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Taylor ‘noT Taken from yoga re TreaT’
Claims that evidence suggests woman left facility voluntarily
By KEILE CAMPBELL
Tribune
Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat American Taylor Casey visited before she disappeared said she was not abducted from the site and that evidence suggests she left the retreat voluntarily.
The company said some of the claims by Ms Casey’s family about what retreats
are are “false and defamatory and not based on facts”.
The 41-year-old’s disappearance was discovered on June 20 when she did not attend morning classes. She was last seen at the retreat late on the evening of June 19. Her disappearance has attracted attention from the press in the United States,
Bahamian students who stayed in Jamaica all oK
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
Chief Reporter
BAHAMIAN students in Jamaica fared well under Hurricane Beryl passage and have no regrets about remaining in the country to endure the powerful storm, according to Honorary Consul in Jamaica Alveta Knight.
A spectacular celebration of US independence
More than 30 Bahamians were airlifted home from Jamaica on Tuesday before the storm’s arrival; three students chose to remain. Hurricane Beryl passed near Jamaica’s southern coast Wednesday after causing widespread damage in the Windward Islands on Monday.
Man shot outside club in Abaco dies in hospital
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE country’s murder count rose by one on Tuesday when a man died in hospital after being shot
outside a nightclub in Abaco on Monday. Police have yet to identify the victim, but said he was a Haitian national. He was one of three men
l eader of Valley Boys faction intends to ta K e
LYNAIRE
By
MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
TREVOR Davis, the interim chairman of a faction within the Valley Boys community that wants to change the organisation’s leadership, said his team intends to take legal action against the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence. He spoke after JCNP chairman Dion Miller said Mr Davis’ group cannot compete in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. He said Brian Adderley’s team can compete as the Valley Boys
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
TWO UK legal heavyweights have been appointed to determine Freeport’s fate in the Government’s $357m dispute with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). The Davis administration has selected Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, former president of the UK Supreme Court, as its representative on the three-strong panel of arbitrators who will hear the dispute.
Buddy hield ta K ing his talents to golden s tate in a trade with 76ers see sports
atlantis, Paradise Island, put on a firework display last night in honour of the United States 248th Independence.
Photo: Dnte Carrer/Tribune Staff
Leader of Valley Boys faction intends to take legal action
because it registered first.
Insisting that his team has the support of most people who traditionally rush with the Valley Boys, Mr Davis said he owns the legal right to the Valley Boys name because he registered it as a non-profit organisation.
He said: “If it is that the members owned the name the Valley Boys, from the government standpoint why would you then allow someone else to register as the Valley Boys? This is what we find to be very complicit and this is what we are fighting against, the evil that lays between the JCNP Dion Miller and ex-leader
Brian Adderley.”
“So obviously we are looking for some clarification on that and if we don’t get clarification, definitely we will take it to the next level because there is no way in the world that the
JCNP registration supersedes the law of the land registration.”
On Wednesday, Mr Miller said Mr Adderley registered the group for the big parades in February before the Valley Boys split into two factions.
Mr Adderley’s group held a press conference on Tuesday, during which he accused his counterparts of engaging in character assassination and said his team has about 350 members.
Herbert Bain, a trustee in Mr Davis’ faction, said:
“They rather the group go down, split in half, go to dog status, ridiculed in the public rather than letting the group members have a voice. Brain Adderley cannot be the Valley Boys.
“He is grasping for straws. They don’t have any members. We have already registered at least 600 to 700 Valley Boys and the numbers swell every day.
He doesn’t have anybody registered. He cannot tell you how he came up with that figure,” he said.
“The group rejected you so what are you trying to do now? You are trying to fool the public into thinking that you have all this support, which he does not. As a matter of fact, they trying to buy groups now out of Freeport and other places and get people to come rush with them just to make it look like they have this big grouping and following,” he claimed.
Mr Bain urged fans of the group to support his team.
“I would like to encourage the Valley Boys fans to come out and support your Valley Boys,” he said.
“There is only one Valley Boys. Eventually, this problem is going to be resolved one way or the other, be it legal or otherwise, but the key is that Valley Boys don’t lose heart.”
Spectacular fireworks display to celebrate US Independence
Photo: Dnte Carrer/Tribune Staff
tREVOR DAVis, the interim chairman of a faction within the Valley Boys community that wants to change the organisation’s leadership, said his team intends to take legal action against the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Taylor ‘not taken from yoga retreat’
which has aired the claims of her relatives and friends.
Her mother, Colette Seymore, told NBC the retreat company struggled to maintain a cohesive narrative regarding her daughter’s disappearance and discouraged loved ones from talking to guests.
NBC’s story showed a photo of a tent taken by a relative of Ms Casey.
Peter Goudie, CEO of PGHR Consulting, said in a statement to The Tribune yesterday on behalf of the retreat company:
“We are concerned that the story infers that Taylor Casey was abducted from the ashram. That is false and defamatory and not based on facts. The tent photo in the NBCU story taken by Ms Casey’s family shows no signs of struggle. Her toothbrush and personal care products were in the tent in the photo, indicating she was going to return. Her passport, items of clothing and purse were not in the tent photo indicating she took them with her, along with her phone.
“In summary, these facts –– all of which are within the NBCU story –– indicate Taylor left voluntarily. We also wish to point out that
Taylor’s phone pinged in the water, as tracked on her niece’s iPhone app. There was no indication from that evidence she was ‘abducted’ as you reported. A simple question to the family regarding the iPhone tracking as to her whereabouts would have been a prudent inquiry. The police found the phone based on that app. This is all public information.
“The beach in front of the ashram is a public beach. The photos in the NBCU story show the beach. There are nonguests and members of the public that walk along that beach daily.”
The statement Ms Casey’s family and friends sent NBC claimed a retreat participant recalled that an unidentified man in a Celtics cap who claimed to be from Chicago approached Ms Casey and followed her on to the compound, expressing interest in yoga classes.
The retreat company said it followed up with the participant, and that person said they made a mistake identifying the man.
“The man is from Atlanta and was staying next door at the Atlantis Resort,” Mr Goudie said.
“He was simply taking a stroll on the beach and was
interested in knowing more about our yoga classes. We often have inquiries about the yoga retreat from the guests at Atlantis.
“The other individual described in your report
No actioN takeN yet iN case of two k eN tucky womeN that claimed to be raped while iN Gb
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
CHIEF Superintendent of Police Shanta Knowles
said Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander has the file concerning two Kentucky women who claimed in February that two men at Pirate’s Cove Zipline and Water Park in Grand Bahama drugged and sexually assaulted them.
CSP Knowles, the officer in charge of Grand Bahama, said Commissioner Fernander will address the issue at some point. No one has been charged concerning the matter.
Police had disputed Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson’s claims that officers refused to give them rape kits and treated them like criminals after they made their allegations.
The women said they believed their drinks were spiked.
Ms Dobson claimed she woke up in the resort’s bathroom with people all around.
“I just felt dirtiness on my legs, and I knew what had happened,” she told Lex18, a Kentucky news station.
This is not the only matter the press is waiting for Commissioner Fernander to discuss and give an update.
In April, Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier sent him recommendations concerning the police-involved killings of Deangelo Evans, Shanton Forbes and Dino Bain. Jurors in the Coroner’s Court inquests for those matters returned homicide by manslaughter findings. Commissioner Fernander repeatedly told the press to “stand by” for news about the DPP’s recommendations, but has yet to address the matter publicly three months later. By convention, the police always follow the recommendation of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
was holding a walkie-talkie, and our best guess is that he is a security guard for one of our neighbours. He entered the ashram at about 2pm –– a time when our students were in class
–– and stayed for a couple of minutes and left.”
Mr Goudie said the retreat company spent hours with police as officers explained the full extent of their investigation to the
family, allowed the family to see the space Ms Casey occupied and the beach where she had been. The company claims it also spent hours answering the family’s questions.
Man shot outside club in Abaco dies in hospital
shot outside a nightclub on SC Bootle Highway after midnight Monday.
Police could not say what led to the shooting, but officials told The Tribune that several men are in custody.
The remaining shooting victims are said to be in stable condition.
This latest murder is Abaco’s third for the year and the 62nd for the country, according to The Tribune’s records.
Faron Newbold, chief councillor for Central Abaco’s district council, called the rise of crime on the island concerning and attributed it to the island’s growing economy.
He said many “strangers” flock to the island for work and do not leave after
falling in love with Abaco. He called on businesses to start doing more background checks when hiring workers from other islands, insisting most of the criminals are non-Abaco residents.
“These guys are not being vetted so you expect that some of them would come with criminal backgrounds,” he said.
“Also, we have a lot of companies coming in from Nassau, and they bring these workers with them as well, and in a lot of the cases, persons committing these crimes are not residents, so that’s why I believe that the major cause in the increase.”
“I lived here all my life, and I don’t know the majority of them that I’ve seen committing these crimes.”
Mr Newbold also believes
more resources are needed, noting difficulties in policing Abaco because of its many communities and cays.
“It’s so many outskirt settlements, and they have all the cays that they have to manage, so I would agree to say that their manpower is not sufficient to maintain or manage or control crime at the level that we expect it to,” he said. In the meantime, he is urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant and get surveillance cameras.
“A lot of businesses need to put in surveillance cameras as well because it can also be a deterrent as well as it can help solve crime, and I think that can also assist with some of the crime levels that are going on in the island,” he added.
Missing AMericAn woMAn, TAylor cAsey.
from page one
Two Kentucky women, Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson, who claimed in February that they were raped while at Pirates Cove in Grand Bahama.
‘Cruise passengers spending more than in previous years’
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
CRUISE passengers to The Bahamas are spending more money than they used to, according to Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe. Her comments come weeks after Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said significant tourist arrival increases are driven by cruise passengers who do not spend much money.
Ms Duncombe said there were 3.9 million cruise passenger arrivals in the
country from January to May, compared to about 3.4 million and 2.4 million arrivals in the same periods in 2023 and 2019, respectively.
She said in New Providence, the average cruise passenger spent $111.50 in 2023 compared to $84.50 in 2022.
Grand Bahama, however, saw a decrease in cruise passenger spending. In 2023, the average spending was $60.10 compared to $75.40 2022. Family Islands saw cruise passengers spend $133.70 on average. In 2022, the average spend was $85.20
and in 2019 it was $27.80. “I would like to share that there’s always an opportunity for them to spend more,” Ms Duncombe said. “The more products and services that we have, the more authentically Bahamian experiences we can give them, and the more our visitors will be more than happy to cover those costs.”
Lack of attractions is one reason many cruise passengers have avoided leaving ships over the years. Ms Duncombe said recent meetings with cruise lines revealed the percentage of visitors leaving the ship has grown to between 70 and 80 per cent.
She noted that stopover visitors to the country spend an average of $2,595.57 per trip and $425.50 per night. In the House of Assembly last month, Mr Pintard complained that there was no growth in the number of people who spend $2,000 per person.
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
TOURISM Director General Latia Duncombe said work is being done to encourage cruise passengers to spend money at local spots downtown, not just the Nassau Cruise Port (NCP).
During the Prime Minister Press conference last week she made her comments after straw vendors told The Tribune on Tuesday that low sales have already got worse since the cruise port opened. Vendors within the cruise port said business has got better for them.
Ms Duncombe acknowledged concerns about guest traffic and people visiting more of the island.
She said the Ministry of Tourism has discussed getting visitors to explore areas to book tours or excursions with cruise lines.
“We’re doing everything that we can working along
with the board, working along with the Downtown revitalization team to make sure that we get more traffic and see what can be done to improve the flow to make sure that more visitors can benefit,” she said.
Several straw vendors complained about a long fence extending from one of the port’s entries at the cruise port opposite the straw market. Vendors said this fence makes it
harder for guests to access their market and encourages them to stay in the cruise port.
Ms Duncombe countered that many tourists do not spend all their time in the port and that some do venture downtown. She said she would meet members of the Tourism Development Corpora
tion and Rebecca Small, president of
Business Persons
to discuss the issues.
-
the Straw
Society,
Director General of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Latia Duncombe speaks during a press briefing at the Office of The Prime Minister yesterday.
Photo: Dante carrer/Tribune Staff
tourist shop at a straw market store on Bay Street.
‘No bullet casings matched gun’ allegedly belonging to Finley
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A FIREARM expert said no casings or fired bullets matched the weapon that reportedly belonged to 15-year-old Gino Evante Finley, Jr, who police shot and killed on Prince Charles Drive in 2017.
The deceased was a suspect in an armed robbery at the QVS pharmacy in Seagrapes Plaza on May 23, 2017, before two officers engaged him.
Dennis Sturrup and Denzil Deveaux, both corporals, are the subjects of this inquest. Neither has been present during the proceedings.
Detective Inspector Henrington Curry said that the Taurus 9mm pistol recovered from the scene was tested and found capable of firing.
However, he said none of the bullet casings from the scene matched the deceased’s alleged weapon. He said nine casings belonged to one weapon and two to another, but none matched Finley, Jr’s alleged weapon, the only gun he tested.
When questioned by David Cash, the lawyer for the deceased’s estate, Inspector Curry said he never received the two weapons that matched the casings he tested.
He also confirmed that he never received unfired bullets matching the deceased’s reported weapon. Meanwhile, Sergeant
Jonnel Adderley of the firearm licensing division said the deceased was never licensed to own a firearm. He said no 15-year-old had ever been issued a gun license.
Chief Superintendent of Police Tyrell Cox, the chief investigator at the shooting, read the report of Cpl Deveaux in court.
He read that Cpl Deveaux was following
behind his partner as they pursued the deceased behind Wendy’s at the Seagrapes Plaza.
Cpl Deveaux wrote that he heard his partner shout “gun” shortly before the deceased dropped his weapon while being chased.
Cpl Deveaux wrote that he saw Cpl Sturrup corner the defendant near water tanks at the service area of the restaurant and saw the
RomeR : Task foRce es Tablished T o manage aiRpoRT passengeR conges T ion
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
AVIATION Direc-
tor Dr Kenneth Romer said a task force has been established to manage airport passenger congestion during peak travelling times.
He said congestion has been significantly alleviated throughout the Lynden Pindling International Airport, but the task force will include members of the Airport Authority, airlines and other stakeholders.
“When it comes to the volume of tourism, if it speaks to operational inefficiency, that’s when it becomes my concern,” he said. Dr Romer said the lack of scanning equipment contributed to long lines and that personnel had been beefed up. He said work will be done to manage arrival and departure times to lessen overcrowding strategically. The ministry is also looking to strengthen its aviation safety and security systems. “Obviously, passenger confidence in the aviation safety security system is indispensable to how we grow our industry,” he said. “The Bahamas is required to conform to a safety oversight system to promote aviation safety. This is achieved by observing and assessing the compliance of our aircraft operators, service providers the applicable regulations, procedures, and recommended practices. Of course, you know that this mandate is supported through safety and security audits conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority in The Bahamas. They evaluate things such as surveillance, compliance, risk assessment, and safety management.
deceased reach for his partner’s weapon, prompting Cpl Sturrup to shoot Finley, Jr. Supt Cox said two weapons were used in the incident, and the deceased had an accomplice. However, he said only one gun was recovered from the scene.
Inspector Jake Petty of the police armoury said officers are trained to use their firearms as a last resort. He confirmed that Cpl Sturrup was qualified to fire a 9mm Sig Sauer, a 9mm Uzi SMG, a 9mm Colt SMG and a 5.56mm Colt M4 rifle. Under cross-examination from Mr Cash, Inspector Petty was shown morgue photos of the deceased and agreed that there were no visible gunshot injuries to
his centre mass. He said there were injuries to the teen’s back.
Responding to K Melvin Munroe, the lawyer for the officers, Inspector Petty could not say what type of injuries he saw on the deceased’s back.
Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest Deveaux is presiding over the case. Angelo Whitfield marshalled the evidence.
Police pick up stolen items from the parking lot where QVS was robbed on May 23, 2017.
Director of Aviation Dr Kenneth Romer speaks during a press briefing at the Office of The Prime Minister yesterday.
Photo: Dante carrer/Tribune Staff
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
A salute to Sir Christopher Ondaatje Picture
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
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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ToDAY, The Tribune salutes one of our long-time writers.
Sir Christopher ondaatje, who has written countless stories for our Weekend supplement, our former Saturday publication The Big T and our features sections, is laying down his pen. his last article for Weekend is part of his Literary Lives series, in which he has detailed the life and careers of famous writers, artists, movie stars and more. he has written about pirates and courtesans, history makers, revolutionaries and leaders.
his Profiles in Literature book featuring many of those stories has been bought by many Tribune readers from our Shirley Street office.
Born in 1933, Sir Christopher has been a citizen of the world. he was born in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, studied in the UK, emigrated to Canada and spent many of his years between Canada and The Bahamas.
he has been a businessman, a philanthropist – and somewhat of an adventurer. he was even an olympian, taking part in the bobsled for Canada. he is a man who cares. he has supported artists and explorers, schools and performers. There is even an annual award from the Royal Society of Literature in his name, recognising a work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry evoking the
spirit of a place.
Sir Christopher was knighted by the Queen in 2003 for his philanthropy and charitable services to museums, galleries and societies, and is an honorary fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
All of those honours, you will note, do not include his own writing. As an author, he has been prolific and, as readers will well know, a fabulous storyteller.
Sir Christopher has a rare talent – not only to detail events that have taken place, but the human impact behind them. he tells stories in a way that make you feel you get to know the subjects of his articles.
More than that, he is a true gentleman, who has been an absolute pleasure to deal with over his years of working as a Tribune columnist.
his final article is in today’s Weekend section – a profile of Morgan Freeman, one of the all-time great actors. As Sir Christopher often does, he looks beyond the superstar and the success through the years of the actor’s rise –both his successes and his stumbles, as we all make.
We thank Sir Christopher for his writing, but even more we thank him for his good grace, his wisdom and his sparkling wit. he will always be a welcome face at The Tribune
EDITOR, The Tribune.
JULY 10th fever...
T-shirts - bags and all those promotional items showing the colours of our proud flag, but really are the majority showing real nationalism - showing the ethics of the National Anthem - the oath?
hard facts few... Look around you are you really proud of our environment we agree to live in? In the urban areas vehicles on every open space... litter - garbage everywhere…
private property unmaintained. our national flag flies on official buildings and no one has checked is it unfaded... not tattered … edges frayed... is the flag incredibly very common the correct colours? Still we see at oPM the incorrect national flag, but every day a marine who should know better hoists what seems some official in oPM says is the correct national flag. It isn’t. Are we really proud of who and what we are or is it a big cough-up, self praise,
etc etc?
Beat the Retreat, which is a British Army tradition, we see our police and prison bands participating. Surely only the Royal Bahamas Defence Force band should be marching unless we want to change that colonial tradition?
Crime... vulgar language… irate driving... cussing… are we really proud?
SIMON HUMES Nassau, July 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Who watched the first leaders debate last week between contenders for the most important job in the land, President of the United States? Joe Biden and Donald Trump faced each other in verbal and mental combat and unfortunately I have been hearing that the lesser of the two won. Yes that Donald Trump won the debate.
Why did he win? Simply the Democrats should have never allowed Joe Biden to run, but brought forward the bright, intelligent and capable Vice President instead. Joe Biden must have faced a whole week of ten hour days being prepared for the debate. h is head must have been filled with facts, figures and antidotes that would have made him capable of withstanding any attack from Donald Trump, but at his age the stress and tension was obvious and weighting down his shoulders incredibly. Repeating himself often, gaging on some words and expressions, Joe Biden did the best he could under the circumstances.
Donald Trumps strategy began to wear President Biden down, never answering a question from the moderators, repeating the same things
over and over again, smirking all the while. h e knew what he was doing, and accomplished it well. Donald Trump is no rocket scientist, in fact his very limited speech patterns and vocabulary showed once again. Throwing out statements like the old and used “Make America Great o nce Again” was heard several times. The strategy disarmed his opponent several times by confusing his opponent and us.
“What the heck was he saying”? Donald Trumps strategy preparing team knew what they had to work with, an uncontrollable and spontaneously misguided individual who never feels comfortable in defensive mode. Let him lose seemed the plan and hope he says little over and over again. h e did.
America is faced with choosing from two elderly, physically and mentally out of shape individuals. What a situation to be in. If Joe Biden wins the election how long can he continue with the leadership of America? If Donald Trump overcomes and wins the election, what can possibly happen? No
one really knows, because no one really knows how and what Donald thinks about. McDonald Burges, Taco’s, Sex, Golf, those horrid migrants? Who knows?! o ther Global leaders are more easily understood, their reactions or responses foretold.
Will Joe Biden stay, or will he go? No one knows. No one knows. Will Donald Trump ever change his ways? Probably not. So we have a conservative but progressively minded man trying his best to lead his nation, like FDR did so long ago, and you have another, who believes in divine providence and that he has been called by God and his nation to lead once again. Should Donald Trump loose, how will his millions of followers respond? All of Washington is thinking about that very possibility. Jan 6th remains imbedded in many Americans minds and thoughts. What if??? Joe Biden looks very weak, worn out yet determined to end his campaign successfully. Donald Trumps very way of life is dependent upon his winning this political engagement.
STEVEN KASZAB Bradford, ontario July 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune. BeFoRe the PR
The AmericAn KesTrel, a frequent seasonal bird of prey that visits The Bahamas.
Photo: Frank cone
Bahamian students who stayed in Jamaica all OK
The storm killed at least nine people, two of whom were from Jamaica, according to international reports.
Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley told CARICoM heads that the nation’s fishing sector had been “totally destroyed,” while officials in St Vincent and the Grenadines reported significant property damage and at least one death.
In Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada, most of the homes and buildings reportedly suffered extensive damage.
yesterday, Ms Knight said Jamaica’s southwestern parishes were the hardest hit by the storm.
“The parishes of Clarendon, St elizabeth and Manchester were adversely affected and unfortunately, that means that those persons who reside in those parishes will have a lot of damages and power outages that they’re experiencing,” she said. Sixty-five per cent of the island was reportedly without power up to press time.
“Parts of the island had considerable rain, and with that came landslides and flooding. Parts of the island had significant wind, and with that came downed power lines and trees, and then there are parts of the islands that had a combination of both, which had its own level of catastrophe.”
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has pledged the country’s support for Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Beryl.
Relief supplies were sent to Grenada this week and will soon be delivered to St Vincent and the Grenadines, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell.
Meanwhile, press secretary Keishla Adderley said Mr Davis met with CARICoM leaders yesterday to discuss recovery efforts and financing options.
She said deploying officers to hard-hit islands is possible but must be discussed and finalised.
Hurricane Beryl weakened to a Category 2 storm yesterday as it headed toward the yucatan Peninsula. from page one
Man accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with 12-year-old girl
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 20- ye AR -o LD man was remanded in custody after being accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl last week.
Senior Magistrate
Kara Turnquest-Deveaux charged Jahiem Adderley with unlawful sexual intercourse.
The defendant had unlawful sexual relations with an underage girl on June 30 in New Providence, it is alleged. Adderley was informed
that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on october 1.
wheelchair-Bound M an accused of having a gun, a MMunition, M arijuana and cocaine
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN in a wheelchair was granted $8,000 bail yesterday after he was accused of having a loaded gun and drugs on Corlett Road in May.
Dean was allegedly found with a black Colt .25 pistol and six rounds of ammunition on May 17. The defendant also allegedly had 1 1/8oz of marijuana and four grams of cocaine. He pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
The prosecution raised no objections to his bail, but asked that stipulations be attached.
Calvin Seymour, the
Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Deron Dean, 41, with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs.
defendant’s attorney, noted it would be challenging for his client to get to a police station without wheelchair access.
Under the terms of Dean’s bail, he must sign in at the South Beach Police Station on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 6pm. He will also be fitted with a monitoring device and must obey a residential curfew of 7pm to 8am daily. His trial is scheduled for September 18.
Man charged with assault with a cutlass
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail last week after he was accused of assaulting a woman with a cutlass earlier this year.
Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged Dionisio Wilkinson, 41, with assault with a dangerous instrument and threats of harm.
The defendant allegedly assaulted Sheena Taylor with a cutlass and threatened her with harm on April 14.
While the defendant pleaded guilty to the harm charge, he entered a notguilty plea to the assault charge.
The defendant was granted bail at $1,500.
He must return to court on July 8.
A house sits roofless after being damaged by Hurricane Beryl in Portland Cottage, Clarendon, Jamaica, yesterday.
Photo: Leo hudson/AP
The sub-chaser that snagged in Six Shilling Cay
Six Shilling Cay is a shallow islet less than a mile long, including offlying rocks, just 50 feet wide. Fleeming Channel is a mile wide and connects deep water with the bight of Eleuthera, leading to the Exumas. Late on the night of December 11-12, 1944, while chasing a report of a German submarine, US Navy sub chaser snagged in the reefs of Six Shilling Cay. This is how her commander, Charles A Tobin of Melrose Massachusetts, and crew fought to save their ship.
USS SC-1059 was armed with depth charges, a 40-mm anti-aircraft gun and two .50-calibre machine guns. Two GM diesels, each 1,200 hp gave the ship 21 knots. At 148 tons, the boat was 111 feet long, 17 wide, and 6.5 feet deep. A crew of 25, four of them officers worked under Lt (jg) Tobin. SC-1059 was assigned to Task Unit 03.1.8 along with four other vessels; patrol craft PC-1564, SC-1058, and SC-1295. On December 11, they escorted convoy YAG-32 from Miami to Nassau. At 2:44am, TU 03.1.8 was told to scramble for an anti-submarine patrol in Bahamas and was under way by 4:35am; the weather was fair. By
By Eric Wiberg
5:15am, SC-1059 left Miami, then past Great isaac Light, heading east. The radar and sound gear were on. At 4pm, the group cleared southern Abaco, and at 10:15pm were between Hole-in-the-Wall Light and Little Egg Light island. Then they headed south, past North Eleuthera. Fatefully, at 11.32 pm, the course was changed to southeast and speed slowed in the dark to five knots. SC-1059 steered by the “wake light” or stern light, of SC-1058. Then disaster struck. At 20 minutes before midnight, SC-1059 ran hard aground on Six Shilling Cay. Emergency soundings revealed that there was four feet of water under the bow and six feet aft. Since the keel was 6.5 feet, the sub chaser was hard aground. The commander of PC-1564 led his formation into a trap of cays and reefs. Though the grounding must have been
both terrifying and sobering, the men were not idle. They moved the heavy ammunition aft, and for a little while the vessel came off the shoal. A quarterhour later she was again aground, and ten minutes after that, the port anchor was let go and the engines were shut off.
By 2am, the generators were flooded and shut down, and the sub chaser was heeling over 20 degrees to starboard. PC-1564 radioed Miami that SC-1059 was aground broadside with engine and rudder were damaged and requested a tug. The sub chaser was pounding badly. Navy tug ATR-29 was sent from Miami, and the RAF base in Nassau asked for assistance. A high-speed RAF rescue boat would be on scene by 8:20 am. Hope came after sunrise. The RAF crash boat arrived and launched a small boat, which took
Britain’s Labour on track
off five American sailors, leaving 20, and taking them over to PC-1564. Half an hour later, four crew were taken off, leaving 16 men and the British returned to base. Rescues continued, leaving 14 men aboard for an anxious night of cold food, no light, and constant discomfort.
The next day a Bahamian sloop named BA 79, possibly a Symonette-built 120-foot wooden minesweeper, dropped anchor a mere 200 yards from the stern and sent over two small boats to offer assistance. This grand gesture was not taken up. They may have been a local fishing craft doing what they could to offer local knowledge and assistance. Early in the afternoon of the same day ATR-29 arrived. it was a rescue tug designed for heavy duty, deep-water work, 165 feet overall and 15.5 feet deep. it launched a power vessel which boarded the SC-1059 to appraise the damage; it with four men, leaving ten.
The power launch returned with gasoline and a portable pump; now the men had a tool with which to fight the ingress of water. The following morning a lead patch was secured over
a hole in the officer’s wardroom, then to the hole in the engine room. No doubt the men had no means of cooking hot meals, no lights except torches, and no plumbing via which to relieve themselves. The interior of the vessel must have been soaked with sea spray and rather uncomfortable. That afternoon PC 1564, SC-1058 and SC-1295 returned to Miami. SC-1059 was deemed salvageable, and rescuers were settling in for more of a siege than a pitched battle against the elements. Then ammunition was moved to the deck and 18 depth charges taken to the tug. A towing attempt failed, as the tow line parted. Saturday 16 December two three-inch pumps were able to get the ship on an even keel. Ammunition was moved from the port side to mid-ships, but then SC-1059 tilted ten degrees to starboard. The tug was arranging to pull her off the rocks. This too failed and the tow line was cast off and brought aboard the tug. At five minutes before midnight, two whale boats from ATR-29 managed to haul SC-1059 over on its port side. Then the life-rafts were found to be missing.
The next day confidential technical items were removed from SC-1059 in the event the sub chaser sank after being pulled off. Then good news. At 10:20am, ATR-29 began its third and final attempt at salvage 48 hours after the last attempt. By 11:10am, SC-1059 was again afloat, for the first time in a week. By Wednesday, they were back at Pier 3, Miami, moored port-side-to at the very dock their voyage had begun eight days earlier. Shortly afterwards the crew were transferred from ATR-29 back to SC-1059 and muster was held. Tobin proudly states “all present or accounted for”. Special mention is made that “morning colours” were flown, indicating that the ship was back in shape and able to fly the national ensign. it must have been a great relief for some degree of normalcy to have been restored. Her crew were home for Christmas. Charles Tobin excelled in civilian life with a 30-year career as an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission, over which he become secretary and acting executive director; he lived until 2007.
for landslide victory, exit poll suggests, amid anger with Conservatives
LONDON Associated Press
BRiTAiN’S Labour Party headed for a landslide victory Friday in a parliamentary election, an exit poll suggested, as voters punished the governing Conservatives after 14 years of economic and political upheaval.
The poll released moments after voting closed indicated that center-left Labour’s leader Keir Starmer will be the country’s next prime minister. He will face a jaded electorate impatient for change against a gloomy backdrop of economic malaise, mounting distrust in institutions and a fraying social fabric.
As thousands of electoral staff tallied millions of ballot papers at counting centres across the country, the Conservatives absorbed the shock of a historic defeat that would leave the depleted party in disarray and likely spark a contest to replace Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as leader.
“Nothing has gone well in the last 14 years,” said London voter James Erskine, who was optimistic for change in the hours before polls closed. “i just see this as the potential for a seismic shift, and that’s what i’m hoping for.”
While the suggested result appears to buck recent rightward electoral shifts in Europe, including in France and italy, many of those same populist undercurrents flow in Britain. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has roiled the race with his party’s anti-immigrant “take our country back” sentiment and undercut support for the Conservatives, who already faced dismal prospects. Labour is on course to win about 410 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons and the Conservatives 131, according to the exit poll. That would be the fewest seats for the Tories in their nearly two-century history and would leave the party in disarray. in a sign of the volatile public mood and anger at the system, some smaller parties appeared to have done well, including the centrist Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. A key unknown was whether Farage’s hard-right party could convert its success in grabbing attention into more than a handful of seats in Parliament.
Former Conservative leader William Hague said the poll indicated “a catastrophic result in historic terms for the Conservative Party.”
Still, Labour politicians, inured to years of disappointment, were cautious.
“The exit poll is encouraging, but obviously we don’t have any of the results yet,” deputy leader Angela Rayner told Sky News.
The poll is conducted by pollster ipsos and asks people at scores of polling stations to fill out a replica ballot showing how they have voted. it usually provides a reliable though not exact projection of the outcome.
Britons vote on paper ballots, marking their choice in pencil, that are then counted by hand. Final results are expected by Friday morning.
Britain has experienced a run of turbulent years — some of it of the Conservatives’ own making and some of it not — that has left many voters pessimistic about their country’s future.
The UK’s exit from the European Union followed by the COViD-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine battered the economy, while lockdownbreaching parties held by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his staff caused widespread anger.
Johnson’s successor, Liz Truss, rocked the economy further with a package of drastic tax cuts and lasted just 49 days in office. Rising
poverty and cuts to state services have led to gripes about “Broken Britain.”
Hundreds of communities were locked in tight contests in which traditional party loyalties come second to more immediate concerns about the economy, crumbling infrastructure and the National Health Service.
in Henley-on-Thames, about 40 miles (65 kilometres) west of London, voters like Patricia Mulcahy, who is retired, sensed the nation was looking for something different. The community, which normally votes Conservative, may change its stripes this time.
“The younger generation are far more interested in change,’’ Mulcahy said. “So, i think whatever happens in Henley, in the country, there will be a big shift. But whoever gets in, they’ve got a heck of a job ahead of them. it’s not going to be easy.”
Anand Menon, professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King’s College London, said British voters were about to see a marked change in political atmosphere from the tumultuous “politics as pantomime” of the last few years.
“i think we’re going to have to get used again to relatively stable
government, with ministers staying in power for quite a long time, and with government being able to think beyond the very short term to medium-term objectives,” he said. in the first hour polls were open, Sunak made the short journey from his home to vote at Kirby Sigston Village Hall in northern England. He arrived with his wife, Akshata Murty, and walked hand-in-hand into the village hall, which is surrounded by rolling fields. Hours later, Starmer walked with his wife, Vic-
place
in north London to cast his vote.
Labour has not set pulses racing with its pledges to get the sluggish economy growing, invest in infrastructure and make Britain a “clean energy superpower.”
But nothing really went wrong in its campaign, either. The party has won the support of large chunks of the business community and endorsements from traditionally conservative newspapers, including the Rupert Murdoch-owned Sun tabloid, which praised Starmer for “dragging his party back to the center ground of British politics.”
The submarine chaser (top) that ran aground in Fleeming Channel - in between Eleuthera and Exuma - and the Bahamian boat BA-2 (above) which went to the aid of SC-1059s. Right - a nautical map of Fleeming Channel.
us Navy ATR tug (above). RAF crash boat (right) like the one which stopped at the wreck site.
toria, into a polling
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer arrives at the count for the Holborn and St Pancras Parliamentary constituency where the Starmer is standing for election, in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. The exit poll released moments after voting closed indicated that Labour leader Keir Starmer will be the country’s next prime minister.
Photo: Kin Cheung/AP
Remembering Michael
Unable to move his body, his mind and soul moved all of us
Michael Wells passed away on Saturday. i tried to pack away his life in a box to give to his sister and mother.
But Michael’s life couldn’t fit in a box. The pictures, the emails, the notes – his heart was just too strong, his mind too sharp to be confined. i took that cardboard box and dumped all the papers out, the trail of more than 35 years of my looking after his affairs. and then i just sat there, alone in the office, on the floor on a Saturday morning, hours after he left us and thought about Michael. and cried.
The first time i met Michael he was hanging in a metal contraption. his legs and arms dangled like a stick figure drawn by a child. Fruzan langdon, a special ed speech therapist, introduced us, never guessing –or maybe she did – that it would lead to a four-decades long bond that is hard to explain. i gave, but i got so much more. and that is what everyone who knew Michael would say. For here was a quadriplegic who could move neither a muscle nor a nerve lower than his neck. his hands and arms and feet and legs and torso were all but frozen, though they took it upon themselves occasionally to indulge in a slight jerky movement. Never was Michael able to feed or dress himself, shower, walk, run, swim, play, write his
thing he had that made life worth living, and he gave it everything he had. he stretched it, exercised it, bombarded it with incessant will to improve. he had one way to communicate with the world around him, to tap that unicorn stick to the letters on the keyboard and
By Diane Phillips
name. he could not speak though he had a way of letting you know if he was happy. if he thought what you said was funny, his eyes would light up and a smile would reveal every tooth in his child-sized mouth. That is all for background, for understanding the challenges that Michael faced. he had been given nothing, the result of a badly breached birth that led to cerebral palsy, attempts to treat it that came too late and at great cost to his parents, four years of abject loneliness in an institution in Florida where he was supposed to be receiving therapy, a return to Nassau at school age but no public school would take him because of the severity of his disability. Doctors predicted early death. he was not expected to live past 25. he defied every odd. Three days before he died, Michael turned 62. he never attended a single day of school, but he taught himself how to read and write by watching Sesame Street and every day he would try to learn
one new word. he started communicating by hitting one keyboard letter at a time with a unicorn stick attached to a band around his head, hanging in that metal contraption. a few of us raised enough money to get him a wheelchair and a new computer and software making the task of writing less stressful through laser focused reflective dots. he began publishing a magazine for the specially abled called The Unicorn.
By the time he passed away, he had finished his 100th short story and was on his 10th book. every one of his first nine books sold out. if you had asked Michael about himself, he would never have chosen the word quadriplegic or disabled or crippled or paralysed from the neck down. he would have told you exactly who he was – an author.
What no one counted on when Michael was young –the doctors, the therapists, the educators who turned him down – was the power of his mind. he took what potential he had, the only
get his message across and to that exercise he brought the kind of incredible discipline that makes Olympian athletes gold medalists. Once when he felt no one was paying enough attention to his desire to learn, he refused to communicate with his father (now deceased) who looked forward to coming home from work to see what new word Michael had discovered for him to use in a sentence. For four days, Michael maintained his non-communication by computer, his utter silence until others
around him remembered to take him seriously.
That was the secret to Michael’s greatness. Stripped of everything but determination, Michael had little, gave it his all and did so much. his frailty later in life never hampered his love of chocolates or visitors nor his dreams that one day he would find a woman who would love him for who he was. he had no self-pity and could not stand for anyone else to look at him as if they felt sorry for him. he had a plan and he had his own potential to live up to. it was a full slate for someone who could not scratch where a
Michael Wells
mosquito bite caused an itch.
Kareem Mortimer’s 2011 docu-drama on Michael Wells “i am Not a Dummy” which has aired on ZNS numerous times, shows us through Michael why greatness cannot be measured in titles or deeds or acts of kindness alone but in its truest sense digs deep into a soul to find its capacity to encourage others. We fool ourselves. We tell ourselves we are trying to live up to our potential. Michael Wells lived beyond his. in so doing, he taught us all that more is possible. Michael also had the
support of a few very special people outside his family, including lesley Spencer who served as his editor all these years. his mother, Shirley Francis, though abroad most of the year, was his emotional goalpost. candace Brown who, next to his sister cheryl, was the last to visit him at PMh has been a heart-warming part of Michael’s life, his cousins and uncles, relatives like Kendal hanna and Gail hanna, providing a ‘staycation’ respite once or twice a year. looking after Michael was a full-time job, a task his family and most recent caregiver, Raquel and her sister and family, accepted with grace and love. his late father’s protective care of Michael was boundless. candace visited Michael late Friday, hours before he would leave us. When she told him the angels would care for him, his eyelids fluttered. Perhaps there was that famous smile hidden behind the oxygen mask. as for me, i will go back to that box of papers and pictures, the many financial transactions that kept him alive and allowed for care, so prudently managed all these years, and i will make Michael a silent promise, to bring to every goal that i know is important, a little slice of the dignity and determination that you brought, Michael, when no one expected anything and you sure showed them you were something else.
BAHAMAS SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
On June 23-26, the Bahamas Society for Human Resource Management (BSHRM) joined over 20,000 attendees at the world’s largest HR Convention in Chicago, Illnois.
The local association is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the largest body of Human Resource (HR) professionals in the world and host of the international convention.
In Chicago, over 20 Bahamian HR leaders engaged in dynamic discussions, practical workshops covering topics relevant to the diverse workforce. President Lashanta Smith noted “this conference provided timely and relevant programming to nurture the skills of HR leaders and the opportunity to grow their global network with representation from across the world”. This delegation was also pleased to have two Bahamian speakers present on the global stage.
BSHRM meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Balmoral Clubhouse.
GIRL GUIDES
Saturday, June 29, was a special day for the Girl Guides in the Eastern Division. The Church of the Epiphany were pleased to reactivate their Brownie Pack and Sunflower Patch under the leadership of two young leaders, who were former guides in the 57th Guide Company. Kaitlyn Archer and Cimone Hanna renewed their Promise as leaders in the presence of their Brownies, Sunflowers, parents and most especially their former leaders, Julia Burnside, Nicole Fountain Archer and Persephene McQuay.
The 11 new Brownies, Sunflowers and their leaders were congratulated by the Chief Commissioner, Leja Burrows. They were encouraged to always do their best and to put their motto in action and “ Lend A Hand.”.
The association invites other interested young women and supportive congregations to establish Ranger, Guides, Brownie and Sumflower Groups. Contact 322-4324 or email bggassociation@yahoo.com.
K’S HEART FOR KIDS
K’s Heart for Kids will hold its upcoming Youth Conference and Back to School giveaway on Saturday, July 20, at St Agnes Anglican Church. This free event is aimed to empower, enlighten, encourage, and educate high schoolers by helping them to develop, transform, and improve themselves.
All attendees will receive lunch and school supplies. Prizes will be distributed throughout the event. It will close with a mini concert and Junkanoo rush out.
Over the past two years, K’s Heart for Kids has offered food, clothing, personal and healthcare necessities, school supplies,
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mentorship and financial assistance to single parents and their children.
KILLARNEY CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION
The Killarney Constituency Association, under the leadership of Dr Hubert Minnis, MP for Killarney, has announced a Pre-Independence Family Fun Fiesta on Saturday, July 6, kicking off at 5.30pm at the New Providence Community Centre on Blake Road. It will include free food, drinks, games, prizes, and surprises. Elaine Gomez, chairperson of the Killarney Constituency Association, said: “The Pre-Independence Family Fun Fiesta is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our shared values and achievements. It’s a reflection of Dr Minnis’ dedication to fostering a strong, united, and vibrant Killarney. We are thrilled to offer this day of fun and engagement for everyone.”
Grace Toote, coordinator of the event, said: “Organising this event has been a wonderful experience. We’ve planned a variety of activities that will appeal to all age groups, and we’re looking forward to seeing families come out and enjoy themselves. This fiesta is a testament to the community spirit that Dr Minnis has worked so hard to cultivate.”
“The Pre-Independence Family Fun Fiesta is a celebration of our vibrant community and a reflection of our collective achievements,” said Dr Minnis. “I am honoured to serve the wonderful people of Killarney and greatly dedicated to continuing our work to create a safe, prosperous, and united constituency.”
KIWANIS CLUB OF NASSAU AM
On Saturday, June 29, the Kiwanis Club of Nassau AM showed its appreciation to the Officers of Royal Bahamas Police ForceGrove Station, for their hard work as community helpers.
Officers were fed a hot breakfast consisting of chicken souse and jonny cake.
Community service kicked into overdrive by providing a facelift inside the station too. The hallway and prison cells were all scraped and painted by our members. Additionally, paint was donated to provide restoration to the main lobby area at a later date.
The club ended the day,
OUTGOING president o fthe Rotary Club of South East Nassau Leah Lowe with, clockwise from top, Azaleta IshmaelNewry, Pamela Culmer and Rishad Bain.
every member to actively participate and contribute to initiatives that uplift and strengthen the Nassau community. Emphasising the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” he challenged everyone present to find ways to make a positive impact, whether through local projects, international outreach, or individual acts of kindness.
ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH EAST NASSAU
already and are on track to lead us through a magical year.” More information on the Rotary Club of South East Nassau is available at www. rcsen.org.
donating cases of disinfectant spray to the station to assist with overall cleanliness and a safer working safer working environment.
ROTARACT CLUB OF EAST NASSAU
The Rotaract Club of East Nassau is excited to announce the induction of its new board members for the year 2024. This dynamic team of young leaders is dedicated to driving community service projects, professional development, and international understanding.
President: Corey Hamilton
Corey Hamilton is stepping into the role of president, bringing a wealth of experience in community service and leadership. Corey is committed to leading the club in impactful service projects and fostering a sense of fellowship among members.
Vice president: Sanjay Kelly
As vice president, Sanjay Kelly will support the President in executing the club’s vision and objectives. He has been an active member of the Rotaract Club for 3 years, contributing significantly to initiatives & projects.
Secretary: Juliann Grant Juliann Grant, our new secretary, will be responsible for maintaining records, coordinating meetings, and ensuring effective communication within the club. She has demonstrated exceptional organisational skills and a passion for community engagement.
Treasurer: Shonell Bailou
Handling the financial affairs of the club, Shonell Bailou takes on the role of treasurer. With a background in finance, she will oversee budgeting, fundraising, and financial planning to support our various initiatives.
ROTARY CLUB OF NASSAU
In a night filled with camaraderie, celebration, and a vibrant display of Bahamian culture, the Rotary Club of Nassau recently held its changeover event. The event marked a significant transition as PP Darren passed the baton of leadership to president Wayne Miller.
For the Rotary Club of Nassau, this event was particularly memorable, underscored by president Miller’s message of community engagement and making a tangible difference in Nassau.
President Miller’s inaugural address included a clear and compelling message: a call to action for
At the recent changeover of presidents and the new board, outgoing president Leah Lowe of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau (RCSEN), recognised three outstanding Rotarians who served under her tenure for their hard work.
The club in its 47th year acknowledged Rishad Rolle as Rotarian of the Year, with New Rotarian of the Year going to Pam Culmer. The Director of the Year was awarded to public image and programming director Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.
Rishad Bain joined the RCSEN in 2011 and was sponsored by PP Reginald Saunders. Rishad was recognised for his exceptional service and support as a member of the public image team and club administration committee.
“He ensured that our club bulletin was produced and distributed weekly, assisted in the management of the club’s website and social media platforms, and provided technical assistance with two major events for our club,” said Leah. Leah added: “Pamela Culmer brought a high energy and willingness to participate and support the club even before she was officially inducted. She brought a spark to meetings and is always looking for ways to assist. Thank you for joining and quickly becoming a Rotarian we can look up to.” Pamela Culmer was sponsored by J Rishad Chea.
Of Azaleta IshmaelNewry, Leah said: “Azaleta supported me and the club above and beyond this year, even when many things were unknown or unseen. She kept me sane, was quick to adjust her schedule to mine so we could get things done, and she was always willing to help with anything. A true Rotarian leader.” Azaleta joined the RCSEN in 1995 and was sponsored by Ian Lever. She is one of the longest serving female Rotarians in The Bahamas. The late Sandra Mary Albury of Abaco who passed away in March 2024 was the first member when women were allowed to join Rotary after a 1987 US Supreme Court ruling.
Leah, the club’s 47th president, added: “We started the year with a focus on connection and engagement across our membership, keeping in mind that the foundation Rotary was built on is friendship. We finished the year as a District Diamond Award Club and recipient of the Zone 33-34 Public Image Gold Level Citation. These accomplishments are the result of collective work and support of the board, membership, and family and friends. Thank you all for being a part of making this another successful year, and for trusting me to hold this important role this year. President Ruth and her board have been working behind the scenes
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
The historic New Providence community known as
“The Valley” is heating up as members of St George’s Anglican Church, located in the heart of that community, prepare for their annual Thrill of The Grill and Parish Raffle.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 13, on the grounds of the parish church on Montrose Avenue.
“This year we have made a significant change to the event of past years,” said Stankisha Pinder, co-chair of the 2024 Grill Out Committee. “This event has always been a major fundraiser for the church, and because of the demands on our resources, both financial and physical, we have decided to divide, what would have a full fledge Grill Out and Fair into two separate events, our summer Grill Out, which takes place next weekend and our parish fair which will take place in October as a part of our Dedication and Back to The Valley month of activities.”
Parish administrator Adrian Archer added: “So, what you can expect is our award-winning chefs on the Grill producing the same great quality steaks and chickens for which we are known.”
“Now, no event in the Valley could do without conch fritters,” said Fr Andrew Toppin, rector of the Parish, “so we impressed upon the planning committee that even though we scaled back this summer event, we needed to have conch fritters under the Dilly Tree, as has been the custom since the inception of the church more than 70 years ago. So, our choir will have conch fritters as members of the public have been accustomed to.”
“Another important aspect of this year’s event is our parish raffle, which this year has more than 20 prizes,” said Mr Archer. “In addition to the grand prize, which is a Caribbean cruise for two, there are flat screen televisions, mobile phones, gas and food vouchers, gift certificates and cash prizes in our raffle, which are sold at $20 per book.
“So, we urge members of the public to come out and support our event, fellowship with us under our Chill tent, enjoy some homemade lemonade, bring out the children who may eat from our hamburger and hot dogs stall, lead by our Girls Guides Troop, and participate in kids’ activities which have been designed especially for them,” said Mrs Pinder. Tickets for the Grill Out, priced at $15, and raffle may be obtained from the church’s office located on Montrose Avenue during office hours or by contacting admin@saintgeorgebahamas.org.
BSHRM members attending the SHRM24 Conference in Chicago.
NEW leaders, left, and brownies and sunflowers at the Church of the Epiphany.
‘Splash Buddies’ SPORTS
Earlier this week in the National Basketball Association (NBA), sharpshooters
Eric “EJ” Gordon and Klay Thompson found new NBA homes, leaving Chavano “Buddy” Hield as the only Bahamian still on the free agency market.
However, that changed yesterday when the veteran shooting guard was picked by the Golden State Warriors via a sign-andtrade deal involving the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Shams Charania per The Athletic.
The three-point specialist agreed to a guaranteed contract for 2-years valued at $21 million and the Sixers received a 2031 second-round draft pick (via the Dallas Mavericks) during the negotiations.
Warriors assistant coach Chris DeMarco, who is also the head coach of the men’s national basketball team, weighed in on the recent signing by the Golden State organisation. “He will be an excellent fit to
AFTER enjoying a successful amateur and professional boxing career, Taureano ‘Reno’ Johnson said he would like to get more back to the sport and is offering to run for the post of president of the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation whenever the elections are held.
Current president Vincent Strachan said they are awaiting word from the International Boxing Association (IBA) as to when they will be allowed to hold their elections.
IBA, the governing body for the sport worldwide, has to confirm the official date for the elections.
Strachan said they attempted to call an election in 2018 and they had to call it off until they were given the go ahead by IBA.
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
AFTER three months of intense action, IBA Bahamas Grassroot Youth Basketball League Season 3 came to a close on Tuesday at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium.
The league, which got started on April 12, concluded with its championship games and awards presentation for all divisions for boys and girls in the 11-and-under, 13-and-under, 15-andunder, 17-and-under and 19-and-under.
“I was happy to allow these kids to be able to further their game,” said coach Denykco Bowles about the bulk of their games played at the Hope Center. “The season was really exciting. I think the kids learned a lot. All of the club teams, the school teams and the community
teams came out to allow the players to continue to work on their game even during the off-season.
“We were able to teach them about discipline and hard work and resiliency and developing their whole package as a player.”
In the 11U Division, Power 1 routed the IBA Panthers 37-17 as Yorrick Carroll was named the most valuable player.
The 13U Division saw Power 1 also pull off the victory with their 17-7 decision over the SC
McPherson Sharks. Kevin Hepburn was named the MVP. Brock Glinton was named the MVP as his Jordan Prince Williams Elite took the 15U Divisional title as they nipped the Rams 21-20.
July, 2024
Baptist Sports Federation Co-ed Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament AFTER a delay for the funeral service for its former executive, Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry-Davis, the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is all geared up for its softball co-ed slowpitch tournament on Saturday at the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street. Six teams are scheduled to participate in the round robin event that will begin at 9am and continue throughout the day as the federation, formerly the Baptist Sports Council, returns to its long-time home base. Tournament director Thomas Sears has split the teams in two pools, which comprise of the followings: Pool one - Macedonia, Golden Gates and St Paul’s. Pool two - New Covenant, New Bethlehem and Jubilee. Following the first game between Jubilee and New Covenant, a brief opening ceremony will take place at 10am when the federation will honour the memory of Curry-Davis, who served as the director of track and field. The remainder of the schedule is as follows: 10:15 am - St Paul’s vs Macedo IA. 11:20 am - New Bethlehem vs Jubilee. 12:25 pm - Golden Gates vs St Paul’s. 1:30 pm
BASEBALL, often heralded as America’s favourite pastime, has seen tremendous growth of interest here in the Bahamas. This sport demands exceptional skill and coordination, but it also places significant stress on various parts of the body, particularly the wrist and hand. These injuries can sideline players, affecting their performance and career longevity.
In comparison, golf, another sport requiring precise wrist and hand movements, also presents unique injury risks. This article delves into the epidemiology and impact of wrist and hand injuries in baseball, with comparative insights from golf-related injuries.
The Scope of Wrist and Hand Injuries in Baseball At both major and minor league levels, baseball sees a substantial number of
The IBA Panthers took the 17U divisional crown with a 40-32 win over the Rams as Rhiaughn Ferguson was named the MVP. And in the 19U division, the IBA Panthers
THE 2024 Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship and Invitational is expected to be an exciting showcase of competitive baseball action in the region starting at 5pm this Sunday, July 7 at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The event is scheduled to run from July 7-11.
Two divisions will be contested at the third edition of the championships, including the 12-and-under (12U) division and 16-and-under (16U) division.
Eight teams will represent their respective countries in the 16U division. The countries set to compete in this division are Aruba, The Bahamas, Belize, the Cayman Islands,
wrist and hand injuries. A study published in Hand (N Y) in 2021 reported that these injuries are not only common but also have significant impacts on players’ performance and time on the field. The repetitive motions required in batting,
pitching, and fielding place immense pressure on the wrist and hand structures, leading to a range of injuries from fractures to ligament tears.
Common Injuries and Their Impact
Hamate Bone Fractures: One of the most frequent wrist injuries in baseball is the fracture of the hook of the hamate bone. This injury often occurs from the forceful grip on the bat during a swing. A study examining the pressures exerted on the hook of the hamate in collegiate baseball players highlighted that certain grips increase the risk of fracture. Preventive measures, such as adjusting the grip, can significantly reduce this risk.
TFCC Tears: The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is crucial for wrist stability. Tears in this area
SEE PAGE 13
Bahamas Cycling Federation hosts 51st National Road Cycling Championships in Grand Bahama
•
CYCLISTS compete in the Bahamas Cycling Federation’s 51st National Road Cycling Championships over the weekend in Freeport.
Men’s under-23 - 56 miles race - Barron Musgrove Jr - 2 hr/48 mins; Philip Titme - 2 hr/49 mins. Women under-23 - 56 miles race - Kami Roach - 2 hr/43 mins/50 secs; Sienna Culmer-Mackey - 3 hr/25 mins/14 secs. Boys 15-17 - 44 miles race - Launy Duncombe - 2 hr/09 mins/45 secs; Ayclain Bain, 2 hr/07 mins/59 secs; Brian Burrows - 3 hr/01 min/48 secs; D’Nacko Parker - 3 hr/06 mins/36 secs.
Girls 15-17 44-miles race - Erin Pritchard - 2hr/47 mins/59 secs. Boys 12-14 - 24-mile race - Tristan Johnson - 1hr/21 mins/18 secs. Jayclen Smith - 1hr/24mins/30secs; Kenderick Cargill - 1 hr/30 mins/29 secs; Toriaqj Turner - 1hr/36 mins/17 secs.
Boys 12-14 years - threemile race - Jayden Smith, 11 mins/36 secs. Tristan Johnson - 12 min/11 secs. Royce Colebrook - 13 mins/09 secs. Kenderick Cargill - 23 mins/43 secs.
SPORTS CALENDAR
FROM PAGE 11
THE Mario Ford Summer Baseball Camp started yesterday and is scheduled to run through July 12 at Windsor Park. The camp will be held daily from 9am to 1pm. It’s opened to boys and girls ages 7-15 years old. For more information, persons can contact Ford at 556-0993.
PEACE ON DA
STREETS
BASKETBALL
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 start at 6pm daily. Categories include 12-and-under, 16-andunder, 20-and-under, government ministry, church and open divisions. The event is being promoted by Guardian Radio and Radio House Outreach.
CLERGY VS POLITICIANS
AS part of the Peace ON Da Streets 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.
mins/45 secs.
BAHAMIANS URGED TO SUPPORT THE BABE RUTH CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
FROM PAGE 11
Puerto Rico, USA MJBL, USA South and Venezuela. Six countries will be represented in the 12U division which are Anguilla, Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. The 12U division will certainly bring out some dynamic play as the winner of this category will be on their way to the Cal Ripken Major 70 World Series at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri. Greg Burrows Jr is expecting the home crowd to lift The Bahamas to victory on home turf.
“I think home field advantage is a real thing. I think that when the crowd is into it, it helps the team. I want to advise the public to come out and support the kids. They are very good players and are going to be exciting to watch. Come and enjoy yourself, take in the games, watch talented people play and use it as an example if you are interested in your child pursuing the game, this is how they should play,” he said.
The Bahamas’ 12U team had an unfortunate end to their tournament experience last year with a fifth-place finish. The 16U team fared a bit better, wrapping up in the bronze medal position.
Dave Neely, who plays shortstop, is returning to
the 16U team and he is ready to get the games started.
“It feels good right now. I think we are ready to participate and perform and I am ready to play,” he said.
As the shortstop, his plan is to control the infield, keep his teammates
focused and aware and also ensure that they are ready for every play.
Unlike Neely, Gianno
Newbold is a new addition to the 12U national team but he is ready to win it all.
“I am very excited to play with my teammates to show how good I am and
show my talents. Practices have been great and I feel like we have a chance to win it all,” he said. The event is supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC), Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas Baseball Federation, the
Hamilton, O’Neill drive in runs
in
the 12th inning to lift Red Sox over ‘Jazz’ and Marlins 6-5
MIAMI (AP) — Automatic runner Romy Gonzalez scored a goahead run on David Hamilton’s RBI groundout in the 12th inning, Tyler O’Neill added an RBI double and the Boston Red Sox beat the Miami Marlins 6-5 yesterday for a sweep of the three-game series.
Gonzalez advanced to third on Ceddanne Rafaela’s single against Matt Andriese (0-1) and then raced home on Hamilton’s grounder to third.
O’Neill followed with a shot to the warning track in centre field that scored Rafaela.
Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning. It was broken up by a two-out triple from Jesús Sánchez, who missed the cycle by a single.
Zack Kelly (3-1) threw two innings of relief. Greg Weissert closed, holding the Marlins to Jonah Bride’s sacrifice fly in the 12th for his first major league save.
The Red Sox squandered two leads before securing their fifth road sweep this season.
“We did a good job, they did a good job,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.
“Baserunning today was outstanding. We grind with them and never stopped playing.”
Run scoring singles from O’Neill and Enmanuel Valdez in the top of the 11th put the Red Sox ahead 4-2.
But Sánchez tied it in the bottom half with a two-run homer on the first pitch by Kelly.
“It’s an extremely hard sport to play. Guys get on base,” Pivetta said. “Sanchez — he took a
good swing on a fastball and hats off to him. I think more important today is that we pulled off a win as a team and I think that was really good.”
After Sánchez’s triple off the wall in centre, Pivetta ended his outing by striking out Jake Burger. Pivetta walked two and struck out 10, matching his longest start of the season.
“He was really good,” Cora said. “Pounding the strike zone, had a good fastball. The sweeper was good. He was in command. Gave us what we needed.”
Rafael Devers drove in two runs and had three walks while Hamilton singled, walked and stole two bases for the Red Sox, who won their fourth straight.
Boston’s Connor Wong went 0 for 2, ending his hitting streak at 17.
Burger struck out five times and became the third Marlins player to do that in a game.
Jazz Chisholm Jr walked to lead off the fourth and was thrown out attempting to steal second.
Josh Bell drew a two-out walk in the Afourth inning before Pivetta struck out Jesús Sánchez to end the inning.
The Marlins had a chance to win it in the ninth but Red Sox centre fielder Jarren Duran threw Sánchez out at the plate as he attempted to score from second on Xavier Edwards’ single.
The throw and catcher Reese McGuire’s tag at the plate prevented the Marlins from their ninth walk-off this season.
SPRINGER
THE 14TH SUB-60 ROUND IN PGA TOUR HISTORY
SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Hayden Springer posted the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history yesterday, joining a rapidly expanding list with an eagle-birdie finish in the John Deere Classic for a 12-under 59. Springer shot 27 on the front nine of rain-softened TPC Deere Run and tried to block out thoughts of a 59 or better. Then he made five straight pars and figured the chance had passed until he holed a 55-yard shot for eagle on the par-5 17th.
Needing a birdie for golf’s magic number, his approach caught the slope and left him 12 feet short, and the putt was true all the way.
“Kind of at loss for words in terms of being able to do that,” Springer said. “I feel like that’s one of the rare things in golf, so to have that opportunity and pull it off, it feels pretty special.”
The PGA Tour record is a 58 by Jim Furyk at the Travelers Championship in 2016. Furyk also is among 13 players with a 59. Any score that starts with a 5 remains special, although it is not quite as rare as it once was as players get better each year. Springer became the second player in three weeks to break 60. Cameron Young also had a 59 at the Travelers Championship.
On golf tours worldwide, it was the eighth sub-60 round.
The Marlins unsuccessfully challenged that McGuire blocked Sánchez’s path to the plate. “If he was not blocking the plate there, I could have had more possibility to make it and score,” Sánchez said.
“I just tried to make sure to stay smooth to the ball and not try to rush it too much,” Duran said. “I knew that if I put a good throw on it that I was going to have a chance to get him.”
“It’s part of the game. We didn’t feel frustration because we understand the game, but you’ve got to keep going and try to win the game and that’s our mentality.”
Kyle Tyler limited Boston to two runs and three hits over 5 1/3 innings. In his third major
league start, Tyler walked three and struck out three.
“It was a good come from behind – I wish I could say win – but a really good comeback,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “Fun baseball game. Just unfortunate we couldn’t come away with the win.”
The lowest was a 57 by Cristobal del Solar of Chile in a Korn Ferry Tour event in Colombia. Springer tied the record at the TPC Deere Run. Paul Goydos shot a 59 in the first round of the John Deere Classic in 2010. Goydos had only a oneshot lead that year — Steve Stricker shot 60 the same day — and Stricker went on to win.
WRIST AND HAND INJURIES IN BASEBALL:
A COMPARATIVE LOOK WITH GOLF
are common among baseball players due to the repetitive rotational forces exerted during pitching and batting. These injuries can cause chronic pain and limit wrist mobility, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
Ligament Sprains and Strains: The constant stress on the wrist ligaments from throwing and catching can lead to sprains and strains. These injuries, while often less severe than fractures, can still cause considerable downtime and affect a player’s ability to perform.
Comparative Analysis:
Golf-Induced Wrist and Hand Injuries
Golf, like baseball, places significant demands on the wrist and hand, albeit through different mechanisms. The study “Golf-induced injuries of the wrist” published in Clin Sports Med in 1996, provides a comprehensive look at the specific injuries associated with the sport.
Common Golf Injuries
Wrist Tendinitis: Repetitive stress from swinging the golf club can lead to tendinitis in the wrist. This condition is characterized by inflammation and pain, often requiring rest and physical therapy to resolve.
Hook of Hamate Fractures: Similar to baseball, golfers are also prone to fractures of the hook of the hamate bone. The mechanism, however, typically involves the impact of the club against the ground or an awkward swing, rather than the grip pressure seen in baseball.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, common in golfers due to the
repetitive motion of gripping and swinging the club. Treatment often includes immobilization and antiinflammatory medications.
Biomechanical
Similarities and Differences
While both baseball and golf involve swinging motions that exert stress on the wrists and hands, there are key biomechanical differences that influence the types of injuries seen in each sport.
Similarities
Both sports require a high degree of coordination, strength, and precision. The swinging motions in both baseball and golf involve a complex interplay of the entire body, starting from the legs and hips, through the core, and finally to the arms and wrists. This kinetic chain is crucial for generating power and accuracy.
Differences
Swing Mechanics: In baseball, the swing is a more explosive and rotational movement, aiming to make contact with a fastmoving ball. This requires a rapid transfer of energy and often results in higher stress on the wrists. Conversely, the golf swing is more controlled and deliberate, with a focus on maintaining a consistent swing path and generating power from a stationary ball position.
Grip: The grip on a baseball bat is generally tighter and more forceful, especially at the point of contact. This can lead to increased pressure on the hook of the hamate and other wrist structures. In golf, the grip is typically lighter, aiming for a balance between control and flexibility. However, improper grip or technique can still lead to significant wrist injuries.
Preventative Training
Methods
Preventing wrist and hand injuries in both sports involves a combination of proper technique, equipment adjustments, and targeted strength and flexibility training.
Technique Adjustments
Grip Modification:
Adjusting the grip on the bat or club to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas like the hook of the hamate can help prevent fractures. In baseball, players can experiment with different grip styles to find a balance between control and pressure. In golf, ensuring the grip is neither too tight nor too loose can help reduce strain.
Swing Mechanics:
Focusing on proper swing mechanics to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of energy through the kinetic chain can reduce unnecessary stress on the wrists. Coaching and video analysis can help identify and correct flaws in swing technique.
Strength and
Flexibility
Training
Wrist and Forearm
Strengthening: Exercises targeting the wrist and forearm muscles can help stabilize the wrist joint and absorb the stresses of swinging motions. Examples include wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and gripstrengthening exercises.
Core and Upper Body
Conditioning: A strong core and upper body can help generate power and reduce the load on the wrists. Exercises such as planks, rotational exercises, and resistance training for the shoulders and arms can be beneficial.
Flexibility and Mobility: Stretching and
mobility exercises for the wrists, forearms, and shoulders can help maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness. Yoga and dynamic stretching routines can be particularly effective.
Clinical Management and Rehabilitation
Effective management of wrist and hand injuries in both sports involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent longterm damage and ensure a swift return to play.
Rest and Immobilization:
Initial treatment for most wrist and hand injuries involves relative rest and immobilization to allow the injured structures to heal. Splints or braces can provide support and prevent further damage.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Specific programs tailored to the athlete’s sport can help them return to play at their pre-injury level.
Surgical Intervention: In cases of severe fractures or ligament tears, surgical repair may be necessary. Post-surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for full recovery.
Conclusion Wrist and hand injuries are a significant concern in both baseball and golf, each sport presenting unique challenges and mechanisms of injury. Understanding these injuries’ epidemiology, mechanisms, and effective prevention and management strategies is crucial for athletes, coaches, and sports medicine professionals. As we continue
to refine our approaches to these common injuries, we can help athletes maintain peak performance and enjoy longer, healthier careers. As the summer sports season heats up, it’s essential for our athletes to stay informed and proactive in their injury prevention strategies.
On the baseball diamond or the golf course, protecting those wrists and hands will keep the game going strong.
• Dr. Kent Bazard, a sports medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specializes in ensuring athletes reach their peak performance safely. With extensive experience and a passion for sports health, Dr. Bazard provides insights and guidance for athletes of all ages.
MIAMI Marlins right fielder Jesús Sánchez (12) and centre fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., left, go after a hit by Boston Red Sox’ Romy Gonzalez during the 10th inning yesterday. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Coach Denykco Bowles inspires 100 Elite Skills Basketball campers
By MIGUEL FERNANDER Tribune Intern
Denykco
COACH
Bowles wanted to do something special to inspire the 100 campers at the 11th annual Elite Skills Basketball Camp.
He allowed them to watch the men’s national basketball team play in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Basketball Tournament, using a projector to live stream the game against Poland in Valencia, Spain, on Wednesday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
To everyone’s amazement, The Bahamas men’s team improved to 2-0 as they held on for a 90-81 victory over Poland to advance to the semifinals and closer to qualifying for the Olympics in Paris, France from July 27 to August 11.
“It was just for the kids to have something as motivation, something to steer them to push them, to see that their dreams can and
most definitely will come true, with hard work, the main thing as instructors, they behave like themselves are professional basketball players,” Bowles said.
Encouraged by the play of Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and VJ Edgecombe, Bowles said it was even more inspirational to watch the old and younger members of the team perform together.
“I was able to let the kids know that what they are watching is history,” Bowles said. “Of course, we won the game to put us one step closer, for the first time ever in making the Olympics in basketball.”
Based on their reaction, Bowles felt the campers were very enthused by what they saw.
“They saw people in their same skin, their natives, you know, people in their backyard that grew up in the same neighbourhoods, the same towns as they did, you know, with the Bahamian
And the
culture, you know,” Bowles said.
IBA Panthers emerge as 19-and-under champions of the Bahamas Grassroot Youth Basketball League
FROM PAGE 11
also prevailed as cham-
“So I definitely wanted to see that the end goal was definitely there. You know, once they continue to put in the work and they are consistent, you know, with what they’re being taught at the basketball camp. And so like I said, it was a really, really good thing for them.”
The campers were jumping up and down, yelling and shouting.
“When we’re on defence, you know, every three-point shot that was that went up. You know, the kids jumped up in excitement. They clapped, they cheered. And everybody was good, you know, they danced, you know, they were really, really enthused,” Bowles said. “That gave me chills because it almost felt like we were actually in the gym, in the stadium with the game while that was going on, you know. So it was a very good day, from what happened and what transpired yesterday (Wednesday).”
Bowles felt it was a marker as it serves to the end goal for the campers to see where their hard work can take them.
“As as instructors, we wanted them to see the bigger picture. Once they be consistent with it, once they be disciplined, once they put in the hard work and they keep going, they could be the next group of players carrying the flag for the Bahamas,” Bowles said.
“One of the achievements that they possibly can make at some point in time, right here in the near future, so being a part of the senior national team, representing your country and just being professionals at it, from for the most part, all the kids, they have aspirations of becoming, NBA players. That’s everybody’s dream.”
When asked why it was important for the campers to watch the game, Bowles said it was to get an understanding from an early age
that this is what they could be.
“This is what they could be doing at the end of the day. So it’s very, very important. It all ties into just being able to teach them, not only on the basketball court, but allow them to see the bigger picture,” Bowles said
“Just building them holistically, their character. They know that discipline, dedication, hard work, teamwork will get them to the next level.
“So I think it’s very, very key and paramount. And what we teach, as a basketball programme and as a basketball camp.”
The basketball camp under the theme “Take your Basketball skills to the next level,” got started on June 24 and ends on July 19.
Daily sessions from Monday to Friday run from 9am to 2pm. It’s open to boys and girls between the ages of four and 18 years.
Johnson, now officially retired from boxing, said his glaring career as a highly decorated and accomplished amateur that was highlighted with a silver medal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2002, and making the quarter-finals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics before he turned pro and ended up with a 21 (with 15 knockouts)-3-1 win-lossdraw record, speaks for itself.
“Boxing has given much to me. I would love to extend the same opportunity to our future generation of young fighters,” said Johnson, who was also the number one contender in five major sanctioning bodies, earning a shot at a number of international titles.
After losing his last fight on October 30, 2020 to Jaime Mungula, Johnson announced his official retirement as he returned home. His father, Erwin Johnson, encouraged his son to “hang up the gloves” before he passed away in March. Encouraged by his mother, Ikenna Johnson, he said he’s even more committed to serving as the president of amateur boxing to revitalise the programme.
“It is in my belief, that I share the same view as many do, boxing is at it’s lowest,” Johnson said.
“The 2024 Olympics is approaching and knowing that there won’t be any boxers represented is disheartening. Boxing was not represented at the Pan American Games, as none had qualified to compete and, at the CAC Games, we didn’t get any medals.
stayed in one circle for over 20 years.”
Johnson said his agenda is to not only bring boxing to all of the islands of the Bahamas, but create a home of great boxing coaches and boxers alike.
“This and more are already in the works,” he stated.
“That said, I am offering myself as a candidate for president of the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation at the next boxing election.” Strachan said there’s no issue with Johnson or anybody else for that matter, running for office. However, he opted not to comment on his decision to run.
“They can run ahead to the press and give a story to the press about their desire to run,” he said. “I just don’t wish to comment on what their desires are.”
“With a wealth of experience not only as an as boxer, as youth programme facilitator and coordinator.”
Once they would have been given the go ahead to hold the elections by IBA, Strachan said he will announce the date and the criteria for those persons wishing to run for office. ‘RENO’ JOHNSON FROM PAGE 11
“Yes, the sport that has given so much to me, has now fallen. This is the only sport in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas where the leadership has seemingly
pride.
Bahamian
COACH Denykco Bowles.
DENYKCO Bowles presents awards to Under-15 champions Jordan Prince Williams Faclcons. NEVILLE Adderley and his Power 1 team receive their 11-and-under awards from Ricardo Pierre.
THE RAMS receive their 17-and-under runners up award.
HOOPERS U receive their 19-and-under runners-up award.
DENYKCO Bowles and Ricardo Pierre present 19-and-under MVP award to Jefferson Bethel. KEVIN Hepburn receives his 13-and-under MVP award from Ricardo Pierre.
Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield traded to the Golden State Warriors as busy offseason continues
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP)
— Buddy Hield played in 632 regular-season games and established himself as one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA before he finally played a postseason game. He can thank the Philadelphia 76ers for ending his dubious distinction of most NBA games without a playoff appearance by an active player.
If he wants to get there again, he’s going to have to try again in California — alongside Stephen Curry, no less.
The 76ers continued one of the busiest offseasons of any team in the league — thanks in large part to salary-cap space to spare — and orchestrated a signand-trade deal yesterday that sends Hield to the Golden State Warriors for a 2031 second-round pick it received from the Dallas Mavericks, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. ESPN reported that Hield was set to sign a twoyear, $21 million contract with the Warriors.
The Warriors were in the market for another dependable perimeter threat following the loss of Klay Thompson, who agreed to join the Mavericks as part of a sign-and-trade of a threeyear, $50 million contract involving the Warriors, Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets. The 76ers are essentially getting a free second pick for helping facilitate that deal.
The Hield trade will become official after the league’s moratorium on signings is lifted on Saturday, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be announced by NBA rule until that time.
The 76ers yesterday also announced they signed first-round draft pick Jared McCain. The Duke product is scheduled to participate in July in both the Salt Lake City Summer League and the NBA 2K25 Summer League 2024 in Las Vegas. McCain was selected by Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA 76ers guard Buddy Hield (17) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of an NBA basketball game March 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. The 76ers continued a busy offseason by orchestrating a sign-and-trade deal that sends Hield to the Golden State Warriors for a 2031 second-round draft pick it received from the Dallas Mavericks, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
with the No. 16 overall pick in last month’s draft. Golden State has continued adding to its roster in an offseason that general manager Mike Dunleavy has said will be important to rebuild the team after missing the playoffs.
The Warriors and free agent forward Kyle Anderson were working to complete a three-year, $27 million contract, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told the AP earlier in the week.
The 2022 NBA champion Warriors are trying to get back into the title hunt after missing the playoffs this past season.
The 76ers want to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
Paul George and the Sixers agreed to a $212 million, four-year free agent contract on Monday and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey agreed in principle to a $204 million, five-year extension with the team.
The 34-year-old George spurned the Los Angeles Clippers and declined a 2024-2025 player option in his contract with them to join a Sixers team that has been a perennial underachiever, even as Joel Embiid blossomed into one of the top players in the NBA.
The 76ers know that star shooters aren’t necessarily guaranteed to have success in Philadelphia.
Hield was acquired at last season’s trade deadline from Indiana for
Marcus Morris Jr., Furkan Korkmaz and three second-round draft picks.
Hield had been one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA for years in both volume and makes. He hit at least 260 in four straight seasons with the Sacramento Kings and made a career-high 288 in 2022-203 with the Pacers. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists last season.
He never found his groove in Philly. After Hield missed a total of four 3-point attempts in the first three games in the playoffs against the New York Knicks, coach Nick Nurse benched him in Games 4 and 5.
Hield returned to the lineup for a Game 6 loss
the roster because of our offensive identity. He moves without the ball more than anyone else in the NBA and will certainly give Steph some space when they share the court. Additionally, he will thrive with Draymond and Loons creativity in handoff actions,” he said.
The Bay Area team has certainly made up for the loss of Thompson, who opted to close the chapter on a 13-year tenure with the Warriors for a fresh start with the Dallas Mavericks.
For “Buddy”, this is the fifth NBA organisation he has joined over the course of his eight-year career. Last season, Hield was traded by the Indiana Pacers to the Sixers for Marcus Morris Jr, Furkan Korkmaz along with three second-round draft picks just before the NBA trade deadline.
He averaged 12.1 points per game (ppg), 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and shot the ball 38.6 per cent from long range in a leaguehigh 84 games. The 31-year-old veteran may prove to be the perfect replacement for Thompson. Over the last five years, Hield and Stephen Curry have been neck-and-neck in terms of three-point shooting. During that period, the Grand Bahamian has made 1,322 threes while Curry has made 1,264. Coach DeMarco spoke about the basketball abilities and high character of “Buddy” from his perspective as the national team head coach.
and shot 6 of 9 from 3-point range for 20 points.
It would be his last game with the Sixers. The 31-year-old Hield played in 57 games with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016-17 and in 385 games for the Kings. He played in 158 games with the Pacers and 32 games with the Sixers before he made the postseason debut.
Because of the trade, Hield actually played in 84 games last season. He also played for the Pacers in the In-Season Tournament title game in December, Game No. 85, which didn’t count toward the official total. Game No. 86 — the 76ers’ play-in win over Miami — pushed him into the playoffs.
“He’s an excellent fit for the brand of basketball that the Warriors play. He never stops moving without the ball and will complement our bigs and playmakers well. What the staff and players will see from Buddy is how dedicated he is to the game of basketball. He has an elite work ethic and is always trying to improve his skills,” he said.
The former three-point contest champion is currently chasing history with The Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain.
In Group B play, Hield averaged 20.5 ppg, six rebounds and six assists through two games. The shooting guard will look to play a pivotal role in helping The Bahamas to become the first sports team in Bahamian history to make it to the Olympic Games this summer and will fight to make his second NBA playoff appearance with the Warriors next season.
LUKA DONCIC, SLOVENIA HEAD TO OLYMPIC QUALIFYING SEMIFINALS. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, GREECE AWAIT
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
LUKA Doncic and Slovenia still have Olympic hopes. And so does the Philippines, much to its own surprise.
Doncic had 36 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Slovenia beat New Zealand 104-78 yesterday to clinch a semifinal spot in the Olympic qualifying tournament at Piraeus, Greece.
Slovenia needed to win by at least 10 points to make the semifinals.
Slovenia’s opponent on Saturday is Greece, meaning it’ll be Doncic and fellow NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo leading their squads — with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final with a berth in the Paris Olympics at stake, and the loser eliminated.
Josh Nebo had 20 points and 10 rebounds for Slovenia. Shea Ili led New Zealand with 28 points.
Saturday’s Semifinal Matchups
The matchups for Saturday’s semifinals are taking shape.
At Valencia, Spain — Finland vs. Spain; Bahamas vs. Lebanon.
At Piraeus, Greece — Slovenia vs. Greece; Croatia vs. Dominican Republic.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) THE LOGO of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games hangs from the facade of the Paris city hall, Wednesday, July 3, 2024 in Paris. Just three weeks before the Olympics, the excitement that was building up in the host city has mingled with anxiety about France’s political future.
At Riga, Latvia — Brazil vs. Philippines; Cameroon vs. Latvia. At San Juan, Puerto Rico — Lithuania vs. Italy or Puerto Rico; Italy or Puerto Rico vs. Ivory Coast or Mexico. The finals at all four sites are Sunday, and those four winners go to the Paris Olympics. Georgia 96, Philippines 94 The Philippines lost but advanced to Saturday’s semifinals of their tournament in Riga, Latvia, anyway. That created a bit of an issue; the team had flights home scheduled for Friday. “I guess we’re going to have to move them
(AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
back a little bit,” Philippines coach Tim Cone said. “That’s how surprised we are to be here and talking to you guys. It’s the first time I’ve felt good about losing.”
Georgia needed to win by at least 19 points to have any chance of advancing.
Sandro Mamukelashvili led Georgia with 26 points and Goga Bitadze finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Brownlee led all scorers with 28 points for the Philippines, adding eight rebounds and eight assists as well. Finland 89, Poland 88 Down by 12 early in the fourth, Finland finished the
game on a 25-12 run to keep its Olympic hopes alive and reach the semifinals.
Mikael Jantunen scored 20 for Finland, which got 18 from Alexander Madsen; those two players combined to shoot 12 for 13 from the floor. A.J. Slaughter had 21 points and Jeremy Sochan added 20 for Poland, which was eliminated.
Greece 93, Egypt 71
At Piraeus, Antetokounmpo got the day off and Greece rolled into the semifinals anyway.
Konstantinos Mitoglou and Georgios Papagiannis each had 16 points for Greece, which got 15 from Kostas Popanikolaou.
Ahmed Metwaly scored 22 for Egypt, which was eliminated.
Cameroon 77, Brazil 74
At Riga, Cameroon won and advanced, Brazil lost and won its group anyway, and Montenegro really lost without even playing.
Jeremiah Hill led Cameroon with 22 points. Cameroon needed to win to advance to Saturday’s semifinals in Latvia; had it lost, Montenegro would have reached the semifinals.
Leo Meindl topped Brazil with 19 points. All Brazil had to do to win the group was win the game or
lose by no more than six points; had Brazil lost by 15 or more, it would have been eliminated and Montenegro would have advanced.
Lebanon 74, Angola 70
Omari Spellman scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and Lebanon moved into the semifinals of the qualifier at Valencia, Spain. Karim Zeinoun added 15 for the winners, including a personal 7-0 run early in the fourth quarter when he turned a game that was tied at 49 into one in which Lebanon led 56-49 — and it wouldn’t trail again. Gerson Goncalves scored 13 and Bruno Fernando added 12 for Angola, which was eliminated.
