06142023 NEWS AND SPORT

Court rejeCts Gibson’s appeal

Temporary stay lifted

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of Appeal ordered Adrian Gibson’s corruption trial to proceed yesterday after rejecting his appeal application against Justice Cheryl GrantThompson’s ruling.

Appellate Justices Jon Isaacs, Stella Crane-Scott and Milton Evans lifted a temporary stay of the trial after deciding that Gibson and his co-accused’s ground of appeal on the ruling did

not have merit. His attorney, Murrio Ducille, KC, initially sought to rely on six grounds of appeal, some of which pertained to Justice GrantThompson’s decision to allow the Crown’s key witness - Alexandria Mackey - to testify virtually.

But he abandoned the first three grounds after it was revealed Mrs Mackey would return to The Bahamas to give in-person testimony.

‘They going To pay for T haT’ says family of mom shoT by police

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE family of the 27-year-old mother who was reportedly injured in a police shooting while breastfeeding on Sunday intends to pursue legal action.

“Oh yeah, baby, they going to pay for that,” said the cousin of the victim, who requested anonymity.

NIB rate increase to be revealed next week

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

his press statement did not indicate the size of the increase.

“That uniform what they are wearing, they will learn how to respect that uniform.”

It is reported that shortly before noon on Sunday in the area of Sunset Park, police were executing a search warrant on a home. As officers entered the property, a pit bull reportedly attempted to attack them and was

THE increase in the rate of National Insurance Board contributions will be revealed in Parliament next Tuesday, State Minister Myles Laroda said yesterday.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis confirmed last week there would be no contribution rate increase until July 1, 2024. However,

Before the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday, Mr Laroda, whose portfolio includes NIB, was quizzed as to what the rate would possibly be.

He answered: “Any increase would be added especially to businesses, but I don’t want to be flippant but I think when I reveal those figures in the

House and my contribution next week Tuesday it’s not going to be one of those where it becomes overly burdensome.”

He added: “But we’re talking about a workforce with a few 100,000 people in it. So any increase in contributions and compliance and paying consistently we believe will be to the benefit of the board and the public.”

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munroe: rapes up 64 percen T in c api Tal

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THERE has been a 64 percent increase in rape offences in New Providence despite the country’s other islands seeing a decrease, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday.

Mr Munroe revealed the increase of rapes in the capital during his Budget debate contribution at the House of Assembly. The

minister’s comments came after police reported a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on Monday

f TX founder wins block on approval of charges

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Supreme Court yesterday blocked the Bahamas government from - temporarily at leastgiving the US permission to bring multiple fraud, bribery and corruption-related charges against embattled FTX founder, Sam Bankman-Fried.

after she accepted a ride from an unknown male.

“Unfortunately, the one offence that has increased is rape,” Mr Munroe said.

“And surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly it is decreased everywhere else other than New Providence.”

Mr Munroe said the number of cases in New Providence in the reporting period had increased to 23 from 14. He added: “It

Justice Loren Klein also gave the imploded crypto exchange’s chief the goahead to launch a Judicial Review challenge against two Cabinet ministers over assertions he has “a right to be heard” before this nation decides whether to allow US federal prosecutors to proceed with new counts and charges added after Mr Bankman-Fried was extradited to New York just prior to Christmas 2022.

as justices decide the ruling ‘did not have merit’

NatIoNal Security Minister Wayne Munroe

loNg Island MP Adrian Gibson’s appeal was rejected yesterday by the Court of Appeal justices deciding that Gibson and his co-accused’s ground of appeal on the ruling did not have merit.

Court rejects Adrian Gibon’s appeal

He also abandoned his clients’ fourth ground of appeal, which stated the judge erred in law when she said the prosecution was under no obligation to make any and all disclosures to the defence team.

Regarding the fifth ground, Mr Ducille submitted that the judge erred when she permitted the prosecution to serve documents they intended to rely on for trial during and after the pre-trial review hearing despite counsel’s objection.

He claimed this did not allow them sufficient time to prepare their defence and therefore breached his clients’ right to a fair trial.

As for the sixth and final ground, he also abandoned that.

Still, appellate judges had several concerns with the appellants’ ground of appeal and at times expressed dissatisfaction with how court proceedings went.

At one point, Justice Isaacs asked Mr Ducille about the purpose of the appeal.

To which, he replied: “The purpose of this appeal is to stay the court’s proceedings.” He later clarified he was

not requesting a permanent stay but a temporary one.

Justice Isaacs later told Mr Ducille: “You had the transcripts. Those had been served on you and if you needed additional time, Mr Ducille, could you have not made a request to the judge and say ‘well listen, we will require a day, a week to review this material’. Why does it arise to a constitutional breach?”

But Mr Ducille said the matter was not that simple. Still, the appellate judges said to Mr Ducille he had ample time to prepare his defence.

“Why this court is being asked to intercede in this matter, speaking for myself, is beyond me,” added Justice Isaacs. “The matter has been stayed. The witness is coming. You have received your documents and the audio and video. Does that not render the appeal academic at this stage, Mr Ducille?”

Elwood Donaldson Jr, the former general manager of WSC, also filed an appeal application to challenge Justice GrantThompson’s ruling, but his lawyers abandoned his grounds of appeal.

Ultimately, Mr Gibson and his co-accused’s

THE Court of Appeal ordered Adrian Gibson’s corruption trial to proceed yesterday after rejecting his appeal application against Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson’s ruling.

appeal application was dismissed.

“The reasons for the dismissal are to follow,”Justice Isaacs said. “The trial ought to

proceed with the normal course. The stay that was previously imposed by this court is lifted. That is the decision of the court.”

Mr Gibson, a sitting MP,

commit bribery, bribery, fraud, receiving and money laundering. The group returns to court for trial at the end of the month.

‘They going To pay for T haT’ says family of mom shoT by police

subsequently shot.

During the incident, the woman - who was said by police to frequent the property - was shot in her upper body. Officers said the ammunition ricocheted off the pit bull.

However, relatives are disputing the police’s record of events, suggesting negligence.

The relative, who also resides in the home, told this newspaper: “When the officers came to the yard, they stand at the gate and the first thing they did instead of saying ‘we have a search warrant for so and so’ or whatever the case might be, what they did was stick their gun straight through the gate, shoot at the dog and then shoot at the girl,” he said yesterday. “That’s out of order, you can’t do that. Then you are shooting through the gate and people inside their yard, no man, they all the wrong. I don’t care what they do or how much they try to cover it up, they are in all the wrong because there is no gun in

that yard.”

The relative said the victim, a mother of two, is in critical condition following emergency surgery.

The cousin insisted that police failed to communicate, adding that they “shot first and asked questions later” as three shots were allegedly fired by police.

He questioned the intentions of the police, highlighting the misconduct on their behalf.

“I tell them if they going to do their job, they have to do it the right way because it’s a right way and it’s a wrong way.

“The police’s job is to protect and serve, not to go around and take advantage of people and do them in. They are very disrespectful, they don’t have any respect for humans, you understand me? They let the uniform trick them and that’s so sad.”

In response to the matter, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said police are required to make judgment calls when executing search warrants.

“The police have to make a judgment whether they can safely enter

premises where they can be fired upon and how they will enter those premises,” Mr Munroe told reporters yesterday.

“If they confront the premises with a lot of locked gates and pit bulls, they might make a judgement that may not be accurate, but they make a judgement then they act if they prove to be inaccurate in their assessment and then the state makes it correct and repairing the property.”

While acknowledging the tragic events, Mr Munroe defended the police’s process and handling of events.

However, relatives expressed their dissatisfaction, demanding the powers that be are held accountable.

“All I want to say is that they need to do their job the right way, their job is to protect and serve not to go around and take advantage of people and go shooting in anybody’s yard,” he said yesterday. He said the family is shaken up, particularly as they have buried a loved one in recent weeks.

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday the government is seeking to buy another 300 body cameras for police officers, suggesting the decision came following a recent incident.

Mr Munroe noted there has been criticism on why some incidents were not captured on camera.

“I’m proud to say that every park that was connected has a CCTV camera and we intend to expand that network,” he added during his Budget contribution at the House of Assembly.

“In light of some recent events, we intend to expand body cameras as one was at that scene that evening. We intend to acquire 300 more. We intend to continue to develop the realtime crime centre to be able to coordinate all of the efforts and technology that are being acquired.”

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a f T er laT es T police shooT ing, munroe says 300 body cams To be bough T

Munroe: Rapes up 64 percent in capital, Family islands see decrease

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fell in Grand Bahama by 56 percent, it fell in the rest of the Family Islands by 33 percent. But the increase in New Providence drove an overall increase in rape.”

Mr Munroe said action is being taken to address the increase in rapes, noting an upcoming centralised unit for sexual offences.

“Monies allocated are being spent currently is to address it by establishing a centralised unit to deal with sexual offenses, and domestic violence that will house NGOs and victim care professionals in there as well.”

The minister said the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services had seen two reported rape cases in the past two years.

He added: “Of course, as I say rape is a self-reporting thing, where the pride of some men would stop them reporting it.”

In terms of the other reported decreases in crime offences, Mr Munroe noted there’s still more improvement needed.

“Although the statistics show an overall 30 percent

decrease,” he said. “Now what does that mean? That means that you have 1,244 incidents in the reporting period instead of 1,773. Well, I don’t look at the decrease of 500. I look that there’s still 1,244 and that’s too much.”

Last week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis admitted his administration’s efforts to tackle social ills have not significantly reduced crime rates.

He said despite efforts of successive administrations, crime remains a “stubborn” problem in The Bahamas. Highlighting initiatives his administration has launched, he said: “None have yet produced the downturn we would like to see.”

“Our approach must be strong,” he said during the Budget debate in the House of Assembly. “We must send a message to all of the criminal elements in our society that they will no longer be allowed to hold law-abiding citizens, hostage, with fear. Our response must also be holistic and focused on the cultural and social maladies that have contributed to this epidemic of violent crime.”

THERE has been a 64 percent increase in rape offences in New Providence despite the country’s other islands seeing a decrease, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday.

Davis a Dministration increases level of recruitment for rBPf anD rBDf

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussesll@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe argued yesterday that the Davis administration has raised the level of recruitment numbers, blasting the Minnis administration’s past efforts.

Mr Munroe made these observations during his Budget debate contribution in the House of Assembly, stressing the importance of human capital for officers to be able to serve the public effectively.

He added that when the Davis administration came into office, they were advised by the former Commissioner of Police that some police stations were understaffed.

Mr Munroe said in the four and a half years of the Minnis administration’s tenure only 404 Royal Bahamas police officers were recruited. He pointed out the Davis administration has recruited 459 police officers in 20 months.

“We have recruited 54 more police officers in 20 months than they did in four and a half years,” Mr Munroe said.

Mr Munroe also

noted the Royal Bahamas Defence Force recruitments.

“With regard to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, in four and a half years they recruited 267 Marines. In 20 months, we have recruited 316 Marines.”

Mr Munroe then noted the increase in recruitments by the Davis administration in the Bahamas Department of Corrections.

“With regard to The Bahamas Department of Corrections in four and a half years, the previous administration recruited 134 correctional officers in 24 months - we have recruited 205.”

He added: “Human capital is very important.

And so it wasn’t a mystery that you have police officers, defence force officers, marines, and correctional officers having a year and a half vacation towards the end of their tenure.

“And so, the facts speak for themselves in addressing our national security strategy. We recognise that human capital is the most important thing. And so, we’ve moved with dispatch to address the human resource needs of the three agencies under the purview of the Ministry of National Security.”

In September 2022, while noting that his ministry has embarked on an “aggressive” recruitment exercise to beef up manpower in the law enforcement community, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said plans are underway to recruit even more people to several key agencies under his remit.

They include the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

“We have been with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, the Prime Minister, able to run an aggressive recruitment,” he told reporters previously.

“Since taking the chair, we have recruited two squads into every law enforcement agency. Currently, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is gearing up to recruit a squad. BDCS is gearing up to recruit a squad and the police are gearing up to recruit a squad. So, the recruitment continues in order to replace the manpower we lose by attrition and to make up for some of the deficiencies we met in place.”

Police hunting man after sex attack on 17-year-ol D girl who acceP teD riDe

POLICe are hunting a man after a sex attack on a 17-year-old girl who accepted a ride on Robinson Road Monday at about 3pm. The male driver of a small light blue vehicle is said to have driven her to his home off Robinson Road where he forced her out of the car and assaulted her.

Officers encouraged the public to remind children not to accept riders from strangers or unauthorised family or friends.

• Three men and one woman have been arrested after they were found in possession of suspected marijuana by officers, along with a magazine with ammunition.

At about 7pm on Monday, officers acting on intelligence executed a search warrant on a residence in the area of Bacardi Road where the items were found and confiscated. The drugs weighted 10lb and have an estimated street value of $10,000.

Funeral Service For

Janette Vilhelmina Arthur, 83

of Swaziland Crest, Elizabeth Estates and formerly of Bannerman Town, Eleuthera will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, 11:00 a.m at Liberty Baptist Church, Adderley Street, Fox Hill. Officiating will be Pastor Ricardo Lees Sr.; Assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Cremation will follow

She is survived by her two grandsons: Jackson and Vyrez; sisters: Firstina Mcphee and Tericita Miller; brothers: Rosewell, Jehoiada, Philip, Errol, David and Ivan McPhee; brothersin-law: Bishop Daniel Nixon, Apostle Cloyd Miller; sistersin-law: Bonnie, Christine, Yvonne, Melanie, Joyce; nieces: Shanika, Charlene, Jacklin, Arnette, Sharlene Sargent, Portia, Rita, Patrice, Shantell, Keynell, Sharon, Deborah, Monique, Staphanie, Magen, Shanique, Anishka, Swanson, Debbie, Stacy, Delta, Theresa Sargaent Benette Ereoshi, Errolisa, Athena, Dondra, Jewel, Eleanor, Tiffany and Ivanie; nephews: Alfred, Milton, Ricardo, Franklyn, Starling, Jamal, LaShawn, Jamar, Kamal, Jodaren, Jarad, Wallie, Themo, Anthony, Amos, Macrie, Loren, Daniel Jr., Cloyd Jr., Jamal, Errol Jr., Theo, T-Von, Trez and Ivan Jr.; and a host of other relatives and friends including: Kia McPhee, Jane, Myrtle, Annis, Bertha, Mavis, the neighborhood families of Elizabeth Estates, Bannerman Town, Millars and John Millars families, Eleuthera Association family and the Liberty Baptist Church and family.

Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt Royal Avenue and Talbot Street on (TODAY) Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m and again at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m until service time.

Mt. Royal Avenue & Talbot Street • Telephone: 603-0546

• 24 Hour Emergency • Cell: 395-8960 email: Vaughnojonesmemorial@gmail.com

FOIA system rollout anticipated to be ready before end of year

By LETRE SWEETING

THE public may be able to make Freedom of Information requests before the end of the year, as the rollout and testing phase of the system is set to be implemented by November.

During his contribution to the Budget debate, Jomo Campbell, the Minister of State for Legal Affairs, spoke of progress in making Freedom of information a reality and soon to be fully implemented in The Bahamas.

“The Office of the Information Commissioner has secured space for the establishment of the Freedom of

Information Unit,” he said. The Centreville MP highlighted that a crucial aspect of the rollout of Freedom of Information is the establishment of an electronic tracking system to track requests and make reports as mandated by the Freedom of Information Act.

“Under the mentioned Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan, the bidding process to choose a vendor to provide a tracking system has begun and the award of the bid should be announced shortly after which the system will be built and user tested before implementation. It is anticipated that this system will be ready for rollout and testing before the end of the

year,” Mr Campbell said.

“Under the resources of a $30m loan programme sponsored by the IDB a consultant has been chosen and has developed a National Implementation Plan for the phased roll out of Freedom of Information. This National Implementation Plan has been presented to Cabinet and approved. The plan was also presented to all Permanent Secretaries.

“The rollout process is well underway and it is anticipated that implementation of the first phase should be effective by November 2023.”

Mr Campbell added that a Stakeholder’s Committee of “key public servants” has

been appointed to ensure that the requirements to achieve full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act are conducted.

“The committee has held several meetings and is now tasked with reviewing the Implementation Plan and advising the Office of the Commissioner. Their support has been crucial.”

Mr Campbell said full implementation of the Freedom of Information system is a process that must be undertaken in stages, with ten agencies being used to test and evaluate the system in the pilot phase.

“Much preparation has to be done, especially in terms of assessing the records management capabilities of

the public service agencies

that falls within the ambit of the statute and the general government readiness, the information technology capabilities, staffing and other resources.

“Key ministries have been identified early as pilot agencies to test and evaluate the delivery of information under the Act. All agencies will also be trained in the use of the tracking system once it is in use.”

The ten agencies include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Works, Bahamas Power and Light, the Department of Public Procurement, the Treasury, Bahamas Investment Authority, Ministry

of the Public Service, Ministry of the Environment and the Department of Immigration. Freedom of Information has been a popular topic for discourse in recent years. Successive governments have made some headway on the issue with drafts, passage and even enactment of legislation on the issue. However, it has yet to be fully implemented. The Freedom of Information Office was established in 2021. Previously, the office was located at the Yandi building on University Drive. The office was recently relocated to the Bahamas Financial Centre on Shirley Street and Charlotte Street.

GOVT cOnsiderinG T hree shipyard cOmpanies TO replace hmBs a r T hur d h anna

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

A REPLACEMENT for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s HMBS Arthur Dion Hanna vessel is underway, with several shipyard companies lined up for consideration for the development of the new eco-friendly vessel, according to National Security Minister Wayne Munroe. During his contribution in Parliament yesterday, Mr Munroe mentioned progress made for the replacement of HMBS AD Hanna, which he revealed in his last Budget presentation. He said there are three companies being considered to be responsible for the project.

“I wish to report, lest people believe that we’re not moving with sufficient aplomb to do that, that there are three drawings, one from an Indian shipyard, one from an Israeli shipyard, and one Damen (Shipyard Group — a Dutch defence, shipbuilding, and engineering conglomerate) that the Defence Force has evaluated and will present shortly. And we will then proceed to make a choice.”

It was revealed in April 2018 that the cost of repairing HMBS Arthur Dion Hanna, which sustained damage to its port shaft and gear box in November 2017, was $1.5m.

Mr Munroe said the new HMBS AD Hanna will be an eco-friendly vessel, pointing to a visit from the

US Secretary of the Navy as a reason for this choice.

“Carlos Del Toro made a commitment that the US Navy and the US Marine Corps, are acquiring vessels and outfitting bases that are eco-friendly. The Prime Minister being such a champion for climate, Secretary Del Toro quoted him and so it’s only appropriate that the new flagship of our fleet be eco-friendly and it will.”

He added: “Just in case people don’t understand our commitment to giving the Defence Force, the tools it needs, when there was a delay in finalising it so that the money in last year’s budget, allotted for it, weren’t spent, we got the Defence Force four new safe boats. That is four at 41ft with the trailers and

the hMBs Arthur D Hanna, which sustained damage to its port shaft and gearbox in November 2017, cost approximately $1.5m to repair. Government is considering three companies to build a replacement.

the associated vehicles.” While Mr Munroe did not mention the specific amount allocated to the replacement of the vessel, he did pledge that his ministry would ensure the

Royal Bahamas Defence Force has the tools it needs to “guard our heritage”, while mentioning several other new additions expected for the force.

“Their record of interdiction of vessels coming into this country speaks for itself. And that’s only with the two coastal radars installed. The radars for Exuma and Ragged Island are here. Next Budget year we expect to get two more.

“We continue to equip the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to meet the mandate of the National Security Strategy. It is also intended for there to be upgrades on HMBS Coral Harbour, for there to be a buildout in Ragged

Island where the Defence Force intends to station its aircraft for reconnaissance. This is so we are no longer dependent on the US Coast Guard as much as we are.”

Mr Munroe continued:

“It is their intention to convert the container base — they live in containers at HMBS Gunpoint— into a proper base. In decentralisation, they intend to set up a proper base in Grand Bahama “Abaco would tell you there’s a need for a small boat unit in Abaco and the Defence Force has proposed to do just that. And so they are in fact, listening and we are responding,” he said.

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe issued a stern warning yesterday to people attempting to engage with law enforcement.

His comments follow the circulation of a video on social media, showing a police officer engaged in a scuffle with a few young men.

The police and a young man dressed in black apparel are seen tussling. In response, bystanders attempt to intervene, while others are seen running away from the altercation. Another officer is present at the scene in the video.

In the video, someone is heard shouting: “He will shoot him! He will shoot him!”

In response, Mr Munroe said: “Citizens have a choice - if the police approach you and speak with you, you could decide to become

belligerent and manners can escalate to that point and to be quite frank, you may have a point because there a bunch of cases that speak about whether you have rights to do this, that or the next.

“In this country, if you see people physically fighting police officers, let’s assume that they say they suspect them of having drugs or firearms. The men would have no way of knowing what’s the basis about the suspicion, but if you take it upon yourself to not simply ask them, what’s the basis of your suspicion?

“If they determined to illegally arrest or detain you, the courts are there for you to go get your rights vindicated and get damages from the state. Or you could decide to get in an open fight with a policeman and if as a country we find that as an acceptable way to vindicate rights, then we really are in trouble.”

The men involved are said to be in police custody.

A screenshot from the video shows a police officer fighting with a man. The video also shows another officer in camouflage pull a gun as other men appear to move closer to the fight, moments later tripping over a wall behind him.

NIB rate increase to be revealed next week

Mr Laroda said during a communication in the House of Assembly in March that the fund was projected to lose $98m in 2023 if contribution rates did not increase.

In February, Mr Laroda warned if there is no raise in the contribution rate this year the National Insurance fund will lose $95m.

He was questioned as to whether the fund could still be losing that much.

“The numbers are what the numbers are and that was taken into consideration also. But hopefully, once we have our whole regime rolled out, we don’t expect to turn to black until somewhere within the next four to six years. And so we are in the meantime trying to enhance compliance in particular with government agencies,” he said.

Shane Gibson, a former Labour Minister responsible for the National Insurance Board, believes the Davis administration should raise NIB contribution rates now rather than wait until 2024, warning that next year might be no better for a rate hike than the current economic

environment.

The minister explained there were a few factors behind delaying increased rates until July 2024 instead of this year.

He said: “One of them, the ceiling increases next year January. And so to move it earlier than that would have meant that employees would be paying on increased salary in January and then again in November within July.

“We wanted to roll it out in July and that way the employees in particular would have enough time and so the public would also be aware of what the increase means, because it’s going to be more than one, and where their money is going.”

“So there’s going to be an information campaign by NIB to inform the public of what the goal of the board is moving forward, not just increasing the contribution rate, but also what other services would be provided by the National Insurance Board.”

He added: “The National Insurance Board have not turned a profit from 2016 and so what they were living off was investments and cash that was on hand

and we know that’s not sustainable in particular when you’re running deficits of close to $100m.

“As we talk about right sizing there have been in the media reports of the administrative costs. And I remind the public again that we have some 15-16 islands of The Bahamas with decent population and I use that tongue in cheek, some islands are relatively small. Yet, that doesn’t mean that those islands... the population should not have access to the National Insurance Board and so you’re talking about administrative costs. You’re talking about the offices on those islands.

“Some of them rent paying, you have to buy equipment, you have to pay staff, there are union agreements. And so we cannot act as if this is an agency that’s just represented in Nassau. Eleuthera, for example, have five offices. It’s an island that’s over 100 miles. You can justify an office in Spanish Wells. The economy and contributions are big enough - so is Harbour Island.

You have in the north, you have Governors Harbour, and again, in Rock

Sound, each one of those offices could justify being there. And there is the cost of administration. Those buildings that are owned by the board have to be repaired, electricity, bills, supplies, and so we have to be careful when we look

at administrative costs and not take it in its entirety.

have access to national insurance? Should they wait for somebody to come from Nassau to hear their case? And so let us be guided, as we look at figures and not understand holistically what those costs entail.”

Watson to take over as GM of Z ns ‘soon enouGh’, oPM confir Ms june 16 Move

Press secretary Clint Watson

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

CLINT Watson will start his new post as general manager of ZNS “soon enough”, State Minister with responsibility for the Broadcasting Corporation Myles Laroda said yesterday.

Mr Laroda confirmed Mr Watson is expected to step down as press secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister to take on the ZNS role, and said the decision was made by the board of directors.

That confirmation was followed by an official statement yesterday evening.

Asked when Mr Watson will start his post, Mr Laroda replied: “That will be soon enough” - while the official statement later confirmed it would be on June 16.

The Tribune reported last month two sources familiar with the matter revealed the move for Mr Watson to become the new general manager.

Mr Watson served as director of news at Eyewitness News before joining the Davis administration. Before that, he was a reporter and editor at ZNS.

As for concerns over impartiality, Mr Laroda stated: “You know, the public will make up its mind when they see the product of ZNS. Clint Watson has worked at various agencies and I don’t think we’re gonna disqualify individuals because they work at OPM considering there other members of the press - should they not be considered for other jobs that come up just because they worked at OPM? They’re working for the Bahamian people.”

In January, Mr Watson told reporters he was

working with the state broadcaster as it goes through an “improvement and upgrade” in its news department.

Last night, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a statement confirming the June 16 move, adding that Mr Watson “has served with distinction in the role of press secretary, building a robust press architecture from the ground up”.

The statement added: “He played a critical role in building the first-ever full-time Press Office in the OPM, a pioneering move that has substantially improved the government’s communications with the public.”

There were previous press secretaries, but they had not as commonly engaged reporters or taken questions from the press –– though Anthony Newbold did so for a short time at the start of the Minnis administration.

The statement continued: “Watson’s weekly live press conferences ushered in a new era of accessibility and transparency. Mr. Watson used his office to support and promote many small Bahamianowned businesses, many of which started during the pandemic.

“In addition, the weekly Cabinet Briefings have given reporters regular, structured access to ministers, which has resulted in more informed briefings, and ended the need for haphazard interviews conducted on-the-fly.”

The statement said Mr Watson also introduced the OPM Press Now video updates and “oversaw the establishment of in-depth quarterly and special documentaries on the Prime Minister’s and government’s events and achievements”.

state Minister Myles Laroda said yesterday the increase in the rate of National Insurance Board contributions rate will be revealed in Parliament next Tuesday.

Photo: Moise amisial

The Tribune Limited

Questions over body camera footage

ANOTHER police-involved shooting has led to questions over a variety of issues – but most pointedly with regard to the use of body cameras.

In the latest case, a woman was injured in a police shooting – reportedly while she was breastfeeding a baby.

According to the police report of the incident, officers were executing a search warrant on a home on Sunday.

Police said that as officers entered the property, a pit bull reportedly attempted to attack them and was subsequently shot.

What raised some eyebrows is that the woman was said to be injured after a bullet ricocheted off the pit bull.

This was greeted with some incredulity – and no small amount of commentary online as people questioned how that could be so.

Even if that were the case, some said, why were police opening fire at a dog when a woman was nearby and was subsequently hit? Were the officers in fear for their lives from a dog?

A family member has since questioned the police version of events, saying that the first thing officers did was “stick their gun straight through the gate, shoot at the dog and then shoot at the girl”.

The woman who was hit is in critical condition in hospital.

The family member went on to say the police “shot first and asked questions later”.

That there are two sides to any story is nothing new – but this is exactly the kind of situation where recorded footage from body cameras would be able to remove doubt.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe even said yesterday that “in light of some recent events” the government intends to buy 300 more body cameras.

All well and good – but where are the results from the cameras we currently possess?

Back in January, amid another debate over a police-involved shooting, there was a discussion about how footage from such cameras is handled.

Mr Munroe said at the time that footage would only be released in the case of a trial or an inquest.

At the time, we could not recall any occasion when body cam footage had been released since the cameras were introduced in August 2020. That has not changed since. We have a different jurisdiction from

in the United States, where we routinely see video footage from cameras – and from the start there was an indication that we would not see such footage being routinely released.

However, there even appears to be a lack of clarity over any such system for those affected to see such videos. In January last year, Mr Munroe talked of having seen video footage of a case where a marine was shot dead by police and that the footage was consistent with the accounts of officers. As we asked in this column, how does Mr Munroe get to be the one who pronounces on such matters?

Such footage can exonerate officers or it can show concerns are valid.

That this comes as another video circulates on social media, this time showing a fight with a police officer, is a reminder that there are many cameras out there already – sometimes not telling a whole story.

The video footage circulating shows a fight but not what caused it, or how the officer got into that situation. Full footage from a body camera can reveal how matters got to that stage – and who was in the right.

Sometimes when these videos circulate, we never hear any further answers. In January this year, for example, two police officers were seen body slamming a man to the ground and kicking him in the head.

An investigation was said to be being conducted by the Complaints and Corruption Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force – but no more has been heard.

What we want to ensure is that things are done the proper way. If officers are in the right, then footage can remove any doubts over their actions. If they are in the wrong, then it can be used to hold them to account.

That we have spent so much on body cameras and the public has in return seen so little does raise questions over their value – and who the cameras are there to protect.

When 300 more are being ordered and we have yet to see one video released does make one question how much protection such devices bring to the public.

The process by which such footage is handled and released needs to be made more transparent – so if people need to be held to account, the process for doing so is clear.

That is the very least that those caught up in such incidents deserve.

Climate and science

EDITOR, The Tribune.

POSSIBLY someone in the section that advises on Bahamas weather conditions — climate change can do research back to the earliest records - 1851 plus - and get the story a little more accurate.

Fact in the past 245 plus years the period 1926-1933 (seven-years) we had more CAT 3-4 storms than at any other time in history. ‘26 145mph — ‘28 155mph — ‘29 140mph, 137 deaths- ‘32 160mph — ‘33 140mph.

Beg and ask: Was there Climate change — Climate warming in that period of history? Hadn’t even coined the phase or thought?

Years 1941 on few storms of significance till the more recent ones of the 2000.

Exuma — seems critical was the flow of water from the lakes in the area… maybe no one checked

Sanctuary for dogs welcomed

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Bahamas Humane Society applauds the incentive of the Bahamas government to create a sanctuary for dogs. It is high time that the plight of animals in the Bahamas be recognised. Potcakes are frequently mistreated and abused and the Bahamas Humane Society has spent the past 99 years trying to alleviate suffering.

We are presently the recipients of a grant from government of $75,000.00 and excitedly await more assistance from this enlightened Bahamian government.

share this textbook which we created. Education is key, and a thriving and comprehensive education centre, as anticipated, with lively classes daily for visiting schools would be very welcome addition to the animal community.

tradition we started almost a 100 years ago and we continue to do so every day.

Yes, we welcome all the help we can get, we welcome BAARK and the Bahamian government welcoming some of our canine residents into their sanctuary to help them find better lives. We need lots of assistance, so this is good news.

for years if the flow was blocked or if roadworks, present and past, may have caused unseen disruption of flow because I am sure

Exuma has had downpours before, although this trough was heavy, but a usual tropical trough that we get... nothing new.

Is Climate Change all about hopefully getting millions on millions to spend?

Green Climate change dollar’s usually are conditional may only be spent on green projects so no positive for the massive national Debt of $12.5 billion successive Governments have created... Yes, the majority created pre-2017.

So C0P28 Dubai coming up… 30 or so in the Bahamas delegation what are the chances of anything real coming out of this conference being held in a very expensive place?

Pre-conference meetings can’t agree on anything!

We build roads immediately after declaring them ‘resilient’ to flood... it took years to remedy the flood near the Dockendale building seems finally a solution...alleluia! Possibly before July 10th PW can eliminate the flooding close to the entrance to OPM along Ft Charlotte-West Bay and as many areas as possible... if PW hasn’t noticed this is the rainy season. Editor — truth never lies....let’s get Weather and Climate in the true perspective - 245 years of records — a storm every year...

Wayne Neeley says New Providence’s risk is low of all islands number 51!!

K ALBURY Nassau, June 13, 2023.

The Bahamas Humane Society was founded in June 1924 and has always had a strong emphasis on education. We have been visiting schools every year since our education programme was established in 1986. We have been very dependent on volunteers to support the programme because of the quantity of schools that need to be visited and the numbers of classes. Since COVID, we have less visits but still average about five a month and have recently been requested to travel to Exuma to visit the schools there.

In 2008, the BHS presented to every school in the nation a curriculum for primary school with the knowledge and support of the Ministry of Education. We would be happy to

We also acknowledge the enormous need for a rehabilitation centre, as there are so many unnecessary and unfortunate attacks, and clearly very few responsible owners, rehabilitating those dogs to be able to join loving homes is a goal that is steeped with compassion and empathy.

We, at the BHS do our best to rehabilitate as many animals that we can, however, the time and money required to rehabilitate just one dog, can be very challenging. We are delighted that BAARK will be making these very needy dogs a priority to help them to become better citizens.

The Bahamas Humane Society has been providing a safe haven for animals that are neglected or abused for the past 99 years. We have a very active inspectorate who goes out daily and conducts animal abuse inspections, frequently resulting in taking possession of the animals involved. Providing “Safe Haven” for animals is a

There are approximately 30,000 dogs on the island of New Providence, it will take many more sanctuaries and shelters to help resolve the problems. The Bahamas Humane Society is actively working on the plans for our new shelter and we plan to break ground in early 2024.

In the past 12 months, we have airlifted over 1200 animals to North America to “no kill” shelters for adoption. The only real solution to the exploding animal numbers is spay and neuter which is what BAARK is so remarkably good at.

In the century old tradition of the Bahamas Humane Society, we will continue to support, protect and educate and are now so very excited to see that Minister Sweeting is one hundred percent on our side and we look forward to working together to make this country a better place for animals and people.

KIM VICTORIA ARANHA

President, Bahamas Humane Society June 13, 2023.

VP visit

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN DIPLOMACY and good neighbour relations, surely it doesn’t take 50-years at the level of President or Vice President to visit the closest most friendly offshore independent country… us The Bahamas?

It was nice the President dispatched VP Harris to the

CARICOM Heads meeting as she is responsible for US-Caribbean nations’ relations.

Haiti $50m… that will be eaten up in a month. The soft diplomatic approach has little chance of working - US and no one else interested in putting 20-30,000 boots on the ground to simply enforce Law and Order. Very

violent gangs — vigilante groups are at each others throats... health worsening, especially for young children... no relief, heavy rains a week ago floods and then a small earthquake. The lot of Haiti has to be cursed.

STEPHEN MOSS Nassau, June 9, 2023.

BUDDHIST monks walk past the 9th century Borobudur Temple during a Vesak Day procession in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia, last week. Vesak is the day that marks the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha.

Photo: Slamet Riyadi/AP

Bail application denied in rape and home invasion case

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN had his bail application denied for the alleged rape of a woman in a home invasion in Andros last year after the court found he had a previous burglary charge.

Garnett Thompson, 24, made his bail application before Justice Franklyn Williams on charges of rape and burglary.

on the night of November 18–19, 2022, Thompson allegedly broke into the home of a 27-yearold woman in Cargill

Creek, Andros, and sexually assaulted her.

Justice Williams found that Garnett was on bail for a burglary at the time of the alleged rape. He further found the defendant was known by the complainant and had allegedly asked her not to pursue formal charges.

“The allegations appear to evidence a pattern of conduct by this applicant. I note that at the time of the alleged commission of the offences the subject of this application was on bail for burglary. The applicant avers that, if granted bail, he intends to reside in the same community or

consortiuM to focus on building strong Men

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussesll@tribunemedai.net

settlement where both are alleged to have been committed.” Justice Williams read. Justice Williams moved to dismiss Thompson’s bail application, citing the potential risk to both the complainant’s and the public’s safety.

“To be certain, I am of the view, in toto, that the grant of bail here is, or would be detrimental to the safety and protection of witnesses, in particular the complainant and to the protection and safety of the public, in particular those of Cargill Creek and Behring Point, Andros. In the premises, bail is denied.”

M an re M anded to jail on charge of atte Mpted Murder of chinese national

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AFTER a Chinese national was attacked in his store on East Street South last week, a man faced court yesterday accused of attempting to murder him.

Cervago “Vargo” Gaitor , 24, faced Chief Magistrate

Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on a charge of attempted murder, and was remanded in custody. Shortly after noon on June 4, Gaitor allegedly went into a store on East Street South, purchased an item from Jien Mei and left. It is said the accused returned to the store soon after and shot

the 53-year-old businessman in his upper body before fleeing on foot. Mei was successfully treated for his injuries at the hospital. The accused’s Voluntary Bill of Indictment is set for service on August 1. Gaitor will remain in custody until he is granted bail by the Supreme Court.

Man held in jail charged with sex assualt of 14-year-old girl

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 25-yEAR-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl twice in the last year is behind bars after being remanded

in custody. Quincy Edgecombe was charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans. on August 14, 2022, and February 1 this year in New Providence, Edgecombe

allegedly sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl. Service of Edgecombe’s voluntary bill of indictment is slated for october 2. The accused will remain on remand until such time as he is granted Supreme Court bail.

THE BAHAMAS will be hosting a “Men Get Involved” symposium to encourage men to be more active in raising young men in the community.

The Consortium has shown concern about the uptick of gender-based violence against women by men. The organisation stressed more positive male figures are needed in the development of the youth.

The symposium will be held on June 15 at 6pm

at the auditorium of the Gary & Myrtle Curry youth Centre, Evangelistic Temple on Collins Avenue. Representatives that contribute to the development of men are scheduled to speak. Police Superintendent dr Chaswell Hanna the keynote speaker of the event will discuss “Eliminating Male Violence in our Society: A National directive”.

o fficials of the Consortium said the involvement and successes of male-based institutions and programmes in the country

would be showcased as well.

In terms of the Consortium’s mission, officials said it is “to raise strong boys and repair broken men to advance a community of caring men, committed to partnering with women to create a just world where all people achieve their fullest potential.”

other activities planned for this month by the organisation include a Father’s day luncheon at the Bahamas department of Corrections on June 18. A “Kermit Ford day” also will be held on June 24.

There are no excuses left, it is time to end discrimination in nationality laws

YESTERDAY, I attended the Global Summit on Gender Equality in Nationality Laws, held at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, and streamed for the hundreds of online registrants.

Moderated by international journalist Yvonne Ndege, the event opened with comments from UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi who drew attention to Article 9 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which focuses on gender-equal nationality rights. He also referenced the Convention on the Rights of the Child which included the right of all children to be registered immediately after birth and to acquire a nationality. This, from the very beginning, rooted the event and its target in international human rights mechanisms.

In particular, it connected the issue to two human rights treaties that many countries have ratified.

Grandi went on to point out that the right to nationality is linked to many other rights, including the right to education, and this became a thread that ran through all of the sessions at the Global Summit — that the denial of nationality rights affects the ability of individuals to access other human rights and this has an impact on

By Alicia Wallace

society and the ability of countries to achieve their goals, whether economic or social.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees listed five key actions for governments to take regarding gender inequality in nationality law. The first is for those who have not already done so to ratify CEDAW, and 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless People, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. The second is for all countries that have ratified CEDAW to remove reservations on Article 9. Note that The Bahamas has reservations on Articles 2(a) and 9(2) which are related to the continued failure of The Bahamas to remove gender-based discrimination from nationality law. Third, Grandi called for countries to make pledges to reform gender-discriminatory laws on nationality at the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023. Fourth, he called for countries with genderdiscriminatory nationality

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law to develop time-bound plans to reform those laws. The final key action is for governments that have already eliminated genderdiscriminatory nationality law to share the benefits of that reform and encourage other countries to do the same.

Grandi noted to the IBelong campaign, launched in November 2014 will end next year. A new initiative, the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, will launch at that time with the goal of using a multi-stakeholder approach to accelerate solutions on statelessness by 2030.

Later in the day, there was a panel that included mothers who have been and continue to be affected by gender inequality in nationality law. Habiba Al-Hinai, a human rights defender from Oman, always an incredible speaker, moved everyone in attendance with her story. After applying for permission from the government, she married a German man. When she gave birth to her son, he needed additional medical care and she was shocked to receive the bill. When she questioned it, she was told that her son is a foreigner. She noted that he was her child and when she entered the hospital, she was treated as an Omani. The staff told her that from the moment her son left her womb, he was a foreigner. This was only the beginning of the shocks she experienced. At the age of 18, her son would have to apply for residency in what would have been their home country. This bleak future led Habiba and her family to leave the country.

We also heard from Gaithiri Siva, a Malaysian mother who is a part of the Impacted Mothers Network at Family Frontiers. She was working for a Malaysian company when she was transferred to the US for what was supposed to be a short stint. It went on for much longer than expected, and it was there that she gave birth to her daughter. This child did not automatically become a Malaysian citizen. Gaithiri travelled

to Malaysia often, so she submitted the citizenship application for her daughter there. At that time, she was told that it could take up to two years, so she prepared for the wait. Three years later, the COVID-19 pandemic started and borders closed. She received news that her father had terminal cancer, and she began making arrangements to return to Malaysia. The application for her threeyear-old daughter to travel with her was rejected on the basis that she was not Malaysian.

Gaithiri said that she never, even in her worst nightmares, thought that she would be in the situation where she had to choose between her father and her child. She never imagined that she would not be able to return to Malaysia because her daughter was not a citizen. She made at least five additional applications for her daughter to travel, and they were either rejected or ignored. It was only when she went to the media that she received approval and was able to travel to Malaysia with her daughter and spend time with her father before he died. These women are fierce activists. Whether in the countries they consider to be home or not, they are raising their voices and refusing to back down. This issue is personal to them because their children have not been granted citizenship, and political as it is one example of gender inequality. Gaithiri noted that it is difficult to make Malaysia home when her child is denied basic human rights like education and health. She gave the example of having to rush her daughter to the emergency room and receiving a bill that was doubled because her child is a non-citizen. She said, “I

cannot fully describe how it feels to have your country reject your child.”

In conversations about gender inequality in nationality law, it is always pointed out that men do not have to face the dilemma that many women do. Women have to decide whether or not they will stay in countries where their children’s rights are violated. They have to figure out how to make another country their home if they decide to leave. If they stay, they must face hours and hours of their time and significant amounts of money being spent advocating for their children’s rights and ensuring their needs are met when governments refuse to do their part. Some women, to avoid this situation, risk their lives to go to their home countries to give birth, where it may be significantly less safe, just so that their children get their nationalities. Gender inequality in nationality law limits the autonomy of women, narrows their choices, and can put them at higher risk of violence and make it more difficult for them to leave abusive relationships. The Global Summit on Gender Equal Nationality Laws closed with comments from Neha Gurung from the Citizenship Affected Persons Network in Nepal. Neha’s mother advocated without ceasing for Neha to have access to her nationality. They are both activists, working on this issue together. Neha said her mother often questions how every citizen in the country could have the same citizenship card, all in the same colour, of the same size, and containing the same information, yet the rights they afford to the holder depends on their gender. It is an

excellent question, and there is no answer that would not expose the deeply rooted patriarchy and misogyny that underpin discriminatory laws. The Bahamas has been discussing the issue of gender-discriminatory nationality law for years. The referendum on this issue was held in 2014, following inadequate preparation by the government and intermittent participation of civil society due to the changing of the referendum dates and limited resources. The recent ruling by the Privy Council resolved the issue for Bahamian men with children born out of wedlock, but women continue to be discriminated against. On more than one occasion, when asked about the promised amendments to the Bahamas Nationality Act, government officials said they were waiting for the Privy Council ruling so that all three of the issues — Bahamian women unable to confer citizenship on their children, Bahamian women unable to confer citizenship on their spouses, and Bahamian men unable to confer citizenship on their children out of wedlock — could be dealt with at once. There are no excuses left. The ruling is in, and the time is now.

Those affected by gender inequality in nationality law who would like to participate in the advocacy for legal reform are welcome to contact Equality Bahamas via email at equalitybahamas@gmail.com.

The recording of the Summit will soon be available online. It will be shared by the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights, and Equality Bahamas will share it on its social media channels.

‘There are no excuses left. The ruling is in, and the time is now.’

THE BEATLES ARE RELEASING THEIR ‘FINAL’ RECORD – AI HELPED MAKE IT POSSIBLE

By SYLVIA HUI and MARIA SHERMAN

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) —

Artificial intelligence has been used to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old demo to create “the last Beatles record,” decades after the band broke up, Paul McCartney said Tuesday.

McCartney, 80, told the BBC that the technology was used to separate the Beatles’ voices from background sounds during the making of director Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary series, “The Beatles: Get Back.” The “new” song is set to be released later this year, he said.

Jackson was “able to extricate John’s voice from a ropey little bit of cassette and a piano,” McCartney told BBC radio. “He could separate them with AI, he’d tell the machine ‘That’s a voice, this is a guitar, lose the guitar’.”

“So when we came to make what will be the last Beatles record, it was a demo that John had that we worked on,” he added. “We were able to take John’s voice and get it pure through this AI so then we could mix the record as you would do. It gives you some sort of leeway.”

McCartney didn’t identify the name of the demo, but the BBC and others said it was likely to be an unfinished 1978 love song by Lennon called “Now and Then.” The demo was included on a cassette labeled “For Paul” that McCartney had received from Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, the BBC reported.

McCartney described AI technology as “kind

of scary but exciting,” adding: “We will just have to see where that leads.”

The same technology enabled McCartney to “duet” virtually with Lennon, who was murdered in 1980, on “I’ve Got a Feeling” last year at Glastonbury Festival.

Holly Herndon, a multidisciplinary artist with a doctorate in composition from Stanford University, used nascent AI machine

technology on her last album, 2019’s “Proto,” and developed Holly+, an online protocol that allows the public to upload tracks to be reinterpreted and performed by a deepfake version of her voice.

She theorises that the Beatles’ recording was likely created using a process called “source separation.”

“Source separation has

become much easier to do with machine learning. This allows you to extract a voice from a recording, isolating it so that you might accompany it with new instrumentation,” she explains.

That differs from a deepfake vocal. “A deepfake is an entirely new vocal line spawned from a machine learning model trained on old vocal lines,” she said.

“While it does not appear to be happening in this example, it is now possible to spawn infinite new media from analysing older material, which is a similar process, in spirit, to this song.”

McCartney is set to open an exhibition later this month at the National Portrait Gallery in London featuring previously unseen photographs that he took during the early days of the Beatles at the start of “Beatlemania,” when the band rose to worldwide fame.

The exhibition, titled “Eyes of the Storm,” showcases more than 250 photos McCartney took on his camera between 1963 and 1964 — including portraits of Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Lennon, as well as Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

TOYOTA ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR ALL-SOLID STATE BATTERY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

By YURI KAGEYAMA

AP Business Writer

TOKYO (AP) — Toyota plans to make an all solid-state battery as part of its ambitious plans for battery electric vehicles, the company said Tuesday, amid mounting criticism Japan’s top automaker needs to do more to fight climate change.

Toyota Motor Corp. aims for a commercial solid-state battery as soon as 2027. Charging time, one of the main drawbacks of electric vehicles, will get shortened to 10 minutes or less, the company said in a statement.

It plans to deliver 1.5 million EVs in 2026 by expanding its battery EV lineup and developing technology.

“With the evolution of the vehicle’s operating system, the next-generation battery EV will also enable customisation of the ‘driving feel,’ with a focus on acceleration, turning and stopping,” it said.

EV owners usually have charging stations in their homes and keep their cars plugged in overnight to recharge. That’s one of the main reasons Toyota has long insisted that hybrids are a better solution. A hybrid recharges as the car runs, but it also has a gasoline engine in addition to an electric motor.

Toyota President Koji Sato has said the company must play catchup after falling behind in the EV sector. The automaker is likely to face harsh criticism on

MICROSOFT STAKES XBOX VIDEO GAME SALES ON LONG-AWAITED SPACE ADVENTURE STARFIELD

By MATT O’BRIEN AP Technology Writer

ONE small step for an intrepid crew of 24th century space explorers could be a giant leap — or flop — for Microsoft when the Xbox-maker launches its long-awaited video game Starfield.

Players must fend off pirates, navigate strange moons, build outposts and fix their own starships in a space epic that is due out on Xbox in September after years of development and delay. Microsoft gave its most detailed glimpse of the upcoming game at a Los Angeles event Sunday.

The release could be one of the most important in Xbox’s history as it looks to attract gamers with a headliner on par with Nintendo’s latest Zelda game and PlayStation’s upcoming Spider-Man 2, said Mat Piscatella, a game industry analyst for market researcher Circana.

After months of watching Nintendo’s Switch console and Sony’s PlayStation steal the momentum in a lagging market — with boosts from Hollywood adaptions of Nintendo’s Super Mario and the PlayStation exclusive Last of Us — Microsoft could use a blockbuster to drive sales of its Xbox consoles and its monthly game subscription service.

“Starfield may have the potential to be as big or bigger than” popular games on rival platforms, especially thanks to the strong track record of the studio that made it,” Piscatella said. “But the ‘may’ there is a big one.”

ACCENTURE POURING $3 BILLION INTO AI, JOINING TECH COMPANIES PREPPING TO MEET DEMAND

TECHNOLOGY services provider Accenture is the latest company to ramp up its artificial intelligence business, announcing Tuesday that it will invest $3 billion over the next three years and double its AI-related staff to accommodate scorching hot demand.

Dublin, Ireland-based Accenture said it aims to have 80,000 AI-related staff to help create “industry-specific solutions that will help our clients harness AI’s full potential to reshape their strategy, technology, and ways of working, driving innovation and value responsibly and faster than ever before.”

its climate change commitments at a shareholders’ meeting in Toyota city, central Japan, set for Wednesday.

In its latest announcement, Toyota said it was also working on innovating lithium-ion batteries, the battery type now in most EVs, and wants to offer new affordable options.

Toyota says it is committed to a “hydrogen society” and is continuing to work on models powered by hydrogen, including fuel cell vehicles. Hydrogen is still expensive and usually made using fossil fuels, although it can be made using renewable energy. Toyota said it’s working with various partners

to produce cleaner and cheaper hydrogen.

Toyota, which makes the Prius hybrid, Camry sedan and Lexus luxury models, is also working on second-generation biofuels. Biofuels, such as ethanol, are considered more renewable than fossil fuels though they have other drawbacks.

Accenture joins a growing list of technology companies racing to take advantage of a broader interest from businesses looking for new AI tools that can analyse data, help make decisions and potentially replace some tasks currently performed by human workers. Much of the interest is on “generative AI” tools such as ChatGPT that can produce works of writing on command, as well as images, computer code and other media.

A LOGO of Toyota Motor Corp. is seen at its dealership in Lakewood, Colorado. Toyota says it plans to make an all solid-state battery as part of ambitious plans for battery electric vehicles, amid mounting criticism Japan’s top automaker needs to do more to fight climate change.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

PAUL McCartney said Tuesday that Artificial intelligence has been used to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old demo to create “the last Beatles record.” McCartney, 80, told the BBC that the technology was used to separate the Beatles’ voices from background sounds during the making of director Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary series, “The Beatles: Get Back.”

(Photo by Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)

In court, Trump faced charges with no cameras present. Outside, he counterprogrammed for TV

MIAMI

Associated Press

Former President Donald Trump gave a wave and a signature thumbs up to crowds outside the federal courthouse in downtown miami after pleading not guilty to criminal charges. He then headed to a local Cuban restaurant where he warmly greeted waiting supporters in a camera-ready scene that resembled a campaign stop.

In the largely unseen moments on Tuesday — his attorney entering his

plea, Trump sitting grimfaced with arms folded across his chest — the gravity of being the first former president charged with a federal crime was apparent.

In the seen moments, broadcast around the world in real time, there was a long motorcade, flag-waving supporters and a smaller number of antiTrump protesters outside the courthouse.

Then the former president had a detour in mind, to a popular Cuban restaurant where he was all smiles, greeted by supporters, prayed over by a rabbi

and shadowed by his personal aide, who also has been charged in the case.

Trump has long been adroit at creating his own portrait of events, and the restaurant stop was an effort at counter-programing as he campaigns again for president and maintains that he has been unfairly targeted by political rivals.

The international attention and screaming crowds were another sign of the extraordinary nature of the day’s events and the person at the centre of it all. A defendant like no other, Trump was the first former

president to appear before a federal judge on criminal charges. He also is leading the republican field for the 2024 presidential nomination, holding his status as frontrunner even as he has faced other these and other legal troubles.

Hardly any of those gathered in miami interacted with Trump, if they saw him at all through the window of his SUV. He arrived as part of a motorcade that entered the courthouse garage for his hearing on felony charges. The former president also left in the SUV with the windows rolled up before heading to Versailles, a restaurant, coffee shop and bakery that is a required stop for politicians visiting miami. There, the crowd serenaded him with the “Happy Birthday” song, one day before the former president’s 77th birthday.

“Some birthday! We’ve got a government that’s out of control,” Trump said.

Trump has been making frequent stops at local restaurants during his campaign trips, in part to contrast his easy rapport with his supporters with his chief rival, Florida Gov. ron DeSantis. But Tuesday’s stop was different, aimed at showcasing Trump’s continued support from GoP voters and to signal that he remains unbowed by the indictments. He then headed to the airport for his flight back to New Jersey aboard his personal jet.

Security everywhere was tight. About a half-dozen federal police vehicles formed a barricade, keeping people from a palm tree-lined breezeway and the public entrance to the modern Wilkie D. Ferguson federal courthouse. A police helicopter passed overhead at times, and about two dozen miami police officers circled the building on bicycles.

The scene included what is now a staple of a Trump appearance or rally. People selling T-shirts with Trump’s face in a mock mugshot, with large letters reading “NoT GUILTY,” others hawking hats, but also, fitting for miami, mangoes.

Some waved Trump 2024 flags, supporting his bid for president. Another man, who opposes Trump, dressed in black-and-white prison stripes and held a sign reading “LoCK HIm UP.” At times, people shouted past each other, and small groups of pro-Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters squabbled, occasionally yelling obscenities at each other.

Domenic Santana, who showed up in the jailhouse uniform complete with handcuffs and a plastic ball and chain, said he “wanted to join the circus.”

Santana came to the US as a child from Cuba and

retired in miami after decades operating an eatery in the New York area. The 61-year-old considers himself a political independent and says his mother and daughter voted for Trump.

“A fellow New Yorker can spot a rat a mile away,” he said. “Frankly, he should’ve been locked up ages ago.” more typical, among the earliest arrivals outside the courthouse was the father-son duo of Florencio and Kevin rodriguez, who came to the US fifteen years ago as asylum seekers fleeing dictatorship in Cuba.

Wearing a shirt that read “Jesus is my saviour, Trump is my president,” the younger rodriguez, Kevin, said it was possible that Trump was guilty of illegally retaining classified documents.

But he questioned the fairness of the proceedings in light of what he said was prosecutors’ lax attitude toward President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — both of whom have also been accused of mishandling classified intelligence, though without any intention of hiding their actions.

“even if he’s guilty, we will still support him,” rodriguez said. madelin munilla, 67, who came to miami a child when her parents fled Fidel Castro’s Cuba, carried a sign with a photo of Biden alongside leaders who had their opponents put in jail.

“This is what they do in Latin America,” she said. others came to counter the Trump supporters. Jack Kaplan, 68, drove two hours from Ft Pierce. Carrying a copy of the indictment affixed to a clipboard and a sign reading “Trump is Toast,” the retired car dealer said he’ll celebrate with a $1,400 bottle of mouton rothschild red wine if the former president is locked away.

“I’ve already got the bottle sitting in my wine cooler,” said Kaplan as a Trump supporter carrying a sign reading “Keep America Great” walked by. “I’m going to have a big party.

Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at Versailles restaurant on yesterday, in Miami. Trump appeared in federal court Tuesday on dozens of felony charges accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents and thwarting the Justice Department’s efforts to get the records back.

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

PeoPle transport an injured person after rescuing him from a house that collapse after an earthquake in Jeremie, Haiti, Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Photo: ralph Simon/AP

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR BAHAMAS GAMES

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

With less than four weeks remaining until the start of the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games, excitement is building for the Bahamian-style Olympics. The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games is another one of the major sporting events to coincide with the country’s celebration of the 50th year of independence.

The sporting extravaganza is set to take place July 7-15 with an opening ceremony held on July 8. The games will feature 16 sporting disciplines to be played at 16 different locations throughout the week of competition.

Rev Harrison Thompson, chairman of the Bahamas Games, was recently appointed to the position after taking over from the retired Martin Lundy. He operated as the chairman for the fifth edition of the games last held in 2001.

Rev Thompson talked about the excitement as the games draw near.

“I am really excited about the Bahamas Games that will happen in the next 27 days, God willing, and we are looking for a wonderful and blessed time where the whole Bahamas can be able to come together and be represented through the avenue of sports,” he said.

At this year’s games there will be 10 teams formed to represent the various Bahama Islands. Persons can join or support teams such as the Abaco Survivors, Andros Chiccharnies, Bimini and Berry Islands Marlins, Columbus Isles Arawaks (Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador), Eleuthera Adventurers, Exuma and Ragged Island Navigators, Grand Bahama Lucayans, Long Island Sheep Runners, MICAL (Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay) Flamingoes and the New Providence Buccaneers.

Collectively, the 10 teams will compete in softball, basketball, track and field, lawn tennis, swimming, field and beach soccer, indoor and beach volleyball, bodybuilding and powerlifting, boxing, cycling, baseball, youth Olympic sailing, regatta sailing and golf.

Rev Thompson said the competitors from the various Family Islands are hyped for their first time competing in these Olympic-style games.

“I am advised that the athletes on the Family Islands are very hyper; they are very ready to go and come and show the rest of The Bahamas what they are all made up of,” the chairman said.

He added that they are looking forward to a good sporting experience and team New Providence is going to be surprised at the talent that comes out of

Basketball to football switch pays off for Andrews Jr

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter betubbs@tribunemedia.net

MAKING the switch from The Bahamas to the United States and from basketball to football has paid off for Raynor Andrews Jr.

The former Noble Preparatory Academy basketball player has secured an athletic scholarship to play for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team next season.

On his decision to make the transition from basketball to football, Andrews Jr said it was a conversation he had with a friend of his mother, Lakeya HamiltonSwann. The friend came to The Bahamas and advised him to move to Florida to play football.

After going to Miami last March for a

spring training session, the 18-year-old 6-foot, 6-inches and 312 pounds Andrews Jr said he was awarded a scholarship and he begin playing on their offensive line at left tackle.

“I missed basketball because it was my first love,” said Andrews Jr, who played on the offensive line at left tackle where they finished with a 7-3 win-loss record for fourth place in the standings. “I got into it and now I love football much more than basketball.”

Despite the change, Andrews Jr said he will forever be grateful to coach Geno Bullard and Noble Preparatory Academy for really preparing him for moving from the high school to the collegiate ranks.

“From Noble and playing basketball, all the stuff that coach Bullard prepared us for,” Andrews Jr reflected. “I already knew what I had to do to stay focused and concentrate on my schoolwork.

“The workouts over there were different from what we had here, so I couldn’t mess up. I knew if I messed up, I may not have a second chance, so I just had to keep focused and stay on the right track because I didn’t want to come back home.”

What was so remarkable for Andrews Jr in his journey is the fact that he never played football before leaving The Bahamas.

“All of my coaches and everyone were surprised about how fast I caught on with everything,” he said. “But I think they felt with me playing basketball, it

really helped because I had light feet, and I was quick to play at left tackle.

“My quick reflexes really helped me, but I think I caught on pretty fast so that really helped me out a lot.”

Andrews Jr, who spent most of his summers in Black Point, Exuma where he started to play basketball, began playing with the SC McPherson Sharks before he enrolled at Noble Preparatory Academy. He left The Bahamas last year to attend Miami Jackson, but instead of playing basketball, Andrews Jr got into football. He will be transferring to Miami Orleans in August before he takes off to start his collegiate career at Rutgers where he hopes to study either Sports Medical or Sociology.

“I just feel like from the

beginning of my recruiting process, this was the school that stood heavily on my mind,” Andrews Jr said. “They kept really close to my family and so when I went for my official visit, my family found out first hand for themselves and so the decision was made to go there.”

For the past week, Andrews Jr has been back home. One of the first things he wanted to do was to indulge in some of the good old home cooking that he missed, especially from his grandmother, Marylee Strachan.

“I also want to focus on helping some of the guys who have been recruited to go to the United States to play,” Andrews Jr said. “I want to work out and show

SEE PAGE 13

BASKETBALL SMILES CAMP RETURNS FOR 24TH YEAR

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BASKETBALL Smiles, one of the most successful Summer Basketball Camps to come out of the United States, will be returning for its 24th year next week.

Local coordinator coach Patricia ‘Patty’ Johnson confirmed that the co-ed camp for boys and girls between the ages of 4-16 will be staged from June 19-21 with a change in location to the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

The camp is conducted by Sam Nichols, a retired Hall of Fame head women’s basketball coach at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. He brings the camp to town with the motto: “We bring a week of smiles and hope through basketball.”

But according to Nichols, “along with basketball, we conduct a daily life skills programme during the camp that emphasises self-respect, academic success, good citizenship, and spiritual values. Our goal is not just to develop basketball players, but help build future leaders in The Bahamas.”

Nichols will be joined by Texas coaches Adam Young, Jonathan Gibson, Trovoice Jackson, Kyle and Renee Williams, David Bookman, Cam Hurd, Taylor Luster, and Chris Burrow.

“This group of coaches comprise a tremendous staff of dedicated coaches with big hearts who love teaching the game of basketball. We have the largest and most experienced staff in the history of Basketball Smiles,” Nichols said.

“All of these coaches raised their own money and are giving up their free time to come and work with Bahamian boys and girls. The quality of instruction will be second to none, and the love these coaches have for the campers will be second

to none.”

Johnson, the long-time coach of the Lions at HO Nash Junior High School, welcomed the return of her long-time coach and mentor Nichols as well as his supporting cast.

“This year, we expect the kids to improve their game as the coaches provide them with more drills,” Johnson said. “We are also looking forward to working with the young kids and teaching them the fundamentals of the game, focusing on proper drilled, proper executions.

“We will also be working on their attitude towards the game, their selfishness, their attitude in the game and in the camp and in basketball because basketball is the avenue or ticket for some of these players who are interested in going off to high school or college.”

As one who would have benefitted from a college experience at Fort Valley, Johnson said if the campers use the game wisely, they can take

it further and make something of themselves in the future.

“We will be pushing the educational aspects, making sure that the players are doing their school work because it’s students first and ball players second,” Johnson stressed.

“So we’re expecting the kids to come out and learn all of these quality tit bits that we have to offer. They will be able to ask the coaches questions about their schools, how kids move from high school to college in the United States and they can inquire what they need to know about getting into college.”

Nichols comes to town with a wealth of experience, having retired after coaching women’s basketball for 33 years. His last 12 years was spent as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at McMurry University. He retired as the all-time winningest Women’s Basketball Coach in McMurry University history.

In 2017 he was inducted into the

prestigious McMurry University Athletic Hall of Honor. Sam has also been named as the Women’s Basketball Coach for the All-Century Team at McMurry University.

Nichols guided the Lady Indians to national prominence during his twelve seasons at McMurry University. He also won several Coach- of-the-Year honours during his career.

The camp is open to all high school boys and girls basketball players. However, each day, the girls will be in action between 9am and noon and the boys will follow from 1-4pm.

Basketball Smiles is sponsored in part in Nassau by The Atlantis, the Green Parrot, Kelly’s, Bahamas Wholesale, Lickety Split, D’Albenas Company, Wizard Signs, Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise, and Rotary Club of East Nassau.

COACHES Sam Nichols and Patricia Johnson.

RAYNOR Andrews Jr

BUILDS FOR BAHAMAS GAMES

FROM PAGE 12

the Family Islands.

The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games was first established in 1989 by former Minister of Sports Peter J Bethell. The event occurred four more times following the start in 1991, 1995, 1998, with the last one in 2001. The games were instrumental in helping to discover new talents throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and also allowed athletes from different sports and islands to be unified.

While the countdown to the games is ongoing, the Bahamas Games Baton has been on the move. The first stop was in Exuma which was followed by Grand Bahama. The Baton tour will make its commute to all the represented Family Islands as a sign the Games are getting closer and also as a symbol of unity and allegiance among Bahamians.

The final destination of the tour will be New Providence.

Although most of the athletes that will compete across the 16 sporting disciplines were not around for the previous editions of the Games, Rev Thompson had this message.

“I know these games are a new thing for a lot of Bahamians particularly those under 30. They did not experience the last Bahamas Games because they happened about 22 years ago… this is going to be a great experience for millennials and those around that age set. They might not get to go to the Olympics but they will get the opportunity to celebrate with us here in The Bahamas,” he said.

The 2023 Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will continue over a week and the highest overall collective score across the various sports will be deemed the winner of the games.

‘Peace on Da Streets’ Basketball Classic takes place this July

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

The 27th edition of the “Peace on Da Streets” Basketball Classic will return to the Hope Center basketball courts, July 24-30. The community basketball event will feature five divisions including the 13 and under, 16 and under, 19 and under, church and open division.

For the latter, the team which emerges victorious will go home with a cash prize of $3,000.

The basketball classic, which has been in existence since 1995, will not only give athletes an opportunity to play in an organised tournament but will also keep their focus away from crime.

Carlos Reid,

event

“This tournament is where persons who are on holiday from school look to participate because this is a tournament where all of the ballers in The Bahamas want to win for bragging rights.”

Carlos Reid

organiser, talked about the purpose of the basketball classic event.

“We believe that if we can encourage young men to shoot hoops then they do not have to shoot guns so that is the gist of why

we do the tournament . . . we need to encourage our young men to do something positive rather than them having to do something negative to end up in the Magistrate or Supreme Court,” Reid said.

Registration for the “Peace on Da Streets” Basketball classic recently opened in May and will close on July 14.

Therefore, Reid is encouraging potential teams to register via the “Peace on Da Street” Facebook Page using the QR Code. Among the teams that are currently expected to compete are the Politicians, Pastors, Pirates, and the defending champions, the Team Rotary East Hype.

This year’s event will also include the

IHOP-sponsored slam dunk contest, and Mr Ship it three-point contest. Additionally, there will be a free throw contest between the Lady Pastors and Lady Politicians as one of the newest elements of the basketball classic.

Reid encouraged Bahamians to come out and support the Bahamian basketball showdown.

“This tournament is where persons who are on holiday from school look to participate because this is a tournament where all of the ballers in The Bahamas want to win for bragging rights,” he said.

He also expects college scouts to be in attendance to watch the play of the ballers in the tournament which will present them the opportunity to be granted

scholarships. Although most of the teams will be males, Reid hopes to see more of an interest from their female counterparts for the yearly tournament.

“In the past we tried to include girls teams three times but the best we ever had was three teams that signed up . . . if we see where we can get a contingent of female teams we will be open to the possibility of making that happen,” the event organiser said.

With registration now underway, the basketball classic will also need volunteers. Individuals that are interested can also use the “Peace on Da Street” Facebook Page to sign up. The event kicks off on the Hope Center basketball courts at 5pm on July 24.

BASKETBALL TO FOOTBALL SWITCH PAYS OFF FOR ANDREWS JR

FROM PAGE 12

them that if this is what they really want, they have to go for it.

“I didn’t have anyone there to guide me through it before I left. So I really didn’t know what to expect. But now that I’ve experienced it, I want to show them how hard it is going to be and so I want to help prepare them for it.”

Andrews Jr is expected to return to Florida in a few weeks to begin his summer workout sessions to get ready for his final high school season before it’s off to college and eventually the pro ranks.

“I selected Reuters because the OL coach is a former NFL head coach and Super Bowl champion for the Philadelphia Eagles,” said Andrews Jr, who is a big an of the

NFL’s Miami Dolphins, like most Bahamians. Andrews Jr was a huge fan of the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association, so naturally like so many other Bahamians, he was also disappointed that they lost the championship title to the Denver Nuggets in five games.

“We’re good. Next year,” said Andrews Jr, who predicted that his Heat will return to prominence in the league for another year after falling short in their second trip to the finals in four years.

Andrews Jr thanked Noble Preparatory Academy, the Black Point Community Association, his uncles

and his father, Raynor Andrews Sr, for the roles they all played in his career so far.

With two younger brothers. Kaleb Black and Kyis Asquith, following him, Andrews Jr said he will definitely push them to follow in his steps as an athlete, preferably playing football as well.

ASTROS SLUG 4 HOMERS, BROWN THROWS 7 SCORELESS TO LEAD HOUSTON OVER WASHINGTON 6-1

By KRISTIE RIEKEN

AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) —

Tuesday was a night filled with homers and milestones for the Houston Astros.

Mauricio Dubón, Kyle Tucker, Martín Maldonado and Chas McCormick each hit solo homers to back up a solid start by rookie Hunter Brown and lead the Astros to a 6-1 win over the Washington Nationals.

And then there were the milestones. José Abreu had two hits to give him 1,501 career hits, making him the 21st active player to reach 1,500 hits and the 12th Cuban-born player to do it.

Maldonado’s homer extended Houston’s lead to 3-0 in the seventh and was the 100th of his career. José Altuve walked with one out in that inning and scored the 1,000th run of his career on a single by Abreu with two outs.

Abreu is in his 10th MLB season after spending 10 years playing professionally in Cuba.

“It just means that I’ve played a lot of baseball,” Abreu said in Spanish through a translator.

“And I can’t forget about all those people that were by my side throughout that long time and obviously being able to do it here I think it was even more special.”

Altuve is the fourth player in franchise history to score at least 1,000 runs, joining Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio and fellow Killer B Lance Berkman.

“It means a lot,” Altuve said. “It’s a big number for me and I’m really happy

and proud. Obviously I have to thank a lot of guys for driving me in. Abreu was tonight and I already thanked him.

“I want to thank Yordan (Alvarez) because probably 500 are from Yordan.”

Brown (6-3) scattered four hits across seven scoreless innings after losing two in a row.

Dubón put the Astros up 1-0 when he knocked a changeup from Patrick Corbin (4-7) into the seats in left field with no outs in the fifth.

There was one out in the inning when Tucker then hit his ninth home run this season to right field to make it 2-0.

It was Washington’s first visit to Houston since the Nationals won their only

championship by beating the Astros 6-2 in Game 7 of the 2019 World Series. Corbin was also on the mound in that game, pitching three scoreless innings of relief to get the win.

Tuesday, he struggled with command, walking a season-high five while allowing four hits and two runs in five innings.

“These guys can hit, and on occasion when you make a mistake they’ll hit the ball a long way,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said.

The Astros started this nine-game homestand on a high note, giving them a much-needed boost after going 2-5 on a road trip, which ended Sunday. “We haven’t established homefield dominance like we usually do and which

we’re trying to get to,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “So we’re just trying to win one day at a time.”

The Nationals had a runner on second with two outs in the seventh when Jake Meyers crashed into the centre field wall after making a leaping catch on a fly ball hit by Dominic Smith to end Brown’s night. Brown pounded his hand into his glove and yelled, “Let’s go” after watching Meyers make the nifty grab.

Lane Thomas doubled with two outs in the eighth and scored on a single by Luis Garcia to cut the lead to 4-1.

McCormick’s homer came with no outs in the bottom of the inning and Altuve added an RBI single

with two outs to push the lead to 6-1.

Abreu collected his 1,500th career hit on a double on a line drive to right-centre field to start Houston’s second.

The Astros announced the milestone at the end of the inning and put a graphic with his picture and the number on the big screen as he tipped his cap to the crowd.

Similar graphics and announcements were made for Maldonado’s and Altuve’s milestones at the end of the seventh inning.

TRAINER’S ROOM Nationals: RHP Tanner Rainey threw a 25-pitch bullpen session this weekend as he continues his

recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Astros: SS Jeremy Peña missed a second straight game Tuesday with an unspecified illness. Baker said he was feeling better Tuesday and could return Wednesday.

SNAPPED Washington DH Joey Meneses went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts to end a career-long 18-game onbase streak, which was the longest active streak in the majors.

UP NEXT Houston LHP Framber Valdez (6-5, 2.36 ERA) opposes RHP Josiah Gray (4-5, 3.00) when the series continues Wednesday night.

HOUSTON Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

HOUSTON Astros’ Martin Maldonado (15) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

RECURRING PROBLEMS PLAGUE GERMANY TEAM ONE YEAR BEFORE HOSTING EURO 2024

By CIARÁN FAHEY AP Sports Writer

BERLIN (AP) — All the old problems were there to see.

Germany’s uninspired showing in a 3-3 draw with Ukraine was just the latest example of the team’s struggles, leaving it in a state of alarm one year before the country hosts the European Championship.

Only Kai Havertz prevented worse for the team on Tuesday, when he came on as a substitute and pulled a goal back, then forced the penalty from which Joshua Kimmich nabbed the equalizer in injury time.

It prevented Germany’s second straight defeat after the 3-2 loss at home against Belgium in March, but it did little to address recurrent problems and doubts about coach Hansi Flick’s ability to address them. Flick sat stone-faced after Havertz and Kimmich’s goals, unable to take pleasure in either after what he had seen before.

The German soccer federation stuck with Flick as coach after Germany’s World Cup flop in Qatar, bringing in former national team striker and coach Rudi Völler as sporting director to support him as Oliver Bierhoff’s successor.

But so far there has been no sign that any of the team’s problems in Qatar have been addressed.

Instead, it was a familiar tale of Germany dominating possession and creating chances while still prone to costly mistakes. Mistakes led to all three Ukrainian goals.

A wayward pass from Julian Brandt led to Viktor Tsyhankov’s equalizer, another mistake from Nico Schlotterbeck preceded Ukraine’s second goal, and Brandt’s difficult ball for Matthias Ginter led to the third — again scored by Tsyhankov.

“That’s what we need cut out — the mistakes at the back and at the front,” Kimmich said after preventing what would have been Ukraine’s first ever win over Germany.

The result did not hide the team’s shortcomings.

Germany made a good start but lacked precision and then failed to make headway against the visitors’ hardworking defense once they had settled into the game.

“We have to keep working on it,” said Flick, who still hasn’t found a settled defense.

“We started with three at the back and then switched to a back four, so 4-3-3, but these are things, processes that we have to go through.”

There were whistles from some Germany supporters as the home team labored to make a breakthrough.

“It’s very annoying because the goals come from mistakes,” Germany goalkeeper Kevin Trapp said after his first appearance in 15 months. “Individual mistakes can happen, it’s part of the sport. Of course, we have to have a better grip on the situation. It’s been an issue for a long time, it’s fact. But we still have a year to the European Championship, and we have until then to sort them out — otherwise it will be harder.”

Germany next plays Poland in Warsaw on Friday before hosting Colombia in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday. The team has already qualified for Euro 2024 as host.

NUGGETS PLAYERS OF PAST TAKE PART IN CELEBRATING 1ST NBA TITLE IN TEAM HISTORY

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray cradled the NBA championship trophy, occasionally rubbing the shiny gold piece of hardware to make sure it was real. The Denver point guard wouldn’t let it out of his sight for long.

This title, the first in the Nuggets’ long ABA/NBA history, of course meant so much to Murray, NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and the rest of the cast. But they brought along a lot of people for the ride.

Nuggets greats like David Thompson, Dan Issel and Bobby Jones, who helped lead the team to its last finals appearance, in 1976, as members of the ABA.

Former coaches like Larry Brown, Doug Moe and George Karl. Other stars like Alex English, Dikembe Mutombo and Carmelo Anthony, along with any Nuggets player who ever wore a rainbow uniform or saw their season end at the hands of the Lakers.

This, the Nuggets’ 47th NBA season, finally ended with confetti, a trophy and an upcoming parade through the streets of downtown.

“These guys accomplished something that we all hoped to, but never came to fruition for us,” said LaPhonso Ellis, the fifth overall draft pick by Denver in 1992 who lingered at Ball Arena long after the fans trickled out, soaking in the moment following a 94-89 win over Miami in Game 5. “It just feels so doggone good.”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone wanted past players and coaches to realize they were an important part of this run. He appreciates what they’ve meant to an organization that was one of the four ABA teams absorbed into the NBA before the 1976-77 season — and the last one to make an appearance in the NBA Finals.

That’s why Issel was part of the Game 1 festivities, pounding a drum to rev up fans. And English shot a pregame free throw before Game 2, and Thompson did the same before Game 5.

“I know they’re so proud of what we’ve achieved,” Malone said.

This is a town that always passionately celebrates the orange and blue of the Broncos. It has fallen in love with the burgundy and blue of an Avalanche team that’s won three Stanley Cup titles since moving to town before the 199596 season. But it has been waiting patiently — OK, maybe not so patiently — for this shining moment from the blue and yellow of the Nuggets.

“It’s a great, great city and in many ways, underrated,”

said former Nuggets player and team executive Kiki VanDeWeghe, who tuned in to watch the finals from Southern California. “But don’t tell anybody; you don’t want too many people” moving to Denver, he added.

They’ve had their share of lows along the way. Like that 17-win team in 2002-03 — but that paved the way to draft Anthony, who helped the Nuggets advance to the Western Conference finals in 2009, before being knocked out by a Lakers team led by Kobe Bryant.

Anthony would be neither the first nor the last NBA star to look at Denver but see sunnier horizons on the East or West Coast (he was traded to New York). It was also neither the first nor last time the Lakers knocked the Nuggets out of the postseason, either.

Behind Jokic, a secondround pick from Sombor, Serbia, they vanquished their Lakers demons with a sweep in the West finals. Then, they took care of the Heat to earn a parade, which Jokic lamented is not until Thursday because he’s ready to get home.

Jokic is unlike really any superstar to win a title before him, one who’s just as content swimming with his young daughter or tending to his racehorses in Serbia. Once he steps on the floor, though, he’s a triple-double machine. He led a team that also was powered by Murray, who returned from a devastating knee injury, and Michael Porter Jr., whose

balky back sidelined him for most of last season.

This version of the Nuggets was easy to support.

“Everyone looks at this as ‘Our Nuggets,’” said VanDeWeghe, a member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. “That’s certainly the way I look at it.”

These days, about the only thing around town that’s talked about almost as much as the Nuggets is the reopening of Casa Bonita, the quirky Mexican restaurant bought by the creators of “South Park.” The establishment known for its decor, including a large indoor waterfall, as well as its cliff divers, reportedly has more than 100,000 signed up to sample the food.

Years from now, more than that probably will

claim to have been at Ball Arena on Monday night.

Ellis was present and stopped several times by fans to reminisce.

He was part of the 1994 team that as a No. 8 seed upset a top-seeded Seattle squad in the first round.

“We were young (back then) and thought we’d have an opportunity to compete for a world championship for years.

“But it wasn’t meant to be,” Ellis said. “It feels like in some small way we got an opportunity to contribute to this (title) — even though we were 30 years ago.”

Now, a chance to win two straight, like the Broncos did under John Elway following the 1997 and ‘98 seasons.

“Obviously, it’s tougher to go back to back, but you

want to get that first one first,” Hall of Famer Steve Atwater said.

Mission accomplished — the first part anyway.

VanDeWeghe has a unique perspective, having been a Nuggets player (four seasons, three playoff appearances) and team executive. In his role as general manager, he made key decisions such as drafting Anthony and hiring Karl.

It didn’t pay off with a title as a player or GM. But it has as a fan.

“Everybody takes great satisfaction and pride who has been part of the organisation, in what they’ve accomplished,” VanDeWeghe said. “This is what everybody dreams about and I dreamed about for the city.”

DENVER Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic talks to reporters after the team won the NBA Championship with a victory over the Miami Heat in Game 5 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Monday, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

DENVER Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke, centre right, hugs head coach Michael Malone after the team won the NBA Championship. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

DENVER Nuggets players hold up the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy after their victory over the Miami Heat in Game 5 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Monday, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)