05022023 NEWS AND SPORT

& He ALtH

New prisoN cost rises by $50m

Changed proposal sees price more than double for correctional facility

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration has expanded its construction plans for the Bahamas Department of Corrections, moving from just a $40m highmedium security facility to what National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said would be a $90m “correctional institution, administrative, housing

and medical facility”. He said the current maximum security section of the prison will close and the medium security section will be converted into a Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) classroom block for inmates. Meanwhile, the new $100k juvenile facility and the intake/remand section of the prison will remain open.

Bell says UN doesN’t fUlly UNdersta Nd asy LUm process

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION

Min-

ister Keith Bell said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees does not fully understand this country’s process for dealing with asylum-seekers.

The Commissioner has urged The Bahamas not to detain asylum-seekers and to find alternative ways of accommodating them.

In a report the body

drafted before the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) reviews our human rights record tomorrow, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said the government should detain asylum-seekers and refugees only under “circumstances where it is necessary, reasonable, and proportionate to the legitimate purpose achieved and justified by international law”.

All smiles for new recruits

yesterday

betheL to be paid seveN years peNsioN by Nib

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The National Insurance Board (NIB) has been ordered to pay a former director almost seven years’ worth of pension payouts after losing a legal battle over her due retirement benefits.

Justice Diane Stewart, in an April 28, 2023, ruling found that NIB “negligently misrepresented” to

Lawyers for Nygard seek to avoid Us extraditioN

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PETER Nygard’s lawyers expressed concerns for his health and safety while urging appellate judges in Canada to quash an order to extradite the former fashion mogul to the United States to face sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The hearing before the Manitoba Court of Appeal took place on Wednesday. Nygard, 81, was arrested in Winnipeg in December 2020 after US authorities charged him with sex trafficking and racketeering offences allegedly springing

eN viroNmeN t activists to press rci oN beach resort

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE public consultation process for Royal Caribbean International’s proposed Paradise Island Beach Club project will reopen next month, allowing people to hear how the cruise lines will address their concerns.

Dr Rhianna NeelyMurphy, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, confirmed yesterday that environmentalists would have the chance to press the cruise line about its plans separately.

Rowena Bethel that she could participate in its staff pension plan as “an

inducement” to encourage her to sign a three-year contract to become its most senior executive in July 2013.

The verdict recorded how Ms Bethel “made clear” to ex-prime minister Perry Christie, and then-minister responsible for NIB, Shane Gibson, that taking the top job at the social security system depended on her receiving an NIB pension.

A smile on the face of one of the new recruits to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

as 100 trainee correctional officers were recruited to the facility. See PAGE TWO for more photographs.

Photo: Austin Fernander

New prison cost rises by $50m

“(The project) was never scoped,” he said. “What was for $40m is still at $40m. We now have a psychiatric wing and hospital and hospital unit as well as solar and other renewables. This will now eliminate all other housing units except the intake/remand centre. So it is not really high medium but covers all, including women. After the Mental Health Act, you have to provide treatment to house people with mental challenges.”

The state of the prison has been subject to withering criticism over the years.

The 2022 US Human Rights report on The Bahamas said: “Prison conditions were harsh due to overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, poor nutrition, and inadequate medical care. The facility was designed to accommodate 1000 prisoners but was chronically overcrowded.

Maximum-security cells for men measured approximately six feet by ten feet and held up to six persons with no mattresses or toilet facilities. Inmates removed human waste by bucket. Prisoners complained of the lack of beds and bedding. Some inmates developed bedsores from lying on bare ground.”

In October, Mr Munroe revealed officials want the BDOC accredited by the American Correctional Association. The monumental accreditation process would allow the institution to operate as a fully functional

correctional facility that adheres to international standards and practices. Some of the new construction plans for the prison likely relate to that accreditation process.

Mr Munroe could not say when construction on the new prison areas will begin. He also did not reveal the selected contractor before press time.

“My understanding is that the person awarded (the contract) is sorting out now the financing on it because it’s being done in a fashion that we don’t pay them upfront but they build it,” he said.

“Once they turn it over, we then pay them for the virtual court over eight years and the correctional facility over ten years, and so it’s in their interest to get it completed on time.”

“When it’s completed, of course, now we get to see that you’ve done it correctly while we have an obligation to pay you so the person who engages with the government on those terms would know that holds them also a little bit more accountable than the current circumstance.

“If they deliver you a structure built now, after the warranty period of three or six months has passed, the whole thing could collapse and dog eat lunch, right? But if I’m paying you back something over eight years, ten years, and the whole thing collapsed, then me and you have to talk.”

Yesterday, BDOC added 100 trainee correction officers to the facility.

THE Davis administration has expanded its construction plans for the Bahamas Department of Corrections, moving from just a $40m high-medium security facility to what National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said would be a $90m “correctional institution, administrative, housing and medical facility”.

Fresh Faces as Bahamas Department oF correctional services recruits 100

Photo: Austin Fernander

YEsTErdAY the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services recruited 100 trainee correctional officers to the facility. Minister of National Security Wayne Mnroe was there to welcome the new recruits.

Photos: Austin Fernander

Bell says UN doesn’t fully understand asylum process

from page one

The UNHRC said refugees should not be detained or punished for unlawfully entering a country.

In response yesterday, Mr Bell said: “The only thing I will say to that is that it appears to me that they do not fully understand the process in the first place when they make such a statement. That’s all I will say. It’s apparent to me that they don’t understand the process. I don’t want to say too much at this stage now because it’s something obviously which is under review and at the appropriate time a statement would be issued.”

“It’s apparent to me from their statements that they do not fully appreciate the entire process, the entire process when persons come to The Bahamas through illegal means and claim one

form or the other of some sort of status. They obviously don’t understand.”

Mr Bell noted that The Bahamas signed the United Nations Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees in 1993.

“The FNM administration signed us on in 199(3), and there are certain obligations thereunder, but nevertheless, it isn’t something that this government is prepared to look at right now, for us to entertain,” he said.

In 2021, seven asylum-seekers sued the government over their detention, including a mother separated from her young child for over a year.

The people had fled Cameroon fearing persecution. They were kept at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre from May 2019 and were released in April 2021.

They told reporters

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Viewing Notice For

Reservist Superintendent of Police Henry Robert Haley, 64

they were shocked by the “brutal and hostile” treatment they received and said they were traumatised by their experience. It is unclear whether there are currently asylumseekers detained in The Bahamas. Still, Mr Bell said he is certain there are none at the Detention Centre in a similar position to the Cameroon nationals.

“There is a whole lot that goes into ensuring that when persons come into this country through illegal means, irregular means, that we do our due diligence to ensure that we protect the national interest and security of this country and our people,” he said.

“That is paramount, and so whomever comes to this country illegally, regardless of what they may claim, we have to do what is in the best interest and for the protection of our people in this country.”

from page one

Her comments came after environmentalists sent a letter with questions about RCI’s project to the DEPP.

The letter was signed by several environmentalists, including Joseph Darville, executive chairman of Save the Bays; Eric Carey, former executive director of the Bahamas National Trust; Sam Duncombe, executive director of reEarth; Rashema Ingraham, executive director of Waterkeepers; Casuarina McKinney, executive director of Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and Gail Woon, president of Earthcare.

RCI’s initial DEPP consultation meeting took place on September 8, 2021, just eight days before that year’s general election, which resulted in a change of administration.

RCI recently said it aims to answer 120 questions sparked by its initial consultation in the next few weeks.

The letter from environmentalists said: “As Bahamian citizens and environmentalists, we are counting on you to fulfill your mandate to protect our nation’s precious natural resources and unique environment by demanding detailed answers from Royal Caribbean — in as transparent a manner as possible — regarding its plans and promises. From what the cruise line has revealed publicly, we fear

that if the project receives your approval, the full transition and complete decimation of this small, fragile strip of Paradise Island will be inevitable and irreversible.”

Among the questions asked is whether RCI has mapped the coral reef on the north seabed of Paradise Island and proposed steps to mitigate damage during construction.

Questions also focused on how RCI intends to prevent “catastrophic erosion on its site”.

The letter requests

details about the cruise line’s plans for waste treatment, noise pollution, emergency and life safety services, and evacuation.

Dr Neely-Murphy said yesterday: “RCI has been advised that the public consultation process will be reopened. As a part of that consultation process, all questions or concerns will be addressed as appropriate. They will also have 21 days after that event to provide questions to RCI for them to be answered.”

a resident of Stapleton Gardens will be held on Wednesday, May 03, 2023 at The Paul Farquharson Centre, Royal Bahamas Police Force Head Quarters, East Street North, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be no Viewing at the church Semi-Military Funeral Service is scheduled Thursday, May 04, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Hill Street.

The proposed RCI beach club project if approved would abutt the historic lighthouse on Paradise Island. Environmentalists are concerned that the project could ‘decimate’ the area.

IMMIGrATIoN Minister Keith Bell said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees does not fully understand this country’s process for dealing with asylum-seekers after the Commissioner urged The Bahamas not to detain asylum-seekers and to find alternative ways of accommodating them.

A top grocer says raising employment age could have ‘negative’ affect

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A TOP grocer opposes increasing the minimum employment age, saying this would produce more idle teenagers who get into mischief rather than perform productive activities or help their families.

The comment of Philip Beneby, president of the Retail Grocers Association, comes as the National Tripartite Council prepares to review raising the minimum

employment age in the Employment Act to 16, aligning this with the minimum age for leaving school.

Labour Director

Robert Farquharson said raising the minimum employment age to 16 would align the provision with best practices.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) also pushes the country to change.

Mr Beneby said most “packing boys” are between 14 and 16. He

said raising the minimum employment age could affect them and society negatively.

“If they were to raise the minimum age to 16, then now it’s going to leave quite a number of the packing boys and girls out of employment, and you’re going to end up with a lot of idle young teenagers moving around and no doubt getting into mischief,” he said.

“You find also that these packing boys and girls in that age bracket as well, they are in many cases the ones who bring

North Ab Aco MP goes A he A d with grill eveN t

in supplemental income in the families to help to take care and to feed the younger siblings in some cases. And also parents, the parents depend on the income from the packing boys to assist in the running of their homes so it’s gonna create a void in the homes and then it can also end up creating problems for society and in the country as a whole when you have teenagers.”

“By (raising the minimum employment age), they’re pushing them out there in the open, making

them vulnerable for mischievousness. I think it’s something they need to rethink.”

Mr Farquharson said evaluating the minimum employment age cannot be a Nassau-centric exercise, noting children as young as 14 work on Family Islands in fishing, farming and other activities.

Daphne deGregoryMiaoulis, the Abaco Chamber of Commerce president, said she supports increasing the minimum employment age to 16 but wants

children as young as 14 permitted to pursue parttime employment. She said: “New Providence, it’s very expensive; it’s becoming more and more difficult for families to meet ends, and if there is a youngster who has a supermarket packing job that does not interfere with their education… it should be permissible for a 14-year-old trying to get the family to make ends meet. At 14, they should be starting to understand the value of money and contribute to the household.”

Queen’s College Healt H and Wellness Fair

QUEEN’S College has been celebrating its staff –and looking to encourage good health.

As part of its staff appreciation week, the school yesterday held a health and wellness fair in its Geoffrey Brown Auditorium.

The event was designed to give discounts and deals to staff, and was sponsored by local vendors and businesses.

In a statement, the school said: “We believe that community partnerships are always a win-win for all, and we are excited to be able to provide this opportunity for our staff.”

Photos: Austin Fernander

North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish held a grill and chill event at Green Turtle Cay basketball court on Saturday. The event carried on as planned despite Mr Cornish having been in police custody on Thursday then later released after being questioned by officers. He posted to Facebook after the social event: “I’d want to thank everyone who came out to meet and greet. I appreciate the people of Green Turtle Cay and their ongoing support.”

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease found at renowned Abaco diving spot

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

ENVIRONMENTAL-

ISTS are scrambling to save corals at a renowned scuba diving spot in Abaco that has contracted the deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD).

The Perry Institute for Marine Science described the development as a “crushing blow to marine conservation in The Bahamas”, calling the site in Abaco one of the country’s “most treasured and vibrant dive sites”.

In a statement yesterday, Perry Institute said Sandy Cay Reef, a spot within the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park in Abaco, is the latest victim of the coral pandemic.

Marine scientists discovered that the disease infiltrated the reef in March, “wreaking havoc on its families diverse array of corals, including the colossal pillar and mountainous star colonies that have flourished there for centuries.”

The Perry Institute previously revealed that the

Sandy Cay Reef has the highest living coral cover of any reef surveyed in The Bahamas.

Dr Valeria Pizarro, a senior scientist at the Institute leading the battle against SCTLD in The Bahamas, emphasized the gravity of the development, saying: “The discovery of SCTLD on Sandy Cay Reef is a significant setback to conservation efforts in The Bahamas. This is a rare and breathtaking reef, one that is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Its loss would be devastating to the entire community’.”

“Just weeks after the alarming discovery, Dr Pizarro’s team went back to Sandy Cay to administer life-saving antibiotics to hundreds of disease-stricken corals.

“They partnered with SeaKeepers International and Barton & Gray Mariners Club to operate from a liveaboard, affording them the time to conduct vital damage-assessment surveys as well. The fight continues as PIMS returns to Nassau to gather

more resources for treating corals in the remote location.” Dr Pizarro previously identified Grand Bahama, Abaco, New Providence, San Salvador, Cat Island and Andros as the islands most affected by SCLTD. SCTLD is a bacterium first found in corals off

To

Miami in 2014 which has since decimated coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. Within The Bahamas alone, the disease has spread to ten major islands.

diving on Sandy Cay Reef for over 50 years, it’s heartbreaking to imagine these once vibrant and kaleidoscopic corals becoming barren and lifeless. We need to do everything in our power to stop the spread of this disease and protect the future of our ocean.”

On Sandy Cay Reef, Abaco, a long-standing brain coral colony (Diploria labyrinthiformis) grapples with the debilitating effects of SCTLD; the white paste along the disease margin is an antibiotic treatment recently administered by divers to kill the disease.

Photos: Perry Institute

EstEEmEd coral reef ecologist Dr Valeria Pizarro is at the forefront of the battle against Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in The Bahamas. In this photograph, she captures a moment of an age-old pillar coral colony at Sandy Cay Reef, prior to the devastating impact of the lethal disease in the area.

The Tribune Limited

A tale of two projects

LET us consider for a moment two stories of different spending decisions.

First of all, let us look back at the decision to cancel the new multi-million dollar Central Bank headquarters.

The plan for the bank was a grand one – and it was said that it would invigorate Downtown. A public process brought a design that was said to be an “iconic structure” and a “one-of-a-kind building”.

It was to be right at the centre of the revival of the Downtown area. And then it wasn’t. Up to $12m had already been spent, it seems, and the only explanation given for the cancellation has come from Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis. He said that as the country was just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, then “the optics of it might not be the best”. It looks bad to be spending money, especially as the government has other priorities.

Meanwhile, in today’s paper, we discover that one of those priorities is to spend an extra $50m on plans for a new prison – more than doubling the original cost.

The first plan was for $40m for a high-medium security facility. Now the price tag is $90m for a “correctional institution, administrative, housing and medical facility”.

We should point out that there is a definite need for a modern prison facility – the complaints that come out from prisoners there are long-standing and heard so often there is undoubtedly truth in them. The messages that come to The Tribune about conditions are often shocking.

The US Human Rights report on The Bahamas last year pointed out the problems too – talking of overcrowding, poor sanitation, poor nutrition and inadequate medical care.

Maximum security cells saw six men huddled in a space just six feet by ten feet with no mattresses or toilet facilities and excrement being removed by bucket.

So there is absolutely a need for a new facility. There would be a Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute

classroom for inmates – a good thing to help develop skills of those incarcerated so that perhaps they have less likelihood of a return to crime when they emerge from prison.

But if the optics are bad for building a new headquarters that would give a whole district a financial shot in the arm, how are the optics for more than doubling the price of a plan to build a prison?

A contractor has been chosen – but we do not know who he is as yet, it was not revealed by press time yesterday.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe says that the contractor is “sorting out now the financing”.

He says the government will not pay up front but rather the contractor will build it and then payments will be made over up to ten years.

For goodness’ sake, we hope the government has learned from the previous PLP administration and the fire at the BAMSI complex that left the government checking afterwards to see if it was properly insured. It wasn’t.

In truth, we can absolutely see the need for an up-to-date prison complex that hopefully can resolve the issues that have seen our current facility acquire a poor reputation locally and internationally.

However, it just again draws eyes back to the Central Bank proposal and raises questions about why exactly that was abandoned.

Simply looking bad seems an implausible reason for such a cancellation. Would this help the area? Could we afford it? If the answer to those questions is yes in both cases, then it seems bizarre to drop the project just because of the optics.

As ever, more clarity would help –both over the reasoning in the Central Bank deal, and with regard to the prison project, who is the contractor and further details on the proposal.

With the cost more than doubling, a little further transparency would go a long way to ensuring public trust in the project.

PM shows maturity

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I READ on an Internet news site that the Office of the Prime Minister has announced that Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis will attend the historic coronation of King Charles III on May 6 at Westminster Abbey in London, England. I believe that Davis, if the news source is accurate, has demonstrated political

maturity by inviting Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard to tag along with the official Bahamian delegation, many of whom are presumably Progressive Liberal Party supporters.

This political camaraderie between Davis and Pintard augurs well for the political landscape in The Bahamas, as the usual back and forth between the FNM and PLP is

The Rolly Gray Harbour

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE National Family Islands Regatta Committee records its full support of the renewed call to name the Harbour at George Town, Exuma “The Rolly Gray Harbour” by Commodore and Chairman Daniel Strachan. This is in recognition of the meritorious contribution to the development of Sloop Sailing in The Bahamas by Captain Rolly Gray of Staniel Cay, Exuma. For more than a half century, Captain Gray dominated Sloop Sailing in the country. For all who are inspired

to go to sea in search of a livelihood or the satisfaction of competing in the ‘now’ National Sport of Sailing, Rolly Gray is the ideal Bahamian Hero.

We implore the government to concede to this most deserving recommendation, which would greatly please Captain Gray’s many admirers as well as thousands of fans of the National Sport.

The official naming of the Rolly Gray Harbour

would be most appropriate and lead to children in years to come to ask ‘who was the person that the harbour was named after?’ Parents would be able to recount the vast contributions of this wonderful gentleman, sailor, mentor, community leader and National Champion during the first five decades of our premier sloop sailing event, the National Family Regatta, which would grace the Rolly Gray Harbour forever more.

ANONYMOUS May 1, 2023

looking more and more like a charade.

Political opponents of the PLP should at least demonstrate a minimal degree of objectivity by commending Davis for his kind gesture in taking Pintard with him to King Charles III’s coronation.

KEVIN EVANS

Freeport, Grand Bahama. April 30, 2023.

Opposition to Viking Court Plaza

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Application (PSA/192/2022) on behalf of Viking Court Plaza c/o TDG Architects Ltd.

I write to oppose this incursion of this mammoth commercial complex into our residential community. I have lived in the Westward Villas community for the past 26 years now, and our quality of life, in this once peaceful, community has consistently been eroded. I believe this Viking Court Plaza is far too large, and the two entrances on Cambridge Avenue, and the one entrance on Hampshire Street, do not provide a buffer to our neighbourhood. It actually creates a highway of increased congestion, noise and traffic in our community.

I traverse Cambridge Avenue every day on my way to work, and normally return via Hampshire Street and Cambridge Avenue. Right now, it is a peaceful commute to work and home. That will definitely be lost if this

commercial complex is allowed. I can understand if the entrance and exits were limited to West Bay Street only, and the 10 Residential Condo Units were separate and apart from the commercial complex, thereby having access via Hampshire Street. But this initial drawing includes both Cambridge Avenue and Hampshire Street and creates a thoroughfare through this commercial complex, thereby increasing traffic in our community.

I note the Department of Physical Planning normally mentions isolating all commercial activity in these economic zones, but it’s not working at the end of Skyline Drive and West Bay Street round-a-bout. Sound travels, and many weekends, we go to bed with music flowing through our home to the wee hours of the morning. This proposed complex will be even worse, since I am sure there is no limitation on the type of business which will be allowed to lease these premises.

Businesses such as restaurants, bars and night clubs increase the noise pollution in our neighbourhood, which is already battling the Skyline Drive effect on rezoning and increased commercial activity.

I am sure when Westward Villas was created, there was a reason why these currently vacant lots 12 -17, were residential and not commercial. This was meant to be a very quiet neighbourhood, with an excellent quality of life for its residents. Right now, we are being inundated by rezoning to commercial and the Department of the Government which should be protecting the citizens and residents of these communities, is spearheading the charge to destroy our community.

Again, I am 100% opposed to this development in its current preliminary proposal.

RIHANNA, left, and A$AP Rocky attend the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” exhibition in New York yesterday.

Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Lawyers for Nygard seek to avoid US extradition

from “a decades-long pattern of criminal conduct involving at least dozens of victims in the United States, The Bahamas and Canada, among other locations”.

He was imprisoned in Headingley Correctional Centre in Canada and later transferred to the Toronto South Detention Centre where he remains in custody.

He is also facing nine counts of sexual assault and three counts of forcible confinement in Toronto connected to allegations from the late 1980s and mid-2000s, according to Canadian media reports.

Nygard cannot be extradited to the US until his court cases in Canada have been settled.

His legal team have sought assurances from federal Justice Minister David Lametti that Nygard will not be held in the Metropolitan Detention Centre in New York,

citing “terrible” conditions at the facility, which they claim could affect Nygard’s health.

They have also reportedly requested assurance that, if convicted, Nygard will not be involuntarily or indefinitely imprisoned after serving a sentence.

His lawyers also expressed concerns about Nygard’s racketeering charge, telling the appellate court their client only agreed to stand trial for sex trafficking offences when he decided to be extradited to the US.

They believe the racketeering charge shouldn’t be considered because Canada has no comparable offence. Nygard, who has maintained his innocence, waived his appearance at last week’s hearing.

Lawyers for the federal minister of justice acknowledged Nygard’s concerns, saying the minister would consider them before making a decision.

Man charged with recent killing of two brothers

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of killing two brothers in Solomon’s Super Centre parking lot last month was charged with two counts of murder yesterday.

Omar Thompson Jr, 27, is accused of killing Tyrone Oliver, Jr, and Shakur Oliver as the

us vaccine require Ments for foreign travellers to end May 11

brothers sat in a car near the Old Trail Road store on April 22.

Attorney Wendawn Miller-Frazer Wrazer represented Thompson before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt. Thompson was sent to prison. His case will proceed to the Supreme Court by Voluntary Bill of Indictment, due to be served on August 22.

a r M ed robber accused re M anded without bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sent to jail yesterday after being accused of an armed robbery in New Providence last month.

Latario Whyms, 20, was charged with armed robbery, receiving, possessing an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. He was represented by Ian Cargill and charged before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt.

On April 17, while being concerned with another and armed with

a black handgun, Whyms is accused of robbing William Paul of his black iPhone 13 Pro Max valued at $920.

He was arrested on April 23 after he was allegedly found with a black Glock Taurus G3 9mm pistol with the serial number defaced. He is also accused of having 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Whyms was sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His case will be moved to the Supreme Court by a Voluntary Bill of Indictment, which is set to be served on August 22.

bus driver charged with touching 11-year-old girl

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A BUS driver was granted bail after being accused of touching an 11-year-old girl’s private parts as she left his bus last week.

Stephen Darling, 59, was charged with indecent assault. He allegedly

touched a young girl’s vagina on April 28.

After pleading not guilty to the offence, Darling was ordered to pay $6,000 bail with one or two sureties. Under this bail, he is expected to be fitted with an ankle monitor. He was warned not to interfere with any witness in this matter. His trial is set for June 30.

VACCINE requirements for foreign air travellers to the US will end on May 11 as the Biden administration ends most of its remaining federal COVID-19 vaccine measures next week.

The US government is also beginning the process of lifting vaccine requirements at US land borders,

and a range of other internal requirements for people such as educators and healthcare workers.

“While I believe that these vaccine mandates had a tremendous beneficial impact, we are now at a point where we think that it makes a lot of sense to pull these requirements down,”

White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr Ashish Jha told The Associated Press on Monday. Dr Jha said the US was already protected by a traveller surveillance programme, which, for instance, tests for different virus strains in aircraft wastewater.

“We think that we are much more able to identify if a new variant shows up in the United States and respond effectively,” he said. “And I think that’s what makes the need for a vaccine mandate for travelers less necessary right now.”

PETER Nygard’s (pictured) lawyers expressed concerns for his health and safety while urging appellate judges in Canada to quash an order to extradite the former fashion mogul to the United States to face sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

Young sprinter Cayden Smith honours a legacy in track and field

IT was one of the hottest races in all of the CaRIFTa Games. when Cayden smith left a gap on the track and crossed the finish line first in the Under-17 Boys 200m race, he lit up the entire Thomas a Robinson National Track and Field stadium. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the sounds of Junkanoo resonated from every wing of the stadium.

The Bahamas had a monumental win, achieving back-to-back gold medals within a 15-minute time period. The stadium was rocking. First, Jamiah Nabbie edged out her competitors to capture the gold in the under-17 Girls 100m sprint race. Minutes later, Cayden smith dominated the track and won the gold medal in the under-17 Boys 200 metre race. andrew Rolle won the bronze medal in the same race, giving fans even more reason to celebrate.

Bahamians watching from every corner of the globe witnessed the continuation of what is now a legitimate legacy of track and field excellence in The Bahamas.

It’s not one to be slighted.

The Bahamas has a population of just under half a million people. Yet, the country has proven itself to be a powerhouse in the Caribbean and Latin american region, and has even dominated at an Olympic level.

Just before the 2023 Oaktree Medical CaRIFTa Track and Field Championships got underway, talk was abuzz that another set of talented young athletes were rising up to continue the legacy of athletic excellence. Cayden and his team mates did not disappoint; they delivered.

It was an electrifying night, and one that went down in the history books during the 2023 Easter weekend of CaRIFTa Games. CaRIFTa celebrated its 50th anniversary in The Bahamas, and the Bahamas is celebrating its 50th anniversary of Independence with the Road to 50 celebrations. There’s divine timing at work as this nation unfolds into its next season of growth and development. Young people like Cayden are playing a prophetic role this 50th anniversary of Bahamian Independence, providing a glimpse into the bright future for this young nation.

Cayden is a sprint powerhouse at just 15 years old. He ran a personal best time of 21.70 seconds in the 200m race for his first CaRIFTa gold medal.

“CaRIFTa was a wonderful experience,” he told me.

“I came in not thinking about winning or losing. I just came to The Bahamas to do my thing. I came to run... and eat!”

Cayden came back in the 4X100m sprint relay and

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

ran a strong second curve on the third leg to help the team win what would be his second gold medal at the CaRIFTa Games.

Cayden smith, Trent Ford, andrew Brown, and Ishmael Rolle, won the gold medal in 41.46 seconds - an impressive feat after just two days of practice together.

It was “quiet” and “awkward” in the beginning. Cayden was meeting the members of the team for the first time when most of them had already known each other. But by the end of it, Cayden and his champion team mates were partying together at Breezes the night of their win, making new lifelong friends.

Cayden is a 10th grader at south Plantation High school in Plantation, Florida. when I spoke to him over the weekend along with his mother Terrell Reid, he had just completed competing in district qualifiers. Cayden qualified for the open 100m and his 4x100 relay team also qualified to compete in the Florida High school athletic association’s Track and Field Regional Meet. an issue with his cleats resulted in him missing out on his 200m race, but he’ll be back next year to contend in his strongest race. He has plenty of time left, and a sprinting career that is already taking off.

I shared with Cayden a bit of the amazing story of the father of Bahamian track and field, Frank Rutherford. Frank was the subject of a previous edition of Face to Face. He and his mother recalled a heartbreaking incident. when Frank was about Cayden’s age, he was supposed to be selected to the Bahamas National Team. His mom took him to the airport, bags packed to run and represent The Bahamas. Frank was left in the terminal. The coach decided to give the opportunity to someone else. His track coach encouraged him to try triple jump. although his heart was in sprinting, he followed his coach’s advice and he excelled, becoming the first Bahamian to win a medal in track and field at the Olympics. since that quincentennial win in 1992, The Bahamas has won a track and field medal at every subsequent Olympics, as Frank predicted.

Cayden’s love for his mother’s home country shone through at CaRIFTa. Cayden is still closely connected to his island roots. Growing up

in Florida, Cayden looked forward to travelling to Nassau with his brother, Jayden smith, and spending the summer break with their grandmother, Charlene Reid and his great-grandmother, Pauline williams.

Before the plane even lands, Cayden is salivating for conch salad which, he says, he “could eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner!”

He has had some great memories coming home to The Bahamas every summer growing up. One of the most outstanding memories for Cayden is about family. He recalls a time when a large group of family members got together and spent a day at the atlantis Resorts and Dolphin Encounters. They enjoyed the sun, the sea and most of all - each other.

It’s an honour that Cayden chose to run in the uniform of the black, gold and aquamarine. He could have very well been a superstar for the Jamaica team, if he wanted to. through his father’s lineage.

However, mommy’s beloved birthplace was his choice - and all the fantastic island memories that come along with it. He even donned aquamarine and gold beads in his hair as he participated at CaRIFTa

Initially, Terrell was encouraged to bring Cayden to Nassau to participate in the CaRIFTa trials. He did that, with the support of his teachers at Plantation, who made sure he didn’t fall behind in his lessons. His coach is also a shining support to Cayden’s budding track career. Coach Jean Brunache flew to Nassau to be with his star school athlete.

“Coach Brunache being there was a ton of help, because I had to be the coach during CaRIFTa trials, and it is not easy,” Terrell told me.

“so, it was great to have some help. we had to deal with the mental aspect, the physical... rubbing him down, warming him up. The Bahamian coaches didn’t know him, so it was good for him to have his (coaching) team there as well. I do a lot! I am a mom, coach, masseuse, therapist, driver, aTM... it doesn’t stop. But his drive and passion for the sport makes it all worth it!”

It’s a labour of love Terell is committed to as she pushes her son to excel in something he is passionate about. Her second son Jayden, close in age to his brother, is coming up in the

world of track and field as well, keeping Terrell’s hands busy as she helps them carve out their path to success.

Cayden’s step-father, Enock Bonheur, has also been instrumental in his success.

“He’s always there to motivate and cheer me on and he makes sure we are ok,” says Cayden.

Terrell and Cayden flew to Nassau for CaRIFTa Trials, went back home and after spending just a week in Plantation, they were back in Nassau, with step-dad, brother, and other family and friends in tow to support Cayden in the 50th CaRIFTa Track and Field Championships. The Bahamas would go on to come second in track and field and first in CaRIFTa swimming, putting this country at the top of the medal count for both events combined.

Cayden comes from a strong family tradition of nationhood and service. Terrell, who instilled a strong sense of pride for Bahamian heritage into her boys, carved out a successful professional path for herself in the City of Miami. she worked for the city for 11 years. she started out as an executive assistant, but was quickly promoted to an operations manager then ultimately, Director of Planning and Development for the Miami Parking authority.

Today, Terrell co-founded and operates a non-profit: Giving Hearts with Love Foundation, which has allowed her to make a

difference in the lives of her fellow Bahamians as well as Haitians, especially after disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. she also has a successful e-commerce business called Desirable secrets. she manufactures and sells a diverse line of products “that help women and men feel more confident in their everyday lives and intimate moments”.

Cayden’s rich family legacy includes his cousin, Olympic gold medallist Tonique williams-Darling. Then there’s Michael “scooter” Reid, his recently deceased grand uncle who made a name for himself in track and field and basketball. scooter went on to work for the Ministry of Youth, sports and Culture and become one of the fixtures in the advancement of sports in the country.

His grandmother Elisabeth Reid, also deceased, was a well-known community figure and an executive at Bahamasair. His grandfather, John Reid, was a hospitality connoisseur, well known as the “Pink Panther” taxi driver.

Cayden’s grandfather, Carlos Reid, is an internationally known pastor, youth advocate and motivational speaker. Pastor Reid has been responsible for changing the lives of many young Bahamian men for the better, just as his life was changed. He was mentored by the late Dr. Myles Munroe of Bahamas Faith Ministries, who helped him transform from a delinquent youth to one of The

Bahamas’ most influential agents of change.

Pastor Reid was out there at the stadium, dancing and cheering as Cayden crossed the finish line. There, he declared that the world should: “watch out for the name Cayden smith!”

“No matter who I run against, I always look at it like it’s my race,” Cayden said.

“I’m focusing on myself and how I perform - and it’s straight positivity.”

Cayden told me that even when the season is over, he’ll be “working all year round”, committed to his personal goals.

The Road to 50 celebrations continue with Jubilee Day on May 5. It’s another day to wear the Bahamas’ beautiful flag colours and celebrate together. Public and private institutions, schools and groups all across the Bahamas are invited to participate. schools across The Bahamas will host a special assembly in celebration of our nation’s Golden Jubilee. Public and private institutions will also participate, wearing the flag colours, and showing their pride.

On Friday, May 5, Jubilee Day will be celebrated at the southern Recreation Grounds. a cultural village will be open for enjoyment from 4pm to 9pm. attendees will be seated at 6:30 for the 7pm start of a fantastic cultural show - the event is free and all are invited to attend.

ABOVE: Cayden Smith flashes a smile holding his two gold CARIFTA medals with his mother, Terrell Reid and stepfather, Enock Bonheur. BOTTOM LEFT: Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Mrs. Ann Marie Davis celebrate Cayden.’s victory for The Bahamas. BOTTOM RIGHT: Cayden Smith during CARIFTA trials with his cousin, Bahamian Olympic gold medallist, sprint sensation Tonique Williams-Darling.

UK police crackdown on extremist protests welcome

THE environment is a major issue in Britain. As the science in relation to climate change develops rapidly and the fearmongers become more vocal, awareness has grown of the consequences and problems of industrial pollution, nuclear waste, carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. Moreover, as a result of other recent issues like “Mad Cow” disease and the GM (genetically modified) food controversy, the British public has become increasingly sensitive to environmental issues, thus turning the nation in to one of the socalled eco-warriors.

For many years, campaign groups like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace have been putting pressure on governments and businesses to introduce stricter standards for environmental protection; and, more recently, they have been joined by a new breed of such eco-warriors. This type of protester uses direct group action to target opponents through non-violent - but often illegal - actions. Their methods include disruption of road-building projects and action against environmental pollution and global capitalism more widely; for example, campaigning to

The Peter Young column

keep cars and trucks out of city streets and to reserve them for pedestrians and cyclists. To achieve maximum publicity, the protesters indulge in group sit-downs and conduct slow marches in order to cause massive disruption. Their claimed overall aim is climate change mitigation, Nature conservation and environmental protection while their declared more detailed objective is to stop “our criminal government from taking us down a path to societal collapse and destroying the conditions that make human life possible”.

There is insufficient space today to write in any detail about the UK government’s contribution and commitment to a new deal known as the Glasgow Climate Pact in 2021 aimed at staving off dangerous climate change by keeping to the global warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Today’s protesters regard such action as inadequate and ineffective. But it is nonetheless important for governments to recognize generally that in a democracy protests can play a positive and crucial role. The right to protest is essential because this brings issues to public attention and may start a debate about them. It is a form of the right to exercise freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly. It is a means for people to express dissatisfaction about current situations and assert demands for social, political and economic change. Protests are part of a healthy and vibrant democracy because they give a voice to the people and a method of highlighting injustice as well as drawing attention to the need to hold governments and institutions to account for their actions. Thus, they are a way of expressing dissent and influencing governments.

GOVERNMENT MINISTERS MUST HAVE AUTHORITY

AFTER writing last week about the resignation of Britain’s deputy prime minister Dominic Raab over bullying allegations, I return to the subject today by examining the roles of ministers and of civil servants as permanent government officials.

In the Westminster system, there is a peculiar relationship between civil servants and ministers, who are their political masters, because everything that goes on in the department concerned becomes the responsibility of the minister – and it is ministers who are accountable to parliament when something goes wrong. Civil servants work within a constitutional framework which requires them to be politically impartial while being accountable to ministers of the government currently in power. They should also work within a range of ethical and other constraints which likewise require them to be honest and co-operative. They provide continuity as ministers come and go according to the whim of the electorate. As is well known but worth repeating, ministers make policy in accordance with their government’s objectives and are responsible and accountable for it while civil servants advise them how to implement that policy and then carry out that function on the minister’s behalf. In the past in Britain, the civil service has been known occasionally to have acted in the public interest as a bulwark or a counter weight force against the extreme dogma of the government of the day. But the historical evidence is that that has been rare since

it undermines the essence of a representative democracy.

The importance of the accountability of elected politicians to parliament should not be underestimated for it provides protection against totalitarianism.

In the fallout from a row in 2020 at the heart of the British government involving differences between the then Home Secretary and her permanent secretary, I commented in this column that ministers are public figures who are widely known in the country and are subject to intense parliamentary and press scrutiny and criticism. This is essential as a check on the actions of a government and an important element of democracy because, if policy were instead in the hands of an appointed meritocracy in the shape of unknown – and in some cases unidentifiable - permanent civil servants without oversight or direction by ministers, the public might be unable to determine who was responsible and therefore accountable.

So most people accept that for democracy to work the decisions of ministers must prevail. However, human nature being what it is, there is also the danger of the upper echelons of the civil service becoming entrenched, unaccountable and self-important bureaucrats who fail to exercise political neutrality and impartiality. They may also regard themselves as more important than elected politicians and ministers whom they see as transient beings liable to be reshuffled or voted out at the next election. Furthermore, some say that, in Britain’s modern society of sometimes inept political

parties or governments and a Left-leaning, anti-Brexit civil service, there is a danger that officials may become answerable to no one while they follow their own course. So it is perhaps hardly surprising that some ministers become frustrated and irritated when their authority is challenged as they try to drive through reform and change.

In such circumstances, most people consider it remains in the best interests of the public that ministers should be strong and determined in carrying out their function. But the enforced resignation of Dominic Raab may henceforward make it harder for ministers in London to make tough decisions for fear of facing bullying accusations. In any fast-moving crisis – for example, most recently the evacuation of British nationals from Sudan - the public has the right to expect swift decisions by ministers irrespective of the sensitivities of those working around them. Meanwhile, here in The Bahamas which follows the Westminster model, there might just be some useful lessons from these developments.

All this was parodied in the satirical and hugely popular BBC TV series called “Yes, Minister” in which career officials attempt to thwart the wishes of elected government ministers. It depicts civil servants as manipulating and undermining their political masters who are looking for immediate praise and good publicity while they themselves are only interested in power. It was a brilliant series – but for some people a bit too close to the truth for comfort.

All this has come to the fore again recently in Britain because of the activities of the global environmental movement called Extinction Rebellion. Formed in 2018, it has its headquarters in the UK with the stated aim of using non-violent civil disobedience to persuade governments to “act justly” on climate and ecological issues. After supporters of this group participated in a mass sit-down protest in central London last year, Extinction Rebellion joined forces last month with two other groups – Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil, which demands an end to all fossil fuel projects – in organising a weekend of protest called “The Big One” when some 50,000 environmental protesters were mobilised in a sit-down and slow march in the city. This caused major disruption including interference with emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire engines.

Then, on April 29, Just Stop Oil eco-zealots again brought traffic to a standstill as they marched slowly in central London in support of two activists - calling them political prisonerswho were recently jailed for scaling a major bridge over the Thames in the east of the city that caused many

hours of gridlock on the surrounding roads which had to be closed.

In such circumstances of disorder and huge disruption it comes as no surprise that the government has now been stung into action. Public opinion, usually based on common sense, has persuaded officialdom that in an ordered democratic country there can be no justification –however worthy a cause may be - for civil disobedience at such a level that it violates the rights of millions to go about their everyday lives peacefully and without interference. The right to protest should always be respected but there have to be reasonable limits. The exercise of that right is unacceptable if it affects the rights of millions of others to move around freely and makes their lives a misery.

In an effort to beef up broader police powers to tackle protests a new Public Order Bill passed through the UK parliament recently and will soon become law. The government wants to define when police can step in to stop, in the words of the Home Secretary, “selfish protesters from wreaking havoc in people’s everyday lives”. So this legislation introduces new criminal offences for causing serious

ONLY DAYS TO GO UNTIL

BY ALL accounts, the carnival atmosphere amidst much expectation and excitement throughout the nation in the lead-up to King Charles’ coronation on Saturday is said to be exceptional. Although the ceremony at Westminster Abbey in the heart of London will be scaled down compared to the crowning of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953, this coronation will involve all the magnificent pomp and pageantry that Britain is famous for, and the event will be watched by a global audience. Reportedly, it will be the largest military ceremonial operation in seventy years while it is also the first major such ceremonial occasion since The Queen’s funeral in September last year. As well as the actual coronation itself, there will be celebrations in all corners of the Union with gun salutes in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast to mark the moment the King is crowned. In London, the streets of the West End have been covered with

Union Jacks, and high street shops everywhere are getting in to the swing of things with special coronation displays. It is claimed that millions up and down the country will enjoy street parties, and, according to the latest figures, more than 3,000 special celebratory events are being planned in most parts of the kingdom. As always on important national occasions, there is no shortage of enthusiasm on the part of individuals. This is epitomised by royal superfans already camping out on The Mall – and at least one has been spotted with a large tarpaulin already attached to the railings to keep those concerned dry and from where they will have a front seat to watch the King’s procession as it passes by enroute to Westminster Abbey. Amidst all this happy preparation, there has been little publicity about the famous Stone of Scone which will be used for the forthcoming coronation after being transported from Scotland to London. It is also known as the Stone

disruption and permits the police to clear the roads of protesters.

It will come as music to the ears of many that the Metropolitan Police Commissioner recently expressed his determination to deal robustly with anything going beyond lawful and reasonable protest that creates serious disruption in London. In my view, this comes none too soon since previously the police have been hampered in dealing with widespread protests designed to persuade the government to undertake new measures to deal with the damaging effects of climate change.

As always in such situations, a reasonable and sensible balance has to be struck -- and it is clear that a majority believe that in a civilised society a fundamental requirement should be to protect and enforce, as a priority, the public’s right to go about its lawful daily business without obstruction or hindrance. As one UK newspaper put it succinctly, extremist ecozealots have no mandate from the people to promote disorder in the name of their radical agenda. If more of them felt the long arm of the law, most decent citizens would cheer.

CORONATION

of Destiny and is seen as a sacred object. The experts say it is a rectangular block of pale yellow sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland and England. It was originally kept at Scone Abbey in Perthshire in Scotland but was seized by English forces in the 13th century and taken to Westminster Abbey.

As historians recount, the Stone is also famous for being stolen in 1950 by a group of four Scottish students who broke into the Abbey and took it back to Scotland. It was later returned to London before being sent back again permanently by the British Government in 1996 where it is now kept at Edinburgh Castle with the Scottish Crown Jewels. This escapade was either lauded or condemned depending on one’s individual viewpoint, but it was certainly a daring exploit which attracted much publicity at the time. For those who might be interested, the incident was made in to a film in 2008.

POLICE officers patrol at Buckingham Palace on Saturday ahead of the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III.

Photo: Kin Cheung/AP

UK’s diverse communities view king’s coronation with ambivalence

LONDON

Associated Press

Musician Deronne White is ready to play on King c harles iii ’s coronation day. The flutist and his fellow young musicians aren’t playing anything regal or solemn — they’re planning to parade through south London’s streets entertaining crowds with an uplifting “coronation carnival” set mixing gospel, jazz, grime, disco and rap. There’ll even be a calypso take on the u K national anthem.

While he’s excited about the gig, White says he has mixed feelings about the coronation. Like some others at the Brixton c hamber Orchestra, White is a descendant of migrants from Jamaica — a former British colony and c ommonwealth member that wants to cut its ties with the monarchy and has called for the u K royals to address their historical ties to slavery.

“Personally it’s a little bit hard to connect to the whole occasion,” he said. “ i think that the coronation could possibly allow people like me to try and connect to (the monarchy). But it can be a bit tough.”

Towns, cities and villages across the u K will be awash with u nion flags and patriotic decorations to celebrate c harles’ coronation at Westminster a bbey this weekend, and officials say the festivities will bring Britain’s diverse communities together. But the event is viewed with a large dose of ambivalence by some in the u K, not least those with a frican c aribbean backgrounds and other minorities for whom the

British e mpire’s past wrongs still loom large. While slavery and the heyday of colonialism may be long gone, the royal family has in recent years struggled to grapple with new accusations of institutional racism –most notably from Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan.

The Duchess of s ussex, a biracial a merican actress, reopened the debate about the monarchy and race when she said last year that an unnamed member of the royal household had asked her how dark her baby’s skin might be when she was pregnant with her first child, a rchie.

Last year, there was outrage when n gozi Fulani, a Black charity

executive, complained that a close aide of Queen e lizabeth ii ’s repeatedly questioned her at a party about where she was “really” from. Palace officials apologized and the aide, s usan Hussey, resigned.

c harles, 74, has on many occasions spoken about how much he values diversity in modern, multicultural Britain. He has paid tribute to Britain’s “Windrush generation”

— the West i ndians, like White’s great-grandparents, who helped rebuild Britain after World War ii i n 2021, c harles won praise for acknowledging “the darkest days of our past” and the stain of slavery. More recently, the

monarch expressed for the first time his support for research into the links between the u K monarchy and the trans- a tlantic slave trade.

“ i think he’s definitely trying — maybe not in the best way or the fastest way, but from what i ’ve seen, it’s kind of a step in the right way,” said Teigan Hastings, 17.

But Hastings, a British Jamaican who plays the tuba alongside White, said that Meghan’s claims about how she was treated by her in-laws “opened up a bit of truth within the royal family.”

i guess it wasn’t totally unexpected, but at the same time you think there’d be some form of acceptance … and there

hasn’t really been,” he said. “ i t’s like there’s nothing like us normal people can really do about it except hope for change.”

The musicians say they hope that their vibrant blend of musical styles will help draw in the crowds, whatever they may think of c harles.

a cross the capital in s outhall, known as “Little i ndia” — the west London neighbourhood is home to one of the largest i ndian populations outside i ndia — local politician Jasbir Kaur a nand said the area’s British a sians also plan to mark the coronation in their own way.

a bout 6,000 tickets were snapped up for a coronation shindig complete with a huge television screen broadcasting the ceremony, funfair rides and bands playing Jewish, s outh a merican and gospel music, a nand said.

s he added that she will attend a street party organized by a group of local women that promises to feature “lots of Punjabi food, Punjabi dancing and singing.”

a nand, whose family moved to Britain from s ingapore when the city-state gained independence, said many immigrants of her generation feel gratitude to the u K monarchy for embracing them and giving them the opportunities to settle and prosper.

Gulu a nand, who owns s outhall’s Brilliant curry house and has cooked for c harles several times over the years when he visited the neighbourhood, is one vocal supporter of c harles.

c harles “actually

listens to you,” he said, recalling the royal’s demeanour when he ate at his restaurant. “ i think he is the people’s king.”

But Janpal Basran, who heads local charity s outhall c ommunity a lliance, said that many communities in the area are from former colonies and “remember what it was like to be ruled by others.” s o they look at the monarchy, they remember all of the associated historical baggage, for want of a better word,” Basran said. “There will be people who will be thinking that the monarchy represents an institution which was repressive, discriminatory and violent. i s this something that we want to be supporting to the future?”

Patrick Vernon, a Black activist campaigning for justice for scores of c aribbean migrants who lost their rights as u K citizens because of a legal loophole, said c harles could do so much more to show his subjects that the monarchy takes diversity seriously.

He drew attention to a 2021 investigation by the Guardian newspaper that revealed the royal household is still exempt from equality laws preventing race and sex discrimination. “ i think c harles could be in a unique position to start to actually influence that agenda,” he said. “ i t’s important to demonstrate change, demonstrate that there’s a clear marker that we’re different, that we’re moving towards the 21st century.”

US Trea SUry coUld defaUlT on i TS deb T early a S JUne S ayS y ellen

WASHINGTON

Associated Press

Treasury secretary Janet yellen notified congress on Monday that the us could default on its debt as early as June 1, if the body does not raise or suspend its statutory borrowing authority before then. in a letter to House and senate leaders, yellen urged congressional leaders “to protect the full faith and credit of the united states by acting as soon as possible” to address the $31.4 trillion limit on its legal borrowing authority, adding that it is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date of when the us will run out of cash.

“We have learned from past debt limit impasses that waiting until the last minute to suspend or increase the debt limit can cause serious harm to business and consumer confidence, raise short-term borrowing costs for taxpayers, and negatively impact the credit rating of the united states,” she said in the letter.

also Monday, the congressional Budget Office reported that it saw a greater risk of the us running out of funds in early June. cBO Director Phillip L. swagel said because of less-than-expected tax receipts this filing season and a faster irs having processed already received returns, “Treasury’s extraordinary measures will be exhausted sooner than we previously projected.”

in January, yellen sent a letter to congressional leaders, stating that her department had begun resorting to “extraordinary measures” to avoid a federal government default.

The Treasury said Monday it plans to increase its borrowing during the april to June quarter of this year, even as the federal government is close to breaching the debt limit. The us plans to borrow

$726 billion during the quarter. That’s $449 billion more than projected in January, due to a lower beginning-of-quarter cash balance and projections of lower-than-expected income tax receipts and higher spending.

While russia’s invasion of ukraine remains a burden on us economic growth, Treasury officials say the debate over the debt ceiling poses the greatest risk to the us financial position.

eric Van nostrand, acting assistant secretary for economy policy, said in a statement that “even if congress ultimately raises the debt limit before a default occurs, the ensuing uncertainty could raise borrowing costs and induce other financial stress that would weaken our labour market and our standing in the world.”

“There is no time to waste,” said shai akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy centre, which forecasts the so-called X-date when the government exhausts its extraordinary measures.

His organization will also provide an updated X-date projection in the coming days, he says.

“The us government is again within mere months or even weeks of failing to make good on all its obligations. That is not a position befitting of a country considered the bedrock of the financial system, and only adds uncertainty to an already shaky economy.”

Democrats and the White House are pushing for congress to increase the federal debt limit. President Joe Biden wants the cap raised without negotiation. The House republican majority has most recently passed a bill to secure spending cuts in exchange for a debt limit increase.

yellen said last week, at the cap-to-cap policy conference in Washington that congress must vote to raise or suspend the debt limit, and it should do so without conditions and it should not wait until the last minute. i believe that is a basic responsibility of our nation’s leaders to get this done.”

Flutist Deronne White, 25, takes part in a rehearsal with the Brixton Chamber Orchestra for coronation weekend performances in London, Friday, April 21, 2023. Britain’s diverse communities will come together to mark King Charles III’s coronation. In south London’s Brixton, musicians plan to parade through the streets entertaining crowds with a carnival set mix of Gospel, jazz, grime, disco and rap. In west London’s Southall, known as “Little India,” British Indians will party with Punjabi song and dance.

Photo:David Cliff/AP

treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks on the US-China economic relationship at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Washington.

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Delancy soars to win the gold in high jump

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Although his ultimate goal is becoming one of the premier volleyball players in the world, Ras Jesse Delancy said he didn’t mind mixing up a little bit of fun by competing in the high jump.

Fresh off his Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men’s Volleyball Player of the year honours for the second straight year last week, Delancy took one day again to prepare for the SIAC Track and Field Championships where he won the high jump.

This time, on Saturday at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, Delancy improved from a third place finish to the top of the medal dais with the gold after he cleared a personal best of 6-feet, 10 3/4-inches or 2.10 metres.

And the 23-year-old 6-foot, 6.5-inch sophomore at Benedict College said his performance in no way convinced him to change his mind from playing volleyball.

“Just like last year, I only had one day of practice,” Delancy said.

But it was an exciting feeling going through the process.

“I just wanted to know how high I could jump,” Delancy pointed out. “But before we started to jump, someone asked me what my best performance was and I told him I didn’t know.

“As the bar was raised, I kept going higher and higher.”

After clearing 6-10 3/4 (2.10m) on his third attempt, Delancy said the bar moved to 6-11 1/2 (2.12m), but he couldn’t get over that height.

“I think if I did it, I might have tried to go higher,” he said. “I really just wanted to see how high I could go. I didn’t know that I would

BASDEN, SAUNDERS SIGN ON TO ‘FULL-RIDE’ BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter Dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DONELL Basden and Jordan Saunders, of Sunland Baptist Academy, yesterday signed a letter of intent to attend Butte College in California on a full-ride basketball scholarship.

Basden, a small forward and team captain, has won several MVP awards. He is ranked number one in basketball in The Bahamas. While Saunders, a point guard, is ranked number two.

The signing was held at the school, with the school principal, coaches and teammates looking on.

The Sunland Stingers have won two consecutive Hugh Campbell Basketball championships, as well as three consecutive Tip Off Classic GB Secondary Schools Association Basketball Championships.

After a very successful season, Basden and Saunders said all the hard work has paid off. “I want to start by giving God thanks because without Him I would not be here. I also want to thank Ms (Bonnie) Basden,” said Basden. Saunders said it feels good to be a part of a winning team and a basketball programme.

clear 6-10 3/4 (2.10m). But I’m glad that I did and I won.”

Dismissing any notion of him competing as a track athlete, Delancy said he will leave it up to the seasoned competitors like his rival, who won the title last year. “He asked me if I was training for the event,” Delancy said. “When I told him I only had one day of practice like I did last year, he couldn’t believe it.

“He said he’s been training just abort every day because he’s a track and field athlete. He was really surprised that I didn’t have any formal training and I still won it.”

Delancy, who has entered the transfer portal to switch schools for his junior year in August, said he’s now preparing to return home after he finishes sitting his final exams to begin training with the

men’s national volleyball team for the Caribbean Volleyball Championships (CVC) in July.

“I’m a volleyball player. That is all I want to do,” said Delancy, who has no intentions of competing in the high jump at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Nationals or the Bahamas Games this summer.

“I just wanted to go out there and prove to myself

Tennis ace Kevin Major Jr falls in Battle of Boca final

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

KEVIN Major Jr, playing in his last tourney of the month in a series of “Battle of Boca” tournaments held every weekend, fell short in the final yesterday in Boca Raton, Florida.

Playing as the number four seed in the tournament that was extended from over the weekend because of the rain delay, Major Jr lost out to Blu Baker from Great Britain in set scores of 6-3, 6-1.

Although he played very well in the previous days of the tournament, Major Jr admitted that he didn’t have it when it counted the most in the final.

“This was the last tournament on the schedule I made for this month, so I really wanted to do well, but I was kind of playing on flames because I had a long week with all of the rain delays,” he said.

“This weekend, we also had a lot of rain delays

so today, a match which would normally be about three hours, turned into about eight hours because of the delay.

“The guy I played against played at a really high level and I didn’t have enough energy.”

Despite losing in the final, Major Jr said he’s still pleased with his performance throughout the tournament.

He noted that he beat everybody, including the number two seed, to get to the final.

Major Jr said he will take the next three weeks off to go into the training lab and should be back in action in three weeks.

He noted that he’s not sure where he will commence play coming out of the training lab.

“I feel pretty close to where I need to be. This is the closest that I’ve come to the top so I’m just going to continue to listen to my team,” he pointed out. “Everything is there. I just need to play more.”

With this being one of his best seasons on the circuit, the 28-year-old Major Jr said he is learning pretty quickly about all that he needs to know to play at a higher level. “l believe that because I’m learning that the level I’m at, I got here with far less matches,” he said. “These guys have

played much more than I have. “I’m starting to see things a little different now.”

Hopefully, by the time he gets ready to play in Davis Cup for the Bahamas, Major Jr said the Bahamian people will really get to see how much he has improved.

that I could do the high jump. I wanted to prove that if I had to take this route, competing in the high jump, I know I could do it. So it was all about having fun.”

While he’s done with the high jump, and although he has qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships, Delancy said he’s back in the gym working out in preparation for volleyball.

“Three years at Sunland and multiple championships, it feels good just coming from the small island of Abaco,” he said. “Just playing basketball for the fun, I never really thought much of going to the next level. I feel blessed to get this opportunity to go to college on a full ride.”

Saunders was also grateful to Ms Basden, who took them into her home in Freeport so they could attend Sunland Baptist. “She has been there for me, and I thank her...for being a second mother to me. So, I am truly thankful and love her for that,”

SEE PAGE 14

BYFFL HOSTS ITS LARGEST SPRING FOOTBALL CLINIC

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) hosted the spring football clinic on April 22 and 29. The clinic was opened to kids ages 6-17.

This year’s hosting of the event featured the largest number of participants ever registered with 180.

The programme was initially opened for only 150 participants due to limited space, however, after the influx of registrants, organisers allowed for more.

Jayson Clarke, programme director, talked about how he felt about the two-weekend flag football event.

“The clinic went exceptionally well. One of the highlights for me was that a lot of kids that competed in our high school tournament ventured to the clinic which means that there is a genuine interest in the sport itself,” Clarke said.

After hosting this year’s first high school flag football tournament at the beginning of April, the BYFFL looked to build off the kids’ excitement.

The clinic focused on skills such as quarterbacking, learning how to catch, how to run routes, learning how to be a defensive back, and how to increase speed in footwork.

The largest age group at this year’s event was the 12-15 division.

“It is by far the largest clinic that we have hosted personally so [I] am definitely happy about that because it definitely tells us that we are doing some things right in terms of getting the message out there about youth flag [football] and what we are doing,” Clarke added.

The programme director also noted that following their appearances at last month’s flag football high

SEE PAGE 13

JUMPING FOR GOLD: Ras Jesse Delancy on top of the medal dias for his high jump gold on Saturday at the SIAC Track & Field Championships at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

RISING tennis star Kevin Major Jr.

Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams to be honoured

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHERMAN ‘The Tank’ Williams, who is still actively pursuing his professional boxing career, will be honoured by the Real Fun Entertainment Incorporated for his contribution to the development of amateur boxing in Melbourne, Florida.

Dubbed “The Battle of Novice,” the event will take place on Saturday, June 17 and Williams is encouraging the local boxing fraternity to travel to Florida to get some of their amateur boxers involved in the show.

Williams, a native of Grand Bahama now residing in Florida, will be honoured along with Antonio Tarver, former world light heavyweight champion and Winkie Wright, former world light middleweight champion.

Williams, who is gearing up for his next pro fight in June in New Zealand, said he’s delighted that he is being recognised for the role he’s playing as a coach with the Police Athletics League as a certified US coach.

“This past Saturday, I was honoured with two other fighters from Puerto Rico as legends and future legends in Port St Lucie, Florida,” Williams said.

“I had about eight fighters who I train compete in the event and we got six victories.

“The next tournament is going to be held in Melbourne, Florida where they will be honouring me again. Hopefully we can get some of the amateur boxers from New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini to come over and participate because Melbourne, Florida is so close to the Bahamas.”

While he has heard so much talk about bringing boxing back in the country, Williams said this is one avenue for the amateur

boxing federation to take a step in that direction as there are persons in Florida who are willing to assist the local amateur boxing programme.

“I tried two promotions in 2018 and 2019 with the same national pride to set the stage for our local fighters,” Williams said. “I think we need to do more of that, but most importantly focus on amateurs because if there’s no stable, there’s no future for professionals.”

Williams said he’s eager to assist any local fighter who wants to be a part of the show. He noted that the promoters will be willing to provide lodging for the boxers as they are doing for the boxers coming in from Puerto Rico, Mexico and the state of Florida.

“The remedy here is working as we’ve seen a turnaround in some of our drastic youth in Florida,” Williams said. “I think we’ve been doing things backward for too long and if there is anything I can do to help, by all means I am willing to do so.”

Journeyman Williams, with a 45-15-2 win-lossdraw record, remembered how he was treated to a motorcade in Key West, Florida, after he won the World Boxing Organisation’s Asian Pacific heavyweight title over Chauncy Welliver in 2012. Williams is currently a honorary citizen of Key West, Key Largo, Melbourne and Port St Lucie, Florida.

“So it’s an honour and privilege to be recognised in a country where I wasn’t born. I am happy that I can help some of these young boys to become young men and to help them to make their lives better by putting God first and making some life-changing decisions.”

Williams, however, said he’s disturbed by reading the national headlines in the Bahamas where so many young men are reportedly killing each other.

He noted that the murder rate in the Bahamas is at a higher percentage than it is in Florida.

Citing one of those recent cases where promising rising boxer Tyrone Oliver Jr and his brother Shakuar Oliver were killed, Williams noted how he was able to showcase Oliver Jr on the two Bahamas Sons Promotions held in Grand Bahama in 2018 and New Providence.

“My respect and condolences go out to his family,” he stated. “I tried and created a platform that he was able to benefit from. He was a young man with a lot of promise, but there’s a lot of distractions out there and a lot of hatred and violence.

“We just have to focus on the ones who are here

and hope that we can save some of them.

“I think we have more good kids than we have bad kids. We just need more direction in their lives. “It doesn’t have to be boxing, but we can do it in athletics, softball, baseball, basketball and some of the other sporting disciplines,” he stated.

Williams also expressed his condolences to the family of the late Ray Minus Jr, who passed away last week in Princess Margaret Hospital at the age of 58 after suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).

“Ray Minus Jr was a great boxer, a great athlete but, most importantly, he was an excellent man and a great human being,” Williams said. “He was very

TSITSIPAS OUTLASTS BAEZ TO ADVANCE TO LAST 16 IN MADRID

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

MADRID (AP) — Stefanos Tsitsipas felt like he was facing a cheetah on centre court at the Madrid Open. Point after point, his opponent Sebastian Baez kept chasing down balls and running around to stay alive in the third-round match. The third-seeded Tsitsipas came through in the clutch moments, though, earning a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 win over the 31st-ranked Argentine to secure a spot in the last 16 of the clay-court tournament yesterday.

The Greek won the final four games of the opening set and the last three of the third to book his spot in the next round.

humble, friendly and he always had a big smile on his face whether he was happy or sad.

“As an amateur, I got to know Ray when I competed for Grand Bahama in the first Bahamas Games and I beat up on some of the boxers he coached from New Providence,” Williams said.

“I last saw him when he came to Grand Bahama for the professional boxing show we put on there. He came with Tyrone Oliver and his coach Ron Rodgers.

“Just to see him deteriorate slowly with ASL was really sad to see. He’s gone, but not forgotten.

“He’s one of the greatest pugilists to come out of the Bahamas. May his soul rest in peace.”

BTC MAKES ITS PRESENCE FELT ON EXUMA AT NATIONAL FAMILY ISLAND REGATTA

BTC officially kicked off its support of the National Family Island Regatta with a $10,000 sponsorship of Exuma’s 67th regatta held April 18-22 in George Town.

And as thousands flocked to Elizabeth Harbour to watch the exciting sailing action, BTC made its presence felt on the ground, offering many deals for existing and prospective customers while touting the benefits of its broadband services.

“BTC has been a longtime sponsor of the National Family Island Regatta, and we are grateful and happy that BTC has partnered again with us this year,” said Danny Strachan, chairman and commodore of the National Family Island Regatta.

Strachan said BTC was also a part of history in the making as the government used the platform of last week’s regatta to officially announce sailing as the country’s national sport on Friday, April 21.

According to Strachan, last week’s regatta in Exuma was dubbed as “the largest ever held,” with more than 80 boats participating in various sailing categories.

“Also, if anyone had the opportunity to visit the site, one would get the impression that BTC was sponsoring the entire event as they had a very large presence on the ground,” Strachan said, adding that the regatta was also a tremendous economic boost for the island and for various vendors on site, including BTC.

BTC held a major presence in George Town with tent space at the regatta site, featuring BTCbranded flags and banners. The company partnered with ZNS TV & Radio as well as Exuma’s 98.3 The Blaze to promote special regatta plans. A special invitation was also given to BTC to have its representatives attend the exclusive Skipper’s party.

Persons attending the regatta had the opportunity to purchase devices

and mobile plans at special prices.

BTC’s CEO Sameer Bhatti said the National Family Island regatta in George Town, Exuma is the country’s largest. Hence, it was only fitting for BTC to serve as a sponsor.

“Regattas are national events on the Bahamian social calendar, and a big part of our culture.

“So having our presence felt on the ground in Exuma as the largest telecoms operator in The

Bahamas was important to us,” Bhatti said. He continued: “Having sponsored the Exuma regatta for many years, our presence in Exuma last week gave us the opportunity to deepen and strengthen our connection with residents and forge new relationships as we continue to rollout fiber on the island.”

Thus far, fiber has been installed in George Town, Bahama Sound 11, 14 & 18; Forest, Farmer’s Hill, Staniel Cay and Black Point.

Fiber to the home will ultimately replace BTC’s copper network and allow users to experience a more robust service with faster internet speeds of up to 1gig, more broadband, and a higher capability to stream.

Persons visiting the George Town Park in Exuma are also able to utilise the free BTC-powered Wi-Fi that was installed last August in conjunction with BTC’s partnership with the government and its ParkConnect initiative.

“I had to bring the best out of my game,” Tsitsipas said. “He wasn’t missing much. Of course he’s someone that covers and runs around the court pretty well. He definitely utilised that pretty well against me, being able to navigate himself throughout the entire court with ease, just gliding through the court like a cheetah.”

Tsitsipas broke for 5-3 in the final set and saved two break points to serve out the match after more than two hours.

“He wasn’t going to give up,” Tsitsipas said. “He really fought for every single point and I’m glad obviously that I overcame this.”

Tsitsipas, seeking his first title of the season, improved to 8-2 on clay. He was a finalist in the Australian Open and last week in Barcelona. He also was a finalist in Madrid in 2019, and a semifinalist again in 2022.

Earlier in the women’s draw, Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva’s impressive run was ended by second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka.

After three straight-set victories against top-40 opponents in her maindraw debut, the 16-year-old wild card couldn’t get past Sabalenka in the fourth round, losing 6-3, 6-1 in her first center-court appearance in Madrid. Andreeva became the youngest player to reach the last 16 of a WTA 1000 event after upsetting 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the first round, 14th-ranked Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second and 19th-ranked Magda Linette in the third.

FLAG FOOTBALL FROM PAGE 12

school tourney. St John’s College and Kingsway Academy will be the first to receive their flag football equipment in two to three weeks.

The event was geared towards raising funds to purchase the flag football equipment needed to integrate the new sport into the schools’ curriculum.

The league will present the equipment as well as the winner’s trophy to Kingsway Academy after they were crowned the first over 14 champions. Additionally, the under 14 champions of St Augustine’s College will also receive a championship trophy in their honour.

BYFFL will look to continue their work on the field as their next event will be a flag football training camp that will include National Football League (NFL) players on June 24. And, for the entire month of July, persons can look forward to joining BYFFL’s summer camp which will be in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC).

PROFESSIONAL boxer Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams is expected to be honoured by the Real Fun Entertainment Incorporated for his contribution to the development of amateur boxing in Melbourne, Florida.

MEMBERS of BTC sales team were in Exuma last weekend to offer various services to residents and visitors.

Harden scores 45, hits late 3 as 76ers beat Celtics 119-115

NUGGETS DEFEAT SUNS 97-87, TAKE 2-0 LEAD IN SERIES

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) —

Nikola Jokic had 39 points and 16 rebounds to rally the Denver Nuggets to a 97-87 win over Phoenix last night, taking a 2-0 lead over the Suns in the Western Conference semifinals.

Jokic, who learns today if he’s edged Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo for his third consecutive NBA MVP award, recently renamed for Michael Jordan, scored 26 in the second half as the Nuggets erased a seven-point third-quarter deficit. Jokic’s big night was necessary as Jamal Murray scored just 10 points on 3-of-15 shooting after he scored 34 in the series opener when he had six 3-pointers. Murray was 0 for 9 from long range Monday night.

series against the Brooklyn Nets.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 39 points and 11 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 23 points and Malcolm Brogdon finished with 20. Boston hosts Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Harden previously scored 45 points for the

On the ensuing possession, Horford found Marcus Smart, who was fouled on a layup. He completed the three-point play to make it 111-107.

Maxey responded with a three-point play of his own.

The game was knotted at 102 when Brogdon got free on a fast break, took

After the play, P.J. Tucker appeared to swing wildly in frustration and made contact with Tatum.

It led to a brief scrum that was broken up by officials. Reed took Embiid’s place in the starting lineup, like he did with Embiid out for the final game of the Nets series.

As expected, Embiid’s absence in the middle contributed to a faster pace. Both teams used it to their advantage. The Celtics attacked the paint, connecting on 13 of their first 14 shots. The 76ers made eight of their first 10 attempts, spacing the floor well and spreading out Boston’s defence. Harden led the attack early for Philadelphia,

hitting his first five attempts, including two 3s. Brown started 6 for 6 from the field for a Boston team that thrived without Embiid protecting the rim, going on an 11-0 run at one point.

Boston shot 74 percent for the half but took only a 66-63 lead into halftime after the 76ers went 11 for 19 (55%) from the 3-point line.

Aaron Gordon added 16 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 14 points and went 4 for 4 from beyond the arc, including back-to-back swishes that erased a 73-70 deficit and put the Nuggets ahead for good early in the fourth quarter. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 35 points and Kevin Durant added 24.

Deandre Ayton contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, a block and four assists. Game 3 is in Phoenix on Friday night.

Heat, Knicks prepare for Game 2, unsure about Butler, Randle

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

The New York Knicks know how difficult it is having to play a postseason game without their do-everything forward.

The Miami Heat don’t want to be reminded what it’s like now.

Jimmy Butler’s status is uncertain for Miami. The Knicks aren’t sure yet about Julius Randle. That makes it hard to predict what will happen when the Heat try for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series tonight.

Both players were listed as questionable for the game, as was Knicks guard

Jalen Brunson, all because of ankle injuries. The Heat and Knicks will be followed by Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.

Miami pulled out a 108101 victory on Sunday even with Butler slowed down the stretch after spraining his right ankle with 5:05 to play. Coach Erik Spoelstra said yesterday that the Heat might not have an update on his availability until shortly before the game at Madison Square Garden.

Butler is their most important player, scoring 56 and 42 points in the final two games of their first-round series, when the

Heat knocked off Milwaukee to become the sixth No. 8 to beat a No. 1 seed in NBA history.

The Heat ended up that low in the standings in part because of how often they were without a healthy lineup, so they are used to facing the unknown.

“Again, it’s not like we’re just doing this today,” Spoelstra said. “This has been six months of this kind of life that we’ve existed and then we still don’t know who will be available for them.”

The Knicks only watched film yesterday, so there was no chance for Randle, who sat out Game 1, to get on the practice court and test his sprained left ankle he

reinjured in the Game 5 clincher against Cleveland.

The All-Star forward was far from his best in that series after missing the final five games of the regular season with the initial injury, but the Knicks would take whatever they could get now.

“If he’s on the court, he’s going to be Julius Randle,” Knicks forward RJ Barrett said.

“He’s an All-Star, so him being out there on the court definitely does something for us and whether he’s out there or not, we’ve got to try to figure it out, because we’re in it. We’re here, of course we want him back, but we’ve got to be prepared for everything.”

That was the same message from the Heat, who got only one basket in the fourth quarter from Butler, the leading scorer in the first round of the playoffs with 37.6 points per game. They held up fine with a limited Butler in the game’s closing minutes, with veterans Kyle Lowry (nine points) and Bam Adebayo (eight) having big final quarters.

It was another reminder that the Heat, who were a game away from the NBA Finals last year, aren’t the typical No. 8 seed.

“We know what we’re all capable of,” guard Max Strus said. “We know what we all do and what we’re all good at, and we’ve

been here before. Everybody’s been in these playoff moments.”

The No. 5-seeded Knicks responded from their loss in Game 2 to the Cavaliers by winning three straight to take the series, so they showed no concerns as they try to even this one.

“We’ve been doing this all year. You can’t be rattled after one game or whatever the case may be,” Barrett said. “You’ve got to be confident in your abilities and the team’s abilities and just, they got the best of us that game. That doesn’t mean that it’s over. They got the best of us one game. Same way even if we had won the first game, series wouldn’t be over.”

he said. This Fall, they will join two of their former Stingers teammates, Alontae Knowles, a 2020 graduate, and Oswald Meadows, who now attends Butte College.

ZNS broadcaster Jay Philippe, who is also one of their coaches, said Basden and Saunders are two of the top players in the country.

“We had a very successful year as far as basketball is concerned, he said.

“Donell would have had multiple offers as far as scholarship opportunities,

but they selected Butte because of the friendship and relationship we had with the coaches over the past years,” he said.

Coach Marco Cooper, a senior master at Sunland, said both young men have made an awesome contribution to the basketball programne at Sunland.

He is proud of them and wishes them all the best.

“They came from the islands and are now living their dream and are about to attend college. This is a big deal for their families, for the school, and for them to be role models for other student-athletes coming up.”

Principal Devona Knowles said: “As a school, we are so happy to witness this moment. They

have done extremely well, and we wish them all the best as they matriculate to California to continue their studies.”

Parent/guardian Bonnie Basden, of House of Hoop and Dreams, congratulated Basden and Saunders, who lived with her for the past three to four years.

“It is truly a pleasure and blessing to watch these boys accomplish their dreams of going to play basketball at another level. I thank all the parents that have chosen SBA for their kids’ education. We are grateful to Butte for offering a full ride to these young men,” she said.

Mr Philippe, a former Stingers player himself from 2004 to 2006 who also obtained a college scholarship, said it is a good feeling to return home and give back. “Helping other guys achieve their dreams is just a calling from God for me, he said.

“So many people would have sacrificed time for me, and I think it is my time to go and do the same thing. It is just a good feeling knowing I can give back to the community, my former school, and to the guys that have trusted me with their lives and help them develop their skills as basketball players,” he said.

PARENT/GUARDIAN BONNIE BASDEN, of House of Hoop and Dreams, looks on as Donell Basden and Jordan Saunders speak.

BOSTON Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) tries to steal against Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) during the first half of Game 1 in their NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series last night

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

SUNLAND Stingers senior boys basketball team flank Donell Basden and Jordan Saunders as they sign their letters of intent to attend Butte Colleg.JPG

IT’S A DOUBLE TRIUMPH FOR SHERNIQUE STUART

SHERNIQUE Stuart is about to be a two-time graduate of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

In 2018, she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in information technology management and this June, she looks forward to graduating with a diploma in massage therapy.

The help desk coordinator at BTVI is clearly confident in a BTVI education.

“There’s a whole biology background in massage therapy. You learn about the 600 plus muscles in the body and even how massages impact more than muscles. For example, reflexology allows you to stimulate every organ of the body,” said the prospective graduate.

“I always wanted to become a nurse. I didn’t take that route, but getting into massage is my version

The BTVI Story

of becoming a nurse. I am helping people and bringing some comfort,” she added.

Additionally, Ms Stuart became interested in massage therapy after an experience she had with her father.

“My dad had an issue with his lower back. He was supposed to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but something told me to just take him to get a massage. He told me about two weeks later that he didn’t feel the pain anymore; there are many health benefits to a massage. I figured, I might not

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

DERON and Sherrrai Hudson are a brother and sister duo whose academic achievements have landed them on the honor roll at Faithway Christian Academy.

Deron is eight years old and in the third grade. His favourite subject is spelling/reading and he enjoys playing video games, basketball, watching television and swimming. He would like to be an astronaut one day and is proud of winning first place in a spelling bee and his place on the honour roll. A fun fact about Deron is he likes playing video games.

Sherrrai is six years old and in the first grade. Her favorite subject is spelling/reading and she enjoys playing with dolls, watching television and spelling words. She would like to be a doctor one day and is proud of making the honour roll at her school. A fun fact about Sherrrai is she likes to watch YouTube kids shows.

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

become a nurse, but let me get into massage therapy,” said the 27-year-old.

Questioned as to what the experience has been like in BTVI’s massage therapy programme, Ms Stuart said instructors have made a difference.

“Rochelle Scavella and Aja Strachan are the best. No students are left behind. They take their time with you. If you are lacking in any way, they make sure you succeed. There is so much passion; for them, it’s more than money,” she stated.

Additionally, BTVI’s massage therapy students

played an integral part in the national Road to 50 Fun Run Walk in December 2022. They gave participants massages after the New Providence race, including Prime Minister Philip Davis. A few of the courses in the three-semester massage therapy programme include anatomy and

physiology, pregnancy massage, lymphatic drainage, hot stone massage, HIV precautions and therapist client inter-dynamics. Students also sit first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certifications.

Although Ms Stuart is currently working in information technology and has international certifications in the field, she believes her hobby of massage therapy could turn into a lucrative small mobile business.

“It’s a source of extra income, but more importantly I love the opportunity massage therapy gives me to bring relaxation, comfort and peace of mind to my clients. In fact, it’s therapeutic to me as well. I honestly shift into a different zone when I am doing a massage,” she said.

“It gives me the chance to impact people’s lives beyond what you can imagine. After a massage, you are not the same,” she concluded.

• 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.

STUDENTS TOUR PARLIAMENT

PRIMARY school students at the Tambearly International School took a field trip to the Parliament of The Bahamas last week. Students toured both the Senate and

House of Assembly and learned about legislative structures, functions and procedures of each chamber of parliament. The students also toured the Supreme Court and had a

question and answer segment with one of the judges. The experience allowed the students to make relative connections to the content studied in their social studies classes.

Young achievers celebrated

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

JUNIOR Achievement (JA) Bahamas celebrated outstanding achievers, volunteers and schools this weekend.

On Friday, Junior Achievement held it first elementary production, showcasing the financial literacy skills offered to primary school students.

Participating schools included Sandilands Primary

School, EP Roberts, Woodcock Primary, First Step Academy, Xaviers Lower School and Carlton Francis. Erin Gilmore School of the Blind and the Stapleton School were honoured for helping to revolutionise learning material to assist students that are visually impaired and those that have learning disabilities.

On Saturday, an award ceremony was held for the Aspire programme, highlighting high school

students and volunteers that made a significant impact through the programme over the past year.

Cash scholarships sponsored by Disney Cruise Line were awarded to top achievers in each class.

FROM far left, St Thomas Moore students doing a grocery story skit, Joey Gaskins of Disney presents a scholarship to Lamarth Nottage, Labron Minnis collects an award for the Erin Gilmore School of the Blind, and guest speaker Maxine Seymour with student Destiny Tillman.

These students maintained a stellar attendance record over the 20-week period and completed a business plan for a proposed business.

SHERNIQUE STUART