04182023 NEWS AND SPORT

TUESDAY HIGH

murder victims’ pictures leaked

activists speak out on mp rape allegation

ACTIVISTS and a Senator have spoken out following accusations that a woman was raped and assaulted by a sitting Member of Parliament.

The Tribune reported on Monday that a number of accusations have been made by the woman, whose name has been withheld as she is an alleged victim of assault, but who is being referred to by The Tribune under the pseudonym Jane Rolle.

She claimed that the MP raped, choked and struck her and made death threats against her and her family.

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

GRAPHIC crime scene photos of the mother and daughter murdered on Friday have been shared on social media, prompting police to investigate the leak.

The horrific photos show the bodies of Allison Thompson, 35, and her 14-year-old daughter Trevorniqua, bruised and decaying.

The photos were shared

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN is in jail after prosecutors accused him of killing Allison Thompson, 37, and her 14-year-old daughter Trevoniqua Thompson on Friday.

Blake Strachan, 23, allegedly killed the women in a building on Ross Corner sometime between April 11

in WhatsApp groups and Facebook threads.

Relatives of the women say they are seeking legal representation over the leak, which has disturbed the heartbroken family.

The investigation into the leak comes after Blake Strachan, 23, was charged with murder in the deaths of the women.

“Only the coroners and the police had access to the body and you could see that the body (in the photos)

Family distraught after crime scene photos were shared on social media man accused of killing mom and daughter arraigned

and 14th.

Police found the partially decomposed remains of the victims in their apartment. It is estimated that the bodies were there for a day and a half before they were found.

Strachan will be served with a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) on July 27.

Relatives described the

Davis decries ‘epidemic’ of violence in Caribbean

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis decried the violence gripping the Caribbean region yesterday as he continued urging the United States to solve its gun trafficking problem.

Mr Davis, the chairman of CARICOM, spoke during the opening

ceremony of a symposium in Trinidad and Tobago themed “Violence as A Public Health Issue”.

“An epidemic of violence grips our region, one that claims lives and generates fear and anger,” he said. “In 2022, Jamaica had a staggering homicide rate of 52.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, Trinidad and Tobago had a rate of 39.4 per 100,000, and The Bahamas, St

Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines all recorded homicide rates above 30 per 100,000. This is over five times the global average.

“Millions of people throughout the region live in crime hotspots, never knowing if they will be a victim on any given day.

In The Bahamas, I have sought to bring comfort

SEE page three

Ms Rolle told The Tribune that she had been having difficulty sleeping

SEE page two

900 public workers’ pay delayed again

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

STATE Minister for Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle said that

900 participants in the Public Service Professional Engagement Programme (PSPEP) participants have had a delay in the payment of their wages.

This is the second time in recent weeks the workers have endured wage delays.

The Ministry of Public Service advised workers of a minor delay in monthly payments on April 3, though that was reportedly addressed by the following day. Mrs Glover-Rolle

SEE page four

face to face:

t eri greenidge: bringing the light of the ethiopian orthodox church to people page eight

Activists speak out on MP rape allegation

and was having panic attacks. She also said she had filed a complaint with police on April 7 in Grand Bahama. The Tribune is withholding the name of the MP because he has not been charged with a crime.

Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis called the reports “absolutely horrifying”, adding: “Jane Rolle’s accounts of the alleged statements made by the investigating officers in Grand Bahama underscore the need for all persons to have access to specialised domestic violence units in the police force. Many victims have experienced the same or similar treatment when they have made complaints against their partners. This must end.

“Assault, rape and threats of death are serious offences and they must be investigated as a matter of urgency and with victim sensitivity, whether they happen in or out of a romantic relationship.”

She added: “The alarming rate of violence against women and girls, in The Bahamas, is an indication that we have not done enough and that we must act with urgency to strengthen laws and

resources in place to protect the most vulnerable in our community.

“Women are being raped, threatened and murdered by their partners and the Minister of Social Services and Urban Development does not see the urgent need to ‘rush’ to move the Gender-Based Violence bill. We need more protections and resources to combat this scourge of violence against women and girls.

Human Rights Bahamas said they were “extremely disturbed” by the reports, especially that the MP had yet to be interviewed by law enforcement.

In a statement, the group said: “In The Bahamas, anyone accused of committing a crime is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and this standard applies to each and every individual regardless of race, gender, nationality or social status. Likewise, everyone must receive equal treatment when it comes to the investigation and, if necessary, the prosecution of criminal complaints made against them.

“No one is above the law – this statement should be self-evident in a modern democratic society. Sadly however, in The Bahamas it appears to require constant repetition and reinforcement,

especially when powerful members of society are involved. Far too often, the political elite are afforded privileges and advantages when it comes to law enforcement that the average Bahamian will never enjoy.”

The organisation highlighted incidents of “intimidation and coercion” in the past, saying there had been “countless miscarriages of justice as a result of this unacceptable bias in favour of the privileged and connected”.

It said: “That the complainant in this current matter says police attempted to cause her to sign a document waiving her legal rights is therefore concerning, but sadly, not surprising.

“The MP in question should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, but this extremely serious complaint should be investigated without fear or favor, and with the same vigor as would such a complaint against any other member of society.”

HRB called for police to interview the MP “immediately, and with the same rigor, diligence and attention to detail that the Royal Bahamas Police Force reserves for others who are similarly accused. There cannot be one standard for the powerful

and another for everyone else”.

The group added: “Finally, the Davis administration has paid much lip service to women’s rights and the fight against gender-based violence. If this posture is to be taken seriously, the government must back up its words with substance publicly to encourage law enforcement to investigate all crimes against women thoroughly and transparently, letting the chips fall where they may.”

Equality Bahamas, meanwhile, called genderbased violence “a public health crisis” and called for the MP to be dismissed by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. The organisation said that reports from the alleged victim “includes actions and inactions by police to impede her access to justice”.

The group added: “The survivor shared numerous effects of the violence she experienced on her physical and mental health.

“Survivors need to be able to confidently and confidentially report gender-based violence, be assured of access to justice, and receive immediate resources and support services, including safe housing and mental healthcare. The Government of The Bahamas

must implement the Strategic Plan to Address Gender-Based Violence which has been shelved for several years since being tabled in the House of Assembly in February 2016.”

Director of Equality

Bahamas Alicia Wallace said: “Ms Rolle’s is one of many survivor stories that point to corruption, abuse of power, and deliberate protection of violent criminals. In addition to demanding legal reform to promote and uphold women’s human rights, we are demanding our inherent right to equal protection of the law. While no one is above the law, we see, every day, that money and titles make it possible for people to circumvent the law when weak people controlling flawed systems approve it.”

The group cited the obligation of The Bahamas to end gender-based violence against women and girls, adding: In its Concluding Observations in 2018, the CEDAW Committee recommended that the government ensure that the police and courts expeditiously address complaints from women and girls about gender-based violence, and ‘develop an action plan to eliminate discriminatory gender stereotypes, which incite violence

against women and girls, and establish monitoring mechanisms to assess the impact of such measures’. It called for adoption of the gender-based violence bill, criminalisation of marital rape, and ensuring cases of gender-based violence are investigated and prosecuted.”

Ms Wallace added: “The Government of The Bahamas voluntarily ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1993. Thirty years later, its failure to come into compliance with the Convention continues. The ratification of CEDAW is a commitment to the people of The Bahamas, to women and girls in particular, made through the United Nations treaty body, and it is accountable to us. Today, Equality Bahamas calls upon the Prime Minister of The Bahamas to immediately dismiss the accused Member of Parliament, rebuke gender-based violence and its perpetrators, and allocate the necessary resources for the implementation of the Strategic Plan to Address Gender-Based Violence as a measure to prevent and intervene in cases of gender-based violence and support the growing number of survivors.”

HealINC SummI t Held at atla N t IS SHowC a SINg CoNNeC t IoN betweeN art a Nd meN tal Healt H

VISITORS gathered last night for the start of the HealINC summit at Atlantis - with a group art show showcasing the importance of creativity and the relationship between mental health and being creative. The summit, which runs until tomorrow, was founded by Dr Desiree Cox in 2018, and is a networking platform that connects scientists, innovators, medical professionals, entrepreneurs and more, featuring a host of speakers on a range of subjects.

Photos: Moise Amisial

Davis decries ‘epidemic’ of violence in Caribbean

to mothers and their families who have lost their sons and daughters; and I know many of you have done the same for your people.”

Last month, The Bahamas joined a $10bn lawsuit to hold US gun manufacturers accountable for the spread of firearms throughout the region.

Mr Davis said yesterday: “We do not manufacture guns in the Caribbean. Every gun used to commit a crime in the Caribbean is smuggled into our countries. We have asked the US government and USbased gun manufacturers to cooperate with CARICOM member states when it comes to identifying weapons purchased in the US, as a part of a wider effort to hold weapons dealers and traffickers accountable for the many lives lost to gun violence each year. We must call on our neighbours to the north to better police the trafficking of guns from the US to the Caribbean.”

Mr Davis shared statistics showing The Bahamas has the highest percentage of illegal guns that can be

traced to the United States, although other countries have high rates too.

“In The Bahamas, 98.6% of all recovered illegal firearms can be traced directly to the United States,” he said. “In Haiti, 87.7% of all recovered firearms can be traced likewise. In Jamaica, it amounts to 67% of all recovered firearms and here in Trinidad and Tobago it amounts to 52%.”

He continued: “The need to reduce violence crime has never been more urgent. Each year, hundreds of lives are at stake and many more affected by the resulting trauma. This moment of crisis for our region requires a collective response. The impact of violence goes beyond personal loss, as terrible as that is.

“High levels of sustained violence undermine investor confidence in the region, scare visitors away from tourism-dependent economies, and place a strain on healthcare, educational, and social support systems. If we do not act decisively, our economic prospects will be further eroded by this ongoing wave of violence.”

Pit bull ban ‘not a bad idea’ says bHs manager

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A PARLIAMENTAR-

IAN’S call for the possible ban of pit bulls has the support of a manager at the Bahamas Humane Society.

St Anne’s MP Adrian White urged legislators last week to consider banning the dogs after a constituent’s dog was attacked through a gate.

Peter Feldman, BHS’s assistant shelter manager, said yesterday it would “not be a bad idea at all” to ban the breeding and ownership of pit bulls.

Many countries restrict or ban the breed of dogs, including Australia, Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Singapore and Switzerland, among others.

Mr Feldman said: “Pit bulls are one of the most aggressive variety of dogs out there in the market and that’s why we have banned them coming into not just this country, but the United States has banned them and so has England.”

In the Bahamas, it is unlawful to import pit bulls.

“Has it been enough? Probably not because I think a lot of them have slipped, pit bulls have slipped through the cracks and there’s a lot of bully breeds out there,” Mr Feldman said.

He said complaints about pit bull attacks are common.

“It is a common complaint on a weekly basis, and most of them are pit bull related, yes. But at the end of the day, you know, two potcakes can chase you down the road as well.

(Does that) mean are they going to bite you? Probably not, but it can happen. But if a pit bull chases you? Most of the time, it wants to draw blood. It wants to bite you.”

Supporters of the status quo say pit bulls are not the problem - weak enforcement of existing laws is.

“Yes, we’ve changed a lot of the laws on the books, but if we’re not enforcing them, then what does it actually mean?” Mr Feldman asked.

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis spoke yesterday at a Regional Symposium on the topic of Violene as a Public Health Issue. He reiterated his stance on the suit against US gun makers, saying, “We do not manufacture guns in the Caribbean. Every gun used to commit a crime in the Caribbean is smuggled into our countries.”

Photos: BiS

public workers’ pay delayed again

there had been systemic challenges.

“So we have been experiencing challenges,” she said yesterday. “And some of these are systemic. And that’s what we’re working on with our reimagination and reformation of the Public Service, we shouldn’t feel like operating from a place of mediocrity, because it’s commonplace that it is the right standard.”

Mrs Glover-Rolle admitted the service has long-standing payroll issues. She stressed that employees should be compensated efficiently and timely for their labour.

“I’ve said in countless communications, that as long as persons work, they should be properly and duly compensated for their work,” she said. “So, there’s been a number of challenges with payroll. Some are systemic, and that’s a part of the automation process and the HRMIS systems that we want to bring into play along with the Ministry of Finance. So, we’re still working through challenges. You know, we still have human beings who are performing these services, there’s room for human error.”

She added: “I am always apologetic to our participants who work, put in the work and when payday comes, their compensation isn’t there. But we have a commitment from our teams, we’ve made some adjustments to ensure that we are doing a better job of ensuring that our participants are paid on time.”

Asked what she would say to critics who think an apology isn’t enough for the delays, Mrs GloverRolle said she understands there is a problem and work needs to be done to find a solution.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Public Service said workers would receive payment in the next 48 hours after a delay in biweekly wages.

“The Ministry of Public Service would like to advise Public Service Professional Engagement Programme (PSPEP) participants that any ongoing delays in the payroll process are being addressed with urgency.

“Those who would have been due payments on Friday, 14 April, 2023, will receive their payments over the course of the next 48 hours. We will continue to work on developing a more efficient process so that payments can be made on time. In the meantime, payroll officers have been advised to focus their efforts on bringing a swift resolution to this matter,” the statement said.

The statement continued: “We thank all PSPEP participants for their patience, and we assure all public servants that we are working diligently on implementing the necessary reforms, as well as technological and process upgrades to streamline operational efficiency and eliminate delays in our human resource management and payroll systems.”

$3.7m in diSengaged lea SeS a S govt SeekS ‘safe and healthy’ work environment

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

STATE Public Service

Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said the government stopped leases worth $3.7m since coming to office in 2021, stressing the need for public servants to work in safe and healthy environments.

During a question and answer session in the House of Assembly last week, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson asked the Davis administration for the list of all new lease arrangements the government has entered since September 2021. Mrs Glover-Rolle said 16 leases were engaged by since 2021, but 14 have been terminated because she said the buildings did not meet the requisite standards.

“The current value in terms of disengaged leases in the public service is approximately $3.7m. They are some more in

the pipeline, which at this time is approximately about $350,000,” she said.

“But this process will be ongoing. I would have spoken about the fact that our Prime Minister would have signed on to the ILO Decent Work Programme in October of 2021, which speaks to ensuring that our public servants are in safe, healthy buildings and work environments, and that is what our mission is.”

Mrs Glover-Rolle said the Accommodations Unit of the ministry now has an Inspectorate Unit that provides accountability by ensuring buildings are well maintained for employees.

“In some instances, we don’t know which buildings they are, we don’t know if they’re occupied. We don’t know if they’re healthy and well maintained. And that is the role of an Inspectorate,” she said.

“So, I do anticipate that

there will be more disengagement if the need arises, because now we have deployed an Inspectorate Unit within our Accommodations Unit at the Ministry of Public Service who will be going out and physically monitoring the process, physically checking our buildings, (and) physically ensuring that maintenance is happening. And ensuring that our public servants are in the proper working environments which they should be in.”

A document Mrs Glover-Rolle tabled in the House of Assembly last week detailed the new and terminated leases.

New leases include the National Crime Intelligence Agency at Print Shop and family courts at Success Plaza. Terminated leases include Ministry of Education NAECOB at RND Properties and the National Sports Authority at Road Traffic Department.

STATE Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said that pay delays for Public Service Professional Engagement Programme (PSPEP) participants were due to ‘systemic challenges. She added that adjustments will be made so participants will be paid on time.

Public Service training ongoing to imProve mid-level management Skill S

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THIRTY-SEVEN

public service workers par-

ticipated in an Assistant Secretary Assessment Exercise yesterday to improve their skills.

State Public Service

Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said: “We are in the mode of conducting a workforce audit understanding where there are hallow middles, where there are gaps in personnel, in the public service or human resources. And the assessments that we are embarking upon today and

over the next few weeks will fill senior executive roles in the public service. These three weeks will be one of training, one of testing, or assessment for these midlevel managers in the public service.

“It’s very important, because we need to build capacity, we have attrition that’s going on a regular basis. Whether it’s through retirement, or persons simply leaving the Public Service for other opportunities. So, this isn’t a method to build our capacity, but to ensure that in doing so that the persons or the participants are equipped, tested

and ready for the roles.”

Mrs Glover-Rolle said the 37 workers yesterday came from all over the world.

“We do have some participants who have flown in from various public service missions, ministries and missions around the world,” she said. “So, it’s inclusive of the Family Islands and some of our international missions. These are the persons who are at the next level. We had prequalifying exams that took place over the past few weeks. And these are the top 37 that were successful in passing the prequalifying exam.”

Murder victims’ pictures leaked

from page one

was situated on the outside of the building,” a cousin of the deceased women said yesterday.

“You understand me? So, nobody to say… a civilian or whomever was upstairs (at the apartment) to be able to take those photos.”

“There is nothing they could say. Why? How? Your job is to take the photos, deal with the crime, not to put the pictures out there. I don’t care how much views or how you want the public to feel about it, it’s wrong.

“They (police) would have to explain to the family how the pictures got out there because that is gruesome. You understand me? You aren’t giving people time to breathe, to grieve.

“The mother (Allison) leaves behind a child and then you have other children within the family who have access to phones so they will see them. That was nothing that should’ve been shown to the public. That goes to show that this system broken bad.”

Some social media users have expressed outrage over the sharing of the photos.

The cousin said she is grateful for their support but wants people to stop

man accused of killing mom and daughter arraigned

from page one

mother-daughter pair as inseparable. Their deaths are the latest tragedy the family has experienced, having lost Allison’s mother and another woman relative in separate murders years ago.

sharing the pictures.

“That isn’t the way you want to remember a person,” she said. “They have to remember they also have daughters, mothers, other female family members and that’s a minor, you aren’t supposed to show her face.”

She said the family has spoken with a lawyer to determine the next course of action.

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said the matter is under investigation, though she did not confirm whether police suspect a member of the RBPF leaked the photos.

She was unable to confirm if members of the RBPF leaked the photos.

“I am not certain as to how they were leaked but I can say to you that we are conducting an investigation and wherever we find that there are breeches we will take decisive action,” she said.

“I do apologise for however they may have gotten out. I cannot say how they did, but we are going to do due diligence in the matter and where we find that there are breeches, the chips will fall.”

CSP Skippings said police contacted the family and would meet them to discuss the leaked photos.

AmbAssAdor of the People’s Republic of China Dai Qingli paid a courtesy call on Minister of Transport and Housing JoBeth Coleby-Davis on Friday. Discussions covered affordable housing solutions, ports, and the Bahamas Ship Registry. In attendance were deputy permanent secretary Betty Kerr, chief housing officer Oral LaFleur, and Chinese Embassy first secretary/chief of economic and commercial Affairs Fan Jinke.

Photos: Anthon Thompson/ BIS

Allison Thompson (left) and her daughter Trevorniqua Thompson were found murdered in their home on Ross Corner. 23-Year-old Blake Strachan was arraigned in court yesterday, accused of killing Allison and her daughter.

The Tribune Limited

Fairness needed in rape investigation

THE accusation that a sitting Member of Parliament raped and assaulted a woman is one that should shock the nation.

That the alleged victim then goes on to claim that police offered her a statement to sign that included a portion saying that she would not take further action – even before police had interviewed the suspect – should be of even greater concern.

In recent years, we have heard much about trying to clamp down on violence against women and girls. There has been talk, but little progress, of passing a bill tackling gender-related violence.

There has been the marital rape legislation that seems to stall every time the government sees the shadow of a church.

But if what the woman at the centre of these new allegations says is true, then not only was she the victim of a crime but she was also encouraged by the officers who are meant to be investigating it – the same ones that would be enforcing any laws on gender-related violence – to sign away her ability to pursue any further legal action.

In today’s Tribune, a number of different activists and a sitting Senator speak out over the allegations, each voice ringing loudly with the need for a serious and determined investigation to take place. There are calls for justice to be fair, applying equally to all, be that person high in station or low.

The accused MP has not been named as yet. Unlike his alleged victim, he has not spoken up. He has not yet been charged.

He is, of course, innocent until proven guilty. The concern of many is to ensure that the appropriate due process takes place and is not derailed. The highest in the land should be subject to the same laws as all of us.

And yet, is that always so? At the simplest level, we still do not know, for example, which of our MPs filed their public disclosures on time, as required by law. If we cannot expect our MPs to follow the law in such a straightforward fashion, or for the law to hold them accountable if they do not, is it any wonder we question whether our political leaders will be treated the same as the rest of us when it comes to a more serious investigation?

Justice must be done, and it must be applied fairly. We have heard the allegations. We have heard the suggestions that police gave the reported victim a document to sign away any further action. What we have not heard is if the accused has been interviewed, or what any subsequent steps may be. People will judge for themselves the fairness of the police investigation so far – and will watch closely for what happens next.

Guest voices

In last week’s Tribune, we gave this space over to a week of guest editorials, with a selection of writers from different groups and backgrounds expressing their views on a range of subjects. There were editorials from Human Rights Bahamas, Rise Bahamas, ORG –and yesterday one from a senior figure at Disney here in The Bahamas. We did this because ultimately the pages of this newspaper are your pages – filled with your voices, and we wanted to give some of those voices a platform to speak. We would love to hear your thoughts on those guest editorials – and we may well return for another guest week in future, offering the chance for other voices to be heard. Your voices.

We must stand up and speak

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE victim of alleged physical and sexual assault by a sitting parliamentarian is to be supported and commended by all rightthinking Bahamians. As we all know, it is no easy thing to go up against powerful people in this country.

In fact, in a society where women remain second-class citizens in so many areas of life, every woman or girl who is able to muster the tremendous courage necessary to stand up, against all odds, and speak the truth about her abuse at the hands of any man, must be regarded as a hero, a role model and a shining example.

Meanwhile, given the fact that the threat of intimidation, persecution and retraumatisation always looms for those who would speak truth to power, no one can blame any victim that decides to remain silent. It is the job of the rest of us to continue working to make this a society where any victim of any kind of abuse can come forward and be confident that justice will eventually be done.

Bahamas at a political crossroads

EDITOR, The Tribune.

GREETINGS. And thank you very much for the space in your five-day publication, I appreciate it, as I tried to rummage through some actual facts, pointing to an extinction of the Bahamian populace, as it were, and not too distant from now.

You know, I have little to no tolerance for people, especially so-called politicians, these legislators of the Laws of the Land... who during the political campaign trail had enunciated that they possessed the answers and solutions for whatever were the social ills, plaguing these islands, rocks and cays... and when the rubber placarded the road, the proof of this knowledge was anything but contrary field.

And what irks me the most is boldness, the up in your face contemptuous postering, with no feeling of sin whatsoever... these brassy politicians need to be called out?

This is definitely not what the Founding Father Of this nation had in mind, and I trust that Father God moves swiftly to have removed from the precinct of our Parliament these kind.

of Bahamians were unemployed?

There are also the very high levels of discontentment among ordinary Bahamians regarding all of these Caribbean people living working and exporting their remunerations back to their homelands, and I am really not certain of what taxes if any were being paid into our NIB scheme, and/or the Public Treasury of The Bahamas, by them?

Editor, moving right along, I must continue to do these writings for the benefit of posterity. And in light of how regulations were established to hold violators to account, what are the enforcement mechanisms for politicians who violate the codes of conduct in The Bahamas?

For it is unfair, for one side of the country only to be tried for crimes allegedly committed, and those of us who were old enough to see and to know that politicians were not being dealt the same cards, if you will, but why?

people who were not really affiliated with the wrongdoers, got hurt as well... just pleading with the manipulators to please right your ship before Father God steps in?

Finally, and since it appears that the powers that be want to write the laws for many matters that were in dispute, and have entered on two referendums, and now we are back, going on the same road, but why? What or who are driving these endeavours, the Bahamian people want to know?

Let it be known, that The Bahamian people cannot, and will not ever surrender their individual sovereignty to the Central Authority, never ever, period.

On the one hand, the Citizens of this country voted into Parliament, candidates from the thirty-nine (39) Constituencies, so that they would 1 - ensure the protection of the state, and 2 - looking after the welfare Of The Bahamian people.

But, what have we seen? A complete turnaround, why?

In this regard, we must also praise the few media houses that had the bravery and daring to bring this matter to public attention. In a country where “official transparency and accountability” is treated as a term from a strange foreign language, it can be extremely difficult for journalists to uncover the truth. Even when they do, they too can face intimidation and threats of legal action, just for defending the public’s right to know. So kudos to those reporters and editors that revealed the existence of an investigation which apparently, certain people in high places didn’t want the public to know anything about. These journalists have indeed lived up to the highest ideals of their calling and performed an invaluable public service. Though in the short term, they are likely to be assailed by the usual din from the political flea market, in the longterm these journalists will be recognised by history as agents of progress and decency. Of course, the MP concerned is innocent until

proven guilty by a court of law. That doesn’t mean that this investigation isn’t a matter of public interest. The public absolutely has a right to know and deserves to know whether its duly elected representatives are facing allegations of criminal bahaviour, even while giving them the benefit of the doubt until the investigation is concluded one way or the other. In a more transparent and fair society, this wouldn’t even be up for debate.

Many would say that the proper thing for the MP to do at this stage is step aside from public life until his name is cleared, or at the very least make a clear statement on the matter to his constituents and the public at large.

In any case, the cat is out of the bag now, and the ball is in the Commissioner of Police’s court. Will he treat this matter seriously, or allow it to be swept under the rug?

Right-thinking Bahamians are waiting and watching this space.

As I surveyed the world conditions, this is not the time, nor place to tolerate these manipulators, after all we have five thousand students graduating every June, and it is a serious thing to not have opportunities for them... and where it is perceived that there was no work, or jobs for them, and even me, being a senior citizen, gone through the Family Island upbringing, my stint in law enforcement, even my faith, finds myself challenged with the rigors Of Life...and if it were not for the graces and good mercies of Father God, I would have succumbed long ago.

So, how much more ought we to expect from children entering this second phase of their lives? The playing field, therefore, becomes rife for their introduction into crime and criminalities - that question is inexcusable, no matter who may not want to hear it.

So, what is really the level of commitment on the part of Bahamian politicians, and where does their love lie? Surely, I am hard pressed to agree that it is devoted to the Bahamian people? Because if this were the case, we would not have in excess of one hundred thousand foreigners in the land on work permits, when scores and scores

Editor, you might be wondering what I am talking about? So, tell me, and I have not heard the extent to which, politicians that had not declared their net worth by the deadline for filings...yet, none have been charged with these Crimes, when the Law has provided the Penalty for breaches, these breaches, imprisonment, why?

And there are ordinary law-abiding Citizens being arrested for their beliefs, rights to freedom of speech, of expression, right to association, rights of movements, etc, yet, they were arrested for these very rights that the Constitution of The Bahamas has enshrined belonging to every and all Bahamians, but why?

Where there were escalating breaches, unanswered, it cannot be right that the powers that be are being allowed to continue despite the strikes against them?

For the founding father of these islands, rocks and cays have created all of the required checks and balances, needed for the true spirit of the Law, but what have we seen? A total disregard for it, but why?

You might ask why am I behaving this way?

Because, I know what Father God will do, where He finds that politicians were still on the same road to destruction, and as I have seen in Sacred scriptures,

In light Of what Sacred scriptures have quantified... That whatsoever a man Sow, that shall he also reap. Concomitantly, “Whatsoever ye do to the least of these thy brethren, ye have done it unto me, says God Most High has spoken”. And Lord, behold your words are forever settled in the Heavens, hallelujah, amen.

These political missteps will one day after a while return to haunt the violators, I might add.

From my interactions with the Late Sir Lynden Oscar (Former) Prime Minister Of The Bahamas. Not once can, nor do I recall that he did anything contrary to harm the Bahamian people.

Sir Lynden was a man that if there were any disputes, labour disputes taking place in Hotels, involving management workers, Bahamian workers, he, himself would show up there and after being apprised Of all the facts, where the management were at fault... he would tell them point blank... That you cannot treat my people that way... if you refused, he would tell you that that immigration clearance that you have, will be canceled, or is being canceled, and for you will have whatever time to leave the country, etc?

But in comparison, I don’t know who are these people we have in power nowadays?

FRANK GILBERT Nassau,

April 15, 2023.

YOUNG fans getting into the spirit at the recent CARIFTA tournament.

Photo: Austin Fernander

Bahamas Insurance Association member companies donate $6,000 to support local feeding programmes

The Bahamas Insurance Association (“BIA”) recently capped off Insurance Month 2023 – a month of insurance education, professional development and community focus – with a $6,000 donation of cash and nonperishable food items to three local non-profit organizations in support of community feeding programmes.

Unity House, an assisted living centre for senior citizens, the Colby Home for Boys, and Centreville Adventist Community Services,

welcomed the donations during a time where food remains one of the items worst hit by the highest inflation rates in decades.

Despite these challenges, the organizations continue to work to serve those who rely on their services.

BIA Coordinator Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson said the support from member companies was overwhelming.

“We are extremely grateful to the member companies of the Bahamas Insurance Association and their

management and staff for their continued generosity every year.

“Their support will help the selected organizations to provide a reliable supply of healthy food for families and children experiencing food insecurity.

“Inflation has pushed more people to depend on feeding programmes right now, so we were pleased to be able to provide $6,000 in food and cash to allow these organizations to meet the needs of our communities.”

Arsonist gr A nted $1,000 b A il Pleads ‘not guilty’ to charge

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted $1,000 bail in court on Monday after being accused of setting fire to a woman’s home last month.

Javon Colebrooke, 52, stood before Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle

Davis on a charge of causing damage by fire.

It is alleged that on March 31 in New Providence, Colebrooke intentionally set a sixroom single-storey stone structure belonging to Mrs Helen McPhee on fire. This attempted arson is said to have caused an estimated

$1,527 of damage to the property.

Before the magistrate, Colebrooke pleaded not guilty. The defendant’s bail was set at $1,000 under the condition he sign in at the Grove Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday.

The trial in this matter is set for June 19.

Man found with gun fined $7,000 and given Monitoring device

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted $7,000 bail in court yesterday after he was accused of having a loaded gun in the capital last week.

Scott McPhee, 24, appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans on charges of possession of an unlicenced

firearm and possession of ammunition.

It is alleged that on April 13 in New Providence McPhee was arrested after he was found with a black 9mm Kel Tec pistol with the serial number erased. It is also said that authorities found the defendant with four unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition. In court, McPhee pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Bail was granted at $7,000. Under the conditions of this bail McPhee is to obey an 11pm to 9am daily curfew and is also expected to be fitted with an electronic monitoring device. The accused is further expected to sign in at the Grove Police Station every Sunday by 7pm.

McPhee’s trial will begin on April 28.

Bahamas Insurance Association member companies donate $6,000 in cash and non-perishable food items to support the work of local feeding programmes. Our picture shows BIA executive officers with the donation recipients. Pictured l-r are Stanford Charlton, Managing Director of NUA Insurance Agents and Brokers and Deputy Chairman of the Bahamas Insurance Association; Charlyne Sealy, Legal & Compliance Officer, Summit Insurance Company; Janet Butler, Unity House; Andria Musgrove, Centreville Adventist Community Services; Leonard Newton, Colby House for Boys; Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, Coordinator, Bahamas Insurance Association; Felicia Knowles, Secretary, Bahamas Insurance Association; and Anton Sealey, Chairman, Bahamas Insurance Association.

Man on Bail for Murder gets six Months Jail for da M aging Monitoring device

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison yesterday after admitting damaging his electronic monitoring device (EMD) while on release for charges of murder and attempted murder.

Wesley Delhomme, 23, appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans on charges of damage and violating conditions of bail.

This bail was granted

by the Supreme Court after he was accused of shooting and killing James Dalean on Raymond Road on May 28, 2019. The defendant was also accused in the attempted killing of Kevin Telusnord on that same day and place.

On April 8 this year, while on release for these charges, Delhomme damaged his EMD belonging to Metro Security Solutions which was valued at $1,023.

It is further alleged that between April 8 and 14 he failed to charge the EMD.

While Delhomme pleaded guilty to the damage charge, he pleaded not guilty to the bail violation charge.

The magistrate sentenced the accused to six months in prison for the damage charge. Delhomme was further ordered to fully reimburse Metro for the damaged property or risk an additional six months in custody.

Delhomme is expected to return to court for trial on the bail charges on July 27.

Teri Greenidge: Bringing the light of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to others through service

One week after easter was celebrated at various churches around the world, the ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebrated Tinsae – the Resurrection of Christ. On Sunday past, Tinsae was commemorated all around the world services as the culmination of Holy week.

while The Bahamas is a Christian nation, the spiritual practices of the people have largely been affected by the colonisers who settled here. The Bahamas’ population consists of a majority of people of African descent; yet their customs and practices are mostly european.

The tragedy of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade was being cut off from the motherland and the subsequent disconnect between the people of the Diaspora and the continent.

Today, with technology at our fingertips, people of the African Diaspora are reconnecting with the continent in a whole new way.

A plethora of religious and spiritual practices exist in Africa. For those who wish to remain in the realm of Christianity but draw closer to their African roots, the ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church may hold some answers. For people like Teri Greenidge, the Orthodox Church provided a priceless connection with Africa and a path to salvation.

Teri spent eight years living in The Bahamas and while here, she contributed much to society before returning to the United States where she was born. we spoke at length during Holy week, and she shared some of the rituals she underwent with her church. They include the washing of feet, confession and penance, and a multitude of prostrations, prayers, hymns and songs of praise. Members attend church all throughout the week, including the Holy Communion Service and Good Friday (Silket) leading up to Resurrection Day. On that day, similarly to easter, the fasting ends and the feasting begins, and an assortment of ethiopia’s finest cuisines are shared by all.

Thanks to Teri, many Bahamians are more aware of and appreciate the ethiopian Orthodox Church. There has always been a fond connection between Rastas and the ethiopian Orthodox Church. Therefore, Teri’s presence in The Bahamas helped to bring more awareness of her church, while she simultaneously poured into the nyabinghi, Bobo Shanti, and House of Rastafari in The Bahamas. Afework Gebre Medhin was instrumental in the local movement, holding Amharic classes at the Bob Marley Resort, with the permission of queen Rita Marley. He and Teri, along with Rasta elders, including Ras Justice and his band, Michael Hoyte, Jah Ducks, Papa

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

wayde and many others communed together for a memorable length of time at the resort. Rastas hail the great emperor Haile Selassie I of ethiopia and his wife, empress Menen. As faithful members, the emperor and empress led a nation steeped in Tewahedo church traditions that date back more than 2,000 years.

The ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (eOTC) is one of the only Christian dominations in sub-Saharan Africa which predates european colonization. Christianity began in ethiopia after a eunuch had been baptized by Saint Phillip. even further back, Christians are aware of Simon of Cyrene, the ethiopian man who carried Christ’s cross to Calvary. ethiopia remained largely pagan, with some Judaism until the fourth century, when Christianity became the official religion of what was then called the Aksumite empire. In the year 328, when Frumentius was consecrated in Alexandra and became the first Bishop of the ethiopian Church. He then converted ethiopian king ezana to Christianity, and it quickly became the favored religion of the country. king ezana removed the symbols of the sun and moon from ethiopian coins and replaced them with the sign of the cross, making ethiopia the very first country in the world to place a cross on its currency. In 479 AD, nine Saints came to ethiopia from the Byzantine empire. These saints translated sacred text into the ethiopian language Ge`ez and introduced the people to Christianity and monastic life. ethiopia is now considered the center of Christianity in Africa. ethiopian people have held on tightly to their Christian faith, and ethiopia has one of the strongest Orthodox Churches in the world today with more than 40 million members worldwide. There are a few people practicing the traditions in The Bahamas today, but there is no established Church. The Greek Orthodox Church on west Street, nassau, provides the closest of traditions. ethiopian Orthodox Churches are widespread throughout the region, however. Jamaica has several churches and Bob Marley is known to have converted to the faith. This year, the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian featured a front page story on services there, during the Palm Sunday procession (Hosannah). It was held by the Holy Trinity Parish,

Beetham Gardens, Port of Spain, and included members of the Rasta community who joined in the procession. Here in nassau, our knowledge of the ethiopian Orthodox festival days, fast ing days, and more was heightened by Teri’s presence. She, along with several prominent Rastas including Jah Charlie, Jah Country, Priest Marcus and others helped to teach Amharic, the ethiopian official language to adults and children.

Teri is a pioneer in vegetarian food service in The Bahamas, having operated a restaurant on Quakoo Street for many years. ethiopian apparel, historical and cultural books and songs were all shared by Teri. She loved working with children in the community as well as the children of the Rastafari movement, and thus, she hosted numerous after school programmes and summer camps for the children. Her community spirit spurred her to lead a food cooperatrive which was successful during her time, and provided affordable vegetarian groceries and fresh produce to many homes.

She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to new Jersey at the age of ten with her parents, where she resides today. Teri is a faithful member of Bisrate Gebriel eOTC in newark, new Jersey. The Church is led by Priests - kesis Getachew and kesis Senaye. Images shared from the church today were taken by Aria Selassie Battiste (Lauren), who has been recording the history of the eOTC for more than 40 years. He has covered special events in churches throughout the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Bermuda and other Caribbean Islands. Originally from St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Brother Aria was also given the title “writer of the eyes and the Church” by Abba Zekarias, former Archbishop of new York.

As Teri shared the beautiful services and hymns that she and the members participated in during Holy week, I was inspired

to share her story – one of selfless service to others – a story she wouldn’t willingly share herself. Humble and kindhearted, Teri continues to make a positive impact on the lives of all she comes into contact with. She is still engaged in youth empowerment and community building. Her vegetarian way of life has blossomed into her own line of healthy drinks and gluten-free snacks. Farmer Black’s drinks and Mrs Black’s are a hit and are sold at Sunsplash Caribbean restaurant in Orange, new Jersey. Her life of selfless service dedication to the church led to a close bond with His eminence Abuna Yesehaq, for whom she once served as administrative assistant. A father figure and friend, Abuna Yesehaq asked Teri to take on the task of taking him to doctor visits when he fell ill. He refused to go unless she was willing to do so. He kept his illness quiet, because he was such a strong and

supportive figure to his parishioners. He forbade Teri from revealing his illness until his passing. with his next of kin in ethiopia, he listed Teri as his next of kin and she took great care of him until the end – a task that required her faithful sacrifice.

Teri was baptised and given the name Finote Hiwot – which means “The way of Life” – a telling name for a woman who has lived a life filled with love for humanity. She has always been a great support to me and to my children. eventually, in May of 2017, I was also baptized. My spiritual journey led me to ethiopia, the cradle of civilization and the source of the Biblical nile River.

After my time in Addis Ababa the capital, visiting the palace of emperor Haile Selassie and empress Menen and so much more, I took a flight north to Axum. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Africa, and the place

where kings and Queens took their own spiritual pilgrimage and where all ethiopian emperors were coronated. I had the honor of being baptised at St Mary of Zion Cathedral, where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be sacredly kept to this day. In a most amazing, ancient service, I received blessings and was anointed with ancient, sacred oil, then blessed with a golden cross and given the name Fikirte Mariam, meaning “The Love of St Mary”.

Teri’s contributions to people like me were invaluable. Her path, which led her to Jamaica, The Bahamas, and throughout the United States has left a trail of positivity and appreciation for the ethiopian Orthodox faith. The people of Rastafari have, over the decades, taken an affinity to the church. Some have even converted to the eOTC faith. Teri’s brethren Berhane Meskel (Roger nelson), who trod Rasta for a time, said his path naturally evolved to the eOTC church, because it is the way of worship of emperor Haile Selassie.

There are many who criticise the fact that the eOTC has some european icons amongst the imagery in their churches. During my visit to Addis Ababa, the sight was off putting, until I realised that these images were brought in and infiltrated by foreigners. They came as “gifts”, but I see them as silently seeking to affect the psyche of ethiopians.

In Axum, I only found original images of the ethiopian Saints and Biblical characters. In many eOTC churches today, the image of the ethiopian black Christ and the Saints still exist, although there are also european images. ethiopians should always see God through their own spectacles, as the great prophet Marcus Mosiah Garvey pointed out. His prophecy to “look to the east for the coming of a black king” spurred a movement that continues to grow by leaps and bounds today.

Holy Week services at the Bisrate Gebriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church in New Jersey

Teri Greenidge (Finote Hiwot), right, singing during Holy Week.

PriesTs wash the feet and hands of congregants during Holy Thursday service Photos: Aria salassie Battiste

women play the drum during praise and song during Holy Week

Mixed verdict on Biden visit to Ireland

IT IS said that perception is reality. Spin doctors work on the principle that what matters is not so much what actually happens but, rather, what people think happens, and that largely depends on what they have read or been told about something. Such considerations came to mind when I was studying coverage by the UK press of President Biden’s controversial visit to Ireland last week. Reporting has been unusually varied, with widespread praise for his trip but also considerable criticism. So, what is one to believe?

In the opinion of some, the trip was a success because he deftly navigated without incident the awkward Northern Ireland leg of his trip. But many others consider he should have been more proactive during his brief visit there. Such critics also believe that the rest of the visit amounted to not much more than what has been termed “a taxpayer-funded family reunion and holiday”. As so often, the truth probably lies somewhere between these views.

It is fair to say that Joe Biden is the most Irish of US presidents since John F Kennedy. The latter set a template for presidential forays to Ireland with his rapturous visit in 1963 that he famously called the best four days of his life. Overseas visits by American presidents are reputed to be

The Peter Young column

traditionally well organised and focused affairs with a specific goal of promoting particular US interests.

Having visited as vice president when he traced his ancestral lineage, Biden’s return to Ireland this time as president was a significant milestone for him as a deeply personal and wistful journey to his original homeland. Reportedly, he had eagerly sought a reason to go back, and the justification was the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement that largely ended sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. This deal was partly brokered by the US, with, it was claimed at the time, President Clinton playing a pivotal role in reconciling opposing positions and winning trust on all sides.

In such circumstances, many people reasonably expected that last week that there would be some action of substance on his part in relation to the continuing failure of the power-sharing executive at Stormont.

This was, arguably, the centrepiece of the Good Friday Agreement which had defied the cynics and pessimists. But today there are signs it is fraying, with paramilitary dissidents on both sides – both Loyalist and Republican – still operating and with the terrorism level raised last month to “severe”.

It is the case, of course, that Biden held a 45-minute working meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This came after he had apparently brushed Sunak aside on arrival at the airport. He also met the leaders of the Democratic

Unionist Party who were respectful and cordial, despite talk of Biden’s manifestly biased views on the Northern Ireland issue and his perceived antipathy towards the English and partisan pro-Irish stance.

He tried to deflect this in his address at Ulster University when he called for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and executive. He underscored the US commitment to “preserving peace and encouraging prosperity” and to supporting Northern Ireland in any way but said it was not his job as US president to take decisions for political leaders there.

He nonetheless praised the new Windsor Framework Agreement with the European Union to regulate trade post-Brexit which he characterized as an essential step to ensure the

NO END IN SIGHT FOR MYANMAR CONFLICT

THE Southeast Asian state of Myanmar (formerly Burma) is in the news again but for all the wrong reasons. Last week, there were reports the ruling military junta had carried out an air attack in the northwest of the country that killed more than one hundred people including women and children. Targeting a village where hundreds had gathered for a local celebration, it was the worst incident in a recent stream of military air attacks during the ongoing civil war.

The attack was swiftly condemned by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres who called for the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and urged that those responsible for this latest attack should be held accountable. UN

Human Rights chief, Volker Turk, also condemned the attack, stating that there were grounds to believe the military’s human rights violations and abuses might constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The world was stunned when Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, deposed the popular civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in a coup in February, 2021. The military junta’s actions were widely condemned at the time and

sanctions were applied. But the subsequent ongoing conflict and civil war later lost the attention of the international community.

After the Tatmadaw takeover, a brutal crackdown - including mass killings, torture, sexual abuse and arbitrary detention - followed to suppress opposition to its rule. The military acquired combat aircraft from China and Russia. Hence, there has been an increased reliance on air strikes to quell insurgents in the civil war that developed. The evidence suggests that these will be intensified as the military refuses to relinquish power even though it has indicated that elections will be held this year, though these have been postponed and most people doubt whether, even if they do take place, they could be free or legitimate.

The opposition National Unity Government and its armed wing, the People’s Defence Force, continue to gather strength and already control various rural areas in support of their aspiration to drive the military out of power. So a stalemate has developed and the civil war will probably persist for the foreseeable future.

In response to all this, in December 2022, the UN Security Council called for an end to all forms of

AN EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN PIONEER

NEWS of the passing in England last week at the age of 93 of Mary Quant will have surely brought back memories for English people now in their twilight years. She was an iconic designer who revolutionised British fashion in the 1960s and later became an internationally recognised designer with her global brand.

At the time, Britain was recovering from what seemed to be endless drabness and austerity - including food rationingfollowing the Second World War. But, as the nation emerged from the prolonged trauma of those war years, it was about to enter what became known as the Swinging Sixties. This was a defining decade of change. It was a time of freedom, fresh attitudes, social changes, greater individualism and the beginning of the permissive society. Art, music and fashion flourished and the people of Britain were able to enjoy many new things from James Bond films to indulging in “Beatlemania” – what is more, in 1996 England won the football (soccer) World Cup. With her outstanding

creative talents, Mary Quant had a trailblazing vision of what modern clothing for women should look like as daughters no longer wanted to be dressed like their mothers, and she later also moved into cosmetics. She epitomized the new feeling in the country of liberation and innovation and played a prominent role in London’s Swinging Sixties culture. Above all, she is credited with inventing the miniskirt and making it fashionable. She later claimed to have named it after her favourite car, the Mini – and, of course, it set the pulses of young men racing, as, indeed, it was surely designed to do!

Quite simply, Mary Quant made a unique contribution to British fashion. Not only did she revolutionize it but she achieved so much as a successful female entrepreneur. Her outstanding work was recognized with the award of an OBE in 1966. She was made a Dame in 2015 and a Companion of Honour in the most recent New Year honours. This was truly a life of immense achievement – and the 1960s would never have been the same without her.

violence in Myanmar and urged restraint, a de-escalation of tensions and the release of prisoners including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. But it is clear that as long as the military remain in power violence will continue and civilians will be targeted. Some two years since the coup, the state of armed conflict, the insurgency, chaos and anarchy have only been deteriorating. Despite the repeated calls by the UN and regional organisations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to stop the violence, protect human rights and respect the democratic process, the military junta has displayed

no appetite for political concessions or for negotiation with resistance forces. Nonetheless, before the coup the people had tasted democracy and freedom and had been exposed to the outside world and the free flow of ideas, information, people and economic opportunities under a democratic government. So it is likely the resistance will go on.

It appears that the only potential game changer will be international assistance. The UN resolution of December, 2022 puts greater pressure on the behaviour of the military and perhaps on the attitudes of its foreign supporters in the shape of

hard-earned peace was preserved and strengthened. Some people contend that there was little else he could have done. It was said that spending less than a day in Northern Ireland avoided the danger of “ruffling feathers and taking sides”. But, to many, this is a politically sensitive time in Northern Ireland and the situation is crying out for fresh and strong leadership showing wisdom, courage and empathy as democracy hangs in the balance. Critics say that there was no policy announcement, no press conference and, apparently no progress on political priorities. As an illustration of this, it was noteworthy that, for its part, the US media highlighted the president’s homage to his ancestry in the Republic of Ireland and his message of peace in relation to Northern Ireland but emphasized that this was a personal trip for him rather than a policy one.

So, all in all, perhaps the critics who labelled this trip as essentially a ”homecoming” and mutual lovefest with the people of Ireland – as the president basked in the glow of a warm reception everywhere he went in the south - were close to the mark. For three days following his fleeting visit to Belfast, Biden roamed the countryside of Ireland by motorcade after addressing the Irish parliament. Accompanied by his sister and his troubled

China and Russia. More Western sanctions are unlikely to influence the military, but any possible change of support by these two countries might well do so. However, China is a close ally of the military junta and is Myanmar’s largest trading partner. Its economic links are part of the “Belt and Road” initiative. Beijing does not want deepening chaos and instability on its border and has an economic interest in keeping the junta in power. For its part, Russia is also a strong ally which has not supported the arms embargo against the junta while also refusing to condemn the 2021 coup. In return, Myanmar has

son, Hunter, who is currently under investigation in the US for alleged criminal activity, he stressed that he felt he was coming home when visiting, in particular, County Louth and County Mayo to follow up his ancestral roots. He had come in order to reaffirm Ireland’s close relationship with the US but also his own relations with a place he claims shaped him, his political achievements and his whole life. There is, of course, no reason to doubt the sincerity of Biden’s Irish affinities. But, all that said, some commentators note that, with 30 to 40 million Americans claiming Irish heritage, his trip might also have had some electoral logic if he intends to run for another term in 2024.

Thus, there has been a mixed reaction to the current US president’s foray to Ireland. Amidst the usual gaffes – a notable one being confusing the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team with the notorious “Black and Tans” British auxiliary police constablesfrom a personal and family point of view the visit was undoubtedly a success. But critics say it was surely more “tourist” than “presidential”. They also say that perhaps this was just as well for, in the view of many, the octogenarian president is ill-equipped to emulate one of his well-known predecessors who played that pivotal role in securing the Good Friday Agreement.

wholeheartedly backed the invasion of Ukraine. As for the West, reportedly no nation wants to become directly involved. Many lost faith in Aung San Suu Kyi’s leadership when she defended the persecution of the Rohingya Muslim population. This marked the beginning of the Western re-distancing from Myanmar. The status quo is likely to remain as sanctions and condemnation continue, and the junta’s military victory is not a foregone conclusion. All the indications are that resolution of the crisis in Myanmar and the country’s future will have to stay mainly in the hands of its own people.

PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks outside St. Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina, Ireland, on Friday. Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP

Trust seeks to protect coastal flats

SHALLOW coastal flats in The Bahamas are at risk because of threats from human activity and stronger storms driven by climate change, it has been claimed. The flats, which reportedly bring in nearly $170m a year and supporting fishing communities, are at risk, according to nonprofit organisation the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT).

Working with local partners from the bonefish industry and the fishing guide community, the trust is seeking to restore and preserve habitats including mangroves, sand flats, hardbottom flats, sea grasses and creeks.

“Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to bonefish across its range,” said BTT president and CEO Jim McDuffie. “We are working with Bahamian partners to

support conservation and inform successful management of the local bonefish fishery using science-based approaches.

“The aim is to identify important bonefish habitats – including home ranges, juvenile habitats, and

spawning locations – to inform ongoing habitat conservation strategies and fisheries management plans. Research findings are also used to develop education programs to increase awareness about the importance of flats and coastal habitats to The Bahamas’ economy and culture.”

BTT is also working with local partners on mangrove restoration to reverse the decline of these habitats which serve as nurseries and spawning grounds for up to 70 percent of the country’s ecologically important and commercially valuable marine species. Scientific surveys found that Hurricane Dorian damaged or destroyed nearly 74 percent of Grand Bahama’s mangroves and 40 percent of Abaco’s across an area of 35 square miles. The project is focused on these islands, where they plan to transplant 100,000 mangroves over the next five years. More than 30,000 mangroves have been planted to date.

In January, BTT partnered with Project Healing Waters, a non-profit that uses fly-fishing as a therapeutic discipline for US Veterans struggling with physical and mental disabilities, to plant 1,400 mangroves in Abaco.

Another planting is scheduled for April in Grand Bahama.

BTT and its partners hope to grow the partnership to other important flats areas in the Family Islands through partnerships that will also provide support for national parks conservation planning and enforcement.

Cecil Leathen, head bonefishing guide for the East End Lodge, said: “The flats have provided a way of life here for generations of Bahamians. Anglers from around the world come here to fish these waters and we are very blessed to be able to benefit from their enthusiasm for the sport. It is very important that we do everything we can to protect our precious natural resources and for future generations and the work of BTT is crucial to that effort. We thank them very much for working in partnership with local fishing communities to preserve and restore the flats that sustain our industry, so we can continue to build a livelihood on the open water.”

BTT’s work in The Bahamas is part of its wider international mission to conserve bonefish, tarpon

and permit species and their habitats and associated fisheries in the south-eastern United States, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea through science-based conservation, education and advocacy.

“Our organisation collaborates with governments and non-profits, universities and other institutions across the Western Hemisphere to conserve and restore fisheries and habitats and to protect and enhance healthy, functioning flats fisheries and

habitats generally,” said BTT Bahamas initiative manager Justin Lewis.

“The Bahamas is a living laboratory for the species we seek to protect and amazing progress has already been made in terms of gathering knowledge here that can help preserve these habitats and the industries they support,” added Mr Lewis, a Bahamian. “This work will benefit The Bahamas, and will also be used to help protect fisheries around the region.”

BAHAMAS DISABILITY ADVENTURES ACTIVE ONCE MORE

BAHAMAS Disability Adventures, a non-governmental organisation focused on disability interests, has announced it is becoming fully active again. The group has been in existence for more than ten years, offering activities and programmes for people with all types of disabilities, and of all ages.

It is registered as a

non-profit organisation under the 2019 Non-Profit Act of The Bahamas, and in a statement organisers said it “looks forward to pursuing and accomplishing much in the near to long term for people with disabilities in The Bahamas”.

Organisers said they were greatly encouraged by the words of Prime Minister

Philip “Brave” Davis in December at the launch of the Accessibility Mobile App, when he said: “My government is all about progress.”

At the time, he added that “we are indeed committed to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. Skills training and job access are the key to achieving

a pathway to independence. As responsible and concerned citizens, this is what we must each focus on – enabling whatever skill there is, to develop it and positively impact that person’s life”.

The speech inspired Bahamas Disability Adventures to meet Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and

Urban Development, on January 30, to introduce the organisation and the adventure and wellness resort project that Bahamas Disability Adventures is facilitating.

Those involved with Bahamas Disability Adventures, currently and in the past are volunteers.

The organisation said: “We welcome the

continuing, volunteer support from members of the general public, for and toward assisting Bahamas Disability Adventures to continue realising its mandated purposes.”

Officers of Bahamas Disability Adventures are: Jerome E Thompson, president; Patrick Forbes, treasurer; and Rivianna Smith, secretary.

THE FLATS fishery for bonefish supports thousands of jobs and brings in nearly $170m annually to the Bahamian economy Photo: Robbie Roemer

A BTT volunteer planting a mangrove propagule in Abaco.

A BONEFISH guide releasing a catch.

CECIL LEATHEN, head bonefishing guide at East End Lodge.

Why are teen girls in crisis?

It’s not just social media

By LINDSEY TANNER AND ANGIE WANG Associated Press

Anxiety over academics. Post-lockdown malaise. Social media angst.

Study after study says American youth are in crisis, facing unprecedented mental health challenges that are burdening teen girls in particular. Among the most glaring data: A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showed almost 60% of US girls reported persistent sadness and hopelessness. Rates are up in boys, too, but about half as many are affected.

Adults have theories about what is going on, but what do teens themselves say? is social media the root of their woes? Are their male peers somehow immune, or part of the problem?

the Associated Press interviewed five girls in four states and agreed to publish only their first names because of the sensitive nature of the topics they discussed. the teens offered sobering — and sometimes surprising — insight.

“We are so strong and we go through so, so much,” said Amelia, a 16-yearold illinois girl who loves to sing and wants to be a surgeon.

She also has depression and anxiety. Like 13% of US high school girls surveyed in the government report, she is a suicide attempt survivor. Hospitalization after the 2020 attempt and therapy helped. But Amelia has also faced bullying, toxic friendships, and menacing threats from a boy at school who said she “deserved to be raped.”

More than 1 in 10 girls said they’d been forced to have sex, according to the CDC report, the first increase noted in the government’s periodic survey. Sexual threats are just one of the burdens teen girls say they face.

“We are trying to survive in a world that is out to get us,” Amelia said. emma, an 18-yearold aspiring artist in Georgia with attention deficit disorder and occasional depression, says worries

about academics and college are a huge source of stress.

“Lately in myself and my friends, i realize how exhausted everyone is with the pressures of the world and the social issues and where they’re going to go in the future,” emma added.

“All of these things pile up and crash down.”

Zoey, 15, was raised in Mississippi by a strict but loving single mother who pressures her to be a success in school and life. She echoes those feelings.

“School can be nerve racking and impact your mental health so much that you don’t even ... recognize it, until you’re in this space where you don’t know what to do,” Zoey said. She’s also had friendship struggles that ended in deep depression and felt the discomfort of being the only Black kid in class.

Several girls said they face added pressure from society’s standards that put too much focus on how they look.

“A lot of people view women’s bodies and girls’ bodies as sexual,” emma said. “it’s overwhelming to have all these things pushed on us.” the #Metoo movement began when these girls were quite young, but it intensified during the pandemic and they’re hyperaware of uninvited sexual advances.

Boys are less aware, they suggest. the girls cite crass jokes, inappropriate touching, sexual threats or actual violence. Girls say the unwanted attention can feel overwhelming.

“We deserve to not be sexualised or catcalled, because we are kids,” Amelia said.

Siya, an 18-year-old in new Jersey, said almost every girl she knows has dealt with sexual harassment. “that’s just been the normal for me,” she said.

“When you’re walking alone as girl, you’re automatically put in this vulnerable situation,” Siya said. “i think that’s so sad. i don’t know what it feels like to not have that fear.”

Makena, a high school senior in Mississippi, said she and her friends sometimes wear baggy clothes to hide their shapes but boys “comment, no matter what.”

Makena, a high school senior in Mississippi, pulls at her hair as she speaks during a visit to a community park, a place that brings back happy memories to the 18-year-old, Tuesday, April 4, 2023. “Social media has completely shifted the way we think and feel about ourselves” in good and bad ways, Makena says. She’s felt pressure to be perfect when comparing herself with others online. But she also follows social media influencers who talk about their own mental health challenges and who make it seem “OK for me to feel sad and vulnerable,” she said.

She has had depression and therapy, and said she has grown up in a community where mental health is still sometimes stigmatized.

“Often in the Black community we aren’t as encouraged to express emotion” because of what previous generations endured, said Makena, who works with a teen health advocacy group. “We’re expected to have hearts of steel,” she said. “But sometimes it’s OK to not be OK.”

Social media platforms contribute, with their focus on superficial appearances and making perfectionism seem attainable. Girls say they’re just part of the problem.

“Social media has completely shifted the way we

Sudan hoSpital S S truggle with

CAIRO Associated Press

At tHe Khartoum teaching Hospital, people wounded during street battles flowed into the wards. Supplies were running low, with doctors, nurses, patients and their relatives trapped inside for days as the Sudanese capital turned into a war zone. then early Monday, one of the wards was heavily damaged by shelling.

“We are running out of everything,” Dr. Amin Saad told the Associated Press. “We are working with the least possible capabilities. … We’re all exhausted, but there is a shortage of physicians.”

not long afterward, the hospital shut down completely — with staff, patients and relatives stuck inside as clashes raged throughout the neighborhood. it was one of at least six hospitals shuttered either because they were damaged in fighting, were inaccessible because of clashes or had run out of fuel, according to the Doctors’ Syndicate.

Khartoum’s hospitals have been thrown into chaos by the explosion of violence between Sudan’s two top generals. People have been unable to leave their homes since Saturday as the two sides’ engaged in gun battles and bombarded each other with artillery and airstrikes.

More than 180 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted, U.n envoy Volker Perthes said. there are some 20

hospitals in the capital and the neighboring city of Omdurman. those that still managed to operate were understaffed and overwhelmed, running low on supplies and struggling with power or water cuts, doctors said.

the sudden outbreak of fighting caught everyone off guard, trapping doctors and nurses inside hospitals, and preventing other staff from reaching the

facilities.

i tried multiple times the past two days but was forced to return (home) because of the battles,” said Dr. Sara Mohi, who has been unable to get to the hospital where she works in central Khartoum.

the situation is

“extremely dire,” said Atiya Abdulla Atiya of the Doctors’ Syndicate. the World Health

think and feel about ourselves” in good and bad ways, Makena said.

She’s felt pressure to be perfect when comparing herself with others online. But she also follows social media influencers who talk about their own mental health challenges and who make it seem “OK for me to feel sad and vulnerable,” she said.

Girls have historically been disproportionately affected by depression and anxiety. But those statistics at least partly reflect the fact that girls are often more likely than boys to talk about feelings and emotions, said Dr Hina talib, an adolescent medicine specialist and spokesperson for the American Academy of

aMelia, 16, sits for a portrait in a park near her home in Illinois on Friday, March 24, 2023. “We are so strong and we go through so, so much,” says the teenage girl who loves to sing and wants to be a surgeon. Amelia has also faced bullying, toxic friendships, and menacing threats from a boy at school who said she “deserved to be raped.”

Pediatrics.

Zoey, the Mississippi 15-year-old, says boys have to keep up a “macho facade” and are less likely to admit their angst.

“i feel like they might feel that way, we just don’t see it,” she said.

A study published in March in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that in 2019, before the pandemic, about 60% of children hospitalized for mental health reasons were girls.

A decade earlier, the difference was only slight.

COViD-19 lockdowns added another dimension, thrusting academic and social lives online, talib said. Some kids entered the pandemic as youngsters and emerged with more mature

bodies, socially awkward, uncertain how to navigate friendships and relationships. they live in a world beset with school shootings, a rapidly changing climate, social and political unrest, and restrictions on reproductive care and transgender rights. the CDC report released in February included teens queried in fall 2021, when US COViD-19 cases and deaths were still high. Other data and anecdotal reports suggest many teens continue to struggle.

“the pandemic as a percentage of their lives is huge,” said talib. expecting kids to be unscathed may be unrealistic.

“it’s going to change a generation,” she said.

ca SualtieS, damage in fighting

Organization said many hospitals in Khartoum reported shortages of “blood, transfusion equipment, intravenous fluids, medical supplies and other life-saving commodities.”

Along with the Khartoum teaching Hospital, the Al-Shaab teaching Hospital shut down Monday after a ward was struck in fighting, said the general manager, Al nameir Gibril ibrahim.

Online video Monday showed staff evacuating patients from the AlShaheed Salma kidney treatment clinic amid clashes. With gunfire ringing out, staffers ducked and rushed a gurney with a patient across the street. Another facility, the Police Hospital, was evacuated on Sunday, the syndicate said.

Dr. Ossama al-Shazly, head of the international

Hospital in Khartoum’s northern Bahri district, took to social media late Sunday to appeal for fuel to keep generators running after power was cut to the neighborhood. the situation is very critical. We want people to provide fuel,” he said, adding that many patients needed surgeries and others were in intensive care units, with no place to evacuate them to.

Photo: Rogelio V. Solis/AP

Photo: erin Hooley/AP

THiS satellite photo by Planet Labs PBC shows fires burning near a hospital in Khartoum, Sudan, Sunday. The Sudanese military and a powerful paramilitary group are battling for control of the chaos-stricken nation for a second day. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

KENYA’S OBIRI BREAKS LATE TO WIN WOMEN’S BOSTON MARATHON

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) —

Hellen Obiri took one key lesson away when she ran her first major marathon in New York this past November: Be patient.

She put it to use late in yesterday’s Boston Marathon, breaking away over the final 2 miles to win the title during a foggy and wet 127th edition of the race.

Obiri, a two-time Olympic silver medallist in the 5,000 metres, claimed the women’s top spot on the podium, manoeuvring down the 26.2 mile course in 2 hours, 21 minutes and 38 seconds. Amane Beriso of Ethiopia was second, 12 seconds back, followed another seven seconds behind by Israeli Lonah Salpeter. Obiri’s victory also completed a Kenyan sweep on the day, with Evans Chebet winning his second straight title in the men’s race. Obiri said she felt a lot more comfortable in her approach after finishing sixth in the New York Marathon last year.

“I thought I could do my fastest in New York, but it never worked as planned,” she said. “So what I learned from New York was to be patient and for the right time to go.”

Obiri also credited her training, which she did in Boulder, Colorado, after moving to the U.S. just three weeks ago. She took advantage of the hilly terrain, which replicated the back half of Boston’s course where runners have benefitted from tactical strategy over shear athleticism.

Versatile sprinter, hurdler Denisha continues to shine for the Mavericks

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHE may be short in stature, but versatile sprinter/hurdler

Denisha Cartwright continues to make an impact on the Mavericks women’s track and field programme at Minnesota State.

Over the weekend at the Mt SAC, Cartwright not only won her speciality in the 100 metres hurdles final in a time of 13.04 seconds after posting the second fastest qualifying time of 13.52. The performance came after she lowered her school record from 23.29 to 23.18 in the 200m and ran 11.62 in the 100m at the Bryan Clay Invitational.

“Things went the way I expected,” said Cartwright, a former volleyball player.

“I was thinking about last year when I didn’t make finals and this year I was really focused on going out there and doing my best and not really thinking about any time.

“I just went out there and did what I had to do and when the coach told me to execute, I did it. I felt the difference when I competed.”

As an added bonus at the Mt SAC Relays, Cartwright also ran the second leg for Minnesota State in the 4 x 400m relay, splitting a 53 as they turned in third in their heat and finished 11th overall in 3:45.23.

“I did my part,” said Cartwright, who served

notice that she’s putting in her bid for a shot at the relay teams for the Bahamas this year. “I have a few open 400 metres that I have to run this season to get in my endurance work so I can better my 200.

“If I really train for the 400, they will be in trouble.”

Cartwright, 23, said after getting in the experience of competing at the Commonwealth Games last year in Birmingham, England, she’s more hungry to test her skills at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Championships in June and hopefully get a chance to compete at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August, even if it’s just on the relay team.

“Even though the collegiate season is long, once we are continuing to train after the nationals is over, I feel I can be ready to compete at the international level,” Cartwright said. “This summer, I’m thinking about whether I will stay here at school and train or I will come home and train with coach Rupert Gardiner.

“I want to give it a shot at the World Championships. It won’t hurt to try.”

While the relays are her options, Cartwright said she will definitely be making a push at the 100m hurdles, despite the fact that she has some contenders in national record holder Devynne Charlton,

collegian Charisma Taylor and Sasha Wells, just to name a few.

“I am looking forward to seeing how well I can compete against them,” she stated.

In the meantime, Cartwright said she’s also concentrating on completing her studies in applied health science with health administration as she looks forward to graduating either in spring 2024 or fall 2023.

“It’s tough with these professors, but that comes with the challenge of being a student-athlete. You have to get the job done,” she said.

And at 5-feet, oneinch, Cartwright also has somewhat of a challenge competing against the much taller opponents. But so far, she has been solid as a rock.

“Since I am short, my approach might be a little different for the hurdles than a taller person, but it’s not a disadvantage being short,” she stressed.

In offering some words of advice to the younger athletes competing in the sport, Cartwright told them to just keep their heads up and don’t allow anyone to tell them they can’t achieve their goals.

The 2018 CARIFTA team member, who ran the under-20 girls 100 and in the 4 x 100m where the team captured the silver, said she was impressed with the performances she witnessed at the games

over the Easter holiday weekend, although she was a bit concerned about all of the disqualifications and races being re-ran.

“But the performances

were impressive. We have some really great athletes coming up,” she pointed out.

“I just want to encourage them to keep going.”

BOSTON MARATHON SWEEP FOR KENYA, BUT NOT FAVOURITE KIPCHOGE

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP)

— Defending Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet wasn’t focused on beating Eliud Kipchoge, the world record holder considered the greatest marathoner of all time.

Conquering the course was the goal.

Chebet won the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathon yesterday for the second year in a row, leaving Kipchoge behind at Heartbreak Hill to spoil the two-time Olympic gold medallist’s much-anticipated debut and win in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 54 seconds.

Gabriel Geay of Tanzania won a footrace for second, finishing 10 seconds behind the winner and two seconds ahead of Kenyan Benson Kipruto. Kipchoge finished sixth — just his third major marathon loss to go with 12 victories.

“When we race, we don’t race against an individual,” said Kipruto, the 2021 winner and Chebet’s training partner. “When we woke up this morning, we were going for a race, not for an individual. ... And that’s what happened.”

Chebet is the 25th Kenyan men’s champion and fourth in a row; he is the first man to defend his Boston title since Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot won three in a row from 2006-08.

Chebet’s time was the sixth-fastest in course history. Kipchoge finished in 2:09:23, the slowest marathon of his career.

“In a marathon anything can happen,” Obiri said of

the men’s race. “It was a strong field, and everybody was there to race.”

Chebet was in a lead pack that dropped Kipchoge around Mile 20, shortly after he missed his bottle at a water station.

Geay, Kipruto and Chebet pulled away with about three miles left, and Chebet made his move in the final mile.

“Most of them blew up. Even Eliud Kipchoge blew up,” said Scott Fauble, who finished seventh and was the top American. “I almost caught him.”

Kipchoge had been hoping to add a Boston Marathon victory to his unprecedented running résumé.

The 38-year-old has won four of the six major marathons; Boston is the only one he has competed in and failed to win. (He has never run New York.) He also broke 2 hours in an exhibition in a Vienna park.

Fighting a headwind and rain that dampened the roads, Kipchoge ran in the lead pack from the start in Hopkinton until the series of climbs collectively known as Heartbreak Hill.

But to the surprise of the fans lined up along Boylston Street for the final kick, he wasn’t among the three leaders. “I live for the moments where I get to challenge the limits,” Kipchoge said in a statement distributed by the race organizers.

“It’s never guaranteed, it’s never easy. Today was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could, but sometimes, we must accept that today wasn’t the day to push the barrier to a greater height.”

He also congratulated the winners and thanked the fans for their support.

“In sports you win and you lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge,” said Kipchoge, who has stated a goal to win all six major marathons but did not announce any plans on Monday. “Excited for what’s ahead.”

Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men’s wheelchair race in a course record time – his sixth victory here. American Susannah Scaroni won her first Boston title despite having to stop early to tighten a wheel that began to wobble on the bumpy pavement.

“It’s better to pull over losing that time tightening it,” she said.

“The speed you lose when your wheel is (loose) is much greater than the time you would lose by not tightening it. I was disappointed. I just tried to get back to the ... pace as quickly as I could.”

Kae Ravichandran finished in 2:38:57 to win the new nonbinary category, which included 27 entrants.

Runner-up Cal Calamia, who wore a transgender patch on their singlet, said they heard spectators cheering for them all along the course.

“To be able to do it in this way, in this category, makes it so much more special,” said Calamia, who was running their sixth marathon and first Boston.

“Knowing how much work has gone into getting this category — in a way, that was already a win.”

Also running were former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who finished in 3:38:23, and celebrity chef Daniel Humm, with a time of 2:58:53. Olympic tennis gold medalist Monica Rakitt, who was known as Monica Puig when she won the Rio Games, wore bib

No. 2016 and finished in 3:49:47.

Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie, who wore No. 22 at Boston College and No. 2 for much of his NFL career, had bib No. 222 while finishing in 5:28:34.

Chara, who wore No. 33 for the Bruins, had bib No. 3333. No one was assigned bib No. 2013 in remembrance of the 2013 finish line bombings that killed three people and wounded hundreds more.

The race included 264 members of the One Fund community — those injured by the attack, their friends and family and charities associated with them. The city marked the anniversary in a ceremony on Saturday.

A robotic dog named Stompy belonging to the

Department of Homeland Security patrolled the start line before the race began, trailed by photographers capturing the peculiar sight. Officials said there were no known threats.

At 6 a.m., race director Dave McGillivray sent out a group of about 20 from the Massachusetts National Guard that hikes the course on the state holiday of Patriots’ Day commemorating the start of the Revolutionary War. Capt. Kanwar Singh, 33, of Malden, Massachusetts, said the race reminds him of Boston’s resilience.

“Ten years ago, the city came to a halt. It’s an incredibly strong comeback, as a group together,” he said. “I tell people, never bet against Bostonians.”

VERSATILE sprinter/hurdler Denisha Cartwright poses with some of the medals she won with the Mavericks women’s track and field programme at Minnesota State.

EVANS CHEBET, left, and Hellen Obiri, both of Kenya, pose on the finish line after winning the men’s and women’s division of the Boston Marathon yesterday in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

GOLF

Top 10 Individuals

Junior Boys

1st Place- Aidan Gorospe, Windsor School at Albany – 29; 2nd PlaceKerrington Rolle, Windsor School at Albany – 30; 3rd Place - Rashawn Hanna, H.O. Nash Junior High – 36; 4th Place - Zachary Christopher Joseph, D.W. Davis Junior High – 37; 4th Place - Jackson Carey, Lyford Cay International School – 37; 6th PlaceEdward Johnson, Windsor School at Albany – 38; 7th Place - Alec Hooper, Lyford Cay International School – 39; 7th PalcePatrick Tomlinson, Lyford Cay International – 39; 7th Place - Benjamin Kofoed, Lyford Cay International School – 39; 10th PlaceMichael Knowles, Queen’s College – 40 and 10th Place - Maximilian Landry, Windsor School at Albany- 40.

Junior Girls Team

1st Place - Windsor School at Albany - Team Score of 122 - Lily Bisterzo, Elyse Hanna, Yulia Chipman and Olivia Ott.

2nd Place - Queen’s College - Team Score of 138 - Chemari’ Pratt; Caitlin McWilliam, Cianna McWilliam, Alphanique Dean and Melaja Maycock.

Top 10 Individuals

Junior Girls

*1st Place - Maddison Carroll, The Tambearly School – 33; 2nd PlaceLilly Bisterzo, Windsor

School at Albany – 33; 3rd Place - Chemari’ Pratt, Queens College – 34; 3rd Place - Haley Hall, Jordan Prince William – 35; 5th Place - Renaisha Dill, H.O. Nash Junior High – 36; 6th Place - Anissa Robinson, D.W. Davis Junior High –38; 7th Place - Elyse Hanna, Windsor School at Albany – 40; 8th Place - Tiar AgaroGibson, Aquinas – 41; 9th

Place - Jacara Forbes A.F. Adderley Junior High – 43 and 10th Place - Yulia Chipman Windsor School at Albany - 49 *Playoff Winner.

76ers take 2-0 lead in series vs the Nets

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Tyrese Maxey scored 33 points, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris had 20 apiece, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets 96-84 on Monday night to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series.

Embiid, the two-time NBA scoring champion, was quiet offensively, going 6 of 11 from the floor, but he did just about everything else. The MVP finalist had 19 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.

Harris had 12 rebounds.

James Harden scored only eight points on 3-of13 shooting for the Sixers after a sensational Game 1 effort.

Game 3 is Thursday in New York.

Cam Johnson led the Nets with 28 points. Johnson sent Embiid stumbling on a one-handed dunk down the right side that posterized the 7-footer.

Johnson stared down Embiid as the Nets forward backpedaled on defense in the first half.

That was Brooklyn’s last GIF-worthy highlight. Maybe the 76ers just

needed to listen to their coach more as they chase their first NBA championship since 1983.

After Brooklyn scored the first bucket of the second half, Doc Rivers called a quick timeout.

“C’mon, guys! C’mon!” Rivers implored in the huddle. “Listen, it’s up to y’all what you all want to do.”

How about finally decide the game.

Maxey, who kept the Sixers alive with 15 points in the first half, was stuffed by the rim on a fast break but Harris followed for the bucket and the 76ers finally tied the game at 55-all. Maxey didn’t miss on the next possession — a corner 3 that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Then PJ Tucker missed a 3, grabbed his own rebound, dished to Harden and the Beard buried his first 3 of the game. Harris came right back and connected on a 3 that had him hopping and waving his arms off the court headed into a timeout.

Embiid pumped his fist in the air and exhorted the crowd to get louder with a 64-56 lead.

The Sixers needed the spark after they spiraled from Game 1 dominance

Senior Boys Team - 1st Place - Windsor School at Albany - Team Score of 94 - Jaden Ward. Oliver Whit. Zadok Smith. Alex Dupuch amd Camdyn Forbes . 2nd Place - Queen’s College - Team Score of 117 - Luke Grimes, Andrew Benjamin, Rhan Miller, Alexander Knowles and Kasar Patton.

Top 10 Individuals

Senior Boys - 1st Place - Jaden Ward, Windsor School at Albany – 30; 2nd Place - Oliver White, Windsor School at Albany – 31; 3rd Place - Zadok Smith,

Windsor School at Albany – 33; 4th Place - Alex Dupuch, Windsor School at Albany – 34; 5th Place

- Patrick Farquharson, Windsor School at Albany – 35; 6th Place - Luke Grimes, Queen’s College – 37; 7th Place - Christopher Callender, Windsor School at Albany – 39; 8th Place - Rhan Miller, Queen’s College – 40; 8th Place - Jermaine Dawkins, C.R. Walker Senior High –40 and 8th Place - Andrew Benjamin, Queen’s College - 40 Senior Girls Team

1st Place - Queen’s College - Team Score of 132 - Lauren Deal, Biswapriya Pati, Bailey Bostwick, Zara Robinson and Lauren Ramsey.

2nd Place - St. John’s College - Team Score of 142 - Tyesha Tynes, Daliah Hamilton-Knowles and Jaidyn Roye.

3rd Place - Kingsway Academy - Team Score of 144 - Gabrielle Pratt, Taylor Sands and Hailey Ellis.

Top 10 Individuals

Senior Girls - 1st Place - Tyesha Tynes, St. John’s College – 37; 2nd Place

- Lauren Deal, Queen’s College – 38; 3rd PlaceGabrielle Pratt, Kingsway Academy – 40; 4th Place - Taylor Sands, Kingsway Academy – 42; 5th PlaceMiljojka Gojkovick, Teleos Christian Academy – 43; 6th Place - Biswapriya Pati, Queen’s College – 44; 7th Place - Daliah HamiltonKnowles, St. John’s College – 47; 8th Place - Bailey Bostwick, Queen’s College – 50; 9th Place - Elvanique Rolle, Charles W. Saunders – 52 and 10th Place - Jaidyn Roye, St. John’s College – 58.

JACKSON JR WINS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

NOBODY blocked more shots per game, nor had better defensive numbers at the rim this season, than Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. And voters noticed.

The Memphis big man was announced Monday night as the NBA’s defensive player of the year, becoming the second player to win the award while wearing a Grizzlies’ uniform. He joins Marc Gasol in that club, after the Spaniard did it a decade ago. Jackson led the league with 3.0 blocks per game this season, after finishing fifth in the defensive player of the year voting last season. He got 56 firstplace votes and 391 voting points to finish ahead of runner-up Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks, who got 31 first-place votes and 309 points. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley — in just his second NBA season — was third with eight first-place votes and 101 points.

(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

to Game 2 disaster in the first half. No Sixer represented that fall more than Harden. His seven 3s steadied the Sixers in the opener but the aging vet — who battled left Achilles tendon soreness down the stretch of the regular season — was overwhelmed in Game 2. He missed 6 of 7 shots in the first half and all four

3-point attempts. Throw in two fouls and five turnovers and it was a marvel the Sixers only trailed 49-44 at the break. That had to distress the Nets. Johnson scored 22 points in the half but — much like in Game 1 — the Nets got crushed on the boards and in the paint. Embiid scored eight points but grabbed 15

boards, 13 defensive. Embiid seemed to make up for some offensive frustration with a two-handed jam late in the game that brought the crowd to its feet.

UP NEXT The Sixers went 2-0 at Brooklyn this season and 4-0 against the Nets overall.

“Team defense really helps us. It goes a long way,” Jackson said on the TNT broadcast that announced the award.

The shooting percentage that Jackson allowed at the rim — 46.9% — was the best in the league among those with at least 300 shots defended there, and was an obvious plus on Memphis’ path to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

PHILADELPHIA 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey in action during Game 1 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, April 15 in Philadelphia.

WINDSOR ACADEMY, above right, put a cap on another successful showing in the Bahamas Golf Federation’s National High School Golf Championships yesterday in the Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune staff

QUEEN’s College Comets girls are all smiles.

Derrick Atkins making most of his opportunity

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOR the past three years, Bahamian men’s conational 100 metre record holder Derrick Atkins has been grooming the Utah Tech University women’s athletic programme from scratch. He’s been pleased with the progress just as he was about watching the improvements made by Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones.

Atkins got an opportunity over the weekend to watch as Jones tied his national record of 9.91 seconds in winning the men’s 100 metres at the Tom Jones Memorial on Saturday. It’s a record that Atkins broke 17 years ago when he won the silver medal at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan, in 2007.

“It’s funny because before I first broke it in 2006, it was there for 18 years and now he tied it at 17 years,” Atkins said.

“I had the same type of progression as Terrence because it was tied at 10.18, then at NACAC in 2006, I dropped it to 10.15 and CAC I moved it to 10.08 before I dropped the 9.91.

“So looking at Terrence, I saw his progression, especially after he won indoors in the 60m in 6.47. That equals to 9.9 in date with how the splits go. So when he ran 20.80 in the 200m, I knew he could do 9.9. I think he can get both men’s national 100 and 200m records before the end of the season.”

With Jones coming down from the 400m, Atkins said he has a lot of strength to work with, so it will be interesting to watch him as he prepares during the remaining two months of the NCAA collegiate season before he goes to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in August.

“Congratulations to him. Just stay hungry. That’s all I can tell him. Stay hungry,” said Atkins, in offering his own words of advice. “Don’t ever believe you have made or you are full. Just stay hungry because if you don’t have that hunger, it will go away in a blink of an eye.”

Just like he did when he first achieved the national record feat, Atkins said Jones is probably in “disbelief” right now.

“When I first ran it, I didn’t believe it until I followed up and ran even faster,”’ Atkins pointed out. “After 2006, I was on a mission that year. I wasn’t chasing the national record. I was chasing getting on the podium in 2007. So that was my mindset.

“That was my only mindset, being on the podium. I knew if I was on the podium, it was going to be

CHISHOLM JR AND MARLINS

EARN 4-3 WIN OVER GIANTS

(AP) — Jorge Soler hit a pinch-hit two-run home run in the seventh inning and the Miami Marlins rallied to beat the San Francisco Giants 4-3 last night.

Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and Jesus Sánchez had two hits each for the Marlins, who have won five of six.

fast. I had to run fast to get on the podium.”

In that race in Osaka, Atkins had to trail American Tyson Gay through the line. While Gay took the gold in 9.85, Atkins followed in 9.91 to hold off Jamaica’s Asafa Powell, who came through in 9.96 for the bronze before he then went on to compete in two Olympic Games in 2008 in Beijing, China and 2012 in London, England.

With this being the prelude to the World Championships when Jones is on course for the World Championships, Atkins said track and field is a sport where athletes have to continue to build and stay locked in.

“It’s too easy to get distracted when you read all the articles about you and how great you are and what you can and can’t do,” Atkins pointed out. “All I can tell that young man is to quiet the noise and stay hungry.”

Now that he’s done with competing, Atkins is concentrating on his career as a coach. He started at Utah in 2020 to start the women’s programme at Utah Tech from scratch after he spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at Western Carolina University.

Prior to that, he did three years as an assistant coach at Kennesaw State.

“There wasn’t anybody before me. This is my third year going into it and we’re a lot better than we were when we got started,” he stated. “Every year, we’re breaking school records, kids are getting better and I have a really good freshman class coming in, so the goal is to be ready before the 2025 NCAA Championships, which is our goal.”

Looking back at his transition from competing to coaching, Atkins admitted that he’s not what he envisioned.

“It’s a lot different. As a coach, I’m learning different things to do and not to do every day and every year about coaching and developing these young ladies,” he stated. “As a coach, this is definitely fulfilling. This is my journey, regardless of whether I went on to compete at the Olympics or not.

“I want to thank Floyd Armbrister. He made me

want to coach. He was so impactful in my development as a young athlete when I was at CR Walker. I bring up a story about him all the time when I talk to my athletes. He had a passion for coaching, so for me it’s a learning process.”

Atkins, however, said his journey could not go without the support and assistance he received from his communication with Bahamian coaches like Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene at the University of Kentucky and Norbert Elliott at Purdue University.

“They guide me through this process. If I have any questions, I could call them up and they give me some advice on it,” Atkins pointed out. “It’s been a journey and I’m just super excited to see what the future holds.”

Despite the fact that more universities and colleges in the United States are leaning more towards their football programme for men, Atkins said if Utah Tech can produce a men’s track and field programme, he’s eager to take it on.

But for now, his focus is on the ladies’ programme. And in the future, Atkins said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Greene and Elliott and even quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown, he hopes to one day have some Bahamian athletes at Utah Tech. He said he’s been trying and based on what he saw at

the CARIFTA Games over the Easter holiday weekend, he’s confident that it will happen soon with all of the talent he saw.

“We definitely made a huge change in the future of the development of our young athletes,” said Atkins, who competed at the games in 2001. “It’s been day and night, considering when I competed, which was a long time ago.

“Compared now, we’re getting better. Jamaica obviously is ahead of us and that is expected. They have a bigger pool of athletes to develop from, especially dominating at the world stage. But we’re doing some great things and I hope that I can get a Bahamian to develop in the future.”

If it doesn’t happen, Atkins said his wife assured him that he has a young son and daughter that he can eventually groom to follow in his footsteps.

“For any Bahamian student-athlete to make it at college, they have to have good grades because there is more money available for academics than athletics,” he noted. “The better your grades, the more options you will have when it comes to getting to a division one or two or NAIA college for track and field.

“If you have good grades, there are more options for you if you are talented on top of that. Coaches can put together so many packages that can allow you

to get a full scholarship. Gone are the days when you can get a full athletic scholarship. The rules have changed. It’s a year to year contract. It’s a business because coaches’ jobs are also on the line as they invest in you.”

The 39-year-old Atkins is a graduate of CR Walker who went on to compete at Dickinson State where he excelled for all four years, establishing several indoor and outdoor conference sprint records and he also helped lead the Blue Hawks to four Dakota Athletic Conference championships.

For his stellar effort, Atkins was inducted into DSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 as a seventime NAIA national champion, winning titles in the 55m, 100m and 200m in 2003, 2004 and 2005 as well as being named AllAmerican 15 times in the sprints and relays. He also led Dickinson State to consecutive NAIA outdoor national championships in 2004 and 2005, and to a runner-up finish in 2003.

In addition to his national record in the century, 37-year-old Atkins has produced a wind-aided 9.83 and has a lifetime best of 20.35 in the 200 metres.

Atkins has captured the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ 100m title at the National Championships seven times from 2005-2009 and again in 2012-2013.

During Soler’s at-bat, third base umpire Lance Barrett signalled Giants starter Logan Webb had balked, allowing Sánchez to score from third.

But the umpiring crew met and ruled no balk occurred.

Sánchez returned to third and Soler sent Webb’s next pitch over the wall in centre for his second career pinchhit homer and fifth of the season.

Webb’s outing ended after Soler’s blast. In his first start since signing a five-year $90 million contract extension Friday, Webb (0-4) gave up four runs, eight hits, struck out six and hit a batter.

Matt Barnes (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh and Dylan Floro followed with a perfect eighth. A.J. Puk closed with a scoreless ninth for his second save.

The Giants struck first against Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo with consecutive two-out doubles by Joey Bart and rookie Heliot Ramos in the second. It was Ramos’ first career RBI. David Villar’s two-run double in the third made it 3-0 before the Marlins got on the board on Chisholm RBI single in the bottom half.

Chisholm singled to lead off the sixth then stole second and scored on Luis Arraez’s single. Luzardo was lifted after 4 1/3 innings. The left-hander allowed three runs, six hits, walked two and struck out six.

MAKING UP FOR MISCUE

Luzardo allowed Ramos to reach in the fourth when he fielded a dribbler and threw errantly to first. But Luzardo atoned for the error by picking off Ramos.

DONE WITH EARLY INTERLEAGUE SCHEDULE

The Giants will finally face more familiar opponents after a heavy slate of interleague games to start the season.

Eleven of San Francisco’s first 14 games, excluding the postponed series finale at Detroit Sunday, were against American League clubs.

For the Giants, the opener at Miami began a stretch of 13 consecutive National League games.

AP SOURCE: HURTS, EAGLES AGREE TO 5-YEAR, $255M EXTENSION

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Jalen Hurts finished runner-up to Patrick Mahomes in AP NFL MVP voting and lost again to him when Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs beat Hurts’ Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

But no QB is atop Hurts now — Philadelphia’s franchise player is about to become the highest-paid player in average annual value in NFL history.

Hurts and the Eagles are set to sign one of the richest deals in NFL history, agreeing to a five-year, $255 million extension, including $179.3 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity yesterday because the deal was not yet final. The Eagles announced later

yesterday on social media that “QB1 is here to stay.”

“Keeping the main thing in Philly,” they tweeted, referencing one of Hurts’ mottos. “We’ve agreed to terms with Jalen Hurts on a 5-year extension through the 2028 season.”

The 24-year-old Hurts was expected to receive $51 million per season — topping Mahomes and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers — and only Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson ($230M) and Arizona’s Kyler Murray ($189.5M) received more in a single contract.

“Our job in this league is go out there and win football games and make money while doing it, and I’m glad the guys dong it the right way are getting the job security they deserve,” Mahomes said yesterday.

Those numbers could be topped soon depending on how the contract situation between the Baltimore Ravens and QB

Lamar Jackson plays out. In a series of tweets, the star quarterback said he requested a trade as of March 2. On March 7, the Ravens put the nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson and said they were still hopeful they could reach a long-term deal with him. If Jackson does come back without a new deal, he could play this season

on Baltimore’s $32.4 million franchise tag.

Los Angeles Chargers

QB Justin Herbert and Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow could each look to Hurts’ deal as a framework for their looming extensions.

The Eagles know where Hurts will be this season. Hurts delivered a record performance in the Super Bowl, throwing for 304

yards and a touchdown, running for 70 yards and three scores, and adding a game-tying 2-point conversion. Hurts and Mahomes were the first Black QBs to face off in a Super Bowl.

“He’s someone that plays the position the right way, he goes about his business the right way,” Mahomes said. “That’s why they were in the Super Bowl, and he played a great game in the Super Bowl, and proved a lot of people wrong that were still doubting him. It’s great for the quarterback position, the quarterbacks coming up behind us. We know about Lamar and the situation there, getting these guys the deals they deserve.”

Philadelphia went 14-1 in Hurts’ starts and he had 3,701 yards passing, 760 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns combined in the regular season. He led the Eagles to the top seed in the NFC and a playoff

victory over the New York Giants and over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game.

The Eagles went 0-2 when Hurts sat out two late-season games because of a sprained right shoulder.

The Eagles stunned fans when they drafted Hurts out of Oklahoma in the second round in 2020. They seemingly had Carson Wentz entrenched at QB and had more pressing needs. Hurt was expected to serve as insurance for Wentz. Instead, he supplanted him and became one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL.

Hurts’ teammates were thrilled to have him back in Philly for years to come.

“Dinner on @JalenHurts!” right tackle Lane Johnson tweeted, along with money-bag emojis.

“my birthday is coming up at the right time!!!” tweeted wide receiver A.J Brown.

DERRICK ATKINS

EAGLES quarterback Jalen Hurts is set to sign one of the richest deals in NFL history, agreeing to a five-year, $255 million extension with the Eagles. (AP Photo/Matt York)

DERRICK Atkins in action in the 100 metres at the BAAA/ BTC Scotiabank Olympic Trials in 2012.

LAVARDO CONQUERS COLLEGE AND CARIFTA

A SPORTING dream planted by Lavardo Deveaux at four years old took a different direction and recently blossomed into a rewarding reality. The 17-year-old, who balances college student and track athlete responsibilities, captured a silver medal at this year’s CARIFTA Games while preparing for final exams.

Lavardo was introduced to sports through tee-ball. He continued on with coach pitch and later baseball. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought baseball practices to a lull. It was at this time that he became aware that track practices were ongoing and made the choice to pursue track and field seriously after having participated in high school events for fun.

Lavardo describes his third year since zoning in on track and field as “amazing”.

“I worked hard in off seasons and built a greater connection with not only

The BTVI Story

the sport, but God. I am honoured to make God, my parents, coaches and country proud,” he said.

After graduating from high school, Lavardo began to study Information Technology (IT) at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) where he gets to sit internationally-recognised certification examinations. From entry-level support to advanced networking and software development, the programme prepares students to function in any technical field relative to their preferred programme of study. Lavardo is currently enroled in morning classes and one virtual evening class to fit with his athletic schedule.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

FIFTEEN-yearold Aaliyah Smith

is a tenth-grade student at Elite School of Excellence that has maintained a 3.8 GPA.

Aaliyah’s favorite subject is mathematics which she credits for improving her problem-solving and critical thinking skills. She plans to become a neurosurgeon and would like to attend Harvard University. Her favorite hobby is reading.

A fun fact about her is she has a good memory and can grasp new topics quickly.

• Do you know a student you would like to see featured in Student Spotlight? Send a picture and brief details to jsimmons@tribunemedia.net.

“I like dealing with computers. I also found research that suggests IT is where the money is and that path can lead to a future that is comfortable and financially stable,” he said.

During his college journey, Lavardo has had assistance from various faculty and staff members such as BTVI’s IT instructor, Barbara Cooper; Examinations and Testing Services Officer, Ernesto Williams and Beauty Trades Administrative Assistant, Sonia Heastie.

“Mr Williams gave me a laptop to use for school before I could get one on my own,” Lavardo said.

He added that Ms Heastie continuously

checks in on him and prayed for his success at the CARIFTA Games.

Lavardo underscored that it took a village to get him where he is today as a productive BTVI student and committed athlete.

“My parents have made and continue to make a lot of sacrifices. My commitments sometimes make them late to work but they drop me to practice and contribute to my dreams financially. I also sometimes catch the bus or walk to practice because I am determined to put in the work.”

Lavardo added, “It is hard being a student athlete and time management is a must. I get one thing done then go on to another task.”

After completing his studies at BTVI, Lavardo plans to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in IT-related fields. As it relates to his athletic passions, Lavardo is training for upcoming sporting events and looks forward to one day competing in the Olympics while also being the face of a sports

brand.

“I am really grateful and I know this is only the beginning because with God, I have many more accomplishments to come,” Lavardo said.

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

The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

Basketball is just the start

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Lucayan Youth Organisation is more than just basketball.

Ricardo Lees, coach and cofounder of the organisation spoke with this paper about the club founded by himself and Tamaro Butler in 2017. He said the club currently has stu dents from ages nine to 21 enrolled and takes two trips to play in tournaments and tour college campuses. He said: “We decided to put a club together for young men, just to help mentor them to help with their lead ership and be willing to use basketball as that avenue to help them. So, in 2017, we started the Lucayan basketball club, and we take two trips a year. We travel during the Easter and we travel during the summer. On these trips, we play in tournaments and we have a college tour-we would normally put off for three to four days where we would visit different colleges.”

This year’s Easter trip included visits to the campuses of South Eastern University, Full Sail University, Monteverde Academy, Windermere Prep and Altamonte Christian Academy where club members had a work out session and were offered five scholarships.

In order to travel on this trip each club member had to complete their professional portfolio. This programme is a part of the Lucayan Curriculum and as a result three seniors were able to apply on site to Southeastern and register for a few of their scholarship opportunities. Coach Lees and Coach Butler agree that the trip was a success not because of the championships but because we were able to expose our student athletes to the world and was afforded the opportunity to represent our brand and country.

Mr Lees said the programme focuses on developing the spiritual, academic and athletic lives of their students and has helped a number of students to continue their education at boarding schools and colleges abroad.

He said: “We just want to give them that exposure - we want them to understand that you can get off his rock and you can use basketball as an avenue ensuring that your academics is straight. One of our slogans is ‘we are more than just basketball’ so we try to focus on the whole child. We try to focus on the spiritual. We try to focus on the academics as well. We try to push them to be leaders.”

He added: “So right now we have like eight young men projected to go off to boarding school. We have three of them that are projected to go to Snow College in Utah. We tried to build partnerships with

different schools abroad, so we can help our young people to expe rience more than just basketball. We have a volleyball programme. Next, this summer, we’re doing our track programme so we have a lot of things that we’re trying to do, but we really push academics and trying to broaden their horizon from just New Provi dence and The Bahamas as a whole.”

Club activities include basketball training and development activities, enrichment sessions, men toring and a monthly church ser vice and lunch.

Mr Lees stated that the goal of the club is ensure that members become better persons on a spiritual, academic and social level.

He said: “What we normally do on every third Wednesday of the month is we have an enrichment session where we invite different leaders throughout our country to come and talk to them about their education about spiritual things about their future goals. On every fourth Saturday of the month, we would have a live chat with them. And it’s more like a mentorship type thing, where we would talk with them about their future, about their goals and ensure that they are on the right track academically.

And the second Sunday of every month we worship at Liberty Baptist Church, where we would get together and we afterwards we go for lunch and then we have our training and development on Sundays as well. So we have a unique program that we try to mentor young men and young ladies.” He said: “They can find us on Instagram, they can find us on Facebook, they can contact me via WhatsApp. Any one of those social media sites can work. At the end of the programme, we want our young people to be better. And that’s better, spiritually better academically and better socially. And so our goal is to ensure that they have that avenue and they have that exposure, so they can be better citizens. So that’s, that’s our main push because the talents can take them to a tertiary level. Some might not make it to the pros, but we want them to be better, better young people, better men and better young ladies.”

LAVARDO DEVEAUX

SPORTS

TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

Windsor Academy wins 3 titles

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Jaden Ward led a clean sweep of the top five positions in the senior boys’ division as Windsor Academy put a cap on another successful showing in the Bahamas Golf Federation’s National High School Golf Championships yesterday in the Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

It was almost a dominating day for Windsor Academy as they just missed out on carting off all four divisional titles. While they captured the senior and junior boys and girls, the senior girls went to the Comets of Queen’s College.

Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, the chairman of the Junior Division of the BGF, said they were hoping to have more teams entered in the high school division, but that didn’t happen. She noted, however, that both the public and private schools will begin competition today and they are expected to compete until Thursday when their champions will be crowned.

“Everything went really well. We thought we would have had some issues with the rain, but God had favour on us and we ended up having a fabulous day,” said Gonzalez-Rolle, who was assisted by Georgette Rolle-Harris of Fourteen Cluibs Golf Academy in the operation of the tournament.

As for Ward, the 17-yearold 12th grader at Windsor Academy said the goal was to repeat as the champions and they accomplished that feat. He led their sweep with a score of 30, one stroke better than runnerup Oliver White with 31.

Zadok Smith got third with 33, Alex Dupuch was fourth with 34 and Patrick Farquharson was fifth with 35. “Last year, I didn’t do well last year, but I know

team wise we won it again and it was just cherry on the top after I won the individual title this year,” Ward said. “The priority today was to get the win for the school. We did that.”

In shooting a 37, Tyesha Tynes of St John’s College edged out second place finisher Lauren Deal of Queen’s College by one stroke, 38, to win the senior girls title for the third consecutive year. Gabrielle Pratt of Kingsway Academy was third with 40

“This year was a little bit harder than last year because of my school work,” said Tynes, who has been playing golf the past 11 years. “I’ve been focusing a little more on that than my golf, but I still managed to get my drive to pull off another title.”

Madison Carroll, a 12-year-old, said she enjoys playing golf because it’s a sport that brings out the best in her. She won the individual title with 33, the same score as second place finisher Lilly Bisterzo of Windsor Academy. There was a two-way tie for third

“When I am not feeling good or I am having a bad day, I can just go out and practice and it makes me feel good about myself and allows me to just push harder,” said the sixth grader at Tambearly International School. “I feel like my performance was alright, but I could do better.

“I was a little tired because I just had a tournament to play in on Sunday and the greens here are alright, but it’s a little harder to play here. I just had to make some pretty good putts today. My iron shots were on and my chipping was alright.”

Bisterzo, a 13-year-old representing Windsor Academy, said they wanted to win the title. “Our team played well,” she summed up. “We came here to win first place and we accomplished that goal.”

Maddison Carroll, also representing Tambearly School, said her goal was to improve on her second place finish last year.

Winning the junior boys title was Aidan Gorospe of Windsor School with 29, edging out his team-mate Kerrington, who was the runner up with 30. Rashawn Hanna of HO Nash Junior High was third with 36.

• Here’s a look at the team and individual results posted:

Junior Boys Team

1st place - Windsor School at Albany - Team Score of 97 - Aidan Gorospe, Kerrington Rolle, Edward Johnson, Maximilian Landry and Nicholas Turnquest.

2nd Place - Lyford Cay International SchoolTeam Score of 123 - Alec Hooper, Patrick Tomlinson, Mark Segger, Erik Jensen and Julian Segger.

3rd Place - Queen’s College - Team Score of 160 - Michael Knowles, Caeden Hayling, Deon Flowers, Khai Neeley and Aiden Sheppard.

Serena claims her second overall crown

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN making the transition from the bikini to what she now considers to be her forte as a figure, Serena Salis Decius-Norius showed that all the hard work over the past year paid off as she successfully claimed her second overall title at the NPC’s Diamond Classic in Bogota, Colombia, on Saturday.

Decius-Norius, accompanied by her husband and trainer pro bodybuilder Jimmy Norius and her boss Sagita Cooper of Sigita’s Beauty Parlor in Lyford Cay, rocked the stage as she emerged as the champion in the over-35 short class for the overall title.

“I’m happy now because it’s finished,” said DeciusNorius as she breathed a sigh of relief. “My diet was harder than my workout. In the last few weeks, I only absorbed about 500 calories, which was very tough. But I am now very proud of myself. I did very well.”

Decius-Norius noted that the judges informed her that she made a vast improvement since they saw her at the show a year ago. She thanked Cooper for not only being in the stands to watch the show,

but for making it possible for her to secure the muchneeded financial assistance through some of the clients for her travel, outfit and other expenses.

“She saw what I had to go through with my full-time job,” Decius-Norius said. “It’s a super expensive sport and she made sure that I didn’t have anything to worry about. I want to tell her thanks for all that she did for me, including taking the time off to train and to travel to compete.”

As for her performance, the 39-year-old Italian born Decius-Norius said she felt she did a lot to prepare herself for the show and it worked out very well.

“I have a lot of trophies, but I’m just working on trying to get my pro card,” said Decius-Norius, who captured her second title in seven shows, adding to her first title in 2021. ”Between now and November, I have a lot of time to get ready for my next show.”

In critiquing his wife’s performance, Norius said she’s right where she needs to be heading into her next show at home in the Bahamas at the NPC Caribbean Grand Prix Classic at Atlantis in November with a few minor adjustments to be made. “We worked on her proportions, her

symmetry, her harmony and her balance,” Jimmy Norius said. “The only thing we need to do in order for her to obtain her pro card is just her conditioning. Our objective was just to bring up her upper body, but we didn’t work on her legs as much as we should for the past year.

“I think for her next big show, we will bring some improvement to her hamstring and gluteal region that will put her in the money to earn her pro card. She will then be able to rock with the best in the world as she improves in those areas.”

Compared to COVID-19 environment as the world was just transforming out of last year, Norius said the competition was much bigger and stiffer for his

wife this year with about 40 competitors, although there were only three in her class and six in figure combined.

“She did extremely well,” he summed up.

While he’s preparing his wife for her next show in November, Norius told the public that they can get to see him perform in his first show at home as a pro during the Bahamas Games in July.

“I am looking forward to making my return home for the Bahamas Games,” he said. “I have a show scheduled for Barbados in June, but my priority is the Bahamas Games. I haven’t competed on local soil for about four to five years and I want to give the Bahamians the opportunity to see how much juice this 48 yearold still has left in him.”

with Chemari Pratt of Queen’s College and Haley

Hall of Jordan Prince William, both with 34.

WINDSOR Academy’s first place senior boys’ team share a special moment with their trophies.

SERENA NORIUS, above with her awards, gets ready to enjoy a hearty meal, above right, after the victory.

WINDSOR Academy junior girls display their awards.

WINDSOR Academy junior boys champion Aiden Gorospe.