The Tribune
STALLED
US criticises Bahamas over delay to enact laws to help fight corruption
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE US has accused the Government of “stalling” the full enactment of anticorruption laws that would accelerate improved transparency and accountability in Bahamian governance.
The US State Department, in its just-released
Double murder in Fox Hill
and the creation of an Integrity Commission as two initiatives that have been “delayed” to leave this nation exposed to the threat of corruption and undue foreign influence in policy-making decisions.
MUNROE SAYS HE ALWAYS HAD FAITH IN POLICE FORCE
By
LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security
Minister Wayne Munroe rebuffed assertions that he shifted his tone on the ability of police to investigate themselves when he became a Cabinet minister. The Nassau Guardian noted yesterday that in 2020, before he was elected to office, Mr Munroe said it was time the country moved toward having independent investigations of police-involved killings.
“It cannot be proper that the body who is investigating this homicide decide whether it is justifiable or not,” he said after police killed three men in June 2020.
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor
THE country recorded its 66th and 67th murders for the year last night. Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings said the killings happened on Kemp’s Court off Pineyard Road in Fox Hill. She said the men were in their late 40s. She said they pulled up at a residence in a white car and were immediately
By EARYEL BOWLEG
THE Haitian Embassy in The Bahamas is sending two people to Abaco to investigate the whereabouts of Wens Johnathan Désir, a popular entertainer reported missing.
Ambassador William Exantus said Haitian officials have discussed the matter with Bahamian authorities.
Wens Johnathan Desir, or Mechans-T, has over one million Instagram followers.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said on
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
FORMER police officer Desir Bein, 41, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on charges of causing dangerous harm and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger the life of Tracey Russell.
The charges are related to a shooting last Sunday, July 14, outside a nightclub on Nassau Street, which resulted in the death
BODY being removed from the scene of the murder. Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Man that was shot during a livestream returned to Facebook earlier this week
SYLVENS Metayer, the man seemingly behind the release of voice notes that plunged the police force into controversy, has returned to Facebook, posting live videos nearly two weeks after he was shot.
Mr Metayer, who lives in the United States, was shot on July 8 during a live Facebook broadcast at his home. It is unclear when he was released from hospital, but he returned to Facebook earlier this week.
He sustained injuries to his back and left foot
and got grazed under his right eye, according to his GoFundMe page, which is seeking to raise $60,000 to help him recover.
“I ain’t dead,” he said this week. “I putting more fire to the wood now. I’m coming, Bahamas, hold on.”
Before he was shot, Mr Metayer made many disparaging claims about senior police officers and government officials, many of them challenging to follow. He continued making unsubstantiated claims after
returning to social media.
Mr Metayer was the first to expose voice notes that have put the Royal Bahamas Police Force under heavy scrutiny. The voice notes purportedly captured conversations about a financial quid pro quo arrangement so police could drop their chase for Michael Fox Jr, and Dino Smith, two men suspected of being involved in a $1.4m bank heist in November. Fox Jr, and Smith were killed in separate incidents earlier this year.
SylvenS Metayer
Double murder in Fox Hill
from page one
attacked by people in a dark Japanese car. The victims exited the vehicle and collapsed on the lawn of the residence. Officers, she said, found a considerable amount of drugs in the victims’ car. She said both men were known to police and had been in custody before for drug and firearm matters. She could not say if the killings were connected to a nearby murder earlier this week on Hanna Road. • As The Tribune went to press, police reported another murder. A shooting at Crooked Island and Palmetto Streets left a man dead. No further details were available at the time of printing.
Fernander: was ‘recreational use’ Minnis’ original intent?
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
AFTER Dr Hubert Minnis endorsed legalising cannabis for recreational use, Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander questioned if this was always the former prime minister’s “original intent”.
The government’s push to change the status quo on cannabis began under Dr Minnis with the establishment of a marijuana commission and the drafting of legislation that his administration did not bring to Parliament. Before a compendium of cannabis bills was passed in
the House of Assembly on Wednesday, Dr Minnis said the substance should be treated similarly to alcohol.
Bishop Fernander, meanwhile, had urged elected officials to suspend debate on the bill, saying the council only consented to legalising cannabis for medical use, not creating a cannabis industry or decriminalising possession of small amounts of the drug.
Bishop Fernander told reporters yesterday: “This started as medical marijuana under his administration, and to hear him now, it makes me wonder, was the original intent always to legalise marijuana? He gives a strong
argument of why we speak up. This is why we speak up.”
“At some point, as Bahamians, we must see that this is not for the masses. This is for special interests, a few people will be enriched. The challenge is we can’t have people saying to us we’re going to do medical marijuana and then one term later say, oh, my whole intent was to legalise it.”
Countries that decriminalise possession of small amounts of marijuana usually liberalise their marijuana laws further as time passes.
Health Minister Dr Michael Darville responded to the Christian Council on Wednesday, emphasising that the bills’ primary objective is to help people suffering from various diseases.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that economic opportunities from the bills are fairly distributed and not concentrated in the hands of a few. He also noted that many jurisdictions in the region and world have gone further than The Bahamas at decriminalising marijuana. Under the bills, people found with up to one ounce of marijuana will get a fixed penalty of $250. Bishop Fernander said Dr Darville’s response did not address what the council said.
Bonaby denies US claims Bahamas failing to investigate allegations of corruption
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Staff Reporter
Tribune
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
DEPUTY Director of Public Prosecutions Eucal Bonaby said he had no information to support the United States’ claims that The Bahamas is failing to investigate corruption allegations against immigration officers at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
The US claimed this in its latest Trafficking in Persons report, giving the country a Tier 1 ranking, which signifies that it continues to meet the
minimum standards for eliminating trafficking and that the government demonstrates serious and sustained efforts toward this goal.
The report nonetheless said allegations of corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remained a significant concern, inhibiting law enforcement action during the year.
The report said: “In one case, foreign sex trafficking victims reported officers at the detention centre asked for bribes in exchange for their release; the government had not completed
will donate
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Chief
Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE government will donate $600,000 to Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, according to Disaster Risk Management Authority chairman Alex Storr. He said the countries would receive the money “very shortly” and that the funds would be evenly split among affected nations: St Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada. Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season,
its investigation by the end of the reporting period, and the victims returned to their home country.
Observers previously noted some immigration officials may have solicited Haitian migrants, including potential trafficking victims, for bribes to prevent detention.”
Mr Bonaby said investigations are underway, but no information suggests that these claims are true.
“Just like anyone else, we have heard something to that effect,” he said during a press conference yesterday. “We’ve always, the police that is, would
landed in the Windward Islands on July 1 as a powerful Category Five storm before passing near Jamaica as a Category Three hurricane. The storm caused widespread damage across several island nations. Barbados’ fishing sector was reportedly left “totally destroyed,” while more than 90 per cent of the homes on Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada were affected.
St Vincent and the Grenadines reported significant property damage. In Jamaica, hundreds of thousands lost power, and several communities suffered flooding.
generally look into those allegations, and so far, we haven’t determined anything to that effect.”
He said the people who allegedly accepted the bribes were not identified and are a critical part of the investigation.
“I think the challenge has been, from what I’m aware, is identifying who those individuals are, and I think as soon as that has been done, the individual can say exactly what has happened with respect to those allegations. Because allegations can be made, until it is some concrete, something
concrete to suggest that it is in fact true, it just becomes an allegation, or just is an allegation until proven otherwise,” he said.
The US report provided the country with nine recommendations, noting the government did not proactively screen for human trafficking among vulnerable communities in 2023.
“The difficulty is these groups, where they are located, it’s not easy to ascertain and reach out to them in the manner that we would like to reach out to them and so that is the challenge with respect to
that,” Mr Bonaby said. He said the vulnerable group consists of Haitians, Latinos and Filipinos. He said the Trafficking in Persons task force finds it challenging to reach these communities.
He said efforts to reach the vulnerable communities include working with faith-based organisations and hosting prevention seminars. The TIP Taskforce is hosting various initiatives throughout July to spread public awareness on the matter ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.
countries a FFected by Hurricane beryl
The Davis administration pledged support for affected countries and sent relief supplies like tarps.
Yesterday, after some social media users bashed the government’s decision to send funds, Mr Storr spoke about the importance of supporting neighbours.
“We are a part of an international community,” he said. “When we had our challenges with Dorian, our neighbours, our friends internationally came to our aid, and it’s only right that now that we have other partners and colleagues in the region that’s in need of help, that we come to their assistance.” d isaster Risk
President of the Bahamas Christian Council, Bishop Dr Delton Fernander.
Management Authority chairman Alex Storr.
two men were shot and killed 66th and 67th murders for the year last night in the Fox Hill area. Photos: dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Munroe says he always had faith in police force
After the explosive implications of voice notes purporting to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer and a gang leader, Mr Munroe expressed full support for the police’s ability to investigate the matter despite the public’s wariness of this.
The Security and Intelligence Branch is investigating the matter, and the Police Complaints Inspectorate will oversee the branch, according to Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander.
Yesterday, Mr Munroe suggested his tone is different because he can now implement the changes he wants.
“I have addressed it for six years when I was president of the Bar, and when I came in the chair here, I have the benefit of not talking about it, but doing something about it, and that is the difference of talk,” he said during a press conference yesterday.
“When you don’t have the authority to address something, you complain to the decision-makers. When you have the ability to address it, you cannot complain anymore, you have to address it and
that is what we have been doing.
ze said he has always had faith in the police force.
“If you take a view of the performance of the Royal Bahamas Police Force over the decade, they have consistently, when they
have found their members falling short, charged them before the court,” he said.
“We have policemen right now charged before the courts for homicides, so that gives me faith that it is an institution that is committed to rooting out the
bad apples.”
Mr Munroe has said the Police Complaints Inspectorate now has administrative support. He noted that a bill is in the works to establish a more robust body to oversee investigations into all
security forces. Nonetheless, the Inspectorate has no investigators and little is known about what it has done to fulfil its legislative function of supervising the Complaints and Corruption Branch of the force.
Adoption plea as govt caring for 150 children
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE government is caring for 150 children awaiting adoption.
Social Services Minister Myles Laroda urged Bahamians to consider adopting a child so every child can potentially experience a loving and safe home.
“The government does as well as it can to provide love and care, but there’s nothing that’s going to
replace that common touch, that maternal touch for a child,” he said yesterday. He added that his ministry is trying to make the public more open to adopting children and stressed the importance of not overlooking children with disabilities during the adoption process.
“I still put out that plea to the Bahamian public to adopt,” he said. “You could start with fostering. I also urge the community to show love for those
kids who are challenged, whether physically or mentally.”
The Ministry of Social Services has met with Dr Robert Glover, the founder of Care for Children. Dr Glover, a former United Kingdom social worker, moved to Shanghai, China, in 1988 to work in partnership with the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau. Over the past twenty years, he has helped over a million children get adopted.
Mr Laroda noted that
Funeral Service For Eursaler Barbara Clarke, 51
of Armbrister Street, Fox Hill and formerly of Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera, Bahamas will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024,11:00am at Church of God, Bernard Road. Officiating will be Bishop Daniel Hall Sr. assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Interment will be in the Lakeview Gardens.
Left to mourn and cherish her memories are her daughters: Cathryn Clarke, Lakeisha Clarke, Tia Wilson, Jonell Bain; granddaughter: Ri’Kayla Moss; father: Morris Clarke; step mom: Corrine Clarke; sisters: Claudia, Melanie, Dwaner, Alana, Morissa, Christine, Monique & Tina Knowles; brothers: Kendal & Maurice; brothers-in-law: Timothy, Vardy; sister-in-law: Caroline; sons-in-love: Aaron McKenzie, Ricardo Moss; loving neighbors: Ms. Russell, Ms. Levarity, Shawniqua, Inga, Brian; nieces: Jeanie, Jayda, Cierra, Asia, Maria, Mauriah, Timmesha, Gariel, Stephanie, Lashon, Christin; nephews: Xuri, Shavardo, Shawn, Leonardo, Kendal Jr, Jayden, Keon, Devantae, McGregor, McGareth, Luca; grandnephews: Shavardo Jr., Shavanno, Devantae Jr., Mattias; grandniece: Shaniyah; aunts: Irene, Francilda, Marilyn, Keva, Eulamae; uncles: Rev. Dencil (Samantha), Clint, Charles, Celestin, Haccord (Nola); close friends: Shuniqua, Tina Rolle, Greg, Monique; grandaunts: Coral, Frieda, Prescolla, Rebecca, Erma, Viola, Freda-Mae; granduncle: Timothy; Personal Nursing Student: Marshell; cousins: Shantel, Laniska, Donahue, Kenria, Kenyou, Erica, Kendra, Haysalah, Anitra, Chelsea, Javaro, Quant, Mikeo, Makayva, Desmond, Nadia, Meechie, Davy, Damion, Lakeria, Lahoma, Aniska, Sheneka, Carlton, Kadri Ann, Daniel, Shaneka, Ashley, Clint Jr, Phillipa, Devan, Joseph, Tracey, Christopher, Vlinda, Lashane, Tamika, Juanita, Roberto, Crystal, Jermaine, Ted, David, Elvis, Owen, Stacy, Charlene, Monique, Nova, Gilbert, Ruth & family, Mildred & family, Gloria & family, Dr. Mavis Thompson & family, Carnetta Ferguson & family, Eulease & family, Allison & family, Sherman, Errol; other relatives: The entire Brown, Hall, Wilson & Clarke families, the entire community of Fox Hill, Wemyss Bight & WaterFord, Eleuthera.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE
Viewing will be held in the Serenity Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium on Robinson & Soldier Roads on Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and on Saturday from 9:30am until service time at the church.
the Chinese government has awarded families who adopt children with special needs.
“If we could sensitise our population to take a chance on these children who only want what every child wants — love and affection — I think the reward would be great,” he said. that maternal touch for a child,” he said yesterday.
He added that his ministry is trying to make the public more open to adopting children and stressed the importance of not overlooking children with disabilities during the adoption process.
“I still put out that plea to the Bahamian public to adopt,” he said. “You could start with fostering. I also urge the community to show love for those kids who are challenged, whether physically or mentally.”
The Ministry of Social Services has met with Dr Robert Glover, the founder of Care for Children. Dr Glover, a former United
and
Kingdom social worker, moved to Shanghai, China, in 1988 to work in partnership with the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau. Over the past twenty years, he has helped over a million children get adopted. Mr Laroda noted that the Chinese government has awarded families who adopt children with special needs.
“If we could sensitise our population to take a chance on these children who only want what every child wants — love and affection — I think the reward would be great,” he said.
Department of Gender and Family Affairs launch National Family Week
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE Department of Gender and Family Affairs launched National Family Week yesterday, an initiative Social Services Minister Myles Laroda said will help strengthen broken homes and restore healthy relationships. Officials said numerous activities will be held from July 25 to 31 to help create a healthy environment for families.
The events include a family empowerment forum on July 25 at the Aventura Plaza on JFK
Drive. On July 27, families will also enjoy a family fun day for free at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, which will include food, prizes, and entertainment.
“I am confident that the culture of strong families can be aggressively restored when you and I intentionally mentor and inspire our children to be their best selves,” Mr Laroda said yesterday. “It requires discipline, skills, and the pursuit of knowledge. It also requires teamwork and collaboration.”
Mr Laroda said one highlight of the campaign is the Bahamas Christian
Council’s commitment to integrating “teachings on the family” regularly. The Ministry of Social Services will also have national church services on July 20 and 21 for families to worship at their respective churches.
Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander said the initiative will benefit many communities. “I believe the panacea begins with us as we take one person, one family, and one situation,” he said. “What better place than Social Services? They deal with the front line every day as do churches.”
The body only has five members.
Mr Munroe could not say whether the Metropolitan Police of the United Kingdom has accepted a request to help investigate matters related to the voice notes.
Minister of Social Services, Information
Broadcasting Myles LaRoda.
Pictured from left: Lisa Bowleg, Community Services, Phedra Rahming Turnquest, Permanent Secretary, and Minister of Social Services Myles Laroda at the launch of National Family Week.
Photo: Kenneth clarke/MOSSIB
Haitian Embassy looking into disappearance of Mechans-T
from page one
Wednesday that police, Defence Force personnel and members of the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) are searching for the 32-yearold, who was reported missing on July 16.
The Haitian Times, an online newspaper based in New York, reported that Mr Désir travelled to Abaco on May 18 for a concert with his older brother, Steeven Désir, and others.
His brother reportedly left the country on May 23, but he remained. Family and loved ones have not heard from him since July 4.
Some Haitians have, without supporting evidence, connected Mr Désir’s disappearance to a boating incident on Andros last week.
Police said a boat with eight people was travelling from Ocean Cay to Eleuthera with eight passengers when the vessel began taking in water and eventually sank some nine miles off Morgans Bluff, Andros. Four Hondurans and one Haitian national, were reportedly rescued.
Meanwhile, Defence Force Commodore Raymond King told The Tribune that authorities received an unverified intelligence report from the United States Coast Guard that about 60 migrants were being smuggled into Florida from Abaco. Commodore King said a boat was never positively identified, and the search has been suspended.
Mr Exantus said officials have not confirmed that Mr Désir, whose family is in Haiti, travelled to the US.
RBDF calls off search for vessel claimed to be smuggling 60 migrants
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force received an unverified intelligence report from the United States Coast Guard that a vessel smuggling about 60 migrants left Abaco for Florida on July 4. Defence Force Commodore Raymond King said the search for the vessel had been suspended, adding that no ship was positively identified as leaving Abaco and no missing person report had been submitted.
STARTING next week, Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement
(BETA) Camp will host its annual STEM-based programme under the theme:
“Ignite,
at 2300 hours on the same day, as reported by the USCG.” Commodore King told The Tribune: “Search and rescue assets (surface and aerial) were deployed by the USCG without any detection of the reported vessel. Regrettably, the search has since been suspended. As part of the extended search, the local police was contacted to
confirm the departure of reported vessel with subsequent inquiries to be conducted with the Customs Department.”
The commodore said weather conditions were unfavourable during the week of July 4.
That date is significant because that’s when family and friends last heard from Wens Johnathan Desir, a popular Haitian
singer reported missing in The Bahamas on July 16 after visiting Abaco to perform at a concert.
Police characterised Mr Désir as missing at sea in a press statement on Wednesday but did not elaborate on why this is suspected. A police official said authorities are investigating unverified reports that Mr Désir may have been missing at sea.
“I’m so grateful to be
Wens Johnathan Desir, knoWn as Mechans-t
Despite this, the defence force said on Facebook that “the vessel last reported experiencing engine issues
The Tribune Limited
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“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Is this the best that we can do?
THE US verdict on The Bahamas in its investment climate report is a damning one.
The suggestion that the government is “stalling” the full enactment of laws to tackle corruption is particularly galling, but some of the elements that are being criticised are those that we have raised in this very column over the years, so we should not be surprised.
There is a litany of problems exposed in the report.
Campaign finance reforms? No sign. Where are they? The creation of an Integrity Commission? Delayed. How about the Public Disclosure Act?
The Tribune has over the years persisted in asking for details about the disclosures that are mandated by law from politicians and high-ranking officials.
The US describe the response to that as “complete disregard”. Quite right.
Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell even went so far in this year’s round of disclosures to say he was “irritated” about journalists contacting him to see if he had met the deadline for disclosures, saying he thought “none of your business” in response to questions on the matter.
We still do not know who did or did not comply with the law in this year’s disclosures. Nor last year’s, for that matter, although both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are empowered to act on delinquent filings. Neither seems to be doing so.
The penalty, by the way, for failing to follow the law on this matter can see people jailed for up to two years, so it is no laughing matter.
That is of course also just finding out whether or not people did the very basic legal requirement of disclosing by the deadline – let alone any actual investigation done as to whether the disclosures are accurate.
The US report noted that the commission charged with filing these financial declarations has failed to do so. For how long? Oh, only the past 13 years. No sign of reports to say who complied, and who
did not. The last gazetted publication by the commission was in 2011, and only covered 2008, so for 16 years, successive governments have apparently cared less about what you get to know.
The report goes on to talk about “small-scale ‘bribes of convenience’” being a common claim, although our score of 64 out of 100 on the transparency scale apparently puts us as “notably transparent”. Heaven help those below us.
It goes on to point out the absolute dearth of support for the information commissioner, with the Freedom of Information Act yet to be fully implemented and the office “not fully operational”. It has a budget that shows there is no likelihood of that in the near future.
The list goes on. Red tape. Lack of transparency over investment procedures. Lengthy legal disputes. The failure to turn Bahamas Invest into a functional proposition. Questions over what is going on with the Ombudsman Bill and its status despite being passed in January.
And yet – and perhaps most frustrating – we are said to be a good investment opportunity. Think of the potential that could be unlocked if we could get the rest right.
Instead, we have the sight of the minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister refusing to say the name of a developer behind a project on Athol Island – as if who is doing some work should ever be some kind of secret.
Why should you not be allowed to know these things? Why should officials be able to ignore legal requirements such as disclosures without consequence? And how frustrated must the officials who are doing what they are supposed to be when they see others treating the law with such disregard?
In truth, it is you who is being treated with disregard. The voter. The citizen. You can see it. We have said it. The US is saying it. So when will that change? It won’t be soon enough.
A salute to Glenys’ courage
EDITOR, The Tribune.
MRS Glenys HannaMartin is the embodiment of courage. She certainly does not need me (an unknown) to toot her horn because she is more than capable of holding her own in the cut and thrust of parliamentary debate, and this has been proven time and again. Mrs Hanna-Martin’s comment about a proposed water park at our new cruise port on Wednesday, July 18, in the House of Assembly, was spot on. Many of us Bahamians in the “amen corner” agree with her. She has spoken truth to power.
As a country, we pride ourselves on being able to attract roughly nine million visitors to our shores, according to the latest figures released by the
government. While this is cause for celebration, the general complaint by persons directly connected to the tourism industry is that there is no trickle down affect. Simply put, the money is not reaching the straw-vendors, the taxi drivers, the hair braiders and others.
Too often our governments, on both sides, are apparently dazzled by the promise of a few dozens low-paying and often temporary jobs without looking at the bigger picture. If permission is granted to build a water park on or near the cruise port, this would be one more reason for cruise passengers not to venture away from the port and explore the downtown area.
Reports are that many cruise passengers do not venture off the ships as it now stands and such a
PICTURE
permission would give the cruise industry a sure footing on the road to becoming all inclusive. This would be a travesty of almost unequal proportion. All right-thinking Bahamians should lobby their Members of Parliament (MPs) not to support this initiative. This matter should transcend politics. It would be interesting to know how other members of the Davis Cabinet and other back benchers feel about the possibility of a water park on the cruise port. Maybe they are concerned about their minister’s salary. But who would be the first to join Mrs Hanna-Martin? Is there another? Stand up and be counted!
ZEPHANIAH BURROWS Nassau, July 18, 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune. CONTEXT is of paramount importance in understanding why Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield and Dissident Eight members of the Free-PLP initially opposed The Bahamas becoming an independent country in 1973. According to Pindling’s biographer Dr Michael Craton, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government, in its speech from the throne at the opening of the House of Assembly in June 1971, announced to the nation that “Bahamian Independence would follow a PLP victory in the general election, and come into effect ‘no later than 1973’.”
With a devastating economic recession gripping the country, Sir Lynden shrewdly diverted the attention of Bahamians from their economic plight towards the important matter of attaining independence from Great Britain. Usually when the month of July arrives political pundits love to repeat the worn out historical narrative of the FNM opposing independence without adding a context to the party’s initial apprehension to the move by Sir Lynden and the PLP. It should be added that the then United Bahamian Party (UBP) Chairman Geoffrey Johnstone and former Premier Sir Roland Symonette both issued statements opposing the move to relinquish formal ties with Great Britain.
Yet it was the UBP that attained internal self rule from England in January 1964 -- a move that laid the foundation for independence. According to Craton, Sir Cecil and the Free-PLP resented the fact that they were being pressured by the PLP to go along with the move for independence. Invariably, independence became a political football between the Free-PLP and its conservative base and the PLP. Sir Cecil is reported as stating that “Independence should not
be sought now, nor anytime before the next two general elections...” The Free-PLP leader expressed fears of The Bahamas splitting up over the contentious issue. Sir Cecil would mention Abaco, where a group of anti-PLPs formed the Greater Abaco Council (GAC) - a think tank aimed at attaining secession from The Bahamas in the event Sir Lynden went ahead with his plans of severing ties with England. Leader and vociferous spokesman for the GAC was Long Islander Errington “Bumpy” Watkins, who would run as an FNM standard bearer in Marsh Harbour in 1972 and win.
Subsequent to the British’s rejection of the Abaco separatists’ petition for secession, Watkins, as FNM MP, would move a resolution in Parliament for a United Nations referendum on the future of Abaco. This motion was resoundingly defeated. Yet it was supported by Sir Roland Symonette, Cleophas Adderley and Michael Lightbourn - all of whom were FNM MPs. However, what many anti-FNM pundits fail to point out is that all four FNM MPs were members of the UBP. This move by Watkins would cause a split among FNMs in Parliament. In fact, Watkins was immediately expelled from the FNM. Watkins would angrily reference the FNM’s close ties to the PLP. The Free-PLP supported independence, the party just didn’t want it under Sir Lynden, for obvious reasons. The FreePLP often expressed that it supported independence in principle. What the Dissident Eight feared was the creeping totalitarianism within the PLP. If the PLP was showing disturbing signs of totalitarianism under British colonial rule,
what would it be with independence?
Bear in mind that Sir Cecil attended the UN Special Committee on Decolonization meeting with Sir Lynden, Clarence Bain, A D Hanna, Sir Arthur Foulkes, Dr Doris Johnson, Sir Milo Butler and Rev Harcourt W Brown in New York in August 1965. Sir Cecil might have also been the one to suggest to Sir Lynden to toss the Mace outside Parliament on April 27, 1965 - a day now known as Black Tuesday. Many Bahamians might be surprised to learn that Sir Cecil was also PLP chairman when the party defeated the UBP in January 1967. Let’s not act as if Sir Cecil WallaceWhitfield and the Dissident Eight were attempting to return the country to the Bay Street Boys. As a member of the PLP think tank National Committee for Positive Action, Sir Cecil was probably a radical ideologue who was just as much opposed to the UBP as Sir Lynden, Milo Butler, A D Hanna and Loftus Roker. It would probably be another source of surprise for many Bahamians to learn that the FNM, after the election results of September 1972, decided to take a bipartisan approach in supporting the PLP’s push for independence. Again, Sir Cecil and the Dissident Eight were not opposed to independence. They just felt uneasy and wary of The Bahamas becoming an independent state under the then government that they accused of abandoning its democratic principles enshrined in its 1953 Platform drafted by Sir Henry Taylor, William Cartwright and Cyril Stevenson. The time has come to stop mentioning the FNM’s opposition to independence without providing an accurate historical context.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama July 2024.
FEMALE Giant Panda Xiang Xiang chomps on her birthday treats at the Bifengxia Panda Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Ya’an, on June 12.
Photo: Caroline Chen/AP
Johnson’s lawyer grills police on testimony of gun found near car
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE lawyer of a man police killed last year scrutinised police claims that a firearm was found a few feet away from the man’s burgundy coloured Nissan Cube two days after the shooting incident.
Police claim Valentino Johnson, 46, was killed on April 16, 2023, after leading them on a high-speed chase from Gladstone Road to Seven Hills Road.
During the inquest hearing, a juror asked Assistant Superintendent Arnold Strachan, Jr, whether the police were irresponsible in their investigation.
ASP Strachan, the only investigator, denied this.
Asked why another investigator was not brought on to help, he said some cases call for a second investigator, but he did not see that need in this case.
No gun was recovered the night of the incident.
Instead, a K9 unit dog allegedly recovered a weapon
two days later.
Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux asked why a dog was not brought to the death scene the night of the incident. ASP Strachan said he tried to get a police dog on the scene, but could not contact the department.
Magistrate TurnquestDeveaux asked him why he had not called the officer in charge of the unit. He said he had not thought to do so.
ASP Strachan testified that when a canine searched the area two days later and found a gun, no officers were nearby because they were waiting in the driveway of a vacant house.
Asked if fingerprint analysis was done on the firearm or other testing, ASP Strachan said he was unsure. He acknowledged the importance of such analysis, but confirmed he did not receive any.
Before ASP Strachan took the stand, the court heard testimony from two of the four officers who shot in Johnson’s direction. A motion was granted for
Former cop charged a F ter club shooting
of 28-year-old Travase Williams, who was enjoying a night out with friends when an argument started between Williams’s group and two other men. A 23-year-old reportedly returned to the establishment with a firearm and opened fire, resulting in the 42-year-old and 28-year-old Williams sustaining injuries.
The victims were taken to the hospital, where Williams died of the multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers confiscated a firearm containing ammunition believed to be connected to the incident.
Bein was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and his case will proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a VBI. His case was adjourned to October 10.
PC 4633 Avery Thompson and PC 3875 Robert Simmons, Jr, to be changed from persons of interest in the matter to witnesses who would testify.
Mr Thompson, who had been on the police force for six months before the shooting, testified that he saw Johnson drive through a roadblock at which he was stationed, and his superiors instructed him to pursue the Burgundy coloured Cube.
He said PC 4185 Samuel Ferguson drove the vehicle while he sat in the backseat passenger side directly behind Shando King, another officer involved.
He said Mr King was the first to fire shots in the direction of Johnson’s vehicle, which he said was driving at a high speed.
Mr Thompson said he saw a “grey or black” firearm in Johnson’s right hand on Hillcrest Road. He said when officers saw the firearm, they discharged their weapons “in five seconds or less”.
He said Johnson’s Cube turned onto Seven
Hill Road and stopped, allowing his unit to pull alongside the car while another unit pulled roughly ten feet behind.
Thompson said he was leaning behind the backseat passenger door, King was at the centre of their police vehicle, and Ferguson was on the driver’s side of the car.
Ryszard Humes, the lawyer for Johnson’s family, questioned the validity of Mr Thompson’s testimony, asking him how he could accurately recognise a firearm in Johnson’s hand. He suggested that if Mr Thompson had to crouch behind the car door for cover from potential gunfire, he would not be able to see a firearm in Mr Johnson’s hand.
Mr Thompson said officers instructed Johnson to show his hands. He said Mr King said he saw a firearm and discharged his service weapon into the vehicle, prompting Mr Thompson and Mr Ferguson to discharge their service weapons as well. Johnson,
he said, then began speeding away.
Mr Thompson said the officers chased the vehicle on foot, but returned to their police vehicle shortly after to pursue the suspect, who had lost control of his car and crashed into a vacant residence on Seven Hill Road.
Mr Thompson testified that he approached the damaged vehicle cautiously and saw the suspect moving with a bleeding bullet wound.
He testified that he did not witness Mr Johnson throw away a weapon, nor did he see a weapon inside Mr Johnson’s vehicle.
Mr Humes questioned why Mr Thompson did not attempt to search for a firearm once it was clear Johnson was incapacitated and not a threat.
Mr Thompson said that once they found Mr Johnson slumped over to the passenger side with a bullet through his back, breathing faintly, their main concern was getting him medical help.
Mr Humes challenged the notion that Johnson hid the firearm that police claim was in his possession, arguing that Mr Johnson could not have hidden a gun in the circumstances, since he was struggling with a bullet through his back.
Mr Humes questioned why Mr Thompson waited a day before making his superiors aware that Mr Johnson potentially discarded a firearm. Mr Thompson said he was unsure how to handle the matter due to his inexperience in the force. He said he was the most junior officer involved in the incident.
Asked why he and other officers involved in the shooting were brought to the crime scene two days later, he said he was unsure.
Mr Humes asked what Mr Thompson’s role was at the crash site since he did not speak to the lead investigator or identify the weapon found. Mr Thompson said it was a “strange” situation. Mr Humes agreed.
Frequent power outages frustrating Grand Cay residents
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FREQUENT power outages are frustrating residents of Grand Cay, Abaco.
Senator Darren Henfield said unreliable power had persisted there for weeks and urged authorities to address the problem.
He said the light is only restored briefly before going offline again.
“Imagine the frustration of people who are not getting the services that they paid
for, and then you come and hold them to account, it is very difficult,” he said in the Senate yesterday.
George Smith, the chief councillor for Grand Cay, said the island receives electricity from nearby Walker’s Cay. He said the electricity situation is poor, and visitors have begun to complain.
“Right now, it needs attention because the tourists are complaining now how terrible it is, the water and electricity,” he said. He is concerned
residents’ livelihoods could be impacted because Grand Cay relies on tourism and fishing.
“If you don’t have electricity, you can’t do too well with your fish products and tourists are not going to come on vacation where there is no water and power, that’s what they were telling me,” he said. “So, that is really a problem that needs to be resolved.”
Mr Smith said the government pays Walker Cay to provide electricity to the island.
Senator Darren HenfielD
The man who loved Harbour Island and the rescue boat he left behind
FREDRICK A Ross was born in Greenock, Scotland, in May of 1920. During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force and was assigned to a crash boat division called No 250 Air Sea Rescue Unit. His function was as an engineer, and he made himself so useful that even though they were based at Montagu Foreshore in Nassau, Fred obtained the coveted posting to Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, as often as he could. The men stayed at The Little Guest House, run by sisters, and apparently so much fun was had that an RAF accountant had to fly to Harbour Island after the war just to negotiate final payments.
After the war, Mr Ross returned to Scotland, married Ella Mae Curry, and had a daughter, however he was as determined as ever to return to Harbour Island, and return they did. Once back, he opened Ross Garage at Colebrook Street, at a property he bought from historian Paul Albury, and became island institutions. Known as “Pa Fred,” he lived to age 91, passing away in January, 2012.
This is the story behind a family photograph of a rescue boat named HMS P-339 which Fred cared for, how it lured him back after a busy wartime career, and then blew up at the fuel dock in Harbour Island, only to be towed across the
By Eric Wiberg
way to Three Islands dock on North Eleuthera, where it was cut loose in shallow water and remains there today, within sight of the busy ferry dock. First, some dates. By mid-1942, the RAF had two large air bases in New Providence, No 113 RAFTC Wing Transport at Windsor Field, and OTU111 at Oakes Field. Since nearly 200 aircraft had accidents or were lost, they needed crash boats stationed throughout The Bahamas to go and find them, quickly. These were spread from Mayaguana to Exuma, Bimini to Walker’s Cay, Clifton and Montague Bays on New Providence near Nassau, Royal Island and Harbour Island, Eleuthera.
Number 250 Air-Sea Rescue Unit was formed on September 1, 1943, at Harbour Island and Nassau and disbanded on 10 October 1945. “It was equipped with amphibious aircraft and fast launches, whose function was to rescue the crews of aircraft which came down in the sea and cooperate with naval forces in
the area.” They had seven boats: HMS P-190, HMS P-250, HMS P-191, HMS P-339, HMS P-89, HMS P-712, and HMS P-170. Tasks included finding dinghies, bodies, fuselage, retrieve IFF or “identify friend or foe” codes and other sensitive materials. These air and sea units were first administered by RAF Delegation, Washington, DC, then Dorval (Montreal) and finally their own HQ and administration in Nassau. They rented almost all the vehicles on the island, built hospitals, and requisitioned most of the hotels. Personnel in the unit included Sergeant J Curran, Peter S Penford, Group ASR Officer, and Wing Commander Garlick, Officer in Charge, ASR. Ross served primarily on HMS P-339, likely a British Power Boat Company Type Two HSL “Whaleback” which was 63 feet long, 18 feet wide, drew 4 feet, was 22 tons and had three Napier Sea Lion engines of 500hp each. The boats could make 36 knots, had nine crew, and could range up to 500 miles. On September 21, 1943, ASR launch P-339 was dispatched from Montagu Bay to the scene of a raft, then it was learned a Baltimore-type bomber plane had landed on the beach in northwest Andros, and a dinghy put to sea to attract attention. P-339 was unable to approach near shore because of shallow water, so it was instructed to stand-by and await high tide, then approach. Before that, a blimp picked up two survivors and took them to hospital, so P-339 returned to base.
The next day, another aircraft ditched in the sea just two miles north of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, with depth charges aboard. The crew were uninjured except the radio operator who had face injuries. HMS P-712 was dispatched from Harbour Island, arrived at Rock Sound, found and
took the majority of the aircrew to Nassau and berthed at Prince George Dock. Later, an amphibious Mariner aircraft observed a dinghy, and HMS P-339 was instructed to proceed to that position. However, they were unable to remain at sea due to an oil leak resulting in significant oil loss.
On another occasion, a B-25 bomber sighted a disabled Mariner PBY plane signaling at sea. HMS P-339 was told to put to sea to locate it, which it did, and managed to attach a towing line to it and began pulling the floating plane towards Eleuthera. Then the US Navy seaplane tender or depot ship USS Christiana IX stationed at Royal Island took over the arduous tow from HMS P-339 as its tow-rope was unable to stand the strain, so P-339 returned to base.
On December 13, 1944, the US Navy submarine chaser USS SC-1059 ran aground at night in Fleeming Channel, near Current, Eleuthera. An ASR boat out of Montagu arrived immediately, launched a wherry, or small row boat and in rough seas transferred 11 men to a large US Navy tug then left.
On April 26, 1944, HMS P-339 was instructed to put to sea and to rendezvous with the frigate HMS Dominica to search for the dinghy of a downed plane. In 1944, HMS P-89 left
Harbour Island to pick up the airmen, then rendezvoused at Ship Channel Cay with HMS P-191 from Nassau.
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, HMS P-712 was dispatched from Harbour Island to Rock Sound to find downed pilots from a bomber. By January 8, 1946, VE-Day and VJ-Day were passed and the Bahamas RAF base population for No 250 ASR dwindled to just 14 nonofficers, so “by request of the Garrison Commander and the Colonial Secretary, two Air Sea Rescue [ASR] craft were employed in evacuating repatriates and released service personnel from the Island Monarch. The boat anchored outside the bar and an officers’ reception party proceeded to welcome the repatriates” to Nassau Harbour. Other duties were pulling boats and seaplanes back to safety when they dragged anchors in harbour.
In January 1946, the RAF rented part of Clerihew House [owned by Sir Harry Oakes and formerly Belmont School] for the transfer of ASR personnel from Fort Montagu Hotel.
On 16 January, “ASR Officers took Clerihew as Headquarters for duty crew only, and the remainder were transferred to barrack blocks on the camp. The moorings for the ASR vessels remained in Montagu Bay, pending the loan of the port dredger for their
transfer to sites opposite Clerihew House.” Then on March 22, “F/Lt EH Lang, Accountant Officer departed for Harbour Island to investigate, at the request of RAF Delegation, Washington, a claim for compensation submitted by the owner of The Little Boarding House in which ASR personnel were billeted 1943 to 1945.” The war was truly over.
After their stint of about three years in Scotland, the Rosses returned to The Bahamas by ship with Patricia in 1948 and remained there since, growing a family of three daughters and two sons. Pa Fred’s obituary ran in both The Tribune and Guardian. He is buried at the Anglican Church in Harbour Island. As for HMS P-339, the sequence is difficult to ascertain, however the likeliest scenario is that the boat was sold locally in Eleuthera or simply left behind. What is known is that HMS P-339 blew up fueling, which is not entirely uncommon with fume buildup, high heat and prevalent smoking. The hulk – probably still burning – was towed to Three Islands dock, visible in the shallow bay to the east of the dock which all passengers in transit from the Queens Highway and airport or Spanish Wells by car and boat must use. It remains there to this day.
A US Air Force 63 foot (19.20 m)
Mark II air sea rescue boat.
Above: The remains of the hull are roughly in the center of this aerial of Three Islands dock, North Eleuthera. Below: On the bow one of the men is Ross of this uniquely valuable family heirloom.
HiStoric Dunmore Town, named after Lord Dunmore, Governor 1786-1797, is the main and only town on Harbour Island and one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas.
Hand in hand to write a new chapter for China-Bahamas cooperation
By Ms YAN JiAroNg
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
I am greatly honoured to be appointed by President Xi Jinping as the 10th ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Right after arriving in Nassau on July 5, I was immersed in the joy of celebrating the Independence Day. The warmth and friendship of the government and people of the country made me feel at home. The Bahamas is a shining pearl of the Caribbean Sea. It has successfully maintained social stability and economic growth over the years with a rapid recovery of its tourism industry from the impact of COVID-19. Every Bahamian can take pride in the diligence, wisdom and resilience which made this country unique and beautiful.
China regards The Bahamas as an important cooperation partner in the Caribbean. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and The Bahamas in 1997 based on the One-China Principle, the China-Bahamas relations based on equality, mutual respect and win-win cooperation have been progressing well with positive momentum. a series of landmark projects, such as the Thomas Robinson Stadium, the airport highway, the North abaco Port, the Freeport Container Port and The Pointe, have been accomplished. The Baha mar Resort has created more than 6,000 local jobs and contributed to 12 percent of the GDP of this country. at present, China has entered a new stage of high-quality development, which will certainly bring new opportunities for China-Bahamas cooperation. This week from July 15 to 18, the much-expected Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was convened in Beijing. The session made systematic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively, and pushing forward the Chinese path to modernisation. The session stresses that Chinese modernisation is the modernisation of peaceful development. In foreign relations, China remains firmly committed to pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace
and is dedicated to promoting a human community with a shared future. Holding dear humanity’s shared values, we will pursue the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, call for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and participate in efforts to lead the reform and development of the global governance system. The session provides much-needed certainty and stability to a world rocked by uncertainty and turmoil. We are all experiencing a counter-current of economic globalisation and a sluggish world economy. In the face of the complex international and domestic situation as well as a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, China’s choice is clear, that is to further deepen reform in an all-round way. It’s certainly not common to see any country or political party that has such political courage and historical
commitment as China to promote reforms at such a large scope with such hard endeavors and in such a short period of time.
One of the key words of reform is “the new quality productive forces”, meaning the advanced productive forces are characterized by innovation with high technology, high efficiency and high quality. China’s dedication to promote new quality productive forces is certainly good news for the world economic recovery. China’s economy has maintained an average annual contribution rate of about 30 percent to world economic growth in recent years. Despite the complex and severe external environment, we are confident that China’s economy will
maintain great resilience and potential with its longterm positive fundamentals unchanged. That’s probably why those international organizations such as the International monetary Fund raised China’s economic growth forecast recently.
The session states that opening up is a defining feature of Chinese modernisation. my understanding is that China will continue to promote reform through opening up, develop new institutions for open economy and refine the mechanisms for even higher quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI now has attracted participation of more than three-quarters of the world’s countries and
more than 30 international organisations, having stimulated nearly one trillion US dollars in investment. as a global public good and a platform for international cooperation, the BRI is obviously gaining increasing support. It is estimated that by 2030 the BRI is going to lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty in the participating countries, creating $1.6 trillion benefit for the world annually.
The session also stated that Chinese modernisation is the modernisation of harmony between humanity and nature. I’m sure that China will step up its efforts to improve the ecological systems and reduce pollution to ensure low-carbon development. as you may be aware that China has made a solemn commitment to strive to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. It means that China, as the world’s largest developing country, will accomplish the world’s highest rate of reduction in carbon emission intensity, and to reach carbon neutrality from carbon peak in the shortest period of time in the world history. It also means a broad and profound economic and social transformation. China will do its best to turn the climate challenge into a green growth opportunity and indeed China has already achieved remarkable progress in this regard. China has been ranking first for consecutive years in terms of installed capacity of renewable energy, including hydro power, wind power and photovoltaics (PV). China is cooperating with more than 100 countries and regions in green energy projects, solving their problems of inaccessibility and high cost of electricity. The International Renewable Energy agency (IRENa) report shows that over the past 10 years, the average cost of electricity generated by wind power and PV power generation projects around the world has respectively dropped by more than 60 per cent and 80 per cent, with a large part of the credit to
China innovation, China manufacturing and China engineering. as the only country with a complete range of all the industrial sectors in the United Nations International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), China attains a significant competitive advantage in the new energy sector. The affordable and goodquality products of China benefited consumers around the globe. all of these are attributed to China’s mega-market, long-term accumulation of technological innovations and comprehensive industrial support system. Every new-energy vehicle produced in China, and every renewable energy cooperation project carried out by China and its partnership countries, play an important part in promoting the global green energy transition, implementing the United Nations 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, and building a clean and beautiful world. The above is only a microcosm of how China’s new quality productive forces benefit the world. China is also advancing rapidly in aI and digital economy.
The government and people of The Bahamas are committed to build a better, cleaner and more prosperous Bahamas while developing green and blue economy. China has a lot to offer in synergising the development strategies of both countries and broadening areas of cooperation between the two countries. my mission is to promote China-Bahamas relations to a higher level and bring more tangible benefits to the people of the two countries based on the real needs of the two peoples and guided by President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a community of a shared future for mankind and within the framework of the Global South cooperation. my colleagues and I will make unremitting efforts to this end together with friends from all walks of life who are committed to China-Bahamas friendship. We look forward to your continued understanding and support.
Ms YAN JiAroNg, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Rising baseball stars are ‘starting from the bottom’
Smith, Davon Gibson, Emmanual Smith, Liam Smith, Collin Bain, Jaden Liberal, Deryus Rolle, Rhameko Bethel and Xavier Thompson.
For the past few months, the players have been preparing for the task ahead of them and Sweeting said as long as they play together as a team, The Bahamas will be successful.
“When somebody makes an extra, you go over there and tell them don’t worry about it, we will get him the next time. Guess what, the ball is coming right back at him,” Sweeting said.
“So if you all get down on him when he has to make that next play, he will miss it again. So you have to lift each other up. You have to be that support cast. You have to make sure that he is fine after the error.”
Three of the players were all excited about making the trip.
Collin Bain, a towering six-foot, first base, pitcher and third base player, said he’s been playing since he was five years old, but he felt he has made a mark being named to the team.
“I think it’s a great selection for the team. They chose well,” said Bain, who noted that the expectation for them is to “win the championship and qualify for the World Series.”
Michael Wilson Jr, a shortstop and second baseman, said after playing in the sport for quite a while, he felt honoured to be a member of this national team.
“I feel like this is an accomplishment in my life because I worked hard for it. I still can’t believe that it’s here,” he said. “I just want to go out there and help my team win.”
Kyler Smith, an 11-yearold who has been playing since he was age three, said this was what he always wanted and now the opportunity is here for him to take advantage of.
“I’m excited to go play and then I hope to go to the Majors one day,” he said, adding that his only expectation for Team Bahamas is to “win.”
As the team leader, Avard Hart said he’s prepared to work with the players and assured the parents that whatever situation they find themselves in, they will be prepared to get the job done.
“We know we’re going to see some things that these guys have never seen before, but we’re willing to work it through as a team,” he said. “We will come up with some game plans and get the victory.”
And Donovan Cox, one of the pitchers on the team, said he’s confident that they will be very successful in the tournament,
“We have five players from Grand Bahama and the remaining players from Grand Bahama,” he said.
FROM THE
“I feel we have a very powerful team and so we feel we will do very well in the tournament.”
Martin “Pork” Burrows, who along with Grand Bahamian Oscar Greene, will be travelling with the team to officiate at the tournament, said it’s an unique opportunity for the players to be in.
“It brings back memories from 1989 when I was one of the players who went to Cuba to represent the Bahamas,” he said. “That was the proudest moment in my life, to represent my country in baseball.
“So don’t care what nobody tells you all, this should be the proudest moment of your career starting out. When I went to Cuba, I hit a home run in my first game. I didn’t need no one to encourage me. I knew that I could do it.”
Burrows said the only pressure the players should experience is the one they take with them. So if they don’t carry any, they won’t feel any.
“When you enjoy the game of baseball and you are having fun, you will produce,” Burrows stressed.
“Remember, you have Bahamas on your chest. That is a big difference. That ain’t Freedom Farm. That ain’t JBLN. That ain’t Legacy. That is the Bahamas. Wear that with pride.
“Be proud to represent your country to the fullest. Ain’t much will get the opportunity you young
guys are getting now, so take advantage of it. When you come back and school opens, you can brag. I was on the Bahamas national team. Take advantage of the opportunity.”
On their return home, Sweeting noted that the BBA will be gearing up to host two major international tournaments in their bid to become the central hub for baseball in the Caribbean.
The first tournament will be the Caribbean Baseball Confederation (COCABE) U-15 Cup from August 6-13 at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, capped off with the sixth edition of the Caribbean Baseball Cup in October where a number of professional baseball players will be participating.
While a local organising committee has already been assembled for the staging of both events, Sweeting thanked Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and his government for their assistance to the BBA for their financial support, including the team heading off to the Dominican Republic.
Photos by Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
STARTING
BOTTOM: The Bahamas Baseball Association has selected a team - scheduled to leave New Providence on Saturday - to represent The Bahamas in the Caribbean Baseball Confederation 12-U Baseball Cup in the Dominican Republic.
THE BENEFITS OF CROSS-TRAINING FOR INJURY PREVENTION AND PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT
CROSS-TRAINING has become a cornerstone in the modern athletic regimen, offering numerous benefits beyond simply improving performance in a single sport.
As athletes strive to push their limits, incorporating a variety of training modalities can not only enhance their overall capabilities but also play a critical role in preventing injuries.
This article delves into the principles of crosstraining, its advantages, and practical applications for athletes looking to optimize their performance while safeguarding their health.
The Principles of Cross-Training
Cross-training involves integrating different types of exercises into an athlete’s routine to improve overall fitness and performance.
Unlike traditional training that focuses on sport-specific skills and movements, cross-training introduces a diverse range of activities that target different muscle groups and energy systems. This holistic approach helps in building a more balanced and resilient physique.
Enhancing Performance through Cross-Training
One of the primary benefits of cross-training is its
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
ability to enhance athletic performance across various dimensions:
Muscular Strength and Endurance: Engaging in strength training, such as weightlifting or resistance exercises, can significantly improve muscle strength and endurance.
For example, runners who incorporate strength training can enhance their power output, leading to better speed and endurance during races.
Cardiovascular Fitness: Activities like swimming, cycling, or rowing can boost cardiovascular fitness, which is crucial for sports
BASKETBALL PEACE ON DA STREETS
THE annual Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, dubbed “Shooting Hoops instead of Guns,” is being held every day until July 21 at the Michael ‘Scooter Reid” Basketball Center at the Hope Center. All games start at 6pm daily. Categories include 12-and-under, 16-and-under, 20-and-under, government ministry, church and open divisions.
The event is being promoted by Guardian Radio and Radio House Outreach.
CLERGY VS POLITICIANS
AS part of the Peace ON Da Streets Classic, organisers will once again stage the showdown between
July, 2024
members of the Clergy against the Members of Parliament.
The game is scheduled for 8pm Sunday, July 21 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
CHESS
TOURNEY POSTPONED
THE Bahamas Chess Federation has announced that its Independence Cup 2024 Tournament, scheduled for July 13-14, has been postponed due to the lack of a suitable venue.
This tournament was supposed to be the second qualifier for the Bahamas National Chess Championship 2025. The federation will arrange another qualifier soon.
The next open qualifier is the New Providence Open 2024, scheduled for August 10-11.
requiring prolonged exertion. Basketball players, for instance, can benefit from improved cardiovascular health, enabling them to maintain high energy levels throughout the game.
Flexibility and Agility: Practices such as yoga and Pilates focus on flexibility, balance, and core strength. These elements are essential for sports like gymnastics or soccer, where agility and range of motion are critical for peak performance.
Preventing Injuries through Cross-Training Injury prevention is a key aspect of cross-training. By diversifying an athlete’s workout routine, crosstraining reduces the risk of overuse injuries that are common in repetitive activities.
Here’s how:
Balanced Muscle Development: Different sports and exercises target various muscle groups. By alternating activities, athletes can ensure balanced muscle development, reducing the strain on any one group. For example, a baseball player who incorporates swimming into their routine can strengthen muscles not typically used in their primary sport, thus preventing muscle imbalances.
Reduced Impact Stress:
High-impact sports like running can be hard on the joints.
Cross-training with lowimpact activities such as cycling or swimming can give the joints a break while still maintaining cardiovascular fitness. This approach is especially beneficial for aging athletes or those recovering from injuries.
Enhanced Recovery: Active recovery is facilitated through cross-training.
Light activities like swimming or yoga can promote blood flow and muscle repair without the intensity of regular training sessions. This can accelerate recovery times and keep athletes in top condition.
Practical Applications of Cross-Training
To illustrate the practical applications of cross-training, consider the example of a professional triathlete. A triathlete’s regimen typically includes swimming, cycling, and running. Each discipline works different muscle groups and energy systems, ensuring comprehensive physical development and minimizing the risk of overuse injuries.
For athletes in single-discipline sports, cross-training can be just as effective. A tennis player might incorporate sprinting drills for speed, weightlifting for strength, and yoga for flexibility. This multifaceted approach can lead to improved on-court performance and reduced injury rates.
Research Findings and
Success Stories
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of cross-training.
Research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes who engaged in a varied training program had lower injury rates and improved performance metrics compared to those who stuck to sportspecific training alone.
Athletes like LeBron James and Tom Brady are renowned for their comprehensive training regimens, which include elements of cross-training.
LeBron’s routine includes yoga, cycling, and strength training, contributing to his remarkable durability and performance on the court.
Similarly, Tom Brady’s training programme incorporates resistance bands, flexibility exercises, and swimming, which have been instrumental in his prolonged success in the NFL.
Conclusion Cross-training is a vital component of an athlete’s training arsenal, offering benefits that extend beyond sport-specific skills. By incorporating a diverse range of exercises, athletes can enhance their overall performance, prevent injuries, and enjoy a more balanced and resilient physique.
As the science of sports training continues to evolve, cross-training stands out as a proven strategy.
• Dr. Kent Bazard, a sports medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specializes in ensuring athletes reach their peak performance safely. With extensive experience and a passion for sports health, Dr. Bazard provides insights and guidance for athletes of all ages.
TEAM BAHAMAS OLYMPIC ATHLETES
FROM PAGE 16
movement established within each country. There are 206 registered Olympic movements around the world and the Bahamas has been recognised by the IOC since becoming a member in 1952. Since then, The Bahamas has participated in every games, held traditionally every four years, except for the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, Russia, due to an American-led boycott to protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
There’s been much public debate over the selection of two female athletes for the mixed 4 x 400 metre relay team and people have also indicated that the BAAA has the rights to select whoever they want because they have the athletes.
No athlete or official will get the chance to compete at any of these competitions, if they are not sanctioned by the BOC, despite the fact that the BOC doesn’t have any athletes. They need the athletes just as the athletes need the BOC in order to compete.
That’s just the way the organisational chart is set up. So how did we get this debacle over who should be on the team and not?
This is not the first time it has happened and it will certainly not be the last until the BOC is given the respect that it deserves, whether the associations agree or not.
The Bahamas Basketball Federation men’s national basketball team was the last of the dominoes to fall in the selection process for Team Bahamas for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, scheduled for July 2 to August 11.
Yet, more than a week later when they fell short of qualifying for the games, losing in the final of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain to Spain on Sunday, July 3, the BOC was still waiting to announce the team going to Paris.
When asked at the longawaited press conference on Tuesday night, BOC president Rommel Knowles revealed that it was because of the deliberations between the BAAAs president Drumeco Archer on the team selection for the mixed 4 x 400m relay.
Without approval from the BOC, Archer and his executives released an official team listing to World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, announcing that Bahamian Shania Adderley was not included on the team. He even made a public declaration in the media that both went viral.
Obviously, the approval was not granted by the BOC, who in turn revealed that Adderley was indeed on the team and Lacarthea Cooper, who had finished third in the BAAAs National Championships, was not.
The 16-year-old Adderley, who had come to New Providence to compete in the pregame show for the World Relays in May at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, was asked to step up to compete with Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Steven Gardiner and Alonzo Russell after it was discovered that Anthonique Strachan was unable to go because of an injury that eventually led to her shutting down the rest of her season.
There was much outcry when the team failed to advance to the final and Adderley was ridiculed over social media. She sucked it up, regrouped and got the job done in the B final, helping the trio of MillerUibo, Gardiner and Russell to book the Bahamas’ only ticket in a relay event at the games.
Adderley became an instant celebrity as many people, including the BAAA, lauded her gallant come-back effort. Even Archer was one rejoicing over the achievement of this young rising athlete.
Fast forward to the BAAA’s National Open Track and Field Championships, which was combined with the juniors and seniors, but switched at the
GO TEAM BAHAMAS!: THE
27 to August 11
last minute from the weekend of Friday to Sunday to Wednesday to Friday.
To say the least, it was probably one of the least attended nationals with very few fans and so many events not even having a full slate of competitors to compete in.
With The Bahamas only eligible to compete in the mixed relay, the focus then switched to the top performers in the open 400 metres being eligible to compete for their spots on that relay team.
The question is: Was this a criteria following the team booking its ticket to Paris?
I know there are many who feel that a trial should have taken place, but was that made public knowledge?
One of the male athletes named to the relay pool didn’t even run in the open 400m, but he was recommended and subsequently
Olympic
named to the team based on his time. But there was no outcry over the next competitor to finish in the open men’s 400m.
I think the BAAA did a disservice to the athletes in selecting the athletes for this mixed relay team, considering that the relay pool should be made up of six competitors. If we include Miller-Uibo as the top prospect, then they only needed two more females. On the men’s side, if they considered Gardiner and Russell as the top two contenders, then it’s down to just one.
All others should have been included as alternates.
With the exception of Gardiner, not one of the members named to the relay pool made the qualifying standard for the 400m. Miller-Uibo, coming off the birth of her child, was selected based on her world rankings. But there’s some
announced a 20-member
(see
uncertainty as to whether or not Miller-Uibo and Gardiner will run the mixed relays as they were not mentioned in the pool. They were only listed for their individual 400m.
So that being the case, it’s fair to say that the BAAAs selection of the top three competitors would include Cooper as the third place finisher in the Nationals, which would mean that based on their calculation, she would get the spot over Adderley.
But it still comes down to the discretion of the BOC in who gets to make up the team in collaboration with the BAAA, not the other way around where the BAAA dictates to the BOC on who gets to go and who doesn’t.
All of this public outcry and embarrassment on these two innocent athletes could have been avoided if the BOC and the BAAA
could have come together and collaborated before any team selection was announced.
Yes, the BAAAs nationals was held and yes the BOC has voiced their displeasure in them being called the Olympic trials.
I think, especially with the junior and senior nationals being combined, they should not have been dubbed the Olympic trials.
I think the junior and senior nationals should be separate and apart, allowing the junior athletes to compete with their peers in their own setting, while the senior athletes get to focus on their own competition. Was it because the BAAA felt they didn’t have sufficient entries for the senior nationals that they combined the juniors? Then it means that they need to do a better job of enticing the senior athletes to compete in the nationals.
It’s not fair to both Adderley and Cooper because they both did what they had to do to secure their berths on the team. I’m glad that the BOC decided that it was only fair to eventually take both of them. And while some people are suggesting that because Adderley is so young, she can wait for the next fouryear cycle to get ready for the Olympics is hogwash because if she didn’t run in the World Relays, The Bahamas may not have a team qualified. So the BOC is in their right to select Adderley to the team if they so desire. I just feel that more discussion should be made on the way forward in terms of how athletes are selected.
Maybe the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture can also be a part of it, after all, they are spending the people’s money to help facilitate these teams.
STEVEN GARDINER SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO
KEN MULLINGS DEVYNNE CHARLTON
DONALD THOMAS
SHANIA ADDERLEY
TERRENCE JONES DENISHA CARTWRIGHT
ANTOINE ANDREWS RHEMA OTABOR
IAN KERR CHARISMA TAYLOR
WANYA MCCOY
JAVONYA VALCOURT
WENDELL MILLER
QUINCY PENN
LAMAR TAYLOR
RHANISHKA GIBBS
ZION MILLER
ALONZO RUSSELL
Bahamas
Committee
team
photos) to compete in the Olympic Games, scheduled for July
in Paris, France, with Cora Hepburn as the chef de mission and Roy Colebrook as the team leader. Dr Ricky Davis will be the team’s doctor with Katrice Robinson as the physiotherapist. Named as coaches are James Rolle, Corrington Maycock and May Miller. The swimmers are Lamar Taylor in the men’s 100m freestyle and Rhanishka Gibbs in the women’s 50m freestyle. They will be coached by Travano McPhee.
‘Rise of Champions’
CHRIS ‘FIREMAN’ BROWN PUTS ON ONE-DAY CAMP/CLINIC
GIVING BACK: Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown said he was so grateful to God that he was able to share his knowledge as one of the top 400 metre runners in the world to more than 60 eager young men and women in his hometown of Eleuthera. Brown, the country’s former national record holder and still the holder of the 800 metre record, hosted a Rise Of Champions one day camp/clinic on Saturday at the Preston High School in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. Here are some of the photo highlights.
sharply from the 289 boxers who participated in Tokyo.
USA Boxing head coach
Men’s javelin national record holder Keyshawn to join the Cornhuskers
FROM PAGE 16
the 2025 World Athletics Championships set to take place in Tokyo, Japan next year. “I didn’t make the team but it is what it is. I was dealing with my elbow injury all season but I was kind of hurt about it. I am trusting in God and I trust that next year will be my year. We have the World Championships in Tokyo so I am looking forward to that and hopefully I am healthy enough to come out with a gold medal,” he said.
Strachan is looking forward to being 100 per cent healthy and regaining his footing in the men’s javelin across all levels.
participated in Seoul in 1988, and it’s even down
Billy Walsh has been an ardent proponent of the women’s sport ever since he coached Katie Taylor of his native Ireland to a gold
medal in London, and he says the addition of three women’s weight classes in Paris is “fantastic.”
Walsh still recognises the drawbacks to the sport’s growth when it comes up against the IOC’s typically firm cap on total Olympic participants. It’s rare to add more athletes to a traditional Olympic sport, particularly while the IOC is adding trendy new sports to each Games.
“It is sad in a sense for the men,” said Walsh, who competed for Ireland in the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
“Because when I boxed, they had 12 (men’s) weight divisions. They went down to 10, and then down to eight, and now we’re down to seven.”
In Rio de Janeiro eight years ago, 250 men had the career-defining honour of being Olympic boxers. That number has been halved just eight years later, with 124 men competing at three fewer weights than in Rio.
Men’s boxing in Paris will have its fewest weight classes since 1908 in London, where the second boxing tournament in the modern Olympics was contested at just five weights. Three years earlier in Tokyo, men’s boxing
already dropped to eight weight classes for the first time since 1948.
That means there is no longer an Olympic weight class between 71 kilograms (156 pounds) and 80 kilograms (176 pounds).
Professional middleweights fight at 160 pounds, and super middleweights weigh in at 168 pounds, but any fighter who couldn’t go down or up to the Olympic limits was out of luck.
That’s a concern to Walsh and many others around the sport. The elimination of weight classes encourages fighters to stretch the limits of their bodies to see if they can fit into a lessthan-ideal weight class for qualification — and that can lead to mismatches up and down the scales.
“When we’ve narrowed down the numbers, it’s also put a big gap in the weight divisions,” Walsh said.
“There’s so much gap now. There’s a reason why there are (weight classes). It’s because of the power of the punch. These guys are hurting you. There’s damage you can do. If some guy is barely making the welterweight division, he’s got 10 kilos he has to put on, and the other guy is coming down from four
or five kilos above that, it’s a lot of power in the punch. It’s a combat sport, and people do get hurt, do get injured. I worry about that.”
Fewer overall fighters means smaller teams for many nations — and fewer chances to win gold, even for the traditional powers of the sport. The U.S., which has won the most total medals and gold medals in Olympic history, qualified eight fighters for Paris under a challenging new qualification system administered by the IOC task force overseeing the tournament.
The American team will have fewer fighters than Australia — which had an extraordinarily easy path to Paris under the new system — Brazil, Ireland or modern amateur boxing powers Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Cuba, which ranks right behind the United States in Olympic achievements, improbably will have only five fighters in Paris after two men failed to clinch a spot during the final qualifying tournament.
Cuba also has no women on its team for the fourth straight Olympics, even though the nation belatedly
lifted its internal ban on the women’s sport in late 2022. Yet the small Cuban delegation includes twotime gold medallists Arlen López and Julio César La Cruz. They’ll both try to join Hungary’s László Papp and fellow Cubans Teofilo Stevenson and Félix Savón as the only three-time Olympic boxing champions. The smaller field will lead to a different kind of competition in Paris: Fewer bouts with higher stakes. That could be exciting, particularly when fresher fighters move into the medal rounds, which will be held at the famed Roland Garros tennis complex. Many fighters only need to win two bouts to clinch an Olympic medal, including every man fighting at heavyweight and super heavyweight.
Both of those divisions have only 16 competitors, and no weight class in Paris has more than 22 fighters.
The tournament won’t even run for the entire Olympiad: For the first time in decades, boxing competition will conclude one day before the closing ceremony.
“It’s going to be different, that’s for sure,” Walsh said. “But it will be exciting.”
MOVING ON: Bahamian men’s javelin national record holder Keyshawn Strachan will be transferring from Auburn University to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the NCAA season.
SPORTS
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2024
Rising baseball stars are ‘starting from the bottom’
By BRENT STUBBS
Sports Editor
he Bahamas Base-
Tball Association will continue its quest to get the country’s international rankings up so that they can eventually get a team to qualify to compete in the World Baseball Classic.
To that end, BBA secretary general Theodore “Teddy” Sweeting said they have to start at the bottom of the ladder by participating in the Caribbean Baseball Confederation (COCABE) 12-and-under Baseball Cup in the Dominican Republic.
The team will leave town on Saturday for the Dominican Republic and will begin competition in the tournament on Sunday and will compete through July 28 against teams from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Curacao, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands as they aim to advance to the World Qualifier. Against a colourful backdrop on the infield of the Andre Rodgers Baseball
Stadium yesterday, popular DJ Randy C introduced the players as they made their way out of the locker
room
the
of their family members and friends. Selected to represent the
are
By BRENT STUBBS Chief
THERE has been much public debate over a controversy that has brewed because of the fact that the Bahamas Olympic Committee has not been respected for the role that it plays in the landscape of sports in the country.
The BOC, from its inception, has been the watchdog for sports in the country. It’s the highest official sporting body and whether we like it or not, participation in the top regional and global games have to go through the BOC.
The BOC is responsible for teams that go to the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Pan American Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games, not the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations or any other association or federation, whose teams and athletes get to compete in these competitions.
The International Olympic Committee, which is the highest authority in the world of sports, doesn’t recognise any local association or federation, but they collaborate with the Olympic
Keyshawn Strachan to join Cornhuskers
By TENAJH SWEETING
Reporter
KEYSHAWN Strachan, national record holder of the men’s javelin, will be the latest Bahamian javelin thrower to make the transition to the Big Ten Conference with the University of NebraskaLincoln Cornhuskers.
The premier javelin performer announced the transfer from the Auburn University Tigers via his Instagram page on Wednesday evening.
He will join the newest Bahamian national record holder in the women’s javelin throw event, Rhema Otabor, who has certainly made a name for herself down in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The 20-year-old acknowledged that the decision was not an easy one to make but he is confident that it was a good choice.
“It was a tough decision but it was a good one. I mainly transferred because of the javelin programme they have there. They are
number one in the men and women’s javelin and I feel like I would be a good part of the programme just because Rhema is there and Dior-Rae and Taysha are coming up there. I feel like the programme would help me a lot to achieve my goals,” he said.
The javelin national record holder had a tough season by his standards which saw him miss the Olympic cut and struggle to get close to his personal best heave of 84.27 metres achieved last year.
Strachan is very optimistic about the upcoming 2025 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) outdoor season and is looking forward to working along with head coach Justin St Clair.
“I am just coming off an injury and still dealing with it but I know they are gonna make sure I am good. I have high expectations that I am gonna throw far and I know I will do good there for sure. I am capable of throwing 90m once I am healthy. I know
ON:
Nebraska-Lincoln for the NCAA season.
going there to one of the best coaches in the USA, I will learn a lot more about my technique and he will fix what needs to be fixed.
Through God I will get to that 85-90m range,” he said.
During his freshman year, the gifted thrower made his season debut with a
record-breaking throw of 84.27m at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin, Texas. He closed out his freshman season with four first-place finishes along with the Bahamian javelin national crown. This season, Strachan continued to try and work his way back from an elbow injury but was only able to post a season best of 76.25m at the Tom Jones Memorial in April.
Corrington Maycock, head coach of the Blue Chip Athletics Club, weighed in on the thrower’s latest move at the collegiate level.
“I feel it is a move that should’ve been done over a year ago. We thought it was a good fit but it wasn’t a good fit. I am just looking forward to seeing what could happen at Nebraska,” he said.
Coach Maycock emphasized that Otabor is a great example of the work coaches put in at the University of NebraskaLincoln. With that being
said, he believes a change of scenery will greatly benefit the senior athlete.
“When you look and see what happened to Rhema, she transferred out and won two NCAA championships back-to-back. When you have a coach that cares and is willing to work hard with the athletes, loves results and loves to win, it creates memories. I have seen that they do not like to be in a casual atmosphere that doesn’t push them towards what their talent level is and Nebraska is the place that pushes them towards their talent level.
“At minimum, I see Keyshawn hitting between 85m to 86m and at maximum the sky’s the limit for him. Keyshawn is too talented so I would not be surprised if he ends up hitting 90m,” he said.
Although the men’s javelin national champion did not secure a spot in Paris, France, for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, he plans to make the cut for
By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer
in
Twelve years after women’s boxing made its Olympic debut with just 36 fighters in three
BOXING is already on the Olympic ropes after an epic fight between its banished governing body and the IOC. Although the sport has been a staple of Olympic programmes for over a century, it could be dropped before the Los Angeles Games if big changes in governance don’t happen in the next year. The fights are still on in Paris this month, but this Olympic tournament will look like nothing fans have seen in decades — for better in some ways, and probably for
and they’re
to
applause
Bahamas
Andrew Gibson, Michael Wilson, Wayden Bain, Ethan Burnside, Jayce Deveaux, Sa’van Francis,
Kealan Cartwright, Louinel Manacye, Tyler
MOVING
Bahamian men’s javelin national record holder Keyshawn Strachan will be transferring from Auburn University to the University of
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff