MINISTER: WE’LL RAISE MINIMUM WAGE SOON
Glover-Rolle assures unions they will be included and informed
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Davis administration wants to increase the minimum wage again soon, Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said yesterday.
She did not give a timeline for when a decision would be made but said talks are ongoing.
She said officials had discussed the matter with a senior economics wage specialist at the International Labour Organisation.
She said union leaders would be included in discussions, adding: “You have my commitment to that.”
“Not only will you be included, but you will be informed because I will
ADVOCATE DISTURBED BY LACK OF PROGRESS ON MARITAL RAPE LAW
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff
Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
AN advocate for criminalising marital rape is disturbed by the Davis administration’s lack of progress on legislation.
Lisa Bostwick-Dean, vice president of Women United, noted that although religious groups opposed cannabis bills, the administration passed the legislation but has not moved on marital rape, which some Christian leaders also oppose. She said: “While we make no comment as an organisation on the marijuana bill as it’s not one of the items on our agenda, we did take note that the government took steps to
Residents applaud Town Planning’s rejection of grocery store application
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE Town Planning Committee refused an application to construct a grocery store, liquor
store and takeaway shack on Colony Village Road off Prince Charles Drive, delighting residents who opposed the development. Residents voiced their concerns about the project during a town hall meeting on July 2. Director of Physical Planning Charles Zonicle said in a letter The Tribune obtained that the Town Planning Committee
WATSON: NO OLYMPICS ON ZNS DUE TO HIGH COST
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
ZNS is not broadcasting the Olympic Games this year because it could not afford the rights, according to general manager Clint Watson. He said ZNS usually tries to collaborate with other networks in the region to buy the rights to host the event because
networks cannot afford those rights themselves. He said the last Olympics cost $300,000 to broadcast. This year, the cost would have been about $800,000. His comment yesterday came after several residents complained that they could not watch Bahamians perform.
By NEIL HARTNELL
SANDALS is disputing assertions by the Bahamian tax authorities that its Emerald Bay resort only reported 40 percent of revenues earned as it defended its oneof-a-kind “business model”. In a September 8, 2023, letter to the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) Sandals denied the property had failed to properly disclose “the true nature of transactions” which have sparked demands for $30.844m in allegedly unpaid VAT and Business Licence fees.
ZNS general manager Clint Watson
ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Commodore Dr Raymond King inspects officers ahead of the Reserve Commission Officer Graduation Ceremony at the RBDF Coral Habour base yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Governor General visiting Botswana
The Governor General Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt and her delegation arrived at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in the Republic of Botswana, yesterday and were received by Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi, President of Botswana, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo, Commander of the Botswana Defence Force, and other officials welcomed the contingent. Both National Anthems were played followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour and a twenty-one gun salute. Above, two children presented flowers.
Photos: Calvin Brown/RBDF
Minister: we’ll raise minimum wage soon
from page one
make sure that it’s not said that our stakeholders were not aware of our plans and were allowed to mistakenly believe that this increase is not a high priority for this government.”
The Davis administration increased the minimum wage from $210 to $260 in January 2023. That was the second increase since the Ingraham administration introduced the minimum wage in 2001 at $150 per week.
Some workers said the increase did not go far enough given rising food and electricity costs.
“Implementation of each minimum wage increase requires the consideration of the various practical details, knowing that there are economic realities that inform and limit the increase,” Mrs GloverRolle said during a labour legislation symposium yesterday.
Yesterday, Mrs Glover Rolle said the government must do its due diligence before introducing a livable wage, saying this will require a phased and balanced approach.
“The realities may require compromise,” she said. “Having a liveable wage as a goal is one
thing, but actually making it a reality requires careful planning and execution over the medium to long term. It will also require a phased approach.”
She later told reporters: “It has to be from a data-driven and researchdriven approach. We have to ensure that while we are looking to implement a liveable wage that we would also have sustainability of our businesses or the employers so this is a process that is ongoing.”
Mrs Glover-Rolle also reiterated the government’s promise to fulfil each commitment in a pre-election Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The controversial 2021 signing resurfaced last week after Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) president Kyle Wilson claimed the Davis administration is violating the agreement by leaving Bahamas Power & Light’s unions out of discussions about reforming the utility company.
She said while the government cannot do everything at once, it will not stop working until every promise is fulfilled.
Glover- rolle addresses public servants’ concerns over incremental increases
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
AFTER some public servants complained that incremental increases were not accurately reflected in their monthly pay, Labour and Public Service Minister
Pia Glover-Rolle said yesterday that payments were made on time.
She said some employees did not consider the rollout of the increased National Insurance Board contribution rate and its impact, leading to concerns.
“We advise all public servants to ensure they are taking into account all related salary deductions, inclusive of NIB when calculating their expected monthly compensation,” she said in a statement.
“For any persons who may have been inadvertently excluded from receiving payments due to systemic issues, we will address these select cases as a matter of urgency.”
“Additionally, as annual increments are intended to mitigate the impact of inflation on public servant pay, we also note the need to review this
situation to ensure that the current increment schedule is having the intended impact.”
She reiterated that the government is conducting a salary review across the public sector, adding that concerns surrounding inflation, the NIB rate increase, and other factors will be considered.
She said the review is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that public servants’ wages reflect “the reality of living in a 21st century Bahamas.”
“I have reached out to the president of the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU), Kimsley Ferguson, to clarify this matter,” she added.
“In the meantime, we will continue to expedite our agenda, which has included salary increases for thousands of public servants through 32 successfully negotiated labour agreements, the minimum wage increase, and over two thousand promotions throughout the public service. More information will be made available on the planned salary increases as the public service salary review nears completion.”
Labour Minister Pia GLover-roLLe
$300m GB resort project receives full approval
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE SIX Senses development in Grand Bahama has received full approval to start its $300m resort project, according to developer Marc Weller.
He said Weller Development received its final governmental approval and is excited to proceed with the project.
Ground clearing and site preparation work on land in the Barbary Beach area is scheduled to occur in the fourth quarter of this year.
“We will start levelling out and building up the site and putting in all the basics, such as water, sewer, fibre for connectivity, and electric,” he said. “We expect to have those done going into the second quarter of next year.”
He also indicated that foundational work for the buildings would start at some point in 2025.
On January 30, Weller Development held an environmental public consultation meeting at the Pelican Bay Resort. After that, people had an additional 21 days to submit
ConCEpTual drawing of proposed cottages to be built by Six Senses.
questions and concerns before final approvals were granted.
Hotel renderings will be officially released for public viewing in the coming weeks.
The property’s 50-acre site will feature 64 resort villas and 28 branded residences, a wellness centre and spa, multiple restaurants, an event space, a beach club and an
oceanfront pool. In 2021, Mr Weller told Tribune Business he believes the investment will help establish Grand Bahama’s brand as “the best of the best”. Weller Development launched an awareness campaign prior to its full sale campaign, which generated hundreds of interesting leads and inquiries.
Customs officers graduation ceremony
Advocate disturbed by lack of progress on marital rape law
from page one
present that bill to Parliament for passage, despite the fact that there was some resistance by the Christian Council and others. We wish that the government had the same level of commitment to women in The Bahamas.”
In 2022, the Davis administration released a Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill for consultation. The bill would let the law recognise rape as an act that could happen within a marriage. Successive administrations have pledged to criminalise marital rape but failed to do so.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis in April noted that criminalising marital rape was not a priority in his administration’s pre-election manifesto, Blueprint for Change.
“They have backed off of it,” Mrs BostwickDean said. “But then proceeded to push through the marijuana bill in face of objection by much of the same elements of our society who objected to the passage of laws to protect married women from rape.”
Camp launched in GB for children with disabilities
BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A SUMMER camp was launched in Freeport on Monday for Grand Bahama children with disabilities. Kendrick Rolle, chairman and executive director of the Bahamas Coalition of Advocates for Disabilities Awareness, said 40 children registered to attend Camp Inclusion at the Freeport Seventh Day Church from July 29-August 4.
The camp was initially launched in New Providence in 2022 - with 20 children from Grand Bahama attending.
“After hosting it in New Providence, we found it necessary to host one in Grand Bahama,” Mr Rolle said.
The idea, he said, is to bring children with and without disabilities together so they can learn about advocacy and inclusion, among other things.
Campers will learn about the various kinds of disabilities. They will participate in activities, learn sign language, and how to use a wheelchair. They will also part take in sporting activities, including beep baseball for blind and hearing impaired.
There will be a field trip to the Obadiah Wilchcombe Government Complex in Eight Mile Rock. The camp will culminate with a family fun day at the Independence Park at 2pm on Sunday, August 4. Partners include the Department of Social Services, the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Aliv, Freeport Seventh Day Adventists and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Brennamae Cooper, chief social worker with supervision for Senior Citizens and Disabilities Affairs Division, said they are pleased to partner in organising a disabilities camp in Freeport. Joel Lewis, permanent secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama, said the ministry will provide breakfast and lunch to campers. Peter Watson, of the Seventh Day Adventist Youth Ministry, said: “We have a programme for disabled called possibility ministry, and we thought fitting to partner with Mr Rolle.”
A representative from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is also in Grand Bahama to identify and register people with disabilities.
THE DISCOVERY Bay area where the Six Senses resort is planned.
KEndriCK rollE, chairman and executive director of the Bahamas Coalition of Advocates for Disabilities Awareness
ValEdiCTorian TCO Johnathan Mackeygiving a heartfelt speach at his graduation yesterday. Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle and
Senator Michael Halkitis were in attendance for the ceremony for new Customs officers. The event was held at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
RBDF chief says illegal migration has slowed
‘considerably’ despite expectations of a
surge
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
DEFENCE Force Commodore Raymond King said officials expected illegal immigration, which has slowed “considerably” since the start of the year, to increase when Kenyan officers reached Haiti to lead a multi-national security mission there. “We saw some traction, and the coast guard would have dealt with one or two vessels,” he said yesterday. “I think the Haitian Coast Guard itself would have had to respond to
a vessel that sunk, and I think they were able to rescue some 41 of their own nationals, and so it had slowed, but we remain positive. We still have assets dedicated to the southeastern Bahamas to respond to any need.”
Immigration Minister
MAN TELLS JUDGE THAT HE FEARED FOR HIS LIFE AFTER ADMITTING TO REMOVING MONITOR
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN who admitted to breaching his bail conditions and ditching his monitoring device on the street told a judge he feared for his life after being shot four times.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Deshawn Hart, 23, yesterday on charges of causing damage and three counts of violating bail conditions. Hart was on bail for charges of murder and four counts of attempted murder. He was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 24-yearold Ricaro “Karo” Bullard in Nassau Village on October 8, 2018.
Hart reportedly broke the strap of his black Reli Alert
XC4 Electronic Monitor, which belonged to Migrafill Electronic Security, on May 22. The damage to the device is estimated at $1,194.61.
When police became aware that the device had been tampered with, they found it on the side of the road on Peach and Lime Streets in Pastel Gardens.
Hart also reportedly failed to sign in at the East Street South Police Station between May 22 and July 26, and a wanted poster was circulated for his arrest.
The defendant pleaded guilty to all four charges against him.
He told the magistrate that he was his family’s provider and had three young kids.
He claimed he cut off his ankle bracelet because
he thought his life was in danger. He elaborated that he had been shot four times, the most recent incident happening this month.
Although he told the magistrate he reported these alleged shootings to the police, he admitted that he did not ask the court’s permission to remove the monitoring device.
He was sentenced to two years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for the bail violation charges. He must also reimburse the monitoring company $1,300 or risk an additional 12 months in prison.
Before being taken into remand, the convict said he may have difficulty paying his debt.
MAN CHARGED WITH JULY 18 FATAL STABBING
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 42-YEAR-OLD man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of a fatal stabbing in Sunshine Park earlier this month.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Dominique Reckley, 42, for murder. Reckley allegedly stabbed 26-year-old Thyrique Francis at Moonshine Drive on July 18. Francis succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on July 21. The defendant was informed his matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court through a
voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
Reckley will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on September 30. Devard Francis represented him.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie served as prosecutor.
MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING WOMAN
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 45-YEAR-OLD man was granted $3,000 bail yesterday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Fox Hill in May.
Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux arraigned Charles Williams for indecent assault. Williams allegedly inappropriately touched a woman on Francis Avenue on May 24. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
MAN GETS THREE YEARS JAIL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun in his Kennedy Subdivision home last week. Magistrate Lennox
The prosecution raised no objection to his bail, so Williams was granted it under the condition that he sign in at the East Street South Police Station by 6pm every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Williams will return to court for trial on October 8.
FOR LOADED GUN
Coleby arraigned Clifford Toussaint, 24, for possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition. Toussaint was reportedly found at his residence with a black Glock 19 pistol and 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition on Gilbert Street around 10pm on July 25.
After pleading guilty, the defendant was sentenced to 36 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
Mark Penn represented the accused.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie served as the prosecutor.
Alfred Sears said during his budget contribution last month that 2,910 foreign nationals had been repatriated to their home country for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
In March, Commodore King said from January to February, there was a 650 per cent decrease in migrant interdiction compared to the same period last year –– 140 versus 1,055. By the following week, however, migrant apprehensions began to increase significantly. Between March 11 and April 7, 676 migrants were apprehended.
On Friday, Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) said it is successfully combatting gang activity and restoring security to Haiti. Kenya recaptured a port and cleared a blockade leading to a gang-ridden town, the NPS said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF)
Commodore Raymond King
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Are women receiving the support they need? PICTURE
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
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RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
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PROTECTING women in The Bahamas is something that is often spoken about but not always done in practice.
In today’s Tribune , that can be seen in issues relating to protection from marital rape and from domestic violence.
Earlier this year, The Tribune attended an event for International Women’s Day in which Assistant Superintendent of Police Kendra Whyms talked about the number of women who are suffering in violent or abusive relationships.
She listed the ways in which abusers isolate their victims, cutting them off from those who might be able to help, controlling their victim’s environment, their finances and more.
In today’s Face to Face column, Felicity Darville speaks to Sgt Kim McGregor from the Domestic Violence Task Force unit – and again many of those elements recur.
She points out the warning signs of abusers, such as criticising others for their wrongdoing, sabotaging their victim’s career or school, abusing alcohol or drugs. Again, there is the isolation from family and friends, and the control of movement and finances.
As Sgt McGregor advises: “If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, remember that it is not your fault and you do not deserve to be treated poorly. It is important to seek help immediately and to stay away from your abuser. You don’t have to
go through this alone.”
Not all victims have the option to stay away from their abuser of course – and the lack of further details in recent times of progress on a shelter for women is frustrating.
People need support to be able to start again – physical support in the shape of a roof over their head and mental support to believe that they can rebuild a life free from their abuser.
Then there is the issue of legislation on marital rape – which this government shows no signs of making progress on.
An activist noted that marijuana legislation received pushback from some Christian leaders, but the government went ahead and passed the legislation anyway.
Some of those same opponents pushed back against marital rape legislation – and the government has not pressed ahead.
Indeed, the prime minister suggested that marital rape legislation was not a priority and was not in the PLP’s pre-election Blueprint for Change. It was. And yet it is still clearly not a priority.
Add in the lack of progress on citizenship issues affecting women and it is fair to ask, are women truly receiving the support they need? The support they deserve?
How soon will we see progress on any of these issues? That will be the proof that women truly are being listened to.
Bahamas should boycott Olympics over blasphemy
EDITOR, The Tribune
WHEN I got home on Saturday afternoon I asked my wife why she wasn’t watching the Olympic Games, which is airing on Peacock TV app. She informed me that she is no longer interested in watching the Olympics after seeing a drag queen parody of the Last Supper of the Lord Jesus Christ on the night He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. The emblems of communion represents the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Worldwide, the church would commemorate this important and sacred event, as it points to the vicarious, substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross. The French government and President Emmanuel Macron are undoubtedly well aware of the meaning of the Last Supper, yet allowed a group of drag queens and
LGBTQI+ advocates to use the massive platform of the Olympics to openly blaspheme and mock the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet these are the same people who love to chide the evangelical church for its lack of inclusion and tolerance. What is ironic is that Emmanuel means God with us. This blasphemous performance was meant to mock the church. The Progressive Liberal Party government and Team Bahamas should both boycott the Paris Games ASAP. To continue in the Games would be an affront to the Lord and to His church. The French people need to be taught a lesson that they cannot get away with openly taunting the Lord, especially before an international audience. The performance was disgusting, sickening and blasphemous. Had this been a parody of the Prophet
Muhammad, Muslim radicals would have already committed terrorist acts throughout Paris in protest. Macron and the Olympic Committee know better than to provoke the Muslim community in France. Christians, on the other hand, are easy targets as they are taught by the Lord Jesus in the New Testament Gospels to turn the other cheek. As a self professing Christian nation, The Bahamas should not partake in an event that has maliciously ridiculed a sacred event. Any medals won in Paris by Bahamian athletes at this point would be absolutely meaningless to me as a Bahamian evangelical Christian. To continue in the games would be a tacit approval of the drag queen parody.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama July 28, 2024.
Private cays hurting local income
EDITOR, The Tribune
IN stopping by to convey views that many Bahamians have, but for reasons unknown unable to make them in the print media. Early in my childhood on North Andros, I was acquainted with our tourist product, hearing how the peoples from many countries have descended upon this little country, because some had heard so much about it spoken of by those who visited previously.
And as I tried to ascertain what exactly were the elders speaking about? Those answers were supplied, but me being just a young kid, still could not sufficiently grasp what were substances versus anything else? What I did remember is that they talked about the crystal clear water, beaches with sands so white, that the sunlight presented challenges for the bare sights. What stayed with me also was that they were fascinated by the friendliness of the people.
And as the years passed I was persuaded that yes, those tangibles expressed waste driving force behind how the Bahamian people, family islanders were able to sustain themselves, coupled by the fact that we ploughed the fields, harvested the bounties derived from our labors.
Now, as Father God has envisioned it, He provided all of the sustenances, the industries, the manufacturing companies, for there to be employments, this He did for all countries of the globe, including the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, cementing it with the appropriate talents to be able to make good on His desires for a people( but many countries have squandered their talents).
Reflecting on our little Bahama land, it was suggested that the key earner to our Public Treasury of the Bahamas (Consolidated Fund) derived from tourism, but what does this mean)? I also wished to invite queries, as I seek to provoke the inferences: what exactly were they selling? And the Banking, which used to be solvent, really having enough money to pay The Bahamas’ debt and liabilities, but due to covetous international posturing, muscle flexing large countries, versus small there
has been a very noticeable decline in the financial services industry (for we have denigrated to having to borrow to defray the expenses of the government, every budget cycle, thereby having to pilates the masses). And the fisheries are said to be the third leg of our economy, but what have we seen over the decades, hardly a catch to be had, in part to the illegally overfishing inseason-and-out-of-season by especially Dominican fishermen and others, with little to no penalty? And as a country’s economy hinges a couple of streams, the gross domestic product, the total value of goods and services provided in a country in one year? There is also the gross national product which is the gross domestic product plus the total of net income from abroad, a determinant mechanism for quantifying those checks and balances for a country’s economy (to be able to strive), but does it matter?
In conclusion, there was a time that cruise ships came to Bahamas with its cruise passengers, wanting to see the country, experience the nightlife, try the local cuisines, enjoy the beaches, and by 7pm, many of them were steaming out of the Nassau Harbour, few of them overnight. Now, what do we have? Cruise ships have purchased little Bahamian cays and God knows how they were able to get lawful conveyances, custody of Crown land (never for sale, property of generations of Bahamians-unborn), lawfully-owned by The Bahamian people and for the sole purpose of engaging in direct competition with Bahamas tourist product, and as a consequences, they have deprived, and continuously have been depriving the Public Treasury of The Bahamas of Taxes (all of the excessive revenues it has made, and is making from (from the people that the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism have advertised, and market for their visits to the Bahamas), these unlawful
and unpatriotic sales, is legally problematic)?
Editor, what is so egregious about it, is that many of these cruise ship companies have more money than our entire country. And what becomes of these socalled island purchases? They equip them with all of the amenities found on Paradise Island and The City of Z, so really their first stop is at their private concern, where the cruise passenger spends most of their money and take in the beaching environment, arriving at the Nassau Cruise Port at Prince George Dock, when the travellers were either broke, or too tired to explore Nassau, or Paradise Island. No wonder the taxi drivers have been complaining about going home without a job. Now I ask what, who Bahamian politicians would be so inept, and non Bahamian interests that they word sacrifice the tourist product?
Might I remind the Powers That Be, that the Public Treasury of The Bahamas pays under the umbrella of the Ministry Of Tourism, to market the destination, and apart from the head taxes, what are we really getting for our things, what bang for the dollar?
If the powers that be, believe that it doesn’t matter, where will the funds, the revenue be derived to defray the expenses of the government? If it allows the cruise ship companies to In-House trading, the interception of funds that would have been made and routed to the Public Treasury of the richest country on the globe? No wonder when a country is allowed to hit rock bottom, there is the perception, queries why, when they were so rich, is it because of these acts of unpatriotism?
Also of consequence is the numbers of foreigners in Downtown holding down businesses related to tourism, no question that they export the revenues out the country?
The handwriting on the wall said God Most High has spoken it. Lord, for behold your words are forever settled in the Heavens, hallelujah.
FRANK GILBERT Nassau, July 18, 2024.
THE HUSBAND, wife and son team of Beryn, Shannel and Khai Neeley, here to attend the Olympic Games, met some members of Team Bahamas. Athletes present with Rhema Otabor, Denisha Armbrister, Charisma Taylor, Ken Mullings, Steven Gardiner, Lacarthea Cooper and Javonya Valcourt.
A doctor, psychologist and lawyer among RBDF reserve graduates
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A MEDICAL doctor, a psychologist and a lawyer are among the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) reserve training programme graduates.
Reserve Senior Lieutenant Delano Rolle is a military psychologist. He will help the force with mental health issues.
“The military life can be a very stressful life, causing individuals to experience a myriad of issues ranging from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, substance use and abuse,” he said yesterday.
“My presence here as a professional in the field of psychology is to help the Royal Bahamas Defence
Force as we move forward and as we have to navigate our men and women so that they can have the best possible value of life.”
Reserve Senior Lieutenant Edmund Turner is a lawyer with 24 years of experience. He said being a reserve officer allows him to complement the force and help with internal disciplinary partners from a legal perspective.
“The most profound moment for me would have been the physical exercise and the evolutions that take place,” he said of his training. “I never experienced that type of physical exertion in my life, but through the grace of God, I was able to pull through. And so, for me, it was an achievement, irrespective of the pain and the hurt.”
Reserve Senior Lieutenant Sean Knowles worked as a doctor at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and has a private practice.
He was asked to come to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force last year to provide medical services to the commodore and the RBDF.
“I consider the medical facility to be my home, and so what I’m doing right now is simply just making it official,” he said.
Commodore Raymond King said through reserve officers, the RBDF can solicit professionals with their own competencies and skill sets. He added the force has recruited several people with expertise in various fields.
ReseRve Senior Lieutenant Edmund Turner is awarded The Most Outstanding Commission Reserve Officer Award from Minister of State in the Office of The Prime Minister Leon Lundy and Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) Commodore Dr Raymond King during the Reserve Commission Officer Graduation Ceremony at the RBDF Coral Habour base on yesterday. Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Breaking the cycle of domestic abuse
“Family is everything” - it’s a popular quote often used when people make their social media posts with their loved ones. it comes from the heart and usually indicates the love that people have for their relatives, and how much they cherish them.
Sometimes, despite the love, some family members don’t have good communication skills and don’t know how to express themselves effectively. This can lead to abuse, and it’s something Sgt Kim mcGregor of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Task Force Unit is seeking to change.
With National Family Week celebrations currently underway, she took the time out to address these concerns with hopes of increasing awareness that could impact families for the better.
“When people hear the term ‘domestic violence’, physical abuse is often their first thought,” Kim shared.
“While physical abuse is certainly one of the most common types of domestic violence, it is important to remember that there are other forms of abuse that can also occur in relationships.”
“Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used to gain or keep power and control over another person in a relationship. Domestic Violence includes intimate relationships, family members, ex-husbands, ex-wife, ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend. Domestic violence take can take on many forms and is not always easy to recognise.”
Domestic violence can include:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Social abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Spiritual abuse
One of the reasons she is such a big advocate to end domestic violence is because of the negative impacts it can have on the children of the home.
“Whether children witness or experience abuse, it can take a toll on their development,” she said.
“Domestic violence victims are not isolated to intimate partners. Children are at an increased risk for emotional behavioral problems regardless if they were directly abused or not.
“Domestic violence is serious; it affects a large proportion of the population. The harm it causes can last a lifetime and span generations. The ultimate goal is to stop the violence before it begins and promote healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships and communities. it can be done through education and empowerment.”
Her comments came during a family empowerment seminar hosted by the Department of Gender and Family affairs (DGFa), ministry of Social Services, information and Broadcasting (mOSSiB). The seminar
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
was one of the highlights of National Family Week, currently underway. last night, a men’s empowerment forum was held to provide men with a space to express their thoughts on the family, get professional advice, and gain new friends through camaraderie and male bonding. These efforts to empower the Bahamian family will continue throughout the year, and will include a special campaign in partnership with the Bahamas Christian Council that will result in special church services for the family being hosted throughout the nation.
With constant prayers being raised and efforts undertaken to unite the family, Kim’s campaign to save the family through domestic violence awareness has taken on new wings.
“an abusive relationship can take on different methods of control, but the underlying themes are the same,” she advised. an abusive relationship involves one party using their power to prevent the other from doing anything except what the abuser wants.”
She pointed out some red flags of abusers to be aware of:
• Criticise or blame you for their wrong doing
• Sabotage your career/ school
• Abuses alcohol or drugs
• Isolates you from your family and friends
• Controls your movement
• Controls your finances
“The cycle of abuse describes a common four-part pattern that helps identify repeated behaviors within an abusive relationship,” she explained. “This pattern is not seen in all abusive relationships. However, when present, the cycle allows the abuser to continually maintain control and dominance over their partner.”
• Tension Phase - when external stressors such as financial problems, and issues at work begin to build for the abuser. anger grows due to a feeling of loss of control, and can result in abrupt anger; annoyance or impatience; and aggression
• Incident Phrase - eventually, the built-up tension has to be released by the abuser to help them feel as though they have power and control again. They will then begin to engage in abusive behaviors such as: hurling insults or calling their partner names; threatening to hurt their partner, someone close to them, or pets; trying to control how their partner acts, dresses, cooks, and more; and manipulating their partner emotionally,
which can take the form of targeting insecurities or lying and denying any wrongdoing.
• Calm Phase - when justifications or explanations are made to help both partners excuse the abuse. For example, an abusive partner might say they’re sorry but blame the abuse on outside factors such as their boss or work life to justify their actions.
• Reconciliation Phrase - the person who committed the abuse will try to make things right by offering gifts and being overly kind and loving. The reconciliation period is often referred to as a “honeymoon stage” because it mimics the beginning of a relationship when people are on their best behavior.
“Domestic violence survivors can face ongoing and challenging effects after enduring physical, mental, and emotional abuse,” Kim said.
“it can take time for a survivor to adjust to living in a safe environment, especially if a perpetrator was severely violent and/ or committed the actions over an extended period of time.”
Physical effects:
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle tension
• Involuntary shaking
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Sexual dysfunction
• Menstrual cycle or fertility issues in women
Mental Effects:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts.
• Depression, including prolonged sadness anxiety.
• Low self-esteem and questioning sense of self
Emotional and Spiritual:
• Hopelessness
• Feeling unworthy
• Apprehensive and discouraged about the future inability to trust
• Questioning and doubting spiritual faith
• Unmotivated
“There is never an excuse for domestic violence and it is possible to break the cycle of abuse,” Kim advised.
“Often, a partner’s abusive behaviors are viewed as isolated incidents instead of a repetitive pattern. Reconciliation and calm periods are believed to be the abuser at their most authentic self. While it can be difficult to change this thinking, it’s key to recognize that by participating in these stages the abuser is effectively regaining control over their partner.” you can break the cycle by:
• AcknowledgementFirst acknowledge there is one
• Intervention – Seek
help
• Trust - Find someone you trust
• Professional HelpFind a counselor to talk to
• Rebuild - Start over if you find yourself in an abusive relationship, remember that it is not your fault and you do not deserve to be treated poorly,” Kim advised.
“it is important to seek help immediately and to stay away from your abuser. you don’t have to go through this alone.”
Her passion for the strengthening of the family comes from her own upbringing. Kim mcGregor (nee arthur) was born in New Providence to her late mother, andrea Griffith, and Samuel arthur. as the fourth child in her family, Kim’s upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and compassion. She is happily married to Quincy mcGregor Sr, with whom she shares six beloved children, a son-in-law, and two cherished grandsons.
While Kim’s childhood dream of becoming a police officer was not immediately realised after completing her high school education, she embarked on a journey that would eventually lead her to her desired career path. Through various roles as a sales clerk and supervisor,
Kim honed her dedication and innate ability to assist and connect with people. On September 26, 2002, her lifelong aspiration of joining the Royal Bahamas Police Force was fulfilled. in april 2018, Sgt mcGregor was appointed as the National Neighborhood Watch liaison Officer for the Eastern Division, where she played a pivotal role in fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and local communities. Her commitment to community engagement was further recognised in 2021 when she obtained certification as a youth leader from the ministry of youth Sports and Culture. With over two decades of invaluable experience in law enforcement, Kim has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She achieved her first promotion to the rank of Corporal in 2007, followed by a subsequent promotion to Sergeant in 2017. Throughout her tenure, Kim has served in various capacities at different stations and divisions, including the airport Police Station (Western Station), andros Division, Cable Police Station, mobile Division, Eastern Division, and the National Neighborhood Watch. Presently, she is dedicated to her role within the Domestic Violence Task Force Unit, where she finds fulfillment in supporting victims of domestic violence and raising awareness about this critical issue.
During the DGFa’s Family Empowerment Seminar, she made her presentation to those
attending the event in the Hearing Room at the ministry’s Headquarters on John F Kennedy Drive and Bethel avenue. Family islanders also tuned in via Zoom. minister of mOSSiB myles laroda was on hand for the event, as well as Permanent Secretary Phedra Rahming-Turnquest and DGFa head, Deputy Permanent Secretary melvelyn Symonette.
Wayne miller also addressed the forum, speaking on “Positive Parent and Child Communication”. He spoke on the importance of spending quality time with children, and using that time to foster positive interactions that will impress on their memories and help mold their future.
Representing the Bahamas Psychological association was Dr Detra Bethel, who spoke about “The importance of love in a Family”. She advised on how family members should show love to each other, because not all families show, experience, or have love. She explained the different love styles and encouraged attendees to find ways to show more love in their own families.
Kim joined this prestigious panel to round off an informative and engaging evening designed to elevate the Bahamian family. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kim takes pleasure in activities such as decorating, crafting, and gardening. However, her greatest joy comes from spending quality time with her cherished family, embodying her deeprooted values of love and connection.
Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Myles Laroda, seated, centre, during the official launch of National Family Week, currently underway.
Photo: Kenneth Clarke
sgt KiM MCgregor, Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Task Force Unit. KiM and her husband, Quincy McGregor.
sgt Kim McGregor is all about family, thanks to her upbringing, shared with her siblings photographed here.
Real change or more of the same in Britain?
In last week’s column, I said I would examine today the policies of a new Labour government following its massive victory in Britain’s general election earlier this month.
Self-evidently, the country voted for change but the election also turned out to be a savage indictment of the Conservatives.
The general view in the UK appears to be that the stunning swing to Labour was principally because voters were angry with the Conservatives after 14 years of government rather than because of any particular liking for its leader, Sir Keir Starmer, and his party’s policies.
According to most reports, as well as dissatisfaction with the policies pursued by their leaders, Tory supporters had had enough of their party’s scandals, bickering, feuding and lack of unity. But there seems to be little real enthusiasm in the country for Labour. This is in contrast to the sweeping election victories of 1945 and 1997 when the mood of the country was more optimistic and in favour of substantial political change following, respectively, the end of the Second World War and of a long period of reforming governance by Margaret Thatcher.
John Major took over from her and won an election in 1992. But, when the Tory government became tired and had run out of ideas, he duly lost to Labour, led by Blair, in 1997 - and in the election that year Blair’s approval rating was above Starmer’s this time around.
In this year’s election Labour won only 34 per cent of the vote in a
The Peter Young column
generally low turnout. But, because of the relative success of other parties like the Liberal Democrats who, with 72 seats, had a recordbreaking night, this meant that under Britain’s “first past the post” electoral system - rather than the alternative of proportional representation - Labour were able to win two thirds of the seats in a 650-strong House of Commons with only one third of the vote.
The evidence suggests that Tory voters were enraged by their own governments’ failure over the years to pursue traditional centre-right Conservative policies and principles over a range of issues. They were annoyed, in particular, by ineffectual handling of subjects like illegal immigration, high taxes, public sector strikes and failures within the national Health Service. The fact that their party leaders - and therefore prime ministers - were constantly changing made matters worse (five different PMs during the 14 years
including the shortest-serving one in history). Above all, these supporters were both mystified and irritated that their party leaders managed to squander an 80-seat majority in the 2019 election under Boris Johnson - when it looked as though The Tories would be in power until the 2030s – by declining to adhere to the party’s manifesto.
The irony of all this – and in the view of many the paradox of the election - was that the centre-right voters who were furious with the Tories for moving to the Left have pushed the nation in that direction by electing a Labour government, which doubtless will, for example, in the longer term favour things like mass immigration and increased taxing and spending.
nonetheless, the question now is to what extent a fresh start presents a genuine opportunity for a Labour government to bring about real and beneficial change for the whole country and “build a better Britain” by, for one thing, improving its struggling public services and creaking infrastructure that need more than interim solutions. Will it turn out to be a good chapter in the life of the nation that will benefit its people as a whole?
The early signs have been positive and promising. The transition to a new administration has been smooth after an election process that was efficiently organised, and there were no reports of violence or electoral malpractice. Power has changed hands in an orderly and peaceful manner - and this was a fine example of the democratic process in action in the way
it was designed to be.
In his initial address outside no 10 Downing Street, Starmer gave assurances that the new government’s priority would be to serve the public’s interest. He stressed his government would be one of service unburdened by doctrine as it concentrated on national renewal, though this would require calm and patience while he and his colleagues set about their urgent task diligently and with an emphasis on delivery – in
other words stolid pragmatism and accountability to the electorate. So far so good, people might say. But also too good to be true? Starmer wants to secure people’s trust, but the test will be whether they will be reassured by such rhetoric from a new PM. Commentators say that the country is tired of political posturing and grand gestures. What people want now is action to make their lives better, and a first step is restoration of some of the
With all his flaws, why do people vote for
WITH the US presidential election in november now not far away, many people are following almost daily the activities of former US president and Republican Party nominee, Donald Trump.
As is well known, he has become famous for holding regular outdoor rallies that attract thousands of people and he has increased the number of these in the run-up to the election. Even the fiercest and most outspoken of his numerous critics admit that Trump is the master of such occasions. In a relaxed and seemingly effortless manner, he deploys the eloquence of the acknowledged successful TV performer that he is, all the while holding his massive audiences in thrall to his message that he repeats constantly and consistently about making America great again.
He is fluent and articulate though all can see that, not unreasonably, he speaks with the aid of a teleprompter. But he also often goes off script and ad-libs easily without losing his main thread. He appears to be without nerves of any sort and exudes the selfconfidence of someone who knows exactly what he is talking about – in his case having delivered the same message time and time again. He commands the attention of his audience by using the technique of skilled orators who know how to make it appear that they are talking directly to individuals in a crowd watching them and listening to them.
It is said that Donald Trump represents an extraordinary enigma of contemporary American politics by attracting almost messianic fervour and extreme criticism for his crudity and boorishness in equal measure. But, whether or not you like him and what he stands for, one has to admit that his performance at rallies is masterly as he dominates vast crowds
and gets his message across to huge numbers apparently mesmerised by his every utterance. One wonders whether many of them have paused to think what his claim to make America great again really means in practice. But it sounds good and is undoubtedly something they want to hear as patriotic Americans. Then, of course, recently the American political world changed dramatically with the failed assassination attempt at one of these rallies as well as the highly successful Republican national Convention in Ohio where Trump was lionised as a hero, and –later - Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential election race. While reading about the
Republican convention, I came across the unpleasant remarks by actor Robert de niro who in a TV interview called Trump sociopathic, psychopathic, malignant, narcissistic and dangerous. To my eye, this sort of extreme characterisation of a former US president – and the likely next onetells one more about the lack of reasoned judgement of the speaker than the subject of the personal criticism. The same applies to political commentators who similarly display their prejudice about a former US president for whom 74 million voted in the 2020 election and is therefore now a hugely consequential figure politically – unlike in the run-up to the 2016 election when his candidacy was widely considered to be
something of a joke.
To some, he appears to be a not very pleasant individual. He claims to be a good counter-puncher when attacked by others and shows himself to be a glowering presence, who indulges in crude speech and rambling rants together with endless misdemeanours and aggressive behaviour. Furthermore, he has a reputation as a liar and serial philanderer – and for cheating at golf!
Researching this further, I came across an interesting piece in a foreign newspaper about the background to Donald Trump’s political success.
The writer contends that the former president has what psychologists call an “extrinsic” personality, valuing, in particular, prestige,
institutions of government which have been visibly deteriorating.
It is said that the incoming Labour Cabinet is well prepared for office. Three new secretaries of state have experience of leading government departments and a further five are former government ministers. But some observers believe that much will depend on Starmer’s ability to avoid leftist policies which during his four and a half years as Labour leader he has successfully done in preparing his party for government. He has emphasised the need for expertise and experience in a government that is mission-driven with clear targets and objectives. To this end, he has already announced 5 missions that a Labour government aims to deliver - namely, to achieve the highest growth amongst G7 countries; to make the UK a “clean energy superpower” with zero carbon electricity by 2030; to improve the nHS and reform care services; to create safer streets with more neighbourhood police; and to provide opportunity for all through better childcare, schools and further education. For most people, all of this will surely sound the right way forward. But the difficult choices are yet to come. Keir Starmer himself appears to be a moderate. But who knows what will happen when the Labour leadership is faced with the political reality of putting its ideas into practice and getting things done. The right-wing press in the UK is already warning about the dangers of extremism. Only time will tell.
Trump?
of the man in the street to “take on those people in Washington” who ignore the interests of the less powerful, because he has the wealth, other resources and power to do so. The fact that he arrives at rallies in his own Boeing 737 with “Trump” emblazoned on its fuselage in large letters tells its own story. What is more, his often bad behaviour encourages ordinary people to see him as “one of us”. He and his family are portrayed as ordinary people themselves who are dedicated to fighting for other ordinary people in the face of the Washington bureaucracy that he calls the swamp. Above all, he stresses that he does not need to do this at all when, as a rich retiree, he could be spending more time with his grandchildren or playing more golf. But he is doing it for the people – and therein lies his popularity.
status, image, fame, power and wealth as opposed to the so-called “intrinsic pole of values” like empathy, intimacy, the human need for social acceptance, respect for universal human rights and equality and the protection of people and the environment. He goes on to say that, with Trump’s great wealth, his stance as a celebratory politician is based on his professed willingness to protect the interests of so-called ordinary people against the establishment in Washington who lead a privileged existence themselves while telling the rest of the country how to conduct their lives and imposing taxes and regulations upon them. The article explains further that Trump portrays himself as the champion
Some critics are surprised that many people are persuaded by all this –that this former president is fighting on their behalf against some establishment power that is trying to deny Americans their democratic rights in some way – and they appear to ignore the fact that he clearly revels in the power and glory of the presidency so that his motivation is partly driven by that.
Perhaps it demonstrates the current deep public disillusion and disenchantment with the political class. Donald Trump will surely succeed further if he can continue to convince others that he is the one to “deliver” on behalf of the American people. But to many foreign observers what that really means in practice remains unclear – and there are more and more who genuinely fear a Trump victory in november.
• Editor’s note: Last week’s column carried an incorrect logo for a fellow columnist. We apologise for the error.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Prime Ministers’ Questions session in parliament in London, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Photo: Frank augstein/AP
repuBlican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 conference, Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: alex Brandon/AP
Venezuelan crowds protest what they say is president’s attempt to steal election
Venezuela associated Press
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Venezuela on Monday to protest what they said was an attempt by President nicolás Maduro to steal the country’s disputed election a day after the political opposition and the entrenched incumbent both claimed victory.
shortly after the national Electoral Council, which is loyal to Maduro’s ruling party, announced that he had won a third six-year term, angry protesters began marching through the capital, Caracas, and cities across Venezuela.
In the capital, the protests were mostly peaceful, but when dozens of riot gear-clad national police officers blocked the caravan, a brawl broke. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, some of whom threw stones and other objects at officers who had stationed themselves on a main avenue of an upperclass district.
The demonstrations followed an election that was among the most peaceful in recent memory, reflecting hopes that Venezuela could avoid bloodshed and end 25 years of single-party rule. The winner was to take control of an economy recovering from collapse and a population desperate for change.
“We have never been moved by hatred. on the contrary, we have always been victims of the powerful,” Maduro said in a
Blinken
nationally televised ceremony. “an attempt is being made to impose a coup d’état in Venezuela again of a fascist and counterrevolutionary nature.”
“We already know this movie, and this time, there will be no kind of weakness,” he added, saying that Venezuela’s “law will be respected.”
There was no immediate comment from the opposition, which had vowed to defend its votes. opposition leaders planned to hold a news conference later in the day.
In the capital’s impoverished Petare neighbourhood, people started walking and shouting against Maduro, and some masked young people tore down campaign posters of him hung on lampposts. heavily armed security forces were standing just a few blocks away from the protest.
“It’s going to fall. It’s going to fall. This government is going fall!” some of the protesters shouted as they walked.
he has to go. one way or another,” said María arráez, a 27-year-old hairdresser, as she joined in the demonstration. as the crowd marched through a different neighbourhood, it was cheered on by retirees and office workers who banged on pots and recorded the protest in a show of support. There were some shouts of “freedom” and expletives directed at Maduro.
Elsewhere, some protesters attempted to block
freeways, including one that connects the capital with a port city where the country’s main international airport is.
officials delayed the release of detailed vote tallies from sunday’s election after proclaiming Maduro the winner with 51% of the vote, compared with 44% for retired diplomat Edmundo González. The competing claims set up a high-stakes standoff.
“Venezuelans and the entire world know what happened,” González said. But he and his allies asked supporters to remain calm and called on the government to avoid stoking conflict.
several foreign governments, including the us and the European union, held off recognizing the election results.
after failing to oust Maduro during three rounds of demonstrations since 2014, the opposition put its faith in the ballot box.
The country sits atop the world’s largest oil reserves and once boasted Latin america’s most advanced economy. But after Maduro took the helm, it tumbled into a free fall marked by plummeting oil prices, widespread shortages of basic goods and hyperinflation of 130,000%.
us oil sanctions sought to force Maduro from power after his 2018 reelection, which dozens of countries condemned as illegitimate. But the sanctions only accelerated the exodus of some 7.7 million
A proteSter throws a gas canister back at police during demonstrations against the official election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro’s reelection, the day after the vote, in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday.
Venezuelans who have fled their crisis-stricken nation. Voters lined up as early as saturday evening to cast ballots, boosting the opposition’s hopes it was about to break Maduro’s grip on power. The official results came as a shock to many who had celebrated, online and outside a few voting centres, what they believed was a landslide victory for González.
Gabriel Boric, the leftist leader of Chile, called the results “difficult to believe,” while us secretary of state antony Blinken said Washington had “serious concerns” that the announced tally did not reflect the actual votes or the will of the people.
In response to criticism from other governments, Maduro’s foreign affairs ministry announced it would recall its diplomatic personnel from seven countries in the americas, including Panama, argentina and Chile. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil asked the governments of those countries to do the same with their personnel in Venezuela.
he did not explain what would happen to the staff members of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, including her campaign manager, who have sheltered for months in the argentinian embassy in Caracas after authorities issued arrest warrants against them.
Machado said the margin of González’s victory was “overwhelming,” based on tallies the campaign
says Us has ‘serioUs concerns’ a BoU t annoUnced
TOKYO associated Press
us secretary of state antony Blinken said the united states has ‘serious concerns’ about the announced result of Venezuela’s hotly contested presidential election that authorities say was won by incumbent nicolas Maduro. speaking in Tokyo on Monday shortly after the announcement was made, Blinken said the us was concerned that the result reflected neither the will nor the votes of the Venezuelan people. he called for election officials to publish the full results transparently and immediately and said the us
and the international community would respond accordingly.
“We have seen the announcement just a short while ago by the Venezuelan Electoral Commission,” he said. “We have serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people.”
“It’s critical that every vote be counted fairly and transparently that the electoral authorities immediately share information with the opposition and independent observers without delay and that the electoral authorities publish the tabulation of votes. The international community is watching this very closely and will respond
accordingly,” Blinken said. In Venezuela, the announcement of sunday’s election results was delayed by several hours, and the national Electoral Council, which is controlled by Maduro loyalists, said Maduro had secured a majority without releasing tallies from polling booths. opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was blocked from running. But she said after the council’s announcement that the margin of victory for the opposition’s candidate, Edmundo González, was “overwhelming” based on voting tallies it had received from campaign representatives from about 40% of ballot boxes nationwide.
received from representatives stationed at about 40% of ballot boxes. authorities postponed releasing the results from each of the 30,000 polling booths nationwide, promising only to do so in the “coming hours.” The delay hampered attempts to verify the results. González was the unlikeliest of opposition standard bearers. The 74-year-old was unknown until he was tapped in april as a last-minute stand-in for opposition powerhouse Machado, who was blocked by the Maduro-controlled supreme court from running for any office for 15 years.
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, which controls all branches of government, are more unpopular than ever among many voters who blame his policies for crushingly low wages that spurred hunger, crippled the oil industry and separated families due to migration.
The president’s pitch this election was one of economic security, which he tried to sell with stories of entrepreneurship and references to a stable currency exchange and lower inflation rates. The International Monetary Fund
forecasts the economy will grow 4% this year — one of the fastest in Latin america — after shrinking 71% from 2012 to 2020.
But most Venezuelans have not seen any improvement in their quality of life. Many earn under $200 a month, which means families struggle to afford essential items. some work second and third jobs. a basket of food staples to feed a family of four for a month costs an estimated $385.
The opposition 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. a former lawmaker, Machado swept the opposition’s october primary with over 90% 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.
González and Machado focused much of their campaigning on Venezuela’s vast hinterland, where the kind of economic activity seen in Caracas in recent years never materialized. They promised a government that would create sufficient jobs to attract Venezuelans living abroad to return home and reunite with their families.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a news conference after the Quad Ministerial Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the Foreign Ministry’s Iikura guesthouse in Tokyo, yesterday. Photo: Shuji Kajiyama/AP
Photo: Cristian Hernandez/AP
Athletes and BOC treated to dinner reception in Paris
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PARIS, France — With one day left before Team Bahamas begins competing at the 2024 Olympic Games, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture feted the athletes and the Bahamas Olympic Committee to a dinner reception last night.
The reception was originally scheduled for Sunday, but Kelsie Johnson-Sills, the director of sports, said the Ministry had to postpone it. She noted that while the members of the swim team were not present, the Ministry will hold another reception after their competition this week.
In a laid back atmosphere at the Le Presidente Restaurant, BOC president Romell Knowles said while their team has been extremely tough, they have been trying to sort them out through their Chef de Mission Cora Hepburn.
He assured the athletes, especially those making it to their first Olympiad, that the BOC is aware of all of their concerns and needs and are making sure that they are comfortable.
“I want to welcome you to Paris. We would love to have all of the gold medals,” he said as he pointed out especially to flag bearers Steven Gardiner and Devynne Charlton, who are expected to lead the charge for Team Bahamas..
Knowles also publicly apologised to both Shania Adderley and Lacarthea Cooper, who both had to go through some controversy before it was finally agreed that they will make the trip here for their first Olympic experience.
“I’m sorry about that,” Knowles said to both young ladies present. “We hope that you enjoy these games because you are the future of these Olympic Games.”
Johnson-Sills congratulated all of the athletes for making it to the Olympics and noted that they are all winners and expect that they will all go out and represent The Bahamas to the best of their abilities.
Lorraine Armbrister, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, who also serves as the actions PS at the Ministry of Sports, thanked all of the athletes as well and encouraged them to do their very best and try to avoid any injuries and to remain safe.
She noted that while she and her husband Ron Armbrister are on vacation, they had to take in the trip to Paris to support Team Bahamas.
Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg thanked the athletes and the BOC staff for getting everybody safely into Paris so that they can get ready for the games.
“Let me say to the athletes, you represent yourselves first, you represent your family and you
represent your country,” he said. “You always want to remember that you want to make those three people proud. “So I just want to thank all of you for making it here. No matter what you do, I assure you that you will make us all proud.”
Speaking on behalf of their team-mates were Gardiner and Charlton. “I just want to congratulate all
of the first timers here at the Olympic Games,” said Gardiner, who is making his third appearance as he defends his title in the men’s 400 metres next week.
“I remember my first Olympic Games, I was shy, but you guys will have a good time.
“Just go out there and give it your all. That’s all that we could ask for.”
Charlton, the women’s world indoor 60m record holder, now in her second appearance at the games, also congratulated the first timers, advising them to just soak it all in and enjoy it. She also thanked both the Ministry of Sports and the BOC for allowing them to be able to see a little bit of the city of Paris before they start competing.
Before they showed up for the reception, the athletes took part in a photo session with both the Ministry and the BOC in front of Champs-Elysées, one of the famous sites for visitors to view in Paris.
By the time you read this, Lamar Taylor would have already broken the ice as the first Bahamian to compete in these Olympics when he makes his splash in heat five of the men’s 100m freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena.
The Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre is a truly exceptional facility in terms of its scale, capacity and technology. Although several events have been staged there since it was opened, this will be the first time that any swimming competition has taken place.
Rhanishka Gibbs, the only other member of the swim team coached by Travano McPhee, is scheduled to compete on Saturday in the preliminaries of the women’s 50m freestyle. The track and field team, the only other discipline the Bahamas will participate in at the games, will get underway on Friday.
PARIS OLYMPICS DAY 3: NADAL LOSES IN WHAT IS LIKELY HIS FINAL SINGLES MATCH OF STORIED CAREER
By JENNA FRYER AP National Writer
PARIS (AP) — On the clay court where he won 14 French Open titles, Rafael Nadal likely bid adieu to Roland Garros on Day 3 of the Paris Olympics.
Nadal was feted yesterday by a rowdy crowd as he met Novak Djokovic in the second round of the men’s tennis tournament for a record 60th — and probably final — time.
The Spaniard wouldn’t say if he plans to retire after the Olympics, but his 6-1, 6-4 loss to Djokovic showed just how diminished his game has become at age 38. The chants of “Ra-fa! Ra-fa!” began as soon as Nadal walked on the court and even helped him win four consecutive games in the second set, including a forehand winner to break to make it 4-all.
After the defeat, the twotime Olympic champion was weary of being asked about his future. He’s still playing at the Olympics, pairing with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles for Spain, and what comes next he does not know.
“I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it’s going to be, or not going to be, my last match. I come here, I try my best, I play. And when I decide to stop playing, or when I decide to keep going, I will let you know. I don’t know,” Nadal said. “If I feel that I am not competitive enough to keep going or physically I am not … ready to keep going, I will stop, and I will let you know.” Coco cruises
Coco Gauff is making it look easy at the Paris Olympics so far, adding a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Maria Lourdes Carle of Argentina in the second round of singles to her growing collection of lopsided results. Gauff had more than twice as many unforced
the Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
errors, 26, as winners, 11. She only put 55% of her first serves in play and wound up with six doublefaults and zero aces. And even though it took nearly 1 1/2 hours for the reigning U.S. Open champion and No. 2-ranked Gauff to finish off an opponent who is ranked 85th, has never won a tour-level singles title and owns an 0-2 career record at Grand Slam tournaments, she was satisfied. “You can’t argue with the scoreline, to be honest,” the 20-year-old American said. Super swim Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh claimed her first gold medal with a dominating victory in the 400-metre individual medley. The 17-year-old McIntosh collected her first medal of any colour on the opening night of swimming, taking a silver in the 400 freestyle behind Ariarne Titmus — and ahead of Katie Ledecky. She pushed the pace hard through the first half of the gruelling race — the butterfly and backstroke legs — to leave everyone in her wake except American Katie Grimes. Grimes, who is also swimming the open water event in Paris, held on to claim the silver and the Americans also grabbed the bronze when Emma Weyant touched third.
Another teen rules David Popovici made the teenagers 2 for 2 on the
night when he pulled off a thrilling victory in the men’s 200 freestyle.
The 19-year-old Romanian was among three swimmers who swapped the lead back and forth on the final lap. Popovici mustered everything he had to get to the wall a mere two-hundredths of a second ahead of Britain’s Matthew Richards, with American Luke Hobson just 0.07 back to earn the bronze.
The top four were separated by a mere 0.15 seconds.
Australia wins again
Mollie O’Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus made it a 1-2 finish for Australia in the women’s 200-metre freestyle.
O’Callaghan’s victory denied Titmus her second consecutive gold of these Games. Titmus won the gold on Saturday in the 400metre freestyle.
Men’s team all-around
final
The Japanese men’s gymnastics team claimed Olympic gold with an epic comeback over its top rival.
With China looking poised to claim its first Olympic title in 12 years with one rotation to go, Japan surged ahead to win the men’s team competition after an intense and nailbiting duel.
The Japanese overtook their rivals on the final rotation, after China’s Su Weide fell twice off the horizontal
bar. Japan won with a small margin of 0.532 points.
The Americans, meanwhile, earned bronze for their first medal since 2008.
After qualifying in fifth place, the U.S. men ended a 16-year drought to the delight of the dozens of fans waving American flags who chanted “USA! USA!” throughout the evening.
The Americans posted a total of 257.793 points to edge Britain for the bronze.
U.S. women’s water polo loses
The U.S. women’s water polo team was handed a rare loss at the Olympics, falling 13-11 to Bea Ortiz and Spain in a rematch of the final at the Tokyo Games.
The U.S. is going for its fourth consecutive gold medal. No team — men or women — has won four straight water polo titles at the Olympics.
It was the programme’s second loss at the Olympics since it dropped the 2008 final. It went 5-0-1 in London, 6-0 in Rio de Janeiro and 6-1 in Tokyo. After its 10-9 loss to Hungary in group play in 2021, the U.S. ripped off four straight wins by a combined score of 63-26. That included a dominant 14-5 victory over Spain in the final.
China dominates diving China passed the onetime powerhouse United States for the top spot in gold medals in diving when Lian Junjie and Yang Hao breezed to victory in synchronized 10-metre platform. It was the 49th gold medal in China’s history.
China came into the Paris Games favoured in all eight events and essentially a sure thing to take down the American record for most golds. The Big Red Machine is now 2 for 2 at these Olympics as it looks to become the first country to sweep all eight events since the programme was
doubled at the 2000 Sydney Games. Since that expansion, China has won 40 of 50 golds, including seven of eight at each of the last two Summer Games.
There hasn’t been a diving sweep since the U.S. claimed gold in all four events at the 1952 Helsinki Games.
Canada Soccer appeals penalty Canada appealed being docked six points by FIFA in a drone-spying scandal at the women’s soccer tournament, and a verdict is expected hours before the team plays its last groupstage game Wednesday.
FIFA punished Olympic defending champion Canada on Saturday — and banned coach Bev Priestman and two assistant coaches for one year — for allegations of using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s practices.
The expected legal move by the Canadian soccer federation and Olympic body was formally registered yesterday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a fast-track case.
CAS said it aims to have an appeal hearing today with its panel of three judges giving a verdict by midday Wednesday. The coaches’ bans are not
part of this case. Canada plays Colombia in Nice on Wednesday night and needs to know where it stands before the game starts.
Triathlon swimming cancelled, again Concerns about the water quality in the Seine River led officials to call off the swimming portion of an Olympic triathlon training session for a second straight day.
Organisers overseeing the event at the Paris Games are optimistic that triathletes will be able to swim in the city’s famed waterway when the competition starts today.
The sport’s governing body, World Triathlon, its medical team and city officials are banking on sunny weather and higher temperatures to bring levels of E. coli and other bacteria below the necessary limits to stage the swim portion of the race, which also includes biking and running.
World Triathlon made the decision to cancel the swim workout early yesterday following a meeting over water quality in the Seine, which is closely linked to the weather.
Rain deluged Friday’s opening ceremony and showers persisted Saturday.
COCO Gauff celebrates her victory over Ajla Tomljanovic in the women’s singles tennis competition at
MEMBERS of Team Bahamas march in the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, on Friday, July 26. (Cameron Spencer/Pool Photo via AP)
Thompson family pays a special visit to 36th Jeff Rodgers Camp
By TENAJH SWEETING
Sports Reporter
OVER the last three decades, the Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball Camp has undoubtedly become a staple in the Bahamian basketball community.
The summer programme has impacted numerous basketball players within Bahamian society and has even served as the stomping grounds for young ballers that developed into professional NBA players.
One of the longest running basketball camps in The Bahamas got the ball rolling for the 36th year last week Monday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium and attracted nearly 100 participants eager to not only improve their basketball skills, but also build their characters.
The Thompson Family including Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson and his eldest son Mychel Thompson continued their tradition of giving back to Bahamian basketball last week Thursday.
The father and son duo along with NBA legend Tyrone ‘Muggsy’ Bogues passed on some basketball gems with the hopes of inspiring the youth to take that next step on their journeys.
Camp director Jeff Rodgers was especially grateful to the Thompson family along with Bogues for continuously making their sacrifices to give back to the summer camp on a yearly basis.
“I thank God for giving me another opportunity to be back home and work with these campers. It is just a joy and great experience. I think what touched me the most was talking to Mychal and Muggsy to know how much these guys sacrificed to plan their schedules to be in The Bahamas every summer. It is not as easy as it looks,” Rodgers said.
He added that words cannot describe what it means to him to be able to host the basketball camp for the last 36 years.
“It is very special because of the young kids. It is a very emotional experience because a lot of kids plan their vacations around the camp.
“It is a very special time for me in my life. I have been planning my vacation for the past 36 years and this is what I do with my vacation.
“Deandre [Ayton] always says to me it is the Jeff
Rodgers camp that helped me to be where I am at. Words cannot describe how I feel and what the camp means to me and to the young people,” he said.
The camp, sponsored by I-HOP, began last week Monday and is scheduled to wrap up Friday, August 2. It is open to boys and girls between the ages of five and 18 and is geared towards teaching basketball
fundamentals, improving the confidence of players and building character.
The former no 1 pick described it as an honour to be able to come back home and interact with the youth.
“It feels like I am home. No matter how far I live from The Bahamas or how long I have been away, every time I come back I get rejuvenated because I feel like I am among my
NASSAU BEACH SOCCER TOURNEY WINDING
people. It is always a pleasure and honour to come back and talk to the youth.
“Hopefully, they will continue to listen to me even though I am an old man and not a young and current player like Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield, Klay Thompson, Eric Gordon or Kai Jones.
“I hope that they see that we are still around and still care about them. To see great players like Muggsy Bogues, who is not even a Bahamian, but is willing to come back and give back to Bahamian youth and the country. It feels like this is a part of his home too,” he said.
After the NBA legends shared some basketball tips and talked about Bahamian basketball history, the campers got the opportunity to engage in various drills with them.
The eldest son of “Sweet Bells” and former national basketball team member echoed the same sentiments as his father with regards to giving back to the youth at home.
“It is amazing to see this every summer when I come home. It is a great thing to see. Jeff has been doing
it for 36 years and since I can remember coming to The Bahamas I remember coming to this camp. It means a lot to my family and my dad comes every summer. I do not get to spend a lot of time in The Bahamas so to give back to the kids means a lot,” he said.
Phinishe Meadows, 18, was one of the camp’s female participants and she found it to be a fun experience so far.
“The camp is fun and good. I have been to many other camps where there were barely any girls but I feel like they should represent the ladies of this country and get some goals for us,” she said.
Meadows plans to attend Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas this fall to pursue her ultimate goal of making it to the WNBA.
“I am going to college in August in Kansas at Washburn University. I am gonna play college basketball and volleyball.
“I wanna make it to the WNBA and make a good name for this country,” she said. The camp runs from 9am to 1pm daily.
Camp yesterday at Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
Chef de Mission Cora Hepburn says everything is in order for Team Bahamas
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PARIS, France — While it has been a tedious task, Cora Hepburn said the Bahamas Olympic Committee is doing all they can to make sure that the athletes are ready to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Hepburn, who makes history here as the first female chef de mission, was making her assessment to the media during a visit to the Olympic Village yesterday.
“You have to be ready to make any decision whenever it comes to you and just hope that it’s the right decision,” she said. “But the role of the mission is not an easy one.
“People think it’s a vacation when you come on these trips, but I don’t. I worked as hard in the Central Bank as I do working with the Bahamas Olympic Committee, especially when you are planning an event or you come to a competition.”
She noted that any “tough decision” that comes to her, she makes the decision and she sticks with it. Including the choices of who were selected to carry the flag during the official opening ceremonies on Friday.
Hepburn said the decision was made to allow Steven Gardiner, the reigning men’s Olympic 400 metre champion and Devynne Charlton, coming off her women’s world 60m indoor record, to carry the flag.
“We couldn’t ask for two better athletes to carry the flag,” she said.
During the meeting with Team Bahamas, Hebpurn said every athlete had an opportunity to introduce themselves and to express any issues they had.
During the meeting, it was decided that Gardiner and Charlton would carry the flag and veteran high jumper Donald Thomas would be elected as the team captain.
“Overall, I thought it was a very good meeting,” Hepburn said.
As the competition gets ready to start today for Team Bahamas, Hepburn, a former national team volleyball player, said it’s easy to look at an athlete and determine whether or not they are ready and focused on their competition.
“When you get that kind of reaction, you try to touch them or speak to an administrator or coach so that they can speak to them,” she stated.
”It’s a lot of fun after the competition, but right now, the athletes should be focused on the reason why they are here as an ambassador for The Bahamas.”
Roy Colebrooke, one of the vice presidents of the BOC, serves as the team leader for these games and he noted that every
“But the role of the mission is not an easy one. People think it’s a vacation when you come on these trips, but I don’t. I worked as hard in the Central Bank as I do working with the Bahamas Olympic Committee, especially when you are planning an event or you come to a competition.”
— Cora Hepburn
Olympics is different from the other.
“Like every other Olympics, it starts off with its challenges, but the management team is set to ensure that by the time our athletes reach, they come into an environment that is already prepared,” he said.
“We have to ensure that everything is taken care of for the athletes, officials and even our guests. It’s a lot of work. It’s definitely not a vacation. You find yourself working harder than if you are on a normal job.”
With their philosophy of “athletes first,” he said they do everything in their power to ensure that the
athletes are comfortable and prepared to compete.
“Every other concern that comes to us, we take care of them,” he said.
One of the issues that came up from the athletes was the lack of the proper amount of Puma uniforms allocated for them to wear during their training and leisure time.
“All of the uniforms will be here the next day so those concerns will go away,” he assured the athletes. “We will have them here for them before competition time.”
Despite the fact that the BOC has taken some flack over the manner in which
the team was selected, Colebrook said that is expected when there’s a third party, namely the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) involved.
“The BOC has to coordinate all of that. Sometimes it doesn’t come in a timely manner,” said Colebrook of the recommendation from the BAAA in the nomination of athletes to the team.
“So when that doesn’t come in a timely manner, you have to adjust to make it happen. I don’t think a lot of people understand that side of what happens.”
But Colebrook said the BOC did the best job possible in ensuring that the athletes who are supposed to be here for the games are here as Olympians for Team Bahamas.
GO TEAM BAHAMAS: Shown, from left to right, are Bahamas team leader Roy Colebrooke, flag bearers Devynne Charlton and Steven Gardiner and Chef de Mission Cora Hepburn.
CHEF de Mission Cora Hepburn speaks with media at the Paris Olympics.
MINISTER of Sports Mario Bowleg and BOC general secretary Derron Donaldson are met by a 2024 Paris volunteer.
Willis Mackey Jr joins coaching staff at Chipola College
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter
tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
WILLIS Mackey Jr
spent a good portion of his basketball career dominating from the forward position on the pro circuit but, thanks to his newest endeavour, he now has an opportunity to draw up the x’s and o’s for Chipola College as an assistant coach.
The regular member of the men’s national basketball team made the announcement via his social media platforms last week and is very optimistic about starting his coaching journey with the Indians.
He becomes the latest member of The Bahamas men’s national basketball team to transition from executing plays on the basketball court to drawing them up on the sidelines.
The Freeport native is certainly no stranger to the game of basketball. He hit the ground running in the sport in high school and
continued to take it seriously during his time at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio.
After graduation, Mackey took his game to the pro circuit in Europe where he played five seasons in France and Spain. Unfortunately, his basketball career was derailed by a nagging knee injury but, instead of being defeated, he pivoted to his newest passion.
“Recently, last year I decided to stop playing because when I was going to school I had a pretty bad injury that led to some longterm effects on my knee.
“Coaching was something that I knew I wanted to do even while I was playing professionally.
“This opportunity came from one of my teammates on the national team reaching out to somebody and this is how it came about,” the newest assistant coach said.
In the 28-year-old’s last run on the basketball court,
he averaged 11.1 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals and shot 56 per cent from the field in 25 games played for the Lyonso Basket in the French NM 1 pro basketball league back in 2023.
He spoke about making the adjustment from being in the player role to now transitioning to the assistant coach position.
“I am still adjusting to it because when you are a coach you have to see the game in its entirety, every single possession, but when you are a player you focus on your position.
“As a coach, you have to now teach every position, not just your position. The transition is I wouldn’t say challenging but it has been new.
“I am up for the challenge and being able to have this opportunity is incredible,” he said.
Mackey is confident that his experiences with the Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team
has prepared him for the coaching gig at Chipola College.
He has suited up for The Bahamas at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers, FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers and FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers.
“It has certainly prepared me because the college game is a lot different. As you get to the professional level, players are a lot better, it is a lot faster and possessions are a lot shorter.
“When you get to college, you have a little bit longer possessions, you have to focus less on personnel like you would at the professional level because every position probably has a really good player.
“It has prepared me a lot because you get to see the game played at the highest level and now that has to translate to college to prepare them to get to that level,” he said.
The Indians have won two consecutive conference championships and have earned four straight national tournament appearances. The newest assistant coach did not mince words when it came to his goal for the team. “My goal is to win a championship. Every year Chipola is known and has always been known for excellence and the standard has always been to win a national championship. I take that seriously and I want to be a part of a national championship team,” he said. Mackey thanked God for the opportunity, his family, his girlfriend as well as members of the men’s national basketball team and coaching staff.
CHISHOLM JR, JUDGE EACH HOMER TWICE,
HOT STREAK ENCOURAGES BOONE, YANKEES FOR STRETCH RUN
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
PHILADELPHIA
(AP)
— Aaron Judge sent a sweeper from Phillies AllStar Zack Wheeler deep into the left field seats, a first-inning homer that jolted scores of New York Yankees fans in No. 99 jerseys out of their seat in euphoria.
They could have stood all game — the Yankees were about to turn the game into home run derby.
Judge heard “MVP!
MVP!” chants when he hit his second homer of the game in opener of a threegame series between World Series hopefuls, sending the Yankees past the Philadelphia Phillies 14-4 last night.
Judge’s two homers gave him 39 on the season; Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. homered twice — once with Judge’s bat — and Ben Rice and Anthony Volpe all went deep.
“The guys in this room have never faltered,” Judge said. “This team took it on the chin a couple of times this year. But this team won’t get knocked down.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone sure felt better about his team and where it might fit in the postseason when he made the lineup for Monday’s game in Philly. And why not?
Giancarlo Stanton returned to the lineup after missing 28 games with a hamstring injury, going 0 for 4 with a walk.
YANKEES’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. runs on his ground out during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Soxon Sunday in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Chisholm Jr made his first professional start at third base in just his second game for the Yankees. Chisholm Jr homered in the second, a 99.3 mph opposite-field drive to left off Wheeler. “Let’s go, Yankees!” echoed throughout another packed house of 44,289 fans at Citizens Bank Park.
The cheers for the Yankees had just died down when Rice took Wheeler deep to right-centre for a 3-0 lead.
“You see that light and you feel like you can dream what we’re capable of,” Boone said before the game. “I feel like it’s a very confident group, even through some of the dark days that we’ve been through. I feel like this is a team that has a chance to do something special. That’s still there for us.”
Only two games ear-
lier, Boone didn’t have the luxury of writing either Chisholm Jr or Stanton in his lineup.
An All-Star second baseman in 2022, the 26-year-old Chisholm Jr was acquired Saturday from Miami. Chisholm Jr took over at third from DJ LeMahieu, who dropped to a .174 average with a .483 OPS when he grounded out as a pinch hitter in the eighth.
“I feel like he has all the skills and ability to be able to handle it,” Boone said.
“There may be some growing pains that we’ve got to go through there. We’ve got to live with that.”
Boone said Chisholm Jr wasn’t necessarily the everyday third baseman.
“Guys are already starting to throw their arms around him,” Boone said. “You can tell he likes the
Jazz:
action. We throw third base at him. Thought he was tremendous over there tonight.”
Stanton hadn’t played since straining his left hamstring while running the bases on June 22. Stanton was on the injured list for the eighth time in six years.
The 34-year-old played in 69 of the Yankees’ first 79 games — none in the field — and is hitting .242 with 18 homers and 45 RBIs.
New York went 10-18 while Stanton was on the injured list for the eighth time in six years.
Boone said Stanton “knows his body” and wouldn’t rush back from
It’s every
FROM PAGE 16
Chisholm Jr was recently traded from the Miami Marlins on Saturday in exchange for three minor league prospects. The two-team trade sent the 26-year-old to the Big Apple and sent minor leaguers Agustin Ramirez, Jared Serna and Abrahan Ramirez to Miami.
The MLB All-Star batted fifth and went 1 for 5 with a single in his first win with the team. He welcomed the new change of scenery and spoke about what it meant to play for the NY Yankees.
“It was super exciting. Every kid dreams of being a Yankee. It’s the most famous team in baseball that Derek Jeter played on. Everybody’s favourite
injury he put “the volume, the strain that he wanted to put on himself over and over to know he’s back.
Stanton’s routine of late
“Hit, hit, hit, run, run, sit,” Boone said. “Do it again.”
Judge’s 14 first-inning home runs matched Mickey Mantle in 1961 for the Yankees’ second-most behind Babe Ruth’s 16 in 1927.
More help could be headed to the Bronx with one more day before the trade deadline. “I look forward to getting through these next 24 hours, like, here we go boys, this is what we’ve got, let’s go get them,” Boone said.
A major league-best 49-21 through June 12, the Yankees slogged through a 5-15 stretch, and had lost four straight before winning the last two games in Boston. The Yankees are 63-45, still nipping at Baltimore for first place in the AL East.
“I feel we’re a much better roster today than we were a day ago, two days ago,” Boone said. “Getting Giancarlo back, bringing in a dynamic player like Jazz makes for a better roster and definitely more upside. We’re not a complete product yet. We’ll work hard to make sure we do the best we can with it.”
kid’s dream to play for Yankees
player was Derek Jeter growing up. I had him as an owner [with the Marlins]. So I just feel like it was only right to come over and put on the uniform,” he said in a postgame interview. With the change of scenery comes even more change for the centrefielder and second baseman.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it known that he intends to use the MLB pro for much-needed firepower at third base, a position Chisholm Jr has never played in his professional career.
Despite the shift in positions, “Jazz” plans to embrace whatever role the team needs him to play in order to win.
“I went out there and played centre field for the
first time last year. It was pretty difficult at first but I just feel like I can go play anywhere and help my team win. For me, it is just going somewhere, especially if they are asking to go somewhere to help them win I am definitely gonna go out there and do it,” he said. The NY Yankees picked up another win this time against the 65-41 Philadelphia Phillies at the Citizens Bank Park in nine innings. Chisholm Jr made his professional debut at third base and clocked two homers while adjusting to the new position in just his second game with the Yankees. He homered a fly ball to the left field to push the Yankees lead to 2-0 at the top of the second inning.
His second HR of the game was a two-run homer which was sent to right centre field and extended the Yankees lead to 14-4 in the 9th inning. The former MLB AllStar’s home run gave the Yankees their first sixhomer game of the season. He finished the game with two home runs, two hits and 3 RBIs. The Big Apple team improved to a 63-45 win/ loss record in the American League East and are now on a three-game winning streak for the first time since their four win stretch earlier in June.
If this game is any indication of things to come, Chisholm Jr will certainly be just fine with his newest team.
FROM HOOPS TO SIDELINES: Willis Mackey Jr had a great run in hoops but wants to put that experience to good use on the sidelines as an assistant coach for Chipola College.
YANKEES’ JAZZ CHISHOLM, right, reacts after his solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies last night in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
It’s a summer of learning for Ian
IT’S SUMMER and the average teenager wants a break from classes. However, Ian Beneby decided to use a week of his vacation to dive into the fundamentals of renewable energy.
Ian, who is head boy of Queen’s College for the 2024-2025 academic year, was among the nine students and teachers from government and private schools who took advantage of gaining exposure to the potential of the renewable energy sector in The Bahamas. The workshop was possible, thanks to the government of The Bahamas, which is building capacity in the sector through training and advocacy coordinated through the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
“It was worth it. I appreciated the course. I learned how to set up solar panels, their effectiveness and how electricity travels. It is good to have a basic understanding of it. It was an eye opener for me. We also went through some basic physics, which
was a recap for me,” said Ian. “We have lots of sun –a natural resource – so it would be foolish not to incorporate solar, which I learned could save a lot of money. The Bahamas is heading into a more power saving environment,” said the teen, whose eyes are set on becoming an engineer and an entrepreneur.
Funding for the workshop – which is a part of The Bahamas Renewable Energy Programme – was provided by the Ministry of Finance through an International Development Bank (IDB) loan, which is supplemented by a European Union Caribbean Investment Fund (EU-CIF) grant.
Facilitating the workshop for teachers and students were BTVI’s dean of construction and workforce development, Alexander Darville, along with instructors Philip Williams, Leonard Adderley Sameka Saunders and Corey Manuel. While the nine students were from
SETTING SAIL FOR NEW HORIZONS
By FAY SIMMONS
Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
LJM MARITIME recently held its graduation ceremony, ushering in a new generation of maritime professionals.
The cohort included navigation and engine graduates as well as pre-sea navigation and engine cadets.
Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the maritime industry is an “exciting and dynamic” field that can drive change.
“We need a revolution that will not only address our existing challenges, but also fuel a quest for greatness in our people,” said Mrs Coleby-Davis.
“I believe that the maritime sector can play a tremendous role in driving change and providing economic opportunities.”
She highlighted the importance of the maritime industry and encouraged the graduates to make the most of their education and training.
She said: “Do not be afraid to put your knowledge to the test. Also, do not be afraid of making mistakes. In moments of doubt and challenge, please remember that a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
“A good sailor is the one who has witnessed all the obstacles in the sea yet managed to reach the shore. Do not allow tough situations to break you. After all, good leaders are born from overcoming hardship.”
New Providence, the teachers hailed from New Providence, Abaco and Exuma. They were exposed to a variety of topics including the requirements of solar per Bahama Island and were given an assignment on calculations for a solar system for an island based on the Canadian Electrical Code and Utilities
Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) requirements. Other topics included, but were not limited to safety, solar tools, career paths and the benefits of solar.
Mr Darville applauded the government for its goal to have 30 percent renewable energy by 2030 and to include all levels of society.
“The teachers embraced
wanting to have solar as a part of their existing curriculum and there is excitement in industry. It is a good move by the government to get this started and to include students and teachers,” said Dean Darville.
More comprehensive courses in installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic generation systems and other related services have been offered to an initial cohort of 25 Bahamians with some exposure in the electrical, electronics or related fields. Training was initially delivered in conjunction with BTVI partner institution, Nova Scotia Community College. That
cohort recently completed their three-week internships through placements through the country from New Providence to Grand Bahama.
The programme was launched at BTVI in January 2024 by Prime Minister, the Honourable Philip Davis.
“Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.
STUDENTS and teachers from public and private schools recently received training in the fundamentals of renewable energy during a week-long workshop at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
Photo: BTVI
THE IJM Maritime Academy graduation ceremony and, below, receiving diplomas are, from left, Pre-Sea Navigation Cadet Craigdera Deveaux, Engine Graduate Micayle Glinton, and Navigation Graduate Gabriel Newbold.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
Go Team Bahamas!
