05092023 NEWS AND SPORT

Mystery over

in Az Ario shooting

Father tells of shock at seeing dead son’s face

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AZARIO Major’s father claimed yesterday that retrieved data initially located his son’s unrecovered phone at Woody’s Bar on Fire Trail Road, where he was killed, but that the device was last pinned on Andros Avenue, where it was mysteriously deactivated. He said his family retrieved data from Azario’s phone after obtaining a

death certificate for him.

Mr Major’s testimony came as the closelywatched Coroner’s Court inquest into Azario Major’s December 26, 2021, policeinvolved killing began.

Tension filled the courtroom. Azario’s mother silently cried as a five-person jury took their oath, and the man’s parents left the courtroom when photos of him were displayed.

Attorney Calvin Maynard represents the four

SEE page three

P OL iCE shOOT A nd kiLL m AChETE wiEL dinG m A n

By dENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A MAN reportedly armed with two cutlasses was shot dead by police in Grand Bahama following a confrontation on Sunday evening.

According to police, the incident happened shortly after 9pm when officers responded to a call of an attempted break-in at a residence.

When officers arrived at the scene, they observed a man with two cutlasses attempting to break into an apartment unit. The man reportedly approached the officers and is said to have made death threats towards them.

Officers instructed the male suspect several times to drop the weapons, but he refused.

The man then reportedly

SEE page four

CO n T r ACTO r FOr $90m P ris O n COm PLE x n A m Ed

By JAdE RuSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the contractor for the new corrections and related facilities is Walker’s Industries –– though the bidding

process for the project remains unclear.

Mr Munroe recently revealed that construction plans for the Bahamas Department of Corrections have expanded, moving from just a $40m highmedium security facility to a $90m “correctional

institution, administrative, housing and medical facility”.

Free National Movement Shadow Minister for Finance Kwasi Thompson said over the weekend that the FNM does not recall the government putting the initial $40m

Adri A n GiBs On COrruPT i On T ri AL BEGins

By LEANdRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrrolle@tribunemedia.net

ADRIAN Gibson’s corruption trial began yesterday with his lawyer filing a constitutional motion to force an in-person testimony from a key witness.

The Tribune understands that Gibson’s former fiancée, Alexandria Mackey, is not in The Bahamas and wants to give evidence virtually.

However, Murrio Ducille, KC, said he opposes

this and has filed a constitutional motion.

Mr Ducille informed the court about his filing yesterday. Still, he declined to disclose the nature of the application when asked by Justice Cheryl GrantThompson, who is presiding over the case.

“M‘lady, I (do not) want to say anything right now. I will deal with everything on Wednesday,” he said.

project to public tender.

“We have not gotten any indication that this massively rescoped $100m project will be subject to any kind of bidding process,” he said. “It is against the law under the Public

The Tribune welcomes new recruits

THE Tribune is delighted to welcome a number of recent recruits to the company.

Rashad Rolle has rejoined The Tribune as news editor leading the team of reporters, and Timothy Roberts is the new night editor overseeing the news section’s production and design.

Two new reporters have also joined the team. Jefay Simmons

has joined the business news section, and is also the company’s new education reporter, overseeing our new education page - which you can see on page 15 of today’s edition. Meanwhile, the sports department has a new recruit in Tenajh Sweeting.

Tribune managing editor Stephen Hunt said: “I am delighted to see these new recruits join our

team. For some, this is their first time joining our company - while Rashad Rolle rejoins having excelled as a reporter here and seeing him return to take up the role of news editor is a real pleasure.”

• Got a story? Contact The Tribune team at newsroom@tribunemedia.net.

The Tribune’s new recruits from left: Timothy Roberts - night editor, Tenajh Sweeting - sports reporter, Jefay Simmons - education reporter, and Rashad Rolle - news editor.

Photo: Austin Fernander

MinisTer of Transport and Housing JoBeth Coleby-Davis and Senator Randy Rolle participated in Thelma Gibson Primary School Jubilee Day Celebrations on Friday.

Photos: Anthon Thompson/BIS

Mystery over phone in Azario shooting

officers in the case. David Cash represents Azario’s estate.

Mr Major testified that Azario was texting his mother until around 8pm on the night he was killed.

He said police told him his son was involved in a police-involved incident around 11pm that night, but the family only found

out Azario was killed the next day. He said initially officers refused to let him see his son’s body. He was ultimately shocked by how his son’s face looked.

“We went to the morgue to identify him and they showed us pictures and we were really distraught because his face was really, really twist up,” he said.

He said the family cremated the 31-year-old’s body because his head was so damaged.

Under questioning, Mr Major said his son was bisexual. He said he disagreed with his son’s sex life. He said his son once had a relationship with a male defence force officer.

Mr Major said his son did not have a criminal

record and was never diagnosed with mental issues. However, he said his son smoked weed. He said: “(The substance) did not agree with him.”

Mr Major said his family bought the car in which Azario was killed, a white Hyundai Elantra, from Virgo Rentals.

“We expected the vehicle to be shot up totally riddled with bullets all

over. But we found out the bullets just penetrated the door at an angle so we thought it suspicious and we bought the vehicle,” he said.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux allowed Mr Major to enter his photos of the vehicle into evidence.

Detective Rudolph Sweeting, a crime scene investigator, testified

that on January 4, 2022, he visited the morgue at Princess Margaret Hospital and took photos of Azario’s body. The officer said Azario had gunshot wounds to his head, face, chest, stomach, back, sides, arms, and left leg. He added that five bullets and multiple bullet fragments were recovered from Azario’s body.

Govt workinG on bill to handle complaints aGainst security forces

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said officials are working on a Security Forces Inspectorate Bill to improve civilian oversight of complaints processes within security forces.

The Police Complaints Inspectorate was established by the Police Act in 2009 to oversee the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Complaints and Corruption Unit, but its work is a mystery. In its annual human rights report, the United States has repeatedly noted the lack of available information about the body.

The current chairperson of the Inspectorate is Tanya McCartney.

Mr Munroe said yesterday that members of the Inspectorate had made recommendations for creating a “more robust investigative” system.

“We are looking at reform of the system, in so far as there is a proposed Security Forces Inspectorate Bill, that we hope to be advancing,” he said.

“And then under that we’re also looking at whether or not we should do what they do in Jamaica with INDECOM (the Independent Commission of Investigations), where you have a more robust, investigative setup.

“(This would be) where you have somebody who, unlike this crew, who has, actual investigators. And then of course, whether they are police officers seconded to them or not, will be the issue.”

INDECOM is a civilian body legally tasked with probing allegations against any security force member in Jamaica.

Mr Munroe said: “Let’s say your relative was killed by the police. The question is, does this group investigate initially, or do they just audit and vet what investigations have happened? That’s what we’re looking at and considering now.

Mr Munroe said the

current constraints of the Police Complaints Inspectorate had limited its capabilities.

“Under the constraints that we met them operating, they have other jobs,” he said. “It’s not a full-time position. When we came into office, I didn’t meet them with any administrative support in the ministry. They themselves pointed out the limitation of what they could accomplish, although they were working.

“And they have suggested certain reforms to their process that we’re considering. And so far as they are suggesting that there should perhaps be something more full-time like you have in other jurisdictions like INDECOM in Jamaica.”

“If something is investigated, say, and it’s found to be a crime, then you have to have a prosecution. Then, how evidence is collected and kept through a chain of custody is important.”

Mr Munroe encouraged people with complaints against police officers to make an official complaint, as opposed to spreading complaints through social media.

“If, let’s say for instance, somebody says, ‘I’ve made a complaint it’s not been investigated at all’ and they (The Police Complaints Inspectorate Committee) find that to be true, they have direct communication with the Deputy Commissioner of Police who is responsible for discipline to indicate that this person has made a complaint.

“People complain a lot, but when it comes to taking a step to address it, they’re not always quick. So if you complain about a policeman, and they do an investigation, and it’s been resolved in favour of the policeman, you may not be happy. If you’re not happy, you can go to the Inspectorate and then they may determine to charge the policeman, but if the process takes longer than you think it should, you could complain to the Inspectorate

there again.”

He said the volume of people complaining in public is greater than the number who make official complaints to the Police Complaints and Corruption Branch.

“You see all kinds of stuff on social media, the police did me this, this this this this. My position is go make a complaint. When I check later with the Commissioner of Police, no complaint has been made,” he said.

“You have a number of complaints made there that is adjudicated against policemen, where they are either fined (or) now and again reduced in rank, but they have a disciplinary process that actually functions.”

AzArio Major’s father and sister held a press conference in April before they released a detailed video which included footage from the night Azario was shot by police as well as forensic information. The coroner’s inquest into his shooting death began yesterday.

NATioNAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said officials are working on a Security Forces Inspectorate Bill to improve civilian oversight of complaints processes within security forces.

‘It is time for a Bahamian head of state’, Mitchell says

FOREIGN Affairs Min-

ister Fred Mitchell says it is time for the country to put a Bahamian as the country’s head of state, one who, he said, should either be selected by the Bahamian people or government.

“It is time to have a Bahamian head of state elected by the people or chosen by the representatives of our people,” Mr Mitchell said in a voice note released yesterday.

“The state of affairs and the need for change 50 years later, is like Michael Manley used to say impatient of debate, but even in so-called ‘radical Jamaica’, you will hear it said, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ or there are some more important things to do than constitutional change. But, the stark reality is this - as benign as things look, as the monarchy appears, as unobtrusive and inexpensive as it appears, there has to be something wrong and rotten in the state of Denmark when a European leader is the

embodiment of the state of dispersed Africans on the far flung islands in the Caribbean.”

“Some day, some generation will have to fix this. Until then, I guess we’ll soldier along as we have with the obvious staring in our faces, but we’ll pretend like Bob Dylan said in his song that we just don’t see.”

Mr Mitchell has previously voiced support for The Bahamas becoming a republic.

Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death last year, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis suggested that he would also support the move, but said at the time that his administration will ultimately let Bahamians decide whether The Bahamas should transition into a republic.

Mr Davis recently led a delegation to London to attend the coronation of King Charles III. The event, which drew large crowds and was seen around the world, was held on Saturday.

PolicE shoot and kill machE t E wiElding man

B tc unv Eils 5oth indEPEndEncE PhonE Book

BTC has released its commemorative edition of The Bahamas Telephone Directory for the 50th anniversary of independence. The front cover features Sir Lynden Pindling, current Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, and former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham, Perry Christie, and Dr Hubert Minnis.

BTC teamed up with historians and scholars Dr Berthamae Walker, Marion Bethel and Dr Chris Curry, assisted by AMMC (Antiquities Monuments and Museum Corporation) assistant archeologists Anea Thomas, Ian Martin and Omar Adderley to chronicle the country’s progress.

BTC’s CEO, Sameer Bhatti, said: “As the first telecoms provider, BTC has been producing telephone directories now for more than 40 years. This commemorative directory is to offer something tangible to the Bahamian people and to demonstrate our support of such an historic milestone. BTC has shared in the country’s progress since 1973, providing telecommunications services throughout the length and breadth of the country.

We also wanted to pay homage to the current and former prime ministers that have led the country to prosperity, growth,

and development over the last 50 years. The telephone directory continues to be a useful tool for adults, children, and visitors to learn more about the country’s impressive journey.”

The articles feature important timelines in Bahamian history including majority rule, the women’s suffrage

movement, and the education journey highlighting the transition from college to University of The Bahamas.

80,000 copies of the edition are available for distribution, and the digital version of the directory can be found on the BTC website and www.findyello.com/ bahamas.

from page one

threw one of his cutlasses at officers after being told repeatedly to put down the weapons.

Police said the suspect then allegedly charged the

officers with the remaining cutlass.

Police said that, fearing for their lives and safety, the officers discharged their service weapons at the suspect.

EMS personnel took the

victim to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where he was seen by a doctor and pronounced dead. Investigations are continuing into the policeinvolved shooting. The coroner was at the scene.

Exuma rEsidEnt diEs in motorcycl E crash

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

EXUMA resident Jaden Goodman, 21, is the country’s latest traffic fatality victim. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday around 3.09pm.

Authorities said the victim was travelling on his motorcycle in a northerly direction in the area of Queen’s Highway in George Town, Exuma, when he lost control and collided with a garbage truck travelling south on the highway.

Mr Goodman died of his injuries at the scene.

In a Facebook yesterday, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies

confirmed that Mr Goodman was an employee for a year of its subsidiary company, Caribbean Pavement Solutions (CPS).

“CPS employee, Jaden Goodman was a truck driver who began working with our company over one year ago,” the company said.

“Around 3.09pm, Sunday, May 7, while on his way to work, Mr Goodman was involved in a traffic accident on Queen’s Highway in Exuma that claimed his life.

“On behalf of the executives and staff of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies and the entire Caribbean Pavement Solutions team, we

convey our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Goodman. May his soul rest in peace.”

Yesterday, officials said the country’s unconfirmed traffic fatality count is 17. Many loved ones, family and friends took to social media to express their condolences for Mr Goodman.

“One of the best dads you have ever come across,” said one user. “He loved his girls differently, the guy who lit up any room immediately when he walked in. You will definitely be missed, this is a blow for your family and the Exuma community at large. Sleep in peace, Jay.”

A mAn reportedly armed with two cutlasses was shot dead by police in Grand Bahama following a confrontation on Sunday evening. He was attempting to break into an apartment.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said “It is time to have a Bahamian head of state elected by the people or chosen by the representatives of our people.” Mr Mitchell has previously voiced support for The Bahamas becoming a republic.

tHe front cover of BTC’s commemorative edition of The Bahamas Telephone Directory.

BtC’s Manager of Directory Publications, Najah Finlayson (centre) teamed up with historians Mrs. Marion Bethel (left) and Dr. Chris Curry (right) to chronicle the country’s progress in articles published in the 2023 Directory. The trio are seen here at the official unveiling of the Directory at BTC’s Mall at Marathon Retail Store on Thursday.

Contractor for $90m prison complex named

from page one

Procurement Act of 2021 or the Public Procurement Act of 2023 for work of this size and scope not to be put out to an open bidding process with submissions viewed by the Tenders Board established in the law.

“What was the bidding process for the original contract? Who was awarded the contract? Will the government just hand an additional $50m to the same vendor without a competitive vendor process?”

Yesterday, Mr Munroe said Walker’s Industries began doing work related to the corrections facility under previous administrations.

He said the government would provide only $9m upfront for the contractor to construct the facilities.

“We are not paying them upfront to construct this,” he said. “We’re not even paying them as the construction proceeds. We’re giving them a one-time payment and they have to pay for everything else up to conclusion. I’ve been advised that they have resolved their financing and so,

they should be in a position to proceed.”

“The government isn’t paying $90m for this to be built. The government on the current proposition is paying $9m and then they will have to build this to completion.”

He said the balance would be paid over time. He could not give a date when construction would begin.

He said a clinic would be on the campus to prevent inmates from being transported to the hospital for treatment.

The Corrections Department is working with the American Correctional Association (ACA) to improve psychiatric care in the facility.

Dr Elizabeth Gondles, senior director of professional development of the ACA, said yesterday that the ACA has started involving 32 staff members in learning how to handle mentally ill inmates.

She said this type of training reduces violence, suicides, and self-harm and provides inmates with a healthier environment.

“This is why we’re

training the first 32 in your country on these techniques (and) on these issues,” she said. “Hopefully, this will be the beginning of you seeing

a difference. And in the places that we have done it in the United States,

we have seen reductions of suicide, less violent facilities.”

PM PLANS TO FURTHER DEVELOP ‘ORANGE ECONOMY’ wi TH PERFORMiNG ARTS SCHOOL

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis says his administration is making plans to further develop

The Bahamas’ orange economy with a performing arts school.

Prime Minister Davis spoke to reporters while visiting ArtsEd performing arts school during the week in London. He and other dignitaries were preparing for Saturday’s coronation of King Charles III.

The ArtsEd school is an independent performing arts school that caters to over 600 students, ages 11 and up, including higher education.

While at the London school, Mr Davis toured several of the programmes, including theatre, ballet, editing and wardrobe design. Mr Davis says he hopes to similarly develop The Bahamas’ orange economy with a performing arts school.

“ArtsEd is a wonderful experience,” Mr Davis said. “I now see what we have to do in The Bahamas and obviously we’ll attempt to forge a partnership to expose our up-and-coming budding artists, actors and artisans to be a part of what I am seeing here,” he said.

“We are now topping up the budget to allocate sufficient funds to ensure that we can execute our plan and develop the performing arts schools.”

He added: “We do have the talent to match. And do remember now, we’ve seen that on the world stage before. We’ve had Sidney Poitier. We had Calvin Lockhart. We had, even before them, Sam Williams.

“And so the raw talent is there, it’s just nurturing and exploiting and exposing. That is the idea of developing the orange economy. It’s connecting with institutes, such as this, that provide the opportunities for our young people to be exposed,” he said.

corruption trial begins in a drian gibson case

WhILe

Principal of ArtsEd Dr Julie Spencer, who accompanied Mr Davis on the tour, spoke on the importance of performing arts.

“I think it’s very important to nurture young talent and I think this is

what ArtsEd does, it nurtures young talent to gain the technique and discipline they need to be successful at being performers,” she said.

She expressed gratitude for Mr Davis’ visit:

“It’s wonderful to have people come in and see us, but also that they take the time, and that they come in and that they’re interested.

“Our student population is very diverse, (they)

come from all over the place and different situations. So, to have someone so eminent to come in and to just watch them and acknowledge them and thank them is amazing,” she said.

witness.

from page one

Mr Ducille is expected to make submissions on the application tomorrow.

Justice Cheryl GrantThompson is also expected to indicate when witnesses will appear.

Gibson, the sitting MP for Long Island, is facing corruption charges in connection with his tenure as executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation under the Minnis administration.

The charges stem from Mr Gibson’s alleged failure

to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the WSC.

The FNM politician is charged with WSC’s former general manager, Elwood Donaldson, Jr, Rashae Gibson, Gibson’s cousin, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson and Jerome Missick.

Together, the group face a combined 98 charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, fraud, receiving and money laundering. They have denied the allegations.

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the contractor for the new corrections and related facilities is Walker’s Industries –though the bidding process for the project remains unclear.

ADRIAN Gibson’s corruption trial began yesterday with his lawyer filing a constitutional motion to force an in-person testimony from a key

visiting ArtsEd performing arts school in London last week, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis said The Bahamas needs to ‘forge a partnership to expose our up-and-coming budding artists, actors and artisans to be a part of what I am seeing here.’

The Tribune Limited

Warming-stoked tides eating huge holes in Greenland glacier

Daily tides stoked with increasingly warmer water ate a hole taller than the Washington Monument at the bottom of one of Greenland’s major glaciers in the last couple years, accelerating the retreat of a crucial part of the glacier, a new study found.

And scientists worry that the phenomenon isn’t limited to this one glacier, raising questions about previous projections of melting rates on the world’s vulnerable ice sheets.

The rapid melt seen in this study was in the far northwest of Greenland on Petermann Glacier. If it is happening in the rest of Greenland and the even bigger Antarctic ice sheet, then global ice loss and the sea level rise could jump as much as twice as fast as previously thought, according to the study in Monday’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“It’s bad news,” said study author Eric Rignot, a glaciologist at University of California Irvine. “We know the current projections are too conservative. We know that they have a really hard time matching the current record’’ of melt.

He said this newly found consequence of tidal activity “could potentially double the projections” of global melt.

The study looks at the all-important grounding line area of glaciers on ice sheets. That’s the point where glaciers go from being on land to floating on water. Previous studies show it’s also a key spot for rapid ice loss.

At remote Petermann, where few people have been and there are no base camps, that grounding line zone is more than six-tenths of a mile (1 kilometer) wide and could be as much as 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) wide, the study said.

Scientists used to think the daily tides weren’t a big deal on melt. The snow added on top of the glacier compensated for the tides moving further in, said Rignot, the day before he left for an expedition to Petermann.

But with an ocean that’s warmer because of climate change the tides became “a very powerful mechanism,” Rignot said.

“The sea water actually goes much farther beneath the grounded ice (than previously thought), kilometers, not hundreds of meters,” Rignot said.

“And that water is full of heat and able to melt the glaciers vigorously. And it’s kind of the most sensitive part of the glacier.”

Using satellite altitude measurements, Rignot’s team found a 669-foot tall (204 meters) cavity at the grounding line where the melt rate is 50% higher in the last three years than it was from 2016 to 2019. Previous models forecast zero melt there.

The melting in Petermann has accelerated in the last few years, later than the rest of Greenland, probably because it is so far north that the water melting it from underneath is from the North Atlantic and it takes longer for the warmer water to reach there, Rignot theorized.

Rignot this month is exploring Petermann to get more ground-based measurements using ultrasound. He hasn’t been there since 2006, a decade before the changes were seen via satellite. Visiting Petermann, even before the glacier’s retreat accelerated, Rignot said he noticed movements that make it seem like a living thing.

“When you are standing on that shelf or sleeping on the shelf you hear noise all the time, loud noises from deep inside cracks forming,” Rignot said. “That’s where the concept of a glacier being alive starts getting to you.”

Greenland ice researcher Jason Box of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, who wasn’t part of the research, called Rignot’s technique clever and said the study makes sense, showing “that ocean heat delivery to tidewater glacier grounding lines represents a potent destabilizing effect.”

Box, who uses a different technique to calculate how much ice is no longer being fed by glaciers and is doomed to melt, something called “zombie ice,” figures 434 billion metric tons of ice on Petermann is already committed to melting.

The study provides strong evidence that models need to include these tidal effects deep inland and if they don’t, then they are underestimating future sea level rise, said Pennsylvania State University glaciologist Richard Alley, who wasn’t part of the Rignot study.

By SETH BORENSTEIN AP Science Writer

Our judges are following the law

EDITOR, The Tribune, I have never been a fan of the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and his recent remarks concerning Bahamian judges did nothing to change my opinion of him. Based on obviously erroneous information, he questioned whether Honourable members of our judiciary lived on Mars because they granted bail to persons accused of murder.

Thankfully our Attorney General and a member of the Bar, Bjorn Ferguson, set the record straight and pointed out to the Prime Minister that our judges

were doing what they swore to do follow the law without fear or favour.

It can be argued that a group of elderly judges sitting in London are not sufficiently aware of serious and challenging circumstances existing in our country which militate against granting bail in certain circumstances.

And that the time may have come when we need a final court which is more in tune with circumstances in our country. Something to think about.

On another matter I found it unfortunate that

New king can make a difference

EDITOR, The Tribune.

King Charles was crowned King of The UK and the Commonwealth of Nations proper today. Salutes and a hardy Hoorah to thee. A new King, and an enabled leader of the UK in fact. Charles has been waiting for this day all his life, and it’s now his time to make a difference, imprint himself upon his nation and the world as a leader both different and unique to the British Monarchy. While Queen Elizabeth was a rock of the status quo Charles has a chance and an obligation to make a profound difference as a leader.

an allegation of rape made recently has taken a political turn. The matter has been reported. Let the police do its investigation. It does not help to have a group of persons of a particular political stripe take Centre stage in discussing the matter. We begin to question motives; do they really care that this woman has allegedly been abused or are they interested in scoring. Political points?

JEANNE THOMPSON

Nassau, April 19, 2023.

Charles is a highly respected man, an institution in fact with a hold upon modern day problems and searching for solutions.

1. Indigenous: Charles is uniquely attached to the indigenous people of the former Empire and now the commonwealth. His respect and understanding of the indigenous history, and struggles within these nations of the Commonwealth empower him and the indigenous he must protect. The Crown has every responsibility to assist the Indigenous in their struggles for equality, respect and financial restitution for wrongs to their people. The Crown can be sued and also held responsible for these historic wrongs.

2. Environment and Climate Change: Highly

educated in this portfolio, Charles has and will continue to push for economic, social and environmental changes that will benefit the planet. As a leader in several international climate change - Environmental Organizations - Charles can through political, social and financial pressure encourage and pressure governments and industry to change their ways and concentrate upon renewable technologies that can and will save lives.

3. Society sees the Monarchy as a stuffy, unchanging traditional structure that has no real importance to the lives of average British nationals. Charles must transform the Monarchy into something more than a charity-revenue raising organization. Becoming more significant to the average British citizen seems the preferred course. A monarchy of democratic significance, with financial and political influence enough to inspire and lead the UK to greatness once again.

While Charles begins his journey, Pope Francis is coming near to his journeys end. Ill and totally worn out, Pope Francis has certain key protocols that need to be legitimised

before he retires or passes.

The Catholic Church needs new pastors, priests that will attract new membership and pledged loyalty. Will Francis allow priests to be married, and will women be allowed once again to become priests? Yes, the early church has female priests and leaders. Pope Francis knows this, and with hope he will enable the Church to change its ways, reforming towards a more equal calling. Pope Francis faces a huge hurdle with traditionalists and misogynistic male attitudes alike standing against Church and ecclesiastical democratic change.

Two leaders, with visions that could change the world as we know it. Will Charles and Francis make the commitment to give their lives to the betterment of humanity? A vibrant and significant Monarchy and Catholic Church can be the difference between human deprivation and uniquely creative human benefit.

Charles can make the Monarchy something greater and more meaningful than its present state, and Francis can change Catholic religion for all time. Fingers crossed and with an open mind, we hope both men will achieve great things for the hopeful unwashed among us.

With sparse populations on several islands of The Bahamas the raccoon (affectionately known by some as the trash panda) is an invasive species breeding once a year with a litter of two to five kits (baby raccoons). This raccoon was spotted in a wooded area next to a residential area in Nassau.

Photo: timothy Roberts

Regent Seven Seas cruise ship makes inaugural visit to Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A cruise ship made an inaugural voyage to Grand Bahama, bringing some 500 visitors to the island on the weekend.

The regent seven seas cruises Navigator arrived on saturday morning and was welcomed by Tourism and Harbour officials during an official plaque exchange ceremony at Freeport Harbour.

Nuvolari chootosingh, manager at the Ministry of Tourism Maritime section, said the Navigator is different from the larger cruise ships that sail to The Bahamas.

“it is a pleasure to have these types of ships that are very tailored for their guests,” he said. “They just don’t go anywhere because their guests are very particular about where they would like to go,” he said.

He was pleased that the cruise line decided to put Grand Bahama on its itinerary.

The arrival of seven seas, the Margaritaville, and the Balearia is expected to provide an economic boost for straw vendors and taxi drivers.

Mr chootosingh explained that every time a new vessel comes to Freeport, a plaque exchange is held to mark the visit.

“it is wonderful because it gives us an opportunity to meet the captain of the ships and some of the crew members, and just exchange pleasantries and welcome them to The Bahamas,” he said.

Harbour officials said they continue to work with cruise lines that want to come to Grand Bahama.

“After the pandemic, Grand Bahama struggled to get people back to the island. so, this really represents a continuation of growth that is headed in the right direction,” a port official said.

carnival is doing good, royal caribbean Line is coming along, Norwegian cruise Line, and now today

seven seas Navigator is here with 460 passengers,” the official said.

captain Luksa said they brought 468 guests to Freeport.

“We are almost full, our maximum capacity is 500,” he said.

Most of the guests are from the united states, Britain, and canada.

Mr Luksa said regent seven seas has six ships that are deployed in different locations during the winter season.

One ship sails in the caribbean, and the others cover the entire southern hemisphere, visiting south America, the Mediterranean, italy, and Australia,

Regent Seven Seas Navigator ship captain makes a presentation to the Ministry of Tourists and Freeport Harbour at Freeport Harbour. From left Roman Laing, Marine Pilot, Capt Arlando Forbes, Port Director, Luksa Kristov, Ship Captain, Nuvolari Chootosingh, manager at the Ministry of Tourism Maritime section, Shawn Thurston, Marine Pilot.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn while the weather is nice in the south. “We always like for guests to come to new destinations because most of our passengers are repeat guests,” he said.

Regent Seven Seas Navigator ship captain presents a plaque to Nuvolari Chootosingh, manager at the Ministry of Tourism Maritime section.

tHe SeVen Seas cruise ship made an inaugural trip to Freeport, Grand Bahama over the weekend.

The Lindroth family; Bahamian at heart

HE was just 14 months old when he first set foot on Bahamian soil. walking with the pitter patter that toddlers do, Magnus Lindroth wiggled his toes in the sand and got his feet wet on what is now called Paradise Island. Here, his views of the world would be shaped as he basked in island life.

In the comfort of his mother’s arms, Magnus was oblivious to the fact that his father was busy laying the foundation for what would become the bedrock of the tourism industry in The Bahamas. But he would grow to appreciate his father’s contribution, value the country of his youth, and keep lasting connections with the friends he made here.

Magnus’ father, arne Lindroth, worked as the right-hand man for axel wenner-Gren in switzerland. He was an industrialist and one of the richest men in the world in the 1930s. wenner-Gren amassed a fortune from his early insight that the industrial vacuum cleaner could be adapted for domestic use. shortly after world war 1, while wenner-Gren was working for the swedish Lighting Company Lux, he convinced the company to buy the patent to a home vacuum cleaner. If the ‘Electrolux vacuum cleaner’ was a success, wenner-Gren asked to be paid in company stocks rather than cash. That shrewd business move resulted in him becoming the majority owner of Electrolux. The firm was a leading brand in both vacuum cleaner and refrigerator technology.

Having secured his wealth, wennergren had bought much of Hog Island in The Bahamas in the late 1930s as a possible retreat in case of war with Hitler.

He sent his trusted right hand arne Lindroth to oversee the development of Hog Island. arne left switzerland and arrived in Nassau in 1951. a year later, his wife, Gunnel joined him, along with their three sons, Ulf, Orjan and baby Magnus.

The Lindroth family first lived in Paradise Town, as it was called then. Paradise Town consisted of just a few apartments at the entrance to the canal on Hog Island. There was no bridge linking Hog Island with New Providence at the time, and the

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

only way across was with the so-called “bum-boats”. In the 1940s, wennerGren commissioned a canal to be dug on Hog Island in preparation for the further development of the island. Once the canal was dug out and opened to the water on both sides, a café/restaurant was built in the canal. It was called Café Martinique, situated in the large open area in the middle of the canal (now called Paradise Lake), just on the south side of what is now the atlantis Resort. after the establishment of Cafe Martinique, the Lindroth family moved from Paradise Town to live in the Old Manse, which is located just above st andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk, near Government House. In the 1800s, this house was the residence of the pastor of st andrew’s Church, built on the south side of the church on the hill.

after living in that residence for over a year, the Lindroth family moved to Charlotte Court, a house on the north-east corner of Charlotte and shirley streets. arne Lindroth then purchased the house ‘sunningridge’ on west Hill st and Queen st. while it was being renovated, the Lindroths moved to live in the house called ‘Villa Rose’ on west Bay st, the last house before Brown’s Point.

all while his family was settling into their lives in The Bahamas, arne was busy creating Paradise Beach. He was also planning the creation of the hotel ‘The 52-Room Inn’ on the eastern end of Hog Island, by the golf course. arne Lindroth was also the director of a new investment bank, Bank of Bahamas, set up by axel wenner-Gren. There is no known relation to the existing Bank of The Bahamas. The Lindroth family finally moved into their renovated sunningridge home in November, 1957. That year, their fourth child and only daughter, Elizabeth, was born. The Lindroth family

lived at sunningridge until april 1969. Mangum was a young man by the time his family left The Bahamas.

In addition to Paradise Beach and Bank of Baha mas, arne Lindroth also made a significant impact on the island of andros. wenner-Gren had bought property at the entrance to Fresh Creek in andros. There, he built a small marina and hotel called the Lighthouse Club. arne successfully managed it. In 2021, a Bahamian-owned private consortium of hotel and marina developers and investors purchased the historic Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina Ltd. Owned by the Hotel Corporation, the Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina was the last remaining property in the government’s hotel portfolio.

In 1959, the Hog Island estate was sold to a&P supermarket heir, Huntington Hartford, who renamed it Paradise Island. Two years later, axel wennerGren died.

Hartford developed Hog Island over the next three years after its purchase, hoping to turn it into another Monte Carlo. He developed the Ocean Club. One feature of his Ocean Club, formerly The 52-Room Inn, was a cloister built from the disassembled stones of a monastery that william Randolph Hearst had stored in a Florida warehouse.

1: Arne and Gunnel Lindroth, Bahamian residents in the 1950s and 60s

2: Baby Magnus upon his arrival in The Bahamas with his mother, Gunnel Lindroth

3: Arne Lindroth with Axel Wenner-Gren in Fresh Creek, Andros at the opening of the

Hartford’s Ocean Club was featured in two James Bond films: Thunderball in 1965 (with sean Connery) and Casino Royale in 2006 (with Daniel Craig).

Hartford was responsible for getting the gambling license for Paradise Island by hiring sir stafford sands,

a Bahamian lawyer. sir stafford was a close family friend of the Lindroths.

Growing up in The Bahamas, Magnus had a rich social experience. His family knew many of the movers and shakers of the day, such as sir stafford, but they also had relationships with Bahamians of every social strata.

Magnus said that in his household, he spoke swedish, at his school, st andrew’s, he spoke English, and on the street, he spoke Bahamian. He cherished his relationship with friends such as Ephraim Jones, whom he grew up with ‘like a brother’. Jones’ mother, acklins native alice Jones, was the family cook. Mangus describes alice as a “real Bahamian Bahama mama” and “the best cook in the world”. One of his best friends to this day is Robert sands, whom he met in kindergarten. The sands family owned a haberdashery next to the British Colonial Hilton Hotel in Downtown, Nassau for many years.

Magnus learned to swim on Paradise Island Beach. He enjoyed watching the big wigs get together at his parents’ cocktail parties. But he also enjoyed playing on the street with his neighbourhood friends, such as the five children of the Ryan family.

“I had a wonderful childhood,” Magnus told me.

“I used to swim at Nassau Harbour on both sides. Back in the day, you could do it... not today. Those were good times... no badness. There was a bit of (racial) separation in the country. There were economic disparities, but not as much socially.”

By the mid-1960s, the company Mary Carter Paint was going into the casino business. It bought 3,000-plus acres on Paradise Island from Huntington Hartford.

The construction of the first Paradise Island bridge commenced in 1966 and opened to traffic in april 1967. arne Lindroth had hoped that rather than a bridge to link Paradise Island and Nassau, a tunnel

would be built to preserve the visual beauty of the island. However, that possibility was not adopted for engineering reasons.

In 1967, the Mary Carter Paint company opened the Paradise Island Casino. By 1968, the company not only dropped its paint business, but also its name. with the casino being such a financial success, the company was renamed Resorts International and officially relocated to The Bahamas. Paradise Island then became the focal point for american investment and financial influence.

In February 2004, Huntington Hartford moved to Lyford Cay, where he passed away in his home in 2008 at the age of 97. after the Mary Carter/ Resorts International takeover of Paradise Island, arne Lindroth had no position in the casino financial world, and he and his family left in 1969.

Magnus left with a book full of memories and a few friends that have lasted a lifetime. His mother, Gunnel would return to The Bahamas in 2006, taking residence at Cable Beach Manor, where she resided until she passed away in 2014 at the age of 92.

a ‘lovely Bahamian woman’ named Lillis took care of her until her death, and the Lindroth family cared for and respected her.

Magnus eventually became a good mathematician, and he was involved in the computer industry back in its early days. He called that time ‘ground zero’, when the computer system was nothing like it is today. But pioneers like him helped to shift the world into what is now the digital age. He currently lives in sweden and is enjoying retirement at the age of 72.

“It was beautiful,” he said of his time in The Bahamas - the place where he evolved from a baby to a man.

“I have no regrets. I am still at heart a true Bahamian... maybe not legally, but always in my heart.”

Light House Club

4: Ulf Lindroth and Ephraim Jones at Jones’ restaurant, Garden of Eden

5: Ulf Lindroth, right, with former boxer Sam Pratt, former boxer and Vernal Sands

6: Orjan and Magnus Lindroth with Ken Chaplin during a visit to their alma mater, St. Andrew’s School

Magnus Lindroth

Public support during the coronation shows monarchy continues to thrive

THE Dean of Westminster said it all. In the final preparations for the Coronation of King Charles he described this once-in-a-lifetime event as “jaw-dropping, extraordinary and spine-tingling” – and so it turned out to be on Saturday. As the fortieth Coronation of a monarch in Westminster Abbey and the first in Britain for seventy years, it was a magical and unforgettable moment like no other in the nation’s modern existence; not only for those directly involved but for millions of people throughout the country and for a global television audience.

A religious occasion steeped in centuries-old tradition, it was also a showcase of the pomp and pageantry for which Britain is famous and which is the envy of the world. On a rainy day in London – not dissimilar, historians say, to the Coronations of George VI in 1937 and his daughter Elizabeth II in 1953 – this stupendous event was an incredible spectacle as Charles became King of fourteen Commonwealth realms – including The Bahamas - in addition to the United Kingdom.

The consensus seems to be that the ceremony and service in the Abbey achieved the right balance of ancient and modern. Every part of its complex organization worked seamlessly with impressive precision. Tradition and ancient rituals and customs dating back nearly a thousand years were blended with modern elements including representation of other faiths – for example, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh - in an authentically original ceremonial service. This reflected the monarch’s recognition of the new diversity of the nation. It was history in the making. The past and present overlapped as the nation began a new era with a monarch who had been waiting his whole life for this moment.

Judging from the feedback in the UK press, while the emphasis throughout was on the authority of Almighty God and his love and wisdom, for many the keynote message of the Coronation was contained in the words spoken by the King at the beginning of

The Peter Young column

the ceremony: “I come not to be served, but to serve.” This commitment encapsulates his outlook as it did his mother’s from the very beginning when she famously pledged herself to a life of service in a speech on her 21st birthday while on a visit to South Africa in 1947. But the high note of the ceremony was the anointing of the King with holy oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury - an act held to be so sacred it had to be hidden from the congregation and TV audience – together with the placing on his head of the St Edward’s Crown, a moment marked by a ringing of the Westminster Abbey bells and gun salutes in nearby Horse Guards Parade and other parts of the country.

It has been reported that 2,300 guests attended the two-hour Coronation Service which was accompanied throughout by wonderful music and singing. In what was said to require an unprecedented security operation, it was a gathering of 100 heads of state as well as international royalty and celebrities. But a wide range of charity workers and community volunteers were also invited and it was claimed this reflected the changing face of Britain.

Meanwhile, the huge processions from Buckingham Palace to Westminster and back were marked by the involvement of some 4,000 superbly disciplined military bands and soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen, including contingents from Commonwealth countries, and the military

precision was flawless. Then there was the appearance of the working members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony together with a fly-past that included Britain’s famous Red Arrows but which otherwise had to be curtailed because of poor weather.

All in all, the day’s events were a wonderful exhibition of so many aspects of the country’s worth and capability while the sheer grandeur was awe-inspiring.

The next day was marked by community events and some 50,000 street lunch parties up and down the country including outside Number 10 Downing Street, with members of the Royal Family spreading out to attend as many as they could. Sunday ended with a star-studied concert at Windsor Castle and a heartfelt and powerful speech by the Prince of Wales.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect surrounding all the events of the Coronation has been the involvement of such vast numbers of people throughout the land and the happy celebration shown by so

many. There were said to be genuine fears in advance amongst the organisers that public support might be limited, but all the evidence was that there was a massive public response as people turned out in huge numbers. Since the various controversial issues surrounding the Royal Family that generate negative publicity are well known, I do not want to dwell on them today. It is, of course, true that the institution of the monarchy does not enjoy universal popularity. But that would hardly be achievable with the UK’s large and varied population of 67 million. Anti-royalists are in a tiny minority. Even so, parts of the media tried to make a big deal of the arrest of a handful of protesters outside the Abbey and about Liverpool football fans drowning out the National Anthem with boos and obscene chants at their home match over the weekend.

The plain fact is that the doubters and detractors who predicted there would be limited enthusiasm and

DO REGIONAL BALLOTS SEND MESSAGE TO POLITICAL LEADERS?

LOCAL elections took place in England on Thursday last week. But, with the focus of attention on the Coronation as the news agenda quickly moved on and politicking was temporarily put on hold, who would have known it? As the councils responsible for the delivery of services to local communities were up for re-election and therefore of concern to people at the grass roots level, these polls were also of broader interest and significance because of indications they might provide of the state of the political parties nationally.

In a nutshell, as one newspaper headline put it, the ruling Conservative Party suffered a heavy drubbing, with commentators saying that the results punished Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government for presiding over the highest tax burden in modern times. In the first electoral test since he came to power six months ago, the Tories lost around 1,000 seats in many parts of England, and Labour became the largest Party in local government across the country while the Liberal Democrats also made inroads into traditional Conservative heartlands.

Not all local council seats were contested this time around and there were no elections in Scotland or Wales. But psephologists say that, if the poll had been nationwide, Labour would have won 35 per cent of the vote, with the Conservatives on 26 per cent and the Liberal Democrats 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the existing results translate into

an 8 or 9-point lead for the Labour Party which would be enough to force the Conservatives out of office at the next general election. However, this would still be short of the level needed for an overall majority so it is said that there could be a hung parliament with the minority parties holding the balance of power.

The Prime Minister’s reaction has been one of disappointment rather than alarm. He has said it is disappointing to lose so many councillors but he has not detected any massive groundswell of movement towards Labour or excitement about their policies. So the results may not necessarily reflect voters’

intentions nationally.

Local elections are about issues like planning and the environment, municipal taxes, road maintenance, garbage collection and the like, with voters deciding which of the representatives of the main parties are most likely to deal effectively with such issues at the local level. But they also present an opportunity for voters to express their feelings indirectly about the performance of the national government. So the choices of voters at regional and local elections are said to be an indicator of what might happen in a general election – and commentators are saying that last week’s results

were “unambiguously bad” for the Conservatives even though it was unclear whether Labour could win an overall majority at a general election.

All that said, however, even if people often register so-called protest votes at the local level to signal dissent to the Prime Minister and his government about their policies and conduct, they do so in the safe knowledge their votes locally will not change the reality of power nationally.

So, while it is often the case of warning political leaders of the need to improve or change tack on a range of issues, voters will not necessarily wish to punish them at a general election by supporting the opposition and precipitating a change of government.

Nonetheless, some Tory MPs are now warning that their party’s prospects will not improve until the current crippling tax burden is eased, the high cost of living is brought down and the political turmoil of the last year is forgotten or forgiven by the voters, while some believe the party is now paying the price for ousting former prime minister Boris Johnson who, of course, won a huge majority at the last general election in 2019.

Thus, the overall verdict on last week’s poll is that it is a wake-up call for the PM and his colleagues. But Labour’s failure to secure a decisive breakthrough locally - which could have pointed to an overall majority nationally - provides a glimmer of hope for Rishi

government.

support for the Coronation have been proved wrong by the existence of enormous and enthusiastic crowds that have gathered everywhere.

The joy and eagerness of the people in their reaction to the magnificent spectacle that unfolded on Saturday was manifest – and this was demonstrated again when members of the Royal Family spread out in force at community events over the weekend up and down the country. The eyes of the world were on Britain and it was a unique moment for people to show faith and pride in their nation and to celebrate the bonds which unite them. This shows that the Crown as a constitutional monarchy is central to Britain’s identity as a nation and works well.

Republicans, critics and other naysayers who argue that the monarchy is anachronistic in a modern democratic age are off the mark and profoundly out of touch with the public mood. It is right that the overall attitudes and wishes of the general public and its positive reaction to the Coronation should be the

determining factor in any debate about the future of the British monarchy. No politician could provide such a powerful force for national unity. Nothing could compare with Saturday’s display of a mixture of history, modernity, pomp and pageantry – much of it rooted in tradition stretching back to the dawn of the nation -- which surely should be a source of pride for all.

So it must be clear by now that the monarchy remains one of the keys to Britain’s status as a cultural superpower. The Coronation has given a welcome boost to the whole country including an economic stimulus in the shape of extra tourism and increased spending by those enjoying yesterday’s Bank Holiday. Together with the palpable “feel good factor”, it is being claimed that the benefits will outbalance the costs of the Coronation events -- and it is surely now safe to say that, in the present mood of the nation, a clear majority in Britain hope the monarchy will continue to thrive.

UKRAINE JOINS IN CELEBRATING VICTORY IN EUROPE hOLIDAY

VICTORy in Europe over Nazi Germany to end the Second World War in 1945 is marked annually on May 8, the day a defeated Germany formally surrendered to the Allies.

However, hostilities continued for three more months against the Japanese in the Pacific until victory was achieved by overwhelming US military power and was marked by VJ-Day on August 15 the same year.

The defeat of Nazi Germany and the ending of the war in Europe is commemorated and celebrated in Russia a day later on May 9 because of the time difference. European nations also celebrate May 9 as Europe Day symbolizing peace, unity and friendship.

This year, President Volodymyr Zelensky has dominated the news by announcing formally that Ukraine, which wants to be part of a united Europe, will stop formally remembering the defeat of Germany on May 9 and

switch to marking the event a day earlier. This represents another break with the nation’s history as a part of the former Soviet Union. Henceforward, VE-Day on May 8 will be Ukraine’s “Day of Remembrance” when it will commemorate and celebrate the destruction of Nazism and the end of the Second World War. In addition, he said that Ukraine will join the existing free European countries in celebrating Europe Day on May 9 which stands for a “a united Europe, the basis of which should be and will be peace”.

Zelensky also pledged that the Russian invasion and the evil of its continuing aggression and extended war in Ukraine will be defeated in the same way Nazi Germany was beaten in 1945. In his words, which could become well known in the future as a quotation ascribed to him: “Just as we destroyed evil then, we are destroying a similar evil together now.”

Sunak’s beleaguered

Crowds gather for the concert at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday, celebrating the coronation of King Charles III. It is one of several events over a three-day weekend of celebrations.

Photo: Mark Large/AP

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey in Windsor, England, Friday where the Conservatives lost control of Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council in the local elections. Britain’s Conservative Party endured big losses in early results from local elections being viewed as a test of support for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government as a national election approaches. The opposition Labour Party and Liberal Democrats made significant gains.

Photo: andrew Matthews/AP

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seen in a car during a visit at a military air base in Soesterberg, Netherlands, Thursday.

Photo: Yves Herman/AP

What’s behind Syria’s return to the Arab League?

BEIRUT

Associated Press

The ArAb League’s decision to re-admit Syria after shunning it for 12 years was a significant symbolic victory for Damascus, part of a larger regional realignment and an indication of the United States’ waning role, analysts say. but it may not immediately bring the reconstruction dollars that Syrian President bashar Assad is hoping for. Nor is it likely to bring the changes Syria’s neighbours want, such as an agreement on refugee returns and moves to reduce drug trafficking.

Syria is returning to the Arab fold even though there is no sign of a resolution to the country’s uprising-turned-civil war, now in its 13th year. The long-stalemated conflict has killed nearly a half million people since March 2011 and displaced half of the country’s prewar population of 23 million. Multiple mediation attempts have failed.

The league approved Syria’s readmission at a closed-door meeting in Cairo on Sunday. It means Assad can attend the league’s summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on May 19, further cementing his move out of pariah status.

The Arab League is a 22-member organization founded in 1945 to promote regional cooperation and resolve disputes. but it is widely seen as toothless and has long struggled to help solve conflicts, especially in the recent era of wars in Syria, Yemen and Libya and a bitter diplomatic rift between Gulf monarchies and Qatar

years ago. The league suspended Syria’s membership in 2011 after Assad’s government cracked down brutally on mass protests against his rule, an uprising that quickly descended into a brutal civil war.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries funnelled support to armed opposition groups trying to overthrow Assad, who was backed by russia, Iran and militias affiliated with Tehran. After years of deadlock in the war, Assad’s government has a secure grip on most of the country, particularly most main cities. opposition groups or USbacked Kurdish forces control most of northern and eastern Syria -- and that’s unlikely to change any time soon -- but it has

been clear for years now that an opposition overthrow of Assad is virtually impossible.

Arab governments that may have once hoped for that outcome are now deciding it’s better to reach out.

“We’re not looking for magical solutions, but what we do know is that the current situation is unsustainable. It’s going nowhere,” Saudi political scientist hesham Alghannam said. “We don’t know when the conflict will end, and boycotting the regime didn’t lead to a solution.”

In recent years, several Arab countries moved towards reestablishing diplomatic ties, most notably the United Arab emirates in 2018. Jordan and Syria reopened their borders in 2021. Last

month, Saudi Arabia and Syria announced they are moving to reopen embassies and resume flights.

The devastating Feb. 6 earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey also sped up rapprochement, bringing sympathy for Syria. More than 6,000 people were killed in Syria and hundreds of thousands lost their homes. Senior officials from once-hostile countries visited Damascus for the first time in over a decade and sent planeloads of aid.

Approaching Assad under the pretext of the humanitarian crisis was a less controversial way to continue improving ties.

Another boost was the Chinese-brokered deal to reestablish ties between Saudi Arabia and regional rival Iran, which

is encouraging them to de-escalate conflicts like Syria and Yemen.

Also, the United States’ “de-prioritisation of the Middle east and particularly of the Syria portfolio” led regional actors to work out their own deals with Damascus, despite Washington’s objections, said randa Slim, director of the Conflict resolution and Track II Dialogues Program at the Washington-based Middle east Institute.

Saudi Arabia played a key role in pushing for Syria’s return to the Arab League, hosting a meeting last month to discuss the topic. Jordan hosted another gathering earlier this month.

Qatar remained the most prominent holdout. however, after Sunday’s decision to readmit Damascus, Qatar said in a statement that it “will not be an obstacle” to “an Arab consensus.”

Kuwait also has not endorsed normalization, said bader Al-Saif, assistant professor of history at Kuwait University.

Kuwait “wants to know what the conditions are, what the political solution looks like. Will there be elections? An apology? Anything?” he said.

Despite these key skeptics, al-Saif said riyadh will continue to push for Damascus to work for a “more robust and integrated Arab order.”

one main criticism of the rapprochement is that Assad has made no concessions toward a political deal to resolve Syria’s conflict. Without a credible resolution, millions of Syrians who fled abroad — many to neighbouring countries — will be too afraid to return.

on the symbolic level, Syria’s return to the league signals to opposition Syrians that “they are left on their own,” Slim said, and confirms to Damascus that its scorched-earth strategy in the war worked. but on a practical level, “a seat at the Arab League is not that powerful,” she said. US and european sanctions will likely prevent Arab countries from significant investments in reconstruction in the near future.

Many Syrians in government-held areas hope to see a benefit in greater trade with the Arab world to help to offset a crippling economic crisis.

That could happen, Alghannam said. “If there is stability, I believe there will be an influx of Gulf investment and trade with Syria.” Still, he noted, Saudi-Syrian relations were strained even before the Syrian conflict, “so confidence-building will take time.”

A statement issued by the Arab League after Sunday’s meeting suggested that Syria’s further reintegration will depend on moving towards a political solution to the conflict, combating drug trafficking and facilitating the return of refugees. Gulf countries have also pushed for Damascus to curb Iranian influence in Syria.

Maha Yahya, the director of the beirut-based Carnegie Middle east Centre, said it is unlikely that Syria will meet Arab countries’ demands.

As such, she said, “I honestly don’t think this move is going to open the floodgates of support for Syria.”

Ex-girlfriEnd: TigEr Woods usEd laW y Er To brE ak up W i T h mE

Associated Press

A $30-MILLIoN legal battle between Tiger Woods and his ex-girlfriend has escalated, with erica herman accusing the golf superstar of beginning their sexual relationship when she was his employee and threatening to fire her if she didn’t sign a nondisclosure agreement she now wants voided.

herman, in court documents filed late Friday, also accused Woods of having his lawyer break up with her at an airport in october after falsely telling her they were going on a weekend trip. The lawyer then evicted her from Woods’ $54 million mansion north of Palm beach.

The documents were filed in advance of a scheduled Tuesday hearing where Woods’ attorneys are expected to ask Circuit Judge elizabeth Metzger to halt herman’s lawsuit against their billionaire client. They say the former couple’s nondisclosure agreement requires all disputes be settled privately by an arbitrator, not in court. herman, who managed Woods’ Palm beach County restaurant before and during the first years of their romantic relationship, argues that the nondisclosure agreement is unenforceable under a new federal law that says such contracts can be voided when sexual abuse or sexual harassment occurred. her attorney, benjamin hodas, contends that Woods’ alleged threat to fire her if she didn’t sign the contract was harassment.

“A boss imposing different work conditions on his employee because of their sexual relationship is sexual harassment,” hodas said.

herman, 39, is separately suing the trust that owns Woods’ mansion for $30 million, saying he verbally promised in 2017 that she could live there for at least 11 years, but kicked her out after five.

Woods’ attorney, J.b

Murray, denies that the 47-year-old golfer ever sexually assaulted or harassed herman, calling her accusations in court documents, “utterly meritless.”

Neither hodas nor Murray responded to emails and phone calls seeking comment.

It is unknown if Woods will attend Tuesday’s hearing.

In herman’s lawsuit against Woods, she wants Judge Metzger to either void the nondisclosure agreement or at least give her guidance about what she can say publicly. For example, can she discuss events that happened before their agreement or after their breakup? What about information she learned about Woods from others? She is also arguing that the contract covers only her work relationship with Woods, not their personal matters.

In her unlawful eviction lawsuit against the trust, she is basing her $30 million claim on how much it would cost to rent a property like Woods’ mansion for the six years of residence she was allegedly denied.

When hodas filed her lawsuit against the trust in october, he checked a box on a standardized form saying the case did not involve sexual abuse. In herman’s March lawsuit against Woods, hodas checked the box saying that case does involve abuse. hodas has not explained the apparent discrepancy.

before they dated, Woods hired herman in 2014 to help develop and then operate the golfer’s The Woods sports bar and restaurant in nearby Jupiter — but they do not agree when their romantic relationship and cohabitation began.

herman says in her court filings that their romantic relationship began in 2015 and that in late 2016 she moved into Woods’ nearly 30,000-square-foot (2,800-square-meter) mansion in the ritzy hobe

Sound community.

Woods, in his court documents, says their romantic relationship began in 2017, shortly before she moved in with him that August — about the time the nondisclosure agreement was signed. In March 2017, Woods had placed the mansion into the Jupiter Island Irrevocable homestead Trust, an entity he created that has only himself and his two children as beneficiaries. Forbes Magazine estimates Woods’ net worth at $1.1 billion.

They were first seen publicly as a couple at the Presidents Cup in late September 2017, and herman had been a steady presence at the larger tournaments and events, such as the 2019 Masters, his last win. She was also with Woods at the White house in 2019 when then-President Donald Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

herman says Woods pressured her to quit her job managing his restaurant in 2020, saying he wanted her to spend more time taking care of him and his children.

herman says Woods evicted her through “trickery.” She says Woods told her they were going on a weekend trip to the bahamas, so she packed a small bag and he drove her to the airport, where they parked near a private plane. but instead of boarding, Woods told herman to talk to his lawyer and left, she says.

out of the blue,” the lawyer told her the relationship was over and that she was being evicted, she says. She says she refused to sign another nondisclosure agreement the lawyer tried to force upon her.

When Woods’ lawyers returned her personal belongings, they kept $40,000 in cash, “making scurrilous and defamatory allegations” about how she obtained it, she alleges. Woods and his former wife, elin Nordegren,

off a coastal road while driving

Since

about 85 mph. Woods made the cut at the recent Masters but withdrew during the third round because of foot pain. he underwent ankle surgery last month, and it is unknown when he will compete next.

In this photo released by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delegates and foreign ministers of member states convene at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday. The ministers are voting on restoring Syria’s membership to the organization after it was suspended over a decade ago. The meeting comes after a rapid rapprochement between Syria and regional governments since February.

Photo:Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AP

divorced in 2010, some nine months after he was caught in a series of extramarital affairs that cost him blue-chip corporate sponsors and tarnished an image that had been largely impeccable.

then, he has had a

series of injuries and surgeries, including fusion surgery on his lower back in 2017 and shattered bones in his right leg from a February 2021 crash in Los Angeles when he drove his SUV

TIgEr Woods and girlfriend Erica Herman on the 18th green during the JP McManus Pro-Am at Adare Manor, Limerick, Ireland, Monday, July, 4, 2022. A $30-million legal battle between Tiger Woods and his ex-girlfriend has escalated with Erica Herman accusing the golf superstar of beginning their sexual relationship when she was his employee and threatening to fire her if she didn’t sign a nondisclosure agreement she now wants voided. Photo: Peter Morrison/AP

TIgEr Woods, right, with his daughter Sam Alexis Woods, left, and his girlfriend Erica Herman, centre, walk along the Colonnade following a ceremony where President Donald Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods at the White House in Washington, on May 6, 2019.

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

SPORTS

SUDDEN DEATH

Bahamas beats Guatemala 5-4 in penalty shootout

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Michael Butler, rebounding from an unbelievable “goal” that he gave away in the second of three periods, came up with a save in penalty shots and another in sudden death to help the Bahamas to prevail over Guatemala.

In the featured game on day one of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship and World Cup Qualifier, the Bahamas rode the momentum of the crowd for a 2-2 win on a 5-4 decision on penalty shots.

Butler, whose teammates awarded him the “Man of the Match,” said it was all about living up to his expectations, especially when the game was on the line. “It was an honour and a pleasure to do it for the home fans,” Butler said. “I do everything for my country. So I did it for my country. It was an honour.”

On giving up the second goal to Guatemala, Butler said he was delighted to be able to get the saves when he needed to in crunch time.

For team captain Gavin Christie, who booted in one of the penalty shots to help keep the Bahamas’ bid for the win alive, said it was redemption time as they avenged their previous two losses to Guatemala.

“It always feels good to win and win at home. It was a very tough match,” he said. “The last two matches we played them, we lost, so it was good that we finally came out on top. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked, but the important thing was that we got the victory.”

And Christie said Butler’s performance was so outstanding that he rightfully deserved the Man of

ST FRANCIS & JOSEPH WINS 8TH STRAIGHT ARCHDIOCESAN TRACK AND FIELD TITLE

AFTER a three-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest Catholic Board of Education primary school sporting event, the Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet, made its triumphant return.

The meet was held over the course of two days, kicking off on Thursday, May 4.

Young athletes from St Francis & Joseph School bested competitors from three other CBE New Providence primary schools for the victory.

This win is the eighth (8th) consecutive one for the SFJ Shockers.

“Hard work, determination, resilience and heart; yields great results,” said Ricardo Freemantle, coach of St Francis & Joseph.

In addition to their overall win, St Francis & Joseph School also won the primary division.

The Shockers lost the Junior Division to St Thomas More School.

The annual meet offers CBE primary school students the opportunity to exhibit their skill, dexterity and endurance in track and field events.

Catholic Board of Education (CBE) schools are dedicated to the education of the whole child through development of the intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions of every CBE student. Athletics is an integral part of the total education programme of CBE schools.

“For the Catholic Board of Education, sports provide an outlet through which students can channel their energy in organised and objective activities,” Freemantle said.

the Match honours as he got the save for the team in the end.

Bahamas’ leading goal scorer in the history of beach soccer, Lesly St Fleur said they didn’t get the start they wanted, but they fought to the end and they came out with the victory. “We knew they were a running team, so we had

to be well prepared,” he said. “That was why the game was so tight. It was a low-scoring affair. But we played to the best of our ability and we came out victorious.” St Fleur, who came through with the Bahamas’ first goal from the half-court mark to even the score at 1-1 in the second

period, said they were just happy that Butler came up with the save down the stretch. And coach Alexandre Soares said the game was a difficult one, but their goal was to win and keep their hopes alive for a shot at qualifying for the World Cup.

After Juan Flores scored the initial goal of the game,

St Fleur answered with the equaliser for the Bahamas with 1:21 left to play in the second period. In the third period, Butler tried to dazzle the ball past Miguel Gonzalez, but the Guatemalan got away and scored. That set up the tying goal from Wood Julmis.

SEE PAGE 12

“Sports allows opportunities for several kids whether, scholarships or representing their country and may lead to a professional career path. Sports is sometimes the only way out for some kids while for others it is just recreation.

“Balancing sports and academics are key in developing a rounded

SEE PAGE 12

‘Downtown’ Natasha Brown to host first Natbro’s Classic

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WITH the Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness and Fitness Federation hosting its 50th National and Novice Championships during the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games, ‘Downtown’ Natasha Brown has been commissioned to host the first Natbro’s Classic.

Brown, the first Bahamian to win her fitness pro card in 2002 in Venezuela, will be hosting the classic, which is designed for the country’s junior competitors under portions of her full name Natasha Brown.

According to Brown, the Children’s Fitness Challenge Group, which is based on their body weight in performing their exercise routine and there is the fitness challenge when they compete in the NatBro’s Classic on July 11.

The Classic is opened to male and female competitors in the age group from 6-10 years for mini, 11-13 Class A and 14-15 Class B for boys and girls.

If they have talent, athletic, can dance or pose and

have poise and stage presence, then Brown said the NatBro’s Classic is an event to compete in.

“The Children’s Fitness Challenge group consists of a circuit with exercises in six stations where athletes try to perform the maximum number of repetitions in one minute and they have an attire that they

have to wear as they are judged on,” Brown said.

As for the fitness challenge, Brown revealed that there will be seven age groups from seven to 15 years that will enable competitors to compete in several routines. “We want the entire Bahamas to be a part of this,” Brown said. “I’m reaching out to all

Physical Education Departments to identify kids who are coachable, not necessarily persons who are already involved in sports.

“We want to get persons who are just as strong and tenacious and have some type of physique to be able to compete.” Brown got a chance to demonstrate what can be

expected during the NatBro’s Classic, using some of the members from the New Providence Classic School yesterday in the Performance Arts Centre of the University of the Bahamas.

The performance was staged in front of a group of sporting personalities, including BBWFF president Joel Stubbs, past

president Danny Sumner, bodybuilders James Darling and Chris McQueen, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture representative Mario Ford, Fred Delancy of Bahamas Safety & Security Training Facility, Ronn Rodgers of the Strikers Boxing Club, Jeffure Collie-Russell, the event’s coordinator for NatBro’s Classic and physical education teachers Marishka Stubbs-Thompson and Crystal Delancy.

Stubbs said they are very excited about adding the NatBro’s Classic to their list of events for the Bahamas Games and the National Championships.

“Children’s fitness is a great step in the right direction because that is the mandate of the IFBB,” Stubbs said. “So to add this to the lineup we have for the Bahamas Games.

“Our team of judges are working along with her to ensure that the programme is equipped and ready to go. We want to make sure that it’s properly organised and put together as they work on their fitness

MEMBERS of the sporting community pose with students of the New Providence Classic School.

BIG SAVE: Team Bahamas players celebrate last night after defeating Guatemala 5-4 (on penalties) in the featured game on day one of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship and World Cup Qualifier in the national beach soccer stadium.

Photos by Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

SUDDEN DEATH: TEAM BAHAMAS BEATS GUATEMALA 5-4 IN PENALTY SHOOTOUT

BEACH SOCCER FROM PAGE 11

The game ended tied at 2-2 in regulation. In the extra three-minute period, neither team could score, forcing the five penalty shots.

Both teams ended up 4-4 to go to sudden death.

After Gary Joseph scored the initial attempt for the Bahamas, it came down to Guatemala’s shot and Butler got the save to seal the deal as the celebrations began.

But while they were thrilled to have pulled off the win, coach Soares said he is hoping that the team would play much better in their next game against Belize at 7:30pm tonight.

Belize was doubled up 4-2 by Mexico in the game ahead of the BahamasGuatemala match-up, thanks to two quick goals from Hector Acevedo as they held on for the win.

In the other games played, defending champions El Salvador routed Turks & Caicos 10-3 on three goals a piece from Exon Perdomo and Francisco Velasquez, Costa Rica knocked off Guadeloupe 8-5 behind three goals from Louis Calero.

Nicolas Perero also had three goals as the United States pounded the Dominican Republic 11-1 and Panama nipped Trinidad & Tobago 2-1 as Julio Watson came up with the winning shot after Alfonso Morales got the equaliser, both in the third period.

The tournament will continue today at noon with the Dominican Republic taking on Panama, Trinidad will face the USA at 1:30pm, Turks & Caicos will play Costa Rica at 3pm, Guadeloupe will meet El Salvador at 4:30pm, Guatemala will battle Mexico at 6pm and the Bahamas will entertain Belize in the nightcap at 7:30pm.

ST FRANCIS

FROM PAGE 11

individual.”

Catholic Board of Education primary schools have a sporting legacy, which is evident in the number of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in athletics both nationally and internationally.

As with all CBE sporting competitions, the Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet fosters school spirit, healthy competition and provides a fun environment for students, parents, teachers and administrators. St. Cecilia’s School placed second overall. St. Thomas More School was 3rd and Xavier’s Lower School finished 4th. Overall Standings

NATBRO’S

routine and stage presentation.”

With the proper coaching and training, Stubbs said the federation is confident that the competitors will be able to put on a show just as the senior competitors do during the Nationals and Novice Championships all staged at the same time.

For Ford, who conducts a successful Mario Ford baseball programme for youngsters at Windsor Park, said the NatBro’s Classic will be an avenue to help develop the young competitors in the right way in a fitness programme.

“We have a lot of young people in this country, who need to be properly trained, not just in exercise, but in eating the proper food.

MAKING A VISIT TO BOXING FEDERATION PRESIDENT VINCENT STRACHAN

We call it the fundamental aspects of training,” Ford said.

“I’ve always wondered why so many of our young athletes have developed injuries so early because as a young athlete growing up, I didn’t really have that many injuries and I was able to represent our country on many national teams. So if they can get into fitness programmes like this, it would help them in the long run.”

Rodgers, who works with a number of young amateur boxers, said the programme started by Brown is an ideal way to get more youngsters involved in sports.

“I like the fact that it’s giving more of our young people the opportunity to get involved in some positive programmes and they have less time to get involved in idle things,” he

said. “I think this is going to be a good programme and I can’t wait to see how it will unfold. We’re eager to assist in any way we can because I believe boxing and other sports will also benefit for these youngsters who will be looking for other means to stay competitive.”

Delancy said at BSST, they offer a number of training and safety measures for men and women and they are open to providing sessions for everyone to come out and participate.

“We are into extreme training and endurance workouts, so anytime we can get involved in any programme, we are willing to lend our support,” Delancy said.

“We are delighted that Natasha Brown is doing this programme and so we are lending her all of our support in making sure that it is a success.”

And Rodgers Shawn Gilbert, an 18-year-old 11th grader at New Providence Classic School, said he started the programme because he felt he had the physique to compete in the sport.

“It was an opportunity that I took, and it was something that I don’t regret,” Gilbert said.

“The programme is something that is very good for the country and, as a young athlete, I look forward to competing in the Bahamas Games.”

Aysa Moss, a 14-yearold eighth grader at New Providence Classic, said she decided to join the programme because it’s a way for her to develop her fitness level because she eventually wants to compete in track and field in the 400 metres. “I’ve done softball, swimming and

track,” Moss said. “So far, the programme has been very good. I look forward to continuing in it.”

Terrea Storr, a science teacher at New Providence Classic School, accompanied the students to the performing session.

She noted that it was a good demonstration of what they have experienced with the students at school.

“These kids are very athletic,” she said. “You can see their potential from a very young age, so that is a good outlet for some of them to get into some activities outside of school.”

She noted that the students are more eager than ever to attend their physical education classes and it is shown in the progress they have made since getting involved in the fitness classes with Brown.

Interested persons can also visit any of the facilities that is based on providing exercise sessions for athletes to compete or they can visit the NatBro’s Classic website and facebook pages for more details.

Brown is a former track and field athlete who represented the Bahamas at a number of international meets from the age of 13, including the CARIFTA Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Pan American Games.

While training for her next competitor, Brown’s coach Aaron Greene got her involved in fitness sessions in 2000 and she eventually became the national fitness champion and subsequently the second Bahamian female to earn her pro card, but the first as a fitness competitor.

BAHAMAS Boxing Federation president Vincent Strachan got a visit from Haitian boxing head coach Jaun Macos Stjusca and heavyweight elite boxer Pierre Carley at his office in New Providence. The three talked about plans to host a showdown between the two countries in the near future.

ON THE REPLAY: Team Bahamas defeated Guatemala 5-4 (on penalties) in the featured game on day one of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship and World Cup Qualifier in the national beach soccer stadium last night. Here, Bahamian players can be seen celebrating their opening victory. Photos by Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

Hundreds of athletes hit the track, field in Red-Line Classic

BY TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Red-Line Athletics

Track Club held its youth and mult-events classic this past weekend at the original Thomas A Robinson national stadium.

The two-day meet saw over 800 athletes compete from the various clubs in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Andros.

The track club event featured athletes of the under 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, and 20 age group with the focus being on the younger participants.

Tito Moss, head coach of the host track club, talked about how he felt about this past weekend’s track meet.

“It went well, the participation level was much higher than we anticipated. The fan support was excellent for two days. God blessed us with good weather and we saw some fabulous times, so all facets we are pleased with,” Moss said.

Multi-events

The goal of the head coach at this weekend’s meet was to include nontraditional track events for the under 11, 13 and 15 age groups, namely the discus, shot put, javelin and multi-events.

Moss added that his track club always looks for ways to challenge and develop the youth and by adding the elimination distance and throwing events, it helps coaches to identify talent earlier.

In day two’s track action for the multi-events, Rayven Munroe of Xtreme Athletics won the under 11 girls outdoor pentathlon with 954 points. She competed in a total of five events, including the high jump, long jump and 800m. Hardassah McCoy finished in second with a total of 683 points. Meanwhile, Autumn Newbold of the same club capped off third with 631 points.

For the boys, Vincent Johnson Jr of Jumpers Inc amassed 919 points in the pentathlon. Aiden Knowles nabbed 858 points and Samuel Patterson of Xtreme Athletics had 778 points after two days of competition in the multi-events.

Jazae Johnson came out on top in the under 13 girls outdoor pentathlon after scoring 2,086 points in two days. Taree Forbes of Boost Athletics earned 1,994 points in the event for second place. Also, Boost Athletics’ Symiah Strachan grabbed 1,936 points.

Dwayne Small Jr claimed victory for the boys event , scoring 1,392 for his multi event win. Hurry Murray’s Ramonick Mclennon placed second with 1,202 points. Third place went to Kaden Butler of Xtreme Athletics with 829 points.

For the heptathlon events, Jacharlo Wilson of Bahamas Speed Dynamics amassed an eye-opening

3,428 points in the under 15 boys heptathlon. Rohman Rolle of the Fast Forward track club came right behind with 3,186 after the two-day meet. Eagan Neely followed behind with 2,908.

Jasmine Thompson, of Road Runners, led the pack for the girls as she bested her competitors in the event with a score of 2,822 points. Xtreme Athletics’ Alexandri Komolafe finished the event with 2,739 points.

Meanwhile, Star Trackers’

Jayla Smith capped off the multi-event with 2,537. Track In the under 7 division for the girls and boys 200m finals, Erin Strachan of Kids Athletics and Kaden Bullard of Swift Athletics took home first place victories in the event.

For the under 9 division 200m finals, Christovia Moss of the Beginners Track club brought home a first place finish in 31.92. Swift Athletics’ Daython

Ingraham came in first for the boys with a time of 31.98.

The Beginners track club also took home the win in the 4x200m mixed relays for the under 9 division. The under 11 division had a total of five events for the final day. In the 200m finals, Tanaz Davis of Unique Athletics blitzed her competitors for first place with a time of 31.57.

Meanwhile, George Brown claimed victory for Swift Athletics in the event after notching a time of 29.21.

The 800m finals were won by Elexia Strachan of Kids Athletics for the girls. Strachan finished the long distance event in 3:02.83. Road Runners’ Ronald Simon was the lone competitor in the boys event and he finished with 2:57.06 to seal his win. The final event for the under 11 division was the mixed 4x200m relay finals.

Team A for Xtreme Athletics completed the event with a time of 2:32.58. Team B of the same track club finished with 2:35.60. Road Runners finished third in the event.

Brianna Bootle of the 3pa Stallions and Ayden Russell of Unique Athletics both claimed first place in the girls and boys under 13 200m finals. Bootle finished with 25.62 and Russell clocked 26.24.

Unique Athletics once again secured another first place win in the under 13 800m finals.

Victoria Sandi-Aguilar completed the race in 2:45.28 for the club. Adrian Woodside of the T-Bird Flyers ran 2:54.44 to win the race for the boys.

In the 4x200m relay finals for the division, the Road Runners B team crossed the finish line first after notching 2:06.12 in the event. The Road Runners A team placed second with

2:16.07 and Xtreme Athletics A team came third with 2:20.35.

Sarsha Wright of Team Velocity won the 200m finals for the girls under 15 division. She ran 25.80 to edge out her competitors.

Wright said it felt really good to get the win and she really enjoyed this year’s Red-Line classic due to multiple wins and a personal best finish. Her strategy in this race was to work the curve and sprint to the finish.

Shawne Ferguson brought home the victory for Road Runners after clocking 23.92 in the boys event.

Hurray Murray secured two first place finishes in the 800m finals with Ramonique Mclennon winning for the girls and Rion Larrimore winning for the boys.

Jamya Satchel of Speed Capacity won the under 15 girls 75m hurdles with 12.92.

In the boys 80m hurdles, Shawne Ferguson was the lone competitor and finished with 13.04.

In the under 18 200m finals, Nia Richards of Star Elite Athletics blitzed her opponents with a time of 24.37 which was also a season’s best for the athlete.

Meanwhile, Andrew Brown led the way for the boys with 21.38.

Richards said she knew she was in a race with some very fast girls so her goal was to go out there and keep reminding herself to run her race and to relax. After returning from an injury, the athlete said it felt good to come back and get the win.

Brown said it felt good to win as it was not his normal division but he stuck to his coach’s strategy to come off of the curve strong to set himself up for a win.

A’Karee Roberts of Road Runners and Hurry Murray’s Raywind Winder were victorious in the under 800m finals.

In the under 20 200m finals, Melvinique Gibson sealed the first place win with 24.92 for the T-Bird Flyers. Meanwhile, Carlos Brown Jr nabbed the win for Swift Athletics with 21.29.

Gibson said the win was not expected but it felt great as it was a personal best for her.

Field

Girls under 7 other ball throw - Erin Strachan (Kids Athletics) 7.76m, Syriah Daxom (Kids Athletics) 7.50m, Amila Munnings (Kids Athletics) 5.71m

Boys under 7 other ball throw - Khyrie Taylor (Kids Athletics) 22.66m, Amoree Moxey (Sun Blazers)

15.01m, Delroy Morgan (Speed Capacity) 13.52m

Girls under 9 other ball throw- Teshan Williams (Beginners Track club) 14.92m, Kasey Rolle (Beginners Track club)

13.51m, Claylin Johnson (Kids Athletics) 13.19m.

Boys under 9 other ball throw- Edvardo Burrows fBeginners Track club)

23.40m, Marvin Darville Jr (Sun Blazers) 17.41m, Keiran Grant (Hurry Murray) 15.65m.

Boys Shot Put under

11- Antonio Hernandez (Unattached) 4.97m, Antonio Hanna (Xtreme Athletics) 4.38m, Jhamal-Carte Dean (Xtreme Athletics) 3.17m.

Girls shot put under 13- Rocelis Moxey (Swift Athletics) 7.50m, Aiyanna Hernandez (Unattached)

5.63m

Boys shot put under 13Johnathan Lloyd (Xtreme Athletics) 3.47m

Girls shot put under 15Kelia McPhee (Quick Step)

9.08m, Alexis Wright (T Bird Flyers) 8.52m, Paris Leonce (Quick Step) 8.14m

Boys shot put under 15

- David Douglas (T-Bird Flyers) 11.20m, Davario Symonette (T-Bird Flyers)

9.12m, Tavaris Roberts (T-Bird Flyers) 8.40m

FAST TRACK: Athletes from various clubs compete in the Red-Line Athletics track club’s youth and mult-events classic this past weekend at the original Thomas A Robinson national stadium.

Photos by Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

THE TWO-day meet saw over 800 athletes compete from the various clubs in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Andros.

Heat hold off Knicks 109-101, take 3-1 lead

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler had 27 points and 10 assists, Bam Adebayo finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds and the Miami Heat moved a win away from their third trip to the Eastern Conference finals in the last four years by topping the New York Knicks 109-101 last night.

Max Strus scored 16 points, Kyle Lowry added 15 and Caleb Martin had 10 for the Heat. Miami, the No. 8 seed, leads the East semifinal series 3-1, with Game 5 — and the first potential clincher — awaiting in New York on Wednesday night.

Jalen Brunson finished with 32 points and 11 assists for fifth-seeded New York, while RJ Barrett had 24 points and Julius Randle scored 20 for the Knicks before fouling out with about three minutes left.

Miami missed 12 of its first 15 shots of the fourth quarter, but the Knicks didn’t take full advantage — trimming only three points off the Heat lead in that span. It was nine entering the fourth, and a pair of free throws by Brunson with 4:40 left got New York within 99-93.

But a slam by Martin breathed some life into an antsy building, and the roars got a bit louder about a minute later.

With the Knicks down seven, Randle went into the lane — but Strus beat him to the spot, drawing contact that became the New York star’s sixth foul with 3:08 left, and the Heat held control the rest of the way.

The Knicks never led in Game 3, then held the lead twice in Game 4. Barely.

point leads in the opening quarter, for a combined 33 seconds, and with Miami erasing the deficits with immediate baskets on its next possession.

when Miami’s lead was double digits for nearly the entirety of the final three quarters, this one remained in some doubt much of the way. Miami didn’t get its first 10-point lead until a 3-pointer by Strus with 3:23 left in the half, and whenever the Heat seemed poised to pull away New York had an answer.

an 11-point deficit down

NUGGETS SEARCH FOR ANSWERS AFTER DROPPING TWO STRAIGHT TO SUNS

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — Kevin

Durant and Devin Booker needed just a little bit more offensive help, someone to take just the tiniest bit of pressure off Phoenix’s highscoring tandem.

Along came Landry Shamet, who elevated his game — five 3-pointers, 19 points — as the Suns equalised the second-round series at 2-2 against the Denver Nuggets.

It’s the X-factors who are helping swing a series that moves back to the Mile High City for Game 5 tonight. Philadelphia also plays at Boston with that series tied at 2-all.

Durant and Booker are simply doing what stars do — shine. Same with the Nuggets in Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, whose 53-point performance in a 129-124 loss Sunday was

Lakers rally past Warriors 104-101 for 3-1 lead in series

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) —

Lonnie Walker scored all of his 15 points in a phenomenal fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied late to take a 3-1 series lead with a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 last night.

LeBron James scored 27 points and Anthony Davis had 23 points and 15 rebounds for the seventhseeded Lakers, who moved to the brink of an improbable trip to the Western Conference finals with their eighth consecutive home victory since March. Los Angeles overcame Stephen Curry’s third career postseason tripledouble down the stretch largely because of Walker, who has made a seismic impact in returning to the Lakers’ rotation in this series after the former starter was stuck on the bench in recent weeks.

Walker went 6 for 9 in the fourth quarter and hit the go-ahead jumper with 1:53 to play.

Curry’s layup with 1:05 left trimmed the Lakers’ lead to one point, but Curry missed two 3-pointers on Golden State’s next possession before Walker made two free throws with 15 seconds to play. Davis then forced a jump ball in the waning seconds, and it went out of bounds off Curry with 1.3 seconds to play.

Curry had 31 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists in his 13th career tripledouble for the defending champion Warriors.

Golden State will have to overcome a 3-1 series deficit for only the second time in franchise history to continue their NBA title defence.

Golden State also did it in the 2016 Western Conference finals.

Game 5 is Wednesday night in San Francisco.

overshadowed by a sideline fracas with Suns owner Mat Ishbia (Jokic drew a $25,000 fine from the league for making improper contact).

Shamet certainly stepped up for Phoenix in Game

4. The contest before, it was Cameron Payne who started in place of the injured Chris Paul and scored seven points, including a big 3-pointer early in the fourth.

Now, it’s Nuggets coach Michael Malone’s turn to find a counter. Malone hinted it could be extended minutes for veteran point guard Reggie Jackson or possibly more floor time for shooting guard Peyton Watson. It may be a change in schematics, too.

Anything to wrestle back momentum from the Suns.

“We owe it to ourselves to make sure we’re looking at everything we can do to give us our best chance

EVERTON, FOREST BOOST SURVIVAL HOPES ON CHAOTIC DAY IN EPL

(AP) — CHAOS

reigned in the English Premier League’s relegation battle yesterday as Everton scored five goals in a surprising win to climb out of the bottom three and Leicester conceded five in a confidence-sapping loss to drop into it.

Southampton’s 11-year stay in the top division is surely over, meanwhile, after a 4-3 loss at Nottingham Forest plunged the last-placed team eight points from safety with three games left.

There was a total of 21 goals in three games involving relegationthreatened teams, who

appeared to take the view that attack was the best form of defence with time running out in the fight to avoid the drop.

Everton’s goal spree was the most surprising. A 5-1 victory at Brighton came out of nowhere, ending a seven-game winless run at the home of a team that had an outside shot at Champions League qualification.

Even wilder was Fulham’s 5-3 win over Leicester, which is in danger of going down just seven years after capturing the league title in one of the greatest sporting stories of all time.

of winning,” Malone said.

“Whether that’s adjusting the game plan, whether that’s adjusting the rotation, everything is on the table.”

Booker was sizzling in Phoenix, shooting 79% from the floor and scoring a combined 83 points over two games.

“That’s just Book — he looks for those moments to not just make those shots but send a message to his team that he can carry us,” Suns coach Monty Williams explained. “He practices all those shots. I’ve seen it. ... He would sit right here and tell you that even though he made those shots we have more work to do. That’s what I’m going to say as well.”

It was the bench that provided quite a boost for the Suns in Game 4. The reserves for the Suns outscored the Nuggets’ reserves by a 40-11 margin, with Shamet leading the way. Terrence Ross and Jock Landale each added eight. “We knew this series wasn’t going to be easy. They’ve got two of the top few scorers in this league on their team,” Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. said. “We’ve got to figure out how to slow those guys down a little bit.”

That and finding more options to take the offensive load off Murray and Jokic, the two-time NBA MVP who’s averaging 36.5 points, 14 rebounds and 9.5 assists.

Aaron Gordon had a big performance in a Game 1 blowout with 23 points. In Game 2, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went 4 for 4 from beyond the arc, including back-to-back swishes that erased a deficit and put the Nuggets ahead for good early in the fourth quarter.

“We have to take what they’re giving us,” said

Porter, who’s 9 of 25 from deep in the series. “There are some ways that I think we can get everybody involved.”

76ERS AT CELTICS Series tied 2-2. Game 5, 7:30 p.m. EDT, TNT

— NEED TO KNOW:

James Harden’s go-ahead 3-pointer in the closing seconds of overtime proved to be what the 76ers needed to fight off a late flurry by the Celtics in Game 4 and send their Eastern Conference semifinals series back to Boston tied up at two games apiece. Both teams have lost one home game so far in the matchup, while also claiming a win on the road.

— KEEP AN EYE ON:

The 76ers’ rotation. Coach Doc Rivers acknowledged fatigue contributed to the Celtics being able to fight back from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter. But he plans to stick to an eightman rotation. Harden (47) and Joel Embiid (46) led Philadelphia in minutes played in Game 4, with four starters logging 40 or more.

— INJURY WATCH:

Embiid’s minutes were the most he’s played since returning in Game 2 from a sprained right knee. He acknowledged the extra time affected him late in Game 4.

— PRESSURE IS ON:

The Celtics. Upon further review, Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said he would have taken a timeout following Harden’s go-ahead 3-pointer in Boston’s 116115 overtime loss in Game 4.

“Hindsight is 20/20. I should have called (a timeout) to help us get a 2-for-1 or a couple more possessions,” Mazzulla said.

“Obviously, with (18.2 seconds) left, down one you want to get as many chances as you can. So I definitely learned from that.”

SUNS AT NUGGETS Series tied 2-2. Game 5, 10 p.m. EDT, TNT

— NEED TO KNOW:

The Nuggets have gone 39-7 at home this season, including 5-0 in the playoffs. “We did our job. They did their job,” Jokic said.

“In the end, it’s going to be an interesting game.”

— KEEP AN EYE ON: Denver’s defence. “The two games in Denver, I felt our defence was great. We left it somewhere in the desert. It didn’t arrive in Phoenix,” Malone said.

“That’s got to be paramount. If we’re going to go up 3-2 and get control of the series again, it’s got to start with defence again.”

— INJURY WATCH: Paul remains day-to-day with a left groin strain, but has been getting in some work.

“He’s just getting his shots up and more than likely just seeing where he is,” Williams said.

“But I haven’t gotten one official report on Chris. So nothing’s changed for me.”

— PRESSURE IS ON: Porter and the Nuggets. The team was a combined 7 of 22 from 3-point range in Game 4, including 2 of 9 from Porter. This after he hit six 3-pointers in Game 3. “Definitely a must-win,” Porter said of Game 5.

MIAMI

son, centre left, defends during the first half of Game 4 of their NBA basketball Eastern Conference playoff semifinal last night in Miami. (AP Photo/

PHOENIX Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives as Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic (15) looks on during the first half of Game 4 of their NBA basketball Western Conference semifinal game on Sunday in Phoenix.

(AP Photo/Matt York)

LAKERS forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots as Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins defends during the first half in Game 4 of their NBA basketball Western Conference semifinal last night.

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Jr Minister: All I can say is WOW

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

STUDENT Layla Leathen of Grand Bahama has been crowned the new Junior Minister of Tourism and will represent the country at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Congress regional Junior Minister competition later this year. The 16-year-old student of of Grand Bahama Academy of Seventh Day Adventists won the Junior Minister of Tourism Speech

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

competition held last week, where she competed against 13 other candidates from throughout The Bahamas.

“All I can say is wow. I couldn’t believe it when I won Junior Director and now I can’t believe I’ve won Junior Minister” said a tearful Layla as she was awarded the competition’s top prize.

“I stand on this stage today, because of my God. I thank my parents for constantly encouraging me and my family as well. I pray to serve this country with honor and I pray to make you all proud.” She continued.

Some 14 students representing their respective islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, and San Salvador delivered a threeto-five-minute speech on “Reimagining Tourism: 50 Years and Beyond”. Candidates were also given one minute to respond to a mystery question. Rounding out the top

three was Kenzia Johnson of North Eleuthera High School, Eleuthera in second place and Tianna Bootie of Patrick J Bethel High School, Abaco, in third place.

Layla revealed that although she is proud of her work her competitors were not easily defeated. She intends to continue her winning streak when she competes at the CTO.

She said “I am very happy and very ecstatic with what

I’ve done. I looked at my opponents and I was like, ‘I don’t even know if I could do this because all of them are so diligent and so brilliant’.” She added: “As I get this position, I’m willing to carry tourism throughout our schools as the junior Minister of Tourism. I will represent our country at the CTO, I’ll make sure bring home that trophy as well. I’ll continue to make the Bahamas proud.”

Empowering students

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

STUDENTS of the LW Young Boys and Girls Empowerment Club held a seminar and its closing ceremony last week.

The club was started in 2015 to assist boys that struggled with social issues.

“I’ve always wanted to join a team professionally. I’ve tried and failed too many times to count,” he said jokingly.

Warren sends a shoutout to electronics and media technology acting head of department Alexia Coakley.

“Ms Coakley changed my perception of media. I enjoy it a lot more than I would like to admit. I feel comfortable knowing that what I am being taught is being used in the real world. I’ve actually had the privilege to go on a few jobs with her and see how things operate. From live events to podcasts, I’m grateful for the opportunities she gives me,” Warren said.

Warren’s BTVI experience enables him to be globally competitive and economically independent. Warren is #BackedByBTVI!

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

Club founder Anita Wilmott noticed that many of the boys in her homeroom class struggled with conflict resolution and were entangled with local gangs and decided to take action.

She said: “A lot of the boys in my homeroom struggled with social issues such as gangs and did not know how to solve problems among each other. I decided to find a way to mentor them on how to have better relationships with their peers.”

Ms Wilmott decided the best course of action would be to have local leaders come into the school and meet with the boys over biweekly lunchtime seminars.

The project was a success and shortly after her female students were eager to have empowerment sessions of their own. In 2019, the Girls Empowerment Club was formed targeted at teaching young ladies the same social skills.

She said: “The girls saw that the boys were getting lunches and guest speakers and they wanted that too, so we started the girls club and now both clubs are doing well. I’m very proud of my students.”

The club now has 116

students, 60 boys and 55 girls and Ms Wilmott hopes that her students will one day have an impact on the wider community. She plans to continue with her program and ensure that the next generation are equipped with sound interpersonal skills.

She said: “Going forward, I hope that everything they have been taught will continue to be manifested throughout their lives at

Outgoing Junior Minister of Tourism Kelvin Archer, of St Anne’s School, New Providence, lauded the industry experience gained while holding the position and offered words of advice and encouragement for the new winner. He said: “The experience it allow me to get a real encompassing view of the tourism industry history I got to visit all the different departments. It also allowed me to see why the youth is so important in tourism, why we all need to come together as young people and hep to enhance and expand our number one industry.”

He added: “The advice I have to the new minister is to stay humble to keep calm on the high pressure situations and always remember that the nation is behind you.”

Kelvin also expressed his gratitude for the experience gained representing the country at CTO youth congress.

He said: “We got to express our different ideas on how we can enhance tourism and what we can do

as young people to better the tourism sector for us, all of our different islands. So that experience was one that I will never forget and one that I’m very happy that Ministry of Tourism has afforded me.”

The winner received the Patrick S Bain Scholarship, tenable at the University of The Bahamas, provided by the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA), an all-expense paid trip to CTO Youth Congress and a $500 cash prize.

The winning school will also receive $500 and a floating trophy. The second and third-place winners will receive a $300 and $200 cash prize and an award, and their schools will receive cash prizes and a plaque.

All students will receive a Junior Director of Tourism pin and certificate. Sponsors for this year’s competition were Aliv, Cable Bahamas Ltd, Micronet Computers Limited, and Bahleaf Premium Teas, Islands of The Bahamas Logo store, who donated prizes for the first, second, and third place winners.

IT ALL ADDS UP FOR ANATOL RODGERS

STUDENTS at the Anatol Rodgers High School won the annual Interschool Mathematics Competition.

Team members Trishell Ferguson, Jeremiah Forbes, Makayla Cunningham and Azaria Edgecombe led by coaches Gaynell Godet and Dwanesha Dean won with an impressive score of 43,042 points.

The team of four was followed by North Long Island High School with 42,913 points and Mary Patricia Russell Junior High School with 42,164 points.

Now in its 11th year, the math competition hosted by SC McPherson High School was again sponsored by Consolidated Water (Bahamas) Ltd (CWCO) and the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training.

The game-based learning platform Kahoot! was used to virtually gather junior mathematicians representing schools in Eleuthera, Long Island, New Providence and Grand Bahama, and test their arithmetic skills, speed and correctness.

school and in the wider community. I want them to grow to become real men and women of virtue that will make good choices and have a positive influence on others.” She added: “Social skills are necessary for today’s society. Academics will be built throughout life, but basic social skills such as manners, respect and consideration for others must also be learned as well.”

CWCO general manager Henderson Cash, described this competition’s theme, ‘Mathematics: Opening Minds, Training Thoughts and Creating Thinkers’ as “superbly fitting” because, “along with literacy, numeracy is an important area for academic success and life beyond the classroom.”

He noted that the scores achieved by the participating schools are a testament to the time, hard work and dedication that both students, coaches and teachers put in not only for the competition, but during the school year.

CWCO’s contribution to the competition ensured that organisers were able to adequately prepare and give prizes to each junior high schooler.

FROM left, a Ministry of Tourism representative, Kelvin Archer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper, Layla Leathen, Layla’s father Marvin Leathen, and another Ministry of Tourism representative.

STUDENTS at the closing ceremony of the LW Young Boys and Girls Empowerment Club. Photos: Deval Kirby

CENTREVILLE PRIMARY STUDENTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BLTA’S PLAY TENNIS BAHAMAS PROGRAMME

THE National Tennis Centre welcomed Centreville Primary as they participated in the Play Tennis Bahamas programme. Over the past four years, hundreds of children were introduced to tennis via this phenomenal programme which has no barriers to entry. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association provides this easy access to tennis with the use of its equipment and the assistance of its volunteer coaches.

Thanks to all, including the coordinators and volunteer coaches who made the BLTA Play Tennis Bahamas possible for the beautiful kids of Centreville. Thanks to Member of Parliament Jomo Campbell and the organisers from the Centreville community, including Samuel Saunders and Michelle Armbrister.

Coach Moss and Ms Higgs were also on hand from Centreville Primary.

President Perry Newton noted the BLTA is pleased to share tennis with this great group of children.

“The kids were enthusiastic and willing to learn the forehands and backhands.

“This opportunity to partner with the Centreville community is great. We encourage other communities to take advantage of the opportunity to reach the children,” he added. Persons interested in learning tennis can email pr@blta.net.

The impact of sports to this generation and the nation is very positive. Tennis will continue to be a viable pathway for the youth.

ABOVE AND TOP: Centreville Primary students enjoy the Play Tennis Bahamas programme at the National Tennis Centre.