05222023 NEWS AND SPORT

PASTOR ON RAPE - PEOPLE DOES LIE

Major says that some women would use claims to end marriage

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AS Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials looked on, a prominent pastor lamented efforts to criminalise marital rape during a national ecumenical church service yesterday, declaring: “People does lie!”

Evangelist Rex Major questioned how spouses would prove marital rape and said some women would use rape

claims only to end their marriage.

His comments came less than a week after Attorney General Ryan Pinder revealed that the failure to criminalise marital rape was other countries’ number one human rights concern with The Bahamas during the recent United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review.

“I’m not supposed to say this, but I’m troubled by the concept of the rape in the house because people could

PINTARD SLAMS PLP ON TAX - BUT GOVT SAYS FNM SIGNED UP TO IT

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Office of the Prime Minister and Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard traded volleys yesterday after the government released its green paper on corporate income tax options.

The paper results from the government previously signing on to the G-20/ Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD) drive

for a minimum 15 per cent global corporate tax.

Mr Pintard criticised the Davis administration for releasing the paper on the government’s website rather than tabling it in the House of Assembly following a communication from the Prime Minister.

“This approach would have signalled to the country and the world the policy commitment of the government to this most critical matter,” he said in a statement.

FARQUHARSON: ‘NOT THE FIRST’ ATLANTIS PROBE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR Director Robert Farquharson insisted yesterday that his department’s investigation involving Atlantis is “nothing new”.

“This is not the first time. We’ve conducted investigations into Atlantis before,” he said yesterday.

Labour representatives recently visited Atlantis and submitted survey cards

asking staff if they feel intimidated or obligated to lobby against the RCI project.

The Labour department

investigated Atlantis after some employees allegedly complained that they felt “pressured and intimidated” to stand against Royal Caribbean International’s proposed Paradise Island Beach Club project. Atlantis president and managing director Audrey Oswell had urged staff in a letter to take a position concerning the $100m project.

Mr Farquharson said the department would

‘DON’T DRAG FREEPORT INTO A POLITICAL CESSPOOL’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

MAJOR figures in last year’s protest march to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) have reiterated their opposition to its acquisition by the government for fear Freeport will be dragged into “a political cesspool”. Both Rev Frederick McAlpine, the former Pineridge MP, and businessman Darren Cooper, told this newspaper they remain resolutely opposed to a Nassau takeover amid growing suggestions that the Government is supporting Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) as a potential contender to purchase the GBPA from the Hayward and St George families.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SUPER Value’s president says that, while profit-based taxation “would be favourable” for food retailers, the Government must first prioritise the ease of doing business because “things aren’t flowing like they should”.

Debra Symonette, although welcoming the potential switch from the turnover-based Business Licence fee to a corporate income tax, told Tribune Business the 13-store supermarket chain had recently experienced “hold ups” and delays in getting produce to its stores because it had not received its Tax Compliance Certificate.

A CARNIVAL dancer on the road on Saturday flying the Bahamian flag during the parade. See PAGE TWO for more photographs from the parade.

Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

ON DA ROAD

TWO HELD OVER $1M DRUG FIND

POLICE arrested two men after finding over $1m worth of marijuana in a drug bust in waters near Crooked Island on Thursday.

According to police reports, during a joint operation involving the DEA, the US Coast Guard and local law enforcement officials, authorities encountered a go-fast vessel forty miles southwest of Crooked Island around 1.30pm last Thursday.

Two Bahamian men on the boat, reportedly aged 44 and 36, threw packages of suspected drugs overboard after seeing the officers. When officers approached the vessel, the suspects attempted to flee but were captured following a brief chase. Officers then recovered 33 crocus sacks containing marijuana. The confiscated drugs collectively weighed 1,142 lbs and had a street value of over $1m.

SCENES from the Carnival parade on Saturday.

Photos: Austin Fernander

Pastor on rape - people does lie

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lie, and the easy way to get out of this husband which I don’t want any more is I gon’ tell people he rape me,” said Pastor Major.

“Now how you gon’ prove? His sperm is there anyway, all the time. What’s the proof? And don’t fool yourself, some people will get rid of you like that. This is a critical issue here, very critical.”

“People lie and they

have liars with them cuz we don’t want this man no more. I gat me eye on something fresh. I’m serious. Let’s be careful how we tread this road here now.”

His comments elicited scattered approval from the audience. Yesterday’s service at the Evangelist Temple on Collins Avenue was one of many events leading to the 50th anniversary of independence.

Pastor Major, who

discussed affirmations about marriage and the family, also denounced same-sex relations, drawing applause from some in the crowd.

“Two Adams wouldn’t have gone nowhere,” he said. “You wouldn’t have been here if there were two Adams.”

He added: “We must stand against sexual relations between man and man, and woman and woman. But we must treat them as human beings and try to win them back to the

ways of God.” Most elected officials have said they support criminalising marital rape, but whether the Davis administration will break with previous administrations and criminalise the act remains unclear.

The Bahamas is one of the few countries in the region to explicitly exclude marital rape from its definition of rape, except where spouses are legally separated or subject to separation proceedings.

‘We’re 20 years late’ on tax discussion

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A TOP financial expert believes it is time to have a discussion about corporate income taxes for companies in The Bahamas.

Fidelity Bank’s CEO Gowon Bowe said: “We’re 20 years late, so we’re catching up.” His comments came after it was reported that the government is leaning towards reforms that would see most Bahamas-based businesses pay a “modest” corporate income tax of either 10 or 12 percent, with the only exception being small firms earning less than $500,000 annually.

The “green paper” on corporate income tax strategies for The Bahamas outlined four options.

Asked for his opinion on introducing a corporate tax, Mr Bowe said on Friday that any individuals who make what he called an “asinine statement” that such a tax will not be good for the economy and business, is not “worthy of your time and effort in terms of discussion”.

“The reason why I say that is the Bahamian economy is one that has to look at how it modernises itself to ensure that its tax system is, one, equitable. So meaning that it is devised on an ability to pay and so that it is distributed amongst those based on their capacity to pay. Secondly, that it allows there to be the meeting of government expenses because the society is not demanding any less in terms of services, and thirdly, that it will enable the expansion of the economy.

“I look at those three... components individually.

I think, first, it’s important to note that this is a paper that is out for discussion and has the opportunity to effectively get feedback as to the pros, cons, areas of concern, that may not have been considered areas of opportunity, so it is a far way away from being a fait accompli.

“Secondly, when you look at the world environment, the truth of the matter is that you know

PINTARD SLAMS PLP ON TAX - BUT GOVT SAYS FNM SIGNED UP TO IT

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He said the FNM rejects any proposal for new or increased tax measures “that do not come with a plan to reduce or contain unnecessary public sector expenditure”.

“Before agreeing to provide this reckless and extravagant PLP with a penny more of Bahamian taxpayer money, the PLP must document its concrete plans for spending cuts and spending restraints to begin in their wasteful undertakings,” he added.

Mr Pintard noted the four proposals outlined in the paper would harm economic growth, foreign and domestic investment and unemployment.

“The Bahamian people cannot accept a proposal that does not support sustained economic growth and better employment opportunities,” he said.

He added that the government should consider a fuller fiscal reform plan that examines public sector expenditure.

The Davis administration has not said whether it will implement any option in the green paper.

The OPM called Mr Pintard’s comments yesterday disingenuous, noting that the Minnis administration signed on to the G20/OECD tax reform plan.

“The consultation process being carried out by the Ministry of Finance is a standard and inclusive

approach to policy-making,” the OPM said. “All voices must be heard in a matter of such national importance. We are disappointed that the leader of the opposition failed to comprehend the purpose of a consultation process. Instead of rushing decisions as past governments may have, this administration ensures that all relevant stakeholders can express their views before finalising policy decisions.”

The OPM noted Mr Pintard voted for a “60 per cent” increase in value-added tax under the Minnis administration.

“Today, he is quick to critique final strategies yet his own track record is far from commendable,” the OPM said.

how many countries exist without income tax?” he said. “It’s not saying well (if) everyone is jumping off a cliff to do so we must do so. But more importantly, it is saying that, do we want to be the last of the Mohicans when we become extinct like dinosaurs, and the country has been blacklisted for the absence of income tax?”

He mentioned The Bahamas already has a form of income tax in the form of business licence.

“It is disproportionate on domestic businesses and businesses domiciled here and operating internationally, and the way the world is now structured, this is not an area that there’s a disparity, and you hear the term ‘ring fencing’. So really, if you’re earning income, you have a corporate responsibility to contribute to the coffers of the country in which you’re earning the income.”

In terms of the global minimum tax rate of 15 percent and the four options that have been put on the table, Mr Bowe admitted he has not seen the empirical study behind each of the numbers.

However, he thinks what it has clearly demonstrated is there will be a contraction in the economy. He explained that happens whenever there’s an

increase in taxation because more money is taken out of the private sector and put into the government coffers.

Mr Bowe added that he has not studied the options in the green paper enough to pick a particular one and that the paper needs to be digested, criticised and have the pros and cons looked at.

“So I am wise enough to know that the government systems are not yet sophisticated enough to handle income tax,” he said. “I know that not all businesses are at a level where they are familiar with filing financial statements on a consistent basis, which will be required, although we have made a tremendous move forward by Value Added Tax because you have to file that at a minimum on a quarterly basis.

“And I also know that ultimately the understanding of the tax law is one that will take time and effort. And so I know this is not something that is going to be implemented within the next three to five years in any meaningful way. Because you would have to first get the foundation laid in order to do so. But I’m certain that any government that fails to study this now and make a decision now is shirking their fiscal responsibility.”

COURT TO HEAR GIBSON APPEAL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of Appeal is expected to hear Adrian Gibson’s case about his alleged constitutional breaches today after he appealed Justice CherylGrant Thompson’s ruling.

Last week, Justice Grant-Thompson dismissed Mr Gibson’s application to stay his corruption trial, calling it “misconceived” and “premature”.

His lawyer, Murrio Ducille, KC, sought a stay of proceedings because he claimed there had been a lack of full disclosure by the prosecution, prejudicing Mr Gibson’s defence.

Mr Ducille also argued that his client’s right to a fair trial would be breached if Alexandria Mackey, the

Crown’s key witness, did not testify in person.

The Tribune understands that Mr Gibson’s lawyers gave notice to appeal Justice Grant-Thompson’s ruling on Tuesday and sent documents to support his application on Friday.

The appellate judges are also expected to hear arguments from lawyers representing former Water and Sewerage (WSC) General Manager Elwood Donaldson who is also appealing Justice GrantThompson’s ruling. This comes as Mr Gibson’s trial is set to begin this week.

Nine jurors were selected Thursday to evaluate evidence from more than 40 witnesses, including former Works Minister Desmond Bannister, Water and Sewerage Corporation Chairman

Sylvanus Petty and Tanya Demeritte, a co-accused who took a plea deal last year. Mr Gibson is facing corruption charges in connection with his tenure as executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation under the Minnis administration.

The charges stem from his alleged failure to declare an interest in contracts the WSC awarded.

The Long Island MP is charged with Mr Donaldson, Jr, Rashae Gibson, his cousin, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson and Jerome Missick.

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

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‘Strong rebound’ for GB tourism

By DENISE MAYCOCK

GRAND Bahama continues to see a strong rebound in tourism numbers, according to a tourism official who reports that total arrivals on the island were over 100,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

Nuvolari Chotoosingh, manager of maritime at the Ministry of Tourism, Aviation, and Investments, said air arrivals were around 15,500, while cruise arrivals were at 120,000 at the end of March.

“We are just about four percent down from 2019,”

he reported this week during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in Freeport. “We continue to see our numbers improve in cruise and airlift (arrivals). It is encouraging and we are looking for more increases as the year rolls on.”

The Ministry of Tourism plans to attract more airlifts to Grand Bahama, particularly from the US and South American markets.

According to Mr Chotoosingh, marketing missions will be taking place later in the year to California, and South America, including Peru

and Colombia. He noted that Bahamasair recently commenced new services late last year into Raleigh, North Carolina, to Grand Bahama and New Providence. The airline has also launched services in Dallas and Austin, Texas. The tourism official added that they will also be negotiating with West Jet Airlines, following its recent purchase of Canadian carrier Sunwing Airlines which operated two direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Grand Bahama.

The service brought 400 visitors weekly to the island.

“We have a very good relationship with West Jet. Once we can solidify negotiations with West Jet, I hope to see a good number (again) coming from Canada,” Mr Chotoosingh said.

It is hoped that the announced opening of Breaker’s Cay at the Grand Lucayan will help to attract more airlifts to the island.

Mr Chotoosingh stated it will provide additional rooms in Grand Bahama.

“So, that is something that we look forward to happening in the very future,” he said. There is some ongoing work there right now at the Prop Club

that will be used to (accommodate) day trippers looking for another beach experience.”

The Prop Club beach experience, he said, is right across from Port Lucaya Marketplace, which would benefit from the volume of people who can walk over to get something to eat, drink and shop in the stores. In terms of new investments, Mr Chotoosingh indicated that the Carnival Cruise port is continuing its project. The dredging at Sharp Rock has been completed. He said the island is also experiencing medical

tourism with the opening of the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine from the United States.

The recently acquired Running Mon Marina and Resort by Xquisite Yachts is another area with great potential.

The company - which manufactures Catamaran yachts - is pumping several million dollars into redeveloping the marina.

Mr Chotoosingh said their clients who purchase these $300,000 yachts can cruise to Grand Bahama for maintenace or refurbishment of their vessels, and stay at the property and enjoy the island.

MINISTER LEADS SWITZERLAND DELEGATION

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville is leading a delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, for the 76th World Health Assembly, where the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance

and universal health coverage is expected to dominate the agenda.

Dr Darville said universal health coverage is a priority for the Davis administration, which intends to repeal and replace the National Insurance Act. With the hurricane season approaching, Dr Darville said climate change is producing more severe storms, the effects of which impact healthcare systems.

“Climate change is a big-ticket item for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” he said in a video his ministry’s communication team sent ahead of the conference.

“Our healthcare system is affected by these tropical cyclones that come in our area and it’s important for us to notify the world and particularly at bodies like this on how climate change affect the delivery of healthcare services.”

The conference will also focus on the digitisation of healthcare services, an area Dr Darville said the government views as very beneficial for the country.

“The days will soon be gone where we have no digital monitoring in our pharmacies where medication in one island is close to expiration and in the other

island, there is none and so if we are digitising, we can see these things and we can move things and do a better job in preventing wastage in the system,” Dr Darville said.

“I believe that digitisation, the eClinical records and the list goes on and on will prove to be very beneficial in the future.”

The assembly opened yesterday and ends next Tuesday, May 30. The theme of this year’s conference is “Saving lives, driving health for all”, and it comes as the World Health Organisation is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

FARQUHARSON: ‘NOT THE FIRST’ ATLANTIS PROBE

from page one

complete its investigation this week, having compiled all the data needed.

“We launch investigations routinely when there is unfair treatment of employees,” he said, adding this is done for “various reasons”, including violations of bargaining agreements or breaches of employee rights.

“When the union was banned off the Atlantis property, we went into Atlantis and conducted interviews,” he added.

“Employees have rights. When they feel their rights are violated, they complain and we investigate.

“In that investigation, Atlantis had a Supreme Court action. We couldn’t do anything about it because it was in the courts. We determined their rights were not being violated.”

Mr Farquharson acknowledged that the example could not be compared to the current investigation.

Last week, Atlantis senior vice-president of government affairs and special projects Vaughn

Roberts said the government’s actions disheartened the resort’s executives.

“We’re concerned not so much from what the survey will say; If anything, we’re just concerned with the approach,” he said.

“We view ourselves as an important corporate citizen in The Bahamas. We’re the largest private entity here and we’ve had a very good relationship with the Department of Labour, certainly The Bahamas government for many years of our development and operation and this was just a bit of a surprise for us.”

CHIEF Supt Chrislyn Skippings playing rake ’n scrape at an event where she addressed the Yellow Elder Community Association yesterday in a post Mothers Day luncheon on the topic, “A Mothers Cry”. The event was held at Tom “The Bird” Grant Park, Yellow Elder Gardens, and was spearheaded by Nevolia Johnson, the YECA president.

HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville, second from right, in Switzerland.

‘More staff and extra capacity’ to cut police shooting backlog

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General

Ryan Pinder said the government would reduce the backlog of police-involved killing cases by increasing staff and the technological capacity of the Coroner’s Court.

He said when the Davis administration assumed office, it found a staff shortage at the court: there was only one magistrate and one police officer to marshal evidence at the time.

“You really can’t have police marshalling and doing matters on investigations of police,” he said in the Senate on Thursday.

“It’s just not transparent and objective, or at least the perception of objectivity may not be there, so what we did at the Attorney General’s office is we immediately seconded one of our lawyers over to the Coroner’s Court to start marshalling evidence in police-involved shootings.

He added: “That’s why you would’ve seen in the press lately, you would’ve seen reports with respect to matters of police-involved shootings and we are bringing all of those which have case files complete in the Coroner’s Court up to review.”

Inquests into policeinvolved shootings were halted during the COVID19 pandemic but resumed

this March.

According to the latest US report on human rights in The Bahamas, 74 policeinvolved killings were awaiting inquests in the Coroner’s Court.

“Part of the challenge with the prior set-up is that you have a number of files that aren’t complete to proceed,” Mr Pinder said, “so we’re looking to work on those and finish the files so we can proceed on those.

“I’m also happy to say that Cabinet has approved just recently the additional support for the Coroner’s Court.

Mr Pinder said his office would send two new, nonpolice marshals to the Coroner’s Court to marshal evidence and two more process servers “so we have enough capacity there to advance matters with respect to police-involved shootings which we understand is an enormous backlog and we’re working through those.”

Mr Pinder said the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions has the independence to act against police in killings when appropriate “without political influence.”

PROBE OF OFFICER STILL ONGOING

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have still not completed their investigations into allegations involving an officer administering corporal punishment to students at the Bimini Primary School more than two months ago, according to Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander.

“The matter is still being looked at and we’re working closely with the minister from education and we’re working that together,” Mr Fernander told reporters on Friday.

He reiterated that the officer had been transferred to another island.

In March, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training said the Ministry of National Security had been requested to investigate the actions of the officer.

The ministry said it received a report of an incident at the school “resulting in the purported discipline of several boys at the school allegedly by a police officer”.

Parents of the children shared pictures with The Tribune showing bruises on the children’s bodies. One parent called the incident “traumatising”.

Davaria Sherman said when she registered her 11-year-old son at the school, she told administrators he had pelvic kidney, a condition where one or both kidneys do not move into their proper

position when a baby is developing during pregnancy. She warned them not to beat the boy on his bottom and was alarmed to find purple bruises on his buttocks.

The Ministry of Education has a policy for administering corporal punishment that does not involve children being beaten by police officers. The principal of the Bimini school has since been reassigned.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said police would investigate the incident and identify potential repercussions the officer could face if wrongdoing was determined.

“There are disciplinary ramifications, which are (different) from criminal ramifications, and then there’s aspects of criminal culpability so the police can be put before a court,” he said.

“They might be found guilty, not guilty. Even if they’re found not guilty, there are disciplinary standards that don’t rise to the level of a crime, but still can call for the officer to be disciplined.”

Education Minister Glenys HannaMartin had described the incident as “beyond most unfortunate” and called for a conversation about corporal punishment.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder recently told the United Nations Humans Rights Council that the “policy expectation” of the government is that corporal punishment should not be inflicted in schools.

‘HOLD OWNERS TO ACCOUNT’ FOR PIT BULL ATTACKS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Humane

Society President Kim Aranha said dog owners who fail to train or restrain their pit bulls properly should be heavily fined, but pit bulls should not be banned.

She wants people who breed pit bulls forced to obtain a costly permit.

In April, St Anne’s MP Adrian White urged legislators to consider banning pit bulls. Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell supported his views. Carmichael MP Keith Bell also expressed concern about the dog breed earlier this month.

Ms Aranha’s comment came after a woman said she would complain to the police after a pit bull attacked her 13-year-old potcake, tearing its stomach open.

Erica Aust said her dog, George, was attacked after her handyman’s pit bull escaped its leash. The dog survived and was taken to the Caves Village Veterinary Centre, where it is

mending.

Ms Aust said the attack happened suddenly. She said the blood she saw looked “straight out of a horror movie”.

BHS president Kim Aranha said pit bulls must be better managed, not banned.

“I’m not a big fan of breed-specific banning,” she said. “One, the wrong people are handling these dogs, and they’re actually encouraging them to be aggressive. And so if you have dogs that are being encouraged to be aggressive by being tied up, by not being fed regularly, perhaps being teased or taunted, sometimes they’re even beaten, it makes the dog aggressive.

“An awful lot of the people who own pit bulls want them to be aggressive, so they’re sort of creating a monster, and they’re being totally irresponsible with keeping that monster behind a fence.”

Ms Aranha said she believes fining owners who improperly train or restrain pit bulls is the solution.

“I think that the best response to this is to make

it unbelievably expensive, painful, complicated and difficult for the owners of these dogs so that they actually get the message and stop being irresponsible,” she said.

“There should be huge enormous fines. The last fine for the shih tzu that was killed was like $6,000, $6,000-plus handed down by the magistrate. And this has to be consistent and it has to be for everyone and that’s a dog-on-dog attack.”

“A dog-on-person attack should be much higher. Where Erica lives, there is a little boy or child. That dog could have killed that kid. But I don’t think it is reasonable to put all the blame on the dog. The blame is on the human.”

Ms Aranha also demanded permits for people to breed pit bulls so the government could adequately regulate the population.

“I think breeders should be charged a heck of a lot of money to have a permit,” she said.

She wants people with spayed or neutered dogs to be charged $20, while those

who don’t spay or neuter their dogs are charged $1000 for a licence.

“If you refuse because you want to breed it then

pay for it. Pay for that privilege,” she said.

“This situation needs to be managed not banned. It needs to be managed by

everybody, it needs to be accepted by everybody. Every arm of the law and the judiciary needs to take this very seriously.”

ATTORNEY GENERAL RYAN PINDER

The Tribune Limited

It’s not the dog, it’s the owner

TRUST Kim Aranha to talk some sense. There has been a lot of talk in recent times about pit bulls – a lot of it sounding very much like a kneejerk reaction.

The discussion has come about after a very real, and truly severe incident. A woman in Grand Bahama was left hospitalised after being attacked by pit bulls – with two of the dogs euthanised after the incident.

That prompted FNM MP Adrian White to call for a ban on breeding and ownership of pit bulls to be considered. Even he did not sound convinced. He said: “I know it’s not an incident where every dog is a problem, but there are dog owners that continuously are not taking the proper precautions to secure their animals.”

He did point up a disparity in the law – where importation of the breed is banned but not the breeding here in The Bahamas, and that is a fair concern to highlight.

Mr White found support across the political divide in Keith Bell, the Labour and Immigration Minister, who warned that crossbreeding with potcakes is making our traditional Potcake more dangerous.

He said: “When you look around at the dogs now, at the Potcakes, you notice their feet are huge, that means they’re mixed. So when you have some of these attacks, it isn’t from the traditional Potcake any more.”

He offered no further proof beyond big feet, but he appeared to share the concerns.

The point that Mr White nearly makes is that the problem is more the dog owners than the dogs themselves –and that’s where the good sense of Ms Aranha comes in.

In today’s Tribune, she says that dog owners who fail to train or restrain their pit bulls properly should be heavily fined – rather than banning the dogs

themselves.

She spoke after another attack – this time a potcake being attacked by a pit bull that escaped its leash.

The owner of the dog, a 13-year-old potcake that had its stomach torn open in the attack, described it as looking “straight out of a horror movie”.

But as Ms Aranha said, “the wrong people are handling these dogs, and they’re actually encouraging them to be aggressive. And so, if you have dogs that are being encouraged to be aggressive by being tied up, by not being fed regularly, perhaps being teased or taunted, sometimes they’re even being beaten, it makes the dog aggressive.

“An awful lot of the people who own pit bulls want them to be aggressive, so they’re sort of creating a monster, and they’re being totally irresponsible with keeping that monster behind a fence.”

The truth is, that with owners like these, any dogs can be made to be aggressive – and banning pit bulls will just see attacks carried out by other breeds instead.

Keeping a dog is one of life’s great pleasures – but it is also a responsibility. Those irresponsible owners whose animals are not controlled and end up attacking another animal or a person are the ones who should be held accountable.

We shouldn’t be banning the dog – we should be banning some of these owners from being able to keep them. If they can’t be responsible, they should not be trusted with any animal.

Ms Aranha encourages “huge enormous fines”, and she is right. Put enough of a disincentive on the owner and they might think twice about the way they raise their pets – and in making sure those animals do not get the opportunity to attack anyone.

So thank you for the wisdom, Ms Aranha – we hope that people will listen to you.

Commited to expanding health care

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WHEN our PLP Administration introduced National Health Insurance, it wasn’t just a policy decision. It was about the relief in a father’s eyes knowing he doesn’t have to choose between his health and his family’s needs.

The $10m Catastrophic Care Fund isn’t just a budgetary allocation. It’s a sister, a friend, a co-worker, knowing they’re not alone when facing a serious medical condition.

We’ve increased the salaries and benefits for our nurses, and enacted important amendments to the Nurses and Midwives Act.

These changes are about more than numbers and policies, they’re about valuing the hands that heal us, the voices that comfort us in our most vulnerable moments.

The launch of our wellness programme is a stride towards changing the

health trajectory of Bahamians. It’s about the joy of a grandmother learning to manage her diabetes through diet, a teenager finding stress relief through a community exercise programme, or a busy parent discovering the importance of mental health and self-care.

We have hired additional doctors and are building new clinics and hospitals, including a $200m facility in Grand Bahama. This isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about a mother on a remote island knowing her child’s fever can be attended to quickly and professionally, right in their community.

Yesterday, when we broke ground on the hospital in Grand Bahama, it was more than a construction project. It’s a symbol

of our commitment to a healthier Bahamas, a beacon of hope that we are on a path towards better, more accessible healthcare for all.

We’ve also made amendments to the Mental Health Act, because we believe mental health is just as important as physical health.

It’s about a young man feeling less alone in his struggle with anxiety, or a teacher able to reach out for help when she needs it. Improving healthcare is not a destination, but a journey. It’s about our stories, our hopes, our lives. As we continue to take steps forward, know that our commitment is to you, to each and every Bahamian.

LATRAE RAHMING Director of Communications Office of The Prime Minister. Nassau, May 17, 2023.

US will warn over crime

EDITOR, The Tribune.

MY PREDICTION has happened. Two American tourists in Exuma robbed of thousands of dollars, another State Department Advisory will happen warning American tourists of the crime in The Bahamas.

Read the article in The Tribune about the story of two American tourists robbed in Exuma in their vacation home and taken to the ATM machine and robbed of thousands of dollars. They are now targeting tourists in The Bahamas and this will have a severe impact on the Bahamas economy and tourism. Sooner, rather than

later, the United States’ State Department will increase the level warning for American tourists about the high crime rate, murders and robberies happening in The Bahamas, to avoid travelling to The Bahamas, this is what just happened in Mexico after several American tourists were kidnapped and killed.

Prime Minister Philip Davis is failing The Bahamas and the Bahamian people on crime also Tourism is 85% of the Bahamas revenues and this can have a devastating impact on the Bahamas economy when the United States State Department issues its

warning of the high crime rate, murders and robberies happening in The Bahamas to the American citizen tourists visiting The Bahamas.

I have a comprehensive crime reduction and prevention plan to protect the Bahamian people, their properties and tourists visiting the Bahamas One Nation, One people, One Bahamas and One God, onward, forward and upward to a better Bahamas, help is on the way soon Pedro Smith Chosen One.

PEDRO SMITH Nassau, May 19, 2023.

THE VIEW from above as participants in the Carnival road fever parade took to the streets.

Photo: Austin Fernander

100 new police vehicles for crime fight

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Staff Reporter

COMMISSIONER of Police Clayton Fernander revealed on Friday that a fleet of 100 new police vehicles, valued at $2m, was purchased to aid in the fight against crime within the country.

Out of the 100 vehicles, 37 are on the ground, with the remaining 63 to arrive within the next week and a half, according to the police commissioner.

“I looked at the fleet of vehicles that were present during that time, I did research within the region with respect to a fleet of vehicles and we came up with the frontier trucks that are being used across the region in the fight against crime,” Commissioner Fernander said.

“The Prime Minister agreed with my proposal of 100 vehicles and he signed off on it almost immediately with finance and here we are today. At present on the ground as we speak, we have a total of 37 vehicles. The balance, which is 63 vehicles, should be here on the island in another week and a half, it’s on the way to New Providence.

“So, we are pleased with the government for signing off on this and we are ready to move.”

Commissioner Fernander promised that the new fleet of vehicles will increase saturation patrols in hotspot areas and serve as a deterrent for crime within the various communities.

“The Bahamian people want to see more boots on the ground, more presence within the community to prevent these incidents from happening and we will do just that,” Commissioner Fernander said during the press conference on Friday.

“The officers are up to the task, and all of the officers who were identified for this initiative were briefed already yesterday (Thursday).”

He noted a few members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will work alongside police during this

initiative. “And what this will do? The response time will be less,” he said. “The presence of complaints will be timely. This will reduce the fear of crime because if you are sleeping tonight, and you see that glare of the police light through your window, you feel good to know that the police are in your neighbourhood.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who was in attendance, said this initiative serves as a step employed by his administration to address the issue of crime.

“This press briefing really is just to update the public on the steps and initiatives that are being employed by this administration to address the issue of crime and the fear of crime,” Mr Davis said.

“We, my administration, upon coming to office understood and appreciated that our country has been drifting in a cycle of violence that does not augur well for economic goals. The first step to any growth is to ensure that our citizens feel safe and that they could operate in a secure environment and we have identified some initiatives, one of which is saturation patrols.

“We recognised there are limited vehicles to make efforts of saturation patrols effective, so we decided to invest in that in acquiring 100 vehicles specifically for the purposes of this initiative.”

Mr Davis noted that successive governments placed focussed efforts into detection, prosecution and punishment, rather than prevention.

He said realigning the focus on prevention would allow for less attention in those areas.

It was also noted that The Royal Bahamas Police Force partnered with Bahamas Power & Light to improve streetlights throughout the community to combat crime.

The objective of the initiative is to change, improve, and restore streetlights throughout the capital, specifically in “hotspot” areas in terms of violence.

20

MONTHS

IN JAIL OVER UNLICENCED FIREARM

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being convicted of having an unlicenced firearm in his home in Eleuthera earlier this month..

Reginald Gibson, 58, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

On May 6 at around 2.45am on Dunmore and Munnings Street, Harbour Island police, acting on a search

warrant, entered Gibson’s home. There, the defendant was arrested after he was found with a black 9mm Taurus pistol with the serial number erased. It is also said that authorities found the defendant with six unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition. After reversing his earlier position and pleading guilty to the charge the Chief Magistrate convicted Gibson for the offence. Gibson was then sentenced to 20 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for both counts to be served concurrently.

JAILED FOR FAILING TO CHARGE ELECTRONIC BAIL MONITOR

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN facing multiple pending armed robbery charges was sentenced to one year in prison after he admitted to failing to charge his electronic monitoring device (EMD) seven times.

McKenzy Pierre, 29, stood before Senior Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans charged with seven counts of violation of bail.

This bail was granted by the Supreme Court after Pierre was accused of robbed four people at gunpoint of over $1,000 worth of money and merchandise on June 15, 2019

While on release for those charges between March 19 and May 8, the defendant failed to charge his EMD on seven occasions.

After pleading guilty to the charges, Pierre was sentenced to one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

TEEN ACCUSED OF RAPE ATTEMPT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 19-YEAR-OLD MAN was remanded to jail after he was accused of the attempted sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl earlier this month in the capital.

Conrad Clarke faced Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on a charge of attempted rape.

It is alleged that on May 14 in New Providence, Clarke tried to force

the 16-year-old to have sex with him. Clarke was informed by the Magistrate that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI). Until the time he is granted bail the defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The accused’s VBI is set for service on September 20.

THE NEW police vehicles - at a cost of $2m for 100 vehicles - will help the crime fight, said Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander, pictured inset.

Photos: Moise Amisial

A moment in history for us all

By TOM HARTLEY UK High Commissioner

THE Coronation of HM King Charles III was an historic moment by any measure. Never have so many people watched a Coronation, and its mystery – hard to describe or imagine or draw – meant over 450 world leaders travelled to London for this Coronation. The delegation from Tuvalu perhaps travelled furthest, and delegation of the His Royal Majesty the Asantehenie perhaps travelled in greatest numbers. President Macron was there, as was Katy Perry; China sent Vice President Han Zheng and President Xi’s congratulatory call to The King was the most reposted article for seven days in China; the Vatican were represented for the first time since 1554; even North Korea sent a delegation, and President Biden – who continued the 247-year tradition of no US President ever attending Coronations (just, because) – still sent First Lady Dr Biden in his place. For the UK, we had the opportunity to project a modern country steeped in history: the service has its roots in 9th century medieval England and has remained largely unchanged for 40 consecutive Kings and Queens. The King was presented with sacred regalia such as the Sword of Mercy with its blunted tip symbolising the Sovereign’s mercy, spurs of King Richard the Lionheart, ancient bracelets of sincerity and wisdom, and historic thrones (did you spot the 18th Century graffiti on the Coronation chair?!); the imagery and the relics were worthy of Disney or Game of Thrones and, indeed, are the inspiration for both. And the flurry of rain ensured it was truly a British affair.

And yet, in great British tradition, the Coronation of King Charles III was also a moment of firsts: the first inclusion of non-Christian voices amidst the Anglican liturgy, old-testament anointing, and Orthodox hymns; the first ever public event in the 960-year old gardens of Windsor Castle; the first fly-past on the day of a Coronation; and the smaller and less-costly celebration. And, because of The King’s decades-long leadership, this Coronation was fully concerned with climate change and the needs of the most vulnerable states. And although costly, the image will boost Britain’s economy and exports for a decade to come.

I was privileged to be in London, serving at Westminster Abbey alongside other British diplomats to welcome international guests, and also to participate in the dress rehearsal alongside members of the Royal Household, foreign diplomats, and British civil servants. I will forever remember hearing the choirs fill the Abbey with

song, the Archbishop of Canterbury debating how best to crown The King, and the time it took to seat the many, many international guests in the right order: royal families first, Governors General and Realm Prime Ministers next, then Governors of Territories, heads of state from Commonwealth countries, and finally the rest of the world at the back. Royal events such as these are perhaps the only world events where the representatives of America, Barbados, China, France, and Germany, sit a dozen rows behind leaders of Realms, who enjoy their special place because of their constitutional status: on the day President Macron and Chancellor Scholz took their seats and watched whilst Realm leaders – including the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the British Prime Minister – entered Westminster Abbey just in front of The King.

One of the most memorable elements of the Coronation was, of course, The King himself. Unlike the Saxon Kings of old, The

King made loud and clear that his spiritual and temporal strength would come from service, “I come not to be served but to serve” were his purposefully chosen opening words, said to a child, and in front of an audience of Kings, Queens, and Prime Ministers. Just like Her Late Majesty, we have a new head of state who is first because they put themself last.

In the UK, that is one of the many reasons why the Monarchy is so respected – the idea of ‘Kings and Queens’ may feel counter cultural to some, but the Royal Family’s commitment to serving communities –and the most vulnerable within them – is something we respect and revere and protect for future generations. Nevertheless, the Coronation prompted the question about the role of the monarchy in Britain’s modern life, and the answer swiftly followed from the vast crowds from across the country – and the world –who came to London to celebrate the service and leadership and stability the monarchy offers us all.

The same debate is observed in Australia, Belize, and – I’m pleased to see – The Bahamas: it is a sign of healthy democracy to be able to ask and debate all parts of one’s constitution. And HM The King – reflecting his commitment to serve and not “rule” those countries for which he is head of state – has also welcomed this conversation, “I want to say clearly, as I have said before, that each member’s Constitutional arrangement, as Republic or Monarchy, is purely a matter for each member country to decide,” was his clear view, stated last year.

And it is not my role as Britain’s High Commissioner to offer any view on what is an important internal matter for the people of

The Bahamas. Except perhaps on one point, and that is to offer clarity on what I observe is causing confusion: what is a “Realm” and what is “the Commonwealth.” In short, there is a difference between the Realms and the Commonwealth; they are not the same. The 15 Realms are those nations who maintain The King as their constitutional head of state.

The Commonwealth, however, is a standalone and separate organisation of 56 countries of 2.6bn people, each willing members with an equal vote and veto: whilst The King is also the elected head of the Commonwealth – he was selected to that role in 2018 – it is a membership organisation made of 36 Republics (like India), 5 foreign monarchies (like Malaysia), and 15 Realms (like The Bahamas), and managed day-to-day by a Secretary General,

currently Baroness Scotland. No country has ever chosen to leave the Commonwealth; countries such as Barbados remain a member of the Commonwealth even after becoming a republic.

The King’s Coronation was, of course, a celebration of both the 15 Realms and of the Commonwealth: the sacred anointing screen had the names of each 56 country hand-sewn into it, and members of the armed forces of 56 Commonwealth countries were invited to join the Coronation procession. I was proud to be there, proud to hear of celebrations back home in The Bahamas, from New Providence to Abaco to Eleuthera to Long Island to Inagua, and proud to see that this Coronation offered an opportunity to celebrate the special status of The Bahamas, our 50 years of partnership and friendship, and shared respect for the Commonwealth and His Majesty The King.

THE BAHAMIAN flag on The Mall where British and Bahamian military led The King’s Coronation procession.

THE CORONATION chair - Most of the graffiti on the back part of the Chair is the result of Westminster schoolboys and visitors carving their names in the 18th and 19th centuries. One carved ‘P. Abbott slept in this chair 5-6 July 1800’ on the seat. A bomb attack in 1914 – thought to be organised by the Suffragettes fighting for women’s rights – even knocked a small corner off it.

BAHAMIAN and British troops preparing for the Coronation procession.

THE BAHAMIAN flag bearer for the procession into Westminster Abbey with UK High Commissioner Tom Hartley.

ABOVE and left, behind the scenes at the Abbey.

ATLANTIS THROWING ITS WEIGHT AROUND OVER COMPETITORS

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

THE waters around Atlantis seem far from peaceful these days.

Usually, things seem a little more serene at a resort that styles itself as the paradise that shares the island name it stands on –but lately the management seems to be increasingly

embroiled in fights, some of their own choosing, some that show up at the door. For the first, there was what appeared to be an artificially stimulated outrage amongst a small minority. That first volley came over the neighbouring Royal Caribbean plans for a beach club resort, which was approved with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis saying that ground

was going to be broken “almost immediately”. That was in March – and the reaction to the announcement, from Atlantis, was strong. For Atlantis’ part, they said wait, hold on a minute, we have a long list of questions that no one has ever bothered to answer –and further concerns over where the environmental approvals were for the project seems to have led to that “almost immediate” being stalled while administrative hoops are jumped through.

From Atlantis’ perspective, it made sense to call timeout on the development of a substantial project right on their doorstep - a development that will naturally pull away from the thousands of guests who would visit their property on an annual basis.

The spinoff from that first fight led to the second. Atlantis sent out a letter to employees saying what they could do to speak up on the issue. That was far from a clever move, and the unions at Altantis treated it with the scorn it deserved, suggesting if Atlantis officials wanted to march in protest then maybe the union members would follow suit. Maybe. Atlantis president Audrey Oswell has not been seen at the end of the PI bridge with a placard in her hands as yet.

The second fight was not with the unions, though – but when the Department of Labour decided that Atlantis was putting undue pressure on its staff and marched in with questionnaires because workers apparently felt “pressured and intimidated” to stand against the RCI proposal.

How those workers who felt pressured managed to go straight to the Labour board without mentioning their concerns to the unions remains a mystery. Were there real complaints, or were some staff members encouraged to complain so the Department of Labour could march in?

It was outrageous that the Labour board should decide to get so involved in the matter, and the very kind of bureaucratic intervention that holds back business across the board.

Two fights, and then they go and shoot themselves in the foot.

When Atlantis weighed in against the Wendy’s franchise holder and the plan to turn the old Scotiabank branch into a fast food restaurant, it looked far more like the company was trying to keep people buying their burgers and fries on property rather than across the road.

Atlantis claims that planning restrictions stop the site being turned into a restaurant location – but that feels more like using the regulations as an excuse for the objection rather than the objection itself.

More pointedly, Atlantis has said such a business would not be in keeping with Paradise Island. One Atlantis executive even said that they don’t think it fits in with “the ethos, the aesthetics of what we aspire for Paradise Island”, adding: “We really don’t see how a Wendy’s or Marco’s Pizza fits at that location on PI.”

Well, for one thing, Atlantis cannot just dictate what other businesses should or should not be on Paradise Island. Other

businesses get to do what they want as long as they fit in with the rules.

And then look at this, another fast food restaurant chain, Shake Shack, announced in October that it is coming to Atlantis, and from what we’re told, this burger joint will be across the street from the proposed Wendy’s restaurant.

So is Atlantis really objecting to the quality, or the competition?

Now I’m not a travelling gourmet like some of you readers, so I had to go look up what Shake Shack serves. A quick Google shows me plenty of burgers, chicken bites, as well as what they call a Truffle Menu and a bourbon bacon cheddar menu. Still, burgers, fries, shakes … you get the idea.

This feels like Atlantis throwing its weight around to nudge out another business. Ms Oswell said that Shake Shack “shares many of our core values, including leading with hospitality, creating uplifting experiences for guests, and a commitment to quality service and ingredients.”

Indeed, she went on to call Shake Shack “a pinnacle part of our dining collection”.

Every word of that statement seems to read as an insult to the franchise holder of Wendy’s and Marco’s.

Just across the road from the old Scotiabank there also used to be a Johnny Rockets restaurant – serving burgers, fries, hot dogs, all those kind of things too.

So how out of place would such a restaurant be?

And regardless if it is, what place is it of Atlantis

to object to whether a new neighbour is elevated enough to enjoy their neighbourhood?

The argument about covenants is one thing – but if Atlantis was confident enough in the strength of that complaint then it wouldn’t need to bring up anything about whether Wendy’s or Marco’s would be an appropriate fit.

As for those covenants, well even if they still applied, and there’s plenty of reason to think they do not and it is perfectly valid to change the use, it’s a different world now. Bank branches are steadily closing down. No one is going to expand their bank into that space. Is it to be left to decay? That won’t help anyone either.

So a business has identified an opportunity, and now it’s up to them to make a success of it or not. There are plenty of other food outlets in the area, so it’s not as if the smell of food would be inappropriate there, and apparently it isn’t even planned to be a drive-through, so there’s no radical difference from other food spots. Atlantis is sending out the wrong message here – to the extent that it makes me doubt their case against RCI’s plan for Paradise Island. Initially I thought there was the possibility for some objection, but if this is how they are responding to what seems legitimate competition, maybe I need to give that a second thought. When Atlantis is making such statements, perhaps it ought to bear in mind more closely how they will be received.

THE report on May 17, from the World Meteorological Organization, (WMO) that global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years should have sent all Caribbean institutions, such as the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, into overdrive to explore further ways in which the region could accelerate efforts to avert this calamity.

Immediately, there should also have been a loud and collective cry from government ministers, responsible for the environment and climate change, deploring this recent news, and insisting that the world’s biggest emitters of harmful greenhouse gases be held to account. It should further have been made clear that the existential threat, which has been plaguing small island states and countries with low-lying coastlines, is now agonisingly imminent, and that no country will sleepwalk into their own catastrophe.

In the latter regard, victim states of climate change and global warming, should have been very vocal in emphasizing that, in their determination to save their own societies, there can be no ideological or other political considerations.

Instead of expressions of outrage, alarm, and anger, there has only been silence at the deeply troubling announcement by the WMO that, “There is a 66% likelihood that the annual average nearsurface global temperature between 2023 and 2027 will be more than above preindustrial levels for at least one year.”

At 1.5°C, conditions will be intolerable for many small states. As the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres, has repeatedly pointed out, “the alarm bells are deafening and the evidence is irrefutable”: climate change is a “code red for humanity,” and we must use all our resources to build a sense of urgency” to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels.

He and the great body of science have stressed that the failure to meet this target will have certain and catastrophic consequences for humankind as a whole, and Small Island States in particular some of which may vanish as a result of rising sea levels.

Why then, the silence? Is it because the problem is too great to contemplate, yet alone to act; or is it because it is considered undiplomatic to call out countries with whom there are other relations? If it is the latter, then it is misplaced diplomacy. Large countries, especially those who are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have no hesitation on putting small countries on blacklists, damaging their reputations and killing their nascent financial services industries. In other institutions,

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) their dominance on governing boards, ensure that their policies of denying some Caribbean counties access to concessional financing, or special and differential treatment in trade, severely limit the possibilities for social development and economic growth.

It is fair game, therefore, for victim states to deploy every possible diplomatic tool to advance their interest, regardless of which countries are identified as the main polluters. It should be evident now, if it wasn’t urgently so before the WMO report, that victim states have virtually run out of time. Therefore, in every council of the UN, the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, victim states should be finding ways of speaking out collectively and vociferously on this disturbing issue.

And, if it is paralysis that has gripped government officials, generated from what would appear to be the overwhelming nature of the problem, they need shake themselves out of unresponsiveness and dig deep into their creative minds to act strongly and swiftly. They have nothing to lose. The dreadful impact of climate change is no longer creeping up on their peoples and their countries; it is now speeding along.

In the end, the peoples of victim states will hold their political leaders to account first, Inaction will be an indictment.

At best, the crippling rise in temperature of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels should not have happened until 2030. Even though that date is only a mere 7 years away, it did present a brief and small space for victim states to formulate a more aggressive survival plan than they have deployed so far. But with the knowledge that, “There is a 98% likelihood that at least one of the next five years, and the fiveyear period as a whole, will be the warmest on record”, as the WMO report states, even that brief opportunity has narrowed. The alarm bells should be ringing everywhere

1.5°C IS UPON US - ARE WE PREPARED?

and governments should be alerting the business community and non-governmental organisations of every kind to begin the process of building greater resilience to the impact of climate change, as well as joining an international campaign to fight for the rights of victim states.

It is alarming that the initiative by small island states, led by the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda and Tuvalu, with the support of the leaders of Niue, St Lucia and Vanuatu, to establish a Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) mandated to seek justice for small states, did not receive immediate support from other small states.

Part of COSIS’ mandate is to seek an advisory opinion from the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Persuaded that there is a case to be heard, ITLOS has scheduled a hearing for September 11 in Hamburg, Germany. Leaders of small states do themselves and their countries a disservice by delaying a decision to join the case before ITLOS. After all, it is their future that is at stake and that now hangs thinly in the balance.

Professor Petteri Taalas is the Secretary-General of the WMO. He says: “A warming El Niño is expected to develop in the coming months and this will combine with human-induced climate change to push global temperatures into uncharted territory. This will have farreaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared.” But are we?

• Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com)

Sins of the father

THROUGHOUT out

the world, and especially in sophisticated Western industrialised societies where divorce has evolved from scandalous to commonplace, one of the most common reasons that couples split is infidelity.

Despite the disruption impacting children, finances and family relations, lust or the hope for better love is a powerful motivator and extramarital affairs continue widespread with undiluted frequency.

For those who remain committed to their marriage following the affair, it’s often done so out of love, religion, finance, (to protect their) children,

embarrassment, fear of starting over, fear that they can’t do any better or any combination of the aforementioned.

While the vows shared during a marital ceremony are sacred and breaking them to the religious and faithful is considered a blatant sacrilege, the desire to end the marriage following

such betrayal is understandable, particularly when the adultery yields an outside child. Whether one remains married or not, however, the most longterm damage is equitably inflicted on the children born within the marriage as well as those without the benefit of clergy. That’s because the ramification of

transgressions, trickle down to the next generation and the sins of the father fall upon his children.

In my many discussions with patients in such situations over the years, I’ve discovered that there is no easy solution to their dilemma. They struggle knowing that leaving will ultimately deprive their children of a two-parent household but staying teaches them that the behaviour of the adulterer is acceptable.

I myself never offer advice, simply an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on, which is all they ever really want. And for those who have been cheated on and stay within the marriage, I’ve noticed a trend.

Their sons, having born witness to the events of their household many times go on to commit similar offences and the cycle of damage perpetuates. When distrust intrudes and shakes the foundation of the family, the role of whoever was the guilty party is eroded. In The Bahamas where “sweethearting” more often refers to a married man and a single woman, the impact of the change in the family dynamic can be perpetrated for generations as boys watch what Daddy does and whether they follow the pattern consciously or subconsciously, the residual impact can last for generations.

The many reasons why men and women cheat on one another is outside the scope of this report. How that cheating affects the family, according to a few of my patients, is today where my focus lies.

One patient, with the alias Paula, didn’t know that her husband of over a decade had another family until one of his best friends became a Christian and told her as she was walking down the stairs outside her job. The guilt of knowing and the toxicity of keeping it from her was slowly killing him and he had to finally get it off his chest. The news made Paula lightheaded so she sat for a moment to think. She could see in his eyes that he was telling the truth and, in that moment, with just a few words, her world came crashing down.

Paula was pregnant at the time but she suffered a miscarriage after following her husband and watching him with his mistress and their children. Their confrontation was heated but never violent, refusing to betray her honour and the values

By DR KENNETH D KEMP

her parents instilled in her for anyone.

Fortunately, Paula’s older son, untainted by his lineage, grew up and married a woman who he was deeply committed to until their fairy-tale marriage ended when she died during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their marriage, he maintains, gave him the greatest memories of his life. He saw the pain his mother endured and refused to inflict the same pain on his wife and children just as in many cases children of alcoholics often refuse to touch alcohol.

My other patient, using the alias Craig, was not so fortunate. His father worked in finance, cheated on his mother and had two children with his mistress. Growing up, he recalls hearing them argue but never understood the reason behind their discord. The confusion grew as he was forced to play with children he was told were his siblings, but they didn’t live with him and they didn’t have the same mother. Hearing his mother say that she didn’t want ‘those children’ in her house made him suspicious and reluctant to be friendly so they never forged a close bond. Doing so, he felt would devastate his mother.

Despite that, Craig became an artist and has been married several times. He admits with a modicum of regret that all of his marriages ended because of his extramarital relations. He makes mention of his first wife, now deceased, acknowledging that he caused her a great deal of pain. But you can’t give what you don’t have and he simply couldn’t be the type of husband that she deserved. Craig has remained close with all his children throughout the years but he acknowledges that although he supported them financially, he never had an opportunity to really be there for them as much as he would have liked.

One of his sons, born out of wedlock, has a solid job, yet following in his father’s footsteps, has two illegitimate children of his own.

Craig admits that he’s a much better grandfather than he was a father and hopes that the cycle of infidelity that started with his father will end with this current generation of young men. He looks around his community and society as a whole and can’t help but wonder if the crime in our neighbourhoods can be

directly linked to the breakdown of the home. A chorus of local priests and religious figures across different denominations resoundingly say yes. A single parent household is much more likely to foster teen pregnancy and delinquent young men who, walking steadily toward a cliff, join gangs for acceptance, protection and financial security. Within the gang, they are initially fooled by the illusion of order and soon drown in the virulence cast by the scepter of its criminal shadow. Yet, there is also evidence supporting the fact that a happy single parent household is healthier for children than an unhappy, deeply troubled dual parent where children are subjected to bitter arguments and emotional strife.

In one of my earlier reports, I introduced a woman whose husband left her and their daughter for another woman. Years later, when he had a stroke, his mistress abandoned him and it was his ex-wife who ended up taking care of him and paying his medical bills. According to her, she did this because she wanted to teach her daughter the power of forgiveness and that there is a stark difference between being subservient and being honourable.

Everyone who’s been cheated on has their own personal decision to make if to stay within the marriage or leave. That decision is intensified when it’s made not just for yourself but also for young children who may resent you later on for the choices you made today. The best answer, which may not be the easiest, is the one that will make you sleep best at night, keep you the happiest and allow you to be the best parent that you can be without stealing a single portion of your humanity.

The take home message that my patients wanted to share is to never enter into marriage lightly. Wait until you find the right person, even if the clock is ticking and you’re getting older because it’s infinitely better to be happy by yourself than miserable with someone else. They poignantly add being careful who you choose to have children with because the sins of the father fall upon his children and while we may not be responsible for their failures or the things they exposed us to, we are responsible for what they made us believe and the lives we choose to live.

This is The KDK Report.

• Nicknamed ‘The Prince of Podiatry’, Dr Kenneth D Kemp is the founder and medical director of Bahamas Foot and Ankle located in Caves Village, Western New Providence. He served as the deputy chairman for the Health Council for five years and he currently sits on the board of directors for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in his role as co-vice-chairman.

‘Lust or the hope for better love is a powerful motivator and extramarital affairs continue widespread with undiluted frequency.’

Civil rights groups warn tourists about Florida in wake of ‘hostile’ laws

ORLANDO, Florida

Associated Press

THE NAACP over the weekend issued a travel advisory for Florida, joining two other civil rights groups in warning potential tourists that recent laws and policies championed by Gov Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals”.

The NAACP, long an advocate for Black Americans, joined the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a Latino civil rights organisation, and Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy group, in issuing travel advisories for the Sunshine State, where tourism is one of the state’s largest job sectors.

The warning approved on Saturday by the NAACP’s board of directors tells tourists that, before traveling to Florida, they should understand the state of Florida “devalues and marginalises the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of colour”.

An email was sent Sunday morning to DeSantis’ office seeking comment.

The Republican governor is expected to announce a run for the GOP presidential nomination this week.

Florida is one of the most popular states in the US for tourists, and tourism is one of its biggest

industries. More than 137.5 million tourists visited Florida last year, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism promotion agency. Tourism supports 1.6 million fulltime and part-time jobs, and visitors spent $98.8 billion in Florida in 2019, the last year figures are available.

Several of Florida’s Democratic mayors were quick to say yesterday that their cities welcomed diversity and inclusion.

“EVERYONE is always welcome and will be treated with dignity and respect,” tweeted Mayor Ken Welch of St Petersburg in a message echoed by the mayor across the bay in Tampa.

“That will never change, regardless of what happens in Tallahassee,” tweeted Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa.

The NAACP’s decision comes after the DeSantis’ administration in January rejected the College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies course. DeSantis and Republican lawmakers also have pressed forward with measures that ban state colleges from having programs on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as critical race theory, and also passed the Stop WOKE Act that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in schools and businesses.

In its warning for Hispanic travelers considering

a visit to Florida, LULAC cited a new law that prohibits local governments from providing money to organizations that issue identification cards to people illegally in the country and invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses held by undocumented immigrants, among other things. The law also requires hospitals that accept Medicaid to include a citizenship question on intake forms, which critics have said is intended to dissuade immigrants living in the US illegally from seeking medical care.

“The actions taken by Governor DeSantis have created a shadow of fear within communities across the state,” said Lydia Medrano, a LULAC vice president for the Southeast region. Recent efforts to limit discussion on LGBTQ topics in schools, the removal of books with gay characters from school libraries, a recent ban on gender-affirming care for minors, new restrictions on abortion access and a law allowing Floridians to carry concealed guns without a permit contributed to Equality Florida’s warning.

“Taken in their totality, Florida’s slate of laws and policies targeting basic freedoms and rights pose a serious risk to the health and safety of those traveling to the state,” Equality Florida’s advisory said.

IN this aerial photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, attendees watch and toast the sunset at a Florida Keys bicentennial celebration on Friday, on the restored Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon, Florida. The sunset gathering was among a series of Keys events being staged to mark the 200th anniversary, on July 3, of the Florida Territorial Legislature’s 1823 founding of Monroe County, containing the entire island chain. The old bridge was originally part of Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad completed in 1912, and is now closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians and bicycles.

Photo: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau via AP

Ohtani strikes out 9, allows 2 hits in 6 innings, Angels top Twins 4-2

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)

— Shohei Ohtani struck out nine in six innings, Mickey Moniak delivered his second big hit of the series and the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Sunday.

Ohtani did not get a decision despite allowing one run and two hits. It was the fourth time in 10 starts this season the two-way star had nine or more strikeouts. He leads the majors with a .142 opponent batting average and is third in strikeouts with 80.

Moniak, who had a tying triple Friday night, came through with a two-run double off Pablo López (2-3) in the seventh for a 3-1 advantage.

Chris Devenski (2-0) got the win and Carlos Estévez earned his 12th save.

BREWERS 6, RAYS 4 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

(AP) — Willy Adames, Rowdy Tellez and William Contreras homered as Milwaukee avoided a threegame sweep by beating the major league-leading Rays.

Tampa Bay (34-14) dropped to 21-4 at Tropicana Field, the second-best 25-game home record since 1901 behind the 1978 Boston Red Sox at 22-3.

Freddy Peralta (5-3) gave up three runs and five hits over six innings as the NL Central-leading Brewers (25-21) stopped a threegame skid. Devin Williams pitched 1 1/3 innings for his seventh save

Josh Lowe had a threerun homer, three hits and four RBIs for the Rays, whose 91 home runs lead the major leagues. Cooper Criswell (0-1) allowed five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

YANKEES 4, REDS 1

CINCINNATI (AP)

— Harrison Bader and Gleyber Torres homered off Hunter Greene (0-4) as New York completed a three-game sweep for its first four-game winning streak this season.

Luis Severino returned from a strained lat muscle that had sidelined him since spring training and allowed one run and four hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Albert Abreu (2-1) got four straight outs and Clay Holmes earned his fifth save when Will Benson hit a game-ending comebacker with the bases loaded.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected in the first inning and Reds manager David Bell in the eighth.

ASTROS 2, ATHLETICS 0

HOUSTON (AP) —

Framber Valdez (4-4) pitched a four-hitter as Houston completed a threegame sweep that extended its winning streak to seven.

Oakland dropped to 10-38 and is on pace to finish 34-128, the most losses since the 1899 Cleveland Spiders went 20-134.

Valdez (4-4) struck out seven without a walk in his second career shutout and fifth complete game.

The A’s have been blanked three times in 10 games and seven overall in the league.

Jose Altuve hit an RBI single off James Kaprielian (0-4) in the fifth inning of Altuve’s third game back from a broken right thumb.

Yordan Alvarez scored on a wild pitch.

BRAVES 3, MARINERS 2 ATLANTA (AP) —

Jared Shuster (1-2) allowed one hit in six innings, Jarred Kelenic’s leadoff homer in the second, for his first big league win. Atlanta took two of three from Seattle for its first series victory over the Mariners in 12 years. Travis d’Arnaud had two hits, including his first homer.

Jose Caballero hit his first big league homer, an eighth-inning liner off Nick Anderson.

Raisel Iglesias struck out two in a perfect ninth for his third save.

George Kirby (5-3) allowed three runs in seven innings.

METS 5, GUARDIANS 4, GAME 1 METS 2, GUARDIANS 1, GAME 2 NEW YORK (AP) —

Justin Verlander outpitched Shane Bieber in a marquee matchup of Cy Young Award winners, and New

York edged Cleveland for a doubleheader sweep.

Francisco Lindor homered against his former team and Jeff McNeil knocked in the tiebreaking run with a sacrifice fly off Bieber (2-2) in the eighth inning. Brooks Raley closed out New York’s fifth consecutive comeback victory — all by one run — since a 6-16 slide.

In the opener, Starling Marte ended a long power drought by hitting a goahead homer in the eighth off Trevor Stephan (2-2) that sent the Mets to a 5-4 win. Max Scherzer pitched six shutout innings despite a callus on his right thumb.

The 40-year-old Verlander (2-2) gave up three hits and struck out five, becoming the first Mets pitcher to complete eight innings this season.

Raley needed only five pitches in the ninth to earn his 10th career save and first for the Mets, finishing an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel that took just 2 hours, 6 minutes. The left-hander got José Ramírez to ground into a game-ending double play.

Ramírez homered off Verlander in the first after hitting a two-run shot in the eighth inning of Game 1 against David Robertson (2-0) to give the Guardians a 4-3 lead.

Bieber permitted seven hits in his fifth career complete game and first this season. He struck out four and threw 106 pitches.

After a rainout Saturday, Marte’s first three-hit game of the season included a two-run shot for his first extra-base hit since April 14 in Oakland. His only other long ball this year came in the home opener April 7 against Miami.

PHILLIES 2, CUBS 1

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Bryson Stott hit his first career pinch-hit homer, a two-run drive in the seventh off Albert Alzolay (1-3)

After extending their losing streak to five in the

series opener, the defending NL champions won the final two games of the set. Taijuan Walker pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings on three days’ rest and Craig Kimbrel got his 399th save, moving within one of becoming the eighth pitcher with 400.

Matt Strahm (4-3) worked around a walk in the seventh.

Christopher Morel homered in the ninth, his eighth in 11 games since his call-up.

DIAMONDBACKS 8, PIRATES 3

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Christian Walker had three RBIs, hitting a two-run double in a three-run seventh inning.

Arizona has won seven of nine, including the final two games of the series after losing the opener 13-3.

Pittsburgh committed three errors, threw five wild pitches and fell to 4-13 in May after a 20-9 start.

Merrill Kelly (5-3) gave up three runs and three hits in five innings. Dauri Moreta (1-1) was the loser.

NATIONALS 6, TIGERS 4 WASHINGTON (AP)

— Riley Adams had a career-high four hits and finished a triple short of the cycle as Washington tied its season high with 18 hits.

Ildemaro Vargas hit his first home run since last Aug. 28 and Jeimer Candelario had four singles.

Josiah Gray (4-5) allowed one run and three hits over five inning but matched his career high with six walks. Hunter Harvey pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save.

Joey Wentz (1-4) allowed six runs and a season-high 10 hits in two-plus innings.

Detroit failed to take advantage of eight walks and went 3 for 16 with runners in scoring position.

WHITE SOX 5, ROYALS 2

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Robert Jr. homered and Romy González went 3 for 3 with two RBIs as Chicago

finished a three-game sweep, winning for the fifth time in six games.

Lance Lynn (3-5) allowed two runs and four hits over six innings in his second straight win, and Joe Kelly tossed a perfect ninth for his first save.

Michael Massey hit a tworun homer for Kansas City, which finished with four hits. The last-place Royals (14-34) have dropped seven of nine. Max Castillo (0-1) allowed five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Promoted from Triple-A, Clint Frazier was 1 for 3 for the White Sox in his first big league game since last June 7.

ORIOLES 8, BLUE JAYS 3, 11 INNINGS TORONTO (AP) — Cedric Mullins had five hits and three RBIs and Austin Hays had a tiebreaking single off Yimi Garcia (1-2) in a five-run 11th inning as Baltimore completed a three-game sweep.

Hays reached base four times for the Orioles (3116), who have won five of six.

Mullins’ RBI single put the Orioles ahead 3-2 in the 10th, but Whit Merrifield hit a run-scoring single in the bottom half off Austin Voth. Mike Baumann (3-0) relieved and picked off Merrifield at first.

CARDINALS 10, DODGERS 5 ST. LOUIS (AP) — Oscar Mercado tied his career high of five RBIs and had three hits. Paul DeJong hit a three-run homer for St. Louis, which has won 11 of 14 after a 10-24 start.

Los Angeles dropped three of four games in the series and lost its first set since dropping two of three to Pittsburgh from April 24-26.

Clayton Kershaw (6-4) allowed four runs and five hits over 3 2/3 innings.

Drew VerHagen (3-0) retired seven successive batters after relieving starter Jack Flaherty with two outs in the fourth.

RANGERS 13, ROCKIES 3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager hit a two-run homer in a five-run second inning and an RBI double in a six-run fifth, helping Texas complete a three-game sweep.

Texas is 12 games over .500 for the first time since finishing 2016 at 95-67.

Josh Jung put Texas ahead in the second against Connor Seabold (1-1) with his ninth homer, a solo drive that tied the Dodgers’ James Outman for the rookie lead.

Andrew Heaney (3-3) won for the first time in five starts since April 22, allowing one run — unearned — and six hits in six innings.

GIANTS 7, MARLINS 5

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Patrick Bailey hit his first major league homer and drove in a run with a squeeze bunt, helping San Francisco win for the fifth time in six games.

Two days after making his major league debut, the 23-year-old catcher homered in the second off Jesús Luzardo (3-3) and knocked in a run with a bunt in a two-run sixth for a 6-4 lead.

J.D. Davis hit his teamleading eighth home run in the third, then doubled and scored the go-ahead run on Mitch Haniger’s sixthinning single. Ryan Walker (1-0) worked around a pair of singles in a scoreless sixth to win in his major league debut.

PADRES 7, RED SOX 0

SAN DIEGO (AP)

— Rougned Odor hit a three-run double off struggling Corey Kluber (2-6) in the first inning, Matt Carpenter homered and San Diego stopped a four-game skid by winning for the third time in 14 games.

Odor finished with two doubles and four RBIs. Michael Wacha (5-1), who pitched for Boston last year, allowed five hits in six innings.

LOS Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins yesterday.

SHOHEI Ohtani gestures toward teammates as he walks back to the dugout after the top of the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins yesterday.

LOS Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani reacts after hitting Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Jeffers with a pitch during the fifth inning of a baseball game yesterday in Anaheim, California.

(AP Photos/Mark J Terrill)

PUT YOUR GLOVES UP: Training clinic in Freeport dubbed a success

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sport Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN a bid to revitalise and improve the level of officiating in the sport of boxing in the country, Bahamas Boxing Federation president Vincent Strachan hosted a training clinic in Grand Bahama over the weekend.

The event, the first of its kind to be staged in Grand Bahama under Strachan’s tenure in office, was held at the Cross Fit Gymnasium and was dubbed a success.

“This is the most updated and current rules and regulations issued by AIIBA and Grand Bahama is the first to receive it,” Strachan said. “Mr (Jermaine) Gibson, the president of the Grand Bahama Amateur Boxing Association, is doing a phenomenal job with his team and I’m encouraged by what they are doing.

“And so we were able to start this and complete

it today. It’s a testament to what is being done in Grand Bahama.

“It is my hope that we continue to do these kinds of training throughout the Bahamas to ensure that there is a level playing field and that it is not just Nassau centric.”

The clinic comes just before the staging of the sixth Bahamas Games in July in New Providence and, with boxing being one of the sports on the mini multiple-purpose sporting extravaganza, Strachan said it’s the federations wish that as many islands are brought up to speed on the new rules and regulations for the sport.

“The way forward is that boxing will continue to grow and indeed it is growing,” he said.

“I’m amazed at the rapid pace that I see it growing here in Grand Bahsmas. So I am happy to be here today to ensure that this event becomes a reality. It was indeed a reality.”

BOXERS and officials can be seen enjoying a training session in Freeport, Grand Bahama, over the weekend.

AMATEUR boxing president Vincent Strachan, right, and Grand Bahama amateur boxing president Jermaine Gibson.

BOXERS take part in the Bahamas Boxing Federation’s training clinic hosted in Grand Bahama over the weekend. The event was the the first of its kind to be staged in Grand Bahama under Strachan’s tenure in office and was dubbed a success.

RELOADED BASEBALL

FROM PAGE 20

his club’s gameplay en route to a championship win. “It feels pretty good to win. It’s a combined group of kids from the reloaded programme and the kids put up a good effort and fight. Although it was not an easy win, they showed their skills and did their best,” Bain said.

As a coach he said he was super impressed with his athletes as they held their composure despite being down in the middle of the game and came out on top.

He described L Bain as a firecracker and was very impressed with her play and was happy with her batting and added that she just had the fire under her during the game as she always does.

The Reloaded Baseball programme was launched in interest of helping younger players develop basic baseball fundamentals and skills.

The group has recently entered into partnership with the National Sports Authority (NSA) for more games of this nature to be held at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

TENNIS TEAMS

FROM PAGE 20

Elana Mackey and Sydney Clarke, two collegians who also booked their trip from the tournament in December.

Armbrister over Rolle

In the men’s final, which came to an abrupt stop yesterday, Armbrister took the first set 6-4, but Rolle retired and decided not to play the second set with a sprained neck injury.

Unseeded Armbrister advanced to the final after he blanked Cailan Bowe 6-0, 6-0 and ousted No.2 seed Anthony Burrows Jr 6-0, 6-2.

Rolle, meanwhile, got a bye in the first round and knocked off versatile high schooler Dentry Mortimer Jr 6-2, 6-3. But in the final, after going up 4-2 on a break, Rolle watched as Armbrister stormed back to break twice at 4-4 and 6-4 for the win.

“I felt I played well through the tournament, but in today’s match, I think I was a little tentative,” Armbrister said. He was able to dictate most of the points and I had problems with my first serves, so I had a lot of [problems on my service games.

“But he wasn’t really serving as big as usual, so on his returns, that gave me some opportunities to be in the match. He’s a crafty player, so I didn’t know what to expect.”

Coming home from college where he enjoyed a successful season with

the Hampton University Pirates, earning the MVP award, the 21-year-old Armbrister said he was looking forward to participating in the trials and making his second appearance on the Davis Cup team.

“I’m always excited to represent my country,” he stated. “I haven’t been on the national team in a while, so I’m happy to be back. I’m playing with KJ again and for the first time with Denali, and also with Marvin again as the captain.

“I think we should do well. I know KJ has been playing a lot of tournaments, Denali has also been playing a lot of tennis and I had a good season, so we just have to go out there and give it our best and bring it on home.”

Rolle, who will still travel with the team and serve as the team captain, said although he came out strong and he served well, he could only watch as Armbrister fought back into the match.

“He started putting a lot more balls on the court and he was a little more patient,” Rolle pointed out. “I just couldn’t continue with the injury. I have to go to work tomorrow (today), so I have to be ready for that. But he played well.”

Having played on the Davis Cup team since he was 16, at the age of 40, Rolle said it’s always an honour to represent the country and he’s confident that the team selected will do well. But he cautioned them all that they will have to be ready because there are some tough teams in

their group in the Dominican Republic and Bolivia, who have been relegated from Zone II to III. “We will try and see what we can do,” he said. “Donte is playing a lot of college tennis, KJ is out there playing, and Denali is out there playing as well. I’m also trying to do my thing, trying to stay in shape as much as I can hitting with PJ (Philip Major Jr). But this is going to be a tough tie with Bolivia and Paraguay also included.” Pratt over Ferguson In the ladies’ final between a pair of lefties,

Pratt remained unblemished in her three matches played with her 6-0, 6-0 whitewashing of youthful Saphirra Ferguson just like she did against Sierra Rodgers and top seed and fellow Grand Bahamian Jailsa Clarke.

Ferguson, playing as the No.2 seed, had a quick 6-0, 6-0 decision over Caila Bowe, but admitted that Pratt had her number in the final.

“I think my performance was pretty good in this tournament. I felt like I was in much better shape and my

game was pretty good,” said Pratt.

“It was the first time playing against Sapphire and after the match, I gave her pointers on her to improve her game.”

As for her return to the national team, coming back from the birth of her son Stevon, the 27-yearold Pratt said she loves the sport and has always been motivated to play and she just wanted to put in the work to continue what she enjoys doing.

“I feel I’m climbing up there. I’m still not where I

RELOADED RUNNER UPS: Reloaded Team A fell short to Team B after a competitive showing at yesterday’s championship game at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

DYNAMIC DUO: Javado Bain, head coach of Reloaded Team B, and his daughter Lynn Bain who amassed two hits and three home runs in the championship victory.

want to be, but I feel like it’s getting there,” said Pratt, who made her first Fed Cup team (as it was called then) in 2010 and has made six other appearances.

“I’m always excited about playing on the national team. I just like the team environment. I went with Sydney and Elana before and now we have Saphirra, so we just have to go out there and try our best,” she added.

For Ferguson, she’s delighted to finally make her breakthrough on the senior national team. She admitted that she learned a lot from playing Pratt and she hopes to take the experience with her into her practice sessions for the team.

“It was kind of weird because i saw her doing a lot of things that I should have been doing, especially with my footwork,” the 15-year-old online school student said.

“It wasn’t the same as playing a right hander. But I’m just happy I made the team. I know now I have to put in the work in practice because now I will be looking to playing players who are a lot stronger than she is.

“I am not that close with these young ladies, but I hope to get to know them better and we can be able to help each other.”

When the Billie Jean King team travels in July, they are expected to have former multiple national champion and former long-time Fed Cup player/ captain Kim O’Kelley returning as their captain after a long hiatus.

SHOWN, from left to right, Simone Pratt, Sapphire Ferguson, Donte Armbrister and Marvin Rolle.

HEART OF A CHAMPION: Reloaded Team B claims championship hardware for the Coach Pitch division at yesterday’s team championship game at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. Photos by Tenajh Sweeting

Heat roll past Celtics 128-102, take 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals

By AP Basketball Writer

Vincent scored a careerhigh 29 points, Duncan Robinson added 22 and the eighth-seeded Miami Heat moved one win from the NBA Finals after rolling past the Boston Celtics 128102 last night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference title series.

Jimmy Butler finished with 16, Bam Adebayo had 13 and Max Strus added 10 for Miami, which leads the series 3-0. Every team in NBA history that has won the first three games of a best-of-seven has ultimately prevailed; the Heat are 8-0 in that situation.

Jayson Tatum scored 14 and Jaylen Brown added 12 for the Celtics, who won three times on Miami’s floor on the way to winning last season’s Eastern Conference finals — but simply never had a chance in this one and basically emptied the bench for the fourth quarter.

Grant Williams and Payton Pritchard each had 12 for Boston. Game 4 is Tuesday in Miami.

The NBA Finals start June 1, and the way things are going, that might mean the league is about to go a few days without games.

The Western Conference finals could end Monday; Denver leads that series against the Los Angeles Lakers 3-0. And now, the East finals could end Tuesday.

There’s never been a season where both

conference finals ended in sweeps; it happened in 1957 in the division finals immediately preceding the title series, when Boston beat Syracuse 3-0 and St. Louis

Of all the 3-0 series leads in NBA history, this one might be the most unexpected — a No. 8 seed in the Heat, a team that struggled just to get into the playoffs, a team that was less than 3 minutes away from being eliminated in the play-in tournament, getting past top-seeded Milwaukee in five games, then fifth-seeded New York in six, and now on the brink of denying the No. 2-seeded Celtics a second consecutive East crown.

And the Heat let Boston know how much they were enjoying this one.

Mindful that Boston’s Al Horford directed a timeout signal toward the Miami bench during Game 1 when the Celtics were on a second-quarter spurt to build a comfortable lead, Butler did the same to Horford as the Heat were running away in the third quarter of Game 3.

Besides, the Heat rallied to win Game 1 anyway. There was no rally required in Game 3 by the Heat. There was barely one attempted by the Celtics, for that matter.

Boston got within 61-49 when Marcus Smart had a three-point play on the opening possession of the second half. The rest was all Miami, which immedi ately answered with a 28-7 run to open a 33-point lead at 89-56, which had the

building rolling. The lead was so big, and there was so much time left, that the sellout crowd of 20,088 actually was subdued a bit by the time it was over. They might have been yelled-out. Or maybe they were saving it for hockey on Monday night, when the Florida Panthers — another No. 8 seed on a magical playoff run in South Florida — will try to take a 3-0 lead in their East finals series against the Carolina

Celtics: Robert Williams made his first shot, meaning he made 12 straight to start the series. He missed his second attempt. …

The Heat encourage fans to wear white to playoff games, and Tatum also arrived in an all-white suit. … Smart appeared to throw a punch in the third quarter, but missed and after review referees determined he did not deserve a flagrant foul or a technical (which would have been his second of the night).

Heat: Robinson made five 3-pointers and now has 124 in his Heat postseason career, passing LeBron James (123) for the most in Miami history. ... Butler’s steal with 7:17 left in the first quarter was the 2,000th in Heat postseason history. … Shaquille O’Neal, at the game as part of the TNT

broadcast crew, greeted former teammate (and now Heat executive) Alonzo Mourning and got a long ovation when introduced during a second-quarter time out. ... Vincent’s previous career best was 28, set in a Jan. 12 win over Milwaukee.

CONFUSED DOLPHINS?

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, a regular at Heat games this season, tried to get the pregame crowd going by waving one of the giveaway towels. Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins was at the game — wearing green shoes on a night Miami was playing the Celtics, though

it should be noted he was born in Massachusetts.

LOVE HURT

Miami’s Kevin Love checked out 4:47 into the game after what the Heat said was an undisclosed ankle injury. He went to the Heat locker room for evaluation, returned to the bench area later in the first half, and started the second half.

QUOTABLE

“The lack of mental toughness. It’s embarrassing … that was an embarrassment for the Celtics.” — TNT’s Charles Barkley at halftime, with Boston trailing 61-46 and after being down by as many as 22 points.

Nuggets on brink of NBA Finals with 119-108 win over Lakers in Game 3

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nikola Jokic was far from his usual dominant self while mired in foul trouble, and Jamal Murray cooled off after his scorching first half. The Denver Nuggets’ big early lead disappeared entirely in the fourth quarter of Game 3, and the Lakers’ home crowd was in a frenzy.

The Nuggets weathered every setback and calmly, methodically took control with a poise worthy of champions.

With one more victory, they’ll finally get the chance to play for their first rings.

Murray scored 37 points, Jokic added 24 points and eight assists and the Nuggets rolled to a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference finals with a 119-108 victory over Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Kentavious CaldwellPope scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half against his former team for the top-seeded Nuggets, who have never been this close to the NBA Finals in 47 years in the league. Denver is making its fifth straight playoff appearance, and the ultimate stage is now just one win away.

“I learn a lot about this team every time we play,” Caldwell-Pope said. “We have that dog mentality where no matter if we’re up, down, we’re going to continue to fight and play our game, and do it at a high level. We’re going to continue to do that for the rest of these games.”

Denver blew a 14-point lead in Game 3, but made a decisive 13-0 run in the

fourth quarter to snap the Lakers’ nine-game home winning streak since March 26, including seven straight victories since the regular season ended. The Nug gets excelled down the stretch with Murray and Jokic repeatedly running a two-man pick-and-roll game suggested by “Coach Jokic,” according to coach Michael Malone.

“This group is capable of doing great things, and they believe,” Malone said. “Belief is a very powerful thing.”

No team has rallied from a 3-0 playoff series deficit in NBA history. Game 4 is Monday night in Los Angeles.

“I can’t speak for the guys right now because I don’t know what’s going through all their minds, but I still (believe),” said LeBron James, who had 23 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. “So it’s time to go right back home and start to refuel and start the treatment process and recovery process and get ready for Monday. My mindset is always locked in.”

Anthony Davis had 28 points and 18 rebounds for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who hadn’t lost three straight games since early February. Los Angeles’ prolonged, desperate

surge ever since the trade deadline has finally run out of steam against the powerhouse Nuggets, who have won five consecutive play-

“They’ve been at the top of the food chain for a reason, and have a plethora of guys that can hurt you, as was on full display tonight,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.

“But you know, circumstances are what they are. Difficult, but not impossible.”

James hit three 3-pointers after starting the series 0 for 13 from distance, and Austin Reaves added 23 points and seven rebounds. But Rui Hachimura was the only other Lakers scorer to crack double figures with 13 points, and they couldn’t counter the Nuggets’ balanced effort down the stretch.

“Our backs have been against the wall (for) probably about the last two months, maybe more than that since the trade deadline,” Reaves said.

“Swinging, throwing punches to fight to get to this opportunity. ... We can either come out Monday and go home, or we can fight for another day. And with the group of guys that we’ve got, I know what that answer will be.”

Jokic’s streak of four consecutive triple-doubles ended in a fairly quiet game for the two-time MVP, who got his fourth foul in the third quarter. But Murray scored 17 points in a dynamic first quarter following his 23-point fourth quarter two nights ago, and he had 30 points by halftime of Game 3.

Bruce Brown scored 15 points and hit a key 3-pointer down the stretch for the Nuggets before Jokic all but iced it on a 3-pointer with 3:17 to play.

The Lakers’ passionate fans turned out in force for the 17-time champion franchise’s first conference finals games at home since 2010. Los Angeles tried desperately to get back in the series, with James playing 43 minutes after spraining his left ankle in Game 2 on top of his already sore right foot.

But the Nuggets’ flight to the coast didn’t cool off Murray in the slightest: The Canadian guard poured in 17 points in the first quarter and had 26 midway through the second. Reaves racked up 15 points, three assists and three rebounds in the second quarter alone to keep LA in it.

Hachimura’s 3-pointer early in the fourth gave the Lakers their first lead since the opening minutes, but the Nuggets took charge again in a rally highlighted by Brown’s 3-pointer with 7:02 to play, after which he taunted the Lakers’ bench with Los Angeles’ own “Freeze” 3-point celebration.

D’Angelo Russell had another rough game for the Lakers, scoring three points on 1-of-8 shooting in 20 minutes.

The Lakers’ biggest addition in their trade deadline

transformation has just 21 points in the series.

TIP-INS

Nuggets: Aaron Gordon had seven points in 32 minutes. ... Michael Porter Jr. had 14 points and 10 rebounds, capped by a 3-pointer in the final 90 seconds.

Lakers: Backup C Mo Bamba missed his ninth consecutive game with a sore left ankle.

The team is hopeful Bamba can play at some point in this series. ... Fans near courtside included Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, Andy Garcia, Dyan Cannon, Ken Jeong, Joel McHale, LA Kings captain Anze Kopitar and defenseman Drew Doughty, and Khalil Mack, Derwin James and Sebastian Joseph-Day from the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense.

MIAMI Heat centre Bam Adebayo (13) reacts to guard Gabe Vincent (2) three-point shot during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics last night in Miami.

(AP Photo/ Wilfredo Lee)

NUGGETS head coach Michael Malone, centre, shakes hands with Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Final series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

‘Rest in Peace Ray Minus Jr’

STATE RECOGNISED FUNERAL SERVICE IS HELD FOR OUR LEGENDARY BOXER

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@rtribunemedia.net

AT a state recognised funeral service for the late Ray Minujs Jr, one of his protégés Meacher ‘Pain’ Major said he felt more should have been done for his former long-time coach and mentor.

In an interview during the service on Friday at the Kemp Road Ministries, Major called Minus Jr a “phenomenal person” who was responsible for his development as an amateur and professional boxer.

“We lost an icon. Legends never die. But like I told so many other people, we can’t find another person like Ray for the sport of boxing,” Major said. “Had it not been for him, boxing would not have had the success that it did in the Bahamas.

“Because of Ray, we can see over the years that nobody has done what he has done. Ray Minus Jr made so many sacrifices with his life, his relationships, his marriage and he never once complained. It was all about boxing.”

Major, who now resides in Buffalo, New York, said whenever he came home and he visited Minus Jr, the only thing he was concerned about during their conversation was how he could get boxing back and not worrying about his health.

“That was the kind of person Ray was. I’m really going to miss him. Every time I came home, I always went to see him. I really miss him. It’s so sad to see him go. He had so many ideas and plans for the sport of boxing.”

Minus Jr, 58, died on Thursday, April 27, losing his past year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, known as ALS. He was the country’s most decorated boxer, having fought for three world titles in the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organisation.

While he didn’t win any of those titles, he compiled an impressive 37 (27 by knockouts) and 9 winloss record. He was also a six-time British Commonwealth champion; Commonwealth Boxer of the Year in 1989; two-time WBC Continental of Americas champion; four-time Bahamas bantamweight champion; three-time featherweight champion and four time lightweight champion.

Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper, who filled in for Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, said Minus Jr was not just a national icon and a champion boxer, but a champion of life.

“His boxing career was not just about victories and titles, though he did attain many. It was about determination, about resilience and about the courage to charge challenges head on, both within and beyond the ropes of the ring,” Cooper said.

Highlighting some of his achievements, Cooper said Minus Jr, in each weight class he competed in, did so with power and an “unmistakable will to win.”

He called Minus Jr an “artist in the boxing ring.”

“Each triumph echoed the determination of a true champion, the spirit of a true Bahamian,” Cooper lamented. “Although he didn’t always emerge victorious, his fighting spirit remained unbroken.

“He was the embodiment of commitment to the sport he loved, to the people he represented. His life outside the ring mirated his life within. He was a beloved son of the Bahamas, who touched countless lives, not just through his boxing prowess, but through his commitment to his community, his humility and his unyielding spirit.”

After retiring from the sport, Minus Jr not only groomed a number of amateur and professional boxers through his Champion Amateur Boxing Club that he founded in 1997, but he also shared the success of First Class Promotions with his ex-wife Michelle from its inception in 2000.

Minus Jr eventually became a consultant with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, which prompted Minister Mario Bowleg to call him a nation builder, who represented the country with pride over his 19 years as a competitor.

“The Bahamas has lost an elite boxer, an exceptional human being, but more importantly, a builder, not a carpenter or contractor, but one who builds character with boxing gloves,” said Bowleg about the manner in which he helped to change so many lives.

“Ray was passionate about boxing and he loved being in that 400 square arena. I can comfortably say that he inherited his boxing prowess from his father. You did a remarkable job with your son.”

While he went on to become the most decorated boxer in the country, Bowleg said Minus Jr was responsible for the development of so many other fighters like Jermaine Mackey, Meacher Major, Anthony Woods, Derrick Sawyer, Wilson Theophilus, Alpachino Allen, Jerry Butler, Shimon Bain, Damian Tinker and Richard Pitt.

“I am standing on the ground that Ray has

impacted the sport of boxing and has made an invaluable contribution to the sport of boxing,” Bowleg said. “I can envision him now, running and jumping and doing sit ups with those who have gone on before him

like he never did before,” said Bowleg.

After hanging up his gloves and hearing his last bell, Bowleg said Minus Jr has served the country well and he saluted him for his tenacity even when he fought Quincy

‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt

three times and was victorious. His pastor, Reverend Dr. Ivan F. Butler, in delivering the eulogy, said Minus Jr won a lot of awards for his battles in the sport and he made the Bahamas very proud and he could have

comfortably said “I have fought a good fight.”

Butler said Minus Jr was “fearless.”

“He was never intimidated. He was bold and courageous. He never retreated from a challenge. He was always prepared. That was what made him successful. That was what made him a great champion.”

Asking the young people in the audience if they could take a page out of Minus Jr’s book, he wanted them to make sure that they were “prepared. Make sure that you give it your best shot. Ray always gave it his best shot.”

Minus Jr left behind his parents Alice and Ray Minus Sr, his daughter Rayshell Minus-Rolle, her husband Terez Rolle and their children Terell and Terray Rolle; his brothers and sisters and a host of other relatives and friends.

One of his brothers Renaldo “the Terminator” Minus was overwhelmed with emotions as he reflected on his brother’s journey.

“As I Knew Him,’’ having trained alongside him as he competed in the sport as a heavyweight champion. Kenny ‘lightning’ Minus, a Bahamian middleweight champion, accompanied him for moral support.

Major, one of the most accomplished fighters to come under Minus Jr’s tutelage, noted that he was seriously contemplating running for presidency of the Amateur Boxing of the Bahamas whenever incumbent Vincent Strachan would set the date for the election of officers. But because of his close relationship with Minus Jr, Major said he’s not certain if he will still pursue it.

“I asked Ray to please stay around until I win the presidency because he was the reason why I was going to run,” Major said. “I wanted to correct the mistakes they made for him, putting him on the backburner. “We just lost someone who is really special in the sport of boxing and I don’t think there’s anyone who can fill his place, not even myself. He made so many sacrifices including picking us up at 5am every morning. It’s really tough for me to see him go.”

Minus Jr was laid to rest in Lakeview Memorial Gardens where a number of boxers performed one last salute to their coach by performing 20 push ups. It was a challenge that was initiated by Jermaine Mackey, another of Minus Jr’s accomplished boxers, in memory of one of the drills that their former coach instructed them to do on a regular basis.

RAY Minus Jr family members mourn during his funeral service.

Photos by Latisha Henderson

FATHER and son Ray Sr and Kenny Minus cry at Ray Minus Jr’s funeral.

A GRIEVING Renaldo Minus is consoled by brother Kenny Minus.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg speaks at Ray Minus Jr’s funeral.

Jonquel scores 14 in 90-73 win over Fever

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer STEWART SCORES NEW YORK RECORD 45 POINTS

NEW YORK (AP) —

After a disappointing debut with the New York Liberty, Breanna Stewart just wanted to play better.

She did more than that, scoring a franchise record 45 points, and New York beat Indiana 90-73 yesterday, handing the Fever a 20th consecutive loss that matched the WNBA record for futility.

Stewart had no idea she was close to the scoring mark. “I didn’t know I broke any record. I looked up at the scoreboard at one time and had 37,” Stewart said. “I was like ‘I didn’t know what just happened.’ I was wanted to be more aggressive after last game ... set the tone and be confident.”

Jonquel Jones contributed 14 points and three rebounds in 18 minutes on the floor. New York (1-1) lost its opener to Washington on Friday. The Fever equalled the Tulsa Shock, who lost 20 straight in 2011. Indiana lost 18 consecutive games to close out last season before falling to the Connecticut Sun on Friday in their opener. Indiana plays at Atlanta next Sunday.

New York rebuilt its team this offseason adding Stewart, Jones and Courtney Vandersloot to a strong young core led by Ionescu and Betnijah Laney. There are high expectations surrounding the Liberty this season, although it will take some time for the team to build chemistry.

Stewart, who also set a new career-high for points, welcomed the homeopening crowd before the tip-off saying it was great to be home. The new trio got New York going early as they scored the first four baskets. Jones hit a layup, Stewart two 3-pointers and

a reverse layup by Vandersloot as the Liberty were quick out of the gate.

By the time the first quarter ended, Stewart had 19 points — five more than Indiana — and New York led 36-14. She made six of her seven shots in

the period, including four 3-pointers.

Stewart finished the half with 29 points, short of the league record 35 held by Riquna Williams.

New York led 62-35 at the break and never looked back.

NEW York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, left, talks with teammate Jonquel Jones on the bench during a

preseason WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun on May 10. (Sarah Gordon/The Day via AP)

Gardiner, Nairn steal show on track, field

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Quarter-miler Steven Gardiner and long jumper LaQuan Nairn led a contingent of five Bahamians who turned in some outstanding performances at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix yesterday at the Flora Duffy Stadium in Devonshire, Bermuda.

In a showdown for a pair of Bahamians in the men’s 400m, Abaco native Gardiner powered through the line in 44.42 seconds and was trailed by Grand Bahamian Alonzo Russell in second in 45.24. American Trevor Stewart got third in 45.58.

The Puma men’s long jump saw Commonwealth Games champion Nairn soar a wind-aided 27-feet, 3 3/4-inches or 8.32 metres to secure the win on his sixth and final attempt.

He also had three other wind-aided marks of 26-3 3/4 (8.02m) on his first try, 26-3 (8.00m) on his third and 26-1 (7.95m) on his fifth attempt.

American Steffin McCarter was second with a pair of identical performances of 27-0 (8.23m) on both his fifth and sixth tries.

Back on the track, Anthonique Strachan, coming off her victory in the 200m in 22.59 at the NACAC New Life Invitational in Grand Bahama last weekend, had a stiffer challenge and had to settle for second place in the Xfinity Women’s 200m in 22.34.

Running blinded on the outside, Strachan trailed American Abby Steiner, who pulled up on the side of her on the straight away

to snatch the victory in 22.06. American MaKenzie Dunmore trailed Strachan for third in 22.50. And also on the field in the BTA men’s triple jump, Kaivan Culmer mustered

a season’s best of 523-4 1/4 (16.27m) on his third attempt for ninth place. He scratched his first try and came back and did 51-7 3/4 (15.74m) on his second attempt.

American Will Clay took the title with his best leap of 57-3 (17.45m) on his second attempt. He twice did 56-2 1/2 (17.13m) on his only two other legal jumps on his first and fourth.

MAKE-UP OF DAVIS AND BILLIE JEAN KING TEAMS COMPLETE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WITH their final trials held over the weekend at the National Tennis Center, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association completed the make-up of both the men’s Davis Cup and female Billie Jean King Fed Cup teams. By virtue of reaching the final, collegian Donte Armbrister and veteran player/ captain Marvin Rolle will join the duo of Kevin Major and Denali Nottage, who earned their berths as the top two seeds during the BLTA’s Giorgio Baldini Invitational in December. The quartet will now prepare to represent the Bahamas in Paraguay starting on June 19.

While the Billie Jean King Cup is scheduled for July 26-29 in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, Simone Pratt battled back to regain her berth on the team along with Saphirre Ferguson following their top two finishes over the weekend.

They will be added to the team that originally included the top two seeds

SEE PAGE 16

RELOADED BASEBALL CHAMPIONS CROWNED

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

AFTER hosting a successful Reloaded Baseball Invitational featuring teams from Nassau and the Family Islands in March, the programme held a team championship game for the Coach Pitch division this past Sunday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The championship matchup saw Reloaded Team A (8 and under) and Reloaded Team B (8 and under) compete for the hardware. On the day, Team B secured the victory

11-8 over their opponents after an evening of baseball.

Peron Burnside, president of Reloaded Baseball, talked about yesterday’s championship event.

“It’s very good [as] we focus on the kids who were unable to compete in their championship game during the Reloaded Invitational and we wanted to make sure they got reps and experience in,” Burnside said.

The president emphasized that they are always about the development of the kids and he was very fulfilled to see them perform today.

He added that the focus needs to stay on board with developing young men and Reloaded Baseball is committed to doing that at the foundational level.

Reloaded Team B’s winning efforts were highlighted not only by team play but also the individual play of Lynn Bain. She amassed a total of two hits and three home runs on the day as the team’s stand out player.

Javado Bain, head coach of the winning team and father of Bain, talked about

SEE PAGE 16

STEVEN GARDINER, in this file photo, powered through the line in the men’s 400 metres in 44.42 seconds and was trailed by Grand Bahamian Alonzo Russell in second in 45.24.

LAQUAN NAIRN