WEEKEND
The Tribune
Munroe: n o reason to fear Police Probe
Minister dismisses worries after suspect’s shot dead in Fox Hill
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said he doesn’t believe people who may be questioned as part of a Royal Bahamas Police Force corruption probe should fear for their lives despite several coincidences that have unsettled the public.
“Many, many people, I’m understanding, have already been questioned,” he said. Asked if anyone should be fearful, he said: “I wouldn’t think so.” His comment came as police investigate matters surrounding voice notes that purport to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer, a lawyer, and two murdered men, Michael Fox Jr and Dino Smith. The conversation relates
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has asserted its authority as the “sole licensor and regulator” for all utilities in the Port Area under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA), setting up a showdown with the central government as it prepares to consider increasing electricity base rates. After the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) requested the authority approve its proposal to increase the base rate by 6.3 percent for all customers, the Davis administration forcefully said this approach, which bypasses the Utilities Regulations and Competition Authority, is against the
‘El EuthEra to gE t rEliEf by End of SEpt E mbEr’
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
ELEUTHERA residents will experience relief from debilitating power outages by the end of September, according to Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) chief operating officer Toni Seymour. During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Ms Seymour acknowledged the frustrations of residents
who have endured frequent power outages and even loss of water services in recent months. She said increased load demands and unforeseen challenges have helped fuel the outages. Most of the power interruptions were beyond BPL’s control, she said, with weather disturbances, traffic accidents, construction damage, and
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE ministries of Labour and Immigration have initiated a joint investigation into allegations involving the Freeport Container Port (FCP). FCP employees sent a letter to FCP stakeholders, management, and government officials, expressing concerns about financial misconduct and nepotism involving senior company executives.
The letter also highlighted issues related to a Panamanian engineer allegedly hired without the required work permits. It raised issues of policy
govt SE t to inv ES tigat E miSconduct claimS at fcp a mErican pilot diES in cra S h fiv E mil ES from a baco
AN American pilot reported missing on Sunday was found dead in his plane five miles from the Leonard Thompson International Airport in Abaco yesterday. Chris Moore, 59, was the lone occupant of the N351BL aircraft, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA).
A team of accident investigators from New Providence is scheduled to visit the crash site today. The TCPalm reported that Moore owned a home in Little Harbour.
Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis seen at his first event since undergoing sciatica surgery in the United States last month. For more see PAGE TWO.
Photo: nikia Charlton
Immigration 2024 Passing Out Ceremony see 31 all male graduates
PM is back to work and ‘feeling good’
By ÅKE WIBERG Tribune Intern
PRIME Minister Philip
“Brave” Davis is back to work and “feeling good” since his recent surgery, according to press secretary Keisha Adderley.
Mr Davis returned to New Providence last Thursday after undergoing surgery in the United States for compression of his sciatic nerve.
During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Ms Adderley said: “It’s been about a week now since the prime minister has been back in country. He’s back to work, very
happy to be back, I should say. Obviously he’s still on the mend and he’s following doctors’ orders to take it easy, physically one day at a time, but he is looking good and feeling good.”
She said the prime minister is taking meetings, but his schedule is currently slightly pulled back to accommodate his recovery and allow him to ease back into his duties.
The Cleveland Clinic says sciatica involves irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression that affects one or more nerves running down the lower back and into the
legs. The condition is not considered serious, but severe cases require surgery.
Mr Davis had reportedly battled sciatica for a few months and suffered excruciating pain in one of his legs when he stood.
Last week, Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ decision to travel to the United States to undergo treatment for sciatica was a “personal choice”.
He noted the prime minister has a daughter who is a physician, adding it is a “family matter”.
PM Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaking at Caribbean Ministerial United Nations Convention cocktail event last night.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
THE Bahamas Immigration held its “A” Squad 2024 Passing Out Ceremony on Thursday at the Royal Bahamas Police Force Training College. The squad had 31 graduates and is the first all male squad since 1974.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
Munroe: No reason to fear police probe
to a $1.5m bank heist at the airport in November.
Fox Jr and Smith, suspects in that robbery, were never charged. Before they were killed, they reportedly informed their parents about the existence and importance of the voice notes.
Shortly after Sylvens Metayer, a US resident who identifies as a whistleblower, seemingly released the voice notes, he was shot during a Facebook Live session, which he survived.
Two men, Oral Roberts, 34, and Akeil Holmes, 26, were charged in connection with the November robbery. However, Roberts was killed last week. His mother, Mizpah Roberts, claimed he was killed a week after meeting officers probing the corruption claims, and she tied his death to that situation.
Mr Munroe implied yesterday that no connection between the voice notes probe and Roberts’ death has been established. He suggested people interested in the stolen money could have killed Roberts.
“He was involved in the robbery, and he is the third person who was involved in the robbery who has been killed, and the money hasn’t been recovered, and some people may be interested in $1.4m,” he said.
Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said on Wednesday that the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) will assist in the investigation.
Mr Munroe said he believes the investigation, led by the Security and Intelligence Branch, will be “fair and thorough”. He said foreign oversight is intended to provide public assurance as a “second eye.”
“I don’t expect them to be on the ground walking around,” he said. “I expect them to review what is done, see if they have any suggestions because two heads are better than one. The Royal Bahamas Police
Force’s SID will be handling the investigation, while these external professionals will audit the process.”
“Once this is complete, I will request a report for the Police Complaints Inspectorate to review, which may provide me with an opinion or advice under the Police Force Act.”
Funeral Service for
BERYL MAE WRIGHT, 95
a resident of Brice Road, Fox Hill, will be held at Mt. Carey Union Baptist Church, Fox Hill, on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Rev. Warren Anderson, assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment follows in the Church’s Cemetery, Fox Hill Road.
Her life, legacy and memories live on in the hearts of loved ones she left behind, Sons: Alpheaus (Mingo), Raymond, Leonard, and Gary Wright; Daughters: Miriam, Veronica, and Patrice Rolle; Daughter-in-law: Marinette (Jackie) Wright; StepDaughter: Elder Celeste Lockhart; Adopted Daughters: Sheila Knowles, Melvese Higgs, Olive Mackey and Sally Ferguson; Son-in-law: Earnest Rolle; Grand-Children: Principle Officer Craignal Wright of the H.M.P., Force Chief Darrell Wright of the R.B.D.F., (Doramae), Natasha (Rev. Dr. Reuben) Rahming, Geselle (Terrance) Gardiner, Ancilla (Jason) Knowles; Raquel, Elmo, Aurillio, Alvarado, Sabrina, Raychell, Neko, Lechante (Nekia), Anuschka and Larenzo Wright, Gabrielle (Aundre) McKenzie, E’rnrick and Aaron Rolle, Chrislon Moss; Prophet Lance and Lady Burnique Maycock; Great-Grandchildren: Craginal Jr., Yarnique, Taliah, KeiShon, Darranette and Zyair Wright; Robyn and Nah-Shon Rahming; Tahje, Joshua and Sarai Gardiner; Toni, Zion and Trinity Knowles; Rayne, Blaise and Claire McKenzie; Xavier Thompson, Rickell Smith, Raphael Wright; Lucas and Isaac Maycock; Adopted Grandchildren: Kevon and Shamicka Gibson; Adopted Great-Grand: Teonte Thompson; Ngozi Lockhart-McPhee and Khari Faith; Great-GreatGrandchildren: Imara and Cailee Wright. Numerous Nieces & Nephews, Cousins, Relatives and Special Friends, along with their families, Children & Grandchildren including but not limited to: Ruby Brown, Sophia and Nigel Rolle, Margaret Davis; Cedric and Janet Davis, Anthony and Peggy Davis, Martha and Shadrack Johnson, Fred Ramsey, Katrina Gardiner, Minette Gibson, Frederick and Leotha Kemp, Margareta Rolle, Eileen Bain, Clarence & Verdell Ferguson, Marietta and Sidney Rahming, Theresa, Dr. Jacinta and Dwight Higgs, Patrice Ferguson, Stephen and Bonita Mackey, Fredericka Brown, Rudolph Davis, Cleomie Saunders, Elsiemae Williams, Patricia Davis-Major, Burkie Wright and family; Shirley Bastian, Ruthmae (Eleuthera), Princess & Family, Julia, Caroline, Anna and their families; Ted, Toni, Ruthie and their families; Linda, Kendal, Turuco, Tenia and their families; Pastor Sherelle Saunders; Venencha, Judy, Beryl, Karen, Sharmaine and their families, Peggy, Laverne, Teddy, Perry Professor Rudolph Tinker and their families; Nathalie, Tony and their families; Beryl, Portia, Clayton and their families; Marilyn, Fredericka, Anne & Edward, Barry, Sonia and their families; Erica, Philandra, Dominique and their families; Deborah, Dianne, Gary, Marvin, Kenrick, Sherise, Shenique, Derrick, Shannan, Natasha; Erica, Kendrea and their families; Ricardo, Don, Daniel, Lillian, Cecelia, Eddie, Ryan and their families; Fredrica Kemp; Leon, Warren Brown & Family; Criselle, Shaunece, Sherice and their families; Lana, Trevor, Joyann & Erald Berkoff and their families; Vanria and Martin Culmer and family, Rodney, Sammy, Dwayne, Penny, Tammy, Kimberley, Keva, and their families; Edgecombe family; Alderine Rolle; Drucilla & Christine Moss, Kevin & Shamika Gibson, Elaine Wilchcombe, Merlande Culmer; Twana Lockhart, Avis Wright & Family, Andrenique Brown, Martin Kemp, Barbara, Patricia, Claudine, Tyrone, Dion, Tony, The Straw Market family; Cenimae Sweeting, Beverly Smith and family, Nurse Ruth Coakley; Marthanece Bullard; Nurse Bernie Godet; Yvette White; Ida Butler; Albert and Rosetta Rolle, Pastor Warren & Althea Anderson and Mt. Carey Union Baptist Church Family: Rt. Hon. Rev Dr. Philip Rahming and Rehoboth Global Ministries family, Bishop J. Carl & Minister Evangeline Rahming; Elder Paul and Grant’s Town SDA Deaconess Dept. Dr. Roland Hamilton, The Fox Hill Mother’s Club; Rose Street & Brice Road families; the wider Fox Hill Community.
Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 10-5:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 12:00 noon until service time
NATIONAL SecurITy MINISTer WAyNe MuNrOe
‘Eleuthera to get relief by end of September’
from page one
wildlife as primary factors.
She said BPL will undertake several key projects to address the island’s growing electricity demand, including installing five additional megawatts of generation at the Rock Sound power station, six megawatts of rental generation at the Hatchet Bay plant, and upgrading the subsea cable between mainland Eleuthera and Harbour Island.
“All of these projects are expected to be completed before the end of September 2024,” she said. “To complement this, we are installing an additional five megawatts of BPL own generation on Harbour Island to meet the demands, which currently exceeds the six megawatts of the rental generation currently installed there.”
She said BPL anticipates having more than 15
megawatts of additional generating capacity by the end of September 2024.
She said while the new capacity will help reduce outages, some interruptions — such as those caused by traffic accidents and storms — are still likely due to factors beyond BPL’s control. “There will still be some outages, but it should definitely be reduced,” she said, adding that officials will build a bigger power station if the additional generation doesn’t sustain the load demand.
A team from New Providence is currently in Eleuthera, conducting maintenance tasks such as overhead line work, tree trimming, clearing, and pole replacements. System upgrades are also underway. In July, Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting said Eleuthera residents are in
a “dire situation” over utility woes. Mr Sweeting, the MP for Central and South Eleuthera, said his constituents have “silently suffered” through frequent power outages and water disruptions for months.
“For months, Eleutherans from Harbour Island to Bannerman Town silently suffered through a series of power outages, power surges and correlating the effects of prolonged disruption in the water supply and disruption in the delivery of communications,” he said.
“The situation on Eleuthera is dire. The lack of the services is now a public health crisis and also a serious safety issue. My constituents are suffering from heat exhaustion and mental exhaustion. My constituents have been disenfranchised daily, and this is an unacceptable situation.”
FTX ordered to pay $12.7bn to victims of their fraudulent activities
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced yesterday that a US District Court in New York has ordered FTX Trading Ltd. and Alameda Research LLC to pay $12.7 billion to their customers and victims of their fraudulent activities.
FTX must pay $8.7 billion in restitution and $4 billion in disgorgement to address the financial losses caused by the scheme led by Samuel BankmanFried and his companies. The court found that FTX misled customers and failed to follow regulations by falsely claiming to be a secure platform and improperly mixing customer funds with its own.
Additionally, the
bankruptcy court in Delaware has approved a settlement that prevents the CFTC from seeking further penalties from FTX. Instead, FTX’s payments will be directed into a fund to further assist victims, though this plan still requires final approval. CFTC chairman Rostin Behnam criticised FTX’s false assurances of safety and highlighted the regulatory gaps in the digital asset sector. “This resolution with FTX is part of our broader enforcement efforts, but it’s just the beginning. Without proper digital asset legislation, entities will continue to exploit regulatory gaps and deceive customers,” Mr Behnam said.
Enforcement director Ian McGinley commended the rapid recovery of funds for victims, calling it the largest such recovery in CFTC history.
The consent order follows a CFTC complaint filed on December 13, 2022, against Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX, which was later updated on December 21, 2022, to include former FTX executives Caroline Ellison and Zixiao “Gary” Wang. The CFTC charged BankmanFried with orchestrating the fraudulent scheme involving both FTX and Alameda.
While this ruling resolves the CFTC’s case against FTX, the litigation against Bankman-Fried and the other individuals continues. The CFTC is still pursuing compensation for victims, recovery of ill-gotten funds, civil penalties, and bans on trading and registration.
FTX was headquartered in The Bahamas, taking advantage of the country’s crypto-friendly regulations.
Toni Seymour, COO of BPL, speaks on the upgrades to the power grid on Eleuthera and the changes to the pricing for power at a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
GBPA asserts it is ‘sole licensor and regulator’ for GB utilities
from page one
law. The administration changed the Electricity Act in July to clarify that URCA is the regulatory body responsible for utilities throughout the country.
The authority noted that conflicts related to this are currently being litigated in the Supreme Court.
In a statement yesterday, the authority said it had not approved the GBPCrequested rate increase but is reviewing the matter.
It said it would engage key stakeholders during a 45-day consultation before deciding on December 1.
The authority acknowledged GBPC’s recent challenges, including issues with reliability and efficiency, and promised a fair and transparent review process.
It stressed the importance of evaluating the proposed rate increase in light of current service performance to ensure consumers receive the reliable service they deserve. The authority also said it recognised the significant impact of energy costs on residents, businesses, and the broader economy and reiterated its commitment to keeping energy affordable and accessible.
Govt set to investigate misconduct claims at FCP
from page one
violations, including an executive’s travel and accommodation expenses.
Employees claim the executive hired a leadership coach at $8,000 monthly despite company-wide cost-cutting
measures. Additionally, there are accusations of nepotism, including the high salary and benefits for an executive’s daughter and the employment of her boyfriend despite him allegedly failing drug tests. Concerns include alleged attempts by a
senior executive to seek residency under questionable circumstances and allegations that expatriates were given multiple titles to extend their work permits.
The employees also allege inflated rental rates and misuse of company
resources for personal home improvements.
Minister of Immigration Alfred Sears confirmed an investigation yesterday and said a report on the findings is expected shortly.
Howard Thompson, director of labour, said
yesterday: “When we met with FCP two months ago, it was a routine visit. They reported that they had made many casual workers permanent and maintained a relatively low percentage of expats.”
He confirmed receiving a complaint letter from
FCP employees alleging irregularities involving a senior official and expatriate workers. He said while no breaches of Bahamian labour laws have been confirmed, any evidence of such violations will be investigated.
Grand Bahama Port authority
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“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
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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Tensions escalate between GBPA and govt
THE tensions between official bodies based in New Providence and those based in Grand Bahama look likely to end up in only one place – the courts.
There has of course been the ongoing debate between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority over a $357m bill the former is demanding from the latter.
Last month, The Tribune reported that the government had appointed two legal heavyweights from the UK as its representatives in arbitration, Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury and Dame Elizabeth Gloster.
As for the port authority, it has appointed lawyers too including those with international credentials.
And now there is further tension over who gets to decide whether the Grand Bahama Power Company can impose an increase in its rates.
The power company has applied to the port authority, and not URCA. The government says URCA has responsibility.
Not only does this look likely to end up in the courts, but it probably should – so that there is a definitive ruling that governs not just this decision but all others in future.
Ultimately, though, both instances speak to the tensions over how Grand Bahama should be governed.
Locals spoken to by The Tribune have shown little satisfaction with the current arrangement, and little enthusiasm for the administration that
governs New Providence and all the other islands.
Much has been said about a failure to reinvigorate Grand Bahama – but looking at the power and water woes in Eleuthera does not inspire confidence.
Equally, one can go around the islands and point out a lack of infrastructure, a shortage of investment.
Some islands have attracted resort investment or tourist dollars – but far from all. And many are short of clinics, schools, airport infrastructure and more.
What we should hope is that this does not resolve in one side winning and the other side losing, but that a way forward can be found where the people of Grand Bahama – and, frankly, all our islands – can be the ones who are victorious.
Quite what that looks like, we are not sure if anyone knows. But tangling things up in court wrangles is not going to get us any closer.
Notably, there seems to have been little discussion on the ground with people over what they actually want –and certainly the government has still not outlined its plan for the future of Grand Bahama. If the government really wants to give the people of Grand Bahama the government they deserve, it could start by asking them about the government they want.
These tensions are far from going away – indeed, they seem to be growing stronger by the day.
EDITOR, The Tribune
I FEEL compelled to write this open letter to my representative Dr Minnis, BPL and the government after reading a recent letter to the editor concerning a lack of proper lighting in another sub-division.
I have lived in Westward Villas for the past 43 years and for 41 of these years, I personally, and the neighbourhood in general have agitated for proper street lighting through both PLP
and FNM administrations, but to no avail. About 15-20 years ago BEC installed solar lights and we were told that they were “experimental”, which experiment was a failure from the very beginning. On many occasions BEC personnel have asked me to approach the government with a view to replacing these solar lights with regular lights. I/we have done this with no results.
Last evening I drove around the neighbourhood
and counted 60 streetlights that were not working (yes 60 lights). There were more but I stopped counting at 60!
I think that in this day and age it is incredulous that our neighbourhood should be without proper street lighting.
Perhaps our representative Dr Minnis, BPL or the government can rectify this situation for us.
STEVEN E CAREy August 7, 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
IN the same week that the Department of Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Finance claimed that Sandals Emerald Bay and its Clear view Management Limited owed the state over $30m in back taxes, the principals of the resort chain abruptly announced that it will temporarily close its Exuma property for a period of six to eight months in order to remodel it. This would mean that over 400 Bahamian employees will be negatively impacted by the closure. For all we know, the six to eight month timeframe could easily extend to ten or 12 months or more. Eight months from August 15 would bring us into the month of April in 2025. A year from August 15 would be August 2025 - a mere five months from the crucial election year of 2026.
For Exuma MP Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, his political survival now hinges on Sandals making good on its word by reopening within the
timeframe it announced. If in any case Sandals fails to reopen within a reasonable timeframe, Cooper will most certainly lose his Exuma seat. Bahamians typically vote on bread and butter issues, no matter how popular their MP is. There are only a very few exceptions. While the construction and remodeling phase of Sandals will create hundreds of construction jobs, Cooper needs to take into consideration the hundreds of female staff members - many of whom are middle-aged and are in no physical shape to work as construction laborers. What’s more, many of them lack the skill set needed to work in construction.
Four hundred layoffs mean that 400 households will be impacted. In most instances, there are multiple votes in each household. I have a strong hunch that this move was made due to the $30m
If I am correct, then Cooper is an unfortunate victim of friendly political fire. I have a strong hunch that Cooper is being unfairly punished for the unreasonable demands by government technocrats at the Department of Inland Revenue. Cooper is one of the hardest working ministers in the Davis Cabinet. He is well liked in Exuma as that island’s MP. He will have to spend an inordinate amount of time in Exuma over the next twelve months in order to mitigate the political damage the Sandals closure will cause to his reelection chances. Impacted employees will need financial assistance. It is very costly in Exuma. If Sandals does not reopen in early 2025, then Cooper will head into the general election as a lame duck candidate trailing far behind his Free National Movement opponent.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama August 6, 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune
AMERICA is coming to the party late. It appears as if the train has left the station and the United States (US) might be on the brink of electing its first female president. Because of our proximity and close ties to the US many Bahamians, it seems, have taken a keen interest in the outcome of the American presidential election. The US has a chance to take its place amongst the other progressive thinking nations of the world (in this instance). For all its millitary might and prowess, as the champion and guardian of world democracy, and its stance on human rights issues, the US has lagged behind, in-terms of female leadership. But that might soon change, all things considered. It would be norm-shattering - in a positive way - if the US elects its first female black president (yes I did say black) being less than ten years since Barack Obama the first
male black president was elected. The criticisms by some detractors including Trump and others that she only recently embraced the black community and black ideology, whether true or untrue, will not be sufficient to derail her chances of becoming president.
Historians would remember the likes of Indira Gandhi of India, Benizar Bhutto of Pakistan, Gold-a Meir of Israel, Margaret of Britain, Eugena Charles of Dominica, our own Mia Motely of Barbados, and just recently, Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, among others who once led or are now leading their respective countries. In my opinion, Kamala Harris is the only candidate in the American presidential race who seems to be voice of reason. Judging from the outside, she seems to be armed with an unwavering moral clarity, as opposed to Donald Trump who seems to be a magnet for
controversy, and relish the idea of becoming a dictator like Putin of Russia, or the leaders of Turkey or China. Thats why he praises them. In the words of Trump, if he is elected President, Americans would not have to worry about voting any more. And so, on the morning of November 8, will we wake up with a dictator on our door steps, who seems hell bent on trampling the rule of law and the American constitution, or will America continue to the road of freedom and democracy, where the rule of law is cherished and up-held?
Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers or architect of the American experiment was asked by someone “what kind of government the constitution would give us?” Franklyn’s reply was “A Republic, if you can keep it!” We shall see.
ZEPHANIAH BURROWS Nassau, August 6, 2024.
demand by the Ministry of Finance.
A mAn and his stork hat get comfortable in the stands at the Paris Olympics.
Photo: Brent Stubbs/Tribune Sports Editor
Former patient oF r and memorial Hospital suing pH a over claims oF doctor negligence
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A FORMER patient of the Rand Memorial Hospital has sued the Public Hospitals Authority, alleging that a doctor’s negligence led to serious injury following surgery for uterine fibroids.
Tamika Goodman was admitted to the hospital for a total abdominal hysterectomy on August 28, 2016.
The procedure, performed by Dr Paul Ward on August 29, 2016, was meant to treat her fibroids. However, Ms Goodman experienced significant complications after being discharged on September 1, 2016.
She reported severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and a lack of appetite.
By September 5, 2016, Ms Goodman was transported
back to the Rand Memorial Hospital by ambulance.
The following day, doctors discovered an ileal perforation along with a large mass of bowel contents and old blood. An ileal perforation is a hole or rupture in the ileum, the final and longest segment of the small intestine.
Ms Goodman underwent additional surgery to address her issues, including the removal of dense adhesions and a right hemicolectomy. Further procedures on September 7, 2016, addressed fluid buildup and swelling. Ms Goodman was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital on September 8, 2016, for continued care, but records from this treatment were not provided to the court.
Ms Goodman argues that she had no prior symptoms
a rmed robbery victim says He Feared For His liFe
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
A MAN testified yesterday that he feared for his life when an armed man tried to rob him near Wulff Road in 2018.
Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns presided over the ongoing attempted armed robbery trial of Mark Cleare.
Christopher Wilkinson recounted that on November 7, 2018, outside a business on Wulff Road, a man opened his car door, leaned inside, and aggressively demanded his belongings. Mr Wilkinson said the assailant allegedly searched his car for valuables.
He said as he tried to reverse, the suspect stumbled out of the car, then regained his balance and pulled a gun from his waist. Though terrified, Mr Wilkinson escaped in his car and headed home to the east. He estimated the incident lasted about two to three minutes. During cross-examination by Jiram Mangra, the defendant’s attorney, Mr Wilkinson described the
suspect as weighing around 200 pounds and wearing a red hoodie with lightcoloured jeans. He also identified the defendant in court as having brown skin.
Mr Wilkinson said the suspect removed his hoodie as a police car passed and denied Mr Mangra’s suggestion that he never saw the defendant’s face.
Although Mr Wilkinson could not specify the type of gun, he recalled seeing a black firearm.
Mr Mangra questioned why Mr Wilkinson went directly home after the attempted robbery instead of reporting it to the nearby Wulff Road Police Station.
Mr Wilkinson responded that adrenaline took over, and he relied on his instincts.
He clarified that after returning home, he spoke to a friend in the police force who advised him to report the incident, which he later did at a police station.
Mr Wilkinson rejected the attorney’s suggestion that he fabricated the robbery story to cover up for damaging vehicles at the scene.
Janessa Murray is prosecuting the case.
of ileal perforation and attributes the complication to Dr Ward’s actions or negligence during the surgery. In her lawsuit, she detailed alleged negligence by both the Public Hospitals Authority and Dr Ward. She is seeking damages for pain, suffering, and
reduced quality of life, as well as compensation for lost income, diminished earning capacity, and the impact on her ability to work. Additionally, she seeks reimbursement for medical expenses, future medical costs, and expenses related to speciality foods and supplements. She is also requesting punitive damages, interest, legal costs, and any other relief the court deems appropriate. Justice Andrew Forbes partially dismissed the defendants’ application, removing Dr Ward from the case. The defendants were given a three-day extension to file their defence, and Ms Goodman’s request for a default judgment was also denied. Due to delays caused by the defendants, Justice Forbes awarded costs to Ms Goodman.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 36-yEAR-OLD man was jailed yesterday for allegedly molesting his three-year-old daughter last month.
Senior Magistrate Anishka Pennerman arraigned the male defendant, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, on indecent assault. Allegedly, the defendant inappropriately touched his infant daughter’s private parts sometime between July 1 and 30 in New Providence. The accused was informed that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on November 6.
m an accused o F molesting t Hree-year-old daugH ter m an cH arged For H aving gun
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
TWO men were granted bail after they were allegedly found with a loaded gun in their car on Carmichael Road last week.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Xavier Minnis, 26, and Peter Turnquest, 26, on possession of an unlicenced and possession of ammunition. The pair were allegedly found with a black Springfield pistol and six rounds of .40 ammunition after their vehicle was stopped on Jack Fish Drive on August 1. After both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, their bail was set at $7,500 with one or two sureties. The defendants’ trial is scheduled to begin on September 27.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of trying to smuggle cellphones into prison earlier this week.
Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned Frederick Clarke, 32, on taking prohibited articles into a correctional facility and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie served as the prosecutor.
Clarke was allegedly found with 12oz of marijuana on August 6 in New Providence. On that same date, Clarke allegedly attempted to bring three prohibited items into the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services: two Alcatel and one Nokia cellphone. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Clarke’s bail was set at $7,000 with one or two sureties. The accused must sign in at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station every Friday. Clarke’s trial begins on October 23.
Lessons learnt from the hive
What bees can teach us about loyalty, work ethic, and team success
For me, the personal appeal of living and working on a Family Island has been the pristine beauty that permeates but also the refreshing, amplified energy you feel surrounded by and immersed in nature. With less disruption from human activity, urbanisation, and large-scale developments, Mother Nature resumes center stage. once relocated to a less populated island, it is common for former city-dwellers to become blissfully aware of their place within a larger, teeming ecosystem of wonderous living things.
Birds sing loudly in morning symphonies, replacing blaring phone alarms. Cicadas create high-frequency soundtracks signaling summer and the availability of native fruits like mangoes, sapodillas, and sugar apples, which still grow in abundance. Also found in surprising abundance here are insects. Beyond the swarms of mosquitos and sandflies, there is a proliferation of insects that command your attention, including giant grasshoppers, mindboggling stick insects, glow-in-the-dark click beetles, and my favorite of the pack, the inconspicuously bitty but mighty bee. observing this little powerhouse up close and personal provides relaxing, quiet time but can reveal many aspects of nature’s wisdom in action. These tiny pollinators are essential to our ecosystem and big players in ensuring biodiversity, but they also demonstrate simple yet practical lessons that can be gleaned from the hive. These valuable insights can also inspire personal and professional growth. With their intricate social structures and tireless work ethic, Bees offer a looking glass into their world of harmony, cooperation, and resilience. From loyalty and strong work ethics to teamwork and innovation, bees exemplify traits that can be adopted for greater success, collaboration, and sustainability.
Loyalty: A foundation for community success Bees exhibit unwavering loyalty to their colony and respective roles. This trait is coded into their DNA. Each bee demonstrates dedication to the survival and prosperity of the hive as a whole, working tirelessly for the collective good. Every member plays
By
Yolanda Pawar
their specific part, fostering a robust and unified community. In our own lives, cultivating loyalty to our teams, families, and organisations can create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute by bringing their unique gifts to the forefront to be utilised for the greater good.
Work ethic: The power of diligence
In nature, honeybees are the epitome of hard work and diligence. A single bee may visit up to an estimated five thousand flowers daily, collecting nectar to make honey and pollen, an essential protein and food source for bee larvae. This tireless work ethic is crucial for the hive’s sustained success, and for the pollination of about onethird of the food, humans consume worldwide, including many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Adopting a bee-like work ethic means staying focused, putting in consistent effort, and persevering through challenges. It can serve as a reminder that success is usually the result of sustained effort rather than short or inconsistent bursts.
Purpose: Driving force behind actions
Every bee in the hive has a distinct purpose, whether it’s the queen laying eggs and keeping the hive’s population intact, worker bees collecting nectar, or drones mating. This sense of purpose drives their actions and ultimately ensures the colony’s survival. Finding and embracing one’s own sense of purpose can be equally motivating. It can guide our actions and help us stay committed
and focused on making a meaningful contribu tion while achieving our long-term goals.
Strategy: The importance of planning and communication
We can all agree that bees are master strategists and communicators. Through complex dances, bees convey information and share updates on food sources, dynamics within the hive, and potential threats. This strategic communication ensures the entire colony stays prepared, connected, and aware of impend ing threats and needs. For us, emulating this level of strate gic communication and cohesiveness hinges on devel oping clear communication, effective communication channels, strategic planning skills, and the capacity to evaluate our envi ronments and, in turn, create detailed plans to help mitigate disruptions and chang ing circumstances.
Team success: The collec tive triumph
The seamless teamwork of bees is a marvel to behold. Each bee knows its role and performs it with precision, contributing to the overall efficiency of the hive. Success is the result of a collective team effort 100 percent of the time. Bees operate with a shared purpose, whether foraging for food, caring for the young, or defending the hive. This collective approach ensures that the workload is shared and the hive thrives.
Similarly, prioritising collective success over individual gains or accolades in our teams, workplaces, and homes can lead to more significant achievements, enhanced security, and a more balanced and harmonious environment. Fostering an environment
where everyone’s contributions are valued, and collaboration is encouraged and rewarded can lead to outstanding results. This level of cooperation is achieved, in part, by building trust and mutual respect within and among your community.
Innovation: Adapting and evolving Bees are not just hardworking; they are also incredibly innovative. They adapt to their environment, develop efficient ways to collect nectar, and even create hexagonal honeycombs to maximise space and resources. They exemplify resilience and the spirit of innovation, essential in today’s competitive, fast-paced world. Learning from our bee community how to embrace change, seek out new solutions, and continuously improve pro-
cesses can lead to sustained success, greater efficiency, and
Service above self: Cultivating sustainable selflessness
To flip the script, there is a lesson that bees can give us in “what not to do”. When we talk about the principle of service over self, we are referring to the importance of putting the community’s or team’s needs above personal gain. This is not to be confused with sacrificing oneself by overworking, compromising your mental health and wellness, or depriving yourself of a reasonable work-life balance. Worker bees are known to sacrifice themselves to intruders to protect the hive and sometimes work themselves to death. Instead, we can foster a culture of sustainable selflessness through self-care and mutual support, where taking time for personal well-being is seen as essential to sustaining long-term service.
Providing resources for mental health support and promoting work-life balance can help maintain the health and effectiveness of your team. While bees tirelessly work for the collective good, they also remind us of the importance of balance. The function and nature of the hive is an enduring metaphor for how loyalty, work ethic, purpose, strategy, teamwork, and innovation can come together to promote sustainable success and greater impact. The lessons offered by our bee friends can be beneficial whether applied in the home, community, workplace, or local nonprofit organisation. By taking cues from these industrious, capable creatures, we can build ecosystems where collaboration, mutual respect, and innovation lead to individual fulfillment and collective success. As we apply these simple takeaways in our personal and professional lives, we can create intentional environments that are not only productive but also nurturing, resilient, and sustainable.
An over $50M lawsuit claims crew of Titan sub knew they were going to die before implosion
Associated Press
ThE family of a French explorer who died in a submersible implosion has filed a more than $50 million lawsuit, saying the crew experienced “terror and mental anguish” before the disaster and accusing the sub’s operator of gross negligence.
Paul-henri Nargeolet was among five people who died when the Titan submersible imploded during a voyage to the famed Titanic wreck site in the North Atlantic in June 2023. No one survived the trip aboard the experimental submersible owned by oceanGate, a company in Washington state that has since suspended operations.
Known as “Mr. Titanic,” Nargeolet participated in 37 dives to the Titanic site, the most of any diver in
the world, according to the lawsuit. he was regarded as one of the world’s most knowledgeable people about the famous wreck. Attorneys for his estate said in an emailed statement that the “doomed
submersible” had a “troubled history,” and that oceanGate failed to disclose key facts about the vessel and its durability. According to the lawsuit, the Titan “dropped weights” about 90 minutes
into its dive, indicating the team had aborted or attempted to abort the dive.
“While the exact cause of failure may never be determined, experts agree that the Titan’s crew would have realized exactly what was happening,” the lawsuit states. “Common sense dictates that the crew were well aware they were going to die, before dying.”
The lawsuit goes on to say: “The crew may well have heard the carbon fibre’s crackling noise grow more intense as the weight of the water pressed on Titan’s hull. The crew lost communications and perhaps power as well. By experts’ reckoning, they would have continued to descend, in full knowledge of the vessel’s irreversible failures, experiencing terror and mental anguish prior to the Titan ultimately
imploding.”
The suit also criticizes Titan’s “hip, contemporary, wireless electronics system, and states that none of the controller, controls or gauges would work without a constant source of power and a wireless signal.” Though oceanGate designated Nargeolet as a member of the crew, “many of the particulars about the vessel’s flaws and shortcomings were not disclosed and were purposely concealed,” the attorneys, the Buzbee Law Firm of houston, Texas, said in their statement.
Tony Buzbee, one of the attorneys on the case, said one of the suit’s goals is to “get answers for the family as to exactly how this happened, who all were involved, and how those involved could allow this to happen.” Concerns were raised
in The US Coast Guard quickly convened a highlevel investigation, which is ongoing. A key public hearing that is part of the investigation is scheduled to take place in September. oceanGate CEo and cofounder Stockton rush was operating the Titan when it imploded. The lawsuit describes rush as “an eccentric and self-styled ‘innovator’ in the deep-sea diving industry” and names his estate as one of the defendants.
The lawsuit blames the implosion on the “persistent carelessness, recklessness and negligence” of oceangate, rush and others.
“Decedent Nargeolet may have died doing what he loved to do, but his death — and the deaths of the other Titan crew members — was wrongful,” the lawsuit states.
of One Eleuthera Foundation
Yolanda Pawar
attending to a beehive at One Eleuthera.
debris from the Titan submersible, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. John’s, Newfoundland, June 28, 2023. Photo: Paul daly/The Canadian Press/AP
Federation’s 14-member
BAHAMAS IN 3RD PLACE AT CARIBBEAN AMATEUR JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
she said. The Bahamas remains in the lead in the girls’ 11 to 13 flight. Anissa Robinson had an even better performance on day two than she did on the previous day. In round one, she scored 85 and in round two 83 for a total gross of 168. Jamaica’s Alessandra Coe is second overall with a total gross of 173 with scores of 87 and 86 in round one and two respectively. Trinidad & Tobago’s
JEAN
Madison Carroll-Carlos along with Chemari Pratt competed for The Bahamas in the girls’ 15-and-under flight. The former is in the third position with scores of 81 and 87 for a total gross of 168. Pratt fell off from an opening day score of 87. She totalled 95 in round two for a total gross of 182 which landed her in the seventh position. Mia Underwood had a better showing in round two of the CAJGC. After scoring 101 in round one of the 18-and-under flight, she shot 93 in round two for a total gross of 194.
Isabella Ramdeen is locked into the third spot with a total gross of 174. Haley Hall was the next Bahamian competitor in this event. She is ranked fifth with a round two total of 87 for 176 overall.
Underwood is ranked ninth headed into the final day of competition.
Kerrington Rolle had a tough day in round two. He led the field of competitors in the boys’ 15-and-under flight on Wednesday, but scored 80 yesterday to drop three spots in the rankings. He is now in the fourth spot with a total gross of 152.
Aidan Gorospe and Zakary Joseph also competed in this flight. Gorospe has a total gross of 154 for the seventh position while Joseph is in eighth place with a total gross of 158.
Rashawn Hanna fell behind one position in the
boys’ 11 to 13 flight despite having a better performance in round two.
On day one, he posted a total of 85 and shot 82 on day two but registered a total gross of 167 for fifth place overall.
Juan WIlson descended to the ninth spot in round two. He shot 91 for a total gross of 179.
In the boys’ 18-andunder flight, two out of three Bahamian competitors climbed the standings in round two.
Angelino Cooper improved on his round one score of 84 and lowered it to 81 in round two for a total gross of 165. He is now ranked 13th, climbing
three positions in the span of 24 hours.
Camdyn Forbes, who shot 79 in round one for 10th place, posted a score of 90 in round two for a total gross of 169.
Round two’s play saw him fall down to 19th place overall. Christopher Callander, ranked 23rd in round one, shot 94 yesterday for a total gross of 182 and the 21st spot in the 18-and-under flight.
The team manager said the message to the 14 junior golfers was to stay focused and continue to play the game they came with. Today is the final day of competition for The Bahamas.
NPSA All-Stars put on a show
THE New Providence Softball Association (NPSA) took a brief hiatus from regular season play to feature the league’s best softball players in the All-Star Game last week Saturday night in the Banker’s Field. Here are the results: The President’s Male AllStar team dominated the Vice President’s All-Star team 12-2. The President’s team put the game out of reach in the fourth inning where they sealed the win with six runs. Aden Taylor was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) with 5RBIs (run batted in), 1 run, 2 hits and 3 at bats. It was close but the President’s All-Star team narrowly defeated the Vice President’s team 9-8 in the women’s All-Star game. The victors got off to a hot start in the first inning with three runs and added another six runs the rest of the way for the victory.
Melinda Bastian walked away with the MVP honours with three RBIs, three runs and three at bats.
BAHAMAS
junior team competed in round two of the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships in Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday.
THE New Providence Softball Association took a brief hiatus from regular season play to feature the league’s best softball players in the All-Star Game last week Saturday night in the Banker’s Field.
Athletes watch 200, long jump and 110 hurdles finals at Paris Olympics
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PARIS, France — They didn’t get to book their tickets to the finals, but sprinter Wanya McCoy and hurdler Antoine Andrews couldn’t miss getting a front row seat as the drama unfolded last night in the Stade de France.
After getting eliminated in the semifinal of the men’s 200m and 110m hurdles, both McCoy and Andrews, along with long jumper Anthaya Charlton, said they were not going to miss the finals for anything in the world.
“It was interesting to watch. It kind of went the way I predicted it,” said McCoy of the 200m final won by Letsile Tebogo of Botswana in an area record of 19.46 over American silver medallist Kenny Bednarek (19.62) and bronze medallist Noah Lyles (19.70).
“To each his own. I know I wanted to be there, but I know with more experience I will be there for sure and hopefully I can bring home my own medal for the Bahamas.”
Although he wanted to see the outcome of his specialty, McCoy said he knew that there was something special coming in the women’s 400m hurdles that he also didn’t want to miss.
American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone lowered her world record, pushing it to 50.37 with fellow American Anna Cockell clinching the silver in a personal best of 51.87 over Netherlands’ Femke Bol, who trailed in 52.15 for the bronze.
“I wanted Femke to be right up there so she could push her, but this is an Olympic final and sometimes things don’t always turn out the way it should,” McCoy said.
With that in mind, he also had some reservations
about Lyles running with COVID-19.
“I talked to him yesterday (Wednesday) and he was struggling to breath,” McCoy said. “So when I heard that, I knew he wasn’t going to be able to do what he had to do.
“I was surprised that they still let him run. But to come out here and run 19.70 and still get a medal for your country is impressive. Only someone like him could do it.”
Andrews was inspired In watching Holloway, whom he ran next to in their semifinal race, speed away with the gold in the 110m final in 12.99, Andrews said he was more than inspired.
“I just have to go back to the drawing board and put in the work. Hopefully I will be able to come back and do much better at the World Championships,” said Andrews of the next big event next year in Tokyo, Japan.
“I thought Grant had the world record. Seeing him perform in the rounds, he looked pretty good,” said Andrews, who noted that his winning time was still impressive.
In addition to his specialty, Andrews said he was also glad to watch the Olympic record in the javelin and the world record in the women’s 400 metres.
But on hearing the news about Noah Lyles testing positive for COVID-19, Andrews said he was shocked. “But then again, I remember seeing him walking through the Games Village wearing a mask.
“It kind of caught me off guard now that they have announced it. The only question is why would he put himself in a position to run these rounds by putting other people at a disadvantage.”
Charlton pleased Although she’s here as an observer, long jumper Anthaya Charlton said her money was on American
Tara Davis-Woodhall winning the women’s long jump gold medal with 7.10 metres, followed by Malaika Mihambo of Germany with 6.98 metres and fellow American Jasmine Moore for the bronze with 6.96m.
“She won so I’m happy with that,” Charlton said. “I am also happy for my teammate and training partner Jas (Moore), who was the first American woman to
win a medal in both the long and the triple jump.” Charlton, who also runs a little bit of hurdles and sprints occasionally, said she was also thrilled to watch Grant pull off the win in the men’s 110m hurdles and Sydney in the 400m hurdles. “I don’t watch the javelin that much, but oh that win that won with an Olympic record was fantastic,” said Charlton of Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, who
threw 92.97m for the new record with his win over India’s Neeraj Chopra for the silver with a season’s best of 89.45 and Grenada’s Anderson Peters with the bronze with 88.54m. As for Team Bahamas, Charlton said she’s proud of all of the accomplishments so far, especially from those making their Olympic debut. But being a little biased, after helping to prepare her big sister with her
new hairdo, Charlton said she’s definitely looking forward to the semifinals today when Devynne Charlton and Charisma Taylor go for a shot at the finals on Saturday.
And with the next Olympics in Los Angeles, California in 2028, Charlton said she’s already making plans to be one of the competitors representing, even though she’s not exactly sure which one yet.
CAN THE BAHAMAS HOST AN OLYMPICS? - PART 1
HOSTING the Olympics
is a monumental endeavour requiring meticulous planning, substantial resources, and robust infrastructure.
As the world watches the 2024 Olympics in France, one might wonder: could the Bahamas, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, take on such an enormous challenge?
Let’s explore the feasibility of the Bahamas hosting the Olympic Games.
Existing Infrastructure
Our islands have proudly hosted major international events such as the IAAF World Relays and the Commonwealth Youth Games, showcasing our capability to manage large sporting events.
However, hosting the Olympics requires more extensive facilities. Our current infrastructure would need significant upgrades and expansions to accommodate the diverse range of Olympic events.
For example:
Thomas A. Robinson Stadium: This 15,000-seat track and field stadium would need to share its facilities with rugby and soccer events.
Betty Kelly Swim Complex: With a seating capacity of about 1,000, this venue would have to house all swimming events.
Kendall Isaacs Gymnasium: Seating 2,100, this gymnasium would have to serve volleyball and handball events.
However, we lack several critical facilities, such as a speed cycling arena, martial arts or wrestling arena, field hockey pitch, rapids for canoeing, BMX freestyle course, equestrian course, and a shooting range.
Notably, we have no diving facilities, which are essential for the Olympics. These deficiencies highlight the substantial investment
needed in infrastructure development.
Handling Large Volumes of Visitors
We are accustomed to managing a high volume of tourists daily, thanks to our thriving tourism industry. Our port capacity is adequate to handle large crowds, but significant improvements would be needed in ground transportation.
Upgrading and expanding road networks, enhancing traffic control systems, and boosting overall transportation capabilities are essential steps.
Logistical Challenges
Being an archipelago, our country presents unique logistical challenges.
Spreading events across multiple islands could alleviate some pressure but would necessitate efficient inter-island transportation. Additionally, building new facilities and upgrading existing ones would be extremely costly. Ensuring that our emergency and urgent care infrastructures are functioning at
maximum capacity is also crucial.
Medical and Health
Infrastructure
One of the most pressing concerns would be the strain on our medical professionals, including nurses, EMTs, and doctors.
Our healthcare system would need to be fortified to handle the influx of athletes, officials, and spectators. The need for emergency medical services at each event venue, coupled with routine medical care, would spread our medical workforce extremely thin.
Upgrading hospital facilities, establishing temporary medical centers, and increasing the number of trained medical professionals would be imperative to avoid compromising the quality of healthcare.
Specific Event Challenges
Certain Olympic events pose more significant challenges due to the lack of facilities. For example:
Shooting Events: We would need to amend our gun laws and build suitable ranges.
Cycling and Road Marathons: Major roads would have to be shut down, or these events would need to be held on another island.
Canoeing Rapids: We have no natural rapids, so an artificial course would need to be constructed.
Resorts: While some events might be accommodated at our large resorts, space and logistics remain significant concerns.
Economic and Social Impact
Hosting the Olympics would undoubtedly bring financial benefits and global exposure to the Bahamas.
The construction of new facilities and improved infrastructure would have long-term advantages for
our country. However, there are also potential negative impacts to consider:
Environmental Strain: The influx of visitors and construction activities could strain our environment.
Healthcare System: The risk of communicable diseases and the additional burden on our healthcare system are significant concerns.
Pollution: Increased pollution from construction and transportation could harm the natural beauty of our islands.
Cost: The financial burden of hosting the Olympics could be overwhelming.
Conclusion
While the idea of the Bahamas hosting an Olympics is intriguing, the challenges are substantial.
From infrastructural deficiencies to logistical hurdles, the path to becoming an Olympic host is fraught with obstacles.
However, with strategic planning, substantial investment and international support, it could be a possibility in the distant future. The benefits of global exposure and long-term infrastructure improvements must be weighed against the financial, environmental, and social costs.
The question remains: is
the dream of hosting an Olympics in the Bahamas a visionary leap into the future or an impractical ambition given the current circumstances?
Only time will tell if our small but proud nation can rise to meet the challenges and shine on the world stage.
• Dr. Kent Bazard, a sports medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specializes in ensuring athletes reach their peak performance safely. With extensive experience and a passion for sports health, Dr. Bazard provides insights and guidance for athletes of all ages.
SOAKING UP PARIS OLYMPICS - Shown, from left to right, Bahamian athletes Antoine Andrews, Anthaya Charlton and Wanya McCoy share a special moment during the Summer Olympics at the Stade de France.
Devynne Charlton and Charisma
Taylor in hurdles showdown - our last chance for medals at Paris Olympics
FROM PAGE 16
In the preliminaries of the 400 metres, she ran for the first 200m, but coming around the final curve, she stopped and walked the rest of the race. That left her to go to the repechage to try and secure a berth into the semifinal, but that didn’t pan out too well as she ended up in last place.
Nobody, however, can fault her for the effort.
The other dark spot for Team Bahamas was watching Donald Thomas complete his fifth appearance at the games by not clearing the opening height.
Could this be the last hurrah for the 40-year-old, who delighted our hearts when he made the transition from playing basketball to emerging as the world champion in 2007 in Osaka, Japan? He claims he’s not done yet.
If there were some bright spots emerging, it would be Antoine Andrews, who came out as a semifinalist in the men’s 100m hurdles, the first for the Bahamas.
And we may be seeing the resurgence of the men’s sprints in Wanya McCoy, who redeemed himself from an early exit in the men’s 100m, along with Terrence Jones, to get into the semifinal of his specialty in the 200m.
Let’s not count out Ian Kerr, who fell short in his heats and missed out to move on in the repechage
of the 200m. He’s another bright prospect for the future.
Back on the field, not since we have seen the longevity of former national women’s javelin record holder Lavern Eve in five Olympics, has someone else emerged. Let’s welcome Rhema Otabor, the new national record holder.
Although she didn’t make it to the final, Otabor made it here and it came after a long collegiate career in which she followed in the footsteps of Eve as a twotime NCAA champion.
And for good measure, Taylor became the first Bahamian, male or female, to have competed in two events on the field and the track.
While she’s still holding hope for a shot in the 100 metre hurdles final, she fell in her bid to make it in the qualifying round of the triple jump, the first Bahamian woman to hop, skip and jump through the competition.
One of the things that we’ve been able to enjoy in the past is having teams
compete in the always exciting 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 metre relays.
Unfortunately, this year, we concentrated on the newly designed mixed 4 x 400m relay that came at the start of the games, but was a disaster even before the team competed.
The future should now be placed on the resurgence of our relay teams, both men and women 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m where we have had our share of successes when the individual accomplishments did or didn’t come through.
So let’s keep our hopes alive as we look to our final event - the women’s 100 metre hurdles - to see if the medal-winning streak will continue.
One thing for sure. We won’t win the games per capita.
That honour went to St Lucia, thanks to the 23-year-old Julien Alfred’s thrilling gold in the 100 metres and silver in the 200m.
It’s the first two Olympic medals ever for the Caribbean nation to the south of the Bahamas.
OLYMPIANS MILLER-UIBO AND CARTWRIGHT HAVE A ‘FLAIR FOR HAIR’ AT PARIS OLYMPICS
FROM PAGE 16
Miller-Uibo and Denisha Cartwright of The Bahamas went for more of an individual statement, going for electric pink and blue and green to run on the purple track in Paris.
Jamaica’s sprinting star
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce set the bar high at past meets with her long, bright green and gold hair, and national colours have again been a popular theme for hair tones at the 2024 Olympics.
SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO, of The Bahamas, walks down the track after failing to finish her women’s 400-metres heat at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, August 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.
(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
CHARISMA TAYLOR, of The Bahamas, competes in the women’s 100-metre hurdles heats at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
DENISHA CARTWRIGHT, of The Bahamas, looks at the scoreboard for her time after the 100 metre hurdles repechage.
Photo: Brent Stubbs
Denisha Cartwright eliminated in the 100m hurdles repechage
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PARIS, France — The repechage round of the women’s 100 metres hurdles on Thursday morning at the Stade de France didn’t go as well as collegian Denisha Cartwright wanted it
In her bid to join fellow Bahamians Devynne Charton and Charisma Taylor into the semifinals today, Crtqright finished seventh in the last of three heats in 13.45 for 20th overall.
The repechage was held to give all of the athletes who didn’t automatically qualify in their heats, a chance to come back and redeem themselves and earn a lane in the semi’s.
Cartwright, sporting a reddish hairdo, actually was the first out of the blocks and over the first of the ten flights of hurdles. Running out of lane five, she clipped the second hurdle and it slowed her down a bit.
By the time she regained her composure, the field had already surged ahead wirth Lotta Harala of Finland and Yumi Tanaka of Japan taking the top spots in 12.86 and 12.89 respectively into the semi’s.
On a historic Wednesday with three Bahamians competing for the first time in preliminaries of the hurdles, Cartwright was fourth in heat two in 12.89 and had to go to the repechage.
Charlton, the world indoor record holder, picked up a second place in the last heat in 12.71 to automatically advance to the semi’s, while Taylor, running out of heat three, also got fourth in 12.73, but was the fastest time out of the non automatic qualifiers to get in.
The hurdles is the last event for the Bahamas’ 20-member team to compete here at the games after all other competitors have already finished. Today at 6:05 am, Charlton and Taylor will attempt to get out of the semifinal and make it to the final, scheduled for Saturday at 1:35 pm.
If any of them advance, it will be the last chance for Team Bahamas to continue the streak of winning at least one track and field medal at the Olympics since Frank Rutherford won the bronze in the men’s triple jump in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. Of course, Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knwoles set the pace, winning the country’s first Olympic medal in sailing. In fact, he did it twice, winning the first gold in Tokyo in 1964 in the Snipe Class with crew Cecil Cooke after he and crew Sloane Farrington got the bronze in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia.
PARIS OLYMPICS DAY 13: COVID-HIT LYLES MISSES OUT ON A DOUBLE, US TEAM BREAKS 100-MEDAL MARK
By JEROME PUGMIRE AP Sports Writer
PARIS (AP) — Sprinter
Noah Lyles revealed he had COVID-19 after missing out on another gold medal for the United States at the Paris Olympics yesterday.
Elsewhere, French basketball star Victor Wembanyama moved closer to his dream of a first gold after helping Les Bleus beat Germany to set up a dream final against the U.S. team after the Americans edged Serbia 95-91.
On the same Stade de France track where he won the historically close 100 metres by five thousandths of a second, Lyles was third behind gold medallist Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and U.S. teammate Kenneth Bednarek.
Medics tended to a tiredlooking Lyles and took him off in a wheelchair.
Wearing a mask as he spoke with reporters, Lyles later said he had COVID.
“It definitely affected my performance,” said Lyles, adding that he tested positive early Tuesday morning but was cleared to compete.
The U.S. track federation said it and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee adhered to all Olympic and Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Over at Bercy Arena, with former NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki and Tony Parker watching their respective countrymen, France held on to win 73-69. Wembanyama, the NBA rookie of the year, clenched his fists at the buzzer and teammate Evan Fournier jubilantly threw the ball into the crowd.
The 20-year-old star didn’t play three years ago in Tokyo, when the French lost the final to the United States.
They meet again on Saturday, when Wembanyama hopes to give France its first
Olympic gold in men’s or women’s basketball.
• Highlights of what happened on Day 13 of the Paris Olympics: Curry leads semifinal fightback against Serbia LeBron James had a triple double and Steph Curry scored 36 points as the American men rallied from 17 points down.
The U.S. faced an 11-point halftime deficit — the biggest successfully overcome by an American team since NBA players were added to the Olympic mix in 1992 — and again trailed the Serbs by 11 with just over seven minutes left. Serbian players fell on their backs at the buzzer after coming so close. It was a far cry from their group opener when the U.S. rolled to a 110-84 win. US team gets a world record, breaks the 100-medal mark The United States now has more golds and more overall medals than any other nation.
With three days left of competition, American athletes total 30 golds for 103 medals overall.
The U.S. went 1-2 in the women’s 400 hurdles with Sydney
McLaughlin-Levrone breaking her own world record in a time of 50.37 seconds, and Anna Cockrell taking the silver.
Grant Holloway followed up with gold in the men’s 110 hurdles in 12.99, beating countryman Daniel Roberts.
Also, Long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall won the women’s long jump with Jasmine Moore taking the bronze behind Germany’s Malaika Mihambo.
China’s diving double ends with tears
China claimed its sixth gold medal in diving at the Paris Games with defending champion Xie Siyi winning the 3-meter springboard.
The Chinese made it a podium 1-2 as Wang Zongyuan took the silver ahead of Mexico’s Osmar Olvera Ibarra. Wang was in tears afterward.
He hadn’t lost a major diving competition in the event since finishing behind teammate Xie at the Tokyo Olympics. After that silver, Wang won three straight world championship titles.
“It is regrettable I lost,” Wang said through an interpreter. “I must learn to accept any failure and
my response is to make a greater effort to improve myself.”
Another world record but no gold
American Sam Watson left the Games with another world record to his name but didn’t get the gold medal.
The 18-year-old Watson broke sport climbing’s speed world record on Thursday for the second time at the Paris Games, but that came in the fight for bronze.
Veddriq Leonardo of Indonesia won gold in 4.75 seconds in the final.
Charron lifts for another medal
Maude Charron raised Canada’s flag at the opening ceremony for the Paris Games and lifted up another medal in weightlifting.
Charron took the silver medal in the 59-kilogram category to add to her gold in the 64-kilogram competition at the Tokyo Games.
Rahimi stars as Morocco gets bronze Soccer-mad Morocco fans finally have an Olympic medal to celebrate after routing African rival Egypt 6-0 for the bronze.
Soufiane Rahimi scored twice and the Casablancaborn striker will surely become a household name back home after netting an impressive eight goals in the tournament.
He was comfortably the leading scorer ahead of Friday’s final between Spain and 1984 Olympic champion France. Morocco won the African Cup of Nations title in 1976.
Dutch end long wait for gold in men’s field hockey
Duco Telgenkamp scored the golden goal in the shootout to give the Netherlands a 2-1 victory over Germany. It was the Netherlands’ first gold in men’s hockey at the Olympics since 2000 and third in the country’s history.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored both goals as India beat Spain 2-1 for a second straight bronze, after beating Germany at the Tokyo Games. French get gold, Portugal a rare medal Track cyclist Benjamin Thomas overcame a crash in the men’s omnium race to give France its 14th gold medal of the Paris Games. Thomas held off Iúri Leitão, whose silver medal
was only Portugal’s second medal so far — compared to 54 for the French.
Also, world champion Ellesse Andrews of New Zealand won the Olympic title in the women’s keirin.
Nadeem gets Pakistan’s first medal with an Olympic record Arshad Nadeem got Pakistan’s first medal of the Paris Games in style by setting an Olympic record in javelin.
Nadeem’s throw of 92.97 metres beat Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen’s mark of 90.57 from the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Plain sailing for Austria In the southern port city of Marseille, Lara Vadlau and Lukas Maehr of Austria won gold in a tight race in the mixed-gender dinghy. The sport became a new sailing category at these Games.
NOAH LYLES, of the United States, is helped off the track after the men’s 200-metre final at the 2024 Summer Olympics yesterday in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
DENISHA CARTWRIGHT, centre, of The Bahamas, competes in her women’s 100-metre hurdles repechage at the 2024 Summer Olympics yesterday in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photos/Petr David Josek)
VICTOR Wembanyama (32) celebrates after a semifinals basketball game win against Germany at the Paris Olympics yesterday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
DENISHA Cartwright reacts after her women’s 100-metre hurdles repechage yesterday.
Hurdles showdown is last chance for medal
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
PARIS, France — It will come down to one last event for The Bahamas to keep the medal-winning streak alive with all hopes left on Devynne Charlton and Charisma Taylor in the semifinals of the women’s 100 metre hurdles.
All expectations were for the three team-mates to continue their historic feat by having Denisha Cartwright join them, but she fell short in her repechage race yesterday, finishing in seventh place.
The repechage is a second chance opportunity given to those athletes who failed to qualify for the semifinal in certain events.
It was the first time that the Bahamas had three competitors compete in the same event since the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, when Chandra Sturrup, Debbie FergusonMcKenzie and Savatheda Fynes all got into the final of the women’s 100m.
In the end, they finished fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.
Coming into the games, many were looking forward to the Bahamas already getting on the podium with a medal by now. But while there have been some disappointments from some of the veterans, there were some impressive performances from the newcomers.
Ken Mullings left everybody proud of his gallant debut as a rookie in the men’s decathlon where he posted a national record breaking performance in the gruelling 10 events over two days. So much was expected from so many people from Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo in defending their respective titles in the men’s and women’s 400 metres.
But Gardiner surprisingly never made it to the starting line for the heats of the men’s 400m, due to a recurring left ankle injury
that left everybody stunned when a DNS (did not start) was posted to his name. It was not what anybody expected from the co-flag
carrier during the games’ opening ceremony with Gardiner appearing to be in fine shape. What was a shocker was the herculean feat by Miller-Uibo which was something else to consider. Here’s the two-time defending champion coming back from having a baby and a change in coaching last year to get ready for the greatest sporting spectacle in the world.
There was some concern when she finished second in the women’s 400m heats at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Nationals in June and she stopped running at the start of the 200 metres.
Bahamas suffers 2nd straight loss in Billie Jean King Cup
By TENAJH SWEETING
Reporter
THE Bahamas’ 2024
Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) team has hit a rough patch at the Americas Group III Tournament in Tacarigua, Trinidad & Tobago. Since opening Pool A play with a three-game sweep against Antigua and Barbuda, the visiting nation has racked up two straight losses at the National Racquet Centre for a 1-2 win/ loss record.
The team had a tough time against Barbados in their third matchup of the competition. They lost the tie 3-0 and now have minimal room for error as they prepare to face Jamaica today.
Individually, Sydney Clarke has been on a roll in singles competition with back-to-back victories under her belt.
Yesterday, Serena Bryan and Clarke went all out in their three-set thriller and that streak came to an end.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate was the first to get on the scoresheet with a 7-5 win in set one.
SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO AND DENISHA CARTWRIGHT HAVE ‘FLAIR FOR HAIR’
PARIS
are expressing themselves through fun and creative hairstyles at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Bryan regained her footing in the following set and downed her Bahamian opponent 6-3. The final set would determine who would come away with all the marbles in match one and the 18-year-old Barbadian clinched it with a 7-5 win. Barbados would start off the tie with a 1-0 advantage.
Simone Pratt, the Giorgio Baldacci Open national champion, also had a battle in her singles showdown against Barbados’ Gabrielle Leslie. Pratt trumped her opponent in set one with a comfortable 6-2 victory. The celebration did not last long for The Bahamas as Leslie rebounded in set two 6-4 to force a third set. She proceeded to put her Bahamian competitor away 6-4 to nab a 2-0 lead for Barbados in the threegame series.
Clarke would re-enter the action alongside Danielle Thompson in doubles competition.
The tandem put together a herculean effort against Barbados’ Hannah Chambers and Cherise
& Tobago. SEE PAGE 12
THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) junior team took another swing at competition in round two of the 36th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships (CAJGC) yesterday at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club in Kingston, Jamaica.
The 14-member team came into round two sitting in the second position but, at the end of the day, dropped one spot for third place headed into the final day of the junior golf championships.
Team manager Gina Gonzalez-Rolle said the team played well but not up to par with the performance observed in round one.
“Overall, we had a crazy weather day with wind, rain and breeze but I think they played well. They didn’t play as well today as they did yesterday but we are actually meeting with them to try and strategise how we can get our final day to be
ON THE ATTACK: Sydney Clarke in action at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua, Trinidad
SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo prepares for her 400-metres heat at the Paris Olympics. (AP Photo/David Josek)
(AP) — Olympians at the Paris Games, including our very own top Bahamian athletes quartermiler Shaunae Miller-Uibo and hurdler Denisha Cartwright,
DENISHA CARTWRIGHT, of Bahamas, reacts after her women’s 100-meter hurdles heat at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
DENISHA CARTWRIGHT, of The Bahamas, lines up in lane four to compete in women’s 100-metre hurdles repechage yesterday.
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DEVYNNE CHARLTON, of The Bahamas, reacts after her 100-metre hurdles heat at the Paris Olympics. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)