07292024 NEWS AND SPORT

The Tribune

THREE DEAD IN ROAD CRASHES

Mother says daughter killed in one of three weekend fatalities ‘lived life to fullest’

By

LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NARISSA Reckley, a young woman killed in a car accident on Friday, was a quiet and loving person “who lived life to the fullest”, her relatives said.

It was one of three deadly crashes that took place at the weekend, with last night a man being killed in a collision at the entrance to Mount Pleasant

Village, and a motorcyclist having died after a 1am crash at Infant View Road. Traffic deaths this year are outpacing last year’s numbers. Reckley, 26, was reportedly travelling west on West Bay Street around 2am on Friday when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a wall at Caves Village. She was the sole occupant of the

A MONTH ON, NO UPDATE FROM POLICE ON SHOOTING OF DOG

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE owner of a dog police killed last month is questioning why it is taking so long for police to investigate the incident and reveal its findings. Deputy Commissioner Leamond Deleveaux had

DENISE MAYCOCK

ACTING Prime Minister Chester Cooper expects The Bahamas to attract 12 million visitors this year. He said the Tourism Development Corporation fund should get about $24m, given that a tourism levy fee of $2 is charged to every visitor to the country. He said the money would go directly to small business development in the tourism industry.

Mr Cooper said surveys from guests indicated that there was not enough to see and do in the country. “We want Bahamians to own the tourism industry,” he said. “If you think about ownership of the industry, by and large, we do have some small resorts that are Bahamian-owned boutique resorts. The major large resorts in our country are not owned by Bahamians.

AGITA Wallace-Pinder, a

NARISSA

Three dead in road crashes

from page one

sole occupant of the vehicle. Police said they had to use the jaws of life to remove her from the car and suspect that speed was a factor in the crash.

Her death and the death of a man in Mount Pleasant and a motorcyclist in Infant View Road yesterday have pushed the country’s traffic fatality count to 39 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Chief Superinendent Eugene Strachan said that tally is about six more than last year’s to this point. He urged motorists to slow down and drive cautiously.

He said officers have caught people driving between 75mph and 90mph.

“You know what they

say to us? We didn’t see a posted speed limit,” he said.

“Nowhere in The Bahamas or the Caribbean is a posted 75mph speed limit.”

Reckley’s untimely death prompted sad reactions from her friends and family members on social media.

Her mother, Rhoda Cleare, said she graduated from St Augustine’s College in 2015 and was employed by the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality as a meteorology technician.

In the incident at Mount Pleasant, police reported that two vehicles travelling north on Western Road were in collision, one a white Honda Accord, the other a dark Suzuki Swift.

Police said the Accord tried to turn into Nelson Street, and the Suzuki tried to overtake and a collision occured.

The Suzuki flipped over and collided with the entrance sign to Mount Pleasant. Police said the male driver, believed to be in his early 20s, was pronounced lifeless by emergency medical technicians.

The woman driving the Honda, believed to be in her early 60s, was injured and taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment.

Police also said that at about 1am on Sunday, there was a traffic accident at Infant View Road, just off Nassau Street.

A lone motorcyclist, on a 125CC motorbike, lost control and collided into a retainer wall. He was taken to PMH where it was later reported that he had died.

A BODY is taken from the scene after a traffic fatality at Mount Pleasant yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

TOO EARLY TO SAY, BUT CAREFUL WATCH ON POSSIBLE STORM

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL weather forecasters are keeping a close eye on a tropical disturbance in the Central Tropical Atlantic, saying it’s too early to tell whether the system would affect the country. According to the National Hurricane Center, the disturbance has a 40 percent chance of developing over the next seven days and could strengthen into a tropical depression as it nears the Lesser Antilles. The weather disturbance

prompted the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM) to issue an advisory on Facebook over the weekend, warning residents to prepare in case the system develops.

Chief meteorological officer Kaylinda WardForbes said it is still too early to tell if The Bahamas

will be affected. She said forecasters should know more about the disturbance’s path later this week.

“Right now, it’s just an area of what we call disturbed weather and right now, it’s over the Central Tropical Atlantic Ocean. It’s several miles away from the Lesser Antilles,” she said.

“It is expected to interact with an approaching tropical wave during the next couple of days, but because of the environmental conditions associated with that wave, it may be a bit conducive for some development to occur between midweek to late week and the system they’re expecting, if there’s any development, it is expected to occur when it’s near the northern leeward islands.” She said Bahamians should remain on guard but not panic because nothing is certain.

Cooper: 12 million to visit this year

“And while we have Flamingo Air and Western Air servicing our islands, the major airlines traveling to our country are not owned by Bahamians.”

Mr Cooper said the country is 10 percent ahead of 2023 in terms of arrivals, and Grand Bahama has experienced 14 percent growth in air arrivals.

“We are working right now to consolidate all the fragments that support small businesses,” he said.

“And this is not new, but it will happen because we have the Small Business Development Center, the Bahamas Development Bank, and the Department of Inland Revenue for business license and the Venture Fund, and leading this is the TDC, along with BAIC.

“For too long you have to move all around the place making six or seven different applications for funding small businesses, for business plans, and we are looking to see how we can consolidate our approach of providing support. And this pilot initiative will be led by Grand Bahama.”

On Thursday, the development corporation launched a 50/50 pitch competition in Grand Bahama, awarding about $32,000 to help new start-up

businesses. Nine entrepreneurs from Grand Bahama and Abaco competed, with the top five participants receiving funds of $10,000,

$8,000, $6,000, $5,000, and $4,000. Ostia Thomas of Freeport Guide and Glide won the pitch competition and

PINTARD: BAHAMAS BOTTOM IN REGION FOR STOPOVER GROWTH

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the government’s refusal to recognise that stopover arrivals to The Bahamas are decreasing is doing more harm than good to the economy.

He insisted that stopover visitors to the country are becoming cruise passengers, with devastating economic implications.

“The numbers clearly show that as cruise passenger numbers rise and we giddily celebrate recordbreaking arrivals, our stopovers fall,” Mr Pintard said in a statement yesterday.

“Using data presented at the Ministry of Tourism’s July 5th press conference, for every 6 percent conversion — representing a loss of 100,000 stopovers — our economy loses $250m or a quarter of a billion in visitor spending.”

He said The Bahamas is the last in the region for stopover visitor growth and cruise passengers contributed to the recordsetting increase in visitor

arrivals in 2023.

“Those in denial do not wish to acknowledge that the growth of cruise visitors and the fall off stopovers are interrelated,” he said.

“They do not wish to recognise that the biggest threat to our tourism economy is

the continued conversion of stopovers to cruise passengers. Doing so would force them to acknowledge that they have been celebrating economic suicide.

“Instead, they attribute the lack of growth of stopovers to the loss of hotel

rooms between 2019 and today, even though, unlike the cruise lines, our current hotel rooms are far from 100 percent occupancy.”

He said the Davis administration is “at pains” to explain why The Bahamas is losing hotel rooms while

other countries have thousands under construction.

“Could it be,” he said, “that other destinations are growing their much more economically valuable landbased tourism while The Bahamas continues to celebrate lower-spending cruise

visitors? Could it be that investors are betting their capital on businesses that are growing, not on those that are faltering?”

He said both land-based and cruise-based tourism could co-exist profitably but added that the Bahamian economy could not improve when those in government are in denial.

“We once took pride in being regarded as the tourism leaders in our region,” he said. “We understand that tourism delivers ‘roughly 60 percent of our GDP — most of that, approximately 87 percent is delivered by stopover visitors. For the sake of the Bahamian economy, there is no better time than now to show that leadership again.”

Tourism Minister Chester Cooper has previously accused Mr Pintard of making “inaccurate and irresponsible” statements concerning tourism numbers.

“Pintard appears to want to paint increasing cruise ship arrivals as a bad thing, which is one of the most absurd statements I have ever heard,” he said last month.

‘LATE AGAIN’ SAYS FNM LEADER OVER MONTHLY BUDGET REPORT

By

imple-

the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring budgetary and financial reports are published on time, adhering to the Procurement Act and enacting robust anti-corruption legislation.

“The opposition finds it astounding that while the Ministry of Finance can publicise tax collections for

the fiscal year ending this past June, the government deliberately delays the May 2024 monthly budget report despite being two months past the due date,” Mr Pintard said in a statement.

“Given that the financial secretary recently told the Rotary of West Nassau the sums of revenue collected for the full year for customs, we can assume that the ministry now has the

full-year financial reporting. What excuse will they give us this time for not publishing their budgetary reports on time?”

Mr Pintard urged the Davis administration to produce and publish the budgetary reports as required by law.

“We’re not holding our breath that the prime minister will show any interest in accountability, transparency, fairness, or equity in public affairs, so come 2026 or before, the incoming FNM administration will do these things,” he added. He criticised the government’s business practice, adding that a Pintard-led government would recognise small and medium-sized Bahamian businesses’ role in driving the economy forward.

“We will remove the yoke that government agencies — particularly the Department of Inland Revenue — continue to place around the necks of Bahamian businesses. We will unleash the potential of our entrepreneurs, ensuring they are supported, not hindered, by government policies. It is time for a government that works for the people, not against them,” he said.

received the top award of $10,000. She offers electric scooter tours to visitors. Taria Lundy of Pedals Pirates Tours was second

and received $8,000; Krishona Minnis, of KM Watersports was third and received $6,000; Jordy Knowles, an APP

creator, was fourth and received $5,000; Shanell Taylor, of Island Diva Design, was fifth and received $4,000.

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper speaking during the visit of the Utopia of the Seas.

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

MARCO City MP and Opposition leader Michael Pintard speaks during a sitting of the House of Assembly on July 8. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Injunction is granted over Lucayan Towers occupancy

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor

THE Supreme Court has granted an injunction restraining the Grand Bahama Port Authority from revoking the certificate of occupancy for the Lucayan Towers South.

The court’s action, granted after an ex-parte application, followed the GBPA’s revelation that it would revoke the certificate after months of threats.

“While we respect the court’s decision to issue an ex-parte injunction, our primary concern remains the safety and well-being of the residents,” said Nakira Wilchcombe, vice president of the Buiding and Development Services Department (BDS) of the GBPA. We firmly believe that the identified repairs are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with

the current state of the building.”

Last month, the authority said “no significant progress” had been made in the scope of work to repair the structure since July 2023.

On July 14, 2023, the Building Development Services Department issued a final notice to the Condominium Board at Lucayan Towers South over its failure to address longstanding code violations and serious safety hazards.

The board was given 30 days to present a tangible plan of action to remediate several building code violations, or the GBPA would revoke the Certificate of Occupancy.

The board submitted a proposed plan for structural and related work to the building within the 30-day timeframe.

However, the GBPA said the proposed plan was reviewed, and items

of concern were highlighted and communicated to the board for their immediate attention. In Sept 2023, the board submitted a revised plan, committing to provide a detailed scope of work and a timeline for commencing the necessary work once approved.

“In the spirit of cooperation and the deep concern for the residents affected, the Building Development Services Department provided an extension for the remaining submission. However, to date, the scope of work remains outstanding, and there has been no significant progress,” the authority said earlier this month.

“As a result, the Building Development Services Department is now forced to escalate its original plan, which includes revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy for the building to safeguard its residents.”

A MONTH ON, NO UPDATE FROM POLICE ON SHOOTING OF DOG

from page one

insisted police would reveal its findings to the public, but more than a month later, nothing has been said.

A woman, Tiana Ferguson, opened the door to the police, and her dog, Milo, went outside. She was unable to restrain the pet before an officer shot and killed him.

A viral video of the aftermath of the shooting captured the commotion, with officers roughing up Mr Ferguson after he became emotional about the dog’s death. At one point, an officer threatened to arrest Mr Ferguson for disorderly conduct because he had used obscene language. Silvan Ferguson, the owner of the dog, said officials had contacted him a month after the incident, asking whether his

daughter could identify the shooter. He said his daughter could do so but was angered by the request.

“To me, it looks like this is another matter that they are trying to just swipe under the rug as normal,” he said yesterday. “I have no intentions of letting that be swiped under the rug.

“I am hoping to get good end results but I have no confidence in the police being fair.”

At the time of the incident, Mr Ferguson said officers showed no remorse. He filed a complaint with the Complaints and Corruption Branch of the police force on June 17. Mr Deleveaux, who oversees that department, declined to comment over the weekend, saying investigations remain ongoing.

THE LUCAYAN Towers South complex in Grand Bahama.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

Reward offered as mother pleads for help to find Devin

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE mother of missing 17-year-old Devin Issacs is offering $2,000 for whoever can help her find her son.

“I just need him home,” Tashana Thompson said on Friday.

Devin has been missing since May 15.

At least three men have been questioned about his disappearance and police have seen him on CCTV at times.

Ms Thompson said the police remain in contact with the family and she is optimistic her son will be found alive and in good health.

“I stopped counting the days, the weeks, I stopped counting because it’s been too long now,” she said.

DEVIN ISAACS

During a press conference earlier this month, Commissioner Clayton Fernander showed CCTV footage of him.

The footage, which was taken an hour before he disappeared, showed a car parked two houses away from Devin’s home shortly after midnight.

Devin left home, entered the car, and momentarily returned home. After the car left, Devin left his residence again a few minutes later and walked towards Carmichael Road.

“I have seen people that look like him since he has gone missing. I almost run off the road but I have never seen him nowhere in my travels.” Devin was 16 when he disappeared. Police issued a Marco’s Alert for him four days after he was reported missing.

“They saying Nassau small but somebody on this little island hiding him good because I does drive around daily looking, but I have yet to see him.

Additional CCTV footage showed the 17-year-old walking alone in the area of Rubis Service Station, heading west on Carmichael Road.

Commissioner Fernander said police checked the airport and hospital in case Devin appeared under an alias but found nothing.

DOCTOR IN NEED OF TRANSPLANT AIRLIFTED TO US

from page one

Medical Association of The Bahamas president

Dr Gemma Rolle said in a press statement: “The family of Dr Wallace-Pinder wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has extended prayers, well wishes, and financial contributions to support her during this challenging time. Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated.”

“As of the latest update, Dr Wallace-Pinder was airlifted to a cardiac centre on Friday (July 26) morning and is currently undergoing an LVAD placement procedure this morning. We ask

that you continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she undergoes treatment and recovery.”

Dr Wallace-Pinder, 41, is a member of Princess Margaret Hospital’s internal medical team. She had been admitted to PMH’s Intensive Care Unit, waiting to be airlifted out of the country to receive mandatory and critical care.

Her family created a GoFundMe account to raise $200,000, the “tip of the iceberg” of what’s needed to help her. As of press time, the account had raised $97,810.

“$200,000 does not even cover what she needs to at least get out of the ICU,” Dr Rolle said during a press

conference last week.

“When we think of heart transplant, we are talking millions of dollars, and quotes of three million being passed around probably just scratches the surface because it is not just the actual surgery we are covering.”

“We are covering the care of keeping her going until she gets this transplant, and then there is the aftercare, there is the rehab, all of what she has to endure thereafter just to get back on that battlefield with us.”

Yesterday, Dr Rolle urged people to continue donating to Dr Wallace Pinder’s cause. To donate, visit https:// gofund. me/59afd10b.

MOTHER of Devin Issacs Tashana Thompson speaking to the on Friday.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

DR AGITA WALLACE-PINDER

FAMILY and friends of Dr Agita Wallace-Pinder have called on people to support efforts to raise funds for her treatment.

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LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Could Lebanon strike spark war?

THE Middle East braced for a potential flare-up in violence on Sunday after Israeli authorities said a rocket from Lebanon struck a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teens in what the military called the deadliest attack on civilians since October 7. It raised fears of a broader regional war between Israel and Hezbollah, which in a rare move denied it was responsible.

The White House National Security Council said it was speaking with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts and working on a diplomatic solution to “end all attacks once and for all” in the border area between Israel and Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it struck a number of targets inside Lebanon overnight into Sunday, though their intensity was similar to months of cross-border fighting between Israel and the Iranianbacked Hezbollah. Hezbollah said it also carried out strikes. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Saturday’s attack came as Israel and Hamas are negotiating a cease-fire proposal to end the nearly 10-month war in Gaza.

Here is a look at the broader repercussions:

What happened?

On Saturday, a rocket slammed into a soccer field where dozens of children and teens were playing in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, about seven miles south of Lebanon and next to the Syrian border. Twelve were killed and 20 others wounded, according to the Israeli military. One 11-year-old was missing, residents told Israeli media.

“I feel darkness inside and out. Nothing like this happened here,” resident Anan Abu Saleh said. “There’s no way to explain this. I saw children, I don’t want to say what I saw, but it’s horrible, really horrible. We need more security.” On Sunday, the coffins passed through a crowd of thousands.

The Israeli military said it was investigating why the rocket wasn’t intercepted and questioned whether it would have been possible due to its short journey.

The Druze are a religious sect that began as an offshoot of Shiite Islam and has communities in Israel, Syria and Lebanon. There are about 25,000 Druze in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, according to Yusri Hazran of the Hebrew University.

The Druze are considered among Israel’s most loyal citizens, although those in the Golan Heights have a more fraught relationship with authorities. Israel captured the Golan, a strategic plateau, from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in 1981. Much of the international community considers the area to be occupied territory. While Druze leaders there profess allegiance to Syria, relations with Israel are normally good.

“Big anger, big, big. I have no feelings that I can explain to you,” said Hassan Shakir, a Majdal Shams resident.

What could this mean for a wider war?

Attacks along the Israel-Lebanon border have simmered below the threshold of all-out war since the start of the conflict in Gaza. But the toll and young victims in Saturday’s attack could push Israel to respond more severely.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was weighing options Sunday after hurrying home from the US and

warning that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack, one that it has not paid so far”.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said “every indication” showed the rocket came from Hezbollah. The Israeli military’s Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said a Falaq rocket with a 53-kilogram warhead belonging to Hezbollah was fired.

Hezbollah began firing at Israel the day after Hamas’ attack on Oct 7. Israel responded by targeting what it calls Hezbollah’s military infrastructure with airstrikes and drones. Most attacks have been confined to border areas, though Israel has assassinated Hezbollah and Hamas leadership farther north in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of people along the border have evacuated.

Since early October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed more than 500 people, including around 90 civilians. On the Israeli side, 22 soldiers and 24 civilians have been killed.

Hezbollah has far superior firepower than Hamas. Igniting a war in Israel’s north while it’s engaged in Gaza would overburden the military, Barak BenZur, a researcher at the International Institute of Counter-Terrorism, told journalists.

In Lebanon, some prepared for more fire from Israel. Lebanon’s national airline announced it postponed the Beirut arrival of seven flights until Monday morning, without saying why. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati had urgent calls with diplomats and politicians, his office said.

“I doubt that there will be a strike, but nothing is far-fetched when it comes to the enemy,” said Abdallah Dalal, a resident of the Lebanese border village of Chebaa. Israeli officials said the rocket was fired nearby.

Any conflict could bring in Iran, which warned Israel that a strong reaction would lead to “unprecedented consequences.” Iran and Israel’s shadow war burst into the open in April, when Iran launched 300 missiles and drones at Israel, most of them intercepted, in response to the killing of an Iranian general.

The United Nations secretary-general called for maximum restraint by all parties.

How could this impact the war in Gaza?

Officials from the United States, Egypt and Qatar were meeting Sunday with Israeli officials in Rome in the latest push for a cease-fire deal in Gaza. The head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, returned home and negotiations will continue in the coming days, Netanyahu’s office said.

An Egyptian official said the attack in the Golan Heights could give urgency to negotiations. “Both fronts are connected,” he said. “A cease-fire in Gaza will lead to a cease-fire with Hezbollah.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to discuss the sensitive talks with the media.

In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry called on all influential international players to “intervene immediately to spare the peoples of the region further disastrous consequences of the expansion of the conflict”.

By MELANIE LIDMAN and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

Misunderstanding of Rastafarianism

EDITOR, The Tribune. THERE seems to be considerable ignorance as to the history of the Rastafarian movement… how and when did the use of marijuana start and whether in the “father-land” of Rastafarian - Ethiopia is the possession - use of marijuana legal? What we are doing is a cough up for votes nothing more and nothing less…by the next election I agree for personal use and having small quantities will be legal… votes again. Editor - find a researcher and have them write a series of articles on the Rastafarian movement… hopefully our law-makers will read without these they can check the internet and be informed. H HUMES

Davis too old to lead

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN the Nassau Guardian article, The Bahamas has reached 71 murders for the year and had eight murders in six days that is going to surpass the records of last year murders over 100, the Biblical history repeating itself when it stated that a leader without a vision and the people perished, so sad to see the innocent lives of so many Bahamian people gone, so many Bahamian people home and business owners robbed and so many Bahamian women being raped. At 73 years old, Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas is too old and it showing that he does not have the mental and psychical abilities to lead The Bahamas and the Bahamian people. His records on high crime rate, murders, robberies and rapes, high unemployment rate of Bahamian people, high taxation on the middle class that is is responsible for the high rate of poverty, high illegal immigrants entering The Bahamas, high cost of living making it hard for

Bahamian people to pay electric bills, water bill, mortgages, rent, car insurance, purchasing groceries, paying school fees for there children.

Prime Minister Philip Davis failed on making government corporations BPL, Bahamasair and Water and Sewage profitable and had added more debt to the Bahamas National Debt at 12.5 billion dollars, as he is recovering from surgery and as the leader of the BFP Party I wish him God speed recovery and my prayers are with him and the Davis family. It would be in the best interest of the Bahamas and the Bahamian people for Prime Minister Philip Davis to retire, he is too old at 73 to run again to be Prime Minister of The Bahamas for another five years.

I am 58 years old, in great condition psychical and mentally ready and prepared to be the next Prime Minister of The Bahamas

and the majority of Bahamian voters are between the ages of 18-34 years old that would not vote for a 73 years old leader of the PLP party and will not vote for the most weakest, incompetent and unpopular Leader with no political achievements and accomplishments Michael Pintard but will vote and be part of the new movement of change in The Bahamas. The BFP party and leader Pedro Smith to make The Bahamas better and greater for the Bahamian people, children and grandchildren future, One Nation, One people, One Bahamas and One God, onward forward and upward to a better and greater Bahamas. I am now asking religious church leaders, business owners, Bahamian women, Bahamian parents, union presidents and Bahamian people to join Pedro Smith Chosen One to be the next Prime Minister and Government of The Bahamas, help is on the way 2025!

PEDRO SMITH Nassau, July 23, 2024.

Destruction of Athol Island

EDITOR, The Tribune. I WOULD like to add my voice to that of Kevin Wallace and others who are protesting the unauthorises, destructive development of Athol Island. This deliberate destruction is all the more reprehensible knowing who the developers are. I assume that The Tribune and other media sources are unable to print this

information, but thanks to the internet and in particular WhatsApp, the persons responsible are known to the general public. How dare they? They were elected to office to manage and protect our country, not to ruin it. Is there no end to the greed of politicians? Haven’t they made enough money already off the sweat of the brow of honest Bahamians?

Plus traveling the world, first class with their huge retinues at our expense. Enough is enough. Return Athol Island to its original state, remove the dock and preserve this cultural heritage site for generations to come.

JOANNA ROBERTSON Nassau, July 26, 2024.

A FRENCH army guard on duty at the Olympics in Paris, France, as photographer by Tribune Sports

Editor Brent Stubbs. See SPORTS SECTION for more from Brent’s coverage of Paris 2024.

ELEUTHERA NEXT FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

UNITED States Chargé d’Affaires

Kimberly Furnish said the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs will expand to Eleuthera, its fifth island in The Bahamas.

Her comments came as 51 women entrepreneurs graduated from the programme in Grand Bahama on Friday in a ceremony at the Pelican Bay Resort.

To date, 325 women in The Bahamas have completed the programme, which helps develop women entrepreneurs.

Ms Furnish said the diverse range of small businesses represented by women in Grand Bahama was impressive, involving mammogram awareness, beauty, health and fitness, food and catering, and environmentally friendly services.

The participants underwent a 16-week workshop, concluding with a $5,000 grant pitch competition.

Danielle Thompson, of Locs by Lisa, finished first, and Nikea Watson, of Mammogram Access Programme, was second.

In celebration of the Bahamas’ 50th anniversary, Ms Furnish said the Embassy had aimed to attract 50 participants and exceeded its goal. She said The Bahamas had maintained an 80 per cent completion rate in the last four years.

She attributed the programme’s success to the facilitation team and the support of partners, including Access

Accelerator Small Business Development Centre, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, the Bahamas Development Bank, Tourism Development Corporation, BTC, and the Sir Charles Hayward Library.

Samantha Rolle, executive director of the Small Business Development Centre, said the AWE graduates are building businesses that will contribute to the economic growth of Grand Bahama and inspire future generations of women entrepreneurs.

“Women are important members of society; we are about 50 percent of society, and yet still not 50 percent of the growth. So, for the US Embassy, it is a priority to help empower and bring women on equal footing,” she said.

Pitch winner Danielle Thompson plans to use the $5,000 to expand her service to include trichology, the study of hair and scalp diseases or problems. She said that one of the

DANIELLE THOMPSON, owner of Locs by Lisa, above, won the Pitch Competition and a $5,000 grant. Nikea Watson, below of the Mammogram Access Programme, was the runner-up and also received a $5,000 grant.

best aspects of the programme was the opportunity to network with so many women.

“I was excited to be in a group of amazing women, meeting new people and learning new things and the camaraderie,” she said.

Nikea Watson, founder of

Two men accused of deadly shooting

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were remanded in custody on Friday after they were accused of killing Elvardo Thompson, 24, on Pinecrest Drive last weekend.

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Jamaal Hamilton, 25, and Shanton McSweeney, 21, for murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The duo allegedly shot and killed Thompson as he sat in his red Dodge Ram on Pinecrest Drive at 7pm on July 20.

The victim’s vehicle crashed into a nearby house after he was ambushed.

After hearing gunshots from the East Street South Police Station, officers reportedly pursued the suspect’s grey Nissan Cube as it fled from the area at high

speeds.

The car chase ended on Bamboo Blvd after the suspect’s vehicle collided with another car.

McSweeney allegedly shot at PC 4476 McHardy before he was also shot in the lower body by officers. Hamilton was allegedly caught on Thatch Palm Avenue after a brief foot chase.

McSweeney was successfully treated for his injuries in hospital.

The accused were informed that their matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The defendants will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until their VBIs are served on December 12.

Levan Johnson represented the accused.

52-YEAR-OLD JAILED FOR GUN POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 52-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday after admitting to having an unlicenced gun in his home in March. Magistrate Lennox Coleby presided as Moses Ferguson appeared for charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm, possession of ammunition with intent to supply, and possession of a component part of a firearm.

Ferguson was found with a black Glock Austria 19 pistol, a black 9mm magazine, and 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition at his house on Palmetto Road on March 3. Ferguson reversed his earlier position in his latest court appearance and pleaded guilty to the charges.

The defendant’s attorney, Levan Johnson, said his client was embarrassed

by the incident. He said the defendant previously had a clean record and is gainfully employed, a churchgoer, and an active community member.

In addition to saying the defendant spared the court a lengthy trial by changing his plea, Mr Johnson said his client can be rehabilitated. Ferguson was sentenced to two years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services during which time he must enroll in carpentry classes. He must also pay a $5,000 fine for the ammunition and component parts charges or risk an additional 18 months in prison.

The gun must remain forfeited to the Crown, and Johnson was told that he had within seven days to appeal the magistrate’s sentence.

Before being taken into remand, Johnson was allowed a moment to spend with his brother.

TWO ACCUSED OVER DRUGS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were granted bail on Friday after they were allegedly found with three sets of illicit drugs in New Providence last week.

the Mammogram Access Programme (MAP), said the programme has helped her with developing an action plan and ideas that will assist her non-profit. “It opened my imagination to turn my non-profit into something that can raise revenue to support itself,” she said.

Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned Vincent Thomson, 31, and Kenton Prosper, 35, for two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs.

The pair were allegedly found with five 3/8 oz of marijuana, six grams of

cocaine and 11 amphetamine pills on July 23.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution objected to bail, but the defendants were granted bail at $5,000 each with one or two sureties.

They will be fitted with monitoring devices. Prosper must sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station every Tuesday by 6pm. Thompson must sign in at the Quakoo Street Police Station every Tuesday by 6pm. The defendant’s trial begins on October 15.

KIMBERLY FURNISH, US Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in the Bahamas (seated centre), is seen with 51 graduates of the fourth cohort of the AWE programme held in Grand Bahama.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024

No one deserves to be left in the dark when it comes to BPL

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

THE Olympics comes once every four years – but sadly for us, power outages courtesy of BPL come more often than that. I was all set to relax and watch coverage of Paris 2024 this weekend with my family. There we were, talking excitedly about sports which quite frankly never cross our radar at any other time. Who knew there was such joy in discussing water polo? But that joy was snuffed out thanks to BPL and whatever the reason of the week is this time. Not that they even bothered to have a reason on their social media – just

something about planned outages nowhere nearby. So this was unplanned, and they don’t seem to even bother telling us any more. I say this out of frustration – but also because we have just had a week in which the workers of BPL have been expressing their own frustrations with government, and a lack of information. Which is all to say that it is really difficult to be enthusiastic to support the status quo – but the workers are right. Let’s be clear – Bahamas Power and Light is not fit for service, but that’s nothing new. Year after year, summer after summer, we get told

that everything will be fine this time around, then off goes the power. Call it what you will. Load shedding, unplanned outages, it doesn’t really much matter what you call the darkness. Reform is needed. It has been needed. But we have had various reforms that have been said to take place. BPL itself is a reform from when it was BEC. There have been rental generators, management contracts, changes of boards, new engines, the list goes on. And yet, there I was again, sitting in summer darkness and heat with no power. You too plenty of times recently, I’m sure. So we’ve been told all this before. This reform

will really, truly, honestly work this time. And then it doesn’t. And we have plenty of time to dwell on the latest foolishness as we sit there in the dark waiting. So this time, why should it be different?

As much as we might grumble and cuss when our power goes out, the people who know BPL best are the staff who work for it. They know what equipment works, what doesn’t, what might if you tinker with it just right. They know the areas that cause problems with transmission problems. They know the political interference that has gone on over the years with one side or another. It is disturbing then to

see that the latest solution seems to have been arrived at without significant consultation with those staff members. Indeed, one union leader last week said that staff are “p••••• off and ready for action”.

The site of Energy Minister touring equipment from Pike Electrical, which is involved in the government plan to manage the electric grid, must have been a red rag to a bull.

Sure, JoBeth Coleby-Davis has time to go talk to them –but not to the BPL workers, many of whom are worried about what the future holds for them.

the upgrades until Bahamian staff can be trained up. The bond also said that the company plans to hire new Bahamian staff while “upskilling” existing staff as the core workforce.

‘As much as we might grumble and cuss when our power goes out, the people who know BPL best are the staff who work for it. They know what equipment works, what doesn’t, what might if you tinker with it just right.’

That’s understandable. They have bills to pay. Mortgages to keep up. Kids to send to school. Pensions. Healthcare. They want to know where they fit in with the grand plan.

The Bahamas Electrical Workers Union’s president, Kyle Wilson, said: “There appears to be an intentional effort to keep the Bahamas Electricity Workers union and Bahamian people in the dark as this BPL deal progresses.”

In the dark might not have been the best phrase to use there, because we know how you feel, Kyle.

He added: “No one in authority is directly addressing the labour issues concerning this deal that will have a major impact on BPL and its operations. A deal that will split the operations of the company, and place transmission and distribution assets along with unabated management rights into a third-party hand. This deal appears top secret and classified, and little to no information of the details is known to the union.”

He says a letter to the minister has received no response.

In truth, we the public could also do with more answers. There seems to be some uncertainty, for example, in determining how the value of the assets being handed over to the newly formed grid company was arrived at. Bahamas Grid Company, led by Eric Pike, whose trucks were the ones being inspected by the minister, has been raising money, and the bond document suggests that there will be US workers brought in to lead

Given all that is available as information to the investors, it’s hard to see why the government could not be as forthcoming with the staff – and lay out the planned programme to the extent that it is involved, while inviting the grid company to detail the same to workers.

Keeping workers out of the loop seems a deliberate choice. And given the success of any such project will hinge on the cooperation of the workforce to overcome the difficulties that have troubled our power grid for years, why would you not let them know what is coming?

So while I may spit and curse the name of BPL every time the power goes out, which is far too often, I still find myself sympathising with the situation of the workers. We all want the best outcome, after all. We want a steady, reliable – and not wildly expensive, please –power supply. That doesn’t seem too much to ask. And it’s the basis of all kinds of things, including attracting investors and business to our islands. Take a look at the stories coming out of Eleuthera which has been troubled by water supply problems, leading to some people straight up moving out of the island until things are better. An unreliable power supply can bring the same frustrations – and how do you turn to, say, a hotel investor interested in coming to The Bahamas and say oh by the way you can’t count on electricity supply?

Will this latest reform be the one, finally, to do the trick? Or in a couple of years’ time, will we still be suffering outages but this time we’ve handed over assets we own to a private company that is making coin while we sweat?

We can only hope. But none of us, customers or workers, deserve to be left in the dark.

MINISTER of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis inspected Pike Corporation (Island Grid) bucket trucks on Tuesday. Photo: Anthon Thompson/BIS

The chance to play

ACCORDING to millions of players across the globe, the game of chess is analogous to life itself. From the shadows, anyone can emerge victorious if able to employ enough cunning and wit and stay two-steps ahead of their opponent. Every move has a consequence and even during times of setback, the game continues. But, if given the chance to play, one soon realises that strategic planning and foresight does not always guarantee success.

On October 17, 1956, at the Rosenwald Memorial Tournament, Donald Byrne and Bobby Fischer had what was hailed as the “game of the century” and it has been written and talked about in every chess club around the world ever since. During the game, Bobby sacrificed his queen, a move unheard of prior to this, which led to a series of unrelenting attacks and assured his victory at age 13. He scored this unimaginable feat against his opponent, who was 26 years old and easily considered one of the top ten chess plays in the US at the time. Following their match, Bobby went on to become a grandmaster and the eleventh World Chess Champion while Donald held the title of international master until he died in 1976 at age 45 of complications arising from Lupus. He was inducted into the United States Chess Hall of Fame in 2003, 17 years after Bobby was inducted. Donald, like my patient

Susan (an alias), was diagnosed with Lupus unexpectedly. Susan is well aware that patients with this inflammatory disease face never-ending health challenges. So, with no available cure, the chance to play with her grandkids for as long as possible is her unyielding prayer. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the organs and tissues and, in doing so, creates an intense inflammatory response. Symptoms mimic various other ailments so diagnosis can be challenging for health care providers. As

a child, Susan was constantly sick. She broke out in intense rashes all over her swollen body and each time she was treated for allergies. During a particularly bad flare, she recalls her mother wrapping her entire body with gauze to mask her rashes so that she wouldn’t be teased but it had the inverse effect. Her symptoms persisted off and on into adulthood but were exacerbated after she became pregnant with her first and only child.

Susan constantly felt weak and tired, she easily became short of breath, her joints were stiff and

By DR KENNETH D KEMP

swollen and her typical rashes intensified into painful lesions. She was tested for Lupus but the test came back negative. The intensity of her flare-ups subsided temporarily after she gave birth to her son. Unfortunately, her reprieve was short-lived. Her mother’s death in 2007 from colon cancer which metastasized to her liver, lungs and brain was soul-shattering and the devastation was so deleterious to her health that Susan suffered her most life-threatening flare to date. She lost weight, had extensive and intractable mouth sores and she began to exhibit a rash on her face which she covered with makeup. Beyond that, her pain was so mind-numbingly intense that she could barely walk. Her body was tired all the time and felt like it was on fire whenever clothing or sheets touched her skin. Lying in her tub immersed in cool water brought some degree of comfort but, once in, she couldn’t physically get out and knows intrinsically how goldfish stuck in small fishbowls must feel. It wasn’t until New Years Day, 2011, when she would finally get closer to the answers that had eluded her for a lifetime. She woke up and her entire left body was paralyzed. Susan quickly ruled out a stroke because she didn’t have a facial droop and even though she couldn’t move that side of her body pain still coursed through it unabated. Her concomitant chest pain made her think she might be having a heart attack. She immediately saw her primary doctor and was referred to a bone specialist for spinal arthritis who then referred her to a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon told her that she had a herniated disc in her neck and recommended surgical intervention. When she realised the herniation didn’t explain her extreme fatigue and rashes, she opted to return to her primary doctor. With each referral she was started on a cocktail of medications with no alleviation of her symptoms. Several months into the new year, she returned to her primary doctor but because her body was so weak and sore, she couldn’t muster the energy required to apply make-up. That decision proved to be lifealtering because seeing her facial rash immediately prompted her doctor to order another Lupus test (her third) and this time it

was positive. The news was bitter-sweet. All ramifications aside, for so long with no medical explanation to explain her symptoms, she was told that her issues were mental and it was a relief to have a definitive reason for the pain she had endured.

Before she had time to process her new reality, she was walking into work and was robbed at gunpoint by two masked assailants. They stole her car, laptop and purse and Susan was left shaken. The assailants were eventually caught but it was a stark reminder that her life could end at any given moment. So, like Donald, she began to appreciate how to see the full picture and began living each day as if it were her last. Susan wrote her obituary ten years ago and has already selected the order of service and pictures that she wants to be used therein. It took almost a year following her diagnosis for her to find the right medication and dosing to effectively subdue her pain. And though the effects are fleeting, Susan remains grateful. Today, she never makes any promises because she doesn’t know if she’ll be alive to see those promises through to fruition. What Susan wants other people to know is that the skin lesions associated with Lupus are not contagious. People going through the flares are already in pain and that pain is worsened when they look in the mirror and their reflection is riddled with lesions. Their depression is then magnified when people make derogatory comments or look at them with disgust. She stresses the importance of compassion and empathy.

Susan also says that Lupus has taught her how unbelievably strong she is because for so long she prayed to die when the pain was at its worse but she kept going. She credits her strong Christian faith for getting her through her toughest days and reminds readers to appreciate the small things in life. Always be happy about being alive, she says, because as long as you’re alive, you have a chance to play and a chance for life to get better.

Chess players like Donald say that the game has taught them to always look at the bigger picture and to recognise opportunities as soon as they appear. They learn quickly from their mistakes because the consequences are immediate. They also know that one move can alter their circumstance for better or worse. Susan and many other patients with Lupus have learned to live in the moment and after hearing their stories, they’re counting on others to do the same. This is The KDK Report.

Exploring the nexus between climate change and health

By JERVON SANDS

THIS year’s Bahamas Youth Climate Conference benefitted from the wisdom of Dr William Hamilton MSc, MBBS. During the conference, Dr Hamilton gave a presentation that informed the audience of the links between climate and health, pertaining to the ongoing health outcomes in The Bahamas.

Dr Hamilton delivered relevant and relatable case studies within his presentation. These scenarios described what health issues may arise for Bahamians of different backgrounds in different positions as a result of extreme heat and extreme weather events which are driven by the climate crisis.

One of Dr Hamilton’s scenarios featured Marcus Russell a 25-year-old man with a history of diabetes that works in construction and attends BTVI. Marcus was working everyday at the construction site to finish a project.

A heatwave was occurring at the same time where temperatures had exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Towards the end of the work day, Marcus’ coworkers found him collapsed and after being rushed to the ER he was diagnosed with heat stroke.

Marcus’ story is just one example of what can happen if Bahamians are not prepared for the impacts of climate change on our islands.

Although climate change has varied impacts on the health of individuals depending on a number of factors, it can also severely affect public health.

For instance, people living in a community that experiences a hurricane could endure physical harm during the storm to the extent of losing their lives. They could suffer health complications if medications are lost during storm.

They may have limited access to health care professionals after the storm making it difficult to manage chronic illnesses. They may be exposed to health threats as a result of flooding that leads to an increase in disease carrying insects.

They may struggle with their mental health after the storm, experience PTSD, and develop a serious fear of future hurricanes.

Those with firsthand knowledge of Hurricane Dorian’s impact would’ve

witnessed and may still be witnessing those effects it had on their communities.

As we all saw this year with Hurricane Beryl climate change is quickly making every hurricane akin to Dorian which seriously threatens the health and wellbeing of Bahamians.

This means that we share a responsibility to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Fortunately, Dr Hamilton provided the audience at BYCC with some actionable steps on how to do just that.

Primarily, it is important to be educated on how climate change may affect your well being and that of your community. Discuss with your health care provider how impacts like high temperatures may affect your pre-existing health conditions or any medications you may be taking. Work within your communities (schools, churches, workplaces, etc.) to ensure that facilities are climate ready with plans in place to respond to the effects of various impacts.

‘Those with firsthand knowledge of Hurricane Dorian’s impact would’ve witnessed and may still be witnessing those effects it had on their communities.

As we all saw this year with Hurricane Beryl climate change is quickly making every hurricane akin to Dorian which seriously threatens the health and wellbeing of Bahamians.’

Nationally, we can build to withstand these impacts, make weather forecasts accessible to everyone, ensure that citizens are aware of the health risks related to those forecasts, improve evacuation strategies and be good citizens that share necessary information with others while checking that they are healthy and well.

Dr Hamilton, concluded by encouraging the audience to bring up topics like climate change with their health care providers. This pushes medical professionals to do their homework on how climate change impacts their patients. That way we can increase the number of Bahamians thinking about, talking about and developing solutions for climate change.

Please stay tuned for upcoming articles on topics related to climate change impacts in the Bahamas. You can also get updates on more of our work by following us @bccya.242, @ cceaubahamas, & @sdgunit242 on Instagram.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr

FROM VP TO LIKELY TOP OF THE TICKETAND HARRIS HAS RAISED $200M IN A WEEK

WASHINGTON Associated Press

VICE President Kamala Harris’ campaign has raised $200m since she emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee last week, an eyepopping haul in her race against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

The campaign, which announced its latest fundraising total on Sunday, said the bulk of the donations — 66 percent — comes from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle and were made after President Joe Biden announced

his exit from the race and endorsed Harris.

Over 170,000 volunteers have also signed up to help the Harris campaign with phone banking, canvassing and other get-out-the-vote efforts. Election Day is 100 days away.

“The momentum and energy for Vice President Harris is real — and so are the fundamentals of this race: this election will be very close and decided by a small number of voters in just a few states,” Michael Tyler, the campaign’s communications director, wrote in a memo.

Her campaign said it

held some 2,300 organising events in battleground states this weekend as several high-profile Democrats under consideration to serve as Harris’ running mate stumped for her.

Harris campaigned in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Saturday, drawing hundreds to a fundraiser that had been organised when Biden was still at the top of the Democratic ticket. The fundraiser had originally been expected to raise $400,000 but ended bringing in about $1.4m, according to the campaign.

Mandy Robbins, 45, of Decatur, Georgia, drove

to one of those organising events Sunday in the northern suburbs of Atlanta to hear Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear, a potential Harris running mate.

She thought Biden did a “great job” in the White House, but acknowledged she “would not have been nearly this excited” if he remained in the race.

“I finally feel hopeful now,” Robbins said. She added, “We can win this with Harris” Beshear spoke from experience to supporters, telling them their work could be the difference in what’s expected to be a

close race. Beshear won his 2019 campaign by a margin of about 5,000 votes of 1.41 million ballots cast. He was reelected in November by a relatively comfortable margin.

“Every door knock mattered. Every phone call mattered. Every difficult conversation that people had with their uncle at Thanksgiving mattered,” Beshear said of his 2019 race. “Everyone here today that signs up to volunteer ... you might be the difference in winning this race for Vice President Harris.”

Meanwhile, Trump, running mate Sen JD Vance

and their surrogates stepped up efforts to frame Harris as a far-left politician out of touch with with the American mainstream.

Vance said after a stop at a diner in Waite Park, Minnesota, on Sunday that Harris has “got a little bit of a bump from her introduction” but predicted it would soon dissipate.

“Look, the people are going to learn her record,” Vance said. “They’re going to learn that she’s a radical. They’re going to learn that she’s basically a San Francisco liberal who wants to take San Francisco policies to the entire country.”

A SEISMIC SHIFT

OR SIX MORE YEARS FOR MADURO?

CARACAS, Venezuela Associated Press

VENEZUELANS voted on Sunday in a presidential election whose outcome will either lead to a seismic shift in politics or extend by six more years the policies that caused the world’s worst peacetime economic collapse.

Whether it is President Nicolás Maduro who is chosen, or his main opponent, retired diplomat Edmundo González, the election will have ripple effects throughout the Americas. Government opponents and supporters alike have signaled their interest in joining the exodus of 7.7 million Venezuelans who have already left their homes for opportunities abroad should Maduro win another term.

Polls opened at 6am, but voters started lining up at some voting centers across the country much earlier, sharing water, coffee and snacks for several hours.

Alejandro Sulbarán snagged the first spot at his voting centre by getting in line at 5pm on Saturday. He said he stood outside an elementary school in a hillside suburb of the capital, Caracas, for “the future of the country”.

“We are all here for the change we want,” Sulbarán, 74, who runs a maintenance business, said as other voters nodded in agreement.

The number of eligible voters for this presidential election is estimated to be around 17 million. Polls will close at 6pm local time, but it was unclear when electoral authorities will release the first results.

Authorities set Sunday’s election to coincide with what would have been the 70th birthday of former President Hugo Chávez, the revered leftist firebrand who died of cancer in 2013, leaving his Bolivarian revolution in the hands of Maduro. But Maduro and his United Socialist Party of Venezuela are more unpopular than ever among many voters who blame his

policies for crushing wages, spurring hunger, crippling the oil industry and separating families due to migration.

Maduro, 61, is facing off against an opposition that has managed to line up behind a single candidate after years of intraparty divisions and election boycotts that torpedoed their ambitions to topple the ruling party.

González is representing a coalition of opposition parties after being selected in April as a last-minute stand-in for opposition powerhouse Maria Corina Machado, who was blocked by the Maduro-controlled Supreme Tribunal of Justice from running for any office for 15 years.

Machado, a former lawmaker, swept the opposition’s October primary with over 90 percent of the vote. After she was blocked from joining the presidential race, she chose a college professor as her substitute on the ballot, but the National Electoral Council also barred her from registering. That’s when González, a political newcomer, was chosen.

Sunday’s ballot also features eight other candidates challenging Maduro, but only González threatens Maduro’s rule.

After voting, Maduro said he would recognise the election result and urged all other candidates to publicly declare that they would do the same.

“No one is going to create chaos in Venezuela,” Maduro said. “I recognize and will recognize the electoral referee, the official announcements and I will make sure they are recognised.”

Venezuela sits atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and once boasted Latin America’s most advanced economy. But it entered into a free fall after Maduro took the helm. Plummeting oil prices, widespread shortages and hyperinflation that soared past 130,000% led first to social unrest and then mass emigration.

MEMBERS of the presidential guard line up to vote during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, on Sunday.

Photo: Matias Delacroix/AP

VICE President Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two as she departs Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Westfield, Mass, on Saturday.

Photo: Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

YANKEES ACQUIRE JAZZ CHISHOLM JR FROM MARLINS FOR THREE MINOR LEAGUERS

BAHAMIAN Major League Baseball (MLB) player Jasrado “Jazz”

Chisholm Jr is now headed from Miami to the Big Apple courtesy of a twoteam trade involving the New York Yankees.

The centre fielder’s name was swirling around in trade rumours ahead of the MLB’s July 30 trade deadline and the Miami Marlins made the trade talks official on Saturday.

The 26-year-old second baseman was shipped to the New York Yankees for three prospects, according to Ken Rosenthal per The Athletic.

The Marlins acquired catcher Agustin Ramirez and infielders Jared Serna and Abrahan Ramirez.

Chisholm Jr will become the second Bahamian to play for the Yankees,

following in the footsteps of Bahamian outfielder Antoan Richardson. New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his excitement about the team’s newest acquisition after their 11-8 win against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.

“We’re excited to get a talent like this,” said Boone. “We think his skill set will play at Yankee Stadium. He’s got power, he has tremendous speed, he’s got position versatility. He plays with a lot of energy and a lot of pizzazz. It’s a young, athletic player that has a couple years of control in there too. Excited to get him, excited to see him fit in. I know he’s really excited to get here,” he said.

The flashy Bahamian MLB player came into the 2024 MLB season with questions surrounding his ability to stay healthy long-term.

Last season, Chisholm Jr averaged 19 home runs, a team-high 22 stolen bases, batted .250, had 51 RBIs (runs batted in) and 50 runs scored.

However, his season ended early due to a turf toe injury which required surgery.

Despite being one run shy of a 20-20 season, the 26-year-old voiced his frustrations about not being able to play up to 150 games due to injuries. “Jazz” has

CARLOS RODÓN PITCHES

By KEN POWTAK Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) — Carlos Rodón pitched into the seventh inning, Gleyber Torres hit a two-run single in New York’s three-run first and the Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 8-2 on Sunday night to win a series for just the second time in their last 12 tries.

New York took the final two games of the three-game set against its longtime rival after blowing a late lead in the opener Friday night. It was the Yankees’ first series win against Boston in three attempts this season.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. batted fifth, going 1 for 5 with a single, and played center field in his Yankees debut after they acquired him from Miami for three minor leaguers Saturday.

Rob Refsnyder and Connor Wong opened the fourth with consecutive homers for the Red Sox, who have lost seven of nine since the All-Star break.

Aaron Judge had an RBI single for the Yankees after

reaching base a careerhigh six times in their 11-8, 10-inning comeback win Saturday. He homered in each of the first two games of the series. Rodón (11-7) gave up two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking one. He’s held the opponent to three or fewer runs in 17 of 22 starts this year.

Oswaldo Cabrera added a two-run double that broke it open against former Yankees reliever Greg Weissert in the eighth. For the second straight day, the Yankees jumped out with three runs in the first.

But unlike the series’ first two games when the teams combined for 35 runs and leads were squandered late, they made it hold up. Alex Verdugo opened the game with a double against All-Star Tanner Houck (8-7) and scored on Judge’s single inside first base.

Austin Wells hit a groundrule double before Torres singled to right. New York leads the majors with 78 first-inning

runs and is 42-15 when scoring first. Houck gave up four runs — three earned — in six innings.

Refsnyder and Wong both homered into the Green Monster seats to slice it to 4-2, but Rodón stranded Rafael Devers at third after he tripled with no outs.

Danny Jansen was the designated hitter for the Red Sox, one day after they acquired him from the Toronto Blue Jays for three minor leaguers. He had two singles and a walk.

“That part of it is nice, just kind of right in there, thrown right in there to compete with my new teammates,” he said before the game.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Yankees: Manager Aaron Boone said slugger Giancarlo Stanton is in line to be activated from the injured list Monday in Philadelphia.

Stanton hasn’t played since straining his left hamstring while running the bases on June 22. …

Chisholm Jr slipped on the bag at second and

already played 102 games this season and has a .249 batting average, with a .730 OPS, 22 stolen bases and 13 home runs so far.

Although Chisholm Jr has remained healthy for the 2024 campaign, the Marlins have struggled.

Miami made their second postseason appearance in four years last season but have struggled this season, currently owning a 39-67 record in the National League East.

The NY Yankees are in a much better position with a 61-45 win/loss record in the American League East but have struggled as of late.

The latest MLB deal has ended Chisholm’s four season run with the Miami Marlins. He was added to the Marlins’ roster in 2020 and played in his first game in September of that year. He picked up some noteworthy accolades along the way, including being named to his first MLB

All-Star Game in 2022, the first Bahamian to make an All-Star Game roster and becoming the only Marlins player in history to hit grand slam home runs in back-to-back days. He is under contract through 2026 where he will be eligible for arbitration again.

“Jazz” made his Yankees debut against the Boston Red Sox last night at the Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

his face hit the backside of Boston second baseman Romy Gonzalez, but Chisholm Jr stayed in the

game. Red Sox: Manager Alex Cora said 1B Triston Casas will start a rehab assignment Tuesday with

Triple-A Worcester. He has been sidelined since the middle of April with a rib strain.

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. stands at first base during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, July 26, 2024, in Milwaukee. Chisholm Jr now plays for the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

NEW York Yankees outfielders, from left, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo and Jazz Chisholm Jr. celebrate

Boston Red Sox during a baseball game last night in Boston. (AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer)

FIBA Under-15 Centrobasket:

Bahamas finishes 8th overall

fifth loss of the tournament, according to coach Anton Francis.

IT WAS a long weekend for the junior under-15 (U15) women’s national basketball team at the 2024 FIBA Centrobasket U15 Women’s Championship in David, Panama. The 12-member team wrapped up their FIBA tournament experience in the eighth position with a 0-5 win/loss record following a 64-47 loss to Nicaragua on Sunday evening.

Turnovers played a pivotal role in The Bahamas’

“Nicaragua wanted the game more than us. As a coaching staff, we discussed limiting turnovers and scoring the ball. We absolutely did not limit the turnovers today. We had 44 turnovers and you cannot really win a game with those kinds of turnovers. The future is definitely bright if we could keep this core of young ladies. We are gonna take time out to work with them year round with this group and an additional group. We are gonna continue to

scout the Family Islands,” he said.

Andica Curtis led The Bahamas in points, rebounds, assists and steals. She averaged 10.6 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 4.6 steals in five games played.

Although she had an inefficient scoring game against Nicaragua yesterday, she still managed to put up 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.

Ricarra Beadle led the team in scoring with 16 points and 8 rebounds.

The Bahamas took the first quarter against their

opponents 8-7. Nicaragua struggled through a 2-for-20 shooting slump but managed to stay within striking distance on the scoreboard.

After leading the first quarter, The Bahamas fell behind 17-12 when Nicaragua’s Sharon Watson hit a pair of free throws in the second period. Nicaragua held a 3 point lead at the halftime break, 21-18. They proceeded to outscore The Bahamas 43-29 in the second half.

With a number of members on Team Bahamas experiencing FIBA play for

the first time, coach Francis outlined how the team can improve going forward.

“We must have more competition. We must have an additional league for young ladies. We have to have young ladies that are interested in the sport at an early age and then you need to train them.

“Our coaches in their home programmes and in their school programmes need to ensure that they make training fun, make sure that the young ladies keep their interest and ensure that they get better so that when they come to

a national team tryout it is not like coaches are holding a camp,” he said. Nicaragua had 32 steals in the game while The Bahamas had 14. They had 37 points off turnovers and The Bahamas had 12. Nicaragua pushed the ball in the open court for 32 fastbreak points and The Bahamas only had 11 points.

Puerto Rico, Mexico and Panama were the top three finishers in the tournament.

All three teams will move on to the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup 2025.

BAHAMA

THE Marco City Association Constituency Office re-launched its Annual Basketball Tournament on Saturday, recognising the significance of integrating sports activities within the community.

The event was held at the Marco City Heroes Park at Mayfield Park, drawing young boys and men from across the constituency for a day of competition and camaraderie.

Marco City MP Michael Pintard made an appearance. Local youth leaders/ coaches Darren Rolle, of the Falcon’s Boys Club, Dudley Seide, of Reach Out Youth Organisation, Claudius Burrows, Vance Barr, and Lionel Morley were in attendance.

The event catered to boys aged eight to 28, divided into three age categories: 8-12, 13-15, and the open bracket for ages 16 to 28.

Awards were presented for best defensive player and MVP in all three categories. An overall tournament champion trophy was also up for grabs.

Ms Francois indicated that during the off-season Marco City Constituency Office partnered with various organizations sponsoring various basketball tournaments in the Grand Bahama community.

Lionel Morley, coach of Sunrise Prep, said basketball helps young boys and men to develop camaraderie and socialization skills.

Toshiya Francois, the Marco City Constituency Office administrator, said the tournament returned after a one-year absence.

“Today our kids live next door and do not know each other, and it is good we bring them together to fellowship with each other through sports,” he said. He thanked Mr Pintard for hosting the tournament, particularly during the summertime when there is not much to do for young people. He believes it is something that other MPs should consider doing as well.

“Sometimes these events prevent young men from doing other things.

“And through sports, they can create friendships and good community spirit.”

“It is a productive day when we can bring young people in an area where it is wholesome, and we thank the MP for Marco City, ” said Falcons Boys Club Coach Darren

participate in a tournament.

Rolle. Mr

Rolle said Mr Pintard has been supportive of clubs on the island and has assisted the Falcons on many occasions, including their recent trip to Orlando, Florida, to

TOSHIYA FRANCOIS, administrator of the Marco City Constitency Association Office, announces the relaunch of the 3rd Marco City Annual Basketball Tournament in Grand Bahama.

Centrobasket

Women’s Championship in David, Panama.

Knowles looking forward to the Paris Olympics

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

PARIS, France — After making their initial appearance for the Olympic Games in London, England in 2012, Shervone and Ashley Knowles both said they had to make their second rodeo here.

With Team Bahamas still waiting to begin competition at the games, the mother and daughter duo were taking advantage of the opportunity to do some sightseeing and are enjoying what Paris has to offer.

“It’s a lot of fun. We are enjoying the scenery,” said mother Shervone Knowles.

“The buildings are quite different, but the people are very friendly.”

During the games, they intend to watch Team Bahamas in action in swimming and track and field.

But during the off days, Shervone Knowles said they are looking to attend some basketball games.

Although they haven’t seen any action yet, they indicated that they are excited about the Paris Olympics.

“We are looking forward to seeing our competitors compete and to do their best,” she stated.

Ashley Knowles, a 13-year-old student of Queen’s College, who competes in track and field for the Comets and the Fast Forward Track Club, was too young to comprehend what transpired in London. But she noted that she is grasping onto every image she can get here in Paris.

“It’s a totally different experience for her so far. The people are nice and the food is good,” said Ashley, who enjoys eating pasta.

“It’s a lot of fun. We are enjoying the scenery. The buildings are quite different, but the people are very friendly. We are looking forward to seeing our competitors compete and to do their best.”

— Shervone Knowles

With the knowledge she is gaining now, Ashley Knowles is hoping that one day she will be back at the Olympics for her third lucky charm, not as a spectator, but as a participating sprinter for Team Bahamas in either the 100 metres or 200 metres or both and maybe even as a member of the women’s 4 x 100 metre relay team.

When asked about her thoughts about the team here competing, Ashley noted that “it’s good” and a “solid” one and she can’t wait to see them in action. It would certainly make the trek to Paris even more worthwhile if she could witness a medal-winning performance, a national record or even a world record-breaking feat.

OLYMPIC GAMES DAY 2: SIMONE BILES AND LEBRON JAMES SHINE AS AMERICANS STEP UP AT THE GAMES

By JENNA FRYER AP National Writer

PARIS (AP) — On the first sunny day of the Paris Olympics, the stars from the United States shined bright.

Simone Biles and LeBron James dazzled, so did the U.S. women’s soccer team.

Torri Huske grabbed some of the spotlight, and Haley Batten made a name for herself by earning a silver medal in mountain biking for the best finish ever by an American rider.

Although it was French swimmer Léon Marchand who received the most boisterous cheers in crushing the field to win gold in the men’s 400-metre individual medley, the U.S. had a strong Sunday on Day 2 of the Games.

Simone Shines Biles made her Olympic return three years after pulling out of multiple finals at the Tokyo Games to protect her safety, which prompted an international discussion about mental health, by powering through discomfort she felt in her calf to lead the U.S. women’s gymnastics team into the finals.

Biles, Suni Lee and Jordan Chiles went 1-2-3 in the all-around during early qualifying, though Chiles will miss the all-around final due to rules that limit countries to entering two athletes per competition.

There’s a chance Chiles will make the floor exercise final should she finish in the top eight.

Lee is practically a lock for the beam and bars finals, with 2020 floor exercise champion Jade Carey in good position to join Biles in the vault final.

But all eyes were on Biles, who briefly scared an entire nation when she left the after her floor exercise and received medical attention. She had tweaked her calf in warm-up, but

U.S. coach Cecile Landi said it was a minor injury. She performed in front of a star-studded crowd that included Tom Cruise, Jessica Chastain, Snoop Dogg, Anna Wintour and Lady Gaga, who wrote on social media of Biles: “She nailed it, what an honour to be so close!” LeBron Leads USA

Two of the most experienced Olympians on the U.S. men’s basketball team, James and Kevin Durant, began the squad’s bid for a fifth consecutive gold medal with a near-flawless performance. Durant made his first eight shots and scored 23 points, James added 21 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and the U.S. rolled to a 110-84 win over Serbia in the Olympic opener for both teams. James and Durant were a combined 18 for 22 from the field — 8 of 9 for Durant, 9 of 13 for James — as the U.S. had no trouble with the reigning World Cup silver medallists.

Jrue Holiday scored 15, Devin Booker had 12 and Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry each added 11 for the U.S.

Pool Party

Huske knocked off world-record holder

Gretchen Walsh in the women’s 100 butterfly, using a strong finish to get her hands to the wall just ahead of her teammate in a 1-2 finish for the U.S.

The favourite went out with her usual strategy: start fast and try to hold on. It worked at the U.S. trials, where she set her world record of 55.18 last month, and she was under record pace at the turn.

But Huske chased her down in the race that really mattered. The winner touched in 55.59 — about the length of a finger ahead of Walsh’s time of 55.63. When Huske saw the “1” beside her name on the scoreboard, she reached across the lane rope to give Walsh and hug while breaking down in tears.

Marchand, meanwhile, lived up to the huge expectations at his home Olympics with a flag-waving crowd cheering his every stroke. He was under world-record pace on the final turn but faded a bit coming home, touching in 4 minutes, 2.95 seconds — an Olympic record, but just shy of his own world mark of 4:02.50.

Marchand claimed that mark at last year’s world championships in Fukuoka, Japan, erasing a record held

by Michael Phelps for 15 years.

And, in an upset, Italian swimmer Nicolo Martinenghi shocked record-holder Adam Peaty in the 100 breaststroke.

Peaty, the gold medallist in both Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, had taken a long layoff to deal with mental health issues. Upon his return, he worked his way back up to speed and entered the final as the top qualifier but settled for silver as his quest for a third consecutive gold was ended.

US Soccer Wins Sophia Smith scored a pair of goals to lead the U.S. past Germany 4-1 and put the team in good position to advance out of its group at the Olympics.

Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams also scored for the Americans, who defeated Zambia 3-0 in the opener but won’t know their fate in the knockout round for sure until after the final Group B matches on Wednesday.

The Americans play Australia in Marseille to conclude group play.

Mountain Biker Medals Batten broke a rule but still came home with America’s best ever mountain biking finish when she won silver.

Batten was fined by the Olympic mountain bike judges for violating a rule on the final lap of her race. She was jockeying for second place when she went through a lane dedicated for taking on food and drink or stopping for mechanical problems.

After the judges reviewed the footage, they decided Batten had done neither and broke one of the rules of the race. She was fined 500 Swiss francs, or about $565, for “failure to respect the instructions of the race organisation or commissaires,” though the judges apparently decided that

the infraction was not serious enough to warrant a disqualification.

Batten finished ninth three years ago at the Tokyo Games.

Tennis Veterans Win Rafael Nadal was unsure he could even play men’s singles Sunday the day before his match, but turned up at Roland Garros and beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in the first round.

The victory set up a blockbuster showdown against rival Novak Djokovic.

It will be the 60th meeting between this pair of greats, more than any other two men have played against each other in the sport’s Open era, which began in 1968. Djokovic, a 37-yearold from Serbia, leads the head-to-head series 30-29, and his 24 Grand Slam titles make him the only man in

tennis history with more than Nadal’s 22. Andy Murray’s tennis career, meanwhile, was extended for at least one more match when he and British partner Dan Evans saved five match points during a first-round doubles win. Murray and Evans rallied past the Japanese pair of Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9. The Brits trailed 9-4 in the decisive tiebreaker, which is held in place of a third set in doubles.

The 37-year-old Murray announced before the Summer Games that it would be the final event of his career, and then pulled out of the singles bracket, leaving him only in doubles. Murray is a three-time Grand Slam champion and the only tennis player with two Olympic singles golds — from London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

LEBRON JAMES, left, of the United States, shoots over Bogdan Bogdanovic, of Serbia, during a men’s basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, yesterday in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France. (Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo via AP)

DAUGHTER Ashley Knowles and mother Shervone Knowles in Paris for the Olympics.

Summer of Thunder: UNC Wilmington picks up two wins

By TENAJH SWEETING

Sports Reporter

THE busy summer for the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) continued with the Summer of Thunder basketball tournament which is now in full swing after weekend action at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

A pair of Bahamian basketball teams took the court against the University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks on Saturday and Sunday.

The visiting team earned a comfortable victory against the Bahamas All-Stars 103-67 in the tournament opener on Saturday.

The Seahawks’ game against Raw Talent Elite went down to the wire yesterday but they escaped 109-104.

Seahawks vs Raw Talent Elite

With a combination of young ballers and seasoned veterans representing the home team, the Raw Talent Elite basketball squad put on a show for the home crowd against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Domnick Bridgewater, who recently signed with Champagne Basket, had the hottest hand in the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. He paced both teams on the stat sheet with a game-high 53 points, five assists and two steals. Bridgewater also caught fire from deep, canning 10 makes from long range.

Veteran men’s national basketball team member Jaraun ‘Kino’ Burrows got in on the hooping action as well and dropped 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals in a complete effort.

Burrows, who coaches and plays with the team, spoke about the end result.

“I am really happy about the result today. I think we were down by three in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie the game. These are million dollar programmes that train and have the best everything but we are just coming together.

“I have a 13-year-old, 15-year-old and 16-year-old along with two other high school players.

“I am really happy about the way that they played, complementing the professional guys like Zane Knowles and Domnick Bridgewater. Hats off to Domnick Bridgewater who had 53 points today. The kid is one of the best up and coming rising stars in

Europe. I am just happy with the way we represented the programme and for The Bahamas,” he said. After falling behind by seven (34-27) going into the second period, Bridgewater followed up a dunk thrown down by pro player Zane Knowles with a slam of his own to give the Raw Talent Elite the lead 35-34. Despite Bridgewater’s hometown cooking, the Seahawks created a 10-point separation at the halftime break to go into

the second half on top 58-48.

Burrows and Bridgewater proved to be the perfect one-two punch on offence leading into the home stretch. The veteran big man got some big buckets late in the third and helped to shave the lead down to two (78-76) with 1:29 remaining in the third quarter. The Seahawks maintained their lead to start the last quarter of play.

Khamari McGriff, who

wrapped up with a teamhigh 20 points, kept the Seahawks in control with an easy layup made at the midway mark of the fourth quarter. UNC was ahead 97-90 at this juncture of the game. Although it appeared as if the Seahawks were well on their way to victory, Bridgewater splashed back-to-back three-pointers to shift the score to 107-104 with just 13 seconds on the game clock.

Donavan Newby would pick up two freebies at the

charity stripe to ice the game for the visitors.

Burrows said he is excited to be back at home spending time and playing with the highschoolers, collegiate players and pro players in the Summer of Thunder basketball tournament.

UNC Wilmington had five players hit the doubledigit mark. McGriff poured in 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Josh Corbin was equally as impressive with 19 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. The team collectively shot 53.2 per cent in the win and outrebounded Raw Talent Elite 48 to 38. Bahamas All-Stars vs UNC Wilmington Earlier in the weekend, UNC Wilmington dished out a 36-point beating to the Bahamas All-Stars. The

collegiate team once again had five players eclipse double digits. Jamison was the top performer for the Seahawks. He cruised to a team-high 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. The Bahamas All-Stars got some quality minutes from Richard Lowe, who delivered 21 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists in the loss. Summer of Thunder presented by the BBF continues on Tuesday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium and Baha Mar resort. Tuesday’s double header features the Bahamas AllStars versus East Carolina University at 3:30pm. Raw Talent Elite takes on the University of Louisville later in the evening at 7pm at Baha Mar.

ON THE REPLAY: A pair of Bahamian basketball teams took the court against the University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks on Saturday and Sunday. The visiting team earned a comfortable victory against the Bahamas All-Stars 103-67 in the tournament opener on Saturday. And the Seahawks’ game against Raw Talent Elite went down to the wire yesterday but they escaped 109-104.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

TEAM AUSTRIA, Team Azerbaijan and Team Bahamas cruise during the athletes parade on the Seine River during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Hannah Peters/Pool Photo via AP)

Paris Olympics - an opening ceremony to remember

FROM PAGE 20

for the competition.

Unlike the make-up of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center where there are multiple venues erected, which makes the Bahamas a unique sporting mecca in the Caribbean, Bowleg said the venues here have been spread around the city and it takes some time to venture from one facility to the next.

But in viewing the South Paris Arena where volleyball is taking place, Bowleg said the complex that was built in 1923 to host the Paris Trade Fair (Foire de Paris), is now an exhibition and convention centre that is one of the most active in Europe and most visited in France.

“This is such an attractive venue that it can hold multiple events,” said Bowleg, who compared it to Atlantis and Baha Mar with their ballrooms, but much smaller. “When we look at what we have, we definitely can’t host an event of the magnitude of the Olympics, but we can continue to enhance all of our facilities so that we can remain the premier destinations to eventually host events much smaller in comparison to the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

Bowleg said he’s confident that Team Bahamas will bring home at least 2-3 medals, especially with the contingent of athletes here to compete in track and field and led by flag bearers defending men’s 400 metre champion Steven Gardiner and women’s world indoor 60m hurdles record holder Devynne Charlton.

Gardiner and Charlton led the team through the rain-drenched historic opening ceremony on Friday. For the first time, the ceremony did not take place in a stadium, but was staged in the heart of the city along its main artery - the Seine River. Based on their size, some nations either were paraded in front of the thousands of spectators in their own boats or they shared with one or two other nations. Following the ceremonies, the games officially began, but Team Bahamas will not be in competition until Tuesday when Lamar Taylor will break the ice when he makes his splash in the men’s 100m freestyle heats at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, which was first opened in

2017 and has the world’s largest interactive giant screen.

Donaldson, who is attending the games along with BOC president Rommell Knowles and several of their executives, said the good thing about Team Bahamas is the fact that all of the athletes are settled into the Games Village, well ahead of their competition.

“With track and field starting late, some of the athletes arrived late, but with swimming starting this week, the two swimmers were here well in advance of their competition,” Donaldson said. “So we’re happy that they are all here adjusting to the time difference so that they can be able to go out there and perform at their best.”

Considered to be a “Little Rock,” but a “powerful nation,” Donaldson told The Tribune that the BOC and the Bahamas at large are expecting the athletes to perform at their best.

“We usually come through with gold and so I expect nothing less,” Donaldson predicted. “We have alot of first timers here who are looking to prove themselves and to show the country what they are worth, so we are here to support them and we look forward to seeing some finalists and some medal winners.”

Donaldson said the BOC, led by chef de mission Cora Hepburn and team leader Roy Colebrooke, can account for all of the members of Team Bahamas in the games village, including reigning two-time Olympic women’s gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who sparked some concerns after persons indicated in the Bahamas that they didn’t see her on the parade of athletes during the opening ceremonies on Friday.

“Shaunae is here, but the public should know that athletes have different remedies and with the opening marred by the rain, as a mother, we have to take in consideration that she opted not to go,” Donaldson said. “At the last Olympics, some athletes opted not to go because they were still in training.

“It was raining here during the opening and some of the athletes from some of the other countries also didn’t go to the opening ceremonies. But Shaunae is here and Team Bahamas is ready to go.”

MEMBERS of Team Bahamas march in the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Cameron Spencer/Pool Photo via AP)

SHOWN, from left to right, are Bahamas team leader Roy Colebrooke, flag bearers Devynne Charlton and Steven Gardiner and chef de mission Cora Hepburn.

Paris Olympics - opening ceremony to remember

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

PARIS, France — Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said he’s been pleased with what he has seen so far at the 2024 Olympic Games and, if there are any doubts or concerns, the Bahamas Olympic Committee said there should be no need to worry about Team Bahamas which is all ready to go. The duo made their assessments yesterday after they viewed the women’s volleyball match between Japan and Poland at the South Paris Arena.

Bowleg, who is here along with Director of Sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills,

told The Tribune that the experience here in France has been more than he expected.

“I’ve not been able to see the athletes yet because I haven’t gotten to the village yet, but I know our athletes are preparing themselves,” he said. “We know that swimming will start first and so we are looking forward to seeing our athletes perform there, and in track and field, which will be held during the last week of competition.”

While he waits to interact with Team Bahamas, Bowleg said he’s taking in some of the action and looking at the various facilities that Paris has to offer

SEE PAGE 19

TEAM BAHAMAS athletes travel along the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics on Friday, July 26, 2024.

(Nir Elias/Pool Photo via AP)

TEAM AUSTRIA, Team Azerbaijan and Team Bahamas attend the opening ceremony for the Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26.

(Zhao Dingzhe/Pool Photo via AP)