07282023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

PM ‘DISTURBED’ BY LATE OPPOSITION TO VIOLENCE BILL

By LEANDRA ROLLE AND EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporters

THE House of Assembly passed the Protection Against Violence Bill last night after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he was disturbed

BILL

and disappointed that some women’s groups announced their opposition to the bill at the “last hour”.

Mr Davis said many meetings and discussions had preceded the debate on the

SEXUAL ASSAULTS, SAYS MUNROE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

‘I would have agreed on wartsIla choIce’

By RASHAD ROLLE AND JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporters

BAHAMAS Power and Light CEO Shevonn Cambridge said if he had been involved in installing Wartsila’s engines in 2019, he likely would have agreed with the decisions his predecessors made, choices that have since had difficult consequences for the company’s ability to

provide reliable power.

Mr Cambridge said the Wartsila engines are “somewhat compromised” and do not work as well as they would have worked if BPL had stuck with the original engine plans. He said the reasons the plans were changed are complicated and reflect decisions made under intense pressure to provide

Heavy rains impact roads across New Providence

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HEAVY rain drenched New Providence yesterday, leaving some roads impassable while disrupting routines for many.

Significant flooding occurred in flood-prone locations, and widely shared videos depicted ominous scenes in South Beach and on East Bay Street.

In a summer defined by record heat, some people worked from home rather than face the torrential

conditions.

Some with home-based rain gauges reported two to three inches of rain.

“At the airport, it was not as bad,” said Charvari Watson-Rahming, a meteorological officer at the Department of Meteorology, before the evening showers yesterday. “Where we are, there was about 1.5 inches, and that is usually measured over a six-hour period.”

“We have heard no reports of six inches of rain, but because we do have

those isolated amounts of two or three inches, it would not be as far-fetched.”

Maximum rainfall is recorded within a 24-hour period.

“I know our record rainfall in a day for July would be 6.4 inches in a 24-hour period,” Ms Rahming said.

She noted that urban areas without proper drainage, places built on marshland, and low-lying areas near the coast are especially prone to flooding during prolonged rainfall events.

HEAVY rains settled in the roads around East Bay Street and Dowdeswell Street. Pictured above left is Christie Street facing South and on the right is Dowdeswell Street facing East.

Photos: Moise Amisial

A FLOODED road in the Coconut Grove area.

Photo: Moise Amisial

RAIN waters accumulate at Dicks Point off Eastern Road, New Providence.

Photos: Robert Meister

PM ‘disturbed’ by late opposition to violence bill

bill. The Tribune understands some advocates believe the administration relied primarily on input from the Bahamas Crisis Centre, a respected organisation that may not have represented the views of all women’s groups.

“I think that’s probably the problem,” Mr Davis said while contributing to the debate.

“They are not all on the same page.”

Noting some women’s groups prefer the legislation to be called a Gender Violence Bill, he said the latest version is more inclusive than previous drafts.

“We are recognising that violence and the circumstances of violence touches all genders and particularly, we have to recognise that the term gender has a lot of sexual orientation and those persons with their sexual preferences, etc, they too are subject to violence,” he said, noting as well that children

experience violence that may not be gender-based.

A draft of the bill was originally created a decade ago. This year, interest in the legislation increased as The Bahamas faced a wave of reported violence against women, including higher sexual assaults.

A press release announcing opposition to the bill was purportedly supported by several women’s rights groups and leaders, including Marion Bethel, the vice chairperson and rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Committee on Women & Girls Rights.

The advocates said the bill they supported was more comprehensive than the one passed last night.

Charlane Paul, chair of the Caribbean Women in Leadership, said the 2016 bill “was like 58 pages”, unlike the latest version, which is 26 pages.

“I can say that the lawyers and drafters advised me, and I’d like to advise everyone that this bill does, in fact, satisfy our obligations under

international treaties, including the treaty of CEDAW,” Mr Davis said yesterday morning. “That’s what they told me, and so, it may not be perfect, but at the very least, if you had concerns, why wait on the day or the eve of our debating the bill to raise those concerns? That is troubling when the bill was here in Parliament, and if the kind of interest that is now being expressed was there, I would’ve expected to have heard from the group before now.”

Prodesta Moore, the founder of Women United, one of the groups that opposed the bill, said advocates did not know the bill would be debated yesterday until late.

Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe read a letter he said was sent to many women’s rights groups and leaders in June informing them about the bill so the administration could solicit feedback before the debate began.

“We heard from one group,” he said. “But I spoke off the

record and on the record to some others, but one group wrote in, Mr Deputy, so yes, consultation was sought, Mr Deputy, from a wide range of people and no one voiced objection at the time.”

Before the bill was passed last night, Mr Davis said provisions had been removed from the bill over time “because the bill has widened and broadened the scope of persons to whom violence could be committed. And it also decides not to dumb down the punishment against persons who would have committed violence against women.”

He said the previous bill imposed a weaker sentence on a man who committed violence against women, a difference of one year versus 20. He said the legislation would be a turning point, a moment where the government steps up rather than lags behind civil society.

“After the passage of this bill, we will need to make a

tremendous effort to generate and allocate resources to hold training sessions and to update our systems and processes to meet our goals,” he said. “We also acknowledge that we are dealing with entrenched views about violence that may take some time to change. In fact, some of those holding these views about violence work in law enforcement, healthcare, social services and other places that survivors of violence rely on.”

Mr Davis noted the legislation would establish the Protection Against Violence Commission, which would treat victims and “have access to justice without unnecessary delays and impediments”.

“The bill addresses the need for healthcare and other support to be given in safe, private, and comfortable environments,” he said. “This should be the default approach by professionals in the field anyway, but now we are establishing it as a standard because survivors of violence deserve dignity and respect.”

BILL HELPS DEAL WITH INCREASING SEXUAL ASSAULTS, SAYS MUNROE

from page one

to seek to stop people hurting people, and as Dr Sandra Dean Patterson reminds us, we have to do it now,” Mr Munroe said.

“That is very important. Now, not later; not four and half years from now; not in our supposed next term.

“The statistics are growing for sexual violence and cases for violence generally, and so the luxury of waiting and discussing further has long passed.”

“Dr Sandra Dean Patterson, who has laboured in the vineyard for the protection of Bahamians from violence, I take very seriously her admonition on this as I did when she met with me on confronting rape victims of the alleged offender.”

Mr Munroe highlighted various provisions of the bill, including establishing the Protection Against Violence Commission to promote awareness of human rights issues, support victims and liaise with key officials when victims feel they lack full cooperation from the police.

The bill would establish a Protection Against Violence Foundation to raise funds so the commission could perform its duties.

It would establish a Protection Against Violence Secretariat to coordinate and formulate protocols relating to applications for the commission.

The legislation outlines the rights of victims of violence and how their complaints should be handled. The rights include the right to be treated with compassion and dignity, to be informed, to confidentiality, to privacy and to access a telephone hotline.

from page one

CHARLANE PAUL, CHAIR OF THE CARIBBEAN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

PRODESTA MOORE, FOUNDER OF WOMEN UNITED

‘I feel like I’m a part of the country now’, says Olympic gold medalist

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

OLYMPIC gold-medal-

ist Ramon Miller finally has light and water utilities connected to his home after a three-year battle to get the services he expected when the government gifted him land for his athletic achievements.

“I feel like I’m part of the country now,” he said yesterday.

Mr Miller ran the anchor leg for The Bahamas’ gold-winning 4x400 metre relay team during the London Olympic games in 2012.

He completed his home in 2018 but encountered severe roadblocks.

In 2021, he publicised his battle to get his 20,000 sq ft of land in Olympia Heights outfitted with light, water, and telecommunications utilities.

Mr Miller started getting access to public water

on March 13, 2023. On July 25, he became a customer of Bahamas Power and Light. “I felt like I was in the boondocks because I was still running on generator and I could see people down the hill with light,” he said.

“But I’m fully connected to the necessary infrastructure so, of course, my family and myself could live comfortably.”

In March 2022, the government signed a $1.2m contract to install infrastructure and develop Olympia Heights, a subdivision in western New Providence.

The project missed its November deadline.

“I know they had set a deadline,” Mr Miller said yesterday. “But because they were working, I didn’t feel it as bad, you know, because I say man seems like they working, you know.

“Now if they weren’t working then I would feel some type of way, so I was a little lenient in that aspect knowing that some things may have taken longer than I expected.”

For three years, Mr Miller relied on a generator to get running water and electricity into his home.

Mr Miller, a father of two, said the humbling situation has taught his family a valuable lesson.

“I’m glad that I went through that situation so my kids can really see how to manage some stuff in some sense, instead of being so careless with having the light here, having the light on there,” he said.

“So, they would be mindful of turning off the light, making sure this off before we cut that on.”

Mr Miller thanked Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears for his efforts in helping him.

CALL FOR GOVT TO ENFORCE LITTER LAWS TO DEAL WITH INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING ON GB

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Environmental activist Joseph Darville said indiscriminate dumping has now become a widespread problem in Grand Bahama, and law enforcement must be engaged to help tackle it.

Mr Darville, chairman of Save The Bays and Waterkeepers Bahamas, is disgusted and concerned over the dumping of debris in the environment, particularly the beaches, waterways, and in various communities on the island.

“We become a very nasty community,” he said. “When I came to Grand Bahama in 1977, Freeport was an immensely clean place, but now it is in a disgusting state.”

A recent dumping incident in the Williams/ Russell Town area is devastating, Mr Darville said.

Local government officials at the City of Freeport District, including chief councillor Frazette Gibson and Bishop Leslie Woodside have also expressed concern about the dumping of appliances, old mattresses, and piles of conch shells in the area.

Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee chairperson Nakira Wilchcombe said it is an unfortunate incident that is ongoing in the

community.

“It is a disastrous thing happening on that (dirt) road going to the beach area, and it is indicative of what is happening all over Freeport,” said Mr Darville.

“Individuals are taking vast amounts of debris and machinery and dumping them on the roadside.

“It is really disheartening because we worked diligently with the Environmental Department of the Grand Bahama Port Authority putting up signs all over and speaking on the radio about it.”

The Queen’s Cove area, according to Mr Darville, has now become an ideal area for illegal dumping.

“There is more garbage dumped there now than what goes to the landfill,” he said.

Port of Call Drive is another problem area that is constantly inundated with trash. Save the Bays and Waterkeepers have gone into the area three times in the past eight months removing massive pounds of garbage dumped there.

Mr Darville believes that authorities in Grand Bahama - the Ministry of the Environment, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and local authorities - must come together and stop the indiscriminate dumping problem.

“Law enforcement must be initiated if we want to get back the cleanliness that used to be the

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that FRITHO WILFRID LOUIS of #114 Kitchener Avenue, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 21st day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that KEEANA GREAVES of Amberjack Street, Freeport, Grand Bahama applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 21th day of July 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

ENVIRONMENTAL activist Joseph Darville said indiscriminate dumping has now become a widespread problem in Grand Bahama, and law enforcement must be engaged to help tackle it.

signature of Freeport and Grand Bahama,” he said. Ms Wilchcombe, who is also vice president of Building and Development

Services at Grand Bahama Port Authority, believes efforts must be made to determine the culprit/culprits responsible.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CHALINE DUVILIER of Exuma, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 21th day of July 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JIMMY ALCIME of East Street South, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 28th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

“We really have to investigate these occurrences so we can bring those culprits to some form of punishment,

whether it is before the courts and in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health Services,” she said.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LUCIA DORGIL of #28 John Chipman Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 28th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

OLYMPIC gold-medalist Ramon Miller finally has light and water utilities connected to his home after a three-year battle to get the services he expected when the government gifted him land for his athletic achievements.

‘I probably would have agreed on Wartsila choice’, says BPL CEO

reliable electricity.

His comments came after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said on Wednesday that the Wartsila engines “never worked properly” and described the situation as “rotten”.

Mr Cambridge was less harsh in his conclusion.

He said BPL’s initial plans to install four Wartsilla tri-fuel engines were disrupted when a fire erupted at Clifton Pier in 2018, destroying the plant’s two largest units.

“When you lose your two largest engines at Clifton Pier in a fire,” he said, “they needed additional capacity immediately to replace the shortfall from BPL’s own plant.”

Mr Cambridge said rather than put the four engines in a new station, BPL officials responded

by putting them in a repurposed station along with three other machines.

“They wound up putting seven engines in there,” he said. “Here’s the thing. You have time, you have capacity and you have cost issues.”

He said officials did not build the system using an ideal “redundancy format”, instead installing “single systems”, “single fuel pump, single oil pump, single cooling oil system.”

“You put new engines in, but the support systems were not built at the usual redundancies that you put as a base in those plants, and the cooling water system was not optimal or as the manufacturers wanted it to be,” he said. “And they also didn’t put in the fuel treatment equipment to facilitate the operation of the unit on HFO, which is why they wound

up burning 33 per cent HFO as opposed to the 60 per cent what was envisioned when the plant was designed.

“Because of the corners that were cut, so to speak, the performance of the plant was not what it would’ve been if it were installed by designed.”

Mr Cambridge wants to stay out of the blame game and to avoid the politics surrounding electricity issues in The Bahamas.

“I would like to think that under the circumstances, those were the best decisions to make,” he said.

“I will say, given what we were going through or what the country was going through then, in terms of right after the fire and the four, eighthour rolling blackouts, I cannot be critical of the decisions because I probably would have agreed with the decision.”

BPL TARIFF STUDY COUL D L EAD TO INCREASE IN BASE RATE

NOTICE: ROAD CLOSURE TODAY

POLICE have advised of road closures today for the Junkanoo Summer Festival in Rawson Square.

The festival starts at 5pm today and will be held each Friday for the next three weeks. Each Friday, Bay Street will be closed between Charlotte and East Streets to all vehicular traffic from 2pm until the event concludes in the evening.

Additionally, Parliament Street south, between Shirley and Bay Streets, and Parliament Street north, between Bay Street and Woods

Rodgers Walk will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

There will also be a number of diversions:

Traffic traveling east on West Bay Street will be diverted north onto Navy Lion Road, and east onto Woods Rogers Walk

Vehicles will not be allowed to travel north on East Street between Bay Street and Woods Rogers Walk. Access to Woods Rogers Walk will only be via Navy Lion Road or Charlotte Street.

Traffic travelling north on East Street between Shirley Street and Bay

Street will be diverted east on Bay Street. Local traffic in the affected areas will be diverted and there will be no parking. Parking will not be permitted on the following roads between 1am until the end of the festival each Friday:

Charlotte Street and East Street, both sides. between Woodes Rodgers Walk and Shirley Street. Woodes Rodgers Walk between Charlotte and East.

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

AN upcoming tariff study at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) may result in a base rate increase for consumers, though BPL’s chief executive officer Shevonn Cambridge said this does not guarantee higher customer bills.

“A full comprehensive tariff study as envisioned by our RFP is going to take six to 12 months,” Mr Cambridge said during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister.

He said capital investments from a base rate increase would let BPL reduce fuel costs, a component of consumers’ bill.

“We envision the fuel costs going down sufficiently to offset the increase in the base rate as well as to provide you some discounting, so the net impact to the consumer is planned to be less,” he said.

“We need to right-size our tariff. The reality is that BPL hasn’t had a rate increase since 2010. And we are presently working to release an RFP for a tariff study that will help us to restructure our rates to allow BPL to meet its current financial obligations, as well as to ensure that our revenue is sufficient to meet the country’s future needs.”

Asked if customers would see an increase in electricity bills until capital investments impact costs, Mr Cambridge said not necessarily.

“It’s up to the regulator how they want to impact the price,” he told The Tribune in a separate interview.

“You could bear the cost upfront now with the benefit coming later or you could do the modelling and say, this is the overall projected cost

over the next five, then years and we are going to recover the forecasted sales over those years, so you could budget over that period to benefit earlier. The cost reduction that would come later on wouldn’t be as great because they’re giving some of that upfront.”

Mr Cambridge also revealed that BPL had seen consumption peaks this summer.

“Our current available generation in New Providence I just want to say exceeds 300 megawatts, which allows us to meet what is already shaping up to be our highest consumption peak on record. The temperatures, as we all know, over the course of the last couple of weeks have been record-breaking.”

He said BPL’s forecast initially indicated there would be a 265-megawatt peak this year, but so far in

New Providence, there has already been a peak of 278 megawatts.

“Our peak month is actually August and September. So, we anticipate going well above 280 at this point,” he said.

He said Eleuthera and Exuma have also seen new records.

“We’re also bolstering our TND network in New Providence to handle the demand,” he said. “It’s not only generation but when you have this demand, lines and ability to give that power to places where people are using them is a key thing. And some of our circuits are already seeing serious loading concerns. And we’re making the necessary steps to reinforce those circuits, where possible and as quickly as possible. So, you may see a lot of activity going on some of the streets.”

Photo: Moise Amisial

ABOVE is a screen capture of a video shared of a Wartsila engine in service at BPL.

The Tribune Limited

What will we do with human trafficking in our country?

W H EN T he Bahamas makes international news, the spotlight is seldom kind.

You may recall the headlines when the F T X scandal broke – or our nation’s connection to the company whose submersible imploded as it descended to explore the wreck of the Titanic.

H istorically, of course, the Miami H erald’s famous exposé A Nation For Sale exposed corruption and drug trafficking in T he Bahamas.

Yesterday, the Washington Post turned its spotlight on the issue of human smuggling in T he Bahamas. In a lengthy report, headlined Dreams And Deadly Seas, reporters examined the issue as it affects T he Bahamas, and more pointedly as it affects those who are smuggled and those who do the smuggling.

Many of the points in the article will be familiar to Tribune readers –starting with the incident in July last year in which at least 17 H aitians died when a boat set off from the Sand Trap area near Arawak Cay but overturned in rough seas.

T he report goes on to look at all parts of the issue of human smuggling – from speaking to anonymous individuals who say they are smugglers and who talk of the money that can be made in the illegal activity, through to a relative of one of the victims of that Sand Trap voyage.

As far as our local knowledge of these affairs goes, it covers ground we largely already know. But for an international audience, this may well be new – and shocking.

Most challenging for T he Bahamas is the general feeling throughout the story that people know what’s going on – and no one is interested in stopping it.

T he story suggests that everyone in Bimini knows what is going on in terms of human smuggling – taking the word of a smuggler that “everybody’s in on it”.

T hat smuggler suggests there are 15 others like him on Bimini alone, and that he could make upwards of $30,000 a trip carrying people illegally.

Meanwhile, advocate Louby Georges suggests that the government and the people of T he Bahamas do a good job of hiding human smuggling.

T here are things that cannot be denied. H uman smuggling occurs on a regular basis in our country.

We often hear talk of boats full of people coming from H aiti – well, those boats are smuggling people who pay large amounts for that journey.

What we do not see as much of is people being brought before the court in an effort to squash that practice.

Beyond human smuggling, we also often hear of human trafficking. We have heard of people being trafficked for example by being brought into the country to act as sex workers or for forced labour or to work as maids or housekeepers.

T he Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists warning signs to watch out for, such as people not being in control of their own documents such as passports and ID cards or being paid very little if at all for their work. T hey may never appear alone or seem limited in their ability to move around.

Beyond that, details such as how they got into the country may be hard to come by – and there may be questions about the legitimacy of any permits they do have to be here, while overstaying may be commonplace.

As we find ourselves currently in the middle of a row in which a number of workers were detained and only three had identification, and with mixed reports from the Ministry of Immigration whether they were here legally or not, it is worth asking the question that if these workers were legal and still had such identification problems, then how can we tell the difference from the paperwork of those who are not here legally? If things are such a mess, how do we tell who is genuine?

H uman smuggling is a pervasive crime in our society – one which has victims, witnessed too often when people die at sea most notably, but that doesn’t even take into account the victims who pay smugglers money and then find themselves abandoned and out of pocket.

T hose who conduct such operations should not be accepted in our society. If as that criminal claims, everyone knows about it – then everyone should speak up. T hat includes those who complain about migrant numbers – because that is how people get here very often. It includes those who want to stop people being exploited for sex or labour. It includes those who just want to ensure people are treated well instead of being crammed on a boat that might be large enough for the number of people on board – or it might not.

T his article does shine a spotlight on the problem that exists in our society. T he question is, when it talks about smuggling being a routine part of Bahamas life, is it correct? Do we laud and hail these criminals – or do we treat them as they are, and find and bring them to court?

We shall see how – or if – our leaders respond to this moment in the spotlight.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

W I TH the COVID19 pandemic now in the rearview mirror, even if it is not, the vast majority of the population have already moved on with their life as normal. T here are, however, some questions that need to be answered.

During the pandemic, the vaccine was pushed relentlessly by the competent authorities as the essential “antidote” to return our lives to normal. T he script was rewritten many times as the efficacy of the vaccine began to be called into question. Many people took the vaccine because they honestly believed what was promulgated by the “virologists, immunologists, and governments”.

Firstly, we were told that vaccine would prevent transmission of the virus. T hen came many breakthrough cases and the narrative was subtly changed or might I say redacted to ‘the vaccine prevents or reduces the risk of being hospitalized’. T hen we heard it gave you a fighting chance if you ever contracted the virus. T he narrative kept changing until they had no other recourse but to allow the vaccination conversation to die a natural death. We had police cars marked COVID Police to ensure that the level of “covidity” was kept to a bare minimum. We even had hotlines to do contact tracing and numbers were listed on a flyer/ leaflet, which was given to the recently vaccinated. With all the necessary resources taken to stop or limit the spread of COVID, how come we don’t see the same level of concern being shown post COVID?

I tell you that if we mobilised every working part of our society as we did during the pandemic, we would see a downturn in crime and the level of corruption or perceived corruption in our society and world on a broader spectrum.

I know many people are tired of hearing the news and so have stopped watching it since the COVID pandemic because it was quite depressing, but there are others among us who still pay close attention.

Did you know that there are a number of people who are suffering from vaccine remorse? Some have regretted taking the vaccine since the unvaccinated and vaccinated are now on the same level.

T he vaccinated have lost their short-lived superiority complex.

T here are others who took the vaccine and now have developed health problems. Let me hasten to say that they had no previous history of health challenges. Many have cardiology problems and we are now hearing of young people dying of massive heart attacks.

Can the competent authorities please explain to us (1) why so many people, especially young ones, are dying of massive heart attacks? (2) Why there are so many health issues post COVID-19 vaccine?

Many vaccine “ambassadors” will use the obesity and unhealthy lifestyle of most of our people as a scapegoat, but that won’t fly for me. We have always had many of our people eating unhealthily but never have we seen so many health issues.

I remember the many funny memes during the pandemic whenever a notice came out about a press conference. Many residents would have their Pepto bismol nearby, which was quite hilarious.

With fun and jokes aside, why can we not have the chief medical officer (CMO) and minister of health share with us in a press conference some findings? I recommend that we have a press conference where the “clean” journalists can put the tough questions to the competent authorities.

I say “clean” because some journalists seem to have bought the COVID19 narrative hook, line, and sinker, rejecting the overwhelming body of evidence that the vaccine doesn’t work inter alia. T here are others though, who can separate facts from fiction without getting their feelings all wrapped up in that.

T he number of cancer

cases has gone up and some cancers have even been more aggressive. T hose whose cancer was in remission have seen it return with a vengeance post vaccine. Is anyone keeping a record? If so, can those statistics be made public? T he freedom of information act is long overdue.

Why are there no hotlines to deal with suicide ideation post COVID vaccine? H ave we established any form of compensation for those who have been adversely affected/injured by the vaccine? Where are the hotlines to point people in the right direction who have developed cardiologic issues post COVID-19 vaccine or are they left to fend for themselves since we can now return to our regularly scheduled programming such as playing golf, enjoy our social parties? Do they want us to “drink water and mind our own business”?

T hat was never the attitude we displayed during the pandemic. T hose who refused to surrender their arms to receive the jab were vilified, labeled unchristian, unconscionable and the list goes on and on.

Why do we have so many children lagging behind with the regular immunization? I put it to you that many parents are afraid that the COVID-19 vaccine will be sneaked into the mix. I understand that PA H O is warning of the threat of polio and other diseases, but I put it to you that the government and the medical fraternity will have to work doubly hard to regain the trust of the public after such massive campaign to get the COVID-19 vaccine and multiple boosters. Should the church be used as a mop to clean up the medical mess left by the putative scientific community? I tell you that we will continue to offer counseling, emotional, physical and spiritual help to get through this unforgettable phase of our human existence. But the competent authorities need to address us forthwith.

Photo:

MOW civil engineer admits not enough funds are invested in roads in The Bahamas

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF FRANTWION NEWTON

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN has been charged with a double shooting off Market Street that left a young man dead last week.

Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley yesterday charged Davanno Miller, 25, with murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm

with intent to endanger life.

Miller is accused of driving up to Frantwion

“Lefty” Newton and Romeo Cooper as they stood on Dean’s Alley off Market Street on July 20. He is accused of pulling out a black Taurus G3 9mm pistol and shooting the two men before fleeing the scene in a white Japanese vehicle. While Mr Cooper

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

MINISTRY of Works

senior civil engineer Francis Clarke admitted insufficient funds are invested in developing roads in The Bahamas, calling it a costly venture. During the office of the Prime Minister’s press briefing yesterday, Mr Clarke said rain is partly responsible for the numerous potholes and poor-quality roads throughout New Providence.

“We know that the rain intensity has increased over the last

few years and due to the more active precipitation events during June and July, conditions are being hindered for current road repair outputs with ponding wet areas and compromising the quality of repairs,” he said.

“This has resulted in larger potholes and road edge erosions. If you could compare the new roads that we can construct between 2004 and 2013, those roads were constructed to international standards and using international specifications.

“We don’t have any issues with those rules at this point.”

The epidemic of potholes in New Providence and the Family Islands has been the subject of public outcry for years. Areas that have attracted complaints in New Providence include Wulff Road, Joe Farrington Road and Gladstone Road.

Mr Clarke said the ministry has a comprehensive plan to improve roads throughout New Providence. He said projects in Gladstone Road, Sir Milo Butler Highway and the downtown area will begin shortly. He said contractors were hired to stabilise the roads to ensure safety for motorists.

recovered at the hospital, Mr Newton, 23, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Miller’s case will be transferred to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment to be served on October 31. Before he was sent to prison, Miller requested to be fitted with a monitoring device should the Supreme Court grant him bail.

HELD WITHOUT BAIL ON CHARGE OF

MAN

RAPE OF 67-YEAR-OLD WOM

AN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 35-year-old man was imprisoned after being charged with raping a 67-year-old woman during a home invasion in

Exuma last weekend. Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Bradley Rolle with rape and burglary yesterday.

Rolle is accused of breaking into the residence of an elderly

woman in Rolle Town, Exuma, and sexually assaulting her shortly before 1am on July 22. His case will be moved to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment to be served on October 31.

MAN FINED $750 FOR TRYING TO HIT A POLICE OFFICER WITH HIS CAR

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined $750 after trying to hit a police officer with a car at a station last week.

Assistant Chief

Magistrate Subusola Swain charged Quentin Munroe, 26, with assault with a dangerous instrument.

Munroe tried to hit PC

David Lockhart with a white Honda Inspire on July 18.

He initially denied the accusation in a police interview, but pleaded guilty to the charge in court. The magistrate considered a two-year sentence but fined the defendant $750.

MAN GRANTED BAIL ON CHARGE OF INTENTIONAL LIBEL AGAINST HIS WIFE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail after he was accused of libel against his wife. Assistant Chief

Magistrate Subusola Swain charged Reno Russell, 35, with intentional libel. Reno allegedly published false information on Facebook on June 20 about his wife, Emily

Demeritte, intending to defame her.

After pleading not guilty, he was granted bail at $5,000 with one surety. His trial is set for August 17.

MINISTRY of Works senior civil engineer Francis Clarke admitted insufficient funds are invested in developing roads in The Bahamas, calling it a costly venture.

Photo: Moise Amisial

MINISTRY of Works senior civil engineer Francis Clarke said rain is partly responsible for the numerous potholes and poor-quality roads throughout New Providence.

The story of the aircraft lost in The Bahamas - Moore’s Island, Abaco: FM-2 Wildcat Fighter

MERE months before VE Day, an Allied fighter plane crash-landed at remote Moore’s Island, a seven-by-four-mile cay in the Bight of Abaco. Hard Bargain and The Bight host 950 people, mostly fishermen and government hires. The cay lies between Sandy Point, Abaco, and Sweeting’s Cay, Grand Bahama. Pilot Herbert Stanley Fyfield was born in Manhattan in August, 1922, and moved to more bucolic northwestern Connecticut, dying in Roxbury, population 2,260, in March, 1989. Fyfield was an Ensign in the US Navy aged 23. He flew with Squadron VF#6 Operational Training Unit out of Naval Air Station Sanford, near Daytona. The Grumman FM-2 Wildcat fighter could accommodate one pilot, as was 29ft long with wingspan of 28ft and only a single engine. The plane boasted an “improved power plant, increased ammunition capacity, and improved directional stability with a modified fin. It was the first line fighter for the Navy and Marine Corps at the outbreak of World War II [with] more than 35,000 aircraft” produced and a kill ratio of 7 to 1.

Fyfield had 290.4 flying hours, 19.6 of them in this aircraft. The crash happened on a Thursday at 10.40am when classes for Jonathan Dean, age seven, were still in session. Visibility was ten miles, wind was from the west-northwest, and he had been airborne just one hour and 30 minutes. The analysis describes a “deferred emergency

By Eric Wiberg

landing”, explaining that “after gunnery run, this pilot became separated from the flight and proceeded to get lost when his compass went out. Pilot became confused and flew around for approximately an hour when he sighted land. Having only ten gallons of fuel, and no suitable airstrip available, he made a wheels-up landing in a clear area which turned out to be Mores Island in the Bahama Group. Had the pilot flown with the sun at his back during morning flight, he would have hit the state of Florida at some familiar section”.

In January of 2023, our expedition’s modus operandi of vessel was simple: sail into an anchorage for a few days, go ashore, and have our eldest sailors –in their eighties – inquire after the eldest residents. To move things along, we took the dinghy in on the evening of arrival and circulated not only books about mailboats, but photos of elderly islanders taken from a previous visit to the island in 1991. Fortunately, these included parents of persons living on the island and broadened the base of mutual trust and conviviality considerably. The laptop containing those images

was left at a local café for the duration of the second day for anyone to copy from.

As a consequence of this candor, islanders helped us promptly locate, film and photograph the aircraft’s distinctive “uprated R-1820 power plant, [with] water injection for increased power for takeoff from small deck escort carriers.”

Our chief guide was James Modi Dean, retired fisherman, aged 85, born in 1938 and thus seven years old when he saw the crash. His son-in-law, Rodney Davis, in his sixties, drove us to the Dean house, where Mrs Dean recalled speaking to the disoriented young Herbert: “He kept saying he wanted to go home and have lunch with his mother in Fort Lauderdale,” he said, smiling broadly on the family porch.

Antoine drove us to Modi’s house and then took all of us to the crash site, which was really in the middle of town, between a church and a school, and behind a row of waterfront homes. Almost immediately we found a large engine upright in the mangrove swamp, intractable and wedged in without propellers but clearly a large radial aircraft engine. We also located and photographed wheel and tyre assemblies, aluminum framing, and other small metal parts clearly of historic aircraft origin. We eagerly swashed through the bush with his son AJ Davis, a very helpful guide in his thirties. He is a fisherman and with his wife, Brenda, is also a restauranteur. Devon Davis is a school teacher and an excellent resource who coordinated communications between various persons and groups after the visit.

Our captain, the yacht owner Howard, spent time speaking with Modi Dean. He learned they were in school when the plane roared overhead and splashed resoundingly into the mud just a few hundred yards inland. They raced to help Herbert Fyfield and took him to the main road. It was important that witnesses make the distinction that this was ‘not’ the same air crash as the drug runner whose small plane flipped on the main street in the 1970s and spilled piles of US dollar cash throughout town!

The disciplinary board recommended “Pilot reprimand. Board action pending, recommended continue training for subject pilot with special emphasis on Navigation and Radio Aids. Assessment: 100% pilot error - gross carelessness. Lost on gunnery exercise. Could have used sun to return to mainland. Compass failed.

Poor navigation when compass went out. Lost. Aircraft and engine are strikes,” meaning stricken from inventory. The military bulletin reported that a “search was carried out by [Coast Guard] CG-83497 and CG-83505; a Dumbo [air-sea rescue unit] was sent from Daytona Beach, and four planes from NAS Banana River.”

The following day after six hours the search was called off as at 4.31pm “the FM-2 from NAS Sanford had crash-landed on March 8 in Marsh Harbour at Abaco, and requested RAF Nassau to transfer the pilot by boat to Nassau, where a plane will pick him up. The pilot will be picked up by a JRF [Grumman amphibian]

on the morning of March 10

and will arrive at Nassau at 3pm.” This was corrected at 4.50 pm to say the RAF made arrangements to safeguard the IFF [an identify friend or foe beacon]. At 5.26 pm ComGulf informed RAF Nassau that the plane had actually crash landed at Moores Island, and that the pilot was then at Marsh Harbour.

Jonathan Dean corroborates this, as he saw the schooner carrying young Fyfield from Moore’s Island to Marsh Harbour; it went around the northern tip, then northeast the marls, a distance of about 35 miles.

The flight to Nassau was 90 miles, and some 400 nautical miles for Fyfield to fly back to base and

contemplate his future in the navy. He did survive, and his children Herbert S Fyfield, Jr, and Joy have much to be joyful about that he did.

Back in Hard Bargain, the patrons of the Talk of the Town bar were accommodating, and fortunately for us it was a national holiday to celebrate women’s suffrage in The Bahamas. Without a doubt the rediscovery of the aircraft was and is a team effort; without assistance on the ground, I am convinced that we would not have found the plane. And no one asked for anything in return – in fact we were offered fresh fish and lobster brought out to our boat the following sunrise before we sailed.

OUR VOLUNTEER GUIDE, James, Captain Howard, Jonathan Modi Dean, and AJ

ERIC Wiberg returning to the public dock at Hard Bargain, Moore’s Island after 32 years.

Last manse standing – let’s get together and save Collins House

THERE’S a Joni Mitchell song whose lyrics are timeless: ‘Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone … They paved paradise, put up a parking lot.’

Don’t it always seem to go that we keep paving paradise and putting up something or maybe nothing or planning to put up something and not doing anything more than tearing down what somebody put up before?

Well, before we don’t know what we had ‘til it’s gone and it’s too late to rescue it, can we please take a good, hard and respectful look at the last manse standing near the heart of Nassau, Collins House?

Built more than 200 years ago, the original wooden Collins House – officially Centreville House - was obliterated by the hurricane of 1929. It was rebuilt of solid concrete. Its massively thick walls and tall windows framed a colossal 35,000 square foot, four-storeyhigh structure that served first as a residence, later as St Andrews’s School and finally as the Ministry of Education when Dame Ivy Dumont was Minister.

Collins House sits proudly atop a hill overlooking Nassau harbour, anchored by Shirley Street on the north, Collins Avenue on the east and PMH to its west. It claims five acres of prime real estate with its grounds reflecting its double personality – to the south, a parking lot and modern featureless two-storey building that houses the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), and in front, across from The Tribune but hidden by high black wrought iron gate lies a garden oasis, thanks to efforts of a committee of a decade ago.

Restoration efforts have started and stopped as age and disrepair threaten to advance faster than funds can be found to rescue the

By Diane Phillips

last remaining grand dame of architectural perfection, combining beauty with utility. On a walk through with the late Charles Maynard, then Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the minister and I, along with a few others from the Historic Bahamas Foundation and ZNS traipsed three of its four floors. It was mid-July, 2007, and though the minister wore suit and tie, neither he nor any of us broke a sweat. Its 13ft ceilings and natural cross ventilation was better than any artificial means of cooling.

It would be nearly impossible to recreate the majestic masterpiece today with its once rich mahogany woodwork, wrap around verandahs, high ceilings, wood floors, natural cross ventilation, hand-hued morticed shutters, remarkably intact original wooden roll downs, a stunning staircase, marble columns and great rooms that held their share of events. Collins House was well ahead of its time with an internal vacuum system that ran through the walls from floor to floor, featured bedrooms with en suite baths with modern plumbing equipment. The front mahogany glazed doors with heavy panels imported from France opening into an entrance hall nearly 24ft long with a dining room of 25ft by 23ft on one side and a 33ft long living room on the other. Construction work was supervised, so history tells us, by a remarkably skilled carpenter, John Gomez, who went on to form Nassau Tile Company.

The property was originally deeded, so history

also tells us, to Wilhemina and Charlotte Christie in the late 1790s though it is not known whether they ever lived there. It changed hands several times, even being left to two sisters at one point. The house takes its nickname from the last residential couple to occupy it, Ralph and Marianne (nee Brice) Collins. Mr Collins, an MP, liquor merchant and for a period of time, president of the Bahamas Sponge Exchange Co, was a flamboyant businessman and the gardens were alive with activities from Red Cross Fairs to social events. But once inside their magnificent manse, it’s said that the Collins slept in opposite corners of the home, as far from one another’s room as the house would allow.

The rest are gone. The Royal Victoria Hotel built in 1861, closed in 1971, demolished, the Fort Montagu Hotel built in 1926 to meet the demands of a growing tourism market, its 200 rooms, famous seethrough swimming pool, tennis courts and grounds gone, now the site of modern office buildings. So few of the treasures remain. When the Ministry of Education moved out, the government turned Collins House over to AMMC and the announcement was made – it WILL become the National Museum of The Bahamas. If Villa Doyle demonstrated that an irreplaceable stately structure could be restored and emerge a cultural and commercial success, the better situated, grander Collins House could render even greater return on investment.

REMEMBERING PAUL FA RQUHA RSON

THE news of Ret Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson’s death sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community. It was only weeks ago he was attending meetings, appearing on radio supporting the Bahamas Peace Plan, stopping by Montagu to talk with friends. It was only late last year that he wanted to write a book. It was my great honour that when it happened, he wanted me to help him tell the story.

I first met him in the early 1990s when he succeeded BK Bonamy on the original founding committee of Safe Bahamas. The country was reeling from the drug trade.

Business had overdosed on the flow of ill-gotten gains. A generation was overdosing on the chemicals that produced those gains. Everyone was trying to get a handle on how to stop it. Farquharson never batted an eye. He went about his business, as free of politics as a man in the position of top cop could be, head held high, dressed in the armor of integrity. Then Minister of National Security Frank Watson never doubted his choice nor questioned his actions.

Paul Farquharson, one of a kind and a man who with a soft heart held down a hard, hard job and did it with grit and grin.

COLLINS HOUSE, built more than 200 years ago, served first as a residence then later as the first campus for St Andrews School, and more recently as the Ministry of Education.

FORMER Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson

GIRL GUIDES

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts 38th Conference is being held in Cyprus from July 23 to 31.

The Bahamas is being represented by Leja Burrows, chief commissioner

and Vanessa Carey of 26th Brownie Pack at Queen’s College, as the young delegate.

The strategy to guide WAGGGS work over the next three years is high on the agenda. Other matters to be discussed are; membership growth, financial management for sustainability and helping all girls to attain their full potential.

JOIN THE CLUB AND SHARE YOUR NEWS

OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@

CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS

During our bingo night, held on July 20, excitement and loud cheers filled the air as cancer survivors and their caregivers shared laughs and screamed “BINGO!” before selecting their incredible prizes! One lucky family — pictured above with the Cancer Society of The Bahamas’ administrator, Errin Storr — emerged victorious, winning numerous prizes

tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.

throughout the night. If you’re looking for even more fun and excitement, don’t miss our annual CSOB bingo night, which will be held at SuperClubs Breezes on Saturday, October 14, at 6pm. As a reminder, our monthly general meetings are on hold for the summer break, but we’ll be resuming on September 12 with the topic: Ovarian cancer awareness.

Until then, we hope you stay safe and hydrated, especially while enjoying the beautiful summer weather and fun, relaxing activities! Follow the society on Facebook or Instagram for more information.

LEJA Burrows and Vanessa Carey.

Remembering Sinead’s brave and prophetic protest of clergy sex abuse that offended many

Associated Press

IN 1992, Sinéad

O’Connor destroyed a photo of Pope John Paul II on US national television. The pushback was swift, turning the late Irish singer-songwriter’s protest of sex abuse in the Catholic Church into a career-altering flashpoint.

More than 30 years later, her “Saturday Night Live” performance and its stark collision of popular culture and religious statement is remembered by some as an offensive act of desecration. But for others — including survivors of clergy sex abuse — O’Connor’s protest was prophetic, forecasting the global denomination’s public reckoning that was, at that point, yet to come. O’Connor, 56, died Wednesday.

The SNL moment stunned David Clohessy, a key early member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. In his 30s at the time, he had only recently recalled the repressed memories of the abuse he suffered. He found O’Connor’s act deeply moving. It was something he and other survivors never thought possible.

That night O’Connor, head shaved and looking straight into the camera, stood alone singing Bob Marley’s song “War” a capella. She finished the final lines, “We know we will win/ We have confidence in the victory/of good over evil,” and then moved an off-screen photo of Pope John Paul II in front of the camera.

Then O’Connor ripped it to pieces. She called out, “Fight the real enemy,” before she threw the scraps to the ground. Clohessy

remembers it well.

“We were all just deeply convinced that we would go to our graves without ever seeing any public acknowledgment of the horror and without any kind of validation whatsoever,” Clohessy said. “That’s what made her words so very powerful.”

THE RIPPLES IT CAUSED

The SNL performance appalled Thomas Plante, a Catholic psychology professor at California’s Santa Clara University, and his wife who is Jewish. Plante was well aware of the issue since he was researching, evaluating and treating clerical sex offenders at the time.

“It is understandable that people would want to make strong statements about their issues with the Catholic Church, but tearing up a picture of the Pope on live TV was way over the top,” Plante said in an email. “Many people feel free to ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater’ when it comes to criticism of the Catholic Church.”

He also noted the prevalence of anti-Catholic hate, especially following the Boston Globe’s 2002 report revealing widespread abuse and cover-up by the church. Plante said the clergy abuse crisis was horrible, but people often fail to recognize that it is a problem of the 20th century and earlier — cases are extremely rare in this century, he said.

“Much progress has been made and current policies and procedures are actually working,” he said.

The quarter-century legacy of John Paul II — then pope, now a saint — has been badly tarnished by evidence he turned a blind eye to abuse even when the Vatican had copiously welldocumented cases and even

when bishops in the US, facing mounting legal liability, begged the Vatican for fast-track ways to defrock abusers in the 1980s.

Vatican officials have long excused John Paul’s attitude by arguing that he had seen first-hand how priests in his native Poland were intentionally discredited with false accusations by Communist authorities, and thus believed any accusations against clerics were mere “calumnies” intended to harm the church.

O’Connor was found unresponsive Wednesday at her home in southeast London. Saddened by her passing, Brenna Moore, a theology professor at Fordham University in New York and a big fan of O’Connor, described her as “a kind of prophetic truth-teller.” Society, especially in the English-speaking world, is used to men taking on this role, Moore said, but when a woman does it, she’s accused of being crazy and angry. Moore, referencing O’Connor’s memoir, said the singer was more than a rebel with a shaved head.

“She sort of stands in a long line of artists and poets who have a kind of rebellious punk ability to speak truth to power in a very performative way,” Moore said. “She was a profoundly spiritual person, a profound seeker of transcendence and the truth.”

FOR SOME, THE ACT WAS COURAGEOUS AND EVEN WISE

Jamie Manson, president of Catholics for Choice, was a teen living on Long Island with her traditional Catholic Italian family in 1992; she recalled just how horrified they were by O’Connor’s protest. But for Manson, who was feeling a

21 DEAD AND 40 RESCUED AFTER A WINDTOSSED BOAT OVERTURNS IN THE PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES

Associated Press

AT LEAST 21 people died and 40 others were rescued after a Philippine passenger boat overturned on Thursday when it was lashed by strong winds in Laguna Lake southeast of Manila, police said.

Police said rescue operations were continuing, but did not immediately provide figures for the total number of people on board the MBCA Princess Aya that capsized in Rizal province.

The incident happened as the passengers onboard suddenly moved to one side of the boat in panic when it came under fierce winds shortly after departing from a wharf for a nearby island. The boat overturned only about 46 meters (150 feet) from the shore, near the village of Kalinawan and the town of Binangonan, the coast guard said.

The Rizal provincial police said they immediately launched a search and rescue operation with the help of the coast guard and other local authorities, and that at least 40 people were

saved but that 21 others drowned.

“The operation is still ongoing,” police said. They did not provide other details like how many passengers and crewmembers were on board.

A video released by the coast guard showed rescuers on a local government boat pulling a body out of the lake. Another video showed local fishermen aboard vessels approaching the overturned boat.

Typhoon Doksuri moved away Thursday after battering the northern Philippines and whipping up seasonal monsoon rains in a large swath of the archipelago.

The sinking on Thursday brought the death toll from a week of stormy weather across the main island of Luzon to at least 30. At least nine people were reported killed earlier, mostly due to landslides, flooding and toppled trees and thousands were displaced, disaster response officials said.

Sea travel was suspended in many ports during Doksuri’s onslaught from Tuesday to Wednesday, stranding thousands of passengers and cargo trucks.

Binangonan,

The no-sail orders were gradually lifted on Thursday as weather improved in many areas. Coast guard spokesman Armand Balilo said the passenger boat had been cleared to sail from the town of Binangonan to the nearby Talim Island because the typhoon had blown out of the country.

At least four northern provinces remained under cyclone wind alert, banning fishing boats and smaller vessels from venturing out to sea. Rains, however, continued to swamp several towns and cities farther south, including in the densely populated capital region, metropolitan Manila, which lies to the west of Rizal province.

Sea accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago because of frequent storms, badly maintained boats, overcrowding and weak enforcement of safety regulations. In December 1987, the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker, killing more than 4,300 people in the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster.

IRISH singer Sinead O’Connor stands alone while the crowd boos her at Bob Dylan’s 30th anniversary celebration in New York on Oct. 16, 1992, 13 days after she ripped a photo of Pope John Paul II during an appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” left, and Pope John Paul II appears in his popemobil in Prague on April 21, 1990. More than 30 years later, her Saturday Night Live performance is remembered by some as an offensive act of desecration. But for others — including survivors of clergy sex abuse — O’Connor’s protest was prophetic, forecasting the global denomination’s public reckoning that was still to come.

call to the priesthood at the time, looked at it more with curiosity. Manson called O’Connor a visionary, especially given that neither the Irish or US Catholic hierarchy had yet publicly reckoned with the pervasiveness of clergy sex abuse. Not many people that we would call prophetic are willing to risk everything, and she was. … And she lost almost everything as a result,” Manson said. “It is very, very scary to challenge the church in a very public way. And it takes enormous bravery and a willingness to be able to let go of everything.”

Clohessy also depicted the 1992 protest as courageous: “I think young

people can’t know — and older people to some extent have forgotten — just how extraordinarily powerful the Catholic hierarchy was in those days.”

Invoking the famous Martin Luther King Jr. quote, Clohessy said that “the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice. She’s proof of that. And it bends so slowly — and it bends backwards along the way.”

Attorney Jeff Anderson, who has represented victims of Catholic clergy sex abuse in numerous cases across the US, connected with O’Connor around the time of her SNL appearance. In a statement, Anderson called her wise and ahead of her time.

Photo: AP

“Sinéad saw predator priests not as a ‘couple bad apples’ but as signs and proof of a deeply corrupt and almost untouchable clerical system,” Anderson said. “It took tremendous courage for her to be one of those early, lonely voices for the voiceless.”

Michael McDonnell, interim executive director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said O’Connor “wore the anguish of victims of clergy abuse and it seems as though she knew in 1992 the horrors that hadn’t yet been revealed. “Ultimately,” he said, “she relieved the pain for tens of thousands of victims with rebellion.”

Funeral Service for Jacqueline Alleyne, 82

of Scott Street, will be held on Friday, 28th July 2023, at 11.00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Street North. Officiating will be Fr. Glen Nixon, assisted by other members of the clergy. Interment will follow in the Catholic Cemetery, Tyler Street.

Jacqueline was predeceased by her parents, Wesley Alleyne and Edith Williams, and son, Timothy.

Jacqueline’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her children, friends and other families, sons: Trevor and Sheldon Alleyne, Joseph (Theodora) Major, Sean (Inza) Major; adopted: Adrian Laroda, Raj (Theresa) Major and Ricardo (Cynthia) Adderley; daughters Lisa Tucker, Patrice Thompson, Xavier Archer, Adopted: Shanique Adderley, Carolyn Johnson; grand children: Keith and Ladayne Tucker, LaKeisha (Torin) Ferguson, Sharhan Taylor(Francis) Marshall, Timothy Taylor, Dauntee’ Dugay, Breon and Ashtia Thompson, Deshawn Gibson, Xavion Neely, Trevor Jr., Trevard, Travis, Trevaughn and Tredon Alleyne, Jayden Major, Tia Moss, Kimberly Bethel, Joseph Jr., Chante, Jayshawn, Shaquon, Schaquonia and Rajhon Major, Morgan and Moriah Dorsett, Shenique Johnson, Lashawn, Lashawna, Sean Jr., Shawndice, Shakor, Scotia, Felicia, Tremaine and Tevin Major, Tanzania, Darius and Keyshawn Taylor; great grandchildren: Torin, Tayler and Faith Ferguson, Tyrone and Tahron Woods, Nahlarose Rolle, Sanai Marshall, Breon Thompson Jr., Aamir and Aamara Major, T’naj Major, Terrance and Thaj Maize, Sean and Serenity Major, D’ahjur McPhee, Re’al Major, Tarnell, Tranee and Turquoise Alleyne, Aliyah Cartwright, Shanario and Jayden Major; sisters: Judy Alleyne and Joanne Poitier; brother: Sidney Poitier; aunt: Maxine Brown; nieces and nephews: Ramona (Charles) Edgecombe, Tia, Wynette, Tawhala and Delvin Sherman, Marvin and Denise Poitier, Antoine McQuay, Selena Rutherford, Tayna Ingraham, Ormanique (Antione Sr.) Bowe, Anoush (Bradford) McKenzie, Hope Curry, Adra, Ava, Sythe, Aaliyah LaRoda, Racquel Adderley, Khalil Curry, Ishmael McKenzie, Antoine Bowe Jr., Asha McKenzie-Adderley, Omorose Bowe-Knowles, Bradia McKenzie, Branaja McKenzie and Helena Curry, Kaylene Tatyana, Raj Jr., Taj, Kayleia, Oyandy and Terraj Major; other family: Paulamae and Lavonne Strachan, Merlene Woodside and Family, Samita (Kevin) Ferguson & Family, Helena (Philip) Ferguson. Anastacia (Clifford) Forbes, Samuel Joseph (Collette)Alleyne Jr., Adrian, Antoinette, Anthony and Andrea Archer; special friends: Monsignor Simeon Roberts, Father David Cooper, Father Glenn Nixon, Cardinal Kendrick Forbes, Bishop Patrick Pinder, Hynah Major and Family, Dorothy Curry & Family, Stacy, Cecile and the Maura Family, Delores Stringfield, The Lightbourne Family, Fred “Papa” Smith, Shirley Adderley, Daniel Durant, The Armbrister Family, Ms. Myrtle and Goodridge Family, Heaster Clarke, Rose Burton, Vanaza Davis, Loraine and Jack Moncur, Rosie Fawkes, Deborah Sears, Sheila and Novalette Marshall, Nursing Staff of Baillou Hill and Fleming Street Clinic, Dr. Keisha Smith, Dr. Cindy Dorsett – Poinciana Medical Clinic, Vincent Wring Angels Elite, St. Francis Helping Hands, TEC & Koinonia Group, St. Cecilia’s Church, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Lula Hamilton, Koinonia Team Freeport. The Scott Street Family; and numerous others whose lives would have been impacted by the life of Jacqueline Alleyne. May She Rest In Peace.

Friends may pay their last respect at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, 44A Nassau Street, on Thursday, July 27th, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and at the Church on Friday July 28th, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to service time.

A MAN stands on a capsized passenger boat as they undergo rescue operations at

Rizal province, east of Manila, Philippines yesterday. The Philippine passenger boat carrying dozens of people, including children, overturned yesterday after being lashed by strong wind in a town southeast of Manila and search and rescue efforts were underway, the Coast Guard said.

Photo:Philippine Coast Guard/AP

SPORTS

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023

Bahamas men spike way into semifinals

By BRENT STUBBS Senior sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The men’s national volleyball team, with a well-rounded effort from every player, swept aside Martinique in three straight sets to advance to the semifinals of the Senior Caribbean Volleyball Championships at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Against Martinique yesterday, the Bahamas prevailed with a 27-25, 25-20 and 25-14 win as outside hitter Kyle Wilson led with 21 points, including three aces and a pair of blocks and outside hitter Prince Wilson contributed another 13 points.

“We did not expect anything less or more,” said team captain Byron Ferguson. “I am happy we could hold off Martinique and play our own game. One

SEE PAGE 13

Ladies suffer third straight loss

SWIMMING WORLDS: THOMPSON MAKES A SPLASH IN 100M FREE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ZAYLIE-Elizabeth Thompson had a good showing in her heat of the women’s 100 metres freestyle, but the collegian’s time wasn’t fast enough to advance for placement in the semifinals at the FINA

World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

Thompson, the only one of the four-member team to compete yesterday, clocked 58.86 seconds for second place in the fourth of eight heats, which placed her 38th overall and out of contention for a spot in the semifinals.

Thompson, 19, was also shy of her winning performance of 58.78 at the Bahamas Aquatics Nationals last month.

Elizabeth Timmer of Aruba won the heat in 57.86 for 34th place as she also failed to advance.

It was Thompson’s second individual swim of

SEE PAGE 15

CARIFTA TRIATHLON TEAM NAMED

By LEESHAN MORLEY Tribune Intern

THE Bahamas Triathlon Association is getting ready for the hosting of the CARIFTA Triathlon next month.

The event is scheduled for August 26-27 at Goodman’s Bay each day starting at 8am with the opening ceremony at 5pm on August 25. The event will be divided between

two events - a triathlon and an aquathlon.

Athletes will be divided into three age groups for both females and males and range from four to five athletes per group.

The groups are 11-12, 13-15 and 16-19 years old.

Dorian Roach, president of the BTA, expressed how he is feeling confident in the team that has been selected for The Bahamas. The team has already been

BAHAMAS FALLS TO PARAGUAY

selected and the female athletes selected are: Nai’ Belton, Taylen Nicolls, Lenika Hamilton, Tessa Knowles, Taylor Knowles, Issa Bournas, Chelsea Smith, Emma Barigelli, Kami Roach, Erin Prichard, Anjaleah Knowles, Sienna CulmerMackey, Talen Nicholls, Alissa Ferguson, Blue Gray, Tessa Knowles,

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ON day two of the Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC), Team Bahamas came up short against Paraguay and dropped two matches to Venezuela.

games yesterday at the Centro Nacional de Tenis Parque Del Este, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Team Bahamas consists of Sydney Clarke, Simone Pratt, Elana Mackey, Saphirre Ferguson and captain Gillian O’Kelley.

Following a rainy day one, the team had to finish Wednesday’s suspended matches and play their regularly scheduled

In the Americas Group ll for Pool B, Paraguay and The Bahamas continued where they left off on Wednesday to win 3-0

overall. Clarke resumed play against Leyla Risso Britez down 5-3. Paraguay followed through with their dominance and won the first set 6-3. Team Bahamas regained composure in the next set, winning 7-5 in a competitive second set. Risso Britez kept Paraguay’s foot on the gas and ended match two with a 7-5

SEE PAGE 16 SEE PAGE 13

England hopes to be sharper in next Women’s World Cup match after underwhelming opener

By JENNA FRYER AP National Writer

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Katie Robinson knows England left many unimpressed with its underwhelming 1-0 victory against overmatched Haiti in its opening match at the Women’s World Cup.

England is still tied with Denmark atop the Group D standings, regardless of how they played against Haiti, and that’s all that really counts to Robinson.

“Every game at a World Cup is going to be difficult,” Robinson said. “Most importantly, we got the three points, and that’s all that matters right now.”

Well, what actually matters next is today’s match against Denmark in Sydney, where the top spot in the group is up for grabs as both teams try to advance to the knockout round.

It is the first meeting between the two teams at the Women’s World Cup, although they faced off three previous times at the European Championship.

England defeated Denmark twice in 1984, but the Danes were the winner in 2005, the last time the

two nations faced in international play. They met in a friendly in 2019, won by England 2-0.

Denmark is back at the World Cup for the first time since 2007 and beat China 1-0 in its opening game.

England understands it must pick up its play against Denmark, which is ranked 13th in the world and a far tougher opponent than Haiti.

“We’re all working really hard in training to make sure we’re a bit more clinical, creating more chances and obviously getting our goal percentage higher. We know it’s something that we need to improve on,” England forward Lauren Hemp said. “We are working really hard as a team to make sure that we’re ready for the game against Denmark and ready to score some goals.”

England is ranked fourth in the world and the reigning European champions. The Lionesses won all six of their games to win the tournament they hosted last year. But England has not scored a goal in open play since the 23rd minute of the Women’s Finalissima against Brazil on April 6 — a span of 367 minutes.

“Heading into the World Cup, we’ve shown that we’re dominant against a lot of teams, so we just need to be a bit more clinical and have those

STRIKING A BALANCE: UNDERSTANDING HAMSTRING INJURIES IN TRACK AND FIELD

LAST week we had an introduction to the role and function of the sports medicine physician. This week let’s dive right into the deep end and take a swing at the most common injury in all running sports - hamstring injuries.

As a sports medicine physician deeply committed to understanding and managing injuries in track and field athletes, I have devoted significant research to unravelling the complexities of hamstring injuries.

Hamstring strains and tears pose substantial challenges to athletes, necessitating comprehensive insights into their anatomy, pathophysiology, and biomechanics.

Let’s take a small look at the intricate interplay of these factors to shed light on the prevention, diagnosis and management of hamstring injuries in the dynamic world of track and field.

flexion, vital movements involved in running, jumping and hurdling in track and field events.

percentages rise in the next game,” Hemp said.

Denmark pulled out the win over China when

SEE PAGE 14

The hamstring muscle group, located at the back of the thigh, consists of three primary muscles - the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. These muscles play a pivotal role in hip extension and knee

The biceps femoris is further divided into a long head and short head, creating a unique dynamic within the muscle group.

The tendons of these muscles converge and attach to the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis, forming

ENGLAND’S ALEX GREENWOOD, left, battles for the ball with Haiti’s Louis Batcheba during the Women’s World Cup Group D soccer match against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia, on Saturday. (AP Photo/ Tertius Pickard)

UNDEFEATED: The men’s national volleyball team pulled off another win in Paramaribo, Suriname, yesterday in their third game of the Senior Caribbean Volleyball Championships.

Clarke sisters know they will have to ‘battle’ on the tennis court

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THEY’RE sisters, but sooner or later Sydney and Sarai Clarke know that they will have to face each other on the opposite side of the net in a tennis march.

The duo got a chance to play with each other for the first time as they partnered in the ladies’ doubles as the Andros Chickcharnies secured the gold medal over the Grand Bahama Lucayans at the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games at the National Tennis Center last month.

The 14-year-old Sarai has been following in the footsteps of her 21-yearold sister, Sydney, whom she considers to be her role model in the sport ever since their parents Shayvon and Bernard Clarke got them involved.

“I decided to play tennis because of her,” said Sarai, who is now attending the Webb School where she is one of the top tennis players. “I wouldn’t be playing tennis without her. Everything that I learned about the game, I got it from her.”

Since she got started at the age of nine, Sarai said it’s been an interesting journey for her, but with Sydney there to motivate her, she’s been able to overcome her obstacles.

Sydney, who has enjoyed a wealth of success as the top junior player before she moved up the ranks as a senior, said she’s seen a lot of similarities in Sarai, including their height.

“In watching her, I notice that we play similar to each

other, especially in our serves,” the older Clarke lamented of her younger sister. “She’s like a splitting image of me. It’s funny, but it shows the bond that we have and how close we are, so I really enjoyed playing with her in the Bahamas Games for the first time in doubles.”

On getting the opportunity to play together in doubles, Sarai said it meant the world to her.

“She’s been playing doubles and the fact that she’s my sister means a lot because she really pushed me in that match,” said Sarai as they lost 6-3, 6-1 to the Grand Bahamian veteran duo of Larikah Russell and Simone Pratt.

“It was a good learning experience for us.”

Sydney will he heading back to Birmingham, Alabama, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for her final year with the Blazers women’s tennis team. She said she’s looking forward to having a banner year.

Sarai will be heading back to Webb School in Tennessee for her second year. She noted that she’s gained a lot of experience and although she misses home, her family and the beach, she’s looking forward to improving on her game as she remains in the top spot on the team.

While Sarai is still a junior, Sydney said she’s hoping that she will eventually catch her up to the point that they get to play together on the national team, preferably at the Billie Jean King Cup where Sydney is now making her

fifth appearance in the Dominican Republic.

She’s playing there this week along with Elana Mackey, Pratt and Saphire Ferguson with former long time national champion Kim O’Kelley as their captain on Team Bahamas as they compete in the Americas Group II .

“We spent a lot of time practicing together this

summer,” Sydney pointed out. “So I’m looking forward to seeing where her game goes in the future.”

And, as the leader of the two, Sydney said she knows Sarai will get a chance to surpass her achievements, but it will come with time.

“It’s my time now. She just has to wait,” Sydney stated. “If and when it does, I will be happy

TIAFOE LAUNCHES A CHARITABLE FUND WHERE HE GREW UP

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

COLLEGE PARK, Md.

(AP) — Frances Tiafoe stood with his hands on his hips and feigned disappointment yesterSSday after his partner during a doubles drill dumped an overhead into the net. Moments earlier, on the same courts at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) where he learned the game not far from the nation’s capital, Tiafoe jokingly chastised another of his temporary teammates — all aged 10 or under — for not celebrating a good shot properly, explaining the importance of yelling and punching the air.

because she is improving. But, at the end of the day, it will only cause me to push myself harder because I know she’s coming. She’s still young, so I have the respect, but I am getting older.

“So I will be looking forward to the day when she challenges me. But I am just glad to have her following in my footsteps.”

A semifinalist at the U.S. Open last year and now ranked in the ATP Top 10, he took part in the clinic with dozens of kids after a ceremony to announce the launch of The Frances Tiafoe Fund in conjunction with the USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the sport’s national federation. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about. I love people. I love helping people,” the 25-year-old Tiafoe said. “I’m a product of this place. I’m a guy who was given a chance — who wouldn’t have really had one — and look what I was able to do with it. I feel like more people need to be given that, especially in this area, and especially people who look like me. I know how much influence I have in this area, so I’m happy to start it here in D.C.”

His parents emigrated from Sierra Leone in the 1990s during a civil war there. They moved to Maryland, where his dad helped construct the JTCC in College Park, then worked as a maintenance man there.

So that’s where, and why, Frances and his twin brother, Franklin — who took part in yesterday’s oncourt drills, too — picked up tennis.

TOUGH WIN FOR RUUD, UPSET LOSS FOR RUBLEV IN HAMBURG

BILLIE JEAN KING CUP: BAHAMAS DROPS TO PARAGUAY

FROM PAGE 12

win in the final set. With The Bahamas already down in an 0-2 hole, doubles action featuring Ferguson and Pratt was next.

The duo of Tamara Doldan and Paulina Martinessi Franco dropped their competitors in two sets. The set scores were identical 6-2, 6-2 to give Paraguay the win.

Venezuela trumped Team Bahamas 2-0 on day two with the final

match to be played this morning. Mackey was looking to avenge Wednesday’s loss in yesterday’s singles action.

However, Sofia Elena Dominguez was determined not to let that happen because she won match one in two sets. Venezuela’s tennis player won comfortably in set one 6-0. Mackey was able to score once in the second set but it was all Dominguez who won 6-1.

Match two featured Vanesa Suarez and Clarke. Suarez advanced to a 3-1 lead early in the initial set of match two and never looked back. She claimed a 6-2 victory over Team Bahamas. Clarke was the first one on the scoreboard in set two as she looked to bounce back. However, Suarez remained focused and won the final set 6-3. The third match will resume today at 9am.

The Billie Jean King Cup will continue until July 29 where two nations will be promoted to Americas Group l and two teams demoted at the conclusion of the tourney. The Bahamas is playing in Pool B with Venezuela, Paraguay and Costa Rica. Pool A consists of Ecuador, Honduras, Uruguay and the host country Dominican Republic.

Men’s national team advance to the semifinals of Senior Caribbean Volleyball Championships

FROM PAGE 12

set at a time. Now we should get a good rest and stay hydrated.”

Team Bahamas was riding a two-game winning streak until it was snapped by Jamaica on Wednesday. That pushed the Bahamas into their quarterfinal match against Martinique and head coach Lloyd Davis said they were prepared for the match-up.

“We played a partly good game today,” said Davis, who was assisted by Tonny

Simon. “We didn’t play up to our full potential, but we won in three sets, so we give God thanks that we were able to advance to the quarterfinals.”

Team Bahamas, which also features Shonari Hepburn, Donovan Wilmott, Jamaal Ferguson, Renaldo Knowles, Je’Vaughn Saunders, Eugene Stuart, Jesse Delancy and Gaege Smith, was awaiting the outcome of the remaining games played last night to determine who their opponents and the time they will play

today. Davis said it doesn’t matter at this point who they face. He indicated that the team is starting to gel as a complete unit.

“Everybody played well today. Everybody played. We were just focused,” Davis stated. “We were focused on playing volleyball. Everybody did what they were supposed to do. That is why we came out victorious.” Davis said the Bahamas just needs two more victories to earn the championship and their game

plan the rest of the way is simple. “All we need to do is serve tough, pass the ball and execute,” he stressed. “Serve tough, pass the ball and execute.”

Meanwhile, the ladies’ team, coached by Jason Saunders and Glenn Rolle, suffered a 25-16, 25-21 and 25-22 loss to Jamaica as they closed out their round robin play with their third straight defeat after winning their opener. Jannelle Curtis led the way for Team Bahamas with 16 points, including a

block and two service aces. The team, which also comprises Sari Albury, Melinda Bastian, Brittany Bonamy, La’Tavia Braynen, Raechel Knowles, Venessa Sawyer, Laval Sand, Je’Nae Saunders, Ashley Webb, Franceska McBride and Chandra Mackey, is also awaiting the outcome of the games late last night to determine who their next opponents will be going into their playoffs. The week-long tournament is slated to wrap up on Sunday.

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Casper Ruud fought back after being “destroyed” in the first set to beat Cristian Garin at the clay-court Hamburg European Open yesterday, while Daniel Altmaier upset Andrey Rublev in the second round.

In the Hamburg women’s competition, up-and-coming German player Noma Noha Akugue reached the semifinals in her first WTA Tour event.

French Open runner-up Ruud came back to win 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 for a place in the quarterfinals in a match that proved far more difficult than the world rankings would suggest.

Ruud is ranked fourth and Garin 120th, but the Chilean qualifier won five career titles on clay before recent struggles with form and injury, and had won three of his four previous matches against Ruud. The first set was all Garin, who broke Ruud in the opening game, but a break of serve for Ruud at 2-2 in the second allowed the Norwegian a path back into the match.

Ruud’s quarterfinal opponent is 19-year-old French player Arthur Fils.

Second-seeded Rublev was upset 6-2, 6-2 by Altmaier in a match lasting just 75 minutes. Altmaier will face Zhang Zhicheng for a place in the semifinals.

Last year’s Hamburg winner Lorenzo Musetti completed a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win over Jozef Kovalik.

SISTERS SYDNEY, left, and Sarai Clarke played with each other for the first time as they partnered in the ladies’ doubles as the Andros Chickcharnies secured the gold medal over the Grand Bahama Lucayans at the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games at the National Tennis Centre last month.

Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

GO TEAM BAHAMAS: Shown, from left to right, are Gillian O’Kelley, Saphirre Ferguson, Sydney Clarke, Simone Pratt and Elana Mackey.

Argentina earns 2-2 draw against South Africa

By ELLEN MCINTYRE Associated Press

ARGENTINA scored two game-saving goals in a flurry of five minutes during the second half Friday to salvage a 2-2 draw with South Africa at the Women’s World Cup. The draw gave both teams a single point in Group G. Sweden and Italy, the co-leaders of the group with three points each, play Saturday.

Sophia Braun sent the ball soaring into the top right corner of the net in the 74th minute to get Argentina on the board. Romina Nunez tied it with a header in the 79th. The game was played before just 8,834 spectators in Dunedin Stadium, but

ENGLAND HOPES TO BE SHARPER IN NEXT MATCH

FROM PAGE 12

substitute Amalie

Vangsgaard scored in the 90th minute to give the Danes their sixth win in their last seven international matches. Denmark had a clean sheet in five of those games. The Danes did not advance out of the group stage in their last two tournament appearances, but a win over England would make them the likely Group D winners. Denmark has never won two matches at a single Women’s World Cup before.

ARGENTINA vs SOUTH AFRICA

Hildah Magaia will play for South Africa, which believes it has a chance to win its first Women’s World Cup game when it plays Argentina.

Magaia scored for South Africa in its tournament opener, but was injured on the play and couldn’t finish the game. Sweden went on to win 2-1, but the performance gave the South Africans confidence they can get a victory.

Argentina dropped a 1-0 opener to Italy.

“Knowing that we went toe-to-toe with the No. 3 country in the world and it took a superhuman effort from them to get the result, we’re very positive for the next two matches,” South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said after the Sweden loss. “We’re not underestimating the teams, but we know our capabilities.”

Magaia and her coach both said she would “definitely” be able to play against Argentina.

CHINA vs HAITI

China and Haiti were both disappointed by opening-game losses and next face off to stay alive in Group D in a match scheduled for Adelaide, Australia.

China probably thought it would open the tournament with a win over Denmark and instead lost 1-0.

China has been to the knockout round in all six of its previous tournament appearances and probably counted Denmark as an early win. China shouldn’t overlook Haiti, which surprised by hanging with European champion England in a 1-0 loss to the Lionesses.

Playing so well against England was a huge feat for Haiti, which maybe now believes it has a shot at beating China.

Haiti needs to shore up its defense and has been scored on in all eight of its previous international games. But Haiti suffered a blow against England when defender Jennyfer Limage tore her ACL.

those in attendance made their support known for both of the teams.

Linda Motlhalo scored in the 30th minute for South Africa when she knocked in a pass from Thembi Kgatlana when play slowed because Argentine players thought South Africa was offside. Kgatlana later added a goal herself in the 66th minute. The draw gave South Africa its first ever point in the Women’s World Cup. South Africa lost every match in the group stage at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, as well as this tournament opener. But the Banyana Banyana are more competitive this time around and t ook the lead against Sweden in the opener before losing 2-1.

KEY MOMENT

In the 79th minute, Nunez tied the match with a header into the bottom corner of the net, just out of reach of diving South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. Argentine fans celebrated loudly in the stands.

WHY IT MATTERS

South Africa got its first point in Women’s World Cup play, but both teams are still searching for their first victory.

South Africa has played five matches, while Argentina has played 11 in their respective histories. Each team could still advance to the knockout stage, though they will still be tied for last place headed into the final Group G matches.

Oshoala seals Nigeria’s upset win over co-host Australia

By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer

BRISBANE, Australia

(AP) — Asisat Oshoala had to watch from Nigeria’s bench for an hour, desperate to get into the action, before getting a chance to unleash all her pent up energy against co-host Australia at the Women’s World Cup.

The Barcelona striker entered the game in the 63rd minute and Nigeria took the lead two minutes later for the first time, 2-1. Within nine minutes, Oshoala scored a goal that sealed an upset victory, sparked her jersey-shedding celebration and left Australia in a must-win scenario for World Cup survival.

After losing 3-2, an Australian squad dealing with injuries to striker

Sam Kerr and understudy

Mary Fowler needs to beat Olympic champion Canada in Melbourne on Monday to control its own fate for a spot in the round of 16.

Nigeria and Canada opened with a 0-0 draw and both teams now have four points. Australia has three from its opening 1-0 win over Ireland. Nigeria next faces winless Ireland, which is making its debut in the tournament.

Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum said he benched

Oshoala at the start of the game to manage her longterm injury, but always intended to send her on when it was most needed.

“She’s such a force physically,” Waldrum said. “She can create problems — the third goal was massive. When we talked about her role — she’s like any player, she wants to be on all the time — I said ‘I just have a feeling, come on for the last 30 minutes and make a difference.’”

What a feeling.

The pivotal moment against the injury-plagued Australians was in the 72nd minute when Oshoala swooped on a defensive mixup and beat three Matildas to the ball, sneaking a right-foot inside the near post from a tight angle.

She peeled off her jersey and sprinted to the right corner to celebrate scoring in three consecutive World Cups, getting a yellow card in the process.

“I’m so proud of these players. So many people didn’t believe,” Waldrum said. “Didn’t believe in me, in the team.

“I told them after the match, keep believing.”

That’s something the Australians need now.

“This was a massive opportunity that we let slide,” Steph Catley, who is leading the Matildas in the absence of Kerr, said in her

NIGERIA’S IFEOMA ONUMONU, right, celebrates after teammate Uchenna Kanu, background, scored their side’s first goal during the Women’s World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia yesterday.

post-match TV interview. “We created a lot of opportunities that we couldn’t finish. We weren’t patient enough, and we weren’t clinical.

“(Nigeria) was great on the counter and they finished their chances,” Catley added. “We’ve just got to move on as quickly as possible — on to Canada now. This is what World Cups are all about.”

After controlling much of the game, Australia was stunned by the two-goal burst from Nigeria.

Australia went into the game with 10 wins in its

previous 11 international matches, including an away win over European champion England, and had seven clean sheets in their previous nine games.

They had more shots on goal (28-10) and more on target (8-5) but missed the clinical finish of its worldclass strikers and was rarely able to breach Nigeria’s disciplined defence. Australia dominated possession throughout the first half and had 10 shots on goal to one, but it was tied 1-1 at halftime after the teams traded goals in stoppage time.

Emily van Egmond scored the opener for Australia and Uchenna Kanu equalized seconds before halftime when she tapped in a floating, deflected cross from to the bluehaired Rasheedat Ajibade.

Oshoala replaced Kanu in a double switch for the Nigerian attack swung the momentum of the game.

Nigeria scored from a corner with three players heading the ball in sequence, starting with Michelle Alozie and going recalled midfielder Ajibade, who angled it across for veteran Uchiobe Ohale beside the post. Ohale nodded it in and took the brunt of Alanna Kennedy’s attempted clearance kick simultaneously.

The Australians threw everything into attack in front of a parochial 49,156 crowd but only managed to pull one goal back with Kennedy’s header deep in added time.

The Matildas have generated unprecedented exposure for women’s soccer in Australia and were widely expected to reach the knockout rounds. Now coach Tony Gustavsson has to turn around an upset quickly.

“When it’s as tough as it is now,” he said. “That’s when the true strength comes out in the team.”

Portugal knocks Vietnam out of Women’s World Cup with 2-0 victory in group stage

By LUKE VARGAS Associated Press

HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) — Telma Encarnacao scored one goal and assisted on another as Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 on Thursday in the Women’s World Cup, a win that ensured Vietnam will not advance to the knockout stage.

Portugal jumped ahead in the seventh minute following a quick series of decisive passes through the Vietnamese defense. Lucia

Alves dropped in a perfect cross to Encarnacao at the top of the six-yard box for a simple finish.

Portugal still has a shot to advance out of the group stage but will need to win or draw against the United States, with a Netherlands loss next Tuesday against Vietnam.

In the 21st minute, Portugal turned a goal kick from Vietnam into a chance, taking possession and moving downfield.

Encarnacao slipped the ball to Kika Nazareth as she raced through defenders, and the 20-year-old forward slotted the second goal of the night to the left of goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.

to the Netherlands, including 31-year-old captain Dolores Silva and goalkeeper Ines Pereira. Both Encarnacao and Nazareth came off the bench in the loss to the Dutch; both started in the win over Vietnam.

About 6,650 fans turned out to Waikato Stadium, which has a capacity of 18,009. The crowd was mostly Vietnamese fans, but it was the Portuguese contingent that made all the noise.

Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy was the lone bright spot for Vietnam. The right winger looked threatening the few times the Golden Star Women Warriors found themselves on the attack but couldn’t produce a goal.

KEY MOMENT

In its second Women’s World Cup match, Portugal got its very first Women’s World Cup goal. It stemmed from a dazzling sequence that moved Portuguese players into the final third of the pitch with time and space.

Alves teed up Encarnacao with an inchperfect cross, and the forward easily delivered the goal.

WHY IT

MATTERS With its first-ever Women’s World Cup win,

tournament newcomer Portugal stays in third place in Group E, just a point behind the United States and the Netherlands.

To qualify for the round of 16, the Portuguese need a win or a draw, paired with a Netherlands loss, on the final matchday.

Vietnam is out of contention for the knockout rounds, and the Golden Star Women Warriors are

still without a goal in their first Women’s World Cup.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“This is the most important goal, it was scored in a World Cup. This is history for Portugal. I’m incredibly proud,” said Encarnacao about her goal in the seventh minute.

“From this match, we can see where we are, where our level is,” Vietnam head

coach Mai Duc Chung

of evaluating Vietnam’s performance.

WHAT’S NEXT

Portugal plays its next match in Auckland against the reigning world champion and group leader United States.

Vietnam, meanwhile, faces a daunting finish to its first tournament in Dunedin against the Netherlands.

said

PORTUGAL ’s Kika Nazareth celebrates with teammates after scoring her side’s 2nd goal during the Women’s World Cup Group E soccer match against Vietnam in Hamilton, New Zealand, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

(AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

ARGENTINA’S ROMINA NUNEZ, centre, celebrates scoring their second goal of the game during the Women’s World Cup Group G soccer match against South Africa in Dunedin, New Zealand. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Jonquel Jones named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player Jonquel Jones was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week while the New York Liberty enjoys a four-game win streak.

The New York team reeled off three straight wins starting with the Eastern Conference’s Washington Mystics.

The team was handed a 9-point loss by the Dallas Wings post All-Star break, but bounced back against the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm in recent games. Throughout this winning stretch, Freeport native Jones has turned in some of her better performances with the Liberty this season.

The Bahamian forward was given the Eastern Conference weekly honours after averaging 18.7 points-per game (ppg), 10.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. She has remained efficient on offence, shooting an impressive 63.6% on field goals, and 53.8% from behind the arc during this period. The professional player has also converted on 100% of her free throw attempts.

The recent play of Jones post All-Star break has

New

York Liberty on four-game win streak

been a bright spot following a sluggish start to the season as she came back from a nagging foot injury.

The New York team has been fuelled by the brilliant play of the forward. They currently sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 18-5 (win/loss) record which is their best start as a franchise.

In their most recent drubbing, the Storm fell to the Liberty 86-82 at the Barclays Center.

Jones had 13 points along with a game and season-high 17 boards, making it her third consecutive double-double in the last three games.

Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu complemented the Bahamian’s efforts in the win, notching her fourth career triple double. She poured in 12 points and had identical numbers in rebounds and assists.

The Liberty got their second win of the last three games once again at Barclays, this time against the Fever. The 6-16 Eastern Conference team were no match for the hot New York team who delivered an 18-point defeat (10183) to their opponents.

Jones notched a doubledouble once again, putting up 18 points to pair with 11 boards and one block in the bout. The professional player’s best game of the stretch came against the Mystics. Jones was

dominant in the 96-87 win. The former WNBA MVP stuffed the stat sheet with a season-high 27 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. She is currently averaging her second lowest scoring average with 11.5, the lowest since her rookie

season with the Connecticut Sun. However, after seemingly hitting her stride at the right time for the Liberty in recent games, Jones will look to keep the momentum going in the second half of the WNBA season.

SWIM WORLDS: THOMPSON MAKES A SPLASH IN 100 FREE

FROM PAGE 12

the championships. She competed in the 200m medley where she was 24th overall in 2:25.36.

Thompson also got to team up with the three other members of Team Bahamas as they contested the mixed 4 x 100m medley relay, placing seventh in their heat for 24th overall in 4:03.98, led by Lamar Taylor’s national record breaking feat on the first leg in the backstroke in 55.03. The other two members of the team were Davante Carey and Rhanishka Gibbs.

Individually, Taylor got some spotlight when he won his heat of the men’s 50m butterfly, but had to settle for 40th overall.

He still has two more events to go as he competes in the 50m free today in lane one in the ninth of 13 heats and the 50m backstroke in lane nine in the sixth of seven heats.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Carey competed in the 100m backstroke where he was 47th overall in 57.50, an improvement on his time of 58.51 that he posted at the Bahamas Aquatics’ Swimming Nationals.

BREANNA STEWART SCORES 33, LIBERTY GET 95-84 WIN OVER DREAM

NEW YORK (AP) —

Breanna Stewart scored 25 of her 33 points in the first half, Jonquel Jones had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the New York Liberty beat the Atlanta Dream 95-84 last night.

New York scored the opening 11 points and led 57-42 at halftime. Stewart became the first player in WNBA history with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in a half, according to ESPN Stat & Info. Stewart was 7 of 10 from the field in the first half and 9 of 10 at the free-throw line to go along with seven rebounds and five assists.

Atlanta began the second half on a 10-2 run, capped by Allisha Gray’s 3-pointer, to pull to 59-52.

New York only scored 16 points in the third quarter as its lead was trimmed to 73-66.

But the Liberty went ahead by double figures for good after scoring nine straight points to begin the fourth. Sabrina Ionescu made it 92-78 after her fourth 3-pointer with 2:58 remaining.

Stewart, who reached 30 points for the fourth time this season, also had 12 rebounds and five assists for New York (185). Ionescu finished with 12 points and nine assists. Betnijah Laney scored 12 of her 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Gray scored 18 points of her 25 points in the first half for Atlanta (13-11). Aari McDonald added 18 points. Rhyne Howard and Cheyenne Parker each had 10 points.

OGWUMIKE SCORES 25, SPARKS GET SECOND WIN OVER FEVER IN TWO DAYS

LOS ANGELES (AP)

Carey still has the 100m butterfly where he will swim out of lane one in the third of eight heats.

And Gibbs, 17, will contest her first individual event in the 50m butterfly in lane five in the third of seven heats before she competes in the 50m free where she will occupy lane four in the sixth of 11 heats.

All four competitors will team up to compete in the mixed 4 x 100m freestyle relay where Team Bahamas has been placed in lane two in the third of five heats on Saturday.

UNDERSTANDING HAMSTRING INJURIES IN TRACK & FIELD

FROM PAGE 12

the proximal hamstring complex, while their distal attachments merge to the tibia and fibula.

Hamstring injuries in track and field often occur during high-intensity activities that require explosive acceleration, deceleration and quick changes in direction.

The eccentric nature of these movements, such as during the terminal swing phase of running or hurdling, can lead to overstretching and microtrauma within the hamstring muscles.

The biceps femoris, particularly the long head, is more susceptible to injury due to its anatomical position, exhibiting higher rates of strain when compared

to the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles. Understanding the biomechanics of hamstring injuries is vital in designing effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

The late swing phase of running, wherein the hip is flexed and the knee is extended, places significant strain on the hamstrings.

Additionally, inadequate eccentric hamstring strength during the initial contact and swing phase of the gait cycle can exacerbate the risk of injury.

Athletes with muscle imbalances, reduced flexibility and altered running mechanics are more susceptible to hamstring injuries. As a sports medicine physician, my focus is on a

proactive approach to prevent hamstring injuries. Biomechanical analysis and gait assessments can identify athletes’ risk factors, allowing for targeted interventions to correct muscle imbalances and optimise running mechanics.

Incorporating eccentric hamstring strengthening exercises, such as Nordic hamstring curls, into training regimens is paramount in reducing the risk of hamstring injuries. In the event of a hamstring injury, prompt diagnosis and individualised rehabilitation are essential.

Diagnostic imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can accurately assess the severity of

the injury, informing treatment planning.

Rehabilitation programmes should emphasize eccentric strengthening, flexibility exercises nd progressive return-to-play protocols.

Collaborative care among sports medicine practitioners, physical therapists and athletic trainers ensures comprehensive support for athletes on their road to recovery.

Understanding the intricacies of hamstring anatomy, pathophysiology and biomechanics is fundamental in addressing the challenges posed by injuries in track and field.

Through evidence-based prevention and management strategies, we can create a safer and more

resilient track and field community, celebrating the triumphs of athletes as they strike a balance between pushing their limits and safeguarding their well-being.

Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine. Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

— Nneka Ogwumike had 25 points and nine rebounds, Jordin Canada added 21 points and seven assists, and the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Indiana Fever 81-68 on Thursday for their second series victory in two days.

Ogwumike made two free throws with 4:07 remaining in the third quarter for a 58-46 lead and the Sparks led by double figures the rest of the way. Jasmine Thomas sank a wide open 3-pointer from the corner for a 73-60 lead and Canada added a jumper from the freethrow line on their next possession for a 15-point lead.

Thomas finished with eight points off the bench for Los Angeles (9-15). Dearica Hamby grabbed seven rebounds to reach 1,500 for her career. The Sparks made 20 of 23 free throws compared to Indiana’s three attempts.

Ogwumike was coming off a 30-point performance in a 79-78 victory over Indiana on Tuesday. Canada has scored 20-plus in backto-back games, including a game-winning 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds left on Tuesday.

Erica Wheeler had 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Indiana (6-18). Kristy Wallace scored 13 points, Aliyah Boston added 12 and Grace Berger added 11. NaLyssa Smith (foot) did not play for the fifth straight game. Wheeler and Boston each had 10 points at halftime as Indiana trailed 45-39.

GRAND Bahamian Jonquel Jones has been named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week while the New York Liberty enjoys a four-game win streak.

DAVANTE CAREY

FEMALE swimmers Rhanishka Gibbs, left, and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson.

CARIFTA TRIATHLON TEAM NAMED, OPENING CEREMONY ON AUGUST 25

FROM PAGE 12

Lenika Hamilton, Madison Gilbert, Alanna Murray, Grace Farrington, Layla Saidi and Erin Prichard on the ladies’ side.

The male athletes are Sibby Fynn Potter, Lauchlan Menzies, Mathis Bournas, Kendrick Cargill, Malcolm Menzies, Ayden

Bain, Lenin Hamilton, Jayden Smith, Callum Pritchard, Launy Duncombe, Enea Gervasini, Barron Musgrove, Jason Cates, Ellie Gibson, Blair Thompson, Kriston Rolle, Kyle Murray, Will Farrington, Brian Burrows, Launy Duncombe and Ellie Gibson.

“We are very confident in our team. It is probably the best team

to date. We have some real medal potential and we are full in every age group,” Roach said.

The Bahamas team this year has grown from 21 athletes to 36 athletes, which is the largest team that they have ever had. With this being the largest event that the association has ever had, Roach says that the team

is bigger, stronger and more in depth. The Bahamas Triathlon Association will be hosting 10 countries that will be arriving on August 23. The teams will be staying at SuperClubs Breezes Resort and Spa. Roach also shared that he is hoping that The Bahamas team

will finish within the top three as they have placed fifth for the past two competitions.

Roach further went on to thank his sponsors JSJ, Albany, Westside Construction, Corner Bank, Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, McVities, Cycles, Powerade, Panama Jack, Baha Mar and Bahamas Waste.

I-ELITE READY TO TAKE RELOADED BASEBALL TO ANOTHER LEVEL

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE International Elite Sports Academy has collaborated with the Reloaded Baseball programme since February which has translated to them competing in their first international baseball tournament.

I-Elite has all hands on deck in assisting the 9-and under (9U) and 10-and under (10U) teams ahead of their international tournament debut on Saturday.

The Reloaded baseball teams are scheduled to compete at the 10U PG Florida Summer Select Championship (Open) July 28-31 at the Boombah Sports Complex in Sanford, Florida.

In his appearance at the team’s final practice on the Northeast Regional Park, I-Elite’s co-founder Geron Sands was happy

about teaming up with the Reloaded Baseball programme.

“Everything we do is all about helping kids from The Bahamas to achieve their goals and develop. The relationship with Reloaded is one that I am excited about because with like-minded people at the head of both programmes makes it easier to help some more kids,” Sands said.

He added that Reloaded and I-Elite have the same goals and ideas, and with the collaboration it will help the kids to be the best that they can be to get the right development.

The co-founder emphasized that with the Reloaded 9U and 10U teams competing in their first tournament abroad, it will be a teachable moment for all involved.

He said that he is excited for Reloaded Baseball to be competing in these

international events because it will give them a chance to see where they are at, what they need to work on, and the different aspects of the games that they can take back home and get to the same level as the international baseball world.

With I-Elite’s team being the former stomping grounds of Major League Baseball (MLB) professional player Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, the

co-founder is confident in their programme. Although the Bahamian native currently plays with the Miami Marlins he played with the I-Elite since he was eight years old before taking the next step.

Sands firmly believes that Reloaded’s young players possess the foundational skills necessary to get to the next level as fellow Bahamian Jazz Chisholm.

“Firstly it is just about understanding the games and knowing where you need to be at times, backing up plays, and being fundamental in the game,” he said. The I-Elite co-founder described the younger Chisholm as a student of the game who was always eager to be on the baseball field. With proper coaching and support, Sands believes the Reloaded players have a lot of potential and are on the right track.

Peron Burnside, president of the Reloaded Baseball programme, echoed similar sentiments to the I-Elite co-founder.

The programme will mark one year of existence in August and the president is proud of their progress so far. “The collaboration started from February, I-Elite are intricately involved at all of our practices teaching them skills and fundamentals.

“Since the introduction of I-Elite to our programme we have expanded our coaching. Sometimes it takes outside sources who are experienced in the sport to make the difference,” Burnside said.

He added that, as the president, he has seen improvement in the younger players’ hitting, timing, batting mechanics and fielding as a result of the collaboration with I-Elite earlier this year.

Despite being an up and coming baseball club, Reloaded is looking to keep the momentum going in the sport all year round internationally and locally.

Organisers are planning a tournament for August which will now include TeeBall up to the 14U division. Also, the tournament will feature teams from the Family Islands, according to the president. “We want to take development across The Bahamas with us. We are internally funded but a lot of Family Islands sometimes do not have the means to come, but we try to reach out to strategic partners to assist them in coming in so we can help with their development as well,” he said.

The 30-member Reloaded baseball team will compete in the kids pitch and 10U divisions this weekend.

OHTANI TOSSES 1ST MLB SHUTOUT, HOMERS TWICE TO LEAD ANGELS TO DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP OF TIGERS

DETROIT (AP) —

Shohei Ohtani threw a one-hitter for his his first shutout in Major League Baseball in the first game of a doubleheader and hit two homers in the next, helping the Los Angeles Angels beat the Detroit Tigers twice yesterday to sweep a three-game series.

Ohtani gave the Angels a scare when he left the second game due to cramps after hitting his 38th homer in the fourth inning. He was 0 for 5 and struck out twice in the opener.

He struck out eight as the Angels beat Detroit 6-0 in the first game and then led the way in an 11-4 victory as Los Angeles won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Ohtani (9-5) did not allow a baserunner until the fifth inning and walked three on the same day the Angels confirmed they’re not trading him.

Michael Lorenzen (5-7) gave up three runs on five hits while walking one and striking out seven over five innings.

In the second game, Ohtani had a two-run homer in the second and a solo shot in the fourth.

Hunter Renfroe and Taylor Ward, who hit two homers in the first game, also went deep. Patrick Sandoval (6-7) gave up two runs in

five innings for the win in the second game and Matt Manning (3-2) took the loss after allowing seven runs over five innings.

METS 2, NATIONALS 1 NEW YORK

(AP)

— Mark Canha had a sacrifice fly immediately after a 97-minute rain delay in the bottom of the eighth

inning to lift New York over Washington.

The Mets strung together three straight one-out singles — the last an RBI hit into right field by Daniel Vogelbach — against Mason Thompson (3-4).

DJ Stewart was then plunked by a pitch to load the bases and Thompson was removed for Kyle

Finnegan moments before umpires motioned the teams off the field.

After play resumed, Canha hit Finnegan’s fifth pitch to deep right field and Pete Alonso beat the throw home. David Peterson (3-7) allowed three hits in two innings before Brooks Raley notched his second save with a hitless ninth.

GUARDIANS 6, WHITE SOX 3

CHICAGO (AP) —

Josh Naylor drove in three runs, rookie Tanner Bibee pitched into the seventh inning and Cleveland handed Chicago its sixth straight loss. Guardians manager Terry Francona tied Casey Stengel for 13th place on

baseball’s career wins list with his 1,926th victory.

Bibee (7-2) gave up three runs and six hits over 6 2/3 innings. Emmanuel Clase worked the ninth for his 28th save in 35 chances.

Naylor drove in two with a double and scored in a three-run third against Dylan Cease (4-4) that gave the Guardians a 4-0 lead.

Jake Burger homered twice for the White Sox. CUBS 10, CARDINALS 3

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Yan

Gomes drove in three runs and Chicago got back to .500 with its sixth straight win.

In the first inning, Cubs outfielder Ian Happ bloodied St. Louis catcher Willson Contreras when he hit him in the head with a long follow-through on a swing, then was soon hit himself by a pitch from Miles Mikolas.

Mikolas (6-6) brushed back Happ with his next pitch, then hit him.

The right-hander was ejected and so was Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.

Cody Bellinger, Christopher Morel and Mike Tauchman each had three hits for the Cubs to back left-hander Justin Steele (11-3), who gave up one run in six innings.

TEAM EFFORT: International Elite Sports Academy members combine with the Reloaded Baseball team at Northeast Regional Park, Polk County in their last practice before Saturday’s tourney.

GERON SANDS

LOS Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader yesterday in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Ford 2Q profit surges on strong revenue, but company faces electric vehicle growing pains

By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer

FORD Motor Co.’s second-quarter profit more than tripled to $1.92 billion versus a year ago on strong internal combustion and commercial vehicle sales, but losses grew along with growing pains in the electric vehicle business.

Pretax losses at Model e, the EV business, topped $1 billion in the quarter, but they were more than offset by $2.3 billion in profits on internal combustion vehicles and $2.39 billion from commercial vehicles such as delivery vans.

The overall strong performance gave Ford the confidence to raise its guidance for full-year pretax profits, Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said Thursday. The company now expects to make $11 billion to $12 billion, up from $9 billion to $11 billion. Sales in the U.S., Ford’s most lucrative market, rose 10% last quarter,

But Ford backed away from ambitious milestones for building electric

vehicles in the future. The company had said it would build at an annual rate of 600,000 this year, but now says that won’t happen until next year. Ford also delayed a goal of building 2 billion EVs per year by the end of 2026, pushing that out indefinitely.

Ford predicted its fullyear pretax losses on electric vehicles will balloon to $4.5 billion, from $3 billion previously. But the company expects its Ford Blue combustion engine unit and the Ford Pro commercial vehicle operation will each make $8 billion on strong pricing, more than covering the EV losses. Commercial vehicle profits are expected to double from last year.

Lawler said the ramp up on EV production isn’t going to be a straight line as the transformation from combustion engines to electricity continues. High prices and perceptions of inconvenience compared with gas vehicles will slow takeup, Lawler said. “It’s really about the top line,” he said.

NOTICE

International Business Companies Act No.45 of2000 JALSEN LIMITED (the “Company”)

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of JALSEN LIMITED has been completed, a Certifcate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 13th July, 2023.

In May, the company c ut prices on its electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck by up to $10,000 on some versions. The updated base price for the Pro model, its lowest priced electric pickup, will be $49,995, down about $10,000. But it’s losing thousands on every EV sold.

CEO Jim Farley told analysts that Ford’s next

generation of electric vehicles will be simpler to build and cost less than the current generation. The company, he said, tore down Tesla and BYD EVs about a year ago and found that Ford vehicles were too complex. The new Fords will have a simpler, more energy efficient underpinning with advanced battery

NOTICE

INTEGRATED SECURITY SERVICES LTD.

Registration No. 54381 C d/b/a Alternative Power Supply (In Voluntary Liquidation)

NOTICE is hereby given in pursuance of Section 218(e) of the Companies Act, 1992 as amended by the Companies (Windingup Rules Amendment) Act, 2011 that the Members of Integrated Security Services Ltd., (the “Company”) by resolutions passed on the 13th day of July 2023, authorized the voluntary winding up of the Company and the appointment of Philip Holdom c/o 303 Shirley Street, Nassau, The Bahamas as the Liquidator. All persons having claims against the Company are requested to submit particulars of such claims and proof thereof in writing to the Liquidator, Philip Holdom, c/o 303 Shirley Street, P. O. Box N-492, Nassau, The Bahamas not later than the 18th day of August, 2023 after which the books will be closed and assets of the Company will be distributed.

DATED this 28th day of July, A.D., 2023.

Philip Holdom Liquidator

packs that can be used for multiple vehicles, he said.

He said Ford isn’t backing off plans to make 8% profit margins on EVs by the end of 2026, and it will only make vehicles that can hit that margin target. Farley said the company could sell lower-priced vehicles that reach the profit target by increasing the customer base for software services, such as the ability to predict when a part will fail before it happens.

Last quarter the company began reporting profits and losses for the EV, combustion and commercial units for the first time.

Farley also revealed that Ford will unveil a new version of the F-150 pickup and a hybrid version at Detroit’s auto show in September. Ford’s F-Series pickups are the top selling vehicles in the U.S. Excluding one-time items, Ford made 72 cents per share. That beat Wall Street estimates of 54 cents.

Revenue rose 12% to $44.95 billion, beating the $43.17 billion expected by analysts polled by FactSet.

Shares of Ford fell just under 1% to $13.62 in extended trading Thursday. The company released its earnings after the closing bell.

Among the profit “headwinds” that Ford faces this year are inflation, higher industry discounts, and higher costs associated with any contract agreement reached with the United Auto Workers union. Lawler conceded there will be added expenses, including a contract ratification bonus that would be paid to Ford’s 57,000 UAW members.

UAW President Shawn Fain has repeatedly said he wants to get general pay raises, raises tied to the cost of living, restoration of pensions for newer workers and the elimination of wage tiers. He’s cited strong company profits and has referenced the possibility of strikes against Ford, Stellantis and General Motors when the current contracts expire at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14.

Farley said Ford has more UAW-represented jobs in the U.S. than its competitors and has added more workers than required by the union contract signed in 2019. He said that although the negotiations will be challenging, “our goal is to build a bridge to the future with our employees based on mutual trust.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT

DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, LINDA DORNELL PETIT-FRERE of James Cistern, Eleuthera, Bahamas one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas intend to change my name to LINDA DORNELL HASCHKER. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, The Bahamas no later than Thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

Photo:David Zalubowski/AP

Top finance official says: Tourism can pay more

that the Government be “considerate” and avoid imposing any new and/ or increased taxes given that The Bahamas’ largest industry is already “contributing our fair share and more”.

Mr Wilson, kickingoff his presentation, said:

“The Ministry of Finance is endeavouring to have a fair and equitable burden of taxes by all sectors of the economy. There’s no effort to target a particular sector. We want to ensure the rules are applied fairly across the sectors and across the economy. “The Government’s fiscal position is well known, and we are of the view that in the tourism sector there is capacity for a little bit more contribution.” The finance official later repeated this notion, although he promised that the Government will introduce no measures that cause economic hardship or disruption for the country’s main growth and jobs driver.

“My final point is: What is the future?” Mr Wilson said. “We believe that there is room, or elasticity using a technical term, for additional revenues without

hampering the sector. We want to work closely with the BHTA. I think we started some discussions prior to the Budget with Mr Sands about some of that. We want to continue those discussions, hopefully before the end of this year, so we can have a consensus on what is the way forward.

“We will not do anything unless we have a consensus position from the sector on what is appropriate because we realise the sector is very important to the economy. We want to make sure there is an agreed upon position.”

Despite Mr Wilson’s soothing conclusion, many in the private sector and wider economy are likely to take the comments as confirmation that the Government is on a continuous revenue and taxation grab.

The financial secretary touted the Large Taxpayer Unit, which should be created by early fall 2023, as a mechanism to provide better, more efficient services to the large hotels included among the Government’s 50 largest taxpayers who collectively “account for half the revenue we collect”.

“I think the most important initiative we have now

Soaring labor costs at Southwest Airlines overshadow record revenue as summer travel revs up

By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer

SOUTHWEST Airlines said second-quarter earnings dropped 10% to $683 million as labor costs soared, offsetting record revenue at the start of the peak summer travel season.

The airline also warned Thursday that a key revenue ratio will drop and non-fuel costs will rise in the third quarter.

The shares fell nearly 9% to close at $33.02, the stocks' worst one-day percentage decline since June 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic crippled air travel.

Southwest said that revenue for every seat flown one mile — a closely watched ratio in the airline business — fell 8.3% in the second quarter and will drop by between 3% and 7% in the third quarter, compared with the same periods last year.

That outlook "will amplify concerns around slowing domestic air travel demand," said Cowen airline analyst Helane Becker.

A report earlier this week from Alaska Airlines fanned worries that demand for air travel — especially within the United States — might finally be cooling after recovering strongly from the pandemic. Southwest and Alaska both operate mostly domestic flights, and they are benefitting less than bigger rivals Delta, United and American from the boom in international flying.

Southwest CEO Robert Jordan sought to assure the market, saying that more

is the focus on providing services to large taxpayers,” Mr Wilson said. “Many tourism-related entities fall into the country’s largest 50 tax-paying businesses who account for a disproportionate amount of our revenue. We have 50,000 businesses registered, and 50 of them account for half the revenue we collect.

“We believe those businesses require, I wouldn’t say a greater level of service, but more efficient services. It’s so critical to our fiscal outcome. We are in the last stages of creating a Large Taxpayer Unit, and those businesses will be registered to pay VAT not in 21 days, like smaller businesses, but a shorter timeframe.

“In each case we will contact the business directly to understand the benefits of

being included in the Large Taxpayer Unit so they don’t just think this is an attempt by the Government to get funds quicker from the Large Taxpayer Unit, which we’re hoping to establish by early fall.” Robert Sands, the BHTA’s president, said industry members who fell into the 50 largest taxpayers are looking forward to the “one stop shop” the unit will offer.

Mr Wilson said the socalled “hotel condo tax”, designed to ensure that all units in a hotel rental pool contribute something to the Public Treasury, had been implemented relatively smoothly and “to-date, I don’t think there’s a particular challenge”. He added that the reform, which levies real property tax on vacation rentals if a VAT threshold is not reached,

was intended to eliminate “a tax break without any revenue offset”. The financial secretary, joined by Department of Inland Revenue officials, said the Government has enlisted the help of Avenu, a company that aids US local government authorities in tax administration, to assemble data on almost 10,000 Bahamas-based vacation rental properties using information available via listings websites such as Airbnb and VRBO.

This, they added, has secured details on room rates, occupancies and annual revenue earnings going back as far as 2015 for some vacation rental homes. “We feel very confident we are going to see a significant uptick in revenue from this programme,” Mr Wilson said.

Shunda Strachan, the Department of Inland Revenue’s acting controller, said the agency has approached the vacation rental market “from two directions”. Describing Avenu’s work using available information as “through the back door”, she added: “We’ve opened the door for those property owners to come and register.

“We’ve already gathered a lot of the information..... to tell us what is going on in that market. We expect to gain considerable revenue from that area that we’ve not been able to get in previous years because foreign owners were not paying VAT and the property was not registered for property taxes. We’re going to close in on that market this year.”

than half of the decline in the second-quarter revenue ratio could be explained by additional money that Southwest booked a year ago. Southwest recognized revenue based on the expectation that some pandemic-era vouchers and credits would not be used before they expired.

Southwest has since said vouchers won't expire, and that caused a $300 million hit to revenue in this year's second quarter, the CEO said.

Jordan said demand is still strong, and the airline is 70% booked for the third quarter — ahead of where it would normally be in late July.

The average one-way fare on Southwest dropped nearly 3% compared with last summer, to $179.44. Jordan said, however, that fares actually rose 2% after excluding the revenue Southwest recognized last year from unused vouchers.

Southwest and other airlines are trying to adapt to changes in travel habits since the pandemic. Business travel has yet to recover, causing airlines to tweak their schedules to attract more leisure flyers.

Southwest is scheduling more long flights, and it is reducing early-morning and late-night flights.

The second-quarter results from Dallas-based Southwest, which were aided by lower fuel prices, beat analyst expectations. The company predicted record revenue and another profit in the third quarter, but warned of higher nonfuel costs.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Busy Optometry offce in New Providence looking for full time Optometrist. Must have Doctorate of Optometry degree from an accredited college of Optometry or trained at a college of Optometry from the UK. Must be licensed to practice in country of training. Must be profcient in OCT and Humphrey’s Visual Field.

Fears ‘non-peak’ airlift undermined spark clash

meeting earlier that the start of direct service from the US west coast to New Providence by Jet Blue and Alaska Airlines “excites us because they will be coming in at off-peak times for both arrivals and departures”.

With both airlines arriving after 6pm when they launch those routes this winter, Ms Walkine said it will enable NAD to achieve “what we’ve wanted to do for a while” in terms of spreading out carrier arrivals and departures rather than having them all concentrated in the traditional 11am to 2m peak timeframe.

Ms Foster, following up on this point, argued:

“Why should I bring in an aircraft outside peak periods if I have to pay more in terms of overtime?” She also expressed surprise that a previous system, where additional departure taxes were included in passenger ticket prices, and overtime “goes away”, had expired. Outlining the Government’s position, Mr Wilson responded: “I don’t think there’s any confusion here on that point. That programme which was put in place several years ago has expired. That chapter is closed. That was a failed attempt by the Government to provide incentives. It was not successful. We have to move on.

“You say: ‘Why should I pay overtime?’ You pay overtime to US Customs and Border Protection. So why should [Bahamian] taxpayers subsidise the operations of airlines? US Customs and Border Protection pay overtime in The Bahamas. Why should Bahamas Customs and Immigration subsidise their operations?”

Ms Foster replied: “I think you’re missing the point, Mr Wilson.” She carried on despite the financial secretary’s attempts to intervene, adding: “Let me make it clear. We want more airlift here. To be clear we don’t pay overtime to US Customs and Border Protection. Let me make it

clear: We want more airlift, and are asking for more airlift outside that peak period so we don’t have bottlenecks inside US Customs and Border Protection.

“The Bahamas wants that, and we’ve been asking for that. But technically, you’re charging me more to do that. If we don’t take a deep look at what we’re doing, we’re going to tax ourselves out of the market.... If Customs is on a shift system it should not be a problem. They’re on a shift system now. If I bring in airlift at 5pm, I have to pay overtime when they are working a shift system. Explain that for me please.”

Mr Wilson replied bluntly: “You run a business

that’s generating profits. We are not in business to subsidise foreign businesses. It was a bad idea when we did it, we corrected that bad idea and moved on from that. Airlines have to pay their fair share of what is the cost of that service. That’s our position.

“Those that don’t pay, like every other taxpayer, they have to face the consequences of non-payment.”

Ms Foster said this “sounds like you’re threatening”, prompting an intervention by Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, in a bid to calm the situation. However, Mr Wilson pressed on.

SBF charged dropped on Bahamas objection

FROM PAGE A24

failed bid to dismiss this charge, the US Attorney’s Office for southern New York wrote: “In opposing the defendant’s motion, the government informed the court that the US had sought clarification from The Bahamas regarding whether this count was included in the defendant’s extradition. The court directed the parties to keep the court informed of the status of the government’s request for clarification.

“The government has been informed that The Bahamas notified the US earlier today that The Bahamas did not intend to extradite the defendant on the campaign contributions count. Accordingly, in keeping with its treaty obligations to The Bahamas, the government does not intend to proceed to trial on the campaign contributions count.”

The move comes with Mr Bankman-Fried seeking to dismiss multiple fraud, bribery and corruptionrelated charges stemming from FTX’s collapse on the grounds that the US has violated The Bahamas’ Extradition Act and treaty.

Although the charges involving breaches of US campaign finance laws have been dropped, he is still fighting those involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), plus bank fraud and operating an unlicensed money transmission business, should be struck out because they run afoul of key provisions in The Bahamas-US extradition treaty.

Mr Bankman-Fried and his legal advisers, in alleging that the federal authorities are doing an “end-run” around the treaty, have focused their arguments on its Article 14. Known as the “rule of specialty”, this stipulates that someone being

extradited from The Bahamas “may only be detained, tried or punished” in the US “for the offence for which extradition was granted”, while setting out other criteria.

They are arguing that this article has been breached by the US authorities adding the charges FTX’s founder now wants dismissed AFTER he was extradited from The Bahamas in late 2022. Mr Bankman-Fried’s “warrant of surrender”, signed by Fred Mitchell, minister of foreign affairs and the public service, on December 21, 2022, makes no mention of any FCPA or US campaign finance law violations.

The warrant, which was among documents filed with the New York court, stipulated that as far as the Bahamian authorities were concerned Mr BankmanFried was being extradited to face two counts of mail

BPL REQUIRES $4M ‘TRI-FUEL’ INVESTMENT

FROM PAGE A22

originally envisioned. And that has resulted in some eating or eroding of some of the fuel savings benefits that were envisioned with the project, as well as some of the operational performance issues.

“To be more specific, the engines were originally

supposed to be tri-fuel engines and a standalone plant. I think some events occurred during the planning phase of that that required an immediate need for additional capacity, as well as the time constraints. And so there were some modifications made to the original design, and that has resulted in the production

ability of those units to produce as they are designed to be [becoming] somewhat compromised.”

However, sources close to the Minnis administration described the “tri-fuel capable” concerns as a red herring. They explained that, since the supply of LNG was several years away under the terms of the agreement

fraud; two counts of conspiring to falsify accounts; two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court blocked the Bahamas government from - temporarily at least - giving the US permission to bring these charges against Mr Bankman-Fried.

And Justice Loren Klein also gave the imploded crypto exchange’s chief the go-ahead to launch a Judicial Review challenge against two Cabinet ministers, Mr Mitchell and Ryan Pinder KC, the attorney general, over assertions he has “a right to be heard” before this nation decides whether to allow US federal prosecutors to proceed with new counts and charges added after Mr Bankman-Fried was extradited to New York just prior to Christmas 2022.

then being negotiated with Shell North America, there was never any intention that the Wartsila engines immediately be fitted out or made able to burn this fuel source. Instead, the focus was placed on ensuring their optimal use of HFO, which is cheaper than diesel.

Mr Cambridge, meanwhile, explained why BPL and the Government elected not to continue with Wartsila’s operations and maintenance (O&M) contract. “The Wartsila plant, I think, started somewhere around 2018. We first got commercial power from that unit in December 2019. At that time, the decision was made to put the operation and maintenance of that plant in the hands of the O&M, which would be Wartsila,” he added.

“So, they had a two-year contract, which was subsequently extended for another year into a third year. But in reviewing that contract, we had some concerns. And not really with Wartsila, but just with the efficiency of that, the efficacy of that pool arrangement from a financial and operational perspective. And

The FTX founder’s case has already been split into two separate trials over “uncertainty” as to when The Bahamas would make a decision on whether he could be tried on additional charges.

Judge Kaplan, in a late June 15, 2023, order, ruled that Mr Bankman-Fried will be tried separately on March 11, 2024, on the charges that did not form part of his extradition from The Bahamas. He issued the order “in view of the uncertainty” over whether The Bahamas will give permission for the ex-FTX chief to be tried on these counts just two days after Justice Klein’s ruling.

Mr Bankman-Fried’s original October 2023 trial will thus proceed only on the offences for which he has been extradited. Mr Williams, in arguing that the case be split into two trials, said the FTX founder’s

so we made the decision to cancel that contract in December 2022, and we’ve taken over the management of the O&M ourselves.”

Mr Cambridge said this summer’s heatwave has sparked the “highest consumption peak on record” of 278 MW for New Providence. BPL had planned for a peak of 265 MW, with current available generation capacity standing at 300 MW.

To further boost generation capacity, BPL will invest around $40m in a solar farm that is expected to come online by late 2024. “The returns and the benefits from that outweigh the costs,” Mr Cambridge added. “We will see that type of capital investment is driving down the fuel costs, and basically, our estimates are that that’s going to result in about a two cents per kilowatt hour decrease in the fuel charge. Based on our current sales and production, every one cent is about $15m a year in revenue when you look at it in terms of on average.

BPL also plans to commission a tariff study to restructure its rates. Mr Cambridge said the utility

“I’m not threatening. This is the point which some in industry don’t seem to understand. Every taxpayer has an obligation to pay the taxes which have been assessed,” he added. “If they don’t pay the taxes that are assessed, they run the risk of action by the Government. That has to be clear. That’s not a threat. That’s the law.

“It’s best people familiarise themselves with the law as opposed to asking for special treatment. We cannot fund the country on special treatment. We cannot fund a billion dollar corporation. I have to pay and provide services for the entire country from the taxes we collect.”

decision to bring litigation in The Bahamas meant this nation’s “consent” to the additional charges may not be obtained until after the initial trial date.

“In light of the uncertainty concerning when The Bahamas will render a decision with respect to specialty, and to simplify the proof at trial and decrease the burden of trial preparation on the defendant, the [US] government is prepared to proceed to trial as scheduled on the counts contained in the original Indictment, and to consent to discretionary severance.... of the additional counts contained in the [last] indictment,” Mr Williams said in mid-June 2023.

“The [US] government respectfully requests that the court schedule trial on these counts for the first quarter of 2024, or the nearest time thereafter convenient to the court, pending resolution of the government’s request for a specialty waiver [from The Bahamas].” Judge Kaplan duly granted his wish.

has not enjoyed an increase in its base tariff, which is supposed to cover all its operating expenses. since 2010. The utility is working on releasing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to secure a consultant who will advise on this project and conduct the necessary studies.

“Once the tariff study is completed, we will be working along with our stakeholders on a strategy for rate adjustments across all classes. This will be a major undertaking but, inevitably, it will reap the benefits for a leaner, greener utility where efficiencies drive down the cost of energy and, at the same time, create the energy security we need in a small country,” Mr Cambridge said.

Among the concepts that this will introduce are “budget billing, time of use, demand side and EV (electric vehicle) rates” in order to transform BPL into a modern utility. The process is expected to last between six to 12 months, but Mr Cambridge did not commit to a timeline when the RFP will be issued.

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Baha Mar blames BPL for $8.5m hit to profits

BPL-related concerns. Kerry Fountain, the Bahamas Out Island Promotions Board’s executive director, told the same meeting:

“I just want to echo what Graeme Davis said. That is the concern with these blackouts. We’re paying more and getting less.

“Not only is it causing a poor customer experience, but it’s also increasing costs to the hotel operators as every time something like that happens they have to replace equipment. I’m hoping we can get this matter resolved as quickly as possible.”

His and Mr Davis’ hopes for urgent relief when it comes to BPL’s prices, as well as the inconsistency and unreliability of power supply, are likely to be somewhat optimistic. While

the utility is forecasting that its fuel charge will drop, the decline is only predicted to be by three cents per kWH during the three months between September and November this year, and even that will depend on spot prices in the volatile global oil markets.

Robert Sands, the BHTA’s president, pledged that the industry body will continue to push for better quality and more affordable power as this is key to not only the visitor experience but the ability of The Bahamas’ largest industry to remain competitive against global and Caribbean rivals on a cost basis.

“We will continue to have a conversation with our partners at BPL as it relates to the provision of consistent, quality, affordable power throughout the archipelago,” Mr Sands

said. “I have spoken about this publicly, and we will continue to advocate on the matter as it is vital to our ability to function as a nation and provide our guests with our best version of ourselves.”

Mr Davis and Baha Mar’s owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE), will be hoping that the robust postCOVID tourism recovery continues to drive business at the mega resort and help offset the financial impact of high BPL bills. Having enjoyed “a very, very strong” 2023 first quarter, where there was “a very large increase” in business volumes due to weak prior year comparatives as a result of COVID’s Omicron variant, Baha Mar’s president says the momentum has endured.

“Of course the second quarter was very robust last

year, so we’re looking at about a 10 percent increase for the second quarter [this year] as we just wrap up June’s financials,” Mr Davis told the meeting. “As we go into July, we start to get into the thick of the third quarter. We’re looking to be just as strong, up about 2 percent over last year. Of course, there was some strong demand.

“Going into the fall, it’s going to be a very soft fall with a sprinkling of a little bit of group business. Our properties are certainly maintaining the occupancy levels we have budgeted and forecasted so, barring any storms, we’ll certainly look forward to a good soft landing by the end of the year.”

Confirming that the Melia Nassau Beach resort’s demolition is underway, and targeted for a fall

TAX DODGERS ‘DOMINATE’ FOREIGN YACHT CHARTERS

FROM PAGE A24

This, though, was vehemently rejected by Mr Wilson, who said the Ministry of Finance had entrusted the ABM with “non-public information” when it called its senior executives in to explain the problems and why the Government had ordered that SeaZPass payment mechanism to be shut down

Those reasons were not divulged yesterday, but Tribune Business previously revealed that the online portal was closed over a dispute as to whether Omni had remitted the full fee sums due to the Public Treasury.

Omni asserted that all sums due and owing had been paid in response to Ministry of Finance allegations that some $5m remained outstanding, and this newspaper was informed that progress has been made in resolving this dispute. However, several sources questioned why, if the Government had concerns, it simply did not require that the digital payments provider be changed and allow SeaZ Pass to continue with a new provider.

The SeaZPass controversy erupted prior to Mr Wilson asserting yesterday that the Government plans “to make sure we get our fair share of revenues from the marine sector”. Successive administrations have long believed that many foreign charter vessels failed to pay the 4 percent levy to

the Port Department prior to July 2022’s imposition of VAT on the same contract, which more than tripled the effective tax rate to 14 percent.

“This, for us, has been a vexing issue because of continued misconceptions about what our intentions are,” Mr Wilson said in relation to foreign yacht charters. We hear comments about yachts not visiting marinas because of the application of VAT and so forth.

“I personally do not understand; we don’t understand from this side... The foreign yacht charter business in The Bahamas is dominated by a couple of large businesses that have over 100 yachts chartered in The Bahamas. Those businesses have not, and have admitted to not, being consistent with taxes paid. That is a concern.

“All this discussion in the media by persons, they seem not to appreciate people have to pay their fair share of taxes. It is inconceivable to me that we have a business generating $8m$10m in annual revenue in The Bahamas that believes the obligation to pay taxes doesn’t exist for them. That’s what the situation is.”

Mr Wilson did not identify the companies involved, but returned to the issue later during questions from hotel and tourism executives. “We are sorting through significant issues with the foreign yacht charter business,” he

reiterated. “That business is dominated by a couple of large firms that are largely non-compliant and have always been non-compliant, and it will take a while for us to sort through these issues.”

The financial secretary’s comments came just one day after Obiama Knowles, the Atlantis dockmaster, told this newspaper that the resort’s marina had sustained a 20-25 percent drop-off in large vessel traffic - boats 180 feet and upwards - since VAT was imposed on foreign yacht charters. He added that it was “definitely hurting the small man” more as there were fewer boats to provide work for day cleaners, mechanics, provisioners and other professions.

As for SeaZPass, Mr Williams said the ABM first came up with the idea to develop an online portal for the collection of boating-related fees as far back as 2015. The Association viewed it as a mechanism “to simplify” foreign charter fee payments, permit approvals and the associated bureaucracy, and also a means to encourage their clients to come in and pay since it would be “a lot easier for them”.

Disclosing that the initiative was put on hold in 2017, after the Government and Customs moved to develop a single electronic gateway via Click2Clear, the ABM president said the idea was revived in 2017 due to

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negative experiences with that system. A proposal was subsequently submitted to the Government, and eventually approved by Cabinet, with the ABM partnering with Omni as payments solutions provider.

The proposal, he added, saw SeaZPass developed at no cost to the Government or taxpayer, and with all revenues deposited to the Government’s account. The developer was to receive a 2 percent commission to recover its costs, which was to be shared with the ABM, and Omni 1.5 percent to cover operational expenses. The ABM was to use its share of the 2 percent to help maintain navigation aids.

“We have a significant problem around the country with navigation aids,” Mr Williams said yesterday. The SeaZPass portal was

2023 completion, Mr Davis indicated that Baha Mar’s owner is waiting on “direction” from the Government so that it can determine its future plans for the sevenacre site that will soon be completely raised.

“I will say we are moving forward with our demolition,” he told the BHTA meeting. “That is starting to come down. We’re expecting to have that completed by fall. We’re hopeful that we can work with the Government here on having future plans to announce.

“It really is right now with the Government, and hopefully we’ll have some direction soon that we can announce on future plans. We’re certainly hopeful that we can make a positive impact for the tourism product here in Nassau and certainly for the community.”

said to have collected $4m in yacht charter fees and cruising permits, with regular reports sent to the Port Department on what was being collected and deposited to the Government’s account.

The ABM and Omni were said to have yet to receive a commission payment from the Government prior to the online portal’s shutdown, and Mr Williams said there had been no response to inquiries as to how the Davis administration plans to move forward. He said the closure meant boaters and yachters lack a convenient mechanism to pay due fees to the Government.

“This is the most pressing thing for the ABM,” he added. “We are at a standstill. This is one of the most pressing issues that we are facing. We are pursuing it, trying to find out what the situation is with regard to this. We were told an audit was done [by Deloitte] but don’t have any information

Jackson Weech, general operations manager at Atlantis, told the same BHTA meeting that the 2023 first half has “certainly been robust” with revenue and occupancy percentages “pacing in line with projections”. With rates higher than pre-COVID levels, he added that the Paradise Island resort’s group business “continues to show encouraging growth”, while all holidays for 2023 to-date “exhibited exceptionally high occupancy and attendant rates”.

With both the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holidays showing “great momentum in terms of build”, Mr Weech also affirmed that Atlantis has “now completed the full renovation of the Royal Towers” with the west tower finished some seven to eight weeks ago.

with regard to that.... We are now in limbo with respect to that.”

Mr Wilson, though, said the ABM and its executives knew full well why the Government had ordered SeaZPass’ shutdown. “This commentary about the decision of the Government not to use a portal that was utilised to pay fees. When that decision was made, the relevant Association was called into the Ministry of Finance and provided with an explanation as to what was occurring,” he added. “It is not fair for the commentary to be such that they didn’t know what was happening. What we as Ministry of Finance officials do, we try to be as transparent as possible..... The portal that we took offline was because we were having a challenge, and the challenge is well known to the ABM. We were explicit. We told them non-public information, and were as transparent as we possibly could be.”

Bahamas ‘tops’ 5m visitors to end-June

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Tourism's top official yesterday disclosed that visitor arrivals breached the five million mark for the 2023 half-year although higher-yielding stopovers and air arrivals remained slightly down on 2019's "banner year".

Latia Duncombe, the ministry's director-general, told a Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) board of directors meeting that the surge in arrivals numbers for the six months to end-June had been driven by some 3.9m cruise ship passengers who represent the country's volume business.

"When you look at the performance of The Bahamas, our performance has been robust," she said. "When you look at this year, and year-to-date to June, we've topped the five million visitor arrivals mark, which will be a 66.5 percent increase over 2022 and a 29.6 percent increase over our banner year, which is 2019.

"Foreign air arrivals for year-to-date June were 957,000, which is a 27.5 percent increase over 2022 and it's down slightly, 2.3 percent, over 2019. Our cruise performance remains very strong, 3.9m or 81 percent over 2022 and 42 percent over 2019. Stopovers yearto-date are 974,000, which is up 33.3 percent over 2022 but down 9 percent when we look at 2019 numbers."

The Bahamas is unlikely to "top" the five million mark again during the 2023

Revamped British Colonial to be ‘incredible property’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE revamped British Colonial resort will “be an incredible property” that no longer operates under a recognised flag or brand, it was disclosed yesterday.

LATIA DUNCOMBE

second half as this contains the traditionally slower parts of the tourism season, whereas the figures to June included the peak winter season.

Joy Jibrilu, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board's chief executive, told the same meeting that when it came to airlift "based on currently loaded schedules we will just exceed our 2019 seat capacity in October this year, which will be up 3 percent over 2019.

"Currently loaded seat capacity for December 2023 is 16 percent higher than December 2019, and December 2019 was the highest seat capacity December month in the last 20 years," she added.

"Overall airlift capacity in the second quarter was up this year by 15 percent this year compared to last year."

Vernice Walkine, Nassau Airport Development Company's (NAD) president and chief executive, said passenger traffic at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) had recovered to 94 percent of pre-COVID levels by end-June 2023 and was tracking some 18 percent ahead of last year's figures.

Dan McDermott, the downtown Nassau hotel’s newly-named general manager, told a Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) directors meeting that it will operate as an “independent” property with “great synergies” to the adjacent Pointe complex once its $50m refit has been completed by year-end.

“Ownership is working very hard to get things up and running, hopefully by the end of the year,” he said, referring to China Construction America (CCA). “It’s

going to be a very different hotel in a lot of ways from what it was. It’s literally been torn apart right now in a lot of areas, and in other areas it’s coming together quite quickly.

“It’s going to be an incredible property, no longer a Hilton. It’s going to be an independent property. It will be a really great complement to The Pointe once completed, One Particular Harbour and Margaritaville. All three properties will have great synergy.”

Asked when the resort, which has long been regarded as an ‘anchor’ property for downtown Nassau and Bay Street will open, Mr McDermott replied: “We’re looking at the end of the year. I think early December would really be the target we have right now. Maybe we don’t

get absolutely everything opened at once, but that’s the target right now to get everything moving forward, if not all at once, in a progressive plan.”

Robert Sands, the BHTA’s president, said the near-300 rooms that a re-opened British Colonial would return to New Providence’s hotel industry will play a vital role in ensuring supply can meet still-high visitor demand.

“The additional rooms that certainly the British Colonial will bring on board will certainly help fill the void we have in supply on the island of New Providence,” he added.

No mention was made of the recent Immigrationrelated controversy that ensnared the British Colonial, its CCA owner and the project’s Chinese construction workforce. The

British Colonial was closed “indefinitely” on February 15, 2022, with some 130 staff made redundant. The date also coincided with when the management/operating agreement with Hilton came to an end.

The Hilton was likely to have been hit hardest than many hotels by the COVID19 pandemic because it catered primarily to business travellers - the market segment that suffered most.

The 291-room property was also focused heavily on the groups, meetings, conventions and conferences market that was among the last to rebound from the pandemic’s clutches. This was not just foreign groups, but the local corporate market that now relies on Zoom calls as opposed to face-to-face meetings.

BPL REQUIRES $4M 'TRI-FUEL' INVESTMENT

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power & Light's (BPL) Wartsila engines require a further $4m investment to make them "tri-fuel ready", its chief executive said yesterday said, adding that they are not presently capable of burning three fuel types.

Shevonn Cambridge, speaking at a Prime Minister's Office media briefing, said the seven engines acquired for $90m by the former Minnis administration as a solution to New

BPL chief: ‘Under recovery’ behind soaring energy bills

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power & Light's (BPL) chief executive yesterday confirmed that soaring energy bills

have resulted from previous policy decisions to hold the utility's fuel charge at an artificially-low 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour (KWh).

Shevonn Cambridge, asked to explain why Bahamian households and

businesses are enduring skyrocketing electricity costs even though global oil prices have decreased by more than 30 percent year-over-year, said the disconnect was due to BPL's

Providence's pre-COVID load shedding require further work before they can run off liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel.

The 132 Mega Watts (MW) of new generation capacity were promoted as tri-fuel engines, capable of burning heavy fuel oil (HFO) and light fuel oil (LFO or diesel) as well as LNG, with the latter designed to begin the transition to cleaner burning, more environmentally-friendly, fuels at BPL. However, Mr Cambridge said the seven Wartsila engines are presently not capable of using LNG.

previous "under-recovery" of its fuel costs.

To recover those costs, the utility is presently imposing fuel charges on consumers that are higher than global oil market costs. This is because it previously failed to pass on 100 percent of its fuel costs to Bahamian households and businesses - as it is required to do by the regulations accompanying the Electricity Act - in an effort to hold the fuel charge at a belowcost 10.5 cents per KWh.

“Fuel prices are up while oil prices are down because we undertook a strategy a few years ago whereby, through the hedging programme, the decision was made to fix the fuel charge at a certain price, and that price was held throughout COVID, Dorian and all the rest of that relief, which resulted in a bit of a under recovery," Mr Cambridge said.

“When that was initially put in place, I think the policy statement that I saw

He added: “The original proposals we received were that they were to be tri-fuel, and I think some decisions were made based on time constraints and parts and other things. So while they're not tri-fuel ready, they are tri-fuel capable and that means that they will require some work to convert them to being tri-fuel.

“So, as designed, they are dual fuel LFO and HFO engines, and to get them to be tri-fuel will require an additional $500,000 investment. I think we have made some recent inquiries, and that has gone up

significantly as a result of all the things that are happening on the market with supply chain issues...... To convert the Wartsila engines to tri-fuel will cost $4m.” Confirming that he has briefed Prime Minister Philip Davis KC on the issue, Mr Cambridge added: "The engines were designed to operate a certain way. But certain amendments and modifications were made during the project execution that has resulted in them not performing as the project was

SEE PAGE A20

kilowatt hour (KWh) in October 2022 to 41 cents per KWh now.

CAMBRIDGE

was that it would have been reviewed within a year. But things change drastically very quickly, and so for economic reasons, the decisions were made to hold the price of 10.5 cents to provide relief to consumers during that period and we're now having to pay for that under recovery.”

The BPL chief's explanation only partially covers what has caused the present sky-high bills, with consumers having seen their all-in electricity rates increase by 71 percent in just nine months - from 24 cents per

The increase can be directly traced to the Government's decision to artificially hold BPL's fuel charge at 10.5 cents per KWh even though the utility was having to pay a much higher price for its fuel. To achieve this, BPL did not in late 2021 and much of 2022 pass on all its fuel costs to consumers, and the utility is now having to reclaim this "under recovery" - estimated to be at least $90m - through the present high fuel charges.

The 10.5 cents had been previously supported by BPL's fuel hedging initiative, but the Davis administration elected not to execute the trades that would have purchased the necessary cut-price oil volumes to continue supporting this price.

SHEVONN

$30M MILO BUTLER UPGRADE WILL EXTEND TO COWPEN RD

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Works and Utilities yesterday said the $30m upgrade to Sir Milo Butler highway will extend it beyond Carmichael Road through to Cowpen Road.

Francis Clarke, senior civil engineer at the ministry, told a media briefing by the Prime Minister’s Office

that plans have now been drawn up for the roadworks but a start date has yet to be identified. “We are not going to cut through Faith Avenue, but its going to be parallel to Faith Avenue,” he said. “We’ll be going into some virgin land and there are some residential buildings there where we need to accommodate those people living in them.

“The design for the Milo Butler extension is completed. We’ve been trying to get that materialised

CIBC opens new Eleuthera branch

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) this week opened its new Governor’s Harbour branch in the Charlow’s Bay Plaza.

The BISX-listed institution, in a statement, said the relocation of its lone Eleuthera site fits with the strategy to enhance its digital services with support from a modern branch network. It added that it has been upgrading and repurposing its facilities across the region to ensure all

for a little while. One of the challenges is the land acquisition. There are 11 dwelling homes there and they need to be compensated before we can organise any contractor.” This means that the Government will have to acquire these private properties, using the Acquisition of and Act, to facilitate the road’s expansion and financially compensate the owners.

Mr Clarke also warned that the $30m price tag may

banking services are accessible to clients on a continuous basis.

As part of this initiative, the Charlow’s Bay Plaza location features smart technology automated banking machines (ABMs), night deposit and online banking services.

“We are the leaders in the digital banking space, and we want to continue to extend that lead by providing the best capabilities through our convenient self-serve channels, be it the digital client onboarding process; our online banking and mobile app; or the Smart ABMs,” Dr Jacqui Bend, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) managing director said.

be an under-estimate for the cost, as this was provided two years ago and raw material and other prices have risen significantly since then.

As for the Gladstone Road Improvement Project (GRIP), Mr Clarke added: “The designs are substantially complete. What the designs have done so far, it has informed us of where we are going to be diverting the existing utilities and what land needs to be

acquired. These are called advanced works.

“Before we allow the contractor to mobilise at that site, we need to have the right of way clear for us. So if you travel along Gladstone Road right now you will see on the eastern side of the right way there are some clearings, and this is to relocate the poles and the power lines to the eastern side, and also to notify property owners of lands that are being acquired.”

THE WEATHER REPORT

The Gladstone Road Improvement Project is expected to begin before the end of summer 2023, and will involve the corridor’s widening into a dual carriageway at an estimated cost of $29m. As a result of this and other ongoing road works currently underway, Mr Clarke is urging the public to have patience with road closures and traffic diversions until the enhancements are complete.

THE NEW CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) branch location at Charlow’s Bay Plaza.

Baha Mar blames BPL for $8.5m hit to profits

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHA Mar yesterday warned that soaring energy bills will “have a significant impact on our profitability” for 2023 by adding an extra $8.5m to its full-year operating costs.

Graeme Davis, the Cable Beach mega resort’s president, told the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) latest Board of Directors meeting that he was hoping for “relief” during 2023’s second half with payments to Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) up 48 percent for the year-to-date.

“I will say from a utilities standpoint we’re up 48 percent in our utilities costs,” the Baha Mar chief revealed. “Right now, just for this part of the year and forecasting the rest, we’ll be up about $8.5m in utility expenses for the year.

“That’s certainly having a significant impact on us. We’re certainly hoping there’s relief here as we get into the third quarter and fourth quarter on our BPL expenses. That is having a significant impact on our profitability.”

Mr Davis’ disclosures further illustrate the toll that surging BPL bills are exacting on all Bahamas-based businesses and the wider economy as they increasingly erode cash flow and profits amid

peak summer demand. BPL consumers have seen their all-in electricity rates increase by 71 percent in just nine months, rising from 24 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in October 2022 to 41 cents per kWh now.

Calculations previously released by BPL predicted that electricity rates will peak this summer as the utility moves to reclaim at least $90m in previously “underrecovered” fuel charges.

Tax dodgers ‘dominate’ foreign yacht charters

Atlantis, Baha Mar’s mega resort competitor, previously told this newspaper that is estimates the state-owned utility’s soaring fuel charges will cost it an additional $14m this year, again signalling the pain all businesses and households are having to endure through no fault of their own.

Mr Davis was yesterday far from the only senior tourism executive voicing

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Fears ‘non-peak’ airlift undermined spark clash

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Finance’s top official and a senior airline executive yesterday clashed over fears that Customs overtime fees will undermine The Bahamas’ ambitions to attract airlift “outside of peak hours”.

Elaine Foster, United Airlines’ general manager for Nassau, questioned during a Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Board of Directors meeting why her carrier and others should schedule flights outside regular 9am-5pm hours if it costs them more in payments to government agencies.

Disclosing that she and other airline executives

have been arguing this issue “back and forth” with Simon Wilson, the financial secretary, she warned that if The Bahamas “doesn’t take a deep look at what we’re doing we’ll tax ourselves out of the market”.

Mr Wilson, in response, argued that airlines must “must pay their fair share” when it comes to the cost of government services, and

added: “I can’t fund a billion dollar corporation”. He said previous efforts to address the issue via incentives had not proven successful and the Government has “moved on”.

The clash occurred after Vernice Walkine, the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) president and chief executive, told the

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Top finance official says: Tourism can pay more

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday argued the tourism industry can pay “a little bit more in taxes without hampering its viability as vacation rentals came under the microscope once again at a sector gathering.

Simon Wilson, the financial secretary, pledged to the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) second quarter Board of Directors meeting that “we will not do anything unless we have a consensus position” with the industry as he voiced hope that further discussions with the

Government will take place this year.

No indication was given as to what tax reform options the Ministry of Finance may be considering, and Robert Sands, the BHTA’s president, urged

SBF charged dropped on Bahamas objection

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

US prosecutors will drop charges of illegal election campaign contributions against embattled FTX co-founder, Sam BankmanFried, after The Bahamas objected to their inclusion in his indictment following extradition.

Attorneys representing Damian Williams, the southern New York district attorney leading Mr Bankman-Fried’s prosecution, informed Judge Louis Kaplan in a late July 26, 2023, letter that they will not proceed with that

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE MINISTRY of Finance’s top official yesterday hit back over concerns about VAT’s imposition on foreign yacht charters by arguing the sector was “dominated” by a few large tax-dodging companies that need “to pay their fair share”.

Simon Wilson, the financial secretary, told a Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) board of directors meeting it was “inconceivable” to him that those voicing fears about the negative impact of VAT’S imposition on this nation’s boating industry were ignoring the need to collect all due revenues and crackdown on tax avoidance and evasion.

He spoke out after Marques Williams, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president, told the same meeting that attorneys have been retained over the Governmentenforced closure of the SeaZPass online portal that it created to allow client vessels to pay their yacht charter fees and other relevant fees.

Mr Williams said the ABM was “at a standstill”, and “kind of in limbo”, over the SeaZPass portal’s fate after it was recently revealed that the Government had awarded a $3.355m contract to DigieSoft Technologies to develop exactly the same solution even though the Association’s had been provided at no expense to the Bahamian taxpayer.

And he asserted that the Government had been less than forthcoming in responding to queries by the ABM and SeaZPass’s payments facilitator, Omni Financial Services, as to its plans and whether the online portal had any future.

one specific charge following receipt of formal notification by the Bahamian government.

Referring to Mr Bankman-Fried’s previous

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GRAEME DAVIS

SIMON WILSON

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED

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