05162023 NEWS AND SPORT

GIBSON FAILS IN LEGAL CHALLENGE

Judge rules MP can have fair trial after rejecting arguments

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court

judge dismissed Adrian Gibson’s application to stay his corruption trial yesterday, ruling his constitutional rights have not been infringed and that he can have a fair trial even if the Crown’s key witness gives testimony virtually.

Justice Cheryl GrantThompson said the MP’s

application is “misconceived and premature”.

“The application borders dangerously close to an abuse of the court’s process,” she added.

Her comments came after Gibson’s lawyer, Murrio Ducille, KC, filed a constitutional motion alleging Gibson’s ability to prepare his defence adequately has been prejudiced due to a lack of disclosure by the

OFFICER UNCERTAIN IF MORE THAN FOUR P OLICE SHOT AZARIO

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE officer who investigated Azario Major’s killing could not definitely say yesterday whether more than four officers fired their weapons, killing the 31-year-old.

Police said only Sergeant Rolle, Inspector Saunders,

Sergeant Sweeting and Sergeant Johnson fired their guns when Azario was killed outside Woody’s Bar on Fire Trail Road on December 26, 2021.

When surveillance footage of the shooting was displayed in the Coroner’s Court yesterday, David Cash, who represents

IS DNA LEADER KOMOLAFE SWITCHING TO FNM?

CENTRAL BANK WRITES OFF $9M AFTER NEW HQ CANCELLED

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE CENTRAL Bank yesterday revealed it has been forced to write-off almost $9m after the project to construct its new Royal Victoria Gardens headquarters was abandoned, with further impairment charges likely in 2023. The banking sector regulator, in the financial statements attached to its 2022 annual report, disclosed the immediate financial hit it has sustained as a result of cancelling a development where six years worth of work has gone to waste.

DAMES SAYS FNM DID NOT AWARD PRISON CONTRACT

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER National Security Minister Marvin Dames said the Minnis administration did not award a contract to Walker’s Industries for multi-million work on Bahamas Department of Corrections facilities.

“We were certainly in the preparation phase,” Mr Dames said yesterday, adding that the company had submitted a “very good proposal”. However, he said due diligence was required, following which a Cabinet paper would have been prepared and submitted for consideration.

LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson (right) seen speaking with the Free National Movement’s vice chairman Richard Johnson (left) outside court yesterday after his motion to have his ex-fiancee testify in person failed.

Sebas presents his credentials to Guatemalan officials

SEBASTIAN Bastian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Central America, presented his Copies d’Usage to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala, Mario Adolfo Búcaro Flores, on the sidelines of

the 9th Summit of Heads of State and/or Government of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) on Friday in Guatemala. He then presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Guatemala, Dr Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla.

SPORT S AND ENTERTAINMENT S TAR S JOIN IN AT D EREK J ETER I NVITATIONAL AT BAHA M AR

STARS from the worlds of sports and entertainment joined Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter at Baha Mar for an invitational golf event at the weekend.

The four-day event saw guests play on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course to support Mr Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, while there was also a concert by Busta Rhymes.

“After spending an unforgettable few days surrounded by our friends and supporters, I feel incredibly grateful for the continued generosity in support of Turn 2’s mission,” said Mr Jeter. “The funds contributed from this event enable us to build upon the Foundation’s programs that equip young people with the tools they need to create positive change, build confidence, achieve their goals, and ultimately leave their mark on the

world. I’d like to extend a special thank you to Busta Rhymes and D-Nice for providing our guests with amazing entertainment, and to Angie Martinez for graciously serving as our emcee. I’d also like to thank our partners at Baha Mar and Wagoneer for helping us to present this fantastic event.”

The Turn 2 Foundation also presented a $50,000 donation to the Baha Mar Resort Foundation. During Saturday’s gala event, Wagoneer presented The Turn 2 Foundation with a donation of $500,000.

Celebrities at the event incuded Tiki Barber, Derrick Brooks, Nate Burleson, Kevin Connolly, Victor Cruz, Kevin Dillon, D-Nice, Joey Fatone, Jerry Ferrara, Cliff Floyd, Ken Griffey Jr, Rob Gronkowski, Natalie Gulbis, Reggie Jackson, Andruw Jones, Angie

Martinez, Tino Martinez, Booger McFarland, Fred McGriff, Charles Oakley, Chandler Parsons, Jorge Posada, Rob Riggle, CC Sabathia, Ramon Sessions, JR Smith, Paige Spiranac, Michael Strahan, Tanyon Sturtze, Nick Swisher, Chris Tucker, Heidi Watney and Deron Williams. The Turn 2 Foundation has created programmes that seek to turn young people away from drugs and alcohol.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Sebastian Bastian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Central America met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala, Mario Adolfo Búcaro Flores while on the sidelines of the 9th Summit of Heads of State and/or Government of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) on Friday in Guatemala. Photos: BIS

DEREK JETER

D-Nice and Busta Rhymes entertain at the DJI Gala.

Photos: Jason Miczek/Turn 2 Foundation, Inc.

Gibson fails in legal challenge

Crown.

Mr Ducille also argued that his client’s right to a fair trial would be breached if Alexandria Mackey, the Crown’s key witness, gave testimony virtually.

He said her physical presence in court is vital since numerous exhibits pertain to her.

At the start of yesterday’s proceedings, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier told the court she arranged to have Mrs Mackey testify in person if needed, which she reiterated after Justice Grant-Thompson delivered her ruling.

Mrs Mackey claimed Mr Gibson had abused her. According to an affidavit, she indicated the quality of her testimony would be impaired if she testified in person because of Gibson’s presence.

Mrs Mackey, who no longer lives in The Bahamas, also said it would cause her “hardship” to return to the country because her application for permanent residency in the United States is pending.

In her ruling, Justice Grant-Thompson said there was no reason virtual testimony could not be allowed once the necessary facilities and resources were available.

She also found Mr Gibson’s claim of being unable to have a fair hearing due to the Crown’s

application for virtual testimony “premature” since she had not ruled on the matter until yesterday morning.

“The applicant never filed an affidavit in opposition of the video link application. Rather, the applicant invoked the constitution. Constitutional relief is a remedy of last resort. It should only be invoked where there is no other adequate remedy available. Notwithstanding that in the instant case, the applicant proceeded with an oral response to the application for live video link. The applicant did not await the court’s ruling before asserting that his rights have been infringed under the constitution,” she said.

“The respondents contend that the applicants’ request for the witness’ presence in court being vital to his case is unfounded. The video conferencing permits for the witness to be seen in real time and the jury will be able to assess her demeanour as well as she will be able to be examined and cross-examined by counsel. Due to the technological advances in the court room, the screen can be split in two which would allow the witness to be fully seen on one side and the documents used in evidence.”

Regarding disclosure, Justice Grant-Thompson said the Crown’s obligation to make full and proper disclosure does

not include details of “every twist and turn” of an investigation. “The court is of the view that these accused persons can be given a fair trial in this matter without being deprived of their constitutional rights or prejudiced in anyway. The defence is not entitled to the unused materials of the prosecution where they cannot properly assert why they

OFFICER UNCERTAIN IF

from page one

Azario’s family, noted that two other officers approached Azario’s vehicle with their firearms in a low-ready position.

When Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux asked the investigating officer, ASP Gilbert, whether one of those two officers discharged a firearm, ASP Gilbert said he did not receive a report that a fifth police firearm was fired.

ASP Gilbert testified that based on his investigation, Azario first approached Sergeant Sweeting.

He said when the officers approached Azario’s car, INSP Saunders was reportedly their leader.

ASP Gilbert said when he arrived at the scene, he saw Azario’s white Hyundai Elantra facing west with its headlights and

stereo on. He said he also saw Azario in black pants and a black shirt lying face down on the road with his right foot hanging out of the driver’s side.

He said he interviewed each officer individually. He identified those officers in the courtroom.

He said on January 14, 2022, he tried to get a statement from Shantell Barr, a patron at the bar at the time of the incident, but the woman refused to cooperate because she did not want to be involved.

He claimed that when he asked her about Azario’s behaviour before the shooting, she said he “came there causing an issue”.

She reportedly told him she did not witness the shooting firsthand because she sought refuge after hearing gunshots.

ASP Gilbert said he saw a gun in Azario’s car.

IS DNA LEADER KOMOLAFE SWITCHING TO FNM?

Corporation.

need it or why not having it would result in prejudice to their client. They have not proved so here. The defence must in fact establish why the material they seek might be useful to them.”

Justice Grant-Thompson said all of Mr Gibson’s issues could have been addressed in other ways. She also asked defence counsel if they objected to

her empaneling the jury on Thursday. Mr Ducille indeed objected to this, saying he would appeal her ruling.

He also said he would request a stay of proceedings until the Court of Appeal hears the matter.

Mr Gibson is facing corruption charges in connection with his tenure as executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage

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

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

Missick.

JUSTICE Cheryl Grant-Thompson said the application is “misconceived and premature. The application borders dangerously close to an abuse of the court’s process,” as she dismissed Long Island MP Adrian Gibson’s application to have his ex-fiancee appear in person for the corruption trial. Gibson (centre) is seen here leaving court yesterday accompanied by FNM vice chairman Richard Johnson (left) and his lawyer Murrio Ducille (behind, right).

Photo: Moise Amisial

FRE DE RICK MAJOR, father of Azario Major, makes his way yesterday to the coroner’s inquest hearing in the police-involved shooting of his son Azario Major.

Photo: Austin Fernander

DNA leader Arinthia Komolafe seen embracing FNM leader Michael Pintard at a Free National Movement meeting at Doris Johnson Senior High school last night.

DNA leader Arinthia Komolafe seen speaking with FNM senatorMaxine Duncombe at the FNM meeting last night.

Dames says FNM did not award prison contract

“It happens from time to time where companies would submit proposals for consideration from government,” he said. “We hadn’t made it to the Cabinet phase.”

Mr Munroe told The Tribune on Sunday that he “met Walker’s engaged” to work on the correctional facilities, the cost of which now exceeds $40m. Yesterday, when asked about Mr Dames’ comments, he clarified that the Ministry of National Security under the Minnis administration had “identified” Walker’s Industries to do the work but did not execute a contract with the company.

“I met Walker’s and SteelCell in place,” he said. “I sent somebody to investigate SteelCell’s factory. When they came back and said they were capable of doing what they said they were doing, and Walker’s does the cabling and the rest of that, the matter proceeded. So we didn’t reject the persons that they had identified.”

SteelCell is a US-based company that will build prefabricated cells for correctional facilities.

“I’m not sure that Walker’s has signed a contract even now,” Mr Munroe said. “The process takes time so once they get their financing done, they’ll settle and sign a contract. The matter has gone to Cabinet. Where we met the

matter is they had identified the vendor.”

Scrutiny of the contract award came after Free National Movement parliamentarians Michael Pintard and Kwasi Thompson said the Davis administration should explain whether the project was open to bids under the Public Procurement Act.

On Sunday, Mr Munroe said that the law exempts the Ministry of National Security from requirements.

The 2021 procurement law specifies what should happen when the Ministry of National Security is exempted from its requirements.

“Where the minister

responsible for national security or defence, with the approval of the Cabinet, determines that a procurement related to national defence or national security requires the application of special measures, the provisions of this Act may be modified or suspended,” the 2021 law says. “The minister

responsible for national security or defence shall report the application of the special measures and the suspension of the provisions of the act pursuant to subsection (3) to the chief procurement officer who shall forward this information to the financial secretary for inclusion in the annual report.”

Last week, when asked about the contract award process, Financial Secretary Simon Wilson directed The Tribune to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of National Security. The permanent secretary, Cheryl Darville, later directed The Tribune back to Mr Wilson.

MITCHELL SAYS PL P AND FNM NEED TO BE DISCIPLINED IN RESP ONSE TO CORONATION ATTENDANCE QUESTIONS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs Min-

ister Fred Mitchell said the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement should show message discipline over matters like the cost and significance of the trip government officials took to the United Kingdom for the coronation of King Charles III.

His comment in a voice note came after FNM leader Michael Pintard

urged the government to detail the trip’s costs after attending the coronation service and other events in the UK.

Asked last week about the costs associated with the trip, Mr Mitchell told The Tribune : “I do not ever comment on these matters.”

He said in a widely circulated voice note yesterday: “The leader of the opposition Michael Pintard told the press that he wants a full accounting of the trip to see the king. This is the same trip in

which he was pictured in a full-tailored suit going to see the king. I was telling him the other night at the reception for The Bahamas Striping Group, and congratulations to them on their anniversary, that if he had bought that suit that he was posing in when he went to see the king at public expense, that that was at least £1,000. “

“But the more serious point is a message to both sides about message discipline. Both the leader of the opposition and the Prime Minister

Funeral Service for Mrs. Anna Ngan Yee Wong, 76

were in London performing serious constitutional functions and we trivialise a serious purpose when you start picking apart on this or that matter as if the purpose and intent were not serious in London.”

of Yamacraw Hill Road, Nassau, The Bahamas who died at her residence, on Friday, 12th May, 2023, will be held at Centreville Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Fifth Terrace Centreville, Nassau, on Thursday, 18th May, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Michael Toote will officiate and interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, Gladstone Road and John F. Kennedy Drive, Nassau.

She is survived by her husband, Cheod Pen Brian Wong; sons, Deron, Chico and Garnet; grandsons, Alphonso, Kenrick, Cameron, Michael and Anthony; granddaughters, Brianna, Summer, Rachel, Nicole and Katherine; brothers, Shu Man, Tat Man and Sun Man; sister, Dip Yee; daughters-in-law, Angel, Milly and Li; brothers-in-law, James and Kan; sisters-in-law, Mae Keen, Suet Keen, Edith, Miah Ying, Yim Font, Yuk King and Jenny; and many other relatives and friends including, Susan, George, Kwok Lueng, Kwok Wai, Yuen Ling, Sing, Lindsay, Ana, Glenn, Jorge, Mabel, Carlos, Carol, Maggie, Annie, Johnny, Flora, Audie, Vivian, Cyrus, Yuko. Alistair, Benign, Betty, John Bee, Barry, Grace, Les, Stephanie, Timothy, Robbie, Debbie, Danny, Matthew, Nicholas, Jeffrey, Manli, Jason, Tom, Cindy, Richard, Eric, Sarah, Marvin, Angela, Chris, Jaden, Makenzie, Rowan, Anise, Howard, Austin, Brandon, Lawrence and family.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at The Chapel Of Love, Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited, 19 Palmdale Avenue, Nassau on Wednesday, 17th May, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and at the Church on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to service time.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

“There’s always a public reckoning in any government expenditure but you can be sure from the opposition side that this is not driven by that but by the fact that Hubert Minnis, the former Prime Minister, in a jealous rage has

tried to by the backdoor attack and rear guard Mr Pintard cuz he’s trying to get his job.

“So Mr Pintard, his response has to be to now make it look like the PLP did something wrong by taking him and others to London. The PLP and the FNM ought to ensure that there is respect for the serious purpose of the trip and exercise message discipline. Sometimes, silence is golden.

“Certainly, public

officials should understand how injurious it may look to post on Facebook and Instagram features which portray a personal joy ride when both the leader of the opposition and the Prime Minister were on a serious mission. Certainly, the propensity when people in political parties don’t get their way to seek to injure their own by friendly fire is not a good example of ethical behaviour.”

POLICE INVESTIGATE DROWNING DEATH O F M AN IN N ORTH B I M INI

Police are investigating the drowning death of a 41-year-old Freeport man.

Shortly after 8am on Saturday, police received reports that a crew

The victim was retrieved from the water and transported to the Alice Town Police Station, where he was seen and examined by a doctor, who pronounced him dead. To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

member on a fishing vessel was missing. Hours later, the man was found in waters near the Government Dock in North Bimini and appeared to be lifeless.

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement should show message discipline over matters like the cost and significance of the trip government officials took to the United Kingdom for the coronation of King Charles III.

FORMER National Security Minister Marvin Dames said the Minnis administration did not award a contract to Walker’s Industries for multi-million work on Bahamas Department of Corrections facilities.

As storm season returns, so do Abaco memories of Hurricane Dorian

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS of Abaco are wasting no time preparing for the hurricane season as the memories of Hurricane Dorian’s horror still linger.

Last week, Bahamas Department of Meteorology Acting Director Jeffrey Simmons advised Bahamians to prepare for the hurricane season, noting forecasters predicted 13 named storms for the year.

“This year for 2023, the prediction is now out for 13 named storms, six of them to become hurricanes and two of them to become major hurricanes, category 3 and above,” Mr Simmons said at an Office of the Prime Minister press conference.

looked at the generator there and he would have put together a service list for the generator.”

Mr Edgecombe said preparations are “well underway” at this moment. He noted officials do not want to wait until the last minute to ensure emergency supplies, shelters, and operations are in place.

Abaco was ravaged when Hurricane Dorian struck the island on September 1, 2019.

even prepared, the promised shelter is not even out of the ground.’

North Abaco Chief Councillor D’Angelo Edgecombe told The Tribune work had already started on one of the island’s hurricane shelters.

“Last week I had a mechanic come to Coopers Town’s hurricane shelter,” he said. “He would have

Mr Edgecombe said the trauma of Dorian is still challenging for many residents.

Some Abaconians have decided to leave the island temporally if a major Hurricane was forecast to hit Abaco.

“I’ve spoken with a few people and in the event after monitoring the hurricane if it was to come, they probably will make the decision to leave the island rather than stay this time,” he said.

The chief councillor said homeowners have started putting up their hurricane shutters while others have stocked up on food, gas,

and other items.

Another resident, Drexel Bootle, said his house was destroyed by the massive surges of Dorian, with water rising to the ceiling.

“We had to get the house and start from scratch only the frame was here. Thank God I had a little 50 percent insurance,” he said.

Mr Bootle has been able to rebuild the majority of his home.

During the reconstruction of his house, he made hurricane safety adjustments.

“When we started the repairs, everything I did. I was doing well, if a hurricane happens again this is what I’m going to do,” he said.

Meanwhile, Crystal Williams said the high cost of living has made it difficult for residents to adequately prepare for hurricane season.

Ms Williams said: “Persons are strained by the uncontrollable high prices of food, gas, and everyday essential items. The government isn’t even prepared, the promised shelter is not even out of the ground. So, I’m sure that persons will take needed measures to protect their estates and well being.”

TEAMING UP TO TACKLE LUPUS

ON FRIDAY, more than 70 participants gathered at Goodman’s Bay to take part in the 5th annual Pop Up Fun Run Walk, held in honour of Crystal Stubbs who passed away from Lupus in 2016.

Shonalee Johnson, vice president of Lupus242, thanked Commonwealth Brewery Ltd (CBL) for partnering with the organisation.

She said: “We’re happy to have support from companies like Commonwealth Brewery because it ensures that we can raise the level of awareness on Lupus in

the general public each time we host an event.

“This is our 5th time having a Fun Run Walk and this is by far the largest one that we have hosted thus far.”

CBL supported the organisation by providing Vitamalt and non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0 for attendees at the completion of their walk.

Kendria Ferguson, corporate relations and sustainability manager at CBL, said: “The pandemic highlighted the need for Bahamians to be more aware of their

personal health and take time to ensure they are eating healthy and staying active. As a nation, we don’t talk enough about the issues our people are facing and the preventive measures or early warning signs we should pay attention to.

“As a corporate citizen, CBL believes it is important to equip persons with all the necessary information needed to make sound decisions about their personal health and well-being.

“Our support of Lupus242 ensures that the conversation continues at a national level.”

‘The government isn’t

SCENES of devastation in Abaco after Hurricane Dorian.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr

PARTICIPANTS in the Fun Run Walk stretching to get their muscles in shape.

The Tribune Limited

If trip was worth it, tell us the cost

HOW is your money being spent?

After all, money spent by the government is from the public purse – that’s the purse you put money into.

Well, never you mind if you want to know what’s being done with it, it seems.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell is not a man for telling the people how their money is being spent, it seems. When The Tribune dared to ask him last week about how much the trip to the coronation of King Charles III cost the country, he replied: “I do not ever comment on these matters.”

And yet, he appeared full of comment in a voice note on these matters.

He said that the trip involved “serious constitutional functions” and added that “we trivialise a serious purpose when you start picking apart on this or that matter as if the purpose and intent were not serious in London”.

No one said the trip was not serious – we just wanted to know how much it cost. We cannot know if we are getting value for money if we do not know how much money is involved.

Mr Mitchell also embroiled the leader of the Opposition in matters for, again, daring to raise the subject.

Michael Pintard was on board the plane that went to London and Mr Mitchell took him to task for wanting a full accounting of the cost of the trip. He said: “This is the same trip in which he [Pintard] was pictured in a full-tailored suit to see the king … if he had bought that suit that he was posing in when he went to see the king at public expense, that … was at least £1,000.”

Mr Mitchell called – and we are not sure if this is in his capacity as minister or PLP chairman – for both the PLP and the FNM to “exercise message

discipline”, adding: “Sometimes, silence is golden.”

He also warned “how injurious it may look” to post on social media “features which portray a personal joy ride”. Who is he warning and who would be posting such features? Is that a warning to the leader of the Opposition?

Our country is part of the Commonwealth and has a Governor General as representative of the King in The Bahamas. Of course we were going to send a delegation – but the price tag should not be a secret.

Today, there is a training session being held for officers on the Freedom of Information Act – it certainly seems we are a long way from the idea of information being freely available if we cannot simply find out our leaders’ travel costs. Whether that total is good value or not is up to them to then justify. It might be perfectly reasonable. It might be living like an emperor on the public dollar. We don’t know, and some choose not to say.

This comes as questions swirl about the doubling in cost of the new prison plan and exactly how that contract process was decided – and over at the Central Bank, the bank is having to write off $9m of its funds after the decision to scrap the planned new headquarters. Those are bank funds rather than tax money – but what a waste.

One of the mistakes of the last PLP administration was that it failed to provide accountability and lost the public trust. That led to them being voted out in a landslide.

High-handedly dismissing calls to account for the cost of trips is one way to go about repeating the same errors –and shows any talk about transparency is just that. Talk.

Did police return FTX tablets?

EDITOR, The Tribune

I HAVE read where The Bahamas Police have launched an investigation into FTX. Do you know if they have returned those donated tablets that they have received from the company in question a couple

to its glory

EDITOR, The Tribune

I AM writing to you for your written support.

some time ago?

I think that Mrs Gibson-Bowleg was the kind FTX rep who made the presentation on behalf her company.

DENNIS DAMES Nassau, November 14, 2022.

The Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club Co. Ltd. seeks to fully restore the Paradise “Hog” Island Light Station to its full 1817 glory; at no charge to the public, while the land and structure will remain the property of the Bahamian people.

The restoration, operation and maintenance of the project will be sustainably funded with a revenue stream from the Lighthouse’s historical and cultural experience and the Beach Club. Our target market is local and international historical and cultural tourism. This shall be a low impact, sustainable venture that already has the full written support of all the largest Bahamian environmental groups, reputable Bahamian funding and has to be “best for The Bahamas and Bahamians “at large to offer a world class destination”: something the proximity of Nassau desperately needs.

Bahamians are crying out for greater beach access, greater Crown Land access, employment and ownership opportunity and our project brings successful solutions to all of the above. This is the last remaining Crown Land on Paradise Island and most Bahamians haven’t even laid their eyes on it: we want to welcome and embrace the local market.

All investors and shareholders are Bahamian and there is no foreign ownership. We seek to keep the imported tourist and local dollars within The Bahamas and circulating, many times, throughout our

economy: with solely Bahamian wholesalers, retailers, farmers, banks, investment firms, beverage producers, etc.

We have worked very hard, tirelessly, relentlessly, asking, begging, pleading and taking the government to court simply to bring this all Bahamian project to fruition. How far must we go? How long must we wait?

We have had to take the government to court simply to protect our many hundreds of thousands of dollars already invested.

Since 2012, we have worked this as a full time job. I have sacrificed family time, vacation, business development time: time that could have been spent invested in providing jobs and opportunity elsewhere?

I am a single parent. I have taught my kid to never give up and I stand by my pledge.

I am a Dad that has raised his kid; now having successfully completed her O’levels, A’Levels and her second year of Law School in England to become a barrister. I am proud of being a Father, nurtured by daughter and always demonstrated to her that I take the moral highroad. I have done my best and worked hard for everything that I have as a successful businessman, having left home at nineteen years old with nothing. I give back and support the less fortunate, quietly and with humility and kindness.

I have built a career as a self taught mechanic, fisherman, captain, pilot, hedge fund manager, investment

manager, managing director and then successfully incubated and launched several all Bahamian businesses proudly with all Bahamian teams. This is no exception. I could have already proven our concept, paid off all debt, operated a cash flow positive enterprise and expanded with where the demand takes us, within the same land footprint; all while waiting eleven years simply because we have been held back. Are we not encouraged to have ambition?

I am not deterred. The Hon Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister both have told me that they support me and I believe that they spoke from their heart and that it is the right thing to do. The solution is simple: the Minister responsible for Crown Land needs to honour our lease and we have all the resources needed to begin immediately.

What do Bahamians need to do to be heard and allowed to proceed?

I write to you humbly and with respect with the hope that this connects and resonates with your heart; that this truly is the right thing to do. I ask that you please write a support letter to me so that it can be complied with others and hand delivered to the Prime Minister.

Thank you, I truly appreciate you and my wish is that you support me and the Prime Minister follows through in letting us proceed.

CAPT. TOBY CS

SMITH President, Paradise Island Lighthouse and Beach Club Co Ltd, Nassau, May 15, 2023.

ADRIAN GIBSON MP, flanked by his lawyer Murrio Ducille, left, and FNM vice chairman Richard Johnson leaving court yesterday after his latest appearance.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine holds white coat ceremony for 25 students

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

WESTERN Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) held its fifth white coat ceremony for 25 new students, including three Bahamians, on Saturday at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

The school, which has a total of 116 medical students and has invested $45m to date at its campus in Freeport, expects total investment to be between $200m and $250m when complete, according to a WAUSM official.

Dr Paula Wales, founding executive dean, and chief academic officer, told The Tribune the number of Bahamian students has grown.

She said: “We have nine Bahamian students across the first five semesters, and we hope to have many more,” she said. “It is a very exciting time for us; they’re all doing well, and it’s great because the Freeport community has just welcomed us with open arms.

“So, it is a wonderful partnership with the community; we are thrilled to have Bahamian students with us.”

Dr Wales said the 2023 class is 58 percent women, and 42 percent men, aged from 22 to 41. She said 12 of the students hail from groups considered

underrepresented in medicine, and class members come from The Bahamas, Canada and the US.

In April 2021, the school had projected an enrolment of 200 students by September 2022.

The Tribune attempted to contact media spokesperson Rebekah Herbison, director of communications at WAUSM, about the reason for the shortfall, however, she could not be reached up to press time.

Bill Colgan, chairman of the board, said WAUSM is embarking on phase two of construction which will double its size by September next year.

“We have approximately 42,000 sq ft of space currently built and phase two will more than double our size. It will be just under 50,000 sq ft in phase two, and we anticipate that we should have construction completed by September 2024,” he said.

“So, today we have invested $45m in GBI, and I think when we are fully built out, we would have a total investment that would be somewhere between $200m and 250m,” he said.

Mr Colgan said they are happy to be a part of the community.

“I just can’t say enough about how welcoming GB has been to us coming in Freeport, and we had an

unbelievable experience. We can not be any more certain we made the right decision to come GB to start this school here,” he said.

Ann Marie Davis, Spouse of the Prime Minister, believes WAUSM is good for Grand Bahama.

During her welcome remarks, she shared news of the upcoming groundbreaking for a new hospital in Grand Bahama today.

“It is expected that, at some point in the future, this new facility will not only be a teaching hospital like Princess Margaret Hospital in

New Providence, but it will facilitate medical research,” she said. She said the partnership has mutually beneficial potential to be the catalyst for growth in the GB economy.

She congratulated the medical students for taking on such a “weighty responsibility”,

and urged them to uphold the Hippocratic oath to preserve, protect, and prolong the sanctity of human life when and where possible. Dr Aubynette Rolle, managing director of the Public Hospitals Authority, was also in attendance and delivered the keynote address.

POLICE WARN OF SPIKE IN SEXUAL ASSAULTS MAN ON BAIL FOR MURDER CHARGE ACCUSED OF ANOTHER MURDER

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A SPIKE in reported sexual assaults, including two women being sexually assaulted in their own home yesterday, drew a warning from police: be vigilant, especially in southwestern New Providence around the Bacardi Road area.

Police advised residents in southwestern New Providence not to walk or jog alone or accept deliveries from Uber or taxi cab drivers in isolation.

Additionally, homeowners living alone are also encouraged to ensure their homes are properly secured.

This latest warning comes hours after police

reported that two women, ages 35 and 37, were sexually assaulted and robbed in the Chippingham area early Monday morning.

Police say the women were at their apartment sleeping when two men entered through the window of their building.

One of the men was armed and robbed the women of an undisclosed amount of cash. After this, police said: “Both suspects sexually assaulted the victims before leaving the apartment in one of the victim’s red Nissan Note L/P #AV3189.”

The incident follows an alleged sexual assault of a 38-year-old woman over the weekend.

Police say the woman was walking in the area of

Bacardi Road when a man allegedly approached her, forced her into his vehicle and robbed her of her cash.

After driving her to nearby bushes, he allegedly sexually assaulted her before fleeing.

Yesterday, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe called the increase in reported sexual assaults “troubling.”

“It’s disturbing when you look at the nature of the offending,” he said. “To be clear, do you see the reports? There’s no reason with a man to have sex with women against her will in the context of The Bahamas where you have a lot of willing partners out there.”

“Rape is an offence of violence. It has nothing to do with sex. It has to do with violence and so, yes, it’s troubling to see the amount. The only thing that may give some comfort is if the increase is driven by the fact that we’re able to get more people to report because if you can’t report it, then people can’t be held accountable and then they will still be out there doing what they’re doing to maybe young children and other people.”

Last year, The Bahamas recorded 55 rape cases, a 15 per cent increase over 2021.

Police said yesterday they have increased saturation patrols and intelligence gathering to identify suspects to reduce incidents of sexual assault.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail was charged with murder yesterday for allegedly killing a man last month near Montgomery Avenue. Treyvar Taylor, 22, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on charges of murder and attempted murder.

It is alleged that on April 25, while in the area of Bahamas Blvd in a silver coloured Japanese vehicle, Taylor opened fire on a white Nissan Cube. While the driver in that vehicle, Deon Exelant, evaded

assailants, he lost control of the vehicle on Montgomery Avenue and had to escape on foot. Police later found his passenger, Pedreito Mejias Jr, dead in the vehicle.

The deceased was on release for a pending murder charge and was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of his death.

The chief magistrate informed Taylor that his matter would go to the Supreme Court by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI). He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His VBI is slated for service on August 30.

STANDING far left is Bahamian Percell Collie, of Abaco, is seen taking the Hippocratic Oath with other students of the Class of 2023 during the WAUSM White Coat ceremony on Satuarday in GB. Bahamian Rodney Rolle (not seen) also received his white coat.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

THE Class of 2023 are seen with Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister; Dr Aubynette Rolle, managing director of the PHA; and faculty members during the 5th White Coat ceremony held by the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine on Saturday at the Grand Lucaya Resort on Grand Bahama

BAHAMIAN Krystal Thompson is seen being donned with her white coast by a faculty at WAUSM.

ANN MARIE DAVIS, Spouse of the Prime Minister, brought welcome remarks at the ceremony on Saturday.

FROM left Dr Paula Wales, Founding Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer at WAUSM, Mrs Davis Dr Aubynette Rolle, managing director of the Public Hospitals Authority

Holland Martin: Island boy bringing purpose and passion back home

WHEN Holland Martin stood on the medal podium sporting his Bahamian flag and singing the national anthem with pride, he wasn’t only thinking about making his country proud. He was also thinking about his hometown - Fresh Creek, Central Andros. He knew what a privilege it was to be able to travel the world and represent his country, especially when scores of talented youngsters growing up all across the Family Islands never get the chance.

Recently, Holland decided to do something about it. He knows that if more people invest in young Bahamians, then more prodigies and super-talented young people would rise up and become successful.

Holland is a professional athlete in track and field, specialising in the long jump and the triple jump. He has numerous accolades and the list is growing. He is a national champion, and is a four-time CARIFTA team member.

He holds gold medals including the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) triple jump indoor and outdoor gold medals. He also claimed the silver in the long jump from the NJCAA. Holland is a four-time NJCAA AllAmerican star athlete.

Holland also represented The Bahamas at the Pan American Games, where he earned a bronze in the long jump. The National Champion and national High School

Long Jump record holder went on to represent the country as a World Under 20 team member. In the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) he is a silver medalist in the U23 4x100 meter sprint race.

The young Holland has a path to success that continues on, as he persevered to perfect his craft. But while at home in The Bahamas, he made a pointed decision to give back to the community that nurtured him into the man he is today.

“Coming from humble beginnings, I grew up on the island of Andros, using my talent in the sport of track and field to gain worldwide exposure,” Holland said.

“Growing up, I played almost every sport there is. However, track and field was the first sport I loved unconditionally. It was in the year 2013 that I started to take things more seriously. I turned all my focus to this sport, knowing that the following year, I would be graduating with no idea what I wanted to do afterwards. Fast forward to 2014, still living on the island of Andros, I made my first Bahamian national team at the age of 16. I did that with just one year of consistency.

I would say that was my breakthrough year... and the rest was history.”

Holland was offered full scholarships to attend

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

private high schools throughout The Bahamas. He decided to attend Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Freeport, Grand Bahama to further his career. His mother was an unwavering support, boosting his ability to achieve greatness. In later years, his coach, who is a father figure to him, would also be instrumental in motivating him to higher heights.

“Upon graduating, I was offered numerous collegiate scholarships,” Holland shared.

“I went on to attend South Plain Junior College in Texas and dominated at the collegiate level. I returned home in 2019 and continued my professional career in track and field. Fast forward a year later, and 2020 was one of, if not the best year of my athletic career. I achieved a mark of 8.15m/26.9ft leap in the long jump, making me the 55th out of 1000 long jumpers worldwide that year, that jump was also only 7cm shy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifying mark.”

As he continues to reach high to achieve his goals, Holland is not moving ahead alone. He plans to bring up as many young people in Fresh Creek and throughout Andros Island in order to create more opportunities for them to excel as well. He recently held a track camp in Fresh Creek, passing on the skills and the motivation that helped him to reach far beyond the borders of the sleepy town with picturesque views he calls home.

“I was raised in Andros practically my entire life,” Holland said.

“I can say with certainty that growing up in Andros when I was a child was so much different than it is nowadays.

Children were more interested in sports back then, compared to now. I recently decided to move back home and while being home for a few months, I’ve noticed how much our youths are lacking leadership. All they need is someone who will give them the opportunity that I had as a child. So, I’m taking the opportunity to do so myself.”

“I have the experience of what it takes to start as a little child just enjoying playing in the yard and running around, to transform into a professional athlete. I understand the ins and outs of what it takes to get to the next level. I’ve represented The Bahamas numerous times on many different levels. It has allowed me to see and experience the opportunities that come with sports, specifically track and field. I want to

use my knowledge and talents to help the youths of Andros. Whether you’re from North, Central or South, let’s help wake up the giant that’s been sleeping for so long!”

That kind of passion is exactly what the Family Islands need to succeed. If more children are given opportunities for their talents to shine, more of them would be able to come back home and make investments that would benefit their community.

Sadly, the sleeping giant has towns that have been abandoned, and others that are on the verge of extinction. Areas where entire communities once thrived, are now patches of abandoned homes covered in bush. Abandoned schools and clinics can be seen in areas where a bustling village has been decimated to an area with just a few homes. Matters have been made worse in recent times. The sole ATM Banking machine that services North and Central Andros has repeatedly gone down for the past few months. During the Easter period, the machine was down for about a month. Currently, weeks have passed without residents being able to access cash. From time to time, some of the stores will swipe debit cards and offer cash back, but the fees are high.

It’s even worse for people in Central Andros, in areas such as Fresh Creek, as residents would have to drive over an hour to get to North Andros - not to mention the big gas bill incurred along the way.

With less and less cash circulating in Andros, businesses are being affected, and so are people’s livelihoods. Many parents have complained in the past few weeks that although you can use your card at certain stores to purchase goods, there is a minimum spending requirement of $25. To make matters worse, their children have not been able to get lunch money to go to school.

If people with passion and purpose like Holland are to make a difference to the Family Islands that matter to them, issues like these must be immediately rectified. Meanwhile, it is hoped that the work he is doing for young Androsians today, will bode well for their future and the future of track and field in The Bahamas. For Androsians interested in Holland’s programme, send an email to hollandmartin@gmail.com.

HOLLAND Martin sports the Bahamian flag with pride wherever he competes.

HOLLAND in Fresh Creek, training an aspiring long jumper

YOUNGSTERS in Andros participate in Holland’s Track and Field Camp

HOLLAND trains youngsters at the park in Fresh Creek, showing signs of neglect, which is common in parks throughout The Bahamas

HOLLAND MARTIN

HOLLAND won silver in the 4x100 meter sprint race at NACAC

Turkey’s identity at stake as the country faces a possible presidential run-off

TO MANY people, Turkey is something of an unknown quantity. But it is in the news at present because of last Sunday’s parliamentary and presidential elections. These are said to be the most pivotal polls in the nation’s history and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s toughest challenge since he first came to power in 2003.

At the time of writing, with over 90 per cent of the votes counted, the election remains indecisive as neither party reached the required threshold of 50 per cent of the votes, though Erdogan is in a narrow lead with 49.5 per cent against the opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s 44.89 per cent. There will, therefore, be a run-off within two weeks, and the received wisdom seems to be that another such election may be trickier for the opposition than for Erdogan.

By way of background, Turkey is famous for the historical and modern delights of Istanbul, formerly the great city of Constantinople, which is now the most heavily populated city in Europe with some 16 million inhabitants. This metropolis, which is renowned for its Blue Mosque amongst so many prominent features, also has one of the

The Peter Young column

world’s largest covered markets, and it is claimed to be as captivating a city as Rome or Athens. What is more, some people enjoy Turkey as a country for cheaper Mediterranean holidays and crave its delicious candy called Turkish delight – and others used to watch enthusiastically Istanbul’s football team called Galatasaray when it was prominent in European competitions.

On a more serious note, Turkey is also well known as an earthquake zone and for possessing a strong military that is the second largest in NATO of which Turkey is a member.

Currently, the country is suffering severe economic difficulties - with soaring inflation as Erdogan refuses to raise interest rateswhile also reeling from two serious earthquakes as recently as February.

More broadly, because of its geographical position straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, historically the country has been a crossroads between East and West and a blend of the two, playing an important role as a land bridge between continents, including being a major hub on the Silk Road trade route from east to west which historians say was well travelled for some 1,400 years. Its unique location has given it influence both within the region and more widely in the world. Furthermore, President Erdogan, who has led the country - initially as prime minister - for nearly two decades, is a familiar figure internationally and helps to give this nation of 85 million people a welldeserved identity on the world stage, reflecting also its strategic importance as a NATO member.

It is said that, under the regime of political strongman Erdogan, Turkey has become more illiberal and authoritarian. While professing support for

democracy, he has sought to control his critics and restrict press freedom; and he dramatically increased his powers after putting down a military coup in 2017. The experts consider that he now adheres less to Western ideological and political values while embracing militant Islamism as a framework to make Turkish society, politics and cultural identity more in line with a conservative view of what it means to be Turkish. At the same time, he advocates a socalled multilateral stance which includes close ties with Russia and China and an offer to mediate in the Ukraine war.

Some commentators judge that Erdogan has sought to reassert what he sees as Turkey’s national interest; namely, to exercise power and influence while also pursuing in the longer term a form of great power status. To many, this latter ambition looks to be unrealistic, but there is no denying that Turkey is influential, mainly because of its geographical position.

A brief look at the nation’s history shows that, following the fall of the Ottoman Empire after the defeat of Turkish forces in the First World War, a new leader, Kemal Ataturk, succeeded in creating

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST – A TASTE OF UKRAINE IN HEART OF MERSEYSIDE

THE SUPERLATIVES have been flowing like an unstoppable torrent – a wonderful, amazing, fantastic, unbelievable and mind-blowing show and extravaganza; and these sentiments were expressed not only in the emotion of Saturday’s spectacular finals but in the cold light of the following day with some people saying in the UK press that this was perhaps the best ever night for the Eurovision Song Contest in its 67-year existence.

For sure, with the emphasis on youth this was a night of joy and exuberance – though, doubtless, the performers from some of the 26 countries participating in the finals who fared less well in the scoring at the end will have been somewhat less enthusiastic.

It was a statement of unity and goodwill in front of a live audience of some 6,000 ticket holders inside the large arena and tens of thousands watching on big screens across the UK. There was also a global TV audience estimated to be 180 million. The evening was hosted by Liverpool, one of Britain’s greatest cities, which, with its famous cultural and musical background including being home to the Beatles, provided an appropriate backdrop to create the perfect venue.

Of course, as everyone knew, Ukraine won the event in 2022 and was therefore due to host the contest this year. But it was unable to do so because

of the war. So Liverpool stepped in on Ukraine’s behalf and did it superbly well while receiving much praise for the way it helped out this beleaguered country so willingly and so effectively.

Reportedly, the excitement and energy of staging this Eurovision event have shaken - in a positive manner - and stimulated the whole city while also, of course, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. The city and the region are now home to a large number of Ukrainian refugees so Liverpool’s efforts were even more appropriate and watchers were treated to TV coverage of the activities of the

new Ukrainian local community for whom this was a big week.

For those interested in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, it is organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union and dates back to 1956. Those in the know say that in the early years performances varied from the good to the mediocre. But the event gradually became popular as it changed and developed into today’s entertainment extravaganza with the incredible back-up for the singers of separate dancers and new production devices including the sophisticated lighting and sound effects that it now enjoys.

a new westernized, secular and industrial republic. He was regarded as a visionary statesman and to be modern Turkey’s founding father who prepared the nation for the challenges of the 20th century. Adopting a cautious foreign policy, Turkey remained neutral in the Second World War. By its end in 1945, the US, which saw the country as a key bulwark in limiting the then Soviet Union’s access to the Mediterranean, ensured that it would not be absorbed into Moscow’s hostile orbit while the Turks themselves were wary of being encircled by the Red Army, and, along with Greece, joined NATO in 1952. This formalized its alignment with liberal capitalist democracies which regarded Turkey as an important anchor to check Soviet influence in the region.

At the current elections, Erdogan has been faced by the combined forces of six opposition parties who picked Kilicdaroglu as their unity candidate. The opinion polls showed that the race would be tight, and that turned out to be the case. Erdogan was vulnerable mainly because of the poor state of the economy but also as a result of his government’s widely criticized handling of the search

and rescue efforts after the February earthquakes and its earlier failure to enforce building codes.

The opposition Nation Alliance led by Kilicdaroglu made it clear it wanted to restore Turkey’s parliamentary system and reform the presidency. In addition, it promised to kick-start the country’s decades-long bid to join the European Union and restore “mutual trust” with the US after years of fractious relations under Erdogan. Kilicdaroglu also said he would prioritize relations with the West more generally while also continuing to maintain regular discussions with the Kremlin.

So, the outcome of last week’s election could still be a major turning point in Turkey’s history. The two rivals offered dramatically different paths going forward – either more of the same in consolidation of existing authoritarian powers in support of Turkey’s identity but also, partially, a multilateral approach internationally or widespread domestic reform and bringing this NATO state back to a more pro-Western and democratic stance. All eyes will surely be on the run-off election on May 28 – the result of which both sides have said they will respect.

BENIN BRONZES SET TO BE RETURNED TO NIGERIA

The 37 original participants were whittled down to 26 in the finals by competition earlier in the week. The scoring by national juries in each capital - followed, for the first time, by public voting mainly online - produced massive drama. Unfortunately for the UK, its entry came second to last despite being, in the view of many before the night itself, a good song well delivered by singer Mae Muller. But the voters obviously did not agree.

Eventually, Sweden emerged as the winner, narrowly beating Finland, with singer Loreen’s performance gaining the most votes. She thus made history as the first woman to have won the competition twice. Sweden will host the song contest next year which happens to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Swedish group ABBA’s victory in 1974 with their hit “Waterloo”. Some critics say that this year the voting was “fixed” in order to fit in with this. Be that as it may, fans like me who have enjoyed much of the group’s subsequent work will look forward with relish to that anniversary.

So there seems to be almost universal agreement that Saturday’s finals in Liverpool produced a wonderful evening - a fine, well organised music festival with an emphasis on young people that released passion and energy and surely unites Europe in a way few other things are capable of doing.

THE RETURN to their country of origin historical artefacts transferred to Britain during colonial times has been a controversial issue for many years. For obvious reasons this is a subject of considerable interest to historians. Best known are the Elgin Marbles and the Kohinoor Diamond.

The former, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, were removed - some say looted - from Greece by Britain and are now held in the British Museum.

Greece claims they are a vital part of its national heritage. As for the Kohinoor Diamond, it was said to have been acquired by the British legally as part of a local treaty with India in the 1850s. It was mounted in the crowns of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary and then, in 1937, reset in the crown worn by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother - and India wants it back.

Another controversy that has been raging for over a decade relates to the Benin Bronzes. These are a group of thousands of metal castings, sculptures and artwork from the ancient Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria which date back to the 16th century. The historical

evidence is that they were looted by British soldiers in 1897 and are now mainly in museums in Europe and the US.

Nigeria has been demanding their return for some years and, recently, some have been shipped back to Benin. But this restitution saga took a new turn last month when Nigeria’s outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari made public his decision in March to recognise the Oba, or king, of Benin as the owner of the famous Benin Bronzes and that they should be handed over to him.

It appears that this decision has caused confusion since it has blindsided Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments which has been handling negotiations over the return of looted artefacts in the colonial period. But reports suggest that, unlike the Elgin Marbles that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has recently described as “a huge asset to the UK” and should be kept there, all the Benin Bronzes may eventually be handed back to Nigeria – at least those held by museums in Britain.

LOREEN of Sweden celebrates with the trophy after winning the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, England, Saturday.

Photo: Martin Meissner/AP

TURKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and his wife Emine gesture to supporters at the party headquarters, in Ankara, Turkey, early Monday. Erdogan, who has ruled his country with an increasingly firm grip for 20 years, was locked in a tight election race Sunday, with a make-or-break runoff against his chief challenger possible as the final votes were counted.

Photo: Ali Unal/AP

BENIN BRONZES

Repelled by high car prices, Americans are holding on to their vehicles longer than ever

MICHIGAN

Associated Press

WITH new and used cars still painfully expensive, Ryan Holdsworth says he plans to keep his 9-year-old Chevy Cruze for at least four more years. Limiting his car payments and his overall debt is a bigger priority for him than having a new vehicle.

A 35-year-old grocery store worker from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Holdsworth would probably be in the market for a vehicle within a few years — if not for the high cost. For now, it’s out of the question.

“You’re not going to get one for a price you can afford,” he said.

Holdsworth has plenty of company. Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever. The average age of a passenger vehicle on the road hit a record 12.5 years this year, according to data gathered by S&P Global Mobility. Sedans like Holdsworth’s are even older, on average — 13.6 years.

Blame it mainly on the pandemic, which in 2020 triggered a global shortage of automotive computer chips, the vital component that runs everything from radios to gas pedals to transmissions. The shortage drastically slowed global assembly lines, making new vehicles scarce on dealer lots just when consumers were increasingly eager to buy.

Prices reached record highs. And though they’ve eased somewhat, the cost of a vehicle still feels punishingly expensive to many Americans, especially when coupled with now muchhigher loan rates.

Since the pandemic struck three years ago, the average new vehicle has rocketed 24% to nearly $48,000 as of April, according to Edmunds.com. Typical loan

rates on new-car purchases have ballooned to 7%, a consequence of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive streak of interest rate hikes to fight inflation.

It’s all pushed the national average monthly auto loan payment to $729 — prohibitively high for many. Experts say a family earning the median US household income can no longer afford the average new car payment and still cover such necessities as housing, food and utilities. Used vehicle prices, on average, have surged even more since the pandemic hit — up 40%, to nearly $29,000. With an average loan rate having reached 11%, the typical monthly used-vehicle payment is now $563.

Faced with deciding between making a jumbo payment and keeping their existing vehicles, more owners are choosing to stick with what they have, even if it means spending more on repairs and maintenance.

Auto mechanics have been struck by the rising ages and mileages of vehicles that now arrive at the shop in numbers they’d never seen before.

“You see cars all the time in here with 250,000, 300,000 miles,” said Jay Nuber, owner of Japanese Auto Professional Service, a repair garage near downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan. “They haven’t been really having major work or anything. They’ve just been doing the (routine) service.”

It doesn’t mean that most owners of older vehicles are necessarily stuck with constant repair bills. One reason people can hold their vehicles for increasingly long periods is that auto manufacturing has improved over time. Engines run longer. Bodies don’t rust as quickly. Components last longer.

Yet the cost of buying either a new or used vehicle is leaving more people with essentially no choice but to keep the one they have.

“The repair-versus-buy equation changed,” said Todd Campau, an associate director with S&P. Even with rising repair costs, Campau said, it’s still typically more cost-effective to fix an older vehicle than to spring for a purchase.

The average vehicle age, which has been edging up since 2019, accelerated this year by a substantial three months. And while 12.5 years is the average, Campau noted, more vehicles are staying on the road for 20 years or more, sometimes with three or four successive owners.

DESANTIS CURTAILS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA S TATE COLLEGES

FLORIDA

Associated Press

FLORIDA Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill that blocks public colleges from using federal or state funding on diversity programs, addressing a concern of conservatives ahead of the Republican governor’s expected presidential candidacy.

The law, which DeSantis proposed earlier this year, comes as Republicans across the country target programs on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

The signing builds on the governor’s larger push to shape Florida’s education system through regulating how schools deal with subjects such as race and gender, with DeSantis arguing that he is challenging inappropriate liberal ideology in the classroom.

DeSantis, who is expected to announce his presidential run in the coming weeks, has focused heavily on divisive cultural issues as he moves to win over the conservative voters who typically decide Republican primary elections.

Diversity, equity and inclusion offices in higher education often spearhead services tailored to students of various races, genders, sexual orientations, cultures and abilities. Some college administrators also consider so-called DEI factors when admitting students, providing scholarships or deciding which faculty to hire and promote.

The law blocks public universities from diverting state or federal funds toward programs or campus activities that advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion or promote political or social activism.

“In reality what this concept of DEI has been is to attempt to impose orthodoxy on the university,”

DeSantis said at a bill signing ceremony in Sarasota. This has basically been used as a veneer to impose an ideological agenda, and that is wrong.”

The measure also bars curriculums that teach “identity politics” or “theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.”

The provision is aimed at curtailing education about critical race theory, a way of thinking about US history through the lens of racism.

In a signal of DeSantis’ reach on education, he chose to sign the bill at New College of Florida, a small, traditionally-progressive school that became nationally known this year after the governor appointed a group of conservatives to its board of trustees. Among the DeSantis appointees’ first moves was to eliminate the New College’s diversity, equity and inclusion office. The takeover has led to pushback among

students at New College, long known for its progressive thought and creative course offerings that don’t use traditional grades.

On Monday, a small group of protestors gathered outside the signing ceremony. DeSantis, as well as most of the speakers at the event, ridiculed them.

“You know, I saw some of the protestors out there.

I was a little disappointed.

I was hoping for more,” DeSantis said with a smile as his supporters clapped.

Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Democrat, issued a statement after the signing that said the law continues DeSantis’ “overreach” into education.

“Education ought to be about teaching kids how to think through issues, not what to think about issues,” Jones said. “The exposure to wide-ranging experiences and fresh perspectives encourages understanding and creativity. By restricting what students can learn, the state is actively suppressing students’ academic and intellectual freedom.”

In such cases, the third or fourth owner is getting a much older car than they would have in the past. Nearly 122 million vehicles on the road are more than a dozen years old, Campau said. S&P predicts that the number of older vehicles will keep growing until at least 2028. Even with more durable vehicles able to last longer, all of this has created a boom time for auto shops. Through most of last year, Nuber’s Japanese Auto was overwhelmed with customers. It took up to three weeks to get an appointment, whether for repairs or the routine maintenance that older vehicles, in particular, require. The phone just kept ringing, and the cars just kept coming,” Nuber said. It’s now at the point where some vehicle owners must decide whether to pay for a repair that costs more than their vehicle is worth.

That’s where many of them draw the line, said Dave Weber, manager at Japanese Auto.

On Friday, Weber said, one customer needed rear brakes, wheel bearings and exhaust system repairs. The customer decided to do only half the repairs and wait until later to decide whether to sink more money into the aging vehicle.

They patch them up and drive them for however long, until the next major repair,” Weber said.

S&P predicts that US new vehicle sales will reach 14.5 million this year, from about 13.9 million last year. A big reason is that the supply at dealerships is finally growing. Automakers have also begun to restore some discounts that had long helped keep a lid on prices. The result is that many people who can afford to buy can now do so. It’s a trend that could

slow the advancing age of the US fleet and boost overall sales.

Still, no one is predicting a return to pre-pandemic annual sales of around 17 million anytime soon. Even with discounts, newvehicle prices are likely to stay much higher than prepandemic levels for years to come.

As for Holdsworth, the Chevy Cruze owner, he plans to keep up with the scheduled maintenance on his car, especially routine oil changes. Even if he encountered a major repair, he thinks he’d probably pay for it.

Having bought his vehicle two years ago, Holdsworth has about two years of payments left. So his Cruze, too, may reach the 12.5-year-old national average.

“I’ll finish paying it off,” he said, “and drive it for a couple more years.”

GUINNESS WORL D RECORDS OL DES T DOG CELEBRATES 31S T BIRTHDAY

PORTUGAL Associated Press

THE WORLD’S oldest dog recently celebrated his 31st birthday, according to Guinness World Records.

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of Portuguese dog, celebrated during a party Saturday at his home in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros, where has lived his entire life.

More than 100 people attended the “very traditional” Portuguese party, owner Leonel Costa said. Local meats and fish were served to up to 100 guests, with extra for Bobi, who only eats human food. A dance troupe also performed with Bobi participating in one of their routines.

Costa has owned several old-age dogs in the past, including Bobi’s mother, Gira, who lived to age 18. However, Costa said he

never imagined any of his dogs would reach their 30s.

“We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind,”

Costa said.

One of the biggest contributing factors to Bobi’s longevity is the “calm, peaceful environment” in which he lives, according to Costa.

Throughout his life, Bobi has freely roamed the forests surrounding the Costa house. He has never been chained or leashed.

The “very sociable” dog was never lonely because he grew up surrounded by many other animals, Costa said.

Now in his senior years, Bobi finds it difficult to walk, so he prefers to hang out at home in the yard. His eyesight has gotten worse, meaning he often bumps into things when he walks. Just like old-age humans, Bobi sleeps a lot. He

immediately lies down in bed after eating, although on cold days he chooses to nap by the fire, his owner said.

Bobi’s birth date has been confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, which registered Bobi in 1992.

His age also has been verified by a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government.

Costa, now 38, was just 8 years old when Bobi was born. For him, Bobi is a living reminder of the past, he said.

“Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world,” Costa said. “Bobi represents those generations.”

THIS 2023 image provided by Guinness World Records shows Bobi in Conqueiros, Portugal. Guinness World Records says the world’s oldest dog recently celebrated his 31st birthday. Bobi’s owner says a party was held Saturday for the purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of Portuguese dog.

Photo: Guinness World Records

GOV Ron DeSantis talks during a press conference before signing legislation on yesterday, at New College of Florida in Sarasota, Florida DeSantis signed a bill that blocks public colleges from using federal or state funding on diversity programs, addressing a concern of conservatives ahead of the Republican governor’s expected presidential candidacy. The law, which DeSantis proposed earlier this year, comes as Republicans across the country target programs on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

Photo: Douglas R. Clifford/AP

MECHANIC Jon Guthrie inspects the underside of a 2014 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck at Japanese Auto Professional Service in Ann Arbor, Michigan. People are keeping their vehicles longer due to shortages of new ones and high prices. That drove the average US vehicle age up to a record 12.5 years in 2023, according to S&P Global Mobility.

Photo: Tom Krisher/AP

NACAC Invitational brings New Life to Grand Bahama Sports Complex

ON TRACK: Top athletes compete in the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) New Life Invitational in Freeport, Grand Bahama, over the weekend. The one-day meet got underway at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex and saw athletes break New Life records. Bahamian athletes also returned home to put on a show. The second edition of the meet was held as athletes not only looked to qualify for the World Championships in August but also to vie for their share of the $75,000 cash prize.

Photos by Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

Let’s do it again: Celtics to face Heat in Eastern Conference finals rematch

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) — As the Celtics’ 112-88 Game 7 rout of the 76ers began to crystallize late in the third quarter, a Boston fan toting a neon pink inflatable flamingo held up a sign that read, “See you in Miami!”

Celtics-Heat: The rematch is now officially set for the Eastern Conference finals. Last season the Celtics had a 3-2 series lead over Miami in the NBA’s version of the final four before losing in Game 6. Boston then came within a late missed jump by Miami’s Jimmy Butler of seeing its season end in Game 7 before eventually holding on to advance to the NBA Finals.

Following a championship-round loss to Golden State, this season was themed “Unfinished Business” for this latest incarnation of the Celtics as they long to get another shot at the franchise’s 18th title.

They’re hoping to carry the momentum and lessons from Sunday’s blowout win over Philadelphia into what they expect to be another

slugfest with the Heat. The teams split their four regular-season matchups.

“We had another opportunity today, as a team and for myself of just to kind of bounce back,” said Jayson Tatum, whose 51 points were the most ever in a Game 7. “I was relieved, I was happy about that, just to get another chance because our season could have been over in Game 6. Just being in another Game 7. ... I was really excited, just for the moment.”

Tatum’s heroics topped the mark set by the Warriors’ Stephen Curry in the Warriors first-round win over Sacramento just two weeks ago. It also silenced critics who began to doubt Tatum following back-to-back games in which he had trouble locating the scoring punch that put him in the MVP conversation this season. “When he plays a well-rounded game, our team is different,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.

Boston entered just 7-9 in its last 16 home playoff games, but outscored Philadelphia 33-10 in the third quarter. That 23-point margin was the largest in any Game 7 quarter in league history.

The Celtics, who have played in more Game 7s than any team in NBA history, improved to 27-9 in those winner-take-all contests.

League MVP Joel Embiid, who became a force for the 76ers in the second half of the season after Tatum had been

among the frontrunners in the first half, had nothing but praise for Tatum and the potential for the Celtics to represent the East again in the finals.

“I think they’re probably the best team in the league,” Embiid said. “They’re so talented and they got a lot of guys who can play great basketball.” What might have been the most impressive about getting past Philadelphia was how the Celtics adjusted to claim the final two games of the series.

First, Boston benefitted

from pleas from the players and the ultimate decision by Mazzulla to insert Robert Williams III into the lineup to play alongside fellow big man Al Horford.

Then, the Celtics made tactical adjustment to use Williams as a third defender on the pick-and-rolls between Embiid and James Harden, forcing tougher looks for both in Game 7 in particular.

Now the Celtics will look to formulate a game plan to stop a Miami team that has fought its way back to the conference finals thanks to

some epic performances by their biggest star in Butler.

It’s a challenge Tatum said the team feels ready to embrace.

“A team that we’re extremely familiar with, third time in four years I think playing them in the playoffs,” Tatum said. “Very well-coached team. They compete with the best of them. They play hard. They defend. They make plays. And they figure out a way to win games. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be highly competitive. And I’m looking forward to it.”

Nuggets focused on vanquishing LeBron James and Lakers, not ghosts of the past

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — If the Denver Nuggets can continue their dominance at Ball Arena, they’ll not only conquer LeBron James and Anthony Davis but they’ll also vanquish the ghosts of their horrendous playoff performances against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Nuggets have lost all seven playoff series against the Lakers in their history, including inside the NBA bubble in 2020.

They meet for the fourth time in the Western Conference finals beginning Tuesday night in Denver. The Nuggets are an NBAbest 40-7 at home and have won all six of their playoff games at Ball Arena.

“Maybe one of the best home environments we have in the league,” Lakers first-year coach Darvin Ham said. “Their crowd is going to be on the edge of their seats, standing, stomping, screaming.”

After a spirited practice

Monday, Nuggets coach Michael Malone didn’t want to talk about Denver’s dismal 8-25 record against the Lakers in the playoffs.

The Lakers have gone on to win an NBA championship each time they’ve beaten the Nuggets in the finals of the Western Conference — in 2020, 2009 and 1985 — and two other times when they beat Denver in earlier rounds.

“Getting to the NBA Finals is all that matters,” Malone said. “The fact that it’s the Lakers makes it probably that much more special for a lot of people that support us and if that’s going to allow Ball Arena to be that much more excited and crazy, then I’m all for it.”

Although both teams love to push the pace, that could be a tad harder for the Lakers, who aren’t as

accustomed to playing at altitude.

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, however, dismisses Denver’s thin air as a factor in the team’s success.

“We think it’s us,” Jokic said. “We don’t think it’s the altitude.”

Either way, Jokic noted the Lakers snatched the homecourt advantage by winning Game 1s at Memphis and Golden State in the first two rounds of the playoffs. “So, hopefully

they’re not going to win it here,” Jokic said.

If there are any takeaways from their last playoff meeting that would help the Nuggets this time around, Jokic isn’t broadcasting them.

“To be honest, nothing,” he said. “I don’t remember it.”

James remembers it well, and he sees a more formidable foe this time with Jamal Murray and Jokic quickly cementing their status as

the league’s best pick-androll duo now that Murray has returned from a right ACL tear in 2021.

“They’re better, but they were great then, and they’re great now,” James said. “Joker has gotten two more years under his belt. Jamal has gotten back to his regular form after the injury. And the rest of those guys are playing on exceptional basketball. They’re really really, really, really good team.

“Every game, every postseason, every matchup allows you to continue to grow as a franchise, as a team, and they’ve done that,” James said. “So, we come in with the utmost respect for this team.”

TIGHT BOND

James said he also has great admiration for Malone, who was an assistant during his first five NBA seasons in Cleveland.

“He was part of my growth,” James said. “It’s

always great to see old friends and see guys that have been a part of my journey have success.”

Malone said he’s blessed to have coached both James and Jokic, who share many similarities including work ethic and unselfishness.

“You take away the athleticism, you know, which is a striking difference. But their IQ, their feel for the game, seeing things before they happen, their ability to make everyone around them better” is nearly identical, suggested Malone.

“And just their personalities. They’re just very, very, very similar players.

“And it’s funny because it shows you there’s a lot of different ways to be great.”

STOPPING JOKIC

Ham had the perfect strategy for containing Jokic, the two-time NBA MVP who’s nearly averaging a triple-double through two rounds of the playoffs.

“Try to catch him coming out of his house and kidnap him,” Ham joked.

In all seriousness, the Lakers plan to start Davis on him and rotate in a few others.

WHISTLE BLOWERS

The Lakers have been to the line a whopping 290 times in theses playoffs, shooting 95 more free throws than their opponents. Jokic said the Nuggets aren’t worried about staying out of foul trouble, however.

“We’re still going to be aggressive,” Jokic said. “We’re going to probably play the same way like how we played the last two rounds. It’s going to be a physical game like every other game.”

LOS Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots over Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II during the first half in Game 6 of an NBA basketball Western Conference semifinal series on Friday night in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

BOSTON Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, centre, celebrates during the first half of Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series on Sunday in Boston.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Centreville

MP JOMO CAMPBELL VISITS THE NTC, PLAY TENNIS BAHAMAS PROGRAMME

MEMBER of Parliament

for Centreville Jomo Campbell visited the National Tennis Centre (NTC) yesterday and participated in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association Play Tennis programme. Campbell spoke with the children, who range from ages five to 16, and expressed that he is pleased with the programme’s impact on them.

He also stated that he was happy to support this wonderful initiative.

The kids learned how to serve, how to hit forehands and backhands and how to volley.

Campbell also made some donations to principal Lewis and coach Moss of Centreville Primary School. These gifts included new racquets, tennis balls and a tennis net for the school.

Recently, the BLTA was instrumental in inviting coach Moss, PE Teacher for Centreville Primary School, to participate in its certified coaching course.

Coach Moss completed the course and is now able to conduct tennis courses for beginners at the school.

It is important to expand the coaching pool in the Bahamas. The BLTA will continue to provide these

certification opportunities throughout the Bahamas.

President Perry Newton noted that today’s events were reflective of growth in the programme.

“There were three consecutive play tennis sessions and we appreciate all our volunteers who assisted in the three sessions that were conducted today. We are thankful for MP Campbell and his contributions to the

development of the children of Centreville Primary.

It was good that principal Lewis also visited the NTC to share in this moment.

The BLTA will continue to create opportunities and unforgettable experiences for the children that will be with them throughout their life.”

Newton concluded: “I am overjoyed with the children and their obvious

enthusiasm, let us continue to support and encourage our youth.”

The next Play Tennis Bahamas session will be conducted on Saturday, May 20 at the National Tennis Centre. The BLTA has available space for kids and adults to learn tennis and you can email pr@blta.net for further information. Come be a part of something great.

A FUN-FILLED PRE-MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

A DAY OF FUN: It was a fun filled pre-Mother’s Day celebration on Saturday as the Paradise Sports Consultants hosted their first initiative for the family at the Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Park tennis courts. The newly formed organisation, headed by Derron Donaldson, staged a free-for-all Mother’s Day Tennis Cardio Clinic with food and drinks as well as tennis competitions for all on hand. “Things went well. This is our first event. We partnered with the Harrold Road Tennis Club. It’s what the company is all about, parenting with the community,” said Donaldson. “We wanted to get started with some philanthropic work and some health and wellness sessions. It wasn’t just a regular tennis clinic. They used compression balls. We gained instant success using them, so it was a lot of fun for all of the participants.”

ALCARAZ STUNNED BY HUNGARIAN QUALIFIER IN EARLY LOSS AT ITALIAN OPEN

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer

ROME (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz didn’t see this one coming. How could he have?

About to reclaim the No. 1 ranking, Alcaraz was pretty much pushed off the court at the Italian Open by 135th-ranked Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the third round yesterday.

Alcaraz suffered his earliest defeat since October. He’d won 30 of 32 matches this year and was on a 12-match winning streak on clay after consecutive titles in Barcelona and Madrid. He secured a return to the top spot next week by winning his opening match in Rome. But he was caught off guard by how Marozsan dictated with spectacular play all over the court, including drop shots that Alcaraz had no answer for.

“I just didn’t feel comfortable. He made me feel uncomfortable on court,” Alcaraz said. “He was aggressive all the time. He was playing inside the baseline all the time. It was tough for me to get into the match, into the rally. I made a lot of mistakes that I usually don’t make too much.”

The result means Alcaraz will go into the French Open — which starts in less than two weeks and where he will be the top seed — coming off a dispiriting defeat.

Making matters even more surprising was that this is the first time Marozsan is playing in the main draw of an ATP tournament.

“He surprise(d) me a lot. His level was really, really high,” Alcaraz said. “I’m sure he’s going to break the top 100 very, very soon.”

Marozsan posted his first victories over top-100 players in the first two rounds when he beat No. 67 Corentin Moutet and 32nd-seeded Jiri Lehecka.

“Everything was perfect today: The crowd, the weather, the court,” Marozsan said after stunning the packed stadium on Campo Centrale.

“I just try to do something special or winning a

few games or maybe a set or something like this, and I just beat the world No. 1 — he’s our best in the sport.”

Alcaraz led 4-1 in the tiebreaker but Marozsan won six straight points to close it out.

“It’s amazing. I don’t know what happened during the points,” Marozsan said. “I just try to hit back every ball and try to do my best.” Late in the second set, Alcaraz tried firing himself up by yelling “Vamos”

every time he won a significant point.

But Marozsan just kept coming, unleashing an 82 mph (132 kph) backhand winner up the line to conclude one point and winning several close exchanges at the net.

By the end, Marozan had twice as many winners as Alcaraz, 24 to 12, and far fewer unforced errors, 13 to 24. “I couldn’t follow his level,” Alcaraz said. “He was at the same level the

whole match. That is very, very difficult. He deserves the win.

“If he plays at that level, he’s going to surprise more than one (player).”

Marozsan will next face

Borna Coric, who continued his solid form on clay by beating Roberto Carballes Baena 7-6 (3), 6-1.

At the Madrid Open last week, Coric reached the semifinals before losing to Alcaraz.

Also, Monte Carlo Masters champion Andrey

Rublev defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (8), 6-3 and will next play German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, who beat former French Open semifinalist Marco Cecchinato 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Daniil Medvedev, who hadn’t won a match in three previous appearances at the Foro Italico, advanced by rallying past Bernabe Zapata Miralles 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.

“I’m playing my best tennis on clay now,” Medvedev said.

In women’s action, Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina beat 2019 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals and will next face two-time defending Rome champion Iga Swiatek or Donna Vekic, who played late.

Also, Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine rallied past 2016 runner-up Madison Keys 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

A few late men’s matches were suspended until today due to rain.

Lorenzo Musetti was up 5-7, 6-4, 2-1 and a break against Frances Tiafoe.

Stefanos Tsitsipas won the first set against Lorenzo Sonego 6-3; and Alexander Zverev was leading J.J. Wolf 6-4, 3-3.

CARLOS Alcaraz returns the ball to Fabian Marozsan yesterday at the Italian Open. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

MEMBER of Parliament for

Jomo Campbell mingles with participants of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association Play Tennis Bahamas programme at the National Tennis Centre.

SIBLING AND STUDENTSASHA’S A SHINING STAR

OLDER siblings have a special place in family units.

As the usual impromptu babysitters, household chefs and role models, the elder sister is especially known to be secondary mothers.

Sasha Ferguson, an Information Technology student at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) knows this well.

In 2018, Sasha had to leave BTVI in order to effectively take care of her younger sibling. Now back on campus, she already has a CompTIA certification under her belt and plans to sit another in the upcoming semester.

“One of the things that kept me going was my intention to return to BTVI and finish what I started. I made it a point to do everything that I could to come back. Almost five years later, I have the opportunity to,” Sasha said.

While she boasts of qualifications in other areas of study, Sasha admits that

The BTVI Story

she has always been a fan of computers.

“Since high school, I have been passionate about computer systems and coding. I would practice white hacking and build web pages as a hobby. It is something I enjoy and realised I could make a living doing,” she said with excitement.

As Sasha marks her 30th birthday this week, she also celebrates the rewards that come with not giving up.

“There are hurdles but I take it all in stride. I am definitely satisfied with my performance thus far. In fact, I plan on returning to BTVI to complete other programmes of study,” the aspiring Network

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

PEDRONIQUE Saunders recently graduated from Barry University, Miami Shores, FL with a MBA in health services administration. She became interested in healthcare administration and public health in her junior year at the University of The Bahamas as she was looking for different ways to utilise her undergraduate degree in biology besides becoming a doctor.

She researched and stumbled upon healthcare administration and public health and fell in love with it. She would like to be a catalyst for change within the Bahamian healthcare system and be a part of the enhancement process. She wants to use her degree and skills to be of substantial benefit and evoke positive change within the healthcare system ensuring that healthcare facilities are functioning efficiently and effectively within The Bahamas.

Pedronique was the recipient of numerous grants and scholarships including the Bahamas Government Scholarship, American Rescue Plan Grant (ARP), Dr Katie K White Educational Scholarship, The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) and Laptop Scholarship Professional Management Enterprise. A fun fact about Pedronique is that her favourite color is pink!

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

Engineer said. Sasha added that returning to college as an older student does not impact her negatively.

“BTVI resembles a community college and as a mature student I felt it was the right fit for me. In addition to the scholarship opportunities and the courses offered in Information Technology, this is one of the few institutions that prepares you to sit the CompTIA examinations.

“I’ve come to realise that the majority of my classes have more mature students - students over the age of 25. Additionally, there are instructors that are

cognisant of the fact that it is a classroom of adults and they speak to us as such. We have mutual respect and I appreciate that,” she stated. Sasha said that while students just out of high school attend the institute, she believes that for many, BTVI is a second start. Whether they have faced or are still facing challenges related to parenthood or other factors, she expressed that BTVI answers the call that many people have for gaining educational and

employment opportunities. She highlighted that evening classes make pursuing an education feasible for many individuals already working.

As for Sasha, she has no regrets having taken a pause to take care of her younger sibling.

“I am so proud of what my younger sibling and I have accomplished despite adversity. In life, there are some things that may feel like a hinderance, but we can

overcome them. It is never too late,” Sasha said.

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

50 years for Boys Brigade company

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of the 30th company of Boys Brigade.

The Boys Brigade is the first and oldest uniformed youth organisation in the world and first began in The Bahamas in 1909 at the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk.

The 30th Nassau Company was organised and began meeting in 1973 after the independence celebrations, however, the company was not officially enrolled and given its number “30” until April 17, 1975.

Over the years, approximately 50 companies were formed in The Bahamas and less than ten remain functional throughout the

country, one of which is the 30th Nassau Company.

The 30th company attributes its success and longevity to strong, consistent and dedicated leadership. Initial leaders included founder Charles Smith, Inspector Human Colby of the

Royal Bahamas Police Force, Leon Graham and Andrew Thompson.

Dozens of gifted and dedicated persons have served as non-commissioned officers (NCOs), officers and advisors over the years and there have been two chaplains including the late Pastor Ed Allen and Pastor David Cartwright.

The company’s programme has evolved to include spelling, speech, bible and general knowledge competitions; sports such as basketball, track and field and swimming and field trips to local landmarks and police units.

The unit also has a Special Squad of elite drillers that are all known for making special appearances at weddings.

Many former members of the 30th Company have gone on to serve our country at various levels and in some key positions.

YOUNG POETS - NOW IS YOUR CHANCE

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

YOUNG poets are invited to compete in the third annual Caribbean Magazine Plus poetry contest.

The content is open to poets of all ages from May 9 to August 25.

Youri Kemp, editor of Caribbean Magazine Plus, is expecting the competition to display the unique talent held within the Caribbean and Latin America.

He said: “We just want to make sure we showcase as much talent in the Caribbean and Central American region that we can because [the region is] known for having playwrights and poets, from Sidney Poitier to a bunch of different artists. And so we want to showcase people who can write and have writing skills and talent.”

Last year, Raúl Ignacio José Arana Irías, from Nicaragua, was the competition’s first nonEnglish speaking winner. Mr Kemp said Ignacio’s winning

poem Bluefields was inspired by the diversity of the municipality.

He said: “Last year we had our first Latin American person that to win, Raúl Ignacio. He was the first non-English speaker to win and we were very excited about that.

“He wrote about a place in Nicaragua called Bluefields. Its an international spot for people with all kinds of backgrounds and cultures in Nicaragua.”

The competition is $15 to enter and the prize the first place winner is $500, second place is $300 and third place is $150. This year, the competition has introduced tiered group rates to encourage schools to participate.

Mr Kemp said: “The average cost to enter is $15 and we have three different tiers. If five people enter at one time, we’re going to charge them only $13, if ten to 20 people enter, then we only charge them $10 and if over 20 people enter we’re going to only charge them $8 a head. So instead of paying $15

per person, we have different tiers with groups and so schools can come in and pay for groups of students who are talented and want to enter the contest.”

Top poems from the competition are combined into a book and this year partial proceeds are being donated to the Bahamas Emergency Hostel. Mr Kemp is encouraging persons of all ages to enter the competition and show off their creativity.

He said: “We also put it in a book form. So the last two poetry contests, the best poems were put them in a book and it’s on Amazon right now called Signs of the Sun, Volume one and Volume two. This year is the first year we are actually going to donate some of the earnings to a charity. We chose the Bahamas Emergency Hostel and we’re going to give part proceeds to the Bahamas Emergency Hostel.

“So we’ve been on the phone and inviting schools to get their groups of kids together who are interested in entering the contest and send their poems over

Upcoming Events

May 2- 31

Creative Artwork Contest

The Pet Food Institute is accepting entries for an artwork competition that is open to primary school students grades 4-6. Visit pfcaribbean.com for more information

July 3- 14

Mixed Media Art Summer Camp

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is hosting the frst session of its art summer camp for students ages 5-17 years. Early bird registration ends May 24. • Got an event to include in our announcements? Send details to jsimmons@tribunemedia.net.

to us. We want more people to enter, its open to everyone and the theme is open, there’s no particular theme, anything that your creativity can think off we want you to submit it on paper, just show us your range of creativity.”

SASHA FERGUSON

‘We just shot ourselves in the foot’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

It’s not every day that an athlete makes a successful transition from one sport to the other.

Michael Bethel, the goalkeeper for the Bahamas men’s national beach soccer team, is one of those rare gems, having made the crossover from playing baseball.

“I started playing baseball, but in 2015 when I was playing soccer on campus with a couple of my friends, I really got involved,” said Bethel, who was attending Southeastern Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the time. “My reflection from baseball really helped me to play soccer.”

It wasn’t until two years later that Bethel found himself immersed in the game at the junior level. But in 2019, he got his first opportunity to play on the men’s national team when they travelled to Mexico for a CONCACAF qualifier.

Making the transition from “seeing baseball thrown from 80-90 miles per hour” to having a “big beach ball coming at you” was rather easy for Bethel.

“It was just learning the small rules because there’s a lot of small rules that you have to be able to do and once I could react to the ball, I didn’t have any problems,” Bethel said.

Unlike grass soccer, in beach soccer the goalkeeper is probably the most essential player on the team and for Bethel, he was able to handle the situation really well.

“We don’t get a lot of credit for it, but we control the tempo of the game,” he pointed out. “If the game is going at a slow pace, I can change it up, so I play a huge role.”

For Bethel, who started in all six games The Bahamas played from Monday to Sunday in the 2023 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship at the Malcolm Park beach soccer facility, he felt he handled his role very well. “I think

I got better as the tournament went on,” he stated.

“But the sky is still the limit for me. I think I can do a whole lot better.”

Bethel helped the Bahamas to finish the Group B round robin with a 2-1 win-loss record, winning in sudden death play over Guadeloupe and routing Belize 6-2 before dropping a 5-4 decision to Mexico.

After a rest day off, the Bahamas returned on Friday for the playoffs, doubling up Panama 4-2 to advance to the semifinals. But in a hard-fought match on Saturday, the Bahamas lost 3-2 and missed out on the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.

The Bahamas came back on Sunday and lost 3-2 to Mexico to settle for fourth place in the 12-team championship.

Despite the performances, Bethel said he had

an opportunity to play a lot better and if he did, the Bahamas could have been on their way to the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in August.

“I think I could have been a lot more composed,” he admitted. “I think there were times I got caught up in the game. The game either got too fast or it was slowed down way too much.

“But in understanding the game a little more, I think I could have controlled the speed of play a lot better. If I could have done a lot better in that regard, we would have been in a better situation.”

Bethel, however, said Team Bahamas went out there and gave it their best shot. They just fell short in the end.

“We just shot ourselves in the foot,” Bethel said. “Teams like Mexico and El Salvador, if you make one

mistake, they make you pay for it. I just think we shot ourselves in the foot because no team really took us a part.”

Bethel, 24, is currently residing in Miami, Florida where he’s playing and coaching beach soccer. He hopes to continue to sharpen his game and be ready for the next opportunity to represent the Bahamas.

At 5-feet, 8-inches, Bethel was one of the shortest goalkeepers in the tournament, but he didn’t allow it to deter him.

“There are some cons and pros about being my height,” Bethel said. “I don’t allow it to get to me. What I lack in size, I make up in my agility and ability to jump to retrieve the loose balls.”

Although baseball was his first love, Bethel said he has now made beach soccer his ultimate sport. But if the opportunity presents

itself for him to field and hit the smaller baseball, he will gladly return to the diamond.

But for now, he said he prefers to stick to running barefoot in the deep sand controlling the tempo of beach soccer and doesn’t really feel like he could suit up for a game on grass.

“We’re not sure what’s going to happen for beach soccer, but whenever I get the call, I will be willing to come home and compete again for the Bahamas,” he summed up.

Bethel said he’s delighted that his mother, Katie Adderley-Bethel, was there on the sidelines cheering for him and Team Bahamas, especially on Mother’s Day Sunday. “It was really nice to see her,” said Bethel, whose father is Michael Bethel Jr. “I just want to wish her and all of the other mothers, Happy Mother’s Day. I just wished we had won the game.”

Diamond Basketball clinic keeps fond memories of Jonique alive

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Coach Terrance

McSweeney was pleased with the turnout he got on Saturday for his Diamond Basketball development programme’s memorial for the late Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb.

Webb, who passed away on January 19, 2020, after her battle with lupus, was honoured three days after she would have celebrated her 31st birthday on May 10.

A basketball clinic was held in her memory at the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street.

“She was involved in our programme up until the time she graduated from Jordan Prince Williams in 2006,” said McSweeney of the girls’ development programme he started in 1995.

“Jonique was a very versatile student-athlete, who was a high achiever as a student and was very versatile as an athlete. Other than the athleticism of an athlete, for me as a coach, I look at their academic ability and she was a high achiever with a 3.85 to a 4.0 student.”

McSweeney said he was delighted to host the clinic on the basketball court at Charles W Saunders where Webb would have represented the JPW Falcons basketball

and volleyball teams in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) and for Golden Gates Native Baptist Church in the Baptist Sports Council. “This is only a fitting memorial for her from the Diamond Basketball development programme,” McSweeney said. “It was also good to see the number of young girls who came out and participated in the clinic.

“We had primary schools from Charles W Saunders, Freedom Baptist Academy and Carlton E Francis as well as girls from both the public and private schools. So we give God all of the glory for what we experienced today.”

Edward Dean, the administrative assistant at Charles W Saunders High School and mathematics teacher who also assists in the basketball teams for the Cougars, said it was good to be a part of the clinic.

“We have an obligation to develop all of the sports, but we also want to make sure that more emphasis is being placed on the development of the girls’ programme,” Dean said.

“We are really pleased with the players who came out. We saw a lot of talent that needed to be developed.”

Dean congratulated McSweeney for taking the initiative to keep the memory of Webb alive

through the clinic. He said it’s about time that more of the former female players, coaches and officials are recognised for the role they played in the growth and development of sports in the past.

“It’s just a tremendous opportunity to get so many of these young ladies out on the basketball court,” Dean said. “Normally when you pass a basketball court, you see so many young men, but we have a basketball court full of young ladies who are eager to learn the game and improve on their skills.”

One of those young ladies was Craignisha ‘Fingers’ McPhee, a 17-year-old 12th grader at the Anatol

Rodgers High School who said she decided to come out to the clinic because she knows that McSweeney has the ability to help her improve her game.

“I want to go to the WNBA and so sessions like this will really help me to improve on my game,” Dean said.

“I realised that I have to stay flat-footed, pay attention, key my eyes up and let the ball come to the hand so you can control the pass to your team-mates.”

And Gabrielle ‘Chocolate’ Russell, a 13-year-old eighth grader at Charles W Saunders, who stands at 5-feet, 10-inches, said she came out to practice so that she can play better

next year than she did this year for the Cougars. “I was reminded to always look up and don’t get distracted. I also learned how to shoot better and to dribble the ball better,” Russell said.

“I think if I can stay focused, learn when to shoot and pass the ball to my team-mates, I will be in a better position to become a better player.”

McSweeney said he saw a lot of resemblance of Webb in some of the players at the clinic. He hopes to continue to make the event an annual one where he will incorporate some other aspects of the game like three-point shooting and free throws at the end of the clinic next year.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY: Michael Bethel with his mother, Katie Adderley-Bethel.

Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

MISSING YOU: Coach Terrance ‘Red-Eye’ McSweeney and his Diamond Basketball development programme for girls hosted a basketball clinic in memory of the late Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb at the Charles W Saunders High School on Saturday. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 12

Photo: Moises Amisial/Tribune Staff

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