07242023 NEWS AND SPORT

HOUSE & HOmE

MONDAY

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Volume: 120 No.139, July 24, 2023

NEW CLAIMS BY FNM OVER BELL BEHAVIOUR

‘was at the wrong place at the wrong time’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune N ews Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A HOST of irregularities under Immigration Minister Keith Bell have been alleged by FNM leader Michael Pintard - including work permits granted to arrested individuals who had made no application, for businesses that had no licence and interventions that led to concerns being raised by Immigration

Director Keturah Ferguson. Ms Ferguson expressed deep disapproval when Keith Bell intervened to release Chinese nationals at the British Colonial Hilton in January, writing that such actions demoralised immigration officers and weakened authorities’ ability to prevent human trafficking.

“I find it very disconcerting when directives of this

bran seeks $250k in lawsuit over ‘crippling roadworks’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader will this week initiate legal action against the Government over $250,000 in loss and damages his law firm suffered when it was “crippled” by the Village Road roadworks.

Branville McCartney, the Halsbury Chambers principal, pledged to Tribune Business he will start work on his law firm’s claim once he returns from his daughter’s university graduation as he accused government ministers and officials of being “as quiet as a mouse” over his concerns.

FULL STORY - SEE B US INESS

By EARYEL BOWLEG AND PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporters

SCORCHING weather

sent The Bahamas to a record heat index on Saturday, with Chief Meteorological Officer Patricia Weeks warning that the heat would worsen.

Ms Weeks said the heat

index –– the way the temperature feels to the human body –– was 105F to 115F in recent days.

While the met office recorded maximum temperatures at 95F on Saturday, Bahamas First Alert Weather recorded temperatures in Carmichael that reached 102F –– an unofficial record for the country,

according to Craig Lowe, founder of the Storm Intercept Weather Network.

“August, September, those are our warmest months, and those are the times when you usually have storms picking up around that time that’s like the peak of the hurricane

SEE PAGE THREE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE father of a 22-yearold man murdered on Saturday believes his son was simply at the “wrong place at the wrong time”.

Adrian Brown, Jr, was one of two people in Masons Addition killed after midnight on Saturday.

Two men carrying highpowered weapons emerged from a nearby track road and shot the men on Spence Street.

Brown, Jr, died on the

mount horeb pastor l loyd smith dies suddenly

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

TRIBUTES poured in over the weekend for National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention President Lloyd Smith, who died on Saturday.

Mr Smith was the senior pastor of Mount Horeb Baptist Church.

Rev Dr Philip McPhee, the acting president of the convention, said Mr Smith collapsed around noon before he was scheduled to give the eulogy at

SEE PAGE TWO

Photo: Moise Amisial

son

‘Permits given to people in custody and businesses without valid licences’

Mount Horeb Baptist Church pastor Lloyd Smith dies suddenly

from page one

a service.

“He went into the bathroom and he collapsed but nobody noticed that he took such a long time, nobody checked on him,” Rev McPhee said. “Somebody should have checked on him.”

“By the time they got

there, basically he was dead but they tried to resuscitate him and all of that but he already passed.”

“I spoke at his church this morning before I went to my church, and they were there in great numbers and crying. But they accepted what happened and they gotta move on.”

During a Ministry of Social Services and Department of Gender and Family Affairs event last year, Mr Smith controversially expressed his opposition to criminalising marital rape.

“We are the voice of the people. As preacher, pastor, president, we speak truth to power,” Rev McPhee said yesterday. “We are not hesitant to tell the whole story wherever we go. So when you talk about those who might not totally agree with them, that’s their problem.”

He said Mr Smith impacted The Bahamas in many ways.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis extended condolences in a press statement.

“Dr Smith served the spiritual needs of his congregation as senior pastor at Mount Horeb Baptist Church in Sandyport. His ability to guide, to understand, and to inspire left a mark not just on his congregation but also on the wider community,” he said.

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard also said: “Rev Smith’s untimely departure has left a deep void not only in the hearts of his loved ones but also throughout the Christian community which he served with unwavering dedication and compassion.”

“His immense contributions as the esteemed pastor of Mount Horeb Baptist Church touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring faith and hope in the hearts of many.”

NATIONAL Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention President Lloyd Smith

So hot it’s a record-breaker

season,” said Ms Weeks.

“The saviour has actually been the dust that we’ve been experiencing these last couple days because, you know, one of the fuels for the storm is moisture and so even though you’re getting the heat, we weren’t providing any moisture over our area.”

Yesterday, Bahamas Humane Society President Kim Aranha said pet owners should be on the lookout for signs their animals are suffering from a heat stroke. She said local veterinarians have seen an uptick in animals suffering from heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

“If your animal is showing any form of distress, lethargy, throwing up, won’t eat, won’t drink, that could be a sign of heat stroke,” Ms Aranha said. “One of the first things to do is try to get them cooler. Put ice on their neck, just like you would

with a human. Put a cool towel on their tummies. Get their temperature down as soon as you can and call a vet. Various vets have told me that they have seen cases of heat stroke come into their offices.”

“Some other signs that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion are they will collapse like a human would. They’ll shut down. They won’t move, they’ll flop, they won’t drink. Their heads would be lolling to one side, their tongue will be out, they’ll be panting uncontrollably. Don’t forget that a dog cannot sweat. The only way a dog can sweat is through panting. But that doesn’t mean he can’t become dehydrated. You may have to take your dog to the vet and he may have to put him on the drip.”

Ms Aranha also urged pet owners to ensure their animals always have access to cool water and remain in shaded or temperaturecontrolled areas.

DOZENS of residents look to cool off at Montague Beach during scorching hot weather yesterday.

“A dog will not necessarily always tell you when he is in distress, so you’ve got to be very observant, but you also have got to think for him. There is no

need for a dog to walk on a hot road in the middle of the day, keep him at home. If you have air conditioning, then please let him be in the air conditioning.

If you don’t, let him have access to an area where there’s a fan. If you go out and you commonly leave your dog in the yard you must make sure

that there’s an area that stays shaded all day long. You got to look in your yard and make sure there is always an area that is shady.”

BUSIER SUMMER ANTICIPATED AS 350K PASSENGERS PASS THROUGH L PIA IN JUNE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

LYNDEN Pindling International Airport officials anticipate a robust summer for airport activity.

According to Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) vice president of marketing and communications Jan Knowles, 350,000 people embarked or disembarked from a plane in June.

She said this summer is expected to be busier than the summer of 2022.

Enplaning and deplaning passenger numbers in the summer of 2022 included 296,000 in June, 355,000 in July, and 327,000 in August.

During the budget debate last month, Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper said tourist arrivals during the four months to end April 2023 were almost 30 per cent ahead of The Bahamas’ 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic that featured the previous record.

“Our tourism performance over this fiscal year continues to shatter prepandemic levels and further positions The Bahamas among the regional and global leaders in terms of overall tourism recovery,” Mr Cooper said. “And we are just getting started. At the end of April 2023, overall air and sea arrivals surpassed 2022 levels by 79 per cent and exceeded the banner 2019 numbers by 32 per cent.”

“Looking specifically at the numbers, between January to April 2022, we welcomed an overall 1.9m visitors. During that same period in 2019, we welcomed 2.7m visitors. During the same four-month period this year, we welcomed some 3.5m visitors with eight more months left.

“On this current trajectory, we fully expect to shatter the much-touted historic 2019 overall visitor arrivals numbers by the end of the third quarter and will conservatively welcome well over eight million visitors by the end of 2023.”

UNION GIVES BPL 30-DAY ULTIMATUM

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE union representing electrical workers has given Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) a 30-day ultimatum to address their concerns related to hazardous pay, pension and medical benefits, among other issues.

Kyle Wilson, the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union’s president, said the “time for talk” is over as he called on union members to get ready for action.

“Some of the major issues,” he said, “are, number one – a dishonest and illegal contributory pension scheme that is not and has never been part of any registered industrial agreement.”

Mr Wilson alleged that BPL’s staff pension scheme has been operating without a governing board and deducting contributions prior to the required date.

The union is also calling for salary increases, better medical benefits, hazardous pay for its technical workers and more resources for Family Island workers. “I hereby give BPL’s leadership 30 days to fix

the issues. Otherwise, let the chips fall where they may,” Mr Wilson added.

“The MOU that was signed on the 25th of August 2021 is now of no effect and, to this day, the union has yet to hear the plans for the future of BPL if one exists.

“What does exist does little to industrial relations and a poor attitude towards industrial harmony. The BPL leadership does not respect unions and this attitude under the leadership of Chairman Pedro Rolle is only serving to drive a massive wedge between all parties.”

Mr Wilson spoke about the union’s frustrations with BPL during a press conference organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Friday, where several union leaders voiced similar grievances.

Christopher Hanna, president of the Bahamas Electrical Utility Managerial Union (BEUTM) added: “We face the same challenges that he’s facing. We have the same problems with the company.”

He said the union has been without an industrial agreement since the last one expired in 2018.

He also accused BPL

management of failing to pay workers’ overtime.

“So as of today, we had enough,” Mr Hanna said, “and unless our situation is dealt with in a timely manner, we will ramp up whatever we decide to do.”

Union leaders representing healthcare workers cited similar concerns, saying they too have had enough.

Head of the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA), Dr Sabriquet Pinder-Butler, noted the union’s expired industrial agreement and said: “In good faith, we took an oath, and we are here to serve but it is hard when you are not being respected in this country and you are not getting the things that you’re promised in good faith by the people that we serve.

“And so, we’re here again asking and pleading, because we don’t want what happened with our last industrial agreement where unfortunately, we had to strike.”

For her part, Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) president Muriel Lightbourn highlighted safety concerns in the workplace.

She claimed there was an incident in Eleuthera

last month where staff were held hostage by a suspect involved in a stabbing incident on the island.

“I have reached out to the minister,” she said. “I have spoken to him. There are some other things that they have done in terms of trying to secure the clinic with the doorknobs but that’s minor issue for me.”

She said the real problem is the location where the staff are working, which is a house and not a proper clinic.

“We are actually talking about a house, a threebedroom, two bath house that the clinic is presently utilising – a problem again with that is that (the) house was only to house our nurses at the clinic for three days. It’s been four years now,” Ms Lightbourn added.

“It was three days for the clinic to be renovated. It’s four years now.”

Nadia Vanderpool, President of the Union of Public Officers, which represents line staff at the National Insurance Board, also voiced displeasure about the state of labour relations in the country, saying: “We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.”

Photo: Moise Amisial

YESTERDAY, Bahamas Humane Society President Kim Aranha said pet owners should be on the lookout for signs their animals are suffering from a heat stroke.

S TATE RECOGNISED FUNERA L HEL D FOR DR GAIL S AUNDERS

A STATE recognised funeral service was held on Friday at Christ Church Cathedral in remembrance of the life of the late Dr Gail Saunders.

Photo: Austin Fernander

Son ‘was at the wrong place at the wrong time’

from page one

scene. The other victim died later in the hospital.

“He was a free-spirited soul,” said Adrian Brown Sr. “He always like to go. Sometimes he’ll go, they’ll have a bunch of people at the little shortcut where he was shot. He would stay up late playing domino, smoking, drinking. So usually he’d be through there until he ready to come home and

to finally go sleep. I guess that’s how he end up out there.”

“That night, someone just came to the door and told me my son got shot. But everybody is saying that it’s the wrong place at the wrong time. But everybody’s destiny is preordained, can’t really escape it. And I can’t really choose his friends for him even though I may tell him not to hang out with certain people. Who is his friends is his friend. That’s just life. But it’s just sad that certain friends

might have caused him. I can’t say for sure, but being around certain friends, being around the area around certain friends, which like I said I don’t want to point fingers on nobody, but things just happen. I regret it, but it happen.”

Mr Brown said his son had never been in trouble with the law. His only vice, he said, was a “bad” smoking habit.

“He was the son what a father could hope for,” he said. “I ain’t trying to sugarcoat nothing. He

wasn’t no saint, he had his little ways, he used to smoke his little drugs. But as far as getting in problems and running in with the law or I have to be up and down around court, that never happened, not once. I never had to go to the police station, go round court, nothing for him.”

“Besides that one little bad habit, and that was smoking he little dope, that was it; never no trouble. Everybody who knew him liked him. I never had no problems with him and anyone who knew him never

had no problems with him; always cheerful, always trying to make people laugh; that was him.”

“He will be missed. I miss him, his mother miss him, everybody miss him. To me and to other people who knew him, I think I can truly say he wasn’t a bad person. And for everyone else who supported me in words of encouragement, letters, voice notes, phone calls, I appreciate it all. I know he was loved and I hope he gets justice.”

STAR ROWER: SPORTS CAN HELP YOUNG BRIDGE THE GAP

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

AMERICAN rower

Arshay Cooper is spreading the message about opportunities available to young people through sports like rowing.

The athlete, best-selling author, and protagonist of the film “A Most Beautiful Thing”, was in New Providence last week and met scores of interested students.

His visit was part of the US Embassy’s initiative to “bridge the gap” through sports.

“I’ve seen them, some on the rowing machine,” Mr Cooper said of the students he encountered. “We introduced most kids to the rowing machine. I seen them a little nervous or maybe don’t want to get on and they got on and they didn’t want to get off.”

“They had a lot of questions, you know, about what’s next and how they can get involved and the college opportunities.”

“Most of them are looking to be a part of a team and to find that sisterhood, that brotherhood.”

“I always say like, you know, everywhere I go, talent is everywhere, access and opportunities is not and we see some kid pull some amazing scores on the erg machines.”

“The good thing about rowing is that there are

kids that have full scholarships to university because of their erg scores and never been on a boat. We see kids that can definitely 100 per cent develop into a collegiate rower, not only collegiate rower, they can represent this country in

the Olympics being that they stick with it.”

Mr Cooper’s foundation, A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, helps create access in academic support, college readiness, and youth entrepreneurship through rowing.

According to the fund’s website, the mission is “to break barriers within the sport of rowing by increasing sustainability, access to rowing, and diversity throughout youth rowing programmes across the country”.

Mr Cooper knows the power of sport as he benefited from rowing himself, having grown up poor on the west side of Chicago.

“It sounds good, right, like to be able to make history, but I felt like I didn’t want to be a trailblazer,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if I was able to navigate through a sport, where no one looked like me.”

“Me and these guys from different gangs, from different neighbourhoods, started rowing all over the country. It wasn’t just a rowing programme. It was a youth entrepreneurship programme as well and so a lot of us learn how to start

our own business, how to work well with others and all the lessons we learned from the sport we kind of added it to our daily lives.”

Mr Cooper said rowing in the US offers more scholarships for young women than any other sport.

“I work with college coaches, meet with Ivy League coaches, D1 coaches, D2 coaches, and they can’t give out enough scholarships to women,” he said.

“So I think for the young girls it’s so important that we can create more access and dismantle barriers for them to be a part of the sport. That is so important.”

“For the young men, they have to, you know, put in a little bit more work. And you know, they’re competing with a lot of guys from Europe who started rowing probably at eight years old. So it’s a little challenging, but the scholarships are

there.”

To get recruited for rowing at the collegiate level, Mr Cooper said rowing machine scores are essential.

“You’re measured by your 2k distance, 2,000 metres,” he explained. “So it is what you do with that machine, and the more time you spend on it, the better you become. It’s not really about athletic abilities when it comes to the rowing machine. It’s the work that you put in.”

The US Embassy’s partner, the Nassau Rowing Club (NRC), aims to change the lives of young Bahamians through sports and education.

“Our goal is to increase access to and awareness of the sport of rowing among young Bahamians from under-resourced backgrounds and communities,” said Kyle Chea, NRC founder and president.

YOUNGSTERS trying out their rowing skill at the American Corner in the Harry C Moore Library at the University of The Bahamas and, right, pictured with Arshay Cooper, centre back.

Photos: US Embassy

New claims by FNM over Bell behaviour

nature are continuously received,” she wrote in a letter to Ministry of Labour & Immigration Permanent Secretary Cecilia Strachan on January 18.

Mr Pintard disclosed the letter during a press conference yesterday as the FNM amplified its scrutiny and criticism of the immigration minister.

Mr Pintard revealed new instances of Mr Bell allegedly intervening to provide work permits to people in what he said were questionable circumstances.

He said in one case, a woman’s work permit application was made when she was at the detention centre; not only was her application approved, but the fees for the years she worked without a permit were also waived.

He said immigration officials have also disclosed numerous other violations to him, such as people getting approvals without being interviewed when an interview is required and employers getting approval for applications when they cannot financially sustain the employee.

“Approvals are granted to employers who, after investigation, stated that they did not submit the application that was one file, that the information was falsified,” he said.

“Approvals are granted to individual employers who are listed as facilitators and had more than ten workers or work permits

but have no business licence in most cases, or even when they have a business licence, they do not generate income to justify the need that they stated.

“Approvals are granted to applicants and employers that do not meet the requirement.”

“Detainees are ordered to be released because the minister or some other ordered it to be so, and there are public servants who have been willing to put their reputation and career on the line by making this information and supporting information available.”

Ms Ferguson’s letter said Mr Bell intervened in the Hilton matter at the request of Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, the acting prime minister at the time.

Mr Bell said last week that “it was determined” sending the Chinese nationals to the detention centre was unnecessary.

Ms Ferguson’s letter to Ms Strachan, nonetheless, offers a rare glimpse into a conflict between a senior government official and a minister.

Ms Ferguson noted an apprehension exercise happened on January 17 around 8pm.

Immigration officials, according to the letter, were acting on information that a large group of Chinese nationals were being housed at the British Colonial Hotel. Of the 65 people found, only three produced documents proving their identity.

“Directives were received

from Minister Bell at about 2059hrs to have the immigration officers stand down on the operation and that any breach will be remedied on January 18 2023,” the letter said. “Minister Bell indicated that this request was made by Acting PM Cooper.”

“While I am cognizant of the present economic climate and the lack of jobs for Bahamians, I find it very disconcerting when directives of this nature are continuously received. This type of action is demoralising to the immigration officers in particular, who are trying to do their jobs as mandated by law. Further, this is a security breach as we do not have any idea who the remaining 62 persons are nor how they entered our country. In addition, it begs the question of trafficking in persons may be a factor in this instance. It also appears that the expatriate has more rights in The Bahamas than Bahamians. Moreover, this is also a show of disrespect to the chair of director of immigration.”

“To this end, I believe that a better outcome would have been realised if the officers were allowed to take the persons into custody on last evening and process the individuals so that we would have known who was in the group and possibly if anyone was being victimised or perhaps trafficked.”

The Davis administration has taken a tough posture on work permits, with Prime Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis saying in June that the government would crack down on granting them.

However, Mr Pintard’s claims about Mr Bell’s intervention in work permit matters threatens to undermine the administration’s message.

Mr Pintard said he knows Mr Bell intervened in the matters because the documents indicate “approved by minister”.

“One case involves a lady who was applying for a work permit. The work permit expired in 2019. As a result, that individual was arrested because there was no application for renewal at the time. The application for renewal was submitted after they were arrested and detained at the detention centre. The work permit was allegedly approved during 2022 and would cover the period for 2022 to 2023 and the outstanding fees that were due for the previous period were waived.”

Mr Pintard said another case involved a woman scheduled to be deported.

“The work permit was approved while she was at the detention centre,” he said. “The third case, the individual was intercepted on a boat attempting to smuggle its way into the USA. They were charged and convicted and placed on the restricted list, and despite all of these facts, that particular person was approved for a work permit.

“The next person, whose nationality is not Caribbean, was reportedly

A

approved for a work permit while detained once again in the detention centre.

The next individual, who is from the Caribbean, was arrested by immigration officers on October

11, 2022 for overstaying, was deported on October

16, 2022. The application was submitted –– that is for their work permit ––on October 13, 2022, while they were detained in the

detention centre. Nobody could access them in order to get their signature on the application or for them to pay any fees. But this is the issue, they were approved for permit on the day of or after they were deported.” Neither Mr Bell nor the Davis administration’s communications representatives responded to questions about the matters before press time yesterday.

PAS T SPEAKERS OF T HE HOUSE OF A SSEMBLY BACK PARLIAMEN TARY SERVICE BILL

A BILL to make Parliament more independent has the backing of past speakers of the House of Assembly.

In a joint press statement, Italia Johnson, Alvin Smith, Dr Kendal Major and Halson Moultrie said the first reading of the Parliamentary Service Bill last week is an “exciting and historic undertaking” that they endorse.

“We,” the press statement said, “endorse the objects and reasons of the bill to: establish an independent parliamentary service outside of the public service;

b) establish an autonomous Parliamentary Service Commission independent of the executive branch with certain financial and budgetary controls;

c) generate revenue and

receive grants; d) create a seamless transfer of persons now working in the Senate and House of Assembly to the Parliamentary Service.”

“The bill comes at a time when citizens are demanding more openness of governance institutions, more civic participation and ways to increase transparency, responsiveness,

accountability and effectiveness. To strengthen our democratic institutions, restore citizens’ trust and improve our ability to achieve sustainable development, parliaments must lead by example and open legislative processes to citizens. They also have an important role to play in promoting open governments

through lawmaking, oversight, budgeting and awareness-raising.”

Under the bill, the Senate and the House of Assembly could generate revenue and receive grants so that the Parliamentary Service Commission could control and manage the parliamentary service. The service would have clerical staff, maintenance

staff, security staff and advisory services for both the Senate president, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, committees of both houses and members of the Senate and House, other than ministers. It would also include a parliamentary reporting division, comprising the Hansard and the Parliamentary Channel.

LUSCO WARNS BOAT ERS TO KEEP SAFE DIS TANCE AS FOR T UNE BAY C ANAL DREDGING BEGINS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama boaters and vessel operators are warned to be careful at the Fortune Bay Canal where dredging is underway.

Lucaya Services Company Limited (LUSCO) has commenced a maintenance dredging project and is repairing damaged jetties in the area from June through October.

The marine dredging and jetty repair activities are being conducted from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

“LUSCO urges operators of vessels of all types to exercise extreme caution and care while navigating

the Fortune Bay Canal area during work hours and off-hours when equipment and markers may be in the area,” the company said.

Mariners are advised to remain a safe distance from the dredger, booster, buoys, underground and above ground cables, pipelines, barges, derricks, wires, and related equipment.

They should also take heed to published mariners warnings and signage posted in the waterway near the construction zone.

LUSCO noted that landslide works in preparation for maintenance dredging and jetty repairs at the inlet to the Fortune Bay Canal are completed and marine activities have started.

Charisse Brown, CEO

TWO MEN ON BAIL ACCUSED OF

SEXUAL

ASSAULT WI T H MINORS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO MEN, charged in the Supreme Court on Friday, denied having sexual relations with two underaged girls.

Justice Cheryl GrantThompson arraigned Maxwell Ferguson, 65, who was charged with several instances of sexual assault.

These charges include unlawful sexual intercourse, attempted unlawful sexual intercourse and two counts of indecent assault.

Ferguson is accused of sexually abusing a 12-yearold girl sometime between November and December of 2021 in New Providence.

The accused is further charged with attempting to have sex with the same minor on January 6, 2022.

He also allegedly

indecently assaulted the same girl twice between September 2021 and January 6, 2022.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, Ferguson was informed that his bail will continue.

Ferguson is expected to have his trial date fixed on August 8 before Justice Franklyn Williams.

Justice Grant-Thompson arraigned Efraim Antonio Junior Brown on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Brown allegedly sexually assaulted an 8-year-old girl on two occasions between January 1 and 31, 2022.

After pleading not guilty to both charges, the defendant was also told his bail will continue.

Brown will have his trial date fixed before Justice Gregory Hilton on August 3 at 2pm.

and President of the Grand Bahama Development Company Limited, said their teams are working diligently to make certain work progresses safely and as planned.

Phoenix Engineering Limited and A&D

Gaitor’s Equipment Rock & Sand have been contracted for the project. The Grand Bahama Port Authority and its Building and Development Services Department have also assisted.

Ms Brown stated that LUSCO will provide residents and the boating public with continued updates about the ongoing works and potential impacts to traffic in the waterway and onshore areas.

“We understand the significance of the Fortune Bay Canal to our residents and the boating public,” she said.

LUSCO continues to serve residents by providing ongoing maintenance and upkeep of Lucaya’s

infrastructure, including roadways, waterways, and ocean inlets in the Freeport and Lucaya areas. Residents are encouraged to follow the LUSCO Facebook page for further updates.

HOST of irregularities under Immigration Minister Keith Bell have been alleged by FNM leader Michael Pintard - including work permits granted to arrested individuals who had made no application, for businesses that had no licence and interventions that led to concerns being raised by Immigration Director Keturah Ferguson.

The Tribune Limited

EDITOR, The Tribune.

RECENT articles in The Tribune have left me wondering about what the next 50 years has in store for The Bahamas.

And, I must say, “It doesn’t look good for most Bahamians.”

The recent news about the cost increases of BPL electrical rates are alarming. And, so is the news of the many people dying globally, due specifically to the stifling and deadly heat.

Angered by ongoing pothole problems

A WELL-INTENDED piece of advice got a quick backlash on social media over the weekend.

Senator Maxine Seymour issued some guidance on how to deal with potholes as a driver. The guidance was straightforward enough – beware of puddles that might hide potholes, make sure your headlights and windscreen wipers are working, be sure your tyre pressure is correct and so on – but the response was far from polite.

How about just fixing the potholes was the common cry in response – often with some more colourful language included as well.

As some more level-headed commenters pointed out, as an Opposition member, there is only so much that Senator Seymour can do, but it is indicative of the anger being felt by so many people about the state of our roads.

Drivers should perhaps be prepared for long delays on Shirley Street again as a temporary patch that had been made for a deep hole that caused long traffic backlogs last week had opened up again. A forlorn traffic cone was placed in the hole as we passed to mark the growing chasm.

There has been talk of hiring on more staff for a pothole-fixing team, but for the driver it is a very tiring routine of learning where the holes are and avoiding them as best as possible for weeks on end until someone gets round to a repair.

There is a pothole hotline – the Ministry of Works urges people to send complaints to WhatsApp numbers 376-0936 and 557-3277 – although it is hard to fathom how some of the holes have not been noticed, with some within yards of where ministry staff have been working.

Either way, perhaps those complaining about the advice circulated by Senator Seymour should avoid criticising that particular messenger and direct their complaints more properly at the ministry. The Tribune would love to hear how quickly your complaints are heard – or whether the potholes remain unrepaired and the complaint ignored.

Scorching hot record

It was scorching hot over the weekend – a new record, it is said.

The temperature hit a new heat index record, while unofficial readings in Carmichael hit 102F which would beat another record of 97.7F.

Amid all the talk of climate change, one always has to be wary of individual points of data rather than the broader groundswell, but it reflects the dangers ahead.

Last week, we reported a rise in illnesses in The Bahamas as a result of the recent heatwave as residents battle soaring temperatures and what feels like a lack of air.

It has also been reported recently that the heat is a danger to the health of coral reefs, likelier to cause bleaching and destruction.

Internationally, tourists were forced to flee wildfires in what was the largest-ever evacuation in the history of Greece. One traveller was told she had to leave their hotel immediately or she and her family “would not make it”.

When talking about climate change, the challenge is often that the subject is seen in the abstract by so many that it is hard to grasp the reality.

But look around – the reality is all around us, and it’s already here.

From a Christian perspective, shouldn’t air conditioning now be considered a human right? Instead of a prohibitive luxury as it has been seen in the past? These rate hikes are an inexcusable and onerous death sentence for some of our more health compromised people. BPL has now placed upon the most vulnerable of our people in a serious life or death predicament.

The papers and politicians talk about these BPL rate increases, as if they, like the majority of Bahamians, struggle and worry about paying their bills, putting food on the table, buying school books for their children, and whether or not they can afford the outrageous BPL bills. Most Bahamians do struggle, if I am to believe the news.

The newspaper editors can’t feel it. The hefty politicians don’t feel it. But, most Bahamians do.

We claim to be a Christian nation with Christian values.

The business owners speak of increased costs and struggling to make their businesses work. But, how often does their family go without?

The Bahamas, like many places in the world, is seeing an increasing disparity between the haves and the have nots. The rich are getting richer, the poor poorer. I find this unacceptable. Many of the rich say it is because the poor make bad choices in life. Rather than the reality that The Bahamas, like most places now, is riddled with rotten politics, corruption, deception, theft, nepotism and a predatory, vampirelike banking and financial system that favours the few connected, and leaves the most vulnerable, people and nations alike, in overwhelming onerous debt.

For 50 years now, The Bahamas has had a choice. Our leaders and business people could have built a nation favorable and fair to all Bahamians. But, we did not choose this route. We chose the way of money-loving greed. I hear politicians call it “self survival”. For themselves, of course.

This is where we are now. We have people, such as the Minister of Finance’s financial secretary talking about more loans to keep The Bahamas afloat. As if, they are not shackling the legs of our children into financial slavery. How do these people sleep at night? Honestly.

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when their salary depends upon their not understanding it” -Upton Sinclair. I am sure that the well-educated, well-meaning financial secretary would be loath to open up about the true state of Bahamian finances. And, in my opinion, I don’t think he would be likely to give up his healthy salary for having to tell the truth.

A reasonably educated person, upon picking up the nation’s newspapers on any given morning, would readily admit that it appears The Bahamas is bankrupt.

We are deeply in debt as a nation. We continue to borrow money like a drunken sailor. Our infrastructure is worn down and ill-maintained. Most state owned enterprises here would probably be declared “bankrupt” by any competent accountant or “financial expert”, as they are called.

Our Water & Sewerage Corporation water delivery system, the life blood

of humanity, is poorly managed and hanging on by a thread. Failing by many accounts. Most certainly failing on many of our Family Islands. Water & Sewerage has added a huge tax to the Family Islands. If we want continuous water, and if we want to invite tourists to come here, many who can afford it are putting in wells, water storage units, pumps and other equipment to keep the water flowing. This, since our government cannot find people reliable enough to manage and maintain this life-essential resource. How many Family Islanders can afford the few thousand dollars for this safety net, to do what W&S has failed to do? BPL is a complete and utter failure. Decades of mismanagement, political interference, theft and sabotage have rendered all people poorer in this country and made operating a business even more challenging than it already is. Any argument here?

In my opinion the Bank of the Bahamas has contributed greatly to the lack of development in our country, by pandering to politically connected individuals who never intended, it seems, to ever pay back the large loans they took out. Nor should we forget to mention the hundreds of millions of dollars of our money that has gone missing. Missing! Our country pays dearly for the past poor management of BOB. BOB money could have been used to help Bahamians develop their country. Instead, in my opinion this financial institution has been a cash cow for a select few, while helping to impoverish our country as a whole. Our health care system is an affront to human decency, prompting our highest politicians to flee abroad to get adequate health care. An embarrassment to say the least. Who can argue with this point?

The central government of The Bahamas has helped create a work force that has little education, extremely poor work habits, and attitudes to match. The concept of Customer Service is a horrible joke on our people. Our government has enabled this situation to affect and degrade productivity to noncompetitive levels on a scale almost unbelievable. Not only that, each and every Bahamian directly pays for those who occupy government jobs in sub-standard fashion.

BTC is letting our country down. When you advertise something, collect payment, yet refuse to deliver the said service, that is called fraud.

We are talking about The Bahamas going digital and entering into this new world order. Yet, we can’t even deliver decent phone service or reliable internet for our businesses and people. Everyone from BOB to BTC is saying there is a glitch in the system. As if, the glitch isn’t greed and poor management.

In my opinion the managers of BTC would have been fired a long time ago in any competent organization.

BTC was our cash cow, yet for a “deal”, it was sold and the cost cutting began. Our BTC service is crap. Crap.

URCA has been a failure in protecting Bahamians. Shut it down.

We have heard how NIB is doing. The four rate hikes necessary to keep NIB afloat is because, why?

Do we know where NIB money has gone all these years? No. Because we have no law that says the Bahamian people deserve to know anything our politicians do. No right whatsoever. Therefore, almost zero accountability from anyone in The Bahamas. Certainly, no politician is required to respond to

anyone or to answer to anyone, once they are elected to office. Anyone else see this?

Road Traffic lost how many millions? Is this just due to poor management? A valid question that nobody seems obligated, or interested, in answering. We don’t even have the right to know.

It appears to most outsiders I speak with, as well as Bahamians, that the Bahamian justice system is a joke. Whether the OBAN scandal, the Baha Mar sad story, FTX, repeat murders on our streets, there somehow appears to be a lack of seriousness and integrity at every level of our country. And, in my opinion the justice system is no different.

These issues above do not take into consideration the near term effects of climate change, which will have great economic, social and infrastructure implications. We have yet to have a national conversation of how we will tackle these issues. A politician cannot speak to these issues, other than to run around the world talking big. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but it is what it is. Few are as ill-suited as our PM to be talking about climate change. Our politicians simply don’t get it. The Bahamas is one of the most at risk countries as sea levels rise. And sea level rise is accelerating. Nor, it seems, is there much discussion, or planning for hurricanes of increased intensity and frequency, as the experts predict.

Also, not talked about much is the very real possibility of collapsing marine ecosystems. Especially our coral reefs, our crawfish, conch, bonefish and on and on due specifically to the unprecedentedly high sea surface temperatures. Then what?

My objective here is not just to cast stones. My objective is to look at where we are as a country, and be honest about what is required of us if we want it to get better. Nobody should be proud to be Bahamian. We can be happy, thankful, feel blessed that we are Bahamian. But pride should be reserved for things we have accomplished. We can be proud of raising good children. Stephen Gardiner can be proud he is the fastest 400 metre runner in the world. These are things to be proud of. Most of us had no choice about where we were born. Therefore, there should be no reason to be proud of something we had nothing to do with.

A friend of mine talks about how we need new leadership globally, but especially here in The Bahamas.

I concur, believing that we have precious few politicians here with the requisite qualities to lead others. My belief is that we have failed to cultivate politicians, pastors, and others who claim to be leaders.

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Had we succeeded in effectively nurturing, educating, and training “leaders”, we would be in a totally different, and decidedly better situation than we now occupy as a nation and as a people.

I do not know where we will find decent, competent and qualified leaders to take the urgent situation The Bahamas now finds itself in, and turn it around. I can honestly say, simply from reading the daily papers, that we presently lack the leadership to see this nation through the perilous times ahead. Neither the FNM nor the PLP have anything to offer the Bahamian people. Our current pool of leadership in The Bahamas borders on worthless.

I agree with my friend. We do need new leadership. But, where o’ where will these leaders come from?

PORCUPINE

Nassau, July 20, 2023.

Gibson’s latest appeal rejected, trial to begin today

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of Appeals rejected Adrian Gibson’s latest constitutional motion on Friday paving the way for his corruption trial to begin today.

Justices Jon Isaacs, Maureen Crane-Scott and Milton Evans oversaw Long Island MP Adrian Gibson’s second constitutional motion seeking a permanent stay to his court proceedings.

This comes two weeks after Justice Cheryl

Grant-Thompson of the Supreme Court determined that the first constitutional motion was improper.

She concluded on July 6 that the voluntary bill of indictment that transferred the matter to the Supreme Court was fair to the defendants. The defendants had attempted to argue that the court failed to allow them the choice in electing between the Magistrate’s and Supreme Courts to have their trial heard.

In his latest substantive hearing the court of appeals

dismissed the matter citing that there was no merit to the appeal. A detailed written submission of their decision will be released at a later date.

Since last June, when the defendants were charged, Mr Gibson’s trial has been delayed by numerous legal challenges. In September, Mr Gibson’s attorney, Murrio Ducille, objected to having the matter before Justice Grant-Thomson, arguing her deceased husband’s political alignment with the Progressive Liberal Party prevented

her from being impartial. The judge denied his application.

In May, the start of the trial was delayed by another motion, a constitutional motion seeking to force a key witness to testify in person. That motion was also rejected.

The initial jury was discharged on June 28 after two members were dismissed for breaching court protocol.

A new jury will sit when Mr Gibson’s trial begins on Monday.

Mr Gibson is accused of enriching himself to over

$1m through illicit cheques and wire transfers in connection with contracts the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) awarded while he was executive chairman.

WSC’s former general manager, Elwood Donaldson, Jr, Rashae Gibson, Gibson’s cousin, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson and Jerome Missick were also charged.

Together, the group face 98 charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, fraud, receiving and money laundering.

Lawyer for officers in zario Major coroner’s court ruL ing fiL ing appea

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE lawyer for the four officers in the case of Azario Major changed his constitutional motion into an appeal in the Supreme Court on Friday as he seeks to overturn the finding of homicide by manslaughter against his clients.

The four officers involved in Major’s death want the Coroner’s ruling overturned, arguing that pre-trial publicity prevented a fair inquest. appeal. The attorney general and

the “Coroner of the Coroner’s Court” are the first and second respondents in the case. The judge denied an application from Azario Major’s family to be a party to the proceedings. Keevon Maynard submitted that media coverage of the shooting prior to the inquest prejudiced the jury against his clients

He also argued that Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux did not have the right to refuse his application for a constitutional motion when she went ahead with the

inquest. His declaration was that her refusal to do so was unlawful and that there should be a new inquest ordered to overturn the previous ruling Mr Maynard further submitted that since the outcome of the inquest there have been negative attachments to his clients from the public.

However, when asked by Justice Williams in what way the finding affected the officers, Maynard confirmed that it has not affected their careers, as the officers have yet to face formal charges,

have not been interdicted and continue to work on active duty.

After stating that it was the duty of the Coroner to preside over the inquest to determine the cause of Azario’s death, the Justice said that none of the officers’ constitutional rights had been breached by the finding.

“The bottom line is that no one, except maybe a few, have attached a stigma to these officers,” Justice Williams said. “Who has done that? Where’s the evidence of that? And does

that stigma constitute a breach of their constitutional rights?”

“They haven’t been charged with anything. And it cannot even be said that there is a likelihood they will be charged. That cannot even be said.”

Patrick Sweeting, who marshalled evidence in the inquest and speaking on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, said that at no point were the officers under civil or criminal liability for their actions as a result of the inquest.

t wo Men charged and re M anded for recent kiLL ing of two Men who were on baiL for Murder

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO MEN were locked behind bars after they were accused of two separate murders in New Providence earlier this month.

Both of the victims in these killings were out on

bail for murder, with one being shot dead in his car on Baillou Road and the other killed in a nightclub in Fox Hill.

Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Berrin Fenelus, 27, with murder.

The Acting Chief Magistrate also charged Junior Maglone, 19, with a

separate murder. Glendon Rolle represented Fenelus, while Ian Cargill represented Maglone.

Fenelus allegedly shot and killed Fred Lloyd as he sat in the backseat of a white Toyota Passo parked on Blackstone Close and Baillou Hill Road at around 7am on

July 11.

At the time of his death the 26-year-old victim, who was on bail, was being electronically monitored. Lloyd was accused of causing the death of 19-year-old Kendise Smith on January 18, 2021.

Maglone allegedly approached Alando Curtis at the Da Bing Nightclub

in Fox Hill on the night of July 16. After the pair got into a physical argument, the defendant reportedly shot and killed Curtis.

The 26-year-old victim in this matter was being electronically monitored after he was accused of killing 19-year-old Aurelio Deal in a drive by shooting in Fox Hill on

September 16, 2019. Curtis had also recently been fined $1,500 in March for failing to charge his monitoring device. Both defendants’ cases will be moved to the Supreme Court through voluntary bills of indictment set for service on October 19.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson

AZARIO MAJOR

Rising cost of electricity hurts everyone

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

IN the vein of offering safety tips, let me offer these three pieces of advice to avoid an electric shock – never work around electricity when water is present, always shut off the power before working on live circuits and never, ever open your Bahamas

Power and Light bill.

I made the mistake of opening mine this weekend only to find a 28 percent increase on the previous month with no major difference in usage in my household. What about air conditioning in this heat, people might say, but they don’t know how my family likes to burn that year round. At least this summer it’s justified.

I’m far from the only one to have been commenting on the increase in electric bills and it seems I’m getting off lucky – former Cabinet minister Dionisio

D’Aguilar was quoted last week as saying his rate has gone up from 24 cents per kilowatt hour in October last year to 41 cents, a rise of just under 71 percent.

He made further good

points that it wasn’t even as if you could rely on the electricity when you were paying that amount, with load shedding and outages meaning that businesses in particular have to factor in the costs of owning and running generators to make up for the times when BPL just can’t cut it.

He said: “I don’t know how businesses are coping. It’s just that, on top of that, you’ve got an intermittent power supply and, while we may have backup generators, you have to service them and maintain them. And if there’s constant power outageson, off, on, off - it’s doing untold damage to the electronics in your business.

“You have to go out and buy UPS to provide sufficient power between when the light goes off and the generators kick-in... those 13 seconds. You have a lot of wear and tear on your generators. You’re paying 71 percent more for power and getting an intermittent power supply that is doing untold damage to electronics in your business.”

He also talked of how power - “dirty power”

that is – is “never quite the right voltage” leading to brown outs, although I do not recall him being so critical when he was in office.

He’s not the only one to be criticising, though

– Ben Albury over at Bahamas Bus and Truck talked of how the BPL bill is “probably the biggest salary in the business right now”, Philip Beneby over at the Retail Grocers Association talked of food prices never returning to pre-COVID levels and pointed at BPL’s soaring electric costs as a factor. That makes sense, of course – if costs go up, then customers have to carry them or else the business is on a one-way ticket to going bust. If that is a food store, it means passing along those costs in higher food prices.

Of course there is another way rather than raising prices – and that’s cutting costs, which usually means jobs, and that’s what the president of the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association has warned of. Raymond Jones said: “There’ll be

lots of layoffs. There will be a reduction in hours and operations. All of that’s coming in the very near future.”

You might take that with a pinch of salt – the gas retailers have said a lot in their recent dispute with government but it never seems to go much beyond talk – but the reality is that they are in a pinch already and rising costs doesn’t help in the slightest. The Fusion cinema complex too has talked of cost-cutting, without specifying details.

So how did we get here?

Well, the finger cannot point towards global oil prices – they’re down by about 37 percent on a year ago. BPL’s bills have headed in the opposite direction.

Rather, you can point that finger at a decision made by the government shortly after coming into office. In September and December 2021, the government opted not to go ahead with trades under a fuel hedging policy that would have secured cut price oil for BPL. Whatever the reason for that – perhaps the funds just weren’t available – we are feeling

the knock-on effect now.

The Inter-American Development Bank last week pointed out how BPL has gone from saving money to soaring bills in just three years.

It said: “In 2020, this oil hedge programme was the first-ever executed by the bank linked to two loans for the Government of The Bahamas, and it was executed at a propitious time for oil prices, thus driving dramatic savings.”

The government did keep BPL’s fuel charge down for a while – for 12 months, in fact, even though that seems to be against the regulations in the Electricity Act. Reportedly, the government now needs to recover about $90m in fuel costs, adding to the spike in BPL’s bills.

There has been no rush to comment on the current situation by the government – no one wants to be the face associated with bad news, I presume.

It will, however, be up to the government to navigate a way out of this. Falling oil prices will have helped, but right now

people are hurting, and businesses are hurting. If indeed job cuts do start happening because of cost-cutting measures, that may see a greater load put on the government and NIB in terms of support for those out of work.

The rising bills hurt everyone.

That extra money isn’t going to bolster the BPL network either – it is largely just covering costs, be it oil costs or debts – so it is not as if we are going to get an upgraded service out of the extra money coming out of our pockets.

Indeed, with senior figures warning that load shedding is possible this summer, we seem to be taking a step backwards considering how recently we were promised that was coming to an end.

Expecting a consistent electric service should not be an outlandish request in this day and age. Getting an unreliable service and having to reach deep into your pockets to fund it is a surefire way to get angry, however. And angry citizens do not make good news for governments.

Getting an unreliable service and having to reach deep into your pockets to fund it is a surefire way to get angry

Energy costs soaring during record heat and Davis adminstration has no solutions

By DR HUBERT A MINNIS

TODAY, Bahamians are suffering with astronomical Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) electricity bills during what is one of the most intense heat waves in recent times.

In traditional media and on social media we see complaints by people whose light bills doubled this summer. In addition to dealing with the effects of global inflation, Bahamians now must deal with the disaster at BPL made by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

As much as they try to run and deflect, to duck and dodge, the massive spikes in BPL bills are a disaster of their own making.

A constituent of mine showed me his light bill from July 2021 compared to his light bill of July 2023, which came out earlier this month. In July 2021, he used around 1,070 kilowatt-hours and his bill was around $240. In July 2023, he used 1,020 kilowatt-hours, slightly less than July 2021, and his bill was around $330. Even though he used less electricity, his bill went up by almost $100.

The reason for this is the now well-chronicled arrogance and ineptitude of the PLP. They ignored the professional advice from BPL’s leadership and the technocrats at the Ministry of Finance, failing to execute the successful fuel hedge trade that would have kept the fuel surcharge down and manageable. To compound their folly, the Minister responsible for BPL misled the Bahamian

people on multiple occasions in Parliament instead of doing the honourable thing and owning up to the PLP’s folly. The Prime Minister was in denial, for his part.

Their arrogance and ineptitude doesn’t stop there. They pledged in their manifesto, ‘Blueprint for Change’, that within 100 days they would take steps to bring down the cost of electricity. Like with so many things they pledge, it simply was not true. The PLP on coming to office imposed additional VAT on the fuel surcharge, on top of the actual bill and terminated the maintenance contract with the Wartsila company that made the new engines, thereby increasing the price of and access to parts and decreasing reliability.

They have done the opposite of bringing down the cost of electricity. This has happened because they could not bring themselves to admit that the Free National Movement (FNM) had a good thing going and all they had to do was continue it. We know they don’t tend to be gracious. We don’t expect them to give my administration credit for keeping the electricity rates low. But we would have been content, nonetheless, if they did the right thing for the Bahamian people. Their arrogance and ineptitude continues. The FNM left several other initiatives well in process that would have allowed this PLP to bring stability to the electricity system and reduce costs. All they had to do was be humble and listen to the advice

given to them by the professionals at BPL.

As a country we need to move BPL and the electricity sector forward. There are some immediate things that should be done.

The first is to go back to th Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and discuss the possibilities for putting a fuel hedge programme back in place.

At last check crude oil prices were trading at around $77 a barrel, which is well down from the near $120 per barrel price peak at the start of the war in Ukraine. The government must work with the experts to determine the right time and opportunities to lock in a steady price for the oil BPL uses so we, the Bahamian consumers, can get off this surcharge roller coaster. We in the FNM showed how it could be done.

Second, the government must immediately accelerate the IDB solarisation programme the FNM began back in 2020.

The government has $80m in funding already approved and available to it to implement solar projects throughout the Family Islands and in New Providence. When the Davis administration took office in 2021 the programmes were well advanced. In fact, three projects had already gone to the contract stage to provide solar energy to several government institutions. These projects would have already been operational by now.

What did the arrogant and inept PLP government do? They canceled

the contracts, even though these contracts went through the full open IDB-mandated procurement process. So almost two years

later we have had no real movement in getting solar projects up and running. All we have had from the PLP is talk, talk and more talk. And while they

talk and take photo ops and make flashy videos, nothing is happening to improve BPL or further move us toward greater use of solar power.

ROYAL BAHAMAS POLICE FORCE

CLAYTON Fernander achieved the pinnacle of his career within the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) by becoming the ninth Commissioner of Police in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He was born on the beautiful island of San Salvador to Minerva Butler and the late Wellington Fernander and was raised in Bain Town, New Providence. Mr Fernander attributes his success to the guidance and influence of his mother and late grandmother, Elvina Walker.

From a young age, he was captivated by police detective stories and aspired to become a police detective. After graduating from CC Sweeting Senior High School, he joined the RBPF on July 27, 1982. Mr Fernander’s policing career began as a traffic investigator, and he was later transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 21, 1984. His childhood dream materialised, drawing inspiration from esteemed senior detectives like Assistant Commissioner Basil Dean and Superintendents Douglas Hanna, Garth Johnson, and Raymond Mackey. For the next 28 years, Mr Fernander made remarkable contributions to CID, leading investigations on numerous high-profile cases and earning the distinction of being the lead detective throughout The Bahamas.

During his tenure at CID, Mr. Fernander received multiple promotions. In 2006, he entered the gazetted rank of Assistant Superintendent, and five years later, he was elevated to Superintendent. Mr Fernander’s ascent was driven by his fearless work, bravery, and diligence in closing numerous high-profile murder, firearm, and armed robbery cases. As a Superintendent, he held key positions, including Officer-in-Charge for the Southeastern Division, Southern Division, and Selective Enforcement Unit. Throughout his career, Mr Fernander exemplified the values of the RBPF, demonstrating unwavering courage, integrity, and loyalty as a respected and trusted Police Officer. In 2013, he faced a life-threatening incident when he was shot during a botched armed robbery, resulting in permanent damage to his hand. Despite his injuries, he and his team relentlessly pursued the suspects, leading to their arrest

rise

within 24 hours. Mr Fernander’s career also involved training from esteemed law enforcement institutions and experts, including instructors from Scotland Yard. He completed various courses on homicide investigation, leadership, ethics, and personal development. His exceptional service earned him numerous medals, accolades, and commendations, including the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Police Service. In December 2021, he assumed the role of Deputy Commissioner and, on July 7, 2022, was appointed as Commissioner. A visionary leader committed to combating crime, Commissioner Fernander has initiated transformative measures to enhance accountability, criminal investigations, public relations, and the overall reputation of the Force.

Under Commissioner Fernander’s leadership, the Law Enforcement Empowerment and Preparedness Programme was established to support individuals interested in joining law enforcement agencies in The Bahamas. This initiative offers specialized tutoring and training for individuals who may not meet the requirements of traditional entrance examinations but possess the potential to become effective officers. Another significant initiative is the Anti-Gang and Firearms Investigation Task Force, which is comprised of Police Officers and officers from various agencies, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Customs, Department of Immigration, Department of Inland Revenue, and the Alcohol and Firearms Bureau from the United States. Together, they work collaboratively to combat illegal weapons and gang-related violence.

In addition, The Domestic Violence Task Force also includes capable and compassionate officers dedicated to raising public awareness and establishing community trust. Their ultimate objective is to eradicate domestic violence.

Commissioner Fernander also spearheaded the Public Affairs & Communications Department. This department is responsible for developing, explaining, and evaluating content intended for public distribution. Its primary objective is to offer a transparent and uniform voice on behalf of the RBPF, actively engaging the public through various communication channels. Lastly, the Saturation Patrols Unit represents the most recent initiative to enhance crimefighting efforts. This unit targets prolific offenders and wanted individuals, conducts undercover operations, and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to minor offences.

Commissioner Fernander’s administration strives to improve law enforcement effectiveness and safety in The Bahamas by implementing these measures.

In conclusion, Commissioner Clayton Fernander’s remarkable journey within the RBPF is an inspiring testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and leadership. He rose through the ranks to become the Commissioner of Police and has consistently displayed a visionary approach to combatting crime. He has implemented transformative initiatives and fostered community involvement. His commitment to improving accountability, justice, safety, public relations, and the overall image of the Force is evident in his actions.

Commissioner Fernander’s outstanding achievements, recognised by prestigious accolades, reflect his exceptional service and dedication to his duty.

This article is part of a series on police history in The Bahamas, provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

‘As much as they try to run and deflect, to duck and dodge, the massive spikes in BPL bills are a disaster of their own making.’

Commissioner

Clayton Fernander’s

IN THE

COMMISSIONER of Police Clayton Fernander

Proactive approach needed so all are able to afford health care - Part 2

ON a daily basis, I meet and interact with patients from all walks of life. Last week, I wrote about how a friend from an affluent background complained about the rising price of water lilies, which she needed to purchase for the Koi Pond in her garden. Within hours of that conversation, I was speaking to a patient frantic with worry over the rising cost of health insurance and with good reason. His health was ailing and both he and his wife visited their doctors with greater frequency and urgency but neither could afford to do so privately for much longer.

How would they survive with any quality of life if they had to ignore medical care because of the burden of maintaining health insurance? It is unfortunately, dinner table conversation for many people throughout our nation and I suspect more widely throughout the Caribbean archipelago.

More can be said about the dichotomy between the have and the have nots and the grandiosity versus commonality of their concerns, but I made the analogy that health insurance was much like water lilies, not essential for life but the coverage allowed the entity under its protection to thrive better than without. In both circumstances, the burgeoning costs of either forced even those able to afford it and still fully aware of its essentiality, to question their affiliation.

Individuals can have health insurance their entire life and rarely require it but over time as they near retirement, their payments increase and it becomes too expensive to maintain. On the flip side, insurance companies feel that they’re doing the best they can to minimize increases while faced with their own inflationary costs, which they pass on to the patient. But I believe we’re nearing a tipping point. Across the board inflation has tightened purse strings for the average consumer and half the Bahamian population either never had or no longer enjoys health insurance coverage.

One important factor in this triangular equation that I didn’t mention in last week’s column, however, is the doctor. So, perhaps today I can shed some light on the inverse relationship between doctors and insurance companies and how that directly affects patients and, more specifically, their wallets.

When a doctor opens a clinic and signs on to be a health care provider with various insurance companies, a contract is signed stating, among other things, that he or she or their practice will accept whatever the insurer pays once a claim has been submitted and outside of their obligated co-payments, they won’t go after the patient for the balance. Hospitals, incidentally, are not beholden to this contractual arrangement.

So, to ensure that pricing remains fair and equitable across medical professionals, we follow the physicians fee reference book, which is a standard fee guide

produced in the US annually since 1983. Using that book, we’re able to determine the lower to upper limits of what should be charged for an examination and procedure. Insurance companies have access to the same book and use it to guide their reimbursement policies.

Where the first breakdown occurs is that every year, the fee guide is adjusted to account for inflation based on changing costs for supplies, equipment and instrumentation but most local insurers continually pay according to a fee reference book that was published several years ago. So, when they state that physician charges were above usual, reasonable and customary fee limits it’s more often than not based on fee limits from an outdated fee guide.

The best analogy I’ve ever read that describes billing as a private physician was written over a decade ago by Dr. Megan Lewis, a renowned family physician practising in rural Colorado. She asked the reader to imagine if the restaurant industry started accepting insurance. Customers would pay the restaurant insurance company and get a subscriber’s card to use at a list of restaurants in their portfolio. To dine at the restaurant of your choice, you’d only have to pay a small copayment. But before the change, dining was pleasant and now it feels rushed and the quality of the food served was no longer on the same par as previous experiences.

Behind the scenes, Dr. Lewis explains that the restaurant owner sent a bill for a patient’s meal of let’s say $75 but at first, the insurer rejects payment because of a coding error. The restaurant didn’t list all the components of the meal by numerical code and no suggestions for the correct code are offered. To rectify it, the owner uses a coding book and notices that he incorrectly used the code for a dinner salad and not a main course salad. The error is corrected and re-submitted.

In response to that, the insurer requests more information, such as why garlic was used and if the restaurant had requested permission from the insurer to use garlic before the meal was served. They request the full recipe with details of the preparation be submitted. Law mandates that the restaurant get permission from the customer before submitting any details pertaining to the meal served to the customer. Over a month goes by and the insurer finally pays the restaurant $20 for the $75 priced-meal with no explanation, deciding arbitrarily that the meal was over-priced. Then to top it off, there’s the understanding that the customer has already paid their $5 co-pay so you can’t ask

them for the balance.

Another element to this is the government 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all goods and services. As in the scenario above, the bill was $75 and the physician ultimately collected $25 in payment but in healthcare, VAT has to be paid on the full amount that the physician billed and not what he or she collected. Multiply that loss by the number of patients seen per year and the net loss is significant. Even further, not only are you taxed on the full amount billed, but by the time of VAT filing, there’s a good chance that you haven’t been reimbursed for the patients you saw during the filing period. There is an opportunity to seek reimbursement or credit for future filings but the process is more onerous than accommodating, and certainly more cumbersome than necessary.

Physicians who are incapable of surviving on co-payments, often forced to wait months for slashed insurance reimbursements, find it challenging to keep their doors open. So, they offset costs by working for the government or moonlighting at multiple clinics to garner a steadier pay cheque. In other cases, they charge reduced fees for the uninsured who pay faster, but less.

Medical practice in other countries is generally far more lucrative than it is in The Bahamas. “My daughter, the doctor,” is a mother’s proud cry in the US whereas in The Bahamas, “my daughter the doctor” is more likely to mean she will live at home post-degree and internship until she marries, will struggle to survive the first few years of practice when she finally is permitted to enter private practice and may even have to turn to family for bridge funding.

Ironically, The Bahamas benefits from the lucrative

By DR KENNETH D KEMP

physicians who work extra shifts wind up stressed and tested by financial pressure and exhausted by the additional hours to stay afloat.

With that said, insurance companies aren’t filled with greedy, uncaring

practice of medicine elsewhere with many physicians, surgeons and hospital executives choosing our country for their second home.

In The Bahamas, most physicians enter the profession out of dedication, seeking the reward of healing. That is not to say that North American or South American doctors are not interested in healing. Of course, they are. But they also know it comes with financial reward. Many of our younger or newer

monsters. On the contrary, they employ beloved family members and friends who like physicians, want to see the needs of patients met as quickly and affordably as possible. It remains to be seen if or how National Health Insurance will in the long-term assist in this effort or counter some of the concerns. In the very least, it does offer an opportunity for more individuals to feel comfortable seeking health care. The administration of

health care is complicated for the insurance company, the physician and most importantly the patient, who in the end has the most to lose. To date, there remain no easy solutions so once again I implore patients to engage in healthy eating habits and exercise routines so they don’t have to visit the doctor as frequently. Take your health into your own hands because prevention is always better than attempting to find a cure. Water lilies no longer simply beautify water gardens and offer protection to Koi fish. They are now being used as a medicinal ingredient to help regulate insulin levels and promote liver health, which may account for its rising prices. If even wealthy individuals now lament the rising cost of a luxury item, imagine how difficult it must be for everyday individuals to comprehend how to afford the insurance that could possibly save their life. Rising prices affect us all, but none more so than those who need or provide medical care. We are in this together. The need did not end when the pandemic ended. We simply turned another page in the complex world of survival.

This is The KDK Report. of Podiatry’, Dr Kenneth D Kemp is the founder and medical director of Bahamas Foot and Ankle located in Caves Village, Western New Providence. He served as the deputy chairman for the Health Council for five years and he currently sits on the board of directors for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in his role as co-vice-chairman.

‘Rising prices affect us all, but none more so than those who need or provide medical care.’

On September 11, Small Island States have their day in court

IN the face of unremitting climate change threats and unfulfilled promises from industrialized nations, leaders of small island states have courageously taken matters into their own hands. Their frustration with lacklustre funding and inadequate solutions to fortify their countries against climate change has led them to pursue the power of the international legal system. They are seeking justice against those nations whose excessive greenhouse gas emissions pose an existential threat to their peoples.

The International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has consented to hear their groundbreaking case in which they are aiming to ascertain the legal responsibility of States for carbon emissions, marine pollution, rising sea levels, and the resultant damage inflicted on other states.

The landmark hearing will take place in Hamburg from September 11 to 13, 2023.

It was just a short 21 months ago that the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda and Tuvalu, Gaston Browne and Kausea Natano respectively, showed extraordinary foresight and bravery by embarking on a novel legal journey to combat the threats of climate change to their peoples’ survival. An historic accord was signed on the sidelines of the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, giving birth to The Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) as an international body, registered with the United Nations Secretariat, with a mandate to pursue the implementation of international law regarding climate change. Today, their daring

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By SIR RONALD SANDERS

initiative is reaping results. Supported by an international team of legal experts and representatives from five other small island states, their plea for an Advisory Opinion was submitted to ITLOS on June 16, 2023.

Two crucial questions are posed to the tribunal:

Firstly, what are the State Parties’ obligations to prevent, reduce, and control marine environment pollution due to climate change effects, including ocean warming, sea level rise, and ocean acidification, all spurred by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions?

Secondly, how must the marine environment be protected and preserved in the face of these climate change impacts?

Their choice to engage the international legal system is the culmination of years of frustration over industrialized nations’ seeming lip-service and labyrinthine funding mechanisms, proposed at over years of meetings of the UN Committee of the Parties (COP).

Often the pledges that are made do not offer additional money; in many cases the funds are repurposed from other promises that were not kept. Additionally, the dizzying number of new mechanisms that are supposedly set up are not only narrow in their purpose, but the means of accessing them are both obtuse and

restrictive.

Among these are the Global Shield Solutions Platform, which builds on the InsuResilience Solutions Fund and a Global Shield Financing Facility set up at the World Bank; the Climate Vulnerable Forum & V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund that promises to establish a loss and damage programme utilizing the GEF Small Grants Programme structure to make smaller funding amounts directly available to affected communities.

Highlighting these inadequacies is the much-lauded ‘loss and damage’ fund, discussed for the first time at the 27th COP meeting in Egypt. While it was hailed as a breakthrough, the reality was a mirage. The practiced and clever negotiators of the industrialized states at COP27 did not establish a fund nor the means to make it operational; they merely agreed to set up a Transitional Committee comprising representatives from 24 countries — 10 from developed countries, including the United States, and 14 from developing countries. The purpose of the Committee is to make recommendations to COP28 in December 2023, including on what countries should contribute to the fund, how the fund will be administered, and what funding arrangements might be possible.

When these convoluted mechanisms are coupled with a 13-year failure by industrialized nations to deliver on the promise of providing US$100 billion annually in climate finance for low - and middle-income countries, the resolve of small island state leaders to seek justice through the international legal system is fully understandable.

In pursuing the establishment of COSIS and seeking an Advisory Opinion from ITLOS, the leaders of small island states were frequently discouraged from their path by governments of industrialised nations. The latter fear edicts from international legal bodies which, at the very least, establish their obligations; they much prefer non-binding

negotiations such as the COP process in which their considerably greater skills and leverage give them an advantage.

Nonetheless, the small island state leaders pursued their cause relentlessly, understanding that the stakes are too high to acquiesce to pressure. Their commitment resonates with the words of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who declared, “The time for empty promises is over.” The leaders have been joined by 33 other countries and 9 international organizations in making submissions to ITLOS.

The upcoming ITLOS hearing in September is a significant milestone, with implications that

could redefine the climate change landscape. The fight waged by the leaders of Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Niue, Palau, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Vanuatu through COSIS is not just for their nations. It’s a fight for climate justice that will resonate across the globe.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com)

THESE University of Miami Coral Reef Futures Lab photos, show tissue loss to coral in the North Dry Rocks Reef area off the coast of Key Largo, Florida Keys. Climate change has shown significant impacts to coral reef environments. Photos: Liv Williamson/UM Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science/AP

Israel’s Netanyahu hospitalized as thousands protest judicial overhaul plan ahead of key vote

JERUSALEM

Associated Press

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recovering in a hospital on Sunday after an emergency heart procedure, as tens of thousands of supporters and opponents of his government’s judicial overhaul plan held rival rallies ahead of a key vote.

Netanyahu’s sudden hospitalization for the implant of a pacemaker added another dizzying twist to an already dramatic series of events that have bitterly divided his country and are certain to shape Israel’s future. Monday’s vote in parliament is expected to approve the first major piece of legislation in the contentious plan.

Netanyahu’s doctors said Sunday the procedure had gone smoothly. But by Sunday evening, Netanyahu remained in Sheba Hospital near Tel Aviv.

In a short video statement from the hospital, Netanyahu, 73, said he felt fine and thanked his doctors for his treatment and the public for wishing him well.

Wearing a white dress shirt and dark blazer, Netanyahu said he was pursuing a compromise with his opponents while also preparing for a vote on Monday that would enshrine a key piece of the legislation into law.

“I want you to know that tomorrow morning I’m joining my colleagues at the Knesset,” he said.

The overhaul calls for sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary, from limiting the Supreme Court’s ability to challenge parliamentary decisions to changing the way judges are selected.

Netanyahu and his farright allies, a collection of ultranationalist and ultraOrthodox parties, say the changes are needed to curb the powers of unelected judges. Their opponents, coming largely from Israel’s professional middle class, say the plan will destroy the country’s fragile system of checks and balances and push Israel toward authoritarian rule.

The plan has triggered seven months of mass protests, drawn harsh criticism

from business and medical leaders, and a fast-rising number of military reservists in key units have said they will stop reporting for duty if the plan passes, raising concern that Israel’s security could be threatened.

President Joe Biden has called on Netanyahu to freeze the plan, and Israel’s ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, has attempted to broker a compromise between the prime minister and his opponents. Herzog, who returned Sunday from a trip to the White House, immediately rushed to Netanyahu’s hospital room.

“This is a time of emergency,” Herzog said. “We have to reach an agreement.”

Herzog planned meetings later Sunday with Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid, and Benny Gantz, head of National Unity, another opposition party.

As they spoke, tens of thousands of people were gathering for mass rallies for and against the plan.

Netanyahu’s supporters thronged central Tel Aviv — normally the setting for anti-government protests — while his opponents marched on Israel’s Knesset, or parliament.

Many of the protesters in Jerusalem had camped out in a nearby park, after completing a four-day march into the city from Tel Aviv on Saturday.

After seven months of mass protests against the plan, tensions were surging as lawmakers began a marathon debate over the first major piece of the overhaul ahead of Monday’s vote

In a fiery speech launching the session, Simcha Rothman, a main driver of the overhaul, denounced the courts, saying they damaged Israel’s democratic ideals by arbitrarily striking down government decisions.

“This small clause is meant to restore democracy to the state of Israel,” Rothman said. “I call on Knesset members to approve the bill.”

Despite the attempts to project business as usual, Netanyahu’s schedule was disrupted. His weekly Cabinet meeting scheduled for Sunday morning was postponed. Two upcoming

PEOPLE SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE HEAT AT US - MEXICO BORDER

overseas trips, to Cyprus and Turkey, were being rescheduled, his office said.

Israeli media said last-ditch efforts were underway to find a solution out of the impasse. But it wasn’t clear whether those would bear fruit.

In Monday’s vote, legislators are to vote on an overhaul measure that would prevent judges from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are “unreasonable.”

Proponents say the current “reasonability” standard gives judges excessive powers over decision-making by elected officials. Critics say removing it would allow the government to pass arbitrary decisions, make improper appointments or firings and open the door to corruption.

Speaking in parliament, opposition leader Yair Lapid called for Netanyahu to resume compromise talks and lauded the protesters for standing up to the government.

“The government of Israel launched a war of attrition against the citizens of Israel and discovered

the people can’t be broken. We won’t give up on our children’s future,” he said.

Orit Farkash HaCohen, of the opposition National Unity party, broke down into tears as she criticized the government. “Our country is on fire. You’ve destroyed the country,” she said. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

Protesters, who come from a wide swath of Israeli society, see the overhaul as a power grab fuelled by personal and political grievances of Netanyahu — who is on trial for corruption charges — and his partners who want to deepen Israel’s control of the occupied West Bank and perpetuate controversial draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.

Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night a week after being hospitalized for what doctors said was dehydration.

The sudden hospitalization for the pacemaker procedure indicated that Netanyahu’s health issues were more serious than what he initially said.

In a video statement,

his doctors said they had implanted a device to monitor his heart after last week’s health scare. When the device showed anomalies, they said he needed a pacemaker.

Professor Roy Beinart, senior physician and director at the Davidai Arrhythmia Centre at Sheba Medical Centre’s Heart Institute, said Netanyahu has suffered from a “conduction disorder,” or irregular heart beat, for years.

“The implantation went smoothly, without any complications. He is not in a life-threatening condition,” Beinart said. “He feels great and is returning to his daily routine.”

Netanyahu keeps a busy schedule and his office says he is in good health. But he has come under criticism in recent days for releasing few details about his wellbeing or medical records over the years.

Further ratcheting up the pressure on the Israeli leader, thousands of military reservists have been declaring their refusal to serve under a government taking steps that they see

as setting the country on a path to dictatorship. Those moves have prompted fears that the military’s preparedness could be compromised.

Over 100 retired security chiefs publicly supported the growing ranks of military reservists who plan to stop reporting for duty if the overhaul is advanced.

“These are dangerous cracks,” military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi wrote in a letter to soldiers Sunday meant to address the tensions. “If we will not be a strong and cohesive military, if the best do not serve in the IDF, we will no longer be able to exist as a country in the region.”

Netanyahu and his farright allies announced the overhaul plan in January, days after taking office.

Netanyahu paused the overhaul in March after intense pressure by protesters and labour strikes that halted outgoing flights and shut down parts of the economy. After talks to find a compromise failed last month, he said his government was pressing on with the overhaul.

CALEXICO Associated Press

PEOPLE withered in blistering heat on both sides of the US-Mexico border, where temperatures hit a scorching highs this week and many got little relief from the sun.

Maribel Padilla, part of the Brown Bag Coalition, met up with people who are homeless and particularly vulnerable to the heat in Calexico, on the border between Mexico and California, where temperatures hit 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). She provided them with a cold, wet towel, and some refreshments to give them respite. Many placed the towels over the heads to shield themselves and rehydrated with cool bottles of water.

115

Just across the border in Mexicali, Mexico, many plunged into indoor pools for some exercise and cool comfort. An outdoor taekwondo class waited for the sun to set before exerting themselves in the sweltering heat.

But there was little choice for those working outside, who sweated through their clothes in 115-degree Fahrenheit (46-degree Celsius) temperatures. Most others kept away from the outdoors, or stayed in shade cast by buildings.

The southwestern US has baked in record hot weather over the last week, and more is expected to come, as climate change bolstered by an El Nino, a cyclical and natural warming of the Pacific,

global temperatures to new highs.

ISRAELIS protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan outside the parliament in Jerusalem, yesterday. The demonstration came a day before parliament is expected to vote on a key part of the plan.

Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

pushes

SWEAT covers the face of Juan Carlos Biseno after dancing to music from his headphones as afternoon temperatures reach

degrees Fahrenheit Friday in Calexico, California.

Photo: Gregory Bull/AP

FINA Worlds: Taylor wins heat of 50 butterfly

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LAMAR Taylor, coming off his historic performance at the Central American and Caribbean Games, posted a victory in his heat of the men’s 50 metre butterfly as the FINA World Championships got underway yesterday in Fukuoka, Japan.

Taylor, one of four swimmers representing the Bahamas, touched the wall in a personal best of 23.91 seconds to win the fifth of 10 heats. He was off the Bahamian record of 23.74 that Vereance ‘Elvis’ Burrows clocked at the World Championships in Rome, Italy. However, Taylor finished 40th overall yesterday.

Taylor, 20, still has the 50m free to compete in on

Friday and the 50m backstroke on Saturday. He won the gold in the 50m backstroke at the CAC Games in a national record of 25.08.

Meanwhile, ZaylieElizabeth Thompson, 19, competed in a pair of events yesterday. She was in the women’s 50m butterfly in 29.92 and the 200m medley in 2:25.36.

Thompson, 20, will be back in the pool for the 100m freestyle on Thursday.

The other two members of the team waiting to compete are Davante Carey and Rhanishka Gibbs.

Carey will compete in the men’s 100m backstroke today and the 100m butterfly on Thursday and Gibbs, 17, is entered in the women’s 50m butterfly on Friday and the 50m freestyle on Saturday. Thompson

Games with

FRENCH STAR

MARCHAND BREAKS PHELPS’ 400-METRE IM WORLD RECORD

FUKUOKA, Japan

(AP) — French 22-yearold Leon Marchand has broken Michael Phelps’ world record in the men’s 400-metre individual medley in a time of 4 minutes, 2.50 seconds. Phelps set the old record of 4:03.84 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Marchand set the record yesterday on the first day of eight in the pool at the World Aquatics Championships. It was the last individual record that Phelps held since retiring for good after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Marchand swims at Arizona State and is coached by Bob Bowman, the coach of the American team at the world championships. He is a potential hometown superstar going into next year’s Paris Olympics. He will also be the favourite in the 200 IM.

on Friday.

BRIAN HARMAN IS UNSTOPPABLE IN A DRAMA-FREE BRITISH OPEN WIN AT HOYLAKE

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Brian Harman stood in the tunnel and looked out to the 18th green at Royal Liverpool with his eyes on that shiny claret jug, waiting for his name to be called with the century-old introduction as “champion golfer of the year.” He always imagined this was possible.

Maybe not in a steady rain, his least favourite weather, yesterday at the British Open. Perhaps not before a British Open crowd that seemed to want anyone but Harman to win, including one fan who he heard say over the weekend, “Harman, you don’t have the stones for this.”

All that was sweet music to the little lefty with Georgia grit and something to prove, to himself and anyone watching.

And did he ever.

Harman delivered a performance so remarkable he hit into only three bunkers all week, led the last 51 holes of the British Open and never gave anyone a chance. He closed with a 1-under 70 and won by six shots.

“I’ve always had a self-belief that I could do something like this,” Harman said. “It’s just when it takes so much time, it’s hard not to let your mind falter, like maybe I’m not winning again. I’m 36 years old. Game is getting younger. All these young guys coming out, hit it a

mile and they’re all ready to win. Like, when is it going to be my turn again?

“To come out and put a performance like that together ... I don’t know why this week, but I’m very thankful that it was this week.”

Harman turned back every challenge in the British Open, from big names to bad weather, and took his place among major champions yesterday with a victory that never was in doubt.

When his second bogey in the opening five holes reduced his lead to three, Harman answered with two straight birdies. When he dropped another shot on the 13th hole and his lead was down to four shots, Harman made two more birdies, the first one from 40 feet on No. 14.

By then, everyone else was playing for second.

“He won by six, so there’s nothing really any of us could have done,” said Masters champion Jon Rahm, one of four players who had to settle for the silver medal.

Harman, the great outdoorsman, made winning look as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.

He is the oldest first-time major winner since Sergio Garcia was 37 when he won the Masters in 2017. Garcia wasn’t a surprise. Not many would have imagined Harman’s name engraved on the claret jug at the start of the week.

Harman had gone 167 tournaments over six years since his last win, the 2017

Wells Fargo Championship. This is only his third title in his 12 years on the PGA Tour.

“Someone mentioned that I’ve had more top 10s than anyone since 2017, so that’s a lot of times where you get done, you’re like, ‘Damn it, man, I had that one.’ It just didn’t happen for whatever reason,” he said.

Now he has the claret jug, and “I’m not going to let it out of my sight for the time being.”

“I’m going to have a couple of pints out of this here trophy, I believe,” Harman said.

Rahm birdied his last hole for a 70 to make it a four-way tie for second place with Tom Kim (67), Sepp Straka (69) and Jason Day (69).

That turned out to be the B-flight.

Harman took the lead on Friday morning with the second of four straight birdies early in the second round. He never trailed over the final 51 holes, leading by five shots after the second round and five shots after the third round.

He started the round in the rain with a smattering of boos from the grandstand, fans either wanting a big star or perhaps not paying

attention to the masterclass performance Harman had delivered. Playing with Tommy Fleetwood of England on Saturday, Harman said he heard a few comments he described as unrepeatable. He never wavered in rain or sunshine or wind over the final two days. And when it was over, Harman walked up toward the 18th green to a standing ovation, and tapped his hand to his heart to acknowledge the fans as he walked off the green.

He never contemplated winning until he blasted out of the pot bunker right of the green and slapped the chest of his caddie, Scott Tway, the brother of 1986 PGA champion Bob Tway.

Padraig Harrington was among those who envisioned how yesterday would unfold.

“Sometimes we see somebody leading a tournament and you kind of go, ‘Oh, is he going to hang on?’ I don’t think that’s the case with Brian Harman,” Harrington said. “Nearly every day he goes out on the golf course he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder like he’s fighting something.

I think this is ideal for him.”

There was one anxious moment early on Sunday in

a steady rain. Harman hit his drive into a gorse bush left of the fairway on the par-5 fifth hole and had to take a penalty drop. It led to his second bogey of the round.

Rahm, playing in the group ahead, looked to get one of those breaks that fall to major winners. His drive had landed between bushes, allowing for a shot just short of the green and a birdie.

The lead was down to three shots. The rain wasn’t stopping. The rest of the links, along with the pressure that comes with Sunday at a major, was still ahead of him.

Harman went birdiebirdie, and the lead was back to five. He didn’t make another mistake until missing the 13th green and taking bogey. And then he went birdie-birdie again.

The year of majors ended in more disappointment for Rory McIlroy, who had won the Scottish Open last week and was the last Open champion at Royal Liverpool in 2014. He was never really a factor, although he certainly teased the large galleries that followed him.

Sunday was no exception.

McIlroy started nine shots behind and ran off three straight birdies, starting

with a 50-foot putt on No. 3. He was within five shots and still on the front nine. And then he stalled, not making another birdie until Harman was well on his way.

McIlroy was one shot better each round — 71-7069-68 — to tie for sixth with Emiliano Grillo (68). That wasn’t nearly enough to match a performance like Harman delivered.

“I’m optimistic about the future and just got to keep plugging away,” said McIlroy, who has gone 34 majors since winning his last one in 2014.

Harman now has a fiveyear exemption in all the majors and joins the list of Open champions at Hoylake that include McIlroy and Tiger Woods, Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen.

He also can think about a return to Europe in September for the Ryder Cup in Rome. The victory, worth $3 million, moves him comfortably to No. 3 in the standings. The top six a month from now automatically qualify.

Harman never has played in a Ryder Cup. He moves to No. 10 in the world. This is new territory. Over four days at Royal Liverpool, he certainly looked like he belonged.

and Gibbs also competed at the CAC

Taylor. They will team up with Carey to compete in the mixed 4 x 200m relay

LAMAR TAYLOR, of The Bahamas, with his parents Gena and Lester Taylor after his historic swim at the Commonwealth Games.

UNITED States’ Brian Harman poses for the media as he holds the Claret Jug trophy for winning the British Open Golf Championships at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Jon Super)

Newton has high expectations for the national tennis teams

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Lawn

Tennis Association president Perry Newton said he has high expectations for the final three national teams that will be in competition at their various international events this week in the Dominican Republic.

In Santiago, Dominican Republic at the 2023 ITF/ COTECCU-12 Sub Region 3 team competition, the Bahamas will be represented by the U12 girls’ team of Danielle Saunders, Caitlyn Pratt and Marina Bostwick with level 1 Coach Paula Whitfield as captain, while the U12 boys’ team of Kingston Rees, Chase Newbold and Cameron Ferguson are captained by coach Philip Major.

While these two teams are expected to begin competition today, the Billie Jean King Cup team of collegians Elana Mackey, Syndey Clarke, veteran Simone Pratt and teenager Saphire Ferguson, captained by dormer player/ coach Kim O’Kelley, will be heading to the Dominican Republic.

“We have a lot of personnel out there and so we hope that we will gain a lot of success, especially for the under-12 teams,” Newton said.

“It’s a pre-qualifier event and the last time we had a team that qualified out of the tournament was in 2021. So we believe that the kids have the opportunity to do well. They just have to leave it on the court.”

The winning team from each Sub Region plus a team from Mexico will qualify for the IFT/ COTECC U-12 Team Final in August.

As for the Billie Jean King Cup, Newton said they will be playing out of Group two, but he sees no reason why, with the experience they have, they can’t get back to Group one.

They will need to finish as one of the two top teams to get the promotion for next year.

“We have a very good team. They are probably going to be with us for a while,” he said.

“Sydney and Elana have been consistent on the team. They are veterans now, so we are hoping that

JAMAICA HOLDS FRANCE TO 0-0 DRAW IN WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

SYDNEY (AP) —

Hervé Renard knows all about World Cup shocks. He also knows an early setback can be overcome in international soccer.

With that in mind, the France coach was not unduly concerned by his team’s 0-0 with Jamaica yesterday, which was one of the biggest surprises so far at the Women’s World Cup.

Renard led Saudi Arabia to a famous win against Argentina at the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year, before Lionel Messi’s team rebounded and went on to lift the trophy for their country.

“I’ve already won competitions after drawing my first two games,” said the two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach. “Let’s talk about the World Cup 2022. I don’t think that we should be getting ahead of ourselves.

“There are lots of people, lots of teams that start with the fanfare and are not there come the final and others are maybe slow to get out of the starting blocks.”

While there is no need for France to panic, this was still an unexpected result for the fifth-ranked team in the world and one of the tournament favourites.

By contrast Jamaica is ranked 43rd and entered the tournament cohosted by Australia and New Zealand having lost all of its games at its World Cup debut in 2019 with a goal difference of -11.

“We always tell our players just don’t worry about the rankings,” said Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson, who declared his country’s first point ever in the competition as its greatest achievement in soccer.

they will be able to gel with Simone and Sapphire to bring us the success we are looking for. “We are happy to have Kim back as the captain. She’s been off the

scene for a while, coaching in the United States. But she brings a wealth of experience as a former player and captain and a Hall of Famer,” Newton

told The Tribune. Team Bahamas will be facing teams from Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Uruguay and Venezuela. While the

top two teams advance to Group one, the last two teams will be demoted to Group three. The other two will remain in Group two.

“I think it is the No. 1 result I have seen men or women,” he said. “I would put it there. If you go by the rankings you would say that result on this stage has to be No. 1.”

Morocco, Benzina set to make World Cup history in game against Germany

By CASSIDY HETTESHEIMER Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Aus-

tralia (AP) — When Nouhaila Benzina steps onto the field for Morocco’s first match of the Women’s World Cup against Germany, she will make history — and not just as a player for the first Arab or North African nation ever in the tournament.

The 25-year-old defender will be the first player to wear the Islamic headscarf at the senior-level Women’s World Cup. She and the Atlas Lionesses face twotime World Cup champions Germany in Melbourne, Australia, today.

“Girls will look at Benzina (and think) ‘That could be me,’” said Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network said of the hijab. “Also the policymakers, the decision-makers, the administrators will say, ‘We need to do more in our country to create these

accepting and open and inclusive spaces for women and girls to participate in the game.’”

Benzina, who plays professional club soccer for the Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal –the eight-time defending champions in Morocco’s top women’s league – hasn’t yet been made available to speak to reporters here at the Women’s World Cup.

In recent weeks, she has shared social media posts from others about the history-making nature of her World Cup appearance.

“We are honoured to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup,” Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak said yesterday, “and we feel that we have to shoulder a big responsibility to give a good image, to show the achievements the Moroccan team has made.”

Had Morocco qualified for the Women’s World Cup a decade ago, a player who wanted to wear the hijab during a game might

have been forced to choose between that and representing her country.

In 2007, a referee barred an 11-year-old Canadian girl from wearing a hijab during a club match. When the issue reached FIFA,

the sport’s global governing body banned head coverings in competitions it sanctioned, except for coverings that exposed the neck. FIFA cited “health and safety” concerns, some

related to possible choking, with regulations forbidding “equipment that is dangerous to himself or another player.”

“That really sent a strong message to Muslim women, particularly those who wear hijabs, (that) we don’t belong,” said Helal, an Australia-based operations manager of Creating Chances and Football United.

Helal was among the social activists, Muslim athletes, and government and soccer officials who worked to overturn the ban.

In 2012, FIFA granted the Asian Football Confederation a two-year trial period during which players would be allowed to wear head coverings at international competitions.

No senior-level World Cups, men’s or women’s, were scheduled during the trial period.

In 2014, FIFA lifted its ban on head coverings.

Two years later, the under17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan marked the first

time Muslim players wore headscarves during an international FIFA event.

Maryan Hagi-Hashi, a Melbourne resident who attended Morocco’s public practice session last week, said she is supporting the Atlas Lionesses alongside tournament co-host Australia.

She appreciates the representation that the Moroccan team and Benzina provide, she said.

“There’s a mixture of (Muslim) women that wear hijab and don’t wear a hijab,” Hagi-Hashi said. “I think the world has realized there is diversity.”

Helal said that since the ban was lifted, she has seen an increase in Muslim girls and women playing soccer, pursuing coaching pathways and leading their own football clubs.

“I think it’s key to understand that the hijab is an essential part of a Muslim woman, should she choose to wear it,” Helal said. “It’s actually part of our identities.”

COACH Paula Whitfield with the Bahamas girls’ under-12 tennis team.

MOROCCO’S NOUHAILA BENZINA, left, and Fatima Gharbi walk around the ground during a familiarisation tour ahead of their Women’s World Cup Group H match against Germany in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. (AP Photo/Victoria Adkins)

COACH Philip Major Jr with members of the boys’ under-12 tennis team.

‘TEE-OFF FOR HUNGER GOLF TOURNAMENT PLANS

THE Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) today unveiled plans for its 2nd Annual ‘Tee-off for Hunger Golf Tournament,’ aiming to raise enough money to top up its coffers and provide up to 750,000 meals in 2023.

The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, government officials, sponsors, hosts and BFN officers and volunteers.

Fidelity will repeat as title sponsor and Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas will continue as host for the tournament set for September 19 at Ocean Club Golf Club, Paradise Island.

“We are extremely grateful to Fidelity for committing to ongoing title sponsorship,” said Felix Stubbs, BFN Chairman.

“They have been great partners in every way.

We are also pleased to announce that even before today’s formal announcement, there has been strong interest in every level of sponsorship.

“Nearly every corporate sponsor or donor who contributed in 2022, and who the team has reached out to informally, has committed to participating in 2023.

Supporters understand the cause, the unabated need to feed that unfortunately did not end when the COVID19 pandemic did.”

BFN directors, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to keep up with the need, Stubbs said, as more seniors, displaced persons and those who cannot make ends meet depend on the churches, feeding centres and soup kitchens supported by BFN.

Last month, BFN provided more than 65,280 meals with volunteers and staff packaging cartons and parcels of food and providing grocery supply coupons.

The network currently distributes to more than three dozen churches and other centres for distribution to those in the community or congregation in need.

“Fidelity is proud to partner with the Bahamas Feeding Network and Better Homes and Gardens MCR Group as title sponsor of the 2nd Annual Tee-off for Hunger Golf Tournament,” said Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Chief Executive Officer.

“Despite being a nation of much wealth and opportunity, there are thousands who go hungry daily and

the Bahamas Feeding Network has been a lifeline for those persons since its founding in 2013.”

According to Fidelity’s vice president and donations chairman Crestwell Gardiner, Fidelity was also impressed by BFN’s efficiency and the loyalty of volunteers, some of whom now receive a small stipend.

“We believe in the cause, the unquestionable need to feed, but we also appreciate how the Bahamas Feeding Network operates and the business model it follows as a non-profit with accountability, transparency and maximum efficiency,” said

Gardiner, whose team walked away with the top prize last year for best score.

The tournament format is a two-man scramble with a maximum of 62 teams with player handicaps set at 24 maximum per man and 28 per woman.

First hole in one on #12 wins the coveted new Mercedes Benz provided by Tyreflex in conjunction with Insurance Management, without whose coverage the car would not be part of the draw.

There are several other prizes for categories including Par 3 and longest drive.

BFN Board member businessman and real estate pioneer Mario Carey offered to host the first fund-raiser tourney and said his firm, Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas, did not hesitate to commit as host this year.

“Until you are in the trenches and see the hunger as we did when we created Pasta Fridays during COVID, you do not realize how widespread the tragedy is,” said Carey, whose firm partnered with Graycliff distributing thousands of hot meals at its West Hill Street location with one weekly distribution hitting 8300 meals at the peak of the pandemic.

“In the end, the answer to our national food security issue lies in increasing agriculture production and providing more of what we consume, but in the meantime, we cannot stand by and let persons in need suffer when we have the ability to do something about it as responsible citizens. Hosting a golf tournament is a natural solution we are proud to be a part of, knowing we can make a difference.”

The fee per two-person team is $500. Entry forms are available at https://www. bahamasfeedingnetwork. org/golf.html

BAHAMAS 16U TEAM ADVANCE IN THE BABE RUTH CARIBBEAN INVITATIONAL

FROM PAGE 20

talked about the win for the home team.

“I thought it was a good team win again. We have been lucky enough to have some good pitching performances this tournament and the bats came late in the game in the fifth inning but this is what it is all about,” Burrows said.

Overall, he credited the efforts of MJBL USA but believed his team was able to combat them and come out with the win.

With the team now preparing to play Puerto Rico, the top team

for Pool B, Burrows said they are looking to keep the momentum going and get all the way to the championships.

In this past weekend’s baseball action, the 16U team earned a comfortable 13-1 win against Europe in a Pool A head-to-head matchup.

Additionally, Saturday’s game between Aruba and the home team ended in a 1-1 tie.

12U The 12U team for The Bahamas had a busy weekend as teams looked to fight for a win to qualify for the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri.

In their first win of the weekend, the 12U team dropped the Netherlands in a 12-2 victory.

The home team was already up 5-0 on the Netherlands in the bottom of the third inning.

The visiting team finally got on the scoreboard at the top of the fifth inning but Team Bahamas asserted their dominance.

By the bottom of the fifth inning, the home team had already amassed 12 runs to only one by the Netherlands.

Ultimately, the game wrapped up in five innings with the Netherlands scoring their second run

in the bottom of the fifth inning. In the second win, Team Bahamas got the upper hand on Jamaica from the start.

By the top of the second inning the team already scored 12 runs to 0 on the scoreboard.

The game wrapped up in three innings due to the mercy rule.

In the home team’s only loss of the weekend, Team Bahamas dropped to Curacao 3-2.

The Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship and Invitational continues today at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex and Andre Rodgers National Stadium.

GUNNAR HENDERSON HOMERS AS ORIOLES EDGE RAYS 5-3

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Gunnar Henderson and Ryan O’Hearn homered as the AL Eastleading Baltimore Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 yesterday to take three of four in a weekend series.

The Orioles have a twogame lead over the Rays after winning for the 12th time in 15 games.

Mike Baumann (7-0) pitched 2 2/3 hitless innings for the win. Félix Bautista gave up ninth-inning singles to Manuel Margot and Yandy Díaz before securing his 28th save.

ANGELS 7, PIRATES 5

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)

— Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 36th homer in the two-way superstar’s final home game before the trade deadline, and the Angels wrapped up a strong homestand.

Ohtani is eligible for free agency this winter and could be on the move ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. But general manager Perry Minasian has said the Angels (51-49) are highly unlikely to deal Ohtani if they remain in playoff contention.

RANGERS 8, DODGERS 4

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jonah Heim and Leody Taveras each hit a two-run double, and the Rangers overcame Max Muncy’s first-inning grand slam. Heim cut LA’s lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the first before RBI singles from Marcus Semien, Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Jung put Texas in front in the second.

Missing All-Star sluggers

Corey Seager (sprained right thumb) and Adolis García (sore right hand), the Rangers avoided a three-game sweep in a matchup of division leaders.

YANKEES 8, ROYALS 5

NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Rizzo hit his first home run since May 20 and went 4 for 4 as the Yankees completed their third series sweep of the season.

Gleyber Torres’ two-run homer sparked New York’s four-run first inning against Jordan Lyles (1-12). Torres extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games but exited in the seventh because of left hip tightness.

RED SOX 6, METS 1 BOSTON (AP) — Rafael

Devers homered, Adam Duvall drove in two runs and Boston beat New York to take two of three in their weekend series.

Boston opened a fourrun third inning with seven straight hits, chasing an ineffective Carlos Carrasco (3-4). Connor Wong had three hits for the Red Sox, who finished with 15.

The victory kept Boston (53-47) tied with the rival Yankees for last place in the rugged AL East. Both sit two games out of a playoff spot.

BRAVES 4, BREWERS 2

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Atlanta star Ozzie Albies hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, ending Milwaukee’s run of bullpen dominance.

Albies’ 407-foot shot to left-center on a first-pitch sinker from Elvis Peguero (1-3) ended a string of 28 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings by Brewers relievers.

Atlanta slugger Austin Riley went 0 for 4 to end his streak of five straight games with a homer, which matched a Braves record.

BLUE JAYS 4, MARINERS 3 SEATTLE (AP) — Pinch-hitter Santiago

Espinal singled home the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning, and Toronto closer Jordan Romano escaped a ninth-inning jam. Seattle put runners on second and third with one out in the ninth, but Romano struck out Julio Rodríguez on a 2-2 slider and retired Eugenio Suárez on a flyout for his 27th save.

PHILLIES 8, GUARDIANS 5 10 INNINGS

CLEVELAND (AP) —

Bryce Harper drove in the go-ahead run with a 10thinning single and flashed more solid defense in his second career start at first base, leading Philadelphia to the victory.

Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel (6-1) blew his first save in 17 chances this season when David Fry hit a solo homer with two outs in the ninth.

Kyle Schwarber began the 10th as the automatic

runner at second base. Trea Turner drew a walk before Harper singled up the middle off Tim Herrin (1-1). J.T. Realmuto hit a sacrifice fly and Alec Bohm had a two-run single that made it 8-4.

NATIONALS 6, GIANTS 1

WASHINGTON (AP)

— Lane Thomas matched a Nationals record with four stolen bases, and Washington recorded its first series sweep in nearly two years.

Riley Adams homered and MacKenzie Gore (6-7) threw five shutout innings for Washington, which completed its first sweep since taking two games from Toronto in August 2021. It was the Nationals’ first three-game series sweep since June 2021 against Pittsburgh.

REDS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 3

CINCINNATI (AP) — Elly De La Cruz hit his first

career leadoff homer and Nick Senzel connected for a two-run shot, helping the Reds finish the three-game sweep.

Christian EncarnacionStrand had two hits and two RBIs as Cincinnati earned its fifth straight victory overall. It was the Reds’ first sweep of the Diamondbacks since July 6-8, 2007, at Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati (55-46) moved within a half-game of NL Central-leading Milwaukee. The Reds open a threegame set at the Brewers on Monday night.

CUBS 7, CARDINALS 2

CHICAGO (AP) — Cody Bellinger homered and drove in three runs for the Cubs, and Jameson Taillon pitched into the sixth inning.

Dansby Swanson had two hits and Yan Gomes drove in two runs as Chicago closed out a 6-4 homestand.

The Cubs won the last three games of their four-game set against the Cardinals.

MARLINS 3, ROCKIES 2 10 INNINGS

MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez singled home the winning run with the bases loaded in the 10th inning, and the Marlins ended an eight-game losing streak.

With the Rockies playing five infielders, Arraez hit a line drive to an empty right field off Pierce Johnson (1-5). Arraez went 3 for 4, raising his major leagueleading batting average to .379.

ASTROS 3, ATHLETICS 2

OAKLAND, Calif.

(AP) — Mauricio Dubón

homered with two outs in the ninth inning, lifting Houston to the victory. Yainer Diaz connected for his 11th homer for the

Astros, who have won four of five and remain three games back of the AL West-leading Rangers. Hector Neris (6-2) got the win, and Bryan Abreu earned his third save.

Jeremy Pena drew a oneout walk off Chad Smith (1-2) but was caught trying to steal second.

Dubón then went deep for his fifth homer this season. JJ Bleday homered and scored twice for the last-place A’s.

TWINS 5, WHITE SOX 4

12 INNINGS

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

— Ryan Jeffers hit a twoout RBI single in the 12th inning to cap a late rally by the Twins that secured a series sweep over the White Sox.

Jesse Scholtens (1-3) loaded the bases with nobody out before enticing Christian Vázquez to hit a 2-0 fastball into a shortstopto-home-to-first double play. That left a runner on third for Jeffers, who lifted the Twins (53-48) to a three-game lead on Cleveland in the AL Central for their largest margin in more than five weeks.

TIGERS 3, PADRES 1

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson and Andy Ibañez homered, and the Tigers avoided a weekend sweep.

Alex Faedo (2-4), who entered with a 6.98 ERA, pitched six shutout innings for Detroit. The righthander allowed one hit and walked four.

Beau Brieske and Jason Foley each worked an inning before Alex Lange pitched a rainy ninth for his 17th save. With runners on second and third, Lange retired Gary Sánchez on a fly ball to center for the final out.

THE Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) has unveiled plans for its 2nd Annual ‘Tee-off for Hunger Golf Tournament,’ aiming to raise enough money to top up its coffers and provide up to 750,000 meals in 2023.

BALTIMORE Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, right, celebrates with teammate Adam Frazier, left, after hitting a two-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 23, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

DJOKOVIC WITHDRAWS FROM TORONTO TOURNAMENT

TORONTO

(AP) —

Novak Djokovic withdrew yesterday from the National Bank Open, opting for additional rest after his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.

Tennis Canada announced that Djokovic pulled out of the only Canadian stop on the ATP Tour schedule due to fatigue.

The 36-year-old, 23-time Grand Slam champion was set to begin his hard-court preparations for the U.S. Open after falling to the top-ranked Alcaraz last Sunday in a five-set final at Wimbledon.

“I have always enjoyed my time in Canada but after speaking with my team, we believe this is the right decision to take,” said Djokovic, who has won the National Bank Open four times.

Team Bahamas off to the Billie Jean King Cup

FROM PAGE 20

Before they left, O’Kelley had a chance to work with the team at the National Tennis Center.

She said she has a plan to run with the team and if they stick with the tactic, they should be able to achieve their feat of being one of two top teams to get promoted to Group one next year. If successful, Team Bahamas can either clinch one of the two spots to remain in Group II or be one of the two final teams to be demoted to Group three. O’Kelley said the latter is definitely out of the picture with this core of players she has to work with.

“I’ve heard good things about the Bahamas Games and how well these girls all played for their various teams,” O’Kelley said. “I have a plan for this team and if they can stick to it, we will be very successful.”

Mackey, who represented Eleuthera in the Bahamas Games, said Team Bahamas is being placed in a harder group in the Dominican Republic, but they just have to go with the strategy that O’Kelley has implemented for them.

“I think anybody is beatable on any given day,” Mackey said.

“We only have one new player from last year, Saphire, so it’s still me, Sydney and Simone. We did pretty good last year, so we can only improve on that performance.”

As for Mackey, who turns 21 on August 14, she said she intends to “go out there and play like how I know how to play and carry the things that I’ve been doing in practice.

“I don’t want to get nervous or scared to hit the ball.”

However, she noted that having O’Kelley on the sidelines, she’s confident that she can get through the tie.

Clarke, the 21-yearold team leader for the champion Andros Chickcharnies, who secured the gold over the Grand Bahama Lucayans in the Bahamas Games, will also be participating in her fifth appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup.

“This is going to be a hard one this year. There’s a lot of good competition from the different countries, but I’m really excited that we have the ability to do very well,” Clarke said. “We’ve been working hard. We’ve put in the work. It’s just a matter of us being focused and leaving it out on the court when it matters the most.”

Looking at the make-up of Team Bahamas, Clarke said they have a new addition in Ferguson, who will be getting her feet wet, but with the experience they have in Mackey and Pratt, they should get the job done. Clarke was the runner-up to Mackey at the BLTA’s Giorgio Baldacci

Invitational in December to earn their spots on the Billie Jean King Cup team, while Pratt and Ferguson got the final two in a playoffs that followed a few months ago. “For me, I really hope to put it all out there,” she said. “My goal is to win all of the matches I play. It’s not going to be easy, but that’s the goal. It’s not giving up, but giving it your all for the team, win, lose or draw.”

And with O’Kelley as their captain, Clarke feels she will be a big plus for Team Bahamas.

“She’s played at this level and she’s a very good coach, so it’s good to have someone with her experience out there with us,” she said.

“If we take in what she gives us and adjust to it, we will be alright.”

Pratt, at 27, is coming back into tennis after giving birth to her child, while Ferguson is a 16-year-old home-schooled student.

When the Billie Jean King Cup is over, Clarke will head off to the University of Birmingham at Alabama to complete her senior year for the Blazers women’s tennis team.

She is a former student of CR Walker, who went on to graduate from Windsor High School and the Albany Tennis Academy.

“I get to play in two Challengers for prize money this fall, so I’m really excited about these events,” Clarke said. “That would be great preparation for the spring season where I really hope to go far and make it to the nationals individually and for our team to win the conference title (Conference USA). This is the last lap, so I really want to make it special.”

Mackey, a 19-year-old graduate of Nassau Christian Academy, will be leaving for Mars Hills, North Carolina where the versatile tennis player and distance track runner hopes to close out her final year with a bang for the Lions.

“I’m hoping to make the first team this time and maybe go to the National Tournament,” she said. “I don’t expect to do too much track. I told them to put me in a limited amount of events because I really want to focus on my last year as a tennis player.”

This past season, Mackey was selected to the AllSouth Athletic Conference Third Team. She posted a 13-5 win-loss record in singles, going 6-5 in conference. She also teamed up with partner Amanda Kadiri to go 10-7-1 in doubles.

NACAC Championships: Bahamas ends up fourth overall with 23 medals - 7 gold, 9 silver, 7 bronze

FROM PAGE 20

the under-18 girls javelin

135-9 (41.39m) and Annae Mackey took the under-18 girls shot put with 42-11 ½ (13.09m) and on the track, Antoine Andrews raced to the silver in the under23 boys 110m hurdles in 13.57 and Darvinique Dean got the other in the under18 girls 400m hurdles in 1:01.13.

In relay competition, the Bahamas added four more medals.

The quartet of Antoine Andrews, Adam Musgrove, Carlos Brown and Terrence Jones clocked 39.59 for their silver in the under-23 boys 4 x 100m; Phebe Thompson, Shatalya Dorsett, Bia Richards and Shayann Demeritte did 46.42 for their silver in the under-18 girls 4 x 100m; Darvinique Dean, Shatalyn Dorsett, Nya Wright and Alexis Roberts ran 3:51.80 for their silver in the under18 girls 4 x 400m relay and Berkley Munnings, Zion Shepherd, Morgan Moss and Zion Miller got their silver in the under-18 boys 4 x 400m in 3:19.80.

Berkley Munnings led the individual bronze

medallists in the under-18 boys 400m hurdles in 54.27; Cayden Smith claimed his medal in the under-18 boys 200m in 21.76; Shaun Miller Jr got the bronze in the under-23 men’s high jump with a leap of 7-0 1/2 (2.15m) and Koi Adderley cleared 5-5 (1.65m) in the under-18 girls high jump, while Tylah Pratt was fourth with 5-3 (1.60m).

The under-18 boys 4 x 100m relay team of Johnathon Rodgers, Cayden Smith, Trent Ford and Ishmael Rolle got a bronze in 41.19.

In other results of note, Shatalya Dorsett place fifth in the under-18 girls 200m final in 24.47. She won her heat in 24.40 for the third fastest time in the semis with Nia Richards falling short of advancing with her ninth place in 24.79.

Terrence Jones was entered in the final of the under-23 boys 200m final, but did not start. Canadian Callum Robinson won the gold in 20.52, while Denar Francis of Jamaica got the silver in 20.67 and American Connor Washington took the bronze in 20.74. Jones had the second

“I would like to thank Karl Hale, the tournament director, for understanding this decision. I really hope I can return to Canada and Toronto in the coming years to play in front of great fans there.”

American Christopher Eubanks will gain automatic entry into the main draw as Djokovic’s replacement. Eubanks is fresh off a surprising quarterfinal run at Wimbledon, where he beat No. 5 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and No. 12 seed Cam Norrie en route to the final eight.

NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVES JORDAN’S SALE OF THE HORNETS

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

(AP) — The NBA Board of Governors has voted to approve Michael Jordan’s sale of the Charlotte Hornets to an ownership group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press yesterday on condition of anonymity because the sale won’t become official for at least another week.

The decision ends Jordan’s 13-year run as majority owner of the franchise. He will remain on as a minority owner.

Jordan agreed to sell the team on June 16. However, when an NBA owner decides to sell it first must be approved by the league’s Board of Governors.

just missed advancing, placing tenth overall in 21.31. Camille Rutherford place seventh in the under23 girls 200m final in 24.70. She also had the seventh fastest qualifying time of 24.20.

There were three exhibition events because there were not sufficient competitors.

In the under-18 boys decathlon, Kenny Moxey Jr won with 6,095 points, beating out Guatemala’s Maxwell Alvarez, who was second with 5,528 points.

In the under-23 girls heptathlon, Shaunece Miller was second with 4, 291 points behind American Jasdin O’Brien, who won with 5, 770 points. and Brenden Vanderpool picked up the silver in the under-23 men’s pole vault with 4.95m. The gold went to American Huner Garretson with a meet record of 5.61m.

One setback came from Jamiah Nabbie. She suffered a slight muscle pull in her semifinal of the under18 girls 100m and coasted through the finish line in 17.83 and was unable to continue competing in the meet.

Jordan’s decision to sell leaves the NBA without a Black majority owner.

Plotkin has been a minority stakeholder with the Hornets since 2019, while Schnall has been a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks since 2015. He has been forced to sell his investment in that team.

The sale price is reportedly around $3 billion, according to ESPN.

As an owner Jordan never came close to matching his success as a player, where he won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls while becoming one of the game’s greatest players ever.

Charlotte went 423-600 under Jordan, the 26th-best record over that span.

The Hornets never won a playoff series in that time and haven’t been to the postseason in the past seven seasons.

The owner members of the Hornets new ownership group include artist J. Cole, Dan Sundheim, Ian Loring, country music singer-songwriter Eric Church, Chris Shumway and several local Charlotte investors, including Amy Levine Dawson and Damian Mills.

GO TEAM BAHAMAS: Shown, from left to right, are our Billie Jean King Cup team members Elana Mackey, Saphire Ferguon, Sydney Clarke and coach Kerrie O’Kelley. Missing is player Simone Pratt.

SIMONE PRATT

KEYSHAWN Strachan returned to full strength as Team Bahamas got another impressive showing from the throwers to highlight the country’s performances at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Under-18 and Under-23 championships.

Jonquel and Liberty use record 44-point first quarter to rout Fever 101-83

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Betnijah Laney scored a season-high 22 points, Jonquel Jones added 18 points and the New York Liberty rode a record hot start to rout the Indiana Fever 101-83 yesterday.

New York (16-5) made its first nine shots on the way to a 44-point first quarter. That’s the most points ever scored in a period in WNBA history surpassing the 42 that Chicago had against the Liberty in 2019.

“Any time we can move the ball side to side and get everybody involved it causes teams to have to play us honestly and gives us all space to do what we have to do,” Jones said.

The Liberty made 15 of 18 from the field in the first, including six 3-pointers to go up by 27 points after the opening 10 minutes.

New York cooled off a bit in the second and led 68-46 at the half — just short of the record for points in a half. “If this was a threequarter game we win by nine,” an agitated Indiana coach Christie Sides said. “You got to show me you’re ready to play every night. Forty-four points is ridiculous.”

These two teams met right before the All-Star break and Indiana rallied from a 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter, tying

the game at the buzzer on a 3-pointer by Aliyah Boston. The Liberty pulled away in overtime.

There was no such comeback this time as New York finished the game shooting 54% from the field and hit 17 of 34 3s (50%).

“The first quarter is tough, let someone score 44 points, it’s tough to come back from that,” said Victoria Vivians, who led Indiana with 16 points.

The easy win allowed coach Sandy Brondello to get some rest for her starting group. New York enters a tough stretch of its schedule with five games in eight days, although four of them are at home.

While Indiana (6-16) wasn’t really ever in Sunday’s game after the opening quarter, the Fever have already been more successful than last season when they won five games total.

The Fever saw the return of Lexie Hull, who missed the previous two games after breaking her nose. She sported a clear mask that she said before the game she’ll have to wear for the rest of the season. Hull finished with seven points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

MYSTICS 84, MERCURY 69

WASHINGTON (AP)

— Natasha Cloud scored 23 points and had nine assists, Brittney Sykes also scored 23 points and

the short-handed Mystics beat Phoenix, extending the Mercury’s road losing streak to seven games.

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough added 13 points for Washington (12-10). Phoenix (6-16), which is 1-10 away from home this season, has the longest active road losing streak

in the WNBA. The Mercury had won back-to-back games (for the first time this season) and three of their last four.

Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne (left ankle sprain), Shakira Austin (left hip strain), Ariel Atkins (left ankle sprain) — all regular

JONES SCORES 27 TO HELP LIBERTY WIN

WASHINGTON (AP)

— Jonquel Jones scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu also had double-doubles and the New York Liberty beat the short-handed Washington Mystics 96-87 on Friday night.

New York led 73-56 with 2:26 remaining in the third quarter before Washington scored the next 14 points to get within a single possession. Jones ended the Liberty’s scoring drought with 8:15 left in the fourth.

Stewart converted a three-point play, capping a 7-0 run, to extend New York’s lead to 90-77. Jones made it 94-86 on a layup in traffic with 1:09 left.

Stewart finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds and Ionescu added 16 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for New York (15-5). Courtney Vandersloot scored 12 points and Betnijah Laney had 10 as all five Liberty starters finished in double figures.

Jones and Ionescu combined for 25 of New York’s 27 first-quarter points. Jones ended the first half with 19 points and seven rebounds to help New York lead 50-41.

starters who combine to account for approximately 40% of Washington’s scoring this season — and Kristi Tolliver (plantar fasciitis) did not play for the Mystics.

Sophie Cunningham hit five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting for Phoenix.

Stewart made New York’s 10th 3-pointer with 5:05 left in the third for a 68-51 lead. Brittney Sykes scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Washington (11-10). Natasha Cloud added 17 points, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough had 15 and Tianna Hawkins added 14.

Washington was without Elena Delle Donne (ankle), Ariel Atkins (ankle), Shakira Austin (hip) and Kristi Toliver (plantar fasciitis).

DANISH RIDER JONAS VINGEGAARD WINS TOUR DE FRANCE FOR 2ND STRAIGHT YEAR

PARIS (AP) — Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard won the Tour de France for a second straight year as cycling’s most storied race finished yesterday on the famed Champs-Élysées.

With a huge lead built up over main rival Tadej Pogacar, the 2020 and 2021 winner, Vingegaard knew the victory was effectively his again before the largely ceremonial stage at the end of the 110th edition of the Tour.

The 26-year-old Vingegaard drank champagne with his Jumbo-Visma teammates as they lined up together and posed for photos on the way to Paris.

“It’s been a long journey, yet it went by so fast,” Vingegaard said. “Day after day, it was a super hard race with a super nice fight between me and Tadej. I’ve enjoyed every day. I hope to come back next year and see if I can take a third win.”

It had been a three-week slog over 3,405 kilometres (2,116 miles) with eight mountain stages across five mountain ranges. Vingegaard seized control of the race over two stages in the Alps.

Little had separated the two rivals until Vingegaard finished a time trial 1 minute, 38 seconds ahead of Pogacar on Tuesday, then followed up the next day by finishing the toughest mountain stage of the race almost 6 minutes ahead of his exhausted rival.

“I’m dead,” Pogacar said.

The Slovenian rider responded by winning the penultimate stage on Saturday, but Vingegaard still had an insurmountable lead of 7 minutes, 29 seconds going into the final stage –a mostly ceremonial stage which is contested at the end by the sprinters.

“We have to be careful not to do anything stupid,” Vingegaard warned

TOUR

wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, lifts his bicycle after the twentyfirst stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 115 kilometres (71.5 miles) with start in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and finish on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, France, yesterday. (Marco Bertorello/Pool Photo via AP)

Saturday, “but yeah, it’s amazing to take my second victory in the Tour de France.”

Vingegaard kept that lead and was able to celebrate early Sunday as organisers decided to take

the times one lap before the finish when it started raining on the cobblestones of the Champs-Élysées. The decision invited the sprinters to fight for the stage victory – the only remaining uncertainty.

Belgian cyclist Jordi Meeus prevailed in a photo finish between four riders on the line, just ahead of Jasper Philipsen, Dylan Groenewegen and Mads Pedersen.

“It was my first Tour. It was a super nice experience already so far, and to take the win today is an indescribable feeling,” said Meeus, who clocked a top speed of 68.8 kph (42.8 mph) on the last kilometre.

Pogacar, who attacked after just one lap of eight altogether on the Champs- Élysées, was wearing the white jersey as the best young rider for the 75th day – extending a career Tour record. The 24-year-old Slovenian rider has won the

best young rider classification every year since 2020.

But Pogacar had to be content with second place in the general classification again.

British rider Adam Yates, Pogacar’s teammate, finished third overall, ahead of his twin brother Simon.

Colombian rider Egan Bernal, the 2019 Tour winner, completed the race as he made his impressive comeback from a lifethreatening crash.

The 26-year-old Bernal said he narrowly avoided becoming paralysed after an accident with a bus while training in Colombia in January 2022.

“It’s difficult to compare with the year I won but it’s almost the same feeling because for me it’s a great victory,” Bernal said.

“Yesterday, in the last climb, I was so lucky I was alone and could enjoy the last kilometers. I was so emotional.”

VETERANS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT AT BODYBUILDING NATIONALS

FROM PAGE 20

come back after not competing in the event for seven years due to work.

“The competition for me was kind of challenging, my last competition was in 2016 at the CAC Championships in the Dominican Republic and my career took me out of Nassau for the last seven years. So I just relocated back to Nassau November of last year, got back into the gym in February for the Bahamas Games, situations happened where we weren’t allowed to compete but we still had the nationals coming up so I had to build muscles, get conditioned, and get in shape for the Championships,” he said.

In his preparation for the BBWFF National Championships, he suffered a hernia in his left groin which affected his training and made him more reliant on diet. “My intention was to compete in the masters 55 and over and, wherever my weight landed, I said I would just do that open class against the younger guys and fate had it that I came out on top tonight,” he said.

The 56-year old, who has been competing in these competitions since 1996, said it felt great to compete against younger guys and his experience helped him with stage presence and posing. He will now look forward to training for the Central American and

Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships September 20-21.

In the men’s classic physique open division, Rashad Edgecombe placed first and Jimmy Norius came second. The latter also earned a win in the men’s bodybuilding open pro category meanwhile, second place went to Jamiel Hamilton. Additionally, in the men’s physique pro division, Jason Johnson finished first for the judges, Kaif Young in second, Norius in third, Raynor Ferguson in fourth and Derek Rahming in fifth.

Anton Moxey took the win in Class B of the Men’s Classic Physique nationals. Andrew Gibson was crowned the winner in Class C and Andrew Sweeting

won Class E. Moxey also won the men’s classic physique novice competition for Class B and Ricardo Mitchell took Class D.

Bricedon Anderson claimed first place in the men’s fitness category and Alexander Kemp earned second in the event.

Kareem Brancaccio took the men’s fit model novice and nationals category in first place. Kemp came second in the nationals event. Kevin Johnson came away with a win in Class A for the men’s physique novice section. Anderson claimed Class B, Ricardo Gibson won Class C and Charon McKenzie finished second. In the same event, Brandon Bastian ended with first place in Class F.

WOMEN

Dorcas Cox, one of the oldest competitors in the women’s division, finished first in the women’s figure category. In the women’s physique competition, Sandra Smith took the nationals and Lorraine LeFleur claimed first in the open.

In the women’s wellness nationals, Denica Thompson wrapped up first in Class B, Andreka Dames finished second, and Jackie Cleare was awarded third place. Ivanique Kemp was victorious in the same category for Class D.

Cara Saunders, one of the latest Bahamians to become pro card, wowed the judges in the women’s wellness open

category. She emerged victorious followed by Kemp and Thompson.

In the novice section, Andreka Dames finished Class B with a win and Kemp left as the Class D winner in this event.

Amy Sands took the women’s fit model category. For the bikini competition, Sands was the showstopper in Class B. Venice Pyfrom led the way for Class D and Leslie-Simone Cox ended in second. Karine Macden was the winner of Class E. The BBWFF will now focus on selecting a 12-member team to field at the CAC Bodybuilding Championships in September. An announcement will be made by Tuesday.

de France winner Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard,

INDIANA Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) drives on New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, on Wednesday, July 12.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Anthonique Strachan rounding into form

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER running in the pack in the women’s 200 metres on Friday, sprinter Anthonique Strachan didn’t have it to contend in the 100 two days later as she competed in a pair of Diamond League meets over the weekend.

In the final meet before the World Athletics’ World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, next month, Strachan competed in the women’s 100 metres in London, England, where she placed eighth in a

time of 11.13. Marie-Josee

Ta-Lou stunned the field in a meet record and season’s best of 10.75.

Great Britain’s Dana Asher-Smith was second in her season’s best of 10.85 and Jamaican Shericka Jackson took third in 10.94.

“It’s the 100m. Honestly there’s nothing for me to take from it,” said Strachan, whose specialty is the 200m.

“I started and before I processed anything, it was over. Nothing happened in the race. The competition is always what it is. It is great.

I love it.”

Strachan, 29, was coming off a fourth place finish

in the 200 metres at the Monaco Diamond League meeting in 22.40.

Jackson took the tape in 21.86 ahead of St Lucía’s NCAA double sprint queen Julien Alfred, who did 22.08. Asher-Smith was third in a season’s best of 22.23. After the race, Strachan pointed out that “everything is going good.”

She added that she doesn’t “have expectations. I’m just trying out things now.”

But she admitted that the “competition was great as always.”

A trio of Americans. including national

champion Gabreille Thomas, trailed the international field as Kayla White was tied with Great Britain’s Daryll Neita for fifth in 22.54.

Thomas did 22.67 for seventh and Tamara Clark was eighth in 22.83.

Strachan, the national sprint champion, is now focusing on the World Champions August 19-27 in Budapest.

“I feel good,” said Strachan, who has rejuvinated her career after moving to Jamaica to train. “I’m going back to full training and work on things I discovered, but I feel good.”

SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan in action.

SPORTS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

NCAA champion Rhema

Otabor posted a recordbreaking performance and Keyshawn Strachan returned to full strength as Team Bahamas got another impressive showing from the throwers to highlight the country’s performances at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Under-18 and Under-23 championships.

The three-day meet came to a close yesterday at the National Stadium in San

Jose, Costa Rica, with The Bahamas in fourth place on the medal table with seven gold, nine silver and seven bronze for a total of 23 medals.

The United States of America topped the chart with 47 medals (23 gold, 16 silver and eight bronze); Jamacia was second with 32 (13 gold, 14 silver and five bronze) and Canada was third with 28 (12 gold, 10 silver and six bronze).

Islands claimed the bronze with 123-3 (37.54m).

Strachan, back at full strength after coming off an injury that prevented him from competing at the NCAA Championships, popped a winning throw of 257-1 (78.37m) in the under-23 boys’ javelin.

Rodgers soared 49-3 (15.01m) in the under-18 boys’ triple jump.

The lone individual gold medal on the track came in under-18 boys’ 400 metres as Zion Miller won in 48.08 and Zion Shepherd was third in 49.10. Jamaican Joshua Wint split the pair for the silver in 48.68.

Anthonique, Page 19

BAHAMAS 16U TEAM ADVANCE IN BABE RUTH CARIBBEAN INVITE

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

A pair of Americans trailed for the other two medals as Dash Sirmon got the silver with 246-11 (75.28m) and Braden Presser got the bronze with 238-2 (72.60m).

RHEMA OTABOR

Otabor established a meet record with her toss of 188-feet, 7-inches or 57.48 metres for the gold in the under-23 girls’ javelin. American Maura Huwalt took the silver with 161-7 (49.25m) and Kimberly Smith of the British Virgin

The other individual gold medals came from Cailyn Johnson in the under-18 girls’ discus with 134-0 (40.85m) and Johnathan

Miller and Shepherd teamed up with Nya Wright and Alexis Roberts to take the lone relay gold in the under-18 mixed 4 x 400m mixed race in 3:31.29.

Team Bahamas got a pair of individual silver medals as Dior-Ray Scott tossed

SEE PAGE 17

VETERANS SHINE AT BODYBUILDING NATIONALS

VETERAN bodybuilders shined at the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF) National Championships this past weekend.

The fitness event got underway at the University of The Bahamas’ (UB) Performing Arts Auditorium on Saturday night.

The event featured more than 50 competitors in the various categories, including men’s bodybuilding, men’s classic bodybuilding, men’s and women’s physique, women’s wellness, women’s figure, open men’s bodybuilding and women’s bikini.

Joel Stubbs, BBWFF president, was impressed with this past weekend’s national championships.

“We are very happy to know we were able to host this 50th edition of the Bahamas Novice and

National Championships, we also brought our pros back… the likes of Raynor Ferguson, Jason Johnson, Lorraine LeFleur, Jimmy Norius, they are all making tracks. I am happy and grateful they came to showcase their talents,” Stubbs.

He said the novice championships were exciting because they saw a lot of new faces and vibrant talent and it speaks to the fact that the sport is continuing, individuals are still poised and still believe that they can do bodybuilding.

He is hopeful that the national bodybuilders will be a part of Team Bahamas in Aruba.

Veteran bodybuilder Godfrey Robsinson made his presence felt on stage among his younger competitors.

Robinson came away with multiple trophies in front of a packed, exciting crowd at UB. He won the men’s master bodybuilding category followed by Orick

VETERAN Godfrey Robinson wins multiple trophies at the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation National Championships over the weekend.

second in the event.

THE Bahamas’ 16-and under (16U) team advanced to the next round of the Babe Ruth Caribbean Baseball Championship and Invitational.

The 16U squad will get ready to play the 5-1 Pool B Puerto Rico team today at 10am after defeating the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL) USA team.

In the 12-and under (12U) division, Team Bahamas picked up two wins against the Netherlands and Jamaica but came up short against Curacao, thwarting their efforts of advancing.

16U

The Bahamas 16U team dropped the MJBL USA 6-2 in seven innings. In the first inning, the home team was able to score two runs compared to one by the USA team. After the initial inning, it was a defensive battle between the two teams until the third inning.

The visiting team scored one run, meanwhile, The Bahamas finished the inning with none on the scoreboard.

The momentum shifted in the bottom of the fifth inning where Team Bahamas was able to amass four runs to put the USA team away and advance to a 4-0-1 record in the invitational.

Greg Burrows Jr, head coach of the 16U team,

SEE PAGE 16

TEAM BAHAMAS OFF TO THE BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

As a coach currently operating a programme out of Atlanta, Georgia, O’Kelley said she always enjoys representing the Bahamas. This time, she’s taking a team to play out of the Americas Group two against teams from Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.

“It’s good being in an environment where I can give back to the Bahamian people,” O’Kelley said. “This time, I won’t be a player/captain, but just a captain so my role is going to be different. It’s a new experience that I’m looking forward to.”

SEE PAGE 17

Reginald Delancy ended in third place and Andrew Gibson finished fourth. Robinson placed fourth in the men’s physique

SEE PAGE 18

SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 14 (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Taylor wins heat of 50 butterfly

KIM O’Kelley likes what she sees from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s team heading to the Billie Jean King Cup in the Dominican Republic today. O’Kelley, who played in 11 Fed Cups from 19901999 before they changed the name to honour the legendary Billie Jean King, will travel with the team of collegians Elana Mackey and Syndey Clarke, Grand Bahamian veteran Simone Pratt and rookie teenager Sapphire Ferguson, who replaces Sierra Rodgers from last year’s team.