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Halt order given on at H ol island
DEPP says it issued a cease and desist for work on the island
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Reporter
Tribune Staff
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) said it issued a cease and desist order regarding a project on Athol Island. Works at the Marine Protected Area have sparked controversy.
White has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, noting in the House of Assembly earlier this month that “native caucus has been removed, and piles of barge sand materials have been deposited on this island”.
ProSecUTorS PUSh for 15-year Sen T ence in n ygard Sex T rial
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
PROSECUTORS in Canada want former Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard to get a 15-year prison sentence for sexual assault convictions. Nygard’s sentencing hearings began yesterday, months after he was
sexual assault in the first of several criminal trials he will face for his treatment of women in multiple countries across several decades. He is expected to be tried in Montreal and Winnipeg. He will then be extradited to New York to face sex
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunmedia.net
IN excluding unions from talks about the future of Bahamas Power & Light, the Davis administration is violating a pre-election memorandum
of understanding Prime Minister Philip Davis signed, according to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson.
In August 2021, Mr Davis, as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party, signed an MOU with the
National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress (CBTUC). The document said that “where possible in statute and in regulations,”
Two men charged in boaT ing deaT h of US woman
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
TWO men were charged yesterday after allegedly causing the death of an American tourist, Allison Dyck, in a boating accident off Eleuthera last month.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Charles Cash, 49, and Aldon Cash, 41, on manslaughter. Charles Cash faced additional charges of failure to submit a vessel for inspection, operating with
By NEIL HARTNELL
PLANNINg
by
it “does not
use restrictions. The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board rejected all the arguments put forward by the mega resort and other hotels including the absence of a traffic impact study and non-existent land use plan for Paradise Island.
bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson speaks during a press conference at Obie Ferguson’s office yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Bronson, Samantha and Harley Quinn Lowe
Harley Quinn - a miniature pinscher - pictured above, and out with her family, Bronson and Samantha, below.
Halt order given on Athol Island
from page one
The Bahamas National Trust on Tuesday expressed concern about the situation, saying the island and its surrounding waters hold significant “ecological and historical” value that should be preserved and protected.
DEPP said it received an application for a certificate of environmental clearance (CEC) from
Andrew Hanna in January to install a wooden dock, a rest area and a restaurant on Athol Island.
“A site visit was conducted of the area,” DEPP added. “At the time of the site visit, the construction of the proposed rest area and restaurant was in progress. A cease and desist order for all activities onsite was issued.
“After further review, a CEC was issued in
February 2023, for the construction of a wooden dock. It was always understood that any other activity would require further environmental review.”
DEPP said the CEC does not permit construction activities and developers must obtain the requisite building permits. It said in January, officers noticed that a seawall was being constructed on
the site, but it was unclear whether the appropriate building permits were obtained to build it.
“In April 2024, the department conducted a site visit in response to reports that the construction of the rest areas and a restaurant were underway on the property,” DEPP said. “Accordingly, a cease and desist order was issued to Mr Hanna. Upon investigation, there were
signs of oxidised limestone and wood, indicating that the disturbance was not new or active. The cease and desist has since been lifted.”
“The matter was raised again in the House of Assembly on July 17, 2024. Out of an abundance of caution, a cease and desist was issued until the department was able to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire site
and meet with the Environmental Consultant of Record.”
“Officers of the DEPP conducted a site visit on that day to determine if any activities outside of those for which clearance were issued, were being conducted. It was determined that the site was predominantly unchanged since the April 2024 visit. The cease and desist remains in place.”
‘PLP broke promise made before election’
from page one
formal consultations would occur with unions on matters of public policy before approval processes and concessions are given to foreign investors.
Mr Wilson argued yesterday that the Davis administration’s handling of BPL goes against this.
The government is entering a 25-year agreement with Pike Corporation through its Bahamian management company, Island Grid Solutions, to upgrade and
manage BPL’s transmission and distribution network.
The government will own 40 per cent of the shares in a special purpose vehicle, Bahamas Grid Company, and Island Grid Solutions will own 60 per cent.
Mr Wilson said he was present when Mr Davis signed the MOU with unions.
“I was excited because what he was saying they were going to do for labour, in contravention to the reigning administration that time, was exciting,” he said.
It is possible the MOU signing was just a PR stunt, he said, adding that staff is fearful that their jobs are in jeopardy despite the administration’s repeated assertions to the contrary.
“There’s a saying ‘mouth can say anything’, prove the doubters wrong and present the black and white facts,” he said.
He said he visited Mrs Coleby-Davis a few weeks ago with questions about how the BPL deal will affect staff. He said after waiting for an hour, he encountered
the minister, but she refused to give him the requested details.
“She said no, emphatically no,” he said. “I felt insulted, I felt hurt, I felt broken. But I kept a smile on my face. I was angry. I feel that was not the way the minister should have spoken to me as a union president.”
Obie Ferguson, president of the Trade Union Congress, said he is also frustrated by the government’s level of adherence to the MOU. He questioned
Prosecutors Push for 15-year sentence in n ygard sex trial
from page one
trafficking, racketeering and other charges.
Nygard’s victims were emotional as they spoke yesterday.
One woman recalled the night Nygard assaulted her after she visited his bedroom following a Rolling Stones concert. The former fashion mogul, she said, chased her around his bedroom before tearing off her clothes and raping her.
She said the rape –– “one of the most horrendous, difficult experiences” ––tainted her life, causing her to have debilitating panic attacks that prevented her from fully pursuing a career in acting.
Nygard’s lawyer argued
that 15 years would “most certainly be crushing”. His team has persistently argued that he requires special treatment and accommodations due to his age and health. His lawyer said he has allergies to polyester and strong laundry detergent, which have caused him to break out in itchy rashes due to the clothing and sheets provided by the jail. He reportedly suffers from glaucoma, Type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, an enlarged prostate, low blood pressure and claustrophobia, which necessitates special transportation to the court. His lawyer also said he must use diapers and spends most of his time in bed.
the significance of signing it, especially as some unions criticised his organisation for doing so.
The Ministry of Energy and Transport said that Island Grid representatives are in the country, fulfilling their commitment to help BPL with necessary distribution work.
The ministry said it has met with BPL’s two unions to inform them of upcoming changes. BPL’s plans “include an ironclad commitment to protect the job security of BPL union workers,” the ministry said, adding that the industrial agreements will be honoured.
Obie FergusOn KC, flanked by Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson and other union officials, speaks during a press conference at Mr Ferguson’s office yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Peter nygarD
Two men charged in boating death of US woman
from page one
an expired registration, employing a person to run a boat for hire without a business license and operating without a business license.
Allegedly, the duo negligently hit Allison Dyck, 38, with their vessel as she was swimming at Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island at 2pm on June 22.
Dyck, of Washington DC, was airlifted to New Providence for medical treatment but was pronounced dead at Princess Margaret Hospital.
The pair were informed that their matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of
indictment (VBI).
Following submissions from their lawyer Levan Johnson, the defendants were granted bail at $9,500 each with one or two sureties. The pair must sign in at the Harbour Island Police Station every Friday by 6pm.
They will return to court for service of their VBIs on November 21.
Last month, Dyck’s family said she was a “beloved daughter, sister and aunt.”
“Allison was well-loved by all she knew and was a brilliant woman who will be fondly remembered for her warmth, beauty, loving nature, loyalty, humour, creativity, athleticism and culinary skills.”
Haiti’s ambassador unable to confirm missing vessel carrying 60 migrants from a baco to us
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
WILLIAM Exantus, Haiti’s ambassador to The Bahamas, has been unable to confirm whether a vessel carrying up to 60 migrants was lost at sea after leaving Abaco for the United States on July 4.
Mr Exantus said Haitian officials have contacted local authorities, particularly the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, but have not been able to verify the report.
Defence Force Commodore Raymond King had previously told The Tribune the United States Coast Guard sent an unverified intelligence report of 60 migrants being smuggled from Abaco to Florida.
He said a boat was never positively identified, and no missing person report related to such an event have been made. Yesterday, he confirmed authorities had no new intelligence about the matter.
July 4 is when relatives lost contact with popular Haitian entertainer Wens Johnathan Désir, who travelled to Abaco for a concert.
Mr Exantus had said the embassy would send two people to Abaco to investigate the man’s whereabouts. He said yesterday that they have made no progress.
Allison Dyck
WilliAM ExAntus, Haiti’s ambassador to The Bahamas.
PHA says they have cleaned diesel spill and are addressing odour at morgue
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) said workers have cleaned up a diesel spill at the Princess Margaret Hospital and are addressing a residual odour that caused morgue employees to start a sick-out protest.
A day after Bahamas Allied Health Care Workers Union (BAHCWU) president Krista Burrows-Campbell said morgue staff have been on a sick-out since last week, the PHA said the morgue resumed normal operations last Friday after briefly closing in response to the spill in an isolated decommissioned boiler room.
“Working closely with relevant stakeholders and industry partners, all necessary measures were promptly implemented to ensure a swift resolution to the issue,” the PHA said in a statement, adding that affected employees were advised to seek medical assistance at the Employee Health Services.
“Efforts to clean the affected areas included the collection and absorption of the spilt diesel, as well as the application of an industrial solvent and degreaser through repeat treatments.
“Although initial cleanup procedures were implemented following advice from environmental experts, concerns regarding persistent odour were raised by staff members. Subsequent inspections revealed only a faint residual odour. In response to these concerns, PHA has partnered with Rubis for a final cleanup alongside the clearing of drains at the premises.”
Mrs Burrows-Campbell claimed on Tuesday that the situation has prevented families from collecting their loved ones. She claimed 28 bodies should be released, but the diesel spill has prevented this.
toddler rushed to hospital after nearly droW ning in gB
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A TODDLER was rushed to hospital after nearly drowning in Grand Bahama on Wednesday afternoon.
Shortly before 4pm yesterday, the police reported that the incident involved a four-year-old on Taino Beach. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle said an ambulance took the child to the Rand Memorial Hospital for medical assistance after a low pulse was detected. The child survived the incident.
Warning of smoke at landfill after infestation
VISIBLE smoke can be expected from the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) landfill around 10.30 this morning as workers dispose of a 45ft container of wood furniture infested with Powderpost beetles.
The landfill warned New Providence residents in a press release yesterday that those in the vicinity of the landfill “may notice visible smoke rising from the landfill site during this process”.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) fire services department will reportedly be present to ensure the burn is conducted safely. Officers from the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority’s (BAHFSA) Plant Health Unit and the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) will ensure safety and environmental regulations are followed.
MOSSIB campers with disabilities given tour of cruise port
CAMPERS of the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting’s Camp Inclusion recently took to Bay Street to tour the Nassau Cruise Port.
The field trip serves as a way to break away from the old tradition of keeping children with disabilities locked away at home, and towards greater social inclusion for persons with disabilities – especially children.
Children with different levels and types of disabilities, along with student advocates, participated. Its focus was to ensure that participating youth learn about living with mobility and intellectual disabilities, advocacy, inclusion and accessibility. The majority of the camp instructors are persons with disabilities.
The camp serves as a collaborative effort between the Ministry, its Community Affairs and Disability Affairs Divisions, the Bahamas Coalition of Advocates for Disability Awareness and Service (BaCADAS), and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
Photo: Patrice Johnson/BIS
Princess Margaret HosPital
Picture of the day The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Disclosures shall be published, says law
“WE complete our reports. We aren’t empowered to put them in a gazette.”
So says Bishop Victor Cooper, chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission.
Public disclosures are an issue on which The Tribune has frequently reported– with often some reticence on the part of some of those who have to make their disclosures to say whether or not they have met the requirements of the law.
So much has that reticence been apparent that the US state department in an investment climate report this year described a “complete disregard” by some Bahamian politicians and officials towards complying.
When The Tribune reported that –along with the US noting the failure to fully enact anti-corruption laws, to create an Integrity Commission or to bring in campaign finance reforms – Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell took umbrage, and said our headline was misleading. He felt we should have reported that the overall outlook was positive – it was, and we did, but we note he did not take exception to the substance of the criticisms by the US.
But let us return to the words of Bishop Cooper. “We aren’t empowered.”
Well, take a look at the act that governs the issue. Specifically, Section 6(2).
It says that after the commission has examined parliamentarians’ declarations, “it shall publish a summary of that declaration in the Gazette in the form prescribed by Form B in the
Second Schedule”.
It shall publish. Not it shall ask the Office of the Prime Minister to publish it. Not ask the opposition.
Bishop Cooper says “we gotta go through the Office of the Prime Minister”. Not according to the Act. Even if that were the case, it would put the blame on the PM’s doorstep. The blame does not lie there.
Note also the word shall. Not can. Not may. Shall. This is not something that could happen, it is something that must.
And yet it does not.
Bishop Cooper should know the Act that governs his job. He should be very well aware of what needs to be done. For that matter, this should have been done for years. It should be the norm, the expectation.
Both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition have the power to have disclosed in the House or the Senate who has not declared as they should. That too has not happened.
The penalty is not small – up to two years in prison – so this is no minor flaw.
So why does it not happen? Why does a commissioner say something that does not align with the words in the Act?
What needs to be done to change this? Not just the results, but the attitude.
You, the citizens of our country, have the right to expect this. Bishop Cooper could do very well with clarifying why he thinks he is not empowered by the law. And then getting on with fulfilling its requirements.
Water park a bad idea for Downtown
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Kindly permit me to express my views on Nassau Cruise Port plan to erect a water park at the publicly owned port facility at the port of Nassau. According to various press releases, Nassau Cruise Port is seeking to erect a water park attraction at the cruise port with 350 full time jobs being created.
In a news release, Mike Maura explained that the $35m water feature planned for the Nassau Cruise Port will further upgrade offerings in downtown Nassau, but will only cater to a very small portion of the tens of thousands of cruise passengers who come to the Port of Nassau on a weekly basis, and that there will be many thousands more visitors looking for amenities. This narrative about there is enough visitors passing through the port daily or weekly for all to get a fair share has worn thin with vendors and members of the public generally. And even if such is the case, why should Nassau Cruise Port continue to get the first bite at the visitor pie and the others get to share what is left?
Further, I would like for Nassau Cruise Port and The Ministry of Tourism to tell the public how the build
out of this attraction is consistent with facilitating the distribution of the cruise passenger spend throughout downtown Nassau and New Providence. To me, it runs counterproductive to what ought to be the objective of tourism officials, which is finding ways to get our cruise visitors to spend more and preferably to do so into the wider downtown and New Providence communities. Furthermore, there is nothing culturally unique, exciting or impressive about this venture such that the government ought to be inclined to lend its approval to this venture.
Nassau Cruise Port, being at the first point of entry for cruise passengers and having the use of public land is already in a unique and envious position compared to many other New Providence merchants and vendors who are also dependent on the cruise tourist dollar.
Given what I have observed at that port facility and notwithstanding the impressive improvements made at the port facility by Nassau Cruise Port, I am still somewhat curious as to whether there are any limits or restrictions placed on their use of the land and the surrounding waterways forming part of Nassau
Statement on Rastas problematic
EDITOR, The Tribune.
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder’s statement in the Senate about ending the criminalisation of Rastafarianism will open a Pandora’s box at some point in the future. Pinder expressed the policy position of the his Progressive Liberal Party administration. That’s why his administration decided to legalise religious marijuana for the benefit of the Bahamian Rastafarian community. This legislative move by the Davis administration might inspire other fringe groups to argue along the same lines of ending discrimination against them. They will point to Chapter III, Article 15 of the Bahamian Constitution, which states that “Whereas every person in The Bahamas is entitled to the Fundamental rights and Freedoms of the individual, that is to say, has the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, color, creed or sex....”
harbour.
They seem to have an open licence to do as they wish with the public space and waterways surrounding the port of Nassau.
It would be interesting to see if the government would permit the erection of this attraction at this public facility when the complaint is already being heard that the port, with its current offering, is already posing a problem for nearby downtown vendors and businesses.
The approval of this waterpark or swimming pool adds no additional value to the tourist offering and only serves to feed what appears to be Nassau Cruise Port insatiable appetite to take as much of the cruise passenger spend as possible.
I should also add, and the government should take careful note, that this practice of placing public facility and assets in the hands of selected private entities with pure profit motives and leaving citizens at their mercy, may seem economically expedient, but can have some very undesirable and unintended consequences for citizens and businesses if not wisely managed.
CLAUDE B HANNA Nassau, July 22, 2024.
An Obeah or Voodoo practitioner might argue that if the Bahamian government is allowing Rastas to smoke marijuana at their religious houses of worship or in the comfort of their homes, then they should be given equal rights to perform their Satanic rituals at the public cemeteries without fear of being harassed by concerned citizens and law enforcement officials. Obeah and voodoo practitioners would frequent the graveyards under the cover of darkness in order to engage in necromancy, a practice which is explicitly forbidden in the Old Testament. But voodoo practitioners would argue, rightly of course, that recreational marijuana is eerily similar to divination. Even today in India Hindu occultists use the Kali weed in order to meditate, opening up themselves to the influence of malevolent spiritual entities the Bible warns us about. A fundamentalist Muslim and Mormon could argue that the Constitution gives them the right to practice polygamy. This Bill opens the door for Muslims and Mormons to gain rights not in keeping with the traditional values of The Bahamas. In a word, a very dangerous precedent has been set. The religious cannabis legislation has set The
Bahamas on a very slippery slope towards the kingdom of the occult.
Even Rasta pioneer Leonard Howell was allegedly involved in either obeah or voodoo. This move to capitulate to the Rastafari community is a betrayal of the Baptist Church, which stood shoulder to shoulder with the PLP in the sixties during the fight for Majority Rule. The late Bethel Baptist Church Pastor Rev Harcourt W Brown was one of the leading clergymen to lend his unwavering support to Sir Lynden O Pindling and the PLP. Along with Sir Lynden, Sir Arthur Foulkes, A D Hanna, Sir Milo Butler, Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, Clarence Bain and Dr Doris Johnson, Brown was a part of a PLP delegation to visit the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation in 1965. He also gave invaluable spiritual input to Pindling ahead of the 1962 and 1967 general elections. The Bahamian national anthem, March on Bahamaland, was composed by the Wesleyan Methodist Timothy Gibson. When Gibson wrote ‘’Til the road you’ve trod lead unto your God,” he was referring to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Gibson was not a religious syncretist like Howell, who, according to Dr Barry Chevannes, believed that each nation and ethnic group had its own god. Howell therefore subscribed to henotheism.
Likewise, when the Preamble of the Bahamian Constitution says that “an abiding respect for Christian values,” it is proof that founding fathers intended to build The Bahamas upon the JudeoChristian foundation.
Sir Lynden, according to Dr Michael Craton, admired the British Westminster system of government, that’s why ours is modeled after it. Howell, conversely, railed against it and the Royal Family in The Promised Key, a religious tract he allegedly wrote under the Indian Hindu pseudonym G G Maragh while incarcerated in 1935 or thereabouts. Due to its striking similarities to Fitz Ballantine
Petersburg’s Royal Parchment Scroll of Black Supremacy, objective Caribbean scholars believe that Howell engaged in plagiarism. Some of the incoherent sayings in The Promised Key are borderline seditious. Howell’s Rastafari counterpart, Rev Claudius Henry of the African Reform Church of God in Christ, was convicted in 1960 of attempting to overthrow the colonial government in Jamaica in 1959. The presiding judge, Justice Herbert Duffus, imposed a ten-year prison sentence of hard labour on Henry. His son, Reynold Henry, was executed for the murders of three people - two of whom were Royal Hampshire British soldiers. The murders were committed during an attempted military revolution in Jamaica by Henry and several African American mercenaries. Henry was also convicted of treason felony. The two Henry cases are extreme, and are no way meant to paint the entire Rastafari community with the same brush. Yet one cannot ignore the highly inflammatory rhetoric that undergirds the theology of Rastafari. I am sure that the overwhelming majority of Bahamian Rastafari adherents are peaceful, law-abiding citizens. Having said that, I sincerely believe that Rastafarianism is antithetical to the Bahamian Constitution, which gives Bahamians the right to worship whatever or whomever they want to worship. In the case of legalising sacramental weed for the small Rastafari community, the PLP government has made the decision to side with Rastafari, while ignoring the legitimate concerns of the Christian church that has been a tremendous help to the PLP from its inception in 1953. Being in the minority, the Rastafari community is in no position to overthrow the British Westminster system Pindling and his Majority Rule administration decided to keep in place after assuming power in 1967. At this juncture, such a move wouldn’t be feasible. As stated above, this highly touted cannabis bill has set a dangerous precedent moving forward.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama July 24, 2024.
Eric captured this photo of the moon over The Bahamas, with a Canon R6 Mark II and the Sigma
150-600mm Contemporary Lens, and edited with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra photo editor.
Photo: Eric rose/BIS
Why a commission of inquiry is needed
PM must act to restore confidence
By Dr HuBert Minnis
The crisis in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has Bahamians anxious and afraid.
The explosive allegations regarding bribery, corruption, and possible complicity in murders are the most serious allegations to hit The Bahamas since the drug years in the 1970s and 1980s.
The allegations have made the international press. They are being closely watched by various governments and international partners.
Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander has launched an investigation. While the Commissioner is making an effort to respond properly, the investigation he announced is insufficient. It is inadequate. It falls short of what is needed.
The police cannot investigate themselves when the allegations are being made about them at their senior ranks. There is the need for an even more independent, thorough, and transparent investigation.
This does not appear to be the case of a few bad police. There may be systemic and broader issues in the force, including the relationship with senior police and noted criminals and gang members.
The police force has reached out to the United Kingdom for assistance. This, too, is insufficient. We need more than just a few foreign police officers to assist the police with their investigation.
The allegations are too significant for the response that has been proposed. Confidence in the police force has declined. And the situation may be getting worse.
Bahamians are frightened and do not want anything covered up. They demand and deserve a wide-scale and comprehensive investigation. Again, the police cannot investigate itself alone!
Crime and confidence in police
There were 128 murders in 2022, which was the PLP’s first full year in power. This was the second highest murder count in our history.
This year has been violent and bloody, too. We are on pace to have 120plus murders again. In recent weeks the pace of killings has increased with numerous shootings and stabbings taking place.
The police are the first line of response to crime. They are also a major deterrent. The Bahamian people know there are many good men and women on the police force. They risk their lives every day for us. We thank them for their service and dedication to our communities. Because of these good men and women, it is essential that we root out
those who may be engaged in corrupt practices. Such officers bring into question the police response to crime and gang violence.
Are they feeding preferred gangs information on rivals? Are they protecting certain gangs and their leaders from prosecution? Are they complicit in the killings of rivals to the gangs they are protecting? has police corruption made our country’s crime problem worse?
The scandal raises all these serious questions, and more.
One isolated police investigation cannot get to the bottom of all these deeply troubling questions. A bigger more powerful inquiry is needed – and, it is needed now.
The commission
A commission of inquiry is a Bahamian legal tool. There is an act that governs commissions. It allows for the creation of a truly independent investigatory body.
Commissions exist in our law for moments such as this – that is, cases where allegations of corruption or abuse are pervasive and go up the chain of command in a state entity or other body.
A commission would have hearings in the open, where the public may attend. This is important to help the Bahamian people have confidence in the independence and openness of the investigation and its findings.
A commission could include eminently qualified people from The Bahamas, the region, the broader Commonwealth, or beyond.
We need to know how prevalent corruption may be in one of the most important institutions of the state. Our police force is too important. We cannot let a certain group of officers contaminate this organization and undermine confidence in the police by the public.
Along with my opposition colleagues, I support the appointment of a commission of inquiry. I again ask the prime minister to invite the governor general to appoint such a commission.
As I have said before to the media, I proposed that the commission should investigate:
1. The leadership of such gangs;
2. The influence of such gangs in communities and islands throughout The Bahamas;
3. The involvement of such gangs in illegal activities, with particular reference to illegal firearms, dangerous drugs, and any other illicit activities;
4. The relationships that such gang leaders and members may have with senior law enforcement officers, inclusive of the police, defence force and
immigration; and the influence that they may have upon such officers (if any);
5. The relationships that such gang leaders and members may have with elected members of Parliament and the influence that they may have upon such MPs (if any); and
6. Allegations made of improper acts that tend to undermine confidence in the police force or individual police officers.
A wAy forwA rd
A commission would answer these questions. Its report would give us an understanding of the depth of our problems, and suggestions as to the way forward.
We may need to restructure parts of the police force. New oversight bodies may need to be created. Certain individuals may need to be transferred or retired or prosecuted. New legislation may be needed. We may need to raise the salaries of police officers. We definitely need to end political interference in promotions.
The police investigation that has been launched does not go this far. It cannot investigate the systemic and institutional problems that may exist.
The prime minister said the police force allegations are “terribly disturbing”. he should take the next step and invite the governor general to appoint a commission of inquiry.
If he fails to call for a commission, this would suggest that the prime minister and his government are not interested in fully investigating the allegations made.
This would be an act of gross and high negligence by the Davis administration. Why is this government afraid to ask for the appointment of such a commission? history calls on leaders to have courage and wisdom in times of crisis. Philip Davis, as our head of government, should do the appropriate thing. Invite the governor general to appoint a commission of inquiry.
We need the Bahamian people and international community to have confidence in our police force. Right now, that confidence we all should have has been called into question. If there is no independent investigation, Bahamians will rightly wonder if there is a cover-up by the current government. This will only lead to a worse situation similar to the fallout from the drug era. The Bahamas and the world are watching the response of the Davis administration.
• Dr Hubert Minnis is the Killarney member of Parliament. He is also the former prime minister and former Free National Movement Leader.
KillArney MP and Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.
Why are we so comfortable being obese and overweight?
There are a number of reasons most Bahamians do not smoke cigarettes. One reason is cultural: we frown on those who smoke. We do not like the smell of cigarettes, especially in our homes and vehicles.
Many of us have few relatives or colleagues who smoke. We often openly criticise those who smoke. Cultural acceptance makes a compelling difference when it comes to widespread cultural habits, whether positive or negative.
The Bahamas has topped the charts in two areas of public health. They are not rankings of which we should be proud. We have a high murder rate fuelled by a culture and normalisation of violence.
And we have an epidemic of obesity similarly fuelled by a culture which normalises being egregiously overweight. This includes an unhealthy diet.
The Global Obesity Observatory numbers have been released for 2022. The Bahamas is number seven globally. Forty-seven percent of those of us 18 and over are obese.
A mother travelling overseas called her 26-year-old son who recalled the spate of murders last week. The mom responded: “You need to travel or live overseas for a while to appreciate that the high level of killings in Nassau is not normal.”
While obesity is a global problem, our levels of obesity including, childhood obesity are abnormal. Ask most Bahamians what is meant by obesity. Most could not tell you. Indeed, many would simply say they are big. Many are proud of being what the older people simply called “fat”.
Most people do not know what their optimum weight should be. Few know the distinction and relationship between obesity and being overweight. Many who believe they are overweight are medically obese.
“For adults, the World health Organization defines overweight and obesity as follows: overweight is a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25; and. obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.” It is not a matter of the proverbial fat shaming to
recognize and to suggest to others that being obese is a doorway to myriad health problems, potentially high levels of physical pain, and early death.
Some, if not many women, view their high levels of fat as attractive. They wear tight clothes and other outfits highlighting their obesity as a sign of beauty. Because so many of their peers and others are obese, obesity is celebrated, normalised, and accepted by scores of Bahamians. even those women who may have a better understanding of the risks of obesity ignore admonitions to lose weight because being overweight is acceptable.
Many men who are obese are similarly comfortable with their weight, often fuelled by the high consumption of alcohol, carbohydrates, and processed food, exacerbated by physical inactivity. They literally revel in being “a big man”.
There are many who eat healthy and struggle with their weight. however, much of the obesity in The Bahamas, especially among young people and children, is the result of poor dietary and cultural habits.
The incidence of obesity has resulted in an explosive growth in non-communicable diseases including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Yet scores of Bahamians are largely unaware or significantly ill-informed about the risk factors involved in obesity and the onset of various diseases.
Many Bahamians do
not appreciate that the consumption of large quantities of carbohydrates and the absence of fruits and vegetables in their diets significantly affect their health, mortality and quality of life.
God is not the cause of our ill-health or death because of our poor choices or obesity. human beings have the free will to decide on healthier lifestyles which may prevent or help to regulate various diseases. This same Creator gave us fruit and vegetables. It is near blasphemous to blame God for us getting sick and dying early as a result of eating fast foods and drinking alcohol and sugary drinks like water every week. This is not God’s will!
Behind the obesity statistics are personal stories of illness, disability and death, as well as loss and financial anxiety and woes. There is also the extraordinary economic burden on the country and on government finances.
In a 2016 report, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Pan American health Organisation (PAhO) estimated that an alarming nearly 70 per cent of Bahamians are overweight. equally alarming, according to PAhO, in a pamphlet entitled, The Burden of Childhood Obesity in The Bahamas: “21 percent of Bahamian youth between ages 13 and 15 are obese and 45 percent are overweight.”
Nearly half of all adolescents ages 13 to 15 are overweight, a time bomb that is exploding already with younger Bahamians presenting with myriad health problems that will only dramatically worsen as they grow older. rather than celebrating obesity or being overweight, we urgently need more healthy lifestyle initiatives dedicated to better nutrition, exercise and well-being, including meditation, such as transcendental meditation.
We exceed our Caricom neighbors in the prevalence and availability of American fast food chains, which are ubiquitous on New Providence, along with homegrown fast food businesses.
In a 2017 story reported in The Tribune, entitled, “Bahamas has ‘highest overweight rate’ in the Caribbean and Latin America”, dietitian and nutritionist Shandera Smith sounded the alarm on the obesity and public health crisis in the Bahamas that is leading to more early deaths.
Smith noted in the story: “Our diet for one is very different from that of other Caribbean islands. Culturally speaking, our idea of food has more fat, more sugar and salt. We eat a lot of things like peas and rice, macaroni, fried chicken and fast foods as well.
“We tend to drink a great deal of sweetened beverages and a lot of these beverages are marketed toward children. All of this contributes to obesity and overweight because these foods do very little for our bodies.”
In the document “Designing a regional Advocacy Campaign Plan for Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies”, the healthy Caribbean Coalition noted:
“In the Caribbean studies have shown that up to 30 percent or approximately one-third of children are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity has serious long-term effects both on the individual and regional levels.
“Individually, childhood obesity predicts adult obesity and foretells a plethora of comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which have already been seen in Caribbean children.
“On a broader level, childhood obesity affects the health of regional economies. The cost to the Caribbean economy of diseases linked to obesity, such as diabetes and hypertension, is over US$1 billion per year.”
Drs Christine Chin and Williamson Chea are part of a broader coalition to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity in the Bahamas. They are promoting education, physical activity and nutrition.
The risk factors for childhood obesity in The Bahamas include: salty food, sodas and sugary drinks, fast food, physical inactivity, insufficient fruits and vegetables and other factors.
R ather than celebrating obesity or being overweight, we urgently need more healthy lifestyle initiatives dedicated to better nutrition, exercise and well-being... “ ”
There are other risk factors that will have to be addressed by parents, government, schools, businesses, unions, the religious community, civic groups and others.
Shandera Smith noted in The Tribune story: “We encourage people to eat native fruit as well. What we find is that a lot of children don’t consider the native fruits like the dilly a fruit. When you ask them what a fruit is, they say apples or oranges.
eating the native fruits benefits people because they are cheaper and the nutrients that they we get from them are better suited for the environment that we live in so we don’t have to worry.”
Smith also noted: “As for children, they are not as active as they should be.
While in school, physical education is only offered once a week, so kids only have this time be active while in school. So our culture seems to feed the obesity problem we are currently faced with.”
The cultural shift needed to tackle obesity will be monumental. But small first steps may help such as innovative programs by community organisations like hands for hunger, which is dedicated to good nutrition and helping to
tackle obesity, including childhood obesity.
To change our trajectory will first require key cultural change including the initial recognition by more Bahamians that we actually have an obesity problem. If someone does not recognize that they are obese and that there are ways to address this, little will change.
Just as most Bahamians believe that smoking cigarettes is bad for one’s health, we need to get to a place where more Bahamians recognising that the way they are eating is killing them and their children. More Bahamians are dying from our diet than the number of people dying from cigarettes.
Former Prime Minister Dr hubert Minnis proposed a universal food program in the government-operated school system. Such a programme would include healthy meals and a learning component on healthy eating. Such broad scale initiatives will help to address cultural practices and mindsets.
If we do not address the cultural roots of obesity through a variety of comprehensive sociological and economic measures, we will remain unhealthy and in denial as more of us head to an early grave.
President Biden did the right thing endorsing Harris to succeed him
Looking back this morning at the fortnight just past, American national political events seem cataclysmic. But were they, really?
Joe Biden’s ultimately gracious withdrawal from the presidential race looks almost inevitable from the vantage point of only a few days later. His fecklessness on the June debate stage with Donald Trump was surely the final blow to his wish to succeed himself, but his faltering public stance over many months had dimmed the light of his many real-life achievements in office.
it was obviously time for him to step aside. Here’s some of what Biden told the nation as he did so:
“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
“Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.
i believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden waited only 30 minutes before heartily endorsing kamala Harris to pick up the baton for the presidential race ahead. And while there is a real aura of mystery that lingers around the true nature of his relationship with his
STATESIDE
vice president, Biden did the right thing by immediately endorsing Harris to succeed him.
Republicans, sadly but predictably, are already deriding Harris as a token nomination – a “DEi (diversity, equity and inclusion) hire” – as they search for ammunition with which to attack her and energise their base of voter support.
But as some have observed, when Biden chose Harris four years as the fulfillment of a promise made after African-Americans clearly rescued his faltering 2020 primary election bid and were critical to his eventual nomination and election as president, he had already made his choice on who should succeed him.
Harris has done nothing to disqualify herself in nearly four years as Biden’s loyal lieutenant. And Trump’s Supreme Court conservative majority has given her and the Democrats the issue they need to prevail in november.
The high court’s ideological decision to overturn a federal guarantee of the right for women to seek to terminate unwanted pregnancies was not only startling but also clearly at odds with the overwhelming preferences of the American people –men as well as women.
Harris wisely grabbed the abortion issue and has resolutely run with it almost since the moment the Supreme Court announced its decision. no one has suggested she has fumbled the ball on this.
There was no challenge
to Harris’s ascendancy to the nomination. The Democrats are likely to be as united behind her candidacy as they were four years ago behind Biden. That’s because most of them see Trump and his band of MAgA and other assorted right-wingnuts as an existential threat to the US.
Even before other Democrats from nancy Pelosi to gretchen Whitmer, from gavin newsom to Josh Shapiro, rushed to endorse Harris and implicitly renounce any ambitions they may have had to challenge her, the vice president seized the baton.
Harris told the world that “i am eager to run on the record of what Joe and i have accomplished together. We built our country back after our predecessor left it in shambles. We are stronger today because we took action - together - to invest in America’s future. i will earn your trust and win this race.”
Biden addressed the nation last evening. As he did so, the visit to the US of israeli Prime Minister Benyamin netanyahu underscored the urgent business facing the US and its still-sitting president. Covering his bases as israeli leaders normally do when visiting America, netanyahu will also pay calls on Harris and Trump, the latter in Palm Beach. gaza and Ukraine remain probably the most urgent international crises facing the Americans. But there is still little stability in Haiti and persistent
ambiguity about the expansionist plans of Venezuela. There’s a lot for Biden to focus upon as he settles back into the White House’s oval office after his recent bout with CoViD for the remaining six months of his term.
And if interest rates in the US show further signs of falling – perhaps with some encouragement from the American central bank – and prices on such economic staples as gasoline start to decline, Harris should have a decent chance to become the second black and first female American chief executive.
Trump, denied his customary spot at the head of most newscasts, has been publicly fuming over irrelevant trivia. He has enthusiastically challenged Harris to “numerous” debates. He might be wise to not push this too hard. Harris scored some memorable points when she squared off against Biden and others four years ago on the Democratic primary debate stage. She efficiently eviscerated goP Supreme Court nominees during their Senate confirmation hearings. in fact, one of the most reassuring things for Democrats as they contemplate their new standard-bearer are her evident debate skills, sharp wit and ability to think quickly on her feet.
She is sure to offer a startling contrast to Trump’s empty bombast; vacuous, incorrect generalizations; outright lies, and obvious lack of even a modicum of decorum and good manners. Her strategists should work day and night to schedule as many debates as they can arrange with Trump.
There’s even more reassurance for Democrats.
Harris will turn 60 just two weeks before the november election. She shows few if any signs of the decline so evident with Biden. indeed, she projects animation, energy and resolve. Trump? now, after successfully attacking Biden for his senescence for years and thus raising the public’s consciousness of this presidential liability, Trump at 78 will be the only old man in the race.
nikki Haley’s frequent primary campaign assertion that Biden and Trump should both be obliged to take cognitive tests and publicly share the results now applies only to the buffoon she has recently disappointed her many supporters by endorsing. Maybe it’s because he was just nearly assassinated, but Trump does look older and a bit gray and saggy since Biden left the race. He’s still a talented demagogue, but he seems to have fewer attention-grabbing sound bites in his impressive oratorical arsenal. What happens if/when he misses a step descending from his Trump one aircraft or trips over a stray cord on a campaign platform? Who will look old then?
Speaking of age, goP vice-presidential nominee and ohio senator JD Vance will turn 40 next week. He has begun life as Trump’s running mate by spewing the sorts of blather and nonsense that has characterised his party’s woeful lack of substance for the past decade. Many feel that he was Trump’s choice when
Biden was still running and Trump could feel confident in “doubling down” on another MAgA zealot on the ticket with him.
We’ll see how wise that choice turns out to be.
Meantime, Harris will continue to generate headlines and genuine suspense as she contemplates her own choice for vice president.
As America’s second black and first female presidential candidate, she would be well advised not to blaze too many new paths with her choice.
Harris’s home state of California is safely in the bag for her this november, so she might look to choose a popular Democrat from one of the states she needs to win. Wisconsin’s governor lacks charisma. Michigan governor gretchen Whitmer may well top the Democratic ticket in four years if Harris loses. Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro is popular and charismatic. But he’s also Jewish. How many precedents should the Dems really try to break in one election?
Harris should seriously consider outgoing termlimited north Carolina Democratic governor Roy Cooper. Undefeated in several statewide elections in his normally Republican state, Cooper would be a reassuring 67-year-old white male presence on a trailblazing ticket.
Maybe north Carolina could be this election’s Democratic surprise, as was georgia four years ago.
with Charlie Harper
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Grand Boulé, yesterday in Indianapolis. Photo: Darron cummings/AP
Sweeting’s Cay dock still needs repair five years after Hurricane Dorian
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
WEEKS away from their annual homecoming festivities, Sweeting’s Cay residents still lack a proper dock. Their school has not been reconstructed, and many homes still need repairs. It has been five years since Hurricane Dorian, and many of the island’s residents are still displaced, living in Freeport with relatives.
For the small boating community, a working dock is essential. Residents rely on it for fishing, ferry services, and attracting tourists, especially for the August 10
homecoming events. Students are being ferried to Grand Bahama to attend classes in Freeport while their school awaits significant reconstruction. Shervin Tate, a local government councillor for Sweeting’s Cay, said the homecoming event is scheduled for August 10. However, the island lacks a public dock. He said that most students stay with relatives in Grand Bahama until their school can be fixed.
“No work has been done on the school and dock since Hurricane Dorian,” he added. “We received assistance from an NGO group called CORE, who have been wonderful and provided us with significant help. They are still
Man accused of robbing a woM an at gunpoint
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint in New Providence last week.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Carlos Butler, 23, for armed robbery.
Butler and accomplices, while armed with a black
handgun, allegedly robbed Tiffany Charlton of her grey $800 Samsun Note and $500 cash on July 17. The defendant was told that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). Butler will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on November 7. Ian Jupp represented the accused.
Man and two woMen charged with possession of a firear M
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN and two women were granted bail yesterday after they were accused of having a loaded gun in New Providence last week.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Kevin “Fred” Rolle, 38, Lennisha Evans, 26, and a 17-yearold woman, whose name is being withheld due to her being a minor, for possession of an unlicenced firearm.
The trio were also charged with two counts of possession of ammunition
and two counts of possession of a component part of a firearm. The trio were allegedly found with a black Glock .40 pistol and 19 rounds of ammunition on July 19. They were also allegedly found with two 12 gauge shells and two black pistol magazines. After all three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, their bail was set at $6,000 each with one or two sureties. The defendants must return to court for trial on September 11. K Melvin Munroe represented the accused.
Man to get evaluation after erratic behaviour in court
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre yesterday after he was accused of trying to break into a Yamacraw home earlier this week.
Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned Vanroy Sealy, 37, for attempted housebreaking. Sealy allegedly tried to
break into the residence of Whitney Sands in Yamacraw Shore Estates on July 23. The defendant was deemed not fit to enter a plea after the magistrate observed his incoherent and erratic behaviour. He will be remanded to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for a psychological evaluation. Sealy is scheduled to return to court for his evaluation report on September 3.
willing to assist us, but it seems like the government is moving slowly to support CORE and get back the local contractors who were initially working on the job.”
Mr Tate claimed contractors have been paid but have not finished the work.
“We need the government to go to these contractors and find out what the problem is and why they are not moving fast enough to solve these problems. That is a
serious issue we have,” he stressed.
Mr Tate said many homeowners, including senior citizens, have not received any help rebuilding their homes.
He highlighted Pepsi Mott, a deacon in the community who lost everything and has not been helped.
“She is over 80 and was a significant contributor to the community. I am upset about how she was treated and overlooked,” he said, adding that dozens more
need help with repairs to leaky roofs.
Oral Tate, the oldest resident, lives in Freeport with his children because his house has a leaky roof and mould.
His son, the councillor, said his roof leaks despite him getting government assistance and help from a contractor.
“For me to tell you they have not done a good job, I am not afraid to say that although they are my government and I am PLP,” he said. “They say they
are coming soon, but talk is cheap and I want to see action.”
The Tribune reported in June 2021 that the government approved 37 Sweeting’s Cay homeowners for nearly $360,000 of repair assistance under the Small Homes Repair Programme. Sweetings Cay is located 40 miles west of Abaco and on the east end of Grand Bahama. It had a population of just under 200 people before Hurricane Dorian.
WISE PEOPLE THINK BEFORE THEY ACT; FOOLS DON’T
By ALESHA CADET
Features Reporter
WHEN tempers flare, without thinking at times, it is easy to blurt out something hurtful. And sometimes almost instantly, the atmosphere changes, and you regret your words. Moments like these remind us of the timeless wisdom found in Proverbs 13:16: “ Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. Wise people think before they act; fools don’t - and even brag about their foolishness.”
This ancient proverb encourages persons to pause and reflect before taking action or saying something they might regret. By doing so, they not only avoid potential misunderstandings and conflicts but also cultivate a more thoughtful and considerate approach to interactions with others.
Tribune Religion asked a number of locals their thoughts on the verse as it relates to their personal lives.
“Like it says, only fools don’t think before they act and turn around and brag about it. No one is perfect and we all fall short, but a lot of life lessons are right there in plain black and white
On the road for Family Week
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer
IN observance of the annual Bahamas National Family Week (BNFW), a local entity that is on a mission to build stronger families in the country is inviting the public to join forces with them for a special motorcade event and rally. Families are encouraged to jump in their cars and convene to the RM Bailey Park at 12pm on Saturday for the first motorcade by Bahamas Strong Families Forever (BSFF) organisation. The organisation is observing national Family Week from July 25–31 under its own theme “BSFF 2024 Give Family MORE… One Nation To RESTORE”.
“The campaign rallies the support of every citizen/ resident, organisation, public and private sector stakeholders,” said Cheryl AKA “Sister Cher” A WalkineAlexandre, founder of the Marriage Children Family Alliance Movement (MCFAM). which is a partner of the BFFS. She said the campaign encourages family-centered policy, programmes, events, activities, socials, education, discussions and forums to foster Harmonious, Abundant, Productive, Progressive, YESable (H.A.P.P.Y) “family consciousness, bonds, relationships, skill-set, magnifying connection, and power in love of God, family and nation”. These events, she said, are meant to help empower the family and address various ills regarding the family.
in the bible. Don’t be driven by emotions because this never ends wells. Take some time to be quiet, seek your advice from God in your silence, and then and only then you will know when to deal with whatever issue you have to deal with; the timing would be clear and right. You don’t have to be a religious person to do thisanyone and I mean anyone can seek guidance and direction from God our Father,” said Ashley Johnson.
Jeff Rolle added: “ Life is hard, and even harder when we do foolish things. Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and seeks knowledge and understanding. This verse also ties into and can relate
“We are confident our mission’s strategic plan will raise awareness and achieve what is needed to mitigate and reduce family dysfunction, violence, poverty, social dependence, and crime, to transform and restore our beloved nation on its journey to achievement of UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-2030).”
The organisation will also host the “Know Your Family - Church In The Park” tomorrow for a time of worship at the Father Marshall Cooper Park in Mason’s Addition.
National Family Week, established by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, serves as the cornerstone of the ministry’s Stronger Families Campaign.
The campaign is designed to strengthen the family structure at the community and national level, a structure which officials say has been placed under threat, and weakened over time by way of increased levels of abuse, violent crime, disasters, divorce and financial challenges, among others.
to the Proverbs 22:3 verse that states: the prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. You just have to determine which one of these persons you would want and rather be in this life. Then there is Proverbs 13:20: Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Our parents taught us from our childhood days to watch the company you keep and the message is still the same and even more important in adulthood.”
For Jackie Ferguson, she believes wisdom is priceless and it is better than money in her book.
“Wisdom can afford you things money can never buy. And if we are really speaking truths, with no wisdom you will never have money. It goes hand in hand. It’s important to think strategically and use common sense. I pray to God to help me to know when there is a time to be mute, smile and walk away - and when there are times where my voice needs to be heard. I want to make sure my words are directed by Him. We are human so there will be times when a circumstance may cause us to react right away, but after sleeping on it, we realise where we went wrong. So all I can say is pray about the things you want to change,” said Ms Ferguson.
K’S HEART FOR KIDS HOSTS FREE BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY
THE pews of St Agnes Anglican Church buzzed as K’s Heart for Kids nonprofit organisation held its free Youth Conference and Back to School Giveaway for children aged 12 through 18.
On Saturday, July 20, the conference was an interactive showcase, where students engaged in sessions on physical and mental health, relationships, selflove, entrepreneurship, fitness, organisation and college readiness. The event concluded with the distribution of school supplies and a gospel concert.
Additional supplies were packaged to be distributed to several families in need and a children’s homes.
“As the village, we want to continue providing opportunities to help improve the lives of our children. We believe that given the proper outlets and resources, there will be an increase in productivity followed by a decrease in the country’s crime rate. The children expressed enjoyment in the conference and enthusiasm about future initiatives," said founder and president Kashannise Hanna.
Heart wishes to thank St Agnes Anglican Church for opening its doors to them along with other sponsors, speakers, entertainers and volunteers that supported. Thanks to Bamboo Shack, Mullerz International, Caribbean Bottling Company, Nassau Agencies, Custom Computer, Wildflowers, Tribune Radio, Fun Foods, Ports Int’l, National Bookstore, Cachline Etienne, Ms Commonwealth Teen Bahamas, Kelly’s Home Centre, Twisted Delights, Milo Butler and Sons, Jay Fitness, E-Man-Nuel, One Family Choreograph Dancers, Halo Heavenly Designs, Asa H Pritchard, Brea Pratt, Mr Blaxx, Eman, DJ Counselor, Landlord, Big Bruh and Big Willy to name a few.
K’s
15 THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024
Bahamas toppled 80-38 in Panama
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter
The Bahamas junior under-15 (U15) women’s national basketball team experienced a rude awakening against Costa Rica yesterday in the tournament opener of the 2024 FIBA Centrobasket U15 Women’s Championship in David, Panama.
The visiting national basketball team was plagued by offensive woes in three out of the four quarters played, which rendered them helpless as Costa Rica’s high-octane offence propelled them to a 80-38 victory.
The contest was neckand-neck in the first period
as both teams struggled to put together any continuity on the offensive end. However, it would be Costa Rica that would come out of the tightlycontested opening quarter narrowly in charge 16-14. The Bahamas’ Andica Curtis made her presence felt during this quarter, scoring eight of her teamhigh 12 points during this segment of the game. Despite the hot start individually, Curtis along with the rest of the team struggled to put the ball in the basket the rest of the way.
She finished game one of Group B play with 12 points, eight rebounds and six steals. Tajhanique
SEE PAGE 18
DRUBBING: The Bahamas junior under-15 women’s national basketball team experienced a rude awakening, losing 80-38 to Costa Rica yesterday in the tournament opener of the 2024 FIBA Centrobasket U15 Women’s Championship in David, Panama.
Photo: FIBA Basketball
U-17 BOYS NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM IN PREP MODE
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter
WHILE the junior under15 (U15) women’s national basketball team was beginning the group phase of the FIBA Centrobasket U15 Women’s Championship in David, Panama, The Bahamas under-17 junior men’s national basketball team were in preparation mode at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium earlier this week.
The national team, which is led by head coach Jay Philippe, has hit the ground running with team practices since Saturday to enhance their play and build some continuity ahead of the FIBA Centrobasket U17 2025 Qualifiers slated for August 5-12.
Coach Philippe along with assistant coach Dario Burrows have been a bit short-handed at team practices, with some of the national team members playing in summer leagues overseas. But they have decided to run through
SEE PAGE 18
Caribbean Hoopfest returns to The Bahamas
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter
THE Caribbean Hoopfest basketball tournament is returning to the capital for the second consecutive year and event organisers are expecting competition levels to exceed last year’s efforts.
Teams hailing from New Providence, Grand Bahama and New York will match up across three divisions with the common goal of wanting to hoist the trophy in the end.
The three-day event is scheduled to begin August 16 and wrap up August 18 with games being played at the DW Davis and Kendal GL Isaacs gymnasiums.
Event organiser Donald Francois outlined his expectations for The Bahamas’ second hosting of the youth basketball tournament.
“My expectations for this
year’s Caribbean Hoopfest are to provide great competition, establish the event as an annual tournament [while] gaining global recognition, attract players from around the world, especially showcasing the talents of Bahamian players and to create opportunities for young players to compete in the United States for high school or college. This vision aims to elevate the status of the Caribbean Hoopfest and provide a platform for basketball talent to flourish internationally,” Francois said.
The premier basketball showdown begins at 3pm on Friday at the DW Davis Gymnasium. Basketball action will then move to the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium and is expected to run from 11am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage with New York
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
RECAP: The 242 Ballers defeated Archbishop Molloy from NYC 78-72 in last year’s championship game of the Caribbean Hoopfest Tournament at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.
coaches at a basketball clinic on Saturday morning at 9am for a cost of $20 per participant.
Francois is anticipating some intense action on the
BAHAMAS BASKETBALL FEDERATION
Summer of Thunder
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) will bring back the Summer of Thunder basketball tournament starting this weekend at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.
Saturday, July 27
Time: 12pm
Bahamas All Stars vs UNC Wilmington
Sunday, July 28
Time: 12pm
Raw Talent Elite vs UNC Wilmington
Tuesday, July 30
Time: 3:30pm
Bahamas All Stars vs East Carolina University
July, 2024
Raw Talent Elite vs University of Louisville
Time: 7pm Venue: Baha Mar BAHA MAR HOOPS
THE Baha Mar Hoops Summer League will also be hosted at the Baha Mar resort featuring the Louisville and Rhode Island Tour.
Here is next week’s game schedule: Tuesday, July 30 Louisville vs Bahamas
Time: 7pm Thursday, August 1 Louisville vs Calgary
Time: 12 noon
Information about ticket prices can be found at www.bahamarhoops.com
SEE PAGE 17
hardwood with the addition of some new teams to this year’s tournament pool.
“The Caribbean Hoopfest Tournament this year features an expansion in
divisions, including the addition of a 14-and-under boys’ division and a 16-andunder boys’ division, whereas previously only a 19-and-under boys’ division
existed. Looking ahead, there are plans to further expand, potentially adding a girls’ division next year
Noah Lyles looks to be the star of the Games, and bring all of track along for the ride
By EDDIE PELLS and PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writers
PARIS (AP) — Winner.
Entertainer. History maker.
By the time the Paris Olympics are over, Noah Lyles hopes to be all of that, and maybe more. The confident 26-year-old sprinter thinks he can win medals, break records and bring the entire sport of track and field onto America’s screens for more than 10 days every four years.
These are audacious goals. Winning the 100 and 200 metres and maybe a relay or two would put him in a category with Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson, to name a few.
Making track popular again — that’s a whole different, and more complex, mission, and one Lyles has not shown any fear of tackling.
“I want to see everybody be able to see the stories we create, the moments that are shared, and the big events that we have,” Lyles said. “And we need personalities to be able to show that. Because just going out there and winning doesn’t mean everybody’s watching.”
Using behind-the-scenes documentaries to draw new fans
Lyles has a two-pronged strategy. The first part is dominating the sprints. That second part is becoming a must-see personality who transcends both track and sports, the way Bolt did. Lyles has spent the last year or more laying the groundwork for that second part.
He has opened up his life for two behind-the-scenes documentaries.
The first, “Untitled: The Noah Lyles Project,” came out last year. The second, a Netflix production called “SPRINT” that debuted
this summer, features Lyles as a main character among a number of Olympians including Sha’Carri Richardson and the stable of Jamaica’s fastest women sprinters.
When he’s not on TV, Lyles has curated a look outside — or make that coming into — the track. He is making his “walkin” to meets an event, arriving in everything from a green sweater with church-window-shaped cut outs, to black leather pants to the tailored navy suit with the signature Adidas stripes down the side of the slacks he wore to U.S. Olympic trials. There, he was greeted by Snoop Dogg, who carried a briefcase they opened for a big reveal of Lyles’ track kit for the 100-metre final.
“It’s to keep hype,” Lyles explained. “If you’re generating excitement and hype, it’s like, ‘What’s in the briefcase?’ You want to know what’s in the briefcase.”
Lyles took a notable dig at the NBA Getting others to follow his lead in a sport filled with solo artists is only part of the mountain Lyles is trying to climb. Another part might have been best
illustrated last year when, while articulating his vision for track after completing the 100-200 double at world championships, he made an off-hand comparison between track and the NBA.
“The thing that hurts me the most is I have to watch the NBA finals and they have ‘World Champion’ on their head,” Lyles said. “World champion of what? The United States?” It was a viral moment that sparked its fair share of social media sniping. That his mere mention of the NBA grabbed more attention in the twitterverse than anything he himself had done on the track that week spoke volumes about the sport’s placement in the global pecking order.
According to World Athletics, track is the eighth most popular sport in the United States. The sport’s leaders would like to see it crack the top four before the Olympics head to Los Angeles in 2028. Is it too much to ask of one man to lead that resurgence?
“It’s been great to watch Noah sort of put himself out there, and understand that’s what fans want to see,” said Johnson, the
four-time Olympic gold medallist who is starting a new track league designed to bring more eyeballs and money into running.
A comeback from Lyles’ struggles during the pandemic
It seems fitting that Johnson and Lyles are each, in their own way, working toward the same goal.
Two years ago at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, Johnson grabbed Lyles’ hand and held it in the air not long after Lyles ran 19.31, breaking by .01 Johnson’s hallowed, 26-year-old American record in the 200 meters.
That was a symbolic, historic moment that also signaled Lyles was completely back — and maybe even on the road to breaking Bolt’s world record of 19.19.
In 2021, with the Olympics delayed a year and COVID ravaging the globe in big ways and small, Lyles fell into a deep depression that impacted his performance in Tokyo.
His third-place finish there in front of near-empty stands that did not include his family is the last 200metre race he lost.
He has been open about his mental-health struggles, and when asked earlier this summer what has propelled him on the road he’s on now, his answer was: “I mean, number one, I’m not depressed.”
“He did a lot of work, anything that he thought would help him,” said Lyles’ mom, Keisha Caine Bishop. “He has three therapists. He has a sports psychologist, a family therapist, a trauma therapist. He is really working on that. Not just the physical part, because sometimes, as athletes, the physical part can be the easier part to work with.”
Taking on the 100 metres
His rediscovered zest for life and sprints opened another door — namely, the 100 metres, which was never his favourite. Beginning in 2023, he doubled down working on his burst from the starting block and his first 60 metres, hoping to become a champion at the shorter distance.
When he did just that at worlds in Budapest last year, he shouted at the TV camera: “They said it couldn’t be done. They said I wasn’t the one. But thank God I am!”
Lyles calls the 200 metres, where he is a threetime world champion, “my wife” and the 100 metres “my mistress.” He became a national champion in both earlier this summer at Olympic trials. Despite his victories, he does not enter Paris as the favourite in the shorter sprint. He will also run in the 4x100 relay and maybe even the 4x400.
The betting favourite in the 100 is Kishane Thompson. The 23-year-old Jamaican newcomer’s 9.77 at that country’s national championships is the fastest time this year — .04 faster than Lyles’ best time, which he ran just last weekend in London.
Thompson has never been on this big a stage. Lyles has. In some ways, that sets up perfectly for the kind of drama this brash starin-the-making is trying to produce. “I think Noah is already the ‘next big thing,’” said Ato Boldon, the four-time Olympic medallist who covers track for NBC.
Big enough to bring his entire sport along for the ride? As is always the case in track, time will tell.
THE US MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM ARRIVES IN FRANCE, WITH ITS PARIS OLYMPICS
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
VILLENEUVE-
D’ASCQ, France (AP)
— And now, the real work begins for the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.
The four-time defending gold medallists arrived in France on Wednesday to begin their final preparations for the Paris Games. Their train from London arrived in their early afternoon, a couple of hours before the team held a photo shoot and acclimation practice at the arena where it will play its three group-stage games starting Sunday with a matchup against Serbia.
“We had a really good 45 minutes of getting up and down,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “Not scrimmaging, but a lot of running and
shooting. And then, some prep for Serbia as well.”
The big news of Day 1 in France: Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant practiced.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist, who hasn’t played yet for the Americans this summer, was a full participant in practice, Kerr said. That’s a good sign for Durant, who has been dealing with the aftereffects of a calf strain he suffered a few days before training camp started July 6. “It’s always a collaboration,” Kerr said.
“It’s not just our training staff. (USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill) is constantly in touch with Kevin’s people, with the Suns. This is not going to be like us going out and saying, ‘Hey, let’s just throw him out there.’ This will be a big collaboration.”
The next step for Durant will be a scrimmage today, Kerr said, insisting that the Americans have no concerns that Durant will not be able to play in the Olympics.
The U.S. opens its Olympic slate against Serbia, followed by games with South Sudan on July 31 and Puerto Rico on August 3.
The tournament then shifts from Lille to Paris for the knockout stage: quarterfinals are on August 6, semifinals are on August 8 and the medal games are August 10.
And, unlike the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games that took place
three years ago, there will be crowds.
Tickets for Sunday’s opener are almost impossible to secure now, even on secondary markets. It will be a far cry from the empty arenas the Americans took the floor in when they were in Japan in 2021.
“I’ve been a student of the game for a long time, so I know how big the Olympics are and always have” been, said U.S. guard Devin Booker, part of the goldwinning team in 2021.
“I was robbed of that in Japan, but I always knew the stakes of it.”
Said U.S. centre Bam Adebayo, another part of
that Tokyo team: “Obviously, it’s way different than Tokyo. It’s good for it to feel somewhat back to normal, have people in the stands. This is my second time, but feels like my first real, official Olympics.”
The team is scheduled to practice in Paris starting today and then — led by U.S. Olympic flag bearer LeBron James, who will serve in that role alongside tennis star Coco Gauff — will take part in the opening ceremony down the Seine River on Friday.
The Americans went 5-0 in a slate of pre-Olympic exhibitions, beating Canada in Las Vegas, Australia and
Serbia at Abu Dhabi, then upstart Olympic newcomer South Sudan and World Cup champion Germany in London.
But the last two wins came by a total of five points, not the sort of margin many might have expected considering the Americans were 43.5-point favourites over South Sudan and 15.5-point favourites over Germany. “I think we can get a lot better,” Kerr said. “We’re getting to a place where we are comfortable with our rotations and I think guys are getting familiar with each other. But we can do a lot of things better.”
THE UNITED States men’s national basketball team pose for photographs yesterday at St Pancras Station with teammates as they take the Eurostar train as they make their way to the Olympic Games in Paris, in London.
(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
NOAH Lyles celebrates after winning the men’s 200-metre final during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
NOAH LYLES, centre, jumps getting ready to start in the men’s 60 metres final during the World Athletics Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, on Friday, March 1. (AP Photos/Petr David Josek)
NOAH LYLES, of the United States, celebrates anchoring his team to gold in the Men’s 4x100-metres relay final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, August 26, 2023.
The faces of Esports: Team Bahamas ready for Mobile Legends Bang Bang
THE Bahamas Esports Federation is excited to announce that Team Bahamas will participate in the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) Americas Regionals for the mobile game Mobile Legends Bang Bang.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time The Bahamas is entering a mobile video game title competitively.
It also sets the stage for a promising future in the esports arena, with potential for more engagements and achievements to come.
The national team will compete in Group B of Americas A which includes Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.
Group A consists of the United States, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, and Mexico.
Two teams from Americas A and one team from Americas B will advance to the IESF World Esports Championships (WEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The big event is scheduled for November 11-19. For more information about the WEC, visit iesf. gg. Here are the scheduled dates and times for the matches involving Team Bahamas.
Aug 3, 2024
2:00 PM The Bahamas vs Dominican Republic
Aug 3, 2024
6:00 PM The Bahamas vs Ecuador
Aug 4, 2024 2:00 PM The Bahamas vs Colombia
Aug 5, 2024 6:00 PM The Bahamas vs Panama
Aug 5, 2024 8:00 PM
2nd place in Group A vs 3rd place in Group B
Aug 5, 2024 10:00 PM 3rd place in Group A vs 2nd place in Group B
Aug 6, 2024
4:00 PM
1st place in Group A vs winner of Aug 5th, 10:00 PM match
Aug 6, 2024
6:00 PM 1st place in Group B vs winner of Aug 5th, 8:00 PM match
Aug 6, 2024
8:00 PM
Winners of 4:00 PM vs Winners of 6:00 PM Team Bahamas Roster for Mobile Legends Bang Bang:
• Alexander Stubbs - Pancakez
• Angelique DarvilleFrancique - Usagi
• Belano Francique - Sounza
• Chris Tynes
- Lucky_buck
• K’lan Butler - Yellow In addition to the Mobile Legends Bang Bang team, Eric Bain (illmindEj)/
“This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time The Bahamas is entering a mobile video game title competitively. It also sets the stage for a promising future in the esports arena, with potential for more engagements and achievements to come.”
— Bahamas Esports Federation
Pharez Grant (Rezzy242) will represent The Bahamas in eFootball and will bypass the regional competition, heading directly to the WEC.
“We wholeheartedly extend our best wishes to Team Bahamas and eagerly anticipate their outstanding performance in the tournament.
“This is just the beginning of an exhilarating
AS MOROCCO FANS RUSH FIELD VS ARGENTINA
SAINT-ETIENNE, France (AP) — The Olympic men’s soccer tournament got off to a violent and chaotic start yesterday with Morocco’s shocking 2-1 win against two-time gold medallist Argentina.
The result only tells part of the story after a dramatic end to the match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, which had to be suspended for nearly two hours when furious Morocco fans crashed the pitch and threw bottles from the stands to protest a late a goal by Argentina in the 16th minute of added time.
The angry and bizarre scene sparked confusion over whether the game had been concluded or paused.
The crowd was told to leave the stadium, but players remained at the venue and returned to the pitch for a final three minutes of added time in an empty stadium.
Moments before play resumed, Cristian Medina’s disputed goal was disallowed by VAR for offside, and Morocco held on for the victory. But not before a furious reaction from its fans who thought they’d been denied a critical win against one of international soccer’s powerhouses.
Objects were thrown and invading Morocco fans were tackled by security on the field at Stade GeoffroyGuichard in Saint-Etienne after Medina appeared to tie the game 2-2.
There were images of some Argentina players flinching when what appeared to be a flare was thrown onto the field.
Bottles and cups were strewn over the pitch by the time the game was paused. It was initially thought that the full-time whistle had been blown. Even FIFA’s website declared the game over.
About an hour after the incident, organisers at the venue confirmed the match
was not officially over and VAR would review whether the goal would stand.
Players eventually reentered the field after a long delay and began to warm up before the game could be concluded.
After warmups, players from both teams stood on the field in the otherwise empty stadium while an official reviewed the video.
He offered a brief explanation to Argentina while players on Morocco’s bench celebrated.
Play went on for about three minutes after the resumption before the final whistle was blown.
Morocco had led the game 2-0 before Argentina’s fight back.
Giuliano Simeone scored in the 68th minute before Medina’s effort sparked chaotic scenes.
The game was broadcast in cafes throughout Morocco, where national pride has swelled since the country advanced to the semifinal in the 2022 World Cup.
During a record-breaking heatwave, tea-drinking men screamed at televisions and watched in shock as fans stormed the field.
Zak Eddakir, a 28 yearold from Rabat, said the fans’ reaction had to do with soccer’s importance in Morocco and a natural disappointment at a draw and the idea that a referee’s call could end a game. “In football, it’s normal,” he said.
“When you see something like that, it’s really hard for supporters. Here, football is life. Even the King supports it.”
Hairdresser Khadija Seffany streamed into the street to embrace her friends and neighbours after Morocco emerged victorious.
She initially thought the delay in calling the goal offside suggested the referees wanted Argentina to win because Morocco is an Arab country.
“Every match throughout the Olympics will be important, she said.
“Here, we’re one of the best in the world. We drink football.
“We eat football,” Seffany said.
journey for Bahamian mobile esports, and we are honoured to stand behind our team as they compete on the international stage.
“Your support means everything to us, and we encourage you to join us in cheering for Team Bahamas,” according to a press statement.
For further information, please contact: contact@ besf242.org
Jazz Chisholm Jr’s tiebreaking
two-run double in the 7th leads Marlins to 6-3 win over Orioles
MIAMI (AP) — Jazz
Chisholm Jr. broke a seventh-inning tie with a two-run double and the Miami Marlins beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 last night.
Xavier Edwards reached on a leadoff single against reliever Jacob Webb (1-5) in the seventh, and Cionel Pérez walked Nick Gordon.
Ali Sánchez’s sacrifice bunt advanced both runners before Chisholm Jr hit a high bouncer over third baseman Ramon Urías for a 5-3 lead.
Bryan De La Cruz capped the three-run inning with an RBI single.
Josh Bell homered and Edwards had three hits and a walk for the NL-worst Marlins (37-65), who have won four of six since the All-Star break — including the first two in a three-game series against the AL Eastleading Orioles (60-41).
Andrew Nardi (2-1) pitched a perfect seventh for the win and Calvin Faucher got three outs in the eighth. Tanner Scott closed for his 18th save.
Colton Cowser’s threerun double off Marlins reliever Huascar Brazoban in the sixth tied it 3-all. Brazoban entered with the bases loaded after starter Edward Cabrera allowed singles to Anthony Santander and Ryan O’Hearn and then walked Heston Kjerstad. Cabrera gave up three runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander walked four and struck out six.
Baltimore starter Chayce McDermott made his major league debut and threw three scoreless innings until Miami broke through with three runs in the fourth for a 3-0 lead.
Bell put the Marlins on the board a solo shot. He
drove McDermott’s slider to right-centre for his 11th homer.
Edwards added an RBI single and Gordon hit a sacrifice fly.
Promoted from Triple-A Norfolk earlier in the day, McDermott allowed three
runs and five hits over four innings. The 25-year-old walked two and struck out three. The Orioles optioned right-hander Bryan Baker to Norfolk and designated right-hander Jonathan Heasley for assignment.
U-17 boys national basketball team in preparation mode
FROM PAGE 15
offensive and defensive schemes with the players that are at home. “Coach Burrows and I have been working with about 10 guys for the last four days and we have mainly been focusing on our offence and running our different plays. We got the motion set, three-set and our out of bounds plays to make sure we are prepared for whenever is the time to compete. Defensively, we have been working on some of our defensive schemes with our man-to-man defence, our zone defence, three-quarter press, full court press and our man-to-man full court press.” Coach Philippe said.
At Tuesday’s practice, the group focused on shooting, transition offence and running halfcourt plays.
According to the team’s head coach, the roster is
currently composed of 18 confirmed players and that will be decreased to 12 players within the next two weeks.
With some of the players currently hooping overseas, coach Philippe said chemistry is one aspect the national team needs to work on in order to to play to their full potential next month.
“Good teams always have chemistry and that is something we definitely need. Once we decide on our 12-man roster, we plan on having a team camp at least a week or 10 days prior to international competition. That will give the guys an opportunity to get to know each other better on a personal level, to understand what their sweet spots are, and to understand the characters, strengths and weaknesses as we prepare for competition.
CARIBBEAN HOOPFEST
FROM PAGE 15
and a men’s league, pending divine providence. This growth in divisions promises a more inclusive and diverse tournament experience, catering to a wider range of talents and age groups,” he said.
The local teams confirmed to compete are the CI Gibson Rattlers, Lucayan Youth Organization, IBA Bahamas and Basic Basketball. Hailing from the Big Apple are Team New York, Rise Above and the Xaverian High School. According to Francois, one of the main goals of this type of basketball tournament is to showcase and foster the talent of the youth. “The main goal of Caribbean Hoopfest in relation to basketball in The Bahamas is multi-faceted. It aims to promote youth development, elevate competition levels, showcase and foster talent and be recognised globally as a top tournament in the international basketball community. Not only does the event seek to contribute to the growth and success of basketball in The Bahamas, but it also aspires to boost the local economy through sports tourism.
“By attracting participants and spectators from around the world, Caribbean Hoopfest plays a pivotal role in bringing economic benefits to the region while also creating opportunities for local talent to shine on a global platform,” he said.
Last year the 242 Ballers (Blue) emerged as the champions of Caribbean Hoopfest after they knocked off Archbishop Molly from NYC, 78-72 in the championship game.
“That is one of the biggest things we need. We do not lack talent, athleticism or speed. The shooting is a little bit questionable but as far as chemistry once we could get that down pact it gives us a very good chance to improve our chances of being one of the powerhouses in the Caribbean,” he added.
Coach Philippe remains confident that this group of players can do really well at the international level.
The cost to attend the event is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Refreshments will be on sale.
The Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) released the 18-man preliminary roster for the U17 junior men’s national basketball team back in June. The roster features players from New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.
The coaching staff includes Philippe, Burrows and Marco Cooper. The team’s manager is Chris Saunders. The group will look to sharpen their play ahead of the upcoming FIBA tourney.
“The team has been looking really good so far. We have seen some really good guard play from our team here with some excellent bigs as well. We have been having some kind of issue as far as some of the players are not here this summer because they are playing at AAU with different clubs. We respect that decision and we expected that so we just want to make sure that these guys that are here are prepared so whenever we have a chance and play to represent the country we can do the best to our abilities,” he expressed.
Bahamas toppled 80-38 in Panama
FROM PAGE 15
Morley pitched in 9 points along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Riccara Beadle scored 7 points on the night and had 3 steals but shot 3-for-13 against Costa Rica. While The Bahamas struggled to break out of a dry spell on offence, Costa Rica was firing on all cylinders. The latter started to create a double digit deficit thanks to a layup made by Softia Chavarria, who took advantage of The Bahamas’ shaky defensive effort, which shifted the score to 33-22 in the second quarter.
The Bahamian national team failed to score following a layup by Morley with 3:20 on the clock, leading to Costa Rica closing out the second quarter on an unanswered 12-0 run. Costa Rica sat in the driver’s seat 39-22 at halftime and continued to place the nail in the coffin in the second half. After being outscored 23-8 in the second quarter, The Bahamas just managed to score 6 points compared to 19 scored by Costa Rica in the third quarter. Beadle broke the team’s scoring drought at the 5:38 mark of
the third when she made a two-pointer inside following a timely steal by Curtis. By the end of the third quarter, Costa Rica had already put the game way out of reach, running ahead 58-28 and the rest was history.
The story of the game was the discrepancy in nearly all statistical groups.
The Bahamas shot 23.7 per cent from the field and 25.4 per cent on two point attempts. Meanwhile, Costa Rica connected on 42.3 per cent of their field goals and 54.2 per cent of their two-pointers. The Bahamian group were also outrebounded 61 to 44. Additionally, they notched 6 assists the entire game while Costa Rica dished out 16 assists in the win.
The U15 national basketball team will look to bounce back from yesterday’s tough loss against El Salvador today as Group B play continues at 3pm. The top two finishers in Group A and B will advance to the semi-finals. The top three finishers in the tournament will advance to the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup 2025.
MIAMI Marlins second baseman Otto Lopez (61) and center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. celebrate after the Marlins beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-3, during a baseball game, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)