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GB Power seeks 6.3 P ercent hike
Ministry of Grand Bahama: Proposed rate increase ‘unacceptable’
By DeN i Se maYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
ThE Grand Bahama Power Company’s (GBPC) proposal to increase electricity rates drew quick backlash from the Ministry of Grand Bahama yesterday. The GBPC said it submitted a rate plan proposal to the Grand Bahama Port Authority for consideration on August 1. The plan is to increase the base rate for Grand Bahama customers by 6.3 percent in 2025. The GBPC said its request would sustain operations and future investments and would help align its operations with the
$575k awarded to h aitian woman denied citizenShiP
By JaDe RUSSell Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
ThE Supreme Court has awarded $575,000 in damages to a 29-year-old woman after the Department of Immigration took six years to address her application for Bahamian citizenship.
Dahene Nonord, whose parents are haitian citizens and legal residents of The Bahamas, was initially granted a Certificate of Identity on April 4, 2011, which expired in April 2016. She applied for Bahamian citizenship on September 16, 2013, under Article 7 of The Bahamas constitution. Throughout the application
Silence on Protection againS t violence commiSion
By Keile CampBell Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
By eaRYel BOWleG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AN anonymous donor has offered a $10,000 reward for information regarding the disappearance of American Taylor Casey. A Facebook page dedicated to the missing woman, “Find Taylor Casey”, said last week: “We are hopeful that this reward will help us to make progress in finding our loved one. Together, we will bring Taylor home.”
By Neil HaRTNell Tribune
ThE Bahamas hotel and Tourism Association’s (BhTA) president yesterday said he foresees “no real difficulty” with a four-day work week as employers generally gave mixed reactions to the idea. Robert Sands said much work and negotiation was required before such an arrangement is implemented in The Bahamas so as not to unduly burden the private sector with further excessive cost increases, but he did not dismiss the proposal.
A YEAR after legislators passed the Protection Against Violence bill, little is known about the government’s efforts to enforce its provisions and establish the commission responsible for supporting victims. Government officials, including Social Services Minister Myles Laroda, have not responded to The Tribune’s requests for a status update over the past two weeks. The Davis administration had touted the law and said its passage showed its commitment to addressing violence, particularly against women. The administration defended and promoted the law even after some women advocates said it did not go far enough. a nonymouS donor offerS $10k for info on c a Sey ‘No real difficulty’ with four-day workweek
Former Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest with Leo and Marley
A FORMER Deputy Prime Minister has offered his support to our call to Love Ya Dog. The Love Ya Dog campaign encourages dog owners to take care of their pets - and we are calling on readers to join in. We want to encourage those who do treat their pets well to show them off - and by doing so letting others see a better way to treat their pets.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest shared photographs of two of the dogs in his life. He said: “Leo is my buddy and constant companion with the ability to make the darkest of days bright with genuine happiness and love. He’s funny, smart and filled with character.
And Mr Turnquest encouraged others to treat their pets well, saying: “I encourage all pet owners to spay and neuter their pets, to take care of them as a member of the family, with unconditional love and care. The loyalty and love in return is immeasurable and worth it.”
CARE TIP: Make sure your dog or cat visits a vet once a year and gets their shots, just like humans there a essential vaccines that they should receive. Keep your pet safe and visit one of the many Nassau vets yearly.
• Send us a picture of you with your dogs to loveyadog@tribunemedia.net to join the campaign and show that you Love Ya Dog.
“Marley belongs to my daughter. She gives the greatest hugs and loves to cuddle. There are no bad days with Marley, she’s just the sweetest most loving dog ever.”
$575k awarded to Haitian woman denied citizenship
from page one
process, she provided the requested documents, was interviewed, and was informed by an immigration officer that she would be contacted later about an oath of allegiance recital date.
Starting in 2014, Ms Nonord consistently followed up with the Immigration Department to confirm her recital date but never received answers. On October 10, 2017, she was informed that her file could not be found.
After six years, she was finally registered as a Bahamian citizen in 2019. Her citizenship was granted while she was pursuing legal action against the director of immigration and the board of immigration for refusing to consider, determine, or grant her citizenship application in a reasonable time.
Although she eventually gained citizenship, Ms Nonord endured significant trauma during the six years without registration.
In an affidavit, she described the abuse she suffered. On December 3, 2014, after being unable to show resident documents, immigration officers handcuffed, slapped, dragged, verbally abused, and detained her at the Carmichael Road Detention Center until her mother brought her Certificate of Identity documents for her release.
A female officer in charge of the detention centre claimed Ms Nonord bit her, an accusation Ms Nonord denied. The officer in charge later instructed other female officers to document the incident to prevent Ms Nonord from getting citizenship.
Ms Nonord reported several instances of physical abuse by immigration officers at the detention centre. At one point, she was jailed and charged in the Magistrate’s Court after immigration officers claimed she had bitten their fingers, leading to charges of obstruction and assault. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Ms Nonord’s lawyers filed a writ in March 2015 for assault and battery, false imprisonment, and breach of her constitutional rights. They said she suffered mentally, living in constant fear of being deported to Haiti, a country she had never visited.
The turmoil the Immigration Department caused prevented Ms Nonord from working, travelling, having a bank account, or receiving a higher education.
Ms Nonord sought aggravated, punitive, and exemplary damages against the director of immigration and the board of immigration for assault and battery, false imprisonment, and breach of her constitutional rights. She sought $1m. Ultimately, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bowe Darville declared that the director and the board breached the constitution in processing Ms Nonord’s application and acted recklessly in refusing to determine her application within a reasonable time.
Ms Nonord was awarded $125,000 for the constitutional breach of Article 17 (1), $125,000 for the breach of Article 26 (2), $150,000 for misfeasance, $100,000 in exemplary damages, and $75,000 in aggravated damages, totalling $575,000.
Silence on Protection Against Violence Commission
from page one
The Protection Against Violence Commission
would support victims and liaise with police officers when victims feel they lack full cooperation. The body would also recommend a national strategic plan to combat and respond to violence. It would also liaise with the minister to ensure sufficient shelters are available to victims throughout the country.
Yesterday, Free National Movement Senator Maxine Seymour, the shadow minister of social services, said the administration is not urgently enacting the law.
“There is a gap between the passing of the bill and its implementation — like an implementation gap
— and that is a serious challenge,” she said.
“If protection against violence for women or
from page one
Ms Casey was reported missing on June 20 after failing to attend morning classes at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat. She was last seen at the retreat late on the evening of June 19.
As of press time, Ms Casey’s family and friends had raised over $36,000 through the crowdfunding website Chuffed. The donations will help them secure an attorney and legal team, support mental health needs, and cover additional trips to New Providence and Washington, DC.
Friends and relatives of Ms Casey have criticised the investigation into her disappearance, while the company behind the retreat dismissed their claims as “false and defamatory and not based on facts”.
men was a top priority for the electorate, the government wouldn’t be able to ignore it so easily. We’ve
been waiting for a shelter for three years. They promised a shelter, and it’s still not done. They keep
delaying and using tactics to stall.”
Ms Seymour believes the government might expedite implementing the bill before the next general election but said improvements should not be made only in anticipation of elections.
“Every day that the shelter isn’t built or the commission isn’t formed, more people are exposed to violence,” she said.
“There’s no point in passing a bill if we’re not going to fully implement it.”
Alicia Wallace, director of the non-profit organisation Equality Bahamas, also said little information is available about the law’s implementation.
“The establishment of the Protection Against Violence Commission is
critical to the Act’s implementation,” she noted.
“Yet there has been no visible progress. The Department of Gender and Family Affairs is failing to fulfil its mandate and maintain contact with NGOs involved in gender and women’s rights work.”
Ms Wallace said Equality Bahamas has been seeking a meeting with Mr Laroda for nearly a year. She said the Department of Gender and Family Affairs has intermittently acknowledged emails and claimed to be working on scheduling a meeting but has never confirmed one.
“It seems the minister and the department are out of their depth yet resistant to the technical support available to them,” she said.
Minister of Social Services,
Social Services Minister Myles Laroda.
Taylor caSey
Dahene nonorD
GB Power seeks 6.3 percent hike
government’s target of 30 percent renewable energy by 2030.
The GBPC said the requested 6.3 per cent base rate increase is below the country’s recent inflation rate of 7.3 percent.
“Balanced with the company’s effective fuel purchase strategy, which brings rate stability through 2027, the proposed rate change would result in a small all-in decrease for most electricity customers,” the GBPC said.
“The all-in rate includes all elements of monthly electricity bills, including the fuel charge.”
GBPC Chief Operating Officer Nikita Mullings said the proposed rate change would not affect the fuel portion of monthly electricity bills, so 40 percent of the bill would remain unchanged.
“With the impact of our fuel hedging programme, residential, general service large, and large industrial customers are forecasted to receive a small reduction on an all-in basis, while commercial customers will see a small, estimated increase of less than two per cent,” she said.
If approved, the base rate change would take effect on January 1, 2025.
“Since our last rate adjustment in April 2022, we have seen reduced sales from our GSL customer classes due to lower energy consumption, the loss of our largest customer, and significant inflationary pressures,” Ms Mullings said.
“We know there is no good time to propose a rate increase, but the requested adjustment is essential to maintain and improve the efficiency and reliability of our services and to allow
us to invest in critical infrastructure maintenance, as outlined in our system resource plan, to enable the integration of renewable energy sources in keeping with the government targets.”
The Ministry of Grand Bahama said the GBPC’s
proposed base rate increase is “unacceptable.”
“Whilst this decision claims to be ‘in alignment with its operating protocol and regulatory framework’, it is wholly ill-conceived, badly-timed, and appears to prioritise profit over the
well-being of the community,” it said.
The ministry empathised with Grand Bahama residents and businesses, highlighting the additional strain the proposed increase would impose.
“In 2020, GBPC implemented
a one per cent increase as a ‘Storm Recovery and Stabilisation Charge’ (SRS). In early 2022, the GBPA approved a 3.4 percent increase to the base rate, which was implemented in April 2022. Now, in 2024, amidst numerous power outages, GBPC seeks to impose a further 6.3 percent increase. This is not acceptable,” the ministry said.
The ministry also called on GBPC to improve its process for investigating and assessing claims of damage to household appliances and equipment resulting from frequent outages.
The ministry said: “We do not support the base rate increase and urge reconsideration based on the hardship faced by Grand Bahamians and the unreliable performance of the GBPC since the last increase.”
Kwasi Thompson, the FNM MP for East Grand Bahama, also described the proposed rate hike as a blow to Grand Bahama residents and called for government intervention.
“It is absurd to even consider another rate increase at this time,” he said.
Mr Thompson said residents, particularly in East Grand Bahama, have faced rising business license fees, customs fees, water prices, national insurance, boat license fees, aviation fees, passenger taxes, electricity costs, VAT on breadbasket items and medication, and air freight costs.
“The fishermen and farmers of East Grand Bahama have been calling for relief,” he said.
“Unemployment in East Grand Bahama remains high. The government cannot allow another blow to the people of Grand Bahama and must stop this immediately.”
Eastern Road repairs expected to continue through Friday
TRAFFIC on Eastern Road will be disrupted until Friday as workers repair the road.
Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) had dug up the road to improve service reliability for customers in the eastern area and install new underground lines for redundancy. The repair work was completed the weekend of July 21.
In a press statement yesterday, the Ministry of Works announced that Bahamix began paving the road yesterday and will continue until Friday. The work will occur from 9.30am to 3.30pm, and single-lane closures will be implemented.
The ministry encouraged the public to avoid the road if possible and to comply with traffic signs.
traffic on Eastern Road expected to be disrupted through Friday as work continues to repair the road after BPL completed installation of new undeground lines for redundancy.
Minister of Grand BahaMa GinGer Moxey
Photos: nikia charlton
Man ordered to remove
stand from The Caves property
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE owner of a daiquiri stand near The Caves on West Bay Street has been ordered to vacate and remove his structure due to trespassing.
Justice Carla CardStubbs ruled that Andrew Murray, owner of Tropical Daiquiri, has no right to maintain his business on Vakis Limited’s property.
Mr Murray did not contest the court matter. He failed to appear even though he was served with documents at his stand on
March 31, 2023. Vakis Limited relied on witness statements from Toby Hayes and Dave Taylor, who provided evidence, and an affidavit from McFalloughn Bowleg.
According to the judgment, Toby Hayes, an employee of a company managing properties owned by Vakis Limited, testified that during a site visit in March 2019, he found a makeshift wooden building known as the “Daq Shack”, where daiquiris were prepared and sold.
Mr Hayes said a generator powered the stand, and nearby wooden tables
and benches were available for customers. After this discovery, the company’s lawyers contacted Mr Murray to inform him that he was infringing on Vakis Limited’s property. They invited him to acknowledge their ownership by signing a letter, which he failed to do. During a follow-up site visit one month later, Mr Murray continued to operate the stand. Mr Hayes’ last visit, on May 20, 2024, confirmed that the structure remained, and he described it as a “permanent structure made of timber and wood.” Despite
receiving three letters from Vakis Limited’s attorneys, Mr Murray did not respond to any.
Vakis Limited gained title to the land in question through an Indenture of Conveyance dated March 29, 1991. Justice Card-Stubbs concluded that Mr Murray’s actions constituted trespass and wrongful occupation of the land.
“In this case, I am satisfied that the claimant is the owner of the land on which the acts of trespass occurred,” she said.
“The evidence shows a structure erected by the
defendant on the claimant’s land without permission. This constitutes a continuing trespass. Damages are not an adequate remedy, and this is an appropriate case for the court to restrain the defendant from further acts of trespass. I am satisfied that this is an appropriate case for an injunction.”
Justice Card-Stubbs ordered Mr Murray to remove the structure, tables, benches, and other items from Vakis Limited’s property within three weeks of the judgement’s release. She also prohibited placing any other items on
the property during this period.
“An injunction is hereby granted to restrain the defendant from trespassing on the claimant’s land or any portion thereof by constructing, allowing the construction of, or continuing the construction of any building, structure, or chattel, or by trading, selling, or vending food or beverages, or engaging in any business activity thereon,” Justice Card-Stubbs wrote. Additionally, she ordered that Vakis Limited be awarded damages at an interest rate of 6.25 percent per annum.
Forty-five new doctors graduate from UWI
FORTY-FIVE new doc-
tors graduated from the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research (UWI SCMR) during a recent oath swearing and award ceremony.
Dr Celeste Adderley received top SCMR honours: the Dr Anthony Regis Award for the most outstanding student in the final MBBS examinations and the Dr Cecil M Bethel Award for the most outstanding student. Dr Adderley also received an award for the highest clinical exam performance across UWI campuses.
According to Dr Corrine Sin Quee, UWI SCMR director, SCMR is one of four sites for medical training under UWI. Students complete three pre-clinical years at one of three campuses — Jamaica, Trinidad or Barbados. Most Bahamian students then transferred to SCMR to complete their two-year clinical internship locally, and many remain employed in the public sector.
Dr Sin Quee praised the government of The Bahamas for its recent University of the West Indies (UWI) Medical and Dental Subvention Scholarships, which cover 100 percent of the tuition for all Bahamians in the last two years of the programme. The government also covers the cost of staffing and infrastructural needs at the school.
Dr Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness, said: “This year, along with the medical and dental subvention scholarships, the government was pleased to offer subvention for scholarships in physiotherapy, speech pathology, dietician, biomedical technology, healthcare administration and other elected allied health professions. This initiative, along with the commitment to our continuous coverage of our nursing programme and infrastructural upgrades, ensures that our students receive the best possible medical education right here in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
In remarks on behalf of the Class of 2024, Dr Celeste Adderley noted that her cohort — a diverse group of parents, a pastor, youth senator, emergency medical technicians, musicians, creatives, and Family
Islanders like herself — overcame many personal challenges to complete their studies.
“But we all share one common goal: to serve our Bahamian people,” Dr Adderley added. “I am immensely proud and honoured to call you my colleagues. I am optimistic about the future of healthcare, for I see before me future leaders, innovators and trendsetters—individuals who will impact the medical profession, not only here in our beloved Bahamaland but throughout the world.” Dr Sin Quee noted that since 1997, UWI SCMR had graduated nearly 700 new doctors, with 98 percent being Bahamian. The institution also offers seven postgraduate programmes, primarily delivered in The Bahamas with limited rotations at other locations. To date, 164 specialists and sub-specialists have completed these programmes, with over 98 percent of them currently working in the local public sector.
“Unlike many other countries, brain drain did not occur here in The Bahamas. The establishment of local programs has allowed succession planning with
the replacement of specialists who are retiring,” said Dr Sin Quee. The UWI SCMR Class of 2024 includes Dr Celeste Adderley; Dr Chyna Aranha; Dr Cherille Archer; Dr Antonaii Ambrister; Dr Mellissa Burrows; Dr Alaena Carey; Dr Iesha Carey; Dr Felecia Collie; Dr Shaquan Cooper; Dr Vernon Davis Jr; Dr Taj Dorsett; Dr Valtio Edgecombe; Dr Jasmine Ferguson; Dr Jayde Ferguson; Dr Joette Fernander; Dr Lyvan Gardiner; Dr Glendia Gomez; Dr Junelle Higgins; Dr Rolanda Ingraham; Dr Khristian Johnson; Dr Adrianna Kelly; Dr Devenney Kemp. Dr Joel Lightbourn Jr; Dr Countess Miller; Dr Jana Moncur; Dr Malvin Moore Jr; Dr Shaunte Moss; Dr Symone Moxey; Dr Lincoln Mullings II; Dr Wellecia Mullings; Dr Brittney Nairn; Dr Cameron Newry; Dr Tavia Nottage; Dr Tyronne Perpall; Dr Jordan Phillips; Dr Andia Pinder; Dr Amelia Rahming; Dr Kashawnte Roker; Dr Shanae Rolle; Dr Arien Seymour; Dr Charlèa Smith; Dr Warel Smith; Dr Abigail Wallace; Dr Simeka Williams and Dr Katrina Woodside.
Forty-five graduating doctors along with Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin and Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville and school staff and officials.
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
Picture of the day
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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We need responsible discussion on immigration
a R o U n D the world, the issue of immigration is again at the centre of a considerable amount of political rhetoric. o ur modern era of communications is not helping – stirring things up rather than making things clear.
o ver in the UK, far right groups have been rioting, stoked by incorrect reports of who was responsible for a stabbing that killed three girls who were at a taylor s wift-themed yoga and dance workshop. t he attack was horrendous. ten other people were injured, including eight children. t he attacker was a British citizen born in c ardiff. t hat is not what circulated online. a false name circulated. t he allegation was that this was an “undocumented migrant”. c all it misinformation. c all it an untruth. c all it lies. i t was seized upon by those who use immigration as a political point, and fomented the riots that have spread across the UK since. social media has been used by some of those rioters to spread such lies –and to coordinate the riots. there is nothing new in such rhetoric. or indeed in such actions. Journalists in the UK have long faced threats from such groups. Journalists today covering those riots have cited a number of cases where they have been threatened while doing their jobs –especially those with cameras who find it harder to blend into the crowd as they try to cover such events. the Us election beckons – and immigration will be an issue there too. When he was president, Donald trump talked often about building his wall. You can bet such talk will resurface as he challenges Kamala Harris in november. the thing is, migration is something we need. take a look at yesterday’s tribune
– where Health minister Dr michael Darville talked of how the public health system is short of nurses. around 450 are needed, and the government intends to recruit nurses from Ghana. in an article last month, sir Ronald sanders pointed out that Barbados is, according to prime minister mia mottley, “in a crisis with respect to an ageing and declining population”. Barbados is not alone in this. a number of caribbean countries are ageing. How does that affect a nation? Well, the fewer people there are of working age, the fewer to contribute towards pensions, healthcare and so on. the more past working age, the more in need of those services. it does not take a genius to see the challenge that places on resources. opening the door to more migration can help to bring that balance – but it is seldom a topic that wins much favour politically. it is difficult to have an honest conversation on the topic when there are so many dishonest players trying to make capital on people’s fears. We need nurses. We recruit nurses. those nurses, wherever they come from, can contribute to our nation. they can play a part, and should be welcomed.
Just as our own migrants – nurses from here perhaps who have gone to work in the Us because of demand there – should be wished well in their own journeys.
the point is this – when we talk about immigration, it should be a reasoned discussion. not based on fears just because someone is making hay for their own benefit.
t here are too many who would do just that – regardless of what it means to a country. Listen carefully – and be wary of those who stir up trouble on social media for their own purposes.
FNM needs to distance itself from Collie
EDITOR, The Tribune.
pEtER nygard’s conviction in a toronto court last november marks the beginning of the end for the 82-year-old fashion mogul. according to the new York times, nygard is scheduled to stand trial in Winnipeg, montreal and in new York. What happened to nygard in the legal system in canada and the United states would’ve never occurred in the Bahamas. But i have no desire to compare the bureaucratic systems of the Bahamas and two first world countries. We all know there’s a gaping disparity between the three. i would like to comment on a Tribune front page article that was published on august 2. it was about former Free national movement chairman sidney collie vouching for nygard, whose sentencing is slated for september. toronto prosecutors are asking for a 15-year sentence. considering the allegations, that isn’t a long sentence. For an
82-year-old ailing human being, however, that’s a life sentence. in the Tribune article, collie is reported to have said in 2016 that his “connection to nygard lasted less than a month and that he had “never seen the man since or had any reason to”. collie said that he had represented nygard in 2008 over some crown land matter but was subsequently terminated. Yet the august 2 Tribune article has him vouching for the man in a court document the newspaper had gotten hold of. my question is this: how can anyone vouch for an individual whom they had a connection to for less than a month? collie obviously don’t know nygard on a personal level. as cs Lewis wrote in his the Boy and His Horse chronicles of narnia novel, come, live with me and you’ll know me. if i were a part of the Fnm executive team, i would’ve immediately sent out a press release distancing the party from collie’s glowing endorsement of nygard. the last thing the Fnm needs is
Paying lip service to Emancipation
EDITOR, The Tribune. Emancipation Day 2024 was celebrated yesterday and almost a century later, what have we truly achieved for we, the people?
our politricksters have the audacity - particularly over these last 2 years of independence – to ‘wax prolific’ about our forefathers’ fight for ‘majority Rule’ whilst decades later they are gleefully handing over ‘our tings’ on golden platters to ‘foreign’! What was the purpose of shedding blood, sweat, and tears if we continue to give away to ‘foreign’ what they fought for to make ours?
Yet we remain silent, and let it happen. How stupid is that?
think where we would be now had ‘We march’ continued its popular community campaign? With such a large and determined groundswell of ‘Bahamianism’ demanding ‘us first’ along with accountability and transparency, we could have been well on our way towards becoming masters of our own Fate! But with the stroke of one ol’ tired senate appointment, all was lost!
Yet we remained silent, and let it happen.
for Bahamians to wrongly assume that collie’s endorsement of nygard is the unofficial position of the party hierarchy. there’s obviously a reason The Tribune plastered the collie article on its front page. it comes off as click bait. Had it been a regular run of the mill Bahamian begging the toronto court system for leniency, that story would have never seen the time of day. But because it’s a prominent Fnm who seemingly lacks discretion, it’s front page material. collie, as a Bahamian, has his personal views. But as a former Fnm mp, cabinet minister and chairman, some Bahamians will intentionally blur the line between his private and public life. that’s why it is important that the Fnm makes it clear to the Bahamian people that the views of its former chairman is not shared by the party hierarchy.
KEVIN EVANS
Freeport, Grand Bahama august 5, 2024.
Bahamians, what will it take to make you see what you lookin’ at? When are you going to remove your blinders, open wide your eyes, and do something concrete to right the wrongs? Right now, we are sinking deeper and deeper into a life-sucking mire!
What a farce Emancipation really is if we continue to allow ourselves to be bombarded by the long line of blatant “foreigns” who have entered our country to “lord it over us” whilst our jive turkey gubments of all colours (‘cos one ain no better dan da nex!) continue to bow down to them, and our dumb politricksters gleefully hand over our heritage and our patrimony for mere pennies and the promise of a few menial jobs! Yet we remain quiet, and let it happen. if we do not speak up and demand more and better from these “gobbling turkeys” it will be at our own peril, because right now the future is
bleak for our children, our children’s children and beyond.
Here are some serious situations that describe profit over people which the pathetic politricksters have shown no testicular fortitude towards stopping, as shown by their lack of addressing the laws of the land and the rights of we, the people. it is my opinion that “foreign” is destroying our country, not developing it. the main reason being that money continues to leave the country in droves whilst they build incompatible monstrosities for more “foreign” to come to buy up the limited pieces of the rock that should be developed for the benefit of we, the people! one such in the west is emboldened enough to ignore the demands of its neighbor and blithely sucks our natural land and seas, continually over reaching boundaries and ignoring any binding building restrictions; Yet another one in the west does the same ignoring a local community’s complaints of its lawlessness regarding noise pollution, water pollution, and environmental degradation; meanwhile the realtors, Bahamian though they may be, are selling and profiting handsomely from sales to yet more “foreign” that drives the cost of property and construction way beyond the pockets of the majority of we, the people; then we are being swallowed, literally, by the behemoth cruise ships that are getting bigger and bigger every year, each bringing thousands of passengers into the islands throughout our country. these have been allowed to buy or operate their own private islands, developing them by dredging, degrading, and destroying our peaceful natural environmental habitats for their own use. cruise ships companies need and benefit handsomely from our land and waters, more so than we need their burgeoning numbers,
over tourism, pollution, and lack of spend when docked. then we have the foreign banks that continue to hold us hostage as they move their substantial profits out of the country, by their selfish ways to take more and give less! Ridiculous policies and foolishness abound from them nowadays. Why must it take months to open a bank account, resolve banking issues, or apply for or renew a credit card? i just spent 40 minutes standing on a bank line (which i might add, no longer caters to senior citizens) to conduct a fiveminute transaction! Yet banks have been allowed to close their brick and mortar branches (particularly on the Family islands), reduce tellers and their staff, not properly train the ones they do have, do not employ Bahamians to answer their phones, demand that their customers use “digital banking” when the atm machines are most often inoperable, the electricity never stays on, and the internet goes off (not to mention the recent worldwide internet fiasco several weeks ago), would be happy to get rid of cheques, reduce their customer services, and dramatically increase their bank charges for any and everything. Bank charges have gotten totally out of control and most charges are unconscionable. one of these banks has just posted a list of ridiculous bank charges. Where is the regulator for this sector to protect the rights of we, the customers? What is central Bank doing for customers during all of this confusion? Do we no longer have rights? Where are the advocates to demand them and protect us?
the sad fact about all of the above is that ‘foreign’ and our pathetic politricksters really do not care about we, the people. their actions fully demonstrate their intention to adhere to the maxim of ‘all for me baby.’ are we content to continue to pay lip service to emancipation? Will we let it remain the farce that it is today?
PAM BURNSIDE new providence august 6, 2024.
Police on horseback patrol the Olympic event areas in France.
Photo: Brent Stubbs/Tibune Sports Editor
Mother passes out in court as teen son charged with armed robbery and car theft
BY PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MOTHER passed out in court yesterday as her teenage son faced armed robbery and car theft charges.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned a 17-year-old male, whose name is being withheld due to him being a minor, on armed robbery.
The defendant faced additional charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, stealing and receiving.
The defendant allegedly stole a white 2007 Nissan Bluebird Slyphy valued at $6,500, which belonged to Shenique Scavella, between 9pm on July 23 and 6.45am on July 24.
The defendant and an accomplice, while armed with a black and silver handgun, allegedly robbed Mario Dalisma of a black 2012 Chevy Equinox valued between $8,000 to $12,000 outside a residence on Ramsey Street on July 31. Later that day, the defendant was allegedly involved in a police chase in the stolen Nissan that ended when it crashed into a house wall on Sisal Road. The defendant was
allegedly found with a black and silver Taurus G2C 9mm pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition.
While the defendant pleaded not guilty to the stealing and receiving charges, he was informed that his armed robbery charges would move to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
Ian Cargill, who represented the accused, requested that his client’s hair not be cut when he enters custody because of his religious beliefs.
Just as the defendant’s arraignment came to a close, his mother, who was standing by his side, collapsed.
Magistrate Reckley was informed that the defendant’s mother suffered from seizures. She regained consciousness and was sitting up, supported by her son and relatives, by the time emergency medical services arrived in the courtroom.
The defendant will be remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys until his stealing trial begins on October 24 before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. His VBI will be served on December 5. Alphonso Lewis also represented the accused.
Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom served as the prosecutor
Man accused of killing lover on hoMestead s treet last week
BY PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 51-yEAR-OLD man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of killing his lover at their home on Homestead Street in a suspected domestic altercation last week.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Delroy Wright on murder. Wright allegedly killed his 44-year-old girlfriend, Theresa Knowles, around 11.30am on July 30.
When emergency medical
GB man charged with gun and drug possession with intent to supply
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter Dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was charged in Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday after authorities seized illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition at a Grand Bahama residence. Gadville Newton, 45, of 14 Cadwallader Drive, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith on 11 criminal charges related to last week’s incident. Represented by Paco Deal and Ernie Wallace, Newton was
THE Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association in conjunction with the Ministry of Health & Wellness kicked off its National Breastfeeding Week, August 2, in an effort to celebrate the importance of breastfeeding to recent mothers who have given birth, and soon-to-be mothers. Themed, ‘The Big Latch On,’ the week has promoted proper feeding and healthcare for mother and child. The week’s events, August 1-7: Educational Lecture for mothers on the importance of breastfeeding on Friday, August 2nd; Church Service on Sunday, August 4th; and a Fun, Run, Walk-a-thon on Monday morning, August 5th.
services arrived on the scene, they reportedly observed the victim with apparent injuries to her upper body and pronounced her dead at the scene. The defendant was informed that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). Wright will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on December 5. Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom served as the prosecutor.
Man charged with abetting Murder of brandon
BY PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after for allegedly aiding in the murder of Brendon Adderley, 21, on Eden Street last month.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Andre “Jopper” Thompson, 30, on charges of abetment to murder.
Thompson allegedly aided and abetted in the murder of Brendon Adderley on July 25. Adderley was reportedly shot and killed in a vehicle
a dderley
on Eden Street after a blue vehicle blocked him and occupants ambushed him. Adderley had a prior ammunition conviction for which he served 15 months in prison. Thompson was told his case would be transferred to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his bail hearing on August 8. Ryszard Humes represented the accused, while Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom served as the prosecutor.
Man accused of atte Mpted robbery and kidnapping has bail revoked
BY PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of kidnapping and the attempted armed robbery of a slain immigration officer in 2013 had his bail revoked yesterday for missing a court date.
Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson cancelled Cordero Saunders’ bail. Saunders, 34, was on release for charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and two counts of kidnapping. He and his accomplices allegedly kidnapped and attempted to rob senior immigration officer Shane Gardiner and his girlfriend, Tishka
Braynen, at gunpoint in 2013. The decomposed bodies of the couple were found on Newbold Farms in Fresh Creek, Andros, on December 21, 2013, with apparent gunshot wounds to their head.
The Court of Appeal quashed Saunders’ murder conviction in 2020. He was charged with bail violations last month in Magistrate’s Court. He allegedly failed to sign in at the Bullocks Harbour Police Station between June 14 and July 8. With his Supreme Court bail revoked, Saunders will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until he returns to court on August 14.
not required to enter a plea.
Law enforcement in Grand Bahama had executed a search warrant at a residence off East Sunrise Highway, where they found dangerous drugs, weapons, and ammunition, leading them to arrest a suspect.
Magistrate Smith arraigned Newton on five Combat Armor Multi-Calibre weapons and a Smith & Wesson .40 pistol, all without the required licensing authority’s permission. Newton also allegedly had six rounds of .40
ammunition and ammunition with intent to supply, including 80 rounds of 5.56mm, 100 rounds of .45, 54 rounds of .40, and 320 rounds of 9mm. A further charge included possessing unlicenced firearm components: five silver 5.56 magazines, three silver PMAG 5.56mm magazines, one black 5.56mm magazine, one PMAG 7.62 magazine, two black .40 Glock magazines, one .40mm drum magazine, and one black drum magazine, all without a firearm licence
certificate. Regarding the possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, Newton allegedly had ten clear bags of Indian Hemp, five glass jars, and one glass bowl containing Indian Hemp.
Magistrate Smith denied him bail due to the nature of the charges and remanded him to the Bahamas Department of Corrections. The case was adjourned to August 30, when a Voluntary Bill of Indictment will transfer the matter to the Supreme Court.
The NaTioNal Breastfeeding Association members pictured, from left: Ann Forbes, treasurer; Dr Lillian Jones, 2nd vice president; Trineka McCardy, president; Linelle Thompson, education & research chair; Ampusan Symonette, vice president; Kelly Farquharson, assistant chaplain.
Photos: Mark Ford/BIS
Olympic controversy reveals gender hypocrisy and hatred
AlgeriAn boxer
By Alicia Wallace
imane Khelif was a primary topic of conversation over the past few days as the result of the poor sportsmanship of an opponent who could not win a match against her at the Olympics. i talian boxer Angela Carini decided not to continue the match just 46 seconds in. She cried, on her knees, in the middle of the boxing ring, refusing to shake Khelif’s hand when she was declared the winner. Carini’s behaviour contributed to what has become a raging debate about sex, gender, the category of woman, and women in sports, all with Khelif in the most vulnerable position, having been wrongly made the villain. Khelif’s womanhood was immediately called into question as people insisted, with no evidence, that she is a trans woman. To be clear, trans women are women.
to engage with it”.
Khelif is, however, not trans. This conversation is about a woman who people have decided does not fit their narrow understanding of woman. Misinformation about Khelif circulated quickly. People heard that she had been disqualified from a boxing world championship in 2023 due to the results of an unspecified test. The i nternational Olympic Committee referred to the test as “so flawed that it’s impossible
The testing process was undertaken by the i BA which has been permanently banned from the Olympics. i t is no longer the global governing body for boxing competitions. r eferring to the tests used to disqualify Khelif, i nternational Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams said, “Those tests are not legitimate.”
Adams objected to Khelif and one other boxer being singled out for testing. He noted that this sets a dangerous precedent and that there
are issues of confidentiality in addition to there being no real basis for the testing.
Usually, when the issue of trans rights come up, people who are opposed to the rights—and even the existence—of trans people are quick to say that it is all about genitals. They incorrectly insist that people with penises are men and boys and people with vaginas are women and girls. They are adamant that everyone’s gender is derived from the sex assigned at birth, based on the appearance their genitals. For some reason, the false accusations against Khelif has led many of them to change their positions without, of course, admitting to the change. They suddenly started saying that being born with a vagina does not mean a person’s
sex is female or that they are a girl or woman. They now acknowledge chromosomes and believe that the presence of XY chromosomes make a person a boy or man, whether or not they have a vagina. We must ensure that we understand the basics before going any further. Sex is assigned at birth. Babies are pronounced female or male based on their genitalia. i t is treated as though it is biological, but it is social constructed. n o other testing is done to prove or corroborate the femaleness or maleness declared by the person who says, “ i t’s a girl!” or “ i t’s a boy!” to the parents. n ote that “girl” and “boy” are genders, not sexes. g ender is more easily understood to be a social construct. We generally socialise people based on the sex they are assigned at birth. i f a person has a vagina, they are declared a girl, and they are generally dressed in pink, get their ears pierced, wear dresses, are given dolls, and their hair is kept long. i f a person has a penis, they are declared a boy, and they are generally dressed in blue, wear pants, are given toy cars and trucks, and their hair is not usually kept long beyond the toddler years, if that long. g irls are allowed to cry while boys are quickly taught that their tears are unacceptable and a sign of weakness. g irl are called into the kitchen to watch adults cook and eventually help with the preparation of meals. Boys are allowed to play outside and roughhouse, and the most domestic duty they tend to get is to take out the garbage. Our lives are shaped, from childhood, on the basis of gender and the expectations that people have women and men.
Sex is assigned at birth. g ender is a training we receive. i t is all based on assumption, not chromosomes.
Recommendations
1. Join Feminist Book Club in reading Where Was Goodbye? by Bahamian Canadian author Janice lynn Mather. Set in The Bahamas, it follows Karmen who returns to high school after her brother died by suicide. it does not go well. She wants to know why he took his own life, and her own life is calling her back to it. According to Kirkus reviews, “Mather writes about depression and anxiety without judgment, and her depiction of Karmen’s survivor’s guilt...is handled with considerable nuance and empathy. A moving look at a sister’s flawed, heartfelt attempts to heal in the wake of emotional devastation.” Attend the virtual discussion on Where Was goodbye on Wednesday, August 21 a 6pm eDT. Feminist Book Club is organised by equality Bahamas and Poinciana Paper Press with meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. register at tiny.cc/ fbc2024 to receive updates.
2. Presumed Innocent, on Apple TV starring Jake gyllenhaal. The Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reels from the brutal murder of one of its own. The little information that is gathered seems to point directly at one prosecutor in particular, but viewers are given reasons to doubt it. He has the suspicion of his colleagues to worry about, the murder of his lover to (supposedly) solve, and his family to save in the aftermath of his betrayal and the intense media frenzy that ensues. The Critics Consensus on rotten Tomatoes of the previous film adaptation says, “Thanks to an outstanding script, focused direction by Alan Pakula, and a riveting performance from Harrison Ford, Presumed innocent is the kind of effective courtroom thriller most others aspire to be.”
3. Journal if you do not already have the practice, consider finding a way to write about your experiences and thoughts. Writing them down can bring clarity and help you to see where you may need some help. Journals are also great archives. What do you want to remember? What do you want someone else, decades from now, to know about your life? imagine finding the journal of your great-grandparent. What might you learn about them, their relationships, their daily activities, their dreams, and their everyday thoughts? There are many reasons to keep a journal, and organising thoughts, having a resource to return to when you need help remembering events, and leaving an archive for your loved ones are near the top of the list. Whether you write pages and pages, one paragraph, a numbered list, or one sentence, a journal is a journal. Play with it, find your own way, and see if it sticks.
After Carini gave up on the match against Khelif, she claimed that she had never been hit so hard. She is a boxer. She made it to the Olympics. i t is a reasonable expectation that she would face the toughest competitors. Somehow, her statement was taken to mean that there was something wrong with Khelif. The assumption was that Khelif should not have been there, and not that Carini was simply not as good. Hate and violence dominated conversations about boxing at the Olympics. People made up stories. People jumped to conclusions. The truth is that Khelif is not a trans woman. Her health records are not the business of the public. The Olympic Committee determined that she was eligible to compete, yet people jumped at the opportunity to bully Khelif and to oversimplify womanhood, creating a dangerous environment for everyone woman who is outside of the parameters that these hateful, largely ignorant people set. All of our bodies are different. We have all been forced into binaries that are not real, then some of us are punished for not fitting perfectly into them. This does not only harm trans people. i t harms people with health conditions, whose hormones are different, whose organs are different, whose abilities are different. This essentialism is foolish. i t is dangerous. i t is violent. i t must stop. The people who have participated in this ought to take several steps back and consider how wrong they have been before, and how wrong they are now. i t is possible to change. i t is okay to admit to being wrong, and it is even better to commit to learning and doing better. r egarding her refusal to shake Khelif’s hand, Carini later said, “Actually, i want to apologise to her and everyone else. i was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.” She also said, i f the i OC said she can fight, i respect that decision.”
Khelif’s father, Amar Khelif expressed his pride in his daughter and her accomplishments. He said, “Having such a daughter is an honour because she is a champion, she honored me and i encourage her and i hope she will get the medal in Paris.” He said, “ i mane is a little girl that has loved sport since she was six years old.” Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said, “We have two boxers who are born as women, who have been raised as women, who have a passport as a woman and have competed for many years as women. Some want to own a definition of who is a woman.” Bach explicitly refused to “take part in a politically motivated cultural war”. He suggested that the harassment against Khelif and the widespread anti-gender arguments were a part of the response to the isolation of r ussia by sports bodies in response to its war against Ukraine. This is one of the ways that innocent people are exploited and harmed as hate is used to insight violence against them, all as a part of a completely different agenda. The vitriol against Khelif was real, yet it was likely fueled by a machine built for revenge.
AlgeriA’s imAne Khelif, right, defeats Italy’s Angela Carini in their women’s 66kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. Photo: John locher/AP
Which presidential hopeful will benefit the Caribbean?
The outcome of the US Presidential elections will reverberate globally, impacting many nations. every government, including those in the Caribbean, has begun to weigh which candidate’s victory might better serve their interests.
The latest event in the campaign circus features Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, ridiculing the presumptive Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala harris, over her racial origin.
Trump has questioned harris’s race, saying, “She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn black.”
Trump made this remark at an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists, where he was interviewed live by a black journalist. The
World View
By SIr ronaLd SanderS
remark was clearly intended to dilute support for harris among black journalists. historically, race has always been a significant factor in US politics, dating back to 1863 when Abraham Lincoln issued the emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all enslaved people were to be set free. Throughout US history, the Civil Rights movement has fought for black people’s rights, including the right to vote and hold office. The election of Barack Obama as the “first black president” of the US overcame significant barriers.
however, for many White Americans, the issue of black people in high office became more pronounced. Trump exploited this “fear” of black people in political life against Obama by emphasising his blackness while ignoring his white heritage. Now, with rising confidence among black people concerning their legitimate place in all aspects of US society and their recognition of the power of their vote, Trump is using the race card differently against harris. he is seeking to portray her as “Indian” and not “Black” to diminish her standing
with black voters.
Furthermore, harris has come under the spotlight of Trump because he and his political disciples successfully managed to engineer the withdrawal of the previous presumptive nominee, President Joe Biden, on the basis that he is old and feeble. Biden was 81 when he decided to withdraw as a candidate for election; Trump was 78 – a mere three years younger than Biden.
Remarkably, having eliminated Biden, Trump is now the oldest presidential candidate in US history, and the question of being “too old” has disappeared from his campaign. Given a younger and nimbler opponent, Trump is employing race against harris by questioning her blackness and emphasising her Indianness.
Nonetheless, with the strong support she has already received from the
hierarchy of the Democratic Party, she is certain to be the party’s nominee for the presidential election in November.
Fear has also been used as a political tool by both sides, and it will likely become the dominant theme in the weeks and days ahead. Trump is portraying harris as a “socialist”, claiming that she will encourage immigration and refugees who, according to him, are for the most part criminals, rapists, and drug traffickers. Immigrants and refugees are being painted as a serious threat to US society generally. he has added that immigrants are taking “black jobs”. Intrinsic to this argument is that black people are mostly employed in low-skill or labouring jobs that immigrants and refugees are grabbing, dislocating black people.
An underlying theme of the Trump campaign is that the US is not ready for a woman as President and certainly not for a black woman. This premise is being developed into another “fear” in the campaign.
On the other side, harris is also using fear as a tool against Trump. She has cast him as a villain who is a convicted felon, a woman abuser, a fraudster, and a tax dodger, undeserving of the US Presidency. Drawing on her background as a prosecutor, she has declared that she knows Trump’s “type”.
All of this is par for the political course. The factors are the same in politics globally.
In the Caribbean, governments are watching this race, trying to determine which of the two candidates would be best for them.
They see a surface difference between a woman of Indian-Jamaican heritage, likely to continue policies of Obama and Biden. however, there was no great benefit for the region from either Obama or Biden.
While the administrations of both men acknowledged the fundamental challenges
confronting the region, the steps that were taken did not transform their capacity to overcome these challenges. Those who had high expectations of Obama because he was “black” learned that, rightly, he was the President of the US, concerned with his own country. The same situation will prevail if harris wins the presidency. The fact of her Jamaican and Indian parents will not cause her to prioritise either Jamaica (and by extension, the Caribbean) or India. She is an American, and if elected as president, will focus her attention on US national interests at home and abroad.
The Caribbean has also had experience with Trump as President. his present presidential campaign does not suggest that his isolationist posture will change or that he has any interest in the Caribbean, which, apart from Guyana and Suriname, holds little attraction to the US either as a market or as a location for resources such as oil and gas. Beyond curbing immigration and refugees, principally from haiti, and restricting the flow of illegal drugs through the region, the previous attitude toward the region is unlikely to change. For these reasons, the Caribbean should not believe that it has a stake in the US presidential fight. Who is elected US President is a matter for the voters of the US. Once a new administration is in place, the region will have to work to command as much attention as it can in order to address its concerns on the practical basis of shared values and mutual concerns. The race or party affiliation of the President will be of no consequence.
• The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com.
Bahamas needs to build adaptive capacity and community resilience
By Jervon SandS
FOR Small Island
Developing States (SIDS) like The Bahamas, climate change is no longer looming but upon us. Small islanders have always been on the frontlines of this crisis despite our minimal contributions to the problem. To address the needs of its people in the face of this crisis, The Bahamas must focus on building adaptive capacity and community resilience. Adaptive capacity, in the context of SIDS and the climate crisis, refers to the ability of SIDS to adjust to climate impacts, seize opportunities and respond effectively.
education is undoubtedly a crucial component of building adaptive capacity. however, before we can properly educate, we must first raise awareness across our communities nationwide. All Bahamians must be made aware of not only the broad unquantified threat of climate change but of the intricacies involved in this crisis and its impact on our daily lives. The climate crisis can be described as a “wicked” problem. Similar to our colloquial understanding of “wicked” this descriptor means that there are no objective solutions to this problem. There is no one-size-fits-all solution and an interdisciplinary approach is needed to establish an effective response.
This crisis is not limited to its conceptualisation,
scientific proofs, or historical data. It is a problem presently impacting our islands and the world daily. Therefore, the education that is needed must intimately involve action.
A practical understanding of this crisis can be developed through analysis of how it has impacted and continues to impact local industries and ecosystems. This must then be paired with a solutions-focused technical understanding that relies on local and scientific knowledge.
Such a crucial pairing allows us to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the crisis and encourages continued action toward necessary solutions. These outcomes in turn will bolster the resilience of Bahamian communities which can then serve as vehicles for change nationwide and beyond.
Facilitating this work is necessary for addressing the needs of Bahamians in the face of climate change. Serious deliberation is needed in
areas such as disaster preparedness and response, national autarky and economic growth, research, and innovation in order to establish the frameworks necessary for our survival as a nation.
Actionable steps to be taken include:
• Nationwide cross-sector revisions of building codes, zoning and planning regulations that deliver mandates which dictate that retrofitting of current infrastructure and all future development be informed by known and projected climatic data.
• Implementation of climate conscious technologies like sustainable drainage systems and developing dedicated hurricane shelters to reduce loss and damage.
• A commitment to local production that creates self-sufficiency on a national scale, supported by the use of locally sourced materials plus a scale up of agricultural practices that reduce reliance on imports thereby increasing food security.
• Introducing and developing new, internal revenue streams and
increasing regional trade to bolster economic growth and credibility will increase funding opportunities for holistic climate change response.
• A national promotion of research for innovation in areas related to environmental change, local production, and economic growth can subsequently make the future of our islands more certain regardless of global inaction.
It is unwise, in the face of mounting climate change impacts, to continue pressuring the
indifferent leaders of the developed world to do their part to manage this global crisis while leaving our islands and the Bahamians who inhabit them vulnerable to life-threatening risks. The climate crisis can be likened to a third world war. In war time, you accept support where available and there is a coordinated national effort wherein every citizen plays a crucial role in victory. As Bahamians, we must take this threat seriously and respond accordingly.
PresumPtive Democrat nominee VP Kamala Harris (left) and GOP nominee Donald Trump (right)
A mAn peers over mounds of debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in Abaco.
Jervon sAnds
Hepburn: ‘I’m feeling good about the 100m hurdles for our ladies’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PARIS, France — Chef de mission Cora Hepburn said she will reserve any comments on the fiasco that led to the withdrawal of Steven Gardiner from the men’s 400 metres heats until they meet with him.
Hepburn, speaking to the media yesterday at the Stade de France, said there was a brief communication over the phone, but the management team for Team Bahamas here at the 2024 Olympic Games has not had a formal discussion on what happened.
Gardiner, the defending men’s 400m champion, went through his warm up sessions but didn’t come out
and compete in his heat of the men’s 400m on August 4. His management team issued a statement citing a left ankle injury that prevented him from competing, despite all efforts right to race time to get him ready.
“It would be unfair for me to make any statement on the matter until it’s been discussed,” she said. “So as soon as that meeting is held, we will not be like social media, who are speculating about what they think went wrong.”
metres and he is proving that and we have Antoine Andrews who is doing very well in the hurdles,” Hepburn said.
“But for the rest of the way, I’m feeling good about the 100m hurdles for our ladies. We have three of them and I believe my surprise will be Antoine and our javelin thrower, Rhema Otabor.”
“To be able to come to the Olympics and compete, I applaud her because many people would not be able to do that,” said Hepburn, a former national team volleyball player.
Hepburn, the first female to serve as the chef de mission for the Bahamas, said they were overwhelmed by the tremendous effort of Shaunae Miller-Uibo to go out and compete one year after she had a baby.
As for the rest of Team Bahamas, Hepburn said they are all performing to the best of their abilities and they are looking forward to some fantastic performances, whether the team wins a medal or not.
“We have some athletes like Wanya McCoy, who said his best event is the 200
While she commended the athletes who have competed so far, Hepburn admitted that it’s not easy because the competition level here is extremely high. She feels that a lot of the athletes on Team Bahamas will be inspired by what they have seen so far, not just from the Bahamas, but athletes in general from around the world.
PARIS
OLYMPICS DAY 11: GABBY THOMAS LEADS AMERICANS TO TWO GOLD MEDALS - FIVE OVERALL - AT TRACK AND FIELD
By JENNA FRYER AP National Writer
PARIS (AP) — The United States had a big night in track and field at the Paris Olympics yesterday, winning two gold medals and five overall.
Gabby Thomas blazed her way to an easy win in the 200 metres — and beat 100-metre winner Julien Alfred, who earned silver and now owns the only two medals in her country’s history. American sprinter Brittany Brown was third.
Thomas finished in 21.83 seconds to add a gold to the bronze she took home in the event from Tokyo three years ago.
The 27-year-old Harvard graduate, who has a Masters in public health, took the lead for good at the curve and was never challenged in the final stretch. She grabbed her head with both hands after winning.
Cole Hocker, meanwhile, pulled the upset of the track meet with a stunning victory in the 1,500 metres.
Hocker outraced favourites Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr to the finish line in an Olympic record 3 minutes 27.65 seconds. He pulled from fifth to first over the final 300 metres to beat his personal best by more than 3 seconds. He beat Kerr by .14 seconds, while Ingebrigtsen, who set the pace through the first 1,200 metres, ended up in fourth behind American Yared Nuguse.
Annette Nneka Echikunwoke won a silver in the women’s hammer throw.
• A look at other events from Day 11 of the Paris Olympics:
Khelif advances to gold medal
match Boxer Imane Khelif of Algeria advanced to the gold-medal bout in the women’s welterweight division with a semifinal victory. Khelif defeated Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand 5:0 in the semifinals at Roland Garros, where the crowd roared and chanted her name throughout her three-round fight. Khelif has won three consecutive bouts in Paris, and she will win either a gold or a silver medal when she completes the tournament on Friday. She has faced scrutiny during these Games over misconceptions about her gender.
Khelif had already clinched Algeria’s first medal in women’s boxing before she stepped into the ring to rousing roars at Court Philippe Chatrier. With one more victory, Khelif would win Algeria’s second boxing gold medal, joining Hocine Soltani (1996).
US women’s soccer team to play for gold The United States women’s soccer team advanced to the gold-medal game and will make its sixth appearance in the Olympic final following a 1-0 win over Germany.
Sophia Smith broke a scoreless game in extra time by outmanoeuvring defender Felicitas Rauch and German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. It was Smith’s third goal of the tournament.
The Americans are undefeated in France under new coach Emma Hayes and are vying for their fifth Olympic
gold medal. They will play Brazil for the gold.
The U.S. Women’s National Team missed out on the finals at the last two Olympic tournaments. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and relegated to the bronze-medal match at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
US women’s volleyball team advances
The reigning Olympic champion U.S. women’s volleyball team posted a straight-set victory against Poland to advance to the semifinals in Paris.
The Americans next play powerhouse Brazil on Thursday.
The Americans made a lineup change after the team’s five-set defeat to China on July 29 to open group stage play, moving veterans Jordan Larson
and Kelsey Robinson Cook to reserve roles and bringing in Avery Skinner and Kathryn Plummer. The Americans bounced back to beat Serbia two days later.
Teen wins skateboarding gold
A 14-year-old won the women’s park skateboarding and knew she had a podium locked up as soon as she nailed her final run.
Arisa Trew of Australia scored a 93.18 on her final but still had an excruciating wait to see which step on the podium she’d stand on. Only when a 92.63 popped up for Japan’s Cocona Hiraki to end the competition did Trew knew she was taking home gold.
At 14 years and 88 days old, Trew became the youngest Australian to win a medal. The previous youngest was Sandra Morgan, who was 14 years
and 184 days old when she won gold in the women’s 4x100 freestyle relay in 1956.
Wrestler goes out on top
Mijain Lopez concluded his career at the top, retiring after winning the 130-kilogram final for his fifth consecutive gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling.
The 41-year-old Cuban defeated Yasmani Acosta Fernandez of Chile 6-0. It made him the first Olympian to win gold in an event in five straight Games.
Following the match, he placed his shoes in the centre of the mat, symbolising his retirement.
At the last Olympics, Lopez became the first male wrestler to win four gold medals when he dominated in Tokyo, blowing through the field unscored upon in four matches.
Perfect 10 in diving
Quan Hongchan of China won her second gold medal in diving competition at these Games and did it by scoring a perfect 10 on the first of her five dives.
The dive was a forward 3 1/2 somersaults and hardly made a ripple as she set off wild cheers from Chinese fans as the seven judges all registered scores of 10.
The 17-year-old, a threetime world champion, said she has scored 10 three times before — including twice while winning gold in Tokyo.
The two Chinese women teamed up earlier to win the 10-meter synchronised.
Brazil upset in beach volleyball Top-ranked David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig of Sweden jump-set their way into the beach
volleyball semifinals by beating Evandro and Arthur of Brazil at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.
Brazil’s loss means the sport’s spiritual home will not win a men’s medal for the second straight Olympics.
The Brazilian men took gold in Rio de Janeiro and Athens and three other medals in between.
Seine River water concerns cancel marathon swim test
A test run meant to allow athletes to familiarise themselves with the marathon swimming course in the Seine River was cancelled over concerns about water quality in the Paris waterway.
World Aquatics made the decision to cancel the exercise at an early morning meeting. Fluctuating bacteria levels in the longpolluted waterway have been a constant concern throughout the Games with the swimming portion of the triathlon and the marathon swimming events both planned in the river.
Another marathon swimming test event is scheduled for today, and organisers will decide early this morning whether it will go forward. The women’s marathon swim competition is set for Thursday, while the men are scheduled to race Friday.
The triathlon mixed relay event was held in the river this week. World Triathlon released data showing that when the triathletes swam, the levels of fecal bacteria E. coli and enterococci were within acceptable levels for the length of the triathlon relay course.
COLE HOCKER, of the United States, celebrates in front of a television camera after winning the gold medal in the men’s 1500 meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
GABRIELLE THOMAS, of the United States, crosses the finish line ahead of silver medallist Julien Alfred, of Saint Lucia, to win the gold medal in the women’s 200 metres final at the Summer Olympics, Tuesday, August 6 in Saint-Denis, France.
(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
BGDBA ALL-STAR GAME BRINGS OUT NEW AND OLD GENERATION
THE Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) promised to deliver an exciting product to fans at the 2024 All-Star Game on Saturday night and they did. With the regular season on pause, the event brought out basketball players from the new and old generations of the public sector to compete in a trio of exhibition games, a three-point contest and slam dunk contest at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.
The BGDBA All-Stars 2 team got the ball rolling against the Philippines AllStar squad with a 67-51 win. The home team thrived off the home-court advantage from the opening tip and surged ahead with a 27-9
lead against the visitors.
The BGDBA representatives, led by Dastyn Baker, put up a barrage of threes from deep and closed out the half up 48-22. Baker had a game-high 12 points in the dominant win.
“I enjoyed it. It was a good event. It is a good thing for us to come out and get a chance to play with the Philippine team. They are a really good team and we had fun tonight,” he said.
The West versus East AllStar Game was certainly a
BILLIE JEAN KING CUP: BAHAMAS LOSES TO TRINIDAD
FROM PAGE 16
start the tie. Simone Pratt was in action next against Yolande Leacock. After a strong showing against Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, Pratt fell in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 yesterday. Trinidad and Tobago leveled the score 1-1, leaving it up to the doubles competitors to decide the match. In match three, Clarke teamed up with Danielle Thompson to battle against the Trinidadian tandem of Leacock and Dookie. The Bahamas threw the first blow against the host nation to claim set one 6-2. Trinidad and Tobago returned the favour in set two with a 6-2 result. The doubles matchup would go into a tiebreaker which the host country clinched 10-6.
Following a tough loss, The Bahamas will have a chance to recuperate today before returning to Pool A play against Barbados on Thursday. Coach O’Kelley plans to get the group back on track in time for the Barbados match.
“We have a practice day tomorrow [today] so we will practice on the things that we fell short on today. The plan is to regroup and get it together,” she said. The Bahamas has a 1-1 win/loss record to lead the Pool A nations standings. Barbados and Jamaica are tied with 1-0 records. The host nation has a 1-1 record and Antigua & Barbuda remains winless with a 0-2 record. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) encouraged the team to remain focused and continue to turn in strong performances. The top two nations in Americas Group III will be promoted to Americas Group II. Competition concludes on August 10.
expected to be the game’s final minutes.
The East then forced OT but ran out of gas while the West All-Stars kept it going. McPhee scored all of his 21 points in the second half including five pivotal points in the extra period.
The winning team outscored the East 15-6 in OT for the win. McPhee was selected as MVP. West All-Stars head coach Ricardo Richardson said he encouraged the team to take what the defence gave them and move the ball around which led to the victory.
The BGDBA Legends will have a year’s worth of bragging rights after defeating the coaches 60-58.
The three-point contest brought out a number of snipers but it would be the Cybots’ Georgio Walkes taking home the hardware as the three-point champion.
crowd-thriller down the stretch. The contest showed signs of it being an exhibition game until the fourth quarter where the West thumped the East All-Stars 102-93.
In the fourth quarter, both teams ramped up the intensity leading to a back and forth affair. The East All-Stars had a 77-75 advantage with 4:11 remaining in the final period.
Lamont Mcphee, who scored 11 points in the third, splashed a timely goahead three to put his team ahead 85-82 in what was
Rufus Dean, representing the Airport Authority Avengers, threw down two thunderous slams to win the slam dunk contest as the lone competitor.
The BGDBA season picks back up tonight at the DW Davis Gymnasium. The double header features the Bahamas Union of Teacher Scholars against the Bain & Grants Town Cybots. The BDOCs Challengers are up against the Bamboo Shack Patrollers in game two.
Games begin at 7:30pm.
Photos: Chappell Whyms
Minister Bowleg ‘still holding faith’ Team Bahamas will win medals
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PARIS, France —
Although he was expecting a couple of medals from Team Bahamas at the 2024 Olympic Games, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said he’s still holding faith.
After watching Tuesday’s morning session of track and field at the Stade de France, Bowleg said it’s still a great effort being displayed by Team Bahamas.
“The mere fact that we have these athletes competing and to step on the world stage and to represent our country, it makes me very proud,” Bowleg said.
“Until people stand in these athletes’ shoes and understand the efforts that they would have put forward and all of the trials and tribulations that they had to endure, then they would appreciate what is going on.”
While there’s been much said on social media between the withdrawal of Steven Gardiner in the men’s 400 metres and the departure of Shaunae Miller-Uibo in the women’s 400 metres, Bowleg said it has been a difficult road for both of them in defending their titles.
“I think all of our athletes, including Steven and Shaunae, have given their best efforts in representing us,” he said. “So as the minister, I’m very proud of all of our athletes who are here representing the country.
“For whatever reason those who are not able to perform, we still have to give them the greatest
respect for showing up at the games and we must ensure that their best health and physical and mental
mindset is taken care of,” added Bowleg.
As human beings, Bowleg said it’s important that the country supports these athletes, not just when they are winning but when they are down and out and need the moral support from the country at large.
“I know I predicted that we will win a few medals and whether we do or not, we are still one of the greatest little countries in the world,” he said.
“I think we got too used to winning medals and not understanding that there is a pipeline where we have to, from time to time, go back to the drawing board and get to see what is there to help us maintain our level of stability.”
Before the year is over,
Bowleg said his ministry will hold a conclave with all of the federations and associations in the Bahamas to ensure that they are all on the same page as it relates to our national teams and what is required for all of our athletes to compete.
Bowleg said he and director of sports, Kelsie Johnson-Sills, will remain here in Paris supporting Team Bahamas and will be available to lend their support in any way they can.
Go Team Bahamas and don’t give up the fight!
AMERICAN MASAI RUSSELL LEADS A STACKED FIELD OF HURDLERS CHASING CAMACHO-QUINN’S OLYMPIC TITLE
SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — After making it to the Paris Olympics, 100-metre hurdler Masai Russell treated herself to a new black Mercedes.
Imagine the reward should the American star bring home gold. Imagine the social media content, too.
When she’s not leaping over hurdles, Russell is a world-class social influencer with around a million followers throughout her platforms. She posts videos about hurdles, hair, health, training and dance moves. Some of her posts can get up to 60,000 “likes” from fans.
“My boyfriend is like, ‘That could fill up a whole stadium,’” said Russell, who begins the first round today with the final on Saturday.
“When you put it that way, it’s kind of scary.”
The 24-year-old from Maryland was all set to go to Tennessee before following a coach to the University of Kentucky.
The Wildcats are almost synonymous with hurdles, given Kentucky has produced the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico and silver medallist Kendra Harrison.
Russell has the top time (12.25 seconds) in the world this season in a crowded Olympic field that includes Camacho-Quinn and Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, who won at world championships last summer
in Budapest. “I guess I don’t really think about (having the top time) because I know there’s still more in the tank,” Russell said.
“I feel like once you start thinking that you have to do something more than what you’ve already done, that’s when bad things can (happen).
“If it’s meant for me to win the gold, it’s going to happen.” Russell used to be a 400 hurdler, like McLaughlinLevrone, before switching over for good in college.
“The 400 hurdles is no joke. It’s no joke to train for, it’s no joke to compete in,” Russell said.
“I’m glad the 100 hurdles picked me. I’ve definitely grown a love for the 100 hurdles.”
Could Gail Devers have won 3 individual gold medals?
Hall of Fame sprinter/ hurdler Gail Devers will certainly be watching the race. The 100 hurdles is near to her because the 1988 race was a medal that could’ve been.
At the Summer Games in South Korea, Devers struggled with her eyesight in the hurdles races. She didn’t make it to the final.
Years later, Devers learned she had Graves disease, an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland. She would go on to win two 100-metre Olympic gold medals in 1992 and ‘96 (along with gold in the 4x100 relay in ‘96).
“Who knows what could have happened, if we’re
playing the what-if game,” Devers said of the 1988 hurdles race. “Just having my life put on hold for three years when I should have been on the top of my game.”
She’s been dealing with Graves’ disease and symptoms of thyroid eye disease for more than three decades.
“I am doing great,” Devers said.
The American team is stacked with world-class hurdlers Just to make the U.S. team in the event takes an Olympic-esque effort. Russell, Alaysha Johnson and recent NCAA champion Grace Stark earned spots by all running 12.31 seconds or faster. Nia Ali, who was part of the American 100
hurdles sweep at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, ran 12.37 seconds and finished fourth. That time would’ve tied for gold in Tokyo.
Tonea Marshall (12.38) and Harrison (12.39) also didn’t make it.
“They would have made the (Olympic) final for sure,” Devers said.
“So we left at least twoto-three people at home who could have made that final.”
Cyréna Samba-Mayela is France’s best hurdler France’s Cyréna SambaMayela lists her talents as playing piano, guitar,
painting and drawing. Oh, and hurdling, too. Samba-Mayela won the European Championships in Rome last month.
And don’t forget worldrecord holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria.
The field includes worldrecord holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria (12.12 seconds) and the Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, who’s also a training partner of Russell.
“We have a really great dynamic,” Russell said. Versatile Bahamian athletes Charisma Taylor and Denisha Cartwright join Charlton in the hurdles.
BAHAMAS delegates at Stade de France. From
general Derron Donaldson, chef de mission Cora Hepburn, BOC
Romell Knowles, Minister of
Mario Bowleg, BAAA president Drumeco Archer and team leader Ron Colebrook.
Photo: Brent Stubbs
MASAI RUSSELL, of the USA, wins a heat in the women’s 100-metre hurdles during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials on June 28 in Eugene, Oregon. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer
BIG THREE: Bahamian athletes, from left to right, Charisma Taylor, Denisha Cartwright and Devynne Charlton are expected to represent The Bahamas in the 100 metre hurdles at the Paris Olympics.
VOLLEYBALL CAMP ENDS WITH STRONG NUMBERS
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MYSC) partnered with the Grand Bahama Volleyball Association (GBVA) and representatives from Bowie State University for a four-week-long Volleyball Summer Camp which yielded impressive numbers to the end.
Eighty-four students, including students from Abaco, Bimini and New Providence, were registered at the start of the camp which ran from June 28 to July 26.
The camp was held in intervals at St. George’s Gymnasium, Eight Mile Rock Gymnasium, and the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.
Nerissa Lockhart, MYSC senior sports and recreation officer, pointed out that the camp is proof that the association is on the right path and the summer camps are the ministry’s way to ensure the kids leave knowing something about that discipline.
“I’ve always felt the Volleyball Association has been the ideal sporting organisation on the island. I’ve expressed to Ms. Armbrister the fact that they actually have a vibrant junior component and that’s what we’d like to see in other organisations. They are the feeder system to your senior leagues and therefore it’s very encouraging,” she said.
GBVA president Armbrister said she was particularly overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the campers and the love they have for the sport and she is grateful for the partnership with the MYSC and Bahamian coach Edric Poitier, the head coach at Bowie State University, who returned to Grand Bahama for the camp.
“I love it. This is pretty much what we are here for and this is what we signed
on to do, not only build the community but create opportunities for education and for these kids to come back and pour back into the community,” she said.
Armbrister stressed that with the level of commitment and talent she has witnessed over the four weeks, she is convinced that the sky’s the limit for volleyball in The Bahamas.
She is also optimistic about having a combined Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team with the Northern Bahamas to compete in the United States.
“We are back after about a five-year hiatus, so we’re trying our best to do our part, and while we have the kids who are here involved and anxious, we’ll make sure that it’s not because they didn’t have an opportunity and that’s what we’re doing now.”
Coach Poitier, who brought nine of his players from the United States with him and even travelled to Abaco during the first week to facilitate a one-day clinic, said he was excited to see so many of the kids.
“I can’t wait to see what the potential is for volleyball in the country. Grand Bahama and Abaco have already planted the seed and all we need to do is continue to build from there,” he said, noting between Grand Bahama and Abaco there is enough talent to build an under-19 national team.
“There are a few 16-yearolds who are hitting at the level that 19 and 20-yearolds are hitting at. All they need is a little bit of guidance,” Poitier said.
ON THE REPLAY — Four-week Volleyball Camp hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Grand Bahama Volleyball Association, with guest coach from Bowie State University -- finishes with impressive numbers.
Photos: Jamika Culmer/BIS
Professional boxer Rashield Williams loses by unanimous decision
FROM PAGE 16
He now owns an 11-3-0 (win/loss/draw record) with nine knockouts. Moreno, 19, is coming into his own in the pro boxing ranks and remains unbeaten with a 10-0-0 record in the welterweight division. The Bahamian pro boxer said he studied film to prepare for the match but his opponent did the opposite and used height to his advantage.
“I was going forward but he was using his legs to avoid getting hit. When I studied his videos, he appeared to be a ‘come forward’ fighter but I guess he couldn’t take the hits so he used his legs. He did the complete opposite of what I studied,” he said. Williams is currently in New Providence and plans to head back to Fort Lauderdale to continue with his training for the next big match. Additionally, he intends to put his title on the line at home in
November but has to iron out the final details over the next few months. “I am supposed to have an upcoming fight and defend my belt in November. Training wise I will probably do the same thing and go back to Fort Lauderdale to continue training,” he said. The 5-foot-9 boxer was back in action for the first time since winning the welterweight title against Uruguayan Andres Viera back in March via technical knockout in the third round in Tampa, Florida.
EMILIANO MORENO, right, lands a punch against Bahamian Rashield “Raw” Williams.
Drumeco Archer: The future looks bright for Team Bahamas
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
PARIS, France — With what he considers to be a very young team with limitless potential here at the 2024 Olympic Games, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations presi-
dent Drumeco Archer said the future looks bright for Team Bahamas.
“These athletes have been given an opportunity to show themselves approved and, despite all of the negativity from those who are not here, these athletes are performing at their best,” according to Archer at the Stade de France yesterday.
“Many countries will not have their best showing, but that doesn’t mean that we in The Bahamas are not fighting a good fight.
“Today, Ian Kerr attempted to qualify for the 200 metre semifinals.
He ran his behind off. He didn’t advance, but we have Wanya McCoy moving on.
“We have so many good things to talk about. Ken Mullings, who placed 13th in the decathlon and, if you look at the potential of these athletes, we know that 2028 shines brightly for the country.
“I think we need to be patient and trust the process.”
Archer was referring to the fact that Bahamians “love winners” and when
athletes don’t succeed, they are criticised.
But he said success does not come overnight.
Making reference to a lot that was said on social media about the performances of the athletes here, Archer asked Bahamians to be careful what they say.
“What you say hurts,” said Archer, referring to gymnast Simone Biles’ story three years ago and now she’s the American hero. “Remember that sometimes you will fall
down, but that is when you have to pick them up.”
When asked about the issue with Steven Gardiner, who suffered an injury and was unable to get to the starting line to defend his title in the men’s 400 metre heats, Archer said they have ventilated those discussions.
And he said there are matters that have to be discussed between the BAAA and the Bahamas Olympic Committee. “We understand his plight. We
understand that there’s a process that has to be followed and we will address that in another forum,” he pointed out.
Quite the opposite, despite being hurt and still recovering from motherhood and a change in coaching all in a year, Archer said he felt Shaunae Miller-Uibo put up a gallant effort in her bid to defend her women’s 400 metre crown.
“I think Shaunae should be seen as a champion,”
said Archer of Miller-Uibo, who stopped running on the final curve of her heats of the 400m and walked to the finish line before she came back in the repechage in another bid to advance to the semifinals but ended up seventh as she jogged through the line.
“We have to expect that champions don’t always win. There are times that a champion has to find their way and we have to be there for them, the supporting mechanism to ensure her success.”
Archer said they wish Miller-Uibo will return to the sport in top form but, at the same time, he wishes that she gets the respect that she deserves in dealing with her issues privately. With half of the team still left to compete over the next four days of competition, Archer said he’s wishing Team Bahamas every success in their endeavours.
Miller-Uibo out of Paris Olympics
FROM PAGE 16
got in by virtue of their world rankings based on
the fact that they didn’t qualify. After failing to advance to Wednesday’s semifinal
through the heats, MillerUibo got another chance to get through in the repechage.
She stayed with the field through the first 200m, but as they entered the final curve, Miller-Uibo started
to struggle and she came off the final curve hobbling as she slowed down to complete the race.
IAN KERR FALLS IN THE REPECHAGE OF 200 BUT PROVES HE CAN COMPETE WITH BEST MALE SPRINTERS IN THE WORLD
FROM PAGE 16
Erlandsson, who qualified with a personal best of 20.49. Kerr had to come back in the repechage after he finished fifth in heat five of the preliminaries in 20.53, while McCoy advanced with his second place in heat two in 20.35.
“The only thing that I can remember that I can be proud of is the final 50m metres,” he reflected.
“Other than that, it wasn’t a well-executed race. At the end of the day, I just have to be better than that.”
Both Kerr and McCoy drew lane nine. “It wasn’t the best executed race. I just got beat at the end of the day,” was how Kerr summed up his performance. Running out of lane eight, Kerr didn’t get a fast start, but he made up for it on the curve and coming on the home stretch, he shifted into another gear at the end to surge back into contention.
While he didn’t qualify for the games, Kerr said he was appreciative of the International Olympic Committee giving him an invitation to compete based on his world ranking and the Bahamas Olympic Committee for securing his spot here. “I just want to thank God for giving
me the talent to be able to perform on this stage,” said Kerr, as he also thanked the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations for all of their support as well. As he reflected on his experience here, the 28-year-old Kerr said he proved that he belongs on the biggest stage of sports in the world. “This is where I belong,” he insisted. Hopefully, Kerr said this will be the impetus to get him ready to compete at the World Championships next year in Tokyo, Japan. And eventually a return to the Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles, California.
SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo in action at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Photos: Brent Stubbs
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024
Shaunae Miller-Uibo out of Paris Olympics
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PARIS, France — Now it’s official.
National multiple record holder
Shaunae Miller-Uibo will not defend her women’s 400 metre title at the 2024 Olympic Games.
After she stopped running and walked through the remaining 150 metres of her first round heat on Monday, Miller-Uibo was invited back for the repechage to determine who out of the non-qualifiers would advance to the semifinal.
Running out of lane two in the second of three heats during yesterday morning’s session, Miller-Uibo ran with the pack for the first 300 metres but, coming on the home stretch, she didn’t have anything left.
The 30-year-old, coming off her introduction to motherhood and a change in coaching last year, was timed in 53.50 seconds, well behind her season’s best of 53.02.
Gabby Scott ran a Puerto Rican national record of 50.52 to win the heat and automatically qualify for the semifinal.
Instead of coming through the mixed zone to speak to the media, MillerUibo was taken into the medical centre for observation and treatment.
Miller-Uibo, the twotime Olympic champion in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, as well as the world champion, came into the games with a slight injury. She got second in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Championships in June at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium and the following day, she stopped running on the curve of the 200m. Although she didn’t officially qualify for the games, Miller-Uibo was given an invitation by the International Olympic Committee as the defending champion. Most of the 20-member team for The Bahamas also
SEE PAGE 15
PARIS, France
—
Although he fell short in his repechage of the men’s 200 metres yesterday at the Stade de France, Ian Kerr said he proved that he belongs with the world’s best male sprinters.
Kerr, one of two Bahamians entered in the event, had to go through a second round of qualification where the winners of the four heats of the repechage moved on to the semifinals of the 2024 Olympic Games.
Wanya McCoy already booked his ticket to the semifinals and Kerr was hoping to follow suit.
But his third place in the last heat in 20.60 kept him out of a lane, well off his personal best of 20.33. The winner of his heat was Erik
Rashield Williams loses via unanimous decision
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN pro boxer Rashield “Raw” Williams did not get the exact result he wanted against American standout Emiliano Moreno at the Wednesday Fight Nights event last week at the ProBox Events Centre in Plant City, Florida, but he is ready to go back to the drawing board.
The National Boxing Association (NBA) Welterweight champion went blow for blow with Moreno in the welterweight division in a bout that lasted eight rounds but resulted in a loss for the Bahamian via unanimous decision.
The 34-year-old gave his thoughts on what transpired in the matchup. “It was a good match but it was just
that he was a much taller guy and was running and used his legs a lot. He did a lot of running, scored a lot of points and didn’t really give me an opportunity to get a chance to catch him.
“It was very disappointing and it is not a good feeling
By TENAJH SWEETING
DAY two of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) Americas Group III Tournament did not go as planned for Team Bahamas in Tacarigua, Trinidad & Tobago.
The Bahamas had all the momentum coming off an opening day victory while Trinidad and Tobago was reeling from a loss, but the host nation would emerge with a 2-1 win at the National Racquet Centre. Head coach Kim O’Kelley expressed her thoughts on the team’s
“We
RASHIELD “Raw” Williams lands a punch against American standout Emiliano Moreno.
THE BAHAMAS Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC)
SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo in action at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Photo: Brent Stubbs
IAN Kerr in action at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Photo: Brent Stubbs