Man who broadcast voice notes is shot
• Shooting comes hours after Commissioner says trust probe
• Fernander says team from security and intelligence branch will lead investigation
• Law enforcement teams from US and UK ‘willing to help ensure impartiality’
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
SYLVENS Metayer, the man who first disclosed voice notes that led Criminal Investigation Department head Chief Superintendent of Police Michael Johnson to take leave amid a police probe, was shot during a Facebook Live broadcast last night. Hundreds were tuning in when a dozen or more shots rang through his house, forcing him to fall to the ground amid sounds of breaking glass and a crying baby.
Mr Metayer, whose SEE page three
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander sought to assure the public that the Royal Bahamas Police Force is worthy of its trust after voice notes purporting to capture conversations about a quid-pro-quo arrangement
involving a senior police officer and a prominent gang leader circulated last week, jarring residents.
He said little about the voice notes during a press conference but said investigators would determine the reliability of the recordings and figure out when, where and by whom they were SEE page three
Due to the InDepenDence Day hol IDays, obI tuarIes w Ill be in Friday’s Pa Per
t he next Issue of t he t rIbune w Ill be on t hursDay
Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Chief of Police Clayton Fernander at press conference yesterday speaks to the media about details of investigate voice notes.
Photo: Nikis Charloton
MaN who shared voice notes shot during live stream last night.
Man who broadcast voice notes is shot
from page one
Facebook page says he lives in Atlanta, Georgia, said he was shot in the foot and grazed on his face.
“That dream come true,” he said after he was shot. Earlier, he posted on Facebook that he dreamed he would be shot.
“Hey, y’all send a hit out on me,” he added during the stream as chaos unfolded and viewers reacted with shock.
The live footage showed an unidentified woman calling the police as he lay
on the floor, dazed and bleeding. He survived the incident and was helped by US police.
“The FBI know I’m here,” he told the officers on the live stream. “I have issues with the Bahamian government. I made the newspaper today so they probably send somebody to kill me.”
Before he was shot, Mr Metayer was making a number of disparaging claims about senior police officers and government officials, many of them
challenging to follow.
He was the first person to expose voice notes that have put the Royal Bahamas Police Force under heavy scrutiny. The voice notes purportedly captured conversations about a quid pro quo arrangement that would let the police drop their chase for Michael Fox, Jr, and Dino Smith, two men suspected of being involved in a $1.4m bank heist in November. Fox Jr and Smith were killed in separate incidents earlier this year.
Fernander assures public: ‘You can trust police probe’
from page one
and by whom they were made.
He said the voices will be identified, and investigators will explore “clues in the surrounding sounds”.
He said a team from the security and intelligence branch will lead the investigation, which will be supervised by the “Inspectorate board”, a little known civilian organisation that has repeatedly lacked the staff to function properly and fulfill its legislative mandate.
He said law enforcement teams from the United States and the United Kingdom are willing to help to ensure the independence and impartiality of the investigation. He did not reveal the partners, but The Tribune understands officials have reached out to Scotland Yard.
Describing the matter as “serious”, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said on X, the website formerly
known as Twitter, that more announcements will come on how international expertise and support will be used in the investigation.
Commissioner Fernander also noted that personnel transfers throughout the police force, including within CID, were underway before the latest controversy and suggested they are timely now. He reiterated that Chief Superintendent of Police Michael Johnson, the officer in charge of the Central Intelligence Department and the one purportedly featured in at least one of the voice notes, has taken garden leave so the investigation can be conducted without interference.
The five leaked voice notes also purportedly features a well-known lawyer and two recently murdered gang members: Michael Fox, Jr, and Dino Smith.
Police had issued wanted posters for Fox and Smith concerning the theft of $1,475,000 from an
shares
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police have questioned three people about the disappearance of Devin Isaacs, 17, but the search for the teen is at a standstill.
Devin, who turned 17 on July 2, disappeared from his residence on May 15. Four days later, police issued a Marco’s Alert.
Police showed CCTV footage of Devin, which was taken an hour before he disappeared. The footage showed a car parked two houses away from Devin’s home shortly after midnight. Devin left home, entered the car and momentarily returned home. After the car left, Devin left his residence again a few minutes later and walked towards Carmichael Road.
Additional CCTV footage showed the 17-year-old walking alone in the area of Rubis Service Station, heading west on Carmichael Road.
Commissioner Fernander said police continue to go door-to-door within the area, giving out flyers.
He said: “Officers did a number of inquiries in that area to business establishments, went to residents in that area, followed the trail and the area that he went. At this point, we have not gotten any
additional information, any other footage to connect his movement from this footage.”
He said the driver of the vehicle was questioned about Devin’s disappearance, but was released pending investigations.
He said officers retrieved Devin’s laptop. Based on information received from their laptop, we narrowed it down to three individuals, male individuals, that he was in communication with,” he said. “Those persons were identified and were seen and they gave an account as to their last communication with Isaac.”
Commissioner Fernander said police checked the airport and hospital in case Devin appeared under an alias, but found nothing. He said officers continue to hold meetings with the teen’s family.
unattended security vehicle transporting cash for the Bank of the Bahamas to a private airport on November 2. However, the men were never charged with the incident.
Fox was killed in May, while Smith was murdered on his birthday in January.
Commissioner Fernander’s statement was filled with recognition of the severity of the implications of the voice notes and their impact on the reputation of the police force.
Police have repeatedly blamed the country’s high murder rate on gang violence, and the Davis administration has touted its efforts to strengthen antigang legislation. The public has long been weary of the force’s willingness to investigate itself properly, and it is not uncommon for police to not disclose the investigation results of complaints that capture the public’s attention.
Commissioner Fernander said officers will sometimes fall short of the RBPF’s standard of integrity.
“This is painful, especially if found within senior ranks,” he said. “Nobody,
and I repeat, nobody is above the law. In this recent past, police officers have been brought before the courts, some on serious charges, and have felt the full force of the law.”
“I will not, I repeat, I will not allow the good work of many outstanding Bahamians in this great institution to be destroyed by the actions of a few. I firmly stand by our motto:
Courage, Integrity and Loyalty.” He said the investigation would be “vigorously pursued” and will not disappear.
The voice notes raised questions about investigations CID has led in recent years. Commissioner Fernander said the integrity of police files currently before courts remains intact.
“No decision is made by one person,” he said. “We have our DPP office, who continue to work hand-inhand with us. They have sight of all of our serious crime matters that went to court. If the evidence is not there, they will make directive. If it’s there, then we proceed.” Chief Superintendent Anthon Rahming will assume CSP Johnson’s responsibilities.
Devin isaacs
commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander speaks to the press yesterday. Photo: nikia charlton
screenshots taken from a live Facebook broadcast after Sylvanus Metayer was shot.
Sands: Baha Mar working to bring the Valley Boys together
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
BAHA MAR senior vice president of government affairs Robert Sands said the resort is working to unify the Valley Boys, which has broken into two factions.
The mega-resort, a primary sponsor of the Junkanoo group, will sponsor only one faction for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parade competitions.
Mr Sands said he met with one of the factions last week and will meet with the next faction today.
He said unity is important for the Valley Boys and the wider Junkanoo
community. He said Baha Mar wants to bring the group together, get through this upcoming Junkanoo season, and address concerns early next year to get the group in “good order”. Trevor Davis, interim chairman of the faction trying to overthrow the current leadership team, said the division reflects deep concerns about how the Valley Boys has been run over the years, including a lack of elections. Brian Adderley, chairman of the Valley Boys, accused the opposing faction of trying to sabotage it through public attacks and urged it to stop using the Valley Boys’ name. Mr Sands declined to
say how much Baha Mar has previously sponsored the Valley Boys, but said the donation has been sizeable. Asked if Baha Mar would stop sponsoring the group if it fails to resolve its conflict, he said: “I am
not a pessimist, I don’t believe in what ifs. I work towards bringing things together for unity, and we’ll cross that bridge if we have to come to it.”
Mr Davis said last week that his faction would sue the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence after JCNP chairman Dion Miller said his faction could not compete in the parades because Mr Adderley’s team registered as the Valley Boys first. He insisted his team had the support of most people who traditionally rushed with the Valley Boys and that his faction owned the legal right to the Valley Boys’ name because he registered it as a non-profit organisation.
Baha mar set to mitigate possiBle Bpl Bill increase
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
ROBERT SANDS, Bahamas senior vice president of government affairs, said the resort expects a slight increase in its BPL bills as the government’s equity rate
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
adjustment policy takes effect this month, but expects to mitigate the rise through various strategies. He said the resort had a “good” meeting with Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis. The government plans to give BPL a new boiler system to help the plant
THE Baha Mar Resort Foundation donated more than $60,000 to four community organisations yesterday.
The donations were from the Baha Mar Resort Foundation’s annual charity golf tournament in May, which raised $210,000. They will be shared with nine organisations.
Baha Mar’s vice senior president of government affairs, Robert Sands, presented the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association with $15,000, the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled received $20,000, the Salvation Army received $20,000, and Hands for Hunger received $15,000.
The Nex Gen Young Men Mentorship is expected to receive $5,000.
“The Baha Mar Resort Foundation believes that The Bahamas is good to Baha Mar, so Baha Mar should also be good to The Bahamas,” Mr Sands said during the donation conference at the resort. “As much as we enjoy being in the hospitality industry and serving the general public, we equally enjoy giving back to the community in which regenerate our rewards.”
Patricia Francis, director of the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled, said the donation will go a long way to meeting the needs of those with disabilities. She also said the organisation is developing a programme and getting a new building to facilitate it.
Betty Taylor, the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association (BDSA) president, said the donation will pay for a specially designated building for people with Down syndrome so they can have a place to go and not be stuck at home.
“We don’t want to finance it where we have to go through the bank and be paying for years,” she said. “So we’re saving, begging, and selling socks whatever it takes. We are doing that to get our building.”
burn heavy fuel oil more efficiently. The system will save customers one to two cents on fuel costs.
Mr Sands said this is one of the government’s strategies to mitigate rate increases, noting that the boilers should have been installed last month or be commissioned this month.
“That will have a two cents per kilowatt hour reduction, of which one cent will be shared with the general population and one cent will go towards the capitalisation of that equipment,” he said.
He added that Baha Mar will not see its bill for this cycle until August or September.
“There is no question that the extreme heat causes individual properties to consume increased air conditioning, which is one of the most expensive contributors to the cost of our electricity bills,” he said.
The Equity Rate Adjustment will give all consumers a 2.5 cent per kilowatt hour (kWh) discount on the first 800 kWh that they consume. Above that threshold, BPL customers must pay a 1.5 cent charge for every kWh used over and above BPL’s actual cost of fuel.
formerly of Nassau, Bahamas, will be held at 10:00 a.m. (TODAY) Tuesday 9th July, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Shirley Street. Officiating will be Fr. Anselm Russell. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Church Cemetery, Shirley Street.
Cherished memories are held by those she left behind, Brother: Jean Pierre Coakley, Michael, Pedrick, Mark and Clarence; Nephews: Aaron Pieere, D’Arrington, Darren, Aaron, Rashad, Dominic, Clarence Jr. and Brian; Nieces: Leslie, Precious, Raquel, Raisa, Michael-Ann and Tangela; Aunt: Ruth Adderley; Special Family Friend: Mary Ann Fox; Other relatives and friends including: Kevin & Karen Rolle, Deandra Edwards, Michelle Nottage, Rhonda Murray, Dwayne Delancy, Sean Burrows, Martin Lundy, Sonia Cox-Hamilton, Thayes Sturgis (Atlanta) and Fr. Jeffery (Atlanta).
May Her Soul Rest In Peace!
BAHA MAR senior vice president of government affairs Robert Sands
THe BAHA Mar Foundation’s Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s vice senior president of government affairs, giving a check for $15,000 to Hands for Hunger yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
White demands to know who is behind Athol Island development
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
ST Anne’s MP Adrian White called on government yesterday to name the developer behind “a major development project” on Athol Island that is creating an offence and producing a “great travesty to our environment”.
Mr White said his constituents alerted him to the development and became concerned after seeing the works being done in the “marine protected area”.
“We have a major development project going on right now where clear-cutting has occurred,” he said in the House of Assembly.
“Native caucus has been removed, and piles of barge sand materials have been deposited on this island.”
He asked who has a lease
“for this massive parcel of Crown land that sits in a marine protected area”.
While showing an outline of the island to his parliamentary colleagues, Mr White said serious environmental infractions had been committed and could be verified if inspectors visited the area.
He said the native limestone has been demolished to create a path across much of the island.
“Here we are in our own country causing damage each and every day under this blueprint for pain PLP administration,” he said, noting the prime minister has repeatedly called on bigger countries to take responsibility for climate change.
The Davis administration has not publicly announced any projects for the island, but multiple Bahamian investors have for years been eyeing to develop the area.
GIBSON HITS OUT OVER WATER PROBLEMS IN LONG ISLAND
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Reporter
LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson complained that his constituency’s water supply had been disrupted and accused the government of cancelling the near-completed new reverse osmosis plant project on that island in 2021.
He also highlighted challenges with other essential infrastructure, including unreliable power and poor roads.
He said a new reverse osmosis plant and the accompanying water storage tank were approximately 85 percent complete under the former FNM
administration after an investment of around $11m.
He said the plant now sits idle, empty, padlocked, and in deteriorating condition.
He said the project was stopped, reviewed and cancelled due to politics. He said residents are “experiencing consistently
POLICE UNABLE TO ACCESS TAYLOR’S PHONE
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police have been unable to access the phone of an American woman who went missing last month.
Taylor Casey’s phone was retrieved from the water.
The 41-year-old was last seen in the Paradise Island area on June 19. Her relatives said she was in the country for the Sirvanada Ashram Yoga Retreat. Yoga Retreat Bahamas said her disappearance was noticed on June 20 when she failed to attend morning classes.
During a press conference Commissioner Fernander said that even with US partners’ help, officials have had problems getting into the phone and suspect its submergence in water is making the challenge greater.
Colette Seymour, Ms Casey’s mother, recently
TAYLOR CASEY
said she wants local police to hand over her daughter’s phone.
Although Ms Casey’s family have repeatedly expressed a lack of confidence in how local authorities are handling the matter, Commissioner Fernander suggested otherwise. He added: “We agreed that we would take the family to the site. They wanted to see the site, and
they were taken to that area with the investigators, and they were pointed out certain things which they viewed and even themselves, took a look around to see whatever they could have done to assist.”
Commissioner Fernander said officials checked the hospital, the general Paradise Island area, and other areas with cameras and CCTVs.
low water pressure and/or challenges receiving timely water deliveries”.
He said under the previous administration, efforts were initiated to upgrade Long Island’s water network through some $11m acquired from the Caribbean Development Bank.
He said the government extended the water supply system, installed booster stations, added a new Reverse Osmosis plant, built and installed new tanks, and installed smaller community tanks throughout South Long Island. He said an extensive leak protection programme was also implemented to improve water pressure in many
areas and provide better service to constituents.
He said it is disappointing and surprising to hear that Long Island residents have to ration water.
“The new 265,000-gallon per day RO plant installed at the Deadman’s Cay site at the Water and Sewerage remains offline and is now been overgrown by bushes,” he said. “Similarly, the new 250,000-gallon storage tank to enhance storage capacity and water output for islanders, sits empty and unused.
“They have it in the bushes, and issues we now face could have been avoided had this been brought online and completed.
“After we would have spent $11m from the CDB running pipes and doing other developments in Long Island, they could not finish it.”
He denied previous comments by South Andros and Mangrove Cay MP Leon Lundy that extensive renovations were needed to fit the existing infrastructure on the site and insisted that all the materials to complete the plant were in containers on the site.
Mr Gibson also claimed that a $2.9m water supply extension contract was cancelled on August 20, 2021, and scheduled pipeline works were stopped, with the pipes being shipped off the island.
LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson during a sitting of the House of Assembly yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
ST Anne’s MP Adrian White speaks in the House of Assembly 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, 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
TELEPHONES
News & General Information
(242) 322-2350
Advertising Manager (242) 502-2394
Circulation Department (242) 502-2386
Nassau fax (242) 328-2398
Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608
Freeport fax (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK
www.tribune242.com @tribune242 tribune news network
Flying the flag with pride
EVERY year, our nation takes a pause. For many, Independence is a moment of celebration. For some, it is a moment to reflect. For others, a moment to look forwards.
Last year was a landmark. Fifty years since Independence – no mean feat. Perhaps not since the birth of our entire nation, we have been around far longer than that, especially those of us who had Bahamian dust on our shoes before Independence became a reality. But the birth of our modern nation, certainly. We have faced trials and tribulations. We have wrestled with laws to make them better fit. We have confronted tragedy – sometimes great tragedies such as our more recent disasters in Hurricane Dorian and those we lost to COVID-19.
This year is the 51st anniversary. And if last year was a time to look back, this year is a time to look forward.
Today’s Independence Supplement in The Tribune does just that – and also puts the question to many young people what they would change about The Bahamas for the future.
These are, after all, the young men and women who will steer the nation in the future. We should listen to what they have to say.
One enthusiastic section of our community to take part in answering those questions has been the members of the girl guides, brownies and sunflowers across our islands.
And one very wise voice offered another suggestion from that sector too.
Elma Garraway has been fabulously committed to the guides and their various sections for many years.
In chatting to The Tribune about contributions from the youngsters, she also offered a suggestion of her own.
Ahead of this year’s Independence celebrations, there was a national flag day. That’s a wonderful idea, but Elma pointed one thing out. The schools were closed.
As Independence is celebrated in the summer, the celebrations of it never touch our schools. The importance of Independence is not presented in assemblies. Children do not get the chance to feel the joy of the occasion – and the connection it brings for them to their
country.
Elma said singing the national anthem gives children as young as pre-schoolers a feeling of pride, one that grows as they do, year by year.
She says teaching about our flag – and celebrating it – will produce better citizens, those who understand their rights, and their responsibilities.
Her suggestion is simple – hold the national flag day when children are still in school. She suggests the first Friday of the summer term, before children get all caught up in examinations and graduations.
A simple one-hour assembly, where the flag is raised and the nation is honoured.
She said: “While some regard the use of ceremonies and symbols as inculcation, and not the best way to teach values, our individual and collective experiences indicate that families, communities, religious and social groups, businesses and nations have successfully utilised this method to develop loyalty and other values of pride and citizenship.”
We agree – and one more thing. It gives the children a chance to take part together in these Independence celebrations. That in itself can create a bond, a shared occasion for friends to laugh, to wave the flag, to feel special.
We endorse Elma’s call – and hope it is heard elsewhere too. Independence Secretariat, what do you say – first Friday of summer term 2025?
Obituaries on Friday
We would be remiss not to give our readers a small note as to how the arrival of the Independence holiday halfway through the week affects our schedule. Our next edition will be on Thursday, after the holiday. To accommodate the day off, our Obituaries section will move from its usual Thursday spot to Friday’s edition. You will also find our Technology page in the Friday edition. We wish you all a wonderful Independence celebration – complete with letting your own children wave the flag with pride.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I RESIDE in Australia and have been trying to campaign to change the way that Australia observes its national day. Instead of it just being a celebration of Australia, I’m proposing that the morning be set aside for reflection and discussion of the mistakes that Australia has made over the years, and the afternoon a celebration of the positive things that Australia has done as a country. I believe that this could be a model for how all countries observe their national days. All countries have made mistakes as well as had successes. This would be a more nuanced way of observing
the national day and a form of insurance against repeating past mistakes. With The Bahamas just about to celebrate Independence Day, I invite the people of The Bahamas to consider this idea for how this day is observed.
ADRIAN DOW Sydney, Australia July 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS THE Bahamas prepares to celebrate its 51st year of independence, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, confront our challenges, and chart an optimistic course for our future.
First and foremost, we must acknowledge the monumental efforts of our founding fathers and the progress we’ve made since 1973. The Quiet Revolution, as chronicled by Doris L Johnson, paved the way for majority rule and independence. We’ve made significant strides in eradicating racial barriers and establishing ourselves as a sovereign nation on the world stage.
However, as we celebrate these accomplishments, we must also confront an uncomfortable truth: the gap between the haves and have-nots in our society has continued to widen, even under predominantly black leadership. While we’ve overcome many of the overt racial obstacles of the past, economic inequality remains a persistent challenge.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that we need a new revolution - one that is neither quiet nor complacent. This revolution must focus on creating broader ownership across the Bahamian economy and ensuring that all our citizens have the opportunity to prosper.
To achieve this, we need bold and intentional changes in several key areas: 1. Education: Our current system is failing to adequately prepare our youth for the challenges of the 21st century. We need a comprehensive overhaul that emphasizes skill-based learning, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Economic diversification: While tourism remains vital, we must support the growth of new industries such as technology, fintech, and renewable energy. Crucially, we must ensure that Bahamians are educated and trained to be owners and skilled employees in these sectors.
3. Financial empowerment: We need a widespread campaign to improve financial literacy among our citizens. This should include education on saving, investing, and building generational wealth.
4. Job readiness: Our education and training programmes must be aligned with the needs of emerging industries to ensure our workforce is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
The battle we face today is not one of black versus white, but of empowerment versus stagnation. It’s a fight for enhanced quality of life, economic democracy, and financial freedom for all Bahamians.
Despite these challenges, there is much reason for optimism. The current political environment has attracted hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, signaling confidence in our nation’s future. This influx of capital presents a tremendous opportunity, but it also comes with a responsibility. To those negotiating these deals, we say: strike the best agreements possible, but never at the cost of our sovereignty. The Bahamas is rich in opportunities, and we must never sell ourselves short. Jobs alone are not enough - we must ensure that these investments contribute to the long-term prosperity and empowerment of all Bahamians.
Our greatest natural resource remains our people. As we move forward, we must unite not just as political parties, but as a people. It is our collective responsibility to be the architects of our future. This means actively participating in our democracy, supporting local businesses, investing in education and skills development, and working together to build a more inclusive and prosperous Bahamas.
As we celebrate 51 years of independence, we should be proud of how far we’ve come. But we must also recognise how far we have yet to go. The next generation is depending on us to shape a future full of opportunity and prosperity for all Bahamians.
Our actions in the coming years must speak louder than our words. We need policies that promote economic inclusion, educational programmes that prepare our youth for theme future, and a national commitment to reducing inequality while fostering sustainable growth.
The quiet revolution of the past gave us political independence. Now, we need a bold, vocal revolution to achieve true economic independence for all our citizens. This revolution begins with each of us taking responsibility for our shared future and working together to build a stronger, more prosperous Bahamas.
Happy 51st Independence, Bahamas. May our next half-century be marked by unity, innovation, and opportunity for all. Let us move forward with optimism, determination, and a shared commitment to making our nation the best it can be.
2.
SEBAS BASTIAN New Providence July 2024.
A PARTICIPANT in cultural celebrations in Grand Bahama ahead of the 51st anniversary of Independence.
Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
Police investigating claim of sex assault near Paradise Island
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
POLICE are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a woman near Paradise Island and a plane crash in Exuma.
Authorities are still searching for a male suspect accused of sexually accosting a 20-year-old woman at an island off Paradise Island at 4pm on Sunday.
The plane crash in Moss Town, Exuma, meanwhile, happened at 4pm on Friday.
Reports say the pilot of a twin-engine Piper Aztec was performing a test flight when he encountered mechanical issues, causing him to crash into the bushes near the runway. The pilot, the sole occupant of the crashed plane, suffered no injuries.
Police are also searching for the suspects in an armed robbery outside a nightclub in New Providence on Saturday.
Details are that at 1am on Fire Trail road, a man was approached by two male suspects, one of
whom was armed with a handgun, who robbed him of his beige 2015 Hyundai Accent while he was in the parking lot.
The suspects were last seen fleeing the scene east towards Sir Milo Butler Highway.
Police are asking members of the public with information that will assist in investigations into any of these matters to contact them at 911, 919, the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991, or CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477).
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 43-yEAR-OLD man
was imprisoned accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl last month.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sent to prison accused of seriously injuring a 22-year-old male in a shooting on Sumner Street last month.
Raymond Theoc for rape. Theoc is accused of allegedly having sex with a teenage girl without her consent on June 28 in New Providence.
Theoc was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court through a
voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
He will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on October 3.
Murrio Ducille, KC, and Brian Bastian represented the accused.
Major is accused of shooting and injuring Rayshaun Rolle with a handgun on the night of June 24.
The victim was last listed in critical condition.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Aliaistair “Ally” “Panda” Major, 21, for attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 20-yEAR-OLD man was sent to prison yesterday accused of an armed carjacking last month.
Major will remain on remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is released on October 3.
Ian Cargill and Alphonso Lewis represented the accused.
The accused was told that the matter would be brought to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
Munnings will remain in prison until he returns for service of his VBI on October 3.
Ian Cargill and Alphonso Lewis represented the accused.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned David Munnings for armed robbery. Munnings and an accomplice are accused of robbing Evencia Joseph at gunpoint of a Burgundy coloured 2011 Nissan Cube valued at $4,000 on June 24 in New Providence. The accused was informed that his case would be transferred to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail after he was accused of breaching his bail and assaulting a police officer in Cat Island last week.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned Pedro Miller, 47, for six counts of violation of bail conditions, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly behaviour in a police station.
Miller, while on bail for two counts of shopbreaking,
allegedly failed to charge his monitoring device six times between May 11 and July 4. Miller also is alleged to have assaulted Inspector Mario Farquharson and resisted his arrest in New Bight, Cat Island, on July 5. He is also alleged to
have acted in a disorderly manner at the New Bight Police Station the same day.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Miller’s bail was set at $2,500 with one or two sureties.
The accused’s trial will begin on November 26.
Summer students of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) visited the House of Assembly on July 3, 2024 accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper (standing), MOTIA Under Secretary Lisa Adderley-Anderson (first right), MOTIA Permanent Secretary Cecilia Strachan (second right), and MOTIA Deputy Director General of Tourism and Director of Aviation Dr. Kenneth Romer.
Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS
One man’s drive to overcome diabetes
THE rate of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occurring in The Bahamas is alarmingly high. Not only are more Bahamians dying today from NCDs than any other disease category, they are dying at younger ages, according to the Bahamas STEPS 2019 Report on NCDs and risk factors in the Bahamian society.
There is a twenty percent chance of a Bahamian dying early or prematurely from an NCD. The report indicated that in 2019, The Bahamas was identified among the countries in the Region of the Americas with the highest probability of dying too young from an NCD.
NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are usually illnesses with a long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.
The main types of NCD are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
According to the World Health Organisation, NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle -income countries, where more than three quarters of global NCD deaths (31.4 million) occur.
While the numbers of NCDs continue to trend upward in The Bahamas, one Bahamian man is sharing his testimony to give others hope that they could beat these NCDs that are robbing the country of good Bahamians prematurely.
Kent V Bonamy had to put in a lot of work to beat the stats before him. Some simply accept their diagnosis from doctors and begin treatment, without combining the treatment with proper diet and exercise.
Kent was determined to beat his diagnosis and live a long, healthy, happy life for him and his family. This 37-year-old father was born a triplet with one surviving sibling – a brother. This is important to note because oftentimes, people refer to them as the Bonamy twins. But they never failed to recognise the presence of a sibling who grew with them in their mother’s womb.
Both Kent and his brother Kurt are now fathers - Kent has a girl and Kurt, a boy.
“From a young boy, I was always athletic,” Kent said, “And only became ‘out of shape’ once or twice in my life so far.”
“The last time I became
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
‘out of shape’ was the year 2019. This was due to my spouse at the time becoming pregnant with my first child, my little girl. I took on the same eating habits as my spouse while she was pregnant. She was eating more to feed herself and the unborn child, and so was I. Her cravings became my cravings too, especially for things like ice cream, chips, and chocolate.”
“Unfortunately, due to my hereditary line, I learned that I was pre-diabetic by the end of 2019. My daughter was born one month before this very important diagnosis.”
This news scared Kent. He was afraid that he might go on to become fully diabetic like other male members of his family, especially because he was just 33-years-old when he received the diagnosis.
“Men, including my father, learned that they were already diabetic before having the chance to do something about it,” Kent shared.
“My father passed away in 2018 from complications related to diabetes. My heart sank when I learned my diagnosis, but my good doctor, who is an athlete too, was able to encourage me on what I needed to do to come out of the pre-diabetes range.”
Kent’s next set of decisions could have meant the difference between life and death for him.
“I took it seriously,” he said, “I listened, I followed advice, and I did independent research.”
“I started to run at every chance I could. It could be before work or after work, for miles, and weekends too. My focus was on my self-care, wellness, health, diet and fitness. By the end of 2020, I was out of prediabetes range, even while surviving a global health pandemic.
“As of 2024, I am happy to say that I am still not prediabetic or diabetic. In fact, I am presently in the best shape of my life.”
Kent made some serious choices. He cut out most of the sugar in his diet. No more sodas, or candy. Most alcoholic beverages had to
go. He committed fervently to consuming water, fruits, vegetables, and nuts –obsessed with the idea that he could reverse his own health.
One day during the COVID-19 lockdowns on the country, Kent left home just to take a run and exercise by the park in his neighbourhood. A stranger saw the determination in his eyes and the commitment he seemed to have to working out; so, they recorded him. The following day when Kent went to work, someone showed him the video.
Kent was surprised to see himself on the video. It gave him a new perspective on his life. Seeing himself through the stranger’s lens, doing something he loved, motivated him to keep going.
“I started competing locally in events such as The Chickcharney Challenge in February, 2023,” he said.
“With a team of three other men, we won third place. In January 2024, I completed 30 to 40 miles on foot in seven days. Then, in February 2024, I individually won third place in The Cancer Society’s Stride for Life Fun Run Walk.
“These victories only encouraged me more to keep healthy and fit. I adopted an entirely new lifestyle. One where I could no longer just hangout and do what my friends were doing. I had to put myself first in order to survive and stay alive, literally. I had to become an individual first and foremost. This process is called self-actualisation.”
Kent started an Intsagram page, called growyourlife242, that still documents his fitness journey. He began training other people to run, and he actively shares fitness and motivational tips. Having learned the power of his mind and body’s ability to work together to achieve a goal, Kent is now getting into cycling!
“Good health and fitness are not destinations; they are not cosmetic cover ups, and they are not an overnight fix to any issue,” Kent
“We should be serving our bodies with meals that actually create energy in the body, not ones that slow it down to make us lazy.
said. “Rather, it’s about a journey, for as long as you are alive. The lifestyle then becomes much easier to live everyday. One thing to also realise is this: we are all still in the same bodies given to us at birth; so, it is best to take care of it, because mom or dad are no longer the ones making the decisions for what it is that we eat.
“In The Bahamas where I live, most prevalent health conditions are lifestyle related,” he added. “Two of them are hypertension and diabetes. Most Bahamians continue to be plagued by these conditions because the great Bahamian diet is still one of excess, snacking, and little actual nutrition.
“People are literally filling and fueling their bodies, 24 hours after 24 hours with the same thing. If the go-to quick meals were analysed, people are only setting their future selves up for health
failures. A deep-fried chicken snack served with fries, ketchup, hot sauce, and mayonnaise serves no nutritional value to the body. For children, it’s the same thing. The long wait on a drive through just to serve your child an overly salted meal with a soda, and a free toy. We are literally depleting ourselves and the people in our care.”
He added: “We should be serving our bodies with meals that actually create energy in the body, not ones that slow it down to make us lazy. I refer to this phenomenon as habitual mindless eating.”
“In 2024, our Bahamian population at majority is obese and sedentary. I want to encourage everyone to become anti-sedentary. It
will make you realise a version of yourself that you never knew existed, and you will continue to grow day by day, or hour by hour, in your new life, new body, and new mind. Let’s grow our lives, Bahamas.”
Left: Kent V Bonamy. Below: Kent and his daughter, Crimson
Youth leadership on display for a brighter tomorrow
A recap of the second annual Bahamas Youth Climate Conference
By JERVON SANDS
LAST week was an eventful one for Bahamian youth activists and organisations of the Bahamas that exist in the climate change, environmental and sustainable development space.
The second annual Bahamas Youth Climate Conference (BYCC) took place over two days, July 4 and 5, at the University of The Bahamas. The roots of this conference can be traced back to the first Caribbean Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY), hosted by The Bahamas back in 2022 from July 6th - 8th. To go along with that amazing track record, this year’s BYCC was preceded by the first National Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Youth Conference on Wednesday, July 3. The young Bahamians involved in these conferences are pioneers in the space. Their contributions are helping to build and inform a movement that will be an important part of our nation’s development as we work to secure a just climate future.
This year’s BYCC operated under the theme, “Our Planet, Our Future/ Every Degree Matters”. It benefited greatly from the talents of moderator Mark Daniels from Bahamas at Sunrise who was supported in his role as host by the 2024-25 National Climate Change Youth Ambassadors, Waynisha Saunders and Jervon Sands. The conference kicked off in true Bahamian fashion with a lively performance from the CV
Bethel Senior High New Horizon’s Pop Band led by Sunae Russell. The opening ceremony concluded with a keynote address from Rueanna Haynes, Director of Climate Analytics Caribbean, which is the Caribbean branch of a global organisation that supports regional civil society and governments on awareness of and action towards addressing climate change by translating international agreements into national policies.
Once Director Haynes had set the tone those attending were primed for a series of engaging presentations, with three out of five of these presentations being delivered by one of the national youth ambassadors. Topics included: ‘What is Climate Change?’ by Waynisha Saunders Climate Change Youth Ambassador; What is Climate Mitigation? by Nandi Maynard a representative from the Ministry of Energy and Transport; Mangrove Restoration for Climate Adaptation by Justin Lewis a representative from Bahamas Bonefish and Tarpon Trust; Climate Change and SDGs by Samantha
Ramirez Ruvalcaba Sustainable Development Goals Youth Ambassador; Climate Change & SIDS by Jervon Sands Climate Change Youth Ambassador. A panel discussion
followed, allowing presenters to further explain key points from their presentations. This was also an opportunity for audience members to engage with the presenters to further their understanding of the topics being discussed. Later, attendees engaged with one of three interactive sessions on Art and Creativity for Climate Action, Climate and Compost, and Adaptive Agriculture, which were facilitated by Artistry in The Archipelago, Da Compost King, and the Director of Agriculture respectively.
BYCC day one wrapped up with a presentation from keynote speaker
Rueanna Haynes about Global Climate Policy, which was aimed at exposing those attending to the complexities of the current system for global climate change response in order to build capacity for climate interventions and raise awareness about initiatives already happening in the space. On day two of the conference those attending were welcomed by the sounds of the Urban Renewal Band. Soon everyone was fully alert and ready for the first engagement of the day which was a panel discussion featuring Director Rueanna Haynes, Ambassador Waynisha Saunders, SDG Youth Ambassador Kiran Halkitis and Ashawnté Russell, a former Climate Change Youth Ambassador.
Throughout both days of the conference, overall engagement was kept high with questions going to and from the in-person and virtual audience, along with several spin-the-wheel Q&A sessions, online quiz games, raffles and prize giveaways.
The final conclusion of this year’s Bahamas Youth Climate Conference was a career symposium. Attendees took advantage of the chance to visit a variety of stations and learn about the opportunities available to them when they enter into the climate action space as professionals. The organisations attending this symposium included SEV Consulting, Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Baha Mar, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Department of Agriculture, World’s Youth for Climate Justice, Drive Green Car Rentals, and Soul and Soil. Youth leadership was on full display at this year’s conference thanks to the significant contributions of the National Youth Ambassadors. For the sake of our future, we aim to continue the conversations sparked at the BYCC as we fulfill our respective platforms. You can get updates on our progress by following us @bccya.242, @cceaubahamas, and @sdgunit242 on Instagram.
Through their poignant responses to a variety of questions on the topic of Youth Advocacy, Leadership and Policy, these panelists provided the audience with insights and resources essential to navigate “the bush”. The bush was a metaphor used in this discussion to represent obstructions that prevent youth in the climate action space from engaging in multi-sectoral connectivity that fosters implementation of well-informed, sustainable, and holistic solutions. Up next, was a phenomenal presentation about climate change communication through storytelling and media. This was delivered by Elijah Sands and Lauren Ritchie of the Bahamas National Trust. They did an excellent job of dissecting the art of communication as a means of translating the climate crisis. This was followed by an equally exceptional presentation that afforded those attending the opportunity to hear unique perspectives on intersections between climate change and human health from Dr. William Hamilton.
Jervon SandS
Govt passes legislation to allow Bahamas to become member of Development Bank
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
ELECTED officials have passed legislation that would let the country become a member of the Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), a move they said would permit access to resources of about $200m annually.
The country will pay a $50m subscription fee to become a shareholder.
When he opened the budget debate in May, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said two agreements were signed with CAF to facilitate the membership process, which he said would provide The Bahamas with new opportunities to improve the quality of life for Bahamians.
Social Services Minister Myles Laroda spoke about some of those benefits, saying access to CAF’s resources could support the country in areas such as crime, climate change, infrastructure, the digital economy and energy.
He noted the country has benefited from similar arrangements with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development
Bank, regional institu-
tions “that have delivered responsive tools, services and instruments” to help the country grow.
“Having considered the performance and operations of CAF in the region, I am convinced that membership in CAF would reinforce this successful regional institutional achievement for The Bahamas and broaden the resources available to us for advancing our development agenda,” he said.
The Bahamas is joining the institution as a Series C shareholder, according to Mr Laroda.
“In this membership category, access to CAF’s resources is subjected to four times the level of financial contribution by The Bahamas,” he said. “In accordance with the series C shareholder requirements, The Bahamas has agreed to subscribe to 3,521 shares at a cost of $49,998,200 payable over two budget periods.”
FNM leader Michael Pintard questioned the timing of joining the CAF. He said the Davis administration gave little to no explanation about why becoming a CAF member was necessary now, given the “scarcity of funds” in
the government. “We are not opposed to pursuing additional options,” he said. “We
do ask the government to pay greater respect to the Bahamian people in laying out why, at this time,
a $50m subscription fee needs to be paid to an additional organisation given the fact that we have two
Tribute to fly fishing guide Ansil Saunders
T HE Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), and the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA), led by President Prescott Smith, as well as the entire board and the hundreds of fly fishing guides across The Bahamas, extend deep condolences to the family of Ansil Saunders.
Ansil Saunders was not just a fly fishing guide; he was a beacon of knowledge, a guardian of our waters, and a passionate advocate for preserving our marine habitats. His life’s work profoundly shaped the fly fishing industry in The Bahamas, which has been an integral part of our culture for over a century.
Born and raised in Bimini, Ansil was a unique figure in the fly fishing community. His dedication over fifty years to guiding anglers through the pristine waters of The Bahamas was unparalleled. His ability to find the most elusive fish and his warm and generous spirit earned him legendary status in the fly fishing community, both locally and internationally.
Ansil’s contributions
extend far beyond his skills as a guide. He was a tireless advocate for environmental conservation, working diligently to ensure that future generations could enjoy the same natural beauty and abundance that he cherished. His impact extended beyond his career as a guide. He made history as the personal guide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his visits to The Bahamas. Dr. King found solace and inspiration in the Bahamian waters, guided by Ansil’s steady hand and profound wisdom. Their time together on the water was a testament to Ansil’s ability to connect deeply with people from all walks of life, sharing his passion for nature and commitment to peace and justice. Ansil Saunders was very active in fighting for civil rights and equality for Bahamians. To learn more about his fight for equality, you can view the film “Mighty Waters,” produced by Cold Collaborative: https://www.amff. org/mightywaters/. MENR and the Board and members of BFFIA believe that Ansil Saunders is a true icon and
exemplary of what others, not only guides but all citizens, should aspire to be. His passing is a significant loss, but his legacy of dedication, humility, love for the natural world, and fight for equality for Bahamians will continue to inspire us all.
“As we remember Ansil Saunders, we honor his life and immense impact on our industry and environment,” said Prescott Smith. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his spirit guide and inspire us as we navigate the waters he loved so dearly.”
“In memory of Ansil Saunders, we urge every guide across the Bahamas to continue educating Bahamians about the importance of the marine environment. Let us build on his legacy by advocating for the protection of the nursery systems that support flats and commercial fisheries throughout the Bahamas and beyond. Let us honor his desire to teach our nation’s children the art of fly fishing and expand this industry to its true potential, benefiting Bahamians.”
Right: Fly Fishing Guide Ansil Saunders and Angler Jerry Lavenstein hooked and landed a 16-pound, 3-ounce bonefish setting a world record in 1971 that stands today.
Ansil Saunders releasing a bonefish on Bimini flats.
sociAl seRvices MinisteR Myles lARodA
Principal leads the way
By FELICITY DARVILLE
PRINCIPAL Tamara P Moncur believes that the way teachers and staff are treated at schools can have a direct impact on their ability to shine for their students. Students with motivated teachers can be more successful in school and in life. According to schoolofeducators.com, 79 percent of students say that teachers encouraged them to pursue their dreams, and 75 percent said teachers are role models and mentors. In addition, the average teacher affects some 3,000 students during their career.
Principal Moncur is applying best practices in her profession as a leader in education. She was the vice principal at St John’s College (Primary Department) and was recently promoted to principal at St Andrew’s Anglican School, Exuma, for the 2024/25 school year. She has high hopes, having proven the value of excellent human resource skills in education administration. “I began my career in education in 2004 and worked in both public and private school systems in a variety of roles,” she said.
“My drive for pursuing a Masters of Science degree in Human Resource Management was fueled by my passion for always wanting to bring out the best in the team which I lead and my “out of the box” thinking to encourage employee motivation and engagement. But it was during the completion of a research paper about employee contracts in the fall of 2023 that my interest was sparked in employment law. Nonetheless, my enrollment at a Scottish university made me aware of the differences between several laws, policies, and procedures, particularly in contrast to those in The Bahamas.”
“Later, I saw a social media advertisement for a law course that the University of the West Indies Global Campus Bahamas was offering to human resource management practitioners. I made the decision to enroll in the course in order to further my own professional development. The course, which was entirely
online, exceeded my expectations because it was highly interactive and educational. Using current and regional case studies and legal jargon, it provided me with a clear understanding of various aspects of employment law. Professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including bankers, business owners, human resource managers, office managers, and school administrators, engaged in lively debates about pertinent cases and legal interpretations during class discussions. The lecturer, who is an attorney, occasionally chuckled at our point of view, but she always concluded the debates by elucidating the law through case studies and the rulings of judges.”
The University of the West Indies Global Campus Bahamas (UWIGCB) has opened registration for its fall 2024 Law for Human Resource Practitioners Course. Attorney Bianca Rahming, who holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus in corporate and commercial law, serves as the lecturer. The course runs from October 9 to December 11, 2024, and will be conducted online each Wednesday from 6-9pm.
“I would encourage anyone whose job involves managing or supervising adults to enrol in the programme because it will increase your awareness of various employment law aspects, strengthen your management abilities with respect to disciplinary actions, and expand your comprehension of general best practices when interacting with employees,” said Principal Moncur.
“This programme serves as a helpful reminder of the significance of being familiar with the employee handbook and understanding the policies and procedures of the work environment. It may also assist with making changes as it relates to proposing amendments to policies/procedures and making new relevant ones that will safeguard and benefit both employers and employees.”
For this and other Continuing Professional Education Courses offered by UWIGCB, visit www.global. uwi.edu/bahamas or WhatsApp (242) 456-6687.
SETTING SAIL ON CAREERS
THE Bahamas Maritime Cadets and the Organisation of Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG) is celebrating new cadets.
Former Bahamas Maritime Cadets Julez Seymour and Dillard Thompson are among the cadets that will be furthering their education at the SUNY Maritime College in New York.
JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Energy and Transport, noted The Bahamas has the
A SECOND CHANCE FOR A FRESH START
THE School Policing Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force hosts its 2nd Chance Programme to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth, including those that have committed criminal offences. During the programme, police work with students to redirect their behaviour through seminars and field trips to businesses such as Atlantis and the Fox Hill Prison.
During the trip, students took a
behind-the-scenes tour of Atlantis’ marine aquarium operations and Dolphin Cay, caught a showing of Junkanoo In Paradise and had lunch at Riverbend Restaurant.
Upon completing the program, the police may choose not to proceed with criminal arrests or charges, offering these young individuals a fresh start.
Corporate sponsors such as Atlantis play a crucial role to the continued success of the programme.
eighth largest ship registry in the world and encouraged cadets to make the most of the opportunity as “the world awaits your contribution”. The Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corp is a programme instituted under The Bahamas Maritime Authority to introduce and prepare high school students from grades ten through 12 for career opportunities in the maritime industry and to build future national capacity.
Over 400 graduate from BTVI
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
BTVI held its commencement ceremony last week which saw more than 400 graduates receive their associate degrees, certificates and diplomas.
Keyshan Bastian, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, gave the keynote address and encouraged graduates to invest time in their crafts and push to find their individual niche in the professional world.
She said: “Never desire to be anyone else because you don’t know the back story... use them for mentors, examples and coaches to push you into greatness. Let passion motivate you and create a hunger in you that propels you to want more.
“Learn something new. Specialise in your craft and take time to invest in it... success is not a destination.
It’s a journey,”
She challenged them to “be intentional” about their brand and continue to take risks as they establish themselves. She said: “Distinguish yourself. Differentiate yourself. Define yourself, but be intentional about what will make you stand out... create a brand such that when people think of a product or service, your name will be called... you are a brand. Never under value it. Never compromise it. Never abuse it. Never neglect it. Hold your brand
with integrity and you will reap positive rewards. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Risk takers are the innovators, business owners, content creators and established entrepreneurs.”
Dr Linda Davis, BTVI president, also congratulated the Class of 2024 and encouraged the graduates to not limit themselves, to reflect on their journey and become “ambassadors of BTVI” who are able to spread the message of the career training opportunities available at the institution.
TAMARA MONCUR
Andrew Munnings misses the cut for the Paris Olympics SPORTS
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
Bahamas top male judokan Andrew Munnings gave it his best shot, but he missed out on the opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
While the 26-year-old Munnings didn’t qualify outright in the -73 kilogram division, he was still keeping hope alive that he would have secured a spot in the games up to the deadline at the end of June based on his ranking.
But that didn’t pan out either.
“While this is disappointing, I am incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made
throughout this journey,” said Munnings, whose last competition took place at the Lima Panamerican Open on June 21.
“The hard work, dedication, and passion I’ve poured into my training have led to significant personal growth and development as an athlete.”
In his quest for Olympic glory, Munnings left the Bahamas for various periods of time as he travelled around the world in his bid to qualify for the Olympics.
“Leaving my family, friends, and loved ones was not easy, but in order to reach the top, I knew I had to train alongside champions, and that’s precisely what I did,” he pointed out.
“From Japan to Georgia, Israel, Croatia and
Spain, I dedicated myself fully to my craft, pushing beyond any limits I had set for myself. Over this Olympic cycle, I travelled to more than 19 countries, making a name for myself and The Bahamas in a sport where we are often under-represented.”
What made it even more difficult in not qualifying, according to Munnings, was the fact that it was a lonely process for him chasing his dream.
His former travelling partner and confidante, Cynthia Rahming retired from the sport in October, 2023 after the country’s most successful female judokan also missed out on the opportunity to qualify
KEN Mullings, Bahamian decathlete and Powerade endorseehas secured his ticket to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, further solidifying Powerade as the brand of champions.
Mullings, a first time Olympian, is proud and excited to represent The Bahamas and Powerade at the 33rd Summer Olympics.
Not only is this his first Olympics, but he is the first Bahamian decathlete represented at the Games as well, a major feat by any scale.
Powerade’s sponsorship with Mullings is a testament to what can happen when hardworking and disciplined people are supported by brands that pour into them - their champion is unveiled.
Mullings shared his experience of becoming an Olympian, some insight into how he is preparing and what spectators can expect from him. “When I learned I made it, it wasn’t
Greene completes baseball certification course
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
AFTER turning in his running sprints about a decade ago to start coaching and officiating baseball, Grand Bahamian Oscar Greene has seen the benefits now becoming the Bahamas’ latest umpire to participate in an international baseball umpire certification course.
Through the recommendation from his mentor Martin “Pork” Burrows, who heads the umpires association for the Bahamas Baseball Association, Greene took his World Baseball Softball Confederation course that took place in June in Curacao. The duo follow Thomas Sears, who has passed both his WBSC and International Softball Federation certifications as an international certified softball umpire.
“I’m humbled by it,” said Greene, who follows in the footsteps of Burrows as a baseball umpire.
“I want to thank the Bahamas Baseball Association for supporting me in this venture.
“As umpires, we have a duty to develop our skills and to work on our game, just as the players work on their game. As umpires, we need to improve and ensure that we give our best effort at all times.”
During the certification course, Greene said he went through a lot of intense partial and physical examinations.
“We went through a lot of mechanical work, a lot of positioning on the field, being in the right angles to make the right calls and being in the right place to see the plays pretty clearly,” he pointed out.
“We also went over the proper timing, proper location and we did some zone
July, 2024
THE New Providence Softball Association continued its regular season over the weekend at the Bankers’ Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. Here’s a summary of the games played: Operators 10, UB Mingoes 6: Romona Hanna was the winning pitcher and Adonya Stainslaus was the loser. Vanessa Sawyer went 2-for-2 with a double, three runs battin and a run scored; Sophia Cartwright was 1-for-2 with a RBI and a run scored; Mia Turner was 1-for-2 with a homes run, two RBI and two runs scored and Brendia Ferguson was 1-for-1 with two runs scored.
In a losing effort, Deavean Missick was 2-for-2 with a RBI and two runs scored; Krisghana Coakley was
1-for-2 with a RBI and Raevyn Bethel was 1-for-2 with a run scored. Sunshine Auto Wildcats 10, Black Scorpions 2: Thela Stevens was the winning pitcher and Deante Colebrooke was the loser.
Lashonda Bethel went 2-for-3 with a triple and a
sessions, some on field sessions, some live games and some written tests.”
While running track at the CARIFTA level, Greene said he also developed a love for baseball. But after he retired from running track in 2008, he started to venture into coaching baseball.
“I still coach baseball, but I ended up umpiring because I realised that I knew more of the rules than most of the umpires,” he said. “So I said maybe I will try it out. I tried it and I ended up loving it.”
Although he still enjoys watching track, Greene said his focus is now on his passion for the sport of baseball and his desire to become one of the best umpires the Bahamas has ever seen.
Burrows, who was the first Bahamian to be certified by WBSC, said when
SEE PAGE 13
run scored; Crystal Finley was 2-for-2 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored; Jazie Seavella was 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run cored and Tyrice Davis was 1-for-2
OLYMPIC HOPES DASHED: Judokan Andrew Munnings.
OSCAR GREENE, right, receiving his certificate from Miguel Hernandez.
Team Bahamas 16U team victorious in opener with 14-3 rout of Cayman Islands
By BRANDON HUTCHINSON Tribune Intern
IN a stunning display of athletic prowess and team coordination, Team Bahamas 16U emerged victorious in their first game of the Babe Ruth Caribbean Championships, trouncing the Cayman Islands with an overwhelming score 14-3.
The Bahamian squad didn’t just win, they secured their victory by the mercy rule, ending the game early and sending a powerful message to the other competitors yesterday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
“We had a good game today, guys hit the ball well and made good plays so felt good getting this win today,” said Ray Stubbs, one of the two coaches for Team Bahamas.
Team Bahamas players showcased exceptional skill and teamwork. By the second inning, they had already established a commanding lead with key hits and strategic plays that left Cayman Islands struggling to keep up.
Some standouts on Team Bahamas’ offensive side were D Neily, L Sealy and A Bain - they all were tied for two hits which was the most for that game.
The defence was equally impressive, with pitcher J Brown sending nine batters back to the dugout with strikeouts.
“Cayman islands is a fairly good team but our guys came out in the bottom of the 2nd and started to put the bat on the ball and just carried the momentum on,” said Stubbs after the win.
Stubbs would like to keep this win streak going.
“We got to keep sharp and stringing together hits and continue to make good defensive plays, but also get
strikes thrown from our pitchers as well.” As the Bahamas advances in the tournament, all eyes will be on this talented group of young athletes.
NPSA: MIGHTY MITTS, OPERATORS AND WILDCATS IN THE WIN
FROM PAGE 11
for the Wildcats. Laurel Hanchell was 1-for-3 with a triple and a run scored; Brianna Knowles was 1-for-2 and Alavya Fowler was 1-for-1 with a run scored for the Scorpions.
Chances Mighty Mitts 16, Renegades 0: Alcott Forbes was the winning pitcher and Jahieri Davis was the loser. Richard Bain went 1-for-2 with a homer, four RBI and a run scored; Sherman Ferguson was 1-for-1 with a homewr, a RBI and a run scored; Norman Bastian was 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored and Tori Rolle was
COLUMN
2-for-2 with a RBI and a run scored for the Mighty Mitts.
Natahj Miller was 1-for-1 in a losing effort for the Renegades.
Sunshine Auto Wildcats 6, UB Mingoes 3: Thela Stevens was the winning pitcher and Adonya Stanislaus was the losing pitcher.
Tazie Scavella went 1-for-2 with two runs scored; Lynette Kelly was 1-for-2 with a run scored and Kenya Forbes was 1-for-3 with two RBI in the win for the Wildcats.
Adonya Rolle was 1-for-2 with a run scored and Nabria Hamilton was 1-for-3 with a run scored in the loss for the Mingoes.
PAGE 11
government ministry, church and open divisions.
The event is being promoted by Guardian Radio and Radio House Outreach.
BASEBALL FORD CAMP THE Mario Ford Summer Baseball Camp 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, contact Ford at 556-0993.
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. You don’t want to miss this!
Look for Team Bahamas to continue this winning streak and hopefully secure the title at the end of the tournament on Independence Day on Wednesday.
ON THE REPLAY: Team Bahamas 16U baseball team emerged victorious in their first game of the Babe Ruth Caribbean Championships, trouncing the Cayman Islands with an overwhelming score 14-3.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
Bahamas gets the win over Puerto Rico, 6-2
By MIGUEL FERNANDER Tribune Intern
THE Bahamas won the opening game in the 12-Under Division of the Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship, beating Puerto Rico 6-2 yesterday at the Baillou Hills playing field.
“You know, we played excellent defence. The bats started off a little slow but I think they’re gonna be hot for the whole tournament.
I think we’re gonna score a lot of runs,” Greg Burrows Jr said.
“Even the top of our line didn’t hit the ball today. The bottom line, we didn’t win so once our top of the line gets going I don’t think it’s gonna be, it’s gonna be very hard to stop us.” Throughout the game the pitcher was efficient in keeping the pressure upon Puerto Rico, being a great offensive player. The crowd cheered whenever he managed to out batters coming up to bat.
“Our defence is extremely strong. I think it’s
IN OPENING GAME OF 12-UNDER DIVISION OF BABE RUTH CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
gonna be hard to score runs on us even if you hit the ball,” said Burrows. As the championship progresses, Burrows anticipates the team will perform better. “Our defence is probably gonna hold us together and our offence is very polished so I think we’re gonna be able to manufacture runs when we need it,” Burrows said. “Our offence is very polished, so I think we’re going to be able to manufacture runs when we need it.”
Reloaded Baseball travels to participate in the USSSA Firecracker tournament
THE Reloaded team recently participated in the USSSA Firecracker World Series tournament in Florida where 120 teams participated from across the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
Two teams were entered in the tournament, one in the 10U division and the other in the 12U division.
The kids played to the international calibre that we thought that they would as we have been developing and training extensively in preparation for this.
Our 10-under team coached by Temico Smith, James Clarke and Stephen Beneby advanced to the finals and finished in 3rd place and our 12 under team coached by Stephen Curtis Jr, Aneko Knowles and Kenue Mcphee finished in 7th place.
In the skills competition
Kyrie Campbell placed first in the 40-yard dash, Isaac Richardson placed 3rd in the homerun derby.
The Reloaded team is proud to see how these kids have developed and how they are now at the level of their international counterparts.
THE Reloaded team recently participated in the USSSA Firecracker World Series tournament in Florida where 120 teams participated from across the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
Oscar Greene completes baseball certification course
PAGE 11
he got the call from Hernandez, he said he didn’t hesitate in recommending Greene. “When I sent Oscar, Miguel gave him 110 percent and he went over there and did extremely well,” Burrows said. “He could surpass me by far, once he keeps up with it.
“He has all the tools, the athleticism, the know-how. He’s a real student of the game. He reminded me so much of myself when I started out. He’s always willing to learn. That was something that really impressed Miguel.”
The 38-year-old Greene encouraged his fellow local umpires to constantly read the rules of the game and be a part of as many clinics as they can so that they can stay on top of their game.
“Any umpire around the Bahamas could strive for it,” he said. “Whether they are from Grand Bahama, New Providence or the Family Islands, once they love it, just go for it.” Here officiating at the Babe Ruth Baseball International Tournament this week at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex and Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, Greene said it’s goal to be able to officiate in as many of the big international competitions as possible.
“I’ve done a few international tournaments already in Florida, but I hope to be able to do a lot more on the bigger stage,” Greene said. Burrows said as his assistant, he anticipates that Greene will do very well as an international baseball
umpire, representing the Bahamas. “I will try to teach him and the other umpires everything I know. I don’t want to take that knowledge to my grave,” Burrows said. “He’s my deputy and the chief umpire in Grand Bahama. “So as my assistant. He will be my successor. We have a lot of tournaments that we’re going to get to officiate at, but I’m going to really push him more because he’s younger than me and he can do a lot more to enhance his performance and commitment to the sport.” In the near future, Burrows said he and Greene will collaborate to host an umpires clinic here in New Providence where they bring in umpires from throughout the Bahamas to participate.
Our next objective is to develop our kids to the next level where our developmental training has now advanced to training along with competitive play in the Dominican Republic with a
strategic alliance with Cruz Baseball Academy which consists of former MLB and professional players as coaches. This next level development has already begun
as we have kids training there now. We are following through our mandate in training leaders on and off of the field as good is never enough as we are developing tomorrows leaders.
PLAY ACTION: The Bahamas in action against Puerto Rico. TOP - A Bahamian player slides home with one of their runs in their 6-2 win over Puerto Rico.
Weller Development Partners supports Bahamas Golf Federation junior golf team to attend international matches
WELLER Development Partners, a leading developer of innovative luxury living spaces, today announced a $7,000 sponsorship for The Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) junior golf team.
This contribution will help support the team’s participation in the upcoming Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship (CAJGC) and the R&A Junior Open in Scotland.
The Bahamas Golf Federation plans to use these funds to assist with essential equipment for some team members, Weller’s sponsorship directly addresses these challenges, ensuring financial constraints don’t hinder the team’s participation and growth.
Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, Junior Division chair, highlighted the programme’s success in developing golfers. “Many of our players have been developed from our ongoing school golf programmes,” she said.
Emphasizing the importance of financial support, particularly for players facing economic challenges, “some of our players are young men and women from the inner city, and we need to fund their travel, their kit, their accommodations, etc. This support will allow these young athletes to compete on a global stage and pursue their passion for golf.”
BGF is gearing up for the first of two upcoming tournaments, with 14 players, two coaches, and one manager heading to Jamaica. Gonzalez-Rolle expressed her enthusiasm for the new team.
“We have a new team we have cultivated over the last four years, some energetic and aggressive young players who are bringing a new excitement to the team. We have also brought on a sports psychologist to help our juniors cope with the pressure of the championships as well as working with them on their strength training and fitness.”
Weller Development Partners has a long history of giving back to the communities in which it operates. “We are incredibly passionate about supporting the Bahamas Golf Federation and its exceptional junior golfers,” said Marc Weller, founder & CEO of Weller Development Partners. “Golf is a sport that can teach valuable life lessons, including discipline, focus, and sportsmanship. These are qualities we deeply admire and actively foster within our company culture. Investing in the potential of these young athletes aligns perfectly with our triple bottom-line approach and our commitment to empowering communities and nurturing future leaders.”
Two young golfers Aiden Gorospe and Maddison Carlos Carroll will now head to Scotland July 15-17 for the Junior Open Championships biennial event - the pair will represent their country in this biennial championship at the R & A Open. The larger team suspended their trip to Jamaica due to Hurricane Beryl and hopes to now travel for the Caribbean Amateur Jr Golf Championship on August 5.
Andrew Munnings misses the cut for the Paris Olympics
FROM PAGE 11
for Paris. “Financing my training, accommodations, and competitions while ensuring my development without a coach by my side presented significant challenges,” he stated.
“The training sessions were incredibly tough, and I had to constantly balance
what was hurting versus what was injured to keep moving forward.
Despite these challenges, Munnings said his hard work did not go unnoticed and he appreciated the confidence that was bestowed in him by the Bahamas Judo Association, headed by D-Arcy Rahming.
“International athletes,
coaches, and champions have encouraged me to keep going and have shown their belief in me,” Munnings said.
Reflecting on his journey, Munnings thanked family, friends, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and all of my supporters for their tremendous support in his progress.
“I would also like to thank Athlete365 and Airbnb, who together saw my potential and chose to lend support to me on my journey,” he said.
“Your encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable and have kept me motivated during the toughest times,” stated Munnings.
FROM PAGE 11
a huge surprise because of where I was ranked but, I was still crazy excited. There are two ways to qualify, the first is the auto magic qualifier for your specific event and second is to be in the number quota for that event.” he said.
The Olympics allocated 24 spots for the Decathlon and Mullings is ranked 21 overall in the world for the event, which secured his ticket to Paris. With the Olympic Games on his horizon, Mullings shared a little bit into his preparation.
“My training hasn’t changed drastically. I’m just focused on getting sharp, race ready and being prepared for war,” he said.
For some, competing at the Olympics may evoke emotions of anxiety, joy or even shock, but for Mullings he has never felt more self-assured.
“My mental state hasn’t really changed. Actually, I’ve been feeling more confident, especially in knowing Powerade takes good care of me,” said Mullings.
In addition to providing Mullings with the tools to maximise his energy and hydration through Powerade’s many products, the brand also cares for their athletes with their “Pause is Power” campaign which prioritizes athlete’s mental and physical wellbeing.
As the countdown to the Olympics ticks away, Mullings is beyond excited to
Despite falling short, Munnings said he’s even more enthused about his future and looking forward to the possibility of doing it all again heading into the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California.
“Looking ahead, I am more determined than ever to continue my pursuit of excellence,” said Munnings, who will take a muchneeded break before he begins the cycle again.
“I will be focusing on refining my skills, enhancing my performance, and preparing for the next opportunity to compete at the highest level. The journey doesn’t end here. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter.”
BAHAMAS Team BGF with coach and trainers.
GO Team Bahamas!
BAHAMAS Golf Federation junior players speak to the media.
KEN Mullings has secured his ticket to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, further solidifying Powerade as the brand of champions.