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Volume: 120 No.151, August 10, 2023

CORNISH CHARGED

By PAVEL BAILEY AND JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporters

NORTH Abaco MP Kirk

Cornish was charged yesterday with two counts of rape, as well as assault and threats of death - but there was little fuss or fanfare at the Magistrate’s Court.

The complex hummed with its typical activity, void of the energy or displays of support that usually accompany high-profile arraignments of political figures.

Wearing a grey suit,

Cornish arrived at the Magistrate’s Court in a black SUV around 10am and was discreetly escorted inside the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, two counts of assault and threats of death.

He later made an emergency bail application. Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton granted him bail at $9k with one or two sureties. He must

SEE PAGE 3,4 and 5

TAR WASHING UP ON BEACHES AF T ER OIL SPILL

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama residents and visitors have encountered a black oily substance at Fortune Beach in the Lucaya area. This follows an oil spill believed to be from last week’s oil spill at the jetty off Pinder’s Point - but there are suggestions that there may have been a separate spill in the

BUCKEYE boats carry out cleaning exercises after last week’s oil spill

area. Miles of seaweed caked with clumps of sticky tar

have washed ashore on the beach at Banana Bay, Fortune Cay, Viva Club Fortuna Beach Resort, and Spanish Main, according to witness reports.

Fortune Cay resident Ona Joyce was walking the beach on Tuesday when she noticed the black sticky stains and residue on her feet and bathing suit.

“After I walked home

SEE PAGE SEVEN

KIRK Cornish arriving at court yesterday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

NORTH Abaco Minister of Parliament Kirk Cornish arrives at court yesterday, where he was charged with two counts of rape, as well as assault and threats of death.

Photo: Jay Phoenix

American woman charged with plot to kill husband

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN American woman accused of plotting with two Bahamian men to kill her husband posted $100,000 cash bail yesterday.

Lindsay Shiver, 36, of Thomasville, Georgia, made a bail variation application before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson.

Initially, she was required to sign-in at an Abaco police station, but she varied her bail terms to

sign in at a New Providence station.

Mrs Shiver and two Bahamian men were charged on June 28 with conspiracy to commit murder.

A restraining order for the estranged couple was also issued.

A representative of the US Embassy, Lance Peterson, the chief of American Citizen Services, was also present in court.

The accused allegedly plotted to kill Mrs Shiver’s husband, Robert, in Abaco on July 16.

Authorities reportedly discovered the plot after seizing a phone while investigating another crime in Guana Cay.

Mr Shiver reportedly filed for divorce from his wife after allegedly uncovering the alleged affair between her and one of her co-conspirators.

When Justice GrantThompson granted Mrs Shiver cash bail at $100,000 last Tuesday, the defendant was unable to post bail and was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Her two co-accused, Abaco locals Terrance Bethel, 28, and Faron Newbold Jr, 29, posted their $20,000 cash bail.

informed that Mrs Shiver had posted her bail and

Both Bahamian accused were informed that their passports must remain confiscated. They were to be fitted with monitoring devices before returning to Abaco.

After the court was

provided proof of residence, the prosecution did not object to her signing into the Cable Beach station. Mrs Shiver must report there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The American defendant must follow a residential curfew of 8pm to 6am. She was ordered to remain 100ft away from her husband.

Before her release, a visibly relieved Mrs Shiver was told that her passport would remain in the custody of the US Embassy. She must also report to the court before making any travel arrangements.

Ian Cargill, K Melvin Munroe, Cassie Bethel, Owen Wells and Alphonso Lewis represent the accused.

LINDSAY Shiver and her husband Robert Shiver

FARON NEWBOLD JR

TERRENCE ADRIEN BETHEL

MP Kirk Cornish charged

sign in at a police station in Abaco once a week.

His parents sat alongside press members in an otherwise empty gallery as charges were read against him.

North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty was the lone politician at the court complex.

Outside, a Progressive Liberal Party supporter waved a PLP flag and told the press he admired Cornish’s performance as North Abaco’s representative. A Water and Sewerage Union president also showed up to express his support.

Yesterday’s arraignment marked a jarring development for a young

Progressive Liberal Party politician who, just days earlier, continued to carry out government functions. Cornish visited Jamaica last week, meeting the minister of agriculture, fisheries and mining to discuss whether North Abaco would be a suitable port to ship products to the US, according to his Facebook

page. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced that he requested and accepted Cornish’s resignation as parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prosecutors allege that Cornish raped a woman at knifepoint on March 25

in New Providence. They also allege that he sexually assaulted the same woman at her Cooper’s Town, Abaco, residence on April 4.

Cornish is alleged to have threatened to kill the woman and her family.

He also allegedly assaulted her in Cooper’s Town on January 20.

Cornish appeared calm as the charges were read. Although his matter will be transferred to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment to be served on October 24, his lawyer said they want to deal with the trial as quickly as possible.

Anthony McKinney and Owen Wells are his lawyers.

from page one

NORTH Abaco Minister of Parliament Kirk Cornish arrives at court yesterday, where he was charged with two counts of rape, as well as assault and threats of death.

Photos: Jay Phoenix

LAWYERS representing Kirk Cornish arrive at court yesterday. Owen Wells (centre), and Anthony McKinney (right).

Criminal charges against MPs once rare, more common now

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

WHEN North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish was charged in the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, it marked the first time in the modern Bahamas that two sitting parliamentarians faced serious criminal charges.

Long Island MP Adrian Gibson was charged with bribery and money laundering last year.

Yesterday, former Parliament Clerk Maurice Tynes and former House Speaker Halson Moultrie differed on whether MPs should continue to serve

after being charged with serious crimes.

“As a part of the institution for so long, I would prefer if the Westminster conventions are followed whereby if these kinds of things happen to you and you get into these personal problems, you would respect the conventions and resign your seat,” said Mr Tynes, who retired in 2017. “I can’t see any parliamentarians who are under criminal charges –– I don’t see how they could represent their constituents fully and properly.”

No law requires an

elected official to resign from parliament when charged with a crime. They are disqualified from office only after being sentenced to more than 12 months in prison.

Mr Moultrie said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was right to accept Cornish’s resignation as parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

“But,” he added, “a member of parliament is presumed innocent until proven guilty just like any ordinary citizen, and they are protected by a certain level of privilege.

“That does not give them impunity or immunity to go and carry out criminal acts, but what that effectively does is make certain that for political purposes, charges are not trumped up against opposition members of parliament because you would open the floodgates if you permit political motives to go after and bring charges against opposing persons.”

Criminal charges against current or former elected officials, once rare, have become more common in recent years. Some trace the

development to former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ pledge to hold public officials accountable, a declaration that was followed by Shane Gibson, Frank Smith, Michelle Reckley and Kenred Dorsett - all former top PLP officials - being hauled before the courts.

Since then, FNM figures

- Mr Gibson and former cabinet Minister Lanisha Rolle - have been charged with offenses under a PLP administration. FNM officials are monitoring other ongoing police investigations and expect others may be charged.

“I don’t know if transparency is the real reason for it all or revenge,” said Mr Tynes. “These things have to play out, and the legal process has to take its course.”

Cornish’s case, nonetheless, differed from recent examples in one notable way: it marked the first time in decades that a sitting governing party MP was charged with a serious crime. In 1989, Wilbert Moss, the PLP Acklins and Crooked Island MP, was accused of attempting to bribe a magistrate. Moss resigned his seat on October 19, 1989.

LAWYERS for North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish arrive at court yesterday.

Photos: Moise Amisial

Women’s group calls charges against North Abaco MP Cornish a ‘monumental step’ for accountability

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrusselltribunemedia.net

WOMEN United, a women’s advocacy group, said charges involving North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish are a “monumental step” towards accountability and fairness.

The North Abaco MP was charged with two counts of rape against a 35-year-old woman, assault and death threats against the same woman.

“We are writing to express our heartfelt satisfaction and gratitude for recent developments that highlight a significant advancement in our pursuit of justice and gender equality,” Women United’s statement said.

The group applauded Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis for requesting and accepting Mr Cornish’s resignation as parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

“We were profoundly heartened to witness the prime minister’s decisive call for the MP’s resignation, marking a commendable display of leadership and a reaffirmation of his commitment to a just and responsible governance,” the group said. “This is indeed a landmark day for our justice system, setting a precedent that underscores the belief that no individual, regardless of

their position, is above the law.”

“While celebrating this crucial milestone, we emphasise the importance of maintaining a non-political and impartial approach throughout the legal process. Justice should always be blind to political affiliations or biases, ensuring that both sides are afforded equal access to justice. It is important that both the alleged victim and the accused are heard by a jury of their peers who will be charged with making a determination in the matter.

“The public must now let justice take its course. We must all guard against making statements indicating either the guilt or innocence of the accused. The integrity of our justice system rests upon such principles, and we are hopeful that they will continue to guide the course of action.”

The women’s group noted that survivors of abuse often face difficulties.

“The process is arduous, demanding immense strength and resilience, and it is crucial for society to recognise and respect this struggle,” the group said.

“As we advocate for stronger rape laws, we urge those who have opposed or questioned these reforms to reflect on the profound significance of these cases and the deeply personal battles faced by survivors and their families.”

FAMILY members and supporters of North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish outside acourt yesterday where he was charged with two counts of rape, as well as assault and threats of death.

Photos: Moise Amisial

MP Kirk Cornish arribving at court yesterday.

Photo: Jay Phoenix

The Tribune Limited

Dangers lie ahead as a solution must be found

THE situation in Haiti continues to cause grave concern for the nation itself and the region at large.

In this column, we have written often of the dangers that spring from the current situation in that country – with no current elected representatives and gangs that are not only out of control of the nation, but who are themselves actually in control of much of the nation.

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie is ideally placed to assess the situation there – he is a member of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group tasked with discussing a way forward with Haitian leader and stakeholders, with the hope of reaching a point where elections can be held.

So how dangerous is the situation in Haiti? Well, when Mr Christie and his colleagues went to Haiti, there were serious concerns over safety.

He said: “The night before we were to go to Haiti, we understood that the Americans or the Canadians who would meet us would only collect us from the airport and take us to the hotel and we were concerned about safety.”

Bear in mind, this is an international group seeking to find a solution in Haiti – or perhaps more properly find a solution put forward by Haitian leaders that could be supported. That this group could not be assured of their safety shows the level of instability currently faced by our neighbour.

Intriguingly, Mr Christie says he called our current Prime Minister, Philip “Brave” Davis, and expressed such concerns.

When Mr Christie’s group landed in Haiti, he says they were met by a group of Bahamian Defence Force officers flown “at the insistence of Prime Minister Davis to guarantee our safety insofar as one can guarantee safety”.

Mr Christie called it a “magnificent effort” and said our officers were “very effective”.

There has been little mention of any such deployment by our government, so it is curious to note that amid talk of deploying Bahamian troops to Haiti there has been little focus on the fact we have already done so.

There are questions to be asked about the circumstances in which our officers were deployed on foreign soil, who gave permission and what were the terms of their deployment.

The long-term picture, however, remains what must we do to ensure stability, for the good of everyone, both inside and outside Haiti’s borders.

The reality is that as long as there continues to be a country with vast areas run by gangs, we will continue to feel the knock-on effects in refugees desperate to flee the country. The worse it gets, the more people we may find fleeing and crossing into our borders.

A healthy, thriving, economically sound Haiti is the best outcome both for us and for Haitians.

It would be naïve to think that is a simple goal – simply looking at Haiti’s history in recent years will show us that. But in the long-term, that is what would benefit both Haiti and the region.

How do we get there? That is the challenge.

But Mr Christie’s words show the dangers that lie ahead, for those trying to navigate a path – and for any more Bahamian troops that are deployed in Haiti should that come to pass.

Make no mistake – this is a deadly environment that has seen police officers killed, vigilantes killing those they deem at fault for the nation’s woes, kidnappings taking place of both locals and foreign citizens, and more.

Ignoring Haiti’s woes is not an option. But understanding the true danger of the task ahead of us all collectively in the region is essential.

Androsians need urgent power f xes

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN an unprecedented display of unity and determination, the resilient people of North Andros gathered today for a peaceful protest in front of the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) main office, voicing their frustration and suffering caused by persistent power outages that have plagued their lives since the tragic burning down of the critical Bahamas Power and Light Powerhouse. Led by the passionate advocate, Lisa Sweeting, the protestors rallied under the banner of “Enough is Enough,” demanding immediate action and resolution to the ongoing power crisis that has exacerbated their already challenging circumstances.

The atmosphere was charged with emotion as North Androsians from all walks of life, including members of the police force, grocery and convenience store owners, other government workers, and concerned citizens, came together to raise their voices and stand up for their rights as citizens. With cries of “Enough is Enough” echoing through the air, the protestors painted a vivid picture of the neglect they feel they have been subjected to.

Lisa Sweeting, a prominent figure in the community and the driving force behind the protest, expressed her frustration in an interview, stating, “The power outages are severely affecting my business. Not

AFTER Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis reported a lack of progress in resolving issues with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, readers of tribune242.com had their comments on matters.

TheOracle said: “Wouldn’t be the first Prime minister to have or take issue with the Port Authority, nor will he be the last, of that I’m sure. the problem is, he is trying to unravel a very convoluted situation created by al those who went before. The real question is, does he even know what he is trying to fix? The odds are against that.

all business owners have generators, and this, in turn, is affecting my freezer items like meats, eggs, and much more.” She went on to emphasize that the power instability was not only damaging to her livelihood but also to the entire community’s ability to access basic necessities.

Former Member of Parliament for North Andros and The Berry Islands Carlton Bowleg, in an interview, stressed the importance of transparency and communication. “We as North Androsians need to know what is happening. If we are kept informed, the frustration would not be as overbearing as it is right now,” he stated. He revealed that he, too, had suffered losses as a business owner due to the frequent power outages, including surge protectors and perishable goods.

The protest is not only a cry for immediate relief from the debilitating power outages but also a call for long-term solutions. It was highlighted that the generators provided by BPL as a temporary measure have failed to alleviate the crisis, with power outages becoming more frequent than ever before. The people of North Andros are united in their demand for a sustainable solution, urging BPL to invest in a full power plant in the region.

The tragic incident that led to the burning down of the Bahamas Power and Light Powerhouse resulted in the island’s loss of a power plant, leaving the community dependent on unreliable generators. The protesters assert that the full detrimental effects of these recurring outages on their lives, businesses, and overall well-being are not being fully considered by BPL.

As the protest unfolded, impassioned speeches and fervent chants resonated through the air, encapsulating the frustrations, hopes, and determination of the North Androsian people. The protest serves as a vivid testament to the community’s resilience and unity, as even those unable to attend the demonstration physically lent their support through social media platforms, embodying the spirit of “One People United in Love and Service.”

The future of North Andros hangs in the balance as the islanders’ voices rise in unison, urging those in power to take swift action and deliver meaningful change. The North Androsian community has spoken, and their plea is clear: it is time for the Bahamas Power and Light Company to recognize the urgency of their situation and work together to restore dignity, stability, and a brighter future to this resilient island community.

ISAAC BARR Andros.

August 9, 2023

help them but they refused to be helped.”

So throw rocks he does, while running away. Ball is in your court chief. Tread carefully.”

LongGone said: “The HBCA died in 1967 when the PLP killed it. Freeport will never be the same!”

Birdiestrachan added:

“GB is FNM country and they are happy just the way it is, Mr, Pindling tried to

BMW replied: “Birdie GB was doing fine but jealously went to the heads of the likes of you and tal and it was downhill from 67. Been trying to choke GB since but it aint gonna happen!!! We shall overcome all obstacles placed in our way, just as we have in the past.”

FreeportFreddy suggested it was a distraction, saying: “So the government has severe issues on the immigration front with all of the bad PR ... so they now pick a fight that will distract from that issue. Classic...but not classy!!”

AN EXUMA swimming pig looking to cool off at the beach.

Photo: Forest Simon

Tar washing up on beaches after oil spill

from page one

from the beach I went to wash my feet and noticed it had two inches of what I thought was tar,” she said.

Mrs Joyce and her husband are part-time residents and second homeowners at the gated community for almost 18 years.

“We never seen anything like this,” she said when The Tribune visited the site on Wednesday.

Other residents at the beachfront community had also come in contact with thick clumps of tar and seaweed on the beach and shared photos of their blackened feet in a group chat.

A neighbour’s dog had also reportedly burned its paw on the oil and had to be taken to a local veterinarian for treatment.

After searching Google for oil spills in Freeport, Ms Joyce saw The Tribune’s article on the oil spill at Buckeye Bahamas Hub marine terminal.

“I saw there was one (spill) last week so I figured that must have been the source of it,” she claimed.

Mrs Joyce said residents would like to see the beach cleaned properly and the oily seaweed removed and monitored.

Last week, government officials leading the investigation into the oil spill advised residents who see any oil substances on the beach to contact the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and Buckeye.

Ms Joyce contacted the company by email but has not heard back from anyone. She also tried contacting Buckeye by telephone, but received a voice message saying “cannot connect”.

However, Tribune Business today reports that there are suggestions there may have been a

second, separate spill in the area.

Further west, Italian visitors Malco and Andrea Gafafel reported seeing oil on the beach for the past three days. The couple said they are guests at the Viva Club Fortuna Beach Resort.

“There is a lot of black pieces of petroleum for two to three days. Lots here in Banana Bay, and at the hotel Viva Club Fortuna there is a lot of black petrol everywhere. It is bad stuff because the people come here for sand and the beach and sea. And it is impossible walking the beach because of the petrol in the sand,” the couple said.

Resort manager Kelvin Tejava said they have not received any report of oil on the beach at the resort, but will look into it and make some checks.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Buckeye Partners (“Buckeye”) said the company is aware of petroleum-based residue that has been found on certain area beaches and is addressing the situation.

“Buckeye Partners continues its robust containment, recovery, and remediation initiatives aimed at protecting the environment following the release of fuel oil at its Buckeye Bahamas Hub marine terminal on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

“These initiatives are guided by Buckeye’s ongoing environmental monitoring – including systematic aerial surveys and on-the-ground beach patrols.

“While the source of the material is currently unknown, we are actively investigating and have initiated clean-up efforts on local beaches, as well as continuous monitoring across the area in coordination with other stakeholders.

“We remain in regular contact with the government of The Bahamas, as well as other local officials, and will continue to provide regular updates. Buckeye is grateful for the privilege to operate in The Bahamas, and our

top priority is community, workforce, and environmental safety.”

Last week, Buckeye informed the government that an estimated two to three barrels of fuel oil spilled in waters at its marine terminal during a

flushing operation to facilitate the transfer of product between two tanks. An oil sheen was observed on the water’s surface and booms were promptly deployed and efforts were initiated to recover the oil. A team at the Port

Department, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Department of Environmental Health Services are investigating the spill.

RESIDENTS of Furtune Bay, Grand Bahama said they found tar along the beach on Tuesday, which may be the result of a recent oil spill at Buckeye’s facility at Pinder’s Point.

Punishment must be guided by the spirit of love, not revenge

“IT is important to note that while we oppose the death penalty, we embrace the victims of violent crimes; those who are hurting and grieving for their loved ones who have been killed, at times in the most heinous ways.”

– Archbishop Patrick Pinder (2009 Red Mass Homily).

Frenzied, bloodthirsty calls for the resumption of capital punishment are a desperate expression of our collective and longstanding failure to respond coherently and imaginatively to our culture of death, violence, gangs, bloodlust, and cycles of revenge and retaliation.

Such calls are also signs of deep-seated frustration with the inadequacy of the political directorate and the criminal justice system in dealing more effectively with crime in general and murder in particular, including the vexing matter of bail for alleged murderers and the trying of capital offences in a timely manner.

Depressingly, this enthusiasm for state-imposed violence is being urged by some religious leaders, including Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander who recently trotted out the misused and misunderstood eye for an eye theology.

In 2016, the Roman Catholic Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) issued a Statement on Capital Punishment during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The bishops urged:

“We stated in our Pastoral Letter, The Gift of Life (2008), that ‘Very often those who support capital punishment invoke the text, ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ (the ‘lex talionis’ – Lev. 24:20).’

“This was, of course, a most important development in the Old Testament’s understanding of justice. Justice must not seek revenge. The punishment due from injustice must be rational and not excessive.

“However, the ‘lex talionis’ was not the last word on this matter. In fact, Jesus gave us the last word: ‘You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you: do not oppose evil with evil…’ (Mt. 5:38-39). Of course, Jesus became the best example of this teaching as he was an innocent man who became the victim of capital punishment.”

The website Christianity. com notes: “Many people wonder if the phrase, ‘life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise’ was applied literally.

“In Jewish Oral Tradition, called the Talmud and among Christian scholars, the consensus is no; this was not taken literally but instead used as a standard by judges to set the fine and appropriately punish the perpetrator for the harm he caused.”

The idea of the wrathful avenging God more often

seems to hold our spiritual and religious imagination and that of fundamentalist preachers, rather than the merciful Christ of the New Testament who rescued the woman caught in adultery from being stoned to death by a mob of the self-righteous determined to impose on her a capital punishment.

One’s image and understanding of God affects one’s Christian anthropology, i.e., one’s image and understanding of the human person and the human community affects one’s understanding of sin and redemption, as well as one’s views on a range of ethical issues such as capital punishment.

We are a fundamentalist culture shackled, trapped by the psychology and theology of revenge and bloodletting. We are often unrelentingly harsh and unmerciful.

That we live in a culture where many believe that the ravages of a hurricane may be punishment from God, rather than a naturally occurring phenomenon, is representative of an antediluvian mindset in both senses of the word.

Certain punishments are a necessary component of fundamental justice. But retaliation is a different ethical species. Given the jurisdictions which retain capital punishment, The Bahamas is not in good company.

The late Paul Adderley, who served as Attorney General, argued to this columnist that his opposition to capital punishment was not for many of the socalled “moral” reasons as offered by some.

However, Adderley’s opposition, though argued on practical grounds, was also ethical. He was emphatic that the possibility of the state executing an innocent person rendered capital punishment unacceptable.

Adderley went even further. He noted that he personally knew of at least one case in which the state executed a man for a murder that he did not commit.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham observed of the death penalty: “One of the horrors of capital punishment is that there is no remediation for a mistake. An innocent man executed because he was

wrongly convicted remains dead even if a court of law subsequently determines that he was innocent.”

The list of such wrongful convictions and executions exist in just about every country in which capital punishment is practised. There remains concern over a number of possible mistaken executions in The Bahamas in the past several decades.

In criminal law there is a formulation usually attributed to English jurist William Blackstone, but which can also be traced back to Biblical precepts which admonish: “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”

Some scholars of jurisprudence posit that the actual numbers (ratios) are not generally seen as important, so much as the idea that the state should not cause undue or mistaken harm “just in case”. So the state, and most particularly democratic states, act so that their courts “err on the side of innocence”.

State-sanctioned violence in the form of capital punishment reinforces a culture of violence, demeans the value of human life and serves no clear anti-crime

purpose in terms of deterrence.

Countries that practice capital punishment do not necessarily record lower crime or murder rates than do countries that have abolished the death penalty.

To the contrary, many countries that abolished capital punishment have far fewer murders annually than do those that continue to execute convicted murderers; for example, the European Union countries versus the United States of America.

The arguments touted by many in The Bahamas for capital punishment seem more like a desire for revenge. The greater moral burden for proponents is the likely possibility of the state executing innocent people in our name. Such a possibility is unjust and neither humane nor Christian.

The bishops of the AEC pressed in their statement: “All recent international studies and research show that capital punishment does not act as a deterrent, nor does it foster respect for life in our communities.

“Hence, regardless of the potential unpopularity of our Gospel message that informs our position, we reaffirm the position:

‘Capital punishment symbolises a form of despair for the effective reform of persons.’

“The most important deterrent to criminal activity is not the threat of execution, but rather the risk of apprehension and conviction for the crime committed. Enforcement agencies and judicial processes that are most effective in exercising their authority provide the greatest deterrent to crime, even when the nature of the penalty is less severe.

“To call for the resumption of executions is to deflect attention away from true deterrents, and to ignore the reforms necessary for the instruments of civil justice to act as effective agencies for the prevention of social disorder.”

In our justifiable outrage at crime and our responsibility to punish those convicted of murder we need not indulge a similar level of brutality nor compromise our sense of justice and fairness by maintaining a system that is bound to make the grave error of killing an innocent person, an error that can never be rectified.

In 1996, attorney, activist and writer Marion Bethel

wrote soulfully of her anguish after two executions in the country some years shy of the approaching new century.

Bethel raged: “There is no balm in the gallows, no quick fix to our problems. A brutally broken neck cannot be our highest response. A ravaged throat and a spilled tongue can no longer help to tell our story, give shape to our collective voice, sing the sad and hopeful songs of our vision.

“Our children will not forgive us for the quick fix of the gallows. They will despise our lack of creative possibilities, they will hate our legacy to them – a culture of destruction and death void of lifegiving properties. What will they make of the gallows, the official State slaughterhouse?”

Like Bethel, the bishops urge a higher ethic of love and “creative possibilities”:

“As we stated in our Pastoral Letter on Capital Punishment (2000): ‘… in all cases punishment must be guided by the spirit of love, which intends both the good of the transgressor as well as the good of the community. The spirit of revenge lacks this twofold Christian intention…’ “

THE DEATH chamber at the Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville, 1972. “In 2019, death rows around the country reached their smallest total population since 1992,” Maurice Chammah writes in “Let the Lord Sort Them.”

Photo: AP

“One of the horrors of capital punishment is that there is no remediation for a mistake. An innocent man executed because he was wrongly convicted remains dead even if a court of law subsequently determines that he was innocent.”

- Hubert Ingraham

Is the Republican Party really still behind Donald Trump?

KAY and June had planned to go out for a late lunch on this rainy but still stubbornly humid day in a leafy New York City suburb. But host Kay had prevailed on her guest from Washington, DC, to stay in and have some tea and fresh orange and blueberry scones instead on her enclosed, air-conditioned porch. Kay started right in to get some capital-based insight.

“So Juney, what is going on with the Republicans? Are they still behind Trump, even with this new federal indictment? What’s happening with this debate coming up? Is McConnell going to resign? How about DeSantis and the others?”

Kay explained that despite having the New York Times delivered to her door each morning, she found it overwhelming to try to keep up. Her well-connected Washington-based friend from college could catch her up on everything she had missed.

June smiled. “Well, Keke, not so much has changed since we last got together in the spring. Yes, Republicans are still all in behind Donald Trump. He’s way ahead of everyone else. He doesn’t seem to have changed his message all that much, either. He’s trying to turn federal and state indictments into badges of honour, claiming at his rallies that he’s being persecuted and indicted on behalf of his supporters.

“These crooked, Communist, fascist, socialist Democrats in the Injustice Department are attacking me because I keep supporting you,” he tells his rapt rally followers. “I am being indicted for you.”

“I don’t mean to sound sacrilegious here, Keke, but Trump sometimes sounds like Jesus. He sees himself

STATESIDE

with Charlie Harper

as a kind of martyr-messiah. ‘I died for your sins’ seems to be his essential, subliminal message. He’s being prosecuted and persecuted for the sins of his followers.

I think he’s lost his marbles, and not one of his supporters seems to care.”

June continued. “I watched his rally last weekend in Erie on C-Span. Remember Erie? In 2016, this once solidly trade union, deep blue northwest Pennsylvania city was a kind of bellwether for Trump, helping tip the state away from Hillary Clinton and toward Trump. Then, quietly, Erie flipped to Biden in 2020 and so did Pennsylvania.

“Anyhow, at his Erie rally Trump pounded on the following issues: Hunter Biden’s various corruptions; how only Trump could avoid World War III with the Russians because Putin respects him so much; how the federal Department of Justice, FBI and IRS have all been corrupted and turned into political weapons by Biden; how he has now removed the “Crooked Hillary” moniker from his vanquished 2016 foe and applied it to Biden.

“Trump said ‘I called her Crooked Hillary, but I’m now seeing so much graft and corruption with this administration that I’m going to forgo ‘Sleepy Joe’ and rename him “Crooked Joe.” Trump looked out smugly at his

adoring crowd, basking in the adulation.”

Kay signaled for a pause with her hands. “Wow, Juney, that does sound pretty familiar. How does he look up there on stage?”

“I hate to admit it, but this guy does not really seem to be only four years younger than Biden. Trump is, well … he is vital. He exudes energy almost like he did when he first entered the presidential race eight years ago. He doesn’t fumble words. He sticks to his scripts a bit more carefully than he used to do.

“You’ve seen Biden. He walks like an 80-year-old, scared to death that he will fall and look his age. He’s got this stubborn tuft of gray hair that keeps sticking up on the back of his head. He has always fumbled with words to some extent, but now it just reinforces the impression that he would be very lucky to live long enough to serve out a second term as president. He just looks old, and hesitant.”

Kay was curious about other subjects Trump covered in Erie. “Well,” June said, “he spent time bashing Ron DeSantis, calling him DeSanctimonious and then DeSanctis. He crowed about his huge (56-17%) lead, but still spent a lot of time on the Florida governor, who is still by far his closest challenger. Trump boasted about his alleged trade gains with China,

attacked ‘deranged’ special federal prosecutor Jack Smith, crowed about how he compelled Mexico to send 28,000 troops to its US border to stem the tide of immigrants seeking entry to the US”

Kay inquired about the forthcoming GOP presidential candidates’ debate in Milwaukee, now less than two weeks away.

June replied. “I read in USA Today that in addition to Trump and DeSantis, five others have met the requirements to participate. They are Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy and Doug Burgum.”

Kay looked up from her tea. “Who are those last two?”

June laughed. “Burgum is the current governor of North Dakota. His main fan so far seems to be (veteran conservative pundit and columnist) George Will, though Will does make a persuasive case that Burgum is by far the most rational conservative in the race.

“Ramaswamy is a handsome biotech and financial services entrepreneur from New York with a beautiful, accomplished doctor wife. He is campaigning on promises to abolish the ‘useless’ June 19 US federal holiday and to pardon Trump on his first day as president.’”

“What about Mike Pence? Isn’t he running?”

“Yes,” June replied. “But he is lagging pretty far behind. I’m guessing he’ll make into this first debate field, but he isn’t strong now.

“You asked about McConnell. He looks older and frailer than Biden. He actually resembles what Trump calls him – an ‘old crow.’ Did you hear that he got heckled at a rally in Kentucky the other day? The crowd, echoing Trump, shouted that he should resign.

“McConnell’s 20-second

brain freeze while the TV cameras were rolling during a news conference last week really looked bad. You probably saw the news clips. McConnell has also supposedly been using a wheelchair as a precaution when he moves around in crowded airports.

“You know he also cracked a rib and was concussed in a fall at home earlier this year, and reportedly fell again on an airplane in July. Of course, his staff tries to keep this all quiet and out of sight.”

END OF ONE ERA, AND THE START OF another for US Women’S Soccer

FOR the past two weeks, the women’s soccer World Cup has edged toward centre stage on the sporting scene. More viewers than ever have been tuning in. Fox is televising almost all games live from venues in Australia and New Zealand, where it is mid-winter. Morocco’s team made history by advancing to the round of 16.

But by far the biggest story from Down Under is the unceremonious dismissal of the two-time defending champion US team at the hands (and feet) of Sweden, a team very familiar to the Americans from many previous tense encounters. It may have been inevitable. The American women have bossed around the rest of the world for decades. Their stars have inspired girls

around the world. They are greatly admired not only as players but because of the social and economic issues they have eagerly embraced. These include most notably the achievement of equal pay with the US men’s team, which has never approached their success on the field. But these women have also spoken out consistently against homophobia, racism and gender-based discrimination.

The US women’s team has probably achieved more sociological influence than any other professional sports group apart from the NBA players association. But this United States team is now at the end of one era and the start of another. The latest group of talismanic stars has faded and the next has not yet taken full charge.

Among the reasons for the Americans’ failure were: too many injuries; poor in-game management and player selection by the manager, who will likely be fired; a lack of team chemistry; overconfidence, and the evident fact that much of the rest of the world has closed the talent gap on the Americans.

Dutch manager Andries Jonker asked an interviewer from The Athletic “what is left of the American women’s team’s superiority” beyond fitness? As his team took an early lead in an eventual tie with the US, he proved prophetic: His answer was ‘not much.’

Canada and Brazil are also gone. Ahead of the August 20 final, watch out for the English women. They look like potential winners.

FORMER President Donald Trump acknowledges supporters at a campaign rally, Tyesterday, at Windham High School in Windham, New Hamphsire

Photo: Robert F. Bukaty/AP

UNITED States’ Megan Rapinoe reacts after missing to score during a penalties’ shootout during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday.

Photo: Hamish Blair/AP

Christie supports helping Haiti regain ability to have ‘free and fair elections’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Min-

ister Perry Christie said he was concerned for his safety when he visited Haiti earlier this year, connecting his experience to the Davis administration’s commitment to sending 150 Defence Force officers to that country as part of a potential multi-national force.

Mr Christie is a member of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG), engaging Haitian stakeholders to develop a political consensus that would pave the road to elections.

“The night before we were to go to Haiti,” he told reporters yesterday, “we understood that the Americans or the Canadians who would meet us would only collect us from the airport and take us to the hotel and we were concerned about safety.

“I called the Prime Minister of The Bahamas on behalf of my group to tell him that we were concerned about safety. He understood and when we landed in Haiti, we met a contingent of Defence Force officers flown at the

instance of Prime Minister Davis to guarantee our safety insofar as one can guarantee safety, but it was a magnificent effort.

“They were very effective in terms of representing and most certainly providing the security for us and representing The Bahamas. And I was very impressed. My colleagues were very impressed.”

The Davis administration said sending Defence Force officers to Haiti depends on the United Nations Security Council passing a resolution establishing a multi-national force.

Other countries that have pledged troops in that scenario include Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kenya.

Mr Christie expressed concern about the prevalence of violence and gangs in Haiti, saying all stakeholders are compelled to bring about action.

“The intention is to bring in an environment that will enable them to have free and fair elections, set up re-established institutions, and born to have a vibrant democracy,” he said.

“Haiti is the oldest black republic in the entire world. What happened in Haiti influenced what happened in The Bahamas, what

happened in the region, what happened in the world, when it came to the fight for freedom of countries and

independence. “And so, there is absolutely no doubt that the people there who have

suffered so long are deserving of the best. And we were appointed by CARICOM to try to assist them in arriving

at a consensus and bringing about a desired result of the democratisation of Haiti and its stability.”

BAHAMAS FEDERATION WILL EXPLORE ELIGIBILTY OF KLAY T HOMPSON IF THEY ADVANCE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Bas-

ketball Federation

president Eugene Horton said officials would explore getting NBA star Klay Thompson to play for Team Bahamas if the team advances from the

Olympic pre-qualifier.

The Bahamian team will compete in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Pre-Olympic Qualifier in Santiago de Estero, Argentina, between August 14-20.

Mr Horton said Mr Thompson must express

interest in joining the Bahamian team and the Americans must be willing to release him.

FIBA’s rules specify under what conditions a player can leave one national team to play for another.

The organisation’s secretary general can

authorise transfers “if the change is in the best interest of basketball”.

FIBA recently released Eric Gordon, an American-Bahamian player, to play for The Bahamas. Under FIBA rules, neither Mr Gordon nor Mr Thompson would be able to play for The Bahamas.

Mr Horton acknowledged that officials would have to choose between the two.

He expressed confidence in the quality of the Bahamian team.

“We have professional players in Europe, locally and so forth that put us in this position,” he said.

“So we are confident that we if we can’t have both, we have the calibre of players that can take us to where we need to be.”

If successful in Argentina, the Bahamian team would play in FIBA’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 from July 2-7, 2024.

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie was concerned for his safety when he visited Haiti.

NBA star Klay Thompson, son of Bahamian Michael ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson who played for the LA Lakers in the 1980s.

Photo: AP

Four Downtown buildings demolished to ‘change the landscape’ of Bay Street

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE demolition of four derelict buildings downtown began yesterday, with Tourism Minister Chester Cooper saying officials want to transform the areas into green spaces.

A government delegation involving Mr Cooper, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, Attorney General Ryan Pinder, Senator Randy Rolle and others visited the sites of four buildings.

Contractors completed the preparatory work needed to demolish the structures over the

weekend. “We have given notice, as I indicated several months ago, to nine property owners,” Mr Cooper said.

“The idea is to ensure that we are making active progress in terms of changing the landscape here in Bay Street. What we are going to do once we demolish the buildings is turn them into green spaces, so over the course of the next few weeks, you might very well see some picket fences and some green spaces.”

“We have some very interesting ideas. We hope that some of these spaces will be opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the

creative industry.” He said discussions with property owners have been cordial. Those owners, he said, will cover the demolition costs for the four buildings.

“There was absolutely no contention,” he added.

“There are some of the owners who received notice. Some are concerned about demolition and have made alternate proposals.

The bottom line is we want to work hand in hand with the stakeholders. We don’t want this to be a forced operation, but we want it to be a partnership.”

Mercianna Moxey, an owner of one of the buildings, said her family

contacted the government after hearing about their demolition plans.

“My family, siblings and I, we bought the building some years back and it has always been in this state,” she said. “I think we bought it for the property itself as opposed to the building because it was never rentable from the time we bought it and we had and have aspirations of developing the property. You would notice on the porch we had a sketch up where we are probably looking to develop into a mixed-use building where retail on the bottom, offices in the building and we know that the government is keen on

making Nassau a liveable city and so apartments at the top.”

Mr Cooper said owners can rebuild or “do whatever they wish” with their properties provided they secure the necessary approvals.

As for the derelict buildings owned by the government, the deputy prime minister said: “We’re treating the government the same way we treat the individual property owners, and so Senator Rolle has also given notice to those respective departments and we hope to see some progress on governmentowned buildings as well.”

Addressing the

government’s other revitalisation efforts, Mr Cooper said his ministry received proposals from investors to create new businesses and develop multi-storey buildings, including residential spaces.

“We are putting our money where our mouths are to ensure that we are helping revamp the area,” he said.

Asked about the status of legislation to establish an authority to manage downtown, he told reporters: “The attorney general is working on it. I can’t give a specific timeline. I believe the government’s priorities have been on other pieces of legislation.”

NORTH A NDROS RESIDEN TS PROTEST OUTSIDE BPL OFFICE IN NICHOLL S TOW N

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

NORTH Andros residents frustrated with continued power outages protested yesterday outside Bahamas Power & Light’s office in Nicholls Town.

Up to 35 people held signs demanding the power company be more forthright about the outages that have recently disrupted their lives.

Protest organiser Lisa Sweeting said a number of residents’ home appliances had been damaged because of outages.

“We were having power issues all week,” she said.

“Yesterday, the power was off in the Queen’s Highway area almost all day. It came on one time for an hour, and that was it. The grocery stores, we’re suffering because of it. I have a grocery store myself and a wash house and you know what needs to be frozen, must be kept frozen.

“I do have a personal generator that I can use at home, but you know a lot of persons can’t afford it, so the community at large is suffering, especially the senior citizens.

“A lot of persons, they were complaining about

their fridge going bad, their microwaves, televisions, washers, dryers. Then if you take a letter to BPL saying this happened because of the power outage, there’s nothing they can do, there’s nothing they will do.”

The power woes in North Andros began after a catastrophic fire at the Nicholls Town BPL plant last month which destroyed all generator units and the building at the Nicholls Town Power Station.

In a statement yesterday, BPL said a team from New Providence is on North Andros to address supply challenges in both North Andros and Central Andros. “Containerised units that are a part of BPL’s generation fleet as well as new units were shipped in to provide immediate relief,” BPL said. “Since that time, there have been minor challenges resulting in periods of supply interruption for the company’s North Andros customers.

“As recently as Tuesday, August 8, 2023, technicians from New Providence were flown in to address and resolve supply issues. Although electricity was fully restored Tuesday evening, further operations are scheduled to improve

service reliability of the units in North Andros.”

BPL said it is also addressing power supply challenges in South and Central Andros, due to the failure of a primary unit a few weeks ago, which was addressed with temporary generations.

“Soaring temperatures and a greater demand for power have surpassed the unit’s capacity during peak hours (between 8pm and midnight) causing supply interruptions (load shedding). This, coupled with an underwater cable fault on Monday, August 7, 2023, caused a prolonged outage for customers south of the power station in Central Andros.

“The local team was able to make temporary corrections on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, and is being assisted by a team from New Providence to make permanent repairs to the cable.

“More importantly, the company is rerouting a generator 2MW unit, destined for another island, to Central Andros to address the urgent need for additional generation in that community. That unit is expected to arrive on the island late Thursday and should be operational by late Friday, August 11, 2023.”

DEMOLITION of four rundown and derelict buildings began yesterday.

Photo: BIS

ONE of four building Downtown Nassau that were demolished yesterday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

High ocean temperatures harm Florida’s coral reef - rescue crews race to help

FLORIDA Associated Press

STEPS away from the warming waters of Florida Bay, marine biologist Emily Becker removed covers from the dozens of water-filled tanks under her watchful eye. Nestled in seawater carefully maintained at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) lay hundreds of pieces of coral — some a sickly white from the bleaching that threatens to kill them, others recovered to a healthy bright iodine in colour.

As Becker looked over the coral, crews of reef rescue groups arrived in trucks carrying more — brought up by divers in a massive effort aimed at saving the coral from an ocean that is cooking it alive.

“People jumped into action really quickly, as best as they could,” Becker said, wiping sweat from her brow.

total mortality. In mid-July, water surface temperatures averaged about 91 degrees (33 Celsius) off the lower Florida Keys, well above the average of 85 degrees (29.5 Celsius), according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports. The hot water resulted in nearly 100% bleaching along portions of the reef, causing the corals to lose their zooxanthellae, the algae that gives them colour and nourishment. If they don’t recover their zooxanthellae, they will ultimately die.

A string of recent overcast and rainy days helped drop water temperatures slightly. But it will likely be late October or November before the coral samples can be returned to the reef, Lewis said.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

The Florida Coral Reef is the world’s third-largest, extending about 350 miles (563 kilometres) from the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico to St. Lucie Inlet, some 115 miles (185 kilometres) north of Miami.

The reef is a first line of defence against erosion and flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms, Lewis said. It helps support commercial fishing and a thriving tourism industry, from snorkelling and scuba diving to recreational fishing. And they nurture “such an amazing amount of diversity and life” in the ocean around them, she said.

VOLUNTEER Daniel Hyduke of Miami Beach, Fla., cleans equipment in a coral nursery, Friday near Key Biscayne, Florida, scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science established a new restoration research site there to identify and better understand the heat tolerance of certain coral species and genotypes during bleaching events.

and runoff from land.

Up and down the chain of islands that form the Florida Keys, coral rescue groups and government and academic institutions have mobilized to save the coral from a historic bleaching event that experts say threatens the viability of the third-largest reef tract in the world.

“We’re already seeing not just bleaching, but actual coral death out on the reef because the temperatures were so hot,” said Cynthia Lewis, director of the Keys Marine Lab, a research institute on the island of Long Key, some 100 miles (160 kilometres) south of Miami, where rescue groups have already brought more than 1,500 pieces of coral. “And we can’t afford to lose more of our reef.”

“In a normal situation, they’re like the rainforests of the ocean,” Lewis said. “They’re incredibly important.”

stressed offshore, come back into our tables and recover already,” she said. They’re already getting colour back. So that’s really encouraging to see that.”

They’ve been working long days and weekends in blistering heat for weeks to get as many specimens as they can onto land amid reports of some reef tracts experiencing near

Coral bleaching occurs naturally when waters warm significantly, including in 2016 in the Keys. But Lewis said the current situation is urgent for coral, which is vital to Florida’s economy, coastal protection and marine life. The corals “don’t have a lot of time,” she said. “They’re literally sitting, stewing in the water out there in these hot, hot temperatures.”

temperature rose in July. “We got kicked in the teeth because if happened so fast in the Lower Keys. I mean, within a week,” said Michael Echevarria, president of the nonprofit Reef Renewal USA.

Reef Renewal was among those who initially worked to move endangered coral into land-based facilities. More recently, they’ve worked to save coral in several of their own underwater nurseries in shallower water by moving them to deeper, cooler water, where they hang pieces of coral from tree-like structures.

Reef Renewal founder Ken Nedimyer called the coral bleaching “hard to watch and hard to experience” and said his group knew that coral stress would increase under climate change, but didn’t think it would come so soon.

research associate places a tray of baby coral brought in from the University of Miami’s open water coral nurseries into a tank as staff and students work to save as much coral as the Lirman coral lab can hold, Friday, July 28, 2023, at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science in Key Biscayne, Florida. In a race against time, multiple organizations are working to save the reef that runs along the Florida Keys during a heat wave that has already led to historic coral bleaching.

The world’s oceans have been record-setting hot since April, with scientists citing climate change from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas along with a boost from El Nino, a natural warming of parts of the Pacific that changes weather worldwide and generally heats the planet. The bleaching occurred rapidly as the water

There’s a lot of people that think this isn’t real, that climate change is not real, and that the world is not warming up. And I don’t care what they say, it’s real. I’m living it right now and I’ve lived down here and done this for a long time,” he said. “And I’ve never seen this.”

Back at the Keys Marine Lab in Layton, the collected pieces of coral are placed in cooling trays set up on tables that hold between 40 and 400 gallons of seawater. The 85-degree water (29 degrees Celsius) makes for “much happier coral,” Becker said.

“We’ve seen some coral that have been really

The work goes beyond saving the coral. Becker and others are studying different types of coral to see which ones survive temperature stress and disease better, hoping to “build a better reef with more resilient corals,” she said. Scientists from the University of Miami have established a restoration research site off of Key Biscayne to do such work.

Jamison Gove, coauthor of a new article in Nature about how Hawaii coral reefs weathered a 2015 marine heat wave that pushed ocean temperatures to their highest levels in 120 years of record-keeping, said his research suggests some corals off Florida may survive better than others depending on the health of local fish populations

The Honolulu-based research oceanographer with NOAA said reefs that rebounded best after Hawaii’s heat wave were those that had both the most fish and the least exposure to sewage from cesspools and septic systems.

But he said local management measures won’t save reefs if people don’t cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The effort to save Florida’s coral is appreciated by Jennifer Cullen, manager of Rain Barrel Village, a souvenir shop in nearby Islamorada.

“I’m worried about the coral. I’m worried about tourism, worried about stronger hurricanes, because we’ve already had Hurricane Irma, which was devastating for the Keys and tourism,” Cullen said.

“It was a very long recovery, and I don’t know how much more of that we can take.”

FISH swim through a hole in the coral bed, Friday on Paradise Reef near Key Biscayne, Florida scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science established a new restoration research site there to identify and better understand the heat tolerance of certain coral species and genotypes during bleaching events.

Photo: Wilfredo Lee/AP

Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP

Photo: Wilfredo Lee/AP

A NURSE shark swims past a newly placed “cookie”, lower left, containing three coral fragments, Friday, on Paradise Reef near Key Biscayne, Florida.

Photo: Wilfredo Lee/AP

Ecuador presidential candidate assassinated

QUITO, Ecuador

Associated Press

AN ECUADORIAN presidential candidate known for speaking up against corruption was shot and killed yesterday at a political rally in the capital amid a wave of startling violence in the South American country President Guillermo Lasso confirmed the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio and suggested organized crime was behind his slaying. Villavicencio was one of eight candidates in the August 20 presidential vote, though not the frontrunner. The politician, 59, was the candidate for the Build Ecuador Movement.

I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished,” Lasso said in a statement. “Organised crime has gone too far, but they will feel the full weight of the law.”

Ecuador’s attorney general’s office said a suspect in the assassination of Villavicencio died of wounds after being arrested by authorities.

Violence in Ecuador, a historically calm country, has surged in the past year as drug traffickers have flocked to the South American nation, resulting in a concerning uptick in drug trafficking, violent killings and child recruitment by gangs.

Videos on social media appear to show the candidate walking out of the event surrounded by guards. The video then shows Villavicencio entering a white truck followed by gunfire, information that was confirmed to the Associated Press by Patricio

Zuquilanda, Villavicencio’s campaign adviser.

Zuquilanda said the candidate had received death threats before the shooting, which he had reported to authorities and resulted in one detention. He called on international authorities to take action against the violence, attributing it to rising

violence and drug trafficking.

“The Ecuadorian people are crying and Ecuador is mortally wounded,” he said. “Politics cannot lead to the death of any member of society.” Police confirmed that several others were injured, including officers, describing the incident as a terrorist act

and promising to get to the bottom of the killing.

Villavicencio was one of the most critical voices against corruption, especially during the government of former President Rafael Correa from 2007 to 2017. He filed many judicial complaints against high ranking members of

the Correa government, including against the expresident himself. His comments were echoed other candidates who demanded action, with leading candidate Luisa González of the Citizen Revolution party saying “when they touch one, they touch all of us”.

Another candidate and former vice president Otto Sonnenholzner, meanwhile, said in a news conference, “We are dying, drowning in a sea of tears and we do not deserve to live line this. We demand that you do something”. He was married and is survived by five children.

PM PAYS RESPECTS TO FOR MER COP PAUL FARQUHARSON

DIGNITARIES paid respects to retired Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson during a viewing at the Paul Farquharson Conference Center at Police Headquarters yesterday.

Among those paying tribute were Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Governor General CA Smith.

A funeral service will be held today at Christ Church Cathedral at 11am.

A number of road closures have been announced for today’s service, with Bay Street closed to all vehicular traffic between Navy Lion Road and Bank Lane from 12.30pm to accommodate the procession from Christ Church Cathedral

to Rawson Square, where a mock burial will take place. Traffic travelling north on Navy Lion Road will be diverted along Woods Rodgers Walk to East Street and then east along Bay Street. Parking will not be permitted on both sides of Bay Street and George Street, as well as on King Street between 12am and 4pm. Motorists in the affected areas will be diverted until the conclusion of the funeral. Burial services for Mr Farquharson will be held tomorrow at St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church Cemetery in Glinton’s, Long Island.

Johnson

A BULLET -riddled vehicle is surrounded by police as they guard the hospital where several of the injured were taken after the attack on which presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot to death in Quito, Ecuador, yesterday. Villavicencio was killed outside a school as he entered a vehicle after a campaign rally.

Photo: Juan Diego Montenegro/AP

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis joins police officers at a viewing of former Commissoner of Police Paul Farquharson yesterday.

Photos: Shaquille

SPORTS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2023

MINISTER BOWLEG EXCITED TO SEE TEAMS COMPETE OVERSEAS

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

T

eam Bahamas competed in their final event yesterday at the Commonwealth Youth Games, amassing four medals in the competition.The team earned two silver and two bronze medals after multiple days of events in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 15-member team competed in athletics, cycling (road), triathlon and had a big showing in the swimming event.

The 7th Commonwealth Youth Games hosted more than 1,000 athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 competing at different venues across Trinidad and Tobago.

The youth team made waves in swimming at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva, Trinidad.

Marvin Johnson Jr came away with two medals in the competition. The CARIFTA medallist nabbed silver after finishing one position behind the host country’s Nikoli Blackman in the men’s 50 metre freestyle.

Johnson clocked 22.54 seconds, meanwhile, Blackman notched 22.36 seconds for the gold.

The bronze medal went to Trinidad’s Zarek Wilson who swam a time of 22.95 in the event.

Johnson’s work was not done at the youth games because he earned another medal, this time in the men’s 100m freestyle.

Blackman once again got the edge, winning the event with a time of 49.60.

Matthew Ward, the newest junior Commonwealth Games record holder, secured silver in 50.26 seconds.

The Bahamas’ Johnson followed right behind in 50.41 seconds.

Nigel Forbes did not leave the Commonwealth Youth Games emptyhanded. He showed out in the men’s 50m backstroke, touching the wall in third place with a time of 26.32

ON THE MEDAL PODIUM: Shown, from left to right, are Bahamas’ Marvin Johnson Jr, men’s 50m freestyle silver medallist, alongside the host country’s gold medallist Nikoli Blackman and bronze medallist Zarek Wilson, of Trinidad and Tobago.

seconds. Forbes ended the race behind Ward who finished first with a recordbreaking time of 25.51 and Wilson in second.

The junior swimmer also finished fourth in both the men’s 100m and 200m butterfly respectively.

Among the other swimmers to get their feet wet included Emmanuel Gadson, who capped off the men’s 200m breastroke in fifth position and 50m breastroke in sixth.

Swimming did not include the only standout performances in Trinidad. Robert Deal lll represented The Bahamas well

in the men’s shot put finals. Deal wrapped up the event with a silver medal behind South Africa’s Johann Hencu Lamberts. He put up a throwing distance of 15.99m to seal his position in the event.

Third place went to Denzel Phillips of Saint Lucia who followed The Bahamas with a distance of 15.75m.

In the men’s discus throw, Deal finished one position shy of third place with a personal and season’s best distance of 44.90m.

Along with Deal, CARIFTA gold medallist Tumani Skinner got in on

the athletics and advanced to the 200m semifinals but was unable to go further in the competition.

In cycling, Barron Musgrove and Kami Roach competed for The Bahamas. Musgrove ranked 27th in the men’s individual time trial. He ended the event with a time of 25:18.14. Roach competed in the women’s road race on Monday with 17 other competitors. She finished ranked 13 in the competition and completed with a time of 1:43:58. Meanwhile, in the women’s time trial, she clocked 17:17.84 in Saturday’s event.

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

Sharon Lokedi is set to defend her New York City Marathon title in the race November 5 as part of a loaded women’s professional field.

Joining Lokedi are Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, Olympic gold medallist and 2021 New York champion Peres Jepchirchir, and marathon world-record holder Brigid Kosgei. When the four Kenyans line up in November, it will be the first time in the history of the event that the reigning Boston Marathon, Olympic champion, world-record holder and defending New York champion will race against each other in the Big Apple.

“I’m really excited as they are my friends,” Lokedi told The Associated Press in a phone

interview. “It only makes the competition more fun when it’s that stacked. I’m excited to compare myself with all those women.”

Lokedi won her marathon debut last year, pulling away in the final two miles to finish in 2:23.23. She became the eighth athlete to win the race in their true 26.2-mile debut. She’s been dealing with an injury for most of the year that forced her to withdraw from the Boston Marathon in April.

“It’s been a rough year for me,” Lokedi said in a phone interview. “I’m excited to get back to racing and looking forward to going back to New York. I’m on my way back to training and looking forward to the next couple of months.”

Lokedi’s win last year came on one of the hottest days in New York City Marathon history, with temperatures approaching

SHARON LOKEDI, of Kenya, crosses the finish line first in the women’s division of the New York City Marathon on November 6, 2022, in New York. Lokedi is set to defend her New York City Marathon title in the race November 5 as part of a loaded women’s professional field.

80 degrees. “You never know with the weather,” she said.

“It’s New York in November, it might be cold or hot.” Obiri is a two-time Olympic medallist and

seven-time world championship medallist. She holds the Kenyan record for the 3,000 and represented Kenya at the last two Olympics, earning the

SEE PAGE 23

For the triathlon portion of the youth games, Erin Pritchard and Livingston Duncombe both competed.

The duo teamed up in the mixed team relay super sprint distance and finished the event ranked 18th after stopping the clock at 48:01.

Australia leads the medal count with 48, England sits in second with 39 medals and Scotland has 20 in the youth games.

The competition’s final events will include beach volleyball, cycling (track), FAST5 netball, and the athletics segment to wrap up the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games.

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg is ready to see Bahamian athletes compete overseas this month.

The Bahamas has fielded some strong teams in both basketball and track and field in recent weeks.

The men’s national team features one of the best rosters assembled with four National Basketball Association (NBA) players, including Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Kai Jones, Deandre Ayton and the most recent addition, Eric Gordon.

In track and field, The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) recently named an 11-member team, featuring former 400 metre champion Shaunae MillerUibo and Steven Gardiner to lead the fold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Bowleg has high expectations for both teams starting with the men’s national team, who will begin competition against Cuba at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on Monday.

“I am happy as the minister to see us commence playing for the Pre-Qualifiers starting next week Monday with the first game against Cuba…I expect them to move on to the next level and give us an opportunity to qualify for the Olympics,” Bowleg stated.

Following the release of Phoenix Suns guard Eric Gordon by USA Basketball this past Monday, Bowleg expressed that it has always been in the plans to field a team of this magnitude.

“This is something that was in the making some years ago to try and get those persons who have ties with The Bahamas to be able to play for The Bahamas…it was a process that took some time in order for USA Basketball to release

SEE PAGE 23

EDWARDS FINED $50,000 BY THE NBA FOR HIS CHAIR CHUCK AFTER

T-WOLVES’ OUSTER IN DENVER

NEW YORK (AP) —

Minnesota Timberwolves

All-Star guard Anthony Edwards was fined $50,000 by the NBA yesterday for a postgame outburst following the team’s ouster from the playoffs in Denver.

NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars announced that Edwards was punished for “recklessly swinging a chair in frustration that struck two bystanders as he exited the court.” The incident occurred after the Timberwolves lost Game 5 of their first-round series to the eventual champion Nuggets, when Edwards missed the tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer. Edwards was initially cited by Denver police for misdemeanor third degree assault, defined as

“knowingly or recklessly” causing bodily injury. He said the chair was in his way and meant no harm to the bystanders involved. The charges were dismissed last month, the league said. Edwards signed a fiveyear maximum contract extension this summer that could reach $260 million if he makes an All-NBA team. He’s currently training with Team USA for the World Cup.

(AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

MARIO BOWLEG

ANTHONY EDWARDS

Defending champion Lokedi leads loaded New York City Marathon women’s field

Photo courtesy of Keianna Moss

Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago

Women’s World Cup wide open after so many heavyweights eliminated

By JENNA FRYER AP National Writer

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The United States’ hold on the Women’s World Cup is over, and twotime champion Germany also exited the tournament. Olympic gold medallist Canada was bounced, and Marta and her Brazil team were knocked out before she had a chance to become the first player to score in six World Cups.

Yes, the heavyweights of women’s soccer have all been eliminated, and yes, it has created a wide-open World Cup.

The eight teams that advanced to the quarterfinals represent some traditional powers, one previous World Cup winner and two teams making their debut in the final eight.

England, the European champion, is the betting favourite on FanDuel Sportsbook. But a foolish and violent tackle by Lauren James late in England’s knockout win over Nigeria means the Lionesses will be without the star forward when they face Colombia. The Superpoderosas are feisty and were led by 18-year-old star Linda Caicedo into their first quarterfinals just four years after Colombia failed to even qualify for the tournament.

in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday.

JAPAN’s players celebrate after Hinata Miyazawa scored their third goal during the Women’s World Cup second round soccer match against Norway in Wellington, New Zealand, on Saturday.

COLOMBIA’s Catalina Usme celebrates during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Jamaica in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday.

NETHERLANDS’ Lineth Beerensteyn (7) celebrates with’ Lieke Martens after scoring her side’s second goal during a Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match against South Africa at the Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday.

have a World Cup title.

)

SWEDEN’s team celebrate after defeating the United States in a penalty shootout in their Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday.

)

Australia, the co-host, has been to the quarterfinals three times previously, but now faces an experienced France team that has won 16 of 18 matches in 2023.

France’s only loss?

A 1-0 defeat to — surprise, surprise — Australia in a friendly a week before the start of the World Cup.

Spain makes its first appearance in the quarterfinals behind 13 goals scored through its four games. It faces the Netherlands, the team that lost to the United States in the 2019 finale. The Dutch failed to qualify for the first six editions of the World Cup, but once they made it in, they’ve been among the best. The Netherlands made it to the knockout round in its 2015 debut and the championship game four years ago, and now is hoping for a second shot at the title.

And finally, Japan, the only team remaining to

The Japanese last won the championship all the way back in 2011 — they beat the U.S. — and the Americans avenged the loss four years later when Japan wound up runner-up. Japan has rolled to four easy wins so far in this tournament and has conceded only one goal.

The Japanese play Sweden, the team that ended America’s run toward an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title. Sweden, which dealt the United States its earliest exit in tournament history, has been to the semifinals three different times, including in 2019.

The third-ranked Swedes are the top-rated team by FIFA still in this World Cup, and Sweden is a threetime tournament bronze medallist. Sweden was runner-up to Germany in 2003. teams still playing in the wide-open Women’s World Cup:

AUSTRALIA’s Sam Kerr applauds after the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Denmark at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, on Monday. Australia won 2-0.

SWEDEN Sweden plays Japan on Friday at Eden Park in Auckland in one of the better pairings of the tournament.

The Swedes have played in all nine editions of the World Cup, and four times they’ve had the title nearly within reach. Sweden lost to Japan in the 2011 semifinals, its third and most recent World Cup meeting with the Japanese.

Sweden goalie Zecira Musovic was spectacular against the United States; she had 11 saves in the 0-0 draw, helping Sweden advance 5-4 on penalty kicks.

JAPAN

Japan is the only team remaining with a World Cup title and the Japanese have steamrolled their way into the quarterfinals.

Japan blasted past Zambia and Costa Rica, then handed Spain a jarring 4-0 loss. That win over a strong Spain squad made Japan a quiet contender. Japan then knocked off Norway 3-1 to continue its offensive onslaught.

NETHERLANDS

With so many big teams out, this is the Netherlands’ chance to finally close out a World Cup title. But the Dutch play Spain in the New Zealand capital of Wellington without star midfielder Danielle van de Donk.

She’s the one who tussled with American captain Lindsey Horan earlier in the tournament, and her yellow card in the Netherlands’ 2-0 win over South Africa means she won’t play in the quarterfinal.

SPAIN

Spain was commanding in wins over Costa Rica and Zambia, but then was stopped cold by Japan in a humbling group play defeat.

La Roja rebounded with a 5-1 rout of Switzerland in the knockout round. Spain coach Jorge Vilda made five changes to the

REFEREE Melissa Borjas shows a yellow card to England’s Lauren James during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between England and Nigeria on Monday.

the lineup that was embarrassed by Japan, and two of the moves were the players’ World Cup debuts.

Aitana Bonmati stepped up and scored twice in the Spain bounceback.

AUSTRALIA

Australia finally got Sam Kerr back onto the field after the Matildas’ superstar missed all of group play with a thigh injury. She only came on in the final 10 minutes of Australia’s quarterfinal win over Denmark, but she was supposed to be the star of the tournament.

More than 75,000 spectators attended the Matildas’ quarterfinal victory and the Sydney Opera House was alit in the yellow and green team colours. The pressure is on for the co-hosts to deliver.

FRANCE

France slid under the early radar with a scoreless draw against Jamaica in the opening round, but Le Bleus have been a force since. The fifth-ranked team has cruised into the quarterfinals. France helped knock off Brazil and Marta, and has outscored its opponents 12-4 in the three games since.

France is coached by Herve Renard, who led Saudi Arabia to a shocking upset of eventual champion Argentina and Lionel Messi at least year’s men’s World Cup.

ENGLAND

England is the enigma. The European champion not winning the World Cup

with so many challengers already out would be a bit of an upset.

The Lionesses are fourth in the FIFA rankings, right behind Sweden, but haven’t had consistent play. They won a penalty shootout against Nigeria to advance to the quarterfinals.

But they also lost James, who was given a red card for a violent tackle late in the Nigeria game. The Chelsea forward is out at least against Colombia on Saturday in Sydney.

COLOMBIA Colombia is new to this big stage and at 25th is the lowest-ranked team still playing in the tournament.

But Colombia is no pushover and has been very physical to get to the quarterfinals four years after failing to even qualify for the World Cup. The competition knows to expect a bruising match — one week before the tournament, Ireland abandoned a friendly against Colombia after only 20 minutes because of “overly physical” play.

Colombia is led by Caicedo, a rising star for Real Madrid, and the teenager dazzles on the field and also with her wide smiles that play to the cameras.

Caicedo has had health issues; she battled ovarian cancer when she was 15, and during group play had at least two frightening epi-

sodes with what Colombia has called exhaustion. The team has insisted Caicedo is fit.

SPAIN’S AITANA BONMATI, centre, celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal during the Women’s World Cup second round soccer match against Switzerland at Eden Park

(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

(AP Photo/Hamish Blair

(AP Photo/Hamish Blair)

(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft

(AP Photo/Mark Baker)

(AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

Capital Football Summer Soccer Championships semifinals all set

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

AFTER three weeks of competition at the Roscow A L Davies soccer field, the Capital Football Label (CFL) Summer Soccer Championships semifinals are all set.

With the four remaining teams not only vying for a spot in the finals on August 20 but also a chance at taking home $3,500, competition levels will be high.

The summer soccer tourney got underway with eight teams and now the four remaining clubs include Happiness FC, Seventeen FC, Skilsaw FC and the undefeated Flamingo FC.

The leading Pool B team maintained their dominance in the tourney this past weekend after dropping Kickers FC 4-3.

The football club now has their sights set on Skilsaw FC.

The latter booked a trip to the semifinals after a tightly contested match with Happiness FC on Monday night which ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams will battle to the finish to secure a spot in the finals.

Carlos Paul, assistant coach of Flamingo FC, talked about the latest win in the quest to make it to the finals.

“We fought and did our best. In the first half we struggled but, in the second half, I told the guys when

we played this game it was not going to be easy but we were the first in this pool and did our best to get it right,” Paul said.

The coach said collectively the goal is to become champions but there is still work that has to be done. His team will play against Skilsaw FC at 7pm this Sunday.

Meanwhile, Happiness FC, the number one team in Pool A, will go head-tohead with Seventeen FC at 4pm on Sunday.

Seventeen FC earned their spot in this upcoming weekend’s semifinals after defeating the UB Mingoes 4-2 this past Sunday.

Romel Neymar, a player of Happiness FC, said it felt wonderful to advance

to another level in the competition.

“It feels wonderful. I am happy because it’s a good team, we are gonna give it our all against Seventeen FC and try to make it through to the finals,” he said.

The family-friendly event will have a “Party with the Players” segment during the break between games one and two.

The break will allow players to interact with the crowd and there will also be a bouncing castle and

trampoline activities available for children.

Tickets are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children under the age of 12. The competition will wrap up with a new champion crowned on August 20.

THE POOL A and B teams upped the ante at the Roscow A L Davies soccer field in a final push to make the next weekend’s semifinals.

Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

Abaco Tennis Association hosts its first national tournament

THE Abaco Tennis Association (ATA) hosted its first national tennis tournament in Abaco.

The tournament featured girls and boys in the under-14 category. Participants from New Providence and Grand Bahama joined tennis athletes from Abaco in very competitive matches.

The event was sanctioned by the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) and athletes were encouraged to take part in this maiden tournament in Marsh Harbor, Abaco.

Cameel Mcdonald, president of the ATA, welcomed everyone during the opening ceremony in Forrest Heights.

“The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates the ATA on organising and hosting its inaugural national junior tennis tournament. The development of tennis throughout The Bahamas allows for tennis sustainability,” according to a press release. “It is very good that the juniors have access to tennis tournaments throughout the Bahamas and are able to participate and take part in more matches to aid in their development. ATA continues to break barriers and to foster tennis development.”

Aiden Ritchie

Synaj Watkins

Tatyana Madu

Caitlyn Pratt

Alessio Batello

Kiona Orlando

In the girls’ division, Savannah McKinney and Anya Hepburn finished 3rd and 4th respectively.

WINS FIRST MATCH SINCE WIMBLEDON TITLE

TORONTO (AP)

—

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz won his first match since his Wimbledon victory, beating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the National Bank Open last night.

Preparing for his U.S. Open title defence, the 20-year-old Alcaraz ran his match winning streak to 13, dating to his Queen’s title run. The Spanish star has won six titles this year.

“I tried to play my level but it wasn’t easy,” Alcaraz said. “He was more aggressive than me from the beginning to the last ball. I tried to be solid and to get my rhythm and I’m really happy to be through to have an opportunity in the next round. This match will help me to be more focused in the next round, to put my game first in the beginning of the match.”

In the third round, Alcaraz will face 15thseeded Hubert Hurkacz, a 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 winner over Miomir Kecmanovic.

Second-seeded Daniil Medvedev topped Matteo Arnaldi 6-2, 7-5 in the afternoon. The 2021 winner in Toronto, Medvedev played his first match since losing in the Wimbledon semifinals.

“I felt great,” Medvedev said. “I could have done a little bit better in the second set, but at the same time I saved break points in two or three games, so pretty good match. From here, I need to improve.

Ranked third, the Russian has won five titles this year.

Also in the round of 32, Gael Monfils upset fourthseeded Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4. 6-3, “I knew that Stef had a lot of confidence,” Monfils said. “He would try to go for his shots. I tried to put a lot of balls in, tried to hit quite heavy and not let him dictate too much. I think I did it well.”

Andy Murray, the 2009, 2010 and 2015 champion, advanced with a 7-6 (2), 3-6. 7-5 victory over Max Purcell.

In an all-Italian match, seventh-seeded Jannik Sinner beat Matteo Berrettini 6-4, 6-3. Sinner will face Murray in the third round.

Eighth-seeded Taylor Fritz outlasted Ugo Humbert 7-6 (7), 3-6, 6-3, and Canadian Milos Raonic edged Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-3.

On the boys’ side, Dylan Sykes and O’Neal Hanna finished 3rd and 4th. Perry Newton, BLTA president and Mr

Raymond McKinney were on hand to congratulate the winners and present the awards. “The successful inaugural tournament

in Abaco provided more persons with an opportunity to play on the islands. This expansion of island tournaments is great for

the young players. The future of tennis is indeed bright, keep shining juniors, keep shining ATA,” stated the release.

US OPEN ADDING VIDEO REVIEW FOR DOUBLE BOUNCES - A FIRST FOR GRAND SLAM TENNIS

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

NEW U.S. Open tournament referee Jake Garner recalls being a chair umpire and having a tough time figuring out in the moment whether a ball bounced twice before a player got it back over the net.

If that happens at Flushing Meadows this year, though, an official can review will make its Grand Slam tennis debut when main-draw competition begins in New York on August 28.

“There were certain situations, of course, where you would see a video postmatch and wish you had made a different decision,” Garner told The Associated Press, “or wish you had assistance in making that decision.”

Video review — which is separate from the electronic line-calling used for ruling balls in or out at all matches — will be set up for five of the Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium,

Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, Court 5 and Court 17. That sampling, which should include a little more than 50% of singles matches, according to Garner, will be studied before deciding whether to expand the system in 2024.

This year, players in singles, doubles and mixed doubles will get three challenges per set for things such as double bounces, a ball touching a player’s body, a player touching the net or a player being hindered by noise. They’ll hold onto a challenge if they’re correct and receive an additional one in tiebreakers.

“I had pushed for this for a while, so I am glad to see the U.S. Open is going to allow it,” said Jessica Pegula, an American who is ranked No. 3 and was involved in a high-profile missed call on a double bounce that helped her opponent, Iga Swiatek, at last year’s French Open. “It will be great for both the players and the fans.”

It’s the latest example of modern assistance for

officials in sports — and the latest example of the U.S. Open leading the way when it comes to recent rules changes at major tennis tournaments.

“We’re always looking to innovate,” Garner said.

The U.S. Open was the first Slam event with electronic line-calling (in 2006), the first with a serve clock (2018) and the first to allow in-match communication with coaches (2022).

Video review was tested at lower-profile men’s events such as the ATP Cup and the Next Gen Finals. It has not been tried at a women’s tournament.

“It’s a good step in the right direction,” Chris Eubanks, an American ranked No. 29, said about video review. “If the technology’s there, why not use it?”

One additional element Garner said was adopted in 2021 but formally written player does something that could result in a default — such as when Novak Djokovic inadvertently hit a line judge with a ball

at the 2020 U.S. Open — video can help determine whether disqualification is warranted.

Several players asked about the new video review setup were not aware of it. They were uniformly in favour.

“It completely makes sense,” said Caroline Garcia, a 2022 U.S. Open semifinalist from France. “It can be super frustrating if you think you saw a double bounce and the umpire didn’t see it, for some reason. It’s always better to know right away than to be mad at someone. You just want to know.”

When there is a challenge, two people away from the court will send the best replay to the chair umpire’s screen and videoboards in the arena. The umpire will have threenal call, overturn it or let the call stand if there isn’t clear video evidence one way or the other.

All reviews will be prompted by players and should help reduce — if not eliminate — disagreements

TOP-RANKED IGA SWIATEK TOPS PLISKOVA IN MONTREAL

MONTREAL (AP) —

over these types of episodes, which happen every so often.

“If you think something didn’t go your way, just challenge it. Then there’s no more arguing,” said Jordan Thompson, an Australian ranked No. 55.

He lost a point in the last game of a match at a U.S. Open tuneup in Washington two years ago even though his opponent connected with the ball after an extra bounce.

The two players got in each other’s faces afterward, and the chair umpire climbed down to separate them.

At the 2009 French Open, for example, Serena Williams hit a shot that went off her opponent’s arm but wasn’t called that way. This year in Paris, Holger Rune won a point that he shouldn’t have because of a double bounce.

“Some umpires, they make mistakes. Some for me; some for him,” Rune said. “That’s life.” Such errors should be more avoidable now.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek overcame a first set-scare to beat Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (6), 6-2 yesterday in the second round of the National Bank Open.

“Well, for sure it’s nice to have some challenges and overcome them,” said Swiatek, coming off a victory last week at home in the Poland Open. “It wasn’t an easy first round, but I’m happy that I stayed solid.” Swiatek advanced to face 14th-seeded Karolina Muchova, a 7-5, 6-4 winner over Sorana Cirstea. Swiatek beat Muchova this year in the French Open final.

“We have to be ready for the next match and kind of expect that anything can happen because tennis can be pretty unpredictable,” Swiatek said. “You know, one player can have a bad day. At the same time the other one can play the best tennis of their life.”

Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, seeded ninth, beat Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 7-5. Wozniacki, a former No. 1 player, was playing her first WTA Tour event in 3 1/2 years.

GIRLS and boys, in the under-14 category, from New Providence and Grand Bahama joined tennis athletes from Abaco in very competitive matches in the Abaco Tennis Association’s first national tennis tournament in Abaco.

MINISTER EXCITED TO SEE NATIONAL TEAMS COMPETE OVERSEAS

FROM PAGE 19

them, [and] since they were able to release them after negotiating over the years, we are just happy,” Bowleg added. Although Gordon is a more seasoned player at 34-years old, the minister believes he still has a lot left in the tank for Team Bahamas. The national team will compete in Pool A against Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Uruguay and the US Virgin Islands. The winner will be granted the opportunity to compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament set for next year July 2-7.

The stacked men’s national team will face their toughest test of the tournament against Argentina in a must-see match next week Wednesday.

TRACK & FIELD

TEAM

With the 11-member team all set for the 19th edition of the World Championships August 19-27, Minister Bowleg once again has lofty expectations.

“Well I am happy the director of sports will be headed there along with the chairman of the World

MARATHON

FROM PAGE 19

silver medal in the 5,000 at both events. In her marathon debut last year in New York, she finished sixth.

“With a year of marathon experience now under my belt, a win in Boston, and my move to the U.S., I’m coming to New York this year with more confidence and in search of a title,” Obiri said. “I’m excited to show the people of New York what I’m capable of and that my win at the United Airlines NYC Half in March was just the beginning.”

Jepchirchir is the only athlete to have won the Olympic marathon, TCS New York City Marathon and Boston Marathon. She is also a two-time world championships gold medallist in the half marathon. She won the Tokyo Olympics marathon in 2021 to claim Kenya’s second consecutive gold medal in the event.

Four months later, she won the New York City

Relays…I am looking for great things coming from Steven Gardiner and all of those other athletes who will be representing us over there,” he said.

Along with Miller-Uibo, who won the 400m title in Eugene, Oregon in 2022, will be sprinter Anthonique Strachan, hurdler Devynne Charlton, Charisma Taylor and NCAA javelin champion Rhema Otabor.

Gardiner will be joined by quarter-miler Alonzo Russell, sprinter Terrence Jones, veteran high jumper Donald Thomas, long jumper LaQuan Nairn and hurdler Shakeem Hall-Smith.

Miller-Uibo, coming off her most recent stint in the heptathlon at this year’s BAAA junior and senior national championships, will defend her title in the 400 metres.

Gardiner, the 400m national champion, punched his ticket to Budapest with a world-leading time of 43.74 in mid-July. He will look to make the island nation proud after missing competition in Oregon due to injury.

The team is expected to begin their commute to Budapest next Monday.

Marathon, finishing in 2:22:39, the third-fastest time in event history and eight seconds off the event record. “I was so disappointed that I couldn’t defend my title in New York last year due to an injury, and winning again in Central Park has been my main motivation as I begin my preparations for the autumn,” Jepchirchir said.

“New York is an important step in defending my Olympic gold medal next summer in Paris, and I will do my best to make my family and my country proud.”

Kosgei is the worldrecord holder in the marathon, setting the mark in Chicago in 2019, and has won an Olympic silver medal. She will be making her New York City Marathon debut.

“I am not worried about the course, as I have had success in hilly marathons before, but New York has always been about head-tohead competition,” Kosgei said. “I know I must be in the best possible shape to compete with the other women in the race.”

RHEMA OTABOR ALONZO RUSSELL A STRACHAN LAQUAN NAIRN CHARISMA TAYLOR TERRENCE JONES

Anglican Church Men hold celebration

ON THURSDAY, July 27, the Anglican Church Men (ACM) of Holy Cross Parish held a Celebration of Men’s Service.

Despite heavy rain and flooding, the Evening Song service was well attended and turned out to be a glorious night of celebration.

The congregation sung the hymns boisterously and the evening song and benediction was beautifully chanted.

The Rt Rev Laish Boyd Sr, Bishop of the Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands presided over the service and was assisted by Fr D’Angelo Bowe of Holy Trinity.

The theme was “Celebrating a legacy of faithful service with glorious joy and gratitude” with the main text being Peter 1:8: “Although you have not seen him; and even though

you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy”.

The service was highlighted by the awards and jacketing ceremonies. In total there were four award categories – the Prestigious President’s Award, the Freeman Fox Award, the Robert Bartlett Excellence in Youth Award and the Three T’s Medal of Honor Award.

The Prestigious President’s Award is selected by the presiding president at his discretion in recognition of excellent leadership and dedicated service to The Holy Cross ACM and their work in God’s Kingdom. This award was presented to Godfrey Burnside, Winston “Trike” Clark (posthumously) and Frank Reid (posthumously).

Mr Burnside was honoured for his many years

of leadership as president of the branch. He is the longest standing tenured president and was instrumental in keeping the branch functioning. Mr Burnside was in attendance and humbly and cheerfully accepted the well-earned award.

Mr Clark was posthumously honoured for his dedication and service to all the areas of the church. He was a well-known and well-loved man. Antja Humes, daughter of Mr Clark, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

Mr Reid was honoured for his quiet and humble leadership qualities that he passed on to the younger leaders of the branch. He was the mentor to the president that is credited with introducing the younger generation to the ACM.

Angela Reid, daughter-inlaw of Mr Reid, accepted

the award on behalf of the family.

The Freeman Fox Award is presented to the ACM brother that shows exemplary leadership, quiet and humble commitment and untiring dedication regarding projects and general programs for the ministry. It is named after one of the humblest and hardworking members of the branch, who dedicated himself to the ACM and all the projects and functions. He has passed on, but he will be forever remembered through this award.

This award was presented to Gerard Rolle, who was instrumental and the leader of the construction of The Pavilion over a period of two years. His drive and dedication pushed the men to complete the project.

The Robert Bartlett Excellence in Youth Award is earned by the member that dedicates himself to the youth of the parish/ community. This award was established in 2022 and is named after Robert Bartlett. Mr Bartlett is the long-standing Cubs and Scout leader of 13th Bahamas Boy Scouts and has dedicated many years to the youth of the parish and the community.

This award was presented to Alexander Gibson for his many years

of service to the youth through his dedication and commitment to the Bahamas Scouts Association, in particular, the 13th Bahamas Boy Scouts branch that operates from Holy Cross Parish.

The 3T’s Medal of Honor is an award that was conceived by president Knowles, and it represents Time, Talent, and Treasure.

This phrase has been associated with all the ACM branches and is well known throughout the diocese.

President Knowles wanted to honor all the living presidents of the branch as a tribute to all their time, talent, and treasures that they dedicated to the ACM of Holy Cross. The front of the medal has images depicting the 3 T’s and the back is engraved with their names and thanking them for their service.

The medals were presented to; Godfrey L Burnside, Carlin M Carter, C Keith Sands, Leonard McPhee Sr, Trevor DV Bethel, Kenric N Major, Clarence U McKenzie, and Patrick L Douglas.

The organising committed and President Knowles were exceedingly pleased with the support from other ACM branches, past executive council members and current council executives.

In attendance was Gevon Moss, ACM council president, Kenric Major, vice

president, and Bryan Brown, council chaplain. Mr Moss graciously assisted the Bishop with the awards presentation. This concluded the awards ceremony and with it the recognition and celebration of the members of the past and present. The jacketing ceremony represents the future of the branch. This ceremony is like an initiation ceremony where the brothers officially become ACM members by accepting the ACM constitution and bylaws, while promising to pay dues, attend branch meetings and assist with ACM and church functions. The jacket is placed on them by another ACM member, usually a mentor or a family member. The adorning of the jacket signifies their acceptance and willingness to serve. They also receive their jacket crest, tie, and ACM pin.

The newest members that were jacketed that night are: Carlyle Bethel - presenter Senior Justice Bernard Turner; Antonio Johnson - presenter Sterling Clare; Justin Sands - presenter Keith E Sands. This concluded the service, and all were invited to the Canon Neil Roach Parish Hall for table fellowship and light refreshments. It was a magnificent and splendid night of recognition and celebration.

MEDALS given to past branch presidents for their 3Ts - Time Talent and Treasure. From left, Godfrey Burnside (honoree), Carlin Carter (3Ts honoree) ACM Council President Gevon Moss, Bishop Laish Boyd, Christian Knowles: Holy Cross president, Kenric Major (3Ts honoree), Trevor Bethel (3Ts honoree) and Clarence McKenzie (3Ts honoree).

HOLY Cross ACM president Christian Knowles, Alex Gibson (recipient - Robert Bartlett Excellence in Youth Award), Ret Archdeacon Fr Mark Fox and Robert Bartlett (award named in his honour).

NEW ACM members waiting to be jacketed Antonio Johnson, Carlyle Bethel, and Justin Sands.

FROM left, Bishop Laish Boyd, Gerard Rolle (recipient - Freeman Fox Award), Holy Cross ACM president Christian Knowles.

FROM left, Bishop Boyd, Angela Reid accepting for Frank Reid (posthumously), ACM council president Gevon Moss, and Keith Sands (presenter of Mr Reid).

FROM left, Bishop Laish Boyd, Antja Humes accepting on behalf of Winston “Trike” Clark, and ACM council president Gevon Moss

BAHAMIAN PILOTS HIS FIRST NASSAU-BOUND DELTA FLIGHT

RYAN HUMES, a 30-yearold Bahamian first officer with Delta Airlines, piloted his first Nassau-bound flight on Tuesday.

Flight #1944 departed Atlanta at 9.45am, and touched down at LPIA at 12.53pm.

On hand to welcome the proud pilot, flight crew and passengers were The Bahamas director of aviation, Dr Kenneth Romer; Humes’ parents Monique McFarlane-Bain and Peniel Bain; and officials from Delta Airlines, NAD and The Airport Authority.

According to Dr Romer, “Notwithstanding Delta’s strong partnership with The Bahamas, what made this particular flight more special was to have a young Bahamian male as the Pilot-inCommand, proudly displaying our Bahamian flag and representing the many skilled and talented Bahamians making their contributions to the international aviation ecosystem.”

Humes’ proud mother, Monique McFarlane-Bain, recalls that her son, at seven years old, “Made it his goal to fly for a major airline by the age of 30. He has returned to the place where his dreams were born”.

In July of this year, The Bahamas launched its first-ever National Aviation Strategic Plan, with one of the key components focused on enhancing human capital development. According to Dr Romer, “We will ensure the optimisation of industry talent through training and development and have established

the Bahamas Aeronautical Training Institute to develop and support existing and emerging aviation professionals. We are already leveraging strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders such as airlines and globally respected

aviation training institutes.”

Captain Humes was born in Nassau. Upon completion of high school, he migrated to the US with his father Carlos Humes, to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation from Liberty University

and later pursued aviation training at ATP flight school, Atlanta.

He has been employed with Delta Airlines for the past seven months.

Prior to that he was captain with the US regional airline, Endeavor.

He is a graduate of Xavier’s Lower

THE WEATHER REPORT

School and St John’s College. Delta Airlines operates daily flight services into Nassau from Atlanta, Boston, LaGuardia and JFK, as well as daily services from Atlanta into Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco.

CAPTAIN Ryan Humes is flanked by his parents Monique McFarlane-Bain and Peniel Bain, aviation director Dr Kenneth Romer, Delta Airlines flight crew, Delta Airlines manager Bekenya Wilson, Airport Authority chairman Paul Bevans and managing director Peter Rutherford.

Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS