06252024 NEWS AND SPORT

‘ FAILURE TO PROBE CORRUPTION CLAIM’

Bahamas keeps tier 1 rank - but concerns on immigration allegations

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Staff Reporter

Tribune

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE United States said The Bahamas has failed to investigate corruption allegations against immigration officers at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre and did not proactively screen for human trafficking among vulnerable communities in 2023. However, The Bahamas remains one of only 30 countries with a Tier 1 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons Report, signifying the country continues to meet minimum standards for eliminating trafficking and that the government demonstrates serious and

‘I WILL ALWAYS BE A JUDGE AT HEART’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH the latest unemployment figures suggest the country is still struggling to get the rate where it was before the 2008 recession, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is encouraged by the latest figures and is not concerned that the increasing National Insurance Board contribution rate would worsen the problem. He expressed optimism that jobless numbers will decrease in the “next two months or so” and said he is excited about what the future holds for job seekers. The Bahamas National

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

SIR Michael Barnett officially retired as Court of Appeal president yesterday, with Justice Jon Isaacs set to replace him. Government officials, lawyers and judicial officers,

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunmedia.net

NALINI Bethel, the chairperson of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), said no one has ever been prosecuted under the Persons with Disabilities Act, a law passed in 2014 to equalise opportunities for people with disabilities and eliminate discrimination against them. The lack of prosecutions shows the law has not been adequately enforced, said Erin Brown, a noted disability rights advocate and NCPD commissioner. She believes the main reason is that many lawyers do not want to represent someone with disabilities.

Ms Bethel told The Tribune that 14 adjustment orders have been

including current and retired judges, gathered at the British Colonial hotel to bid farewell to the outgoing Court of Appeal president and former chief justice during a special sitting.

Sir Michael will become the country’s new law reform commissioner, leading efforts to review and reform laws in the Bahamas.

“I am and will always be a judge at heart,” he said during the ceremony. “My telephone number will not change. You can always call to discuss issues, confident that by doing so, I will no

OUTGOING Court of Appeal President Sir Michael Barnett speaks during a special Court of Appeal sitting at the British Colonial Hotel where it was announced that Justice Jon Isaacs will succeed Sir Michael as Court of Appeal president yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Sir Michael Barnett retires: ‘I will always be a judge at heart’

longer be forced to recuse myself.”

Sir Michael has worn many hats throughout his career, from serving as attorney general in the Ingraham administration in 2008 to becoming chief justice in 2009 until 2015 and later a Court of Appeal judge. He was sworn in as president of the Court of Appeal in 2020.

Yesterday, Sir Michael admitted to demitting office with “mixed feelings”, but thanked his family, friends and colleagues for their support throughout his tenure and said he owed a debt of gratitude to all the country’s prime ministers.

“It was my privilege to serve as the chief justice and president of the Court of Appeal of this land that I love,” he said. “Over the past 15 years, with the talents God gave me, I strived to do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of The Bahamas without fear, favour, affection or ill will.”

As for his advice for his judicial colleagues, Sir Michael said: “You are the cornerstone for ensuring that the preservation of our freedoms is guaranteed by an abiding respect for the rule of law.”

He reminded them of their responsibility to ensure each person’s right to a fair trial within a

reasonable time and urged judges not to “be the cause of the violation of those rights and freedoms.”

Regarding members of the Bahamas Bar Association, Sir Michael encouraged senior attorneys to interact more, saying he’s noticed a significant decrease in seasoned lawyers attending the opening of the legal year or engaging in debates on public issues.

“I urge senior lawyers to recall their early days as lawyers and the benefits that they’ve received from interacting with senior lawyers,” he said. “Do not deprive the Bar and the country of your leadership. There are many brilliant young lawyers at the Bar. They want to become great lawyers. They need your leadership and your congeniality.”

Sir Michael congratulated his successor, Justice Isaacs, expressing confidence that he would be a great leader “who would make an impact.”

Before he was appointed chief justice, Sir Michael also served as acting stipendiary and circuit magistrate (1985–1988).

A former president of the Bahamas Bar Association (1989–1991), Sir Michael has also served that organisation as registrar of examinations and examiner, law of civil procedures. from page one

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER restaurant manager at Atlantis was awarded $31,200 for unfair dismissal after being fired for allegedly sexually harassing another employee.

On February 10, 2022, a woman formally complained that the man, Bradley Babbs, allegedly offered to recommend a woman employee’s transfer request on the condition that she video chat with him so he could see her “sexy body”. The employee said she found the comments inappropriate.

Mr Babbs was suspended without pay pending an investigation two days later. When he returned on February 14, 2022, he was

dismissed for sexual harassment and for offering to ensure an employee’s transfer to another restaurant.

The Industrial Tribunal wrote: “The respondent argued that the applicant was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct when he contacted the complainant in his managerial capacity and solicited a favour for a transfer to another restaurant, particularly when he was a part of the interview team and could influence the panel’s decision. Specifically, the applicant requested the complainant to show him her sexy body via video chat, which caused her to report him to management.”

“This offer to ensure that she was transferred to another restaurant was

considered a fundamental breach of the company’s policies and conduct that undermined the trust and confidence inherent in the terms and conditions of the applicant’s employment contract.”

Mr Babbs was employed at Island Hotel Company Limited for almost 30 years until his termination on February 14, 2022. He denied making sexual advances toward the woman, saying the telephone conversation was work-related and cordial.

Mr Horatio McKenzie, executive director of the food and beverage and human resources department at Atlantis, served as a witness in the matter. He noted after reviewing the employee’s call log that Mr Babbs attempted to video

chat.

“The applicant admitted requesting a video call from the complainant but maintained that it was because he could not hear her clearly due to background noise, hence his request,” the Tribunal said. “However, he denied making sexual advances or any sexual intent, asserting that he frequently called numerous employees regarding their work schedules, including the complainant.

“Mr McKenzie stated that the complainant retorted that she and the applicant spoke primarily on the job, and she had not received a call from him since the Christmas holiday when they talked about her picking up a shift. Further, she expressed the surprise when he asked her to video

call and he continued calling, but she did not answer.”

Mr Babbs fought his dismissal, saying he was refused a copy of the complainant’s report and punished twice for the same allegation; he said he was suspended without pay and dismissed in breach of the disciplinary procedures and prejudiced by having his hearing presided over by an executive director with whom he had a previous contentious relationship.

“The Tribunal accepts the applicant’s submission that it was unfair for the respondent to withhold information to which he was entitled and ought to have been provided as a normal part of discovery and procedural fairness, particularly since he requested it,” the

Tribunal said.

“The Tribunal is of the view that the applicant’s request for the document was a reasonable one and such vital information could have assisted him to better defend against the allegations and it was not sufficient to have it just read in his hearing. The Tribunal, therefore, finds the respondent’s conduct in this regard unfair.”

Ingrid Cooper-Brooks, vice president of the Industrial Tribunal, ordered Atlantis to pay Mr Babbs $31,200 for unfair dismissal, which equates to

JUSTICE Jon Isaacs looks on as Outgoing Court of Appeal President Sir Michael Barnett speaks during a special Court of Appeal sitting at the British Colonial Hotel where it was announced that Justice Isaacs will succeed Sir Michael as Court of Appeal president yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

JUSTICE Jon Isaacs will succeed Sir Michael Barnett as Court of Appeal president.

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Killarney MP and Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis attend a special Court of Appeal sitting at the British Colonial Hotel where it was announced that Justice Jon Isaacs will succeed Sir Michael as Court of Appeal president yesterday.

‘Failure to probe corruption claim’

sustained efforts toward this.

The US said the country investigated and prosecuted more suspected traffickers, identified a male victim for the first time and carried out multiple awareness-raising activities in 2023, including those targeted toward vulnerable, underserved communities.

“Additionally,” the US said, “the government provided compensation to a repatriated foreign victim; provided detailed and timely investigative data; and drafted an MOU with a foreign country to regulate recruitment practices. The government also continued to provide support for foreign victims repatriated abroad and cooperated with foreign countries to assist foreign victims.”

Nonetheless, the US said: “The government did not report any investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government employees complicit in human trafficking crimes; however, allegations of corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remained significant concerns, inhibiting law enforcement action during the year. In one case, foreign sex trafficking victims reported officers at the detention centre asked

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE mother of Alrae Ramsey has not reviewed the file about her son’s 2019 death in Italy, while the mother of Blair John, who has seen it, does not want to disclose details to the public.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said last week that the government’s internal review of the death of Mr Ramsey and Mr John’s death is completed, but the families must decide whether to release the findings.

He said the case had a “really tough file” with “lots of sensitives”.

Anita Ramsey told The Tribune yesterday: “Listen, I really can’t deal with that right now because it’s very depressing for me today. Another day.”

Cathleen Rahming, Blair John’s mother, said:

“My comments on that are I’m gonna leave it right where it is. I don’t wish to discuss it any

for bribes in exchange for their release; the government had not completed its investigation by the end of the reporting period, and the victims returned to their home country.

Observers previously noted some immigration officials may have solicited Haitian migrants, including potential trafficking victims, for bribes to prevent detention.”

The report recommended that the country increase efforts to investigate, prosecute and convict traffickers; identify victims and refer them to services, particularly underserved stateless people, migrants and asylum-seekers from Haiti, Jamaica, and Venezuela, LGBTQI+ individuals, and Cuban nationals working on government-sponsored programmes.

The US recommended the country ensures that finding alternate housing for at-risk, underserved communities “does not create additional vulnerabilities”, trains officials surveying existing housing to identify trafficking victims, include Haitian Creole and Spanish-speaking services on the trafficking hotline, include representatives of Haitian and stateless communities in discussions with the National Trafficking in Persons Inter-Ministerial

further and that’s it.”

The bodies of Mr Ramsey, 29, and Mr John, 28, were found in the Po River of Turin, Italy, on June 4 and June 5, 2019.

The autopsies concluded they died because of drowning, a finding that relatives and friends of the men doubted.

Mr Ramsey was a foreign service officer on study leave in Vienna; Mr John was a St Mary’s University graduate.

Mr Mitchell said he has partially read the report but has “many other documents” to go through.

He said when he is finished with the file, it will be turned over to the police. Previously, he proposed amending the Coroners Act so the coroner could investigate the matter.

The completion of the local investigation follows years of efforts to get details about what happened. Mr Mitchell said in 2022 he had asked Italian officials for the file connected to the matter and received the file in 2023.

Committee and take steps to eliminate recruitment fees.

The report recommended providing a dedicated shelter for trafficking victims.

In the country’s trafficking profile, women migrants were particularly at risk as they were well-educated but unaware of trafficking risks. Additionally, the US said migrants displaced by Hurricane Dorian have been trafficking victims or are particularly vulnerable to trafficking.

“In particular, irregular migrants living in informal settlements on the Hurricane Dorianravaged islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, as well as those who fled to New Providence after the storm, exist in what observers call ‘dark spaces,’ which deter them from reporting abuse,” the report said. “In 2024, the government reported potential victims travelling by air most often came to Nassau, New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Bimini.”

The report noted that certain people born in The Bahamas to a foreign father, a female citizen, or foreign-born parents do not automatically receive Bahamian citizenship or documentation and are also at heightened risk of trafficking.

THE NEW United States Embassy on Shirley and East Street.

THE BODIES of Alrae Ramsey (left), 29, and Blair John (right), 28, were found in the Po River of Turin, Italy, on June 4 and June 5, 2019. The autopsies concluded they died because of drowning, a finding that relatives and friends of the men doubted.

‘Under act for disabilities, no one ever prosecuted’

issued this year to businesses demanding they comply with the disability law. Such orders are issued when places are inaccessible to people with disabilities. For instance, they may not have wheelchair ramps, railings, accessible parking spots, or appropriate bathrooms. Ms Bethel said businesses are usually given 90 days to fix violations identified by one of the three NCPD inspectors.

“Many of our buildings, especially the older buildings, do not meet the code,” Ms Bethel said. “The building codes have been changed and modernised so that they do take into consideration the accessibility for disabled persons. So the newer buildings are more in compliance than the older buildings. Some of the older buildings have to be retrofitted.”

If a business does not comply with an adjustment order in 90 days, the matter could be sent to the Office of the Attorney General. However, Ms Bethel said most businesses usually

comply with the orders.

“No, nobody has ever been prosecuted under the Act,” she said. “But we do deal with some complaints.”

Ms Bethel said progress has been made concerning the rights of people with disabilities, and there is more “heightened awareness.”

Ms Brown agreed that awareness has increased and progress has been made.

However, she said people with disabilities are not fully accommodated in schools, the police station, or even courts. She said finding lawyers to represent people with disabilities or who specialise in the area is a longstanding challenge.

“Who are you to go to if the law is telling you you must go to this system that has no people who specialise in this, no people who are willing to take on the brunt of trying it?” she said. She questioned whether the Office of the Attorney General had done its part trying to hold people and businesses accountable under the law.

Sculpture commemorates Central Bank’s 50th anniversary

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that EMILIENNE McKENZIE of #80 Wulff Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that PATRICK BOYER of #19 Palm Avenue, Wulff Road, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that KENO SAINTVIL of Homestead Street, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas and that any person who knows any reason whyregistration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

as a citizen of The Bahamas and that any person who knows any reason whyregistration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ENARSHA TILME of Buttonwood Avenue, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NALINI BETHEL, the chairperson of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), said no one has ever been prosecuted under the Persons with Disabilities Act.

ON the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Central Bank of The Bahamas, the artist Tyrone Ferguson was commissioned to create a sculpture to commemorate the historic event. His sculpture creation is pictured here, unveiled on June 21, 2024, situated on the Front Lawn of the Frederick Street entrance of the Central Bank. Governor of the Central Bank, John Rolle, gave remarks, and the Central Bank’s 50th Anniversary Choir performed a musical selection. Governor John Rolle is pictured

the artist, Mr. Ferguson.

Photos: Ulric Woodside/BIS

Davis optimistic jobless numbers will go down

from page one

Statistical Institute (BNSI) revealed on Friday that the unemployment rate was 10.4 percent during the third quarter of 2023 and 9.9 per cent in the fourth quarter.

A labour force survey earlier last year had the unemployment rate at 8.8 percent, a 15-year low.

Although BNSI officials said the quarterly survey results should not be compared to earlier biannual surveys, the third and fourth-quarter figures defied expectations some had that the unemployment rate would continue to drop. Since the Great Recession, the rate has consistently hovered near or above double-digit territory, dropping below nine per cent only once.

Meanwhile, some businesses are bracing for higher costs, with NIB contribution rates set to rise by 1.5 percent on July 1. A new Bahamas Power and Light equity rate structure is also expected to increase costs for larger businesses.

Some companies have said they may offset costs by increasing prices, service fees and firing employees.

Yesterday, Mr Davis said he was not concerned about the impact of the increasing NIB rate on the unemployment rate.

“When we raise the minimum wage, you would have heard them saying that’s a bad idea because it’s going to impact employers, going to lay off people,” he said. “That didn’t happen.

So let’s speak to what is happening and what is the result and respond to it.”

“We are not to discourage people thinking this is something that’s going to impact persons adversely. What it’s going to do is ensure that you pay your premiums. We’re trying to save the fund so when you reach the age of retirement, there’s something there for you.”

He said the latest labour force survey results show Bahamians have hope and recognise the country’s economy is “doing well”.

He said many Bahamians want to work, but want a government job.

He said the government cannot absorb everyone due to financial restraints but encourages people to join the private sector.

“When you looked at the statistics, and how it is the methodology engaged to determine unemployment, they don’t take into account persons who have stopped looking for work, the discouraged worker,” he said.

“What this tells me is that it has inspired a lot of persons who have stopped or given up hope of finding a job, that they’re now finding hope to find jobs and hence, that one per cent tick and hopefully within the next two months or so, we can see that number going down.”

In fact, the BNSI survey did account for discouraged workers. Experts concluded there were 10,800 discouraged workers in the third quarter of 2023 and 9,500 in the fourth quarter.

PM DEFENDS $2.5M PLANE BUDGET AS CHEAPER THAN CHARTERING

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis doubled down in defence of his administration’s $2.5m budget to refurbish a confiscated aircraft for government travel, insisting the move is less costly than chartering flights of government officials to Family Islands.

FNM leader Michael Pintard criticised the Davis administration’s decision on the plane last week, claiming the maintenance cost of the aircraft would be “exponentially higher” than travelling on a local airline.

But Mr Davis pushed

back on this yesterday, noting that not all airlines travel to certain Family Islands.

“Bahamasair don’t even go to Cat Island,” he added. He told reporters “chartering would be more expensive”, insisting the cost of chartering a plane to places like Rum Cay, Crooked Island, and Long Cay would be much more than $2.5m in a year.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe recently told Eyewitness News that, depending on its availability, the plane would be used for several purposes, including transporting firefighters to the Family Islands. Mr Pintard had said the money would have been

better used for other purposes, such as securing fire trucks for the Family Islands.

But Mr Davis said yesterday: “We have to man our borders. Part of manning our borders require air surveillance.

“We are an archipelago and police have decided that this is what they want to do to ensure that they have coverage and assist government officials with moving around the various islands, so again, it’s just part of the political mischief people make.

“Think about what kind of aircraft you could get for $2.5m. What are you buying for $2.5m? This is just to refurbish and upgrade what they already have.”

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is encouraged by the latest unemployment figures and is not concerned that the increasing National Insurance Board contribution rate would worsen the problem.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

PICTURE

LEON E. H. DUPUCH

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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Unenforced laws are pointless and insulting

A LAW is only as good as its enforcement.

So the news that there has yet to be a single prosecution under disabilities legislation makes one wonder what is the point of the law in the first place? Typically, an unenforced law becomes disregarded. With no realistic prospect of prosecution, first one person ignores it, then another, then it becomes widespread.

For those who are supposed to be protected by such a law, it is an insult, a spit in the face. Here is a law that is a token measure only. No real protection for you. You don’t matter. That’s what an unenforced law is truly saying.

It can even undermine the legal system overall – if you can ignore that law, why not another? Why not several others?

Some would say with such laws as those on public disclosures being treated like a sham, we are already doing so. And if someone does end up being prosecuted while others are not, why is there such a selective enforcement? There are already concerns in our country that it does not always seem

that there is one law for everyone.

The lengthy delays that some court cases experience while others are fast-tracked certainly seems to show that at times.

What if a political supporter of one party was charged with failing to follow a law while a supporter of another was not?

The law must be even-handed.

It must not turn a blind eye to one law in favour of another. It must not choose to whom the law applies.

One would hope that the original intention was to ensure that things changed for the better. That this was not simply a piece of legislation just passed for show, for an audience here at home or internationally to live up to commitments previously made.

So do we really mean this legislation, or do we not?

If we do, it’s time to enforce it. If we do not, then repeal it and throw it away and stop pretending we are doing something when we are doing nothing.

Then explain to those who it was intended to benefit why they do not deserve such laws to help them, if you dare.

Komolofe seeking relevance?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

ARINTHIA Komolafe’s recent defense of decisions made by a previous administration’s cabinet— decisions she vehemently opposed during her tenure as the leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA)—raises serious questions about her political convictions and credibility.

As the former leader of the DNA, Ms Komolafe was a staunch critic of the Free National Movement (FNM) administration, opposing nearly every major decision they made. Yet now, she finds herself defending those very decisions, a perplexing and contradictory stance that seems driven by a desire for political relevance rather than principled consistency.

Ms Komolafe’s political journey is marked by a lack of steadfastness. She began her political career with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), then transitioned to the DNA, and now appears to be aligning herself with the FNM. This pattern suggests a willingness to

adopt any political affiliation that might offer a path to power. Such opportunism should be a red flag to voters who value integrity and conviction in their leaders. Moreover, it is puzzling why Ms Komolafe, who did not serve in the Minnis cabinet, would feel compelled to defend their decisions. Her past statements about the FNM were unambiguous and harsh. She accused the FNM of corruption, cronyism, and a myriad of other serious allegations, even demanding a vote of no confidence in the Minnis administration.

In a press statement, she described the Town Centre Mall deal as a “symbolic landmark of corruption, cronyism, nepotism, and conflicts of interest”. She lambasted the FNM government for what she perceived as their corrupt practices and lack of accountability. Her impassioned demands for transparent governance and the condemnation of the Minnis administration’s actions were clear and unequivocal.

Failing to read signs a disservice

EDITOR, The Tribune. SIGNS, in and of themselves, can be of little to no use. Signs must be clear. Signs must be readable and understood by the reader in order for them to be effective. So, over time, there may be many signs which show us important messages, but for one reason or another some of us fail to grasp the meanings of those signs. Ultimately, we are no better off having those clear signs right there before us. Even right now, many of us appear not to read, comprehend or take heed of the signs of our times.

Given this history, her current defense of the FNM’s past decisions appears not only hypocritical but also politically motivated. It raises the question of whether Ms Komolafe is truly guided by principles or if she is simply positioning herself for personal political gain. Bahamian voters deserve leaders who are consistent in their principles and transparent in their motives. Leaders who shift allegiances and positions to suit their ambitions undermine the trust and confidence that the public places in them. Ms Komolafe’s recent actions highlight a credibility deficit that should not be overlooked. In these critical times, it is essential for Bahamians to carefully scrutinize the motives and track records of those seeking to represent them. Leaders who will say and become anything to get into Parliament do not serve the best interests of the nation.

THE GATE KEEPER June 24, 2024

“Stop”, “Slow Down”, “Dangerous Curve”, “45 mph”, “Do Not Enter” ... and the list goes on and on. But, people will sometimes only comply with such clear signs when absolutely necessary.

Administration(s) after administration(s) have dabbled in the effective governance of our relatively small nation; The Bahamas. There could be no denying that measured successes can be pointed to here and there. To balance out those various achievements, there’s an impressive scorecard of failures, incompetencies, as well as the lack of positive directions and outcomes. However, Administrations don’t just pop up from the ground, or fall from the sky, ... just like that. We, the Bahamian people, elect those Members of Parliament who form each successive Administration. When they fail, it’s because we failed to read the signs of the times - about competent representation.

In this brief scribble, I will not endeavor to point at the significant number of areas (say, Ministries) where there has been no progressive movement over time, but will rather cite but one foundational pillar of our Bahamian society. When we score high marks in this area, having that ripple effect, it would certainly be a sign of the times.

Before we can truthfully begin to move forward, upward, onward together, one big, obvious and important signs of the times is actually seeing what we lookin’ at. That

quagmire into which far too many of our fellow Bahamians continue to be sinking deeper into, by committing their wholehearted allegiance to a particular political party rather than to our nation, has brought The Bahamas chin-deep into quite a mess. Breaking this vicious cycle of “my party, right or wrong” and “I born dis ‘n ger die dis” might be more painful for some folks than extracting “wisdom teeth” ... without anesthesia. When we do see any slight indications of real severing mindless party commitments it will definitely be a sign of the times. Our focus on a particular element which is long overdue for drastic changes could turn to our public school system. Any positive changes there would qualify as a major sign of the times. Doubtless, it has produced a cadre of highly intelligent and productive citizens of this nation. Many have gone off for more advanced educational & technical studies abroad. Some have even returned to The Bahamas with many impressive and admirable expertise. No doubt, many more could have returned to The Bahamas, but that’s another chapter for another day. Still, it’s a sign of the times. True, shoes might be better than no shoesdepending on where ya walkin’. But, those ol’ and worn out colonial shoes into which we still persistently try to get all students to wear (as though one size fits all), clearly need repair or discarding. Those “Emperor’s New Clothes” ought not to be forever ignored or praised, especially when our innocent little children are around, with eager eyes. Who is there that can deny that much needed change is far, far overdue? Signs are all around, but how much longer will we ignore those signs of the times? Did you get to see those recent online postings of pictures and videos showing high school graduates (and guests) all decked out for their proms? Obviously,

huge sums of money were spent on extravagant attires, accessories, hairstyles, and such - not to mention the luxury transportations. Someone had to pay for each hefty bill. And, when you consider the likely average GPA of that cast of characters, their getting jobs (highpaying or low-paying) to reimburse those enabling benefactors would seem a bit far-fetched. So, whether this new crew of school leavers get their money legally or illegally will be yet more signs of the times.

After saying all that, I will gladly admit that some dark clouds do have silver linings. So, it’s entirely possible that you and I will wake up one morning to find out that Bahamian public school students are being placed into learning modules which match their competencies & interests. Academically inclined would be routed for academic studies. Technical & vocational studies would be aligned with students so inclined. At various points in the educational process, students would be allowed to switch/adjust their areas of studies based on merit and pragmatic criteria. Especially with the ongoing advancements in computer learning, the options for students to develop and excel in various disciplines could be unlimited. Such a school system would certainly be a sign of the times. Governing administrations should be elected by enlightened Bahamian voters to read the signs of the times where they are, comprehend them competently, and steer our ship of state through the wide and treacherous shoals around us. Enlightened populations don’t just pop up out of the blue, though. A collective of public servants, private servants, spiritual servants, parents and all right-minded Bahamians would be needed to work together for any such common, loftier goal. When we truly lift up our heads to that rising sun, however near or far away that day, it will absolutely, positively be a sign of the times.

MB

Nassau June 24, 2024

A 6-year-old from Washington blocks a water jet with his head while cooling off in a water feature at Georgetown Waterfront Park, on Sunday in Washington.

Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Man accused of molesting four-year-old step-daughter

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sent to prison after being accused of molesting his four-yearold stepdaughter this year.

The male defendant is accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with his four-year-old stepchild sometime between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

The defendant also allegedly assaulted and threatened Pethra Pierre with death between

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged a 45-year-old male, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, with unlawful sexual intercourse with a dependent child. He faced further charges of threats of death and assault.

December 15, 2022 and March 31, 2024. The accused was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

He will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on August 1. Ian Cargill represented the accused.

MAN CHARGED WITH RAPING WOMAN LAST WEEK

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 48-YEAR-OLD man was accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman in New Providence

last week.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Rudolph Thurston, 48, with rape. Thurston allegedly raped the young woman on June 17. The defendant was

Posthumous victory for ousted head of Disabilities Council

told his matter would be referred to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Thurston will be sent to prison until his VBI is served on August 1.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF ABUSING SIX-WEEK-OLD CHILD

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

A 21-year-old woman was granted bail yesterday after she was accused of abusing a six-week-old infant she was babysitting last week.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Curria Lewis with cruelty to children.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN and woman were granted bail yesterday after they were accused of having a loaded gun in their vehicle following a police chase last week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Kareem Johnson, 20, and Jade Stubbs, 20, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

The pair were allegedly involved in a police chase in a silver colored Honda Fit on East Street that ended on Thompson

Lewis allegedly assaulted an infant boy in her care and custody, resulting in an unnecessary injury on June 19. The boy’s parents reported the incident to police after they noticed injuries on him.

Lane on June 20. Police allegedly recovered a black Sig Sauer 9mm pistol and three rounds of ammunition. Stubbs reportedly briefly fled police on foot before being taken back to the car, where police found seven grams of marijuana. Ms Stubbs admitted to owning the drugs in a police interview. While both defendants pleaded not guilty to the firearm charges, Stubbs alone pleaded guilty to the drug charge. Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie objected to Johnson’s bail, citing the climate of gun-related

After pleading not guilty to the offence, Ms Lewis was granted bail at $9,000 with two sureties. She must sign in at the East Street South Police Station on the first Monday of every month. Lewis will return to court for a trial date fixture on August 1.

violence in the country.

Johnson’s bail was set at $7,500, while Stubbs’ bail was set at $6,000. Johnson must sign in at the South Beach Police Station every Monday through Saturday by 5pm and will also be fitted with a monitoring device.

Stubbs must sign in at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 6pm. For the drug offence, she must come to court with a negative drug test on December 11 to gain an absolute discharge.

The firearm trial begins on July 25.

Bjorn Ferguson represented Jade Stubbs.

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE estate of Monique Roker Carey, who was ousted as president of the Bahamas National Council for Disabilities (BNCD) in May 2019, is celebrating her posthumous Supreme Court victory in a case challenging her removal.

The BNCD is appealing the ruling, which said last month that Mrs Carey’s removal was not in accordance with the BNCD’s constitution and was null and void.

Supreme Court Justice Camille Darville Gomez had ruled that a “purported vote of no confidence” that led to Mrs Roker’s ouster exceeded the scope of power outlined in the BNCD’s constitution.

Mrs Carey’s estate released a statement saying even though Mrs Carey did not live to see the verdict in her favour, she was “mercilessly challenged” because of “her tenacity and determination to carry out her duties without fear or favour.”

The statement said she “fought from the week she was elected against those who wished to usurp her authority and undermine her intelligence.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling had identified an “acrimonious” relationship between the BNCD and Mrs Carey since the latter became president.

The BNCD had argued that Mrs Carey’s leadership style was “autocratic,” while Mr Carey said the BNCD’s executive committee was being controlled by

its past president, whose style was guided by her own self-interests and not the interests of the BNCD members.

Mrs Carey said she was denied access to the nonprofit organisation’s bank account so she had to use her personal funds –– up to $8,900 –– to keep the BNCD operational. Justice Darville Gomez agreed with Mrs Carey that there was no written request for an executive meeting per the BNCD’s constitution, and 15 days did not lapse before a scheduled meeting was held as mandated. Consequently, she ruled, removing Mrs Carey as BNCD president was “ultra vires.” Justice Darville Gomez ordered that $8,900 be awarded to Mrs Carey, who died in December.

MONIQUE Roker Carey awarded a victory in the Supreme Court posthumously after being ousted as president of the Bahamas National Disabilities Council in May 2019.

GOVERNOR GENERAL, Her Excellency Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt received Letters of Credence from Mr. Masood Khan, Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Pakistan to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, at the Office of the Governor General on Wednesday. Photos: Letisha Henderson/BIS

Nature in crisis: Rethinking development pathways

By KISHAN KHODAY

AS highlighted at the recent 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) it is clear that planet earth’s ecosystems are in an accelerating state of flux, and that a course correction is urgently needed if countries are to maintain and sustain their hard-won development gains in coming decades. Together, the changing climate, loss of ecosystems and escalating toxicity and pollution – known as the triple planetary crisis – have emerged as an existential threat to lives and livelihoods, with the coming years likely to see millions pushed into poverty, inequality, and mass displacement, unless action is taken. No longer a dystopian tale of the future, these trends are now upon us, threatening to derail development. So, what can be done?

First is the value of multilateralism. As highlighted in the 2023/2024 edition of the Human Development Report, on the theme

of reimagining cooperation in a polarised world, addressing the planetary crisis needs a renewed level of collective action and solidarity within the international community. The priority needs to be on solutions that bring justice and remedy to those communities across the Global South who have little to do with the cause of the planetary crisis but are feeling the brunt of the impact.

This is particularly important for communities in Small Island Development States (SIDS), who have been vocal proponents of the need for scaled up international support to SIDS for building the resilience of oceans-based economies, adaptation to climate change, resilience of coral reefs and marine ecosystems, and rapid activation of new systems to address loss and damage from climate change.

Given the historical roots of the planetary crisis and growing conditions of vulnerability, enhancing global cooperation will also be about exploring forms of debt relief, scaled up use of

blue and green debt swaps, and reparatory forms of development.

Second is the need to embrace opportunities from the transition. Blue and green solutions will emerge as the greatest development opportunity in the coming decades, driven by a new generation of thought leadership, innovative technology, and sustainable finance instruments. New nature-based models of development can serve to restore and maintain an ‘ecological safety net’, ensuring productive land, water access, food systems and other services that communities rely on for lives and livelihoods.

Embracing the opportunity rests on three critical shifts. Foremost will be a shift in behaviour and values, with a new generation of young leaders

and creative thought leaders placing nature at the heart of their vision for the future. Importantly this includes evolving sensibilities around citizen rights to a healthy environment, participation in decision making on the use of natural resources, and access to systems of justice to remedy impacts. Another critical shift is being seen in economic and financial systems, from nature-negative to nature-positive fiscal policies, impact investments with social and environmental co-benefits, expansion of blue and green bonds, and capitalisation and rapid commercialization of clean technology investments. Equally important will be a shift in development practice and systems, through greater community empowerment and local action, and solutions driven

by communities’ lived experiences and locally crafted solutions on ways to manage risk and build resilience.

The impacts of such a transition will be seen in people’s lives, particularly for the poor and most vulnerable in society – through more equitable access to and benefits from use of the natural resources and the environment, more sustainable food systems, climate resilient water systems and rural livelihoods, futureproofed infrastructure and early warning capacities, greater access to affordable energy and reduced electricity costs, solar empowered health, education and water systems, more energy efficient and cost efficient buildings and transport, and new systems of environmental justice.

UNDP is working with local partners on many of these issues, supporting over 2,000 projects today in SIDS across the world, with USD 400 million per year to achieve global and local goals of resilience. In the Caribbean, naturebased solutions are at the core of this cooperation. In The Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica, local projects are helping protect critical forests and coral ecosystems, expand solar solutions, develop capacities for new climate resilient food and water systems, and restore damaged ecosystems. In addition to local adaptation and community resilience, our focus is also on upstream systems and policies to ensure impact at scale. This includes support in establishing national institutions for biodiversity and climate change, coupled with new climate and biodiversity finance plans, investment frameworks and tools for use of blue

and green bonds, debt for nature swaps, and other instruments.

With a view to the future, during the recent 4th International SIDS Conference, UNDP also launched a new Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme, a USD 153 million grantbased initiative supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with FAO, IUCN, UNEP, World Bank and WWF. Together, UNDP and partners will support participating countries around the world to integrate the value of nature into decision-making, advance innovative nature-based solutions within tourism, agriculture, and other sectors, crowd-in private sector finance, and empower civil society, women and youth as agents of change.

The world’s collective response to the planetary crisis and the existential threat faced by vulnerable countries will be one of the greatest tests of solidarity and multilateralism in coming years. The time has arrived to move from dialogue to action, through renewed levels of global cooperation to futureproof countries’ hard-won development gains, and forward-looking policies and institutions that help embrace the transition to a new nature-based model of development.

Kishan Khoday serves as Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in The Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Send feedback to Kishan.khoday@ undp.org returns next week.

KISHAN KHODAY

SMOKE billows from a factory. Frans Van-Heerden

Captain Fernley Palmertransforming young lives

CAPTAIN Fernley

Palmer is one of the most outstanding public figures in The Bahamas, known for transforming the lives of countless young men into outstanding citizens.

He is noted as the oldest living captain of the Boys Brigade in the world.

His work in the inner city communities of New Providence has been transformative; and no matter how high he climbs, Captain Palmer continues to serve in the inner city daily, making a positive impact in the lives of many.

His office on the corner of East and Flint Streets is a landmark. As a Justice of the Peace (JP), he has signed countless birth and marriage certificates, among other important documents, and he is one of the most respected and trusted JPs in the country. In this capacity, he has helped to pave the way for a number of political leaders by notarizing their nomination papers for General Elections, including:

* current Prime Minister

Philip E Davis

* former Prime Minister

Perry G Christie

* current Cabinet Minister Keith R Belle

* current Member of Parliament Wayde A Watson

* former Cabinet Minister Leslie Miller, among others.

Captain Palmer never saw the need to move his office out of the inner city, and he invested his time and financial resources into the development of the

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

area. He has investments in two plots of land on Flint Street - one with an office and apartment complex, and the other with a single storey building. He also has a building on Hay Street.

He continues to give back to his community. For several years, he has paid for a garbage collection and sanitation company to clean Flint Street every three months.

He has spent most of his life on Flint Street, operating numerous businesses. Through one of them, a catering company, Captain Palmer led the provision of nutritious meals to students of the Government High School from 1967-1995.

Born on September 26, 1930, in Mason’s Addition, Captain Fernley Palmer is now 93 years old. He lived on Burial Ground Corner for 23 years before establishing his business on the corner of East and Flint Streets, which has been an edifice of support for the community for more than 60 years.

A family man, Captain Palmer’s first and second wives predeceased him. He is a loving father of six children - four girls and two boys. He is known for his heart full of compassion

and empathy for the areas where he was born and bred, and the area where his business is located. On a national level, he is wellknown for instilling Godly principles, manners and respect in young people, with special attention paid to molding young boys into productive men.

For more than 60 years, he would start each day with prayers and Bible reading before heading to his JP office. He would close for an hour at lunchtime daily to attend to his personal and family needs.

On Sundays, Captain Palmer would masterfully play his saxophone; the melodious sound echoing through the halls of the historic Zion Baptist Church on East and Shirley Streets, the home of his spiritual foundation.

On February 26, 1966, Captain Palmer gave the official royal salute during Queen Elizabeth’s first official visit to The Bahamas. He was the Captain in charge of the parade and he had the opportunity to personally greet her.

Captain Palmer is dedicated to the Boys Brigade, an international interdenominational Christian youth organisation. In July of 1958, Robert “Bob” Atkins, Officer of the Boys Brigade, London Headquarters, visited New Providence to assess the work of the Boys Brigade in The Bahamas. He met with Rev William T Makepeace, a Methodist Minister, who introduced him to Reverend Talmage Sands, who was pastor at Zion Baptist Church. Six young men were recruited to undergo six weeks training: John Culmer; Edison Deleveaux, Sr; Felstead Hutchinson; Eugene Iphill; Arthur Peet; and Elkin Storr.

On September 9, 1958, the very first meeting was held. The six recruits attended along with: Prince Davis; Livingstone Davis; Bernard “Porky” Dorsett; Isaiah Hepburn; Sidney iphill; Leroy Richardson; Bruce Russell; Ormand Russell; Alfred Stubbs; and Fernley Palmer, who attended as an observer from the 1st Nassau

Company of the Boys Brigade.

“Mr Atkins, having been informed of my membership in the 1st Nassau Company, and serving as assistant to Captain Simpson Penn, invited me to line-up the group of 16 for the first time,” Captain Palmer recounted.

“After a few commands and drills, Mr Atkins suggested to my pastor, Rev Sands, that I be the leader of the Company. Two weeks later, the Boys Brigade Council, headed by its President, Dr Cleveland Eneas, ratified the recommendation. Thus, I became First captain, 14th Nassau Company Boys Brigade.”

On Sunday, November 11, 1958, 30 boys, six officers and Captain Palmer were officially and ceremoniously enrolled at Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets. Within weeks, the company experienced tremendous growth. This required additional leaders. Winston Bullard, Leon Hutchinson, Samuel R Gibson and Irwin Rolle were also installed as Boys Brigade 14th Nassau Company officers.

“Their task was to instill

Christian principles in the molding of good character in young male lives,”

Captain Palmer said. “This was and will always be the great challenge.”

“Over the years, 14th Nassau Company has pursued, achieved and maintained excellence in drill, Bible knowledge, spelling and general knowledge. We participated in competition in national and international camps, including in Scotland, London, New Zealand, Singapore, Cayman Islands, St Martin, and throughout The Bahamas.”

Captain Palmer added: “My most memorable camping experience was the 1963 World Camp in Edinburg, Scotland, at which I was chosen to be Camp Commander of 1,400 Officers and Boys. At the camp, I was privileged to introduce and teach ‘Silent Drill’. This has become institutionalised and practised worldwide.”

“The 14th Nassau Company has produced thousands of brilliant, God-fearing, well-disciplined and productive young men in

various trades and professions, including teachers, builders, doctors, engineers, national law enforcement officers, lawyers, artists, bankers, and many others.”

“I give credit to two 14th Nassau Company Boys who taught me the meaning of true allegiance and dedication. It was on a Tuesday night in 1960 when, despite the warning of the approaching Hurricane Donna, Walter and Jimmy Robinson braved the inclement weather and showed up for the Boys Brigade meeting. I was so impressed with their sense and display of commitment that I promised that the Boys Brigade meeting would always take precedence over any other meeting. Over all the years of my Boys Brigade life, I missed only four meetings.”

This kind of dedication, commitment and community purpose has inspired Sergeant Christina Allen, who is also a Pastor. She helped to share his story, noting that she is also a registered JP and marriage officer, following in the footsteps of Captain Palmer.

CAPTAIN FERNLEY PALMER, MBE, JP has spent over 60 years serving the community on a daily basis as a Justice of the Peace.

AT age 93, Captain Fernley Palmer is noted as the oldest living Captain of Boys Brigade International.

Kenyan police depart for Haiti deployment

NAIROBI, Kenya Associated Press

HUNDREDS of Kenyan police officers were leaving Monday for Haiti, where they will lead a multinational force against the powerful gangs whose deadly violence spiked this year and helped bring about a change in government. The deployment is controversial. The government of Kenyan President William Ruto is defying

TEL AVIV, Israel

Associated Press

THE viability of a USbacked proposal to wind down the eight-monthlong war in Gaza has been cast into doubt after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would only be willing to agree to a “partial” cease-fire deal that would not end the war, comments that sparked an uproar from families of hostages held by Hamas.

In an interview broadcast late Sunday on Israeli Channel 14, a conservative, pro-Netanyahu station, the Israeli leader said he was “prepared to make a partial deal — this is no secret — that will return to us some of the people,” referring to the roughly 120 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. “But we are committed to continuing the war after a pause, in order to complete the goal of eliminating Hamas. I’m not willing to give up on that.”

Netanyahu’s comments did not deviate dramatically from what he has said previously about his terms for a deal. But they come at a sensitive time, as Israel and Hamas appear to be moving further apart over the latest cease-fire proposal, and they could represent another setback for mediators trying to end the war.

Netanyahu’s comments stood in sharp contrast to the outlines of the deal detailed late last month by US President Joe Biden, who framed the plan as an Israeli one and which some in Israel refer to as “Netanyahu’s deal”. His remarks could further strain Israel’s ties to the US, its top ally, which launched a major diplomatic push for the latest cease-fire proposal.

The three-phased plan would bring about the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

a court’s ruling calling it unconstitutional. And critics have expressed concern about the long history of alleged abuses by police officers.

The 400 police officers are the first of the 1,000 that Kenya expects to send for the United Nations-led force in Haiti. Ruto’s sendoff ceremony on Monday was closed to the media, but his office shared a speech in which he urged the officers to uphold integrity.

“We have mediated many conflicts and are currently engaged in resolving more,” he said. “Don’t let down the confidence the people of Kenya and the international community have in you.”

A court case seeking to block the deployment is pending, but an initial ruling had called the deployment unconstitutional, citing the lack of a reciprocal agreement between Kenya and Haiti.

US President Joe Biden, however, thanked Ruto for Kenya’s leadership of the multinational force during Ruto’s recent state visit to Washington. The United States has agreed to contribute $300m to the force, but Biden argued that an American troop presence in Haiti would raise “all kinds of questions that can easily be misrepresented”. More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in

the first three months of the year in Haiti. The spike in violence began in late February and has displaced more than half a million people. Gangs now control at least 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince and key roads. Trapped outside the country as the international airport was closed, Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign. The most recent allegations by watchdogs

But disputes and mistrust persist between Israel and Hamas over how the deal plays out.

Hamas has insisted it will not release the remaining hostages unless there’s a permanent cease-fire and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. When Biden announced the latest proposal, he said it included both.

But Netanyahu says Israel is still committed to destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, and ensuring it can never again carry out an Oct 7-style assault. A full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, where Hamas’ top leadership and much of its forces are still intact, would almost certainly leave the group in control of the territory and able to rearm. In the interview, Netanyahu said the current phase of fighting is ending, setting the stage for Israel to send

more troops to its northern border to confront the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, in what could open up a new war front. But he said that didn’t mean the war in Gaza was over.

On Monday, Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant discussed tensions on the border with Lebanon during his trip to Washington with Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to Biden. He echoed Netanyahu’s comments that the war in Gaza is transitioning to a new phase, which could impact other conflicts, including with Hezbollah. Israel is close to dismantling the Hamas military brigades in the southern city of Rafah, and maintains “full control” over the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic buffer zone along Gaza’s border with Egypt, Israel’s military chief Lt Gen. Herzi Halevi said. Israel says the corridor is awash with tunnels that Hamas uses to

smuggle weapons and other goods. Halevi said Israel’s control over the buffer zone will bring an end to that.

During the initial sixweek phase of the proposed cease-fire, the sides are supposed to negotiate an agreement on the second phase, which Biden said would include the release of all remaining living hostages including male soldiers and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. The temporary cease-fire would become permanent.

Hamas appears concerned that Israel will resume the war once its most vulnerable hostages are returned. And even if it doesn’t, Israel could make demands in that stage of negotiations that were not part of the initial deal and are unacceptable to Hamas — and then resume the war when Hamas refuses them.

Netanyahu’s remarks reinforced that concern. After they were aired,

Hamas said they represented “unmistakable confirmation of his rejection” of the US-supported deal, which also received the backing of the United Nations’ Security Council. In a statement late Sunday after Netanyahu’s lengthy TV interview, the Palestinian militant group said his position was “in contrast” to what the US administration said Israel had approved. The group said its insistence that any deal should include a permanent cease-fire and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip “was an inevitable necessity to block Netanyahu’s attempts of evasion, deception, and perpetuation of aggression and the war of extermination against our people”.

Netanyahu shot back and in a statement from his office said Hamas opposed a deal. He said Israel would not withdraw from Gaza

against Kenyan police for using excessive force came last week, when two people died during antigovernment protests. One protester was shot dead by a suspected plainclothes officer. The other was killed by a tear gas canister thrown by police.

Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority is looking into police conduct during the protests in which more than 200 other people were injured.

until all 120 hostages are returned.

Hamas welcomed the broad outline of the US plan but proposed what it said were “amendments”.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to the region earlier this month, said some of Hamas’ demands were “workable” and some were not, without elaborating. Netanyahu and Hamas both have incentives to keep the devastating war going despite the catastrophic toll it has had on civilians in Gaza and the mounting anger in Israel that the hostages have not been returned and Hamas is not defeated. The families of hostages have grown increasingly impatient with Netanyahu, seeing his apparent reluctance to move ahead on a deal as tainted by political considerations. A group representing the families condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, which it viewed as an Israeli rejection of the latest cease-fire proposal.

“This is an abandonment of the 120 hostages and a violation of the state’s moral duty toward its citizens,” it said, noting that it held Netanyahu responsible for returning all the captives.

Earlier Sunday, Netanyahu repeated his claim that a “dramatic drop” in arms shipments from the US was hindering the war effort. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Monday that he doesn’t understand Netanyahu’s comments and that Biden has delayed only one shipment of heavy bombs over concerns about heavy civilian casualties.

“There are other weapons that we continue to provide Israel as we have done going back years and years, because we are committed to Israel’s security,” Miller told reporters in Washington.

“There has been no change in that.”

KENYA police patrol the streets of Nairobi, Kenya, in March 12. Hundreds of Kenyan police officers are leaving for Haiti.

Photo: Brian Inganga/AP

PALESTINIANS carry the body of a man killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip to a hospital morgue in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/AP

11th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp underway

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE 11th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp is currently underway at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium and organiser coach Denykco Bowles said he’s looking forward to a great time with the participants this year.

The camp for boys and girls between the ages of four and 18 years is being held at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. It will run through July 19 between the hours of 9am and 2pm.

“It’s only the first day of camp, but so far, it’s been pretty good,” Bowles said. “The kids are enthused and they are definitely putting in the work. From what I saw today, I am very enthused.

“As you can see, a lot of the kids have improved since they attended the camp last year. So I think it’s something that will only help them to develop as they look ahead to the future.” With the numbers a little higher than last year, Bowles said he and his coaching staff, led by Ricardo Pierre, are prepared to provide the elite basketball skills training for the campers.

A number of former players in the camp are currently off to college, including Brian Rolle, Damar Watkins, Brion Ferguson, Laron Elliott, Mileeke Pierre, Zane Burrows and Rico Pierre.

“We have invited some of our players who would have gone through the camp to be able to come back and assist in the camp with some of the younger instructors,” Bowles said. “We’re excited about what we have to offer to the campers over the next four weeks.”

Jathyn Jones, a 16-yearold heading into grade 11 at Anatol Rodgers High School, said he came out to the camp to help prepare himself for the Timberwolves boys’ basketball season in September.

“I want to improve my skills so that when the bigger tournaments come next year, I will be ready,” said Jones, who is making his first appearance in the camp. “It’s a great opportunity to get to improve on my dribbling, shooting and everything.

Clinton McCartney, a 12-year-old student of St Andrew’s School, said he decided to get involved in the camp as he’s now a member of the IBA programme headed by Bowles.

“I want to improve my skills so I can get better this summer and be able to help our junior team at school,” McCartney said.

“It’s a nice camp and I definitely hope to be here again next year.”

Ricardo Pierre, one of the country’s most prolific shooters, said he’s delighted to be able to make a contribution to the future stars in the Bahamas.

“It’s always good when you can assist the younger

players to get to the level that you have been at,” Pierre said. “I’m happy to work with the camp again and I’m looking forward to seeing the progress that these players will make over the course of the camp.”

The theme for the camp is “Take your basketball skills to the next level.”

And Pierre said they intend to live up to that promotion by ensuring that these players get the best instructions over the next four weeks.

PARTICIPANTS enjoy the 11th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp - for boys and girls between the ages of four and 18 years - at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Nex-Gem annual Elite Training Basketball Camp turns heads

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

COACH Dalton Reitmeier said he likes what he’s seen so far from the participants in the NexGem annual Elite Training Basketball Camp in the Teleos Indoor Gymnasium at the Remnant Tabernacle Church on Carmichael Road.

Reitmeier, the head coach at the Rabun Gap School in North Georgia, is in town as the special guest of camp director JR Cadot. The camp, which will run through July 13, kicked off yesterday.

“I hope to tell them the truth and show them the way of how to become an elite athlete and an elite basketball player,” said Reitmeier, a former college after basketball player who met Cadot while they were playing professional basketball in the Philippines.

“From the fundamentals of defence, ball-handling, shooting, contested lay-ups and more importantly, a good team-mate or a good athlete for the coaches once they get to school.”

From top to bottom in every age group, Reitmeier said he has already noticed how there’s at least one player who stands out and one who has never played before.

“So, it’s good to see the kids who have played before encouraging the kids who have never played before,” he said.

“I’m enjoying the trip. I’m thankful to JR. God bless The Bahamas.”

His wife Kate-Reed Reitmeier, who is accompanying him, said they are delighted to be here in the Bahamas as they approach their second-year anniversary in August.

“This is my second time here, but this time I get to do a little more with the camo,” she said. “Everyone is smiling and the hospitability is great. This camp is wonderful as well.

“It’s also a good opportunity for the kids to stay out of trouble. I follow my husband all around the world playing basketball in Spain and the Dominican Republic, but The Bahamas is a very special place.”

JR Cadot, the camp director, said he’s delighted to have the couple as their special guests this year.

“Anytime we can get back and do something positive like this for the community, we are happy to do so,” said Cadot, a former division one collegiate player who went on to play professionally overseas for 10 years after he didn’t get to make it to the National Basketball Association.

“We are excited and we’re grateful to help them here, not just for what will happen for these kids at the camp, but when they will learn from him on and off the court. We’re also excited that we will be able to mentor these kids for the next three weeks.”

During the camp, which runs from 9am to noon for boys and girls between the ages of eight and 19 years, Cadot said the players will be instructed in game situations, shooting, passing, ball handling, defence and footwork.

“We’re focusing mainly on the foundations,” he said. “This is going to be a very good time for us to share with these young people and to help to develop their game.”

Andrew Adderley, a 10-year-old sixth grader at Jordan Prince Williams, said he decided to attend the camp to improve on his skills so that he can make a contribution to the Falcons’ basketball team when school reopens in September. “I want to play better by improving on my game,” Adderley said.

“I want to improve on my shooting and my dribbling, so I can play better when the season starts.”

Rayne Botin, a 15-yearold five-foot, 11-incher heading into the 12th grade at Government High, said her coach Randy Cummingham encouraged her to work on her game.

“I decided to come here because I want to get better at playing ball,” she said. “It’s been good so far. I want to learn how to handle the ball a lot better.”

She noted that there’s a lot of boys in the camp and they are intimidating her, but she’s vowed to hold her own.

Reynault Lewis Jr, a 6-3 15-year-old heading into the 10th grade at St John’s College, said he “wants to put in the work” to get ready for the Giants’ basketball season.

“I want to develop my game a little more,” Lewis said. “The camp is a good one. I’m enjoying it.”

The Windshield House and the Glass & Accessory Warehouse, one of the sponsors of the camp, was in attendance yesterday.

Among the other sponsors are Frazier’s Roofing & Roof Cleaning, Bahamas Faith Ministries, Crossfire, Rentokil Initial, Omak Enterprise, Microtech

and coach. Interested persons are urged to contact federation president Brent Stubbs at 426-71265 or tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 for more information.

BAAA NATIONALS THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will hold its National Track and Field Championships from Wednesday to Friday at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet will begin at 6pm and will serve as the qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France,

July 27 to August 11. Junior athletes will also get a chance to qualify for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, scheduled for August 27-31 in Lima, Peru. PEACE ON DA STREETS THE annual Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, dubbed “Shooting Hoops instead of Guns,” is scheduled for July 15-21 at the Michael ‘Scooter Reid” Basketball Center at the Hope Center. All games will start at 6pm each day. Categories include 12-and-under, 16-and-under, 20-andunder, government ministry, church and open divisions. The event is being promoted by Guardian Radio and Radio House Outreach.

CLERGY VS POLITICIANS

AS a part of the annual Peace ON Da Streets Basketball Classic, organisers will once again stage the showdown between members of the Clergy against the Members of Parliament. The game is scheduled for 8pm Sunday, July 21 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

BASEBALL

FORD CAMP

THE annual Mario Ford Summer Baseball Camp is all set for July 1-12 from 9am to 1pm at Windsor Park on East Street and Wulff Road. It’s open to campers between the ages of 7-15 years. Interested persons are urged to contact Mario Ford at 556-0993 for more information and to register their child or children.

FROM PAGE 16

the arc. The Dream were the latest team to feel the Liberty’s wrath on Sunday.

The reigning Commissioner’s Cup champions toppled the Dream 96-75 to continue their momentum into tonight’s matchup versus the Western Conference leaders Minnesota Lynx.

The reigning Commissioner’s Cup MVP played within the system to post a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while dishing four times. She also shot a scorching 6-for10 from the field.

dence Ecology Park, Rite Way

&

JONQUEL AND LIBERTY ROLLING AHEAD OF COMMISSIONER’S CUP

New York had a massive offensive output in the first half as they outscored Atlanta 62-38 going into the halftime break which put the game out of reach. Moving on to the Commissioner’s Cup Championship, Jones and the Liberty are looking to defend their crown against the Lynx tonight at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. In addition to the hardware, the host team is hoping to leave with an extra $500,000 in prize money. The Lynx and Liberty went head-to-head

just once this season and Minnsesota was able to win that contest 84-67 in May. Jones’ team ran through the Commissioner’s Cup games 5-0 and the Lynx ended 4-1 to secure a spot in the championship game. Last season, the Liberty won their first Commissioner’s Cup in-season title against WNBA defending champions Las Vegas Aces and Jones came up big to win the Most Valuable Player Award. The team will look to make it two straight victories tonight at 8pm.

Superstore, New Provi-

Landscaping

General Maintenance, Ultimarecov and Magnate Media Group.

PARTICIPANTS enjoy the Nex-Gem annual Elite Training Basketball Camp in the Teleos Indoor Gymnasium at the Remnant Tabernacle Church on Carmichael Road. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

Team Bahamas ready for Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships

THE Bahamas Golf Federation is preparing to send its junior national teamsponsored by RF Bank and Trust - to the 2024 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships.

The championships will be held at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club, Caymanas Estate, Jamaica, from July 1- 6.

“Once again this year we look forward to the experience and exposure that our kids will receive as they travel to represent their country in beautiful Caymanas Estate in Jamaica,” said Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, the chairman of the junior programme.

“We have a very young team this year and we truly see growth in our teams coming forward, they are all vey excited and look to go abroad and compete to represent their country.

“This year we focused on the whole child not just good coaching/training. The BGF brought in a mental coach Allie Macphail from

Family Medicine Center who is working with them on how to mentally play their game, and the team trained at Paradise Fitness with coach Sharad for strength training.”

Gina Gonzalez-Rolle will serve as the team manager, while Fredrick Taylor and Georgette Rolle as the team coaches. Named to the team are the following players: Boys 13-and-underRashawn Hanna and Juan Wilson.

Boys 15-and-underKerrington Rolle, Aiden Grosope and Zacarey Joseph.

Boys 18-and-under - Camden Forbes, Christopher Callander and Angelino Cooper.

Girls 13-and-underMaddison Carlos Carroll and Annissa Robinson. Girls 15-and-underHaily Hall and Charmari Pratt.

Girls 18-and-under Mia Underwood and Taylor Sands.

JUNIOR GOLFERS AIDEN AND MADDISON OFF TO SCOTLAND NEXT MONTH FOR THE R&A OPEN

SHOWN, from left to right, are Aiden Grosope, Gina Gonzalez-Rolle and Maddison Carlos Carroll as they prepare to travel to Scotland in July.

BAHAMAS junior national golf team pose above.

SOME of the junior golfers listen to Allie Macphail. ALLIE Macphail talking to some of the junior female golfers. JUNIOR golfers listen to Allie Macphail from RMFT.

ALLIE Macphail shares some tips with members of the Bahamas junior golf team.

Paris Olympics: Special unveiling ceremony tonight

government and corporate Bahamas can step forward and throw their financial support behind the BOC in its varied programmes. Knowles, however, said the BOC has only been able to name Cora Hepburn as its chef de mission because there are still some qualification processes that some of the sporting disciplines have to go through before the final team is selected and announced. “We have to see the composition of the team to make sure we have the right it in terms of coaches,” Knowles said. “We have to wait until the qualification process is completed.” Hepburn, who also serves as a vice president for the BOC, said it’s looking like the Bahamas will have its largest contingent ever assembled for the games.

LAMAR TAYLOR FROM PAGE 16

doubt that he will make Bahamians very proud.”

As the designated coach of the team, McPhee said he will definitely provide all of the support to both Taylor and Gibbs, who compete for the Barracuda Swim Club.

“I’ve been standing in line for a couple of years, over 12 years,” McPhee reflected.

“Obviously I had to give respect to my mentor coach Andy Knowles, whom I learnt a lot from over the years. “I stood in line. With Lamar going, I’m happy to support him and Rhanishka, We’re going to make Bahamians very proud.”

With a move to Knoxville, Tennessee, Taylor said he will be training there leading up to his departure for the games. “I’m going to take about two days off to rest and mentally recover from this year so far before I get back into training,” he said.

As many people would not know, Taylor entered the collegiate transfer portal in December.

Around February, he was offered a scholarship deal that he couldn’t refuse at the University of Tennessee.

“It was definitely a tough one. It wasn’t a smooth transition at all,” he pointed out.

“Getting straight for school and getting all of my stuff into one vehicle wasn’t an easy fit, but I got it done.

“So I got there, didn’t lose any belongings, so I’m happy about that.”

Now before he goes into his first full season at Tennessee, Taylor said he wants to go to Paris and take care of business in his Olympic debut. He will also be the first Henderson State student-athlete to ever compete at the games.

“I’m just really looking forward to being able to experience the Olympics in general,” he pointed out.

“Being away to be around the world-class athletes and to be officially called an Olympian. It was always my goal to be able to swim for The Bahamas, so it’s a huge honour and a huge blessing to be competing for The Bahamas at the games.”

Before he leaves for Tennessee, Tayor expressed his

BAAA FROM PAGE 16

The stakes are high for juniors vying to qualify for the World Athletics U20 Championships and are even higher for senior athletes that are hoping to seize their final chance at making the Olympic cut before the June 30 deadline.

The women’s national record holder for javelin, Rhema Otabor, has all the momentum on her side coming into the track and field nationals. The two-time NCAA javelin champion is the reigning national champion of the women’s javelin event and she wants to make a few corrections to her execution before the Olympics at the three-day meet.

“As I perform at this final meet before Paris, my goal is just to stay healthy and to hopefully make some technical corrections with regard to my run up and my throw. I want to have a technically sound competition

“So we still have a number of qualifiers out there, in particular our basketball team. If that happens, which I’m hoping and praying that it will happen, it will definitely be the largest contingent that the Bahamas has ever seen.”

Hepburn noted that she along with BOC secretary general Derron Donaldson had planned to stage this event for the last Olympics, but they had to abort those plans because of COVID19. So she thanked the sponsors for joining in the ceremony this year.

As for the ceremony, Donaldson said Petra Haven, who heads the committee, has put together a fabulous programme for the unveiling with a Paris theme.

Music and lights will be provided by Sound Crate. “It’s an extreme honour for us to be a part of it,” said

Haven about Sound Crate’s first public initiative in sports.

“We’re a premier audiovideo and production sound lighting company here in the country.

“It’s definitely a first for us, but it definitely will not be the last for us as we look to embark on many more exciting ventures and programming of this sort.”

Haven promised a firstclass production for the ceremony.

Latoya Hanna-Moxey, who represents BTC, said it’s important for their organisation to be a part of the BOC because it’s a continuation of the support for the athletes as they are connected whenever they travel.

“We’re having ongoing talks with the BOC on what we will do, but we’re here to support them in any way that we can,” Hanna-Moxey

said. “This is a relationship that we see to have a very long standing one.”

Knowles said at one time BTC had a very vibrant sponsorship programme where they displayed the portraits of athletes on their ads and they paid them handsomely for it.

He said he hopes they can revisit that sponsorship.

Christian Robinson, representing Volkswagen Bahamas, said their sponsorship is grounded in the vision of their company, which is driven by excellence.

“Over the years, the athletes have proven that they are driven by excellence, hard work and we feel this is in line with what we do at our dealership,” she said.

“We are extremely excited to partner in this way with our athletes. It’s the beginning of the road to Paris and it starts here

in Nassau being driven in a Volkswagen 2024 vehicle.”

Melissa Major, the senior marketing manager at Domino’s, said it’s important for them to be a part of the event as the official food vendor for the BOC. “We’re fully committed to this event and giving back to the communities that we serve,” said Major of the 10 locations in New Providence. “We are very excitied once again and very proud to be a part of this event.”

Other sponsors were the Sign Island, Powerade, the National Sports Authority, KEG Range, Nadora and Albany.

Also in attendance were BOC vice presidents Roy Colebrook and Robert Butler, assistant secretary Oria Wood-Knowles and assistant treasurer Adam Waterhouse, along with Philippa Arnett, the host of the unveiling ceremony.

SLIDES HOME

gratitude to the Bahamian public for the tremendous support that they gave him. “They are a big motivator and so I want to be able to go to the Olympics and just swim my best and make everyone proud of my accomplishments,” he stressed. Tonight, Taylor will be a part of the Bahamas Olympic Committee’s unveiling ceremony for the Team Bahamas uniforms for the Olympics at 7pm at the Wall of Fame outside of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. “It’s a huge honour for me to be

and to have fun. I do not have any pressure or stress going into this so those are the three things I want to focus on,” she said. The Pan Am Games silver medallist has already eclipsed the javelin Olympic qualifying standard of 64m with her personal best heave of 64.19m achieved at the NCAA DI Outdoor Championships. With that being said, she gave some insight on her mindset ahead of her impending commute to Paris, France.

“I think the biggest thing to correct going into the Olympics would be my run up. I have a few things to brush up on but my technique could always get better so that’s definitely what we can focus on improving. I think my strength and confidence is there and mentally I am there. I just want to make sure my body is ready and that I stay on top of any treatments or physical therapy that I might need. I want to focus on becoming more technically sound in

16

women’s open bikini, but she didn’t place. She said she was a bit nervous competing for the first time, but she was confident with her trainer Joel Stubbs, who spent the past eight months preparing her at Club One Fitness Centre in Sandyport.

“I know the movers, I knew what to do, but I had a little bit of a stage fright,” she said. “I came back for the second part of the competition and I did very well. I think the first part of the competition, I lost it a bit.

“But I placed third, so I can’t feel that bad about it.

“As a part of my 50th birthday celebrations last year, I spent the past eight months training for it and now here I am.” Stubbs, the immediate past president of the Bahamas Bodybuilding Federation, said Seymour was referred to him and, after he got an understanding of what she wanted to do, he immediately got to work on refining her body.

“I normally engage and observe first to see how far and serious she was,” said Stubbs, a former Mr Olympia competitor. “As soon as we got started, she proved that this was something she loved because she was engaged in the sport indirectly as a physical fitness trainer.

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. slides home to score on a double by Bryan De La Cruz during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals yesterday. (AP Photos/Charlie Riedel)

one of the featured athletes for the event,” he said. “So I’m really looking forward to it and then going to the Olympics and performing my best.”

Taylor, a native of Grand Bahama, is the son of Gina Culmer, who is one of the top international certified swimming officials in The Bahamas. The two appeared at the 2023 World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, where Taylor competed, while his mom was on deck as an official.

Taylor also participated in the 2022 Commonwealth

terms of my throw. Those are the big things I hope to improve on going into the Olympics,” she said.

University of Florida student Wanya McCoy is in a similar position to Otabor. McCoy has already attained the Olympic qualifying standard of 20.16 seconds in the men’s 200m. He dipped under the qualifying mark in 19.93 seconds at the SEC Outdoor Championships in May.

Although he has locked up a spot in the 200m, he is also on the cusp of meeting the 10.00 seconds standard in the 100m sprint.

Recently, McCoy competed at home in 100m finals at the NACAC New Life Invitational and ran 10.06 seconds and has a personal best of 10.02 seconds earned this season.

His goal is simple for the BAAA Junior and Senior Nationals - run sub-10.

“I feel pretty good but I am tired of running 10 seconds. I want to run sub-10. I know at the nationals I am gonna run sub-10 and get us

Games in Birmingham, England, where he made it to the final of the 50m freestyle, placing seventh. Although he has moved on from Henderson State, Taylor left his mark on the Red Waves’ swimming programme where he’s won four individual NCAA DII National Championships and two additional national titles as a member of Henderson’s relay teams.

He was the 2023 NCAA Division II Swimmer of the Year after winning the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke.

an Olympic qualification. I feel pretty good and I know I can run way faster.

“I am in shape to run way faster. I just have to put together the right race and let God do what God does,” he said at the NACAC meet.

It will be a fight to the finish in the 100m event as McCoy looks to meet his mark and potentially leave as the national champion.

Three-time national champion Shakeem HallSmith is yet another Olympic hopeful. He is vying to dip under the Olympic qualifying mark of 48.70 seconds in the men’s 400m hurdles event.

Hall-Smith certainly has a good chance at qualifying as he ran a personal best 48.79 seconds at the HBCU Pro Classic in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 31.

A little over a week ago, Hall-Smith returned home to compete in his specialty event at the NACAC New Life Invitational but due to fatigue from travel he was not in top form. He ran

In 2024, he returned to defend his 100-yard freestyle title while also helping HSU capture the NCAA crowns as the lead-off leg in both the 200-yard and 400yard medley relays.

Taylor is also a two-time New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference (NSISC) Swimmer of the Year. In addition, he was the 2022-23 Great American Conference Male Athlete of the Year and helped lead the Henderson State men’s team to their first NSISC Championship in 20 years this spring.

50.33 seconds for a bronze medal finish at home.

“Honestly, it definitely was not one of my best performances, but might be one of my worst for the year. Coming from Canada, I had a lot of cancelled flights and a lot of delays and I do not like to make excuses for myself but things happen. I thought I would have recovered but unfortunately I didn’t. I still have nationals to make up for it,” he said at the meet.

Hall-Smith stated that he had plans to recover at home and will be ready at the track and field nationals.

“I was contemplating going back to Texas to train before nationals but it wouldn’t make sense because I have a short window to recover. I am just gonna stay home and get some good work in and I will be ready,” he said. The three-day meet will run from Wednesday until Friday. Day one begins at 3pm with the open hammer throw event (women) and

“She wanted to go into the women’s bikini, which is very minimal in terms of body muscles and as we trained, she went out there and gave me 100 percent. That’s when I realised that she was ready to compete.” When they got to the show, Stubbs said a lot of the competitors had a lot of muscles, more than anticipated, which would have placed them either in women’s figure or women’s body fitness. But he encouraged her to go out on stage and give it her best shot and she ended up third all around.

Now that she’s broken the ice and with the continued assistance from Stubbs, Seymour said she will be back on the stage in Boca Raton for her next show.

“If I landed third in my first show ever in life, can you imagine what I can do,” she lamented. “We will keep the bikini with the strong shoulders, but we will work on more muscles so I can be a more well-rounded competitor.

“I’m in the shape that I need to be in for bikini with just a little bit more mass. So that is what we are working on. I placed third in all three categories, so I’m looking forward to the next competition.”

After picking up the three bronze medals in her debut, Stubbs said Seymour will be back better than she did for the next show as he prepares her to compete for the top spot in whatever category she competes in.

“Her mind has now shifted to being a real competitor with a spirit of excellence,” Stubbs summed up.

“I think the next time she competes, she’s going to come back with something greater than a third.

“This is going to be a much bigger show because it is a national qualifier, which will attract better competitors. But I think she has the potential to stand up against the best of them in the winner’s circle.”

wraps up at 9:40pm with the open men’s 100m finals. Day two will get underway at 4pm with the under-20 and open long jump event and end at 10:40pm with the men’s 110mH open event. On the final day, the meet starts at 5pm with the prelims for the 400mH event and closes out at 11pm with the 4x400m men’s relay. Tickets for the meet are priced at $20 for VIP and $15 for general admission.

On course to shine

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Lyford Cay Foundation’s FOCUS On Course To College (OCTC) programme held a graduation ceremony for grade 12 students last weekend.

The FOCUS programme is in its eighth year and is designed to prepare students for college and beyond.

Notably, 85 percent of OCTC participants apply to post-secondary institutions with many attending either University of The Bahamas or the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. The remaining students are poised to find meaningful employment.

Daleisha Sweeting, FOCUS OCTC graduate, will be attending the University of The Bahamas this fall and said she maintained a 3.5GPA throughout junior high and senior high with assistance

from the FOCUS programme.

“I have had a beautiful FOCUS experience. I have made lifelong friends and created bonds with my FOCUS teachers,” said Daleisha.

“With the help of FOCUS, I have been on the honour roll from primary school until now. I have maintained a 3.5 grade point average throughout junior high and high school. I am now an experienced debater, speech competitor and young reporter for the environment.”

Daleisha and most of her graduating cohort will be the first in their families to attend college.

Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, executive director of Lyford Cay Foundation said the student’s commitment to the programme can positively impact their lives and the country at large.

“The significance of this graduation cannot be overstated,” said Dr Virgill Rolle.

“These students have

completed a commitment that has the potential to positively impact their lives, their families’ lives and ultimately, the country. ”

Developed by Lyford Cay Foundations in 2011, FOCUS is an out-of-school-time, tuition-free enrichment programme for youth in 5th through 12th grade. Students apply and are selected in grade four. Starting in grade five, they commit to 15 Saturdays per school year of FOCUS enrichment activities that include projectbased-learning interventions in mathematics, English, science and social studies that follow the Ministry of Education’s curriculum guidelines.

Additionally, students participate in FOCUS Summer SLAM, a summer intensive session held on the campus of the University of The Bahamas as well as field trips, sports activities, and special lecture series over a 6-week period.

UB WELCOMES ALUMNI NOMINATIONS

THE University of The Baha-

mas Alumni Association (UBAA) is welcoming nominations for 2024 Alumni Awards.

Nominations are open until Friday for awards including the Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards as the institution celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Jazmine Romer-Rolle, chair of the association, said the awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge the contributions made by alumni. She said: “These awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our alumni who have continued

to uphold the values and mission of the University of The Bahamas.”

The awards aim to honour former students who have made significant impacts on national development and have demonstrated exceptional leadership, involvement, and achievements within their fields and communities.

There may be cases where persons celebrating 30, 20, or 10 years may be eligible to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Criteria for nominations include: Outstanding contributions, involvement, and leadership with the University; Significant accomplishments in business or

personal achievements; Distinguished community service, volunteerism, or philanthropy; Honours and awards, including professional, civic, or university recognitions

Each nominator may submit up to five nominations.

Forms can be submitted online at www.ubalumniawards.com/ nominationform. For more information, contact the Alumni Affairs Office at ubalumni@ ub.edu.bs.

The ceremony will be held later this year. Proceeds from the event will support the UB Annual Fund.

STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO DREAM

ADELAIDE Primary School held its prize giving ceremony under the theme: “Power of a Dream” led by principal Rochelle Coakley.

“I encourage you students to dream big and dream of a better future for yourselves,” she said during their special ceremony on June 17, 2024.

As her students graduated from grade six and now prepare for their high school journey, she reminded them of the story of Walt Disney. He first dreamed of creating cartoons, and then a theme park despite the limits of humble beginnings.

“He has won over 22 Academy Awards and has more than four Disneyland theme parks around the world - that’s the power of a dream,”she said.

Member of Parliament for the Golden Isles constituency Vaughn Miller was also on hand for the

students enter OCTC, the final component of FOCUS that concentrates on preparing students for life after high school.

prize giving, backing their principal’s message. They also received messages from Senior Mistress Shantel Paul and District Superintendent Jermaine Butler. Students participated in moderating their own prize giving

ceremony before closing out with the congregational song: “Standing on the Promises of God” and reciting the school’s affirmation: “I am smart. I am amazing. I can, I will, I must succeed. Excellence is my superpower!”

RESOURCE FAIR TO BE HELD FOR EDUCATORS

THE Ministry of Education and Technical Vocation is hosting a Creative Education Resource Fair for educators.

The fair will be held on Friday, July 5, from 2pm to 6pm, at the Ministry of Education and Technical Vocation grounds on Mackey and Madeira Streets from 2pm to 6pm.

The event is in support of their efforts to encourage educators to create more indigenous resources for the public and empower them for further economic success.

The fair will feature a number of businesses in the following

SUSTAINABLE

Studio’s summer camp where kids and teens explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through fun, hands-on activities, is suitable for children aged 8-16 and includes STEM experiments, a field trip and guest partners. Cost is $175 a week from July 1-July 26, from 9am-3pm. Register at https://www.sustainableme.org/sustainable-studio or call 4327683.

RIHANNA PUTS THE EXCEL IN EXCELSIOR

RIHANNA Morley is a recent graduate of Excelsior’s Elementary School. She was a Bahamas Primary School Student of the year finalist and head girl of her primary school.

Rihanna graduated as valedictorian and received seven trophies for religious studies, Spanish, mathematics, listening comprehension, principal’s list and director award and received multiple certificates.

categories: Online Tutoring & Digital Resources; Home School; Instructional Books; Workbooks, Primary School; Literature; Writing Skills & Composition; Classroom Design, Decorations & Organisation; Spanish Workbooks, Textbooks and Digital Resources; and International Resources.

Starting in grade ten, FOCUS

In OCTC, students are mentored as they seek to obtain a national diploma and prepared for the college admissions process.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024

Lamar Taylor, Gibbs secure Olympic berth

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

While Lamar Taylor will look forward to competing for a new school in August to complete his collegiate senior year, he will also get his long-awaited opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the Olympic Games. Over the weekend as the Bahamas Aquatics completed its 52nd National Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, president Algernon Cargill confirmed that both Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs have secured their berth at the Olympics in Paris, France, July 27 to August 11.

“They had outstanding performances at this meet and they lead all swimmers in the FINA Aqua points, so Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs will be representing the Bahamas in Paris,” said Cargill, adding that Travano McPhee will be going with them as the head coach.

Taylor, 21, noted that he had a pretty good meet, swimming consistently around his personal best times, so he was happy that he maintained his lead in the point standings to secure his spot on the team for the men’s 100 metre freestyle.

The heats and semifinals for the 100m free are scheduled for July 30 at the Gardens of the Trocadero in Paris with the final set for July 31, “I am happy that I am getting this chance to go to the Olympics and to swim the 200m free again,” he said. “Hopefully I can swim around 49 or 48 seconds and improve on my personal best time.”

McPhee, the head coach of the six-time champions Mako Aquatic Swim Club, said he was proud of Taylor’s achievement after watching him compete since he was 5-6 years old.

“To see him develop into such an excellent swimmer, a young man who deserves it,” he said. “I’m very proud of him and I have no

SEE PAGE 14

Special unveiling ceremony set for tonight

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN a special Olympic unveiling ceremony tonight, the Bahamas Olympic Committee will officially unveil the uniforms that will be worn by the Bahamian athletes at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, next month.

The ceremony will begin at 7pm on the Walk of Fame outside of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

During the ceremony, the BOC will also reveal their car from Volkswagen that will be used for their services.

At a press conference yesterday in the foyer of the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, the BOC executives and some of their sponsors said the event will begin their “Gateway to Paris” for the

Olympics, scheduled for July 27 to August 11.

BOC president Romell Knowles said there’s been lots of roads, but there’s only one gateway for any athletes, coaches or officials to participate in the Olympics and it’s through the BOC, which is looking at spending close to half a million dollars for the team once selected.

“I know we in the Bahamas are spoilt when we hear about our athletes winning medals and rightfully so,” Knowles said.

“But just to be among that number, when you have 205 countries from around the world and you have a country like The Bahamas with less than 400,000 natural citizens, qualifying for the Olympic Games is a huge accomplishment.

“Over the years, the Bahamas Olympic Committee has been able to offer a number of

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

programmes for the development of our athletes and coaches and for their varied programmes. This year, the Olympic Games

SOFTBALL MEMORIAL FOR RENEE

‘SUNSHINE’ DAVIS

THE sporting community and friends have planned a series of events as they pay their last respects to the late Renee ‘Sunshine’ Davis. A memorial service for Davis, 56, will be held at 7pm on Wednesday in the foyer of the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. On Thursday at 7pm, the Eastern Star Memorial will take place at Demeritte’s Funeral Home. Then at 10am on Saturday, Davis’ homegoing funeral service will take place at Bible Truth Ministries on Cowpen Road through the corner opposite Gordon’s Liquor Store.

are going to be very exciting in Paris, so I invite you to join us.” While sports play an important part in the

June, 2024

SOFTBALL BBSF TOURNAMENT THE newly formed Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation has pushed back its Co-Ed Softball Invitational Tournament to Saturday, July 6 at the Charles W. Saunders High School, Jean Street. The tournament was delayed from starting on Saturday, June 22, due to the passing of the federation’s director of track and field, Renee ‘Sunshine’ Davis, of Golden Gates Native Baptist Church. The registration fee is $200 per team that will include a maximum of 28 players, including the manager

By TENAJH SWEETING

GRAND Bahamian Jonquel ‘JJ’ Jones seems to be hitting her stride as the New York Liberty have picked up right where they left off last season in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). One of the Big Apple’s best sporting teams is certainly flying high, not only in the Eastern Conference but in the entire league headed into today’s Commissioner’s Cup Championship. Jones and the Libs climbed atop the league’s standings with a franchise best 15-3 win/loss record after finishing off the Atlanta Dream 96-75 on Sunday at the Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Before the latest win, the Eastern Conference

development of our nation, Knowles said it’s also a big business and the Bahamas is finally catching up with the rest of the world and he thanked corporate Bahamas for coming on board and assisting the BOC in their venture.

He acknowledged the Bahamas Government’s biggest grant ever of $150,000, but noted that the Olympics is just one aspect of their development, considering the fact that they also have to deal with Central American and Caribbean Games, the Pan American Games and the Commonwealth Games, in addition to the youth games for these events as well as assisting their member federations and associations in their developments.

So, he said it’s always good when both the

leaders edged out the Los Angeles Sparks 98-88 on Saturday at the Barclays Centre. The Liberty are now enjoying their best start in franchise history through 18 games and are now 9-1 in their last

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

ALTHOUGH she’s been actively involved as a fitness trainer for quite some time, Bahamian Elizabeth Seymour felt that with the right trainer to get her ready, it was time for her

THE 2024 Paris Olympic Games are on the horizon but just before the world’s biggest international multisports event, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Kids Athletics Invitational, Junior and Senior Nationals will provide the final ‘Road to Paris’ starting this Wednesday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Scores of the country’s top Olympians, collegiate athletes and rising juniors will be looking to leave a lasting impression in the minds of Bahamians at the national level.

JONQUEL JONES

TOP swimmers Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs (inset) have secured their berth in the Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 27 to August 11.

BAHAMAS Olympic Committee president Romell Knowles speaks during yesterday’s press conference.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

ELIZABETH SEYMOUR, right, and trainer Joel Stubbs.