being shot,” she said.

“He was taken to hospital and at this time, his condition is unknown. Police recovered from the suspects two handguns, along with ammunition and a large quantity of cash believed to be the cash that was stolen from the female at the banking institution.”

CSP Skippings added:

“I hasten to say that upon examination of the vehicle, police recognised that this particular vehicle was actually taken in an armed robbery around midnight

CSP Skippings said the suspects are all “known to police and they are on bail for serious offences”.

She also urged those thinking of committing a criminal offence to think twice, as she referred to the 10 new police vehicles received from the United States Embassy on Friday morning. “These vehicles are equipped and they can track you. And so this is a clear example of what we talked about when we say saturated patrols – you commit a crime, you will be caught. We are going to be relentless. We have a zero tolerance approach. And

CSP Skippings then urged the public to keep in mind that police officers are humans with families, and they have the right to protect themselves.

“Police officers are human as well. They have families that love them that care for them and are looking forward to seeing them come home at the end of their toll duty. We are going to be relentless and so if you seek to engage the police, be prepared for what comes your way,” she said.

Investigations into this most recent armed robbery are continuing.

CHIEF Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings

Technological opportunities, challenges and barriers for equality

ON Friday, March 18, the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) came to a close. The theme for this year’s meeting was “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls” and the theme under review was “Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls” which was the theme of the 62nd session.

CSW, an intergovernmental body focused on promoting gender equality, was established in 1946. Beyond the promotion of women’s rights, the annual CSW sessions are a space that provide the opportunity for people –representing governments and from civil society –to bring awareness to the lived realities of women all over the world.

This sharing, as well as the recommendations made in various statements and discussions, can be recorded and distributed for further development. There is always a priority theme, an evaluation of progress, a look at emerging issues and trends, and an agreement to take specific actions.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is integral to this work undertaken at the CSW sessions. It is the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women which was held in Beijing in September 1995, drawing 17,000 participants and 30,000 activists from all over the world.

The conference resulted in a commitment to gender equality with 12 critical areas of concern – women and poverty, education and training of women, women and health, violence against women, women and armed conflict, women and the economy, women in power and decision-making, institutional mechanism for the advancement of women, human rights of women, women and the media, women and the environment, and the girl-child.

Many of the priority themes are derived from the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and most are now connected to the Sustainable Development Goals which were adopted in September 2015.

By Alicia Wallace

In March of every year, CSW takes place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. United Nations Member State representatives attend sessions inside the Headquarters, assessing gaps and progress, and working toward an agreement on which there is consensus. Side events also take place inside the United Nations Headquarters, and parallel events take place outside of Headquarters.

According to a statement by UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, 181 Member States and observers participated in CSW67 and these included three heads of state, one head of government, two vice presidents, and 116 ministers. She said: “This scale reflects the importance of

community participation in their work. Bina Ramanand from Family Frontiers talked about her work toward genderequal nationality law and the ways the organisation has been able to not only engage the affected mothers and children, but keep centering them in all of its activities. The affected mothers are active on social media, creating attention-grabbing content, and participate in press conferences, advocacy at the national level, and other activities.

gender equality for all of us, for the 2030 Agenda, for future generations and for those we represent and serve.”

With 200 side events and 700 parallel events, it was a busy two-week period with 7,000 people bustling from one meeting to another, and trying to meet one another for further dialogue between scheduled events.

Equality Bahamas hosted two parallel events – one virtual and one in-person which was converted to a hybrid event to include speakers outside of New York and accommodate broader participation.

The first event, Feminist Methodologies and Practices: Lessons from COVID-19 focused on the ways nongovernmental organisations have prioritised

Bahamas Electrical Utilities

Managerial Union (BEUMU) will hold:

Nominations for Election of Officers on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Classrooms 1 and 2 of the E. Cobourn Sands Building, Big Pond Complex, at The Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited

All Financial Members interested in serving should complete the Nomination Form (indicating which office they wish to serve in) and have 2

Financial Members endorse the Nomination.

- 1 to Nominate and the other to Second the Nomination and have the forms.

Nomination Forms can be obtained from the Nomination Committee

Chairman - Craig Campbell

Secretary - Krystal Martin

Member - Shawn Rolle (Forms will be available on Friday, March 24, 2023 and can be turned in on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 28, 2023)

Election of Officers

On Friday 28 April 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Classrooms 1 and 2 of the E. Cobourn Sands Building, Big Pond Complex, at The Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited

To Elect: •President

•Vice President

•General Secretary

•Treasurer •3 Trustees

Gillian Cooper, from Commonwealth Foundation, talked about the Critical Conversations series the organisation launched during COVID19 lockdowns when its usual convening, the Commonwealth People’s Forum, had to be postponed. The series was a means of bringing people together to talk about pressing issues, share ideas, and start conversations that could be continued over a longer period of time than the actual events. Though the Commonwealth People’s Forum returned last year, Commonwealth Foundation has continued the series as it sees the importance of this kind of engagement that is public-facing and can reach many people, both live and through the recordings.

Jyoti Diwan, from the International Centre for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD), gave an especially interesting presentation on one of the tools ICAAD developed. The Gender-based Violence (GBV) Tracker compiles and sorts through information about gender-based violence cases, providing useful information from sentencing and comments by judges to age of the survivor or victim and relationship between survivor or victim and perpetrator. The information is currently available for nine countries in the Pacific, and ICAAD is working to expand to other regions.

Margaux Granat, from GEF ISLANDS Programme, talked about the programme which is focused on waste and chemical management, and the way gender was a consideration from the beginning and is being mainstreamed throughout the programme.

The ISLANDS Programme is being run in numerous countries and it is in the Caribbean through two Child Projects which include Dominica, Cuba, and The Bahamas.

The second event, Feminist Technological Connections: Centering Migrant and Rural Women, invited speakers and other participants to think broadly about technology, data, and innovation, and how they are and can be used to reach people with specific needs and end gender-based violence.

Antonia Kirkland represented the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights which is a coalition of organisations that are working to change laws so that women can pass on citizenship to their children. She noted that technology has made communication possible, particularly during lockdowns when it was not possible to convene in person.

Importantly, she noted that technology has been a tool to keep momentum going. This was a clear indication that technology is not the central tool or aspect of the Global

Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights’ work.

Laura Williams, from Global Rights for Women, shared some of the experiences the organisation has had, particularly over the past three years, as it conducted research in several countries. She emphasised the importance of being flexible, and not being limited to a particular tool or platform as assumptions about a place and a group of people can be incorrect and circumstances can completely change what may have been previously considered to be irrefutably true.

As an example, she mentioned a research project that was designed to be door-to-door, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible, so the team had to find a different way to get it done. Switching from door-todoor to telephone meant that researchers would lose the ability to read body language, observe changes in the environment that impact safety, and anticipate or identify the need to adjust.

New systems had to be developed rather quickly, understanding that simply moving from in-person to online would not solve the initial problem and would actually present new challenges.

Salote Soqo, from Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, brought the perspective of a funder. She made the connection between the social justice work partners are doing and the importance of technology and innovation in creating access to rights. She specifically referenced Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is on freedom of expression. She noted that freedom of expression is linked to the right to communicate.

This means people to be able to participate in events and access online tools and conversations,

and this is not limited to provision of devices, but the infrastructure that makes their use possible. She then connected this to the need for renewable energy to ensure that people have electricity, that it is not detrimental to the environment, and that it does not put an additional financial burden on people.

Angela Sanaa Paswa, from Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association, spoke about the specific needs of indigenous people and those in rural communities. She said that what we may consider low-tech is not automatically accessible in rural communities.

The use of a telephone may seem basic and like a guaranteed way to be in contact, but there are still people without phones. Her points were heavily underscored by multiple African women in the room who said devices are not enough.

People need the resources to get and to maintain data connectivity and to pay their electricity bills.

One woman emphasised that women, taking care of households and having limited income, cannot choose to purchase a data package when the same amount of money could provide several meals.

People attending the sessions contributed to the conversation with enthusiasm. They noted the importance and the impact of storytelling. Storytelling is tradition, it is method, and it is data. It is a way of sharing and gathering information, and must be recognised as a powerful tool for change.

Overall, the events by Equality Bahamas pushed back against the assumption that technology is synonymous with devices and internet connections and challenged the idea that technology as most people understand today is, in and of itself,

(exclusively) a solution. This limited understanding of technology also creates barriers and can widen gaps between people, leaving those situations of vulnerability worse off than they were before.

Other events at CSW67 looked at the technological solutions, the issue of technology-enabled gender-based violence, and the gap in access to technology based on factors including and not limited to gender. It was interesting to see the different ways that organisations and communities approached the theme and defined technology. There is definitely space for us to interrogate what we consider to be technology and how we are preparing for further technological advancement, especially at this time when artificial intelligence is gaining more traction, and very quickly.

When government representatives talk about CSW, they often refer exclusively to the meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York. Sometimes they reference the side events.

It is important to remember that civil society is a part of the session, there is tremendous value in the spaces created for and through parallel events, and the spaces outside of headquarters contribute to the agitation within those walls to have a strong document at the conclusion.

The agreed conclusions are sure to be quite different from the zero draft. The document should be available in the coming days, and we will have a new tool for gender equality advocacy.

Bahous said: “This year’s Agreed Conclusions are game-changing and bring forward our vision of a more equal and connected world for women and girls in all their diversity. It is our job, as we leave here today, to translate them into reality.”

‘This limited understanding of technology also creates barriers and can widen gaps between people, leaving those situations of vulnerability worse off than they were before’

GOOGLE’S ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT ‘BARD’ CHATBOT SET FOR NEXT STAGE

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer

GOOGLE announced Tuesday it’s allowing more people to interact with “Bard,” the artificially intelligent chatbot the company is building to counter Microsoft’s early lead in a pivotal battleground of technology.

In Bard’s next stage, Google is opening a waitlist to use an AI tool that’s similar to the ChatGPT technology Microsoft began deploying in its Bing search engine to much fanfare last month. And last week, Microsoft embedded more AI-powered technology in its word processing, spreadsheet and slide presentation programs with a new feature called Copilot.

Until now, Bard had only been available to a small group of “trusted testers” hand-picked by Google. The Mountain View, California, company, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., isn’t saying how many people will be given access to Bard in the next step of the technology’s development. Initial applicants will be limited to the U.S. and the U.K. before Google offers Bard in more countries.

Google is treading carefully with the rollout of its AI tools, in part because

it has more to lose if the technology spits out inaccurate information or takes its users down dark corridors.

That’s because Google’s dominant search engine has become a de facto gateway to the internet for billions of people, raising the risk of a massive backlash that could tarnish its image and undercut its ad-driven business if the technology behaves badly.

Despite the technology’s pitfalls, Bard still offers “incredible benefits” such as “jumpstarting human productivity, creativity and

curiosity,” Google said in a blog post that two of its vice presidents — Sissie Hsiao and Eli Collins — wrote with assistance from Bard.

As a precautionary measure, Google is limiting the amount of interaction that can occur between Bard and its users — a tactic Microsoft has imposed with ChatGPT after media coverage detailed instances when the technology likened an Associated Press reporter to Hitler and tried to persuade a New York Times reporter to divorce his

wife. Google also is providing access to Bard through a separate site from its search engine, which serves as the foundation for the digital ads that generate most of its profits. In a tacit acknowledgement that Bard may be prone to straying into manufacturing falsehoods, which are being called “hallucinations” in technology circles, Google is providing a query box connected to its search engine to make it easier for users to check on the accuracy of the information being displayed by the

MICROSOFT ADDS AI TOOLS TO OFFICE APPS LIKE OUTLOOK, WORD

By HALELUYA HADERO

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP)

— Microsoft is infusing artificial intelligence tools into its suite of office software, including Word, Excel and Outlook emails.

The company said last week the new feature, named Copilot, is a processing engine that will allow users to do things like summarise long emails, draft stories in Word and animate slides in PowerPoint.

AI. Bard made an embarrassing blunder shortly after Google unveiled the tool by prominently displaying a wrong answer about a scientific milestone during a presentation that was supposed to show how smart the technology could be.

The gaffe contributed to a nearly 8% drop in Alphabet’s stock in a single day, wiping out about $100 billion in shareholder wealth and underscoring how closely investors are watching how Google handles the transition to AI.

CRUISE WANTS TO TEST SELF-DRIVING CARS ALL OVER CALIFORNIA

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle unit on Monday asked California for permission to test the cars across the entire state.

The GM subsidiary already is running an autonomous ride-hailing service in its hometown of San Francisco after testing for more than two years. It doesn’t have specific plans yet to expand testing in California, but applying with the

Department of Motor Vehicles is a step toward entering cities such as Los Angeles.

“While this application doesn’t represent any immediate change to our testing or operations, we hope to continue working with the California DMV to safely and responsibly test our services in other cities in the future,” Cruise spokesman Drew Pusateri said in a statement.

If granted, the test permit won’t allow Cruise to carry nonemployee passengers outside of San Francisco. Testing could be done up to 55 miles per hour (88 kilometres per hour) statewide, Cruise said. Cruise also has been testing autonomous Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles, and carrying employees, friends and family members in central Austin, Texas,

and parts of Phoenix.

The GM subsidiary is under investigation by U.S. safety regulators for reports that its autonomous robotaxis can unexpectedly come to a halt, potentially stranding passengers. Cruise says it’s cooperating in the probe and has driven 1 million autonomous miles (1.6 million autonomous kilometres) without causing any life-threatening injuries or deaths.

Microsoft 365 General Manager Colette Stallbaumer said the new features are currently only available for 20 enterprise customers. It will roll it out for more enterprise customers over the coming months.

Microsoft is marketing the feature as a tool that will allow workers to be more productive by freeing up time they usually spend in their inbox, or allowing them to more easily analyse trends in Excel.

The tech giant based in Redmond, Washington, will also add a chat function called Business Chat, which resembles the popular ChatGPT. It takes commands and carries out actions — like summarising an email about a particular project to co-workers — using user data.

VIRGIN ORBIT PAUSING ALL WORK, REPORTEDLY FURLOUGHS STAFF

By SYLVIA HUI

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Virgin Orbit said Thursday it is pausing all operations amid reports that the company is furloughing almost all its staff as part of a bid to seek a funding lifeline.

The California-based satellite launch company confirmed it’s putting all work on hold, but didn’t say how long for.

“Virgin Orbit is initiating a company-wide operational pause, effective March 16, 2023, and anticipates providing an update on go-forward operations in the coming weeks,” the company said in a statement.

It said the move was “to conserve cash while the company continues to evaluate all available options.”

The company declined to comment on reports that all but a small number of workers will be temporarily put on unpaid furlough.

Virgin Orbit, which is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, was founded in 2017 by British billionaire Richard Branson to target the market for launching small satellites into space. Its LauncherOne rockets are launched from the air from modified Virgin passenger planes, allowing the company to operate more flexibly than using fixed launch sites.

THE GOOGLE logo is displayed at their offices in Granary Square, in London. Google announced Tuesday, it’s allowing more people to interact with “Bard,” the artificially intelligent chatbot the company is building to counter Microsoft’s early lead in a pivotal battleground of technology. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

A CRUISE AV, General Motor’s autonomous electric Bolt EV, is seen in Detroit, in 2019.

Japan’s PM offers Ukraine support as China’s Xi Jinping backs Russia

UKRAINE

Associated Press

PRIME Minister Fumio

Kishida made a surprise visit Tuesday to Kyiv, engaging in dueling diplomacy with Asian rival President Xi Jinping of China, who met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin to promote Beijing’s peace proposal for Ukraine that Western nations have all but dismissed as a non-starter.

The two visits, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) apart, highlighted how countries are lining up behind Moscow or Kyiv during the nearly 13-monthold war. Kishida, who will chair the Group of Seven summit in May, became the group’s last member to visit Ukraine and meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after paying tribute to those killed in Bucha, a town that became a symbol of Russian atrocities against civilians.

Xi and Putin announced no major progress toward implementing the Chinese peace deal, although the Russian leader said it could be a basis for ending the fighting when the West is ready. He added that Kyiv’s Western allies have shown no interest in that.

U.S. officials have said any peace plan coming from the Putin-Xi meeting would be unacceptable because a cease-fire would only ratify Moscow’s territorial conquests and give Russia time to plan for a renewed offensive.

“It looks like the West indeed intends to fight Russia until the last Ukrainian,” Putin said, adding the latest threat is a British plan to give Ukraine tank rounds containing depleted uranium.

“If that happens, Russia will respond accordingly, given that the collective West is starting to use weapons with a nuclear component,” he said, without elaborating. Putin has occasionally warned that Russia would use all

available means, including possibly nuclear weapons, to defend itself, but also has sometimes backed off such threats.

Putin’s comment referred to remarks Monday by U.K junior Defense Minister Annabel Goldie, who wrote: “Alongside our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will be providing ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium. Such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the plan shows that the British “have lost the bearings,” and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said “it marked another step, and there aren’t so many of them left.”

But weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former commander of Britain’s Royal Tank Regiment, said it was “reckless” of Putin “to try and suggest Britain is sending nuclear material” to Ukraine. He said depleted uranium is a common component of tank rounds, possibly even used by Russia.

“Putin insinuating that they are some sort of nuclear weapon is bonkers,” he told The Associated Press. “Depleted uranium is completely inert. There is no way that you could create a nuclear reaction or a nuclear explosion with depleted uranium.”

Beijing insists it is a neutral broker in Ukraine, and Xi said after his talks with Putin: “We adhere to a principled and objective position on the Ukrainian crisis based on the goals and principles of the U.N. Charter.” The Chinese plan seeks to “actively encourage peace and the resumption of talks,” he said.

In a joint statement, Russia and China emphasized the need to “respect legitimate security concerns of all countries” to settle the

conflict, echoing Moscow’s argument that it sent in troops to prevent the U.S. and its NATO allies from turning the country into an anti-Russian bulwark.

“Russia welcomes China’s readiness to play a positive role in the political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis” and the “constructive ideas” contained in Beijing’s peace plan, the statement said. It added: “The parties underline that a responsible dialogue offers the best path for a lasting settlement ... and the international community should support constructive efforts in this regard.”

After meeting Kishida, Zelenskyy told reporters his team had sent his own peace formula to China but hasn’t heard back, adding that there were “some signals, but nothing concrete about the possibility of a dialogue.”

Kishida called Russia’s invasion a “disgrace that undermines the foundations of the international legal order” and pledged to “continue to support Ukraine until peace is back on the beautiful Ukrainian lands.”

Hours before Xi and Putin dined at a state dinner in glittering Kremlin opulence, Kishida laid flowers at a church in Bucha for

the town’s victims.

“Upon this visit to Bucha, I feel a strong resentment against cruelty,” he said. “I would like to represent the people in Japan, and express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones, were injured as a result of this cruel act.”

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel noted the “two very different European-Pacific partnerships” that unfolded Tuesday.

“Kishida stands with freedom, and Xi stands with a war criminal,” Emanuel tweeted, referring to Friday’s decision by the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Putin, saying it wanted to put him on trial for the abductions of thousands of children from Ukraine.

Kyiv’s allies pledged more support. Washington is accelerating its delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, sending a refurbished older version that can be ready faster, the Pentagon announced. The aim is to get the 70-ton behemoths to the war zone by fall.

The Russia-China front against the West was a prominent theme of Xi’s visit. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei

US speeds up Abrams tank delivery to Ukraine war zone

WASHINGTON Associated Press

THE PENTAGON is speeding up its delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, opting to send a refurbished older model that can be ready faster, with the aim of getting the 70-ton battle powerhouses to the war zone by the fall, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The original plan was to send Ukraine 31 of the newer M1A2 Abrams, which could have taken a year or two to build and ship. But officials said the decision was made to send the older M1A1 version, which can be taken from Army stocks. Officials said the M1A1 also will be easier for Ukrainian forces to learn to use and maintain as they fight the invading Russian forces.

“This is about getting this important combat capability into the hands of the Ukrainians sooner rather than later,” said Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary. The Biden administration announced in January that it would send the tanks to Ukraine — after insisting for months that they were too complicated and too hard to maintain and repair. The decision was part of a broader political maneuver that opened the door for Germany to announce it would send its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow Poland and other allies to do the same.

Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Ryder said the tanks will be refurbished and refitted to make them combat ready for Ukraine. He declined to say where that work will be done.

It’s unclear how soon the U.S. would begin training Ukrainian forces on how to

use, maintain and repair the tanks. The intention would be to have the training of the troops coincide with the refurbishment of the tanks, so that both would be ready for battle at the same time later this year, said U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not publicly provided. The Pentagon will also have to ensure that Ukrainian forces have an adequate supply chain for all the parts needed to keep the tanks running.

The Russian and Ukrainian forces have been largely in a stalemate, trading small slices of land over the winter. The fiercest battles have been in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia is struggling to encircle the city of Bakhmut in the face of dogged Ukrainian defense. But both sides are expected to launch more intensive offensives in the spring. Asked about the timing of the tanks’ arrival, Ryder said the Abrams are part

of the medium- and longerterm military support the U.S. is providing to Ukraine. He said that as Ukrainian forces take or retake territory, they will also need to sustain those gains and deter Russia from regaining any footholds.

During a visit to a tank plant in Lima, Ohio, in February, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth met with officials there at length to determine the best options for getting the tanks to Ukraine.

“Part of it is figuring out — among the different options — what’s the best one that can allow us to get the Ukrainians tanks in as timely a fashion as we can,” without disrupting foreign military sales, Wormuth said at the time.

Officials at the plant, which is owned by the Army and operated by Reston, Virginia-based General Dynamics, said production totals can vary, based on contract demands. And

Ryabkov accused NATO of seeking to become the world’s dominant military force. “That is why we are expanding our cooperation with China, including in the security sphere,” he said.

Putin is keen to show he has a heavyweight ally and market for Russian energy products under Western sanctions. He and Xi signed agreements on economic cooperation, noting Russian-Chinese trade rose by 30% last year to $185 billion and is expected to top $200 billion this year.

Russia stands “ready to meet the Chinese economy’s growing demand for energy resources” by boosting deliveries of oil and gas, he said, while listing other areas of cooperation, including aircraft and shipbuilding industries and other high-tech sectors. Whether China will provide military support is a key question. Western officials “have seen some signs” Putin also wants lethal weapons from Beijing, though there is no evidence it has granted his request, NATO SecretaryGeneral Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels.

Further contacts are planned. Xi said he invited Putin to China this year to discuss a regional initiative that seeks to extend Beijing’s influence through economic cooperation.

Moscow and Beijing have both weathered international condemnation of their human rights records.

The Chinese government is accused of atrocities against Uighur Muslims in its far western Xinjiang region. The allegations include genocide, forced sterilization and the mass detention of nearly 1 million Uighurs.

Beijing has denied the allegations. Russia has been accused of war crimes in Ukraine, charges it denies.

Kishida rode a train from Poland to Kyiv just hours after he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and a week after a breakthrough summit with South Korean

President Yoon Suk Yoel.

Both China and Japan have enjoyed recent diplomatic successes that emboldened their foreign policy.

Japan, which has engaged in territorial disputes over islands with both China and Russia, is particularly concerned about the Beijing-Moscow relationship. Both nations have conducted joint military exercises near Japan’s coasts.

Beijing’s diplomatic foray follows its recent success in brokering a deal between Iran and its chief Middle Eastern rival, Saudi Arabia, to restore relations after years of tensions. The move displayed China’s influence in a region where Washington has long been the major foreign player.

Kishida became Japan’s first postwar leader to enter a war zone.

Due to its pacifist principles, Japan’s support for Ukraine has been limited to nonlethal equipment and humanitarian supplies. It has contributed more than $7 billion to Ukraine and accepted more than 2,000 displaced Ukrainians, despite its strict immigration policy.

Tokyo joined the U.S. and European nations in sanctioning Russia over the invasion. By contrast, China has refused to condemn Moscow’s aggression and criticized Western sanctions against Moscow, while accusing NATO and Washington of provoking Putin’s military action.

Japan fears the possible impact of a war in East Asia, where China’s military has grown increasingly assertive and has escalated tensions around self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said of Kishida’s trip: “We hope Japan could do more things to deescalate the situation instead of the opposite.”

‘JOHN WICK’ STARS HONOUR LATE CO-STAR LANCE REDDICK

while they are currently building 15-20 armored vehicles per month, including tanks, they can easily boost that to 33 a month and could add another shift of workers and build even more if needed.

Development of tanks for Ukraine would have to be squeezed in between the current contracts for foreign sales, which include 250 of the newest versions for Poland and about 75 for Australia. During Wormuth’s tour of the plant, workers were preparing to build an updated version of the vehicle for Poland.

Ukrainian leaders have persistently pressed for the Abrams, which first deployed to war in 1991 and has thick armor, a 120 mm main gun, armor-piercing capabilities and advanced targeting systems. It runs on thick tracked wheels and has a 1,500-horsepower turbine engine with a top speed of about 42 miles per hour (68 kilometers per hour).

LOS ANGELES Associated Press

KEANU Reeves and Laurence Fishburne were among the “John Wick: Chapter 4” stars honoring Lance Reddick, their co-star who died unexpectedly last week, at the film’s Los Angeles premiere.

“We lost our brother, and in a really sort of very shocking way. I think we’re all still in shock. “Life is,” the visibly shaken Fishburne said, pausing briefly before continuing, “hard sometimes.”

Many of those who worked on the film wore blue ribbons to honor Reddick, who was a prolific character actor with prominent roles in “The Wire,” “Oz” and the “John Wick” film franchise.

“Just to be in his light and to get a chance to work with him, I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” Reeves said. “He had such a passion for his work and his craft. He was gracious. ”

Reddick, 60, died Friday in Los Angeles of natural causes, his publicist Mia Hansen said. No further details were provided.

He played Charon, the multi-skilled Continental Hotel concierge who is fond of Wick, an assassin played by Reeves. The latest installment arrives in theaters Friday.

“He’s the goodness of this film. He was kind of, in many ways, the heart of the film because his character loved John Wick,” Fishburne said.

“You know, it’s always hard when you lose someone that you love dearly. We were fortunate enough to work with Lance since the very beginning of the ‘John Wick’ franchise. I mean it’s been almost ten years,” director Chad Stahelski said. “I really wish he could be with us tonight, but, you know, life. But we’re very fortunate to have known him. And he’s a great man, a great artist, a great human, a dear friend.”

JAPANESE Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, greet each other after the signing of joint documents in Kyiv, Ukraine, yesterday.

Photo: Efrem Lukatsky/AP

KEANU REEVES, the star of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” wears a blue ribbon on his lapel in tribute to his late fellow cast member Lance Reddick, seen in a poster in the background, at the premiere of the film, Monday, March 20, 2023, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The veteran character actor Reddick died Friday morning at age 60.

Photo: Chris Pizzello/AP

A SOLDIER walks past a line of M1 Abrams tanks, Nov. 29, 2016, at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo. US officials say the Pentagon is speeding up its delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, opting to send a refurbished older model that can be ready faster. The aim is to get the 70-ton battle powerhouses to the war zone in eight to 10 months.

Photo: Christian Murdock/The Gazette/AP

TEMPLE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES GROWTH OF ITS ATHLETICS PROGRAMME

SCHOOL pride is still at an all time high at Temple Christian High School following their historic third-place finish at the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships.

The achievement is a remarkable one that reflects positively on the school and its athletics programme.

“Finishing third in the BAISS championships is no small feat, and it is something that should be celebrated and recognised by the entire school community,” said high school principal Perry R. Cunningham.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare and compete at the highest level.

“Our high school’s achievement sets a new standard of excellence for future athletic teams to strive for. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and commitment, anything is possible. The school community is proud of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have brought honour to the institution.”

Reflecting on the journey to this point, he said:

“The team faced several challenges leading up to the BAISS track and field championships, including COVID-19, injuries, lack of equipment and staff, limited financial support and balancing academic work with athletic training.

However, they were able to overcome these obstacles through hard work, dedication and the support of their coaches, parents, staff and community.”

Looking to the future, the principal added, “To maintain and build on this success, the school’s athletics programme has several goals, including identifying new talents, improving facilities, implementing a physical conditioning programme, inviting accomplished athletes to motivate student-athletes, implementing a mentorship programme, participating in more competitions, increasing athletic scholarship awards, and gaining more parental support.”

Coach Kenya Culmer is the head of physical education and head of the track and field programme at Temple Christian High School. She has been with the school for six years and has a background in track and field as a former athlete.

She attended Temple Christian Elementary and was introduced to the high jump by coach Demeritte. After high school, she was

awarded a full track scholarship at Southern Illinois University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.

In 2012, Culmer made history as the first Bahamian woman to jump over 6 feet, becoming the national high jump record holder. She originally came to Temple Christian to help out on a short-term basis, but six years later, she is still with the school, making a significant impact on its athletics programme.

Coach Culmer credits the team’s success to a rigorous six-month training programme that focused on endurance, strength and technical aspects of each event. “Our students and coaches sacrificed much time into the preparation for the B.A.I.S.S. competition. We took the time to test each athlete and identify their strengths, which allowed us to put them into events where they could excel. The athletes themselves deserve much of the credit for their consistency and dedication, leaving everything on the track and field in each event.”

She added: “The athletes handled the pressure exceptionally well, with not one expressing fear of competing against larger,

more dominant schools. We taught them how to be confident and most importantly to believe that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.”

Culmer leads a team alongside coaches Marvin Darville and Kevin Armbrister. An experienced coach, Armbrister was instrumental in the development of C.H Reeves’ track and field programme for over 20 years, a high school who were dominant in the government school track and field sector for many years.

Darville has been head coach of the SunBlazers track and field club for 19 years, specialising in the sprints and hurdling events.

Culmer credited this experience in this area as a strong factor to the Suns’ success in the hurdles events at the BAISS event. She continued, “As a team, we were able to achieve this success through strong collaboration between the coaches and athletes. In addition, we were fortunate to have the support of dedicated parents and volunteer coaches, all of whom worked together to make this achievement possible. As we always say, ‘teamwork makes the dreamwork.’”

Cunningham added: “By recognising and celebrating these achievements, we can inspire and motivate future generations of athletes to strive for greatness and continue to build a strong athletics programme at Temple Christian High School. “This historic achievement shows that with the right resources,

support, and guidance, even a relatively small student population can achieve great things.

“It is a reminder that hard work, dedication and teamwork are the keys to success, and that anything is possible when we set our minds to it.

“This achievement is a testament to our school’s

commitment to excellence and the development of well-rounded students.

“This accomplishment is not only a victory for the athletics programme but for the entire school community, and it should serve as inspiration for all students to strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives,” said Cunningham.

TEMPLE Christian Suns High School track and field team.

SHOWN, left to right, are TCS coaching team Marvin Darville, Kenya Culmer and Kevin Armbrister.

PERRY Cunningham

MS CULMER, TC High School

PROUD members of the TC Suns track and field team.

BAISS SOCCER STANDINGS

THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools has returned to soccer play after a three-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down soccer action. The BAISS division continues to grow with the addition of Windsor Academy fielding teams this season. The soccer convener is Yiorgo Coyle of St. Andrews School.

Athletes get ready for Nationals/Trials

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama — The inaugural Island Relays for visiting college teams over the weekend at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex gave some of the local athletes a chance to improve on their performances before they come to New Providence for the National High Schools Championships and final CARIFTA Trials this weekend.

Tervon Clarke, the 16-year-old 10th grader at Eight Mile Rock High, was the winner of the boys’ 100 metres in 11.43 seconds, holding off Michael Riley, who did 11.44 for second,

while Aiden Kelly was third in 11.65. Clarke said he just wanted to gauge himself going into the Nationals and CARIFTA Trials.

“I just want to do my best and hopefully I can make the CARIFTA team,” Clarke said. “I know the competition will be stiff, but I’m looking forward to competing in it.”

Shatalya Dorsett, in winning the girls’ 100m in 12.57, also showed that she’s ready for the dual meet and a chance to secure another berth on the CARIFTA team. She took the title over Phebe Thompson, who did 13.05, followed by Kianna Henchell in 13.27.

“It was a good opportunity for me to showcase my talent in front of my home crowd,” said Dorsett, a 16-year-old 12th grader at Sunland Baptist School.

“I feel confident that I will qualify again and make the CARIFTA team. I’m in good shape and I don’t have any injuries.”

Akerman Bowleg said he got some valuable advice from one of the collegiate athletes and it helped him as he went on and won the boys’ 400 metres in 49.79 seconds over Javano Bridgewater, who did 50.03, followed by Jayden McGregor in 50.77.

“Instead of me just going there and running, I decided to take her advice and to go out there and see how it works,” said Bowleg, a 17-year-old 12th grader at St George’s High.

As he prepares to make the trek to New Providence this weekend, Bowleg said he just wants to do his best and see how well he can perform as he competes in both the 200 and 400m.

Bishop Michael Eldon’s seventh grader Thomas, just 13 years old, said it

was fun running against the older competitors.

“I’m just glad that I came out injury free,” Thomas said.

“I am coming for the Nationals, but at my age, I don’t think I would be able to make the CARIFTA team. But if I do, all thanks be to God for making it possible.”

Treasure Burrows was the winner of the girls’ 800m in 2:22.99 over Erin Barr, who trailed the entire race for second in 2:36.25.

Zion Musgrove was third in 2:30.52. “I listened to my coach and I ran a strong first lap. On my second lap, I made a move coming through the last two hundred metres to get the win,” she said. “I felt very good. I am looking forward to competing in the Nationals. Hopefully I can run a PR and qualify for CARIFTA. I hope that me and Barr can make it. It would be good to have two competitors from Grand Bahama in the event.”

Swift Athletics’ Kenzie Knowles is a little too late for CARIFTA at 19, but he was just delighted to get the opportunity to compete in the meet. He won the boys’ 800m in 2:02.71.

“It’s a blessing competing in this event. I tried to push myself in every event and try to run my PR (personal best) because I really want to go off to college,” said Knowles, a recent graduate of St John’s College.

“It was a good race. I enjoyed it.”

his performance so far. “I feel good. Training has been going very well.

“I’m excited about training and the times are right there.”

With this being dubbed his “return to competition,” Gardiner said he’s looking forward to going to Budapest, Hungary in August and getting back on top of the podium in the men’s 400m.

“I think it will take around 43 to win it, but whatever time is the winning time, that is what I want to be able to do,” projected Gardiner, whose national 400m record is listed at 43.48.

Not having competed in a while, Gardiner said he has to concentrate on his start with his long-time coach Gary Evans in their training camp in Florida. But he said they have been making the necessary adjustments to get him ready.

“I just want to run the perfect race,” said Gardiner, who has been training under Evans’ supervision since 2016. “He’s been a real help in getting me to where I need to be. He’s my coach and he’s been helping me to get everything together.”

With each passing race as he makes his return to the international circuit, Gardiner said he’s seen the tremendous support poured in from the Bahamian public on social media. “I want to thank

them for supporting me,” he stressed. “I want to continue to make them feel proud and to put the Bahamas back on the international stage and make more history for the Bahamas.”

Gardiner, however, said he misses not having his close friend and fellow Bahamian star Shaunae Miller-Uibo competing. She’s taken some time off to have her baby with her husband, Maicel Uibo.

“As my good friend, I just want her to have a healthy pregnancy and enjoy her time off because I know she really needs it, having gone back-to-back competitions for so long,” Gardiner stated.

“I just want her to take her time and when she returns, we will link up and we can continue what we started before she took her break for motherhood.”

Having competed on both silver and bronze medal winning 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relay teams for the Bahamas at the 2014 CARIFTA Games in Fortde-France, Martinique, Gardiner also sent his personal endorsement to the athletes who will be trying out this weekend for this year’s CARIFTA Games, scheduled for the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium over the Easter holiday weekend.

“Always put your best foot forward. Most people can’t do it, so for those who make it, just do your best,” Gardiner stated.

“You are competing at home with your family and friends there, so just go out

there and do what you have to do and have fun.

“Don’t put any pressure on yourself. The pressure should be in your training. You just need to be prepared to enjoy the games. Plus, this is our 50th year of Independence, so this is the icing on the cake. Just enjoy the experience of competing in CARIFTA and at home in your backyard.”

Gardiner is looking forward to competing in his next meet in Florida, but while he will be running both the 200 and 400m, he said he might just surprise everybody and run in a 100m race.

“The last time I did the 100m was in 2020 when COVID-19 started,” Gardiner said. “I ran a PB, so I will see if I can beat that.”

But at the World Championships, Gardiner said his focus will be on the 400m where he was unbeaten in 23 consecutive races dating back to the 2017 World Championships when he won the silver medal behind world record holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa.

If the opportunity presents itself, he said he could make himself available to run on the men’s 4 x 400m relay team.

SHATALYA Dorsett leading the girls’ 100 metres.

KENZIE Knowles wins the boys’ 800 metres.

TERVON Clarke leading the boys’ 100 metre race.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

Duncombe coming to town for the CARIFTA team trials

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama –

After falling short of making the Bahamas Aquatics’ national team for the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Curacao, versatile Grand Bahamian Launy Duncombe is coming to town this weekend to give it a shot at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ track team for CARIFTA here at home.

Duncombe, the overall male winner of the BAARK’s 10th annual Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon that was held on Jaws Beach on March 5, came through as the junior boys’ winner of the Grand Bahama Cycling Association’s Time Trials over the weekend.

He said he used the event to get him geared up for the competition in the under-17 boys’ division of the BAAA National High School and final CARIFTA Trials at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. “When I went to the swim CARIFTA trials, I didn’t qualify, so when my coach told me I had a chance to qualify for the track team for CARIFTA, I decided to prepare myself for it, along with the CARIFTA triathlon,” he said.

“I love competing in cycling and then swimming and track. But I enjoy competing in all three because they help me to become

a better triathlete. I just hope that I can make the CARIFTA team this weekend in track.”

Look for 15-year-old Duncombe to make his presence felt in the 1,500m.

Duncombe, a ninth grader at St Paul’s Methodist College, started swimming from the age of two, but just recently got involved in cycling and running long distances to help him gear up for the triathlon.

“It was a good experience for me,” said Duncombe of winning the Potcakeman Triathlon. “I didn’t have any high expectations. I just wanted to put myself in a position to be one of the competitors they picked for CARIFTA later this year.

“So I just went there to make sure that I solidified by spot. But I didn’t expect to come out with the position that I got. When I saw I had the opportunity to win it, I took it and pushed myself across the finish line.”

Although he had the fourth fastest time in the Time Trials on Saturday, Duncombe said he just wanted to compete with the older competitors, who are all training for the Bahamas Games in Juily.

“It was fun competing against them,” Duncombe said.

“I hope that I can make the team to represent Grand Bahama at the Bahamas Games as well.”

He certainly has a bright future ahead of him as a multiple sport standout.

MINISTER BOWLEG: PURCHASE YOUR CARIFTA TICKETS EARLY

FROM PAGE 16

Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), in conjunction with the MOYSC, is set to host the CARIFTA Trials and High School National Track and Field Championships as a mock version of April’s games. The event will take place March 25-27.

FORD

FROM PAGE 16

Ford, the only Bahamian to pitch in Major League Baseball for the Atlanta Braves, was killed in a car accident on July 8, 1980.

His daughter, Ford-Diagne - a former multiple sporting star for the Kingsway Academy Saintsleft the Bahamas in 1995 to pursue her studies at Norfolk State University before she went on to Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School.

She is now residing in Edinburg, Texas where she is a physician assistant partnering with her husband Dr Thiendella Diagne at Dr Diagne Premier Ob Gyn Practice with emphasis on women’s health and infertility and is the mother of one daughter, Mareme Evangeline.

Ford-Diagne was too young to remember the exploits of her father. But while in town in 2022 to participate, her uncle Mario Ford’s annual baseball camp on Windsor Park opposite their homestead, she said the genesis of her starting the Sports Foundation in honour of her father.

“I feel like I am doing exactly what he would have been doing if he was still alive,” she said. “He always had a keen interest in helping the youth in the inner-city and so I think I am only carrying out his mandate to help as many young people as I could.

“He wanted to make sure that they had everything they need so that they could get the opportunity to compete just like the other kids whose parents have the funding to ensure that they can get the private tutoring.”

The following are the objectives of the camp:

- Teach the basic fundamentals and discipline of the game of baseball (or any sport).

- Teach the physical basic and develop the skills of baseball.

- To provide mentorship to both young boys and girls.

- To provide tutoring.

- Develop leadership skills to build.

- To develop and provide an after-school programme to aid in academic growth and tutoring assistance.

OHTANI FANS

TROUT,

JAPAN TOPS US 3-2 FOR WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC TITLE

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

MIAMI (AP) — Shohei

Ohtani emerged from the bullpen and fanned Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out in a matchup the whole baseball world wanted to see, leading Japan over the defending champion United States 3-2 last night for its first World Baseball Classic title since 2009.

Bowleg said 500 athletes will be competing in this weekend’s trials and everything that is set to happen at the CARIFTA Games will be done at this weekend’s event.

“We are encouraging all parents, fans, and families to come out and support your kids because at the end of the day we are gonna have athletes from all over the Family

Islands, including New Providence and Grand Bahama that are gonna be vying for their spot in the CARIFTA Games,” he said.

Minister Bowleg added that the competition will be keen and the public does not want to miss the preview of some of the CARIFTA athletes.

Although repairs to the Thomas A. Robinson stadium were

underway ahead of the 50th CARIFTA Games, they are expected to be done in time for April’s track and field event.

Persons that are interested can purchase tickets for the 50th CARIFTA Games online at https:// www.carifta50.com/ticketspurchase or can purchase via the box office located at the Eastern Grand entrance of the TAR stadium.

Ohtani, the two-way star who has captivated fans across two continents, beat out an infield single in the seventh inning as a designated hitter, and walked down the left-field line to Japan’s bullpen to warm up for his third mound appearance of the tournament.

He walked big league batting champion Jeff McNeil before getting Mookie Betts to ground into a double play.

Trout, the U.S. captain and a three-time MVP, then ended the game by striking out on a full-count breaking ball.

Ohtani batted .435 with one homer, four doubles, eight RBIs and 10 walks as Japan joined the Dominican Republic in 2013 to become the only unbeaten champions of baseball’s premier national team tournament.

Ohtani was 2-0 with a save and a 1.86 ERA on the mound, striking out 11 in 9 2/3 innings.

MLB

FROM PAGE 16

Players have talked about the need to accommodate certain plays that delay a pitcher from getting on the mound, such as after backing up first base.

“We have another set of issues that we want to see some regular-season games before we make a decision on them,” Manfred said. “I’ve met with six teams’ players already. Our feet are not in stone on this, on the one hand, and we are prepared to make adjustments based on input. On the other hand, we want to give it a chance to see exactly how it plays out after a period of adjustment in some regularseason games before we make any really significant alteration.”

Further adjustments may be made during the season.

- All members to participate in community service.

- Long-term - to provide or support other Sport Foundation(s) including sponsorship for other kids.

While she has the foundation up and running, Ford-Diagne revealed that there are 10 positions available for a board of directors to assist her. But she noted that she has an advisory board that includes veteran journalist Fred Sturrup and

former track star Addis Huyler, who has been assisting with the branding of the foundation. For more details, persons can email info@wentyfordsportsfoundation. com or contact Ford-Diagne at WhatsApp 956-780-6100.

“The ones we’re doing right now I regard to be clarifications,” Manfred said. “They were things that the rules contemplated. We just want to make sure everybody understands them. I think that the kind of issues that are alive are not issues that are going to affect the outcome of the game. Some of them relate to individual ballparks and what not.

You can make those adjustments over the course of the season. It’s not like changing how big a bat can be.”

THE late baseball legend Wenty Ford.

JAPAN player Shohei Ohtani warms up before the World Baseball Classic championship game against the United States yesterday in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

VERSATILE Grand Bahamian Launy Duncombe is coming to town this weekend to compete in the CARIFTA Trials.

SPORTS

Ford remembers her deceased father

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

In an effort to help keep the legacy of her late father alive, former versatile athlete Dr Wentia Ford-Diagne has established the Wenty Ford Sports Foundation with a “50-50 Dream Big” initiative.

The public charity, nonprofit organisation that is dedicated to the support and development of the youth though the fundamental skills of sporting disciplines, leadership and community development, was formed last September, but is expected to commence with its first set of participants this September to June 2024 with the innercity kids in Centreville.

Gardiner pleased with his comeback

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BACK in action after sitting out the past season with an injury, World and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner said he’s excited about his progress and looking forward to getting back on top of the men’s standings in the 400 metres.

The 27-year-old multiple Bahamian national record holder from Abaco opened his season with a pair of quality performances indoors in February before he won his outdoor season opener on Friday in Puerto Rico, all three in the 300m.

“At the beginning of the year, it started out rocky. I had to go to Germany in January for a checkup and I got the green light to compete,” said Gardiner in an interview with The Tribune.

“I did my first indoor meet in South Carolina and then we went back to Gainesville (Florida) for my second competition. That’s where we ran really well. Then we went to Puerto Rico and I had a great start for outdoors. I almost PR (personal best).”

Last year in his 300m opener before he went down with a UTE Tendon Inflammation injury that prevented him from defending his 400m title at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Gardiner clocked his lifetime best and national record of 31.52 and over the weekend, he came close with his winning time of 31.59.

“I think coming off the injury, we are in a great place where we need to be this year,” said Gardiner of

SEE PAGE 13

“We know that there are many inner-city kids, whose parents can’t afford to pay for them to go to the private camps,” she said. “The goal is to launch the programme to commemorate 50 years since my family first started playing Major League baseball.

“So I’ve created an after-school programme where the kids can come at least two times a week to learn the fundamentals of the sport of baseball and two days where they can get the tutoring from some of the teachers in the programme.”

Ford-Diagne said they are opening the programme up to the first 50 youngsters, but one of the criteria for enrolment in the programme is a minimum of a 2.5 overall grade point average and a minimum of

Donovan Mitchell scores 31 as Cavaliers top Nets 115-109

NEW YORK (AP) —

Donovan Mitchell had five 3-pointers and one sensational slam dunk among his 31 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers opened a big lead in the third quarter and held on for a 115-109 victory over Brooklyn Nets last night.

Caris LeVert added 18 points for the Cavaliers in the opener of a two-game series. Cleveland led by only six after a competitive first half, but quickly blew it open in the third en route to its seventh win in nine games.

The Cavs opened a 24-point lead and Mitchell’s slam over Yuta Watanabe came with the Nets desperately hoping to get back into it early in the fourth.

Day’Ron Sharpe had 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Nets, who

lost their fourth straight game. Spencer Dinwiddie had 19 points and 11 assists, and Mikal Bridges scored 18 points. The teams play again Thursday night to complete what could be a postseason preview.

HAWKS 129, PISTONS 107

ATLANTA (AP) —

Bogdan Bogdanovic sank three 3-pointers in a 16-0 run early in the second half that allowed Atlanta to extend its lead to double digits for the first time.

Trae Young had 30 points and 12 assists for the Hawks (36-36), who are eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Hawks completed their first four-game season series sweep of the Pistons since the 1993-94 season. Marvin Bagley III scored a season-high 31 points in

Detroit’s fourth straight loss. The NBA-worst Pistons (16-57) have lost 15 of 16.

MAGIC 122, WIZARDS 112 ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Rookie Pablo Banchero had 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, sending the Magic to the victory.

Orlando won for the first time in eight games against Washington. Gary Harris scored 22 points for the Magic, and Franz Wagner had 20 points. Reserve guard Cole Anthony finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 30 points for the Wizards, who lost for the sixth time in seven games. Bradley Beal had 16 points and seven assists before fouling out with 2:55 remaining.

Ford, who also played cricket, signed with the Braves in 1966 as an undrafted free agent and was promoted to the Major Leagues in September 1973 after his eighth season in Atlanta’s farm system, having won 17 of 24 decisions with an earned run average of 2.46 with the Braves’ two top minor league affiliates.

2.0 GPA in a subject. It’s geared towards youngsters between the ages of five and 12.

In his Major League debut on September 10, 1973, Ford started against the San Francisco Giants at Atlanta-Fulton County against future baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Manchal. Ford pitched a complete game in a 10-4 triumph, surrendering five hits (four of them singles) and six bases on balls (walks), with three strikeouts.

SEE PAGE 14

MINISTER: DON’T WAIT UNTIL LAST MINUTE TO BUY CARIFTA TICKETS

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

WITH the 50th CARIFTA Games only 15 days away, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg is urging Bahamians not to wait until the last minute to purchase their tickets for the event.

The CARIFTA Games are expected to be held on Easter weekend April 7-10. With the games almost two weeks away, Bowleg said 6,000 to 7,000 of the CARIFTA tickets have already been sold with more than 20% of ticket sales coming from Jamaicans.

Bowleg had this message for Bahamians ahead of the country’s 50th CARIFTA Games.

“If we Bahamians don’t get to the ticket booth and start purchasing then we gone see more green, yellow and black in the stands than the aquamarine, gold and black so we want the Bahamians to understand that they must come out and that the young people need their support in order to have that extra push,” Bowleg said.

Before the Easter weekend CARIFTA Games, the

SEE PAGE 14

MLB plans to announce rules tweaks, week before opening day

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

MIAMI (AP) — Major League Baseball’s new pitch clock is going to undergo some timing adjustments before it is turned on for games that count.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred called the changes “significant” but also described them as “clarifications” based on input from players. The alterations are likely to be announced today, eight days before opening day.

“They’re important in my mind because they’re responsive to things players said to us,” he said before Tuesday night’s World Baseball Classic championship game

between the United States and Japan. Baseball’s 11-man competition committee, established in the labour agreement last March, adopted the pitch clock and shift limits last September over the opposition of the four players on the panel.

MLB set the pitch clock at 15 seconds with no runners and 20 seconds with runners.

MLB also is limiting pickoff attempts and requiring two infielders to be on either side of second and all infielders to be within the outer boundary of the infield when the pitcher is on the rubber.

14

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023

WORLD and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner said he is looking forward to getting back on top of the men’s standings in the 400 metres.

DR Wentia Ford-Diagne

CLEVELAND Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forwards Dorian FinneySmith and Cameron Johnson (2) during the first half yesterday in New York.

(AP Photo/Noah Murray)