07112023 NEWS AND SPORT

Jubilant!

By RASHAD ROLLE, DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune News Editor and Staff Reporter

A CELEBRATORY atmosphere gripped Clifford Park and other sites around the country as The Bahamas marked 50 years of independence from British rule late Sunday night to early Monday morning.

Thousands gathered at the park where the Bahamian flag was first

hoisted to show their patriotism.

The event, a staple of independence celebrations, was grander and more elaborate than usual.

Prayers and reflections were mixed with performances from iconic singers and videos celebrating the country’s history and the unique past of various islands.

Police seize $10.4m in cocaine in Mayaguana, but traffickers escape

POLICE confiscated 18 large bags of cocaine with a $10.4m street value from a plane that landed in Mayaguana on Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Roberto Goodman, the officer in charge of the Drug Enforcement Unit, said two men got off the

plane and escaped into bushes after landing the craft on Mayaguana.

Up to press time yesterday, the suspects had not been apprehended.

CSP Goodman said the joint operation involving the DEU, US Drug Enforcement Adminis-

tration (DEA) and the US Coast Guard began around 6am. He said authorities had received information about a white Beechcraft travelling north. They pursued the craft in a helicopter until it landed.

The empire State Building lit up in Bahamian colours yesterday to mark

anniversary of Independence. Consul General Leroy Major in New York threw the switch to light the building alongside Bahamian WNBA star Jonquel Jones.

A drone show wowed attendees at the Clifford Park Jubilee celebration.

Jubilant! Bahamians celebrate 50 years of independence across the country

from page one

There was some frustration, too, as the programme ran late, leading to some elements of the tour around the islands and music being skipped.

Although the event ran over seven hours and featured delays, the mood remained vibrant and energetic.

The biggest cheer of the night was for a drone display featuring the 50th anniversary logo, national symbols, and the likeness of Sir Lynden Pindling.

The evening climaxed with the arrival of police, defence force and corrections officers on the field to march in formation as the flag was raised at midnight.

Fifty years ago, Sgt Irvin Taylor was the first man to hoist the Bahamian flag. His grandson, Sgt Mark Taylor, had the honour of raising the flag for the golden jubilee alongside Petty Officer Leland Smith.

After the flag was raised, fireworks lit up the night sky –– marking the start of the next half-century of Bahamian history.

The event was among several that punctuated Independence Day celebrations.

A family fun day was held at Clifford Park yesterday, and an invite-only state reception was held at Government House.

Earlier Monday, a People’s Rush event featuring 11 Junkanoo groups attracted hundreds who remained eager spectators and participants even after hours of revelry and celebration.

On Grand Bahama, there were performances by groups of various kinds featuring people of all ages.

A crowd favourite was a dance performance by the George School of Dance and Theatre.

A fashion show of straw and androsia featuring models and pageant queens was also well received.

Hundreds of Abaco residents visited the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation’s (BAIC) park in Marsh Harbour to celebrate independence.

However, the power went off as the police band performed, plunging the event into darkness.

Fireworks erupt at a flag raising cermony celebrating the country’s 50th independence.

Photos: Vandyke hepburn

Independence Day Tattoo, honouring the armed forces

Death Notice for Donald Ross Kester

died at his residence in Nassau, The Bahamas on Thursday, 29th June, 2023. He was born in Highland Park, Michigan 12th January, 1927 and served in the US Army in WWII.

He studied business at Denver University. He became a Canadian citizen in 1963 as he was living there, and he gave up his US citizenship. He arrived in The Bahamas in 1973 to run Trust Corporation of the Bahamas. Under his direction, it was to eventually become NatWest Interntional Trust Holdings Limited. He retired in 1989.

Together with his wife, Gia, they continued to make The Bahamas their home. He was involved in many service clubs and charities during his years in The Bahamas and helped many young people find their careers in finance. He was a kind and loving man.

He is survived by his wife, Gia Kester; his children, Alan & Marijka Kester,Kathleen & Hal Quinn, Beth & Jac Eckhardt; his grandchildren, Josh Kester, Robin Martin, Sam Kester, Ted Kester, Morgan Morrison, Erin Angel, Carleton Eckhardt, Broidy McNab, Isabelle & Charlie Winner; his stepchildren, Christiana & Dale Winner, Jason & Sara Callender; 10 wonderful great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements to be announced at a later date.

Funeral Service for P. COLIN BOWE, 80

of Christie Street, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday 15th July, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, East Shirley Street. Officiating will be Canon Basil Tynes, assisted by Reverend Scott Jupp and other members of the clergy. Cremation was held

Left to celebrate the life and witness of P. Colin Bowe are, Wife: Pamela E. Bowe, née Watts; Children: Scott W.D., P. Stephen L. (Poly), Erik A.R. (Loretta), Gowon N.G. (Evanne), and Nadya S.M. Bowe; Surrogate Children: Barton L. (Kirsten) Callender; and Kerryn (Deryn) Johnson; Grandchildren: Deven J.D., Emmanuel A., Eryn A., Elias A., Dylan N.K., and Aryanna S.M. Bowe; Yrena P.L. Menard; and Aydan I.C. Cox; Brothers: William, and Leonard Bowe; Sisters: Helen (Maxwell) Butler; Sonia Dames; Janeen (Charles) McCartney; Antoinette Bowe; Joycelyn Holbert; Rebecca Smith; and Janien Bodie; Sisters-In-Law: Ann Watts; Carol McParland; and Bloneva Bowe; Uncles: Nigel (Stephanie), and Kenneth (Kwansa) Bowe; Aunt: Visna (Charles) Mackay; Nephews: Antoine Bowe; Terrance (Lavender), Antonius (Annette) and Bruno (Sonjia) Roberts; Ross and Anthony Butler; Stuart (Vandorene) and Ricardo (Flores) Bowe; L. Roscoe II and Michael (Carell) Dames Sr.; C. Corin McCartney; Sidney Sawyer II; Marchello Cargill; Kenyan and Kareem Lightbourne; Jonathan and Justin Bodie; and Kenton and Camren Bowe; Nieces: Rachael (Nigel) Winder; Sonia (Uriel) Adderley; Ilsa, Simmone, Ormanique, Tirza and Nikitia Bowe; M. Elizabeth Roberts; Tania Fox; Lillith Butler; Camille Harrison; Angela (Carlton) Munnings; Elma McKenzie; Vashta (Simeon) Richardson; Yvette (Charles) Sands; Jillian (M-Wale) Rahming; Anya Sawyer; Alexis Saunders; Kachina Lightbourne; Megan Bodie; and Nadia Bowe; Other family members and friends: The families of Surrogate Children, Uncles, Aunts, Nephews and Nieces, and the remaining descendants of J. Maxwell M. Bowe; Rgt. Hon. Perry Christie; Louis R. Dames I; Rudolph Darville; William Godfrey Eneas; John Gordon & family; Linda Sawyer; William ‘Bill’ Wallace; and many other relatives and friends. May His Soul Rest in Peace!

The Governor General stands with the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force at the Independence celebrations at Clifford Park on Sunday.

Photos: Moise Amisial

King Charles hints at visit in Jubilee message

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

KING Charles III hinted he might visit The Bahamas this year after the country marked its 50th independence anniversary.

A video message from the British monarch was broadcast during Sunday’s golden jubilee event at Clifford Park.

King Charles III visited The Bahamas as Prince of Wales in 1973 to witness the transition to an independent country. He famously danced with Dame Marguerite Pindling during the first independence ball.

“The Bahamas has always held a special place in my affections,” he said in his video message. “I remember with great fondness my visit in July 1973, when serving in the Royal Navy in H.M.S. Minerva, to attend the Independence Day celebrations: the police band first playing March On Bahamaland; the first moment the flag of black, aquamarine and gold was raised; and no fewer than three independence balls when I danced at the first one with the wife of the then prime minister – now, of course, Dame Marguerite Pindling.

“The people of The Bahamas have always given such a warm welcome to my family and myself, and I know that my mother, the late

LADY PINDLING, THEN AND NOW

queen, and my late father retained equally happy memories of their five visits to The Bahamas between 1966 and 1994. I am also most grateful for how you all welcomed my elder son and daughterin-law, the prince and princess of Wales, last year and how the many young participants of the Governor General’s Youth Award welcomed my brother and sister-inlaw, the duke and duchess of Edinburgh, this spring. It is thus perhaps no surprise that, for my family and myself, The Bahamas has always felt like a home away from home, both in public and in private.

“Much has happened since my last visit. Most recently, I know the unchecked crisis of global warming and climate change continues to ravage these islands.

Members of my family have related to me their discussions with the people of Grand Bahama and Abaco, and I have heard of your resilience and compassion for one another following Hurricane Dorian, as well as how international organisations, including the Royal Navy, responded so swiftly. Throughout the last fifty years, there are so many stories to celebrate; of Bahamian leadership on the global stage, of sports stars, playwrights, Olympians, chefs, authors, business leaders, film stars,

musicians, artists, inventors and designers. You can all be enormously proud of what has been achieved. And, of special importance to me, throughout the past fifty years The Bahamas has been an indispensable member of our Commonwealth family.

“I felt it of great importance that my family play a part in your anniversary year and that is why I hope to be able to celebrate with you as soon as possible, and to meet some of the many Bahamians who are already shaping the next fifty years, such as Christina Fernander – the first female chairperson of a winning Junkanoo group – young sailors such as Craig Ferguson aspiring to the Olympic legacy of Durward Knowles, pioneering climate scientists such as Alannah Vellacott, Marjahn Finlayson and Charles Hamilton and, of course, Dame Marguerite, who I hope will save her next dance for me!

“From Andros to San Salvador, Eleuthera to Inagua, Grand Bahama to Nassau and across the beautiful family islands of the Commonwealth of Bahamas, my wife and I send you all our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations at this very special time.

“Forward, Upward, Onward, Together”. Happy fiftieth anniversary of independence. March On Bahamaland.

PASSENGER REQUIRES EMERGENCY MEDICAL AID ON BAHAMASAIR FLIGHT FROM FLORIDA

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

A PASSENGER received emergency medical care onboard a Bahamasair plane during a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau on Friday.

Bahamasair released a statement on the matter after a video circulated online. In the clip, passengers can be heard screaming for a doctor, cold water and general assistance for a woman because of the heat on board.

Other social media users also complained of

recently experiencing hotter-than-usual flights with the airline.

“Our highly trained and experienced inflight services crew immediately responded to the situation, providing necessary assistance and ensuring the passengers’ safety and well-being until medical professionals could assist,” Bahamasair said.

“The passenger was attended to promptly by our crew, who followed established protocols to stabilize the situation and provide immediate care.

“Upon returning to the

departure gate at FLL International Airport, the passenger was immediately transferred to the care of medical professionals for further evaluation and treatment.”

The airline said that although the safety and well-being of passengers is a big priority and that all necessary measures are taken to ensure comfortable and secure travel, incidents like these may occur “unexpectedly”.

The airline cautioned anyone feeling unwell onboard a Bahamasair flight to alert a crew member who could give immediate assistance.

King Charles addressed The Bahamas on the celebraton of its 50th annversary of independence on Sunday.

At the Prime Minister’s Jubilee Gala Dame Marguerite Pindling wore the same dress she wore at the first day of The Bahamas independence, where (as seen in the top left photo) she danced with then Prince Charles.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

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

Now that celebrations are over, what’s next?

The celebrations are done. The nation is 50. The road to 50 has at times seemed as if it has been long. The flag has been carried from island to island. Our anthem has been sung – though never too often. We have certainly worn our laurels this golden jubilee year, now we must make sure we do not rest on them.

Just as we have come this far, now we must make sure we continue onwards. Our Olympic runners have shown their talent at passing the baton over the years – well, so must we in terms of building our nation.

In today’s Tribune, you will find a long list of those honoured this year in the Independence announcements. Who will be the reader who will join those names in years to come? Who will be the person to follow in those footsteps?

There remains much to be done.

For all the talk of transparency and accountability, as pointed out in our business section today by the chief executive of ORG, it is now seven years and still we do not have Freedom of Information. Indeed, Matt Aubry goes on to point out that in some ways we have gone backwards – with the level of reporting in terms of fiscal responsibility having been lessened by the current administration.

When it comes to equality, a Privy Council removed one inequality in terms of passing on citizenship, but only one for Bahamian men. Women still wait to see what will be done in terms of remaining inequalities.

Some speeches at the Clifford Park celebration hinted that there may be challenges ahead in passing legislation to deal with another inequality – the passing of laws outlawing marital rape.

As it stands, an unmarried woman has

greater protection from rape than a married one. The same action, carried out against one, might see the attacker in court – while the other might walk away. It should not be safer to be unmarried than married.

Ahead lies a great fight in terms of climate change. If we think we are in a fight now, it has barely begun. It is predicted that significant amounts of Bahamian land will be under water as a result of climate change as the years progress.

In his speech marking the 50th anniversary of our nation, King Charles III called out the names of pioneering climate scientists from The Bahamas –Alannah Velacott, Marjean Finlayson and Charles Hamilton – who we will look to as that fight becomes more crucial still. That could be a fight for our very survival. As waters rise, where will our people go? How will our nation’s future look in the face of such a threat?

A common thread through the changes that lie ahead of us are those things that will improve the lives of all of our people. Together. Not some. Not an elite few. But to lift us all as one. Transparency so we can all see the actions of our governments and hold them to account. Equality – so no one Bahamian has greater rights than another. Fighting to protect our country as a whole – not just leaving those people in areas that might flood to fend for themselves.

There are many more challenges than these, but if we hold true to the principle that what we choose to do is elevate all Bahamians and not just the fortunate and favoured, we will not go far wrong.

The celebrations are done. What’s next?

old role. “Meet the new boss...””

Sheeprunner12 added: “ The Bahamas is not a democracy. The world can see right through our Govt.”

AFTER an international organisation raised concerns over the move from the role of press secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister to general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas for Clint Watson,

readers of www.tribune242. com had their say.

ThisisOurs said: “The problem with Clints appointment is that he and Brave Davis have precisely characterized the nature of his new role, ~”to get the govts message out”, not much different from his

Birdiestrachan countered: “They are all about trying to find something because too much is going well and they can not stand it,” before adding in relation to comments by FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands on the issue: “The sands mad because he can no longer open airports for the rich while the poor go to jail for trying to get water, he should be ashamed.”

However, realfreethinker responded, saying: “Birdie. Do you have at least one objective bone in you? You see nothing wrong with this appointment?”

• Join in the discussion at www.tribune242.com.

EDITOR, The Tribune. A letter to Bahamaland:

My Bahamaland, the sun, the rising sun manifests a new beginning. At daybreak, there is hope and optimism and opportunity. As you lift your head you forget about the past and all its struggles and hardshipsthe Lucayans, the pirates, the slaves and the Colonials. You have a fresh start, a clean slate. What will you make of yourself?

Together you march for community, for impact, for progress, to glory.

In this pursuit of greatness that transcends your existence, be mindful that your achievements will always be remembered by a world that looks on and watches

your demeanor, your conduct, your poise, your confidence,your humility and your authenticity.

You wave the banner of a unique identity with aqua, gold and black as the background: The BahamasFirst of its name, Land of 700 isles, Born of shallow waters Family of islands,sea of crystal and coral, Mother to people of vision, influence and ingenuity.

Under this banner, you make a pledge to surpass expectations to fuel your faith to be excellent in art, science, music sports, business and enterprise, in love and in unity.

Through hurricanes and recessions

blacklisting and cartels murders and depression you press on.

You can emerge victorious in glory with a common goal and leave no one behind.

Steady.

Focus.

Banner is waving, marching together, and the sun, oh, the sun - it camouflages the hidden dangers, your ethical dilemmas, the barriers to your success, and your critical decisions.

The sun- it rises a new beginning a new awareness a new focus- the past is past.

Over and over a new beginning, again and again a new sun, until that day that legacy is cemented in the glory of God.

Bahamaland - steady, focus, march on.

Regards,

10, 2023

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis dances with his wife at an Independence event at Baha Mar on Saturday.

Photo: Austin Fernander

DAme Marguerite Pindling dances with Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis at the Independence Gala event at Atlantis on Friday.

Photo: Austin Fernander

gB enjoys large turnout for 50th anniversary event

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FIreWorKS lit the sky above the Independence Park where thousands of Bahamians celebrated the Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of Independence.

It was one of the largest turnouts in Grand Bahama in years.

The climax of the evening was the march and procession of the various branches of law enforcement, and the royal Bahamas defence Force rangers. There was a fire drill, demonstrations by the K-9 Unit, and a 21-gun salute.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey inspected the guard.

The evening was filled with entertainment from start to finish. The first was a performance by the Grand Bahama 50th Independence ensemble.

Also, performing was the St George’s High School Jags Pop Band. The Freeport Players Guide and yArd (young Adults regency darma) Group and real deal Quadrille dances performed the quadrille. The Interdenominational Mass Choir gave a spectacular gospel performance.

Concerns raised over Watson appointment

A crowd favorite was a dance performance by the Georgia School of dance and Theatre to the song, Fly Away With Me. There was also a fashion show of straw and Androsia, featuring models and pageant queens on Grand Bahama.

Headlining the live performance segment was Stileet.

exciting the crowd, the Bahamian entertainer performed several of his popular songs, such as Girls Texting Me Hi, Suitcase/ Sweetheart, We raking and Scraping, Jump Up, and Bahama Mama.

during his performance, the singer and proud father also showed the crowd a photo of his newly born infant son, named Bahamas. The singer left fans wanting more with a fantastic show.

Singer Sharad Taylor was also a crowd-pleaser. The line-up also included doranell Tiffany, Jamie Fyne, and Javan Hunt, featuring G.S.o d.A.T backup dancers.

Bahamians came out in droves from east to west. The evening was filled with excitement, and Bahamian pride as Bahamians wore the Bahamian colours and waved their flags.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A G lo BA l nonprofit organisation raised concerns about Clint Watson’s appointment as general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas.

Public Media Alliance, which describes itself as the largest global association of public service broadcasters, said it was concerned over the “transparency and independence of the appointment process”.

The association lists Z n S as a “core member” on its website, but a Z n S official said they were

unaware of any association between the two organisations.

PMA said: “ e ffective public service media organisations are built on a foundation of trust, whereby there are protections from political interference in place, particularly in terms of their organisational and editorial independence. For any public broadcaster to fulfil its mandate of providing reliable, independent and trusted news, capable of holding power to account and reporting without fear or favour, requires a high degree of separation from the government.

“This means that there should be strong controls on the ability of the government to intervene in and influence the affairs of PSM (public service media). The public needs to know that their public media is operating in and for the public interest and is not beholden to the government. Within a small domestic media market, it is even more essential that audiences can access independent and trustworthy information, free from government oversight.

“It is therefore essential that clarity is provided from the government and Mr Watson

about the nature of Mr Watson’s involvement in the editorial affairs of Z n S while he was still working for the o PM. Additionally, there must be transparency over how the appointments process was conducted.”

The statement added: “ e arlier this year, Mr Watson, in his role as press secretary, attracted criticism for his involvement in affairs relating to Z n S.” Mr Watson, the former o ffice of the Prime Minister ( o PM) Press Secretary, declined to comment on the PMA’s statement.

18-year-old on remand after sex assault of 13-year-old girl

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

An 18-yeAr-old boy, accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in April, is behind bars after being remanded in custody.

Harry Charite was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain.

Charite was represented by Moses Bain. The accused is alleged to have sexually assaulted the 13-year-old sometime between April 1–30 in new Providence. Service of his voluntary bill of indictment is set for August 17. The accused will remain on remand until such time as he is granted Supreme Court bail.

Woman held on charge of neglect of 4-year-old

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MoTHer was sent to prison last Wednesday after admitting to neglecting her 4-year-old daughter.

The 45-year-old woman, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the child, was charged with cruelty to children before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-evans.

The defendant is said to have abandoned her

young daughter causing her unnecessary suffering on July 5.

After pleading guilty to the offence the accused was informed that her sentencing hearing would be deferred to July 31.

She was informed that a report from social services will be ordered during that time. While the accused will be held at the Bahamas department of Correctional Services, the child will remain in protective custody.

Stileet is one of several singers that entertained the crowd, while Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey (below) inspected the guard.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

Arlene Nash-Ferguson’s legacyThe ‘Mother’ of modern Junkanoo

SHE was a little girl, just four years old when she first stepped foot on Bay Street in a colourful, completely fringed outfit to rush in the Junkanoo parade. It was adorable to see little Arlene performing. With eyes beaming and a big, bright smile, she moved to the beat of the Junkanoo drum.

This experience shaped her destiny, lasting through her formative years and beyond. Today, she has given a lifetime of support, provided outlets for education, and has empowered countless Bahamians in this Bahamian cultural legacy. On this, the 50th year of Independence, I see no better time to begin deeming those worthy of their titles – not when they are in their twilight years or when they are dead and gone – but while they are alive. For this reason, I call Arlene Nash-Ferguson the “mother of modern-day Junkanoo”.

Arlene considers the start of modern Junkanoo to be the New Year’s Day parade of 1948. Prior to that, there was a six-year hiatus from parading on Bay Street. For nearly two centuries, Junkanoo has been an integral part of the culture for Bahamians of African descent. In the 1800s, Junkanoo was called a masquerade. Slaves would steal away to secret places to reclaim their heritage. In 1834, slavery was outlawed in The Bahamas, and slaves were fully freed by 1838. The freed Africans continued their practice of celebration – a tradition handed down to them from their families and tribes in west and central Africa.

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

They would make music by beating on goatskin drums and blowing bugles and horns. Costumes evolved to using newspaper and cloth, which is when the fringing technique was highlighted. During the lucrative sponge era, some costumes were decorated entirely out of sponge.

By the mid-1930s, fringed costumes became bright and colourful with the addition of crepe paper. Groups were formed and prizes were being awarded.

But in 1941, a surprise attack on the US naval base in Pearl Harbour would change the course of history. Plunged into the Second World War, the US Army began seeking air bases throughout the neighbouring region to help strengthen its position in the war.

The Bahamas became an anti-submarine and aircraft staging base, and New Providence became an important training ground for aircrews. The sponging industry had collapsed by 1939 and many black Bahamian men found themselves without a job.

With US bases being established during the war, “The Project” began, creating 2,000 jobs. Bahamians found out that American workers on The Project were making double their pay. This infuriated the

workers and led to the Burma Road Riots on June 1, 1942. Black men marched from their overthe-hill communities into the Public Square in front of government offices. In a furor the men smashed windows of businesses and looted as they went along. The riots continued for two days, racial tension increased, and Nassau was in a state of emergency.

Then Governor of The Bahamas, the Duke of Windsor and former King of England Edward, was abroad when the riots happened. He returned to Nassau, increasing the military, introducing a curfew, and making a public appeal via broadcast.

It was because of this time of unrest that the Junkanoo parade was banned from Bay Street, along with any other kind of parading.

“The drums never stopped beating over the hill,” Arlene told me.

The tradition of Junkanoo parading on Bay Street during Christmas time may have halted, but celebrations continued in earnest in areas like Delancey Town where she was born, and Bain and Grants Town.

Arlene was born to Olga Nash (née Bosfield) and HO Nash in 1950 on Delancey Street, an area affectionately called “the hilltop” at the top of

Nassau Street. Her navel string was buried at their home right next to what is now the John Watlings Distillery. Her father was one of the most outstanding teachers in The Bahamas and today, a high school proudly bears his name.

Arelene followed in her father’s footsteps and became a highly regarded educator in her own right, including serving as an illustrious principal at her alma mater, St John’s College, home of the Green Giants. She inspired not only students at that school, but others, like me. Although I attended St Augustine’s College, she invited me to write poems in her school’s bulletin and give speeches at assemblies.

Growing up on the hilltop, Arlene remembers the days when the children were collectively owned by everyone in the community, and any adult had the right to discipline a child. Her father died when she was 19 months old. Her mother promptly moved back to her homestead around the corner on West Street, where Arlene and her brother Garth had the opportunity to grow up with her mother, two aunts and uncle.

These were the days when children played safely in the streets and enjoyed games like hopscotch drawn with a chalky rock. When the kids had the opportunity to go to the Capital Theatre on a Saturday, they would return to their neighbourhood and act out the scenes from movies like Robin Hood and Tarzan.

The kids had their neighbourhood mapped out and would eat their bellies full of cherries, guinep, mangoes and other wonderful fruit. They climbed trees and walked to school, she said, and lived off the land, staying naturally healthy and fit.

The fish man would pass daily, providing the source of the evening’s dinner for the housewives. The ice man would pass too, as many families had yet to own a refrigerator. The streets were alive with sights and sounds, including the horse and carriages going down to Bay Street to appease the tourists, and there were regular processions for churches and funerals.

Richard Dean, also known as “Sweet Richard”, a popular entertainer of the day, would come out on the porch in the afternoons, playing his favourite tunes to entertain the children walking home from school.

It was against this colourful backdrop that Arlene fell in love with Junkanoo. It was customary that people in the community would gather and rush behind the Junkanoo group as they made their way to Bay Street. In her neighbourhood, the

group gathered at a local bar called the Punch Bowl, which still exists today.

Arlene’s uncle, Ivern Bosfield, was on the Masquerade Committee and he was instrumental in the agitation for the return of the Junkanoo parade to Bay Street. Ivern was so respected for his efforts that when parading did return, the revelers would rush up West Street to collect him, he would put on his suit, and they would escort him to Bay Street.

Junkanoo returned on New Year’s Day 1948 – a day that Arlene marks as the beginning of modern day Junkanoo. By the time she was four years old in 1954, her family thought it was cute that she was so insistent on being a part of the parade. This was a time when some Bahamian families considered it “improper” to rush on Bay Street – likely due to colonialism and their quest to raise themselves to middle class. It is recorded that women did not join parading in Junkanoo until the 1960s. So Arlene’s “cute” but powerful stance makes her one of the pioneers of women in Junkanoo, even though she was so young at the time.

Olga, her mother, allowed her to join a Junkanoo group led by well-respected businessman Spurgeon Smith. He would collect little Arlene’s suit in early December and return it before Christmas, fully fringed. Her mother would dress her and take her Downtown. When the group reached her point, her mother would hand her over, and under Spurgeon’s watchful eyes, Arlene would put on a show. She was able to rush on Boxing Day for years during the time when she attended Western Preparatory School, known as Quarry Mission. She only stopped when she went on to attend St John’s College.

After Arlene returned from college, she did what she loved to do. She rushed on Bay Street to the sweet sounds of Junkanoo. She rushed in scrap groups and organised groups, but whatever she did, she gave it her all on Bay. In the year 2000, her love for education combined with her passion for Junkanoo, resulting in Arlene creating her own dream job. She established the Educulture Junkanoo Museum right at the end of Delancey Street, on West Street, in the heart of the hilltop where her love of country was formed and nurtured.

She shares her love of this amazing display of Bahamian culture in a book that could serve as a textbook for Bahamian children: “Let’s Go to Bay – This is Junkanoo” sold at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum. You can also hear Arlene and other Junkanoo greats on ZNS Radio every Saturday morning.

I met Arlene and her husband Silbert Ferguson at the opening of the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo on Wednesday, July 5. Arlene, along with Percy “Vola” Francis, who lit up Bay Street yesterday during “the People’s Rush” celebrating the 50th Independence anniversary of The Bahamas, were consultants for the museum.

The Bahamas museum of Junkanoo, located at the Nassau Cruise Port, aims to create a home for the Junkanoo community, where knowledge is collected, stored, and disseminated. It will provide a platform for artisans’ voices and works to be supported and shared through education, exhibitions and research. Ideas towards Junkanoo changed, and more Bahamians began to participate in Junkanoo after father of the nation Sir Lynden O Pindling, first Bahamian Prime Minister in an independent Bahamas, rushed in Junkanoo parades and declared: “I am Junkanoo!”

“In the future, I would like to see us begin to understand what a powerful educational tool culture is - specifically Junkanoo,” Arlene said.

“I would love to see Junior Junkanoo structured into a deliberate learning experience - not just accidental. I would like to see more opportunities for a wider cross section of Bahamians to get involved.

I would like to see culture become an integral part of the curriculum so children understand ‘who dey is’. In Junkanoo, the lines are becoming blurred with such strong foreign influence in our country. We want our children to have a very strong sense of who we are as Bahamians.”

“I make a distinction between Junkanoo and the Junkanoo parades. For the parades – we must take steps to preserve their cultural integrity. We have adopted features of carnival in costuming. The music is not in danger, but costuming… the nakedness on Bay Street goes against what Junkanoo has always been. We need to talk and debate on what we want to keep - what makes us different from the rest of the world, and take steps to preserve it.

For this reason, she supports the opening of the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo and hopes to see more establishments to preserve this beloved Bahamian culture in New Providence and the Family Islands.

Like a loving mother watching the growth of the culture, Arlene recited a Junkanoo poem entitled “The Drums Never Stop” written by the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo. It was performed with the reigning king of the Junkanoo drum, Reuben “Rupapumpum” Deleveaux.

Arlene Nash-Ferguson - esteemed educator and Junkanoo giant in The Bahamas - performing in a Junkanoo parade on Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

TRIBUNE PUBLISHER RECEIVES ‘ORDER OF THE BAHAMAS’ TITLE

THE editor and publisher of The Tribune, Eileen Dupuch-Carron, has been given the Order of the Nation in this year’s Independence awards.

The honour recognises her fearless work over the years at the helm of The Tribune. She is the world’s longest-serving editor and publisher, with her 60-year record eclipsing that of her father, crusading journalist Sir Etienne Dupuch, who served for 54 years in that role. Mrs Dupuch-Carron was also a pilot, the most senior female barrister-atlaw in the nation, although she never practiced, an artist, mother, and was described in the Wikileaks cables as “one

of the most powerful women in the country”. In 2012, she was recognised at the International Press Institute World Congress in Trinidad and Tobago along with her father, with organisers noting their “extraordinary and remarkable courage under most difficult conditions, for their lifetime dedication to the freedom of the press set them as global flag bearers for the principles of integrity, justice and human rights”. She has been called the “Iron Lady”, and was hailed as a “Living Legend” by the Zonta Clubs of New Providence – while former PLP Minister of Works Bradley Roberts described her in the House of Assembly as one

of the “reigning practitioners of terrorist behaviour using The Tribune as her weapon of mass destruction”.

Her editorials have been read into the record from the floor of the US Senate, by then Senator Bob Graham (D-FL) in honour of her support of US Foreign Policy. In 1993, she also became the first chief executive officer of a private radio station in The Bahamas, with the launch of The People’s Radio Station (100.3).

Mrs Dupuch-Carron graduated from the Columbia School of Journalism in New York, and joined The Tribune as editor in 1962, the same year she became the second woman and the first

Bahamian born to be called to The Bahamas Bar. She is the eldest of six children of Sir Etienne and Lady Marie Dupuch. Her father ended racial inequality in The Bahamas by tabling a resolution in the House of Parliament outlawing discrimination in public places. He also fought for women’s right to vote.

Mrs Dupuch-Carron is the widow of Roger Carron, who worked beside her as managing editor of The Tribune for 30 years. She has not taken a vacation in 20 years – while “always wanting just to stay at home, paint and be a wife and mother”. She has a son, Robert, a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth. Her grandson, Aidan Roger

NATION’S LEADING LIGHTS RECOGNISED IN HONOURS

THE nation’s leading lights have been recognised in the Independence Honours, as announced by Governor General Cornelius Smith.

The highest honour awarded, the Order of National Hero, is posthumously conferred on Dame Doris Johnson, who was the first woman to contest an election in The Bahamas, the first woman to be appointed to the Senate, and the first woman president of the Senate. She also served as acting governor general, and is also famed as a teacher and suffragette.

Six people have been named as companions of the Order of The Bahamas, including The Tribune’s editor and publisher, Eileen Dupuch Carron.

Also named are Lowell Jason Mortimer, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Rev Dr Harcourt Whitfield Brown, Dr Perry Gomez, Archbishop Patrick Pinder, and, posthumously, Rev Dr Harcourt Whitfield Brown.

Three people are names as officers of the Order of The Bahamas, including Rev Kenris Deveaux-Carey, Lynn Pyfrom Holowesko, and, posthumously, Rev Dr J Emmette Weir.

Names as members of the Order of The Bahamas are E Clement Bethel (posthumously), Senior Justice Bernard Turner, Justice Milton Evans, Justice Kim Adderley (retired), John Dean (posthumously), Justice Jon Isaacs, and Dr Richard Demeritte.

The Order of Excellence includes Erica Gates (posthumously), Nina Gape, president of Rwanda Paul Kagame, and US congresswoman Maxine Waters. Honoured with the Order of Distinction (Companion) are: Admiral Lorenz Ferguson Sr (Posthumously), Eric Carey, Amos Ferguson (posthumously), Andrea Archer, Anita Beneby, Barbara Hanna-Cox, Barbara Pierre, Brensil Rolle, Rev Dr Carlton Bursil Moss, Commissioner Clayton Fernander, KPM, Commissioner Bernard Bonamy (posthumously), Commodore Clifford Scavella (retired), Commodore Davy Rolle (retired), Commodore Tellis Bethel (retired),

Commodore Roderick Bowe (retired), Commodore Dr Raymond King, Rev Edwin Taylor, Effie Walkes (posthumously), Eleanor Philips, Errison Pallman Johnson, Errol Winston Bethel, OBE, Everette Ferguson (posthumously), Captain Fernley Arthur Palmer, Frances Butler (posthumously), Pastor Francis Carey III, OBE, Assistant Commissioner Grafton Ifill Sr (retired), Harl Taylor (posthumously), Bishop Helen McPhee, Pastor Henry Carlisle Francis, Dr Earl Deveaux, Theresa Maria Moxey-Ingraham (posthumously), Mabel Walker (posthumously), MariaTeresa Butler, Marion Stuart (posthumously), Mark Wilson, McFarlane Anthony Gregory

McKay aka Tony McKay (posthumously), Raphael Aguard Munnings, Ray Minus Jr (posthumously), Reginald William Eldon, Reginald Charles Grant (posthumously), Ricardo Deveaux, Robert Love (posthumously), Dr Sandra Dean Patterson, OD, Shawn M Turnquest, Sherlyn Hall, Sidney W Smith, Sylvia Eujeneth Scriven, OBE, Theodore Grant Glover (posthumously), Valerie Trephena Hepburn-Knowles, and Vernice Walkine.

Named as officers of the Order of Distinction are Alfred Williams, Anita Elizabeth Collie-Ferdecia, Diane Holowesko-Dunkley, Horizal Alex Simmons and Irvin Montgomery Taylor.

New members of the Order of Distinction are Eulease Cynthia Beneby, Alexander Doyle Burrows, David Jabis Knowles, Fletcher Ferguson, Inez Maria Ferguson-Peet and Kevin Maurice Moss.

New companions of the Order of Merit are: Alexander Wellington Gibson, Alfred A Rolle, Breon Standford Leary, Carlton Russell, Cheryl Bastian, Cheryl Marie Marshall-Campbell, Clare Rolle, Daniel Nixon, Diallo Gary Ingraham, E John Deleveaux, Edison Alric Dames, George Gilbert Esdale Pinder, Gladstone Moon McPhee, Harrington Marlyn Nixon, Helen Smith, John Richard Phillpot, John Sidney Rolle, John Johnson, Kirkwood Rodger Cleare, Deputy Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux, Deputy Commissioner of Police Loretta Mackey (retired), Marcellus Charles Taylor, Marvin Henfield, Melberth Una Emmerita

Charlton, Michael Symonette, Michael Reckley, Michael Todd

Braynen, Nathaniel McArthur Dean, Nathaniel Beneby Sr (posthumously), Dr Norris Stubbs (posthumously), Philip James Stubbs, Richard Johnson, Russell Miller, Sheila Mae Culmer, Stuart Bowe, William Bill Naughton.

Conferred with the title of officer of the Order of Merit are: Arthur Lightbourne, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ashton Greenslade (retired), Basil Minns, Assistant

Commissioner of Police Bernard Bonamy Jr, Brendamae

Catherine Cleare, Brynda

Knowles, Charles Smith, Assistant Commissioner of Police Craig Andrew Stubbs, Assistant Commissioner of Police

Dellareece Marie Ferguson, Denise Verna Williams nee

Knowles, Donald Shannon

Bullard, Sr, Edrin Symonette, Emmanuel Nathaniel Rolle, Frederick Byron Ferguson, Hilbert Richards, Sr, Hilda Louise

Symonette, Juanita Estella

Colebrooke, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kendal Alexander Strachan, Assistant

Commissioner of Police Kenwood Elroy Taylor, Assistant

Commissioner of Police Kirkwood Andrews, Llewellyn

Augustine Cartwright, Pamela

Jones-Burnside, Pandora Virginia Williams, Samuel Elijah Butler, Spence Finlayson, Stephanie Eudence

Johnson-Bethel, Stephen

Sawyer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Theophilus

Andrew Cunningham, Ural

Bertram Pinder, Assistant Commissioner of Police Zhivago

Henry Dames. New members of the Order of Merit include: Albert Dilette (posthumously), Alexander Thompson, Almela Sheila Campbell (posthumously), Alphonso James Smith (posthumously), Alvery Vernice

Hanna, Rev Andrew Christopher Burrows (posthumously), Anita Jane Bethel-Williams, Anthony Rudolph Marshall (posthumously), Arthur Talmage Peet, Barbara L Bethel, Basil Sands ‘aka’ The Kid, (posthumously), Brendan Gregory Paul Foulkes, Carl Bethel, Carol Leila Hanna, Clara Elizabeth Evans, Corydon

Cyril Mitchell, Danny Thomas Davis, Debbie Bartlett, Derrick Bookie Nesbitt, Dorothy Panza, Earle Bethell, Edmund Errol Dorsett, Edward Josh Wilkerson, Everette Standord Miller, George Arlington Martin, Godfrey Gordon Rolle, Greg Christie, Henry Anselm Wemyss, His Excellency Tony S Joudi, Pastor Israel Jenese Pinder, James Pinder, John Jefferson Scavella, Juanita Percentie, Kirk Smith, Krista Danielle Sherman, Laddy Daswell Bevans, Lionel Dorsett, Marina Allerdyce Louise Strachan, Max Dean, Mike Smith, Morris Rufus Rolle, Nixon Simms, Jr, Pastor Joel Rolle, Sr, and Randy Rolle, Sr.

The title of member of the Order of Merit has been awarded to Reg Smith, Rembert Albury, Ron Overend, Rozanna Predesta Moore, Samuel Leviticus Saunders, Sandra Edgecombe, Rev Fr Sebastian Arthur Campbell, Sophia Ann Butler, Stephen Hubert Beneby, Sylvia B Beneby, Dr Theresa E Moxey-Adderley, Velma P Dorsette, Vivian Prince Rolle, Watewell Rigby, Winifred Cornell Barry nee Saunders, and Yvette Stuart.

Medals for Acts of Bravery have been awarded to Anthony Garfield Archer, Jeffrey Hugo Gibson (posthumously), Lorenzo Douglas Carey, Patrick Neil Rickey Johnson (posthumously), Shawn Roosevelt Rolle, and Sullavin Benjamin McKenzie.

Finally, Distinguished Service Medals have been awarded to A Alan Strachan, Agatha Louise Delancy, Anthony Leslie Ryan, Antoinette Rolle, Antoinette Donnalee Stuart, Basil Andrew Dean, Belinda Raquel Clarke-Chipman, Betty Ann Lloyd-Turnquest, Blanche Alicia Sherman-Weech, Carl Fred Curry, Charlene Rahming, Charles Edward Hall, Cheryl Fox-Cambridge, Claudette Andrea Rolle, Claudius Bethel Sr, Curleane Gwendolyn Weech, Daphanie Sawyer, David James Poitier (posthumously), Derence Anthony Rolle-Davis, Donald Allen Fernander, Elmeta Rolle, Elva Margaret Smith-Russell, Ercell Dorsett, Godfrey Knowles, Henry Adolphus Nixon, Hilton Emmanuel McIntosh, Irene Parker (posthumously), James Washington Pratt, John Ellis Cunningham Sr (posthumously), John Nelson Davis, Judith Pamela Thompson, Julie Bertha Thompson (posthumously), Keno Ricardo Wong, Kenry Alexander Stubbs, Kevin Delancy, Lelah Deloris Farquharson-Cunningham, Leonard Brave Stuart, Lincoln James Maycock (posthumously), Loretta Jones, Malvenia Dawkins-Williams, Mary Elizabeth ClareMcCartney, Mavis Suzanne Ellis-Saunders, Mavis Knowles, Mazell Beatrice Hinzey, Michelle Farrington, Millard M Bethel, Paul Duncombe, Peggy Elizabeth Albury, Peter Weech, Phillip William-Dorsett, Playdale Newton, Portia Patrice Sweeting, Rebecca Pamela Johnson, Rudolph Vincent Bowe, Rudolph Hazlet Ferguson, Ryan Oneil Forbes, Sandra Pauline Walker, Sean Ricardo Wright, Sheron Lydia Johnson, Sherrick Lingstone Ellis, Sidney E Darling, Stanley Benjamin Pinder (posthumously), Stephanie Burrows, Stephen Knowles, Tezel Florine Anderson, Valderine Cordelia Turnquest–Rumer, Veronica Theresa Burrows, Wanda Lucile Kemp-Stuart, Xavier Colton, Yvonne McDonald (posthumously), and Zelma Maxine Albury.

The following were also recognised for long and exceptional service to the Governor General: Doris Whyms, Edgar Kemp, Jack Thompson, Joel Bucannon, Patricia MusgroveGooding, Philip Saunders, Rochelle Major-Minnis, F Samantha Gray, Sherlyn Bastian-Wallace, and Tiffany Frazer-Dean.

Clash of the titans for gold, silver and bronze medals in tennis action

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE clash of the titans for the gold, silver and bronze medals in tennis at the sixth Bahamas Games will not include the New Providence Buccaneers.

Surprisingly, after four days of intense competition at the National Tennis Center, the Buccaneers failed to crack the top four in the team standings and will have to play Abaco for the fifth or sixth place.

While it was anticipated that the Grand Bahamian Lucayans would have earned their berth, what wasn’t expected was that their opponents would come from the Andros Chickcharnies, while the Eleuthera Adventurers would take on the Long Island Sheep Runners for the bronze.

New Providence actually finished third in their group, which knocked them out of contention for one of the top four spots. In their absence, many are still looking forward to some fireworks from the Grand Bahama-Andros and the Eleuthera-Long Island match-ups.

Lucayans’ coach Danny Pratt said his team from Grand Bahama has played very well so far in the games and he expects that they will carry that momentum over to the final.

“We know that every one of them takes the game seriously,” Pratt said. “So right now, we’re doing okay. We have a rough battle with Andros on Tuesday, but I think we will be right there. We have a well-balanced team, so is Andros, so it’s going to be a real fight out there.”

The Lucayans’ team include players such as

Denali Nottage, Rodney Carey Jr, Larikah Russell and Jalisa Clarke.

Bradley Bain, one of the coaches for Andros, said the Chickcharnies did what they had to do and that was to get into the final.

“I don’t anticipate going into events where we don’t have a chance to win,” Bain said. “We have a very strong team from Andros with MJ (Michael Major Jr) and PJ (Philip Major Jr) and Jacobi Bain on the men’s side and Sydney Clarke and her little sister Sarai on the junior girls’ side and Savano Hanna on the junior boys’ side, I think it’s a great combination.”

Bain said if it’s one thing he’s confident in, it’s the fact that “our players know

what to do to keep the ball in play. They will come to play,” he insisted.

“They (Grand Bahama) have to beat us on the court. They look good on paper, but they have to play the game.”

In group A, Grand Bahama finished with a 2-1 win-loss record, while Long Island was 1-2 and Abaco was 0-3.

In pool B, Andros topped the field at 3-1, Eleuthera was 2-2, New Providence was 1-3 and MICAL was 0-4.

In explaining the format for tennis, referee Mickey Williams noted that each tie between two islands feature six matches, which include the junior boys’ and girls’ singles, senior

boys’ and girls’ singles, girls’ and boys’ doubles and the mixed doubles to ten points, if necessary wherever there is a tie.

To complete the round robin play on Sunday, Grand Bahama knocked off Long Island 5-1 and Eleuthera matched the same results against MICAL.

The surprise came in the other match where Andros whitewashed New Providence 6-0.

•Here’s a look at the results of those matches played:

Grand Bahama def. Long Island 5-1

Men’s Singles - Denali Nottage (Grand Bahama) def Anthony Burrows Jr (Long Island) 6-3, 6-2.

Boys Singles - Synaj Watkins (Long Island) def. Aiden Ritchie (Grand Bahama) 7-6(5), 5-7, 10-7.

Women’s SinglesLarikah Russell (Grand Bahama) def Genesis MISSICK (Long Island) 6-0, 6-0.

Girls Singles Jalisa Clarke (Grand Bahama) def. Saphire Ferguson (Long Island) 6-4, 6-3.

Men’s Doubles - Rodney Carey Jr and Denali Nottage (Grand Bahama) def Abishai Adderley and Anthony Burrows Jr (Long Island) 6-1, 6-1

Women’s Doubles - Jalisa Clarke and Larikah Russell (Grand Bahama def BreAnn Ferguson and Genesis Missick (Long Island) 6-1, 6-2.

Eleuthera def. MICAL 5-1

Men’s Singles - Kevin Major Jr (Eleuthera) def Dentry Mortimer Jr (MICAL) 6-0, 6-0.

Boys Singles - Patrick Mackey Jr (MICAL) def. Ayai Bethel (Eleuthera) 6-3, 6-4.

Women’s Singles - Richette Percentie (Eleuthera) walkover.

Girls Singles - Felicity McPhee (Eleuthera) def. Syrae Feaster (MICAL) 6-0, 6-0.

Men’s Doubles - Zander Cromwell and Kevin Major Jr. (Eleuthera) def Patrick Mackey Jr and Dentry Mortimer Jr (MICAL) 6-0, 6-0.

Women’s DoublesKaylee Kanuka and Elana Mackey (Eleuthera) walkover. Andros def. New Providence 6-0

Men’s Singles - Michael Major Jr (Andros) def Justin Lunn (New Providence) 6-0, 6-0.

Boys Singles - Savano Hanna (Andros) def Miguel Smith (New Providence) 6-3, 6-3.

Women’s SinglesSydney Clarke (Andros) def Elanqua Griffin (New Providence) 6-2, 6-1.

Girls Singles - Sarai Clarke (Andros) def Aryuana Davis (New Providence) 6-0, 6-2.

Men’s Doubles - Michael Major Jr. and Philip Major Jr. (Andros) def Justin Lunn and Marvin Rolle (New Providence) walkover

Women’s DoublesSarai and Sydney Clarke (Andros) def Elanqua Griffin and Sierra Rodgers (New Providence) 6-0, 6-2. – The gold and bronze medal ties as well as the battle for fifth and sixth place will begin at 9am today at the NTC.

BAAA National Track and Field Championships end on a high note

FROM PAGE 16

The meet wrapped up after three days of intense track and field competition from both the seniors and juniors. Senior athletes returning to home soil for competition on Independence weekend not only put on a show for the home crowd, but also punched their tickets to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Also, the juniors followed suit but instead booked their flights to Costa Rica and Buenos Aires for the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) under-18 and under-23 championships and 2023 Pan American Games.

JUNIORS Shatalya Dorsette not only qualified for the NACAC U18 and U23 championships but also left the TAR stadium a double champion.

The 17-year-old claimed both first place finishes in the 100-metres and 200m finals. Dorsette once again finished first with CARIFTA gold medallist Jamiah Nabbie following behind for second. She finished with a personal best of 24.05 in the event. Meanwhile, Nabbie ended 0.05 seconds behind with 24.10. Grand Bahama’s Dorsette said she just wanted to execute the plans of her and the coach, therefore, she was glad she ran with Nabbie because it gave her an extra push for a personal best. She said it felt great to become a double champion at the nationals after graduating high school this year.

The 2023 Sunland Baptist

graduate now has her sights set on tertiary education at Louisiana Tech University where she will pursue her studies in forensic science.

Adam Musgrove, who was already having quite the track season, added another accomplishment to his collection. Musgrove paired his gold medal in the 100m finals alongside another from the 200m finals. The recent Pan American Games qualifier notched a time of 21.08 for the win.

Musgrove was overwhelmed with emotion as he talked about his newest track feat. “This is a dream come true. I am really speechless because like I said I have never really won any major event so to come out here and win two at my last junior meet at home is a fantastic feeling,” he said.

Melvinique Gibson, of the T-Bird Flyers, also doubled her medal count at the National Track and Field Championships.

After securing the win in the 400m finals, Gibson followed it up with a 200m win, making her a double champion as well. She finished with 25.37 in the event.

Gibson said she could have executed better in the race but she just tried to have fun and give her 100% best. Overall, she felt she did well in the events over the weekend.

SENIORS Sprinter Anthonique Strachan closed off the track and field championships as a double national champion in the 100m and 200m finals. On the final day, Strachan collected her second win clocking 23.41.

Hurdler Gabrielle Gibson came second with 24.15 and Jenae Ambrose ended in third place.

Strachan talked about the win after having some difficulties with her spikes.

“The race was a pretty smooth race. I just was working on my technique like I said previously before my spikes popped during warmup and was starting to pop even more when I was running…it was making

it more difficult so I just changed up my race strategy and plan to just work on technique and race execution,” she said.

Professional hurdler

Devynne Charlton blitzed past the finish line first with a time of 12.93 in the 100m hurdles finals. Charisma Taylor trailed behind with 13.04 and Denisha Cartwright of Minnesota State University finished third. Charlton said she thought

the race was pretty good despite the strong winds. She said Taylor pushed her throughout the race and she had to find another gear in the middle of the race because she felt the pressure in the beginning.

Joel Forbes came away as the national champion in the 800m race for the third time. He emerged victorious after running 1:52.32.

Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) javelin title, claimed the national title at home after throwing a personal best 59.75m.

Otabor said she felt the series was okay. She said she started off strong but in the middle of her throwing, she started to dip in distance. However, she was happy that she saved the best for last.

Although she was happy with the personal best, she is aiming for a throw of 60m. Next up for Otabor will be the NACAC U18 and U23 championships.

Among some of the other athletes that qualified for the NACAC U18 and U23 championships include Lanaisha Lubin, Raywind Winder, Ishmael Rolle, Erin Barr, J Nabbie and others.

Overall, BAAA president Drumeco Archer said the event was a success.

“I think it’s what we all expected, it was a transition from the CARIFTA games, we continue to see the athletes improving. I am also happy with the performances at the senior level, it bodes well for good competition when we go to Budapest. Also I think we will have a strong NACAC U18 and U23 team and we will be going into the World Championships equally as strong,” Archer said.

Mr Archer said he was impressed with all of the senior athletes, including Strachan, Gardiner and Donald Thomas.

Rhema

Otabor, winner of the National

Also, he was excited to see Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s return to the track as it was a testament of her strength and will to always want to be at the top.

THE ANDROS Chickcharnies are ready for the gold medal game at the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games.

SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan has punched her ticket to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

NP Buccaneers knock off the Eleuthera Adventurers

BOOK TICKET TO GOLD MEDAL GAME IN BASEBALL

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN a battle of two remaining undefeated teams, the New Providence Buccaneers knocked off the Eleuthera Adventurers to book their ticket to the gold medal game for baseball in the sixth Bahamas Games.

As the country celebrated its 50th Golden Jubilee Independence anniversary yesterday at the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, the Buccaneers pulled off a 9-2 win.

Buccaneers’ manager Clarence ‘CJ’ McKenzie said he was satisfied with the way the Buccaneers performed.

“We really wanted to put ourselves in a position to compete for the gold medal,” McKenzie said.

“Tomorrow, we expect the same thing, good defence and a lot of fire power, scoring a lot of runs.”

The Buccaneers were able to produce at least two runs per inning to back up the strong pitching from Deshaughn Forbes to remain undefeated in three games as they advanced to the gold medal game at 4 pm.

With the loss, Eleuthera dropped to 2-1 and will move into the bronze medal game at 1pm.

Their opponents will come following the 10am match-up between the Lucayans from Grand Bahama and the Andros Chickcharnies.

Grand Bahama avoided elimination as they shutout Andros 10-0 in four innings in their key match-up earlier yesterday.

Manager Orville Saint said they played sparingly, but will definitely have to play up to par if they intend to win a medal.

“At first it was a let down for me because I guess the expectations were a little high,” Saint said. “I’m glad we got beat in the first game.

In the second game, we won that and the third game we should have won it.”

Saint noted that his Lucayan bats were not up to par, but now they are playing up to their full potential and he’s hoping it will produce the kind of results they need for the final day of competition today.

In their shutout of Andros, Kyton Bethel pitched a no-hitter with two walks and left fielder

McKell Bethel led their offensive attack with a 1-for-2 outing with two runs batted in and a run scored.

Designated hitter Ryan Norttage scored twice with a RBI. “Our bats are coming around, so anything is possible,” Saint said. “We have to work our way back up to the gold medal game. “I’m not going to put any pressure on my guys. I will just wait to see how they play tomorrow.”

Zaden Cox suffered the loss as Andros suffered their second straight loss on the day, dropping a 7-6 decision to New Providence as the Chickcharnies got eliminated from further play.

Malik Foster got the win on the mound and Tavaris Minnis was tagged with the loss.

Versatile Deshaughn Forbes was 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored and left fielder Tata Isaacs was

2-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored.

Tavaris Munnings got the loss. Left fielder Justin Smith was 1-for-2 with a run scored.

In the other game played yesterday, Columbus Isles blanked MICAL 16-0 behind the 1-0 hit, four walk, five strike outs and one hit by pitch performance by winning pitcher Junnel Bain.

He also helped his own cause with a perfect 2-for-2 plate appearance with two runs scored and a RBI. Javier Bowe suffered the loss.

• Games played in the aseball Tournament are as follows:

FRIDAY

Long Island def. Abaco 6-3; Eleuthera def. Grand Bahama 8-1; MICAL def. Columbus Isles 4-2; Andros def. Bimini 9-7; Grand Bahama def. Abaco 10-0 and New Providence def. Long Island 8-0.

SATURDAY Columbus Isles def. Grand Bahama 11-5; Long Island def. Bimini 9-7 and Grand Bahama def. Abaco 13-0.

SUNDAY MICAL def. Long Island 13-0; Grand Bahama def. Bimini 4-0 and Eleuthera MICAL 12-2.

MONDAY New Providence def. Andros 7-6; Columbus Isles def. MICAL 16-0; Grand Bahama def. Andros 10-0 and New Providence def. Eleuthera 9-2.

Marvin Johnson and GB Lucayans conquer swimming competition at 6th Bahamas Games

FROM PAGE 16

and held on for an impressive victory at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex with a total of 1,697 points ahead of arch rivals New Providence Buccaneers, who had to settle for second with 1,484.

The Arawaks from Columbus Isles settled for third with 906.50, followed by the Andros Chickcharnies with 863; Long Island Sheep Runners with 580; Exuma & Rugged Island Navigators with 503.50; MICAL Flamingoes with 261.50; Eleuthera Adventurers with 127.50; Abaco Survivors with 38 and Bimini Marlins with 28.

Grand Bahama also dominated the medal count with 62 gold, 38 silver and 31 bronze for a total of 131. New Providence had 30 gold, 48 silver and 34 bronze for their total of 112. The Arawaks got 15 gold, nine silver and 26 bronze for 50.

Long Island picked up nine gold, 10 silver and 11 bronze for 30; Bimini had three gold; MICAL had two gold, four silver and two bronze for eight; Exum and Ragged Island had one gold, five silver and nine bronze for 15 and Eleuthera had one bronze, Eva Russell, the head coach of the Lucayans, said she couldn’t be more proud

of the team from Grand Bahama.

“We came together and displayed the quality of the team from Grand Bahama,” she said. “So I’m very proud of the way they competed together. We just came out of the Nationals and they were still able to produce some quality performances.”

Russell said the 40-member team from Grand Bahama “rocked the house.”

One of their stars was Marvin Johnson, who carted off the boys’ most outstanding swimming performance of the meet, based on points accumulated. He scored a total of 73 points to nip New Providence’s Trace Russell and Columbus Isles’ David Singh, who both had 71 points.

“It’s good. Being able to represent Grand Bahama is a little more special because it’s my hometown,” said Johnson.

“I usually represent the Bahamas, but to actually represent Grand Bahama is a lot of fun.”

Johnson, a 17-year-old attending McCallie Boarding School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, said he didn’t know that he was in contention for the award. He said he simply wanted to go out and score as many points as he could for the

Lucayans. The award was the icing on the cake.

“There were guys whom I competed with on the national team, so it was a lot of fun competing against them as we represented the different islands,” he said.

“It was some stiff competition and I had a lot of fun competing in my first Bahamas Games.”

Also making her debut in the games, which returns after a 21-year hiatus, was

DNDN McKenzie, who won the girls most outstanding award with 67 points. She also beat out a strong field that saw her Buccaneers’ team-mates Taylen Nicholls and Trinity Pratt finish with 63 and 61 points respectively.

“I feel so honoured. I’m surprised I even got this. I was surprised,” said McKenzie, a 12-year-old student preparing for grade eight at St Anne’s School.

“I was going to walk out and then I heard my name. I’m so happy.

“Everybody told them that I got this award. I was so shocked.”

McKenzie, however, said she was delighted to compete in her first Bahamas Games as she went all out with her performances, lowering her personal best times in some of the events she competed in.

Although with her performance, along with that of Nicholls and Pratt to propel Grand Bahama over the top, coach Travano McPhee said he felt Team New Providence gave it their best shot.

“I think the draft was a little more relaxed this year, which didn’t benefit New Providence too much,” McPhee said. “A lot of swimmers from New Providence took advantage of the opportunity to compete for another island.

“But it was good competition. Congratulations to Grand Bahama. They had a full team. This time of the year, the swimmers are now in offseason after the nationals, so it was good to see how well they performed in the meet.”

McPhee, who swam in the last games in 2001 and is now coaching with his daughter competing, said it was good to see the games back. He noted that a lot of

the swimmers were asking a lot of questions about the meet. He said he just hopes that it can continue so the swimmers can have another major national event to compete in.

Bahamas Aquatics president Algernon Cargill said they ensured that the meet was well organised and on time.

“While we take nothing away from Team Grand Bahama because they brought some quality performers to the meet, I was happy to see Nigel Forbes turn in some best swims, which showed that the swimmers were serious about competing in the games.”

The games also served as a qualifier for the 2024 CARIFTA Games that will be hosted at the same venue during the Easter holiday weekend. Swimmers got their first chance to attain the standards.

Cargill, however, noted that Bahamas Aquatics will now shift its attention to the 20th World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 14-30.

A four-member team of Lamar Taylor, Davante Carey, Rhanishka Gibbs and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson will represent the Bahamas, followed by the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile from October 20 to November 7.

IN a battle of two remaining undefeated teams, the New Providence Buccaneers knocked off the Eleuthera Adventurers to book their ticket to the gold medal for baseball in the sixth Bahamas Games.

Photo: MOYSC-Department of Sports

DNDN McKenzie receives the girls’ best swimmer award from president Algernon Cargill and Georgette Albury from Bahamas Aquatics.

THE Grand Bahama Lucayans, behind the top performance from Marvin Johnson, came and conquered the swimming competition at the sixth Bahamas Games.

Jay surges ahead to secure win for NP Buccaneers

ROAD RACE SEGMENT OF CYCLING COMPETITION COMPLETE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

JAY Major surged ahead in the sprint to secure the New Providence Buccaneers only win in the cycling competition as the road race completed their segment of the sixth Bahamas Games.

In a gruelling finish to the line on the course in the loop around the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center, Major took the tape in one hour and 25.24 seconds, holding off Andros Chickcharnies’ Chris Curry, who trailed in 1:25.25. Kevin Daley of Columbus Isles Arawaks got third in 1:25.26.

Major, coming off his victory in the recent Bahamas Cycling Federaton’s National Championships, said he was prepared for the challenge that he faced in the games.

“I didn’t have such a good race in the timed trials. I sort of used that as my motivation because I really came here to do well in the road race,” Major said.

“I was really happy with the way I performed. Winning the title was extra special because we had a very good field of competitors and I knew I had to go for it if I wanted to win.”

Curry, 32, admitted that he knew it would come down to a sprint and so he wanted to make sure he put himself in a position to be in contention.

Unfortunately, he said Major got the jump on him and the rest of the field and when he tried to go after him, it was a little too late. He congratulated Major on his performance.

On Sunday, Lorin Sawyer took the men’s timed trials back to Eleuthera as he crossed the line in 24.54 seconds, well ahead of Daley, who was second in 24.54. Jeff Tynes of New Providence was third in 25.13.

“It was good. There was a pretty strong head wind, but the course was pretty good. We had a little struggle with the traffic, but Bahamian people are not letting up for anybody,” Sawyer said.

“This was fun. It’s probably the best event I’ve been to in this country. We had a lot of cyclists, which is good to see for the production of the sport.”

On the ladies’ side, it was a sweep for Grand Bahama’s Smobia Moreau as she captured the ladies’ time trials in 27.51. Moreau’s

nearest rival was her teammate from Grand Bahama Maria De Rose, who trailed in 28.51. Eleuthera Adventurers Marla Albury was third in 29.07.

Mireau came back on Sunday and added the road race title to her ledger in 2:45.57 with her Lucayan’s team-mate Maria DeRosa taking second in 2:45.40. Marla Abury of Eleuthera came in third in 2:45.41.

“I am still in shock. After winning the timed trials, I didn’t expect that I would come out and win the road race as well,” she said. “I give God all the thanks and praise. I also want to thank my husband, my coach, Mr (Kenton) Roker and the entire team from Grand Bahama for their support.”

It was a clean sweep of the titles for Grand Bahamian Launy Duncombe in the boys 15-17 division, and New Providence’s Kami Roach and Taylor Knowles in the girls 15-17 and 12-14 divisions respectively, Long Island’s Lachlan Menzies and Lenin Hamilton shared the honours in the boys 12-14.

Duncombe, coming off his triumph in the timed trials in 16.23, took the road race in 47.54.

“I feel good about it. There were some things that I could have done better, but overall, it was a good ride,” Duncombe said. “I feel good about my overall performance.

“I still have a little more work to do. I have to go back and put in the

work. But it’s a great feeling for me being a double champion. That has never happened for me before.”

After hearing about the Bahamas Games last year, Duncombe said he went full force into training because he wanted to be able to represent Grand Bahama to the best of his ability.

Roach, one of the top female competitors in the country, emerged as the junior girls’ double champion in the timed trials in 18.35 and came back and completed the road race in 48.26. “I knew this was going to be a good meet and

so I came prepared to compete,” Roach said. “I didn’t have any expectations other than to win. “I knew I was a little ahead of my competitors, but I still had to go out there and perform and that is what I did. I think I did very well in both the timed trials and the road race.” She said she wanted to use the meet to prepare for the CARIFTA triathlon coming up here in August. She noted that there’s still some work she needs to do, but she was pleased with her performances.

Knowles, winner of the girls 12-14 timed trials in

12.00, was just as ecstatic about her double feat.

“It was a very good feeling. I will definitely work towards doing it again at the next Bahamas games,” Knowles said.

“I really enjoyed the timed trials because it was a lot shorter.

“But it was a nice experience. I got to meet a lot of new friends. All around, it was a good experience for me.” After taking some time to compete in swimming before they closed out on Sunday, Hamilton got the chance to participate in the

road race, which he comfortably won in 28.33.

“My performance was alright. I felt I could have done a lot better if I didn’t have to swim yesterday (Sunday).

“My legs were a little sore,” Hamilton said. “I am preparing for the CARIFTA triathlon, so this was good to get me ready for it.”

While the CARIFTA Triathlon here in August is his next goal, Hamilton said he was just delighted to be able to compete in the Bahamas Games.

“I was really excited about it,” said the 14-yearold Hamilton, who is preparing to enter grade nine at St Paul’s School in Grand Bahama. “I really enjoyed competing in the games.”

Federation president Roy Colebrooke said the two days of competition was unbelievable.

“Those who you thought would have won, got upset,” said Colebrooke, who also serves as the chairman of the New Providence Sports Council. “The entire two days of cycling was very exciting.

“I’m grateful, most of all, that the event went off without any major incident. Safety is our first motto and we’re just thankful to our partners, the Police, the ambulance, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the athletes and coaches from around the Bahamas who helped to make this a success.

LADY BUCCANEERS OF NEW PROVIDENCE CLAIM GOLD ON SOCCER PITCH

FROM PAGE 16

Grand Bahama Lucayans 2-1 this past Sunday.

The Lucayans opened the matchup determined to win as they were the first to score the initial point.

However, the home team tied the game 1-l. Despite the Lucayans’ attempts to recover they were unable to and Buccaneers team captain Annisa Albury scored the tie-breaking goal on a penalty kick.

Samuel Thibaud, head coach of the New Providence Buccaneers, talked about the ladies’ win.

“It was a good win, they scored first but I just told the young ladies to settle down, that’s just one goal, it’s just one half and we played possessions and just moved our way up the field and eventually we scored to equalise,” Thibaud said.

He added that he was excited to see a lot of the older players come back and play. He said the veterans set the pace for the younger girls and they came out and showed their dedication.

In Sunday’s two remaining matches the Abaco Survivors dropped the

men’s Lucayans 1-0 after holding onto their halftime lead. Additionally, the Eleuthera Adventurers men’s team wrapped up the Exuma and Ragged Island Navigators 1-0.

Yesterday was recognised as a rest day for soccer and the matchups will resume at 9am today between the Buccaneers and Navigators. Also, the Lucayans will face-off against the Adventurers.

Volleyball

The volleyball sporting discipline got off to a busy start at both the Kendal G L Isaacs and Anatol Rodgers gymnasiums. The games ran simultaneously between both locations featuring the 10 teams representing the Bahama Islands.

On Independence Day, the Long Island Sheep Runners dropped the Adventurers in two sets 25-16, 25-15.

The Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay (MICAL)

Flamingoes took down the Navigators in two tightly contested sets 25-23,25-22. In more action from the Anatol Rodgers gymnasium, the Lucayans overcame the

Sheep Runners 25-22, 25-18.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Isles Arawaks versus the Flamingoes game went to three sets.

The Arawaks claimed set one 25-20.

However, the Flamingoes tied the sets after winning 25-16. In the final set, the Arawaks concluded the match 15-6.

The Lucayans emerged victorious over the Navigators in stiff competition across three sets.

The Lucayans snuck away with set one 26-24.

The Navigators climbed back in set two with 25-18.

However, the Lucayans edged out their opponents 15-11 to close set three with a win. At the Kendal G L Isaacs gymnasium, the

Adventurers fought hard against the Survivors in three sets.

The Adventurers journeyed to a 25-14 win in the initial set.

The Survivors bounced back in the following set 25-17.

It came down to the wire for both teams in the final set but the Adventurers got the win 16-14.

The Arawaks (men) claimed a comfortable win over the Andros Chiccharnies in two sets 25-12, 25-13.

The Lady Lucayans toppled the Navigators 25-21 in a competitive first set. In the consecutive set, the Lucayans meant business winning 25-10.

The men’s Chiccharnies this time came up short against the Survivors in two sets 25-15, 25-16.

The Buccaneers (men) continued their dominance this time drubbing the Adventurers 25-10, 25-18.

The women’s Survivors fell to the Arawaks in two sets.

The initial set was a nailbiter between the women of both teams but the Arawaks claimed set one 27-26.

They followed up the win with 25-18 in set two.

After days of intense volleyball action, the championship game will begin at 2pm today at the Kendal G L Isaacs gymnasium.

The remaining results from the previous days of competition between the sporting disciplines can be accessed via www.tribune242.com

A NUMBER of women competed in the cycling segment of the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games.

TOP junior cyclists, from left to right, are Taylor Knowles, Kami Roach and Launy Duncombe.

SHOWN, from left to right, are Kevin Daley, Jay Major and Chris Curry after the men’s road race.

ATHLETES compete in the soccer competition during the 6th Bahamas Games.

Photo: MOYSC-Department of Sports

NACAC team named

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ALL SET FOR JULY 21-23 IN COSTA RICA

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN the aftermath of a successful hosting of its National Track and Field Championships, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations announced the selection of its first major international team for the summer.

A 22-member team will carry the flag in the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships that will take place in Costa Rica from July 21-23.

There are 19 under-18 girls, 16 under-18 boys, four under-23 girls and nine under-23 boys, selected to the tram. They are as follows:

Under-18 girls

Jamiah Nabbie. Shatalya Dorsett, Darvinique Dean, Jaynae Pinder, Erin Barr, Chanyah Taylor, Lanaisha

Lubin, Phebe Thompson, Bayli Major, Koi Adderley, Tylah Pratt, Annae Mackry, Cailyn Johnson, DiorRae Scott, Taysha Stubbs, Shayann Demeritte, Nya Wright, Nia Richards and Alexis Roberts.

Under-18 boys

Ishmael Rolle, Caden Smith, Zion Shepherd, Zion Miller, Robert Stuart, Tajh Brown, Berkley Munnings, Morgan Moss, Raywind Winder, Johnathan Rodgers, Robert Stuart, William McKinney, Justin Hanna, Jelani Morrison, Kenny Moxey Jr and Trent Ford.

Under-23 girls

Megan Moss, Lacarthea

Cooper, Rhema Otabor and Shauneice Miller.

Under-23 boys

Terrence Jones, Antoine Andrews, Shaun Miller Jr, Tarajh Hudson, Keyshawn Strachan, Brenden Vanderpool, Demetrius Rolle, Adam Musgrove and

Carlos Brown. The team will be managed by Laura Charlton, while Corrington Maycock will serve as the head coach.

He noted that they have a very experienced and solid team and so the expectations are very high.

“With this being the Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of Independence, we want to continue showcasing our talent in making the Bahamas proud,” he stated.

As for being elected as the head coach, Maycock, the founder and head

coach of Blue Chips Athletic Club, said it’s always a great feeling when representing the Bahamas at any level of a coaching staff.

“Being the head coach is more demanding, but I have a super coaching staff and management team with me,” he stated.

Maycock will be assisted by coaches Everette Fraser, Dereck Wells from Grand Bahama, Jason Edwards, Neketa Sears and Waldon Whyms. Assisting Charlton will be Sharon Gardiner. The chaperone is

PISTONS AND ISAIAH AGREE ON $64M, 4-YEAR EXTENSION, SOURCE TELLS AP

By LARRY LAGE AP Sports Writer

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons and Isaiah Stewart have agreed on a $64 million, four-year contract extension, according to a person familiar with the deal.

The person spoke to The Associated Press last night on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

ESPN was first to report the post player’s deal with the Pistons.

Stewart averaged a career-high 11.3 points and 8.1 rebounds last season.

He has averaged nine points and 7.8 rebounds over his three-year career and was entering the last year of his rookie contract.

Jacqueline Rolle, the physician is Dr Cindy Williams and physiotherapist is Terrell Major. The BAAA, headed by Drumeco Archer, still has yet to name the team heading to the 19th World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from August 19-27. There is also a team that will be selected by the Bahamas Olympic Committee to head to the Pan American Games from October 20 to November 6 in Santiago, Chile.

The Portland Trail Blazers drafted the former Washington star with the No. 16 pick in 2020 and within the next week, he was traded to Houston and Detroit.

The 6-foot-8 Stewart provides a much-needed physical presence for the Pistons.

Detroit’s rebuilding hopes are tied largely to Cade Cunningham’s comeback from shin surgery, along with second-year pros Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, and rookie wing Ausar Thompson.

Djokovic wants Wimbledon to start matches earlier at Centre Court. Good luck with that

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

WIMBLEDON, England

(AP) — Novak Djokovic is a bit tired of not getting on Centre Court at Wimbledon until nearly 9pm. The waiting. The uncertainty. The rushing to try to finish matches by the 11pm local curfew — or the annoyance at having to stop midway through a contest and wait until the following day to resume. He offered a solution yesterday afternoon after winning his 32nd consecutive match in the grass-court tournament by wrapping up a 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6), 5-7, 6-4 victory over Hubert Hurkacz that began Sunday evening but was halted after two sets: Start play in the All England Club’s main stadium earlier than 1:30pm. Maybe at noon, say. “It would make a difference,” said Djokovic,

who is now into the quarterfinals and three wins away from what would be a fifth championship in a row at Wimbledon, an eighth overall at the place and a 24th career Grand Slam title.

“There are different ways that I’m sure they will address this issue,” said Djokovic, whose shoes are stamped with the number “23,” a reference to his current major trophy count, “and try to avoid having these kind of problems in the future.”

Yeah, Novak, good luck with that. The head of the club made clear there is not much of a chance of such a switch.

“Matches are happening at a time when they’re accessible to people. We’re seeing (TV) viewing figures that are beyond our expectations and beyond previous years,” club chief

executive Sally Bolton said, “so I think they probably speak for themselves.”

Play begins on the smaller courts at 11 a.m. and at No. 1 Court at 1 p.m., with Centre Court the last to get play underway. Because the tournament site is right in a residential area, local rules prevent matches from continuing past 11 p.m.; often, if a set ends around 10:30 p.m., the encounter will be suspended until the next day so as not to risk going past the cutoff time.

That happened in Andy Murray’s loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, which got stretched into a second day after being the last on the schedule at Centre Court.

Djokovic’s third-round match, which also was last at that arena, appeared to be headed that way, too, but he managed to finish beating Stan Wawrinka at 10:46 p.m. DjokovicHurkacz, again last for the day at Centre Court, began with the retractable roof shut; they stopped at 10:35 p.m. When action picked up again a little more than 16 hours later, the cover was gone and the wind was whipping.

Djokovic said he warmed up at about 1 p.m. for both of those nighttime affairs and then was left with a key decision.

“Should you go back to the accommodation? The house nearby? Or should

you stay (at the club)? Yesterday, I decided to stay,” said Djokovic, who will face No. 7 Andrey Rublev on Tuesday for a berth in the semifinals. “I stayed, basically, for seven hours, waiting for my match to start.” Once it did, Djokovic was not quite at his very best against the 17th-seeded Hurkacz, who is best known for being the player to beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2021 in what wound up being the last match of the 20-time major champion’s career. Hurkacz held three set points when he led the opening tiebreaker 6-3, but he showed some shakiness and couldn’t hold on. Then he led 5-4 in the second tiebreaker — two points from taking it — and again allowed Djokovic to come through before the interruption Sunday night. After Hurkacz made things interesting by

grabbing a set Monday, Djokovic reasserted himself, as he so often does.

“Playing Novak,” Hurkacz said, “is just an incredible challenge to compete against.”

One of Wednesday’s men’s quarterfinals will be No. 3 Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, against unseeded Chris Eubanks, a 27-year-old American making his Wimbledon debut. Eubanks never had been past the second round at a Grand Slam tournament until now.

The other men’s match Wednesday will be No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz vs. No. 6 Holger Rune.

Alcaraz got past 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, and Rune also came back from a set down to beat No. 21 Grigor Dimitrov 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4), 6-3.

JABEUR REACHES WIMBLEDON QUARTERFINALS, WHERE DEFENDING CHAMPION RYBAKINA AWAITS

By KEN MAGUIRE AP Sports Writer

WIMBLEDON, England

(AP) — Ons Jabeur is getting another shot at Elena Rybakina, a year after losing to her in the Wimbledon final.

It’s just the quarterfinals this time around, but the Tunisian player has to go through the defending champion to have a chance of winning her first Grand Slam tournament.

The sixth-seeded Jabeur routed two-time champion Petra Kvitova 6-0, 6-3 yesterday in the fourth round at the All England Club.

“I’m probably going for my revenge,” Jabeur said on court. “It was a difficult final last year. It’s going to bring a lot of memories.”

Jabeur has been a Grand Slam runner-up twice — both times last year. After losing to Rybakina in

three sets at Wimbledon, she lost to Iga Swiatek in straight sets at the U.S. Open — falling just short of becoming the first African or Arab woman to win a major tennis tournament in the sport’s professional era.

Two things jump out to Jabeur when she thinks about the Wimbledon loss to Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan but was born in Russia.

“The fact that I was really exhausted like emotionally,” she began.

“I wanted to keep pushing, but I felt little bit empty. Second thing, maybe what my coach kept telling me, to stick more to the plan, to do certain things, even though I was thinking something else in that match.”

The 28-year-old Jabeur hopes to “play more freely, just think about each point and not the results.”

Mission accomplished on Monday, when Jabeur felt free enough on Centre Court to execute a David Beckham-style — Jabeur is a fan of the England great — half-volley kick on a bouncing ball while up a set and 3-1.

The ninth-seeded Kvitova, who eliminated Jabeur in the first round at Wimbledon in 2019, dug herself a hole from the start, committing a doublefault and three unforced errors to hand Jabeur a service break in the first game.

Rybakina advanced Monday when Beatriz Haddad Maia retired from their match with a lower back injury with Rybakina leading 4-1.

“Now I’m feeling much better and more confident coming and playing on Centre Court,” Rybakina said. “It is different from the first round. I think it

was just overall the atmosphere and the nerves to play the first match to get used to the grass, just to play some matches here.

“I think now mentally I’m much better. Physically also good now.”

In other women’s results, second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka reached the quarterfinals by beating No. 21 Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-0.

The Australian Open champion will next face Madison Keys.

The American, seeded No. 25, defeated 16-yearold Mirra Andreeva 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2.

On Tuesday, top-ranked Iga Swiatek plays Elina Svitolina on Centre Court for a spot in the semifinals, and fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula faces Marketa Vondrousova in the day’s other women’s quarterfinal match.

UNDER-17 girls 4 x 100m relay team iof Jamiah Nabbie, Nia Wright, Koi Adderley and Shatalya Dorsett.

TUNISIA’s Ons Jabeur smiles as she plays Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova in a women’s singles match on day eight of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London yesterday.

(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

NOVAK Djokovic

(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

‘Having a trade opens a lot of doors’

JUST what Valentino Oliver was trying to avoid is now a huge part of his life and he is loving each moment.

The BTVI Story

“I never really wanted to do a trade. My family is full of tradesmen. I can remember very vividly in high school my uncle, Garth, tried to teach me carpentry and I would duck him because I didn’t see the value in having a trade,” said Valentino.

Today, however, Valentino has had a change of heart. He is currently an Electrical Installation student at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Grand Bahama. He is attending BTVI part-time while serving as a Police Sergeant in the Traffic Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, having spent 17 years with the organisation. He now acknowledges the value of trades.

“Before, my focus was more on business than anything. Some years later, I realised that having a trade and working for yourself opens a lot of doors. I’m not 40 yet, so I figured that it’s never too late to try and become an entrepreneur through the construction trades,” said Mr Oliver.

Determined to schedule his classes during his off hours, Mr Oliver said a BTVI education is worth juggling work, school and family.

“My ultimate goal is to start my own construction company and one day become an entrepreneur in the construction field. BTVI has made me so aware of the ups and downs of the construction field. I would walk into a building now and be aware of the environment based on the construction codes,” said the young man who has just completed his first year at BTVI.

“I look at the receptacles and the distance that they should be apart, the different switches, single pole, three way etc. and where they should be from the door, according to code, the types and sizes of the wiring according to amperage etc,” said Mr Oliver.

Questioned as to why he chose BTVI, Mr Oliver said he considers it the “best school” for learning trades.

“I have had a ball since my enrolment at BTVI. Instructors I’ve had were awesome people with pride in making sure every student gets what is needed to

BTVI STUDENTS TOLD: YOU HAVE THE POWER

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) held its Summer 2023 Commencement ceremony last week and recognized students from various disciplines on their stellar performance.

Theodore Sealy, fashion designer and journalist, delivered the commencement address and encouraged the graduates to embrace new opportunities

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

and reminded them that they possess the power to shape their paths. He said: “You have the power to shape your own paths and leave a lasting impact on the world around you. Being a leader is not limited to titles or positions of authority. Leadership is about taking initiative, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to follow suit.

“I encourage you to embrace every idea of multidisciplinary growth and allow yourself to embrace

pass. I remember Mr Devon Wilson in blueprint reading: Leave no one behind. That’s the order of the day,” said Mr Oliver, who has a 4.0 grade point average (GPA).

Mr Oliver, whose plan is to work on his contractor’s licence upon completing BTVI, does not feel he is just another student number. He boasted about staff, especially the ladies in admissions, the construction trades department, highlighting too the expertise of instructors whom he feels are very good.

“You will have hands-on experience and it will become a lot of fun. Based on experience, I would encourage anyone to take up a trade at BTVI,” said Mr Oliver. “Don’t delay. Just do it and you won’t regret it, once you stay focused and finish,” he added.

• The BTVI Story is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals Discover the Possibilities related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

VALENTINO OLIVER

IMANI Collie recently graduated from Gerald Cash Primary School.

She was head girl and a 2023 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Finalist.

Imani enjoys athletics such as track and field and dancing and is a Bahamas Striders Distance gold medalist and a junior dance minister at Life Changers Ministries. She would like to become a veterinarian and her favorite subjects are reading, Spanish, mathematics and science.

A fun fact about Imani is that she would like to one day become an Olympian.

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

IN HONOUR of the 50th Independence of the Bahamas, Tribune Education asked students the personal significance of this milestone.

Pedronique Saunders, a recent graduate of Barry University with an MBA in health service administration, is excited about the country’s golden jubilee and views it as a time to reflect on our past and future. She said: “The 50th year of Independence is so special and truly remarkable. This is a great time for us as Bahamians to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we are going.

new opportunities and new passions along this journey. Remember that life is full of opportunities for reinvention, you have the power to hit the restart button on your life and anytime you so desire.”

Dr Linda Davis, interim president of BTVI, noted the important role that the Bahamas Government Tuition Grant plays in ensuring all Bahamian students have access to quality tertiary education. She called the grant an investment in our future and an example of nation building. She said: “On this anniversary of our 50th year of

This represents growth for our nation and I am super excited to be here to witness all of the festivities.”

Pedronique also shared her hopes that the Bahamian healthcare system will evolve over the next 50 years through education and dialog with upcoming innovations visionaries in the field.

She said: “In terms of healthcare, it is my hope that over the next 50 years, as we approach our centennial, the Bahamian healthcare system experiences a positive shift and great expansion.”

“I believe this can be achieved by giving young persons like myself a chance to have a seat at the table and give our

independence, I commend our national leaders for having the insight to ensure that BTVI education is accessible to all. A BTVI education is one of the best and most affordable pathways to learning a trade and earning a living. Thanks to the government of the Bahamas many students do not know what it is to pay to attend BTVI.

“And I’m sure you would agree the Bahamas government tuition grant has been a lifesaver for many and has transformed the lives of our students and their families. This is truly an investment in our people, and represents nation building at its best.”

Graduates on the Presidents List include Brandon Christopher Baden, certificate, electrical installation; Felicia Bien-Aime, diploma,

cosmetology; Sandriqua

Campbell, certificate, office assistant; Raydesha Ashley Raven Cash, certificate, office assistant; Tornell Aleasha Cooper, diploma, cosmetology; Oraleigh Dean, diploma, cosmetology; Peresha Ferguson, certificate, media technology; Sadé Destiny Aliyah Fernander, diploma, cosmetology; Trevor Garvin Forbes, AAS, information technology management; Clinton Johnson, certificate, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning; Anastasia Knowles, AAS, office administration; Logan Mackey - certificate, information technology entry level; Rashawnna McKenzie, AAS, business office technology; D’Bara Minnis - AAS, information technology management; Sierra

Jasmine Nairn - diploma, cosmetology; Kerline Octave, AAS, office administration; Florence Paul, Rolle, certificate, media technology; Chante Lanell Pinder, certificate, information technology entry level; Mario Ramsey, certificate, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning; Jermaine Role, certificate, media technology; Glenville Leonardo Scavella, certificate, electrical installation; D’Ardra Nyzinga Smith, certificate, human resources management; Lethario Shakiem Stovel, certificate, information technology entry level; Charlene Thompson, AAS, information technology network engineering; Taliah Wright, certificate, fashion design production.

Photos: Austin Fernander

ON 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

thoughts and opinions. As the younger generation has a new approach to modern day problems combined with advanced college level skills, this can help create that positive shift what we desperately need.”

Ayden Forbes, student, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Grand Bahama Sister Mary Grand Bahama said that the occasion displays the unity and potential Bahamians. He said: “To me, it shows how far we have come together as a country and it shows we have so much potential, if we work together properly.”

Ayden also shared his hopes that The Bahamas will become more peaceful, self sufficient and secure

over the next 50 years.

He said: “Over the next 50 years I hope that we can grow stronger as a people, together. I hope that we can be more peaceful and be able to sustain ourselves better. That we will be even more independent and better ourselves and not have to rely on others.”

“More independent in terms of build our national defense like the defense force and police force and providing more resources for both ourselves and other countries.”

Arielle McPhee, a student at Windsor School, Albany, emphasiszed the importance of preserving our marine environment, especially our coral reefs for future generations. She

also lamented the projection that half of the world’s reef population will be lost before the country celebrates its centennial and shared hopes of joining the fight to prevent this tragedy.

She said: “Coral reefs are a vital source of food, livelihood and cultural heritage to The Bahamas. Over the last 50 years, 50 percent of the world’s coral reefs have been lost, and if we do nothing we could lose our reefs and everything they provide us by 2050.”

“As a Bahamian, I would be devastated to see this happen in my lifetime. I hope that I can be part of the change to help protect and restore our coral reefs for future generations.”

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

Lady Buccaneers strike gold

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

The sixth edition of the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games returned to New Providence this past Friday. Among the sporting disciplines to kick off the competition this weekend were volleyball, baseball, soccer, tennis, swimming, sailing, edukarting and cycling.

Athletes from the 10 teams representing the islands of The Bahamas brought it to the courts, fields, roads and waters as the Olympic-style games got underway. SOCCER Soccer action got started at the Roscow A L Davies

soccer field on the first day of The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games. The women of the New Providence Lady

Grand Bahama Lucayans win battle in the pool

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Lucayans, behind the top performance from Marvin Johnson, came and conquered the swimming competition at the sixth Bahamas Games.

With a strong showing from day one on Friday to the finale on Sunday, the Lucayans surged out front

SEE PAGE 12

Buccaneers were the first team to claim gold medal honours after defeating the

SEE PAGE 13

ATHLETES BURN UP TRACK, FIELD ON FINAL DAY

By TENAJH

SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) 2023 National Track and Field Championships ended on a high note for juniors at the original Thomas A Robinson national stadium this past weekend.

SEE PAGE 11

CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE: The New Providence Lady Buccaneers shut down the Grand Bahama Lucayans 2-1 to claim gold in the soccer title match.

Photo: MOYSC-Department of Sports

MARVIN Johnson with his trophy.